By Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff’
On Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 10 AM to 2 PM, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, or unused prescription drugs.
Needles and sharps cannot be accepted; only pills, patches, and liquids sealed in their original containers will be accepted. Vape pens or other e-cigarette devices from individual consumers are accepted only after the batteries are removed from the devices.
The service is free and anonymous; no questions asked. Bring your pills for disposal at the following sites:
DROP OFF LOCATIONS
Muir Station – 1980 Muir Road, Martinez
Bay Station – 5555 Giant Highway, Richmond
Valley Station – 150 Alamo Plaza, #C, Alamo
Delta Station – 14830 Highway 4, Discovery Bay
Danville Police Department – 510 La Gonda Way, Danville
Lafayette Police Department – 3471 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette
Orinda Police Department – 22 Orinda Way, Orinda
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, locations, or the Take Back event, visit: www.dea.gov/takebackday.
Read More![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Man-points-yells-at-audience-member-10-24-23-FOXNews-vs.jpg)
Bachir Hadid points and yells at an audience member during the Richmond City Council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. Source: FOX News video screenshot
Supervisor Gioia opposes, writing, “The passage of any resolution, regardless of attempts to amend it, will only contribute to the divisiveness.”
Passes on split 5-1 vote
By Allen D. Payton
Emotions ran high during the five-hour public comments, discussion and approval by the Richmond City Council of a “Resolution Affirming Richmond’s Support and Solidarity with the Palestinian People of Gaza” during their meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (See 3:00:30 mark of council meeting video)
The Agenda Report for the item (#R.1.) read, “Considering recent events, it’s essential for Richmond’s city council to reflect on our community’s role in the broader global landscape and to stand in solidarity with oppressed people everywhere.
The UN Human Rights Council has expressed grave concerns about the treatment of the Palestinian People. Given this context and understanding the U.S.’s historical backing of Israel, Richmond should evaluate its stance. There are concerns about war crimes against Palestinians due to this support. The lessons from the Afghanistan and Iraq situations further emphasize the need for a measured response in international matters.
At the same time, Richmond acknowledges the importance of safety and dignity for the Jewish community. The city is committed to combating any form of antisemitism. Our discussions should focus on these issues, ensuring Richmond’s actions are consistent with our commitments.”
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Woman-speaks-in-favor-of-resolution-10-24-23-300x166.jpg)
A woman speaks in favor of the resolution during public comments in front of a pro-Palestine banner held by audience members. Video screenshot.
However, the latter didn’t occur. A FOX News report shows Mayor Eduardo Martinez, who, along with Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin proposed the resolution, saying, “We are one small city weighing in on the conflict that has the attention of the entire world and on which global superpowers are pouring in money, political attention and military aid. But the people of the United States whose government and tax dollars directly support Israel’s military, have an immediate moral obligation to condemn Israel’s acts or collective punishment in apartheid state.”
While the mayor shared his thoughts on the resolution and reasons for supporting it, he referred to Israel as an “apartheid state” to which some of those in attendance applauded and cheered while others booed. One man could be heard yelling, “You’re an anti-Semite. Stop hating Jews.” (See the 3:05:00 mark of the council meeting video)
Another man, Bachir Hadid, can be seen in the FOX News video yelling and pointing toward the American flag and audience saying, “United States. The flag stands for freedom, justice and liberty,” as Martinez pounded his gavel.
“Anti-Semite. You’re an anti-Semite,” the one man yelled out, again. Hadid responded with, “It doesn’t work anymore. It does not work.”
The mayor then called a recess.
Another man standing in the back said, “I’m a Jew and I support Palestine.”
Then turning toward the audience, standing, pointing his finger and gesturing with his arm, Hadid exclaimed, “My grandfather stood up for the Jews. We stood up for you when you were killed. But now Israel is killing children. Children.”
Later, when he spoke calmly during public comments after his name was announced by the City Clerk, Hadid said, “My family stood against Nazism. They stood against anti-Semitic. I stand against anti-Semitic,” and “I say, ‘free, free Palestine’ and if you are human, you should support this resolution. Thank you.” (See 4:37:30 mark of council meeting video)
“This is a very dire situation..that is why we are focusing on doing this tonight,” McLaughlin stated before public comments and discussion on the resolution. Explaining the reasoning for their resolution Martinez said, “The City of Richmond has a history of taking stands on international issues.”
An amendment was added to the resolution, that “we mourn the loss of all civilian lives lost on both sides”.
One woman, Lucinda Cason, who identified herself as a member of Temple Beth Hillel said, “I’m very distressed by the one-sidedness of this original resolution and I think it’s shameful that you had to have public feedback until you finally included the 1,200 people in Israel who were butchered and set on fire, babies that were beheaded and women that were raped. You didn’t even mention that Hamas’ goal is to kill every Jew. That’s in their charter. My hope is we that have a two-state solution and hope we live in peace. But that is not possible while Hamas exists.”
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Save-Palestine-sign-RichmondCC-10-24-23-300x204.jpg)
Banner held by an audience member during the Richmond City Council meeting on Oct. 24, 2023. Video screenshot.
That was met with applause.
Speakers spoke on both sides of the issue, with some carrying banners in support of Palestine.
Canto Bryant, who said he is a member of the Jewish clergy and Richmond resident asked the council to “set this proclamation aside by voting no” and “this proclamation is just one more step in making the Jews in your community feel fearful of being alone, unsupported, abandoned just because we are Jews.”
During council comments, McClaughlin said, “We want peace, but we can’t have peace without freedom.”
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Gioias-letter-to-Richmond-Council-10-24-23-899x1024.jpg)
A copy of Supervisor Gioia’s letter to the Richmond City Council was posted on his X (Twitter) feed on Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 24, 2023.
Supervisor Gioia Opposes Resolution
Before the meeting, Contra Costa County District 1 Supervisor John Gioia, in whose district Richmond is located, issued a letter to the mayor and councilmembers claiming, “The proposed resolution fails to condemn the terrorist Hamas’ killing of innocent Israeli men, women and children, which unfortunately started this recent brutal warfare.”
However, he also wrote, “I believe it is important at times like these to bring our community together rather than create divisiveness. The passage of any resolution, regardless of attempts to amend it, will only contribute to the divisiveness.”
Instead, Gioia suggested the council “bring together our Muslim and Jewish communities in Richmond to work together to develop a resolution that acknowledges and validates the voices of both communities.”
He posted a copy of his letter on his X (formerly Twitter) feed Tuesday afternoon.
But Gioia’s appeal mostly fell on deaf ears. While the council added amendments to the original resolution, the focus remained on support for the people of Gaza.
Adopted Resolution Affirming Richmond’s Support and Solidarity with the Palestinian People of Gaza
Proposed Resolution Affirming Richmond’s Support & Solidarity with Palestinian People of Gaza
118-23 Adopted Resolution Affirming Richmond’s Support for Gaza 10-24-2023
“WHEREAS, the City of Richmond stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people of Gaza, who are currently facing a campaign of ethnic cleansing and collective punishment by the state of Israel; and
WHEREAS, collective punishment is considered a war crime under international law, and refers to a form of sanction imposed on persons or a group of persons in response to a crime committed by one of them or a member of the group; and
WHEREAS, the state of Israel is engaging in collective punishment against the Palestinian people in Gaza in response to Hamas attacks on Israel; and
WHEREAS, this collective punishment of the Palestinian people includes shutting off all access to electricity, drinking water, food, and humanitarian aid; and
WHEREAS, the UN says approximately 2 million people in Gaza may soon run out of drinking water and all medical care; and
WHEREAS, ethnic cleaning refers to the creation of an ethnically homogenous geographic area through the elimination of unwanted ethnic groups by deportation, forcible displacement, or genocide; and
WHEREAS, Israel is now engaged in an ethnic cleansing campaign by explicitly requiring two million Palestinians to leave Gaza immediately or risk being bombed in their homes by the Israeli army; and
WHEREAS, the Gaza Strip, one of the most densely populated places on Earth, has been repeatedly referred to by human rights groups as “the world’s largest open-air prison” even prior to this conflict; and
WHEREAS, Gaza is known as “the world’s largest open-air prison” due to ongoing, unbearable living conditions imposed by the state of Israel, including a full air, land and sea blockade, enclosure of its borders by concrete walls and barbed wire fences, and the strict prohibition of Palestinians from leaving and entering the territory freely; and
WHEREAS, this blockade on Gaza has caused a 42% unemployment rate, while 84% of the population relies on humanitarian aid, 41% of Palestinians have too little food, 60% of Palestinian children are anemic, and the Gazan population cannot count on more than 2-4 hours of continuous electrical power a day; and
WHEREAS, prior to this current water shortage, only 1% of Gaza population has access to safe drinking water, leaving Gaza’s population – half of whom are children – increasingly vulnerable to waterborne diseases, infections, and dehydration; and
WHEREAS, Israel has not allowed many common cancer diagnosis and treatment tools, including PET CT and radiotherapy, to enter Gaza since 2007; and
WHEREAS, pediatric cancer cases that are typically considered treatable are often fatal in the Gaza Strip, as a result of the lack of healthcare and restrictions on movement; and
WHEREAS, the state of Israel would not be able to maintain an apartheid regime without enormous military aid provided by the United States every year, thereby also depriving Americans of money for their own urgent needs;
(AMENDMENT) WHEREAS, 1,400 Israelis have been killed by Hamas on October 7th and nearly 6,000 Palestinians have been killed by the state of Israel in this escalated conflict; and
(AMENDMENT) WHEREAS, we mourn the loss of all civilian lives lost on both sides from October 7th to the present and also throughout the decades of displacement, occupation, oppression and blockade endured in Gaza and the West Bank;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Richmond takes seriously the entreaty of “Never Again,” and that the historical memory of the Holocaust means fighting ethnic cleansing and apartheid everywhere; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Richmond vows to combat antisemitism and ethno-nationalism in all its forms; and
(AMENDMENT) BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Richmond calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the safe passage of substantial humanitarian aid to Gaza; and
(AMENDMENT) BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Richmond calls for the immediate release of all Israeli hostages taken by Hamas; and
(AMENDMENT) BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Richmond calls for an end to Israeli apartheid and the occupation and blockade of Palestinian land by Israeli military forces; and
(AMENDMENT) BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Richmond opposes all existing and any future military aid to Israel; and
FINALLY, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Richmond advocates for the dignity and safety of residents in every community, regardless of what crimes its leadership may commit, and that peaceful diplomacy is the only way to achieve this safety and dignity.”
Council Approves on Split Vote
McClaughlin moved approval of the resolution which was seconded by District 3 Councilwoman Doria Robinson. Before the vote District 2 Councilman Cesar Zepeda offered an amendment to the title requesting it include “and condemning the killing, kidnappings and torture of innocent civilians in Israel and Gaza” and “that we at least condemn Hamas for the killings on October 7th.”
But McLaughlin said, “As the maker of the motion I think we want this focused. We have amendments in here that shows we are mourning the loss of all civilian lives, those that were perpetuated by Hamas and those ongoing atrocities by the state of Israel. But the bulk of the resolution and the purpose of the resolution, like I said, was to bring out the voice of Palestinians that have been blacked out by the mainstream media and that are needing to be heard because of the extreme oppression and ongoing harm being done to the people of Gaza.”
His amendment was not accepted, and the final resolution passed on a 5-1 vote with Zepeda voting no and District 6 Councilwoman Claudia Jiminez absent. Before voting, the District 3 councilman said, “while the intent is there, however it’s missing that we are sitting down with our community, and I support a free Palestine, however my vote is no at this time.”
Read MoreU.S. Marshals assist in apprehension
By Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard
Oakley, CA – The senseless homicide of a 16-year-old male, and the shooting of three other teenagers that occurred on Saturday, October 21st in the 400 block of Shannon Way has been the top priority of the Oakley Police Department since it occurred. (See related article)
Today, October 25, 2023, at 4:30 PM the Oakley Police Department, in partnership with the United States Marshals Service, arrested Jason Walizada (18, Antioch) in connection with these heinous crimes. The arrest occurred in the 2600 block of Orange Way, Antioch. Walizada was booked into the Main Detention Facility in Martinez with a $3,500,000 bail (homicide warrant).
Over the past few days all investigators of the Oakley Police Department have spoken to dozens of potential witnesses, and they have processed a large amount of electronic/digital evidence. The arrest of Walizada does not represent the sole focus of our investigation because we will continue to investigate every lead in this case.
“This case has absolutely shattered the lives of family, friends and loved ones of the victims in this case, especially the deceased child. I am hoping we will see full measures of accountability achieved in this case.
Our work is not done, but I appreciate my investigators for all of the diligent work they have put in so far to identify a responsible in this case and to get him into custody. I appreciate all of the support from all of the allied agencies that assisted us during this investigation, particularly the United States Marshals Service.
As I previously said this youth violence does not belong anywhere- ever!
If there are any further developments or updates in this case I will be sure to provide updates.
Read MoreVacaville, Calif. – Travis Credit Union (TCU), today announced the appointment of Grady Bond as its new Chief Retail Officer (CRO). In this position, Bond will assume responsibility for branch management, member experience, member relationship center, wealth management, digital services, deposits, and payment products. His strategic vision and deep industry knowledge will drive innovation and enhance the overall member experience at TCU.
“Grady’s extensive background in retail channels and product innovation make him the perfect choice to lead our retail operations,” said Kevin Miller, TCU President and CEO. “His strategic insights will be instrumental in shaping the future of TCU, and we are confident that his leadership will enable us to continue providing exceptional financial services to our members.”
Bond joins TCU from Bank of the West, where he served as Executive Vice President, Head of Consumer, Business, & Wealth Deposit Product & Strategy. In addition, his distinguished career includes diverse roles at TD Bank, Chase, and Bank of America, where he honed his skills in branch management, product management, and consumer banking strategy.
“Joining Travis Credit Union and making a positive impact on our teams, members and communities is priority one at the moment,” said Bond. “I look forward to working with the talented team here to further enhance our member experience and drive innovation to meet our members’ needs.”
As the 12th largest credit union in California, Bond’s appointment as Chief Retail Officer underscores TCU’s commitment to the financial wellness of its members and communities.
About Travis Credit Union
Travis Credit Union, based in Vacaville, CA, has been recognized at the federal, state and local levels for its longstanding financial education and financial advocacy efforts. In 2022, TCU was once again selected as a Best-In-State Credit Union by Forbes. It has also earned the U.S. Air Force Distinguished Credit Union of the Year award in recent years. Founded in 1951 on Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, CA, TCU today serves 12 Northern California counties. It is the twelfth largest credit union in California, with 245,000 members and nearly $5 billion in assets. Learn more about our mission at traviscu.org.
Read More![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/DeCarloSatWin-1024x853.jpg)
Nick DeCarlo #17 turned in a stellar effort to win the Saturday IMCA Modified race. Photo by Katrina Kniss
By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media
Antioch, CA…October 20-21…Nick DeCarlo of Martinez and Troy Foulger of Oakley were the winners in IMCA Modified competition last weekend at Antioch Speedway. This was the Annual Bill Bowers Memorial/West Coast Nationals race with the Friday portion also paying tribute to legend JD Willis.
Car count dictated an adjustment to the show that saw two complete programs run on Friday and Saturday with the intended purse on Saturday split between the two nights. This put $1,000 into the pockets of Saturday winner DeCarlo and Friday winner Foulger, who came close to picking up the Saturday win as well.
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/FoulgerModFriWin-1024x836.jpg)
Troy Foulger #49 picked up a JD Willis trophy for his Friday night IMCA Modified triumph. He is unofficially one win shy of 70 combined on the all-time win list at Antioch Speedway. Photo by Katrina Kniss
Both nights ran two sets of heat races for each division with the points adding up to set the lineups for the feature races. State champion Andrew Pearce took the early lead of the Saturday IMCA Modified feature ahead of Kellen Chadwick of Oakley. Foulger was running third until a Lap 11 yellow flag for debris. Pearce continued to lead Chadwick with DeCarlo moving into third. When Pearce got out of shape exiting Turn 2 on the 12th lap, DeCarlo ducked low and emerged with the lead. Foulger followed closely into second. Foulger kept the pressure on DeCarlo until making the outside pass in Turn 4 on Lap 18 to grab the lead. DeCarlo stayed low and emerged with the lead in the same turn a lap later. The battle remained intense until the checkered flag with DeCarlo winning ahead of Foulger, Chadwick, Pearce and Tim Balding of Prunedale.
On Friday night, DeCarlo paced just one lap before an inside pass on the back stretch put Foulger in command. DeCarlo briefly gained the lead on Lap 14 before Foulger was back up front on Lap 15. A yellow flag also waved at that point for debris on the track. Foulger led DeCarlo and Pearce on the restart. They ran in that order to the checkered flag as Chadwick and Jim Pettit II of Prunedale rounded out the Top 5.
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GarnerSatWin-1024x834.jpg)
Mark Garner #76 finally returned to the IMCA Sport Modified winner’s circle with his Bowers Memorial win on Saturday night. Photo by Katrina Kniss
In IMCA Sport Modified competition, it was Mark Garner of Antioch picking up the win on Saturday with the Friday victory going to Jason Ryan Jr of Oakley. The wins paid both drivers $750. Garner had finished third on Friday night.
On Saturday, State champion Trevor Clymens of Brentwood set the early pace with Garner making an inside pass on the back stretch on the sixth lap to take second from Ryan. Garner went inside Clymens on the back stretch on Lap 7 to take the lead from him. The race was riddled with yellow flags during the second half. A heated incident between Tommy Fraser of Antioch and Ryan saw the race end for both of them. Through each yellow flag, Garner emerged with the lead and picked up a much deserved victory ahead of Clymens, Dylan Connelly of Antioch, Johnathan Hagio of Prunedale and Matt Pitts of Rodeo.
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/RyanFriWin-1024x829.jpg)
Jason Ryan Jr #52 picked up a JD Willis trophy with his IMCA Sport Modified win on Friday night. Photo by Katrina Kniss
Ryan enjoyed a stellar season with second place rankings at Antioch and in the State. Heat race points put him on the front row for the Friday show, and he bolted into the lead at the start ahead of Trevor Clymens. An inside move down the back stretch on Lap 6 put three-time champion Fred Ryland of Brentwood into second. Garner moved into third on a Lap 9 restart. With Ryland in pursuit, Ryan had to make the right moves on multiple restarts during the second half of the race. However, Ryan prevailed over Ryland at the checkered flag. Garner settled for third ahead of Raymond Lindeman of Rio Linda and Trevor Clymens.
Antioch and State champion Troy Foulger of Oakley picked up $500 IMCA Stock Car victories on both Friday and Saturday night as he nudges closer to 70 combined wins all time at Antioch Speedway.
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/FoulgerFriStock-1024x788.jpg)
Troy Foulger #49 turned in a repeat performance with IMCA Stock Car wins on both Friday and Saturday nights. Photos by Katrina Kniss
Fred Ryland of Brentwood paced the opening lap of the Saturday race with Foulger getting around Mitch Machado of Rohnert Park on the second lap. Foulger and Ryland briefly went side by side before Foulger emerged with the lead on the fifth lap. From there, Foulger sped on to the win ahead of Ryland, Dave Hill of South San Francisco, Machado and Scott Foster of Oakley.
Points from the heat races put Foulger on the front row and he led the Friday portion of the show from the start. Ryland was a race-long second. Machado was an early third, but Terry DeCarlo Jr of Martinez gained the position on the ninth lap. Foulger won ahead of Ryland, DeCarlo, Machado and Dave Hill.
Jared Baugh of Pittsburgh and track champion Grayson Baca of Brentwood picked up the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock feature wins for the weekend. Baugh didn’t show up on Friday but picked up the Saturday win in impressive fashion.
Baugh took the lead from the start ahead of Troy Foulger, who was piloting the car originally intended for Mya Jones of Martinez. Baca held third in the early stages, but Foulger brought out a yellow flag on Lap 6. Baugh led Baca on the restart with Kevin Brown of Oakley running third. Jake Archibald of Oakley slipped past Brown for third on the ninth lap, and Baca brought out a Lap 11 yellow flag. Baugh continued to lead Archibald and Brown On the restart. Archibald was trailing by a straightaway when his race came to an unfortunate end three laps for the finish. Baugh cruised to victory ahead of Brown, Trevor Clymens, Baca and Archibald.
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BaughSatWin-1024x818.jpg)
Jared Baugh #31b only raced on Saturday, but that was good enough for a Hobby Stock feature win. Photo by Katrina Kniss
On Friday night, Baca took the lead from the start ahead of Trevor Clymens. Foulger moved past Brown for third on Lap 3 before a yellow flag waved. Foulger moved into second on the restart with Tommy Clymens settling into third. Baca held command by a wide margin when the checkered flag flew, followed by Foulger, Tommy Clymens, Brown and Jess Paladino of Brentwood.
On Halloween weekend, there will be candy for the kids. The Xtreme Late Models, Super Stocks and Hardtops will be having their season point finales. Wingless Spec Sprints and Print Club Mini Stocks are also in action. For further information, go to www.raceantiochspeedway.com or check out the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions Facebook page.
Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 Race Results
IMCA Modifieds
Heat Winners Round 1 (10 laps)-Kellen Chadwick, Andrew Pearce. Heat Winners Round 2 (10 laps)-Kellen Chadwick, Andrew Pearce. Main Event (25 laps)-Nick DeCarlo, Troy Foulger, Kellen Chadwick, Andrew Pearce, Tim Balding, Aaron Crowell, Mickey Hill, Jim Pettit II, Dave Duste Jr, Matthew Hagio DNS.
IMCA Sport Modifieds
Heat Winners Round 1 (10 laps)-Mark Garner, Jason Ryan Jr. Heat Winners Round 2 (10 laps)-Mark Garner, Trevor Clymens. Main Event (25)-Mark Garner, Trevor Clymens, Dylan Connelly, Jonathan Hagio, Matt Pitts, Tommy Clymens, Al Johnson, James Graessle, Tommy Fraser, Jason Ryan Jr.
IMCA Stock Cars
Heat Winner Round 1 (10 laps)-Dave Hill. Heat Winner Round 2 (10 laps)-Mitch Machado. Main Event (25 laps)-Troy Fougler, Fred Ryland, Dave Hill, Mitch Machado, Scott Foster, Jason Robles DNS.
Hobby Stocks
Heat Winners Round 1 (10 laps)-Kevin Brown Jared Baugh. Heat Winners Round 2 (10 laps)-Kevin Brown, Grayson Baca. Main Event (25 laps)-Jared Baugh, Kevin Brown, Trevor Clymens, Grayson Baca, Jake Archibald, John Keith, Kamren Robles, Jess Paladino, Troy Foulger, Tommy Clymens.
Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 Race Results
IMCA Modifieds
Heat Winner Round 1 (10 laps)-Troy Foulger, Andrew Pearce. Heat Winners Round 2 (10 laps)-Kellen Chadwick, Nick DeCarlo. Main Event (25 laps)-Troy Foulger, Nick DeCarlo, Andrew Pearce, Kellen Chadwick, Jim Pettit II, Tim Balding, Aaron Crowell, Paul Gugliemoni, Matthew Hagio, Dave Duste Jr.
IMCA Sport Modifieds
Heat Winners Round 1 (10 laps)-Trevor Clymens, Jason Ryan Jr. Heat Winners Round 2 (10 laps)-Jonathan Hagio, Fred Ryland. Main Event (25 laps)-Jason Ryan Jr, Fred Ryland, Mark Garner, Raymond Lindeman, Trevor Clymens, Jonathan Hagio, Tommy Clymens, Dylan Connelly, Joseph Pato, Al Johnson.
IMCA Stock Cars
Heat Winner Round 1 (10 laps)-Troy Foulger. Heat Winner Round 2 (10 laps)-Troy Foulger. Main Event (25 laps)-Troy Foulger, Fred Ryland, Terry DeCarlo Jr, Mitch Machado, Dave Hill, Scott Foster.
Hobby Stocks
Heat Winner Round 1 (10 laps)-Grayson Baca. Heat Winner Round 2 (10 laps)-Grayson Baca. Main Event (25 laps)-Grayson Baca, Troy Foulger, Tommy Clymens, Kevin Brown, Jess Paladino, Trevor Clymens.
Read MoreBy Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development
From land use and housing to climate change and environmental justice, residents are invited to explore drafts of the General Plan and Climate Action Plan to ensure they reflect the community’s collective aspirations for Contra Costa County’s future.
View the plans and provide comments on the project website at envisioncontracosta2040.org through Jan. 31, 2024.
The Public Review Draft of the Contra Costa County 2045 General Plan is the County’s primary policy tool to guide physical changes in the unincorporated areas over the next 20 years. It serves as the basis for planning- and infrastructure-related decisions made by County staff and decision makers. It is built around the themes of environmental justice, community health, economic development, and sustainability.
“Our General Plan establishes the policies that will move us towards a more equitable, healthier, safer and stronger future,” said John Gioia, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Public participation and input is vital in creating sound policy and guiding our public decisions on the issues that impact every facet of our lives.”
The Public Review Draft Climate Action Plan 2024 Update is the County’s strategic plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and to adapt to changing climate conditions, such as extreme heat, flooding, droughts, and wildfires, in the unincorporated areas of the County. The 2024 Climate Action Plan implements the General Plan policy guidance and addresses behaviors, regulations, and investment decisions that directly reduce GHG emissions or promote climate resilience.
Community feedback has been the driving force behind these planning efforts. County staff have held over 130 meetings with community members, advocates, stakeholders, and officials. This collaborative effort, including almost 50 community meetings and over 20 with community-based organizations, has shaped the shared vision for Contra Costa County.
Read More![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Barbanica-APD-Glazer-CHP-Grayson-1001x1024.jpg)
Antioch Councilman Mike Barbanica, State Senator Steve Glazer and Assemblyman Tim Grayson are working to get help from the CHP for the Antioch’s depleted police force.
Send joint letter to Governor seeking aid in addressing public safety crisis amid ongoing police scandal
Follows on Councilman Barbanica’s requests of county police chiefs, CHP, Sheriff for assistance
By Allen D. Payton
In early August, Antioch District 2 City Councilman Mike Barbanica asked the City of Antioch to look into getting more help from both the CHP and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office after sideshows got out of hand.
Earlier this month, Barbanica, Acting City Manager Kwame Reed, Acting Police Chief Joe Vigil and two other police chiefs from the county held a meeting but “Vigil said, ‘we don’t need anything’,” the councilman stated.
“Grayson’s office offered help. The chiefs told Vigil you don’t have enough staffing,” Barbanica continued. “I spoke to the city manager. We have a commitment from the county police chiefs that they are ready to assist and provide personnel. The city manager is putting together a plan, and the police department will get assistance for traffic enforcement.”
“I personally met with the Chiefs of El Cerrito and San Pablo, who are the president and VP of the county chiefs association and they are working with Acting Chief Vigil who has assigned Sgt. Rob Green to work with surrounding agencies and traffic enforcement. I had two meetings with Assemblyman Grayson that were very productive. He has assured any help we need out of Sacramento, cutting red tape, he’ll be happy to help with.”
Following up on Barbanica’s request, according to a press release from State Senator Steve Glazer’s office, he and Assemblymember Tim Grayson sent a joint letter to Governor Gavin Newsom today, Wednesday, October 25, 2023, seeking assistance for the city of Antioch’s police force, decimated by years of FBI and local investigations.
The investigations into Antioch’s police ranks have eroded local officers’ ability to maintain public safety in the city, according to Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe in an interview on Senator Glazer’s Podcast, Table Talk.
Senator Glazer also spoke with California Highway Patrol Commissioner Sean Duryee about the public safety crisis and the request.
“The City of Antioch is struggling with public safety right now, and the CHP can help,” Senator Glazer said.
According to the press release by Vivian Bossieux-Skinner, Glazer’s Press Secretary, Mayor Thorpe, a guest on Senator Glazer’s latest episode on his podcast, Table Talk, said, “we have about four or five officers at any given moment patrolling our streets,” in a city of 120,000 people.
Mayor Thorpe said the low numbers of police officers on duty at any given time means police response times can be excessively long depending on the crime being reported. Thorpe said more than half of the 87 city-authorized officers are on leave because of the investigations into the force, leaving just over 40 officers to patrol the city.
“We can use the help because it would drastically reduce time in which an officer can respond to a crime,” said Mayor Thorpe on Table Talk.
These safety concerns were echoed by Mayor Thorpe on Senator Glazer’s Table Talk; the two areas that were decimated as a result of the racist text messaging scandal were traffic and investigations. “And so, it has had real impacts on the community in terms of keeping them safe,” Thorpe said.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has already assigned CHP officers this year to cities that request the help; the City of San Francisco has had CHP assistance in dealing with the Fentanyl crisis since May and Oakland has had CHP help since August in dealing with road-related incidents to give City police officers more time to focus on solving violent crime.
Read MoreDyad leadership structure aims to increase patient access and further elevate clinical excellence, expertise
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Northern California-based Sutter Health announced market presidents and chief medical officers in its collaborative new dyad leadership structure, which will better enable physician and administrative leaders to partner in decision-making and leading clinical and non-clinical operations. This alignment is designed to foster a connected ecosystem that advances efforts to expand access and deliver a more digitally enabled, convenient and personalized care experience for patients where they live and work. Greater access includes earlier available appointments for primary and specialty care through expanded service options and settings. The dyad design also elevates the roles and voices of physicians to lead the critical work necessary to meet growing demand for services across the integrated healthcare system.
“I’m pleased to announce Sutter Health’s community-based market leaders,” said Warner Thomas, Sutter Health president and CEO. “They represent an exceptional field of professionals with diverse experiences and backgrounds, with outstanding leadership, healthcare administration and clinical experience, both within and outside of Sutter, as well as proven track records developing and maintaining successful working partnerships with physicians, clinicians and community partners. They will help drive operational excellence and growth at Sutter in the years ahead by integrating our teams across our system to best serve our patients, our people and our clinicians.”
Working in dyad partnership, the following new market presidents and chief medical officers will have joint responsibility for one of five consumer-based markets driving quality and integrated care across the system:
Greater East Bay Market
Tosan Boyo, president
Matthew Dahnke, M.D., chief medical officer
Greater Central Valley Market
Gino Patrizio, president
Joseph Chiang, M.D., chief medical officer
Greater Sacramento Market
Rachael McKinney, president
Peter Hull, M.D., chief medical officer
Greater San Francisco Market
Christina Oh, president
Rob Nordgren, M.D., chief medical officer
Greater Silicon Valley Market
Kevin Cook, president
Mathew Hernandez, M.D., chief medical officer
Market presidents will report directly to Mark Sevco, Sutter’s senior vice president and chief operating officer while chief medical officers will report to Todd Smith, M.D., Sutter’s senior vice president and chief physician executive.
“By working in concert and leading their individual markets, this dynamic group will elevate Sutter Health’s operational and clinical excellence to help us continue to achieve our goal to provide industry-leading quality healthcare and expand access to our services to more patients where they live and work,” said Dr. Smith.
“Having experienced, mission-driven leaders in place to help more fully integrate our healthcare delivery system and unify our new community-based market operating model is critical to best meet the needs of our expanding patient base, as well as the needs of our physicians, care teams and staff,” said Sevco. “Through shared decision-making and with an expectation of collaboration across markets and service lines within the organization, we aim to integrate our operations and patient care in a way we never have before.”
Each community-based market is strategically guided by an enterprise-wide service line strategy supported by a coordinated local team that oversees the hospitals, surgery centers, foundation care centers, clinics and urgent care sites in that geographic area. Market leaders will collaborate with medical group presidents alongside community physicians to enhance access and provide exceptional care. This structure will support a connected, seamless experience for patients across all types of care settings and throughout the enterprise.
Tosan Boyo, Greater East Bay Market President, was most recently senior vice president of hospital operations at John Muir Health. At JMH, Boyo oversaw the deployment and development of several initiatives, including LEAN Management System, service line strategies, enterprise ancillaries, health equity and government affairs. During his tenure, he was awarded Executive of the Year by the California Association of Healthcare Leaders. Boyo began his new role on Sept. 5.
Matthew Dahnke, M.D., Greater East Bay Market Chief Medical Officer, is an internal medicine hospitalist, who has been with the Sutter East Bay Medical Group since 1999. At SEBMG he served in leadership positions focusing on transforming healthcare by aligning partners, team building and developing relationships that allow for a clear understanding of mission, vision, culture change and achievement of goals. Most recently, he was chief inpatient officer for SEBMG. Dr. Dahnke began his new role on Oct. 16.
Gino Patrizio, Greater Central Valley Market President, is a dynamic leader with a distinguished healthcare career who has long been an advocate for patient care excellence. For nearly five years, he served as the CEO of Sutter Memorial Medical Center in Modesto, with operational and financial accountability for Sutter’s Memorial Hospital Los Banos and Sutter Tracy Community Hospital. Patrizio began his new role on June 12.
Joseph Chiang, M.D., Greater Central Valley Market Chief Medical Officer, was most recently the chief medical executive at Sutter’s Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley. Previously, he held leadership roles as medical director and chair of emergency medicine at Sutter’s Memorial Medical Center in Modesto, Sutter’s Memorial Hospital Los Banos and San Joaquin General Hospital. Dr. Chiang is a proven leader who has achieved growth in surgical and procedural volumes, enhancing physician alignment, and maintaining high-quality care. Dr. Chiang began his new role on Aug. 7.
Rachael McKinney, Greater Sacramento Market President, has nearly 20 years’ experience as a mission-driven, patient-centered and relationship-focused leader working with physicians and clinicians across a broad range of care settings. Most recently, she served as CEO of Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento since January 2022 with oversight of Sutter Davis Hospital and Sutter Amador Hospital as Hospital Area CEO, Central Valley. McKinney began her new role on June 12.
Peter Hull, M.D., Greater Sacramento Market Chief Medical Officer, has served in various leadership positions at Sutter Roseville Medical Center for nearly 30 years, bringing to the roles both an aptitude for organizational administration and a deep-rooted passion for the practice of medicine. Most recently he served as chief medical executive and interim CEO. Dr. Hull began his new role on June 12.
Christina Oh, Greater San Francisco Market President, comes to Sutter Health from HCA Healthcare’s Trident Health System in Charleston, South Carolina where she was president and CEO. At Trident, she expanded the system’s acute and ambulatory footprint, built tertiary services and developed a “people-first” culture among employees and physicians. Prior to Trident, Oh was CEO at Tenet Healthcare hospitals in Goodyear, Arizona and Orange County, California. Oh begins her new role on Dec. 1.
Rob Nordgren, M.D., Greater San Francisco Market Chief Medical Officer, brings more than two decades of experience leading healthcare organizations. In his most recent roles, he served as Area CEO for Sutter Bay Medical Foundation and CEO of a prominent 1,800-clinician medical group affiliated with Sutter’s Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Dr. Nordgren is known for his success in driving growth, clinician engagement, workplace inspiration, diversity and inclusion, health equity and performance optimization through people-focused leadership. Dr. Nordgren began his new role on June 12.
Kevin Cook, Greater Silicon Valley Market President, has more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience and brings extensive practical knowledge of health system operations at the CEO level to this new role. Cook comes to Sutter from Caldwell Butler, a healthcare consulting firm specializing in research-based methods to improve margin, operational improvement, staffing and patient experience. Before that, he served as the CEO of the University of Mississippi’s Health System for seven years. Cook began his new role on July 10.
Mathew Hernandez, M.D., Greater Silicon Valley Market Chief Medical Officer, is an internist who has served in various leadership positions at Sutter’s Palo Alto Medical Foundation for the last 18 years, focusing on culture optimization, clinical quality and operations, strategic planning and growth. Dr. Hernandez most recently served as chief medical officer of the Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group. Dr. Hernandez began his new role on Oct. 16.
About Sutter Health
Sutter Health’s integrated, not-for-profit system of associated clinicians, employees and volunteers support more than 3 million patients in diverse communities across two dozen counties. Headquartered in Northern California, Sutter provides access to high quality, affordable care through its hospitals, medical foundations, ambulatory surgery centers, urgent and walk-in care centers, telehealth, home health and hospice services.
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![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Ambrose-Village-Development-Plan-Bay-Point_Page_1-1024x527.jpg)
Rendering of the planned Ambrose Village Development in Bay Point where the new library will be located. Source: CCC Library
Part of mixed use, high-density, transit-oriented development within the Pittsburg-Bay Point BART station area
Will be matched by Contra Costa for first library in county since 1961
By Brooke Converse, PIO, Contra Costa County Library
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Ambrose-Village-Development-Project-Site-Map-near-BART-station-300x281.jpg)
Ambrose Village Development Project Site Map near the Pittsburg-Bay Point BART station. Source: CCC Library
The Contra Costa County Library received $9.9 million in grant funding for the buildout of the new Bay Point Library. The grant money comes from the California State Library’s Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program.
The award requires a 50 percent match from the Library, which will come from a portion of the $10 million the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors designated for the Bay Point Library project in the 2023-24 budget. The grant also requires the money to be spent on specific parts of the project including interior construction, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire protection and conveying systems.
“Bay Point is the fastest growing unincorporated area in the county and these grant funds will help to build a library that really meets the needs of the community,” said District V Supervisor Federal Glover. “The residents of Bay Point are getting a modern, spacious library that can offer the technology and services they deserve.”
“This grant will help bring a state-of-the-art, standalone library and more open hours to a large, growing community,” said County Librarian Alison McKee. “The new Bay Point Library will be the first brand new library built in Contra Costa County since 1961 and there is no community in greater need.”
The Contra Costa County Library is one of 34 libraries, out of 148 who applied, receiving funds in this round of awards. More than $172 million in grant funds were awarded to address deferred maintenance, improve energy efficiency, and expand digital and physical access.
The new Bay Point Library will be built as part of a mixed use, high-density, transit-oriented development within the Pittsburg-Bay Point BART station area. It will include retail space and 340 low-income housing units. The 21,000 square foot library is expected to open in early 2027.
The $172 million awarded this year is part of $489 million set aside in 2022 by Governor Newsom and the Legislature to improve libraries in high poverty areas. Last year, $312 million was awarded by the State Library for 246 projects. The Contra Costa County Library received $2.5M for deferred maintenance on the Antioch and Pinole libraries. The grant funds will pay for several projects including replacing the HVAC systems, replacing both roofs, electrical services upgrades, lighting improvements and paint.
For more information on the grant program, please visit the State Library website.
BACKGROUND
The existing 4,000 square foot Bay Point Library is co-located at Riverview Middle School in a building built in 1956. It lacks the necessary power and data infrastructure to support the 21st century technological needs of a library. Limited electrical and telecommunications access means limited computer stations and reduced access to power receptacles for patron’s laptop and mobile devices.
Visit ccclib.org to sign up for a library card and get connected to books and resources. For questions about Library services and programming or account information, contact the Library via online Chat, email ask@library.cccounty.us or text questions to (925) 290-7627.
For media inquiries, please contact Public Information Officer Brooke Converse at brooke.converse@library.cccounty.us or (925) 329-8414.
Read MoreOne large quake last Wednesday, two more smaller quakes on Monday
By CA Department of Water Resources
News of yet another earthquake in the heart of the Delta in the last week is a serious reminder about the importance of modernizing and protecting water supply infrastructure. The quake on Wednesday, Oct. 18th measured 4.2 and was centered 5 kilometers southwest of Isleton. Two more quakes measuring 2.9 magnitude and 2.5 mag, with epicenters 4 km southeast of Rio Vista, occurred on Monday, Oct. 23, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
In a report by CBS News last week, Austin Elliott with the USGS said that “a very large earthquake, centered near the Delta, would pose a particularly significant threat to both protective systems that the levees provide, as well as the water distribution and intake systems.”
He also said that “Larger earthquakes magnitude — five or six — would begin to produce liquefaction and damage some of the infrastructure and geotechnical work there.” And according to the USGS, there is a 72 percent chance of a 6.7 or greater magnitude earthquake occurring in the Bay Area by 2043.
The Delta Conveyance Project is meant to help the State Water Project guard against these seismic threats.
DWR has also invested millions of dollars to reinforce many Delta levees through the Delta Levees Special Flood Control Projects programs. Additionally, DWR has been planning for and strategizing how to address the earthquake risk and potential disruption to California’s water supply and has developed detailed plans to guide response and recovery efforts.
For more information on how the proposed Delta Conveyance Project would make California’s water supply more earthquake resilient, check out this digital article and these two in-depth videos (Part 1 and Part 2).
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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