Contra Costa Herald

For 7- to 12-year-olds

By CA State Parks

Do you think our six-legged neighbors are creepy or cool? Join us to take a closer look at the world of insects. Learn about fierce predators, plant munchers, and nectar sippers and how they get a meal. We’ll search for insects, play a game, and design our own imaginary insects.

Meet at Laurel Nook Picnic Area (see yellow circle on map below). June 29, 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Park at the Diablo Overlook parking area next to Juniper Campground. There is a $10 per vehicle entry fee.

Boater using a sewage pumpout in the Delta. Bottom left: Clean Vessel Act grantee conducting outreach at a boat show in San Mateo County. Bottom right: Boater using the California Pumpout Nav app. Photos from the Division of Boating and Waterways.

Non-profits, local governments, private (for-profit) org’s eligible for state Division of Boating and Waterways’ Clean Vessel Act Education and Outreach Grant Program

Grant applications due August 9, 2024

SACRAMENTO, CA—California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is now accepting grant applications for the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Education and Outreach Grant Program. A maximum of $280,031 of federal funding per targeted region is available to organizations for educating coastal and San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary recreational boaters about proper vessel sewage disposal and the use of pumpout facilities, and monitoring pumpout and dump stations.

In 1992, Congress passed the CVA to help reduce pollution from vessel sewage discharges into U.S. waters. The grant program serves as an important educational opportunity for all boaters on how to help keep California’s waterways clean. Discharging sewage overboard creates environmental and human health problems. To reduce the negative impacts of this harmful action, all recreational boaters are encouraged to use sewage management facilities, including pumpout stations, dump stations, and mobile pumpout services.

Eligible Applicants:

• Non-profit organizations, local government entities, and private (for-profit) organizations.
• Applicants must be able to demonstrate at least five years’ experience in developing and implementing educational and outreach programs. The written summary of the outcome of the multi-year educational and outreach programs must be verifiable.
• Grants will not be awarded to fund advocacy work.

This is a reimbursement grant. Reimbursement is available for up to 75% of the total eligible project costs. Grantee is responsible for finding eligible match funding (in the form of cash, donations, or volunteer hours) totaling no less than 25% of the total project value.

The grant program targets two geographic regions of California: San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary including Contra Costa County, and Southern California Coast. Proposals that cover a portion of the regions will be considered if, over time, the agency can expand program(s) to the entire region.

As part of DBW’s commitment to provide clean, safe, and enjoyable recreational boating in California, the Division serves as the state CVA grant coordinator. DBW will fund two grants (one for each targeted California geographic region) to develop and implement a 12-month Clean Vessel Act Education and Outreach Program. Each regional grant must include education and outreach efforts, and a pumpout/dump station monitoring program. Applications will be evaluated and ranked according to how each application proposal demonstrates comprehensive and proven methods for meeting grant program goals. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, August 9, 2024, by 10 a.m.

Below are some examples of accomplishments from the CVA Education and Outreach Grant Program in the last two grant cycles:

• Participated in three boating events and conducted nine presentations on clean boating and sewage pollution prevention best management practices, reaching over 700 individual boaters and stakeholders.
• Produced and promoted a variety of educational videos about sewage management such as “Consider a Marine Composting Toilet” video and the “Marine Sanitation Device & Y-Valve Information for Boaters”
• Continued to provide boaters with a sewage pumpout Nav App (more than 20,000 downloads since March 2018) that helps them locate nearby participating, functioning sewage pumpout stations, dump stations and floating restrooms.
• Monitored 152 sewage pumpouts and 15 dump stations in 19 counties eight times. Developed the 2023 California Clean Vessel Act Pumpout and Dump Station Performance Report summarizing the monitoring efforts and results. Monitoring provides an effective means for encouraging regular maintenance and accountability for the pumpouts’ condition.

The CVA Education and Outreach Program grants are funded by the Division of Boating and Waterways with funding provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. For detailed information on the grant program, the current grant application, requirements, and a complete guidelines packet, please visit DBW’s website at dbw.parks.ca.gov/CleanVesselActGrants.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.

Vehicles from Brentwood, Oakley and Antioch Police Departments used during the chase and arrest of the suspect behind the Antioch Target store on Lone Tree Way in Antioch on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Source: Brentwood PD

Multi-agency effort; Julian Santana Ramirez has history of arrests dating to 2015

By Brentwood Police Department

THANK YOU ANTIOCH PD AND OAKLEY PD

You may have seen a lot of police presence behind Target on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Well, this is why….

Around 4:30 PM, a Brentwood Officer was patrolling the area of Lone Tree Way when he saw a person he recognized as being a suspect in a theft that occurred at Famous Footwear in Brentwood. Based on prior contacts he identified 27-year-old Julian Santana Ramirez of Oakley (born 8/6/96), as the suspect. Ramirez, who is on Post Release Supervision (PRCS) in Contra Costa County, also had a felony warrant.

When the officer attempted to contact Ramirez, he fled on foot in the immediate area behind Target. Fortunately, our friends from Antioch PD and Oakley PD were there to assist us in the search.

Luckily, for us, Antioch Officer Cruz Guzman located Ramirez and a second foot chase ensued. Officer Cruz Guzman ran across Highway 4 and subsequently took Ramirez into custody.

Ramirez was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking. A second person, related to the incident was also taken into custody for outstanding warrants.

A big thank you to Antioch PD and Oakley PD for assisting us in this incident. Crime knows no borders and we always appreciate the support and assistance from our neighboring agencies.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, eight-inch tall, 290-pound Ramirez is being held on no bail at the West County Detention Facility on charges of resisting arrest, possession of methamphetamine, violating his probation and violating the conditions of post release community supervision.

According to localcrimenews.com, this is his third arrest this year, including in January for drug possession and giving false information to a peace officer and in April for possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. Ramirez’s history of arrests dates back to 2015 by Oakley PD, Antioch PD and the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department for crimes including robbery, threats of violence, resisting arrest, vehicle theft, receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, evading a police officer with wanton disregard for safety, purchase, possession, use of tear gas and court jurisdiction of child for parental neglect.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By CHP-Contra Costa

Early Sunday morning, June 16, 2024, at approximately 1:12am, CHP was notified of a solo vehicle crash on Sunset Road west of Sellers Avenue.

A brown GMC pickup, solely occupied by a male adult driver, was traveling westbound on Sunset Road, west of Sellers Avenue. The driver of the GMC veered left across eastbound lanes, drove off the roadway, and crashed the GMC head-on into a tree located on the southside of Sunset Road.

CHP arrived on scene along with other emergency services to assist. The driver was transported by ambulance to the hospital with life threatening injuries. CHP was later informed the driver was pronounced deceased while in transport.

Based on evidence discovered during our preliminary investigation, this crash may have been an intentional act.

This crash is still under investigation, if anyone witnessed it or the events leading up to it, please contact CHP Contra Costa in Martinez, (925) 646-4980.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or considering suicide, it’s important to know that you are not alone. Support is available, and reaching out for help is a crucial first step. Here’s how you can get immediate assistance:

-Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for confidential support 24/7.

-Text ‘HELLO’ to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor at the Crisis Text Line.

Remember, there is hope and help is available. You deserve to get the support you need. You are not alone.

The diver of the overturned silver Chrysler 300 died and the driver of the white Mazda 3 sustained injuries on Friday, June 21, 2024. Photos: CHP-Contra Costa

By CHP – Contra Costa

Early Friday morning, June 21, 2024, CHP Contra Costa was advised of a crash on I-80 westbound just east of Willow Avenue. Our preliminary investigation indicates a silver Chrysler 300 being driven by an adult male was traveling westbound on I-80 when it collided with an another (gold) Chrysler 300. The silver 300 overturned and came to rest on its roof blocking lanes. Several minutes later a third vehicle, a white Mazda3 driven by an adult female, was traveling on I-80 westbound when it crashed into the silver 300.

The driver of the gold Chrysler 300 was uninjured. The driver of the Mazda3 sustained suspected major injuries and was transported to the hospital where she is expected to recover. The driver of the silver Chrysler 300 sustained major injuries and was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Upon initial investigation it was determined the driver of the silver Chrysler 300 was not seat-belted at the time of the crash. This crash is still under investigation.

If anyone witnessed it or the events leading up to it, please contact CHP Contra Costa in Martinez, (925) 646-4980 or email your contact information to 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov to be contacted by the investigating officer.

Community Ambassadors meeting. Photo: CCC Elections Division

“Contra Costa County is home to one of the safest, most secure, and transparent election systems in the nation.”

By Contra Costa Elections Division

In light of a growing tide of election misinformation, the Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department is taking a stand. The Elections Division is launching a far-reaching marketing and community engagement campaign this week to reassure voters of election integrity and security by shining a light on the comprehensive steps taken to deliver on that promise.

“Elections are more secure than ever and we’re proud of Contra Costa County’s reputation for fair and secure elections. We have to make sure our voters know about the work we’re doing and have the information that inspires faith in our elections,” says Kristin B. Connelly, Contra Costa Registrar of Voters.

Asked for examples of election misinformation in Contra Costa County, the Election Division’s Community and Media Relations Coordinator Dawn Kruger responded, “Unfortunately, we’ve seen and heard lots of misinformation on social media and media comment sections as well as at community meetings.

Some of the most common misconceptions and questions we get are about voter registration requirements, voting by mail, how we prevent voter fraud, and how we secure election technology.

Thanks to the 48 election security safeguards we have in place, elections are more secure than ever, and we want to show voters everything the Contra Costa County Elections Division does to protect their vote. That’s why we’ve compiled all the information voters may want to know and made it available to the public. Voters can get clear and accurate information and responses to some of the most common questions about election security at www.secure-election.org/facts.”

Source: CCC Elections Division

Marketing Campaign

A multi-faceted marketing campaign is in place to deliver that message. In addition to county-wide advertising in print, television, radio and digital media, the campaign also includes the recruitment and training of nearly 100 election ambassadors who have volunteered to carry forward the election integrity message through social media channels and speaking engagements around the county. A companion website, www.secure-election.org, has also been launched, which includes a comprehensive collection of videos, fact sheets, Q&As and social media graphics illustrating how Contra Costa County protects its elections. All this is complemented by opportunities for the public to observe election activities and the county’s award-winning Certified Election Observer program.

“While trust in Contra Costa County elections is high, we’re facing a growing tide of mis- and disinformation that confuses voters and undermines the legitimacy of our elections,” said Kruger. “This voter education campaign fights those myths with solid facts and information, equipping volunteers in our community with a host of tools to help put the real story out there about how safe elections are.”

Contra Costa County was one of 10 election divisions nationwide to be awarded a grant to improve its election processes and chose to pilot this voter education work. The ambitious and robust campaign is expected to reach every resident of the county multiple times and in different ways, hammering home the many steps and precautions in place to ensure only eligible voters vote, that every legitimate vote is counted, and that the county’s election system is secure from fraud. The campaign is predicated on transparency, inviting the public to look more closely at how elections are handled and the exhaustive efforts to protect them.

The first wave of election integrity advertising will run June – July and a second wave will run September – October. These advertisements will coincide with the ambassador’s social media efforts and speaking engagements. Any organization interested in scheduling an ambassador speaking engagement can email info@contracostavote.org. For more information about the campaign and election security, visit secure-election.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

New Contra Costa County Superior Court Judge Michael Nieto. Photo source: Office of the Governor of California

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, his appointment of 15 Superior Court Judges, which include one in Contra Costa County; two in Los Angeles County; one in Marin County; one in Napa County; one in Riverside County; one in Sacramento County; three in San Diego County; one in San Francisco County; two in San Joaquin County; one in San Mateo County; and one in Santa Clara County.

Michael Nieto, of Contra Costa County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Contra Costa County Superior Court. Nieto has served as an Assistant District Attorney at the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office since 2022 and has been a Deputy District Attorney there since 1997.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Nieto worked in private practice as an associate attorney for McCutcheon Doyle Brown & Enersen from June 1994 to Dec. 1996 and earned a Bachelors of Arts in Government from Harvard University.

He has served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of California College of the Law (formerly Hastings), San Francisco since 2013. Nieto earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Clare Maier. Nieto is a Democrat.

The annual compensation for each of the judicial positions is $238,479.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

“Countdown to 150” kickoff event includes Regenerations Classic Car & Motorcycle Show

Get ready to step back in time for this ‘Countdown to 150’ kickoff event, the first in a 2024-2028 series celebrating Byron’s Sesquicentennial! (150th birthday).

Explore and ride old trains, trolleys, and horse drawn carriages, vintage autos and bikes, too, stroll along a treasure trove of antique and vintage finds on Main Street, Byron.

• Trains, Trolleys & Carriages!
• Taste of Byron – Food, Wine, Spirits & Agriculture showcase
• Live Music & Entertainment on two stages (at each end of the event),
• Antique & Vintage Dealers & Vendors…from far and wide
• Byron Classics Car Show – A Hot August Nights Grand Champion Qualifying Event!)
• BEAR Leighton BBQ Cookoff!
• Mechanical Bull Riding!
• BEST OF BYRON PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS 4PM @ ROADHOUSE GRILL.

There is something for everyone at the Byron Railtown Festival!

Join us for a day filled with nostalgia, unique pieces, and maybe even a few hidden gems. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to add a touch of history to your collection and your appreciation of this fine community.

This event is FREE to attend and 100% of funds derived go directly to the Byron Community. Please refer to the Byron Library Foundation to advocate for a project you’d like to see funded!

For more information click, here.

See the film, hear from and meet the actors; tickets on sale July 26

Walnut Creek native, former Antioch resident is a producer of the tour

By Allen D. Payton

Cast members from the classic baseball movie “The Sandlot”, known to be one of the most famous of all time, are coming to Walnut Creek, California on Saturday, August 24th, 2024. 30 years after The Sandlot’s 1993 debut, a few of those former kids, now men in their 40s, are celebrating the film’s lasting power and its devoted fans.

Featuring Tom “smalls” Guiry, Chauncey “squints” Leopardi, Marty “yeah yeah” York, and possibly others of the original cast will be in person to watch the film that found its way into so many baseball fans’ hearts.

After the movie the cast will describe events and activities while on the set as well as tell anecdotes of their experiences, behind-the-scenes stories and why it is still a great memory to them. The audience will also be engaged in an interaction for a question-and-answer session with the cast members. VIP ticket holders will have the opportunity to meet personally with the cast members and get pictures and autographs with them.

Andrew Lenz, of NuWorlds Productions, is one of the producers of the Sandlot Anniversary Tour and is excited to bring it to his hometown area.

“I was born and grew up in Walnut Creek and Antioch so this area means a lot to me,” he said.

Lenz graduated from Las Lomas High School in 1984.

“My parents moved then to Antioch,” he shared. “I went to college at Diablo Valley and worked in San Francisco so at the time I had to drive to Concord to catch BART and then to Antioch every day for two years. So, I remember what it was like back then and how it has changed since!”

He was an actor and actually performed years ago in the same theater where this performance will be held.

“So, it is very nostalgic for me,” Lenz added.

About the tour, the St. Louis Post Dispatch wrote, “THANKS to the boys of summer – nine wonderful child actors – and a sweetly nostalgic story well told by writer-director David Mickey Evans, The Sandlot is a winner.”

The 30th Anniversary Tour lands at the Lesher Center for the Arts at 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek and tickets go on sale to the public July 26th. Special Presale access available to those who sign up at: https://www.hollywoodonbroadway.com/sandlotwalnutcreek

At Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez

By Contra Costa Health

Children and adolescents having psychiatric emergencies will have their own standalone 24/7 behavioral health crisis stabilization space in Contra Costa County starting Monday, June 24.

The new Contra Costa Youth Stabilization Unit will serve people ages 6-17 for the first 24 hours of a diagnosed psychiatric emergency when they are considered a danger to themselves or others.

Until now, youth in the county experiencing psychiatric emergencies were treated alongside adults in the Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) unit at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center. Children and teens will now be able to receive developmentally appropriate emergency psychiatric care in a dedicated space designed for pediatric patients that is separate from the adult PES.

“This is a huge step forward for mental healthcare for youth in our community,” said Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Chair Federal Glover. “Having a dedicated standalone space for children and adolescents will provide our kids with a more safe, secure and therapeutic environment to help them heal.”

The Youth Stabilization Unit, located at 25 Allen Street next to the Miller Wellness Center, will be able to serve up to eight minors at a time. In 2023, there were 1,072 admissions for pediatric psychiatric patients at the PES unit. The majority of those admitted were adolescents and young teens who presented with depression and suicidal ideation or intent.

Contra Costa Health has contracted with Pacific Clinics to staff the new unit. Care teams will include psychiatrists, registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, licensed psychiatric technicians, clinicians and crisis intervention specialists. Services will include crisis intervention, mental health assessment, medication assistance, therapy, alcohol and drug screening, case management and peer support.

The program is designed to provide a calming and welcoming environment to support mental wellness. The goal is to stabilize the unit’s patients and connect them with mental health services without requiring inpatient hospitalization, although, when clinically appropriate, inpatient care may still be recommended.

Many children and adolescents suffering mental health crises are either hospitalized or arrested, which can be even further destabilizing. Having a team of mental health professionals available to provide crisis stabilization at the new facility will help divert youth from unnecessary encounters with law enforcement or visits to hospital emergency rooms.

“The new Crisis Stabilization Unit will give youth experiencing a behavioral health crisis compassionate care tailored to their needs,” said Suzanne Tavano, Behavioral Health director for Contra Costa Health. “It is going to be a tremendous resource for our community.”

“Our team’s primary goals are to provide support and safety to these young individuals in a time of crisis,” said Mary Sheppard, regional executive director for Pacific Clinics. “We will be a therapeutic, landing spot for them and aim to instill in them the belief that there is hope beyond this moment.”