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Officials, firefighters push in the new tiller truck at Con Fire’s Station 92 in Brentwood on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Photos: (left) Con Fire (right) courtesy of Brian Oftedal
Celebrated during “push-in” ceremony
By Allen D. Payton
Con Fire shared on their Facebook page on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, “In case you missed it! Last week, Contra Costa Fire pushed in not one, but TWO new tillers! Station 92 in Brentwood received a brand-new Pierce 100′ Heavy Duty Tiller.
This fire truck is capable of a 100-foot vertical reach, can support 1000 GPM @ 100 PSI, has 600 horsepower, and has a Cummins X15 engine!”
Station 81 in Antioch also received a new tiller truck. (See related article)
Known as a “push-in ceremony” the event was attended by Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis, Brentwood Vice Mayor Susannah Meyer, Councilmembers Jovita Mendoza and Tony Oerlemans, Contra Costa County Fire Commissioner Brian Oftedahl, and Con Fire Chaplain Fr. Robert Rein. They and several firefighters helped push the truck into the station.
A fire truck push-in ceremony is a long-standing tradition in the fire service. It dates back to the days of horse-drawn equipment when firefighters had to physically push the equipment back into the station after returning from a call.
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Station-92-tiller-1024x683.jpg)
Deputy Chief Aaron McAlister speaks as the Station 92 crew listens during the push-in ceremony. Photo: Con Fire
Burgis wrote on her official Facebook page wrote, – Celebrating the push-in ceremony for the newest apparatus at Fire Station 92 in Brentwood this morning. This $2 million…heavy duty tiller is now ready for use by the crew of Station 92 to protect the community. Thanks to Con Fire leadership, Con Fire Commissioners Mark DeMarce and Brian Oftedal, and Brentwood Councilmembers Jovita Mendoza, Susannah Meyer and Tony Oerlemans for prioritizing fire protection in Brentwood and throughout Contra Costa County.
According to firesafetysupport.com, Tiller Trucks are the most common and versatile fire trucks. They have a large scoop that can be used to pull water from a hose and transport it to the fire scene. They are also equipped with a ladder that can be used to reach high spots or rescue people trapped in a burning building.
Oftedahl wrote on his official Facebook page wrote about the ceremony – Another incredibly historic event in the City of Brentwood this morning. Brentwood now has its first ever aerial ladder truck, providing service to the businesses and residents of East Contra Costa County.
I feel honored to be part of the push in ceremony for Truck 92 and look forward to watching them serve our communities.”
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Phone lines down twice in June due to theft of copper cables affecting Pinole, Hercules and San Pablo Police, some city departments
Calls continue to be answered by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office
Third arrest for Daniel Mena-Diaz this year; third suspect still at large
By Commander Matt Avery, Pinole Police Department
At approximately 7:20 PM on Saturday, June 22nd, our Communications Center was alerted to a disruption in our 911 and business lines. Our dedicated communications staff promptly reached out to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, swiftly rerouting our 911 calls to their communications center. Simultaneously, our patrol units were dispatched to the area where the previous copper cable theft occurred on June 4th, which led to the disabling of our 911 and business lines. Upon arrival, three male subjects, in defiance of officers’ orders, fled into an open field toward a residential area.
Our officers established a perimeter with the assistance of Hercules officers. Recognizing the need for additional resources, they requested the aid of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office helicopter and a canine unit. This joint effort led to the successful apprehension of two suspects, with the third remaining at large. A thorough search of the scene revealed tools used for cutting copper cables, and one of the suspects was found in possession of such tools upon arrest.
The suspects are Jesus Arias-Ayala, a 31-year-old male out of Hayward, and Daniel Mena-Diaz, a 49-year-old male out of Richmond. Officers questioned both and they were later booked at the Martinez Detention Facility on the following charges:
- Jesus Francisco Arias-Ayala: felony vandalism and damaging telephone lines
- Daniel Antonio Mena-Diaz: felony vandalism, damaging telephone lines, and violation of probation
That same day, a message to the public was posted on the Pinole PD’s Facebook page reading, “Our phone lines are still down. AT&T is working on restoring service but we do not have an estimated time.
In the interim:
- Emergencies: call 911 and the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office will transfer the call to Pinole Dispatch for police emergencies
- Non-emergencies: call 510-724-1111 or 510-900-4246 to be connected to Pinole Dispatch
- Records: call 510-914-0375 or email pdrecords@ci.pinole.ca.us
Additionally, many lines are down throughout the other City departments. Please visit: www.ci.pinole.ca.us for email contact information.”
Then, a week later on June 11th, a message was posted on the department’s Facebook, “911 PHONE LINE HAS BEEN RESTORED
911 service has been restored to the Pinole Dispatch Center. 911 calls in the cities of Pinole, Hercules, and San Pablo are being answered by our dispatchers.
The 911 and business phone outage was the result of two incidents where multiple phone cables were cut and stolen for their copper content. City staff has been working with AT&T and CalOES since the thefts to restore 911 service as well as establish temporary phone lines. City staff will continue to work with AT&T and third-party vendors to restore full telephone to all City departments.
Some Pinole and Hercules community members with traditional landline service also remain affected by the outage.”
Then in a post on the Pinole PD’s Facebook page on Saturday, June 22, the public was informed, “Our 911 and non-emergency lines are down again. The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office is answering 911 calls and transferring the calls to our Dispatch Center, which is operating on a secondary phone system.
For Emergencies
-Call 911: will be answered by CCCSO and forwarded to our Dispatch Center
-Text 911: will be answered by our Dispatch Center.”
Then, in a Facebook post on Wednesday morning, June 25, the public was informed by Pinole PD, “Our phone lines remain down. The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office is answering 911 calls and transferring the calls to our Dispatch Center, which continues to operate on a secondary phone system. We have restored our 510-724-1111 line but our main business line, 510-724-8950, remains down.” Alternate contact information was also provided.
911 calls for Pinole, Hercules and San Pablo continue to be answered by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and transferred to our Communication Center.
- For emergencies, call or text 911 (text-to-911 is direct to the Pinole Communication Center)
- For non-emergencies, call 510-724-1111 or 510-900-4246
- For Pinole Records: call 510-588-1226
- Please visit https://tinyurl.com/3apnxxen for other Police Department contact information
Several business lines for other City departments are also down. For contact information for other City departments, please visit www.pinole.gov/contact/contact_us.
The incident is still under investigation, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Pinole Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 510-724-111.
According to localcrimenews.com, this was the third arrest for Mena-Diaz this year, including on March 4th for warrants or holds and on May 8th for possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. He was also arrested in March 2023 for grand theft of lost property, obstructing or resisting an executive officer, and in November 2020 for trespassing.
According to localcrimenews.com, Arias-Ayala was also arrested in July 2023 by Emeryville PD for petty theft.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreOne stop for your county service needs
Presented by Contra Costa Health Services in collaboration with the City of Richmond
Join us for Contra Costa County’s 6th Annual Summer Block Party where residents can make one stop for their county service needs from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, at 440 Civic Center Plaza, 27th and Nevin Streets in Richmond.
Public parking is available on Nevin Street at 27th Street. In collaboration with the City of Richmond, the County is hosting this family-friendly event where community members can conveniently connect with County and City staff and get support handling their important tasks.
“We are excited to bring this community event back to Richmond to serve our West County residents where they live,” said District I Supervisor John Gioia. “Residents will have a unique opportunity to access multiple services in one location, making it easier to take care of their county needs as well as enjoy an afternoon at this family-friendly community event.”
Contra Costa residents can connect with services outside of regular business hours. These include registering to vote, getting copies of vital records, applying for Veterans Benefits, CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or other programs. The Contra Costa County Library will present a live story time and have its Rolling Reader on site. The City of Richmond Fire Department will also roll in its fire truck. Plus, there will be Zumba by Rosa and several other community organizations sharing information and services.
Community members can enjoy a festive gathering, plus receive on-the-spot services and information from departments and programs such as Contra Costa Health, CONFIRE, Community Warning System, Public Works, Probation, District Attorney’s Office, and many more.
Contra Costa County has hosted this increasingly popular event since 2017. This is the sixth Block Party, which rotates to a different County location each year to provide opportunities for County staff to engage with community members across the County and make services more accessible to all.
2024 Summer Block Party
Thursday, June 27, 4 to 7 p.m.
Civic Center Plaza, 27th and Nevin St., Richmond
Contra Costa County, in partnership with the City of Richmond, brings its annual Block Party to West County. Avoid having to make multiple stops to government offices or wait in long lines to take care of important tasks. Instead, bring the family and just stop by the County Services Summer Block Party!
Contra Costa County, the Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department, the Employment & Human Services Department, the County Library and County Public Works along with the City of Richmond are collaborating to provide a fun, festive event that offers a wide variety of on-the-spot government services at one single location. This will be the sixth year of the increasingly popular event, providing opportunities throughout the County to learn what’s available to you as a Contra Costa County resident.
Available services at the Summer Block Party include:
Sign-ups for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and CalWorks, information about childcare and preschool options, Records within Reach from Clerk-Recorder’s Office, Library Card Signups, Voter Registration, Clean Slate Program information, Contra Costa Television (CCTV) — and many more County programs.
County Departments Providing Services and Information
Clerk-Recorder-Elections
Contra Costa County Library
Employment & Human Services
Health Services
Probation
Public Works
Office of Communications and Media & Contra Costa Television
Join us for raffles, prizes, story time and MORE!
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Federal investigation found housekeeping company restricted nursing home housekeeper from speaking Spanish
En Español, tambien
By Christopher Green, Deputy Director, EEOC San Francisco District Office
SAN FRANCISCO – Healthcare Services Group, Inc., which provides housekeeping and other services to healthcare facilities with 35,000 employees in 48 states, agreed to provide monetary and injunctive relief to an employee following an investigation by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency announced today.
In a charge filed with EEOC, a woman employed as a “light housekeeper” at a nursing home facility in Concord, California, alleged that Healthcare Services Group prohibited her from speaking her native language of Spanish while in the workplace. The EEOC’s investigation found evidence confirming that her employer maintained a limited “English-only” rule. If applied at all times in the workplace or unless justified by business necessity, this type of policy violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on national origin.
After the investigation, the parties engaged in a pre-litigation conciliation process resulting in a settlement. Healthcare Services Group will pay monetary damages to the housekeeper and will provide training for all California employees as well as separate training for all California managers and human resources personnel. The company also agreed to revise its California policies and procedures to include a clear statement that Healthcare Services Group will not restrict languages spoken by employees not performing patient care, and that employees have the right to speak their preferred language in the workplace. These policies will be issued in English, Spanish and any other language spoken by 5% or more of its California workforce. In addition, the company agreed to remove English fluency requirements from the light housekeeper job description, and to post a notice of the agreement for a period of two years.
“Restrictive language policies are only allowed if they are required to ensure safe or efficient business operation and is put in place for nondiscriminatory reasons. Client relations and customer preference do not justify discriminatory policies,” said Rosa Salazar, acting director of the EEOC’s Oakland Local Office. “We commend Healthcare Services Group for making important changes in their policies and training their entire California workforce to recognize and prevent this form of national origin discrimination.”
For more information on national origin discrimination, please visit https://www.eeoc.gov/national-origin-discrimination. For related resources for small businesses, please visit https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/small-business-fact-sheet-national-origin-discrimination.
The EEOC advances opportunity in the workplace by enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. More information is available at www.eeoc.gov. Stay connected with the latest EEOC news by subscribing to our email updates.
Grupo de Servicios de Atención Médica Resolverá el Cargo de Discriminación por Nacionalidad de la EEOC
La Investigación Federal Encontró a la Empresa de Limpieza de Restringir a sus Empleados a Hablar Español
SAN FRANCISCO – Healthcare Services Group, Inc., que brinda servicios de limpieza y otros servicios a centros de atención médica y emplea a 35,000 empleados en 48 estados, acordó pagar $15,000 y brindar otras medidas cautelares a un empleado luego de una investigación realizada por la Comisión de Igualdad de Oportunidades en el Empleo de EE. UU. (EEOC), anunció hoy la agencia.
En un cargo presentado ante la EEOC, una mujer, empleada como “simple limpieza” en un asilo de ancianos en Concord, California, alegó que Healthcare Services Group le prohibió hablar su idioma nativo, el español, mientras estaba en su centro de trabajo. La investigación de la EEOC encontró evidencia que confirma que su empleador mantenía una regla limitada de “solo inglés”. Aplicándose esto en todo momento en el centro de labores o a menos que esté justificado por una necesidad comercial, este tipo de política viola el Título VII de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, que prohíbe la discriminación basada en la nacionalidad.
Luego de la investigación, las partes iniciaron un proceso de conciliación previo al litigio que resultó en un acuerdo. Healthcare Services Group pagará una indemnización monetaria al ama de llaves y brindará capacitación a todos los empleados de California, así como capacitación separada para todos los gerentes y personal de recursos humanos de California. La compañía también acordó revisar sus políticas y procedimientos de California para incluir una declaración clara de que Healthcare Services Group no restringirá los idiomas hablados por los empleados que no atienden a pacientes y que los empleados tienen derecho a hablar su idioma de su preferencia en el centro de labor. Estas políticas se emitirán en inglés, español y cualquier otro idioma hablado por el 5% o más de su personal en California. Además, la empresa acordó eliminar los requisitos de fluidez en inglés de la descripción del puesto de simple limpieza y publicar un aviso del acuerdo por un período de dos años.
“Las políticas lingüísticas restrictivas sólo se permiten si estas son necesarias para garantizar una operación comercial segura o eficiente y se implementan por razones no discriminatorias. Las relaciones con los clientes y las preferencias de los mismos no justifican políticas discriminatorias”, dijo Rosa Salazar, directora interina de la Oficina Local de Oakland de la EEOC. “Felicitamos a Healthcare Services Group por realizar cambios importantes en sus políticas y capacitar a toda su fuerza laboral de California para reconocer y prevenir esta forma de discriminación por nacionalidad”.
Para obtener más información sobre la discriminación por nacionalidad, visite https://www.eeoc.gov/es/discriminacion-por-origen-nacional. Para obtener recursos relacionados para pequeñas empresas, visite https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/small-business-fact-sheet-national-origin-discrimination (en inglés).
La EEOC promueve las oportunidades en el lugar de trabajo al hacer cumplir las leyes federales que prohíben la discriminación laboral. Más información está disponible en https://www.eeoc.gov/es. Manténgase conectado con las últimas noticias de la EEOC suscribiéndose a nuestras actualizaciones por correo electrónico .
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Of 11,946 Contra Costa County employees, Administrator highest paid at $494,001
SACRAMENTO — State Controller Malia M. Cohen has released the 2023 self-reported payroll data for cities and counties on the Government Compensation in California website. The data covers 517,358 positions and a total of more than $40.72 billion in 2023 wages.
Users of the site can:
- View compensation levels on maps and search by region;
- Narrow results by name of the entity or by job title; and
- Export raw data or custom reports.
The newly published data includes 462 cities and 52 counties. The City of Hayward had the highest average city employee wage in California, followed by Atherton, Pleasant Hill, and Beverly Hills. The counties with the highest average employee wages were Alameda, Contra Costa, Napa, Monterey, and Ventura. The city employee with the highest total wages in California was a police officer for the City of Santa Monica, while the top 20 highest-paid county employees work in health care professions.
Data for Contra Costa County show 11,946 employees worked sometime during the year and were paid $1,137,258,564 in wages and $470,014,925 in retirement and health contribution. The highest paid employee was the County Administrator with $494,001 total pay, which included $466,378 in regular pay, $20,423 in lump sum payment, described as paid to the employee for one-time cash-outs (including, but not limited to, paid excess vacation and sick leave, and legal settlements), and $7,200 for other pay, described as any other pay not reported as regular pay, overtime pay, or lump-sum pay such as car allowances, meeting stipends, incentive pay, bonus pay, etc.
California law requires cities, counties, and special districts to annually report compensation data to the State Controller. The State Controller also maintains and publishes state and CSU salary data. Five counties and 20 cities failed to file or provided incomplete or late information. San Francisco is both a city and a county; the website reports San Francisco as a city.
Since the website launched in 2010, State Controller’s Office has published pay and benefit information on more than two million government jobs in California, as reported annually by each entity.
As the chief fiscal officer of California, Controller Cohen is responsible for accountability and disbursement of the state’s financial resources. The Controller has independent auditing authority over government agencies that spend state funds. She is a member of numerous financing authorities, and fiscal and financial oversight entities including the Franchise Tax Board. She also serves on the boards for the nation’s two largest public pension funds. Follow the Controller on X at @CAController and on Facebook at California State Controller’s Office.
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By Clint Elsholz, Superintendent, Diablo Range District, CA State Parks
California State Parks, in partnership with the California State Parks Foundation, Mount Diablo Cyclists, and community donors, began construction on June 3, on 22 new bike turnouts at Mount Diablo State Park (SP). Once completed, these new turnouts will bring the total turnouts in the park to 67. Turnouts allow bicyclists, who move at slower speeds as they pedal uphill, to pull out of the main traffic lane into their own lane so that vehicles can pass safely.
“State Parks is very excited to implement these critical safety measures with our partners,” said Diablo Range District Superintendent Clint Elsholz. “Each turnout can provide our visitors with a safer and more enjoyable park experience.”
Project construction is expected to be completed by fall 2024. Here is what the public can expect during construction:
- The three park roads receiving new turnouts (South Gate Road, Summit Road and North Gate Road) will be closed on weekdays, from 8 a.m. on Monday through 2 p.m. on Friday. The park will be fully open on the weekends during the project.
- This work will be done in three phases, with the first phase beginning on June 3, on South Gate Road. Southgate Road will remain closed on weekdays for approximately five weeks until the project moves to Summit Road and then to North Gate Road.
- Vehicles, bicyclists, equestrians, and hikers will be prohibited on the closed roads until the project is completed.
- Camping will only be allowed on Friday and Saturday nights in campgrounds along closed roads.
- All trails and fire roads will remain open throughout the project.
At the completion of this important road safety project, California State Parks and its partners will plan a celebration event to commemorate these safety improvements and recognize contributors to the project. Road closures updates and celebration event information will be provided at parks.ca.gov/MountDiablo.
Public safety at this popular destination remains a priority for State Parks. Over the past few years, several safety enhancements have been implemented, such as double yellow line striping on the roads, designating passing areas, repaving portions of the road, improving safety signage, and installing designated bike turnouts. To date, State Parks has installed 45 bike turnouts at Mount Diablo SP. Along South Gate Road, there are a total of 17 turnouts, 16 along North Gate Road, and 12 along Summit Road.
Visitors to Mount Diablo SP are encouraged to share the road. Here are some tips to keep your visit safe and enjoyable:
All Users
- Check the weather, bring water, and wear layers.
- Don’t forget sunscreen.
- Obey park rules.
- Park in designated areas.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you plan on returning.
- Help us keep animals wild by viewing them from a safe distance. Do not touch or feed them.
Drivers and Cyclists
- Observe posted speed limits.
- Stay in your lane on blind curves and do not cut corners.
- Do not pass on double yellow lines and until you have a clear view of oncoming traffic, and it is safe to do so.
- Wearing headphones that cover both ears is illegal. Wear only one headphone if you must.
Hikers
- Use the “buddy system” – hike with a friend or family member.
- Drink and carry plenty of water (a minimum of 1 quart every 2 hours).
- Wear sturdy, comfortable, closed-toe shoes to help prevent injury.
- Stay within designated trails. Do not walk off-trail or enter closed areas.
Equestrian Riders
- Check the weather, bring water, and know where to find water. Bring snacks for you and your horse.
- Know your level. Trails can be beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
- Groom and condition your horse before leaving the barn.
- Bring your own first aid kit and cell phone. Attach it to your body, not your horse or saddle.
- Ride with a buddy.
- Wear a helmet and protective clothing.
- Carry a compass and a trail map.
- Although the rule is that cyclists and hikers yield to horses, be prepared for that not to happen.
- If your horse kicks, tie something red in its tail.
- Make sure to leave enough distance between horses. You should be able to see the hooves of the horse in front of you.
For detailed information on Mount Diablo State Park, please visit parks.ca.gov/MountDiablo.
California State Parks 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.
Read More![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Cal-Maritime-photo-school-seals-Neil-Sterud-1024x768.png)
California State University Maritime Academy, aka Cal Maritime, may be merging with California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, aka Cal Poly SLO. Photo by Neil Sterud
By Neil Sterud
The Spring 2024 semester at California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime) has been marked by regular sessions inviting all interested parties to propose ideas for institutional improvement and cost-saving measures. Students have been kept well-informed about the institution’s state through regular emails, fostering a sense of community and transparency.
In a significant development, the Chancellor’s Office has recommended the integration of Cal Maritime with California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO). This proposal, if approved by the CSU Board of Trustees, aims to address Cal Maritime’s financial and enrollment challenges. Interim President Michael J. Dumont, J.D., shared the news with the Cal Maritime community, highlighting the potential benefits of this integration for advancing the educational mission of both institutions, increasing enrollment, and safeguarding critical academic programs.
The proposed integration is seen as a strategic response to the fiscal crisis and declining enrollment, which Cal Maritime has been grappling with. Over the past seven years, enrollment has decreased by 31%, from 1,107 students in 2016 to just over 750 in 2023. The financial instability has reached a point where further budget reductions risk compromising Cal Maritime’s unique educational mission. President Dumont noted, “Our ability to obtain additional permanent funding in an amount sufficient to make a marked impact is impossible given the current budget environment.”.
Despite the challenges, the integration with Cal Poly SLO is viewed as a promising opportunity. Cal Poly SLO, with its renowned engineering programs and dynamic enrollment management capabilities, was chosen due to its programmatic similarities with Cal Maritime. The integration is expected to enhance the core educational missions of both institutions, providing greater stability and creating more opportunities for students. It will also allow for increased research opportunities and the potential to compete for greater federal funding in areas such as national security and renewable energy.
However, it is important to acknowledge that most mergers fail to achieve their objectives. The success of this integration will depend on careful planning and execution, along with the active involvement and support of all stakeholders. As President Dumont emphasized, “The integration will allow both institutions to fully leverage our mutual strengths and build upon similarities, including a shared foundation in applied learning.”
The CSU Board of Trustees will consider the proposed integration at their meetings in July and September, with a final vote expected in November 2024. If approved, the integration would begin in July 2025, with the first maritime academy students enrolling as Cal Poly SLO students in fall 2026.
Despite these financial difficulties, Cal Maritime consistently ranks as a top university for return on investment and high-paying jobs. As the institution approaches this critical juncture, the community’s involvement and input will be essential in shaping a sustainable and successful future. The regular sessions held during the spring semester have set the stage for an inclusive and collaborative process, ensuring that the voices of students, faculty, staff, and alumni are heard and considered in this transformative journey.
Assemblywoman Wilson Supportive of Merger
On June 6, Assemblywoman Lori Wilson who represents the 11th Assembly District, which includes Vallejo, released the following statement regarding the CSU Chancellor’s proposal to integrate Cal Maritime in Vallejo with Cal Poly SLO:
“The recent news of California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime) integrating into California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is a significant development for our community. My office will be closely monitoring the details of this proposal and will remain actively engaged. We encourage the community and stakeholders to vet this proposal as well. My primary concerns are ensuring that administrators, faculty, and students are well taken care of and preserving Cal Maritime as a beacon of excellence in our community.
While this proposed transition on the surface may not be ideal, it may be necessary to prevent Cal Maritime’s closure, which would be a huge loss for our community. I am optimistic that changing the university’s administrative structure and integrating it with a renowned CSU campus will allow Cal Maritime to thrive well into the future. We, as a community, must remain vigilant to ensure this process of integration is transparent and meets the needs of our community.”
Neil Sterud is an Antioch resident and a senior at Cal Maritime.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreFor 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.
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![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/DBW-CVA-grants-collage.jpg)
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.
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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.
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