By Allen D. Payton
07/22/23 UPDATE #2: According to Jimmy Lee, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office Director of Public Affairs, “On Friday, July 21, 2023, at about 1:51 PM, deputy sheriffs from the Marine Patrol Unit were dispatched to assist the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and the United States Coast Guard with searching for a missing boater who was apparently trying to push his 20-foot vessel to shore near the Fulton Shipyard on the San Joaquin River. The U.S. Coast Guard and Sheriff’s Office drone team were also involved in the search. The missing boater, who is not being identified at this time, was not located. The Marine Patrol Unit will continue the search today.”
07/22/23 UPDATE #1: According to Coast Guard Public Affairs Specialist Schnabel, “We suspended the search after searching until around 7:30 pm. One man had fallen overboard from a recreational boat and the other man jumped in after him attempting to get him out of the water leaving the vessel unmanned. Neither had life jackets. One man was recovered by a Good Samaritan and taken to a local boat ramp.”
———————-
A helicopter could be seen flying over the river and Waldie Plaza along the Antioch waterfront Friday afternoon. According to Con Fire PIO Steve Hill, “We responded in the noon hour to reports of a 55-year-old man in the water. In spite of searches by us, Sheriff’s Office Marine program and the Coast Guard we were unable to locate him. We are clearing at this hour, the Coast Guard remains on scene.”
As of 4:25 PM Coast Guard 11th District Public Affairs Specialist Hunter Schnabel said, “the search is ongoing for a male. We received a report from another male who was swimming with him after he got back to shore and called in a panic.”
“We have Station Rio Vista and Air San Francisco’s MH65 Dolphins (helicopters) in the search,” he added.
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
Read MoreProjected to start in January 2024
By Timothy Leong, Director of Communications and Community Relations
At their July 12, 2023, Governing Board (Board) meeting, the Board announced their decision to move forward with the recruitment of a permanent Chancellor, and provided staff with direction to proceed with the recruitment process. The Board is committed to conducting an equitable, inclusive, and transparent search that is consistent with Board policies and district procedures, and that will attract outstanding candidates for this opportunity.
The Board’s goal is to complete the search process and announce the new Chancellor by December 2023, with a start date of January 2024.
“We look forward to the recruitment of our permanent Chancellor,” said Board President Fernando Sandoval. “I join my fellow trustees in welcoming our students, constituency groups, and community’s involvement on choosing the District’s next leader who is equipped to carry on our legacy of affordable and high quality higher education.”
The last chancellor, Dr. Bryan Reece, held the position for just 14 months. He was hired by the board in October 2020, started his tenure in November 2020, placed on paid leave in September 2021 and resigned in February 2022.
Executive Vice Chancellor of Education and Technology Mojdeh Mehdizadeh has been serving as acting chancellor.
Progress reports and updates will be posted on the District website at www.4cd.edu.
For more details about this search, contact Dr. Micaela Ochoa at mochoa@4cd.edu.
About 4CD
The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California. The 4CD serves 1.2 million residents, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. 4CD is home to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College with campuses in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon, and Los Medanos College with campuses in Pittsburg and Brentwood. The District headquarters is located in downtown Martinez. Each college is individually accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. For more information visit http://www.4cd.edu.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreBy The Streets of Brentwood
Perfect for boaters
The Pittsburg Seafood & Music Festival is excited to announce a novel, immersive experience for this year’s attendees: the Marina Experience Package. The event will be held Saturday and Sunday, September 9 and 10.
In homage to our city’s maritime roots and our commitment to innovating the festival experience, we’re introducing the Marina Experience Package – a unique, enhanced experience for our sea-loving festival-goers.
The package includes a designated docking space at the local marina, a convenient shuttle service to and from the festival grounds, a custom festival burgee, and a curated welcome package filled with festival goodies.
“Our goal is to offer festival-goers a truly immersive and memorable experience. With the Marina Experience Package, attendees can not only savor the seafood and music but also revel in our beautiful marina which is such a crucial part of our city,” says Wolfgang Croskey, Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce CEO.
This initiative underscores our commitment to creating unique, diverse, and inclusive experiences for all attendees. The Pittsburg Seafood & Music Festival continues to innovate and evolve, establishing itself as a must-visit event in the Bay Area’s festival scene.
For more information about the Marina Package and to purchase tickets, visit www.pittsburgseafoodandmusicfestival.com. About the Pittsburg Seafood & Music Festival
The Pittsburg Seafood & Music Festival is an annual event held in Pittsburg, CA, celebrating the city’s maritime history, local seafood, and diverse musical acts. The festival aims to foster community spirit, promote local businesses, and provide a platform for local artists and musicians.
Read MoreParade, live music and dancing, boat show, pie eating contest, 5K and rubber duckie races, dog show, Kids Zone, food trucks, vendor booths and more!
Bethel Island presents their 2nd Annual Boats & Berries Music Festival this weekend, Saturday and Sunday July 22nd and 23rd.
The days starts off with opening ceremonies with our Military Color Guard and National Anthem sung by Zena Jean. Bethel Island will have a huge downtown parade that is filled with our locals’ decorated golf carts, our military, horses, dogs, Brentwood FFA, dancers, musicians and more!
OTHER FEATURED EVENTS THROUGHT THE WEEKEND
-Live Music with Mama Faxxy and The Gypsy Rebels, Freeway Rock Band and Zena Jean performs with the band Weekend at Jimmy’s! ♥️
INSIDE SCOUT HALL – Michael acoustic shows!
-Boat Show! -Catfish Races are back! -Manpowered Boat Race – Rusty Porthole -Berry Pie Eating Contest! -Rubber Duckie Races! -Karaoke -Line Dancing
– Fun and Educational Kids Zone! -Dog Show! -Local Businesses and Vendor Booths! -Adult Refreshments/Goodies Garden! -Food Trucks too!
SUNDAY – Bethel Breakfast after our 5K Race and Boat Race leaving from The Rusty Porthole!
$600 plus Sponsors:
Rusty Porthole, Delta Coves, Reliable Automotive & Diesel Repair, Plumbtree Plumbing & Rooter, Boyd Real Estate, Scheer Security Alarm Systems, Inc.
Other Sponsors
The San Joaquin Yacht Club, Rusty Porthole, Delta Coves, Knightsen Saloon, Bethel Harbor,, Bethel Market, Black Bear Diner, French Flea #7, Will and Kathy Burns CA Mechanical, Reliable Automotive & Diesel Repair, Boyd Real Estate, Vintage Soul Boutique, Hurst Solar Panel Cleaning, Delta Sports Bar & Gateway Market, Plumbtree Plumbing and Rooter, Scheer Security Alarm Systems, Inc, Lindsay Decker Realtor with RE/Max Gold, Friendly Fire Systems, Inc, Island Cuts, Timothy McDonald, Bob Gerber, Scott and Kim, Linda Nash, Anthony Banks, Straightline Painting, Good Scents Florist, Ted and Geri Alesna, Shannon & Kevin, Lori Castillo, Dorreen Oxford, Hal Hutchens, Ed Horn, Mark and Sue Stas.
For more information visit the event’s Facebook page.
Read More“…with a heavy heart” his last day will be August 11th; while 35 officers on paid leave due to two investigations
By Allen D. Payton
With rumors beginning to circulate in the community Antioch Police Chief Steve Ford announced his retirement on Wednesday afternoon, July 19, 2023. His last day will be August 11th.
After less than nine months in his permanent position as the leader of the department, Ford wrote to his staff, “Dear members of the Antioch Police Department,
It is with a heavy heart that I forward this email to inform that I will be retiring as of August 11th. My time here has been both a tremendous opportunity and quite challenging. What is most meaningful to me are the relationships I have forged. I’m grateful for the way you embraced me and the changes we made.
I firmly believe with your help and determination this organization is poised to move forward in a very meaningful way and evolve where anyone would want to work.
It’s been my privilege to have worked with all of you.
Sincerely,
Steve”
——–
Although he had just started his tenure as interim police chief following a grand oath of office ceremony on April 27, 2022, Ford is named in a federal lawsuit regarding the Antioch officers’ racist text scandal which covered a time period ending that month. He is also scheduled to testify at a hearing this Friday, July 21, in a murder case involving four defendants whose attorneys claim officers violated their civil rights.
In addition, during their meeting on April 11, 2023, the council majority moved forward with an effort to directly hire the police chief instead of leaving it up to the city manager, as is done with all other department heads.
It will leave the City with an acting city manager, no assistant city manager, an acting public works director, currently no acting community development director as of Monday afternoon due to the departure of Forrest Ebbs last Friday, and no assistant city attorney. Unless the city council takes action to change who appoints the police chief, Acting City Manager Kwame Reed will be tasked with appointing an acting or interim chief. Captain Tony Morefield filled the position after former Chief Tammany Brooks left for a new job in Boise, Idaho in October 2021, until Ford came on board.
UPDATE 1: When reached for comment District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica said, “this took us all by surprise. I learned of it this evening. I’ve worked with the chief closely during the time he has been here. Now, that he has made his decision, what we need to do is regroup and talk about who to appoint as acting or interim chief. Kwame is going to need the support of the city council. We cannot be without a chief.”
UPDATE 2: Chief Ford Issues Statement to Community
The following press release was issued Wednesday night:
July 19, 2023 – Antioch, California
The Antioch Police Department announces the retirement of Chief Steven A. Ford effective August 11, 2023. The following is a statement from Chief Ford to the Antioch Community.
To the Antioch Community,
I am writing to inform you of my decision to retire from the Antioch Police Department as of August 11, 2023. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have served as your Chief. I have worked with some very talented and passionate people – it has been a great privilege to learn and grow from them.
I am proud of what we have accomplished and firmly believe the groundwork has been laid for organizational success. I know our work to align us with the tenants of Procedural Justice and Constitutional Policing will keep this Department headed in the right direction. I sincerely hope our engagement with the Community will continue and flourish.
I attribute our numerous accomplishments to support from the City Council, the tremendous Citizens of Antioch, and the talented members of this Police Department, who continue to embrace organizational changes with enthusiasm and dedication. Because of this, the Antioch Police Department has become more inclusive, equitable, and a better place to work.
Sincerely,
Steven A. Ford
Chief of Police
———-
Efforts to reach Ford for further comment and the other four council members for their responses were unsuccessful prior to publication Wednesday evening. Please check back later for any updates to this report.
Read More
By Supervisor John Gioia, District 1, Contra Costa County
Join us this Thursday evening to support Richmond Soccer Coordination Center’s “Girl Power” Initiative
Thrive Thursdays/Health 4 All at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park at 360 Harbor Way in Richmond from 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Únase a nosotros este jueves por la noche en MLK Jr. Park para apoyar la iniciativa “Girl Power” del Richmond Soccer Coordination Center
Thrive Thursdays/Health 4 All en Martin Luther King, Jr. Park en Richmond de 6:30 a 8:00 p.m.
This week, Thrive Thursdays welcomes Richmond Soccer Coordination Center’s efforts to uplift girls’ athletics in the East Bay.
Our growing weekly public health event, Thrive Thursday, is set for another boost as Richmond Soccer Coordination Center’s “Girl Power” initiative will join us on Thursday, July 20 at 6 pm for a press conference that coincides with the start of FIFA Women’s World Cup play!
Girl Power is a perfect message to add to Thrive Thursday’s call for supporting nutrition and fitness empowerment for all.
Supporting health for all means fighting to advance equity in everything we do, and equity and sports excellence is something that our Women’s National Soccer Team embodies.
Women’s soccer has grown into a global brand, but work remains at the community level to encourage girls and women to explore athletics. The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) recently added a women’s club in the Bay Area, called Bay FC. Oakland is also home to Oakland Soul SC, part of another professional league for the development and launch of women’s soccer in the United States.
For more information about this exciting event contact Tania Pulido in my office at (510) 942-2225 or Tania.pulido@bos.cccounty.us.
|
|
Read More
Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern Coastal California is proud to announce the winners of the annual regional competition including Flow Pro Plumbing.
The BBB is proud to announce this year’s Torch Awards for Ethics Winners! The Torch Awards for Ethics competition was created to honor businesses that demonstrate their commitment to trust and marketplace ethics, and the award embodies BBB’s mission to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. The Torch Awards are presented to businesses that strive to go above and beyond in their dealings with customers, employees, vendors and the community.
For-profit, 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) non-profit organizations of all sizes headquartered in the 13-county service area of BBB serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern Coastal California were invited to apply. BBB received entries from across the area and from various industries.
We are proud to announce the winners of the regional 2023 Torch Awards for Ethics. They include:
- Winner in Category 1 (1-10 Employees): Flow Pro Plumbing of Brentwood
- Winner in Category 2 (11-49 Employees): Done Right Security, Inc.
- Winner in Category 4 (100-499 Employees): Ambrose Solar
BBB is also recognizing and commending the finalists. Though their entries were not selected for an award, finalists are still recognized for demonstrating strong ethical business practices and being leaders in the community. There were two finalists in Category 1: Adom Manor Care Home and Armed Force Pest Control, Inc., and three finalists in Category 2: Arrow Ai, Pacific Bay Estates, and SFO Representatives, Inc.
“Torch Awards winners demonstrate the highest ethical standards of trust toward customers, employees and the communities in which they do business,” said Lori Wilson, President and CEO of BBB serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern Coastal California. “We are proud to present this prestigious award to these deserving businesses.”
Each business went through an application process to illustrate its commitment to ethics and community leadership. All applicants were encouraged to find examples of their organization’s practices that best exemplify each of the four criteria to be judged on: company, character, culture, and community services.
They were judged by an independent panel of judges consisting of community leaders and business owners in various industries.
Winners of the 2023 Torch Awards are now qualified to enter the 2023 International Torch Awards for Ethics. Presented annually since 1996, the International Torch Awards for Ethics honors companies who demonstrate best practices in leadership character and high standards of organizational ethics that benefits their customers, employees, suppliers, shareholders and communities. To enter the International Torch Award for Ethics, a business must first be a winner of their local BBB award program.
Thank you to all the businesses that applied to this year’s competition, and congratulations to the winners and finalists!
Read More
Community Outreach Musical
Come out and join us for a day of school supply giveaways, community unity with music and dance. Resource operations will also share information.
Sunday, August 6, 2023 3 – 6 p.m.
Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch
To reserve your free school supplies, please contact B.C.C. Ministries at (925) 350-0188 or bcc1781@gmail.com.
Read MoreIncluding Antioch, Richmond and Walnut Creek; severe heart attacks in Kaiser Nor Cal patients reduced by 72% using team-based, preventive approach
By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
The American Heart Association is recognizing 21 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals with awards for their commitment to delivering high-quality cardiac and stroke care that follows nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.
Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals receiving both the Get With The Guidelines®– Heart Failure and the Get With The Guidelines®– Stroke awards include Antioch, Fremont, Fresno, Modesto, Oakland, Redwood City, Richmond, Roseville, Sacramento, San Jose, San Leandro, San Rafael, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, South Sacramento, South San Francisco, Vacaville, Vallejo, and Walnut Creek. In addition, Kaiser Permanente Manteca received the Get With The Guidelines®– Heart Failure award and Kaiser Permanente San Francisco received the Get With The Guidelines®– Stroke award.
“This recognition is a tribute to the collective expertise of our physicians, nurses, and staff who provide comprehensive cardiac care and treatment for our patients and members,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “Our reduction in cardiovascular events continues to surpass the nation in quality outcomes, as our cardiologists, physicians, and care teams work across specialties and locations to consistently deliver the highest quality care to our patients and members, who are living longer and healthier lives as a result of these efforts.”
Kaiser Permanente Northern California caregivers have reduced severe heart attacks by 72% using a team-based, preventive approach, according to Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California Division of Research. Kaiser Permanente members are 33% less likely to experience premature death due to heart disease, Elizabeth A. McGlynn, PhD, et al., “Measuring Premature Mortality Among Kaiser Permanente Members Compared to the Community,” Kaiser Permanente, July 20, 2022.
“Our Kaiser Permanente Northern California teams of cardiac specialists collaborate seamlessly to coordinate diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of our patients,” said Carrie Owen Plietz, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “We are helping our members and patients with heart disease live longer, healthier lives through our comprehensive care and support.”
The Get With The Guidelines®– Heart Failure award is earned by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and aggressive risk-reduction therapies. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their heart failure and overall health, get a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.
The Get With The Guidelines®– Stroke award is earned by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their health, get a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.7 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org
About Get With The Guidelines®
Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 12 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.
Read More