Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Contra Costa supervisors end moratorium on rent hikes, eviction prohibition for residential, small commercial tenants on split vote

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Gioia and Glover vote in favor of extension; will expire Sept. 30; rent and utility relief funds for tenants, landlords available

“At some point this has to stop!” – Supervisor Mitchoff

“I think we need to move on. The economy has not improved. I want us to get back to work.” – Board Chair Burgis

By Daniel Borsuk

On a 2 to 3 vote, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday closed the books on its state-backed ordinance banning rent hikes and evictions potentially impacting 3,200 residential and small business tenants unable to make payments because of complications linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. It would have been the board’s ninth extension of the moratorium. CCC BOS 46990_urgency ordinance – 9th continuation of eviction moratorium

Supervisors John Gioia of Richmond and Federal Glover of Pittsburg voted to retain the program that would have ended through the end of the year, unless extended again.

Previously supervisors had easily passed ordinances without much difficulty, with only District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen of Danville usually casting a negative vote like she did again on Tuesday, Supervisors had acted on similar residential and small commercial rent freeze and eviction ban ordinances on April 21, 2020; May 26, 2020; July 14, 2020; Sept. 22, 2020; Nov. 17, 2020; Feb. 2, 2021; March 23, 2021 and June 22, 2021.

Before Tuesday’s vote, supervisors had extended the commercial/residential rental assistance -eviction ban ordinance nine previous times with overwhelming support especially from the hard-hit Latino community, a minority group most impacted by the economic, health and housing ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supervisors Candace Andersen of Danville, a foe of such rent assistance programs, cited how such programs can financially backfire and not fully assist constituents, especially in her district, mostly a high wealth area.

“There are tenants who are abusing the system,” cautioned Pittsburg realtor Wolfgang Croskey. “I know of one tenant who use the money to run another daycare operation. How long is this going to last?”

But Supervisor Karen Mitchoff of Pleasant Hill, who had supported previous ordinances surprised most observers and colleagues saying, “I won’t extend this ordinance. At some point this has to stop!”

Upon casting the swing vote, board chair Diane Burgis of Brentwood said, “I am sympathetic to the folks. It’s not perfect. I think we need to move on. The economy has not improved. I want us to get back to work.”

“A disproportionate rate of people remains worse off,” said Supervisor John Gioia of Richmond. “It is possible we’ll run out of this rent relief money. We should extend this moratorium to the end of the year.”

Supervisor Federal Glover of Pittsburg said, “I am in agreement to extend this program to the end of the year so that citizens can get relief.”

“Tenants don’t know their rights,” said Debora Ballinger of Monument Impact. “Black and brown single mothers, especially recent immigrants need these protections.”

Monica Thomas, an artist who rents a studio where the landlord wants to raise the rent 23 percent, told supervisors she’s managed to pay her rent from her dwindling savings account.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” she said. “I don’t want to pay $6,000 in rent.”

Rental, Utility Relief Funds for Tenants, Landlords Available

As of March 15, the county had $75 million in rental assistance available from federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program funds. The program assists income-qualified renters impacted by COVID-19 who need help to pay for rent or utilities. Eligible household income may not exceed 80% of the local median income.

Eligible renters whose landlords do not participate in the program can still receive 25% of unpaid rent accrued between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. Eligible renters can also receive future rent assistance equal to 25% of their monthly rent. The program also provides up to 80% rent reimbursement to landlords for unpaid rent accrued between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021.

Check eligibility and apply online for COVID-19 Rent Relief and in Spanish Ayuda con la Renta. Tenants and landlords can contact the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Call Center at 1-833-430-2122 for assistance to apply. To learn more and find state resources, visit Housingiskey.com.

In a related action, supervisors, on a 5-0 vote, approved the county’s proposal to Assembly Bill 832 – Eviction Protections. The state legislation imposes a 2.5 percent cap on rent increases.

85 Percent of County Residents at Least Partially Vaccinated

Eighty five percent of Contra Costa County residents have taken at least one vaccine, supervisors learned from Dr. Sergio Ursuyo, Contra Costa County Medical Center Medical Director, that hospital personnel are becoming increasingly tired from the rising number of unvaccinated COVID-19 patients coming to the Martinez hospital.

“This is our fourth wave,” Dr. Ursuyo said. “We are tired. This is a different type of fatigue.” He said many of the new patients come from out of the county, mainly Central California.

Dr. Ursuyo told supervisors about how a former 61-year-old nurse had recently died of COVID-19 because she was unvaccinated.

“She could have taken the vaccine,” he said. “We could have helped. The vaccine can make this thing go away.”

Some 175,000 Americans have died because of COVID-19, now exceeding the number of Americans who died from the 1918 Spanish Flu remarked Contra Costa Health Services Director Anna Roth.

Contra Costa Public Health Officer Dr. Chris Farnitano dispelled rumors spread mainly via social media.

“These vaccines do not change your DNA. They are very safe,” he said.

Authorize 2021-2022 Property Tax Rates

Supervisors approved as a consent item the 2021-2022 property rates. For the current fiscal year Auditor-Controller Robert Campbell projects the property rates will generate more than $2.6 billion in property tax revenues. Those funds will be apportioned to the county, cities, schools and other eligible agencies.

 

Contra Costa County 2021-22 Teacher of the Year finalists to be honored Thursday night

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Source: CCCOE

All 21 TOYs will be honored at the annual Teacher of the Year Gala, this year being broadcast virtually

On the evening of Thursday, September 23, 2021, all 21 TOYs from each school and college district in the county will be honored at the annual Teacher of the Year Gala, this year being broadcast virtually on the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) website, on YouTube and on edTV (Comcast Cable Channel 32). This will be followed by the four finalists giving their three- to five-minute speeches (same speeches given in July). The excitement-filled evening will come to a dramatic close with the announcement of the 2021-2022 Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year.

The four finalists were announced by Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey in June: Alisha Douglass, a ceramics teacher at Liberty High School in Brentwood; Kristen Plant, an English teacher at Miramonte High School in Orinda; Michelle Wilson, an English teacher at Dougherty Valley High School in San Ramon; and Christina Zenzano, an English teacher at Rancho Medanos Junior High School in Pittsburg. They were selected from the 21 Teacher of the Year winners within 15 school districts of Contra Costa County, Contra Costa Community College District and Contra Costa County Office of Education.

“It is my pleasure to congratulate the four finalists on the honor of being named one of the county’s top teachers,” Superintendent Mackey said. “All of the professional educators who are being considered for this prestigious award are to be commended and thanked for their professionalism and leadership, especially throughout this pandemic. These four are prominent examples of the great work teachers throughout the county have done over the last year.”

The newly honored teachers are recognized for their outstanding education achievements and represent the approximately 8,597 teachers educating close to 178,000 students in Contra Costa County’s public schools.

Alisha Douglass

Alisha Douglass, a Ceramics teacher and Public Art and Design Academy Coordinator at Liberty High School, is the Teacher of the Year for the Liberty Union High School District. Douglass began her career as a teacher in Texas in 2006 before moving to Liberty High School in 2012. During her 15-year career as a teacher, she has helped students create public works of art for the City of Brentwood and helped students thrive, even during the pandemic.

“As a parent of a student in her Ceramics class, I am continually inspired by Alisha’s ability to transcend the ordinary. Her ability to transform a “hands-on” Ceramics course into a thriving distance-learning course has defied all odds,” Stacy Rivera, a parent of a student in Douglass’ class, wrote in a letter of recommendation. “Her students also recognize her efforts, as my daughter frequently mentions how much she enjoys her Ceramics class and her teacher. One of my daughter’s favorite things about Alisha is her compassion for helping students despite the difficulties presented by distance learning.”

Kristen Plant

Acalanes Union High School District Teacher of the Year Kristen Plant teaches English and Leadership at Miramonte High School, where she also coaches the award-winning speech and debate team. With 19 years of teaching experience, Plant began her career in education as a substitute teacher and instructional assistant. She then taught English and Literacy at Las Lomas High School before moving to Miramonte High School in 2006. Since that time, she has been selected as the 2016 California High School Speech Association Coach of the Year and led several school-wide and department teams.

“From spending her summer in diversity, equity, and inclusion meetings to devoting a class period to pursuing equity in our school, Ms. Plant has been an incredible ally to marginalized student groups,” Miramonte High School junior Isabelle Bennette wrote in her letter recommending Plant for the award. “Throughout the school year, our equity leadership class has created educational content for the entire student body, collaborated with other schools and administration to plan events, and worked to make Miramonte a safe, supportive learning environment for all students. None of this work would have been possible without Ms. Plant’s leadership, selflessness, and humility. Ms. Plant creates an atmosphere of empowerment, trust, and hope for all her students to grow and strive in.”

Michelle Wilson

As San Ramon Valley Unified School District’s Secondary Teacher of the Year, Michelle Wilson is an English teacher at Dougherty Valley High School where she also teaches Advanced Placement Language and Composition. Wilson began her career as an educator 20 years ago as a high school English teacher in Manteca. From there, she taught in Stockton before moving to Campolindo High School in 2005. In 2010, she began teaching at Dougherty Valley High School. Wilson received the Yale University Educator Award in 2013 and has been a presenter at several professional development sessions for her colleagues.

“Within minutes of meeting Michelle, it is abundantly clear that you are in the presence of someone who is warm, excited, eager, and passionate. She exudes this energy around students as well, so it is no wonder that kids lucky enough to land on her roster find themselves falling in love with English class and leaving with a deeper understanding of themselves as readers, writers, critical thinkers, and individuals within society,” Fellow Dougherty Valley High School English teacher Rachael Hernandez said in a letter of support for Wilson. “While there are so many wonderful qualities about Michelle, one of my favorites is her creativity. Though Michelle’s job on paper says that she is an English teacher, students in her class know that they will get far more than mere English curriculum out of a year-long experience with Mrs. Wilson. She pushes students to think outside the box, to make meaningful connections to what concepts she is teaching with what is going on in the real world, regularly helping students see that what they learn in school often has far-reaching effects beyond the four walls of a school building.”

Christina Zenzano

Pittsburg Unified School District Teacher of the Year Christina Zenzano teaches English Language Arts at Rancho Medanos Junior High School. Zenzano, who has been teaching for 16 years, began her career as an educator at the now closed Central Junior High School in 2005. From 2008 to 2020, she taught English Language Arts for 7th graders, moving to 8th grade in 2021. She received the Rancho Medanos Silver Assessment Award for three consecutive years for her students earning the highest middle school CAASP scores in the district for ELA.

“Her supportive energy extends to everyone, from the students, to the staff, to the parents. She is always willing to go above and beyond her call of duty. From staying late to design elaborate lesson plans to keep student engagement, to mentoring new teachers, to after school tutoring, and conferences with parents she never bats an eye or sees it as an extra burden,” colleague Sarah Jimison wrote in her letter of recommendation for Zenzano. “Her goal has always been to create a classroom that holds her students to high expectations while still creating an environment where her students feel respected, safe, and happy, and she does this every day. For many teachers distance learning has come as a great challenge, but for Mrs. Zenzano it has come as an opportunity to show her creativity in developing interesting and engaging lessons and curriculum. Mrs. Zenzano has kept the students engaged in the material while making fun activities, interactive slideshows, and even escape rooms.”

Source: CCCOE

2021-22 Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year Candidates

  • Kristen Plant, Acalanes Union High School District, Miramonte High School
  • Crystal Van Dyke, Antioch Unified School District, Mission Elementary School
  • Scott McCurdy, Brentwood Union School District, Adams Middle School
  • Louise Colbert, Byron Union School District, Excelsior Middle School
  • Nicholaus Garcia, Contra Costa Community College District, Los Medanos College
  • Sarah Buhre, Contra Costa County Office of Education, East County Student Programs
  • Eden Kennedy-Hoffmann, John Swett Unified School District, Carquinez Middle School
  • Ann Ajimura, Knightsen Elementary School District, Old River Elementary School
  • Casey Bowles, Lafayette School District, Springhill Elementary School
  • Alisha Douglass, Liberty Union High School District, Liberty High School
  • Ryan Hussey, Martinez Unified School District, Alhambra High School
  • Clare Fallon, Moraga School District, Moraga Elementary School
  • Chelsea Ridenour, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Diablo View Middle School
  • Elizabeth McDonagh, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Prospect High School
  • Shauna Yeager, Orinda Union School District, Wagner Rach Elementary School
  • Christina Zenzano, Pittsburg Unified School District, Rancho Medanos Junior High School
  • Michelle Wilson, San Ramon Valley Unified School District, Dougherty Valley High School
  • Patricia Facteau, San Ramon Valley Unified School District, Golden View Elementary School
  • Susan Sisson, Walnut Creek School District, Buena Vista Elementary School
  • Carlo Juntilla, West Contra Costa Unified School District, Richmond High School
  • Christina Ferry, West Contra Costa Unified School District, Lovonya DeJean Middle School

Note regarding eligible participants: 16 of the 18 Contra Costa County school districts are represented. Each year, one instructor from Contra Costa Community College District is submitted to the program for their outstanding work with their designated college. Due to the larger number of students and teachers in their districts, West Contra Costa Unified School District, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, and San Ramon Valley Unified School District are allowed to submit two Teacher of the Year candidates.

TOY Selection Process

The county’s TOY program is directed by the CCCOE. With such a high caliber of teaching professionals to draw from, the CCCOE’s TOY program uses a three-stage selection process, with a point and percentage system to determine the final candidate as follows:

I Application Screening:

In April/May, a committee representing the county’s education, business, and public-sector partners will meticulously review the applications submitted by the school districts. This committee independently rates each application. After the application screening and scoring are completed, four teachers will be selected to advance to the next phase as semifinalists.

II Classroom Observation and Interview:

In May, a committee of former County Teachers of the Year will observe the semifinalists interacting with their students. Immediately following, the committee interviews the candidates, discussing topics such as their teaching philosophy and techniques. The results of the two screening processes are then combined to determine the four finalists.

III Speech Presentation:

In July, the four TOY finalists will each give a three- to five-minute speech to another panel of a dozen educators, business, and public-sector representatives who will judge the finalists on their speech and presentation skills.

List of past Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Representatives from 1977 to present (PDF)

The County representatives are announced at the awards dinner gala affair. Local business and community organizations generously donate classroom grants, services and other items to each of the district winners. (See list of donors, here)

History of the TOY Program

In 1972, California began recognizing outstanding teachers, establishing the Teachers of the Year Program. This program is open to all teachers in public schools who teach pre-kindergarten through college. Contra Costa County has participated in the program since its beginning, when Joseph E. Davis, Jr., of the Acalanes Union High School District, was named the county’s first representative.

Since that time, eight teachers from this county have been State finalists: Janet Neill, San Ramon Valley Unified (1975); David Eakin, John Swett Unified (1981); William Thomas, Mt. Diablo Unified (1982); Janice Bergamini, Mt. Diablo Unified (1991); Shauna Hawes, Mt. Diablo Unified (2017); and Kelly Perkins (Mt. Diablo Unified (2019). The County has had four State winners: Mary Allan, Antioch Unified (2001); Janet Gower, Mt. Diablo Unified (2002); and William Pence, San Ramon Valley Unified (1999); and Rosie Reid, Mt. Diablo Unified (2019). Both William Pence and Rosie Reid were selected to represent California at the National Teacher of the Year level.

Follow Contra Costa County’s Teacher of the Year program on Twitter and Instagram at @CoCoSchools and through the hashtag #cocotoy.

 

 

Officer-involved shooting public report: Richmond Police Officers lawfully shot man in 2019 

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Luc Toan Chanh Ciel

By Scott Alonso, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of the District Attorney

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has concluded Richmond Police Department officers lawfully shot and killed Luc Toan Chanh Ciel in 2019. The DA’s Office released a public report about the shooting today. No charges will be filed against the officers and the Office’s criminal investigation has been concluded. The facts show that the officers had probable cause to believe that Ciel posed a significant threat of death or great bodily injury, not only to himself, but to his family. (See related article)

On April 11, 2019, at approximately 2:33 a.m., multiple Richmond officers arrived at a residence due to an urgent 911 call. Ciel broke into the residence and had weapons, including two knives, with him as he stabbed and attempted to kill three family members.

Officers arrived at the scene and entered the residence from different locations. Officer Danielle Evans and Officer Jeffrey Tyner entered from the rear of the building. They noticed broken glass on the ground and could hear yelling from inside the house. The officers found one victim with blood on her face in the first room they entered.

Officer Tyner proceeded to continue inside the house and saw Ciel with a knife standing over another victim. Ciel was in the process of attempting to stab this victim. Officer Tyner commanded Ciel to step away from the victim and drop his knife. Ciel refused to listen to the officer’s commands. Officer Tyner in turn fired his weapon three times. Officer Evans saw Ciel continue to stand up after he was hit and turned towards the officers. Officer Evans then fired her weapon once.

Officer Terrance Jackson was also inside the residence and observed Tyner and Evans engaging with Ciel. Officer Jackson fired his weapon once after Ciel turned towards his fellow officers. Officer Jackson’s shot occurred simultaneously to Officer Evans’ shot.

Officers located numerous black flex ties in Ciel’s pocket. There was also another knife in the hallway near his body. He had a knife sheath on his belt. Ciel was pronounced deceased at the scene. An autopsy performed by the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office found Ciel suffered four gunshot wounds and one stab wound. A toxicology report was negative for the presence of any substance.

The DA’s Office and every law enforcement agency in Contra Costa County has adopted the Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incidents Protocol (“the Protocol”) to investigate incidents when officers or civilians are shot or die during an encounter with law enforcement. Under the Protocol, the DA’s Office investigates all officer-involved shootings in Contra Costa County for the purpose of making an independent determination of criminal liability. The sole purpose of the District Attorney’s investigation is to determine if there is proof beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime was committed during a fatal encounter with law enforcement.

The OIS public report is available on our website.

Gov. Newsom signs bill extending government agency online meetings through end of 2023

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But can choose to hold in-person meetings

By Allen Payton

On Sept. 16, Governor Newsom signed into law AB 361, entitled “Open meetings: state and local agencies: teleconferences,” extending the time period for online meetings of government agencies until Jan. 1, 2024. The current order allowing the online meetings until the end of this month, will expire on Oct. 1 under an executive order he signed, on Monday, Sept. 20.

According to the Legislative Counsel’s Digest, “This bill, until January 1, 2024, would authorize a local agency to use teleconferencing without complying with the teleconferencing requirements imposed by the Ralph M. Brown Act when a legislative body of a local agency holds a meeting during a declared state of emergency, as that term is defined, when state or local health officials have imposed or recommended measures to promote social distancing, during a proclaimed state of emergency held for the purpose of determining, by majority vote, whether meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees, and during a proclaimed state of emergency when the legislative body has determined that meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees, as provided.”

However, government agencies can still choose to return to meeting in person.

Two fire boards approve annexation of far east county fire district with larger Con Fire

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Contra Costa Fire and East Contra Costa Fire Protection Districts to move forward with applications to Local Agency Formation Commission

By Steve Hill, PIO, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District & Steve Aubert, Fire Marshal/PIO, East Contra Costa Fire Protection District

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) and East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) announced Monday, Sept. 20, 2021, their boards of directors have each approved resolutions for the annexation of ECCFPD into the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. The agencies are now expected to make applications to the Contra Costa Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) for formal approval of the annexation.

“Annexation into Con Fire is a huge victory for the businesses and residents of East Contra Costa,” said ECCFPD Board of Directors President Brian Oftedal. “We explored every option to fix this historically underfunded district and provide a better service delivery model. Annexation will improve response times, open fire stations and provide a paramedic level of service for our communities.”

ECCFPD was formed in November of 2002 by combining the Bethel Island Fire District, the East Diablo Fire District, and the Oakley Fire District.  It serves Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay, Bethel Island, Knightsen, Byron and the unincorporated area to the Clayton city limits.

ECCFPD Service Area Map

“I am so excited and proud of the teamwork that has brought us to this point,” said District 3 Supervisor and Board Chair Diane Burgis, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. “With the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors acting as the Con Fire fire board unanimously approving the request to formally apply for annexation of ECCFPD, and the ECCFPD board voting unanimously to move forward, we are a giant step closer to providing improved fire and rescue services in East Contra Costa County.”

“I look forward to continuing to work to push this across the finish line,” she added.

Once approved by LAFCo, Con Fire will absorb the firefighting staff, support staff, facilities and equipment of today’s ECCFPD and the newly merged organization will provide improved fire and emergency services to the more than 128,000 residents of eastern Contra Costa County. The annexation approval process is expected to take four-to-six months followed by operational and administrative consolidation of the two entities.

“I am pleased by the decisions of the two agencies’ boards, approving our requests to formally apply for annexation of East Contra Costa Fire into Con Fire,” said Chief Lewis Broschard of Con Fire. “I look forward to now beginning in earnest the implementation of this long-studied initiative that will provide more effective, efficient and safer fire and emergency services across our county.”

Benefits of annexation for residents are expected to include more coordinated, cohesive and streamlined fire and emergency services. While both fire districts already work very closely on mutual aid assignments across current borders, each maintains separate operations, training and administrative functions, creating potential for economies of scale by bringing the separate operational entities under one administrative structure.

Another important benefit will be better alignment of firefighting models across districts that could net both increased fire services and improved firefighter safety. Annexation is also expected to reduce current burdens on the agencies’ busiest stations by increasing resources within Battalion 5 in East County.

ECCFPD Chief Brian Helmick. Official photo

“ECCFPD’s citizens and businesses are one step closer to receiving adequate fire and rescue service levels,” said ECCFPD Fire Chief Brian Helmick. “My staff and I will continue to diligently work to ensure the remaining consolidation processes go through seamlessly and in a timely manner.”

When reached for comment, he added, “it still needs both LAFCo and state Board of Equalization approval. It is anticipated both those processes will go smoothly and we expect to be one agency by March 2022. It’s just a process issue. At this time, we have heard of no opposition to either board’s identical resolutions.”

Asked about what his new position will be, Helmick responded, “that’s still being worked out. We’ll probably know what that looks like in the next couple months. They’re working on finalizing positions for many people in the organization.”

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, acting as the Con Fire Board, unanimously approved a resolution for Con Fire to annex East Contra Costa Fire in its regular monthly meeting on September 14, 2021.

The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District Board of Directors voted unanimously to move forward with consolidation with Contra Costa County Fire Protection District at a special Fire Board meeting on September 16, 2021. (See related article)

About Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) — A recognized fire service leader – – Con Fire provides fire and emergency medical services to more than a million people across its 304 square-mile District area, and through mutual aid, in and around the 20 cities and unincorporated communities of Contra Costa County, California. With few exceptions, county emergency ambulance transport services are provided by Con Fire through its unique sub-contractor Alliance model across the District and beyond to include some 520 square miles of the county. In 2020, the District responded to some 75,000 fire and EMS emergencies and dispatched some 95,000 ambulances, providing expert medical care on more than 74,000 ambulance transports. The District, with 26 fire stations and more than 400 employees, is dedicated to preserving life, property, and the environment.

About East Contra Costa Fire Protection District — The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) is a rural-funded fire district that currently operates three fire stations and has a three-station deficit. The district protects a population of more than 128,000 across its 249 square-mile service area. ECCFPD provides firefighting personnel, emergency medical services (basic life support) and fire prevention to the residents and businesses of the cities of Brentwood and Oakley, and unincorporated communities of Discovery Bay, Bethel Island, Knightsen, Byron, Marsh Creek, and Morgan Territory. Learn more at www.eccfpd.org or social media via Facebook (East Contra Costa Fire Protection District), Instagram(@east_contra_costa_fire), Twitter (@ECCFPD ) or our YouTube channel (East Contra Costa Fire Protection District).

Settlement reached with Ulta Beauty stores for hazardous waste violations

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$752,000 in civil penalties

By Scott Alonso, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of the District Attorney

Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton announced today that the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, together with 33 other California District Attorneys and City Attorneys, have reached a settlement for violations of hazardous waste regulations with Ulta Beauty, Inc., Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc., Ulta, Inc., and Possibilities AB, Inc., (collectively referred to as “Ulta”) that includes $752,000 of civil penalties, supplemental environmental projects, and costs. Ulta has five stores in Contra Costa County and 161 facilities overall in California. The settlement follows an investigation of Ulta stores’ improper storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous and other regulated waste and inadequate employee training.

Ulta stores in Contra Costa County are located in Brentwood, Concord, Pinole Pleasant Hill and San Ramon.

“Companies must be held responsible for business practices that pose a harm to the environment.,” said DA Becton. “Ulta was cooperative throughout the investigation and in correcting the issues.”

In fact, Ulta stores in California have adopted and implemented new policies and procedures and enhanced existing training programs designed to properly manage and dispose of hazardous waste products, other regulated waste, and confidential customer consumer information.

Under the settlement, which includes a Final Judgment and Permanent Injunction entered in Solano County Superior Court Case No. FCS057080, by the Honorable Alesia Jones, the corporations must pay $439,500 in civil penalties, $250,000 in costs and $62,500 in supplemental environmental projects. Defendants must also implement certain compliance assurance programs.

Open House at Roddy Ranch for new regional park Saturday, Sept. 25

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By Eddie Willis, Planner, East Bay Regional Park District

Greetings, park supporters:

I am excited to announce that East Bay Regional Park District and East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy will be hosting a free, on-site OPEN HOUSE EVENT at the former Roddy Ranch Golf Course in Antioch the morning of Saturday, September 25. This is an opportunity to see the site in-person, walk along a section of former golf cart paths, and learn about park planning efforts, design ideas, and habitat restoration for the future Regional Park. Capacity is limited, so registration is required. Face coverings and/or social distancing may also be required per local health orders.

When: Saturday, September 25*, 2021 from 9:30am – 11:30am

*If September 25 is canceled due to wildfire smoke or other issue, an alternate date of Saturday, October 9 will be offered.

Where: Former Roddy Ranch Golf Course at 1 Tour Way, Antioch (entrance off Deer Valley Road)

Registration required: visit [t.ly/4Axy]t.ly/4Axy or call 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757) and reference program #41871

Please pass this invitation along to any community members, civic leaders, family, or friends you think may be interested in learning about the new park. For general questions, I can be contacted at ewillis@ebparks.org. 

Thank you for supporting your Regional Parks!

 

Three arrested in Walnut Creek for illegal firearm, drugs, outstanding warrant, ID theft

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Virgil Lee Adams arrested and illegal gun confiscated on Tues., Sept, 15, 2021. Photos: WCPD

Ages 22, 21 and 13; during Tuesday traffic stop; both adults have history of arrests, already released from custody

By Walnut Creek Police

If you happened to see police activity in the area of S. California Ave. and Newell Ave. on Tuesday, here is what happened!

At around 3:40pm, Officer Kim and his FTO Officer Young made a traffic stop on the corner of S. Cal and Newell Ave.

While they were investigating, one person in the car (Virgil Lee Adams, born 8/18/99) got out of the car and ran away from the scene. Officers then located a loaded firearm underneath the seat Adams was sitting in.

Additional WCPD Officers and Detectives quickly responded to the scene.

Officer Marre and Sergeant Njoroge located Adams in the creek just south of Newell Ave. after a foot chase.

Officers Young and Kim located the loaded firearm and over 80 fentanyl pills inside the car.

Adams was arrested for narcotics possession, possession of narcotics while armed, weapons possession, and obstruction.

Other occupants in the car included a 13-year-old male who was arrested for an outstanding warrant out of Oregon and Quan’naejia Ta’zjae Taylor (born on 10/31/99. Taylor was arrested for ID Theft. Excellent work by all involved!

Virgil Lee Adams Aug. 2020 and Quan’naejia Ta’zjae Taylor Aug. 2019 and Feb. 2018. Sources: Portland, OR Police & Clackamas Co., OR Sheriff

As of Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, according to the Vine website she was out of custody on general release and Adams was out of custody released on court order.

According to bustedmugshots.com he was arrested on Oct. 28, 2016 for attempted murder and unlawful use of a weapons. Then, according to arrestfacts.com Adams was arrested by Portland Police on Dec. 9, 2016 for unlawful possession of a loaded firearm and interfering with a peace officer. According to thegrio.com, he was arrested on Feb. 13, 2017 for robbery and assault, but was later found not guilty.

Finally, according to crimeinformer.com, Adams was arrested in Portland, OR on Aug. 25, 2020 for attempted murder, assault and unlawful use of a weapon. According to his Facebook page he lives in Portland and is the father of three children.

According to crimeinformer.com, Taylor was also arrested on Feb. 2, 2018 for theft in Clackamas County, OR, then again on Aug 5, 2019 in Portland, OR for disorderly conduct and interfering with a peace officer. According to mugshots.com and bustedmugshots.com she was arrested by Portland Police on May 9, 2019 for robbery, identity theft and fraud. According to her Facebook page, she’s the mother of two children.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

 

Four arrested in Richmond for illegal guns, one stolen, one loaded with extended magazine, drugs, driver for DUI

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Illegal guns seized during traffic stop on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. Photo: RPD

During Saturday morning traffic stop

By Richmond Police Department

PROACTIVE POLICING = SAFER STREETS!

Saturday morning, while patrolling the 23rd Street corridor, Officer McDonell saw a car driving without headlights, and conducted a traffic enforcement stop on the vehicle.

Upon contacting the driver, Officer McDonell immediately noticed that the driver appeared to be driving under the influence (DUI). Furthermore, he could see open containers of alcohol and marijuana within the car, which was occupied by four other passengers.

During the course of his investigation, Officer McDonell located three illegal firearms within the car! Not only was one of the guns loaded with an illegal 32-round extended magazine, but a records check revealed that a second gun had been reported stolen out of another local jurisdiction.

The driver, who was under the age of 21, was determined to have been driving under the influence (DUI) with the four passengers in her car. RPD officers provided free rides to RPD jail, where the suspects were booked on multiple DUI, narcotics, and firearms-related charges.

We are relieved that this DUI driver, and the illegal firearms in her car, were intercepted before anyone was potentially injured or killed. We are proud of Officer McDonell’s proactive policing efforts to keep our community safe!

Richmond PD is committed to protecting our community, with a zero-tolerance approach if you are caught driving under the influence. Remember – buzzed driving is drunk driving; PLEASE plan ahead and designate a sober driver!

CHP seeks public help ID’ing suspects in Hwy 24 freeway shooting near Caldecott Tunnel Thursday

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By CHP – Oakland

OAKLAND, CA. – On September 16, 2021, at 3:30 p.m., the California Highway Patrol (CHP) received a call of a road rage incident which led to a freeway shooting on eastbound State Route 24 (SR-24), west of the Caldecott Tunnel. CHP officers responded to the scene and located the victim stopped on the right shoulder. The victim vehicle sustained multiple bullet strikes. No injuries were reported.

Traffic was impacted from 3:30 p.m., to 6:00 p.m. while the shooting investigation was being conducted. This remains an ongoing investigation. The CHP asks that any person with information contact the CHP Golden Gate Division tip line at (707) 917-4491, or by email at 30specialinvestigations@chp.ca.gov.