News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California
Concord’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Sing-Along returns to Todos Santos Plaza this Friday, Dec. 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Join us for this FREE family-favorite event. Visit Santa, feed his reindeer, watch dazzling performances, do some holiday shopping, and enjoy the holidays!
In the wake of a recent gun violence threat at Bristow Middle School in Brentwood, Digital4Good has taken a proactive stance to address the issue head-on by organizing an educational initiative aimed at raising awareness and promoting a safer environment for students.
On Wednesday, November 29th, Kim Karr, the visionary behind Digital4Good formerly #ICANHELP, will be speaking at Bristow to engage with students, faculty, and the community at
large. The focus of Karr’s presentation will be on fostering understanding, and open dialogue, and providing valuable information about recognizing and responding to potential threats.
Digital4Good has been a support to schools for 10 years in dealing with social media education and Bristow was one of the first rooted schools to use the #ICANHELP programs. Mental health plays a crucial role in the goals surrounding the non-profit and continues to be a topic of conversation at the upcoming forum.
This critical event aims to empower students and the community with knowledge and resources to prevent, identify, and report potential threats of gun violence. Digital4Good believes that education is a powerful tool in creating a safer and more secure environment for everyone.
The event will include 3 student presentations, staff training and a parent night by Kim Karr, followed by an open forum for questions and discussion. Digital4Good encourages parents, community members, and local media to attend and participate in this important conversation.
Details of the event:
Time: 6-7 pm
Location: Bristow Middle School, 855 Minnesota Avenue, Brentwood
Virtual option will be available
Digital4Good remains committed to fostering safer communities through education, awareness, and community engagement. For more information about the organization and its initiatives, please visit www.icanhelp.net or contact Kim Karr at kim@icanhelp.com.
About Digital4Good
Digital4Good is a non-profit dedicated to educating and empowering students and educators to promote good use of technology, make a positive impact within communities, and help them to become inspirational digital citizens to prevent cyberbullying and other types of abuse.
By Sgt Shawn Phalen, Concord Police Department
On November 23, 2023, at approximately 6:49 PM, Concord Police Officers responded to the area of Oak Grove Road and Treat Blvd., on the report of a hit and run vehicle collision. Once on scene, it was determined a second related collision had occurred at Oak Grove Road and Ryan Road. A passenger in one of the vehicles, an 86-year-old male, was transported to John Muir Hospital where he later passed away.
This collision is still under investigation. Any witnesses are asked to contact Motor Officer Oscar Rodriguez at 925-671-5065.
Guns and bullets confiscated during DUI traffic stop on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Photo: San Pablo PD
By San Pablo Police Department
Tonight, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, while patrolling the streets Officer Bang noticed a vehicle commit several traffic violations. During the enforcement stop Officer Bang believed the driver was displaying signs of impairment. Officer Ashley arrived to assist with the investigation. Ultimately the driver was arrested for driving under the influence.
In addition to the poor decision to drive, the driver was also inappropriately transporting firearms and what is believed to be cocaine. Both firearms were loaded and under a seat in the vehicle.
We’re happy that no one was hurt in this potentially dangerous situation.
The Central County SWAT assisted in the arrest on Nov. 22, 2023. Photo: SRPD
By San Ramon Police Department
On a recent evening, the Central County SWAT Team assisted Walnut Creek PD with the execution of a high-risk search warrant of known armed-robbery suspects.
The operation was successful, and a suspect was taken into custody for various felony offenses.
One of the suspects’ guns confiscated in the arrest on Nov. 22, 2023. Photo: SRPD
Additionally, firearms and stolen merchandise from various victims were recovered. More excellent work from San Ramon PD and our partner agencies.
Theft suspect Jesse Leonardo Otero arrested on I-680 forcing CHP to block traffic on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Photos: Concord PD
By Concord Police Department
On Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 22, 2023, one of our swing shift patrol officers was conducting extra patrols in the area of the Veranda (2001 Diamond Blvd.) when she was notified of a theft that had just occurred. The suspect fled on foot from our officer onto Willow Pass Road and into the parking lot of the Sun Valley Mall. A CPD motor officer attempted to stop the subject, who fled onto I-680. The California Highway Patrol was contacted and momentarily blocked traffic to allow our Officers to enter the freeway and safely detain the male.
The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Jesse Leonardo Otero of Walnut Creek, was arrested on the freeway. Mr. Ortero was transported to the Concord PD jail and later to the Martinez Detention Facility for theft and resisting/delaying a peace officer. This case will be forwarded to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for filing considerations.
Thank you to the California Highway Patrol and the Pleasant Hill Police Department for their assistance!
According to localcrimenews.com, Otero has been arrested 86 times since 2017 including 41 arrests in 2023 – sometimes twice in the same day – by multiple Contra Costa and Alameda County law enforcement agencies for a variety of crimes including trespassing, petty theft, public nuisance, possession of a controlled substance, shoplifting of less than $950, receiving or concealing stolen property, resisting arrest, robbery, vandalism and giving false information to a police officer. His arrests include three times in 2017; 10 in 2018; twice in 2019; five in 2020; 12 in 2021; and 13 times in 2022.
An email was sent to Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton asking how someone with Otero’s record hasn’t been sentenced to multiple years in jail or prison. Please check back later for any response.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
The suspects’ car caught on a home surveillance camera in front of the home and during the traffic stop that led to the confiscation of a handgun and bullets on Nov. 22, 2023. Photos: Lafayette PD
By Lafayette Police Department
On Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, around 12:53 AM, a Lafayette PD officer saw a vehicle in the area of Mt. Diablo Blvd. near the Highway 24 off-ramp that matched the description of a suspicious vehicle that had been parked in front of a resident’s mailbox a week ago. The officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop on the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was on federal probation for mail theft.
The female passenger had methamphetamine next to her seat and lied about her name when questioned. When her true identity was revealed, it was determined she had four outstanding warrants for her arrest.
The other male passenger was in possession of drug paraphernalia, cocaine, and an unregistered Glock pistol.
The male and female were transported and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. When the community is sleeping, our officers are out working!
By Corporal Andrew Kuhn, Pleasant Hill Police Department
On November 23, 2023, at about 7:45 PM, the Pleasant Hill Police Department received a 911 call of a vehicle that collided into the entrance of Kohl’s, located at 2302 Monument Blvd. Within minutes, officers arrived on scene and located an unoccupied vehicle and extensive damage to the east doors of the business. The business was closed at this time and no employees or customers were present.
During the preliminary investigation, officers discovered three subjects wearing masks entered the business and left with merchandise. The three subjects fled in a white sedan prior to police arrival.
This investigation remains active at this time. If you have any information that may assist investigators, you are encouraged to contact the Pleasant Hill Police Investigations Bureau at (925) 288-4630.
To boost train ticket affordability and streamline service, Amtrak® San Joaquins℠ will offer savings for two types of travelers – customers booking early and for those that travel on off-peak trains. Beginning November 1, 2023, and concluding June 30, 2024, the pilot will provide a variety of fares with more flexible and affordable options.
Amtrak’s extensive customer research found that introducing a broader range of fares could better serve riders. The Fare Pilot will provide travelers with new flexible and affordable options allowing time for potential passengers to familiarize themselves with the revamped system. The aim of the pilot is to better meet Amtrak San Joaquins customer needs.
“Passenger feedback and data-driven insights are pivotal in shaping our services so that we are serving our passengers in the best way possible,” said David Lipari, Deputy Director of Passenger Experience and Communications. “Recent findings from Amtrak underscore the potential to refine our pricing approach for train trips, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed the expectations of our riders. This new system specifically achieves this goal by building in savings for travelers that book early or travel on off-peak trains.”
Amtrak San Joaquins currently operates under a Reserved System, where tickets must be purchased before the train’s departure. Passengers who opt for both the Thruway Bus and train service are charged a combined fare.
The San Joaquins Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) in alignment with Amtrak initiated a pilot program to assess its potential positive impact on the service. To provide economic relief for riders and drive incremental ridership and revenue, the San Joaquins will continue to offer many of the Every Day and seasonal discounts.
About the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) Since July 2015, SJJPA has been responsible for the management and administration of Amtrak San Joaquins. SJJPA is governed by Board Members representing each of the ten (10) Member Agencies along the 365-mile San Joaquins Corridor. For more information on SJJPA see www.sjjpa.com.
Amtrak San Joaquins is Amtrak’s 6th busiest route with 18 train stations throughout the Central Valley and Bay Area, providing a safe, comfortable and reliable way to travel throughout California. Amtrak San Joaquins is currently running six daily roundtrips. In addition to the train service, Amtrak San Joaquins Thruway buses provide connecting service to 135 destinations in California and Nevada including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Napa Valley, Las Vegas and Reno.
The Viera–North Peak property on Mount Diablo. For eight years, Save Mount Diablo has been trying to transfer the 165-acre Viera–North Peak property on the very slopes of Mount Diablo’s North Peak to Mount Diablo State Park, for free. Photo credit: Scott Hein
By Laura Kindsvater, Senior Communications Manager, Save Mount Diablo
Mount Diablo State Park hasn’t added a new property since 2007—16 years ago. For eight years, Save Mount Diablo has been trying to transfer our 165-acre Viera–North Peak property on the very slopes of Mount Diablo’s North Peak, for free. More than a year ago, the CEMEX quarry publicly announced it wanted to donate 101 acres next to the state park’s Mitchell Canyon, including a section of the historic Black Point Trail. We need the public’s help to urge California State Parks to get moving on these critical acquisitions.
Save Mount Diablo’s Executive Director, Ted Clement, stated, “At Save Mount Diablo, we have worked hard to build a large pool of strategic properties waiting to be added to Mount Diablo State Park—properties like the Balcerzak inholding, the Viera–North Peak property, part of Curry Canyon Ranch, and the CEMEX land. We are poised to dramatically increase the size, value, integrity, and stunning splendor of Mount Diablo State Park for more public benefit and connection to nature. Now is the time for action!”
We’ve worked closely with the state for 50 years, helping them acquire land. Mount Diablo State Park’s General Plan includes 7,500 acres of “appropriate future additions,” most on the actual slopes of Mount Diablo’s two main peaks. Sometimes they’d buy property, sometimes we would.
Sixteen years ago, California State Parks stopped making progress on any new additions to Mount Diablo State Park. Save Mount Diablo has stepped in to save threatened properties that should be in the state park until the state could move forward, or they would have been lost.
Within the “appropriate additions” area, we’ve purchased 165-acre Viera–North Peak, 1,080-acre Curry Canyon Ranch, 76-acre Wright Canyon, 20-acre Young Canyon, 95-acre Anderson Ranch, 29-acre Smith Canyon, the 10-acre Balcerzak inholding, and very soon, the 6.69-acre Krane Pond property, locking up eight critical properties worth more than $12 million.
2. More than a year ago, CEMEX publicly announced it will donate this 101-acre property above Mitchell Canyon to Mount Diablo State Park. It includes a segment of the historic Black Point Trail. Photo credit: Scott Hein
Several more properties make sense as additions, including the 101-acre CEMEX property donation above Mitchell Canyon. Save Mount Diablo negotiated with CEMEX for over six years to have this land donated to Mount Diablo State Park. In 2022, the CEMEX corporation agreed and publicly announced it would make this donation to Mount Diablo State Park.
We take care of and clean up the properties we acquire before conveying these lands to Mount Diablo State Park.
Reasons abound for the logjam. State budget shortfalls during recessions. Proposals to close state parks in 2008 and 2011. Several new State Park Directors and several reorganizations.
One of the biggest problems was the loss of experienced land acquisition staff in Sacramento. But state voters also approved resource bonds in 1998, 2001, 2006, and 2018, each with hundreds of millions of dollars for state parks. The acquisition department should be back up to speed.
As California State Parks faltered, nonprofit land trusts all over the state have stepped in to protect critical properties that might have been lost. We’re told that Viera–North Peak and Curry Canyon Ranch properties are on California State Parks’ top priority list, and park staff urged us to acquire the Balcerzak inholding, which had complicated park management for decades.
We were told that acquisitions might resume if we got funding from other sources, so we did, or helped with management for some time, which we agreed to do. The East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy provided all funding for Viera–North Peak. All they require is a conservation easement or a deed restriction to ensure long-term protection—which California State Parks has so far failed to accept.
After eight years without progress on Viera–North Peak—a free, turnkey property on the very slopes of the mountain, an appropriate addition that California State Parks pursued for years before we were finally able to acquire it—we and the public are getting frustrated.
We’ve asked Senator Steve Glazer and Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan to help move things forward, which they have kindly been doing, and we’re asking the public to urge state parks officials and the California State Parks Commission to make progress.
We are grateful that a small working group has formed, made up of our terrific partners at California State Parks and the East Contra Costa Habitat Conservancy, to help us get lands added to Mount Diablo State Park. However, we recognize that lands not being added to California State Parks is a large statewide issue, so our small working group also needs the voice and support of the public to further our efforts to break the logjam and get strategic lands added to Mount Diablo State Park.
See video of Save Mount Diablo Executive Director Ted Clement and Land Conservation Director Seth Adams speaking about this issue is available on Save Mount Diablo’s YouTube channel.
We’re asking the public to please send a message simultaneously to these individuals and agencies using this link: bit.ly/3LXEhq8.
About Save Mount Diablo
Save Mount Diablo is a nationally accredited, nonprofit land trust founded in 1971 with a mission to preserve Mount Diablo’s peaks, surrounding foothills, watersheds, and connection to the Diablo Range through land acquisition and preservation strategies designed to protect the mountain’s natural beauty, biological diversity and historic and agricultural heritage; enhance our area’s quality of life; and provide educational and recreational opportunities consistent with protection of natural resources. To learn more, please visit www.savemountdiablo.org.