SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Justice has announced that personal information was disclosed in connection with the June 27, 2022 update of its Firearms Dashboard Portal. Based on the Department’s current investigation, the incident exposed the personal information of individuals who were granted or denied a concealed and carry weapons (CCW) permit between 2011-2021. Information exposed included names, date of birth, gender, race, driver’s license number, addresses, and criminal history. Social Security numbers or any financial information were not disclosed as a result of this event. Additionally, data from the following dashboards were also impacted: Assault Weapon Registry, Handguns Certified for Sale, Dealer Record of Sale, Firearm Safety Certificate, and Gun Violence Restraining Order dashboards. DOJ is investigating the extent to which any personally identifiable information could have been exposed from those dashboards and will report additional information as soon as confirmed.“This unauthorized release of personal information is unacceptable and falls far short of my expectations for this department,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “I immediately launched an investigation into how this occurred at the California Department of Justice and will take strong corrective measures where necessary. The California Department of Justice is entrusted to protect Californians and their data. We acknowledge the stress this may cause those individuals whose information was exposed. I am deeply disturbed and angered.”On the afternoon of June 27, 2022, DOJ posted updates to the Firearms Dashboard Portal. DOJ was made aware of a disclosure of personal information that was accessible in a spreadsheet on the portal. After DOJ learned of the data exposure, the department took steps to remove the information from public view and shut down the Firearms Dashboard yesterday morning. The dashboard and data were available for less than 24 hours.In the coming days, the Department will notify those individuals whose data was exposed and provide additional information and resources. California law requires a business or state agency to notify any California resident whose unencrypted personal information, as defined, was acquired, or reasonably believed to have been acquired, by an unauthorized person.DOJ asks that anyone who accessed such information respect the privacy of the individuals involved and not share or disseminate any of the personal information. In addition, possession of or use of personal identifying information for an unlawful purpose may be a crime. (See Cal Penal Code Sec. 530.5.)We are communicating with law enforcement partners throughout the state. In collaboration, we will provide support to those whose information has been exposed.In an abundance of caution, the Department of Justice will provide credit monitoring services for individuals whose data was exposed as a result of this incident. DOJ will directly contact individuals who have been impacted by this incident and will provide instructions to sign up for this service.Any Californian may take the following steps to immediately protect their information related to credit:Monitor your credit. One of the best ways to protect yourself from identity theft is to monitor your credit history. To obtain free copies of your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus go to https://www.annualcreditreport.com.Consider placing a free credit freeze on your credit report. Identity thieves will not be able to open a new credit account in your name while the freeze is in place. You can place a credit freeze by contacting each of the three major credit bureaus:Equifax: https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/; 888-766-0008Experian: https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html; 888-397-3742TransUnion: https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze; 800-680-7289Place a fraud alert on your credit report. A fraud alert helps protect you against the possibility of someone opening new credit accounts in your name. A fraud alert lasts 90 days and can be renewed. To post a fraud alert on your credit file, you must contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies listed above. Keep in mind that if place a fraud alert with any one of the three major credit reporting agencies, the alert will be automatically added by the other two agencies as well.Additional Resources. If you are a victim of identity theft, contact your local police department or sheriff’s office right away. You may also report identity theft and generate a recovery plan using the Federal Trade Commission’s website at identitytheft.gov. For more information and resources visit the Attorney General’s website at oag.ca.gov/idtheft.
Patriots Jet Team to perform over Venice Island before Mandeville fireworks show Sunday evening
Source: Patriots Jet Team
By Patriots Jet Team
Venice Island, are you ready for an airshow this weekend!! We are super excited to perform prior to the Mandeville fireworks show! Thanks to the Venice Island Owners, Inc. we’ll be performing a six-jet aerobatic show July 3rd at 6:30pm. Make sure your radio is tuned in to 95.5FM for the show. #airshow #mandevillefireworks #californiadelta
For more information about the Byron Airport-based Patriots Jet Team visit patriotsjetteam.com.
Oakley Summer Fest and Ironhouse Sanitary District 5K Fun Run Saturday, July 2
Summer Fest is coming up this Saturday, July 2nd!
This festival will include live music on the main stage, a vintage car show on Main Street, a giant kids area (inflatables, water games, carnival slides, face painting, goat petting zoo, and more!), local artisan makers, and delicious food vendors.
Folks can also sign up for a 5K, cornhole tournament, and take part in a car show.
Check out www.OakleySummerFest.com to learn more!
From Oakley Parks & Recreation Department
Do you want to add a fun 5k medal to your collection?
We are so excited to partner with Ironhouse Sanitary District to have an Oakley Summer Fest 5K. This event will be held before Oakley Summer Fest with runners starting at 7:00 AM. All runners must be finished with their 5K prior to 8:30 AM.
Registered runners will receive a goodie bag with a t-shirt and commemorative medal for this inaugural event. Registration is now open on our website and is $25 per person!
Use the link below to register!
https://oakley-summer-fest-2022.yolasite.com/5k/
#OakleySummerFest #OakleyCA #CityofOakley #OakleyCalifornia #SummerCelebration #5K #OakleySummerFest5K
East Contra Costa Fire Chief Helmick offers his farewell, gives final State of the District
ECCFPD Chief Brian Helmick. Official photo
City of Oakley offers their thanks
As the transfer of command to the Contra Costa Fire Protection District will occur this Friday, East Contra Costa Fire Chief Brian Helmick in a post on his own Facebook page on Monday, June 27, which was then shared on the district’s Facebook page, he offered the following farewell:
“It’s been an Honor and Privilege to Serve You as East Contra Costa Fire Protection Districts Fire Chief.
Today marks my last week as the Fire Chief of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD). In April of 2017, I was given the opportunity to serve as the Interim Fire Chief of ECCFPD and in January 2018, I became the permanent Fire Chief.
This article is intended to say thank you to my extended family and community for the patience and continued support through this entire painstakingly hard process. Below one will find the ones who are responsible for correcting ECCFPD’s historical Fire, Rescue, and EMS challenges.
ECCFPD Chief Brian Helmick, with his wife, Kristen and their daughters. Photos: Brian Helmick
Below are the ones who deserve the credit for fixing once and for all ECCFPD’s challenges.
They are as follows:
To God, my family, friends, appointed / elected Fire Board members, ECCFPD’s employees past and present, IAFF Local 1230 and other Labor Representatives, and ECCFPD Contractors. I start by thanking God (with God shall nothing be impossible-thank you Jesus!) for all of you. Personally, over the last five years, I trusted and worked to be obedient to God (stumbling many times along the way) and HE blessed me with The Dream Team. For years, I have been consistently confident that if I was obedient to Him, that in His time, and according to His plan, ECCFPD’s issues would be resolved.
To my Family, ECCFPD Family, and the “Dream Team”, your efforts collectively and perseverance are what brought the concept of fixing ECCFPD’s historical issues to a conclusion. I thank you all.
To the elected Officials and their Staff of the City of Brentwood, City of Oakley, Contra Costa County, the Towns / Municipal Advisory Councils, and The Discovery Bay Community Service District. Your continued collaboration, patience, and trust over the past five years have been a catalyst to moving the Fire District forward. I thank you all.
To the long list of Partner Fire, Law, and EMS agencies. Thank you for the years of responding to mutual aid and automatic aid requests and for filling the gap where we could not ourselves. Your dedicated support has saved many lives and property. Thank you for helping us do what we could not do on our own.
To the federal, state and local elective representatives and affiliate associations. Thank you for helping ECCFPD identify what options were available (and were not) at the federal, state, and local level. The education and collaboration brought millions of dollars to the fire district. Thank you.
To the citizens and businesses of East Contra Costa. Thank you for working with ECCFPD to develop the 2019-2023 strategic plan and to challenge the District to explore all options in lieu of taxes to fix the Fire District’s historical challenges. The communities continued patience and accountability helped define the path that the district took that led to annexing into Con Fire.
I have been asked if I’m OK with this transition, and no longer serving as the Fire Chief of ECCFPD?
Although the process is truly bittersweet, I can confidently say, yes!!!! I say this confidentiality because the District’s men and women, that I served with, have demonstrated that they are more than capable of moving forward and into the next chapter or our organization’s story. As of July 1, 2022, the community will be receiving, for the first time in decades, sustainable and acceptable Fire, EMS, and Rescue services.
As the annexation becomes reality on July 1, please know that I’m not going anywhere. I will be transitioning from my current Fire Chief’s position into a Deputy Fire Chief position with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. In my new position, I will continue to advocate for the first responders, citizens and businesses of eastern Contra Costa County and throughout the County as a whole.
In closing, as your Fire Chief, I say thank you to all of those mentioned in this article (apologies to anyone missed), as it has been a tremendous privilege and honor to serve you and to be part of the team that did what many said was impossible to do.
Mission accomplished!!
Sincerely, In His service and always at heart, your Fire Chief,
Brian Helmick”
——————-
City of Oakley Offers Their Thanks to Helmick
In a post on Thursday, June 30, the City of Oakley posted the following message of thanks to Helmick on their Facebook page:
“On his last day as Chief of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD), we extend our sincere gratitude to Fire Chief Brian Helmick.
Chief Helmick is a selfless leader who has put the residents of East Contra Costa before all else. For the past few years, he’s worked to have ECCFPD annexed by Contra Contra Fire Protection District (Con Fire) so that East County would have access to more personnel, equipment, and resources. The annexation means more fire services in our area and faster, life-saving response times.
He has literally worked himself out of a job for the benefit of our East County community and we couldn’t be more grateful for his selfless efforts. Chief Helmick is a public servant in every sense of the word, and we salute him for his service to Oakley. We look forward to working with him as he transitions to Con Fire!”
Helmick Provides a Final State of the District
Then on Wednesday, Helmick gave a final State of the District in a live video on the fire district’s Facebook page which can be viewed, here.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Contra Costa DA’s Office, U.S. Department of Labor announce partnership to combat wage theft
By Ted Asregadoo, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
On June 17th, 2022, Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton and U.S. Department of Labor Assistant District Director for San Jose Alberto Raymond formalize a partnership to combat wage theft and protect workers’ rights.
Both agencies commemorate the agreement by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the District Attorney’s Office in Martinez. The MOU means the DA’s Office will be devoting resources to prosecute criminal wage theft cases to curtail labor trafficking, unfair business practices, payroll tax evasion, and wage and hour violations. To do this, District Attorney Becton will create a Workplace Justice Unit that’s committed to a fair and equitable workplace.
Becton noted, “While the DA’s Office and the Department of Labor have had an informal relationship on human labor trafficking and wage theft cases since 2014, this Memorandum of Understanding marks the start of a formal five-year partnership to continue our efforts to seek justice for victims of crime.”
Wage theft affects victims in various ways – and at all income levels. Some workers are denied overtime or are paid less than the minimum wage per hour. Some employers also refuse to pay bonuses, vacation pay, or reimbursement of business expenses. According to investigations by the DOL’s Wage and Hour Division in 2021, U.S. workers were denied over 230-million dollars in back pay.1
“Cooperation between federal and local agencies is critical in the fight against all forms of wage theft here in Contra Costa County and elsewhere in the country,” Assistant District Director Raymond said. “The formal renewal of this longstanding partnership highlights our determination and commitment to combat wage theft and to hold their perpetrators accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Wage theft is a felony punishable by up to three years in jail. Employers caught stealing from their employees may be personally liable for unpaid wages and face criminal asset forfeiture actions.2
In addition to investigating and prosecuting cases, both agencies will conduct community outreach programs to inform the public about reporting wage theft — as well as provide resources for employers to help them follow labor and payroll tax laws.
If you are a victim of wage theft, call 1-866-4-USWAGE or contact the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office at: DA-ReportFraud@contracostada.org.
1 U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Labor Division (FY 2021) data found a total of $234,280,603.96 in back pay was owed to workers.
2 Pursuant to PC section 186.11
East Contra Costa Fire to transfer command to Contra Costa Fire District during ceremony Friday morning
About East Contra Costa County Fire Protection District – The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) is a rural-funded fire district that currently operates 3 fire stations and has a 3-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.
About Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) — A recognized fire service leader – Con Fire provides fire and emergency medical services to some 625,000 residents in nine cities and five unincorporated areas across our 304 square-mile jurisdiction. With few exceptions, county emergency ambulance transport services are provided by Con Fire through our unique sub-contractor Alliance model across the District and beyond to include some 520 square miles of the County. In 2021, the District responded to more than 141,000 incidents of all types, including some 55,000 fire and EMS emergencies, and dispatched nearly 100,000 ambulances, providing expert medical care on more than 75,000 ambulance transports. The District, with 26 fire stations and more than 400 employees, is dedicated to preserving life, property, and the environment.
Three women killed, one from Antioch when Amtrak train hits car near Brentwood Sunday afternoon
Emergency personnel on scene of the crash that occurred at a rural railroad track crossing in unincorporated Brentwood Sunday afternoon, June 26, 2022. Source: CBS13 video screenshot. Published with permission.
Two other people including child sustain major injuries
The damaged victims’ Honda Civic following the collision with an Amtrak train in unincorporated Brentwood Sunday afternoon, June 26, 2022. Source: KPIX5 video screenshot. Published with permission. Redacted by the Herald.
By Allen D. Payton
Three people were killed, and two others were injured when an Amtrak train hit a car near Brentwood Sunday afternoon.
According to Con Fire PIO Steve Hill, at 1:00 P.M. in the 3000 block of Orwood Road located in unincorporated Brentwood, a single passenger vehicle was struck by a west bound train with 85 people aboard. Three people were pronounced dead on scene. Two other victims were air lifted due to major injuries. The scene was turned over to CCC Sheriff’s Office and BNSF.
One of the injured was a child who was transported by helicopter to Children’s Hospital in Oakland.
“A third person was transported due to unrelated medical conditions,” East Contra Contra Fire Protection District PIO Steve Aubert added.
East Contra Costa County Firefighters transport a victim to an ambulance from the destroyed Honda Civic. Screenshot of video by Art Ray. Published with permission.
The Contra Costa Coroner’s Office released the identities of the victims. Mercedes Regalado aged 50 of Antioch, Maria Nieves, 27, and Julia Mondragon, 40, both of Dixon died when the Honda Civic they were in was struck as it crossed the railroad tracks.
A report by CBS13 Sacramento included video of the scene showing the damaged car. According to that report, nobody on board the train was hurt.
According to CHP-Contra Costa PIO Lane Adams, “the collision is being investigated by BNSF railroad police.” An effort to reach BNSF Rail spokesman Juan Acosta for additional details on Monday was unsuccessful.
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
Fireworks cause of four-alarm June 17 major Pittsburg grass fire
Threatened 100 homes, prompted evacuation of 2,200 residents
By Steve Hill, Con Fire PIO
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) today announced last week fire investigators have determined fireworks were the cause of the early morning June 17 grassfire that originated in the open space south of Jacqueline Drive, Pittsburg. The fire threatened some 100 homes and forced the mandatory evacuation of approximately 2,200 residents.
The blaze, first reported at 2 a.m., prompted a four-alarm response from both Con Fire and Cal Fire, with more than 100 firefighters and support personnel dispatched to the scene. Structure protection crews, who were aided by substantial work by residents to create defensible space around their properties, were required to protect numerous homes.
When the fire was declared knocked down at 6 a.m, the fire had burned 121 acres.
Weather conditions at the time – principally high winds, gusting to 30 miles per hour – coupled with extremely dry and dangerous vegetation, quickly fed the fire, which burned to the northeast, northwest and south, threatening homes to the north.
The mandatory evacuation order implemented by incident commanders, and executed by Pittsburg Police and the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, was Con Fire’s first significant use of the
new Zonehaven digital evacuation tool, evacuating zone PTS-E008. Many residents also self-evacuated ahead of the order as flames quickly spread.
Con Fire encourages all County residents to learn their home’s zone by visiting www.cwsalerts.com and clicking on the “Know Your Zone” tab at the top of the page.
No firefighters or civilians were reported injured as a result of the blaze.
The fire remains under investigation at this time to identify the person or persons responsible for setting off the fireworks.
Travis Credit Union to offer free youth financial education at Diablo Valley College July 8
Source: Travis Credit Union
Mad City Money Youth Financial Boot Camp
Adulting can be challenging when it comes to finances. That’s why Travis Credit Union (TCU) is offering an in-person Mad City Money Youth Financial Boot Camp, designed to prepare the next generation with personal finance skills for the workforce. All young adults between the ages of 12 – 18 are encouraged to attend and learn these financial skills that will last a lifetime.
Mad City Money is a three-and-a-half-hour simulation that gives young adults the chance to make decisions regarding budgeting, spending, and saving in an assigned-life scenario. For example, each participant will be given a temporary identity that includes an occupation, salary, debt, marital status, children, etc. The goal is to show the reality of financial responsibilities and equip them with the skills needed to make better financial decisions.
Travis Credit Union is offering a free Mad City Money event in Pleasant Hill.
July 8, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road.
Students will learn how to practice budgeting as an adult under realistic circumstances. They will be able to distinguish between good and poor financial decisions. and begin making good judgments regarding spending.
Admission to this event is free. To register, please visit traviscu.org/mad-city-money.
Motorcycles entertain the fans at Antioch Speedway
Tony Meiring #1 on his way to the Pro Am heat race win. He swept all three of his races. Photo by Katrina Kniss
By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media
Antioch, CA…June 25…The flat track motorcycles invaded Antioch Speedway for a special night of racing on the 3/8 mile clay oval track. Over a dozen different classifications of bikes took their turns on the speedway in heat race and Main Event competition. However, the focus was on the Pro Am division, which competed for a $1,000 prize.
There were eight competitors for the Pro Am class, and the Top 4 heat race finishers would earn the right to compete in the winner take all $500 Dash for Cash. After winning the 10-lap heat race, Tony Meiring proceeded to score the big victory in the four lap Trophy Dash.
Meiring had his eyes on the $1,000 prize in the 20 lap Main Event, and he led that race from the outset. Brandon Weller moved into second on Lap 2, and Chris McDougall battled his way into third. They would finish in that order with Meiring the happy winner.
Donnie Darrah #48 led the pack in both the 230 Motorcycle heat race and Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss
The 12-lap Running Of The Bulls event didn’t have quite the first prize that was originally intended due to sponsorship pulling out at the last minute. However, the drivers on hand competed for $500 to win. After winning the 10-lap heat race, Blake Ash proceeded to win the 12-lap Main Event. Jonathan Schaefer was second ahead of William McDonnell.
The Schaefer name was at the head of the pack in the 85cc class, which brought nine riders to the show. Colton Schaefer won the 12-lap Main Event ahead of Rider Fitz-Hay and Jeff Katarzy. Schaefer and Chris Knox picked up their respective 10-lap heat race wins.
The 250 class saw Myles Henderson win their 12-lap Main Event ahead of James Arraiz and Christian Knox. Henderson also won the 10-lap heat race.
Donnie Darrah opened the evening with the Vintage A 10-lap heat race win and followed that up by holding off William McDonnell and Larry Greene to win the 12-lap Main Event.
Ryder Meiring #56 and C Elscholz #199 battle for position in the Peewee heat race. Photo by Katrina Kniss
The Peewee class for kids four- to six years old proved to be very popular, and Indy Tallent won the 12-lap feature ahead of C Elscholz and Ryder Meiring. Tallent also picked up the win in the 10-lap heat race.
The 100-150 4 Stroke win went to Dean Rabideau ahead of Ryder Fitz-Hay. Pedro Brown won the 12-lap Hooligan Main Event ahead of Dean Thompson and Victor Tallent.
The event ran smoothly from the start with only one crash stopping the action for fallen rider Joe Pereira. Pereira was shaken up in the incident on the back straightaway, but he was said to be doing well after a trip to the hospital.
This Saturday night is an off week for the speedway, but action resumes on July 9th with the Hetrick Memorial race. Extra money will be on the line for the event that will feature the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars and Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.
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