Hikers: Take the 6th Annual San Francisco Bay Area Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge™
Join the Challenge
The 6th Annual San Francisco Bay Area Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge™ is a self-paced hiking and trail running challenge up six iconic Bay Area mountains.
You choose whether you want to complete them in six days, six weeks or take the entire year. Set the schedule that works best for you.
The peaks include Mt. Umunhum – elevation 3,486 feet, Mt. Saint Helena – elevation 4,341 feet, Mt. Diablo – elevation 3,849 feet, Mt. Tamalpais – elevation 2,572 feet, Mt. Sizer – elevation 3,215 feet and Rose Peak – elevation 3,817 feet. Plus, new for 2023 a seventh peak, Berryessa Peak – elevation 3,041 feet.
You can climb them in order as you build your strength and endurance or mix it up. The choice is yours. Your registration will help support Big City Mountaineers, so you’ll be doing good for others with each peak you climb.
$50.00 Registration includes:
- Welcome Packet with instructions on logging your hikes and personalizing your profile
- Leave No Trace reference card
- 2023 Bay Area Hiker Tag
- 2023 NorCal Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge sticker pack
- Access to the challenger-only hike log. Log your Six-Pack hikes and share photos on SocialHiker.net. Hike them solo, with friends, or with a group. Hike at your own pace and schedule, but hike them between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023.
- Personalize profile to track your progress.
- Earn virtual badges for each Six-Pack hike you complete. And you might pick-up a few surprise badges along the way!
- Connect with other challengers. You can share hike logs, post photos and add comments in the activity stream.
- Exclusive access to our challengers-only discussion forumwhere you can connect with other challengers and pick up advice for successfully hiking each of the six hikes.
- Monthly gear giveaways
- Peak reports and training tips
Hike and log all the Six-Pack peaks between January 1 and December 31, 2023 and you’ll earn the coveted Finisher Pin and a chance to win the grand prize in our gear giveaway.
This registration is for adults 18 years or older. If you are a parent or guardian registering a minor, click here.
For more details and to register for the challenge visit https://socialhiker.net/six-pack-peaks-challenge/san-francisco-bay-area/.
Carlson sworn in as Contra Costa’s first LGBTQIA+ Supervisor
Supervisor Ken Carlson sworn in by Rep. Mark DeSaulnier on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, and in his official photo. Source: Supervisor Ken Carlson
Board elects Gioia as Chair, Glover as Vice Chair, make “Health and Equity for All” their priority for 2023
By Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media
(Martinez, CA) – Two of California’s longest serving Supervisors, John Gioia and Federal D. Glover, take on leadership of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, and Ken Carlson is sworn in as Contra Costa’s newest Supervisor.
At today’s Board of Supervisors meeting, Superior Court Judge Joni T. Hiramoto administered the oath of office to District 1 Supervisor John Gioia for his seventh term as County Supervisor. History was made when Judge Hiramoto also administered the ceremonial oath of office to former Pleasant Hill Councilmember Ken Carlson. District 4 Supervisor Carlson, who was elected to the Board on November 8, 2022, replaces retired Supervisor Karen Mitchoff.
Carlson was officially sworn in on Monday, January 2 inside the Pleasant Hill City Council Chambers. In a post on his official Facebook page that day, Carlson wrote, “On Monday, Rep. Mark DeSaulnier administered my oath of office, which officially starts my term on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. I am proud and humbled to have been elected to represent the communities of Pleasant Hill, Clayton, Concord, and Walnut Creek.”
District 4 includes Pleasant Hill, Concord, Clayton and parts of Walnut Creek and Morgan Territory. In taking on his new role, Carlson said, “I am proud to represent the residents of District 4, to be the first Contra Costa LGBTQIA+ Supervisor and to continue my family’s legacy set by my grandfather. I look forward to improving our mental health crisis response, expanding our homeless services capacity, and ensuring all have equitable access to our county services.”
Supervisors Glover and Gioia were joined by family members as Judge Joni T. Hiramoto administers their oaths of office as Board Vice Chair and Chair on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023. Photo: Contra Costa County
Supervisor Gioia was also sworn in, Tuesday as Board Chair for 2023 and Supervisor Federal D. Glover was sworn in as Vice Chair.
District 1 Supervisor John Gioia represents Richmond, San Pablo, El Cerrito, Pinole, Kensington, El Sobrante, North Richmond, Rollingwood, Montalvin Manor and Tara Hills. John was first elected to the Board of Supervisors in 1998 and was re-elected last year with 85% of the vote (the highest vote percent of any Supervisor in California who faced an opponent). He is currently the third longest serving Supervisor in California and at the end of his current term of office will be tied as Contra Costa’s second longest serving County Supervisor. He served five previous terms as Board Chair and takes the leadership role from outgoing Chair Karen Mitchoff, who retired at the end of her term.
“I’m proud and excited to continue my work representing the diverse communities of District 1 and fighting to achieve health and equity for all county residents,” said Gioia.
District 5 Supervisor Federal D. Glover, who represents Hercules, Rodeo, Crockett, Martinez, Bay Point, Pacheco, Clyde, Pittsburg and parts of Antioch and Marsh Creek, is the Board’s first and only African-American Supervisor. He was elected to the Board in 2000, served four previous terms as Chair and is the fourth longest serving Supervisor in California.
Gioia and Glover will lead the five-member elected body that sets the direction of County government and oversees its $4.4 billion budget to serve the 1.2 million residents of this diverse East Bay county with a “AAA” bond rating.
Board Chair Gioia and Vice Chair Glover intend to make “Health and Equity for All” their priority for 2023 as they lead the establishment of a new County Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice and continue their work to reduce health disparities across race and ethnicity.
For more information about Contra Costa County and its Board of Supervisors, visit the County’s website at www.contracosta.ca.gov or the webpage: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/7283/Board-of-Supervisors. For more information about Supervisor John Gioia, visit his County webpage at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/5216/District-1-Supervisor-John-M-Gioia, for more about Supervisor Federal D. Glover, visit his County webpage at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/781/District-5-Supervisor-Federal-D-Glover and for information about Supervisor Ken Carlson, visit his County webpage at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6291/District-4-Supervisor-Ken-Carlson.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Rep. DeSaulnier appointed to House Ethics Committee
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier
Washington, D.C. – U.S. House of Representatives’ Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced today that the Democratic Caucus affirmed his nominations to the House Committee on Ethics for the 118th Congress. They will serve under the leadership of Ranking Member Susan Wild of Pennsylvania.
“Today, I am honored to appoint Reps. Veronica Escobar, Mark DeSaulnier, Deborah Ross and Glenn Ivey to the House Committee on Ethics. These Members have each shown a steadfast commitment to good governance and they exemplify our Democratic values of integrity, transparency and accountability. Under the leadership of Ranking Member Susan Wild, these Members will protect the sanctity of the People’s House and ensure that our elected officials uphold the highest ethical standards.
I look forward to working with Representatives Wild, Escobar, DeSaulnier, Ross and Ivey to put People Over Politics and I thank them for their service on this important committee.”
DeSaulnier represents California’s 10th District in the House of Representatives which includes most of Contra Costa County.
Senator Glazer announces new District Coordinator
Concord Councilman Dominic Aliano
Dominic Aliano. Source: City of Concord
SACRAMENTO – Senator Steve Glazer, D-Contra Costa who represents the 7th State Senate District, announced this week that he has hired Concord City Council Member Dominic Aliano as his new District Coordinator.
“I’m excited to bring Dominic on board to lead our District office,” Senator Glazer said. “Dominic has a strong background in delivering on the needs of local constituents. And he brings a personal history to my Senate District, having been raised in Concord and serving their residents on the City Council.”
Aliano will begin on January 9. He replaces George Escutia, who served under Senator Glazer since 2015, the last three and a half years as district director.
Since 2015, Aliano has served as district representative for two Contra Costa County supervisors – Karen Mitchoff and Federal Glover. His work included economic development, sustainability, environmental health and zoning and code enforcement.
Aliano has also worked in a variety of leadership positions. He has served on Concord’s City Council since December 2018, including as mayor; on the Boards of Directors for the Monument Crisis Center, Todos Santos Business Association and Support4Recovery; and as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Concord.
Aliano graduated in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in political science from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington.
The 7th District is comprised of the following cities: Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, San Ramon, Walnut Creek.
CC Health Dep’t asks DA for legal action against Martinez Refining Company for hazardous materials release
Source: Martinez Refining Company
Released more than 20 tons of metal-laden dust on Thanksgiving, CC Health not notified, no public warning issued
On Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2022, Contra Costa Health (CCH) formally requested that the District Attorney consider taking legal action against the Martinez Refining Company (MRC) for not notifying the County after the refinery released more than 20 tons of metal-laden dust into the community over the Thanksgiving holiday.
The accidental release of “spent catalyst” from the refinery during multiple flarings, began around 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving Day) and continued into the early hours of Nov. 25, showering the surrounding community in the dust-like substance. Samples of the dust taken later showed it had elevated levels of aluminum and other metals, which could have potentially caused respiratory symptoms in people who breathed it. Prolonged exposure to these metals can lead to health concerns.
MRC did not report the release via the county’s Community Warning System or directly to CCH, as required by the county’s notification policy. CCH learned about the release from media accounts two days after it began. Had MRC followed the notification policy, the Community Warning System would have been activated to notify the community about the hazard at the time of the accident.
“It is unacceptable that the refinery did not notify County Health Services of their chemical release and that the County learned about it through the media,” said John Gioia, Chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. “By failing to notify the County in a timely manner, the refinery delayed an emergency response that could have reduced harm to the surrounding community.”
“We rely on our industrial businesses to follow the rules and be good neighbors – and most of the time, they are. But when an industrial facility doesn’t follow the rules and possibly puts its neighbors in harm’s way, as in this case, then they must be held accountable,” said Supervisor Federal Glover, whose district includes the Martinez refinery.
The District Attorney’s Office has approximately 30 days to decide whether to accept the enforcement case referral from CCH.
In a separate but related move, CCH is also recommending an independent investigation and risk assessment be done of the accidental release of spent catalyst from the refinery. The Contra Costa Industrial Safety Ordinance (ISO) Ad Hoc Committee, which is appointed by the County Board of Supervisors, will consider that recommendation at its Jan. 12 meeting at 1 p.m., which is open to the public.
A Nov. 30th post on MRC’s Facebook page reads, “On November 30, 2022, Contra Costa County Health Services held a news briefing regarding the Martinez Refining Company spent catalyst release that occurred overnight last Thursday, November 24th. You can watch a video of the County’s briefing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PovDvIq7IQ
This incident is still under internal and external investigations, and we appreciate the cooperation and responses of the Contra Costa County Health Services and Bay Area Air Quality Management District. MRC will continue working with the agencies on this matter. Again, we apologize for the inconvenience this incident has posed to our neighbors and community.”
In that video, Contra Costa Health Officer Dr. Ori Tzveli said, “Contra Costa Health does not believe that there is an immediate risk to the community from this event. Breathing the air containing this material could have caused temporary respiratory symptoms…during the incident. Anyone who experienced those or are continuing to experience those should contact their healthcare provider. Exposure during a single event like this would be unlikely to cause any major health problems.”
“We will be working with the facility to make sure exposures like this don’t happen again,” he added.
MRC is owned by New Jersey-based PBF Energy. According to the parent company’s website, it “is one of the largest independent petroleum refiners and suppliers of unbranded transportation fuels, heating oil, petrochemical feedstocks, lubricants and other petroleum products in the United States.”
Asked for comment about CCH’s request, MRC’s Community Relations Advisor, David Schoenthal responded, “While this incident is still under internal and external investigation, MRC will continue cooperating with all agencies.”
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Happy New Year 2023 from The Herald!
Josh Hill joins BAC Community Bank as Sr. VP
Josh Hill
December 29, 2022 – Stockton, Calif – Josh Hill has joined locally-owned BAC Community Bank as Senior Vice President and Retail Banking Officer. Hill is a results-driven financial services professional with more than 28 years of extensive leadership experience. He has most recently led and grown retail banking teams within the BAC Community Bank footprint and Northern California.
“We are excited to be working with Josh,” said Jackie Verkuyl, Chief Administrative Officer, “the skills and insight he brings complement BAC’s future-focused strategic path.”
Working with other seasoned members of management, Hill is responsible for the overall success of the relationship banker and deposit service specialist teams, as well as leading BAC’s branch operations and ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality customer banking experiences. He also assists in developing and overseeing retail policies and strategies while working with team members to improve and implement new retail products and services.
Hill holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Financial Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.
About BAC Community Bank
BAC Community Bank is California’s 10th oldest state-chartered bank. Established in 1965, BAC operates branch offices throughout San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Contra Costa counties and is identified as “one of the strongest financial institutions in the nation” by BauerFinancial, Inc.
The bank is centrally headquartered in Stockton, California, and is continuously recognized for banking excellence through local awards and banking industry accolades.
BAC Community Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Equal Opportunity Employer. Member FDIC. More information is available online at www.bankbac.com.
Ring in the New Year responsibly – designate a sober driver
Photo: CHP
Maximum Enforcement Period Friday night 12/30/22 – Monday night 1/02/23
Multi-state DUI Enforcement Campaign 12/30/22-1/01/22
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) urges everyone to ring in 2023 responsibly by designating a sober driver.
The CHP will conduct a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) starting at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, December 30, 2022, continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, January 2, 2023. During that time, all available CHP officers will be out on patrol with a focus on removing impaired drivers.
“Every year, people’s lives are impacted forever by making the decision to get behind the wheel while under the influence,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said. “Driving impaired is never worth it and certainly not the way to ring in the new year – always designate a sober driver.”
During the previous new year’s MEP, 29 people were killed and CHP officers arrested 495 impaired drivers. Additionally, the CHP issued over 2,300 citations for speeding and 26 citations for seat belt violations during the same time period.
To help bolster this year’s holiday traffic safety effort across state lines, the CHP will again coordinate with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and law enforcement partners from all over the Western United States. With this year’s “Eyes on the Interstates” initiative, officers from Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, and Montana will be teaming up with the CHP to increase awareness about driving under the influence and removing impaired drivers from the roadways.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
IORF holds 16th annual Christmas pajama and toy giveaway in Brentwood
Pajamas are sorted and ready to be packaged for the 2022 giveaway. Photo: IORF
Thanks donors, supporters and volunteers
BRENTWOOD, CA – The International Orphan Relief Foundation of Brentwood held their 16th annual children’s pajamas, toy and grocery gift card giveaway on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Led by organizers former Councilwoman Claudette and her husband Johnny Staton, they partnered with Toys for Tots by the U.S. Marines and helped about 150 families, this year.
The families signed up for the giveaway through three organizations, Sisters of Immaculate Heart, Delta Community Services and Village Community Resource Center of Brentwood. The giveaway was held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Brentwood.
“It was heartfelt to see people, especially the children with smiles on their faces and so grateful to receive the gifts,” Johnny shared.
“We want to thank Fremont Bank branch in Brentwood, specifically branch manager Deborah Willis and Community Outreach Manager Julie Moore who supported us throughout the years as well as McNally Insurance Company, as they are our major donors.”
“We also want to thank all those who donated toys and pajamas, Toys for Tots, Got Kicks and Tammy Young of the Streets of Brentwood, the volunteers, JoAnn Klement, Surah and Shaddin Abukishk, Dawn Bass, mother Gloria and daughter Gloria Pantoja, Claudia Rodriguez, Allen Payton, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and Carol Ilch-Rojo,” Claudette said.
Organizers Johnny and Claudette Staton were joined by several volunteers for the 2022 giveaway event. Photo: IORF
The Statons also thanked last year’s donors including Dub 4 Kids and past volunteers Jilda Fairhurst, Roy and Elma Richards, Villa Millan Serrano, for helping on distribution day, as well as all the past volunteers over the years including Glen Combs.
Finally, they thanked their legal counsel, Hon. Elihu Harris, former Mayor of Oakland, and Dr. Sheila Wells.
Johnny said, “I also want to thank my wife, Claudette for being such caring person.”
“We do it all for the praise and glory of God,” he added.
For more information and to donate to IORF visit International Orphan Relief Foundation (www. iorf.org).