Contra Costa Herald

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

Annual Spring Block Party in Concord June 6

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Contra Costa County and the City of Concord bring services to residents from 4-7 p.m.

Avoid having to make multiple stops to government offices or wait in long lines to take care of important tasks. Instead, stop by the County Services Spring Block Party.

Contra Costa County, the County’s Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department and the City of Concord are collaborating to provide a fun, festive event that offers a wide variety of on-the-spot government services at one single location.

The County’s annual Block Party will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 6, at the Concord Library, 2900 Salvio Street, in Concord.

This is the fifth year that Contra Costa County has hosted the increasingly popular event. The “Block Party” rotates locations each year to provide opportunities to engage with different communities around the County.

“This event is designed to bring together multiple services in one location and make it easier for county residents to get things done,” said District IV Supervisor Ken Carlson. “We’re serving residents where they are.”

“Accessibility and outreach are key goals for me as a county elected official, and the County Block Party is a great way to offer county residents accessibility to services out in the community,” said Kristin B. Connelly, Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters. “Our department is excited to be an integral part of this annual event.”

Available services at the Block Party event will include, but are not limited to:

  • Apply for CalFresh & Medi-Cal,
  • Information about childcare and preschool options,
  • Record with Reach from Clerk-Recorder’s Office
  • Library Card Signups,
  • Weatherization information,
  • Voter Registration,
  • Clean Slate Program information,
  • Contra Costa Television (CCTV) — and many more programs.

Food Trucks will offer food for purchase, and parking is free.

For more information, please call the County’s Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department at 925-335-7805.

Contra Costa Coroner’s Inquest Jury finds Antioch man in jail died of natural causes

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By Jimmy Lee, PIO, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston announced that a coroner’s jury reached a finding Friday, June 3, 2023 in the January 3, 2023 in-custody death of 31-year-old Brian Love Pence, Jr. of Antioch. The finding of the jury is that the manner of death is natural.

Pence was arrested on December 31, 2022, by Antioch police for misdemeanor spousal battery. Upon entering Intake, he tested positive for Covid and was assigned to a module on quarantine status and housed alone. He was screened by County Health Services and cleared for incarceration by Medical and Mental Health staff.

On Jan. 3, 2023, at approximately 1:22pm, deputies conducted a room check and observed no movement from the inmate. Deputies made entry and called for jail medical staff to respond. Life-saving measures were attempted by deputies, medical staff and paramedics. He was later pronounced deceased at the scene. There were no immediate signs of trauma or anything suspicious. (See related article)

The coroner’s jury reached the verdict in the inquest after hearing the testimony of witnesses called by hearing officer Matt Guichard.

A coroner’s inquest, which Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston convenes in fatal incidents involving law enforcement personnel, is a public hearing during which a jury rules on the manner of a person’s death. Jury members can choose from the following four options when making their finding:  Accident, Suicide, Natural Causes or At the hands of another person, other than by accident.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa Sheriff offers safety tips for boating season

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Source: CoCoCo Sheriff

The Memorial Day holiday weekend traditionally marks the start of boating season on the Delta. A large number of people are expected to be on the water this weekend and throughout the summer to go fishing, boating or take part in water sports, like water-skiing.

“We want all boaters and those on the Delta to enjoy themselves, but to be safe,” said Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston. “By following the laws and regulations, wearing a life-jacket, avoiding alcohol, and boating safely, you could help avoid an accident or tragedy on the water.”

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Marine Ser-vices Unit would like to remind all boaters to be safe, alert, and obey the rules. Here are some important rules and tips:

-Anyone 50 or under who oper-ates a vessel that is propelled by an engine, regardless of whether the engine is the principal source of propulsion, must have in their possession a California Boater Card issued by the state. By 2025, anyone operating a motorized vessel will be required to possess a California Boater Card. For more information on the California Boater Card, go to www.dbw.ca.gov.

-All vessels, including stand-up paddle boards (SUPs), must have a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person. The life jacket must fit the person intending to wear it. Children under 13 must always wear a life jacket while aboard any vessel, regardless of length, unless they are surrounded by an enclosed cabin or bulkhead. We encourage every-one, regardless of age, to wear a personal floatation device at all times when on the water.

-You must be at least 16 years old to operate a power boat or personal watercraft. All persons on a personal watercraft are required to wear an approved life jacket.

-Boats 16 feet and larger are required to have a life ring or square type 4 throwable flotation device which must be immediately accessible.

-Always travel at a safe speed. Slow down in narrow channels and blind areas and navigate on the right side of the waterway. In crossing situations, the boat on the right has the right of way.

-The operator of a vessel involved in towing a skier must display, or cause to be displayed, a red or orange water ski flag to indicate: a downed skier, a skier in the water preparing to ski, a ski line extended for the vessel, or a ski in the water in the vicinity of the vessel.

-Blue Light law — Any vessel approaching, overtaking, being approached, or being overtaken by a moving law enforcement or emergency vessel operating with a siren or an illuminated blue light, or any vessel approaching a stationary law enforcement vessel displaying an illumi-nated blue light, shall immediately slow to a speed sufficient to maintain steerage. Boaters cannot make a wake near a law enforcement vessel displaying a blue light.

-Always have an emergency kit that includes a flashlight, warm clothing, cell phone, VHF radio and chart. For emergencies on the water, boaters should call 911 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (925) 646-2441. Be sure to file a float plan before you depart. Go to this link for more information on float plans and how to fill one out:

https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/floating-plan.php

-Be aware of potential carbon monoxide poisoning that can occur when the motor is running while occupying the swim platform or in vicinity of the vessel’s transom.

Boating under the influence (B.U.I.) enforcement is a high priority. Those arrested for B.U.I. will face similar consequences as those who drive a motor vehicle under the influence, including fines and possible jail time.

The ‘ABC’s of Boating’, a handbook of boating rules, is available from most boating shops. Boaters can go to the California Division of Boating and Waterways website at www.dbw.ca.gov for information on boating safety and the California Boater Card. If anyone has any questions about boating safety, please contact the Marine Services Unit at (925) 427-8507.

Hercules man faces murder charge, Antioch man arraigned for assault with firearm in Pleasant Hill shooting

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Outside bar on April 3rd; murder suspect arrested in Mexico

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, CCDA

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has filed a two-count felony complaint against a Hercules man for the murder of 37-year-old Oscar Arellano Laredo in Pleasant Hill on April 3rd.

Around 1:15 am, Pleasant Hill Police received reports of shots fired in the 1900 block of Contra Costa Boulevard. When officers arrived on the scene, they found Mr. Laredo lying on the ground in in the parking lot of Farrington’s Bar at 1938 Contra Costa Blvd. with a gunshot wound to his head. Emergency medical personnel arrived shortly after and pronounced Mr. Laredo deceased at the scene. (See related article)

An investigation into the incident revealed that a dispute in a nearby bar involving friends of the shooter and victim preceded the shooting. Witnesses also reported the suspect fled in a vehicle shortly after the murder. Police were able to identify the vehicle and its owner – who matched witness descriptions of the shooter – as 35-year-old Andre Aaron Barocio (4/21/88). Law enforcement officials in Mexico arrested Barocio on May 21st and he was transported back to the Bay Area where he was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on May 25th. His arraignment is scheduled for May 26th in Martinez.

In addition to the murder charge [PC187(a)], Barocio faces a second felony [PC29800(a)(1)] for possessing a firearm by a felon and a special allegation for the personal and intentional discharge of a firearm [PC12022.53(d)].

According to locacrimenews.com, Barocio has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by Pittsburg, Concord, U.C. Berkeley, Walnut Creek and West Covina Police Departments, as well as Contra Costa CHP and Alameda County Sheriff’s Department including for DUI, possession of ammunition, driving with suspended license and speeding over 100 MPH and drug possession.

Co-defendant 32-year-old Angelo Martinez Delacruz (5/31/90) of Antioch was arraigned on assault with a firearm [PC245(a)(2)] and has a court date set for a preliminary hearing on June 1st in Martinez.

Barocio’s arraignment has been put over to June 1st since his case is related to Delacruz. It will be held in Department 27 with Judge Teri Mockler.

Case No. 01-23-01411| The People of the State of California v. Barocio, Andre

Case No. 01-23-01292 | The People of the State of California v. Delacruz, Angelo Martinez

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Jewish holiday of Shavuot to be celebrated with dairy flair in Brentwood Friday evening

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Honors the giving of the 10 Commandments. Cheesecake anyone?

By Mashie Goldschmid, Chabad of the Delta

At a unique crossroads between religion and cuisine, the Holiday of Shavuot, celebrating the Giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai over 3,300 years ago, has become a celebration of fine dairy cuisine as well. Shavuot is celebrated for two days and this year the Holiday celebrated on Friday and Saturday, May 26th and May 27th.

As the Torah was given, and the laws of kosher dining were first received, the Jewish People were not yet capable of properly preparing beef and poultry and as such ate dairy. The rest is history. Exquisite cheesecakes, ravioli, lasagna, Greek salad and of course, cheese blintzes all take center stage during this ancient celebration. Some suggest that this has contributed to the renewed popularity this holiday has seen.

When thinking Jewish Holidays, Passover, Chanukah and Yom Kippur come to mind. Nevertheless, Shavuot is considered one of Judaism’s major holidays and was in fact a “pilgrimage” when all of Israel would travel to Jerusalem to celebrate in the Temple.

“No, it isn’t all about the food,” said Rabbi Peretz Goldshmid of the Chabad Jewish Center. “What is important is that the community is joining together, hearing the Ten Commandments and celebrating the Torah. But the good food certainly helps!”

The Chabad Jewish center welcomes the community to it’s annual Ice Cream Party & Dairy Buffet on Friday May 26th at 5:00 PM.

The Shavuot celebration is free of charge, and all are welcome to join, regardless of Jewish affiliation or background. Special program and prizes for all children. RSVP appreciated JewishDelta.com/Shavuot or 925-420-4999

What is the holiday of Shavuot?

More than 3,300 years ago, the Jewish people received the Torah from G-d at Mount Sinai. Shavuot literally means “weeks” and marks the completion of the seven-week counting period between Passover and Shavuot. Shavuot customs include all-night Torah study, listening to the recitation of the Ten Commandments, the reading of the Book of Ruth, eating dairy products and adorning the synagogue and home with flowers.

About the Sponsoring Organization:

With unconditional love and acceptance, Chabad of the Delta is dedicated to enhancing Jewish awareness and pride in East Contra Costa.

Chabad offers Jewish education, outreach and social service programming for families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds and affiliations.

For more information or to RSVP, contact the Chabad at 925.420.4999 or visit online at JewishDelta.com/Shavuot.

BART Board president, GM say more state funds needed to avoid “severe cuts to service and staffing”

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From Board of Directors President Janice Li and General Manager Bob Powers:

BART is thankful for the recent action taken by the California State Legislature to restore $2 billion for the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program. The program is vital in funding transformative capital improvements to modernize public transportation systems such as BART.

The fate of transit operating budgets, however, presents a do-or-die decision point.

Each day BART moves closer to plunging off the fiscal cliff if the State does not provide short-term financial aid to fund transit operations.

One-time federal funds are dwindling even with BART’s stringent cost controls and will be exhausted by early 2025. If transit operations funding is not included in this year’s State budget, BART must begin making severe cuts to service and staffing, as early as this year. The State has the opportunity – and the power – to sustain BART or let BART and the Bay Area economy fail.
Here’s how failure looks:

  • Trains only once an hour.
  • No trains on weekends.
  • No trains after 9 p.m. on weeknights.
  • Reduced service to San Francisco International and Oakland International airports.
  • Some stations closed.
  • Entire lines potentially shuttered

Those who will pay the biggest price for these severe cuts are those who can afford it the least. Sixty-seven percent of BART riders identify as non-white. Forty-four percent do not have a vehicle. Thirty-one percent have an income of $50,000 or lower. Seven percent are disabled. If the State fails to act, those who rely on BART as a lifeline will be stranded.

Everyone will pay the price if BART fails – even those who don’t use it. Traffic stands to drastically worsen across our already congested roadways and bridges, and regional greenhouse gas emissions will increase, further fueling climate change. Just one trip in a car emits the same amount of C02 as thirty trips taken on BART.

Businesses will struggle to move their goods with thousands more vehicles on already strained roads. BART service cuts to SFO and OAK will make tourism and convention travel unpalatable.

The Bay Area is an economic engine for the entire state, which represents the fourth largest economy in the world. But the regional economy isn’t ironclad. It needs effective public transit – BART, Muni, and other agencies – to thrive.

BART staff, labor partners and Board are focused on increasing ridership by improving the system.

Some highlights:

  • Adding eight to 18 additional police officers to patrol trains each shift in addition to BART’s unarmed safety staff of Ambassadors, Crisis Intervention Specialists and Fare Inspectors on trains.
  • A September schedule change means no rider will wait more than 20 minutes for a scheduled train, including nights and weekends.
  • More than doubling the Clipper START discount for eligible low-income riders.
  • A project to install 700 new fare gates at all stations by 2026 to deter fare evasion and increase safety.
  • Thorough cleaning of train car interiors twice as often.
  • Increasing the number of deep-clean teams by 66% to scrub heavily used stations.

These hard-earned gains for riders would be wiped out by severe service cuts. It’s a recipe for a death spiral.

If the State fails to act, not only will BART fail, but Bay Area public transit will fail. Ninety percent of all transfer trips in the Bay Area involve a connection to BART.

For BART and the Bay Area we know and love to survive, we need State help NOW.

Marsh Creek Road Bridges Replacement Project to begin construction May 30

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Marsh Creek Road Bridge Replacement Project map. Source: CCC Public Works Dept.

By Kelly Kalfsbeek, PIO, Community & Media Relations Coordinator, CCC Public Works Department.

The Contra Costa County Public Works Department will begin construction of the Marsh Creek Road Bridges Replacement Project starting on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, through March 2025, barring unforeseen circumstances. Work will occur from 7 a.m. through 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), weather permitting. Work will take place on Marsh Creek Road at Bridges 143 and 145. Bridge 143 is located approximately 1.5 miles northwest of Deer Valley Road near the Clayton Palms Community. Bridge 145 is located approximately 3.0 miles east of Deer Valley Road near the road transition to Camino Diablo.

Traffic control will be used. Restrictions will be in place to minimize impacts during commuting hours. Message boards will alert drivers about the work. Drivers should expect delays through the construction zone and consider alternative routes during working hours.

The project will replace two (2) bridges on Marsh Creek Road with two (2) new concrete bridges. Work also includes reconstruction of the bridge approach roadways and construction of drainage facilities.

Funding for this project is provided by the federal Highway Bridge Program and local Gas Tax funds.

To learn more about this project, please visit: www.contracosta.ca.gov/MCR-Bridge

About Contra Costa County Public Works Department:

Contra Costa County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) maintains over 660 miles of roads, 150 miles of streams, channels, and other drainage and over 150 County buildings throughout Contra Costa County. CCCPWD provides services such as Parks and Recreation, Sandbag Distribution and Flood Control throughout the unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County. CCCPWD operates two airports, Buchanan Field Airport in Concord, and Byron Airport in Byron. For more information about CCCPWD, please visit us at: www.cccpublicworks.org.

CHP to secure safe start to summer with holiday Maximum Enforcement Period efforts

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Friday evening through Monday night, May 26-29

By Jaime Coffee, CHP Media Relations

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Memorial Day weekend is quickly approaching, and many Californians are preparing to kick off the summer with a holiday gathering or road trip. Forty-five people were killed in crashes in California during last year’s Memorial Day weekend, nearly a 30 percent increase from the same period in 2021.  The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has a plan to help people arrive to their destinations safely, while reducing the number of deadly crashes on the state’s roads.

Beginning at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, May 26, the CHP will implement a statewide Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) in anticipation of the increased traffic that often accompanies a holiday weekend.  The MEP will continue through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 29.

“The core mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to the communities we serve,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.  “This holiday, motorists can expect to see additional CHP officers patrolling California’s roadways.  All available uniformed members of this Department will be on patrol during this Memorial Day MEP.  Our primary focus will be to enhance public safety, deter unsafe driving behavior, and when necessary, take appropriate enforcement action.”

In addition to assisting motorists and looking for traffic violations that often lead to serious injury or death, such as failure to wear a seat belt, speed, and distracted driving, CHP officers will be paying close attention to people who are suspected of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs and/or alcohol.

CHP officers made nearly 900 DUI arrests during the Memorial Day MEP in 2022. Keep yourself and others who are on the road safe by designating a sober driver or using a ride-share service.

If you see or suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1 immediately.  Be prepared to provide the dispatcher a description of the vehicle, the license plate number, location, and direction of travel.  Your phone call may save someone’s life.

The CHP’s Memorial Day MEP coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s ongoing Click It or Ticket campaign, which continues through

June 4. Seat belts save lives. Take two seconds to secure your safety and buckle up.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Filed Under: CHP

BART recruiting for Police Citizen Review Board and Transit Security Advisory Committee open positions

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Applications due 6/1/23

BART is currently recruiting to fill positions in two civilian advisory committees critical for public safety and accountability.

The BART Police Citizen Review Board (BPCRB) is a civilian advisory committee with the authority to provide BART riders and the public with transparency and input into BART’s policing services. We are seeking a District 2 position candidate who will be appointed by BART Director Mark Foley.

The BART Transit Security Advisory Committee (TSAC) is the citizen and community oversight committee that works to ensure Assembly Bill 716 — which allows BART Police Officers the authority to issue prohibition orders to offenders who are cited or arrested for certain offenses — is implemented as the Legislature intended. BART is currently looking to fill several open positions.

Below are full announcements for both BCPRB and TSAC positions.

The BART Board of Directors is currently in the process of recruiting for the BART Police Citizen Review Board (BPCRB) for the District 2 position to be appointed by BART Director Mark Foley. 

Applicants don’t need to reside in District 2, however they must be a resident of Contra Costa, Alameda, San Mateo, or San Francisco.

Members of the BPCRB work to increase the public’s confidence in BART’s Policing services by:

  • Reviewing, recommending and monitoring the implementation of changes to police policies, procedures and practices
  • Receiving citizen allegations of on-duty police misconduct
  • Advising Board of Directors, General Manager, Independent Police Auditor and Police Chief
  • Participating in recommending appropriate disciplinary action
  • Meeting periodically with representatives of the BART Police associations
  • Participating in community outreach

Read more about the BPCRB and  download the District 2 Application

Application period closes on Thursday, June 1, 2023

Call (510) 464-6083 or email CitizenReviewBoard@bart.gov with any questions.

BART’s Transit Security Advisory Committee (TSAC) is currently looking to fill several open positions and is accepting applications until June 1, 2023. 

TSAC is the citizen and community oversight committee that works to ensure Assembly Bill 716 (Dickinson) — which allows BART Police Officers the authority to issue prohibition orders to offenders who are cited or arrested for certain offenses — is implemented as the Legislature intended. The oversight group, comprised of at least five citizens, serves as a volunteer review body for the implementation of BART’s prohibition policy.

Board-appointed members of TSAC are professionals in the areas of mental health, homelessness, public safety and youth advocacy and cultural awareness. Drawing from their private and public sector experiences, the committee brings a diverse set of skills to the review and execution of the prohibition policy. The advisory committee reports directly to the BART Board of Directors.

BART Transit Security Advisory Committee is currently looking for the following Open Seats:

  • One (1) Alternate Committee Member for the Mental Health, Youth Advocate, or Law Enforcement Representative Seat
  • Two (2) Public at Large Representative Seats
  • One (1) Mental Health Representative Seat
  • One (1) Law Enforcement Representative Seat
  • One (1) Youth Advocate Representative Seat

Final Filing Date – Application Deadline Thursday, June 1, 2023, at 5:00 P.M. (PST)

Please download the application here and return the application form and relevant attachments to the BART Office of the District Secretary at:

2150 Webster Street, 10th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612

Applicants may email to TransitSecurityAdvisory@bart.gov

Feel free to call (510) 464-6083 with any questions. Learn more about the TSAC here.