Contra Costa Herald

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

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From prisoner to pastor Discovery Bay resident brings hope to inmates

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Pastor Chris Mullen

By Neil Sterud, Herald Intern

Reaching across 22 prisons in four states, Pastor Chris Mullen, a Discovery Bay resident, has touched the lives of tens of thousands of prisoners. The unique journey that led him to this position is nothing less than remarkable.

Pastor Chris has walked a tumultuous path with a familiarity that extends to the prison gates. His journey into the dark realms of drugs and dealing began at the age of twelve, escalating to his first incarceration at fifteen when he set fire to a teacher’s classroom, fueled by a sense of perceived injustice. As the years unfolded, he found himself in a relentless cycle of criminality, convinced that his mission was merely to excel as a drug dealer, viewing the revolving prison doors as an unfortunate norm. Serving a total of six years behind bars, Chris’s redemption journey began with a spiritual awakening—a “tug on his heart” echoing through the confines of his San Quentin cell as volunteers sang Christmas carols, sparking the rekindling of his faith.

Amidst a history marked by recurring encounters with the legal system, one of Chris’ parole violations unfolded in a harrowing incident—a collision with a police car during a traffic stop while under the influence.

Years later, he was arrested again. Faced with the consequences of his actions, he recognized the urgent need for a transformative change. Upon his release, Chris sought assistance for his struggles with substance abuse and, in a pivotal moment, rededicated his life to a path guided by faith in God.

In 1999, facing denial to serve in San Quentin State Prison, Pastor Chris secured access to the California Division of Juvenile Justice. For years, he dedicated one day a month to this mission without financial compensation until he felt a compelling calling to take a leap of faith. After fervent prayer, he courageously resigned from his high-paying job, navigating the challenges of the Great Recession in 2009 with no backup plan, solely driven by his commitment to serving the inmate community. Throughout this transformative period, he relied on donations of free food from food banks and churches to make ends meet.

Inspired by his pastor’s definition of mercy as ‘not getting what we deserve’ and grace as ‘getting what we don’t deserve,’ Chris named his prison ministry “Mercy and Grace”. Based in Livermore, the ministry is a beacon of hope within correctional facilities, offering inmates the transformative power of compassion and unmerited favor. It is a 501c3 non-profit corporation registered in the State of California.

Mercy and Grace Ministries has since expanded its reach to outside California, to Utah, Idaho and Florida, with preparations underway to launch their Idaho Region. Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Pastor Chris’ sermons found a unique platform on the Division of Rehabilitative Programs Television, broadcast on Inmate TV across every state prison in California. Additionally, the ministry actively engages with inmates through a robust letter-writing program, connecting with men and women in California and Idaho, as well as women in Utah. The organization thrives with 60 passionate volunteers, fueling impactful change behind bars.

To extend his service to a broader audience, Pastor Chris enlisted the help of a translator to connect with Spanish-speaking prisoners. Leveraging available resources, he had his sermons translated and shared in Spanish over 100 times. In the past six months, the Spanish arm of Mercy and Grace Ministries was launched, with dedicated individuals now delivering the Good News in a second language.

In a society that often turns its back on the demographic of prisoners, Pastor Chris stands as a beacon of unwavering commitment to the overlooked. In a candid conversation, when remarking on the gravity of crimes committed by some in his congregation, he responded with a touch of humor, saying, “All of the guys I work with are in there for jaywalking.”

His experiences are far from lighthearted, though, as he has braved the chaos of violent gang clashes, enduring the ominous rain of powder rounds from guard turrets, and even donned the weight of body armor. Despite these challenges, Pastor Chris remains undeterred in his mission, extending a compassionate hand to those that society often chooses to forget.

To learn more about his ministry and how to volunteer, visit https://mercyandgrace.org.

Kaiser Permanente Antioch, Richmond Medical Centers ranked among nation’s best by Leapfrog Group

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For providing safe, high-quality patient care

By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

Six Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals are ranked among the nation’s best for providing safe, high-quality patient care, according to the Leapfrog Group’s 2023 Top Hospital award.

The highest-performing hospitals on the Leapfrog Hospital Survey are recognized annually with the prestigious Leapfrog Top Hospital award, considered one of the most elite and competitive honors a hospital can receive. Only 132 hospitals nationwide, or just 6% of the 2,100 eligible hospitals, were recognized this year.

The six Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals to receive the award include: Antioch, Richmond, San Leandro, San Rafael, Santa Clara and South San Francisco.

“Our hospitals exemplify the high-quality, extraordinary care Kaiser Permanente provides to its members and patients every day throughout Northern California,” said Carrie Owen Plietz, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “This honor speaks to the commitment of our physicians, nurses, and staff who give patient-centered care in a safe, nurturing environment.”

Source: Kaiser Permanente

The Leapfrog Top Hospital award is based on excellence in upholding quality standards across several areas of patient care including staffing, hand hygiene, infection rates, practices for safer surgery, maternity care, and error prevention. Hospitals must have also received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade in the most recent round of scoring to be eligible for the Top Hospital award.

“This recognition is a tribute to our physicians, clinicians and staff, who are dedicated to delivering exceptional care and service to our patients every day,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, chief executive officer and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “As a result, our hospitals are consistently ranked among the best in the nation for providing high-quality care, and we continue to have a positive and often life-changing impact on the health and well-being of our Kaiser Permanente members and patients.”

The annual Top Hospital award is given to both teaching and general medical centers. Kaiser Permanente San Leandro and San Rafael are named top general hospitals and Kaiser Permanente Antioch, Richmond, Santa Clara and South San Francisco are named top teaching hospitals.

The Leapfrog Group is an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health care benefits. It is an independent advocacy group working with a broad range of partners, including hospitals and insurers.

 

 

18-year-old arrested for October Oakley house party shooting death

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U.S. Marshals assist; held on $3.5 million bail

By Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard

On October 21, 2023, a shooting occurred at a house party in the 400 block of Shannon Way in Oakley. Tragically, a 16-year-old male died as a result of this shooting and three others (17-year-old female, 16-year-old male and 15-year-old male) sustained gunshot wounds. This case has been a top priority of the detectives of the Oakley Police Department. (See related articles here and here)

On October 25, 2023, we arrested a person in connection with these crimes (an Antioch teen who was later released) The arrest drew us closer to the facts of what happened during and after the shooting. Our detectives were provided with information from people who were previously disinclined to talk to us, and new evidence was revealed to us. (See related articles here and here)

On Thursday, November 30, 2023, at approximately 6:00 PM, the Oakley Police Department, in partnership with the U.S. Marshals Service, arrested Sean Anthony Karp (18, Oakley) for homicide. The arrest occurred I the 900 block of 2nd Street in Brentwood. According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, he is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $3.5 million bail.

Our detectives have had many positive interactions with the District Attorney’s Office during the lifespan of this investigation and on occasion we have had face-to-face meetings to discuss details and updates.

I first want to acknowledge the family of the young man who lost his life in this horrible crime. I know nothing can replace what they have lost and there is a great sense of profoundness in their loss. I, along with all the members of the Oakley Police Department extend our condolences to the family.

I have said this before about this case, but it bears repeating: this does not belong in Oakley, this does not belong anywhere. Seeing how this did occur in Oakley, however, I deeply appreciate the leadership, diligence, work ethic, teamwork, and innovation I have seen out of my Investigations Unit from the onset of this case. I also appreciate the partnership we formed with the United States Marshals Service, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and other law enforcement agencies as we left nothing to chance in our pursuit of the person who was responsible for the killing of one person and the maiming of three others.

I have been briefed several times on this case and all available evidence and information supports the arrest that was made.

Stay safe Oakley.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

County Mental Health Rehabilitation Center planned in Richmond thanks to state grant

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Contra Costa Health (CCH) will build a new mental health rehabilitation center and fill a critical gap in county mental health services, thanks to an $18.6 million grant from the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).

The facility, planned for a county-owned property at 847 Brookside Drive in Richmond, will serve patients experiencing serious mental illness who need 24-hour residential care, but don’t need hospitalization. Residents who need that level of care must now travel out of the community – sometimes across the state – to find it.

“Right now, there is a tremendous burden on our patients and families, who must uproot their lives and relocate to wherever beds are available, during a time that is already extremely difficult for them,” said John Gioia, chair of the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, whose district includes the future site. “This facility will help us to keep our residents in our community, where they are best served.”

The center is planned as a locked facility with 44 beds providing 24-hour, sub-acute care, a high level of care that is less intensive and longer term than acute care, which patients receive when hospitalized.

No facilities currently provide this service in Contra Costa County, CCH Behavioral Health Director Suzanne Tavano said, meaning that when a patient is ready to step down from hospital care but still needs 24-hour service in a locked facility, they are transferred to neighboring counties or farther.

“Our goal is to bring Contra Costa residents back home,” Tavano said. “People who need this level of care are receiving it in facilities located in the greater Bay Area and Central Valley. For at least 20 years, we’ve been working toward opening our own facility in Contra Costa, for Contra Costa residents.”

The opportunity arrived this month, when DHCS selected Contra Costa’s proposal for an $18.6 million grant through its Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP).

Voices from Contra Costa’s mental health advocacy community played a pivotal role in making the project a state funding priority. Currently more than 100 patients from Contra Costa County are receiving sub-acute care at facilities elsewhere in California.

“A healthcare system that includes a tiered array of Housing That Heals as part of a full continuum of medically necessary care will help mend our broken hearts and bend the harm curve for families like ours,” said Lauren Rettagliata and Teresa Pasquini, community advocates.

Pasquini and Rettagliata co-authored a 2020 report, Housing That Heals: A Search for a Place Like Home for Families Like Ours, that documents gaps in appropriate residential care for people who have mental illness, both in Contra Costa and statewide, and their own experiences advocating for family members who need care.

The state grant will cover construction costs for the CCH-operated facility. A timeline for the project has not yet been established and there are no drawings, yet for the facility.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Contra Costa Probation Department awarded grant for high-risk DUI offenders

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From state Office of Traffic Safety

A $412,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for Intensive Supervision Program for High-Risk DUI Offenders will go toward check-ins with probationers to make sure they are following court-ordered terms of their probation and prevent probationers from re-offending.

“This grant will allow us to tackle the complex issues surrounding repeat DUI offenders, providing vital resources and guidance to break the cycle of alcohol-related offenses,” said Chief Probation Officer Esa Ehmen-Krause. “With this funding, we can create safer roads and a healthier community by reducing the incidence of DUI offenses.”

“The intensive supervision programs are critical to reducing the devastating consequences of DUI offenses,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “Prevention is an effective, proactive tool to address the often tragic consequences of impaired driving.”

The grant will fund Probation Department personnel to monitor drivers on Probation for felony DUI or multiple misdemeanor DUI convictions, including conducting unannounced Fourth Amendment waiver home searches, field visits, random alcohol and drug testing and ensuring those on probation are attending court-ordered DUI education and treatment programs. The probation grant will also pay for warrant operations targeting probation violations and/or DUI suspects who do not appear in court, officer training in Standard Field Sobriety Testing (SFST), distribution of DUI “Be On the Lookout” (BOLO) alerts, collaborating with courts and prosecutors to establish probation orders and participation with local law enforcement on anti-DUI efforts. While alcohol remains the worst offender for DUI crashes, Contra Costa County Probation supports OTS in its statement, “DUI just doesn’t mean booze.”

Prescription medications and marijuana can be impairing by themselves, but also in combination with alcohol, and can result in a DUI arrest.

The grant program runs through September 2024. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 

DA’s Office responds to Walnut Creek man’s 86 arrests since 2017, 41 in 2023

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Most occurred in Contra Costa County

By Allen D. Payton

Concord Police arrested 44-year-old Jesse Leonardo Otero of Walnut Creek on Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 22, 2023, for theft from the Veranda shopping center located at 2001 Diamond Blvd. Mr. Ortero was transported to the Concord PD jail and later to the Martinez Detention Facility for theft and resisting/delaying a peace officer. (See related article)

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.

In response, Ted Asregadoo, Contra Costa DA’s Office PIO provided the following statement:

“44-year-old Jesse Leonardo Otero is currently on felony probation for commercial burglary [PC 460(b)]. He was convicted on June 13, 2022, of a felony and was sentenced to 150 days in county jail and placed on two years of formal probation. On the same day, Otero was convicted of a misdemeanor shoplifting offense [PC 459.5] after stealing a gaming controller from a GameStop store. In October 2021, Otero was prosecuted and convicted of two separate counts of misdemeanor vandalism [PC 594(a)]. He was sentenced to 28 days in county jail and a year of probation for the vandalism offenses.

Many of the violations Mr. Otero was cited for in Contra Costa County were low-level, misdemeanor offenses such as trespassing, public nuisance, petty theft, and possession of controlled substances or paraphernalia. Otero’s misdemeanor thefts, for example, include taking a soft drink and candy at a Target store, stealing $27 worth of cosmetics, or shoplifting $50 worth of razor blades.

Our office is working with law enforcement agencies to merge a number of seemingly minor cases for prosecution to seek justice, ensure accountability, and protect our communities. Misdemeanor complaints filed with the court will have multiple incidents that we believe can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”

CCTA, Tri Delta Transit announce public-private partnership for East County 28-mile personal micro transit line

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Rendering of a proposed Glydways micro-transit system station. Source: CCTA

Using Glydways’ electric, autonomous vehicles holding up to 4 passengers using dedicated guideways

Will pursue regional, state, federal funds for $450 million project

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and Tri Delta Transit are marking another milestone in the innovative East Contra Costa County Dynamic Personal Micro Transit (DPMT) Project. Today, CCTA and Tri Delta Transit are announcing a partnership with East County Connection Partners, LLC (ECCP), made up of transportation innovators Glydways and Plenary Americas, and lead construction contractor Flatiron.

DPMT is a cutting-edge technology. It provides on-demand and autonomous transportation for up to four passengers. These zero-emission electric vehicles travel in narrow, dedicated guideways to minimize the space needed to operate the system.

The DPMT Project is a 28-mile, multi-city, on-demand transit option designed to meet the diverse mobility needs of people in Eastern Contra Costa County. ECCP will help bring the vision of a safe, on-demand, single-party, transportation system into reality with its zero-emission, autonomous, four-person Glydcars. These electric vehicles travel in narrow, dedicated elevated or at-grade guideways, making more efficient use of space, substantially cutting operational costs, and providing a sustainable option that aligns with local, regional, and state emission reduction goals. The Glydcars are designed with convenience in mind, with enough space for passengers to easily travel with their luggage or bikes. The vehicles are also fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and provide enough room to comfortably fit a wheelchair.

East County DPMT Conceptual Route Map. Source: CCTA

The shuttles will be fully separated from traffic and are a closed system, autonomous, electric, public micro transit solution. They will be on a virtual rail, with tires on their own pathways. It will be near Highway 4 but not in the median.

This new, fare-based transit solution will help alleviate the increasing congestion on Highway 4 in East County. The project also aims to enhance transit accessibility in East County by improving connections to existing options such as BART and local bus services.

In Spring 2021, the cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley and Pittsburg completed the East County DPMT Feasibility Study (Study) to support a potential micro-transit deployment with Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) in East Contra Costa County. Subsequently, the CCTA and Tri Delta Transit partnered to evaluate the potential deployment of the East County DPMT project.

ECCP specializes in a revolutionary on-demand public transportation system. CCTA in partnership with Tri Delta Transit, selected ECCP as the preferred vendor for the DPMT project after a comprehensive evaluation process. CCTA, Tri Delta Transit, and ECCP will work together to deliver an initial viable segment of the larger project through a unique public-private partnership (P3).

East County DPMT proposed station locations map. Source: CCTA

“We’re very excited about this project and believe it will significantly improve the quality of life in our community,” said CCTA Board Chair Federal Glover. “It’s a bold step towards a more sustainable and accessible future for Contra Costa.”

To actualize that future, CCTA and Tri Delta Transit determined last year that engaging a private sector partner to collaborate with would be the most beneficial strategy. The P3 approach has proven to be a highly efficient agreement, allowing for smoother delivery and deployment of transportation projects. P3s unlock the ability to quickly mobilize the resources required for state-of-the-art, effective, and sustainable transportation solutions, such as the DPMT project.

As East Contra Costa County prepares for extensive population growth and an increasingly overburdened and congested Highway 4, DPMT offers an opportunity to relieve congestion on the freeway and local arterials.

“This partnership is a significant milestone for us,” said Tri Delta Transit Board Chair, Lamar Thorpe. “By working with ECCP, we can leverage their expertise in innovative transportation technologies to better serve East County residents.”

While CCTA and Tri Delta Transit will now need to pursue regional, state and federal funding to support the project, the announcement of this partnership is the first step in the process. The Feasibility Study included a high-level cost estimate of $450M for the conceptual alignment shown in that study. The cost estimate is subject to change as it needs to be validated as the project progresses. During SPDA Phase 1, the ECCP will work collaboratively with CCTA, Tri Delta Transit and the East County cities to select an initial viable segment. The work will include developing the cost estimate and funding plan for this initial segment.

For more information about the DPMT Project see video or visit https://ccta.net/projects/east-county-dynamic-personal-micro-transit-project/

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

DeSaulnier to host 200th town hall meeting Dec. 9th 

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At Diablo Valley College

Rep. Mark DeSaulnier

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) has announced he will host his 200th Town Hall since coming to Congress on Saturday, December 9th at 1 p.m. at the Bistro at Diablo Valley College’s Pleasant Hill Campus.

“I am grateful for the continued engagement of the people of California’s 10th Congressional District and look forward to celebrating this milestone together,” said DeSaulnier.

During the town hall he will provide a recap of House Democrats’ efforts this past year to support the American people and a preview of his legislative priorities heading into the new year.

Town Hall at Diablo Valley College

Saturday, December 9th
1:00 – 2:00 PMThe Bistro

321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill

This event is open to the public and press and will be streamed live on Congressman DeSaulnier’s Facebook page.

To RSVP, submit a question, or request special accommodations, visit  https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660.

 

Supervisor Gioia to hold annual Holiday Party & Community Open House Dec. 7

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By John Gioia, Supervisor, District One, Contra Costa County 

I want to invite you to my annual Holiday Party and Community Open House to support Verde School on Thursday, December 7th at 5:30 PM at my District Office, 11780 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito, Suite D.

Let’s chat about what we’re grateful for and what we can do together next year to make an impact. We’ll enjoy desserts, appetizers, and refreshments with neighbors.

Thanks to the great work of parents, educators, and students, Verde School is a shining light in North Richmond. We are proud to support the success of these children. We need your help again this year to provide every student with a new book and rain jacket.

Please help us raise $2,000 by the end of the week, towards our total goal of raising $7,000. Your donation will allow us to order the rain jackets in time to spread holiday joy at Verde School.  

Your donation can be mailed to my office at 11780 San Pablo Avenue, Suite D, El Cerrito, CA 94530 with a check payable to the non-profit “CHDC of North Richmond” c/o Verde School Drive. You can also donate online, click here.

A warm thanks in advance for your help and support! See you at our party on December 7th!

All donations must be received by Friday, December 8th.

If you have questions, please contact Tania Pulido in my office (510-942-2225) or tania.pulido@bos.cccounty.us