Contra Costa Herald

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

Supervisors aim for all electric, no natural gas for new houses by 2026

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Could add more than $2,200 to cost of a home; revise nepotism policy

NOTE: This article was inadvertently overlooked due to the publisher being sick at the time it was submitted. However, the information is still timely. Apologies for the delay in publishing it.

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By Daniel Borsuk

Will all new houses built in Contra Costa County feature all solar powered electric appliances and lights with no natural gas by Jan. 1 2026?

That’s the game plan of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors who on Tuesday, August 8 instructed the county’s Department of Conservation and Development (CCCDCD) to draft an ordinance that would require home builders to construct residential buildings with all electric powered appliances. (See Subcommittee Report and staff presentation)

Just when CCCDCD will have an ordinance ready for supervisors to consider is up in the air, but the supervisors’ action demonstrates their keen interest in environmental issues. Should the supervisors eventually pass an ordinance calling for all solar powered, electric new housing, natural gas-powered water heaters, heaters, stoves and clothes dryers will be taboo.  Everything will henceforth be solar powered. (See Cost-effectiveness Study)

Supervisors expect the proposed ordinance will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. (See Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability Committee’s recommended Building Electrification Ordinance for New Construction)

Just when planning officials will have an ordinance prepared for supervisors to review and act on is up in the air, but Area 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen of Danville raised questions about the cost effectiveness of such a proposed ordinance.

“I have serious reservations about the California Energy Commission’s recommendations to replace natural gas with all electric powered homes,” said Andersen. “We need better cost analysis.  There are some estimates going around that all-electric could add $2,000 to the cost of a house.”

Andersen cast the one dissenting vote in instructing CCCDCD officials to draft an all-electric new residential ordinance.

Lisa Vonderbrueggen of the Building Industry Association of the Bay Area also cautioned supervisors about the genuine costs associated with electric powered versus natural gas-powered houses. She said a California Building Industry Association study found that an all-electric home is $421 less expensive to build, including the cost of appliance, “but estimates from homebuilders show increased costs of more than $2,200 per home.” BIA Contra Costa County All Electric Comment Letter

Vorderbrueggen wrote: “Will California’s aging electric grid hold up under an all-electricity design.  The state is already anticipating major demand increases from electric vehicle charging needs.”

While a letter from PG&E supporting the county’s move to promote all solar-powered electric homes generated scant interest from the general public, District 1 Supervisor John Gioia of Richmond said,“I appreciate PG&E’s statement and it has provided in-depth analysis. But I am very hesitant to move forward on it.”

“Do everything you can do to eliminate gas,” pleaded Richmond City Councilmember Eduardo Martinez. “I liken natural gas to the Covid-19 pandemic.”

“We need to act quickly,” said Lisa Jackson, an environmentalist.  “We cannot wait for the state to act. PG&E even supports this.  Let’s move forward to eliminate this potential safety hazard.”

Before casting his vote, District 1 Supervisor Gioia, who drives an electric-powered car said: “It’s all about full electrification as our main source of power.”

Nepotism Policy Revised

After not updating its nepotism policy since 2011, supervisors took the plunge and loosened its the rules on appointments on boards, committees and commissions for which the board of supervisors is the appointing body.

Supervisors voted 4-1, with supervisor Gioia casting the dissenting vote, brother-in-law and sister-in-law from the prohibited relationship list.

The revised policy now states:

“A person will not be eligible for appointment if he/she is related to a Board of Supervisors’ Member in any of the following relationships:

  1. Mother, father, son, and daughter.
  2. Brother, sister, grandmother, grandfather, grandson, and granddaughter.
  3. Husband, wife, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, stepson, and stepdaughter.
  4. Registered domestic partner, pursuant to California Family Code section 297.
  5. The relatives, as defined in 1 and 2 above, for a registered domestic partner.
  6. Any person with whom a Board Member shares a financial interest as defined in the Political Reform Act  (Gov’t Code 87103, Financial Interest), such as a business partner or business associate.”

 

Walnut Creek man, CEO of East Bay-based internet companies indicted on wire, securities fraud charges

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Alan K. Anderson arrested in connection with alleged scheme to raise money by creating false impression of profitability and sending false contracts to investors; companies market child-friendly services

SAN FRANCISCO – A federal grand jury has indicted Alan K. Anderson, charging him with wire fraud and securities fraud charges related to a scheme to use materially false and fraudulent pretenses to induce investors to make contributions to three businesses that were marketed as providing child-friendly internet services, announced Acting United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Craig D. Fair.  alananderson_indictment USDOJ

The indictment filed October 13, 2021, and unsealed today, describes how Anderson, 59, of Walnut Creek, used misrepresentations to solicit investments for the three businesses.  According to the indictment, Anderson owned and controlled Imbee, Inc., a Delaware corporation based in Walnut Creek marketed as a child-friendly social media platform; Fanlala, a California corporation marketed as a service providing internet-based music streaming for children; and Fruit Punch, a California corporation marketed as providing music-streaming service for children.  The indictment alleges that beginning as early as April of 2010 through May of 2019, Anderson raised money for his companies by making false representations and creating false documents to support his bogus claims.  For example, the indictment alleges Anderson created fraudulent income statements and profit and loss statements and misrepresented the companies’ profitability to investors and potential investors; that Anderson created and altered contracts to represent falsely that one or more of his companies would be acquired by larger companies; and that Anderson created and altered contracts to make fraudulent claims that his companies created partnerships with other existing companies.  In addition, the indictment describes how Anderson emailed an investor to falsely claim Imbee was worth $21.6 million and that the investor owned 70% of the company.

In sum, the indictment charges Anderson with four counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, and one count of securities fraud, in violation of 15 U.S.C. §§ 78j(b) & 78ff and 17 C.F.R. 240.10b-5.  Anderson was arrested today in Walnut Creek.  He will make his initial federal court appearance tomorrow at 10:30a.m., before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas S. Hixson, in San Francisco.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  If convicted, each count of wire fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. The securities fraud charge carries a maximum 20 years of imprisonment and a $5,000,000 fine.  In addition, the court also may order a term of supervised release, fines or other assessments, and restitution, if appropriate.  However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

In addition, in 2019, due to lies and misrepresentations he had made to previous shareholders, Anderson was issued a Desist and Refrain Order from the California Department of Business Oversight, preventing him from selling additional stock in Imbee, Inc. in the state “by means of any written or oral communication which includes untrue statements or omissions of material facts.”

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christiaan Highsmith and Scott Joiner of the Office’s Corporate and Securities Fraud Section are prosecuting this case with the assistance of Claudia Hyslop, Morgan Byrne and Ralph Banchstubbs.  This prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

 

Contra Costa to hold Community Redistricting Workshops for Supervisor districts October 23-28

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Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors 2021 Redistricting Draft Map 1. Source: CCC Department of Conservation and Development

By Susan Shiu, PIO, Office of Communications & Media, Contra Costa County

Contra Costa County’s Redistricting effort is a once-a-decade process of redrawing the boundaries for Supervisorial districts after the U.S. Census. As part of that process,

a series of Community Redistricting Workshops to be held in each region of the County will take place October 20 – 29, 2021. To register for mapping workshops and to learn more, visit CoCoRedistricting.org.

The county is also offering easy-to-use mapping tools for public input. Five proposed maps have been created for review by the public and Supervisors. See Redistricting Concept Maps 1-5.

Redistricting is the regular process of adjusting the lines of voting districts in response to accordance with population shifts within the County. Every ten years, after the decennial census, supervisorial districts must be redrawn so that each district is substantially equal in population. This process is important in ensuring that each Supervisor represents about the same number of people.

Redistricting is based on the U.S. Census data, which was released in legacy format on August 12, 2021.  The actual drawing of Supervisorial District Maps requires the official California State Adjusted Redistricting data, which was released September 20, 2021 and includes updated data to ensure that individuals in the prison population are counted by each jurisdiction.

“The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors welcomes your engagement and input in this important process,” said Board Chair, Supervisor Diane Burgis. “We are committed to a robust Redistricting and public outreach process with public hearings, a dedicated website at CoCoRedistricting.org, and public workshops.”

Workshop Schedule

Community Redistricting Workshop – District 2, San Ramon City Hall

October 23, 2021, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM @ San Ramon City Hall, 7000 Bollinger Canyon Road. Hosted by Supervisor Candace Andersen

Community Redistricting Workshop – District 3 Zoom Workshop

October 24, 2021, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM This workshop will be by zoom only. Hosted by Supervisor Diane Burgis

Community Redistricting Workshop – District 4, Pleasant Hill Community Center

October 25, 2021, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM @ Pleasant Hill Community Center. Hosted by Supervisor Karen Mitchoff

Community Redistricting Workshop – East County Zoom Workshop

October 26, 2021, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM This workshop will be by zoom only. Hosted by Supervisors Diane Burgis & Federal Glover

Community Redistricting Workshop – District 1, San Pablo City Hall

October 27, 2021, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM @ San Pablo City Hall, 1000 Gateway Avenue, San Pablo 94806 Hosted by Supervisor John Gioia

Community Redistricting Workshop – District 5 Zoom Workshop

October 28, 2021, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM This workshop will be by zoom only. Hosted by Supervisor Federal Glover

For more information about Redistricting and how to provide input, visit www.CoCoRedistricting.org or the County website’s homepage at www.contracosta.ca.gov.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Parents: talk to your teen driver about safe driving during National Teen Driver Safety Week Oct. 17-23, 2021

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National Teen Driver Safety Week is Oct. 17-23, 2021. Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Your teen is in the driver’s seat, but you’re in control

It’s National Teen Driver Safety Week.

This week, and every week, parents should have conversations with their teens about the important rules they need to follow to stay safe behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. These rules address the greatest dangers for teen drivers: alcohol, inconsistent or no seat belt use, distracted and drowsy driving, speeding, and number of passengers.

Facts about Teen Driver Fatalities:

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens (15-18 years old) in the United States.

In 2019, there were 2,042 people killed in crashes involving a teen driver, of which 628 deaths were the teen driver.

Parents can be the biggest influencers on teens’ choices behind the wheel if they take the time to talk with their teens about some of the biggest driving risks. You should let your teen drivers know that obeying the rules of the road is a must. Breaking the rules leads to walking, riding the bus, using rideshare or going back to begging for rides from mom and dad.

The Rules of the Road

Wear seat belts

The car doesn’t move until everyone is buckled up — front seat and back, on every trip, every time. Almost half of the passengers killed in cars driven by teen drivers in recent years weren’t buckled up in 2019.

No drinking and no drugs

Emphasize the fact that it’s illegal to drink before you’re 21 — and that driving drunk or high is unacceptable at any age. In 2019, 16% of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes had been drinking.

No distractions

Driving is the first and only task when behind the wheel. That means no phones or texting while driving, and not doing anything else — like eating, drinking, or fixing hair and makeup — when you should fully focus on driving. About 10% of all teen drivers involved in fatal crashes in recent years were distracted at the time of the crash. Teens should activate the “do not disturb” feature on their phones to eliminate the distractions notifications cause.

No speeding

About 27% of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes were speeding in 2019. Faster speeds rob inexperienced teen drivers of the extra reaction time they may need to avoid a crash. Emphasize that they must obey posted speed limits.

Limit extra passengers

Teen drivers are at a greater risk for a crash when they have others in their car. Passengers can serve as a distraction for inexperienced teen drivers, and that’s why many states’ graduated driver licensing (GDL) restrictions prohibit any passengers in vehicles with teen drivers. GDL laws also set other limits on teen drivers for safety.

Drowsy Driving

We all know how important sleep is, especially for your teens during the school year when studying can cause long nights. Remind your teen the importance of a good night’s sleep, and the dangers of drowsy driving.

Don’t just set the rules — set the example

Parents, you’re role models. When a teen driver sees you obeying the rules of the road, they get the message. If you’re breaking the rules, they may adopt those behaviors when they’re on the road. Check yourself: assess how you’re driving (whether you’re following the rules of the road) and think about what your driving communicates to your teen driver.

While National Teen Driver Safety Week is a great reminder to discuss safe driving as a family, keep the conversation going year-round. If you do, you’ll not only better protect your young driver, you’ll be contributing to safer roads in your community. For even more information, visit our Teen Driving section.

The Antioch Police Department contributed to this report.

National Prescription Drug TAKE BACK Saturday, Oct. 23

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On Saturday, October 23, 2021, from 10 AM to 2 PM, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

“This is a great way to get rid of unused prescription drugs in our homes,” said Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston. “These drugs could fall into the wrong hands and harm family members and friends. This is an opportunity for everyone to help prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.”

Needles and sharps cannot be accepted; only pills, patches, and liquids sealed in their original container will be accepted. Vape pens or other e-cigarette devices from individual consumers are accepted only after the batteries are removed from the devices.

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Bring your pills for disposal at the following sites. COVID-19 protocols will be followed.

DROP OFF LOCATIONS:

-Office of the Sheriff Muir Station, 1980 Muir Road, Martinez (Field Operations Building)

-Office of the Sheriff Bay Station, 5555 Giant Highway, Richmond (West County Detention Facility)

-Office of the Sheriff Valley Station, 150 Alamo Plaza, #C, Alamo

-Danville Police Department, 510 La Gonda Way, Danville

-Orinda Police Department, 22 Orinda Way, Orinda (Lafayette residents can drop off prescription drugs in Orinda or Sheriff’s Office Valley Station).

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people aged 12 or older misused prescription pain relievers in the past year. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the Take Back event, go to the DEA Office of Diversion Control website at: www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov.

Sheriff’s Office investigates Saturday murder of teen in Bay Point

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By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

On Saturday, October 16, 2021, at about 5:36 PM, Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to the 3300 block of Willow Pass Road in Bay Point for a report of a shooting.

Deputies arrived on scene and found a man who suffered from a gunshot wound lying on the ground in front of a store.

Fire and ambulance responded and rendered medical aid to the victim who was later declared deceased at the scene. He is identified as 18-year-old Manuel Pineda.

Another person who was injured in the shooting was transported to a local hospital. His injuries were said to be non-life threatening.

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit responded along with the Crime Lab.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or through Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (925) 646-2441. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

 

Three-vehicle fatal collision on I-80 near Pinole Valley Road Wednesday morning

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Fourth fatal vehicle accident in Contra Costa, second on I-80, this month

By CHP Contra Costa

Yesterday morning, Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021, at 5:27am, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a three-vehicle collision on westbound I-80, west of Pinole Valley Road. The events occurred as follows, a Yamaha R6 with a single rider was involved in a collision with a GMC Terrain. This initial collision caused the rider of the Yamaha to be ejected from the motorcycle where he was struck by a Ford Excursion with one occupant.

The rider of the Yamaha was transported from the scene by emergency services, but ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased later that morning. Both the driver of the Ford and the GMC did not claim injuries.

It’s the fourth fatal vehicle accident in the county, and the second three-vehicle fatality on I-80, this month. (See related article)

This collision is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed it or the events leading up to it, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980.

Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office seeks Bay Point assault suspects

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Assault suspects in car 10-12-21. Photo by CCCSheriff

12-year-old girl shot by BB gun

By Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff is looking for four suspects involved in assault with a deadly weapon incidents in Bay Point.

On Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at about 3:20 PM, a 12-year-old girl walking home from school on the 3300 block of Willow Pass Road at Marin Avenue was shot at with a BB gun as a vehicle drove passed her. There were two other similar incidents later that day in the same area. The victims all suffered injuries.

The same suspects appear to be involved in each case. They were in a silver-colored 4-door, newer Kia Optima.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on the vehicle or suspects is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2667 or 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Assault suspects’ car 10-12-21 Photo by CCCSheriff

Pasquale Esposito “From Italy, With Love!” at Antioch’s historic El Campanil Theatre Nov. 13

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Licata-Cardinale Productions & the El Campanil Theatre

proudly present

International and PBS star

Pasquale Esposito “From Italy, With Love!”

with special guest star Anthony “Nino” Lane Band

Direct from headlining the Italian Festivals in Salt Lake City and Reno

Saturday, November 13, 2021 Doors at 5:15PM  Show at 6PM

Tickets can be purchased online at the El Campanil website or by calling direct at (925) 757-9500.

The rescheduled concert from last year, due to COVID, is part of a series being brought to East County by Licata-Cardinale Productions, and partners Michael Licata from Las Vegas and local resident and businessman, George Cardinale.

“This is a guy who has been a PBS star and never been on this side of the Bay,” Cardinale said. “He’s performed all over the world. We’re happy to bring his talent to Antioch’s historic El Campanil Theatre in downtown Rivertown. You’ll enjoy the show very much. It’s really a treat for the people, here who have never seen him, before.”

PASQUALE ESPOSITO was born and raised in Naples, Italy. He immigrated to the United States winning the Green Card Lottery in 1998.  He pursued his passion for music by studying at San Jose State University receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree where he was a distinguished alumnus in 2009.

He is an international crossover recording artist, acclaimed for his pop-opera delivery of songs. Esposito released 11 albums and began touring internationally with his first musical revue: Naples … That’s Amore in 2005.  Thereafter, he toured with his CD of Original Compositions: A Brand New Me (2009) and Il Tempo (2011).

Following the success of spreading his rich Italian culture through music, he embarked on writing and producing his first PBS Special: Pasquale Esposito Celebrates Enrico Caruso in 2015. The program was filmed in the historic Castello Giusso in Vico Equense on the Amalfi Coast. Esposito was accompanied by the Orchestra Santa Chiara conducted by Maestro Renato Serio.  The docu-concert pays homage to Caruso by taking the audience on a musical journey in Italy highlighting the life, career and songs that made Caruso an international star.  Maestro Placido Domingo collaborated in the program with an intimate interview. The PBS Special had over 220,000,000 potential viewers coupled with a live touring version. A CD, DVD and Bluray are available of the Special.

Esposito had his successful debut at San Francisco Opera in June 2015 with the premiere of Marco Tutino’s Two Women (an opera adaptation of the 1960s film La Ciociara –with Sophia Loren whom he had the pleasure of sharing the stage with in her recent US Tour).  The New York Times stated that Esposito sang with “airy charm” for his performance of Ragazzo del Popolo while the San Francisco Chronicle described Esposito as “a charismatic and dulcet-toned singer.”

In Spring 2018, Esposito released his second, public TV special on PBS stations: Pasquale Esposito Celebrates Italian Piazzas.  Esposito was accompanied by the Orchestra Talenti Napoletani conducted by Maestro Adriano Peninno. This docu-concert is a unique musical journey of culture, art, and tradition where Esposito dedicates a song to each of the beautiful piazzas (squares) performed in the prestigious Piazza del Plebiscito in Naples, Italy.  A live concert version of the special followed with a robust 2018/2019 national tour.

In January 2020, Esposito filmed two new PBS TV Specials in Naples, Italy at the historic Teatro Politeama.  The first a Christmas Special: In the Spirit of Christmas (August 2021 release) conducted by Maestro Adriano Peninno and the second is a special titled: Il Tempo (Time) (November 2020 release) conducted by Maestro Ettore Gatta.  Pasquale is accompanied in both specials by the Orchestra Talenti Napoletani. The second special comprises of a collection of songs that have influenced Pasquale Esposito’s career and personal life.

Esposito established Notable Music and Arts Organization (www.notable-music.org), a 501 (c) 3 non-profit charitable organization promoting music education in Spring 2012.  The organization provides music instruction to underserved students in the San Francisco Bay Area and develops and produces educational programming for public television. Esposito travels nationally to major universities and colleges offering Master Classes in vocal technique and also provides private instruction at his studio in San Jose, California.

For more information about Pasquale Esposito, visit www.pasqualeesposito.com

Discography:

My Passion 2000

My Destiny 2004

Naples … That’s Amore 2005

Il Fornaio: Authentic Italy 2008

A Brand New Me 2009

Il Tempo 2012

Pasquale Esposito Celebrates Enrico Caruso 2015

Pasquale Esposito Celebrates Italian Piazzas 2018

In the Spirit of Christmas 2019

Il Tempo 10th Anniversary Edition 2020

In the Spirit of Christmas 2021 – PBS Edition

El Campanil Theatre is located at 602 W. Second Street in Antioch. The concert was first planned for March 21, 2020 but had to be postponed due to COVID. (See related article with interview of Esposito, here)

Contra Costa to lift masking requirements in some indoor settings on Nov. 1 

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Won’t lift all mask requirements until county reaches 80% fully vaccinated which includes kids ages 5-11 who aren’t yet eligible for vaccinations; figure also includes those under age 5

“This will allow vaccinated people to FEEL safe removing their masks” – Contra Costa County Health Officer Dr. Chris Farnitano (emphasis added)

By Contra Costa County Health Services

With COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations declining, Contra Costa County will lift masking requirements on Nov. 1 in certain indoor settings where everyone is fully vaccinated

Eligible settings are in controlled spaces not open to the general public, including offices, gyms and fitness centers, employee commuter vehicles, indoor college classes and organized gatherings in any other indoor setting, such as a religious gathering.

Under the order, participating businesses, organizations and hosts must verify that all patrons, employees and attendees are fully vaccinated before allowing people inside their facilities not to wear face coverings. There can be no more than 100 persons present at these facilities, and the group of those present must gather on a regular basis. Those present should also not have COVID-19 symptoms.

“This will allow vaccinated people to feel safe removing their masks at the office and when they’re working out at the gym,” said Dr. Chris Farnitano, health officer for Contra Costa County. “Of course, people in these places can keep wearing masks if that makes them feel more comfortable.”

Indoor-masking requirements would remain in effect for the time-being in public settings, such as bars, restaurants and retail stores until other targets are met. Masking would also still be required in indoor K-12 school settings.

San Francisco and Marin County recently issued similar orders easing masking requirements as COVID cases and hospitalizations have steadily declined since their peaks in the summer. In Contra Costa County, COVID-related hospitalizations are down to 69 from a summer high of 227 in August. Case rates in the county have seen a similar decline over the past two months.

Cases and hospitalizations spiked in the summer after the state relaxed restrictions and the highly contagious Delta variant swept through the country.

Dr. Farnitano said masking requirements had to be reinstated in the summer to blunt the impact of the Delta surge and keep hospitals from being overwhelmed. With the surge receding, Dr. Farnitano said it makes sense now to lift mask requirements in non-public places like offices and gyms for vaccinated people, who are less likely to get infected with COVID or transmit the virus.

“We’re in a safer place than we were two months ago,” Dr. Farnitano said. “My hope is that two months from now vaccinated people won’t have to wear masks in other places like restaurants, bars and retail stores. The way we get there is for those who remain unvaccinated to get immunized.”

The County will lift its indoor masking requirements for restaurants, bars and retails stores when certain criteria are met, including when 80% of residents are fully vaccinated. As of Thursday, 71.6% of all county residents were fully vaccinated.

CCC Vaccination Percentage as of 10:30 AM on Oct. 14, 2021. Source: Contra Costa Health Services COVID Vaccine Dashboard

Discrepancy in Fully Vaccinated Percentages Clarified

That 71.6% figure differs significantly from what is on the county’s COVID Vaccine Dashboard, which shows 82.5% of residents over age 12 are fully vaccinated, as of today, Oct. 14, 2021 at 11:30 a.m.

Health Services staff was asked, “which is the correct figure, the 82.5% as it shows on your Vaccine Dashboard, or 71.6%? Why the difference?”

Health Services spokesman Karl Fischer responded, “Both are actually correct. The higher percentage, found on our vaccination dashboard, refers to county residents who are vaccinated, and who are also 12 and older. (Younger people are not yet able to get vaccinate).

The other percentage, which we display on the front page, is our percentage of all county residents who are vaccinated, including those younger children who are not yet eligible for vaccine. We began displaying this metric last week, after we announced the criteria for lifting the county’s face covering requirement, because the percentage of the total population that is vaccinated is part of that criteria.”

The 80% requirement applies to the county’s total population, including all of those under age 12, both those ages 5-11 not yet eligible for vaccination as well as those under age 5. According to Fischer, the county uses California Department of Finance projections rather than the 2020 Census Data. Asked why, Fischer said he had to research that.

The statistic showing the percentage of total population fully vaccinated is not currently included on the county’s COVID Vaccine Dashboard. Fischer said he’d look into it and that it might already be in the works to add it.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.