Contra Costa Herald

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

PG&E offers latest details on Public Safety Power Shutoff

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Contra Costa County postponed until 8:00 p.m., tonight

By Tamar Sarkissian, PG&E Spokesperson

513,000 customers were part of the first phase of this PSPS; those customers are currently deenergized. They’re in the following counties: Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Solano, Sonoma, Tehama, Trinity, Yolo and Yuba counties.

About 21,000 customers in Calaveras and 800 in Mendocino were not part of the first phase and will be deenergized during the second phase coming later today.

Shutoffs for the second phase of counties, initially scheduled to start around noon on Wednesday, have been delayed by a few hours, given changes to the weather forecast. Those counties are: Alameda, Alpine, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Mariposa, Mendocino, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Stanislaus and Toulomne.

We understand the impact turning off the power for safety has on customers, we don’t take this action lightly. We thank our customers for their patience during this significant wind event.

EAST BAY AREAS EXPECTED TO BE IMPACTED

County Customers Cities
Alameda 32,680

Medical Base: 872

 Oakland, Castro Valley, Fremont, Union City, Berkeley, Albany, Hayward, San Leandro, Sunol, Pleasanton, Livermore
Contra Costa 51,310

Medical Base:1,594

 San Ramon, Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Pinole, Richmond, Kensington, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill,

El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Canyon, San Pablo,

Pittsburg, Rodeo, Concord, Antioch, Martinez,

 

COMMUNITY WILDFIRE SAFETY PROGRAM

PSPS is part of a larger effort. Given the continued and growing threat of extreme weather and wildfires, and as an additional precautionary measure following the 2017 and 2018 wildfires, we are expanding and enhancing our Community Wildfire Safety Program to further reduce wildfire risks and help keep our customers and the communities we serve safe.

Our ongoing and expanded efforts include further enhancing vegetation management around power lines, conducting accelerated safety inspections of electric infrastructure in high fire-threat areas, and hardening our electric system.

In response to the rapidly changing environmental conditions in our state, beginning with the 2019 wildfire season, we are also expanding our Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program to include all electric lines that pass through high fire-threat areas – both distribution and transmission. Factors that PG&E considers when deciding to initiate a Public Safety Power Shutoff included strong winds, very low humidity levels, critically dry vegetation and on-the-ground observations by our crews.

COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTERS

To support customers in the affected areas, PG&E will open Community Resource Centers in several locations beginning at 8 a.m. today. The centers will remain open during daylight hours only. Restrooms, bottled water, electronic-device charging and air-conditioned seating for up to 100 will be available at these facilities.

The East Bay centers will be opened at the following locations:

 

County City Location
Contra Costa San Ramon Bishop Ranch Parking Lot – 2600 Camino Ramon, San Ramon 94583
Alameda Oakland Merritt College LOT B – Leona St., Oakland 94508

CUSTOMER TIPS

We know how much our customers rely on electric service and that there are safety risks on both sides. We understand and appreciate that turning off the power affects first responders and the operation of critical facilities, communications systems and much more. Below are some helpful safety tips you can share. You can also direct customers to: www.safetyactioncenter.pge.com

PG&E Power Outage Safety Tips

  • Use a cell phone or hard-wired phone. Cordless phones do not work without electricity.
  • Use battery-operated flashlights, not candles, which pose a fire hazard.
  • Unplug or turn off all electric and heat-producing appliances (e.g. air conditioners, washers and dryers, ovens, stoves, irons) to avoid overloading circuits. Overloaded circuits can be a fire hazard once power is restored.
  • Unplug televisions and computers that were in use when the power went out.
  • Leave a single lamp on to alert you when power returns.
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed, and place extra containers of ice inside to preserve food. A full freezer will remain colder longer.
  • Notify your alarm company if you have an alarm system. Equipment can be affected by outages.
  • Turn your appliances back on one at a time when conditions return to normal.
  • Reset clocks, thermostats and other programmed equipment after power is restored.

Preparing for a Power Outage

  • Keep important numbers (e.g. hospital, fire department, police, friends, relatives) near the phone.
  • Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios and extra batteries on hand.
  • Gather non-perishable food that doesn’t require cooking, as well as a manual can opener.
  • Freeze water-filled plastic jugs to make blocks of ice. Place them in the fridge and freezer to help prevent food from spoiling.
  • If you have a generator, make sure a licensed electrician properly installs it. Improperly installed generators pose a significant danger to our crews.

 

Contra Costa County prepares for a confirmed PG&E Power Shutoff event, updates list of cities

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Offers list of County Charging Stations for mobile phones

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

Contra Costa County is preparing to respond to the impacts of a confirmed PG&E power shutoff event that will affect parts of the County. PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is expected to start around 12 noon on Wednesday, October 9th, through Thursday, October 10th, at 12:00 pm. According to PG&E, complete power restoration may take one to five days.

PG&E estimates that 51,000 customers in Contra Costa County could lose power. We expect the shutoff to impact over 120,000 residents of the County. The PG&E power shutoff event will affect large areas of the County, including Bay Point, Canyon, El Sobrante, Kensington, Lafayette, Moraga, North Concord, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, Pinole, Pittsburg, Richmond, San Ramon and Walnut Creek. PG&E notice: Rossmoor and Danville will NOT be impacted by the PSPS. PG&E expects to start restoring power on Thursday, October 10th with complete restoration possibly taking several days.

Contra Costa County is working to ensure that the public is aware of this PG&E power shutoff event.  The County’s Emergency Operation Center is now at a Level 2 partial activation.  Contra Costa County will be in business on Wednesday and Thursday. The Bay Point Health Center will be closed during the power shutoff.  Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) is contacting patients to reschedule appointments. Patients can also call the CCHS appointment line at 1 (800) 495-8885. Contra Costa Regional Medical and all other county health centers are not expected to be impacted by the outage. CCHS will continue to provide services during the outage.

PG&E Community Resource Center

2600 Camino Ramon, San Ramon

County Charging Stations (for mobile phones):

The County Employment & Human Services Department is setting up charging stations for community members during the PG&E power shutoff. These charging stations are available in the lobbies of the following locations starting Wednesday, October 9th, from 8 am to 5 pm:

4545 Delta Fair Blvd., Antioch

151 Linus Pauling, Hercules

400 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill

1305 Macdonald, Richmond

There are no scheduled public school closures in Contra Costa County for Wednesday, October 9.  For updates on school closures, go to www.cocoschools.org.

Go to Contra Costa County’s website at www.contracosta.ca.gov for updates, a PG&E map of impacted areas, and ways to prepare before, during and after a power outage. Check www.pge.com to register for wildfire alerts and for customer updates.

 

Cities in Contra Costa affected by PG&E Power Shutoff and what to do to prepare

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According to an email message from Tamar Sarkissian, media representative, for PG&E’s East Bay Public Affairs Team received by the Herald at 5:55 p.m., Tuesday evening, there will be 40,219 customers affected by the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) in the following communities in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties: Antioch, Pittsburg, San Ramon, Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Pinole, Richmond, Kensington, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Canyon, San Pablo, Rodeo, Concord, Martinez, and Berkeley and Albany.

The PSPS will begin at Midnight tonight (Tuesday/Wednesday) and last until noon on Thursday. However, it could take up to five days for the power to be restored.

Sarkissian also provided the following press release:

PG&E Will Proactively Turn Off Power for Safety to Nearly 800,000 Customers Across Northern and Central California

Portions of 34 Counties Will be Impacted by Widespread, Severe Wind Event Beginning Wednesday; New Counties Added Since Monday: Marin, Humboldt, Trinity and Kern

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – As a precautionary measure to reduce wildfire risk during the forecasted severe wind event, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) confirmed that it will implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) in portions of 34 northern, central and coastal counties, affecting electric service for nearly 800,000 customers.

PG&E expects to begin turning off power in some areas early Wednesday, just after midnight. The power will be turned off to communities in stages, depending on local timing of the severe wind conditions, beginning with counties in the northern part of the state.

“The safety of our customers and the communities we serve is our most important responsibility, which is why PG&E has decided to turn power off to customers during this widespread, severe wind event. We understand the effects this event will have on our customers and appreciate the public’s patience as we do what is necessary to keep our communities safe and reduce the risk of wildfire,” said Michael Lewis, PG&E’s senior vice president of Electric Operations.

Customer notifications and impact

The company has been notifying potentially impacted customers and will continue to do so, via automated calls, texts and emails. However, customers not impacted by the PSPS may experience power outages due to PG&E equipment damaged during this major wind event; those customers will not be notified in advance.

It is very possible that customers may be affected by a power shutoff even though they are not experiencing extreme weather conditions in their specific location. This is because the electric system relies on power lines working together to provide electricity across cities, counties and regions.

Portions of Kern, Humboldt, Trinity and Marin counties have been added to the potential scope of this PSPS, in addition to the 30 counties identified Monday. Customers can find the full list of impacted counties, cities and communities at www.pge.com/pspsupdates.

Estimated time of restoration 2

 

Overall, based on the latest weather forecasts and models, PG&E anticipates that this weather event will last through midday Thursday, with peak winds forecasted from Wednesday morning through Thursday morning and reaching 40 to 55 mph, with isolated gusts up to 60 to 70 mph.

Before restoring power, PG&E must inspect its equipment for damage and make any necessary repairs. That process cannot begin until the severe weather event has subsided.

Given the prolonged period during which the wind event will unfold, and the large number of power line miles that will need to be inspected before restoration, customers are being asked to prepare for an extended outage.

PG&E will work with state and local agencies to provide updated restoration timelines following the conclusion of the severe weather event.

Community Resource Centers

To support customers in the affected areas, PG&E will open Community Resource Centers in several locations beginning on Wednesday, October 9, at 8 a.m. The centers will remain open during daylight hours only. Restrooms, bottled water, electronic-device charging and air-conditioned seating for up to 100 will be available at these facilities.

Centers will be opened at the locations below:

Contra Costa San Ramon Bishop Ranch Parking Lot – 2600 Camino Ramon, San Ramon 94583

How customers can prepare

As part of PSPS preparedness efforts, PG&E is asking customers to:

  • Update their contact information at pge.com/mywildfirealerts or by calling 1-866-743- 6589 during normal business hours. PG&E will use this information to alert customers through automated calls, texts, and emails, when possible, prior to, and during, a PSPS.
  • Plan for medical needs like medications that require refrigeration or devices that need power.
  • Identify backup charging methods for phones and keep hard copies of emergency numbers.
  • Build or restock your emergency kit with flashlights, fresh batteries, first aid supplies and cash.
  • Keep in mind elderly family members, younger children and pets. Information and tips including a safety plan checklist are available at pge.com/psps.
  • Continue to monitor PG&E’s new weather forecasting web page at pge.com/weather which is a dedicated page with weather forecasting information and a daily 7-day PSPS lookahead.

Generator safety

  • Backup electric generators can be a part of any preparedness plan, but they can also pose unique safety hazards.
  • It’s important to understand how to safely operate your generator before an emergency occurs. This means doing regular safety checks and being sure you have enough fuel to last a few days. If you don’t understand how to use your generator, you risk damaging your property, endangering your life and endangering the lives of others.
  • Position your generator where its exhaust can vent safely to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal. Never run a portable generator in the garage or in the rain, and never store generator fuel in the house.
  • Additional tips on the safe use of generators can be found at PG&E’s Safety Action Center at www.safetyactioncenter.pge.com.

 

Payton Perspective: If Brentwood voters don’t approve Measure L Antioch should annex the land and approve the homes

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Area map showing the land for the planned development highlighted in gold that the passage of Measure L would annex to Brentwood. From the planning documents for the proposed Vineyards at Deer Creek development.

In November, Brentwood voters will have the opportunity to do what Antioch voters did in 2005 and that was to approve a new housing development and undo what the five members of the Board of Supervisors did to a few landowners and the plans by Antioch and Brentwood. On the ballot is Measure L, which will annex about 800 acres and approve 2,400 new, upscale homes, 80% of which will be for seniors.

The land in the Measure L plan has been inside both the City of Antioch’s and City of Brentwood’s planning areas for decades. However, it’s not been in either city’s sphere of influence or city limits. It was also inside the voter-approved Urban Limit Line, until the County Supervisors played political games and moved it out, in 2003. That included the land that was planned for the Roddy Ranch housing development surrounding the former Roddy Ranch golf course, as well as all the land north of the ridge line that runs on the south side of the former golf course and continues into Brentwood behind Heritage High School and Adams Middle School. So, it makes sense the land is moved back inside the Urban Limit Line and the homes built.

1998 was my final of four years serving on the Antioch City Council, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, and the State Route 4 Bypass Authority. That year, while serving as chairman of the Bypass Authority, we bought the right-of-way for the extension to Highway 4 from Lone Tree Way to Balfour Road for four lanes of traffic and two lines of transit, down the center.

The plans and funding for the Highway 4 widening and bypass/extension, as well as the major roadways in Antioch, included those homes. In fact, a total of 12,000 homes were included in the planning for the regional roads in East County. Now, the plans in Antioch include only 4,000 homes, and the 700 homes at Roddy will never be built because that land was sold to the East Bay Regional Park District and is permanent open space.

The homes in Measure L will not create urban sprawl as some opponents are claiming. I laugh when I hear that about growth in Contra Costa County. I grew up in Southern California and was a chauffeur while attending college in Riverside, driving clients into Orange County and Los Angeles where I saw the results of urban sprawl. But, in our county, the Urban Limit Line protects about 65% of the land in the county from subdivision development. This land is inside the 35% of the land that the voters said could be built on. That’s why the land was purchased by developers years ago – before the Supervisors arbitrarily moved the line in.

It’s time either Brentwood or Antioch voters corrected their action.

If Brentwood doesn’t want them, those are the kind of homes Antioch wants and needs for our housing mix, especially now that Roddy Ranch is permanent open space and the homes planned for the western Sand Creek area might never be built.

Pittsburg parolee arrested after crashing into car following multi-city pursuit by Sheriff’s Deputies

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

On Sunday, October 6, 2019, at about 8:10 PM, a vehicle heading southbound on Highway 680 near North Main Street passed a Deputy Sheriff at a high rate of speed. The Deputy attempted a traffic enforcement stop on the vehicle. The car did not yield leading Deputies on a pursuit.

The suspect vehicle went into Pleasant Hill, Concord, and Pittsburg before heading into Bay Point. While fleeing eastbound on the 2100 block of Willow Pass Road, the suspect struck a vehicle pulling out of a business. The three occupants in the vehicle that was hit were injured and taken to the hospital for treatment.

The suspect was arrested. He is identified as 27-year-old Conrad Mariscal of Pittsburg. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on numerous charges including felony evading, reckless driving, possession of a controlled substance and transporting a controlled substance. Mariscal, who was also on parole, is being held without bail.

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

Man bound and beaten, another injured while trying to steal marijuana from illegal grow operation in Knightsen

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

On Saturday, October 5, 2019, at about 7:33 PM, Deputy Sheriffs responded to a report of a possible shooting in the area of 7000 Holland Tract Road in Knightsen. Deputies searched the area but were not able to find any evidence of a shooting or any gunshot victims.

Approximately 30 minutes later, a person called to say he was hiding in the bushes in a field. He stated his friend was also in the area and may have been shot. Sheriff’s Office STARR helicopter later located the two who were apparently trying to steal marijuana when they were confronted by several unknown men.

An armored SWAT vehicle was used to rescue the two men. One of the them had been bound and severely beaten by the unknown suspect(s), while the second man suffered minor injuries. Both were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Neither of them suffered from a gunshot wound.

Deputies searched for the suspects but were not able to locate them. The marijuana grow operation was illegal and has been eradicated.

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

Contra Costa Alcohol & Other Drugs Advisory Board seeks new members

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WHAT: The Contra Costa Alcohol & Other Drugs Advisory Board (AODAB) seeks applicants to fill several open seats. The board is comprised of 11 volunteer members and three volunteer alternates. All members are appointed by the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors.

AODAB assesses community needs regarding prevention, treatment and recovery from alcohol and other drug use. It reports its findings to Contra Costa Health Services, the Board of Supervisors and community partners.

WHO: Applicants must be 16 or older and live in Contra Costa County. We currently seek applicants from District 5 and for at-large and at-large alternate seats.

WHEN: AODAB members must attend a meeting on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 4-6:15 p.m. Members are also expected to serve on subcommittees which meet every other month. Meeting times and locations may vary to encourage participation from various segments of the community.

Members usually serve three-year terms.

WHY: The AODAB offers its volunteers the opportunity to directly address substance use in Contra Costa by helping local government develop and improve policies regarding alcohol and other drugs. AODAB produces an annual report and selects recipients for the annual People Who Make a Difference awards.

Contact Isabelle Kirske at 925-335-3313 or Isabelle.Kirske@cchealth.org for an application or more information.

San Pablo woman indicted by Grand Jury for 42 criminal counts in widespread real estate fraud case

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Mercedes Gonzales. Photo by CCDA.

By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa District Attorney

Martinez, Calif. – Today, a grand jury indictment was unsealed against Mercedes Gonzales, a 25-year-old resident of San Pablo. The allegations in the indictment detail repeated criminal conduct committed by Gonzales against unsuspecting victims desiring to rent a house or room in West Contra Costa County, Sonoma County and Solano County.

In total there are 23 victims associated with the indictment. Gonzales was also charged in a criminal complaint filed earlier this week about a recent allegation of grant theft and receiving stolen property involving two victims. Overall, the prosecution was aided as a result of a joint investigation by the Richmond Police Department and the District Attorney’s Special Operations Division, Real Estate Fraud Unit. The Vallejo Police Department also assisted during the investigation and arrested the defendant last weekend.

In the spring of 2019, the Richmond Police Department received numerous complaints from victims about a real estate scam. An investigation was underway and ultimately the defendant was arrested and charged. During the summer additional information came to light about more allegations of fraud against more victims.

During late 2018 and throughout 2019, the defendant showed houses available for rent and posted about the listings on social media in Spanish. She would use an alias to post the listing on social media, including Facebook, and claimed she worked at Kaiser in Richmond. However, the defendant did not own or have the authority to rent the unit. The victims in turn paid the defendant in cash, money orders and cashier’s checks. Gonzales created fictitious rental agreements with the victims and collected deposits.

Gonzales appeared in-custody for an arraignment in Department 3 of the Contra Costa County Superior Court before the Honorable Patricia Scanlon. She pleaded not guilty to the charges alleged in the indictment. She is in custody and her bail is $540,000.

The investigations related to the alleged fraudulent activities committed by Gonzales is active and going. Members of the public with any information related to the defendant should call Richmond Police Department Sergeant Tong at 510-620-6668.

Deputy District Attorney Kristina McCosker is the prosecutor assigned to the case on behalf of the People. DDA McCosker is with our Special Operations Division, Real Estate Fraud Unit.

“The District Attorney’s Office Real Estate Fraud Unit cautions any member of the public when viewing a rental property. Please ensure that you see the entire property inside and outside as well as checking rental and sales websites to confirm no one else is listing the unit,” stated DDA McCosker. “Any suspicious activity can be reported to our Fraud Unit at 866-223-7283 in English or Spanish.”

Case information: People v. Mercedes Alexis Gonzales, Docket Number 05-191863-0 and People v. Mercedes Alexis Gonzales, Docket Number 01-191503-2.

Mujer de San Pablo acusada por un gran jurado por 42 cargos criminales y caso generalizado de fraude de bienes raíces

Martinez, Calif. – Hoy, se desveló una acusación del gran jurado contra Mercedes Gonzales, una mujer de 25 años, residente de San Pablo.  Las alegaciones en la acusación detallan la conducta criminal cometida por Gonzales contra víctimas desprevenidas que deseaban alquilar una casa o habitación en los Condados de Contra Costa, Sonoma, e Solano.

En total existen 23 víctimas asociadas en la acusación. Gonzales, también fue acusado en una denuncia penal presentada a principios de esta semana sobre una denuncia reciente de robo de subvención y la recepción de propiedad robada que involucra a dos víctimas. En general, la fiscalía recibió ayuda como resultado de una investigación conjunta del Departamento de Policía de Richmond y la unidad de Fraude de Bienes Raíces de la División de Operaciones Especiales del fiscal de distrito. El Departamento de Policía de Vallejo también ayudó durante la investigación y arrestó la acusada el fin de semana pasado.

En la primavera de 2019, el Departamento de Policía de Richmond recibió numerosas quejas de las víctimas sobre una estafa de bienes raíces. Una investigación tomo acabo y finalmente la acusada fue arrestada y acusada.  Durante el verano salió a la luz información adicional sobre mas denuncias de fraude contra más víctimas.

A finales de 2018 y a lo largo de 2019, la acusada mostró casas disponibles para alquilar y publicó sobre los listados en las redes sociales en español. Ella usaría un alias para publicar anuncios en las redes sociales, incluyendo Facebook, y afirmó que trabajaba en Kaiser de Richmond. Sin embargo, la acusada no era propietaria ni tenía la autoridad para alquilar la unidad. Las víctimas a su vez le pagaron a la acusada en efectivo, giros postales y cheques de caja. Gonzales creó acuerdos de alquiler ficticios con las víctimas y cobro depósitos.

Gonzales apareció bajo custodia por un juicio en el Departamento 3 de la Corte Superior del Condado de Contra Costa ante la Honorable Patricia Scanlon. Ella se declaró inocente de los cargos alegados en la acusación. Ella está bajo custodia y su fianza es de $540,000.

Las investigaciones relacionadas con las presuntas actividades fraudulentas cometidas por Gonzales están activas y continúan a tomarse acabo. Los miembros del público con cualquier información relacionada con la acusada deben llamar al sargento Tong del departamento de Policía de Richmond al 510-620-6668.

La fiscal del distrito Kristina McCosker es la fiscal asignada al caso en nombre del condado. Kristina McCosker está asignada a la División de Operaciones Especiales, en la unidad de Fraude de Bienes Raíces.

“La Unidad de Fraude de Bienes Raíces de la Oficina del Fiscal del Distrito advierte a cualquier miembro del público cuando ve una propiedad en alquiler. Asegúrese de ver toda la propiedad por dentro y por fuera, así como consultar los sitios web de alquiler y ventas para confirmar que nadie más este listando la unidad,” dijo Kristina McCosker. “Cualquier actividad sospechosa se puede reportar a la unidad de Fraude al 866-223-7283 en inglés o español”.

Información de caso: People v. Mercedes Alexis Gonzales, Numero de caso: 05-191863-0 e People v. Mercedes Alexis Gonzales, Numero de caso 01-191503-2.

 

Coroner’s Inquest Jury finds death of San Ramon man in Martinez jail was an accident

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Karthik Kandaswamy from his LinkedIn account.

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

Sheriff-Coroner David O. Livingston announces that a Coroner’s Jury has reached a finding in the November 4, 2018 death of 26-year-old Karthik Kandaswamy of San Ramon. The finding of the jury is that the death is an accident.

The Coroner’s Jury reached the verdict after hearing the testimony of witnesses called by the hearing officer, Matthew Guichard.

Kandaswamy was arrested by San Ramon Police for battery and resisting arrest on Saturday, Nov. 3. He ingested drugs after being booked into the jail and following efforts by sheriff’s deputies and jail medical personnel, was unresponsive and died early in the morning of Nov. 4

According to his LinkedIn account, he was a 2012 graduate of Dougherty Valley High School and earned a degree in computer science and engineering in 2015 from Santa Clara University.

A Coroner’s Inquest, which Sheriff-Coroner Livingston convenes in all fatal incidents involving police officers, 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 Payton contributed to this report.