Discovery Bay man shot, killed early Sunday morning
Sunday morning, October 29, 2017 at about 12:43 AM, Deputy Sheriffs responded to a report of a “prom shoot” near Keats Ct. in Discovery Bay. While Deputies were on the way, another caller stated a man was shot and laying on the street on the 1700 block of Wilde Drive.
The victim was found unresponsive and suffering from gunshot wounds. The fire department and an ambulance arrived and started life saving measures. The victim was later pronounced deceased. The victim, a 48-year-old Discovery Bay resident, is not being identified at this time.
Detectives believe the shooting was a result of a neighborhood disturbance.
Two vehicles, each with several occupants in their late teens or early 20’s, are believed to be involved in this shooting. The occupants, males and one female, were described as either Hispanic or Asian. One car is said to be a newer matte-grey American mid-sized car, possibly a Challenger or Mustang. The other is described as a red colored Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Anyone with any information or who may have been involved in this incident is asked to contact the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division at (925) 404-4200. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Supervisors OK private residential medical marijuana cultivation, storage and sale
By Daniel Borsuk
Contra Costa County Supervisors unanimously passed an ordinance on Tuesday that will allow homeowners living in unincorporated areas of the county to cultivate, store, manufacture, transport and sell medical cannabis from their properties.
The hitch is that the homeowner can grow no more than six cannabis plants on each residential property.
The new law that met scant opposition will go into effect Nov. 24.
The ordinance requires that living cannabis plants in excess of 28.5 grams must be kept in a locked space, enclosed, and must not be visible to the public.
Only persons 21 years or older may be allowed to perform any of the activities included in the ordinance, such as cultivation, delivery, sales, and storage.
The ordinance is in compliance with the Nov. 8 2016 voter approved Proposition 64, which enacted the Control, Regulate, and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act (CRTAUMA).
The new residential cannabis ordinance is the county’s first salvo in how the county plans to regulate every aspect of the legal commercialized cannabis market.
Contra Costa County is not expected to complete implementation of CRTAUMA until at least after November 2018 when supervisors will place a cannabis tax measure on the ballot for voters to act on.
At Tuesday’s meeting, supervisors, reviewed a wide range of tax proposals presented by Mark Lovelace of the consulting firm HdL Companies.
Lovelace , who said Contra Costa like most other California counties is moving along in compliance with CRTAUMA, presented to supervisors a variety of tax scenarios set at 3 percent, 5 percent and 7 percent, but noted the cumulative tax impact on cannabis retailers, wholesalers and distributors the costs could be as high as 29.5 percent.
For Contra Costa, which could be a major cannabis manufacturing hub with 5 to 20 manufacturers, Lovelace said at a 3 percent tax rate the county could potentially generate $1.27 million in tax revenue a year. At 5 percent the county could draw $1.87 million and at 7 percent the county could ring up $2.75 million.
With that revealed, District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis commented, “Five percent is a good conservative number.”
But Supervisor Karen Mitchoff seemed she could go with a higher tax rate when the supervisor for District 4 remarked, “I want to do whatever needs to be done to maximize tax revenue.”
Business owner Ben Zachery warned supervisors to not go heavy on taxes and regulations during the public hearing.
“Sixty percent of your constituents approved Proposition 64,” he said. “Don’t slap on strict rules and big taxes on cannabis.”
But Jane Rich called on supervisors to not implement CRTAUMA.
“Make marijuana an unwelcomed drug in Contra Costa County,” she said. “It’s a real issue. You have to question about the delivery of marijuana to those under 21.”
Next month, county planners are expected to unveil a revised draft of the cannabis ordinance that will address issues like prioritizing requests for proposals, establishing buffer zones, and imposing restrictions on cannabis deliveries.
Supervisors Approve $47 Million Rehabilitation Project
Supervisors unanimously approved as a consent item a $47 million proposal from Monterey Venture Ltd. to acquire and rehabilitate the 324-unit apartment complex at 680 37th Street in Richmond. Monterey Venture Ltd. is a subsidiary of MRK Partners. Monterey Venture received tax exempt financing for the rehabilitation project through the California Municipal Finance Authority.
Contra Costa Health Plan recognized for customer service, quality care
The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), the national evaluator of health plans, has recognized Contra Costa Health Plan (CCHP) for delivering exceptional service and clinical quality.
CCHP, which offers a full range of health services to more than 200,000 patients in Contra Costa, became one of only four Medi-Cal plans to earn “Commendable” status from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) this year.
“The NCQA is a standard-setter in the health plan industry, and it is gratifying to know we measure up well,” said Patricia Tanquary, CCHP’s Chief Executive Officer. “This new designation reflects the quality outcomes and commitment of our staff, and our organizational culture of improvement.”
The NCQA is a national nonprofit that accredits and certifies a wide range of healthcare organizations and medical practices.
To achieve this designation, CCHP submitted to a rigorous accreditation process from a team of doctors and health plan experts. The accreditation included how well the health plan managed all parts of its delivery system, with its doctors, clinics and hospitals and administrative services, to continuously improve the quality of care and services for its patients.
Accreditation standards include evaluation of service accessibility for patients, quality of care including how the plan uses patient feedback, services for wellness/prevention, and care coordination services for members who are living with chronic illnesses.
“Achieving an accreditation status of Commendable from NCQA is a sign that a health plan is serious about quality. It is awarded to plans whose service and clinical quality meet or exceed NCQA’s rigorous requirements for consumer protection and quality improvement,” NCQA President Margaret E. O’Kane said.
CCHP has provided high-quality, affordable care to Contra Costa residents for 43 years, and was the nation’s first federally-qualified, state-licensed, county-sponsored HMO. Through the Affordable Care Act, CCHP has enrolled more than 70,000 people into Medi-Cal Managed Care since 2014.
Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services need volunteers in East County
Contra Costa attorney and small business advocate Mark Meuser enters race for state’s chief elections officer
T0p priority as Secretary of State is to restore voter confidence in open, secure and fair elections
WALNUT CREEK, CA – On Thursday, Oct. 19 just prior to last weekend’s state Republican Party Convention, small business legal advocate, entrepreneur, and small business owner Mark Meuser announced his candidacy for California Secretary of State. The office, currently held by Alex Padilla, boasts a dismal national ranking of 43rd in voter turnout and is ranked almost dead last by The Pew Charitable Trust’s Election Performance Index. Padilla was elected in 2014 and can only run and serve for a second four-year term.
When asked why he was running for Secretary of State, Meuser replied, “A few months ago, I heard a news story that there are currently 11 counties in the state that have over 100% voter registration. I learned that it is the Secretary of State’s job to enforce all election laws in this state. As I studied the issue, I realized that the current Secretary of State has failed to enforce the basic election law requiring the removal from the voter rolls those who have died and moved.”
“If the Secretary of State has failed to enforce such a simple election law, what other election laws has he not enforced? Just how secure is our vote here in California?” Meuser asked.
“Participation in California elections remains criminally stagnant, relying on the appeal of current candidates or issues to buoy voter turnout instead of an innovative Secretary of State who uses every tool to enhance not only registration, but civic engagement,” he added.
Polling shows that 30% of Californians who aren’t registered to vote don’t bother, due to lack of confidence in elections and politics, while 36% of those actually registered cite lack of interest in politics, elections, or candidates for inconsistent voting.
“Californians continue to communicate clearly with their elected representatives and yet, nothing changes. My unique background and training have taught me to listen to people, craft simple solutions to the complex issues they’re facing, and work tirelessly to help them overcome those challenges,” said Meuser.
“Our Secretary of State needs to be someone who is looking out for all Californians by enhancing civic engagement in every community while increasing transparency. That’s why as Secretary of State, I will improve voters’ confidence in our elections, modernize the registration process for businesses, and enhance the People’s ability to use their initiative process.”
“The current Secretary of State’s office is antiquated and clearly still stuck in the Stone Age,” said Meuser’s spokesperson Derek Garner.
Mark Meuser is a small business legal advocate, native Californian, and a small business owner, committed to fighting for honest and fair elections.
From a young age, Meuser was an entrepreneur. At age 12, he would pick cherries in the morning and operate a street-side stand during the afternoon. He was also hard at work taking care of orphaned animals, bottle-feeding sheep, pigs, and cows. Meuser believes that these years of developing character through hard work were important, formative years in his life. By age 15, he was in a management position at a local restaurant and by age 21, he purchased his own pizza restaurant. While his restaurant business was thriving, Meuser began studying law. He graduated with honors from the Oak Brook College of Law.
To better help small business owners handle California’s complex regulatory environment, he opened The Meuser Law Group where he operated a diverse civil litigation team that represented both individuals and small businesses. The 43-year-old is now with the Dhillon Law Group in San Francisco.
According to Ballotpedia, Meuser ran unsuccessfully in 2014 against then-incumbent Mark DeSaulnier for the State Senate in the 7th District, which covers most of Contra Costa County. Then in 2014 he formed the Bay Area Republican Political Action Committee and funded it with $10,500 of his own money running ads in the Antioch Herald and TV ad production. It is no longer active.
For more information on Mueser’s campaign visit www.markmeuser.com. The election for Secretary of State will be held during the Primary, next June. Then the top two candidates regardless of party will face off in the November election.
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
Governor vetoes “Jeff Belle” bill that would have increased penalties for ballot statement lies
Nicknamed for county school board member; Brown “not convinced it’s a widespread problem…”
By Allen Payton
A bill sponsored by Assemblyman Jim Frazier to increase penalties on candidates who lie on their ballot statements was vetoed by Governor Jerry Brown on Sunday, Oct. 15. The bill, AB 894 was introduced in response to the ballot statement by Contra Costa County Board of Education Trustee Jeff Belle during his 2014 campaign, in which he wrote that he had earned a degree in political science, when he had not been awarded one by his alma mater.
The county District Attorney’s office prosecuted Belle who could have been fined a maximum of $1,000 for the violation. However, both sides agreed to a diversion program of community service, instead. (See related article).
Belle, through his attorneys, argued that he had done all the course work to earn the degree and even walked during graduation ceremonies, but that due to not paying some fees it was never conferred on him.
Frazier, who represents portions of Eastern Contra Costa County where Belle resides, was elected and also represents portions, wanted to increase the maximum penalty to $5,000. The legislation passed easily through both the Assembly and the Senate.
But, the governor didn’t believe it was necessary, stating in his veto message for the bill, that he was “not convinced that this is a widespread problem in California elections or that this bill would be much of a deterrent.”
That leaves in place the current maximum fine for lying on a ballot statement that is sent to all voters in a district. It also means that there is a greater, maximum fine of $1,000 and penalty of up to three years in prison for lying on a candidate’s nomination papers which remain with the elections official and is not made available to the public. Frazier considered that backwards.
An attempt to reach the Assemblyman for comment for this report was unsuccessful.
Belle’s term in office ends in 2018 and the election will be held next November.
Get on the bus – for free! Tri Delta Transit celebrates 40 years of service with free rides
Only on specific routes, every weekend in November
ANTIOCH, CA – 2017 marks the 40th anniversary of local public transportation in Eastern Contra Costa County provided by Tri Delta Transit. To celebrate, the agency will be providing free rides on all weekend routes, every weekend in November.
“This will include Thanksgiving Day and the day after,” added Marketing Director Mike Furnary. “Free rides will be available on routes 392, 393, 394, and 395. No special coupon will be necessary to receive free rides. Customers simply can board any bus on the weekend and their ride will be free.”
Few services have had such an impact on our community as the introduction of Tri Delta Transit.
“Our system plays an integral role in keeping our community moving,” said agency CEO, Jeanne Krieg. “When you consider that this agency literally started as a kitchen-table-discussion in the home of long-time board member Barbara Guise, and we have grown to provide more than 3,000,000 rides each year, it is a true symbol of our community’s perseverance.”
Tri Delta Transit began service in 1977 with only two limited-service bus routes, operated by AC Transit. Since then, service has grown to 18 bus routes including express service to BART and paratransit services for seniors and disabled. Service is provided 365 days a year.
“We are excited to share our accomplishment with our customers and thank them for their support over the last 40 years” Krieg continued. “However, as important as it is to acknowledge our history, we are equally excited about our future and our commitment to our customers.”
Tri Delta Transit recently grew again, adding another weekday route in downtown Pittsburg. New Route 381 began service September 25 and travels between the Pittsburg Marina, through downtown Pittsburg, to Los Medanos College.
Tri Delta Transit provides over 3,000,000 trips each year to a population of over 250,000 residents in the 225 square miles of Eastern Contra Costa County. They operate 14 local bus routes Monday – Friday, 4 local bus routes on weekends, door-to-door bus service for senior citizens and people with disabilities, and shuttle services to community events. For additional information about Tri Delta Transit, please visit www.trideltatransit.com.
Desaulnier, Oversight Committee Members demand answers about DEA’s relationship with Big Pharma
Washington, DC – On Thursday, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) and Democratic Members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Representatives, Jim Cooper (TN-05), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), and Matt Cartwright (PA-17), sent a letter to the Acting Director of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) demanding answers about the agency’s failure to disclose its concerns about efforts that would make it easier for drug distributors to break the law. The letter comes on the heels of the troubling reports by The Washington Post and 60 Minutes that former high-ranking DEA officials authored and deceptively marketed legislation that undermines the agency’s ability to prevent companies from filling suspicious orders for large quantities of opioids.
“The DEA, charged with enforcing our nation’s drug laws, has not prevented the flow of opioids that posed an ‘imminent danger’ to communities across the country. This was due in large part to former DEA officials who left the agency, went to work for pharmaceutical companies manufacturing opioids, and launched a lobbying effort to slow DEA enforcement of these narcotics. Congress has a duty and obligation to fully investigate what happened, and we are calling on DEA to produce information detailing its interactions with Congress and the Administration, and disclose all ‘revolving door’ relationships between DEA and the pharmaceutical industry over the last 10 years,” said DeSaulnier.
The full text of the letter can be found here.
Diablo Valley College awards most Associate Degree Transfers in state
PLEASANT HILL, CA – Diablo Valley College (DVC) has been recognized by The Campaign for College Opportunity as the state’s top community college awarding 824 Associate Degrees for Transfer during the 2015-16 academic year, granting 258 more than the previous year.
The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program was created in partnership between the California community colleges and California State Universities (CSU) to make the transfer process between the two public higher education systems as efficient and seamless as possible. Following a specific 60-unit pathway that identifies almost all the courses a student needs to take, the program accelerates the length of time a student studies at a community college before transferring to a CSU. Completion of the ADT program at a community college earns students an Associate Degree, and guarantees students who meet the CSU’s minimum eligibility requirements priority admission to a CSU campus, though not necessarily to a particular campus or major.
“DVC is already the top transfer institution for students going to UC Berkeley, so our faculty and staff embraced the challenge of helping our students transfer to the CSU system,” said interim president Ted Wieden. “The ADT program helps students take only the courses they need to transfer. Kudos to our counselors and our Transfer Center for their focus and dedication to helping our students achieve their higher education goals at DVC.”
Jake Brymner, State and Federal Policy Manager for The Campaign for College Opportunity applauded DVC’s ADT success for making a clear transfer pathway for their students a priority. “The numbers confirm they are leading the way in the state,” said Brymner. “At a time when California needs a more educated workforce, DVC is stepping up to ensure their students can reach their educational goals. Congratulations DVC.”
The Campaign for College Opportunity (The Campaign) is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring student access and success to higher education in California. Founded in 2003 by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), the California Business Roundtable, and the Community College League of California. The Campaign’s mission is focused on substantially increasing the number of students attending two- and four-year colleges in the state and who complete their college education. For more about The Campaign, visit http://collegecampaign.org .
Diablo Valley College (DVC) is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District. For nearly 70 years, Diablo Valley College has provided quality education to the community it serves. The larger of DVC’s two campuses is located in Pleasant Hill while the newer San Ramon Campus serves the south county in Dougherty Valley. Between its two campuses, DVC serves more than 22,000 students each semester with a wide variety of program options. DVC is not only recognized as one of California’s best community colleges, but it also leads the state in transfer to four-year institutions. For more about DVC, visit www.dvc.edu .
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