Contra Costa Herald

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

Supervisors close to cracking down on illegal waste haulers

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By Daniel Borsuk

Contra Costa County supervisors have reached the end of the road and are finally aggressively moving to adopt an ordinance that’s been five years in the making that might possibly shut down hundreds of illegal solid waste haulers from operating in the county.

Supervisors plan to take up the issue one more time at either their Oct. 17 or Oct. 24 meeting where they could adopt an ordinance establishing regulations aimed at corralling unregulated haulers.

Supervisors on Tuesday, Sept. 26 instructed county attorneys to confer with Scott Gordon, an environmental land use lawyer representing the county’s two authorized trash haulers – Republic Service in Contra Costa County and Garaventa Enterprises – to finalize an ordinance both sides can finally sign.

County Environmental Health Department officials have observed how illegal dumping around the county has worsened.

“Illegal dumping is a countywide problem and the proposed ordinance is meant to help curtail the practice of illegal dumping,” Dr. William Walker, County Health Services Director, wrote in a Sept. 26 report to the board.  “CCEH has investigated numerous complaints of illegal dumping. In some instances, unregulated haulers that were hired by private parties to remove refuse, dumped the collected material along roadways or on vacant lots. CCEH has also identified more than 41 illegal solid waste transfer stations, located in both incorporated and unincorporated Contra Costa County, that work directly with unregulated haulers.  Unregulated solid waste haulers often go undetected because they dump their collected waste at illegal transfer stations and other unapproved sites.”

Walker also noted illegal transfer stations do not undergo required environmental review or permitting processes and present significant threats to public health and the environment.

“For example,” Walker wrote, “these operations will sort through mixed loads of waste material, remove the valuable material for recycling, and abandon the remainder, dumping it on roadsides, burning it, burying it, or pushing it into creeks.  These are safety issues as well, as the Sheriff’s Department has found unregulated haulers transporting poorly-secured loads on county roads.”

With Board Chair Federal Glover absent due to illness, supervisors did agree in open session on some legal issues with attorney Gordon.  Among items both sides agreed on during public session were:

  • Requiring non-franchised haulers to carry $1 million per occurrence and $1 million aggregate of liability insurance
  • A due process for permit revocation
  • Curbing theft of recyclable materials from franchise haulers’ commercial bins and curbside totes.
  • Implementing an identifiable agency permit requirement.

Safe Drug Disposal Program

In a related issue, supervisors learned the county’s nine-month-old Safe Drug Disposal Program is slowly gaining traction.  Adopted by supervisors on Dec. 13, 2016, the Safe Drug Disposal Ordinance was enacted to require drug manufacturers to establish at least three county drop-off sites in each of the five supervisorial districts in locations allowing convenient and equitable access by residents of the unincorporated areas of those districts.

The county ordinance gives preference for drop-off sites to be set up in pharmacies and law enforcement agencies because these are the only two entities that can legally accept controlled drugs like opioid based pain medications.

So far, the county’s Contra Costa Health Center in Martinez is in compliance with the ordinance and “Kaiser has begun to explore the concept at its Antioch location,” Contra Costa County Public Health Director Daniel Peddycord told supervisors.

“Sutter Delta does not currently have a collection bin on site for the disposal of unwanted medications or sharps,” Peddycord said. “We have been informed that due to security and space issues they are not able to consider being part of a stewardship program at this time.  John Muir Health provides information on their website regarding the safe disposal of unwanted medication at local law enforcement agencies and sanitation districts.”

The City of Danville has expressed interest in learning more and possibly participating in the county program, Peddycord told supervisors.

Peddycord also noted, “The cities of Clayton and San Pablo responded indicating they have some opportunities for drug disposal at their city police stations.

In other action, supervisors unanimously approved endorsing the vision, goals and objectives of the Bay Area Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy that creates a nine-county regional Economic Development District that is recognized by the United States Economic Development Administration.  The ECD will improve county access to economic and workforce related grants and technical assistance from federal and state agencies and private funds.

East Contra Costa Fire partners with CA Fire Foundation to supply aid to victims in emergency

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ECCFD Chief Brian Helmick

By ECCFPD Fire Chief Brian Helmick

The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) is pleased to announce it will now be able to lend residents a helping hand after disaster strikes.

In partnership with the California Fire Foundation who has launched the Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) Program, Chief Officers of the ECCFPD can now provide emergency financial assistance to fire and natural disaster victims. The goal is to provide immediate short-term support in the aftermath of a fire or other natural disaster which displaces victims.

“As a fire district, one of our core values is trying to help people in their time of need whenever and however we can. The SAVE Program allows us to provide help to our residents that are impacted by a substantial incident,” said Fire Chief Brian Helmick. “We are proud to now be participating in this valuable program that enhances the services we provide to our community after an incident.”

Working with the SAVE Program, the ECCFPD will distribute gift cards in amounts of up to $100, to eligible victims of a fire or natural disaster so they may purchase basic necessities such as food, clothing or medicine.

Under the program, a disaster includes: fire, flood, earthquake or landslide/mudslide. The financial support will allow victims of these disasters to purchase food, water, over the counter prescription medication, gas, shelter, clothing, or basis household necessities.

“As firefighters, we realize once a fire is out and all life safety hazards are removed our job is done. With that said, we are always looking for opportunities to do more. This program allows us to do that by providing direct assistance to our community members who are need. It is great to be able to provide more support once a fire is out,” said Chief Helmick.”

The ECCFPD has joined more than 75 fire departments across California in the SAVE program. The SAVE Program is funded by donations to the California Fire Foundation and Corporate Sponsors.

To learn more or to make a tax-deductible donation, please visit www.cafirefoundation.org.

You can visit us on the Districts website, www.eccfpd.org or through our social media pages on Facebook (East Contra Costa Fire Protection District), Instagram (@east_contra_costa_fire) , Twitter (@eccfpd ) and our YouTube channel (East Contra Costa Fire Protection District) for more information on the Fire District.

ABOUT THE EAST CONTRA COSTA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT: The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District spans 249 square miles and our firefighter/EMTs serve more than 110,000 residents in the Cities of Brentwood and Oakley, the Town of Discovery Bay, the communities of Byron, Bethel Island and Knightsen, the Marsh Creek/Morgan Territory area, and all other areas within unincorporated Contra Costa County to the east of Antioch and to the southeast of Clayton

Antioch’s World Champion Cowboy Jack Roddy to be inducted into San Jose Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2017

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Jack Roddy sings The Last Cowboy Song with friend Jeff Severson (left) and the California Cowboys at Delta Advocacy Foundation’s 2012 Roddy Ranch Roundup on Saturday, September 29. Photo by Allen Payton

Jack Roddy. Courtesy of Wrangler Network

Joins Dwight Clark, Ken Caminiti, Mark Marquess, and Danielle Slaton

The cowboy, Hollywood stuntman, pilot and philanthropist to be honored at induction ceremony in November

By Allen Payton

The San Jose Sports Hall of Fame will mark its 23rd year of honoring South Bay sports legends when it inducts five new members on Thursday, Nov. 9, at the SAP Center at San Jose.  The inductees hail from the upper echelon of collegiate, professional and/or Olympic competition. Although from different sports in different eras, they have made a lasting impact both on and off the field of play.

The San Jose Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2017 Inductees are:

  • Jack Roddy:  Rodeo Hall of Famer, Collegiate and Professional Steer Wrestling Champion
  • Ken Caminiti: Baseball All-Star, Gold Glove Winner and 1996 National League MVP
  • Dwight Clark: San Francisco 49er Wide Receiver, Super Bowl Winner and Humanitarian
  • Mark Marquess: All American Player/Gold Medal and NCAA Championship Coach
  • Danielle Slaton: National Champion Soccer Player, Olympic medalist

Roddy is a five-time champion steer wrestler, once in each decade of his life from his 20’s through his 60’s, and a six-time World Champion. He was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1979. Born Oct. 3, 1937, in San Francisco, Roddy competed in his first Rodeo Cowboy Association (RCA) rodeo at the age of 14 and won $90 in the wild horse race.

Jack Roddy at the Salinas Rodeo in 1978. By Brenda Allen

Early participation in rodeo was not unusual for the youngster who grew up on the family ranch in San Jose where he attended elementary and high school, and spent time on his father’s rodeo grounds near Colma, Calif., riding and roping with his father’s friends in the rodeo business. In 1956, he joined the RCA and competed around the country, entering all the events.

His lanky, 6-foot, 5-inch frame didn’t fit the usual cowboy mold, but it didn’t keep him from becoming college rodeo’s all-around Intercollegiate World Champion Cowboy in 1959 representing Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where Roddy has been instrumental in the survival of the Cal Poly Rodeo Team. That same year he was the World Champion Steer Wrestler, as well. Adding weight to his height, Roddy became a powerful force in steer wrestling in the early 1960s.

He went to the National Finals Rodeo for the first time in 1962. In 1966 and 1968, he won the professional world championship in steer wrestling, in 1966 set a record for total earnings in the event.

In 1991 and 1992 Roddy was the Seniors Steer Wrestling World Champion.

He went on to serve on the RCA as Steer Wrestling Director for over 16 years and in 1997 Roddy was inducted into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City.

He also won the Steer Wrestling title at the California Rodeo in Salinas in 1962, 1964 and 1966 and was inducted into the California Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2010, as well as the California State Fair Hall of Fame. Today, he mentors future rodeo champions and carries on the traditions of the West.

Roddy and his wife Donna are the owners of the Roddy Ranch just outside the Antioch City limits, where he continues to run cattle on the property he sold to the East Bay Regional Parks District a few years ago. He is the former owner of the Golf Club at Roddy Ranch where he could be seen golfing in his special pair of spiked cowboy golf boots. He has been very involved in the Antioch community through Rotary and the Delta Advocacy Foundation, among others. Roddy has been a singer, a pilot and as a Hollywood extra, he worked in four movies, two of which won Academy Awards.

Jack Roddy walking from his plane carrying a saddle on  his back in younger years. Courtesy www.jackroddy.com

He did the stunts and bronc riding in the movie, “The Horse With The Flying Tale” by Disney which won an Oscar in 1962. Another movie, part of which was filmed in Martinez, “The Great American Cowboy” was an Academy-award winning documentary about one of his bulls named Oscar which lived on his ranch in the Antioch and Brentwood area.

Roddy also had parts in the film, “J. W. Coop” in which, he did the “bull dogging” and then “Twister The Bull From the Sky” another Disney movie, in which he also had a small acting part. Finally, another documentary, “Cowboys in Ireland” about Roddy’s life was shown on TV three years ago. Roddy’s father was born in Ireland and it tells why a lot of Irish have been cowboys.

“It’s a great honor to be in the Hall of Fame with Ken Caminiti and Dwight Clark,” Roddy said when reached for comment at his ranch. “I think it’s the first time rodeo is being included in the hall of fame. I’m from San Jose so I’m very proud to be in there.”

In addition to the documentary, a woman is now working on a book about his life, he shared. Photos of Roddy’s rodeo career can be seen inside the bar at Vic Stewart’s restaurant in Brentwood and on a website someone else created about him, www.jackroddy.com.

Jeff Severson, a cowboy friend of Roddy’s and former NFL football player in Super Bowls 7 and 14, will be introducing the champion steer wrestler at the installation dinner.

Each inductee will be recognized with a bronze plaque permanently installed on the concourse at the SAP Center at San Jose. Including the 2017 inductees, there will be 106 South Bay sports icons enshrined in the Hall of Fame. The annual induction is an event of the San Jose Sports Authority, San Jose Arena Authority, SAP Center Management/San Jose Sharks, and the City of San José. The event benefits Special Olympics Northern California and high school sports programs.

“San Jose’s incredibly rich and diverse sports history makes the Hall of Fame selection process very difficult each year,” said Charlie Faas, Chairman of the San Jose Sports Authority Board of Directors.  “The Class of 2017 is a wonderful representation of the deep and meaningful impact athletes and coaches with South Bay connections have made in their respective sports, locally, nationally and internationally. We are excited to welcome these five remarkable individuals into the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame.”

The November ceremony kicks off with a reception followed by dinner and induction ceremony. Individual tickets begin at $300 each; sponsorship and table packages are available starting at $3,000. For information and to purchase event tickets call (408) 288-2936.

About the San Jose Sports Authority

The San Jose Sports Authority is a non-profit organization whose mission is to increase the City of San Jose’s economic development, visibility, and civic pride through sports. Serving as the City’s sports commission since its inception in 1991, the Sports Authority has provided leadership and support to attract and host hundreds of sporting events in San Jose and the South Bay.  The Sports Authority also supports and operates community, youth and amateur sports programs, including the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame and the REACH Youth Scholarship Program. To learn more, visit www.sjsa.org.

New Contra Costa DA Becton takes oath of office, begins her interim tenure

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Diana Becton was given her oath of office as the interim Contra Costa County District Attorney by Board of Supervisors Chairman Federal Glover on Monday, Sept. 18, 2017 as the other Supervisors, John Gioia, Candace Andersen, Diane Burgis and Karen Mitchoff look on. Photos by David Fraser, Office of Supervisor Federal Glover

An overflow crowd of friends, family, colleagues and supporters gathered in the District Attorney’s Office Community Room for the ceremony.

By Allen Payton

Retired Superior Court Judge Diana Becton was sworn in as the new District Attorney for Contra Costa County on Monday, September 18th, at 4:30 p.m.  The oath of office was administered by Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Federal Glover in the District Attorney’s Community Room in Martinez.

“I am honored to have been chosen by the Board of Supervisors to serve the people of Contra Costa County,” she said. “With over two decades of experience in the administration of justice and the practice of criminal law, I am excited by this new opportunity to reform our justice system and restore integrity to the DA’s office. I look forward to serving alongside law enforcement and county prosecutors to promote public safety, equality, fairness, and confidence in our courts and legal system.”

The overflow crowd included friends, colleagues and supporters, as well as her new office staff including her Deputy District Attorney overflowing into and standing in the hallway outside.

A Bay Area native, Becton attended Oakland public schools and received her B.A. in economics from S.F. State University and her J.D. from Golden Gate University Law School. She worked as the Housing Finance & Development Supervisor for the City of Richmond from 1979 to 1987. Prior to that she worked as the Housing Finance Corporation Manager Becton then worked as attorney in private practice from 1987 until 1995, first as a partner of Alexander & Becton (Brown) Law Offices which had has many as nine lawyers. Later she operated her own law practice, which according to her application for the appointment, “focused on litigation in real estate, business, landlord tenant, personal injury and criminal cases.”

Although Becton has no experience prosecuting criminal cases, in private practice she “was responsible for both criminal and juvenile cases. I appeared at arraignments and bail hearings, analyzed cases, talked to witnesses to determine what happened, identified strengths and weaknesses, participated in plea bargaining and resolution, developed trial strategies, conducted jury selection, opening statements, questioned witnesses, prepared law and motion, and presented closing arguments,” also according to her application. DBecton DA apptmt application

She was appointed to the court in 1995 by Gov. Pete Wilson and presided over a diverse collection of misdemeanor, felony, civil, mental health and juvenile cases.

In 2011, Becton was elected Presiding Judge of the Contra Costa Superior Court. In this capacity, she was responsible for leading the court and managing its staff and resources, including an annual budget of approximately $56 million. In 2012, Becton received the Rose Bird Memorial Award for judicial excellence from the California Women Lawyers. She subsequently served as President of the National Association of Women Judges.

In 2013 she obtained her Real Estate Broker’s license which expired in January. 2015, Becton earned her Master’s degree in Theology from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley. Upon her appointment, she became the first African American and first female Contra Costa County District Attorney.

“This job is a tremendous responsibility,” Becton said. “I am committed to restoring public trust in the DA’s office. The people of Contra Costa County need to be confident in their judicial system, and I will work tirelessly with law enforcement, deputy district attorneys, and public defenders to rebuild that trust. As District Attorney, I want to bring people together to improve our office’s accountability and encourage community engagement throughout Contra Costa County.”

According to a news release from the county, it was an informal ceremony at which the constitutional oath of office necessary for Becton to assume office was administered.  The ceremonial investiture proceeding that traditionally accompanies the District Attorney’s assumption of office will be held in the Board of Supervisors’ Chambers at some point in the near future, for the public to witness. The election for District Attorney will be held next June.

7th Annual Nature’s Canvas Exhibit opens at Antioch’s Lynn House Gallery Saturday

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Pelicano by AnnMarie McGill and other works of Delta area artists will be on display at the Lynn House Gallery in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown beginning Saturday, Sept. 23.

The Arts & Cultural Foundation of Antioch is proud to present the works of artists living in and around the Delta at the Lynn House Gallery in Antioch. With the many hills and valleys, along with East Bay Regional Park properties, artists have an abundance of opportunities to capture nature and all its wonders in many art forms. The Nature’s Canvas Exhibit will have many works of art in clay, watercolor, oils, acrylic, mixed media and photography.

Greenery by Paulette Lagan

The Lynn House Gallery is located at 809 West 1st Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown in a quaint 1907 Victorian. The exhibit will showcase approximately 60 artworks and opens on Saturday, September 23rd, with a free artist reception from 2-4 PM. The exhibit continues through October 14th on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1-4 PM. The artist reception and exhibit are free to the public.

Registered artists are: Mahnaz Azarafrooz, Lori Azzolino, Gloria Cannon, Prudence Capelle, Anna Chunn, Eloine Chapman, Chelsea Colbert, Nina Collosi, Trudy Couch, Clyde Cox, Dianne Curtain, Becky Decierto, Paul Duggan, Michele Eakin, Betty Espindola, Chelsea Sarah Evans, Mary Evans, Linda Fead, Art Garcia, Yoshiko Gobbell, Easy Gonzalez, Catherine Hanson, Jennifer Johnson, Beverly Knight, Roswitha Kress, Paulette Lagana, Ellen LaVaccare, Ryan Lutes, Colleen Madge-Stevens, AnnMarie McGill, Sarah Moore, Beverly Prather-Martinez,  Mike Nelson, Barbara Rausch, Paul Schorr, Joel Summerhill and Beverly C. Turner.

For more information visit www.Art4Antioch.org, call (925) 779-7018 or email Diane@Art4Antioch.org

Oakley man suspected in attempted Byron homicide in custody

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Antonio Morales in custody. photo courtesy of CoCoSheriff

The suspect wanted in connection with a recent attempted homicide in Byron is now in custody. 22-year-old Antonio Morales of Oakley was arrested on Tuesday in Antioch by a U.S. Marshals Task Force that worked in conjunction with Office of the Sheriff Detectives.

On September 2, 2017, Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a report of a shooting on the 3000 block of Taylor Road in Bryon. Callers also reported an unknown suspect speeding through a parking lot with his vehicle aimed toward a group of people. The vehicle, a Nissan Maxima, reportedly struck numerous people and that several people were injured.

The suspect vehicle fled the scene. Deputies determined two people were hit by the car. They were treated and released from the hospital. Detectives later identified Morales, the driver, as the suspect.

On Wednesday Morales was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on two counts of attempted murder and one count of assault with a deadly weapon. Morales is being held in lieu of $2,310,000 bail.

Anyone with any information about this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or call the anonymous tip line at (866) 846-3592. Tips can also be emailed to: tips@so.cccounty.us.

Writer wants police to deal with Antifa, other radical groups that terrorize, injure, vandalize

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Editor:

The disguised and masked Antifa, other radical groups, and individuals must be dealt with immediately by the police when they appear to just terrorize, injure, vandalize, and overall break the existing laws.

They arrive united in purpose, similarly disguised, and with covered faces so they won’t be identified. Our California Penal Code laws clearly make it illegal to; Conspire together (PC 182), Wearing  Mask Or Disguise (PC 185), Assault (PC 240), Batter (PC 242), Assault With A Deadly Weapon (PC 245), to Terrorize/Threaten (PC 422 and/or 11411), Riot (PC 404), Incite To Riot (PC 404.6), Rout (PC 406), Unlawfully Assemble (PC 407), Participating In Rout Or Unlawful Assembly (408), Public Disturbance (PC 415), Threatening With Weapon (PC 417), Vandalize, Damage Or Destroy (PC 594), and so on.

And, it’s unlawful also for the police to willfully not suppress a Riot or Route (PC 410). In addition, any of their superiors who order them to not take action are guilty also.

So, the answer to all of their lawlessness is quite simple. Just enforce the laws immediately and shortly these things will cease considerably. There is your answer.

Ralph A. Hernandez

Antioch

Orinda child psychologist charged with child porn violates conditions of release, returns to jail

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Kenneth Breslin. File photo

Lafayette resident was owner of “A Child’s Point Of View” psychotherapy practice, pays $100,000 in restitution, so far

By Allen Payton

Orinda child psychologist Kenneth Breslin was arrested for possession of child pornography on October 5, 2016 which was announced by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s office. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Northern California, for many years, Breslin now age 69, of Lafayette, Calif., was the Director and Owner of “A Child’s Point of View,” an Orinda-based office that provided adolescent, adult, and family psychotherapy services. (See related article).

A federal grand jury in Oakland indicted him on December 15, 2016, with possession of child pornography. It was announced by United States Attorney Brian J. Stretch and U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Spradlin.

In a press release from the state Board of Psychology on November 9, “Antonette Sorrick, Executive Officer of the Board, released the following statement regarding Dr. Kenneth Allen Breslin: ‘The protection of the citizens of California is paramount to the Board of Psychology and I want the public to know that the Board will move as fast as possible to investigate the allegations regarding Dr. Kenneth Allen Breslin. In the interim, I urge current and future patients to always check the license of their practitioners for their protection and peace of mind.’”

The Board also committed to “take steps to discipline Dr. Breslin’s license and further restrict his ability to practice psychology after further investigation, or action on the criminal matter.”

Breslin was prohibited from practicing psychology pursuant to a Contra Costa Superior Court order issued on November 28, 2016. He later lost his license to practice psychology. The state Board moved to revoke his license for various violations related to the case and he signed a document saying he wouldn’t contest the action.

Breslin was arrested at his residence on December 18, 2016, and made his initial appearance in federal court in San Francisco on December 19.

According to the indictment, Breslin was alleged to have knowingly possessed, and accessed with intent to view, child pornography.  He was charged with one count of possession of child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(4)(B).

Breslin was held in the custody of the United States Marshals Service until his appearance December 21, 2016, for a detention hearing before the Honorable Jacqueline Scott Corley, U.S. Magistrate Judge.

He was released on December 21 pending sentencing with the stipulations that he “shall not access the internet & shall not use or possess any computer.” During the detention hearing, Judge Corley confirmed that Breslin “may not use a smart phone, or anything capable of accessing the internet.” He and his sister both signed a $150,000 bond as a promise to pay against property they owned.

However, Breslin violated his release conditions two times by accessing the internet. According to court documents, “Breslin admitted to (Pretrial Services) Officer (Anthony) Granados that he had been using the iPhone regularly to access the internet but denied he was using it for anything illegal. Id. During multiple hearings that resulted from the bond violation, Magistrate Corley found that Breslin had violated the condition that he not access the internet by clear and convincing evidence. The government announced its intention to file a motion to forfeit the bond.”  minute_order_remanding_to_custody

Because of that, two weeks ago, Breslin’s bond was revoked and he was taken back into custody and had to forfeit $100,000. The court agreed that would be the maximum amount. The day he returned to court, Breslin brought in a check for $100,000 for victim restitution, or anything else the court might order, if the restitution amount is less. signed_order_deposit_100K_into_registry     Dkt.48_Surety Bond receipt

According to court documents, “The United States Attorney’s Office has already received more than six requests for restitution from victims of the child pornography materials Breslin possessed, and more restitution requests are expected. The parties have not reached any agreement about the amount of restitution the Court should order, and this stipulation does not indicate that Breslin agrees to pay any particular amount of restitution to any victim in the case. Additionally, a $5,100 special assessment applies in this case, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §§ 3013 and 3014. As part of the judgment in this case, the District Court may also impose a fine and forfeiture of certain assets.”

Breslin will not enter a guilty plea until his next court date, when he will also be sentenced. According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, he could face “a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000, plus restitution.  However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.”

The trial had been scheduled for October 26, but it is now being moved to sometime in December.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christina McCall and Erin Cornell are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Vanessa Quant, Trina Khadoo, and Michelle Alter Eck.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by HSI, the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children’s Task Force, and the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office.

DA’s office expands education outreach on cyber-bullying, campus and online safety for kids

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Starting on September 14, 2017, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit, in conjunction with the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, expanded an outreach program directed at parents, teachers and students on the topics of cyber-bullying, campus sexual assault awareness and online safety for kids.  The presentations are aimed at educating parents and teachers on new trends involving social media, as well as providing students with information and tools to improve campus safety and prevent online exploitation.

“The effort was started last year, first at DVC,” according to Senior Deputy District Attorney Paul Graves. “The first presentation in a high school was at Campolindo in Moraga.”

“Since then we’ve been working with police officers and those in our office on the task force,” he continued. “Campus sexual assault awareness is geared toward high school seniors and community colleges, due to the content. The cyberbullying and online safety for kids is for everyone, but mainly targeted to middle school students and parents, with presentations for both,”

“We’ve been working to have somewhere for schools to call to have presentations made for students and parents,” Graves added.

Schools, community organizations and parent/teacher groups who are interested in learning more can call Deputy District Attorney Lauren Whalen at 925-957-8603. 

Graves to hold campaign kick-off for Contra Costa DA in Pleasant Hill Friday

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Contra Costa Senior Deputy District Attorney Paul Graves. photo courtesy of Paul Graves for DA

The campaign for Senior Deputy District Attorney Paul Graves, running for Contra Costa District Attorney in next June’s election, announced they will hold a Kickoff Celebration this Friday, September 22. The event will be held at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center, 223 Gregory Lane from 5:30 – 7:30 PM.

Join Paul Graves and his supporters for drinks and tacos to celebrate. All are welcome. RSVP through their Eventbrite page.