Contra Costa Herald

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

Two Contra Costa organizations helping increase economic opportunity for residents awarded $1 million each from Citi Foundation

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Rubicon Programs, Opportunity Junction to receive unrestricted grant funding over 3 years as well as access to nation-wide learning community and network of Community Progress Makers

Part of a collective $9 million in grants to 9 Nor Cal nonprofits working locally in latest expansion of the initiative

NEW YORK – The Citi Foundation (“the Foundation”) announced last month that nine nonprofits based in Northern California have been selected as part of the fourth cohort of the Community Progress Makers initiative, among 50 nationwide. Two of the organizations are located in Contra Costa County, including Antioch-based Opportunity Junction and Richmond-based Rubicon Programs which also has offices in Antioch and Concord.

First launched in 2015, Community Progress Makers provides unrestricted funding to visionary organizations that work locally to connect low-income communities to greater economic opportunity. With this latest cohort, the Foundation has now committed $115 million in grants to Community Progress Makers since its inception.

The current cohort of Community Progress Makers has been selected through an open request for proposals (RFP) process announced this past fall, which focused on organizations working in the areas of affordable housing and access, economic development, financial health and workforce readiness.

“Unrestricted grant support is in high demand and low supply and we have witnessed how transformational this type of funding can be for community organizations,” said Brandee McHale, President of the Citi Foundation and Head of Citi Community Investing & Development. “This is why we are pleased to support the innovative solutions and deep community work that the organizations in this fourth cohort of Community Progress Makers are leading in Northern California through flexible, trust-based funding.”

“These Northern California-based Community Progress Makers are working at the forefront of pressing local issues, from workforce and economic development to housing and financial health,” said Philip Drury, Head of Global Technology and Communications Banking, Citi. “The flexible philanthropic capital that Citi Foundation is deploying will help these social innovators double down and find new ways to advance their work.”

All recipients will have access to a learning community where they can collaborate and share best practices with a network of Community Progress Makers across the country, as well as receive technical assistance delivered by national experts and leading researchers. Combining their local expertise and track record of community impact with a national network of resources and changemakers, these nonprofits are poised to accelerate their community-based work in Northern California.

Opportunity Junction

Opportunity Junction recently celebrated the expansion of its services with the grand opening and ribbon cutting of their Healthcare Career Pathways Training Center. The organization launched a new Medical Assistant (MA) Training program on June 3rd in the new facility.

In addition, Antioch Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe declared May 15th as ‘Opportunity Junction Day” in honor of the organization’s dedication to empowering individuals and building brighter futures.

Driven by the fundamental belief that everyone who works hard deserves the opportunity to succeed, their mission is “to help motivated Contra Costa County job seekers develop the skills and confidence to launch careers that lead to financial security.”

“We’re not just helping people find jobs; we’re transforming careers and lives,” said Brianna Robinson, President & CEO of Opportunity Junction. “Since 2000, we’ve been building foundations for better futures. Our Healthcare Career Pathway addresses the urgent need for healthcare professionals. With a quarter of Californians projected to be over age 60 by the next decade, we’re facing a critical shortage of healthcare workers.

Rubicon Programs

According to Rubicon’s Marketing & Communications Manager Angelica Huerta, This $1 million grant will significantly support Rubicon’s mission to increase economic opportunities for justice-impacted individuals and those disconnected from the workforce over the next three years. Rubicon is one of nine grant recipients in Northern California.

The Community Progress Makers initiative supports local community organizations that connect low-income communities to greater social and economic opportunities. This grant will provide Rubicon Programs with unrestricted funding, access to technical assistance from national experts, and opportunities to share learnings through virtual and in-person convenings.

“It is a big deal for Rubicon to be seen and welcomed as a valuable contributor within an amazing national network of talent and expertise. In addition to the grant support, we are excited to build community and exchange learnings to collectively strengthen the access to opportunity for justice impacted job seekers across the nation,” said Dr. Carole Dorham-Kelly, Rubicon’s President and CEO.

Rubicon Programs serves a diverse community of low-income adults through comprehensive services that address historic and systemic inequities. By maintaining connections with participants for up to three years, Rubicon prioritizes job placement and retention support, legal services, leadership development, wellness services, and financial health coaching.

“If passion and commitment alone were enough to end poverty, we would have already won the war on poverty. This investment from Citi will support the design and implementation of cutting-edge, win-win solutions that leverage the strengths of and address the complex challenges faced by the communities we serve,” said Adrienne Kimball, Rubicon’s Chief Talent Officer. “It will also equip our team with the tools and knowledge they need to increase their capacity. We are incredibly grateful for this partnership with Citi.”

The grant will enable Rubicon to address two major community challenges: a lack of access to quality jobs for justice-impacted individuals and those displaced from the workforce, and the need for regional employers to remove barriers to quality jobs. Rubicon will expand its influence over employer practices and public systems standards, creating a more equitable and inclusive workforce.

Participants enrolled in Rubicon’s programs benefit from a holistic approach that promotes long-term self-sufficiency through coaching, systems navigation, and experiential opportunities.

Rubicon’s four pillars—income, assets, wellness, and community connections—form the foundation of its theory of change, aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty.

Seven Other Nor Cal Non-Profit Organizations Receive Grants

The other seven community organizations selected to the fourth cohort of Community Progress Makers in Northern California include six located in the San Francisco Bay Area and one in Fresno:

“As an organization working to expand economic mobility for nearly two decades, we’ve learned that it takes innovation and an adaptive multi-pronged approach to address the needs of underserved communities,” said Margaret Libby, Founder & CEO, San Francisco-based MyPath. “That is why the unrestricted support from the Citi Foundation through the Community Progress Makers initiative is so transformational – it puts each nonprofit in the driver’s seat and offers the flexibility and support to maximize impact in our communities.”

About Opportunity Junction

Since 2000, Opportunity Junction has been providing training, support, work experience, and placement assistance, which help motivated Contra Costa County job seekers launch careers that lead to financial security. When we work together, motivated job seekers develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Their success makes their families and our community stronger. For more information visit opportunityjunction.org.

About Rubicon Programs

Rubicon Programs transforms East Bay communities by equipping people to break the cycle of poverty. Since 1973, Rubicon Programs has provided job training and placement, financial education, behavioral health, and other supportive services to low-income people in Contra Costa County, and in Alameda County since 2005, to break the cycle of poverty. Today, Rubicon operates sites in Antioch, Concord, Richmond, Oakland and Hayward. Learn more at www.rubiconprograms.org.

For more information about the grant program, please visit citifoundation.com/cpm and follow the impact these organizations are making at #ProgressMakers on social media.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Antioch man arrested for shoplifting in Brentwood

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Merchandise recovered on April 30, 2024. Photo: Brentwood PD

While on felony probation for theft; has history of arrests dating to 2018

By Brentwood Police Department

On April 30, 2024 around 8:30PM at night, Brentwood officers were dispatched to Michael’s Arts and Crafts for a report of a known shoplifter who had just stolen approximately $1,400 worth of merchandise and walked out of the store.

When officers arrived, a Brentwood Sergeant saw the suspect in the immediate area, and the suspect, identified as 32-year-old Mathew Davis of Antioch, fled on a bicycle after dumping the stolen merchandise.

As the Sergeant attempted to contact Davis, Davis attempted to flee on his bicycle. Another officer in the area had parked his patrol car and while walking towards Davis, Davis subsequently ran into the parked patrol car while trying to flee on his bicycle.

Davis, who did not sustain any injuries, was safely taken into custody.

Davis, who is on felony probation for theft, also has a court order to stay away from Kohl’s.

Davis was arrested for shoplifting, felony probation violation, court order violation and other related charges.

According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating back to 2018 by multiple agencies for crimes including threats of violence, drug possession, drawing or exhibiting an imitation firearm in a threatening manner, resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer and trespassing.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

3 parks in California ranked in Top-10 Best National Parks for Hiking

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Source: KURU Footwear

Yosemite ranked #1, Sequoia #8 & Kings Canyon #10

On this National Trails Day see how all 63 national parks rank for hiking, most trails, most miles of trails & most visitors

By KURU Footwear Media Team

National parks are a national treasure—and Americans know it.

In fact, the National Park Service saw 325.5 million recreation visits in 2023 (that’s up more than 13 million visitors from the previous year!), and almost half of Americans (48%) say visiting the national parks is on their bucket list.

National parks help preserve and protect many of our nation’s stunning natural landscapes, so we can behold the beauty for years to come—often through one of thousands of breathtaking hikes.

With summer coming up and kicking off (unofficially) with Memorial Day weekend in May, we wanted to dig into data and find the top 10 best national parks for hiking to help Americans discover their next adventure.

Which National Parks are the Best for Hiking?

With so many show-stopping trails in the U.S. National Park System (over 44,000 combined miles of them!), we knew we needed to narrow it down.

To find our top national parks for hiking, we looked at several metrics: high number of trails, miles of trails, and a high average trail rating score. We also found the crowd density in each park by comparing the average number of daily visitors with the acreage of the park.

Here’s what we found!

Yosemite National Park takes our #1 slot with 278 trails, 4,729 miles of trail, and a 4.56 average trail rating. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, Yosemite is known for its iconic and striking Half Dome, tall waterfalls, and giant Sequoia trees.

Source: KURU Footwear

Let’s dig into a more detailed breakdown of parks ranked by number of trails, miles of trails and annual visitors!

Every National Park Ranked for Hiking

Here are our rankings of all 63 national parks based on our metrics. Total mileage was rounded up to the nearest whole mile for the purposes of the table.

As a note, our rankings are based on specific metrics, but everyone’s priorities are unique! So, when it comes time for your national parks trip, feel free to reference this list while ultimately choosing the parks that most inspire you. We feel every national park is worth a visit!

Source: KURU Footwear

Which National Parks Have the Most Trails?

The national park system offers a tremendous total of 4,155 trails. Even if you ambitiously decided to hike one each day with no days off, you’d need a whopping 11 years to do it!

But if you’re looking for hiking options for the whole family, choosing a park with a high number of trails is a smart way to ensure there’s something for everyone.

Source: KURU Footwear

Which National Parks Have the Most Miles of Trails?

When mileage matters most (or you’re just hoping to get your steps in!) choosing a park with plenty of miles of trails might be your best bet.

With an impressive 44,370 combined miles of trails within national parks, you certainly won’t be short of options. The longest trail in the National Park System is the North Country Trail—spanning 4,600 miles across eight states!

Source: Kuru Footwear

Which National Parks Get the Most Visitors?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park topped our list as the most visited, receiving almost 3 times as many visitors as the second most-visited national park, Grand Canyon National Park!

As you plan your next national park adventure, you may or may not want a lot of people around for the party. Here are the parks with the most visitors in 2023.

Source: KURU Footwear

Final Thoughts & Tips for Hiking in the National Parks

Now that you’ve discovered more info about some of our nation’s top national parks, here are a few tips on how to prepare for a visit to your bucket-list destination!

  • Do your research. Before you leave, we recommend planning your trip in advance by researching weather, trails you want to prioritize, trail difficulty, length, bathroom stops, and finding any needed lodging.
  • Wear supportive footwear. Bring a pair or two of comfortable, supportive shoes with plenty of traction, as you could walk many miles per day as you explore.
  • Stay hydrated. Bring plenty of water to get you through long days. It’s smart for each person to wear a hydration pack along with additional bottles of water if needed.
  • Use sun protection. When in the sun, apply sunscreen every two hours, wear a hat and sunglasses, and wear moisture-wicking clothing with as much coverage as possible.
  • Bring a first-aid kit. On the trail, you might not have immediate access to medical care, so bring a kit with you that includes the basics (think disinfectant, bandaids, ace bandage, etc.) until you can get more help.

Whichever park you decide on, we hope you have a spectacular visit!

About the National Parks

Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 318 million visitors every year. But our work doesn’t stop there.

We are proud that tribes, local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individual citizens ask for our help in revitalizing their communities, preserving local history, celebrating local heritage, and creating close-to-home opportunities for kids and families to get outside, be active, and have fun.

Taking care of the national parks and helping Americans take care of their communities is a job we love, and we need—and welcome—your help and support. Learn more on the National Park Service website.

Methodology and Sources

Methodology

We used data from the National Park Service and AllTrails to find the number of available trails in all 63 National Parks in the United States, then ranked each on a scale of best to worst based on number of trails, miles of trails, average trail rating, and park crowd levels.

We used Alltrails to find all of the available trails in each of the 63 National Parks, and analyzed them based on the following metrics:
Number of Trails (Total)
Total Distance of Trails (in Miles)
Average Trail Rating (1-5 Scale)
Number of Annual Visitors (2023)
Acreage of the National Park (Public Areas Only)
These variables were weighted as follows to achieve our final scores and subsequent rankings:
(40%) Number of Trails
(35%) Miles of Trail
(20%) Average Trail Rating
(5%) Park Crowd Levels
Each metric was normalized on a 0-1 scale with 1 corresponding to the measurement that would most positively affect the final score. These adjusted measurements were then added together with the weights mentioned above to get a score of 100.

Sources
1. AllTrails.com
2. National Park Service – Reports (General)
3. National Park Service – 2023 Recreation Visitors
4. National Park Service – Trails & Hiking
5. National Park Service – Acreage by Park

About KURU
At KURU, we’re on a mission to help you Heel Better™ with footwear technology designed to relieve foot pain, so you can live a life you love. Since launching our innovative technology in 2008, we’ve received more than 32,000 five-star reviews from thousands of customers who tell us their KURU shoes helped them with conditions (such as plantar fasciitis) and got them back to doing what they love.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

El Sobrante man charged with fraudulently obtaining more than $1.1 million in COVID-relief funds

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Lane R Jenkins. Source: LinkedIn

Defendant allegedly misused PPP funds for his real estate investment business, EIDL for 10 employees that didn’t exist of a cleaning business that also didn’t exist to pay off personal debts, enrich himself in 2020, 2021

If convicted could face 20 years in prison on each of 3 counts of wire fraud and 5 years for submitting false writings to a government agency

By U.S. Attorney, Northern District of California

OAKLAND – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging a Contra Costa County man with wire fraud and other crimes relating to a scheme in which he fraudulently obtained more than $1.1 million in government-backed COVID-19 relief funds, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey; Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Robert K. Tripp; and Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) Special Agent in Charge Weston King of the Western Region.

According to the indictment filed this week, Lane Jenkins, 53, of El Sobrante, California, was president of a company called A & L Investments LLC (A&L), which was founded in 2016, headquartered in El Sobrante, and purported to purchase, renovate, and sell distressed properties. The indictment alleges that, in February 2021 and April 2021, Jenkins applied for and received two Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans totaling more than $1 million on the basis of false and fraudulent representations that A&L had dozens of employees and hundreds of thousands of dollars in monthly payroll expenses. In fact, A&L had zero employees and no monthly payroll. In December 2021, Jenkins applied for and received forgiveness of the first of those two loans, falsely certifying he had used the PPP funds to make payroll for A&L’s nonexistent employees. In fact, Jenkins had used the money for personal expenses and to pay off personal debts.

The indictment also states that, in July 2020, Jenkins applied for and received an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) of nearly $95,000 for a maid and cleaning service he said he operated as a sole proprietor. The application falsely stated that Jenkins had 10 employees and gross revenues of $241,353. In fact, he had no employees and no revenues. Rather than use the EIDL funds he received on approved business expenses, Jenkins used that money to enrich himself.

The PPP was administered by the SBA as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a federal law enacted in March 2020 to provide billions of dollars in emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The PPP provided forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other qualified business expenses. PPP funds were disbursed by SBA-approved third-party lenders.

The EIDL program is also administered by the SBA. It provides low-interest financing to small businesses, renters, and homeowners in regions affected by declared disasters. As relevant here, the CARES Act authorized the SBA to make EIDL loans of up to $2 million to eligible small businesses experiencing substantial financial disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. EIDL funds are disbursed directly by the SBA.

The Indictment charges three counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, and one count of submitting false writings to a government agency, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(3).

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Jenkins faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison on each of the three counts of wire fraud and a maximum statutory sentence of 5 years in prison on the fourth count, which charges him with submitting false writings to a government agency. 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.

Jenkins has not yet appeared in court to face the charges against him.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Chambers is prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and SBA-OIG.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Jenkins has operated his business since Nov. 2015 but according to corporationwiki.com, he formed the business in May 2016 which has three other associated individuals and is located in Pinole. In addition, since 2009 Jenkins has been employed as a Key Accounts Sales Manager for Southern Wine & Spirits.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Kona Ice brings one-of-a-kind experience to residents in Brentwood, East County

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Source: Kona Ice

Mobile franchise expands in Contra Costa, giving back to community, schools and organizations

By Cia Abulencia, PR Associate, All Points Public Relations

BRENTWOOD, Calif.  – Bringing tropical tunes and cups of shaved ice everywhere it stops, Kona Ice is expanding in California. Introducing its distinctive blend of entertainment, frozen treats and FUN-draising, the Kona Ice experience is unlike any other in the area. Serving up good vibes in a cool ride, Kona Ice is now cruisin’ through Contra Costa County.

“I’m thrilled to bring Kona’s refreshing shaved ice to the community. Beyond satisfying sweet cravings, we’re dedicated to supporting local schools and athletic groups through our ongoing fundraising efforts,” said Jordan Sabella, owner of Kona Ice of Brentwood. “The enthusiasm we’ve received for our new business reflects our commitment to being a positive presence in the community.”

Kona Ice’s escape from the ordinary begins as tropical calypso music fills the air at each event and group gathering. Thanks to Kona’s customizable self-service system, everyone continues the fun with overflowing cups of shaved ice and choosing from 10 of the most popular flavors on the truck’s Flavorwave™. Guests also have the option to choose from the additional 20-plus flavors and 500 different combinations offered.

“With a background rooted in both sales and engineering, I understand the intricate dynamics of business and the importance of forging meaningful connections,” said Sabella. “My mission with Kona Ice is to spread joy and make a tangible difference. I aspire to expand our reach with additional trucks, ideally covering Brentwood, Oakley, Antioch and Pittsburg.”

Dedicated to making a difference in local areas, Kona Ice continues to be committed to philanthropy in the communities it serves, raising $180 million in total donations nationwide since 2007. Jordan Sabella is continuing the world’s largest food truck franchise’s tradition of donating thousands of dollars each year to local school groups, teams, and community organizations. Sabella pledges to give back a percentage of the proceeds from each event he hosts.

“I’ve had the privilege of witnessing countless inspiring stories within our franchise system. Jordan embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and community engagement that defines our brand,” said Tony Lamb, founder and president of Florence, Kentucky-based Kona Ice. “His dedication to spreading joy and making a difference through Kona Ice of Brentwood is a testament to the values we hold dear. With his background in Sales and Engineering, coupled with a passion for helping others, Jordan will continue to thrive, bringing smiles and support to his community with every shaved ice served.”

Beyond fundraisers, popular spots for the food truck franchise include stops throughout Brentwood at fairs, festivals and high school events.

To learn more about Kona Ice of Brentwood and to book your next event, contact Jordan Sabella by email at jsabella@kona-ice.com or by phone at (510) 423-8604.

About Kona Ice

Founded in 2007 by Tony Lamb, Kona Ice launched its first Kona Entertainment Vehicle (KEV) in Florence, Kentucky, offering a unique combination of cleanliness, friendliness, and a one-of-a-kind experience, featuring the opportunity to create your very own shaved ice on the self-serve Flavorwave™, while enjoying the soothing sights and sounds from the tropics, all while giving back to each community Kona Ice serves. Since its inception, Kona Ice has given back more than $180 million to neighborhood schools, organizations and teams. Today, Kona Ice has grown to more than 2,800 mobile units that serve 49 states across the country.

Kona Ice has been named to Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500® list for 11 consecutive years, earning a spot on the Franchise 500® Hall of Fame, and most recently being named #1 in the “Frozen Desserts” and “Ice Cream” categories. In addition, Kona was named to the Franchise Business Review Top 200 list in the overall “Top 50” and “Enterprise” categories. Other accolades include being named a “Top 100 Most Innovative Franchise” by Franchise Business Review and a “Top Franchise for Veterans.” The brand has earned many other nationwide, industry and local awards. For more on Kona Ice, visit the brand’s online Newsroom and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news.

For more information about booking Kona Ice for a fundraiser or event, visit www.kona-ice.com. To learn more about available franchise opportunities, visit www.ownakona.com or call (800) KONAICE.

 

Former accountant for Richmond business charged with felonies for embezzlement, ID theft money laundering

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Bail set at $2 million

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

A former accountant for a paver company in Richmond has been charged with a six-count felony complaint related to embezzlement, money laundering, identity theft, and tax evasion.

53-year-old Angela Fae Brown from Olivehurst, CA in Yuba County was arraigned today on charges in Contra Costa Superior Court. Between September 2017 and November 2022, Brown engaged in an embezzlement scheme that bilked over 800-thousand dollars from her employer, Viking Pavers in Richmond. Brown used her accounting skills to exploit financial vulnerabilities in the company to illegally enrich herself for nearly five years. She did this by:

  1. Pretending to be the owner of Viking Pavers and creating a fake online account with a payment processing service linked to her personal bank account.
  2. Generating hundreds of phony invoices for services and sending them electronically to the fake account she controlled.
  3. Brown paid these fake invoices with the company’s funds through the online payment processing platform — which funneled the money into her own account.
  4. Brown’s trusted employee status — and access to various financial controls — allowed her to conceal her embezzlement scheme for a long time.

A manager eventually suspected Brown’s fraudulent actions and confronted her. Richmond Police who, along with financial forensics analysts from the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, investigated Brown’s actions. She was arrested on April 19th, 2024, and is currently in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility. Her bail is set at two-million-dollars. District Attorney Diana Becton said, “In white collar crimes, it’s of paramount importance for our Special

Operations Unit to use forensic tools to recover stolen funds; funds some have gone to great lengths to conceal.”

Case No. 02-24-00513 | The People of the State of California v. Brown, Angela Fae

  1. PC 530.5(a)-felony: Identity theft
  2. PC 186.10(a)-felony: Money laundering
  3. PC 487(a)-f: Grand theft of money, labor, or real or personal property exceeding $950
  4. PC 529(a)(3)-felony: False personation
  5. PC 186.10(a)-felony: Money laundering
  6. RT 19705(a)(4)-felony: Concealing property with intent to evade tax

— Special Allegation PC 186.11(a)(2) : aggravated white-collar crime – taking more than $500,000

3 Contra Costa men among 4 arrested for Tracy jewelry store smash-and-grab robbery

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From Antioch, Bay Point, Richmond; $150K of items stolen in organized retail theft

Antioch man has history of arrests, as does one other suspect from Hayward

By Tracy Police Department

On Thursday, March 21, 2024, at approximately 2:25 p.m., the Tracy Police Department Communications Center received reports of a robbery in progress at Don Roberto Jewelers located inside the West Valley Mall. During the robbery, eight (8) subjects, wearing face masks, entered the store and used hammers to smash the glass displays, proceeding to take approximately $150,000 in jewelry before fleeing the area.

As the subjects associated with the robbery were seen fleeing the area, witnesses reported observing a stolen white BMW SUV occupied by four (4) of the subjects was involved in a solo crash near the east entrance of the mall near Corral Hollow Road, while the other four (4) subjects were able to get away. As the four subjects involved in the crash fled on foot,

Due to the four subjects involved in the crash fleeing on foot, Stockton Police Department Air Support, the California Highway Patrol, and the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist in an area search. During their search, the four subjects, identified as Eric James Anderson (21 years old of Antioch, CA), Trevion Williams (21 years old of Bay Point, CA), Jayden Deonte Barnes (19 years old of Richmond) and Jamary Barnes (23 years old of Hayward, CA) were located within the perimeter set by Tracy PD and assisting agencies.

Investigators assigned to the General Investigations Unit (GIU) responded to the scene to continue the investigation.

All four subjects were arrested for PC 490.4 – Organized Retail Theft, PC 182 – Conspiracy to commit a crime, and PC 211 – Robbery by force or fear, and booked into the San Joaquin County Jail.

According to localcrimenews.com, the 6-foot, 7-inch, 140-pound Anderson, who is Black, has been arrested multiple times since June 2021 by Alameda County, Kern County and San Joaquin County Sheriffs’ Departments, Oakland PD and as recently as Feb. 29, 2024, by Fresno PD including for multiple gun crimes, vehicle robbery, burglary, receiving stolen property, vehicle theft and evasion with wanton disregard for safety.

According to localcrimenews.com, the six-foot, four-inch, 160-pound Barnes, who is Black, also has a history of arrests dating back to Sept. 2019 by multiple agencies for crimes including street terrorism, possession of a machine gun, grand theft, gang conspiracy, drug possession and first-degree residential robbery.

At this time, the investigation is ongoing. If you have any information, contact Detective Kenneth Steele at Kenneth.Steele@TracyPD.com or (209) 831-6660, or Detective Lissette Ortiz at Lissette.Ortiz@TracyPD.com or (209) 831-6569. To make an anonymous tip, contact Tracy Crime Stoppers by calling (209) 831-4847 or by texting “TIPTPD” and your message to CRIMES (274637).

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Natural gas ban lifted for new buildings in Contra Costa County

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Supervisors suspend all-electric requirements following U.S. Court of Appeals ruling

(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Tuesday suspended enforcement of its requirement that most new buildings be constructed as all-electric buildings.  The County’s all-electric building requirement, as part of the County’s building code, had prohibited the installation of natural gas infrastructure in most new buildings and required developers to use electricity as the sole source of energy in the building.  With Tuesday’s action, the County’s all-electric building requirement will not be enforced.

Last month, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit invalidated a City of Berkeley ordinance that prohibited natural gas infrastructure in new buildings. The court held that the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act precludes cities and counties from adopting building codes that prohibit the installation of gas plumbing in buildings.

Contra Costa County’s all-electric building requirement, like the invalidated City of Berkeley ordinance, prohibits the installation of gas plumbing in new buildings.  The County is therefore suspending this requirement in response to the Ninth Circuit’s decision.

At the same time, the Board of Supervisors remains committed to the goals that prompted it to adopt the all-electric requirement: improving public health and fighting what they believe contributes to climate change. The Board referred the topic of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings to its Sustainability Committee and directed staff to report on alternatives for advancing this objective at the Committee’s next meeting.

“Contra Costa County remains committed to reducing the use of fossil fuels in buildings and continues to support the construction of new buildings using all-electric technologies.  We are eager to identify new and innovative ways to continue to pursue our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings.” said Board Chair Federal D. Glover, District 5 Supervisor.

The County encourages residents and businesses to continue to install all-electric building systems and appliances. There are many benefits of all-electric construction, some of which include:

  • Cleaner air and better health outcomes from eliminating the emissions associated with burning fossil fuels, particularly indoors.
  • Not having to pay to install gas pipes in new buildings.
  • Taking advantage of financial incentives and rebates for all-electric appliances.
  • Resilience against power outages, particularly when electric technologies are paired with battery storage.
  • Hedging against high electricity costs by being able to schedule electric appliances to operate at times of day when electricity costs are lowest.
  • Preparing for the potential discontinuation of gas appliances in the future that could occur from possible regulatory actions by regional, state, or federal agencies.

There are many good resources on the benefits of all-electric buildings, including:

The County’s sustainability web site has information on state and federal incentives, rebates, and other ways to fund all-electric upgrades.

The Bay Area Regional Energy Network has information on training opportunities, rebates and incentives, and contractors.

MCE, the community choice energy provider for most of Contra Costa County, offers rebates and incentives.

The Switch Is On, sponsored by the Building Decarbonization Coalition, is a collaborative campaign to support all-electric home conversion by providing tools, support, and resources to Californians.

Rewiring America provides information about the benefits of all-electric technologies, and helps generate a personalized plan for individuals, including costs and savings.

PG&E also has resources on all-electric buildings, including rebates, incentives, rate plans, and design guides.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pet Food Express launches The Big Fix campaign to support spay, neuter initiatives

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SnugArooz Bix Fix Friends dog and cat toys for the Pet Food Express campaign. Source: Pet Food Express

Sale of exclusive toys from SnugArooz benefits nonprofit clinics throughout California including Animal Rescue Foundation in Contra Costa County to impact animal overpopulation

Pet Food Express, a trusted California pet retailer and advocate for animal welfare, is excited to launch The Big Fix at https://www.petfood.express/bigfix. The new campaign is aimed at impacting animal overpopulation and the overcrowding of animal rescue organizations, as well as bringing awareness to the need for essential spay and neuter services for California’s pets. Available for purchase now online and in stores, customers can get exclusive, limited-edition toys from SnugArooz, known as Big Fix Friends (BFFs), where 50% of the retail price will go directly to 10 nonprofit, public-facing, low-cost, or sliding-scale spay and neuter clinic programs.

“Every year, too many animals suffer due to overpopulation, leading to strained resources and, in some cases, homelessness. The Big Fix is our response to this pressing issue,” Denyelle Bruno, CEO of Pet Food Express stated. “We’re committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of pets and their families.”

The Big Fix nonprofit partners include, Animal Rescue Foundation, Berkeley Humane, Napa Humane, Peninsula Humane Society, Pasadena Humane, Sacramento SPCA, San Francisco SPCA, Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority, Spay Neuter Imperative Project and Valley Humane Society.

“Spay and neuter is the most effective way to fight pet overpopulation and decrease the number of unaltered, homeless, and unwanted pets,” said Lisa Van Buskirk, Senior Vice President at Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, During the last 70 years, we have seen that altering animals has been instrumental in decreasing the number of incoming animals, thereby reducing our euthanasia rate by 99% in San Mateo County.”

The limited-edition Big Fix Friends dog and cat toys retail for $9.99 and $5.99, respectively. For dogs, Fang Cuddlearms features a squeaky body and long, stretchy arms. For cats, Spike Hugface entertains with a catnip and crinkle middle. The Big Fix will continue until all toys are sold out or until the end of the calendar year 2024, whichever comes first.

Spaying and neutering play a crucial role in combating pet overpopulation, reducing the number of homeless and unwanted animals, as well as producing positive effects on pet behavior, health, and longevity.

For more information on Pet Food Express’ Community Programs or to find out how to become an adoption partner, please visit www.petfood.express.

ABOUT PET FOOD EXPRESS

Pet Food Express is California’s trusted pet expert dedicated to helping pets live longer, healthier lives. With a reimagined experience delivered by animal-loving team members, Pet Food Express sells a variety of high quality products that they trust to give their own pets, puts pets above profits, and leads the way as a committed partner to 275+ non-profit animal rescue and shelter organizations annually. Shop and learn more at www.petfood.express. Get social on Facebook and Instagram.

Winners of first Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition winners announced

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Competition founder Maya Hammerman with second place winner Ronen Jain, third place winner Archit Kundu and first place winner Fatimah Hussain holding their ceremonial checks, as the other finalists look on following the Finalist Pitch Event on Tues., Feb. 6, 2024. Source: Contra Costa Shark Tank

Three winners receive $1,750 in prizes at Finalist Pitch Event

By Maya Hammerman, Founder, Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition

Three winners were declared in the first Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition. The competition, open to all Contra Costa County students in grades Kindergarten through 12th grade, is a fun way to promote youth entrepreneurship.

“The Finalist Pitch Event was a wonderful culmination of over a year of planning to bring the competition to life,” explains high school junior Maya Hammerman, the competition founder and one of the judges. “The ten finalists did an incredible job presenting their businesses to the judges and community members at the sold-out event. They have inspired many young people in our county to explore entrepreneurship.”

First Place

The first-place prize of $1,000 was awarded to Fatimah Hussain, a senior at Dougherty Valley High School, for her business Workout Wizard. “From the moment I got the finalist letter to the day I presented on the Contra Costa Shark Tank’s stage, the entrepreneurship journey has been extremely rewarding,” said Hussain. “To win the first-place prize is a dream come true, and I hope to continue inspiring fellow youth entrepreneurs to follow their passions and never give up. The best time to build a business is now, so what are you waiting for?”

Second Place

The second-place prize of $500 was awarded to Ronen Jain, a sophomore at Monte Vista High School, for his business ElderSafe. “I’m beyond thrilled to be one of the winners of this competition after the countless hours I’ve spent perfecting my app,” said Jain. “It was super exciting to get direct feedback from the judges and attendees about my business and how they would use it.”

Third Place

The third-place prize of $250 was awarded to Archit Kundu, a 5th grade student at Bella Vista Elementary School, for his business Experimental Kids. “Contra Costa Shark Tank is a great opportunity and winning third place gives me the confidence to take this business to the next level and make STEM learning fun for all the kids (5- 12 years old),” said Kundu. “Also, it was a learning experience to present my views in front of such great judges and such a large audience.”

Learn more about all the finalists, here and here.

See video of the Finalist Pitch Event. For more video and photos from the event visit www.contracostasharktank.org.

Follow on Instagram to stay updated on future competitions.

Sponsors for the competition include Chevron, Visa, PG&E, Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, Girls Crushing It, and Campolindo Parents Club.