Contra Costa Herald

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

John Muir Land Trust announces acquisition of Point Buckler

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Point Buckler Island and area map. Source: John Muir Land Trust

29-acre island in Suisun Marsh to be permanently protected and restored as vital habitat

After years of legal battles, small island poised to become model of environmental stewardship

By Jay Dean, Creative Strategy Director, John Muir Land Trust & Blair Robertson, Information Officer, San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board

MARTINEZ, CA — John Muir Land Trust (JMLT,) announces the purchase of Point Buckler, a 29-acre island situated in Suisun Marsh, the largest contiguous, brackish marsh on the west coast of North America and a vital part of the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta estuary. This acquisition is the latest milestone in JMLT’s Bay Delta Campaign, an initiative to conserve land in an ecosystem that protects clean water and preserves essential habitat for 700 species of California fish and wildlife. More than 25 million state residents depend on the Delta for drinking water, and the system supplies water to millions of acres of farmland.

“Point Buckler is one of three islands that form the last points of passage for fish moving to and from the Pacific Ocean, Carquinez Strait and the Sacramento-San Joaquin River systems”

The Bay Delta’s biologically rich ecosystem serves as a migration corridor for salmon and other anadromous fish. Extensive environmental restoration is needed at Point Buckler to restore a vital passageway. An unauthorized levee constructed a decade ago blocks all tidal channels. The levee has killed marshland vegetation and prevents sensitive fish species from entering the channels to forage for food. JMLT is launching a multi-year campaign to raise additional funds needed to remove the levee and restore the island back to health.

“Point Buckler is one of three islands that form the last points of passage for fish moving to and from the Pacific Ocean, Carquinez Strait and the Sacramento-San Joaquin River systems,” said Linus Eukel, Executive Director of JMLT. “John Muir Land Trust and many conservation partners are working to protect and restore the Bay Delta after decades of harmful human activity. At Pacheco Marsh, JMLT is reversing a century of harsh industrial abuse. In May we’ll open it as a unique opportunity for nature lovers to experience a salt marsh ecosystem firsthand. Last month JMLT acquired Hoover Ranch, a 600-acre haven for native waterfowl and bird species that migrate along the Pacific Flyway. Acquiring Point Buckler is the latest accomplishment in JMLT’s decades-long commitment to protecting one of the most important ecosystems on the continent.”

“This is the best outcome we could have hoped for,” said Eileen White, Executive Officer for the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. “It is a win for all Californians that an organization with the qualifications and track record of John Muir Land Trust is now entrusted with the permanent protection and restoration of Point Buckler as critical wildlife habitat. A healthy Bay Delta region is essential to California’s fresh water quality and supply. Point Buckler is now in very good hands.”

JMLT purchased the Point Buckler property with a credit bid of $3.8 million on January 23rd at a public auction conducted by the Solano County Sheriff’s Office. A decade ago, the former owner constructed an unauthorized levee without permits or approvals from the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board and other agencies, resulting in an enforcement case to reverse negative impacts to wetlands considered among the most severe in the region. On December 11, 2024, the Superior Court of the State of California assigned credit rights in the case to JMLT.

“An opportunity to return to its natural state a place as ecologically important as Point Buckler is rare,” said Eukel. “Next steps for JMLT are developing detailed plans for restoration, fundraising for its implementation, and then getting to the work of removing the levee and thereby restoring the island’s tidal marsh ecosystem. This is vital to the health of California’s native fish populations that spawn in fresh water upriver and live adult lives in the ocean. The restoration will take years, but today the Bay Area conversation community is cheering its official start.”

After years of legal battles and environmental degradation, Point Buckler Island in Suisun Bay has been sold at auction to the John Muir Land Trust, a nonprofit environmental group that has committed to restoring the island’s wetlands and preserving its ecological significance.

Wednesday’s sale, overseen by the Solano County Sheriff, follows the former owners’ failure to comply with state judgments related to the unauthorized construction of a levee around the island in 2014 and 2015 that caused ecological harm to the Suisun Marsh. In 2016, the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (SFBRWQB) issued a cleanup and abatement order directing the owners to restore the tidal circulation and marsh habitat at Point Buckler Island and imposed a $2.8 million fine that reflected the extent of the environmentally harmful activities.

White described the sale as a turning point:

“The prolonged legal issues were unfortunate. Instead of being cooperative and following the requirements of an order designed to protect water quality and aquatic life, the owners of the island chose not to comply,” she said. “The sale of Point Buckler Island offers a new path forward, and we are confident that the nonprofit John Muir Land Trust will restore it into an example of responsible environmental stewardship.”

The island is a key component of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, one of the most biodiverse estuaries on the West Coast. Its restoration is expected to benefit endangered species, improve water quality and serve as a model for sustainable wetland management.

The island’s previous owners faced extensive fines and penalties — totaling millions of dollars — after refusing to remediate environmental violations that severely impacted the sensitive tidal ecosystem. Five years following the regional board’s enforcement actions, the California Court of Appeal affirmed the board’s orders and a related administrative order by the Bay Conservation and Development Commission that imposed substantial penalties as well as restoration and monitoring requirements.

The state administrative orders and ensuing appellate opinions are consistent with rulings issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California in a case brought by the federal government that also required the former owners to restore the island due to their violations of the federal Clean Water Act.

Since 2021, the former owners repeatedly refused to comply with the state judgments and had been in contempt of court since August 2022.

The new owner of the island is required to ensure its restoration in compliance with the state and federal orders. The John Muir Land Trust’s mission to preserve, protect and steward vital habitat for local wildlife is in alignment with the state and federal restoration obligations. The trust plans to implement a comprehensive restoration plan to rehabilitate the island’s wetlands and comply with the cleanup and abatement order. Known for its commitment to conservation and environmental education, the trust says it sees the project as an opportunity to restore critical habitats while raising awareness about the importance of preserving the Delta’s fragile ecosystems.

“This is a victory not just for the environment, but for everyone who values the health of California’s Delta,” said Linus Eukel, executive director of the trust. “We are honored to take on the responsibility of restoring Point Buckler Island and ensuring it fulfills its ecological potential.”

The sale marks the conclusion of a contentious chapter in the island’s history and signals a renewed focus on collaboration and conservation. Any proceeds from the sale will be used to offset the state’s enforcement costs and support environmental restoration efforts.

About JMLT’s Bay Delta Campaign

Few conservation priorities are as important as restoring and protecting the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. As a top strategic initiative for John Muir Land Trust (JMLT), the Bay Delta Campaign seeks to protect threatened places essential to the health of vital freshwater and marine ecosystems. The region is an environmental, economic, and cultural resource with almost no equal. Nearly half of California’s migrating waterfowl and shorebirds pass through the Bay Delta. Its salt marshes provide essential habitat for most fisheries species. This is the hub of California’s water supply, as it provides fresh water to millions of residents and to farms at the heart of the country’s food supply.

About John Muir Land Trust

Founded in 1989, John Muir Land Trust (JMLT) protects and cares for open space, ranches, farms, parkland and shoreline in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. In a generation, John Muir Land Trust has become one of the leading forces for conservation in northern California. With over 4,600 acres protected, many beautiful places in the East Bay are permanently preserved for recreation, wildlife habitat, and spectacular scenic views. JMLT believes that the vitality of our open spaces is essential to the health of our earth, air, water, native plants and animals — and all of us. jmlt.org. Learn about JMLT’s East Bay 2049 vision at East Bay 2049 – John Muir Land Trust.

About SFBRWQB

The mission of the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board is to preserve, enhance and restore the quality of California’s water resources for the protection of the environment, public health and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use for the benefit of present and future generations

Antique unexploded military munitions found in Pleasant Hill home

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Walnut Creek PD Bomb Squad, Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal team assist

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at about 1:27 p.m., Pleasant Hill Police officers were called to a residence in the 1700 block of Shirley Drive, after a person reported finding a box containing antique unexploded military ordnance and immediately notified police.

The Walnut Creek Police Department’s Bomb Squad and personnel from the U.S. Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from Travis AFB responded to assess and assist in the safe removal and disposal of the materials. Con Fire personnel were also on site.

There was no threat to the general public.

As of 6:00 p.m. all explosives were removed, and the scene was cleared. There is no active criminal investigation associated with this matter.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

13 arrested during Internet Crimes Against Children operation

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Photos source: Walnut Creek PD

Multi-agency effort

By Walnut Creek Police Department

Walnut Creek PD recently hosted an extensive and successful Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) operation, partnering with numerous local and federal agencies to safeguard children in our communities. This collaborative effort resulted in 13 arrests, showcasing the strength of teamwork and technology in the fight against child exploitation.

We’re proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners to make a difference. Swipe through for a behind-the-scenes look at the operation and its results.

Photos source: Walnut Creek PD

More information regarding specific individuals and their pending charges will be made available to the public once the cases have been reviewed by the CCCDA’s Office.

Participating agencies included Contra Costa District Attorney, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, and Brentwood, Concord, Danville, Moraga, Oakley, Pleasant Hill, Novato, San Jose and San Francisco Police Departments.

Together, we stand united in protecting our most vulnerable.

117 arrested during CHP’s multi-agency Operation Holiday Watch retail theft campaign

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Photos courtesy of the CHP

$38,000 stolen merch recovered from 10 communities including Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Livermore

SACRAMENTO – In the final shopping days before Christmas, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) conducted a successful enforcement operation targeting organized retail crime, promoting safe shopping experiences for communities throughout California.

The collaborative statewide retail theft crackdown on Friday, December 20, just four days after Prop. 36 went into effect increasing penalties, resulted in 117 arrests, the recovery of over $38,000 in stolen merchandise, the seizure of two illegal firearms, and the recovery of three stolen vehicles. Charges range from petty theft, grand theft, organized retail crime, felon in possession of a firearm, and auto theft.

The daylong operation was conducted in collaboration with the Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Livermore, Hemet, Los Angeles, Glendale, Bakersfield and Woodland Police Departments, and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.

“Through proactive enforcement operations and strong partnerships with local law enforcement and retailers, we were able to protect the state’s businesses and consumers during one of the busiest times of the year,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Our efforts send a clear message that retail theft in California will not be tolerated.”

Key Results of the Operation:

  • 117 arrests made for organized retail theft and related offenses.
  • Recovery of 767 stolen items, valued at $38,290.70, including clothing, shoes, and fragrances.
  • Enhanced collaboration among 10 California law enforcement agencies and 56 different retail partners to improve in-store security and reporting.
  • Increased law enforcement visibility in high-traffic shopping areas, deterring additional crimes.

“The state stands committed to protecting consumers, especially as they go about the final shopping sprint before the holiday season,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “I’m proud of the efforts of CHP and local law enforcement to protect consumers and businesses throughout California.”

As the holiday season winds down, the CHP will continue working with businesses and the community to prevent retail theft year-round. Anyone with information about organized retail theft operations is encouraged to contact the CHP.

Since the Organized Retail Crime Task Force’s inception in 2019, the CHP has been involved in over 3,200 investigations, leading to the arrest of more than 3,500 suspects and the recovery of nearly 1.3 million stolen goods valued at $51.3 million.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Antioch man, Brentwood woman in custody dispute arrested for shoot-out in Pleasant Hill injuring their child

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Larry Neal, Jr. in 2017. Photo by Pittsburg PD

3rd arrest this year for Larry Neal, Jr. who was also injured and has history of arrests

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

The Pleasant Hill Police Department is investigating a shooting that injured an adult male and a child. Two arrests have been made.

On December 23, 2024, at about 11:49AM, the Pleasant Hill Police received several calls about numerous gunshots in the area of Contra Costa Blvd. and Vivian Drive. Responding officers were quickly able to locate three vehicles that were involved in the incident. The driver of one of the vehicles, Larry Neal, was struck by gunfire in the hand. A 7-year-old child was inside one of the involved vehicles and sustained minor injuries. Both were treated and released from local hospitals.

The investigation shows that this incident began as a custody dispute between the parents of the injured child and was not a random act. The occupants of two of the vehicles exchanged gunfire with one another at close range.

Contra Costa Blvd. was closed to traffic for several hours but has since reopened.

Alexis Janay Sidney (age 38, born June 9, 1986) of Brentwood was arrested for felony violations of PC 273a(a)- Child Endangerment and PC 246- Shooting at an Occupied Vehicle

Larry Darryl Neal, Jr. (age 27, born Dec. 6, 1997) of Antioch was arrested for felony violations of PC 273a(a)- Child Endangerment and PC 246- Shooting at an Occupied Vehicle, and PC 29800(a)(1)- Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Both were booked at the Martinez Detention Facility.

Our agency is still actively investigating the shooting and ask that anyone with information contact the Pleasant Hill Police Department Investigations Division at (925) 288-4630

Case Number: 24-3760

According to NBC Bay Area news report, the two are parents of the child and the gunfire was over a custody dispute.

Neal Has History of Arrests

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, Neal is five-foot, 11-inches tall, 189 pounds and his being held on $400,000 bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, Neal is Black and was arrested twice this year and twice in 2022. On Jan. 24 he was arrested by Richmond PD for multiple gun charges and on Jan. 25 he was arrested by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies also for multiple gun charges, as well as hit-and-run and evading a police officer with wanton disregard for safety. On Feb. 18, 2022, Neal was arrested by Antioch PD for gun charges including addict in possession of firearm, possession of ammunition and carrying a loaded firearm when not the registered owner. He was arrested later that year on July 23 by Dublin CHP for assault against a peace officer or emergency personnel, driving while under the combined influence of drugs and alcohol and possession of an open container while driving.

As previously reported, in 2017 Neal was wanted by police for fatally shooting a 43-year-old Bethel Island man, Robert Hopkins, Jr., near the Baskin-Robbins in Pittsburg. He later turned himself in. During the trial a video was shown and according to an East Bay Times report, “The shooting, both defense and prosecuting attorneys agreed, was the culmination of a brief, spontaneous argument between Hopkins, Neal, and Neal’s then-pregnant girlfriend, that began with a stare-down between the two men. After Hopkins ran toward the couple, Neal fired five shots at him, striking him four times, according to testimony.” Neal’s public defender argued Neal fatally shot the Hopkins while defending his pregnant girlfriend to get the charges reduced but the judge in the case struck it down. However, the jury convicted Neal of manslaughter. Neal appealed the conviction, and it was later reduced to unlawful firearm activity and his sentence was vacated.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, two-inch tall, 176-pound Sidney is being held in the West County Detention Center on $350,000 bail.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Renegade Orchestra returns to Contra Costa on March 30th in Martinez

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The Beauty of a Symphony, the Soul of a Rock Band

Following a great show at Antioch’s historic El Campanil Theatre in November, the Renegade Orchestra will be back in Contra Costa County at the Campbell Theater in Martinez on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

About the event

Welcome to the Renegade Orchestra – it’s time to throw out all the old conventions of a quiet, sleepy, stuffy show of musicians locked in straitjackets of tradition.

Clap your hands, tap your feet, and yell all you want — the Renegade Orchestra embraces the virtuosic skills of top bay area musicians and turns them loose on songs orchestras have never or maybe shouldn’t do. No sleepy pop songs, no overly-lush jazz standards, but the pure unbridled fury of what an orchestra can truly do

“Classical Rebels.” —The Bohemian

“The Renegade Orchestra would rather tackle Hendrix than Handel.” —Mercury News

“If there’s one piece of advice I would give to anyone interested in seeing this group perform, it would be to expect the unexpected, or better yet, leave your expectations at the door and go in prepared for a ride. If there’s one thing that’s for certain, it’s that this writer will be catching them again the next time they perform in town.” —Napa Valley Register

Source: RenegadeOrchestra.com

“…Under the baton of co-founder, guitarist and conductor Jason Eckl, [the Renegade Orchestra] turn Nina Simone’s “Sinnerman” into a shimmering string-centric odyssey, capture the classic helter-skelter vibe in Paul McCartney’s and John Lennon’s “Helter Skelter,” find the funk in “What’d I Say” by Ray Charles and crash with vibratory verve through Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze.” —East Bay Express

Tickets are now available at Renegade Orchestra | The Campbell

The performance will run 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and the Martinez Campbell Theater is located at 636 Ward Street.

To learn more about the band visit RenegadeOrchestra.com.

Martinez author offers “My Interview with Joe DiMaggio”

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Matt Sieger (far right) and Joe DiMaggio. Courtesy of Matt Sieger

“Joltin’ Joe” DiMaggio was a Martinez native

By Matt Sieger

In the summer of 1974, between my junior and senior years at Cornell University, I was freelancing for the Ithaca New Times, a weekly newspaper in Ithaca, NY. My editor suggested I write a feature story about the Oneonta Yankees, a New York Yankees farm team in the New York-Penn League.

The NY-P, founded in 1939 as a Class D League as the PONY (Pennsylvania-Ontario-New York) League, became a Class A league in 1963. The NY-P is now the oldest continuously operated Class A league in professional baseball.

Oneonta is about a two-hour drive from Ithaca. My only problem was that I didn’t have a car. But back then, many young people hitchhiked. It was not yet considered very dangerous (although in 1973 the FBI did put out a poster warning drivers that a hitcher might be a “sex maniac” or a “vicious murderer”!). I guess I didn’t look like either, so I managed to hitch a ride to Oneonta.

Oneonta is a small town (around 16,000 people then, 14,000 now) nestled in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains. In the 1940s and 1950s, the town supported the Oneonta Red Sox, a Boston farm team in the now-defunct Canadian-American League. Frank Malzone, the Golden Glove third baseman for Boston in the fifties and sixties, played at Oneonta in 1949.

The Yankees took over the franchise in 1967. Notable Oneonta Yankees alumni include Don Mattingly (1979), Bernie Williams (1987) and Jorge Posada (1991). During my visit in 1974, the roster included Dennis Werth, a catcher who played in the big leagues for parts of four seasons and whose stepson is Jayson Werth, the retired All-Star outfielder. Also on the squad was Mike Heath, then a shortstop, who spent 14 seasons in the Major Leagues, mostly as a catcher. The president of the team was Sam Nader, cousin of the famous consumer advocate Ralph Nader.

The team played at the well-groomed Damaschke Field, where attendance averaged around 1,000 a game. Admission was $1.25 for adults and 60 cents for children.

I had intended to just spend the day, do my interviews and hitch a ride back home. But General Manager Nick Lambros informed me that I happened to arrive the day before Famous Yankee Night, an annual promotional event when the team brings in a former Yankee star.

Well, the star that year was Joe DiMaggio! The next evening 3,000 people jammed into Damaschke Field to see Joltin’ Joe before the game. He signed autographs, talked with the fans and took a few swings for old times’ sake.

I wouldn’t be able to stay that late, but Mr. Lambros invited me to a small press conference the next afternoon on his backyard patio. So, after sleeping the night on the floor of an apartment shared by some of the players (one of them was Lou Turco, a pitcher I had played summer baseball with in New Jersey), I headed over to the press conference.

As we sat on the patio sipping lemonade, Mr. Lambros emerged through the screen door of his home and announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Joe DiMaggio!” And behind him came the dapper, dignified Yankee Clipper himself.

As a 21-year-old cub reporter, I was in awe as DiMaggio sat down in a lawn chair right next to me. He would turn 60 in November, but apart from the silver hair, he looked like he could still be playing center field for the Bronx Bombers.

As I wrote in my August 24, 1974, article for the Ithaca New Times, “Even if he can no longer hit that high inside fastball, the grace and dignity that characterized him on and off the field still shine through.” What impressed me most was how unassuming and approachable and congenial he was. Here was the great Joe DiMaggio in a tiny town with just a few folks out on the patio, and he treated me and the others with the utmost respect, taking time to fully answer all our questions.

Here’s the portion of the article from my interview with him that day:

The Yankee Clipper reminisced: “I think I played in one of the most beautiful eras in baseball. At that time you had a different type of fan and a different type of ballplayer. We used to sit in the hotel lobbies and talk baseball for hours. Nowadays all the players have business interests and other things on the side to think about. But I don’t blame them for that.

“As far as ability, that’s hard to say. There were only eight teams in each league when I was playing. Today you have 12, and I believe that’s diluted the talent a bit. Also, they’re bringing along young ballplayers a little too quickly, so that they come out of the minor leagues unrefined. I remember when I was coaching for Oakland and Reggie Jackson first arrived. He couldn’t catch a fly ball. We’d hit it to him, he’d pound the glove a few times, and the ball would drop 20 feet behind him. I’m not kidding.”

Jackson has come a long way since then, and DiMaggio says it’s because he’s a hard worker. He feels that natural ability goes only so far. “There’s no perfect ballplayer,” said the man who may have been the closest to it. “We all strive for it but there’s no one who ever gets there. I worked for hours and hours in practice just charging ground balls.”

After talking a little about his famous 56-game hitting streak, his daffy roommate Lefty Gomez and the great Yankee manager Joe McCarthy, DiMaggio was goaded into answering one of the most frequently asked questions: “What was your greatest thrill in baseball?”

“I’ll tell you one of them,” he replied. “Putting on the New York Yankees pinstripes in spring training for the very first time.”

It was such a thrill to interview the Yankee Clipper that day. Who knew that 44 years later I would move to Martinez (Joltin’ Joe’s hometown) and get to share this story with readers of the Herald.

Matt Sieger, now retired, is a former sports reporter and columnist for The Vacaville Reporter. He is the author of The God Squad: The Born-Again San Francisco Giants of 1978. Matt lives in Martinez. This article first appeared in The Vacaville Reporter.

Contra Costa Transportation Authority’s INNOVATE 680 Program to receive over $166 million mega-boost

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U.S. Representatives Mark DeSaulnier, Nancy Pelosi join CCTA Officials to announce DOT Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grant for improvements

WALNUT CREEK, CA – Yesterday, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, U.S. Representatives Mark DeSaulnier and Nancy Pelosi joined regional transportation officials from Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) to announce CCTA will receive over $166 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to improve mobility along the Interstate 680 (I-680) corridor. This mega-boost is the largest 2024 transportation award earmarked for California.

The funds will upgrade I-680, which is critical to the region’s economy and prosperity—providing for the movement of goods, services, and people throughout northern California and beyond. The federal investments to CCTA’s INNOVATE 680 project were made through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (US DOT) National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) Program.

“As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and longtime champion for policies that would reduce commute times, cut harmful pollution, and improve our quality of life, I was proud to advocate for this funding and am delighted it has been granted and will begin making a difference in the lives of Bay Area and California residents,” Congressman Mark DeSaulnier said. “I am thankful to CCTA and DOT for their partnership in working to improve transportation across our region.”

“When President Biden signed Democrats’ historic Infrastructure Law in 2021, it was an opportunity to strengthen our nation’s crumbling infrastructure, fund projects to address equity issues and create millions of good-paying jobs throughout America,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said. “Thanks to Biden-Harris Administration’s MEGA grant program made possible by the Infrastructure Law, $166 million in federal funding is coming to the CCTA’s INNOVATE I-680 project to improve quality of life for people throughout the Bay Area. Democrats remain relentlessly committed to investing in America, building a fairer economy and delivering For The People.”

The highly competitive Mega Grant program funds major projects that are too large or complex for traditional funding programs and are likely to generate national or regional economic, mobility, or safety benefits. More information on the program is available here.

The federal funding will go toward CCTA’s INNOVATE 680 Program to address the northbound I-680 express lane gap from California State Route (SR) 24 to SR-242 and to convert the existing northbound high-occupancy vehicle lane from SR-242 to north of Arthur Road into an express lane. The project will also construct a braided ramp system between the North Main Street and Treat Boulevard interchanges in Walnut Creek to address an existing bottleneck caused by weaving and implement Coordinated Adaptive Ramp Metering for a 19-mile segment of Northbound I-680.
“CCTA is grateful for the efforts our federal delegates made to secure much needed federal dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for California infrastructure improvements,” CCTA Chair Newell Arnerich said. “Upgrading I-680 will truly improve our quality of lives as they ease congestion, make our roads safer, and boost our economy by creating 3,500 direct and indirect jobs per year for the duration of the projects.”

CCTA is Contra Costa’s congestion management agency. CCTA’s full project plan to alleviate congestion on I-680 may be found here.

“This is a monumental award for Contra Costa County and the greater Bay Area,” CCTA Executive Director Tim Haile said. “Thousands rely on this corridor and increased congestion has led to unacceptable delays. CCTA is excited to advance the I-680 corridor through focused modernizations that will maximize efficiency and promote shared transportation.”

“I-680 is one of the major north-south corridors in the San Francisco Bay Area and frequently ranks among our most congested corridors,” MTC Executive Director Andy Fremier said. “This $166 million grant will support projects that improve safety, smooth traffic, and increase access while aligning with federal, state and local safety, equity, and emissions goals.”

About the Contra Costa Transportation Authority:

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is a public agency formed by Contra Costa voters in 1988 to manage the county’s transportation sales tax program and oversee countywide transportation planning efforts. CCTA is responsible for planning, funding, and delivering critical transportation infrastructure projects and programs that connect our communities, foster a strong economy, increase sustainability, and safely and efficiently get people where they need to go. CCTA also serves as the county’s designated Congestion Management Agency, responsible for putting programs in place to keep traffic levels manageable. More information about CCTA is available at ccta.net.

Con Fire to hold 2024 Annual Open House in Concord Saturday, Oct. 19

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By Chris Toler, Fire Captain, PIO, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Contra Costa Fire) is excited to announce the 2024 Contra Costa Fire Annual Open House. The media and community are welcome and encouraged to attend this family-friendly event to see Contra Costa Fire up close. Multiple live demonstrations are scheduled. The live demonstrations are designed to display many of the services provided by Contra Costa Fire. The public will also have access to fire engines, meet firefighters, learn how to be fire safe and have the opportunity to ask questions.

All attendees, please adhere to parking signage and instructions. Free parking for the event is being provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 2930 Treat Blvd. The church is located directly across the street from the training grounds.

WHERE: Contra Costa Fire Training and Safety Division, 2945 Treat Blvd., Concord

WHEN: Saturday, October 19, 2024, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

About Con Fire – Contra Costa Fire provides fire and emergency medical services to more than 770,000 residents in 12 cities (Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Lafayette, Martinez, Oakley, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, San Pablo and Walnut Creek) and 10 unincorporated areas across our expanded 553 square-mile jurisdiction. The District comprises 34 fire stations, 40 companies and more than 500 employees. Through our unique ambulance Alliance, the District delivers EMS and ambulance transport services to much of Contra Costa County. Contra Costa Fire remains dedicated to preserving life, property, and the environment.

CoCoTax Luncheon with BART Director Debora Allen Oct. 25

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District 1 BART Board Director Debora Allen. Herald file photo.

The Contra Costa Taxpayers Association (CoCoTax) invites you to attend a Luncheon and Board  and  Members Meeting at Denny’s Restaurant 1313 Willow Pass Road, Concord, on Friday October 25, 2024, from 11:45 am to 1:10 pm.

Please register in advance on the CoCoTax website where you can pay online or bring cash or check on Friday and pay at the door-$25 for members, $30 for guests.

About Our Speaker: Debora Allen

Debora Allen was first elected to the BART Board of Directors in 2016 and re-elected in November 2020, representing eight cities in central Contra Costa County’s District 1. She leaves the BART Board at the end of this year having led the charge for improved fare gates, safe and reliable transit, and fiscal sanity.

In her lunch time remarks to CoCoTax, Debora will look back on her time on the BART board and discuss the transit district’s future.

Debora has over 30 years of financial and business management experience in both private and public sectors, primarily in construction and real estate industries. She received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (accounting) from CSU Sacramento and completed numerous continuing professional education courses in the areas of financial audit, taxation, accounting systems, institutional investing, and pension administration. She practiced as a Certified Public Accountant in California for almost 20 years and currently still holds an inactive CPA license.

Prior to election to BART, Debora spent decades volunteering on boards in youth sports programs, taxpayer oversight groups, and other non-profits including six years as a pension board trustee for the Contra Costa County Employees’ Retirement Association.

Since 2016, she served on regional transportation boards including Capitol Corridor JPA, Contra Costa Transportation Authority, West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee, CCTA Accessible Transportation Strategic Policy Advisory Committee, and the Pleasant Hill BART Leasing Authority.  She has also served on several BART Board subcommittees.

For more information call (925) 289-6900 or email info@cocotax.org.