Contra Costa Herald

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

Candidate for 16th Assembly District Rubay critical of California’s $73 billion deficit

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“Time for a change” – Joe Rubay

Joe Rubay. Source: Rubay for Assembly

By Allen D. Payton

In announcing his campaign, Republican State Assembly candidate Joseph Rubay says he is honored to once again to be the sole challenger to unseat the incumbent Democrat Assemblywoman Rebecca Bauer-Kahan in the March 2024 primary election.

State Assembly District 16 includes Alamo, Blackhawk, Danville, Diablo, Lafayette, Livermore, Moraga, Orinda, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, half of Dublin (east of Dougherty Valley Road) and about 85% of Pleasanton, (east of the 680 freeway).

Rubay is a businessman and a longtime community leader. He served under two California Governors, Pete Wilson and Arnold Schwarzenegger, on the Contra Costa Fair Board. Rubay also served for two years as the National Director for the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance. Locally, he served nine years on the board of directors of the Alamo Improvement Association, to aid the town and Board of Supervisors in planning matters. Rubay currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Alamo Police Service Advisory Committee, appointed by Contra Costa County District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen.

“The reason I am running is simple. I’m concerned about where our state is headed for our children and grandchildren,” Rubay shared. “We have a culturally diverse district that deserves a representative who will bring to this office the same things all parents, families, individuals and businesses want from their representative — common sense leadership. That’s exactly what I’ll bring to our district and state if elected.”

He has been endorsed by the Walnut Creek Police Officers Association (WCPOA) and Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs Association

“We need leadership in Sacramento that realizes that most people want to increase funding to law enforcement not take away funding,” the candidate stated. “I have two beautiful daughters. We must protect our families and fight to ensure that they have the best education as possible.”

Rubay currently serves on the executive board of his middle schooler’s PTA.

“I found our local schools are not the problem, they are doing the best they can with what they have,” he shared. “The problem is what is coming down from the State level. As your State Assembly member, I want to fight for our most precious assets our children.”

The candidate commented on the state’s $73 billion dollar deficit:

“Our current state legislators have turned a $100 billion surplus into a $73 billion deficit in just two years,” Rubay stated. “It is time for a change. As a longtime businessman and a former Certified Public Accountant (CPA) I plan to restore fiscal responsibility and common sense to Sacramento.”

“Democrats and Republicans alike agree, no one likes wasteful spending and poor financial management,” he continued. “California’s overall state economy is underperforming. From the Wall Street Journal’s opinion page, ‘California’s unemployment rate rose to 5.1% in December [2023]’ from 4.1% a year earlier. The  U.S. jobless rate is 3.7%, and Florida’s is 3%.’

“It is time for a change. Our current legislators are not getting the job done,”Rubay added.

Read more about Rubay and his platform at www.rubay4assembly.com which contains a number of common sense solutions to issues facing Assembly District 16 and California families.

 

District lookup tool for Pleasant Hill council elections goes live

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Source: City of Pleasant Hill

As the City of Pleasant Hill transitions to a District-Based Election system, a new online tool will allow residents to know their voting district.

Following the request in early 2023 for the City to move from an at-large to a district-based system, the City Council held several meetings to determine a map that would split the City into separate districts, each with its own City Council representative.  On July 17, 2023, the City map was approved and will take effect in the November 2024 General Election.

To help residents know what district they are voting in and who their representative will be, the City has unveiled a new online tool for determining what district an address will be in. To use the tool, residents can go to www.pleasanthillca.org/mydistrict and type their address into the search bar.

Will You Be Mine? Animal Rescue Foundation changes name to Joybound

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Source: Joybound

Beloved animal rescue organization celebrates the human-animal bond this Valentine’s Day and beyond; also hosting community adopt-a-thon Feb. 17

WALNUT CREEK, CA: After 32 years as the Animal Rescue Foundation, one of Contra Costa County’s longest-serving animal rescue and adoption nonprofits got a new name and makeover today. Animal Rescue Foundation will now be known as Joybound People & Pets.

“If you’ve ever seen a dog give a happy wag or a cat lovingly nuzzle up to its person, you’ve seen Joybound in action,” said CEO Susan Lee Vick. “The name Joybound reflects our longstanding commitment to forming and supporting strong human-animal bonds to bring greater health and happiness to dogs, cats, and their human families.”

At a ceremony on the Walnut Creek campus starting at 11am this morning, animal guests will receive the “red carpet” treatment before an audience of devoted volunteers, staff, and supporters. Walnut Creek Mayor Loella Haskew will read a proclamation and State Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan will present a resolution to commemorate the name change. Other officials in attendance to usher in the next era for this beloved community organization include State Assemblymember Tim Grayson, Walnut Creek City Councilmembers Kevin Wilk and Cindy Silva, and representatives from the offices of State Senator Steve Glazer, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, and Contra Costa County Supervisor Ken Carlson.

“Anyone with a pet can tell you they are like family,” said State Senator Steve Glazer. “I congratulate Joybound on this milestone and look forward to hearing more stories about how pet adoptions are enriching so many more lives.”

The celebration will continue on Saturday, February 17, with an “Unleash the Love” Adopt-a-thon and Celebration, featuring adorable animals from more than a dozen Northern California rescue and adoption groups. This family-friendly event will offer free microchipping for the first 100 pets (whether adopted at the event or already a member of a family), therapy animals on hand to spread love, food trucks, music, face painting, free ice cream, and other giveaways.

Joybound People and Pets, previously known as the Animal Rescue Foundation, was founded in 1991. Joybound’s many programs support people and pets through the life of their relationship. Services include training and veterinary care, food and supply assistance, therapy and service-animal programs, and rich learning resources for all pet families.

“The shared emotional experience of the human-animal bond continues long after the act of rescue,” said 14-year volunteer Carol Ross. “Ultimately our work is to help pets and people form and sustain joyful lifelong relationships.”

As Joybound, the organization plans to expand its services forging and supporting human-animal bonds beyond Contra Costa County and the Bay Area. In addition, Joybound will be introducing pet-related vocational training programs for people interested in careers such as pet grooming, dog training, and veterinary nursing.

About Joybound

We are Joybound People & Pets Alliance, formerly ARF, a privately-funded, 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Walnut Creek, California. With dog and cat rescue and adoption at the heart of its mission, Joybound forms, supports, elevates, and celebrates the human-animal bond through services such as training and veterinary care, food and supply assistance, therapy and service-animal programs, and rich learning resources for all pet families. We serve our community through programs for children, seniors, Veterans, and animal guardians who need a helping hand to keep their pets in safe, healthy, forever homes. Joybound’s goal is for every adoption story to become a lasting tale of friendship, love, and mutual happiness.

 

Victim in Sunday fatal crash on Hwy 242 in Concord identified

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By CHP – Contra Costa

Sunday morning, Feb. 11, 2024, at approximately 7:36am, CHP Contra Costa responded to a two-vehicle crash on southbound Hwy 242, south of Clayton Road. Our preliminary investigation indicates a BMW SUV, with one occupant, and a Ford sedan, with one occupant, were traveling southbound on Hwy 242. The vehicles collided and the driver of the Ford sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the BMW was not injured.

The victim was identified by the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office as Cassandra Spain, age 62 from Santa Rosa.

This crash is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed it or the events leading up to it, please contact CHP Contra Costa in Martinez, (925) 646-4980 or email your contact information to 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov to be contacted by the investigating officer.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District mourns death of facility maintenance employee

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Santiago Jacobo was a facility maintenance employee for the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District. Photo source: GoFundMe.

“Santiago (Jacobo) was an all-around good guy and everyone on our team enjoyed working with him” – co-worker

By Jennifer Thoits, Marketing, Communications & Events Manager, City of Pleasant Hill

The Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District (PHRPD) mourns the tragic homicide of Santiago Jacobo, 37, a PHRPD employee who was found deceased on Saturday morning at approximately 4:50 a.m., February 10, 2024, in the main parking lot of Pleasant Hill Park. The park was closed temporarily while police conducted their initial investigation and cleared the area and surrounding buildings. Pleasant Hill Park re-opened Saturday at midday. (See related article)

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by Santiago Jacobo’s death,” said PHRPD General Manager, Michelle Lacy. “PHRPD has been in existence for over 70 years and nothing like this has ever happened before. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife, two children and extended family.”

Jacobo began working for PHRPD in October 2019 and was a dedicated member of PHRPD’s facilities maintenance custodial crew who cleaned and kept the buildings in top shape for the community. Santiago worked weekend and evening shifts as a secondary job to support his family.

“Santiago was an all-around good guy and everyone on our team enjoyed working with him,” said PHRPD Lead Custodian and co-worker, Jose Martinez. “He was dependable, a hard worker and had a great “can-do” attitude. He will be missed.”

Michelle Lacy, General Manager made the announcement to staff early Monday morning and provided therapy and mental health resources for all employees to help cope with sudden loss and traumatic events. Lacy will also meet with staff to identify additional safety protocols that may be necessary to mitigate future risk.

“Our number one priority is the health, safety and well-being of our staff and the public”, said Michelle Lacy. PHRPD is working closely with the Pleasant Hill Police Department on this active homicide investigation. The suspect in this case is currently unknown. If anyone has any information related to this case, please contact the Pleasant Hill Police Department at (925) 288-4630.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by Jacobo’s sister-in-law to support his wife, Mikaela and their two children.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

City employee found dead in Pleasant Hill park Saturday morning

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37-year-old Pittsburg man stabbed, discovered by his wife

By Captain Matt Kristic, Pleasant Hill Police Department

On Saturday, February 10, 2024, at approximately 4:50 a.m., Pleasant Hill Police dispatch received a report of an unconscious and unresponsive male found lying on the ground in the main parking lot of Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Lane. Officers and medical personnel responded to the scene and determined the man was deceased. Upon further examination, it was determined the man had sustained stab wounds.

The victim has been identified as 37-year-old Santiago Jacobo of Pittsburg. Jacobo was a member of the janitorial staff that had been working at the park late last night. Jacobo was discovered by his wife, who became concerned when he did not return home after his shift ended. She went to Pleasant Hill Park, where she found him unresponsive and called 9-1-1.

Pleasant Hill Police detectives are actively investigating this case. The suspect in this case is unknown at this time. Any person with information related to this crime is encouraged to contact the Pleasant Hill Police Investigations Bureau at (925) 288-4630.

Members of Jacobo’s family have been notified and are working with police investigators.

The Pleasant Hill Police Department, the City of Pleasant Hill, and the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District express our deep condolences to the family and friends of the victim.

City of Clayton kicking off widespread infrastructure upgrades

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Using $1.9 million state loan, plus $150K COVID-relief funds

The City of Clayton is happy to announce the launch of the construction phase of its new Comprehensive Infrastructure Renewal and General Fund Savings Program. Faced with aging infrastructure and limited staff bandwidth, the City developed this program to advance conservation efforts, combat PG&E rate increases, and provide staff support via technology enhancements.

“Our energy program is really moving the needle on our fiscal and environmental priorities,” said City Manager Bret Prebula. “Clayton’s infrastructure is in the process of becoming smarter, safer and more efficient and that impact has a ripple effect across our community.”

Funding for the initiative comes primarily from a $1.9 million California Energy Commission 1% Loan through the Energy Conservation Assistance Act, as well as less than $150,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars.

“We believe that actions speak louder than words,” said Mayor Jim Diaz. “By progressing with this infrastructure renewal program, we reaffirm our commitment to building a future for generations of Claytonians.”

The improvements target core areas of Clayton’s infrastructure needs: lighting, water, HVAC and Building Automation Systems (BAS), electric vehicle charging and solar. All modernizations drastically reduce energy consumption and maintenance and operations needs. The result: savings for years to come.

New LED lights will soon replace street, pathway and building lighting, enhancing public safety around the City after hours. The LED system plugs into a modern dashboard that allows City staff to monitor the lights remotely, making it faster than ever to identify and repair outages. The City’s new smart irrigation system will feature a similar dashboard, tracking on major leaks and reducing water waste in the event of a break.

The City’s incoming HVAC modernizations improve air quality and occupancy comfort, while complementary BAS ensures the HVAC system maintains the same temperature in facilities. Occupancy sensors automatically turn off indoor lighting when facilities aren’t being used.

“With the constant rise in energy costs, the City of Clayton needed to identify new strategies to save funds so that we may continue to invest in our great community,” added Councilmember Jeff Wan. “The modernizations will bring significant energy savings that will mitigate the impact of double-digit utility rate increases felt in Clayton and across California. It brings me great pride to see these growth opportunities come to fruition. Especially in a fiscally responsible manner.”

The City is also pursuing renewable energy by way of a new EV charging station at the Library for both City and public use as well as a solar-mounted parking structure placed in the Maintenance Building parking lot. After construction is complete, the complex, including City Hall and the Clayton Community Library and maintenance yard, is projected to achieve Net Zero Energy status, meaning it will generate more renewable energy on-site than it consumes annually.

“This project also brings the attention needed to staff and residents on the importance of sustainability and the benefits we can reap from making these modernizations,” said Councilmember Peter Cloven. “This project elevates Clayton to become a leader in the green space, especially with a Net Zero Energy complex for City Service areas… while staying true to the core values and soul of our small town.” Council Member Holly Tillman adds, “We are very excited for what the program will do for Clayton and its residents. The City is committed to creating the best and most sustainable version of Clayton we can. This project is a big step in that direction.”

“As a member of the Energy Services and Infrastructure Renewal Ad Hoc Committee, it was a privilege to help move forward this important community program while the City underwent a transition in city managers,” said Vice-Mayor Kim Trupiano. “The collaborative effort of Ad Hoc Committee Member Wan, City Council, residents, Climatec, and other stakeholders brought this project to a new level, putting Clayton on the path other local cities can mimic. Thanks to the work of everyone involved, the City of Clayton will benefit for decades to come.”

About the City of Clayton

The City of Clayton lies on the outskirts of the San Francisco Bay Area, at the base of Mt. Diablo. The City of over 11,000 residents highly values civic partnership with business leaders, community leaders and neighbors. This safe, scenic community has been listed three times running in CNN’s Money Magazine’s “Top 100 Places to Live in the Nation” for small cities.

Central Contra Costa serial burglary suspect in custody

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Merced County man being held on $250,000 bail

By Jimmy Lee, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

Gilbert Ramirez. Photo: Merced County Sheriff’s Department

In the past few months, several homes in Central Contra Costa County were burglarized resulting in losses in excess of $300,000 of property that included jewelry, purses, and weapons.

Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff investigating the burglaries identified a suspect. They obtained an arrest warrant for him, and search warrants for his residence and vehicles associated with the burglaries. Other law enforcement agencies in the Bay Area are also determining if the same suspect is connected to burglaries in their jurisdictions.

On January 25, 2024, as part of the continuing investigation, detectives found the suspect driving north on I-5 near Corning, California. They requested the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office to attempt a traffic stop on the vehicle, which did not yield and led them on a pursuit. The California Highway Patrol assisted during the pursuit. The vehicle eventually crashed, and the suspect fled on foot. He was subsequently located and arrested.

The suspect is identified as 26-year-old Gilberto Ramirez of Merced, CA. He is currently being held in Merced County jail on charges that include burglary, felony evasion and weapons violations. A juvenile who was in the vehicle was also taken into custody. She is not being identified.

According to the Merced County Sheriff’s Office, the 5-foot, 7-inch, 130 lb. Ramirez, who also uses the last name Cruz, is being held on $250,000 bail and was also charged with hit-and-run. The weapons violations include two counts of felon or addict in possession of a firearm and prohibited person owning or possessing ammunition.

Search warrants were served at various locations where property believed to be taken from the Contra Costa County burglaries was found. Detectives are identifying the property and working to return it to their rightful owners. The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff would like to thank the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office and CHP for their assistance in apprehending the suspect.

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

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Martinez: Main Street Arts presents new member’s work of SF Bay Area coastal areas, towns Feb. 2

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Sonoma Coast and Trinidad Bluffs by Dean Evans.

Dean Evans

Main Street Arts welcomes its newest member Dean Evans. His work focuses on the coastal areas and towns that surround the San Francisco Bay. Evans seeks out the parts of the Bay that haven’t been affected too much and still retain some of the area’s uniqueness.

“Making paintings of these places is the best way I have to share my interest in their disappearing character and also preserves something of my past,” Evans said. “I grew up in the area and have seen many dramatic changes there. Now, I find myself seeking out the parts that haven’t been affected too much and still retain some of the area’s uniqueness. Making paintings of these places is the best way I have to share my interest in their disappearing character and also preserve something of my past.”

We will be open on February 2 from 6 to 9pm during Martinez First Fridays so you can be the first to view these beautiful and outstanding expressions of the Bay. A preview of the show is available at www.mainstreetarts.net.

The California Watercolor Association exhibit continues to February 25. After that we will have Assemblage Artist, Dave Kwinter’s work on our guest wall, and we invite the public to his reception on March 1 from 6 to 9pm during the Martinez First Fridays event

Hope Valley and Black Steer by Dean Evans.

While you are visiting the gallery don’t forget to sign up for our monthly drawing for a free piece of work from one of our eleven members. December’s drawing offered an original abstract by Mimi Wirth. January’s drawing is offering a gorgeous Asian themed painting by Eric Carlstrom. February will highlight an original work by Bonnie Fry.

February is the month for Valentines Day! How about giving a gift that will last forever? Make it something so special like an original piece of art.

Main Street Arts is located at 613 Main Street in Martinez. We are open Wednesday through Saturday from 1:00am to 4:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

From all of us at Main Street Arts, have a great 2024!

 

Felony vehicle alert results in stolen gun recovered in Concord

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Photos: Concord PD

By Concord Police Department

Responding to a felony vehicle alert, a graveyard officer located the suspect’s vehicle near our downtown area. Following a high-risk stop, the driver was taken into custody.

But the story doesn’t end there! During the arrest, officers uncovered a stolen, loaded firearm with extended magazines. This quick and decisive action undoubtedly prevented a potential threat to our community.