Contra Costa Herald

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

Martinez Main Street Arts to feature Black and White theme Nov. & Dec.

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Young Zebra by Samantha McNally (L) and Trees by Olga Jusidman (R). Source: Martinez Street Arts

Main Street Arts in Martinez, at 613 Main Street, is not only a great source of fine art, created by local artists, its continuing community outreach activities make it an important addition to the area.

Festive Firsts…On the First Friday of each month, Main Street Arts can be seen highlighting one of its eleven members for the evening, as well as showcasing the varied works of its other talented members.  The gallery offers up fine wine and hors d’oeuvres. (Provided bi-monthly by the very talented Kate and Catie!) These Friday events are new this year and have been a spirited addition to Downtown Martinez.

Giving back…The gallery participates in many other community activities, such as the Zombie Beer Crawl, Halloween Spooktacular, Holiday Sparkle Sip & Shop, the Santa Beer Crawl, and many other activities throughout the year. Main Street Arts donates artwork to local organizations for auctions and raffles. They provide funds for Alhambra High School Art Scholarship programs, and for local murals.

Black and White by Pam McCauley and Running on Empty by Paula Oesterling. Source: Martinez Street Arts

Coming up… November 1st through the end of December, the gallery will feature a “Black and White” theme on our “Guest Wall”. Each member of the gallery has submitted works in black and white. This promises to be a dramatic display of artists’ collective talents.

Tis the season…Holiday art will adorn the front windows of the gallery during this same time period. Our Christmas tree will be decorated with hand-painted and hand-sculpted ornaments. We have the perfect holiday gift for everyone on your list!

Cutting Board and Coasters by Jerry Hild. Source: Martinez Street Arts

Featured Artist…Each month, a piece of artwork is raffled off.  November will feature a mixed media work of Gwenn Spratt.

Gallery Hours…Wednesday-Saturday 11-4, Sunday 10-2, First Fridays 11-9

For more information visit www.mainstreetarts.net.

11 arrested for grand, petty theft at Pleasant Hill Shopping Center

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Arrests were made outside the Pleasant Hill Target store on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023. Photo: Pleasant Hill PD

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

We had another successful Theft Suppression event at the Pleasant Hill Shopping Center on Contra Costa Blvd., Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 10, 2023, which resulted in the recovery of over $2,500 of stolen merchandise. This shopping center houses stores like Target, Ross, and HomeGoods, as well as Burlington.

During this planned operation, the following 11 people were arrested for grand theft, petty theft:

Jordan Pitts 22, Opelika, AL

Abel Isais Garcia 23, Novato

Davonte Coimin Michel 25, Windsor

Derald Morris 65, Pittsburg

Andrew John Lopez 36, Martinez

George Davis 47, Pittsburg

Cayla Coleman 22, Richmond

Lavaughna F. Manuel 30, Antioch

Ahjanae Woods 23, Concord

Valerie Sage 65, Concord

Dennis Scarcella 33, San Francisco

Pleasant Hill police officers make arrests outside the Target store on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023. Photos: PHPD

We will continue to work hard through the upcoming Holiday Season to combat the ongoing issues with Organized Retail Crime and Retail Theft.

Thank you again to our community partners for assisting us in making this another successful event.

 

Road work in Contra Costa Centre Oct. 10 – Nov. 10

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By Kelly Kalfsbeek, PIO, Contra Costa County Public Works

October 9, 2023, Contra Costa Centre, CA– Contra Costa County Public Works will be repairing pavement base failures, as needed on various roadways in the Contra Costa Centre area. Work will begin on Tuesday October 10, 2023, through Friday November 10, 2023, barring unforeseen circumstances. Work will take place between 7:00 am-5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, weather permitting. Nighttime work is anticipated along Treat Boulevard and Buskirk Avenue to limit disruptions. Restrictions will be in place to minimize impacts to drivers during commuting hours.

Funding for this project is provided by Gas Tax (SB1 Road Repair and Accountability Act). For more information regarding this work, including a list of the streets impacted, visit: www.contracosta.ca.gov/2023CountywidePavementDigouts

About Contra Costa County Public Works Department:

Contra Costa County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) maintains over 660 miles of roads, 150 miles of streams, channels, and other drainage and over 150 County buildings throughout Contra Costa County. CCCPWD provides services such as Parks and Recreation, Sandbag Distribution and Flood Control throughout unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County.  CCCPWD operates two airports, Buchanan Field Airport in Concord, and Byron Airport in Byron. For more information about CCCPWD, please visit us at: www.cccpublicworks.org. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @cccpublicworks.

CONTACT: Pavement Dig outs: Eric Sanders, 925.595.5992

Concord flight paramedic to be honored as one of 32 Stars of Life

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REACH Air Medical Services flight paramedic Danny Workman. Photo: Global Medical Response

At American Ambulance Association (AAA) Stars of Life Awards Ceremony in D.C.

By Amy Link, Global Medical Response

Danny Workman, flight paramedic with REACH Air Medical Services (REACH) in Concord, was named one of 32 Global Medical Response (GMR) Stars of Life. The Stars of Life program honors EMS first responders who have completed extraordinary acts of service for their patients, colleagues, communities or the EMS profession. Honorees from across the country will be recognized at the American Ambulance Association (AAA) Stars of Life Awards Ceremony, in Washington, D.C. November 5-8.

“This award is among the highest honors an EMS professional can receive,” said Joe Drago, program director for REACH. “In one of the deadliest hurricanes to strike the coast of Florida in recent years, Danny was an integral part of a neonatal team who helped evacuate neonates out of the danger zone.”

Workman said he is honored to be recognized as one of the 2023 Stars of Life. “Serving on a mission to save fragile newborns was a privilege and something I won’t soon forget.”

Each GMR Star of Life represents an incredible story of service and dedication in every area of the EMS industry and is selected by their peers in an extensive nomination process.

Nick Loporcaro, President and CEO of GMR said, “Our Stars are all exceptional EMS professionals who are very deserving of this important recognition. They represent the thousands of GMR first responders who have committed to a profession of service to others. On behalf of all GMR team members, we send our sincerest congratulations and appreciation to all our 2023 Stars.”

About REACH Air Medical Services

REACH Air Medical Services, headquartered in Sacramento, CA, provides critical care air and ground emergency medical services to communities throughout California, Oregon, Nevada, Alaska, Texas, Colorado and Hawaii. REACH employs hundreds of highly trained nurses, paramedics, pilots and aircraft maintenance technicians to provide service to patients using their fleet of medically equipped helicopters, airplanes and ground ambulances. REACH is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS), which is the gold standard for patient care and safety in the medical transport industry. For more information, visit www.REACHAir.com.

REACH is part of Global Medical Response. With nearly 38,000 team members, Global Medical Response delivers compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency medical and patient relocation services in the United States and around the world. GMR was formed by combining the industry leaders in air, ground, mobile healthcare services, and community, industrial/specialty and wildland fire services. For additional information, visit us on LinkedIn or at www.GlobalMedicalResponse.com. 

 

Active at 90: Walnut Creek man sets personal planking record

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Dick Evans holding his impressive, record-breaking plank. Photos: The Kensington at Walnut Creek.

Dick Evans holds plank for a record-breaking one minute, 45 seconds  

By Uniqua Williams, Pierpont Communications, Inc.

Dick Evans exercising in The Kensington at Walnut Creek fitness center.

Walnut Creek, Calif. (October 3, 2023) – The Kensington at Walnut Creek – a Kisco senior living community – is highlighting one of its most avid health fanatics, Richard (Dick) Evans. Even at the wise age of 90, Evans remains a shining example of the positive impact an active lifestyle can have on aging gracefully, consistently achieving active goals that many people struggle with. In the words of Evans, “Use it or lose it” is a simple yet profound motto to live by when it comes to staying active.

Originally from Northern New York, Evans has been a proud Californian for the last forty years, and a beloved member of The Kensington community since 2020. Prior to joining The Kensington, Evans enjoyed a range of activities that kept him fit and active, such as walking a mile or two every day and frequently playing golf with his wife. Since his integration into the community, he has continued his commitment to staying active, participating in Physical Therapy courses at the community eight to nine times a week, participating in balance classes and even engaging in activities with PE instructors who frequent the community.

“Staying active is extremely important to me,” said Evans, resident at The Kensington. “One of my biggest goals is to live to be 100 years old. I know a big part of being able to achieve this is through continuing to stay active and living a healthy lifestyle. Which is what I’ll continue to do for as long as I can.”

Maintaining an active lifestyle offers many benefits as one ages gracefully. It serves as a powerful shield against various health concerns, effectively lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Additionally, it enhances one’s strength and balance, reducing the likelihood of injuries and fostering independence. Moreover, an active lifestyle can alleviate pain, elevate mood, mitigate symptoms of anxiety and depression, sharpen cognitive abilities, decision-making skills and so much more.

The Kensington provides a diverse range of accommodations and resources to wholeheartedly support residents who wish to maintain an active lifestyle. These offerings encompass weekly putting contests as well as onsite physical therapy classes. The community also offers many physical education courses from yoga, stretching, dance and more.

“The exercise classes the community offers have been a tremendous help, not just in keeping me active but also in maintaining my social connections within the community,” said Evans. “It’s important, especially in places like this, to find a group of people who either share your active journey or are simply pleasant company. Having a support system truly makes all the difference and keeps you motivated to keep going. I know that if I quit my active journey, I’d deteriorate quickly, and I definitely don’t want that.”

During one of Evans’ recent physical therapy sessions, his instructor threw down the challenge to see how long he could hold a plank. In the spirit of fun, Evans accepted the challenge and surprised everyone by holding his plank for an impressive one minute and 45 seconds – longer than even he thought possible. Evans, his instructor, and the whole community were proud of his remarkable achievement, a clear testament to his ongoing dedication to enhancing his balance and core strength.

“We couldn’t be prouder of Dick,” said Kayla Pierce, wellness director at The Kensington. “He serves as an incredible source of inspiration for all of us within the community, encouraging us to persistently pursue our goals. Dick brings immense joy to our community, and his unwavering commitment to staying active and assisting others shines brightly as an embodiment of the vibrant spirit we strive to create here.”

One of Evans’ favorite pastimes is leisurely strolling around the community and engaging in friendly conversations with fellow residents. He firmly believes that these interactions have been a powerful motivator, encouraging him to maintain an active lifestyle while also offering support to others on their journeys. For Evans, a fundamental philosophy is lending a hand whenever possible. During his daily walks, he finds joy in extending a helping hand to those in need along the way.

“Ever since my wife’s passing, I’ve found myself navigating this world alone, and staying active has become a vital lifeline,” said Evans. “It’s more than just exercise; it’s a lifeline to social connections. Staying active keeps me engaged with others, filling my days with purpose and meaning. Without it, my days could easily feel lonely or empty.”

In reflecting on his active lifestyle, Evans offers sage advice to those looking to stay active and lead a healthy life:

“It has to be your own decision; you’ve got to want to do it. And if you make the decision, you have to stick with it. You can’t do it one week, then drop off the next. Once you start, you’ll realize it’s not just about staying healthy; it’s about a healthy mind, making friends and getting back to the things you love.”

Evan’s story serves as a powerful reminder for all of us: it’s essential to prioritize our health. Staying active holds a wealth of benefits, regardless of age, and can unlock potential we never knew we had.

About the Kensington at Walnut Creek:

Life at The Kensington is vibrant, fulfilling and as active or carefree as you desire. The community offers Assisted Living and Memory Care in a friendly environment where our residents and associates enjoy being served and serving others. Our caring team of associates will customize a care program that is right for you while you continue to enjoy your friends, hobbies, and new opportunities at The Kensington, surrounded by mature redwood trees and filled with the comforts of a modern resort. The Kensington is an oasis in Walnut Creek, tucked away from the bustle of the city, but close enough you could walk. To learn more, visit our website or call 925-693-7784.

Police stop 114 vehicles during Concord traffic safety enforcement

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Photo by Concord PD.

Funded by state grant

By Concord Police Department

This past Friday, the Concord Police Department’s Traffic Unit conducted targeted traffic enforcement operations throughout the City of Concord. These types of traffic safety operations are paramount in keeping our roadways safe and educating drivers on safe driving practices. This operation was made possible through a grant provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).

During this operation, 114 vehicles were stopped for various vehicle code violations. Offices focused their attention on the most egregious violations and found one driver speeding on Ygnacio Valley Road at 86 MPH in a 45 MPH zone!

Antioch Councilman, businessman, retired police lieutenant Mike Barbanica kicks off campaign for Contra Costa Supervisor

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Source: Barbanica for Supervisor campaign

Third candidate to announce for District 5 to replace Glover; touts major endorsements

On Thursday, September 21, Antioch City Councilman, business owner, retired police lieutenant Mike Barbanica announced his campaign for Contra Costa County Supervisor District 5. The campaign held its kick-off event later that evening at the Deputy Sheriff’s Association Hall in Martinez.

“We had a better turnout than expected,” Barbanica shared following the event. “We had well over 100. All the tables were full. It could not have been a more successful event. It was incredible.”

Barbanica is a 21-year veteran of the Pittsburg Police Department, where he retired in 2007 as a police lieutenant and earned the Bronze Medal of Valor Award for his service. Barbanica and his team were credited by the police chief with bringing about a 20 percent decrease in crime. Barbanica and his wife Kristine are the owners of Blue Line Property Group where they help local families access affordable housing. In 2020, Barbanica, a Democrat, was elected to the Antioch City Council and currently represents District 2.

“I am thrilled to announce my campaign for Supervisor for Contra Costa County District 5,” Barbanica said. “With over 20 years of experience protecting our community as a police officer and now an elected councilmember with a thriving small business that is taking on the housing crisis, I will proudly put my public service track record up against all-comers while I continue to fight for Contra Costa families. I will do what it takes to ensure Contra Costa County is a place where every family has an equal opportunity to thrive. I will use my experience as a long-time police officer and now councilmember to tackle the housing crisis, ensure we get serious about public safety, and build a stronger community for all who call Contra Costa County home.”

Barbanica is a real estate broker and owns Blue Line Property Management in Antioch handling both residential and commercial real estate sales, leasing and management.

He enters the race with a growing list of influential and respected endorsers, including Mary Knox, Contra Costa County Deputy District Attorney,  Sue Rainey, former Mayor of Walnut Creek, Mary Erbez, former Mayor of Pittsburg, Frank Aiello, former Mayor of Pittsburg, Angelica Lopez, Pittsburg City Councilmember, Tony Oerlemans, Brentwood City Councilmember, Sean Wright, former Mayor of Antioch, and Arne Simonsen, former Antioch City Clerk and City Councilmember, as well as the United Steelworkers Local 326.

Barbanica is running for Contra Costa County Supervisorial District 5, which spans the north shore of Contra Costa County, including the cities of Hercules, Martinez and Pittsburg, and portions of Antioch and the unincorporated communities of Alhambra Valley, Bay Point, Briones, Rodeo, Pacheco, Crockett, Tormey, Port Costa, Mt. View, Vine Hill, Reliez Valley, and Clyde.

So far, he will face Pittsburg Mayor Shanelle Preston and Pittsburg Councilman Jelani Killings in the primary election in March. Filing closes December 8.

More About Barbanica

Barbanica, a lifelong resident of Antioch, is the small business owner of Blue Line Property Group in Antioch. He has received numerous awards for his teaching and coaching of others, including the California and Hawaii Region “Outstanding Brokerage of the Year” and the region’s “Broker of the Year.” Barbanica also authored an international bestselling book.

Before serving residents’ real estate needs, he began his career with the Pittsburg Police Department where he served 21 years and retired in 2007 as a police lieutenant. On the force, Barbanica ran a street level narcotic and crime unit for six years that was credited with reducing crime by 23% in Pittsburg.

In 2020, Barbanica was elected to represent District 2 on the Antioch City Council where he’s been cracking down on dilapidated properties, improving public safety, and getting small businesses the funds they need to succeed.

Barbanica is also active in the Antioch community, is a member of the Elk’s Club, the local Knights of Columbus, the Peace Officers Research Association of California, the National Association of Realtors, the Pittsburg Italian American Club, and other service organizations.

Barbanica is married to Kristine Barbanica, and together they have raised three children in the Antioch community and are grandparents to 4 grandchildren.

For more information on Barbanica for Contra Costa County Supervisor, please visit www.mikebarbanica.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Concord City Council selects new master developer for base reuse project

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The former Concord Naval Weapons Station land south of Highway 4. Photo: Brookfield Properties presentation

Brookfield Properties plans to develop the 2,300 acres of former Naval Weapons Station in 5 phases

By City of Concord

The Concord City Council, sitting as the Local Reuse Authority (LRA), interviewed and designated Brookfield Properties as the preferred master developer for Concord’s Base Reuse Project.

At a special meeting on Aug. 26, the LRA received a presentation from Brookfield about their plan to develop 2,300 acres of the former Concord Naval Weapons Station.

Following Council questions and public comment, the LRA voted unanimously to select the global real estate developer for this project.

The Concord Base Reuse Project Area Plan. Source: Brookfield Properties presentation

With an office in San Ramon, and part of New York-based developer and real estate conglomerate Brookfield Partners, the developer agreed to a variety of requests including designating at least 25% of the housing as affordable and hiring 40% of its construction workforce from within the county. They propose a multi-phase approach beginning with connecting the community to the nearby BART station within the first phase of construction,

The next steps include outlining the terms of an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) and a “term sheet”, a document that establishes procedures and standards for the negotiation of a comprehensive proposed Disposition and Development Agreement and drafting a Specific Plan for the property.

The Concord Base Reuse Project Phases. Source: Brookfield Properties presentation

Previously, the council had selected Lennar in 2020 and Seeno’s Concord First Partners in 2022 as master developers.

The city council acting as the LRA is expected to consider the ENA at a meeting tentatively scheduled for Sept. 19.

A recording of the Aug. 26 meeting and supporting documents can be found online.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Pleasant Hill man arrested for attempted sexual abuse of minor

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Peter Joseph Digangi. Photo: Pleasant Hill PD

Arranged meeting with 13-year-old boy

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

In August of 2023, Pleasant Hill Police Detectives participated in an operation with the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force in a proactive online investigation.

On August 16, 2023 Peter Joseph Digangi (age 65 of Pleasant Hill, CA) engaged in an explicit online conversation and sent obscene materials to an undercover agent who was posing as a 13-year-old boy on a social media/dating application. Digangi arranged to meet with who he believed to be a 13-year-old boy and was arrested by police upon arrival. A search warrant for Digangi’s home and electronic devices was granted by a Superior Court magistrate. The search yielded numerous electronic/storage devices and a preliminary examination of those devices yielded child sexual assault material. Digangi was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on multiple felony charges.

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed felony charges against Digangi for violations of 288.4(b) PC- Meeting with a minor for lewd/lascivious acts, 288.3 (a) PC- Contacting a minor for lewd/lascivious acts, 664/288(a) PC- Attempted lewd/lascivious acts with minor under 14, 288.2(a)(1) PC- Sending explicit/obscene material to a minor, and 311.11(c)(1) PC- Possession of 600+ images of child pornography including at least 10 images of children under age 12.

The Pleasant Hill Police Department routinely participates in these operations in order to identify and arrest suspects who target minors. This is a good reminder to parents and young teens about the potential dangers associated to activity on social media/online platforms.

We would like to thank our local and federal partners who participated on this operation.

If you have any questions, tips, or believe you may be a victim in a case such as this, please contact PHPD Investigations at 925-288-4600 or PDInvestigations@Pleasanthillpd.org.

Suspect arrested for armed robbery of mail carrier in Concord

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By Concord Police Department

On Thursday, August 24, 2023, you may have seen a large Concord Police Department presence in the Blackfield Drive area of Concord and later in the City of Vallejo. We’d like to tell you why.

One of our local US Postal Service mail carriers was robbed at gun point while delivering mail to our residents of Concord. Through witness statements, video surveillance, and other investigative leads, our Patrol Officers and Detectives of our Investigations Division identified the suspect vehicle and involved persons.

Last night at about 10 PM, our Patrol officers located the suspect vehicle driving in Concord and initiated a high-risk felony stop on Blackfield Drive with the assistance of STARR 3, Air Support Unit – Contra Costa County, Office of the Sheriff. Several subjects were detained and taken into custody for various crimes.

Our Detectives also identified a related suspect house in the City of Vallejo and our Crisis Negotiations Team and SWAT Team served a search warrant early this morning, resulting in the recovery of evidence related to the armed robbery.

We would like to thank our residents in the community who called in suspicious activity in their neighborhood and provided valuable information to our investigators.

As this is an ongoing investigation, no other information is being released at this time. If anyone has any additional information regarding this incident, please contact Detective Rutland, Major Crimes Unit – Investigations Division at (925) 603-5853 or the Anonymous Tip line at (925) 603-5826