Contra Costa Herald

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

Community College Board Ward 5 candidate Sandoval endorsed by labor and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta 

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Contra Costa Community College Board Ward 5 candidate Fernando Sandoval from his Facebook page on July 14, 2020 and Delores Huerta from DeloresHuerta.org.

By Doreen Moreno

Community leader Fernando Sandoval is honored to announce the endorsement of Dolores Huerta, American labor leader and civil rights activist who, with Cesar Chavez, co-founded the United Farm Workers Union. Dolores Huerta, Founder of the Dolores Huerta Foundation for Community Organizing, leads the endorsement list of elected officials, community leaders, small business owners, and college faculty, staff and students in supporting him for Trustee of the Contra Costa Community College District Board for Ward 5.

Huerta is one of the century’s most powerful and respected labor movement leader who has received numerous awards for her trailblazing leadership, including being inducted into the California Hall of Fame in 2013 and receiving the country’s highest civilian honor in the United States, the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2012.

“Fernando Sandoval’s humble beginnings in the migrant camps of Isleton along the Sacramento River to his low-income childhood in East County to his career achievements as a technology and finance advisor to prestigious banking companies worldwide is a perfect example of the perseverance and contributions individuals from labor backgrounds provide our communities and this nation everyday,” said Dolores Huerta.

Huerta adds, “His personal upbringing gives him an understanding of both the barriers and benefits of how a quality education can open doors of opportunity to good paying jobs and the economic contributions to our families and the greater economy. Fernando’s experiences position him to be a bold leader with a vision and a strong voice for all students in the community college system to be prepared as the future workforce for reigniting our post pandemic economy.”

Sandoval added “I am deeply honored to have the endorsement of international labor leader Dolores Huerta who has given tirelessly of herself for over 60 years to advocate for worker’s rights and fair wages, for equality for women and LGBQT rights and for public policies that provide fair employment standards and access to quality health and education for our diverse communities and future leaders.”

In alignment with Huerta’s legacy, Sandoval has been continuously serving East County communities and the students in various roles, such as an advisory member of the Contra Costa Community College District’s committee on diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunities.  He also Chaired the Bond Oversight Committee for modernization of schools at Pittsburg Unified School District (PUSD). Fernando has also organized mentoring, tutoring and motivational workshops for students at Los Medanos College and high schools throughout the area. This year he was recognized for his service by receiving the 2020 Cesar Chavez Award for Exemplary Community Service by Los Medanos College.

Fernando Sandoval is a published author of his memoir, “From Tortilla Chips to Computer Chips” that highlights his upbringing in a hard-working immigrant family, his experience in the U.S. Navy and Vietnam War and his career as a finance and technology management strategy advisor to top banking institutions worldwide.

For more information about Fernando Sandoval for Contra Costa Community College District Board of Trustees, Ward 5, contact fernando4collegetrustee@gmail.com. Sandoval is challenging two-term incumbent Greg Enholm for the second time. He ran in 2016 but lost with 39.75% of the vote to Enholm’s 59.82% . Ward 5 includes the communities or cities of Clyde, Bay Point, Pittsburg, Oakley, Bethel Island, Knightsen, most of Antioch and Discovery Bay, and portions of Brentwood and Concord.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

New Census Caravan rolling through the Concord Monument Corridor Thursday, August 6 at noon

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By Josh Green, Media Specialist, U.S. Census Bureau

Festively decorated cars and bikes will roll through Concord August 6 to raise awareness about the safety and importance of the 2020 Census in those neighborhoods that still have many households that have not responded. The neighborhoods were selected because they have a high proportion of “hard-to-count” communities, which are populations that are historically undercounted in the census.

During the shelter-in-place months that everyone has endured, the caravans have been a fun, effective and socially distant way to remind people that they can still respond to the Census until September 30 using one of three methods: online at my2020census.gov, by phone at 844-330-2020, or using a paper questionnaire received in the mail.

In a week the biggest Census operation – called “Non-response Follow-up” (NRFU) – gets underway August 11. That’s when 500,000 census takers across the country fan out in thousands of neighborhoods to make sure every person gets counted. Households that self-respond do not get a visit from a census taker.

During the weeks leading up to NRFU the Census will focus on getting the self-response rate as high as possible in every part of the Bay Area.

The Census is reminding everyone that:

  1. It is not too late for families to get counted online, by phone, or by mail. Anyone can go to my2020census.gov to self-respond.
  2. Every person counts, no matter what their documentation status, nationality or location.
  3. Participating local city officials and nonprofit partners want to see their cities and counties get a complete and accurate account.
  4. Everyone should come out on their doorsteps with a mask to wave hello and support the 2020 Census!

DA charges Martinez man with two felonies after pointing gun at bystander near Black lives matter mural

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By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa District Attorney

The BLACKLIVESMATTER mural on Court Street in Martinez. From @mtz.for.black.lives on Instagram.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office charged Joseph Osuna (30-year-old Martinez resident) with three criminal counts, including two felonies, for his alleged action of the unlawful possession of a firearm by a prohibited person on Sunday, July 5. Osuna drove by the Black lives matter street mural in downtown Martinez and yelled at various individuals standing by the mural.

One of the bystanders exchanged words with Osuna. Moments later, Osuna made a u-turn to come back to the bystander. Osuna exited his vehicle and pulled out a loaded revolver and pointed the firearm at the bystander. Fortunately, police officers from the Martinez Police Department were nearby and were able to respond to the scene.

Osuna’s 2015 Jeep Wrangler was quickly spotted, and he was pulled over by the police. When Osuna was stopped, the police recovered the revolver in his vehicle. The firearm was not registered to Osuna.

He faces up to three years in custody if found guilty of his actions.

The alleged offenses again Osuna are as follows:

  • Unlawful Firearm Activity, Felony PC 29805
  • Possessing Firearm Not Registered to Owner, Felony PC 25850 (a)/(c) 6
  • Exhibiting a Concealed Weapon in Public, Misdemeanor PC 417 (a)(2)(A)

Case information: People v. Joseph Daniel Osuna Docket Number 01-194090-7

Martinez Police Chief issues appeal ahead of expected Sunday Black lives matter protest

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Herald file photos.

“do not come to the protest armed or with an intention to commit violence…We have a large contingent of personnel from every agency in Contra Costa County that will be here on Sunday to assist us.” – Chief Manjit Sappa

Downtown businesses board up out of fear and precaution.

A large protest is expected in Martinez, Sunday afternoon following the painting of a permitted mural on Court Street with the words BLACKLIVESMATTER, and an effort by a couple to paint over it with black paint. They have since been charged with a hate crime. (See related articles here and here)

According to a KPIX5 CBS SF BayArea news report, “several downtown businesses have already boarded up their windows. ‘It’s just added expense, at a time and added frustration, not knowing how this is going to end up,’ explained Ernie Guerrero as he unloaded plywood outside of his restaurant, La Tapatia Mexican Cuisine.”

Message from the Chief of Police

July 11, 2020

Dear Community:

As we get closer to Sunday, I thought it would be prudent to share information about our preparation for the protest on Sunday. As it stands, we have all of our dedicated sworn personnel working in the field on Sunday to keep our community safe. They work diligently each and every day to serve our community and will be doing all they can to ensure our community’s safety.

We have a large contingent of personnel from every agency in Contra Costa County that will be here on Sunday to assist us. I want to thank the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and every Police Chief in Contra Costa County for sending first responders to the City of Martinez in light of the large protest on Sunday. I also want to thank the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District for being great partners and helping plan for any medical needs that may arise.

In the past day, we have been getting information from social media that folks with different viewpoints will be in our city to protest. We have learned that some may be coming with the intention of protecting the community from protestors or protecting the police officers working the event and while I appreciate that thought, DO NOT come to the protest armed or with an intention to commit violence. The job of a police officer in today’s world is tough – it is complicated, difficult, and yet we still have good men and women that come to work each day to help others and safeguard communities. Our officers are fantastic and value the great relationship with our community; it would seem natural that many in our community want to protect us and I could not be more thankful for that thought, but the best protection you can give us is by letting us do our job of protecting our community.

Bringing a weapon of any kind to a peaceful protest or illegally carrying a weapon into our community could serve as a flashpoint for an escalation of events. Please help us keep calm in the community and de-escalate any conflict. Many of our residents and community members are worried, scared, and feel helpless that different groups are converging on our small town; I share their concerns and I implore anyone coming to Martinez on Sunday to strive to put your best foot forward. Feel free to gather, feel free to speak, feel free to exercise your First Amendment Right. Please DO NOT engage in toxic, violent, hateful, or unsafe behavior. It will put everyone at risk and create safety issues for the officers working on Sunday.

In the event that the protest devolves and there are acts of violence or damage in a manner that places the community at risk, we will be forced to disperse the crowd and I want to be transparent in that regard. We will be tolerant and work with all of you for a peaceful event – we implore you to not force us to respond in a manner that requires we take immediate action to end the event. For the sake of our community and everyone involved, we ask that you do all you can to ensure that the event is peaceful. For all protestors – as a community we ask that you do not disrespect us by damaging our city. Be kind and let’s all work together to ensure we have a safe and uneventful day that is positive. I sincerely appreciate you adhering to our request for a safe and peaceful weekend.

Sincerely,

Manjit Sappal

Chief of Police

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

 

East Bay Park District Board approves land use plan for new regional park on former Concord Naval Weapons Station land

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Concord Hills Regional Park Land Use Plan Recreational Facilities map. By EBRPD.

Official naming of park will happen later following more public input

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

On Tuesday, July 7, 2020, the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors unanimously approved the final land use plan for public access improvements and open space preservation at the Park District’s new 2,540-plus-acre regional park, with the working name of Concord Hills. The final land use plan includes a joint visitor center with the National Park Service highlighting the history of the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial and the Diablo Valley, staging areas, and miles of recreational trails for hiking, biking, and nature viewing.

Rendering of the reuse of one of the many bunkers on the property. By EBRPD.

“This is the true culmination of a decades-long community effort,” said Beverly Lane, who has represented Concord on the East Bay Regional Park District Board since 1994. “I’m proud to be part of the Park District and its effort to produce a truly fabulous plan for a new Regional Park in the Diablo Valley.”

“This important land use plan will provide public access, preserve natural habitat, and honor the unique natural and human history of the land,” added Lane.

In July 2019, after a 20+ year community effort, the Park District received possession of 2,216 acres of U.S. Navy property at the Concord Naval Weapons Station. An additional 327 acres will transfer to the District at a later time.

The final land use plan utilizes existing developed areas and buildings to the greatest extent possible. The final approved plan and the associated environmental analysis permanently preserve 95% of the land as open space and protected habitat.

Photo by Stephen Joseph Fine Art Photography.

“Turning the former military base into a world-class park will take very many years and millions of dollars to restore and open,” said East Bay Regional Park District General Manager Robert Doyle. “However, thanks to the Park District and community’s efforts, 2,500 plus acres of scenic Diablo Valley landscape is permanently protected.”

“The opportunity to partner with the National Park Service to tell the unique and important natural and historic story of the land in a future joint visitor is exciting and rare. We thank National Park Service and all of our partners for their help in making this world-class park a reality,” added Doyle.

Rattlesnake Canyon in the South of Bailey Road Area. Photo by Stephen Joseph

On July 17, 1944, over 5,000 tons of munitions at Port Chicago exploded, killing 320 mostly enlisted African American sailors. The tragic explosion accounted for a quarter of all African American deaths in World War II and highlighted racial inequality within the Navy. On July 26, 1948, President Truman signed Executive Order 9981, ordering the desegregation of all military forces. The National Park Service operates the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial at the site of the explosion, recognizing those that perished.

Creating a new Regional Park in the Diablo Valley has been a partnership between the Park District, U.S. Navy, National Park Service, City of Concord, and Save Mount Diablo. Public access is expected to come first to the southern portions of the park consisting of 900 acres south of Bailey Road.

Oak Tree with a view of Mount Diablo. Photo by Stephen Joseph.

The Board will consider the official naming of the new Regional Park at a later time after additional community outreach and engagement.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,300 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives more than 25 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Martinez mayor explains background of BLACKLIVESMATTER street mural

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The BLACKLIVESMATTER mural on Court Street in Martinez. From @mtz.for.black.lives on Instagram.

City will consider program for future “murals or other expressions on public property in support of social justice and racial equality.” – Mayor Rob Schroder

The following statement by Martinez Mayor Rob Schroder was issued on Tuesday providing the background to the BLACKLIVESMATTER mural on Court Street: Statement from Rob Schroder – BLM Mural

July 7, 2020

Dear Martinez Community:

Recent events in our community have highlighted both racial tensions and matters of free speech. I write to you today to provide a full account of these events and to address questions that we have been receiving at City Hall the last few days. My hope is that this information will both inform our community and provide clarity on the facts and how we plan to move forward together.

On the evening of June 27, the Martinez Police Department responded to a report of anti-black hateful flyers posted on sidewalks near downtown. These offensive flyers threatened to harm those supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.

In response to these flyers, I issued a statement on behalf of the City Council on June 30, 2020 stating:

“The fact that something so morally offensive as the two flyers found in the edges of our downtown area exists is just wrong and morally repugnant. It offends me personally; it offends our entire City Council and frankly is offensive to the community at large. Martinez does not tolerate hate-related crimes and as a community, we need to stand together to promote unity and acceptance of all people. This hateful, hurtful, and offensive act does not and will never define our City.”

Members of the community approached the City asking permission for a temporary public mural in the Downtown. The specific request noted: “Given the hateful rhetoric on the flyers this past weekend, an affirming message in support of Black lives, facilitated and approved by the city . . . is appropriate.” The community group, Martizians for Black Lives, who painted the mural, obtained a special event permit with the City that provided specifics for the project, including the materials used, the artwork to be painted and the protocols involved to ensure social distancing during the event. The group asked for an expedited review by the City to allow for this mural to be painted in a timely manner, so it could serve as a response to the offensive flyers from the weekend before.

Concurrent with review of this permit, on July 1, the Martinez City Council took urgency action and adopted by unanimous vote a resolution on equity and justice for all. The resolution states in part that as “…city leaders, we must and will listen to the voices of those in our communities who have suffered bias and have been treated unfairly. We must hear their words and turn them into effective action to protect the civil rights of every person.”

Consistent with this resolution, on July 2, our City Manager approved the Black Lives Matter (BLM) mural to be painted on Court Street. Approval of the use of our streets sends a message to all that African-Americans and other people of color are equal members of our community and hateful rhetoric will be actively rejected by our City. Feelings that isolate a single race with hate violates our values as a community and our civic institutions.

Since the mural has been painted, an attempt to paint over the mural and a separate incident that resulted in the brandishing of a firearm at the mural site have taken place. It is my sincere hope that our community’s expression of support for some members of our community does not unnecessarily stir up anger in others.

The City of Martinez has received new requests to use City streets to share other ideas or murals. The consideration of such requests is significantly different than the BLM mural at issue now. The City made a determination that a swift response to hateful rhetoric required a more timely consideration of the BLM permit. Doing so was consistent with and in furtherance of the City Council’s commitment to support equity and justice for all and to send a clear statement rejecting the prior week’s hateful flyers. The City supports the intended message of the BLM mural, namely, that all persons, no matter their race, are entitled to be treated with equality in our society. The City will be considering developing a program by which it will consider the future placement or erection of permanent murals or other expressions on public property in support of social justice and racial equality.

These are challenging times in our nation, our state, and our City. I am proud of our community and our shared belief in the equal worth of all people, and our City’s efforts to set an example of how we live up to that moral imperative.

With Respect for All,

Rob Schroder

Mayor

Two Martinez residents charged with hate crime for defacing Black lives matter street mural

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White couple paints over Black Lives Matter street mural

An unidentified white couple was recorded painting over a Black Lives Matter street mural located in front of a Bay Area courthouse.

Posted by Corey L. Teague on Sunday, July 5, 2020

By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa District Attorney

Martinez, Calif. – Today, Tuesday, July 7, 2020, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office charged Martinez residents Nichole Anderson (42-years old) and David Nelson (53-years-old) with three misdemeanor counts, including a hate crime, for their alleged actions on Saturday, July 4, when defendant Anderson covered up a mural with the words BLACK LIVES MATTER in all capitals, with black paint. Nelson directly aided in the alleged criminal conduct. The incident was captured on video by witnesses.

On July 1, a local Martinez resident applied for a permit to paint a Black lives matter temporary mural on Court Street in downtown Martinez in front of the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse. The permit was approved by the City of Martinez and it was painted on July 4.

Nelson and Anderson arrived at the scene of the mural after it was completed with paint supplies. Anderson started to paint over the yellow letters “B” and “L” in the word “BLACK.” She used black paint and a large paint roller to do so. The video has been shared widely by witnesses and shared on social media.

“We must address the root and byproduct of systemic racism in our country. The Black lives matter movement is an important civil rights cause that deserves all of our attention,” stated Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton. “The mural completed last weekend was a peaceful and powerful way to communicate the importance of Black lives in Contra Costa County and the country. We must continue to elevate discussions and actually listen to one another in an effort to heal our community and country.”

In total, both defendants are charged for the following alleged offenses:

  • Violation of Civil Rights, PC 422.6(b)
  • Vandalism Under $400, PC 594(a)
  • Possession of Tools to Commit Vandalism or Graffiti, PC 594.2(a)

If convicted, both defendants face up to a year in county jail. The alleged offenses are exempt from a specific bail amount due to the current county bail schedule in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Case information: People v. Nicole Claudia Anderson and David Richard Nelson, Docket Number 01-194031-1

 

Danville woman dies in fatal rollover crash off road on Mt. Diablo Saturday

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Front page of Mt. Diablo State Park brochure.

Vehicle plunged 300 feet down; removal may require helicopter

By Allen Payton

According to Cameron Morrison, Supervising State Park Peace Officer,

“On July 4th at around 2:47 pm we received a 9-11 call of a vehicle over the edge on Summit Road,” he said. “Three officers responded. I responded from the summit from Mt. Diablo and was the first one on scene.

From Summit Road I could see an SUV several hundred feet down the hillside and I made my way down,” Morrison continued. “When I got down to where the vehicle was located, I found a woman in her 70’s who had been ejected from the SUV.”

“We provided medical care for her. At approximately 3:30 pm San Ramon Valley Protection Fire District personnel arrived and at that time they pronounced her deceased,” he stated.

“There was nothing that was found that would indicate that there was any intoxication of any kind,” said Morrison. “We found where she left the road. You can see the tracks and right below you can see the broken brush and trees. It’s an extremely steep roadside.”

On Monday, the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office identified the woman as “Julie Watson, a white female out of Danville.”

Vehicle Removal May Require Helicopter

Asked about the removal of the SUV, he responded, “We are working with her insurance agency regarding removing the vehicle. It’s about 300 feet at elevation from where it went off the road, but about 700 feet from the road. It will be very difficult for a tow truck company to have enough cable to reach.”

“We are also concerned about the resources of the park. We have a variety of sensitive species of plants. We don’t want to damage the side of the road, either,” Morrison explained. “So, we’re trying to look at getting it out with the least amount of impact on the park as possible.

“All of the roads were built back in the ‘30’s. So, the edges of the road are not engineered like normal roads. If we disturb that, we could lose the whole road in the winter,” he continued. “It’s possible it will have to be removed with a helicopter. We had the same thing happen with an airplane crash in the park a couple years ago.”

Martinez hit and run causes major injuries to 7-year-old boy, CHP asks for public’s help

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White van is vehicle of suspect in Martinez hit and run, Thursday. Photos by CHP.

By CHP – Contra Costa

Late Thursday afternoon, July 2, 2020 at approximately 4:09pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a hit and run with major injuries to a 7-year-old child that was riding his scooter. This occurred on Vine Avenue between Leslie Avenue and Merle Avenue in the city of Martinez, sometime between 3:48pm-3:56pm. This white van (in black and white photo) was captured on home surveillance traveling south on Vine Avenue, struck the boy on the scooter, and fled the scene. The boy was airlifted by helicopter to Oakland Children’s Hospital and we’ve learned although he suffered major injuries, thankfully he is in stable condition.

Security camera screenshot of suspect’s van.

The black and white photo is the actual suspect vehicle caught on surveillance and the second color photo is a very similar looking van also captured on surveillance video within the area.

We are seeking the public’s assistance with information regarding this incident. If anyone witnessed this event, or the suspect vehicle in the area or vicinity during the time of the incident, please contact Contra Costa CHP at (925)646-4980 and leave your information for investigating Officer Garduno. Or if after hours, please DM (direct message) our FB page here with your contact info.

Pleasant Hill man sentenced to 25 years in prison for producing child pornography

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Daniel Joseph Feliciano. Photo by CCDA.

OAKLAND – Daniel Joseph Feliciano was sentenced today to 25 years in prison for producing child pornography, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King.  The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Jeffrey S. White, U.S. District Judge.

Feliciano, 30, of Pleasant Hill, pleaded guilty to the charge on March 3, 2020.  According to his plea agreement, Feliciano admitted that he recorded a video of a 9-year-old minor in a sexually explicit act and produced an image of a 5-year-old seated on a bed with the minor’s genitalia visible.  Feliciano knew the two victims were minors and he created the images using his cellular phone.

In addition, Feliciano admitted that he possessed approximately 205 images or videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  The government filed additional papers arguing that Feliciano possessed more than 21,000 images of child pornography, including images of sexual abuse of a toddler-aged child and other children younger than 7 years old. (Please see related article)

A federal grand jury indicted Feliciano on December 19, 2019, charging him with two counts of producing and possessing child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251(a) and 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(4)(B).  Feliciano pleaded guilty to both counts.

In addition to the prison term, Judge White also sentenced the defendant to a 10-year period of supervised release and scheduled a hearing for September 22, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. to resolve issues concerning restitution. The defendant will begin serving the sentence immediately.

This prosecution arose from a Cybertip on October 4, 2019, to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) related to the discovery of potential exploitation material being stored in a cloud storage account later traced to Feliciano.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan U. Lee is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Jessica Rodriguez Gonzalez, Kay Konopaske, and Kathleen Turner.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by HSI, the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Pleasant Hill Police Department.