Contra Costa Herald

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

DVC administrator chosen for National Presidential Fellowship for Community College Leaders

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By Timothy Leong, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa Community College District

Vice President Mary Gutierrez.Photo by Emma Hall, Assistant Editor, The Inquirer.

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program today announced that Dr. Mary Gutierrez, Vice President of Instruction at Diablo Valley College (DVC), is one of 40 leaders selected for the 2020-21 class of the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship. This highly respected national leadership program prepares the next generation of community college presidents to transform institutions to achieve higher and more equitable levels of student success.

Gutierrez became vice president of the college in 2018 and has over 36 years of experience in education, according to The Inquirer, DVC’s student newspaper.

The Rising Presidents Fellows will embark on a 10-month fellowship beginning in July 2020. Delivered in collaboration with the Stanford Educational Leadership Initiative, the fellows will be mentored by esteemed current and former community college presidents who have achieved exceptional outcomes for students throughout their careers, and will learn strategies to improve student outcomes in and after college, lead internal change, and create strong external partnerships with K-12 schools, four-year colleges, employers, and other partners.

“Evidence shows that substantial improvements in student success are achieved only when presidents have the commitment and skill needed to lead change within their institutions and through partnerships in the community,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the College Excellence Program. “These fellows have been chosen because they embody that commitment and, we believe, will build their skills even further to become transformational presidents.”

“We are thrilled the Aspen Institute has chosen Mary for this national leadership program,” says DVC President Susan Lamb. “She is smart, passionate about student success, and is already a tremendous leader. There is no doubt in my mind this fellowship program will increase her skills and experience to be a great future community college president.”

The Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship responds to the growing need for a new generation of leaders well-equipped to meet the challenges of the future. Nationally, nearly 80 percent of sitting presidents plan to retire in the next decade. While the traditional pathway to the presidency has excluded women and people of color, the incoming class of Aspen Rising Presidents Fellows is composed of 70 percent women and 61 percent people of color and represents institutions of varying sizes and locations. For a list of the 2020-21 class of the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship visit https://highered.aspeninstitute.org/risingpresidents/.

“This is a wonderful honor and opportunity to continue my growth as a community college administrator,” says Dr. Gutierrez. “I want to thank President Lamb and the DVC community for their support in applying for this professional development.”

Diablo Valley College is a large suburban community college, approximately 25 miles east of San Francisco in Contra Costa County. One of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District, DVC enrolls approximately 20,000 students, about 40% who come from groups historically underrepresented in higher education. DVC ranks consistently as one of the most successful transfer institutions in California and also offers a wide range of highly respected occupational programs leading to certificates or degrees. The faculty is known for its intellectual vitality and deep commitment to the success of its students.

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program aims to advance higher education practices and leadership strategies that significantly improve student outcomes. Through the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the Aspen Presidential Fellowship for Community College Excellence, and other initiatives, the College Excellence Program works to improve colleges’ understanding and capacity to teach and graduate students, especially the growing population of low-income students and students of color on American campuses. For more information, visit highered.aspeninstitute.org and follow us on Twitter at @AspenHigherEd.

Stanford Educational Leadership Initiative (SELI) strives to help education leaders further develop their ability to transform education systems and drive meaningful change. SELI programs bring together the strengths of Stanford Graduate School of Education and Stanford Graduate School of Business, as well as additional Stanford faculty and resources, to offer multidimensional and immediately impactful professional development programming for practicing leaders in PreK-12, higher education, and policy. By fostering collaboration and building relationships between existing colleagues and among new peers, SELI programs create networks supporting participants’ continued learning and organizational improvement. For more information, visit https://seli.stanford.edu/.

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most important challenges facing the United States and the world. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Institute has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, and an international network of partners.

Concord Police seek help finding dognapping suspect and puppy missing since Saturday

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https://www.facebook.com/ConcordPolice/videos/543299893283830/?t=12

By Concord Police Department

PLEASE HELP US FIND THIS ADORABLE PUPPY!

Warning, you’re about to get really mad!

This is Max. He is an 11-week-old Malinois puppy. Today, around 10:00 am, Max was stolen from the garage of his owners’ house on Montgomery Ave.

The suspect is described as an adult male, wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt (red patches on elbows), dark ball cap, blue jeans, dark shoes, and blue rubber gloves. He carried Max away from the area riding a gold and white bicycle.

If you see Max, know his whereabouts, or recognize this thief, please call Concord Dispatch at (925) 671-3333 and refer to case #20-4193.

Max’s family misses him so much. ~454

 

Max and screenshots of suspected dognapper oon April 18, 2020. Photos by Concord PD.

Monday, 04-20-20 UPDATE: Here are some clearer still images of the DOGNAPPER. We’re hoping something helps someone recognize this man. If so, please contact Concord PD’s Financial Crimes Unit at (925) 671-3030 or if you wish to remain anonymous you can call our tip line at (925) 603-5836. ~454

#findmax #dognapper #pleasehelp #concordpd

Three arrested for stealing catalytic converters in Concord early Monday morning

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Suspects’ car and catalytic converters Monday April 20, 2020. Photos by Concord PD.

By Concord Police Department

Catalytic converters thefts have become all too common because of their value and lack of identifying markings. So, when we’re able to catch one of these rampant thieves in action, we want to make sure to let you know!

Earlier this morning, Monday, April 20, 2020 around 3:00 am, employees from Wave Broadband found three men on their property trying to saw off a catalytic converter from one of their vehicles. The trio fled the scene in an SUV, but not before the driver almost hit one of the witnesses (fortunately, he was able to quickly jump aside).

The employees got in their vehicle and were able to follow the suspects from a safe distance while providing Dispatch with their updated location. Officers quickly responded, conducted an enforcement stop, and apprehended the suspects. A search of the SUV yielded burglary tools and two catalytic converters.

All three suspects were placed under arrest. The driver was also sent to County Jail for attempted assault with a deadly weapon. ~454/493

Martinez man arrested for stolen car, tools following hit-and-run collision and police chase into Concord

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Suspect Antonio Neely arrested and stolen SUV on Saturday April 18, 2020. Photos by Concord PD.

By Concord Police Department

In case you weren’t aware, social distancing is not an excuse to run from the police!

On Saturday, April 18, 2020 several callers reported a black SUV driving recklessly while exiting southbound HWY 242 at Solano Way and Grant St. The left front tire completely came off of its wheel, but that didn’t stop the suspect from continuing to drive while dwindling down the rim.

Once the SUV reached the city streets of Concord it came to its resting point on the center median. The suspect frantically exited, but not before grabbing a backpack and a few boxes of tools. He then ran into a nearby neighborhood where several callers witnessed him jumping fences into various backyards.

At this point, our Dispatch received information from Martinez PD that the SUV was involved in a hit-and-run collision in their city after the driver stole tools from the Martinez Home Depot. Minutes later, Concord Dispatch got a call from a Concord resident wanting to report their SUV stolen. Turns out, the license plate number provided by the registered owner matched the one that the suspect used in his crime spree.

While Concord Officers were searching the area, another caller reported seeing the suspect jumping fences. Officers arrived at the address within seconds and found the suspect, who continued on his path of poor decisions, and ran. Officers gave chase and after a brief foot pursuit were able to apprehend the suspect without incident. Additionally, the suspect attempted to discard a backpack he was carrying while running, which was discovered to contain the stolen tools from Martinez.

The suspect in this case was identified as 24-year-old Martinez resident, Antonio Neely. A records check revealed he is on felony probation for robbery and evading police. For his actions, Concord PD placed Neely under arrest for a surfeit of criminal violations and provided him with a ride to County Jail.

A big thanks to all of the amazing witnesses who called and helped us apprehend Mr. Neely. As we repeatedly say, we couldn’t do this without you! ~454

#stolenvehicle #criminal #teamwork #concordpd #incustody

Driver of stolen car dies in Highway 4 rollover crash near Martinez, Friday morning

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Driver was traveling over 100 MPH.

By CHP – Contra Costa

Friday morning at approximately 1:35 AM, Contra Costa CHP was advised of an overturned solo vehicle collision on HWY-4 westbound, east of Franklin Canyon road. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, the male driver (John Doe at this time as he has not yet been identified) had been ejected from a silver Volvo and was lying in the roadway. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency personnel. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of identity once known of the deceased male driver.

While at the scene and conducting the investigation, a registration/vehicle check was conducted on the Volvo and it was determined that it had been recently stolen from a residence in Martinez just prior to the time of the collision. In the initial investigation, it appears that the driver of the Volvo was traveling on HWY-4 westbound at a high rate of speed, in excess of 100 MPH. The driver veered into the center dirt median and collided with the center metal guardrail, causing the Volvo to spin out of control. It then hurled back across the lanes of traffic, overturned, and came to rest on the right shoulder. The driver was ejected through the closed sunroof and landed in the roadway, where he was located and pronounced deceased.

This incident is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez at (925) 646-4980.

Pittsburg man arrested in assault with a deadly weapon incident Saturday in Pacheco

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Charged with kidnapping, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, making criminal threats, and probation violation; at least the third time suspect was arrested in Contra Costa County

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

On Saturday, April 11, 2020, at about 8:29 PM, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff received reports of a stabbing at the 5800 block of Pacheco Boulevard in Pacheco.

Deputy Sheriffs arrived finding two stabbing victims. The suspect, who apparently used scissors, fled the scene. The fire department and an ambulance responded to the location. One of the victims was treated on scene, while the other was transported to a local hospital as a precaution.

Deputies, assisted by Pleasant Hill PD and the California Highway Patrol, set up a perimeter and began looking for the suspect. At about 9:55 PM, Deputies located him hiding nearby. He was taken into custody without incident.

The suspect is identified as 35-year-old Alonso Villa-Garcia of Pittsburg. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on the following charges: kidnapping, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, making criminal threats, and probation violation. He is being held in lieu of $315,000 bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, Villa-Garcia was also arrested by Sheriff’s Deputies on May 8, 2019 on multiple charges, including: Possession of Controlled Substance, Possess Control Substance Paraphernalia, Revocation Of Probation, Possession Of Burglar’s Tools, Receiving Stolen Property – Motor Vehicle, Take Vehicle W/O Owner’s Consent, Warrants Or Holds Only and Possession Of Ammunition. He had been previously arrested on Sept. 6, 2018 by Concord Police also for Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession Of Burglar’s Tools and for Take Vehicle W/O Owner’s Consent.

The investigation into the motive and relationship between the suspect and victims 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 Payton contributed to this report.

DUI driver crashes through Walnut Creek area home Saturday evening

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Photo by CHP Contra Costa.

By CHP – Contra Costa

On Saturday evening at approximately 5:30 pm, this happened. You know the saying, “a picture paints a thousand words?” that would apply here. (We’ll stick with this, but you can caption it any way you’d like)

A 68-year-old male driver from Walnut Creek crashed his Dodge Ram pickup truck into this house at 956 Hawthorne Drive in an unincorporated area of Walnut Creek. He also struck the parked vehicle in the driveway before driving into the house. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, thankfully no one was inside the house and nobody else was injured other than the driver, who sustained only minor injuries. And would you believe he was arrested on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence/DUI.

We are thankful this did not turn out worse and produce severe injuries. Impaired driving is 100% preventable, 100% of the time, there are no excuses. Plan ahead, designate a sober driver, and make smart choices.

Antioch woman killed by heavy object through car window on Hwy 242 in Concord Friday night

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By CHP – Contra Costa

Last night, April 10, 2020, at approximately 9:32 pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a solo vehicle collision on SR-242 northbound at SR-4. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, a 63-year-old female passenger of the vehicle was unconscious and unresponsive. Life-saving procedures were attempted but unsuccessful and tragically the female passenger was declared deceased at the scene. The 20-year-old driver and two children in the backseat, 11- and 13-year-old girls, all family from Antioch, were not injured.

The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of identity of the deceased female.

Upon further investigation at the scene, it was determined that this was not a collision. While the 20-year-old male driver was proceeding northbound on SR-242 and approaching SR-4 in a grey 2004 Volkswagen Jetta, it was determined that a heavy object (“brick”) came crashing through a window of the vehicle and struck the 63-year-old female passenger seated in the right front seat. The male driver realized the woman was injured and pulled off the freeway and called 911. Tragically the female passenger died at the scene. At this point, it is unknown where the “brick” came from and/or how it ended up in the Volkswagen.

The cause of this incident is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this incident, the events leading up to it, or saw anyone within the immediate area, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez at (925) 646-4980.

Coronavirus outbreak at senior care home in Pleasant Hill, 16 test positive, 3 hospitalized

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Carlton Senior Living facility in downtown Pleasant Hill. Video screenshot from their website.

By Allen Payton

According to the Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) at the Carlton Senior Living facility in downtown Pleasant Hill, 5 residents and 11 staff have tested positive with COVID-19 as of Wednesday morning, April 8.

On Tuesday, CCHS staff investigated the COVID-19 outbreak at the care home and tested symptomatic people at the site. They were evaluating the feasibility of testing everyone who lives and works there.

Three residents were hospitalized as a result.

Clayton, Brentwood Realtors® named 2019 award winners by Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.

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By Michelle Watson, Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.

Weichert Realtors® – America First Team and HH and Associates are proud to announce their 2019 Office Award Winners. The agents were honored by the national franchise organization, Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., based on achieving specified production requirements in gross commission income or units earned in 2019. These Weichert® affiliated agents earned their recognition from among associates in 40 states at the year’s end.

The Weichert – America First Team 2019 Award Winners – Jill Totton, Larry Hansohn, Linda Miller, Michael Arnone, Karen Holmberg and Astrid Jarquin.

America First Team – Clayton

Jill Totton – Sales Achievement; Larry Hansohn – Sales Achievement; Linda Miller – Sales Achievement; Michael Arnone – Sales Achievement; Karen Holmberg – Sales Achievement; and Astrid Jarquin – Sales Achievement.

Weichert – HH & Associates 2019 Award Winners Delia Colmenares, Jessica Enos, Ronald J. Enos, Emil Geddes, Mandy Kay Myhand-Teputepu and Naomi Longoria.

HH and Associates – Brentwood

Delia Colmenares – President’s Club (Gold); Jessica Enos – Executive Club; Ronald J. Enos – Executive Club; Emil Geddes – Sales Achievement; Mandy Kay Myhand-Teputepu – Sales Achievement; and Naomi Longoria – Sales Achievement.

“Our affiliates accomplished so much last year,” said Bill Scavone, president and chief operating officer of Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. “We are extremely fortunate to have such knowledgeable, dedicated and tireless Realtors.”

Weichert Realtors® – America First Team is an independently owned and operated Weichert affiliated office and located at 1520 Kirker Pass Road, Suite A in Clayton. For more information about Weichert Realtors® – America First Team, please contact Broker/Owner Julie Rogers at 925-672-9091, email jrogers@weichert.com or visit their Weichert website.

Weichert Realtors® – HH and Associates is owned by Broker Maggie Hurtado and Dave Hansen.

“No words can express the gratitude I feel towards our agents. With combined experience and knowledge, I couldn’t ask for a better team,” Hurtado said. “As we continue to serve the families and community we live in I’m very proud to say we not only offer buying and selling homes, land and commercial, I can honestly say we do it with integrity and always put our clients, first.”

“This special award-winning group is the reason we’re not just about real estate, we’re a family,” she added.

Weichert Realtors® – HH and Associates is an independently owned and operated Weichert affiliated office and located at 9000 Brentwood Blvd., Suite C in Brentwood. For more information please contact Maggie Hurtado or Dave Hansen at (925) 634-4611, email MargaretHurtado@sbcglobal.net or DHansen@HHandAssociates.com, or visit their Weichert website.

About Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.

Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. has grown steadily since Jim Weichert, president, chairman and CEO of Weichert Companies, launched the company’s franchise division in 2001. The affiliate division was created to offer a business model for franchisee ownership candidates described as “a clearly defined operating system for marketing and managing a real estate business.”

Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. announced its first affiliate in 2002, was ranked as one of the top traditional residential real estate franchises in Entrepreneur’s 2020 Franchise 500 and was identified in 2020 by Franchise Business Review as one of the top U.S. franchises for owner satisfaction. Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. has offices serving over 350 markets in 40 states. For more information about Weichert, visit Weichert.com or for information on franchise opportunities visit WeichertFranchise.com. Each Weichert® franchised office is independently owned and operated.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.