Contra Costa Herald

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

Concord Police seek suspect in Sunday armed robbery

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By Lt. Sam Staten, Martinez Police Department

On Sunday, January 20, 2019, at approximately 3:41 PM, Concord Police Officers responded to the 1800 block of Monument Blvd. regarding an armed robbery that had occurred at Cricket Wireless.  The suspect came into the business, brandished a handgun at the cashier and demanded the money from the register.  The suspect took an undetermined amount of cash and fled the area. 

An extensive search was conducted but the suspect was not located. There were no injuries as a result of this incident.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male adult in his 20’s with a thin moustache.  He wore a dark grey sweatshirt with a red and white “Reebok” logo on the front, dark colored jeans and dark colored shoes or boots.  He was armed with a black handgun.

Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call Concord Police Department Detective Sergeant Mark Robison at (925) 671-5074.

First segment of 680/Hwy 4 Interchange Improvement Project breaks ground

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State and local elected officials join Contra Costa Transportation Authority Executive Director Randy Iwasaki (2nd from left) to break ground on improvements to the Interstate 680/State Route 4 Interchange Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019. Photo by CCTA.

One of the largest SB-1- funded capital projects to break ground in the State of California  

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announced the start of construction on the first phase of a multi-phased project to improve safety and help reduce congestion at the Interstate-680/State Route 4 Interchange in central Contra Costa County. The initial phase of construction involves widening a four-mile segment of State Route 4 in both directions between Morello Avenue in Martinez and State Route 242.  This phase of work also involves the replacement of the Grayson Creek Bridge to bring it up to current State bridge safety codes.

“Improving the I-680/SR4 Interchange has been a priority for the Contra Costa Transportation Authority for many years,” said CCTA Board Chair Federal Glover. “Thanks to an infusion of Senate Bill 1 funds from the State, we are able to take this first, important step in improving safety at this critical interchange.” The total cost for improving this segment is approximately $136 million.
“For too many years we have neglected our infrastructure, and as a result Californians spend too much time in traffic, too much money on car repairs, and far too little time with their friends and families,” said Assemblymember Grayson. “I have been working for over two years with the California Transportation Commission and Contra Costa Transportation Authority to fund and break ground on this long-awaited project so that our community can spend less time sitting in traffic and more time doing what they enjoy.”

“This project will reduce the travel time for the more than 100,000 people who drive this corridor each day, and is a key piece of an ambitious regional improvement plan,” said Caltrans District 4 Director Tony Tavares. “The funding from Senate Bill 1 is enabling Caltrans and the Contra Costa Transportation Authority to rebuild California’s highways.”

The Interstate 680/State Route 4 Interchange Improvement Project will widen approximately four miles of State Route 4 by adding a third lane in the eastbound and westbound directions to improve on-ramp and off-ramp merging.  The project also includes widening of five structures, extending eastbound State Route 4’s carpool lane approximately two miles, installation of safety lighting, and replacement of the Grayson Creek Bridge. Over 50 years old, the Grayson Creek Bridge has exceeded its serviceable life.

Breaking ground for this segment of work in this multi-phased project will lay the groundwork for future improvements to connector ramps, improve traffic safety and enhance traffic flow.

Interstate 680 serves as the main artery for motorists traveling through central Contra Costa County, connecting it with Solano County to the north and Alameda and Santa Clara counties to the south. State Route 4 serves as the only major east-west transportation link joining the communities of Antioch, Bay Point, Pittsburg and Brentwood with central and western Contra Costa County and the Bay Area. The I-680/SR 4 Interchange Improvement project will widen four miles of State Route 4 by adding a third lane in the eastbound and westbound directions and improve on-ramp and off-ramp merging actions. The project also includes widening of five structures, installation of safety lighting, and replacement of the Grayson Creek Bridge. This project will lay the groundwork for future improvements to connector ramps, improve traffic safety and enhance traffic flow.

Pittsburg man steals car in Clayton arrested for shoplifting in Hercules

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Photo of suspect detained by a Hercules Police Officer on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2018. Photos by Hercules PD.

 

The SUV stolen in Clayton.

From Hercules Police Facebook Page

On Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 15, 2019, Hercules Officers responded to a shop lifting in progress at The Home Depot, four subjects being belligerent inside the store were seen taking some gloves.

In the grand scheme of things taking some gloves seems fairly minor, but upon contacting the four suspects the Officers determined they were in a car that had been stolen out of Clayton that morning, and being driven by a suspect, Joshua Leslie Vieth (44 years old from Pittsburg) who had three outstanding warrants for prior auto thefts.

When Officers respond to a call, even something that seems minor, they do not make assumptions. A stolen pair of gloves resulted in a car thief going to jail, but more importantly a theft victim getting their car back.

While Officers never assume a shoplifting call will end in a stolen car arrest, they always assume it could and treat each call as such.

This caper is another example of how out of town thieves are targeting our town, are being arrested over and over, and are being put back out on the streets to re-victimize our community. We will continue to proactively enforce our laws and send them to jail regardless of the outcome.

D.A. charges ConFire EMS Chief with embezzlement and possession of controlled substances

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Richard P. Stephenson

Due to the investigation by the Martinez Police Department, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office charged 50-year-old Martinez resident Richard P. Stephenson with two felonies for embezzlement and two misdemeanor charges of possessing a controlled substance. 

The embezzlement charges relate to

Stephenson stealing controlled substances belonging to the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District in order to support his personal drug addiction. 

An arrest warrant in the amount of $50,000 was issued on January 9, 2019.  Stephenson was arraigned at the Contra Costa County Superior Courthouse on January 10, 2019, the next court date is February 26th.

The charges filed against Richard Stephenson include:

  • Count 1, Embezzlement by Public or Private Officer – Felony
  • Count 2, Embezzlement by Clerk, Agent or Servant – Felony
  • Count 3, Possession of Fentanyl – Misdemeanor
  • Count 4, Possession of Midazolam – Misdemeanor

Case information: People v. Richard Paul Stephenson, Docket Number 01-188454-3

Martinez to hold ribbon cutting renaming Alhambra Park after former Mayor John Sparacino Jan. 28

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The late John Sparacino in his younger years. 

The City of Martinez is pleased to announce it will be holding a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, January 28, 2018 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., to commemorate the official renaming of Alhambra Park to John Sparacino Park.  The ceremony will be held at the corner of Marina Vista and Alhambra Avenue.

The park is named after former City of Martinez Mayor John Sparacino, who passed away on April 3, 2018.  The park’s name change was approved by the City Council on September 11, 2018, honoring Mayor Sparacino for his outstanding commitment and service to the Martinez community.

Sparacino was the City’s first publicly-elected Mayor and was admired and respected by all who knew him.  He graduated from Alhambra High School and lived only a few blocks away from the park.  He was a proud member of various groups including (among others) the Martinez Historical Society, Aahmes Shriners, Martinez Masonic Lodge No. 41, Knights of Columbus, the Elks, Druids and Sons of Italy, and also a longstanding supporter of the Martinez Police Department.

Concertmaster Jennifer Cho leads the California Symphony in A Tango With Mozart Jan. 19 & 20 in Walnut Creek

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The California Symphony kicks off 2019 with two performances of A TANGO WITH MOZART at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek on Saturday, Jan. 19 at 8pm and Sunday, Jan. 20 at 4pm. Music Director Donato Cabrera leads a free, 30-minute pre-concert talk for ticketholders, starting an hour before each show.

In selecting the music for this program, Music Director Donato Cabrera explains that all three pieces are a nod to the past: “In the case of Le Tombeau de Couperin, each movement was written in remembrance of a friend that Ravel lost during World War I. For Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, these pieces are a reflection of not only Vivaldi’s Four Seasons (Piazzolla’s Seasons even follow the same structure of movements as Vivaldi – fast/slow/fast) but also are a reflection of the tango and its importance and relationship to the city of Buenos Aires. And the Mozart symphony is the first of his three last symphonies that are influenced by Mozart’s fascination with the music of J. S. Bach and the dance forms that were popular during the Baroque era.”

Mozart’s Symphony No. 39 was written with break-neck speed in June of 1788, right before No. 40 which was delivered in July, and No. 41—his final symphony—in August. After the death of his father in 1787, Mozart’s correspondence (our primary source of information) becomes sparse, and it is unknown whether the composer lived to hear the work performed before his premature death in 1791 at the age of 35.

Argentinian composer Piazzolla is famous for fusing tango and jazz influences in his compositions. His Four Seasons of Buenos Aires comprises works composed between 1965 and 1970, each evoking a different season, but it was the genius of Russian composer Desyatnikov that pulled it all together as a suite for solo violin with string orchestra and harpsichord, adding in familiar references to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. (And as the seasons are reversed in the southern hemisphere, the arranger even playfully takes elements from Vivaldi’s Winter and places them in Piazzolla’s Summer.)

For Concertmaster Jennifer Cho, the concert marks a return to center stage with the California Symphony after her solo turn playing Ravel’s Tzigane in March 2017. This is her first performance as featured artist since being appointed to the role of Concertmaster in August 2017.

Of the collaboration, Cabrera says: “The first time Jenny and I performed together as soloist and conductor was with Piazzolla’s Four Seasons.  We are both very excited to be returning to this masterpiece and sharing it with our Walnut Creek audience.”

County Coroner’s inquest jury determines Vallejo man’s death at Martinez jail was an accident

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James Cooper

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

Sheriff-Coroner David O. Livingston announced today that a Coroner’s Jury has reached a finding in the January 24, 2018 death of 45-year-old Jeffrey James Darryl Cooper of Vallejo. The finding of the jury is that the death is an accident.

The Coroner’s Jury reached the verdict after hearing the testimony of witnesses called by the hearing officer, Matthew Guichard.

A Coroner’s Inquest, which Sheriff-Coroner Livingston convenes in fatal incidents involving peace officers, is a public hearing, during which a jury rules on the manner of a person’s death. Jury members can choose from the following four options when making their finding: Accident, Suicide, Natural Causes, or At the hands of another person, other than by accident.

At about 12:47 AM on Jan. 24, 2018, a Deputy Sheriff was doing a room check at the Martinez Detention Facility (MDF) when he noticed Cooper was unresponsive in his bunk. The Deputy immediately called for medical assistance and started CPR.

Medical staff at MDF continued life-saving measures. An ambulance and the fire department responded to MDF. Cooper was later pronounced deceased. On January 18, 2018, he was booked into MDF on a warrant for domestic violence. He also had three arrest warrants from Solano County. His death appeared to be medically related. (See related article).

California Symphony to perform Christmas music at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center today, Saturday, Dec. 22

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Be Ready to Get Merry at ‘Tis the Symphony – Performances at 4:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.

With a full program of holiday favorites plus mulled wine and cocoa available to sip at your seat, ‘Tis the Symphony is the perfect way to get into the spirit of the season. Performed by the California Symphony, Matinee (almost sold out) and evening shows take place Saturday, Dec. 22, at the Lesher Center in Walnut Creek. Tickets start at $42 / $20 for students aged 25 and under.

Featured artists include Music Director, Donato Cabrera and the Pacific Boychoir Academy.

THE PROGRAM

Anderson—A Christmas Festival

Holiday Selections featuring the Pacific Boychoir Academy

Tchaikovsky—Selections from the Nutcracker Suite

Blake—The Snowman (Film viewing with score performed live)

Various—Audience Sing-Along

Anderson—Sleigh Ride

Running Time: approx. 1 hour 50 minutes, with one intermission

WHAT’S INTERESTING ABOUT THIS CONCERT

  • The Snowman is an animated short film about a young boy and the snowman he builds, who comes to life. The audience watches on the big screen as the California Symphony and the Pacific Boychoir Academy perform the soundtrack live.
  • Nominated for an Academy Award in 1983, The Snowman lost out to Tango. (No, we’d never heard of it either.)
  • Featuring an audience sing-along and festive favorites, the holiday concerts are the most popular of the year—perfect for all ages looking to get into the spirit of the season.
  • Come early for mulled wine, cocoa, and free activities in the Hoffmann Lobby starting one hour before curtain, including the Instrument Petting Zoo.

To purchase tickets online click here, or purchase them at the ticket window today between noon and 7:30 p.m. or call (925) 943-SHOW (7469). The Lesher Center for the Arts is located at 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek.

Martinez Council seeks public’s help selecting new city manager

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The Martinez City Council is reaching out to the community for input as it continues its search for the next city manager.

The council is currently conducting a recruitment for the candidate who will ultimately succeed current City Manager Brad Kilger who is retiring at the end of January.  The application submittal period closed on November 26th.  Due to the holidays, the Council expects to choose the top candidates to be interviewed in January.

In an effort to involve the community in the process, the City has posted an online survey for residents to weigh in on the qualities they would like to see in Martinez’s next city leader.

A link to the four-question survey can be found on the homepage of the City’s website at www.cityofmartinez.org or it can be accessed directly at www.surveymonkey.com/r/PFR2GCX. 

The Martinez city manager is appointed by the City Council and is responsible for addressing the priorities established by the council, and overseeing day-to-day operations of the city.  The current job description for the Martinez City Manager position can also be found here.

“The City Manager is the Chief Executive Officer of the City and it is important that the City Council choose an individual who is not only highly qualified, but also a good fit for Martinez,” said Mayor Rob Schroder.  “Obtaining input from our citizens on what they feel are the important issues the next City Manager should address and the key skills and attributes they should possess, will assist the City Council in that effort.”

The survey will remain available through January 11th.  If the public has any questions, please contact Rica Guidry, Executive Assistant to the City Manager at rguidry@cityofmartinez.org.

Concord restaurant owner found guilty for failing to provide Workers’ Compensation Insurance

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By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Office of the District Attorney, Contra Costa County

On December 18, a Contra Costa County jury found defendant David Michael Bufano guilty of violating California Labor Code for failing to provide workers’ compensation insurance for his employees. Bufano is the owner and operator of Grant Street Pub & Pizzeria in Concord and has at least 18 employees. Additionally, the jury found Bufano violated state law when he violated a stop work order issued by the Department of Industrial Relations.

Bufano was sentenced to two years of court probation and fined $10,000 by the Honorable Charles Burch in Department 23 at the Contra Costa County Superior Court in Martinez. Under the Labor Code, the fine is paid to the California State Treasury to the credit of the Uninsured Employers Fund. Contra Costa County Deputy District Attorney Caleb Webster prosecuted the case behalf of the People for this misdemeanor jury trial. DDA Webster is assigned to the Office’s Special Operations Division in the Workers’ Compensation Fraud Unit.

In July 2018, the District Attorney’s Office filed a criminal complaint against Bufano. The criminal filing stemmed from a joint enforcement strike force operation with the District Attorney’s Office, Department of Industrial Relations’ Labor Commissioner’s Office and Employment Development Department. Inspectors from these agencies conducted surprise inspections at Contra Costa County restaurants during the summer of 2018. These restaurants were suspected of deliberately evading the obligation to provide workers’ compensation insurance to employees.

“The jury verdict in this case underscores the importance we must place on actively protecting employees in the workplace. All too often, employees first discover their employers lack the appropriate coverage after injuries occur and the employees are stuck with medical bills to pay. Employers need to follow the law and protect their staff,” stated DDA Webster.

Bufano’s restaurant was cited on June 25 and a stop work order was issued by the Labor Commissioner until he could provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance. The very next day, Bufano’s employees were back at work at his direction in violation of the stop work order. On June 27, a follow-up inspection revealed that the restaurant remained open for business and employees were present working. Bufano still had not obtained workers’ compensation insurance at the point of the follow-up inspection. He was cited by the Labor Commissioner and fined $6,000.

“This conviction demonstrates that employers who cheat their workers — whether of wages or the protections of workers compensation — will not get away with it,” said California Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su. “The victims of such practices are not just working people but law-abiding employers and we will do everything in our power to level the playing field.”

Willful failure to provide the insurance is punishable by substantial fines and misdemeanor criminal prosecution. Employees that do not know whether they are covered can check their employer’s notices board or ask a manager. Labor Code section 3550 requires an employer to post a notice identifying the current insurance at a conspicuous location.

Anyone with information about employers who dissuade employees from filing claims after they are injured, lie to a workers compensation insurance carrier about who is employed and what jobs they actually do, or fail to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage at all, can report that information to DA-ReportFraud@contracostada.org. Labor Code section 1102.5 prohibits an employer from retaliating against an employee who reports a violations of a California statute, rule, or regulation to a supervisor or government agency.

The misdemeanor counts against Bufano are:

  • Count 1, Failure to Obtain Workers’ Compensation Insurance Coverage
  • Count 2, Failure to Observe Stop Order

Case information: People v. David Michael Bufano, Docket Number 01-186535-1.