Contra Costa Herald

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

Walnut Creek middle school teacher, a Martinez resident charged with multiple sex and child porn offenses

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Michael Bartel from his Facebook page.

Michael Bartel in happier times. From his page on Facebook.

Includes sexual assault of a child under the age of 10 and arranging to meet a minor for sex

On Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, investigators from the Martinez Police Department, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, and District Attorney’s Office arrested 33-year-old Martinez resident Michael Bartel for sexual assault of a child and arranging to meet a minor for sex. Bartel was booked Friday evening at the Martinez Detention Facility. His bail was set at $16 million. Bartel is a science teacher at Walnut Creek Intermediate in Walnut Creek. There is currently no indication Bartel victimized a student at the school.

Bartel’s arrest was a result of an investigation initiated by the Martinez Police Department. Martinez police detectives learned Bartel was talking online with others and had made statements about molesting children. Martinez police detectives, along with investigators from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force launched an investigation to determine if the statements were true. After a weeklong investigation, Bartel was arrested during a traffic stop at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon at the intersection of Danville Blvd. and Camille Lane in Alamo.

Michael Bartel upon being booked into county jail.

Friday afternoon, investigators from the Walnut Creek Police Department executed a search warrant at Bartel’s classroom at Walnut Creek Intermediate and notified the school administration of the arrest. Later that afternoon, investigators from the Martinez Police Department with substantial assistance from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Contra Costa County Crime Lab and District Attorney’s Office searched Bartle’s home in Martinez.

On Monday, November 6, 2017, the District Attorney’s Office filed a 16-count criminal complaint against Bartel. The charges include multiple sex offenses against a child under the age of 10 including oral copulation, arranging to meet a minor for sex and possession and distribution of child pornography.

Bartel will make his first appearance in court on Tuesday November 7, 2017 at 8:45 a.m. in front of the Honorable John Laettner for arraignment. Bartel remains in custody of the Contra Costa County Sheriff.

Anyone with investigative information should contact Senior Inspector Darryl Holcombe, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office at (925) 957-2263.

Diablo Valley College awards most Associate Degree Transfers in state

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PLEASANT HILL, CA – Diablo Valley College (DVC) has been recognized by The Campaign for College Opportunity as the state’s top community college awarding 824 Associate Degrees for Transfer during the 2015-16 academic year, granting 258 more than the previous year.

The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program was created in partnership between the California community colleges and California State Universities (CSU) to make the transfer process between the two public higher education systems as efficient and seamless as possible. Following a specific 60-unit pathway that identifies almost all the courses a student needs to take, the program accelerates the length of time a student studies at a community college before transferring to a CSU. Completion of the ADT program at a community college earns students an Associate Degree, and guarantees students who meet the CSU’s minimum eligibility requirements priority admission to a CSU campus, though not necessarily to a particular campus or major.

“DVC is already the top transfer institution for students going to UC Berkeley, so our faculty and staff embraced the challenge of helping our students transfer to the CSU system,” said interim president Ted Wieden. “The ADT program helps students take only the courses they need to transfer.  Kudos to our counselors and our Transfer Center for their focus and dedication to helping our students achieve their higher education goals at DVC.”

Jake Brymner, State and Federal Policy Manager for The Campaign for College Opportunity applauded DVC’s ADT success for making a clear transfer pathway for their students a priority. “The numbers confirm they are leading the way in the state,” said Brymner. “At a time when California needs a more educated workforce, DVC is stepping up to ensure their students can reach their educational goals. Congratulations DVC.”

The Campaign for College Opportunity (The Campaign) is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring student access and success to higher education in California. Founded in 2003 by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), the California Business Roundtable, and the Community College League of California. The Campaign’s mission is focused on substantially increasing the number of students attending two- and four-year colleges in the state and who complete their college education. For more about The Campaign, visit http://collegecampaign.org .

Diablo Valley College (DVC) is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District. For nearly 70 years, Diablo Valley College has provided quality education to the community it serves. The larger of DVC’s two campuses is located in Pleasant Hill while the newer San Ramon Campus serves the south county in Dougherty Valley. Between its two campuses, DVC serves more than 22,000 students each semester with a wide variety of program options. DVC is not only recognized as one of California’s best community colleges, but it also leads the state in transfer to four-year institutions. For more about DVC, visit www.dvc.edu .

Rep. DeSaulnier to host 50th Town Hall and Mobile District Office Hour, Mon. Oct. 16

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Walnut Creek, CA – Today, Wednesday, October 11, 2017, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D, CA-11) announced he will host his 50th town hall and mobile district office hour since coming to Congress in January of 2015. The town hall meeting will be held at the Shadelands Art Center on Monday, October 16th at 6:00 p.m. in Walnut Creek.

“Town halls are one of my favorite ways to interact with constituents,” said DeSaulnier. “There is something special about traveling the district and hearing directly from residents in their neighborhoods—it is a direct display of democracy at work.”

Residents are invited to join the Congressman to listen to a presentation and legislative update. During the town hall constituents will have an opportunity to ask questions, share their opinions on actions taken by this Administration, and discuss issues import to our community.

Walnut Creek Town Hall

Shadelands Arts Center

111 North Wiget Lane

Walnut Creek, CA 94598

6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

(Door Open at 5:30 p.m.)

Please RSVP online at www.desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call 925-933-2660. For more information or to request ADA accommodations contact Congressman DeSaulnier’s office in either Walnut Creek or Richmond.

County Juvenile Justice Center relocates to Walnut Creek, open house Oct. 11

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On August 14, 2017 the Court’s Juvenile Division, which hears delinquency and dependency matters, moved from Martinez to Walnut Creek. Hon. Rebecca C. Hardie, Supervising Judge of the Juvenile Division pointed out that “this move allows better access to Juvenile Court for people throughout the County.” Buses and BART are within walking distance. There is also ample parking.

Hon. Jill Fannin, Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of Contra Costa County added that “detained minors will now be transported through private entry points and will no longer have to walk shackled down public hallways.”

This move re-opens three courtrooms and clerks’ offices that were vacated in 2012 as a result of significant budget cuts.

Departments presided over by Hon. Rebecca C. Hardie, Supervising, Hon. Lois Haight and Hon. Barbara C. Hinton as well as the Juvenile Clerk’s Office are now housed at 640 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek. Juvenile Hall in Martinez will continue to house the department which is currently presided over by Hon. Susanne M. Fenstermacher.

The Court is holding an Open House on October 11, 2017 to showcase this new location. Presiding Judge Fannin and Supervising Juvenile Judge Hardie will take this opportunity to express their gratitude for the support that the Court has received from the County Board of Supervisors, the City of Walnut Creek, our county justice partners, and the juvenile bar. Their combined efforts helped to make the move a resounding success.

“The support of local government and the legal community for this change has been tremendous” said Judge Hardie.

Contra Costa industrial businesses open doors to students for Manufacturing Day this Friday

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Central County high school students get first-hand experience of modern manufacturing

WHAT:

This Friday morning, close to 250 Contra Costa County Career Technical Education/Regional Occupational Program (CTE/ROP) high school students will be visiting local modern industrial businesses, in observation of Manufacturing Day.

National Manufacturing Day, started in 2012, is an annual celebration of modern manufacturing, during which manufacturers invite their communities — including students, educators, business people, media, and politicians — to their facilities in a collective effort to educate visitors about manufacturing career opportunities and improve public perceptions of manufacturing. By working together during and after Manufacturing Day, manufacturers will begin to address the skilled labor shortage they face, connect with future generations, strengthen the public image of manufacturing, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the whole industry.

WHO:

More than 250 students, currently attending CTA/ROP engineering/industrial-related courses at Antioch High, Mt. Diablo High, Concord High, and Ygnacio Valley High will be visiting local modern manufacturing businesses to get a first-hand look at their hosts’ operations, and possible career opportunities.

The Contra Costa County CTE/ROP serves nearly 12,000 students annually with classes in 34 high schools throughout Contra Costa and Alameda counties. Currently, there are 399 state-of-the-art career development classes in this program. CTE/ROP focuses on career preparation and exploration, hands-on experience, and academic excellence to prepare students for success in college and future careers. CTE/ROP provides students with the newest equipment, rigorous academic standards, and classes in emerging technologies. All of the CTE/ROP classes and programs are directed by and funded through the CCCOE. For more information about CTE/ROP classes, visit their website.

WHEN:

Friday, October 6, 2017; primarily between 9:00-11:00 a.m.

WHERE:

Fresenius (dialysis equipment manufacturer), 4040 Nelson Ave. Concord

Dow (Dow Chemical operations), 901 Loveridge Rd. Pittsburg

Bishop-Wisecarver (producers of custom complex assemblies, linear motion solutions and optimal embedded intelligence systems), 2104 Martin St., Pittsburg

QuickMount (solar roof mounts), 2700 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek

Granberg (chain saw mills and accessories), 1051 Los Medanos St. Pittsburg

Senior citizen carjacked and robbed near Pleasant Hill Wed. night

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County Sheriff seeks suspect

On Wednesday, September 6, 2017, at about 7:35 PM, Deputy Sheriffs responded to a report of an armed robbery in the 200 block of Tono Lane in unincorporated Pleasant Hill.

The victim, a 67-year-old man, said a suspect forced his way into his apartment, robbed him, and stole his vehicle, a Toyota Camry.

The Office of the Sheriff, assisted by other law enforcement agencies, searched extensively for the suspect and the vehicle. They were not located. Yesterday, the vehicle was recovered in San Francisco.

The suspect is described as an African-American male, in his 20’s, 6-foot tall, wearing a black colored hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and new white colored shoes. He also had a green backpack.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or call the anonymous tip line at (866) 846-3592. Tips can also be emailed to: tips@so.cccounty.us.

Contra Costa Regional Medical Center recognized for commitment to improving healthcare

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Photo courtesy of cchealth.org.

NRC Health has selected Contra Costa Regional Medical Center, of Martinez, California, as a recipient of its 2017 Excellence Award. Contra Costa Regional Medical Center was recognized at the 23rd Annual NRC Health Symposium for Patient-Centered Care in Boston on Sunday, August 6, 2017. 

For nearly four decades, NRC Health has helped healthcare organizations illuminate and improve the moments that matter most to patients, residents, physicians, nurses, and staff. Today, NRC Health is honored to recognize top-performing hospitals and health systems that have exhibited an exceptional commitment to understanding each individual’s complete care journey. Their desire to better understand the people they care for, and their aspiration to design experiences that inspire loyalty, is the embodiment of the NRC Health mission of human understanding. The Excellence Awards recognize these elite organizations, which have received the highest ratings in overall satisfaction by patients and their families.

The winners were selected from the extensive database of NRC Health hospital clients for their performance over the last four quarters. Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC) was selected as in the category of Most Improved Facility in the ranking of Overall Hospital Rating for medium-size hospitals.

“Each year our partners inspire us with their commitment to service,” says Helen Hrdy, Senior Vice President of Client Service at NRC Health. “The individuals at these organizations show a genuine understanding for their patients, which is revealed in their extraordinary, compassionate care. It is always a special pleasure for us to honor and recognize these efforts with the Excellence Award. We congratulate Contra Costa Regional Medical Center for embodying human understanding and demonstrating a commitment to patient-centered care.”

“We’re honored to receive this Excellence Award. We believe our system belongs to the patients. Their voices and perspectives are essential ingredients that can bring about powerful change when we work side by side,” Anna Roth, Chief Executive Officer, Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Health Centers.

“We sincerely appreciate NRC Health for recognizing our accomplishments,” said Lynnette Watts, Health Service Administrator, Patient Family Advisory / Patient Experience at CCRMC. “Our goal is to provide an exceptional, welcoming care experience to everyone that enters the doors of our health care system.”

CCRMC’s Dr. James Rael added, “We recognize the inherit value of including the voices and shared experiences of patients, their family members and loved ones. Integrating the voices of patients and family members can influence organizational culture and improve the overall health care experience.”

About NRC Health

NRC Health (NASDAQ: NRCIA and NRCIB) has helped healthcare organizations illuminate and improve the moments that matter to patients, residents, physicians, nurses, and staff for 35 years. Our empathetic heritage, proprietary methods, and holistic approach enable our partners to better understand the people they care for and, in turn, design experiences that inspire loyalty and trust. For more information, call 800-388-4264, write to info@nrchealth.com, or visit www.nrchealth.com.

Young Democrats to host Town Hall meetings with Rep. DeSaulnier, local officials

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High school and community college students will have opportunity to engage political leaders

Contra Costa students will have a special opportunity to meet and engage local elected officials next month for a new series of town halls hosted by the Contra Costa Young Democrats. These forums seek to build a stronger relationship between the officials and the students, while sparking the interest of our next generation’s political leaders. Topics will include current hot-button issues such as immigration, criminal justice reform, education, and whatever else students may ask.

“Politics is about more than just showing up to vote when you turn 18,” said Contra Costa Young Democrats Student Outreach Coordinator N’dea Johnson. “Speaking with and learning from elected officials at a young age can foster a lifetime of engagement, which is critical to our political process. This is about engaging students now in order to build our next generation of leaders.”

The two town halls are currently scheduled for August 24th and September 7th. The first, featuring Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, will be sponsored by Diablo Valley College’s speech and debate team and held on campus for local community college students. Details below:

What: College Town Hall

When: Thursday, August 24, 2017 @ 4pm (Free food at 3:30pm)

Where: Diablo Valley College Cafeteria, Pleasant Hill

**IMPORTANT: You must RSVP to sean@cocoyoungdems.org in advance for this event**

The second town hall on September 7th will be hosted at John F. Kennedy High School in Richmond will feature a panel of local elected officials, currently including El Cerrito Councilmember Gabriel Quinto, Richmond Councilmember Jael Myrick, Former Richmond Planning Commission Chair Sheryl Lane, local education advocate Demnlus Johnson and West Contra Costa School Board Member Mister Phillips. All CCC students, middle college students, and middle school students of West Contra Costa are invited.

What: Back to School Town Hall

When: Thursday, September 7, 2017 @ 5pm (Free food at 4:30)

Where: John F. Kennedy High School, Richmond

Sheriff’s Deputies, Antioch Police arrest two after Highway 4 pursuit, Tuesday afternoon

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Sheriff’s Deputies pursue two suspects in a blue pickup truck eastbound on Highway 4, on Tuesday. photo by KTVU Fox 2 News.

From Concord to Martinez then ends in Antioch

At about 1:51 PM Tuesday afternoon, August 22, 2017 a Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriff pulled-up behind a stolen truck on westbound Highway 4 near Willow Pass Road in Bay Point. The Deputy initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. The driver did not yield and led Deputies on a pursuit, which went to Alhambra Avenue in Martinez and then back eastbound on Highway 4 to Antioch.

The CHP and Antioch Police Department assisted the Office of the Sheriff during the pursuit.

The suspects were in a blue pickup truck with a white-topped shell, exited at the Hillcrest Avenue offramp and drove north into a residential neighborhood. The stolen truck collided with a fence on the 900 block of 13th Street in Antioch. The driver and the passenger fled on foot and ran to the back of homes along Lake Alhambra.

A police K-9 from the Sheriff’s Office apprehended the passenger, while Antioch Police Officers arrested the driver.

The driver is identified as 22-year-old Terry Nichols. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on numerous charges – possession of a stolen vehicle, felony evading, possession of stolen property, and resisting arrest. Nichols is being held in lieu of $90,000 bail.

The passenger is identified as 19-year-old Mason Leonard. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on possession of stolen property, vandalism, and resisting charges. Leonard is being held in lieu of $40,000 bail.

To watch video of the pursuit and arrest of at least one of the suspects on KTVU Channel 2, click here.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.