Contra Costa Herald

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

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.

Pittsburg man arrested after ramming vehicle into police car, driving wrong way on Hwy 4 in Martinez Saturday night

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On Saturday, August 19, 2017, at approximately 8:22 PM, Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a suspicious circumstance and possible burglary in the area of Actriz Avenue and Arthur Road in unincorporated Martinez.

Deputies conducted an area check of the residence but did not find any evidence of a burglary. However, a stolen vehicle was found parked near the residence. When the vehicle left the area, Deputies attempted a traffic stop of the stolen vehicle. The vehicle did not stop and led Deputies on a pursuit. 

The suspect pulled into a gas station on Arthur Road. As Deputies exited their vehicles to conduct a high-risk car stop, the suspect suddenly rammed into a patrol car. A Deputy fired two rounds at the suspect, who drove towards I-680. The suspect was not struck by gunfire. 

The suspect drove the wrong way on the freeway off-ramp and collided with another vehicle. The suspect was taken into custody. The driver of the other vehicle and the suspect suffered minor injuries. Both were taken to local hospitals to be checked.

The suspect is identified as 34-year-old Joey Carroll of Pittsburg. This morning he was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on numerous charges – stolen vehicle, possession of stolen property, evading causing injury, evading while driving the wrong way, assault with a deadly weapon, resisting, and probation violation.

Carroll is being held with bail. 

Supervisors approve $100 million mixed-use Saranap development between Walnut Creek and Lafayette

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Artist’s rendering of the approved Saranap Village Development near Walnut Creek. Courtesy of Hall Equities Group.

By Daniel Borsuk

After five futile years, developer Mark Hall finally got the green light from the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors to build his $100 million mixed-use Saranap Village Development in unincorporated Walnut Creek on Tuesday.

Site A

A jubilant Hall told the Contra Costa Herald after the supervisors voted 5-0 that he plans to begin construction of the major residential-commercial development in mid-2019. It will be located on 4.6 acres on the southwest side of the Highway 24 and Interstate 680 interchange, clustered around the intersection of Boulevard Way and Saranap Avenue.

Of the 45 persons speaking before the supervisors, 42 supported the proposed project, that will provide 122 rental apartment units and 76 residential condominium units, which were a key selling point for supervisors, especially Supervisor Candace Andersen whose District 2 includes the development site.

Longtime Saranap resident Jennifer Russell was one of the few opponents.  She said the development’s 71 feet height is too tall for the residential area.

“We’re really a residential area,” said Russell.  “Keep the development a bit smaller.”

Russell preferred that the project height be scaled down to 57 feet.

Sharon Lyons, a Saranap resident since 1958, welcomed the project that will bring about 21,522 square feet of commercial space.

“This development will make the area a destination area for us.  It will be a wonderful addition for our area,” she said.

Site B/B1

Giving the project an added architectural punch will be a traffic roundabout that will feature a piece of public art work on Boulevard Way.

“This is a beautiful project,” Supervisor Andersen said.  “We need all types of housing in the Bay Area.  One hundred ninety-eight new residential units is a good step forward.”

“This is a poster child project that shows how the community and developer can work as a team,” said District 1 Supervisor John Gioia of Richmond.  “Unfortunately, this project should not have taken this long, yet it is one of the best projects that I have seen.”

Mary Brooks of the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce urged supervisors to approve the development that will also include an outdoor seating area along Boulevard Way for commercial tenants.

As part of the deal with the county, Hall has established a Saranap Area Plan with a $50,000 startup fee.  The plan will serve as a guide for future commercial development, architecture, and the future location of a park for the Saranap area.

Other features of the Saranap Village Mixed-Use Project include:

  • 492 on-and off-street parking spaces
  • Narrowing of a portion of Boulevard Way from four lanes to two lanes.
  • Installation of diagonal on-street parking along Boulevard Way and Saranap Avenue.
  • New traffic median on Boulevard Way at Flora Avenue.
  • Earth moving activities consisting of about 26,500 cubic yards of cut and about 2,615 cubic yards of fill.

Site C

So far Hall’s Saranap Village Developers LLC has paid the county $26,095 in total fees for the General Plan amendment ($5,000), rezoning review ($14,745), tentative subdivision map review ($2,850), and for the final development plan ($3,500).

Five days after project approval, the developer is expected to pay the California Department of Fish and Wildlife a CEQA filing fees of $3,078.25 and a $50 processing fee with the county clerk.

Once the project is completed, Contra Costa County estimates to draw $864,416 in yearly tax revenue from the development, an increase from the estimated $14,000 a year in tax revenue that the county now draws.

For more information on the project, visit http://www.cccounty.us/5195/Saranap-Village and http://saranapvillage.com/.

Concord dental assistant pleads guilty to child molestation

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Alejandro Saro. Photo by Concord Police.

Sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison

In April, 2016, the Concord Police Department investigated a report of a child molestation that occurred at La Clinica dental office on Sierra Road in the City of Concord. The eight-year-old female victim told officers that a male dental assistant sexually assaulted her and that he video recorded the incident while he committed the crime. Special Victims Unit Detectives were notified and quickly identified the suspect as 24-year-old Alejandro Saro, from Antioch, CA.

During the investigation, detectives reviewed patients’ records from four different dental offices where Saro had worked which led to the identification of four other female victims between the ages of 5 and 13 years old. Saro was employed as a dental assistant at La Clinica Monument in March of 2015. He was also employed by Patino Orthodontics and Western Dental, both in Concord – and a branch of Western Dental in Antioch.

The investigation also uncovered evidence that all five of the victims had been assaulted by Saro while they were under sedation for various dental procedures. Saro was arrested by detectives and the case was turned over to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s office. The DA’s Office charged Saro with multiple counts of child molestation. He remained in-custody with bail set at $8.1 million dollars.

Saro was due to appear in court this week to stand trial, however, SVU detectives received notification from the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office late Sunday night that Saro had pled guilty to five counts of felony child molestation; one count for each victim.

It is not uncommon for perpetrators who commit such horrendous crimes to reach a plea bargain agreement rather than face all of the evidence against them in front of a jury of peers. Based on the thorough investigation conducted by the SVU detectives and the mounds of evidence they uncovered and piled against Saro, including numerous videos, it is presumed that he voluntarily accepted responsibility for his actions with this agreement. Saro will now appear in front of a Contra Costa County Superior Court judge for sentencing on Friday, September 22, 2017, in Martinez, where he will be sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison.

Forum for five Interim Contra Costa DA applicants tonight, Tuesday, Aug. 15 in Martinez, watch online or TV

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The Board of Supervisors is encouraging input from the public during this process.  A public forum will be held tonight, Tuesday, August 15, at 6:00 p.m.   The meeting will be in the Board Chamber at 651 Pine Street in Martinez.  Beginning at 5:00 p.m., there will be an hour reserved for public comment. During that time, you can also submit written comments to be entered into the public record.  If you have a question you would like to suggest for the forum, you will have an opportunity between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to do so. Volunteers from the League of Women Voters will be on hand to assist in collecting the question cards.  During a break in the forum, the moderator will have the ability to choose audience-submitted questions to ask during the second half of the event.  

The forum will be televised live on CCTV, as well as streamed live on this website.  CCTV can be watched on Comcast Channel 27, Wave Channel 32, and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99.

See more at http://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6807/District-Attorney-Recruitment-Informatio