News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— Just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, California State Parks, in partnership with First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the California Natural Resources Agency, is expanding its popular California State Park Adventure Pass from 19 select state parks to 54. The pilot program, currently in its third year, allows California fourth graders and fourth-grade teachers free admission to participating parks until Aug. 31, 2024. The public can find a park near them at parks.ca.gov/AdventurePass.
The Adventure Pass is one part of the First Partner’s California for All Kids initiative, which seeks to put children and families on a path to a healthier future.
“We launched the California State Park Adventure Pass in 2021 to provide fourth graders and their families with more opportunities to reap the mental, physical, and social-emotional health benefits of time spent outdoors,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “Now, we’re expanding the Adventure Pass– nearly tripling the number of gorgeous California State Parks and historic sites fourth graders are able to visit and increasing their access to valuable hands-on, experiential learning opportunities in the process. By growing this program, we’re doubling down on our commitment to ensure California kids have access to the resources they need to get the best start in life.”
The California State Park Adventure Pass program, made possible by Assembly Bill 148, was signed by Governor Newsom in July 2021. The pass is valid for the one-year period during which the child is a fourth grader or fourth grade equivalent, from September 1 to August 31 of that year. Any fourth grader who lives in California is eligible for the California State Park Adventure Pass, no matter how they attend school or how old they are. If they are a fourth grader or fourth-grade equivalent, they qualify. For full terms and conditions, click here. To date, more than 50,000 passes have been provided to families.
“We are thrilled to expand the California State Park Adventure Pass from 19 to 54 participating state parks, including beaches and historic parks,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “The curriculum being taught in fourth grade about history, natural, and social sciences make providing fourth graders with free state park access a great supplement to the lessons being taught to them in school.”
Obtaining a free pass online is simple. Have a parent and/or guardian go to ReserveCalifornia.com or call (800) 444-7275 (Spanish-speaking customer service available). All they have to do is set up a profile by providing their name, address, phone number and email address, and a free pass will be sent to their email right away. Individuals who do not have access to a smartphone, computer or printer, and/or do not have an email address, can still request a pass by visiting a State Parks Pass Sales Office – click here for a list of locations – or by calling (800) 444-7275.
“Expanding this Adventure Pass is great news for families across the state and another way our State Parks are expanding outdoor access,” said California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. “As the parent of a fourth grader myself, I know how much kids love exploring new places. Now more kids and families will be able to experience a broader range of our natural places across California, helping us achieve the goal of building an Outdoors for All.”
The State of California champions the right of all Californians to have access to recreational opportunities and enjoy the cultural, historic, and natural resources found across the state. Too many Californians cannot access neither public outdoor spaces nor the state’s array of museums, and cultural and historical sites. The state is prioritizing efforts to expand all Californians’ access to parks, open space, nature and cultural amenities. This priority requires focusing funding and programs to expand opportunities to enjoy these places. Doing so advances Governor Gavin Newsom’s strong personal commitment to building a “California for All.”
Outdoors for All Pass Programs
In addition to the California State Park Adventure Pass, all Californians can check out a California State Parks Library Pass by using their library cards to access more than 200 participating state park units. The Library Pass program is also available to tribal libraries throughout the state.
Families receiving California Work Opportunity and Responsibility for Kids (CalWORKs), individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and income-eligible Californians 62 and over can apply for the Golden Bear Pass with their smartphone or other web-based device in just minutes and have access to more than 200 California state park units. The Golden Bear Pass is also available to participants of California’s Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
For more information on all three State Park Pass programs, please visit parks.ca.gov/OutdoorsForAll.
To start exploring 54 state parks for free, visit parks.ca.gov/AdventurePass.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.
By Bridget Sharkey, Prime Media Management via prnewswire.com
Social media has long been used as a weapon by terrorist groups like Al Qaeda. Now Hamas is using the power of the Internet to terrify, confuse, and demean its victims.
“Hamas is planting videos on sites like X that show gory and horrific acts of violence, including mass murders and defiled corpses,” said social media safety expert Marc Berkman, CEO of the Organization for Social Media Safety (OFSMS).
According to their website, the organization “is a nonprofit, consumer protection organization focused exclusively on social media. We protect against all social media-related dangers through a comprehensive approach that includes education, advocacy, and technology development. We are available to provide expertise for your story on social media-related dangers.”
Berkman says that these videos have millions of views, despite only being recently uploaded.
“Terrorist groups often use social media platforms to disseminate hate and extreme violence,” he continued. “Parents around the country are receiving alerts from schools and elected officials over concerns that terrorists plan to disseminate distressing videos, including of hostages, through social media. These officials urge parents to delete TikTok and Instagram from their children’s devices as a protective measure.”
Berkman and the OFSMS concur, saying now is a good time to make your kids log off. He also agrees that major social media platforms, including X, Facebook, YouTube, Reddit, and Discord, may be used as weapons of war, spreading graphic violence and hateful messaging.
“This is not a concern limited to TikTok and Instagram,” said the social media expert. “Many platforms already contain graphic, violent videos produced by terrorists. In the past, we have also seen videos of extreme violence shared through social media messaging-based platforms like Snapchat.”
The Organization for Social Media Safety urges all social media platforms to block or immediately remove any content disseminated directly by a terrorist organization. Berkman and the OFSMS share the following tips for parents:
“We all have a responsibility to protect our community from the dangers of social media,” Berkman concludes. “Report and block! Don’t keep scrolling.”
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
Yesterday, Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, after four days of deliberation, a jury in Contra Costa County returned guilty verdicts against the parents who abused their infant son – which caused his death.
38-year-old Rayray Andrederral Darn and 31-year-old Marilyn Northington were charged with Murder [PC187(a)], assault on a child causing death [PC273ab(a)], child abuse [PC273a(a)], with a special allegation of willful harm or injury resulting in death [PC12022.95]. (See related article)
On February 4th, 2021, the couple’s actions led to the death of their 5-week-old son while they were residing at a hotel in Richmond. A hotel employee called Richmond police after witnessing Darn and Northington running out of their room with a baby reportedly not breathing. Officers responded to a local hospital after confirming there was an infant in the emergency room who was not breathing. During an investigation – and later after an autopsy by the Coroner’s Office – it was determined the infant died from injuries inflicted by his parents. The injuries to the baby included a broken femur, burn marks on his face and other parts of his body, fractured ribs, a skull fracture, and bleeding inside his skull. Additionally, the child suffered from severe malnutrition, and dehydration – as well as testing positive for methamphetamine.
The jury found the couple guilty of involuntary manslaughter [PC192(b)], assault on a child under 8-years-old causing death, and child abuse with the special allegation of willful harm or injury resulting in death.
The penalty Darn and Northington face is 25 years to life. Both defendants will be sentenced on December 15th at 8:30 a.m. by Judge Terri Mockler.
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Office of the Contra Costa County Sheriff
On Monday, October 2, 2023, at about 8:48 PM, Bay Station deputies were dispatched to the 300 block of California Street in Rodeo for a call of a two-year-old who had reportedly drowned in a bathtub.
The fire department arrived at the same time as deputies and started life-saving measures on the child. He was transported to a hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
Detectives investigating this incident have made two arrests in connection to the child’s death: Destiny Rose Deboe, 22 (born April 5, 2021) of Rodeo and Tyshawn Haywood, 21 (born May 16, 2002) of Rodeo. Deboe is described as 5-feet 8-inches tall and 140 pounds and Haywood is described 5-feet 9-inches tall and weighing 180 pounds.
Both have been booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on the following charges: murder, felony infliction of injury to a child, and torture. Each is being held in lieu of $1,070,000 bail.
This case remains under investigation.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
On August 1st, 2023, a Benicia man was sentenced in Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez for several child exploitation crimes.
The Honorable Mary Ann O’Malley remanded into custody 34-year-old William Michael Gogas (DOB 3/13/89). He will serve one year in county jail and be required to register as a lifetime sex offender for his offenses.
After a one-week jury trial in May 2023, a Contra Costa County jury convicted Gogas of arranging to meet a minor for sex and unlawfully communicating with a minor. At the trial, evidence was presented that demonstrated — on or about December 9, 2021 — Gogas knowingly engaged in sexually explicit text messages with a person he believed to be a 13-year-old boy — but was an undercover detective with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.
The evidence further established Gogas arranged to meet the minor at a location in Martinez to engage in illegal sex acts. When Gogas arrived at the meeting location, he was taken into custody by members of the Contra Costa County Safe Streets Task Force and charged in a criminal complaint on December 13, 2021.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Chris Sansoe and investigated by the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Detectives and investigators from the Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Brentwood, Pittsburg, San Ramon, Danville, Oakley, and Moraga Police Departments, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, United States Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and Inspectors from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office participate on the task force.
According to localcrimenews.com, Gogas was also arrested in 2015 by the Marin County Sheriff for disorderly conduct: prostitution.
Parents are encouraged to discuss online safety with their children, and can visit the website kidsmartz.org, commonsensemedia.org or the District Attorney’s website for further information.
Case No. 01001977768 | The People of the State of California v. Gogas, William Michael
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
By City of Oakley Recreation Department
The annual Kids Fishing Derby will be held on Saturday, August 12th. The Derby is for children up to age 15 and registration is FREE. This is a “catch and release” derby so children will be assisted to release the fish after they have been logged.
Registration and check-in is from 8 AM – 9 AM. The Derby runs from 9 AM – 11 AM, followed by complimentary snacks and awards.
The Derby will be held on the Antioch Fishing Pier in the Antioch/Oakley Regional Shoreline off Bridgehead Road in Oakley.
Register by clicking here. Click on Special Events then Kids Fishing Derby.
For more information, call Alicia O’Leary at (925) 625-7044 or email: oleary@ci.oakley.ca.us.
By The Streets of Brentwood
By Supervisor John Gioia, District 1, Contra Costa County
Join us this Thursday evening to support Richmond Soccer Coordination Center’s “Girl Power” Initiative
Thrive Thursdays/Health 4 All at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park at 360 Harbor Way in Richmond from 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Únase a nosotros este jueves por la noche en MLK Jr. Park para apoyar la iniciativa “Girl Power” del Richmond Soccer Coordination Center
Thrive Thursdays/Health 4 All en Martin Luther King, Jr. Park en Richmond de 6:30 a 8:00 p.m.
This week, Thrive Thursdays welcomes Richmond Soccer Coordination Center’s efforts to uplift girls’ athletics in the East Bay.
Our growing weekly public health event, Thrive Thursday, is set for another boost as Richmond Soccer Coordination Center’s “Girl Power” initiative will join us on Thursday, July 20 at 6 pm for a press conference that coincides with the start of FIFA Women’s World Cup play!
Girl Power is a perfect message to add to Thrive Thursday’s call for supporting nutrition and fitness empowerment for all.
Supporting health for all means fighting to advance equity in everything we do, and equity and sports excellence is something that our Women’s National Soccer Team embodies.
Women’s soccer has grown into a global brand, but work remains at the community level to encourage girls and women to explore athletics. The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) recently added a women’s club in the Bay Area, called Bay FC. Oakland is also home to Oakland Soul SC, part of another professional league for the development and launch of women’s soccer in the United States.
For more information about this exciting event contact Tania Pulido in my office at (510) 942-2225 or Tania.pulido@bos.cccounty.us.
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Come out and join us for a day of school supply giveaways, community unity with music and dance. Resource operations will also share information.
Sunday, August 6, 2023 3 – 6 p.m.
Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch
To reserve your free school supplies, please contact B.C.C. Ministries at (925) 350-0188 or bcc1781@gmail.com.