Contra Costa Herald

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

Ribbon cutting for new El Sobrante Library’s Mini-Park Saturday Sept 9

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El Sobrante residents will soon enjoy the benefits of extensive new improvements at the public space around the El Sobrante Library.   A September 9 Ribbon Cutting will unveil a new Mini-Park and small amphitheater, and improved parking lot.  There will be a community volunteer planting event immediately after the 12 p.m. ribbon cutting ceremony.

Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia, the El Sobrante Municipal Advisory Council, the El Sobrante Library and the Public Works Department are pleased to host the celebration of the recently completed project.  The improvements were funded through East Bay Regional Park District Measure WW funds, local County park dedication funds, the Contra Costa County Public Works Department, and Contra Costa County Library. The new Mini-Park features a plaza including concrete seating, small amphitheater, and a parking lot with drought-friendly pervious concrete, which filters to the creek along with beautiful new landscaping features.

“The new improvements at the El Sobrante Library will make the library site a more welcome place for community events.  We’re hoping to see more civic celebrations, picnics, reading events and family gatherings at the site” said Supervisor John Gioia.

The El Sobrante Mini-Park project is the result of a partnership between Supervisor John Gioia’s office, Contra Costa County Public Works Department, El Sobrante Library, the San Pablo Watershed Neighbors Education & Restoration Society (SPAWNERS), and the community.

Children’s craft and nature activities will be available.  Light refreshments will be provided.

There will be a community event after the ribbon-cutting where SPAWNERS volunteers and any interested residents can spread mulch and prepare a planting bed for a native plant garden.

What: El Sobrante Library Mini-Park Ribbon Cutting

Where:El Sobrante Library

4191 Appian Way, El Sobrante, CA 

Who:   Supervisor John Gioia, Contra Costa Public Works, Contra Costa Library, El Sobrante community leaders

When: Saturday, September 9 – Ribbon Cutting at Noon (with community volunteer work event from 1 to 2 p.m.)

The Salvation Army deploying Antioch officers to Hurricane Harvey scene, offers where to donate

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Today, Wednesday, August 30, 2017, The Salvation Army will send Hayward Corps officer Capt. John Kelley and Antioch Corps officers Capt. Randy and Major Sheryl Clarke to assist the Hurricane Harvey scene in Texas.  The officers will provide emotional and spiritual care in areas where Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services teams are located.  They are scheduled to be in Texas through September 12.

The Salvation Army has had more than 50 canteens (mobile kitchens) deployed to the affected areas in Texas.  As of Monday evening, 6,288 meals, 7,162 snacks, and 5,664 drinks have been provided to evacuees and first responders.

Both Kelley and the Clarkes are familiar working in emergency disaster scenes.  The officers worked together at the Clayton Fire (2016) and Valley Fire (2015) in Lake County.  They handled meal services, along with emotional and spiritual care.

Donation Information

Monetary donations are only needed at this time.  The Salvation Army uses 100% of disaster donations in support of local disaster relief operations.

To give, visit www.helpsalvationarmy.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).  Donations by mail may be designated “Hurricane Harvey” and sent to:

The Salvation Army

P.O. BOX 1959

Atlanta, GA 30301

In-kind donations are not currently being accepted outside the disaster area.  However, these gifts are vitally important to your local Salvation Army. To give items locally, visit www.SATruck.com or call 1-800-SA-TRUCK.

Learn how the County Sheriff catches bad guys during Fall 2017 Citizen’s Academy

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Photo courtesy of Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff.

Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston is pleased to announce the Office of the Sheriff Citizen’s Academy for Fall 2017.

The Citizen’s Academy provides community members with an inside look at the Office of the Sheriff and its mission, duties, responsibilities and services. Students will be exposed to a variety of important law enforcement topics, procedures and operations, such as patrol, investigations, custody, …
dispatch and search and rescue.

The curriculum and teaching methods are similar to a traditional police academy, but are not designed to train students to become peace officers. The classes are facilitated by law enforcement professionals. Classes are designed to be hands-on and interactive. Students are encouraged to ask questions, participate and interact with Office of the Sheriff staff during the classes.

The Citizen’s Academy is a unique and exciting way to learn about the Office of the Sheriff. It is an opportunity for county residents to learn how the Office of the Sheriff serves you, the community and law enforcement.

The Citizen’s Academy will take place in Martinez. It begins on September 13, 2017 and runs for six weeks. Classes meet each Wednesday with two Saturday sessions.

A limited number of spaces are available, please contact Sgt. Kevin Briggs for more information or an application at Kbrig@so.cccounty.us.

Contra Costa Fire holds Line-of-Duty Death Remembrance, Friday morning

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Contra Costa Firefighters perform the HAKA Dance, during the remembrance ceremony, Friday morning. Screenshot of video from ConFire Facebook page.

On Thursday morning, July 21, the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District hosted a public ceremony at the Training and Education Division to mark the ten-year anniversary of the Line-of-Duty Deaths of Captain Matt Burton and Engineer Scott Desmond. The two firefighters lost their lives as they tried unsuccessfully to rescue a couple from their burning home in unincorporated San Pablo, July 21, 2007.

A seemingly routine call for help quickly turned disastrous with four lives lost, and left the 300-member Contra Costa County Fire Protection District reeling from the first on-duty deaths in its history. Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Capt. Matt Burton, 34, of Concord, Fire Engineer Scott Desmond, 37, of Brentwood, and residents Delbert Moore, 67, and Gayle Moore, 62, died in the blaze.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the District produced a comprehensive report of the factors that lead to the deaths of Burton and Desmond. This report has guided the operations and training of the department, and led to many changes that have improved firefighter safety for current and future firefighters. Now ten years later, the District is drafting a second report reviewing each of the original 115 recommendations, providing an honest assessment of the progress and improvements the department has made, while at the same time identifying remaining items to be addressed.

Contra Costa County is a very culturally diverse community. Many cultures celebrate life and death in their respective ways.

In Polynesian, the Maori culture from New Zealand dances the HAKA. Originally a war dance calling on the spirit of ancestors for strength, the HAKA has evolved into a dance that promotes morale in a community. It is performed at weddings, graduations and celebrations of all occasions.

During the ceremony firefighters honored their family members with the Contra Costa County Fire HAKA. 

To see video of the dance, visit the ConFire Facebook page by clicking, here.

2017 National Night Out, Tuesday, Aug. 1

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National Night Out. Photo courtesy of CCCSheriff

The 34th Annual National Night Out (NNO) for unincorporated Contra Costa County residents is set for Tuesday, August 1, 2017.

NNO is a community-building campaign started by the National Association of Town Watch that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods a safer, better place to live. NNO enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community and provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

NNO is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for (and participation in) local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit, and establish police-community partnerships. We encourage you to get involved and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Neighborhoods can participate by having block parties, cookouts, flashlight walks, and youth programs. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office will try to stop by some neighborhoods to interact with residents and share crime prevention tips. These events are fun, effective, and inexpensive ways to interact with your neighbors and law enforcement while strengthening those relationships and learning about crime prevention.

If you are planning a National Night Out event in the unincorporated areas, we would like to try to stop by and say hello.

Please register your event at https://natw.org/registration and email Specialist Carlye Slover at cslov@so.cccounty.us with the street location and time of your event and we will do our best to pay you a visit.

Supervisor Glover announces $1.3 million in Keller Canyon grants to the community

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Youth activities, health improvement, safety strategies, senior meals and beautification efforts in Bay Point, Pittsburg and Antioch benefited from the Keller Canyon Landfill Mitigation grants.

Over $1.3 million were awarded to community-based organizations and public agencies, including county departments, from the grant program administered by the District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover. The grants were approved unanimously by the Board of Supervisors, Tuesday morning, July 18.

“I’m inspired by the number of good people doing good work to enhance our community,” said Glover. “They sometimes get overlooked by the media, but they continue to work behind the scenes to help our young people, the elderly, the hungry and the sickly.”

The mitigation fund was negotiated by the County in the 1980s to offset the impact of having the landfill in Keller Canyon, just south of Pittsburg and Bay Point off of Bailey Road. The amount of the fund is based on the tonnage of debris, waste and trash brought to the dumpsite.

Some of the programs receiving grants this year include:

•         Antioch Arts & Cultural Foundation;

•         Opportunity Junction job training and placement program;

•         Crossing guards for Bay Point schools;

•         Feeding programs for senior citizens;

•         Code enforcement and beautification efforts;

•         Violence prevention programs; and

•         Tutoring programs for youth

“The programs and services offered by these agencies help improve the quality of life in our community,” said Glover.

For a complete list of the grants, click here.

On anniversary of ship explosion, Reps. DeSaulnier, Lee introduce resolution to exonerate Port Chicago 50

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The Port Chicago Naval Magazine Memorial. Photo courtesy of History.com

Washington, D.C. – On Monday, July 17, on the 73rd anniversary of the Port Chicago tragedy, Congressmembers Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) and Barbara Lee (CA-13) introduced a House Resolution calling for the public exoneration of the Port Chicago 50. The resolution is part of their ongoing effort to bring attention to the injustice suffered by the Port Chicago 50, a group of African American sailors who were wrongly charged with mutiny following the deadliest home front disaster of World War II at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine in California.

They’re continuing the efforts begun by former Congressman George Miller. 

They’re continuing the efforts begun by former Congressman George Miller. According to a July 5, 2002 article in the San Francisco Chronicle, Miller (D-Martinez) lobbied to get the the sailors’ convictions overturned and to get a presidential pardon in 1999 for one of the sailors, Frederick Meeks. Miller introduced legislation to make the Port Chicago National Memorial into a National Park.

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier speaks during the anniversary commemoration of the Port Chicago disaster. Photo courtesy of Rep. DeSaulnier.

After experiencing segregation in the Navy, 320 African American munitions sailors, who were not properly trained or supported, were killed and another 115 injured when a cargo vessel exploded. This incident accounted for more than 15 percent of all African American Naval casualties during WWII. When 50 of these men understandably refused to return to the unsafe working conditions that killed their fellow sailors, they were discriminately charged and convicted of mutiny.

“For 73 years the names of 50 brave sailors have been sullied by the racial discrimination they experienced during their service in World War II,” said DeSaulnier. “Given today’s political climate, there is no better moment in America to unite against discrimination and inequality. While we cannot erase the memories of the past, we can express our gratitude for the Port Chicago 50 and ultimately set the record straight through exoneration. An important step in healing our country is recognizing and correcting our past mistakes.”

“As the daughter of a veteran, I wholeheartedly appreciate the sacrifice made by the men and women who bravely serve to protect our freedom. That is why we must exonerate the 50 African-American sailors, who boldly stood against discrimination and refused to return to unsafe work conditions,” said Congresswoman Lee. “It’s past time to honor them, not only for their pivotal role in the World War II home front effort, but also for their unwavering commitment for justice. I am grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for his staying the course on this vitally important issue.”

DeSaulnier and Lee first introduced this resolution last Congress, and jointly sent a letter to former President Obama requesting he acknowledge the injustice suffered by these sailors and remove these racially biased convictions from their records.

Additionally, DeSaulnier successfully included a provision to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which required the Navy to investigate the circumstances surrounding the treatment of sailors at Port Chicago. DeSaulnier has also called upon the Smithsonian Institution to include information about the Port Chicago 50 in the new National Museum of African American History and Culture.

To read more about the Port Chicago explosion see the History Channel website at http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/port-chicago-disaster. To read more including a list of those who perished, visit http://www.usmm.org/portchicago.html.

Tackling the Taboo II, symposium on Black men’s mental health in Antioch, Saturday, July 15

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By Dr. Lawrence A. Rasheed

In observance of Black Mental Health Awareness Month, we are continuing our series of symposiums, “Tackling the Taboo.” In this series, we touch on issues that often go ignored within the Black community, especially issues related to Black males.

Young Black men in America are the most despised, most stereotyped, most disregarded, most policed and most feared people in this country; more likely to be poor, more likely to be undereducated, more likely to be unemployed, more likely to be discriminated against, more likely to live without their fathers, more likely to suffer from mental health issues, more likely to be locked up in prisons, and more likely to be murdered than any others in America.

Usual and easy responses to the plight of Black males in America always include historic indignation, protest and demands that raise public awareness – the stuff “moments” and not “movements” are made of. However, what is lacking is a comprehensive, well-conceived, sustained response, which requires massive community building efforts, direct-actions with and on behalf of young Black men and boys, and redirecting dollars from incarcerating Black men to educating and developing Black youth. Together, these actions will develop and support Black men and boys to become strong, positive, powerful, contributing, compassionate and courageous citizens.

Finally, there is a proper response. G.R.I.O.T. (Greatness Rediscovered In Our Time) and P.O.W.E.R. (Providing Optimal [W]holistic Educational Resources) are the much-needed, missing and best response to the issues of Black men and boys in East Contra Costa County and America.

On Saturday, July 15th, 2017 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Delta Bay Church of Christ, located at 913 Sunset Drive in Antioch, we will be discussing Black Mental Health issues facing our Black Male Community. This free event is being moderated by Dr. Richard Hanzy, who will be joined by several black male thought leaders such as Dr. Lamont Francies, former SF Police Captain Cornelius Johnson, and Author LeRon Barton.

Please register by clicking here, or call Dr. Lawrence Rasheed at (925) 726-6162. The best way to improve the conditions of young Black men and boys in America is not simply to protest them, but to invest in them – https://gofund.me/tacklingthetaboo.

Enjoy these exciting car shows in Contra Costa County, this summer and fall

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Next show is Tuesday, July 11 in Concord, followed by another in Antioch on Saturday

By Jason Mueller, A-1 Auto Transport

Contra Costa County residents are invited to check out these great car shows happening in and around the area for 2017. Bring the entire family out for a good time. Check out the classics, enter your own, try out some activities or even grab a bite to eat. There is so much to do at the car shows, cruises and events that you can make the most of them all year long.

Cool Concord Cars

Come out and enjoy a little fun in the sun while checking out the coolest Concord cars from the area. Happening on July 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, this is a free car show for one and all. Come out and look or bring your vehicle to be shown off. There will be goodie bags, prizes and plaques being handed out. Come out to downtown Concord for a good time. For more info, visit http://www.ci.concord.ca.us/page.asp?pid=3000 or call (925) 671-2489.

Antioch: Summerfest Car Show

If you’re looking for something to do this summer, then make sure to come out to the Summerfest car show. With hot rods, classics, newer and other vehicles on display, there is something for everyone at this event. Happening on July 15 at 11 AM, you can come out to the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds at 1201 West 10th Street in Antioch. For more info about this exciting event, visit https://www.facebook.com/showstopcc/.

Old Town Pittsburg Car Show

Come out not only for those classics and good times, but also food, live music and great people. You can share your love of classics with the others that are at the event. Come out a few different times for a good time – July 20, August 3, August 17, August 31 and September 7 from 6 to 8PM each time. Come out to Railroad Avenue between 3rd and 6th Streets in Pittsburg. For more info, call (925) 252-4842 or visit http://oldtownpittsburgca.com/2017/04/otp/car-show-2017-may-11-thru-sept-7-6pm-8pm/.

Antioch: 2nd Annual Knights of Columbus & East Bay Dukes Car Show

See hot rods, muscle cars, rat rods, low riders and motorcycles, Saturday, July 22 at Holy Rosary Church, 1313 A Street, Antioch. Entry Fees: Auto $25, Motorcycle $15, Lowrider Bikes $10. Vendors: $60. For more info call Mike at (925) 550-6265.

Soap Box Derby and Classic Car Show

If you want to bring the kids to show them a love of cars then this is the event you can make the most out of. Happening on September 2 from 9AM to 3PM, it is the event that welcomes one and all to come in and have a great time. Come out to Main Street Downtown Clayton to take part in the show and the derby. For more info, call (925) 673-9060 or visit http://ci.clayton.ca.us/about-clayton/community-events/.

Antioch: Billetproof Car Show

One of the largest car shows in the area, Billetproof is welcoming yet another for the Antioch area. $10 for spectators, kids under 13 and police or military personnel are free. Come out to check out the pin up contest, swap meet, live bands, racing and more. Happening on September 16 at the Antioch Fairgrounds 1201 West Tenth St. in Antioch for all day fun. For more info, visit http://billetproof.com/index.php/antioch-ca-sept-16-2017/.

Clayton: Wednesday Night Classic Car Show

Come out for the classics and the live DJ that is spinning all the greatest tunes. Bring the entire family out for a night of fun and excitement. Beginning on June 28 and reoccurring throughout the year, there is a lot of fun to be had from 6 to 8 PM. Come out to City Parking Lot, 6099 Main Street in Clayton. For more info, call (925)673-7316 or visit http://ci.clayton.ca.us/about-clayton/community-events/.

Brentwood: Hot Rods 4 Paws

Kings Car Club presents their annual Hot Rods 4 Paws car on October 21 from 10 AM to 4 PM, at Petco in Brentwood, 5481 Lone Tree Way. Come out and enjoy the cars and support a good cause – the non-profit Furry Friends Food Relief Program to keep pets out of the shelters and in the homes that love them.  Sponsors are needed. Your company can be seen by over 1000 people at the event. Select any of the options listed HERE or contact the Kings for details and they’ll be glad to discuss creating a customized sponsorship package for you. For more info. call (925) 240-3178 or email HotRods4Paws@gmail.com.

You’ll never have to worry about having a dull day when there are car shows happening in Contra Costa. You can grab the family and head out for a day full of activities, fun and classics. Share your love of cars with everyone that you come across and if you own your own, be sure to bring your own vehicle to display for others to enjoy. If you’re looking for auto transport to the car show be sure to contact a local California company such as A-1 Auto Transport.