Contra Costa Herald

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

Nominate someone who has made a difference in the arts in Contra Costa County by Sept 28

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The Arts & Culture Commission of Contra Costa County (AC5) is seeking nominations for the 2017 Arts Recognition Awards. AC5 is celebrating its 20th Anniversary of honoring those who have made a significant artistic or philanthropic contribution to the communities in the County. The Commissioners ask that you nominate someone you feel is deserving of this award.

The nominees must be, or have been, an active supporter of arts and culture, with sustained contributions and work, that has had a far-reaching impact.  

Consider those you feel have made a difference in visual arts, music, performing arts, dance digital arts or arts education for this award. Other worthy candidates might be those who have shown exceptional leadership, vision and commitment to the growth and support of arts and culture, or organizations that have kept the arts alive through continuous or significant financial support.

Please visit www.AC5.org  for more details and to submit nominations online.

The nomination period closes at midnight on Thursday, September 28, 2017.

Community forum for interim District Attorney candidates in Richmond Saturday

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Learn about role of the DA’s Office and ask questions of the candidates

The Contra Costa Board of Supervisors has the responsibility under state law to appoint an interim District Attorney (DA) to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of former DA Mark Peterson.

The Board of Supervisors will interview the five finalist candidates at its September 12 public meeting, which starts at 9 a.m. A final decision may be made that day, or at the following board meeting on September 19, 2017. The public is invited to provide input at the board meetings.

This Saturday, a coalition of community organizations (see flyer above) is sponsoring a community forum to hear from the five interim DA candidates with an opportunity for the public to ask questions. District 1 Supervisor John Gioia will be speaking at the forum and providing his comments about the importance of the appointment.

“This is an important appointment,” said Gioia who represents Richmond and much of West County on the Board. “The DA is a major stakeholder in our County’s justice system and makes the final determination about who is prosecuted.”

“I strongly believe that the new DA must bring values of integrity, equity, empathy and fairness to the office,” he continued. “The new DA should understand the importance of justice reform and commit to support the work of the Racial Justice Task Force in addressing the disproportionate involvement of people of color in our justice system.”

WHAT:  Community Forum to hear from Contra Costa Interim DA candidates and ask questions

WHEN:  Saturday, September 9, 1 pm to 3 pm

WHERE:  Miracle Temple, 2425 Cutting Blvd, Richmond

MORE: There will be a presentation on the role and importance of the DA followed by presentations from the candidates and questions to them.

For more information, contact tamisha@safereturnproject.org or (925) 335-6738.

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.