Contra Costa Herald

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

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19-year-old Antioch man dies in Vasco Road head-on collision early Tuesday morning

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Struck by 49-year-old male driver from Brentwood

By CHP – Contra Costa

Early this morning at about 3:45am, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a two-vehicle crash on Vasco Road, south of Walnut Blvd. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, it was determined that a 2008 Chevrolet HHR was traveling northbound on Vasco Road and began a turning movement, crossing over the solid double yellow lines and into the southbound lane. As the Chevrolet entered into the southbound lane, it was directly in the path of an oncoming vehicle, a 2015 Ford F-150. The driver of the Ford, a 49-year-old male from Brentwood, was unable to avoid the HHR within the lane and collided into it, causing major damage to both vehicles. Tragically the driver of the Chevrolet, a 19-year-old male from Antioch, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the Ford suffered moderate injuries and was transported to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek. The Contra Costa County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of identity of the deceased driver.

It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs were a factor in this collision, but it is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it and have not yet spoken with CHP, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980.

Fatal solo vehicle crash on Hwy 242 late Sunday night claims life of Pittsburg man

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By CHP – Contra Costa

Last night at about 11:33pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a solo vehicle crash on State Route 242 northbound, at Hwy 4. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, it was determined that a solo, black 1994 Honda Civic had veered from the lanes of traffic of SR-242 northbound and collided into the concrete center divider. The driver then lost control of the vehicle as it tumbled over the center divider and down the center dirt embankment towards the southbound lanes of SR-242. The vehicle landed on its roof and came to rest within the southbound lanes of SR-242.

The driver, a 22-year-old male from Concord, was restrained and sustained only minor injuries. The male passenger, an adult male from Pittsburg, was not properly restrained and subsequently ejected from the vehicle and onto the roadway of SR-242 southbound and struck by a passing vehicle. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of the deceased passenger’s identity.

Alcohol or drugs are not considered a factor in this collision, but it is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it and have not yet spoken with CHP, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980.

Brentwood Golf Club Honors veterans on Veteran’s Day with free golf

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Shaun Wilson, Proshop staff (left), Callaway driver winner and veteran Al Bella (center) and Rex Choe, COO, Brentwood Golf Club, also a veteran. Photo: Brentwood Golf Club.

Give away Callaway Epic Driver to veteran golfer with lowest score

On November 11, the Bentwood Golf Club gave more than 30 veterans a round of free golf to thank them for their service. Rex Choe, Chief Operating Officer and an Air Force veteran and sergeant, said “I wanted to do something special for the men and women who sacrifice so much for our country.”

The thirty veteran golfers also competed for a Callaway Epic Driver valued at $499. The winner, Al Bella of Brentwood, also an Air Force veteran and sergeant, won the the driver with a score of 65.5 (including his 11.5 handicap). Bella thanked the golf course for the recognition and was “happy to win the fabulous prize.”

Choe, who has been has at the golf course for a year, said “The community has supported us, and we want to give back whenever we can. I can think of no better way than to support our veterans.”

 

Frazier honors Pittsburg’s Archie Smith as Veteran of the Year 11th Assembly District

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11th Assembly District Veteran of the Year Archie Smith with Assemblymember Jim Frazier. Photo courtesy of Office of Assemblymember Jim Frazier.

Has volunteered as a Chapter and Post Service Officer for DAV Chapter 21 in Vallejo, American Legion Post 161 in Antioch and VFW Post 10789 in Brentwood

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Jim Frazier, D-Fairfied, honored Pittsburg resident and United States Air Force Senior Airman Archie Smith (Retired) as Assembly District 11’s 2020 Veteran of the Year.

“One of the best things I get to do every year is name the 11th AD Veteran of the Year to highlight the military service and contributions of a veteran resident of our district,” Frazier said. “Archie Smith is someone who often offers aid to others before they even think to ask. He is passionate about working with veterans and civic organizations to make a difference in our community. It is my honor to recognize U.S. Air Force Senior Airmen and veteran community advocate Archie Smith as this year’s Veteran of the Year.”

Smith was deployed overseas three times during his four years of service, twice to Bahrain and once to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, where he was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal for managing his weapons load crew through an emergency quick-turn munitions load resulting in the destruction of 40 Iraqi Air Defense Systems and one surface-to-air missile site. Exposures to Gulf War airborne toxins and job-related orthopedic injuries caused Smith to be discharged honorably with the rank of Senior Airman.

Following his service, Smith applied for disability benefits through the Disabled American Veterans Service Organization (DAV) and was offered a job with them as a Transitional and future National Service Officer and supervisor. For the next 12 years, working out of the Oakland and Sacramento offices, Archie provided hundreds of benefit seminars and record reviews to newly discharging veterans, traveling monthly to five different military bases in Northern California. Smith has represented hundreds of veterans at personnel hearings before administrative law judges with the Department of Veterans Affairs and has conducted thousands of interviews, teaching his interpretation of claims development.

Continuing his commitment to service while living in Pittsburg, Archie retired early and began volunteering as a Chapter and Post Service Officer for DAV Chapter 21 in Vallejo, American Legion Post 161 in Antioch and VFW Post 10789 in Brentwood. He also has volunteered more than 1,000 hours counseling veterans and their families, cooking for veterans at community events, and creating his own way of veteran outreach through targeted claims development seminars.

Since April 12, 2018, Smith has held the position of Director of Veterans Services for the Veterans Health Navigation Partnership (VHNP) between La Clinica and VFW Post 10789. This alliance started for two reasons: to help bring awareness of potential health care options at La Clinica, which is closer to our community’s veteran population than the Martinez VA Hospital, and to bring businesses and organizations who support veterans and family members together several times a year to network and learn about claims development and service organization membership, as well as one-on-one personal counseling sessions.

Along with conducting private interviews, phone calls, and responding to emails from veterans across the country, Smith has also conducted three target seminars, reaching a couple hundred of our community’s veterans and their families.

For nearly the last decade along with continued veteran service, Smith has also been the proud owner of Archie’s S&Q Smoked and BBQ Meats in Pittsburg. A true community staple of BBQ and famous sides, always willing to lend a hand at veteran and community events. If you have not tried it yet, best get yourself out there to order some of the best in town.

Smith joins a growing list of veterans tapped for the Assembly District 11 Veteran of the Year honor by Frazier, including Jeff Jewell, Derek McGinnis, Janet Wilson, Mike Brimer, Steve Todd, Enrico Cinquini, Jesse Branch and Ed Parisarda.

Brentwood woman arrested, charged with murder for death of her 2-year-old child from fentanyl intoxication

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By Brentwood Police Department

It was the call that every officer dreads to hear…

On September 20, 2020, at around 2:54 AM, Brentwood officers responded to a residence in the 50 block of Havenwood Ave. to investigate a report of an unresponsive 2 year-old child, later identified as Jasani Kerry. His mother, 22-year-old Genesis Barrera-Galdamez, had found him unresponsive and telephoned emergency personnel.

When officers and emergency personnel arrived on scene, they performed CPR for several minutes, however, Jasani was ultimately declared deceased. The preliminary investigation revealed drug paraphernalia and illicit drugs that later tested positive for fentanyl in the presence of Jasani preceding his death. Weeks later, a Contra Costa County Coroner’s pathologist determined Jasani’s cause of death was due to acute fentanyl intoxication.

Following an extensive follow-up investigation, Brentwood investigators prepared an arrest warrant for Genesis charging her with murder.

On October 30, 2020 at around 3:30 PM, investigators located Genesis at the Comfort Inn Hotel located at 2436 Mahogany Way in Antioch and took her into custody without incident. Genesis was booked at the Martinez Detention Facility on the outstanding arrest warrant.

Yesterday the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office formally charged Genesis with second-degree murder, possession of narcotics for sale, and child abuse resulting in death. Genesis is being held on $1.1 million dollar bail.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends who have been affected by this tragedy. The loss of any child is difficult for anyone to bear; we hope the arrest in this case can bring some peace to those affected.

Rest in peace Jasani.

Arraignment Scheduled For November 18

Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office Public Information Officer Scott Alonso issued the following about the case Thursday morning:

Earlier this week, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed murder charges against Genesis Barrera-Galdamez (22-year-old resident of Brentwood) for the death of her two-year-old son, Jasani Kerry, Jr. Barrera-Galdamez was also charged with felony child abuse and felony possession of Fentanyl to sell. Two enhancements were also filed tied to the child abuse charge against the defendant: willful harm causing injury and great bodily injury resulting in brain damage and paralysis. The young child consumed fentanyl under the care of Barrera-Galdamez. The child’s autopsy report later ruled the toddler’s death was caused by Acute Fentanyl Toxicity.

Brentwood Police Department investigated the case and presented it to our Office for filing. Homicide Unit Supervisor Derek Butts reviewed the investigation and filed the charges listed above.

“While the Defendant did not intend that her son Jasani die, the evidence shows that she was aware her Fentanyl possession and use was dangerous to human life and despite this knowledge, exposed Jasani to the danger which ultimately led to his death, stated Deputy District Attorney Butts. “Well known amongst abusers, Fentanyl is an exceptionally toxic and dangerous substance.  The act of exposing people to or supplying others with Fentanyl, if death results, can lead to murder charges.”

In the early morning hours of September 20, the defendant called police and stated her son was not breathing and non-responsive. She told the police that her son appeared blue and his body was very cold. CPR performed at the scene by Brentwood Police Officers and continued by American Medical Response personnel for over 30 minutes did not revive the boy. Officers at the scene located multiple items of drug paraphernalia on and around the bed the Defendant shared with Jasani, including 13 grams of powdered Fentanyl, baggies and tin foil pieces containing Fentanyl residue and a torch lighter.

After Jasani’s death, Barrera-Galdamez attempted to sell Fentanyl to multiple parties. Brentwood Police Department officers obtained a warrant for the arrest of the defendant on October 29th. The following day, Barrera-Galdamez was arrested at the Comfort Inn in Antioch, where she was engaging in Fentanyl sales.

Barrera-Galdamez made her first appearance in court yesterday and she remains in custody with bail set at $1,100,000. Her arraignment on the charges was set for November 18th.

Case information: People v. Genesis Barrera-Galdamez, Docket Number 04-200626-0.

 

Brentwood Council candidate Jovita Mendoza boasting of self-funding campaign filed bankruptcy didn’t repay $378,000 in 2017

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Document showing Jovita Mendoza and her husband Michael Kleeman did not repay almost $378,000 through Chapter 13 bankruptcy finalized on Sept. 11, 2017.

Attacks other candidates for receiving campaign contributions, believes all candidates should self-fund

Jovita Mendoza. From her Facebook page.

By Allen Payton

Candidate for Brentwood City Council in District 1, Jovita Mendoza, has been boasting that she has been self-funding her campaign and attacking others in both her and two other races for city council and mayor for accepting contributions. However, in 2012 she filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy which on Sept. 11, 2017 ended with Mendoza not repaying almost $378,000 of the debt.

In addition, in a letter to the editor published on this website, yesterday, the writer provided proof that Mendoza and her husband also had a judgment against them and their roofing company, at the time, from Ford Commercial Credit, Inc. of San Jose for over $100,000 in 2007, before the economic downturn occurred in 2008. The writer wrote self-funding her campaign is “easy to do and say when you don’t pay your bills and you’re spending your creditor’s money.”

According to the U.S. Courts website, “A chapter 13 bankruptcy is also called a wage earner’s plan. It enables individuals with regular income to develop a plan to repay all or part of their debts. Under this chapter, debtors propose a repayment plan to make installments to creditors over three to five years.” (See post of letter)

Document filed on Dec. 11, 2017 showing Jovita Mendoza and husband Michael Kleeman’s list of Scheduled Creditors with total debt in claim of $416,633.55 and amount repaid of $81,485.99.

Another document shows a list of creditors with a total of $416,633.55 in debt and total payments of $81,485.99. But that latter amount and the amount discharged of $377,964.93 is greater than the $416,633.55.

An email with the documentation and the following questions was sent to Mendoza at 8:11 a.m. Friday, with a deadline of noon for her to respond:

“How much was the original amount included in your bankruptcy filing? The total from the list of creditors was $416,633.55. But the $378K and $81K add up to more than that.

Have you paid back any of your creditors included in these documents other than the $81,485.99? If not, don’t you think it’s wrong to be paying out-of-pocket for your own campaign expenses instead of paying back at least some of those creditors with those funds?

Someone named Brian commented on the post of Ms. Hauck’s letter on the Contra Costa Herald that ‘Those bills have been paid years ago and Jovita is self funded.’

If that’s true and you have paid any or all of your creditors back, please provide proof, your answers and any other comments you would like to make by 12:00 pm, today.”

However, Mendoza did not respond by publication time of 12:55 p.m. Please check back later for any responses from her and any other updates to this report.

 

Writers says Fernando Sandoval running for college board is an inspiring candidate and breath of fresh air

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Dear Editor:

Daniel Borenstein, in his editorial, endorsed candidate Fernando Sandoval for Contra Costa Community College Board of Trustees Ward 5. But he has left out very important assets and characteristics of Mr. Sandoval that I would like to mention for those who would like to hear of his good character and important background that he would bring to the college board which I have found to be very inspiring.

As a person of color, I’m excited to know that we have a chance to elect Mr. Sandoval who will bring equity, diversity and inclusion to everyone entering their first year of upper education in addition to faculty and staff. Mr. Sandoval’s priority will be to keep first year students engaged and motivated to move on to either universities or well-paying skilled jobs. I have worked on community education projects with Mr. Sandoval where he has displayed his motivation, passion, sensitivity, and creativity to work with youth or those wanting to go back to school to improve their jobs and careers.

He has also recently written a book that inspires those to move on and improve their lives. He has spoken on identity, motivation and achievement to young students using his book as his historical journey. He also provides this book as a gift to others. I am a retired person now and I was even inspired by his book.

In addition to his passion for education, Mr. Sandoval also has a 25-year career in information technology and finance consulting with worldwide banking institutions and research corporations providing management strategies and budgeting models for economic recovery.

With this background, Mr. Sandoval will increase fiscal accountability and transparency to manage District funding that will support our taxpayers’ investment in our community colleges.

With Mr. Sandoval’s background, he has inspired many of us to support him including Faculty and Classified Professionals including over 40 Community Educators and Leaders and many elected officials. These important individuals are gravely disappointed in the incumbent and are looking to replace him with all that Mr. Sandoval offers; finding a breath of fresh air, commitment and inspiration with Mr. Fernando Sandoval.

Linda Olvera

Martinez

 

The Herald recommends: Romick, Alaura and Meadows for Oakley City Council

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Kevin Romick, Claire Alaura and Aaron Meadows. Photos from their Facebook pages.

By Allen Payton, Publisher & Editor

The only other races in which I’m offering endorsement, this year, other than those in Antioch are for the Oakley City Council.

As a neighbor living in Antioch since 1991, I’ve been watching the changes, growth and improvements in Oakley since I was on the Antioch City Council from 1994-98 when we voted to give up the land between Highway 160 and Neroly Road, which was part of our city’s sphere of influence, and make the freeway the city boundary. That helped give the soon to be formed city more of a sales and property tax base with the gas stations, hotel and other businesses located there.

Kevin Romick

I don’t always support someone for office who is running for their fifth, four-year term, wanting new blood, fresh ideas and perspective. That’s usually when things aren’t going well in a city, county, school or special district. But Oakley Mayor Kevin Romick is an exception. He has earned another term, having accomplished much during his time on the council, having helped guide Oakley to the successful city it has become.

Since that time, I’ve witnessed the council, with Romick being the longest-serving member, make wise decisions and create a community that is safe with a nice quality of life.

Following are Romick’s long list of accomplishments:

  • Police – The city converted from a contract with the Sheriff’s Department to an in house Oakley Police Department which included hiring and processing approximately 35 sworn and professional support employees, equipping and construction of office space and evidence storage facility, selection and purchase of required safety equipment, implementing a new report writing and records management system and developing a policy and procedure manual
  • Roads – When the city first incorporated many of the main roads, Main Street, Empire and Laurel Avenue on Oakley were 2 lane country roads without sidewalks, they are now functional 4 land roads. As a Board member to the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, representing East County, oversaw the completion of the State Route 4 widening from Loveridge to Balfour and the extension of BART to Antioch
  • Parks – When Oakley incorporated in 1999 there was one city park. Now there are 35, including East County’s first all abilities park and Oakley’s first dog park, five joint use parks and two parks managed by the East Bay Regional Park District – the Antioch/Oakley Regional Shoreline and the Big Break Regional Shoreline. The city is also working with the state on a 1,200-acre marsh restoration project at Dutch Slough.
  • Initiated the weekly Oakley Outreach email blast and consistent social media posts to keep the public better informed.
  • Held Oakley’s first and annual Memorial Day event, Veterans Day event, National Night Out event, Heart of Oakley, Movies in the Park, July 4th Fireworks and Christmas Tree Lighting
  • Worked with senior community to secure and update the old fire station as the Senior Center.
  • Coordinated the construction of Oakley’s Veterans Memorial.
  • Jobs – Romick’s and the city’s greatest and most recent accomplishment was the approval and opening the Contra Costa Logistic Center at the former DuPont site, and locating the Amazon distribution center there.

Claire Alaura

Councilwoman Claire Alaura has served the community well in her first term on the council. During her year as mayor, Oakley became the 16th safest city in California. She will continue her efforts. While Alaura pushing for and wants a new library for the city, instead of the combined one at Freedom High School, she and the supporters of that effort will need to identify a funding sources for both the construction costs and operation costs, as well.

She also gets credit for the Logistics Center and Amazon locating in Oakley. She deserves another four years on the council.

Aaron Meadows

For the third seat, the choice is clear and that should be local business owner and real estate broker, Aaron Meadows. He’s not only a lifelong, fifth generation resident, his mother’s family, the Cutinos have been in Oakley for 110 years. That’s a rare thing in California, these days.

Meadows community service dates back to before the city was incorporated, when he served on the Oakley Municipal Advisory Committee from 1993 to June 30, 1999. He currently serves on the Oakley Union School District Bond Oversight Committee.

Meadows also served on the Holy Rosary School Board of Directors from 2006-18, Delta Family YMCA Board of Directors from 2001-10. He’s been a member of the Rotary Club of Oakley since it was formed in 2019.

He has earned the trust of colleagues in the real estate industry having served on the Delta Association of Realtors Board of Directors from 2002 to 2011, and as treasurer, president-elect, and then president in 2007. Meadows also served on the California Apartment Association Contra Costa, Napa, Solano Board of Directors from 2014-19 and the Contra Costa Wine Grape and Olive Growers Association Board of Directors from 2005-08 representing the Diablo Vista Vineyards for which he’s been a partner since 1993.

His broad experience in real estate, property management, construction and the wine industry will help Oakley in its next phase as the city seeks to attract businesses to employ the residents. Meadows is committed to focusing on three areas once elected: first, public safety, which should always be the city’s first priority; second, economic development, specifically streamlining the permitting process for commercial projects; and third, bringing a solution to the lack of fire service for families and businesses.

He knows the leaders in neighboring cities of both Antioch and Brentwood and can work with them on a regional basis for issues affecting all of East County, such as local jobs, transportation and fire service.

I’ve known Aaron for over 20 years and can tell you he’s a straight shooter, does what he says he will and works hard to get it done. He has the experience, knowledge and commitment to the community that Oakley needs in a council member and will be a great addition to the city’s leadership team.

I’ve also known Kevin since he was first elected in 2004. You can be sure he’s a man of his word, tells it straight and has proven his commitment to listening to the public, and solving problems and addressing challenges the city faces to the satisfaction of the residents.

Please join me in supporting Kevin Romick, Claire Alaura and Aaron Meadows for the Oakley City Council in this year’s election.

Writer asks if candidate for Brentwood City Council, Jovita Mendoza if she’s not self-funding her campaign but spending ‘borrowed’ money from creditors she never paid back

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Judgment against Michael W. Kleeman and Jovita Mendoza from Ford Wholesale Co., Inc. of San Jose for $100,390.86 dated Oct. 16, 2007. Provided by letter writer.

Dear Editor:

Jovita Mendez is running for Brentwood City Council in District 1 and bragging about self-funding her campaign.  That’s easy to do and say when you don’t pay your bills and you’re spending your creditor’s money. That’s because Jovita and her husband appear to have a judgement against them for over $100,000 from Ford Wholesale Co., Inc. of San Jose dating back to 2007.

In addition, she has judgements against her from Discover Bank beginning in 2009 for $13,590.60, with recent court records from late 2019 and early 2020, that appear to indicate the money Jovita took from them hasn’t been paid back.  Additionally, court records show Jovita defaulted on a debt with Capital One in 2011.

Court records for Jovita Mendoza Discover complaint for $13,590.60 dated Feb. 17, 2010 and completed Feb. 25, 2020. Provided by letter writer.

Here’s the question, did Jovita ever pay those creditors back?  If not, she’s spending their money on her campaign to try to get elected!

Yet, Jovita has the audacity and gall to attack other candidates for accepting campaign contributions from people, companies or organizations she doesn’t like. How hypocritical.

Court record of Jovita Mendoza default on Capital One complaint dated June 8, 2011 and dismissed on Aug. 29, 2012. Provided by letter writer.

The voters should reject Jovita Mendoza for Brentwood City Council.  How can we trust that she will “be a good Steward” of our community and handle our tax dollars correctly, when she “appropriates” money from her creditors, avoids paying it back for years (possibly more than a decade!), uses “their money” to promote herself for city council and can’t handle her own personal finances?

Sincerely,

Leila Hauck

Brentwood

Please see above the proof of my claims and click here to see the judgments against Jovita on the Contra Costa Superior Court website.

 

Contra Costa County appears to be overpaying for Pittsburg motel for homeless by more than $5 million, releases appraisal

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Assessor’s Parcel information for Motel 6 in Pittsburg. From ParcelQuest Lite website.

“In the interests of transparency” – Chief Assistant County Administrator Eric Angstadt

“The difference is primarily due to the below market purchase price” – from the appraisal

“This is a classic example of a gift of public funds” – County Assessor Gus Kramer

By Allen Payton

After learning that the county’s outside appraisal for the Motel 6 in Pittsburg was $16.7 million, and the purchase price offered by the Board of Supervisors of $17.4 million, was only 4.2% higher, it was learned today that the same motel sold for just $12 million in February 2019. In addition, it was assessed on January 1st, this year slightly higher at $12,226,480. After requesting a copy of the appraisal since last week, the County Counsel’s office released it, today “in the interests of transparency.” The appraisal shows last year’s “purchase price was modified to $13,200,000.” (See related article)

Asked for copies of what was believed to be both internal and outside contract appraisals from the Public Works Department Real Estate Division, Chief Assistant County Administrator Eric Angstadt responded, “I’m only aware of one appraisal. It was contracted out. I can give you what the topline is, but the appraisal is not available until after escrow closes.”

“The appraised value is $16.7 million at $96,000 per room,” he stated. “It’s 4.2% above the appraised value.”

Asked if the appraisal was done internally or contracted out, Angstadt said, “We always contract out appraisals. We have staff with real estate licenses. But I don’t believe we have any licensed appraisers on staff.”

“The state was very public about how much they were willing to pay, at $100,000 per room,” he continued. “So, it didn’t leave us with much room to negotiate.”

“We have not signed the purchase and sale agreement, yet. That will happen once we finish the due diligence. We are working our way through all of it. It’s scheduled to close escrow on November 10th,” Angstadt added.

However, Angstadt released the appraisal to the Herald, today after obtaining permission from the County Counsel’s office. It was done by West Hollywood-based HVS Consulting & Valuation, a Division of TS Worldwide, LLC which, according to their website, provides highly credible hotel valuations and appraisals.” (See page 13) HVS Appraisal – FINAL – Motel 6 – Pittsburg CA – 09

The sale price for the 41-year-old motel was $68,000 per room, last year.

In a search of the Assessor’s Parcel number for the property, which is 088-152-039 on the ParcelQuest Lite website, a link to which can be found on the Contra Costa County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s webpage and which any member of the public, county staff, Board of Supervisors and any appraiser can do, it provides the details of last year’s sale and this year’s valuation.

The closest comparable sale was the Ramada Inn, now Comfort Inn, in Antioch which sold in March 2017 for $50,000 per room. That’s a much higher end hotel than the Motel 6. Another comparable property, the Marina Bay Inn & Suites on Cutting Blvd. in Richmond near Pt. Richmond sold in August 2017 for $80,000 per room, and that’s in an area considered nicer than where the Motel 6 is located in Pittsburg.

“The real comparable sale is the property itself,” said County Assessor Gus Kramer, who has been an outspoken critic of the county’s purchase of the motel. (See related article)

“Did the appraiser back into the state’s and county’s number?” he asked. “How can the appraiser say the value of the motel increased in the last year by 45%? No property in the county has increased in value that much during that time.”

Asked when the property was assessed this year, Kramer said his staff did that on January 1st.

“This is a classic example of a gift of public funds,” he stated. “Just because the state is giving us this amount of money doesn’t mean we need to spend that much.”

“This is why local government is in trouble,” Kramer continued. “It’s not that they don’t have enough money it’s that they don’t manage what they have, well.”

An email was sent to all members of the Board of Supervisors, County Administrator David Twa and Angstadt asking them why there is such a difference in the value arrived at by the county’s contract appraiser as well as the offer price, and last year’s sale price and this year’s assessed valuation. They were also asked to confirm that the property in the online search was in fact the Motel 6, since it has the same address and the photo of it appears to be the motel. In addition, they were asked why the appraiser didn’t take into account the sale and assessed value for the motel and if they will now seek a second appraisal.

Text messages were also sent to Supervisors Federal Glover, in whose district the motel is located, Diane Burgis and Board Chair Candace Andersen informing them of the difference in appraised value and assessed valuation and to please check their emails.

The Board was holding a special closed session meeting, today beginning at 9 a.m. to discuss both Kramer’s lawsuit against the Board over allegations of violations of the state’s Brown Act open meeting law, as well as potential candidates to replace Twa who is retiring, this year.

The email and texts were sent between 11:08 and 11:10 AM Wednesday morning and the recipients were given a deadline of 1:00 p.m. to respond.

Angstadt responded with, “The appraisal does include a discussion and analysis of the past sale of the property and the reasoning, changes and circumstances that led to the appraiser assigning the valuation they did.  As I said in our earlier discussion Government Code Section 6254(H) exempts release of the contents of an appraisal before the acquisition of the property is complete.  Therefore I can’t directly answer your question about how they justified the higher value, but I can assure you they did discuss the issues you raised and their methods of determining the higher value they assigned to the property.

However, California Government Code § 6254 (2017) reads “Except as provided in Sections 6254.7 and 6254.13, this chapter does not require the disclosure of any of the following records:

(h) The contents of real estate appraisals or engineering or feasibility estimates and evaluations made for or by the state or local agency relative to the acquisition of property, or to prospective public supply and construction contracts, until all of the property has been acquired or all of the contract agreement obtained.”

A further question was asked if the county is prohibited from releasing the appraisal or just not required to and if they can release it to please provide it, as has been requested since last week.

In response Angstadt wrote, “I spoke with County Counsel and they said they we could disclose the appraisal at this time in the interests of transparency.  A number of the issues you raised are discussed starting on page 13.”

Appraisal Explanation for Higher Value Than 2019 Sale Price

On that page, the appraisal provides the reason for part of the higher price. It reads, “The ‘as is’ market value opinion in this appraisal is approximately 27% higher than the February 2019 purchase price. The difference is primarily due to the below market purchase price, as described throughout this report.”

Please check back later for any responses from the Supervisors and any other updates.

Below is the information from the ParcelQuest Lite property search of the Motel 6 property located at 2101 Loveridge Road in Pittsburg.

Russell V. Watts , County Treasurer-Tax Collector

Property Address: 2101 LOVERIDGE RD PITTSBURG CA 94565-5019

Google Map of Motel 6 site. From ParcelQuest Lite.

Full Detail $14.95  The Full Property Detail includes everything displayed here plus completed information for those fields where “See Full Detail” is shown. If a field is empty on this page, no data is available, and the field will also be empty on the Full Property Detail.

Property Address: 2101 LOVERIDGE RD PITTSBURG CA 94565-5019

General Information

Parcel # (APN): 088-152-039-9 
Owner: See Full Detail
Mailing Address: 25920 VIA MARGARITA CARMEL CA 93923-8313
Legal Description: PCL MAP 78 PG 36 POR PCL A
Use Type: COMMERCIAL
Tax Rate Area: 007-004

Assessment

Total Value: $12,226,480 Year Assd: 2020
Land: $2,550,000 Zoning:
Structures: $9,424,800 Use Code: See Full Detail
Other: $251,680 Census Tract: See Full Detail
% Improved: See Full Detail Price/SqFt: See Full Detail
Exempt Amt:
HO Exempt: N

Sale History

Sale 1 Sale 2 Sale 3 Transfer
Document Date: 02/12/2019 See Full Detail See Full Detail
Document Number: 19052 See Full Detail See Full Detail
Document Type:
Transfer Amount: $12,000,000 See Full Detail
Seller (Grantor):

Property Characteristics

Bedrooms: Fireplace: Units: See Full Detail
Baths (Full): A/C: Stories:
Baths (Half): Heating: Quality:
Total Rooms: Pool: Building Class:
Bldg/Liv Area: 43,352 Park Type: Condition:
Lot Acres: 2.905 Spaces: Site Influence:
Lot SqFt: 126,542 Garage SqFt: Timber Preserve:
Year Built: 1979 Ag Preserve:
Effective Year: See Full Detail
**The information provided here is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed.