Contra Costa Herald

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

Busby wins John Soares, Sr. Memorial Race at Antioch Speedway, Saturday night

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Scott Busby's #73 division record 65th career A Modified feature win was worth $1,500. Busby now has 71 career wins, which leaves him one win behind speedway legend J.D. Willis for the lead on the all time list. Photo by Paul Gould

Scott Busby’s #73 division record 65th career A Modified feature win was worth $1,500. Busby now has 71 career wins, which leaves him one win behind speedway legend J.D. Willis for the lead on the all time list. Photo by Paul Gould

By Don Martin II

When Scott Busby began his racing career at Antioch Speedway in 1979, he ran a Street Stock, and the track was promoted by it’s founder, John Soares Sr.  On Saturday night, Scott scored one of the biggest wins of his career in the John Soares Sr. Memorial Top Dog Shoot Out.  Busby won his heat race earlier in the evening to set the stage for his big $1,500 30 lap Main Event win.

Busby was the early Main Event leader, but the race changed after a yellow flag for a Turn 4 wreck involving Troy Foulger and Duane Cleveland on lap nine.  Busby lost the lead as another A Modified legend, Randy McDaniel, moved by.  McDaniel won the Jerry Hetrick Memorial Race earlier this year.  Busby settled back into third behind three time winner Brian Cass, but the three cars ran in close formation up front.  Busby made an inside move in Turn 4 of the 23rd lap to take second from Cass, and a spin in Turn 1 forced a lap 26 caution flag.  Two false starts by the leaders followed and could have resulted in the first two rows being swapped.  However, track officials wanted to let the two battle it out for the $1,500 win.  McDaniel ran the inside line, and Busby got a good run on the outside.  As they headed down the back stretch, Busby pulled ahead, and he carried that momentum through Turns 3 and 4 to take the lead.  From there, Busby went on to a hard fought victory ahead of McDaniel, Cass, Michael Paul Jr. and Bobby Motts Jr.

Richard Papenhausen #4p scored his third $1,500 DIRTcar Late Model win of the season, and he appears to be headed for his second championship in three seasons. Photo by Paul Gould

Richard Papenhausen #4p scored his third $1,500 DIRTcar Late Model win of the season, and he appears to be headed for his second championship in three seasons. Photo by Paul Gould

Richard Papenhausen took an emphatic step towards the DIRTcar Late Model championship with an impressive 20 lap Main Event victory.  With mechanial issues striking fellow heat winner Troy Foulger early, the anticipated battle with Papenhausen never materialized.  Papenhausen grabbed the lead early and steadily pulled away from the competition for what is surely a championship clinching $1,500 victory.  Terry Kuntz and Dennis Souza were season best second and third place finishers, both on the lead lap.  Danny Malfati returned and finished fourth ahead of Shawn DeForest.

Reigning B Modified champion Fred Ryland returned to Antioch Speedway and won the $850 first prize in the 20 lap B Modified Main Event.  Brian Pearce was running strong and won his heat race by a straightaway.  Pearce led the early goings of the Main Event, but F. Ryland was quickly into second and shadowing Pearce.  Chuck Golden stalled at the Turn 1 exit midway through the race for a yellow flag.  Ryland managed to grab the lead from Pearce on the restart, but one more yellow slowed the pace three laps from the finish.  The “psyche game” saw Ryland jump a start that was called back.  Pearce did the same thing the next time.  On the third attempt, Fred Ryland maintained his pace and held off Pearce for the big victory.  Many time Merced and Hanford A Modified champion Paul Stone drove the Tim Hammett car to a third place finish as heat winner Patti Ryland and Mitch Enos rounded out the Top 5.

Fred Ryland #7j returned to his home track and scored an $850 victory in the B Modified Main Event. It was the fourth win of the season for the reigning track champion. Photo by Paul Gould

Fred Ryland #7j returned to his home track and scored an $850 victory in the B Modified Main Event. It was the fourth win of the season for the reigning track champion. Photo by Paul Gould

Three time reigning Hobby Stock champion Kimo Oreta returned for only the the second time and once again won the 20 lap Hobby Stock Main Event.  Oreta, who is the division’s all time Main Event win leader with 23 wins, could not resist the lure of the $850 payday.  The early goings of the Main Event were just a bit rough, and one incident saw Frank Furtado lose a wheel to end his race.  Oreta had to bring his A Game to this race as point leader Guy Ahlwardt and recent winner Melissa Myers were running closely behind him.  However, Oreta was just a bit faster and grabbed Bob Kempf’s checkered flag ahead of Ahlwardt and Myers.  John McClendon got the opportunity to drive the Bob Brown owned car for the first time and piloted it to a fourth place finish ahead of Fred Ryland.

The championship season wraps up on October 22nd with a loaded seven division program that includes A Modifieds, DIRTcar Late Models, Wingless Spec Sprints, B Modifieds, Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks and Dwarf Cars.  For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com

Unofficial Race Results
Hobby Stocks
Heat 1-Guy Ahlwardt, Chris Sorensen, Kimo Oreta.  Heat 2-Natalie Perry, Cameron Swank, Fred Ryland.  Main Event-Oreta, Ahlwardt, Melissa Myers, John McClendon, Ryland.
B Modifieds
Heat 1-Patti Ryland, Fred Ryland, Chuck Golden.  Heat 2-Brian Pearce, Mike Salazar, Al Johnson.  Main Event-F. Ryland, Pearce, Paul Stone, P. Ryland, Mitch Enos.
A Modifieds
Heat 1-Richard Papenhausen, Carl Berendsen II, Bobby Motts Jr.  Heat 2-Bobby Montalvo, Randy McDaniel, Troy Foulger.  Heat 3-Scott Busby, Sean O’Gara, Darrell Hughes II.  Main Event-Busby, McDaniel, Cass, Michael Paul Jr, Motts.
DIRTcar Late Models
Heat 1-Troy Foulger, Shawn DeForest, Danny Malfati.  Heat 2-Richard Papenhausen, Kimo Oreta, Terry Kuntz  Main Event-Papenhausen, Kuntz, Dennis Souza, Malfati, DeForest.

21 new East Bay chaplains certified in colorful ceremony

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The new East Bay Chaplains display their certificates. Top Row: Pastor Will Byrns from His Praise in Antioch, Pastor Charles Salter, John Foster, Jeffery Robinson. Second Row: Rudy Hernandez, Tim Vaughn, Reverend Austin Miles, Major General Dan Helix. Third Row: Salena Boatner-Miller and her husband Pastor George Miller, Pat Martin, Bill Swenson and his wife Julie Swenson, Felicia Purcell, Angrett Davies, Dusty Salazar, Karen Manuel, Laura Collin, Jose Chavez. Seated: Kermese Harrell, Segura, Chaplain Priscilla Martinez and Olga Chavez. Photo by Jane Vaughn

The new East Bay Chaplains display their certificates. Top Row: Pastor Will Byrns from His Praise in Antioch, Pastor Charles Salter, John Foster, Jeffery Robinson. Second Row: Rudy Hernandez, Tim Vaughn, Reverend Austin Miles, Major General Dan Helix. Third Row: Salena Boatner-Miller and her husband Pastor George Miller, Pat Martin, Bill Swenson and his wife Julie Swenson, Felicia Purcell, Angrett Davies, Dusty Salazar, Karen Manuel, Laura Collin, Jose Chavez. Seated: Kermese Harrell, Segura, Chaplain Priscilla Martinez and Olga Chavez. Photo by Jane Vaughn

By Rev. Austin Miles

In a colorful ceremony complete with pageantry, on Sunday, September 25th, 21 chaplains were certified for duty in the East Bay area of Northern California. The sacred and joyful event began with this writer (who founded the East Bay Chaplains and trained them), starting the ceremony with a brief talk and opening prayer, then introduced Priscilla Martinez who had been appointed as the new Chaplain Instructor.

From L to R: Colonel Timothy Vaughn, Rev. Austin Miles,Chaplain Trainer Priscilla Martinez, Felicia Purcell, General Dan Helix. Photos by Jane Vaughn.

From L to R: Colonel Timothy Vaughn, Rev. Austin Miles,Chaplain Trainer Priscilla Martinez, Felicia Purcell, General Dan Helix. photo by Jane Vaughn

Following her informative address, Priscilla next introduced the graduates. General Dan Helix and Colonel Timothy Vaughn, both in dress uniforms, led the processional. After each was standing in place, the certificates were presented.

General Helix gave the keynote address which was interrupted several times with appreciative applause.  Then, in a totally unexpected move, The General called this writer up, “Front and Center.” to present an award certificate and medal-of-honor for having organized and taught the original chaplain classes.

Pastor Felix Golden, who graciously hosted this event in his church, His Presence Christian Worship Center, the home church of Chaplain Priscilla and 17 of the new chaplains, wrapped it up with a brief but very meaningful talk. And the entire event packed with action, went exactly one hour. Two other churches were represented, as well, including His Praise in Antioch and the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints in Oakley.

The East Bay Chaplains play a vital role in Contra Costa County. Their motto is: Stand Ready, Be Prayed Up, and Keep the Vessel Clean.

Several have already received assignments. New chaplain Felicia Purcell, dressed in colorful African apparel, is being asked to be the chaplain for the wives and family members the Golden State Warriors basketball team.

Joan Segura is already officially the Chaplain for El Pueblo low-income housing in Pittsburg. Christian Rap Artist George Miller and his wife, Salena Boatner-Miller will be chaplains for their concerts while Bill and Julie Swenson who both were certified, work as a team to broaden their ministry to the homeless and addicts.

Olga Chavez and her husband Jose Chavez are looking to take their ministry back to their homeland Peru when Jose retires. Jeffery Robinson is interested in serving in a prison ministry. John Foster plans to work with addicts. Tim Vaughn works with veterans and holds a position with East Bay Chaplains. Pat Martin will use her new position as part of her counseling ministry. Karen Manuel has been working with Visions Beyond Borders helping where needed and will be taking her ministry to Southeast Asia, Thailand, Nepal, Burma, India Laos, Cambodia, Cuba and Romania. Kermese Harrell, who is 80-years-old mentors young women.

All others will be placed, some with Instructor Priscilla, who is chaplain of Shepherd’s Gate, a home for battered women and children. And this is just the beginning.

At the end of the service there was a long standing ovation. The chaplain’s motto is: “To serve others at their time and place of need.”

It is a totally devoted ministry where they willingly give up all rights to themselves to always be available to others. There is no such thing as convenience for chaplains. They are there for the convenience of others who need them, often at a split second notice. It is a totally unselfish endeavor that places all others before themselves.

This new class is an example of diversity at its best, with graduates coming from all backgrounds and a couple from different countries. Each one would be a welcome addition to any community.

“I am looking forward to see these new chaplains ministries grow and helping them along the way,” said Chaplain Priscilla Martinez. “I feel so honored to know each one of them.”

Priscilla Martinez contributed to this article.

 

Assemblymember Frazier co-sponsors free learning opportunities for business owners, operators

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Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D-Discovery Bay) is co-sponsoring two free learning opportunities this month for businesses in Assembly District 11.

On Thursday, Oct. 13, business owners and operators can gain expert advice about worker’s compensation and paid sick leave laws during a Link and Learn session co-sponsored by the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce. Representatives from the California Department of Industrial Relations will lead the workshop, which will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Chamber office, 985 Railroad Avenue in Pittsburg. Register online at http://bit.ly/LinkLearn.

On Wednesday, Oct. 19, a Small Business Seminar & Resource Expo will be presented by the California State Board of Equalization from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.) at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak Street in Brentwood.

With a theme of “Strategies for Success in Today’s Economy,” the seminar will cover such topics as sales and use taxes; loan programs; forms of ownership; record-keeping; how to distinguish an employee from an independent contractor; and resources for marketing.

Invited presenters include the California State Board of Equalization; the U.S. Small Business Administration; California’s Employment Development Department and Franchise Tax Board; the Internal Revenue Service; the Small Business Development Center; and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz).

In addition to Frazier, the Small Business Seminar is co-sponsored by State Board of Equalization Members Fiona Ma and George Runner; Brentwood Mayor Robert Taylor, and the City of Brentwood. Register online at www.boe.ca.gov/seminars or by calling 1-888-847-9652.

For more information about either event, call Assemblymember Frazier’s office at 925-513-0411.

To contact Assemblymember Jim Frazier please visit his website at www.asmdc.org/frazier or call his District Office at 925-513-0411. Follow him on Facebook and “Like” him for updates on events and happenings in the 11th AD.

Special education teacher in Antioch strives to bring “Safety Town” to her students and campus

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Along with so many national politicians these days, special education teacher (and non-politician) Jordan Rice is looking for many votes. But as all political parties will agree, Rice’s campaign is certainly worthy of everyone’s votes, because her “platform” will empower the special-needs students at her Turner Elementary Special Education School, in Antioch.

Due to her creative vision and impressive application, Rice is now a finalist of the 2016 Farmer Insurance’s Dream Big Challenge, under the $100,000 grant category. Out of hundreds of applicants, her Safety Town project is now a finalist, along with 14 other nation-wide submissions. When all of the national votes are tabulated at the end of this month, six of the fifteen $100,000 projects will be funded.

About Safety Town:

“Safety Town is a different and creative way to motivate and engage students who have significant learning needs,” says Rice. Housed on the school’s campus, Safety Town will be a miniature town that will feature about eight small playhouses that the students and adults can enter inside. Each playhouse will be designed as a miniature bank, police station, fire station, school, grocery store, etc.  Safety Town reinforces concepts that begin in the classroom, by bringing them to life in a new relatable environment.  This setting closely resembles one that they will encounter in the real word and allows for easier generalization, or transition, of the skills learned in class. “For example, the grocery store will include learning objectives such as money concepts, answering wh- questions, sorting, colors, matching, and collaborative learning.”

For additional information about Rice’s project, please view this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn7ppxWNYDc

About the Election:

As of October 1, 2016, those who would like to vote for Safety Town coming to Turner School can now do so. Everyone who is 18-years or older can cast their vote once a day, from the same email address. The online votes can be made, through October 31, at https://www.farmers.com/thank-americas-teachers/vote-for-a-teacher/vote-100k-proposal.

Remember, there are no district precincts in this national vote.

“Please vote for our Safety Town proposal. It will give our students the resources and skills they need to become meaningful and engaged active participants in our community,” Rice added.

Rep. McNerney introduces bill to increase broadband access for military veterans

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Washington, D.C. – On Monday, September 26, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09), who serves on both the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology and the Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, introduced legislation to increase broadband internet access for veterans. The Improving Broadband Access for Veterans Act of 2016 (H.R. 6165) directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to initiate a Notice of Inquiry examining veterans’ current access to broadband internet service and what can be done to increase access, with a focus on low-income veterans and veterans residing in rural areas.

“Broadband access is critical for the more than 20 million veterans living across the nation, with the highest population in California. Broadband access enables veterans to more easily apply for jobs and obtain necessary vocational training, connect with family and friends, get important information about their benefits and military records, and access health care services. Veterans, who fight tirelessly to protect our country, face many challenges when they return home. Not having internet access makes what is already an incredibly difficult transition process even harder,” said Rep. McNerney.

Veterans living below the federal poverty level or in rural areas are less likely to have broadband access. According to the Pew Research Center, less than half of Americans living below the federal poverty level have broadband internet access at home. Analysis by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce further finds that internet adoption in rural areas is lower than in urban areas.

“It is critical that we find ways to ensure that the more than 1.4 million veterans living below the federal poverty level and the 5.3 million veterans residing in rural communities have broadband access,” said Rep. McNerney. “By directing the FCC to examine current broadband access for veterans and what can be done to increase it, the Improving Broadband Access for Veterans Act will pave the way for getting more veterans online. By further directing the FCC to focus on veterans residing below the federal poverty line and in rural areas, my bill will help make sure these veterans are not left behind.”

Congressman Jerry McNerney represents California’s 9th Congressional District which includes portions of Contra Costa, San Joaquin, and Sacramento Counties. For more information on Rep. McNerney’s work, follow him on Facebook and on Twitter @RepMcNerney.

District 3 candidate for County Supervisor Steve Barr shares commitment to financial responsibility, endorsements by leaders, law enforcement

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Endorsed by Assemblyman Frazier, Brentwood Police Officers’ Association, County Prosecutors’ Association and Antioch community leader Iris Archuleta

With absentee ballots getting mailed out next week, Brentwood City Councilmember Steve Barr wanted to inform the public that he is running a strong campaign for County Supervisor, displaying his commitment to using tax dollars responsibly, and share some of his key endorsements.

Barr, who was the top vote getter in the primary election, is currently in a runoff that will be decided November 8th. As a Brentwood City Councilman he has made both fiscal responsibility and public safety top priorities.

“I decided to run for Supervisor because there is a lot of important work that needs to be done regionally such as providing regional public safety resources, making sure East County gets its fair share of transportation funding, andhelping our agricultural community,” said Barr. “And we need to do this in a fiscally responsible way, making sure we have money saved for when there’s the next recession or downturn.”

Barr has many accomplishments as both a City Councilmember and former School Board Trustee. From building the new Brentwood Dispatch Center that will improve public safety regionally, to helping manage a roads and paving program that was voted by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission as the best in the Bay Area, Barr has found ways to provide great service while cutting excess, pushing community priorities, and saving money. This was a big part of why Barr earned the endorsement of the East Bay Times.

Barr’s direct style and honesty has helped him accomplish a lot, and it also has earned him the support of many individuals and leaders throughout the District.  The Brentwood Police Officers’ Association, the County Prosecutors’ Association, and many other community leaders, organizations, and elected officials from across the district have all joined up to support Barr because they know he is someone they can always work with, even if they disagree.

“Steve’s openness, willingness to listen and his ability to be upfront and honest in his responses are refreshing,” said community leader Iris Archuleta. “He doesn’t pretend to know everything, but is clearly caring enough to learn.”

Assemblymember Jim Frazier agreed.

“Steve is a true leader who doesn’t crave the spotlight, but shows up for the tough assignments, is very direct and honest, and uses his financial skills to make sure our tax dollars are spent wisely,” Frazier stated. “He is the leader I trust and know everyone can work with.”

Barr responded to the comments.

“I appreciate the support of law enforcement and community leaders,” he said. “I look forward to working with them to improve things in our county.”

Barr’s background includes being a small business owner for 35 years and a former Liberty Union High School District Trustee. He is married, and he and his wife have two children.

Contra Costa County’s 3rd Supervisorial District includespart of Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay, Byron, Knightsen, Bethel Island, Diablo, Blackhawk, and Tassajara. Please visit www.SteveBarrForSupervisor.com for more information about the campaign.

Supervisor Glover’s office explains challenges with, what occurred in August at Bay Point shelter

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A press release from County Supervisor Federal Glover’s office on Friday, provided the following information regarding the challenges facing and what transpired during an attempted inspection by Glover and other county officials in August, of the Bay Point Homeless Recover Shelter of Love-A-Child Missions.

The clock is ticking for Love-A-Child Ministries, a privately run shelter for women and children in Bay Point.”

“If necessary, the county is prepared to assist in making arrangements for housing” for the women and children currently living at Love-A-Child, said Supervisor Federal Glover.

The shelter’s executive director, Jerome Knott has defaulted on $216,000 loaned to Love-A-Child by the Sacramento-based Nehemiah Community Reinvestment Fund. The (Contra Costa) county is not a party to this financial transaction. In addition, the privately run shelter owes over $100,000 in back taxes and other debts.

At stake are the 70 beds and the people currently living at the shelter, who through no fault of their own, are in danger of losing their shelter.

After reaching an agreement with Knott for an August 10 inspection, Nehemiah and county officials, including Supervisor Federal Glover, attempted to inspect the facility only to meet resistance from Knott and his staff. Knott was emphatic – at one point shouting at Glover – that he would not allow the visit to continue as planned.

Fearing that the situation could get out of hand, Glover asked that (Sheriff’s) deputies be sent to the facility.

“The officers showed up within minutes,” said David Fraser, the supervisor’s chief of staff, who was among the visitors.

Fraser also pointed out that in order to avoid a confrontation, Nehemiah needed to obtain a court order, which the deputies would then be able to enforce.

The Nehemiah representative agreed to that procedure and the visitors, which included the county’s homeless services director and a Building Code Inspector, left the facility. Nehemiah plans to conduct an inspection of the facilities in October and start the process of foreclosure.

The lender agreed to work with the county so that the people currently living there will not have to seek alternative housing or move their belongings.

Since Love-A-Child has had numerous building code infractions in the past, there is a possibility the current facility might not meet the county’s health and safety standards for a shelter.

“There is a dire need for shelter beds in our county,” said Glover. “We don’t want to see the women and children become homeless because of the poor financial decisions by Love-A-Child’s operators.”

For more information about Love-A-Child Missions and their Bay Point shelter, visit www.loveachildmissions.org.

Park District purchases 76-acre property in Marsh Creek Watershed south of Antioch

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View of Mt. Diablo from the former Hanson Ranch property. photo by Scott Hein

View of Mt. Diablo from the former Hanson Ranch property. photo by Scott Hein

land_acq_hansonhills_map

Location map. courtesy of Save Mt. Diablo

The 76-acre Hanson Hills property on the eastern slopes of Mt. Diablo, will become part of the future Deer Valley Regional Park, extending the park’s southern boundary to Marsh Creek Road. The East Bay Regional Park District purchased the former ranch land, located south of Antioch and west of Brentwood, from Save Mount Diablo for $730,000, its appraised fair market value. East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy contributed $547,500 toward the cost and funds from Measure WW covered the remainder.

“This beautiful property will be a tremendous asset for generations of East Bay residents,” said Park District Board Member Diane Burgis, whose ward includes the Hanson Hills property. “It’s also a critical part of the Marsh Creek watershed. We’re thrilled to be able to protect this ecologically sensitive area forever.”

Eastern view from the former Hanson Ranch property. photo by Scott Hein

Eastern view from the former Hanson Ranch property. photo by Scott Hein

The property encompasses canyons and ridges covered with blue-oak forests and native grasslands, as well as a seasonal stream that drains to Marsh Creek. The ridgetops provide panoramic views of Mt. Diablo, the Marsh Creek corridor and Morgan Territory Regional Preserve. It’s also home to eagles, hawks, coyotes, mountain lions, deer, foxes and other species. The acquisition secures important land links that provide habitat for a number of special status species including the California red-legged frog and Alameda whipsnake.

The acquisition represents an important piece in long-term efforts to preserve land around Mount Diablo. Save Mount Diablo acquired the property from the Hanson Family in April, 2014. The Hanson children, now all in their 80’s, remember fishing for steelhead with their grandfather in Marsh Creek, just across the road, and camping out on warm nights atop the tallest hill. It was important to the family that the land they love so dearly be protected forever.

Ted Clement, executive director of Save Mount Diablo, spoke to the importance of partnerships in conserving land in the region.

“We are thrilled to help ensure the permanent protection of 76-acre Hanson Hills through our partnerships with the East Bay Regional Park District and the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy,” Clement said.  “With this transaction not only have we preserved essential wildlife habitat and ensured the protection of a strategic parcel that can later support outdoor public recreation and education, but we have also generated funds to protect more lands around Mount Diablo.”

“This acquisition is another positive step for conservation in east Contra Costa County,” said Pittsburg Councilman Salvatore Evola, chair of the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy board. “It is valuable to have a local land trust, the East Bay Regional Park District and the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy working together to conserve valuable landscapes for species while also providing park and recreation opportunities for the growing population.”

The land will remain closed to the public (“land banked”) until the Deer Valley Regional Park Land Use Plan is completed.

Save Mount Diablo is a non-profit 501(c)(3) conservation organization, which has been preserving lands on and around Mount Diablo and educating the public to the mountain’s natural values since 1971. Preserved lands have increased from 6,788 acres in one park to more than 110,000 acres in more than 40 parks and preserves. Save Mount Diablo continues to preserve, defend and restore the remainder of the mountain for people and wildlife to enjoy. Contact: Save Mount Diablo, telephone: (925) 947-3535, fax: (925) 947-0642, 1901 Olympic Blvd., Suite 320, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; www.SaveMountDiablo.org

The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful public parks and trails in Alameda and Contra Costa counties east of San Francisco Bay, established in 1934. The system comprises 120,700 acres in 65 parks including over 1,250 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature learning. www.ebparks.org

For information, please contact East Bay Regional Park District public information supervisor Carolyn Jones at (510) 544-2217, cjones@ebparks.org.

 

Treasure Island man arrested in Oakley area child molestation case

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Lafayette Thomas

Lafayette Thomas

Detectives from the Sexual Assault Unit of the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division have arrested 21-year-old Lafayette Thomas of San Francisco following an investigation.

Alleged acts of molestation that occurred in August in unincorporated Oakley were brought to the attention of the Office of the Sheriff. Detectives immediately launched an investigation and confirmed them. Thomas was arrested last Thursday, September 22, 2016.

Thomas was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on three counts of child molestation and one count of sexual battery. He is being held in lieu of $205,000 bail.

Thomas, who lives on Treasure Island, is known to frequent parks in San Francisco, including Golden Gate Park. Detectives believe there may be additional victims. Thomas is known to inappropriately contact children in parks.

Anyone with any information is asked to call (925) 313-2625. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.