Contra Costa Herald

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

Contra Costa Sheriff seeks man in parental Deprivation of Custody case

By Leave a Comment

Jahkai Smith

Jahkai Smith

Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff are investigating a Deprivation of Custody case.

A relative was recently awarded temporary guardianship of 3-year-old Jahkai Smith by the Contra Costa Superior Court. The child’s father, 25-year-old Jahron Smith, has ignored the court order and refused to turn over the child. Jakhai is considered to be at risk due to age.

jahron-najee-smithDescriptions:

Jahkai Smith – Male, 3′ tall, 50 pounds, black hair and brown eyes.

Jahron Najee Smith – Male, 5’11”, 155 pounds, brown hair and brown eyes. Jahron may be in the Bay Point or Antioch areas and has ties to Oakland.

Anyone who has information on the whereabouts of Jahkai or Jahron is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 383-9795. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

 

See the new BART to Antioch train during preview, Wednesday, Sept. 21

By Leave a Comment

eBART_train_previewWednesday, September 21, 2016, 5:00-7:00pm

Please join us and tour the new BART to Antioch Train!

Testing has begun on this new Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) vehicle – you may have already seen it traveling in the center median of Hwy 4.

This is your opportunity to view it in person at a public open house.

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

5:00-7:00pm

BART’s Antioch Maintenance Facility

End of Slatten Ranch Road (formerly Sunset Drive), Antioch

Just east of the Park & Ride lot at the new Antioch BART Station at Hillcrest Avenue and Sunset Drive, Antioch, CA.

To RSVP please visit:  eventbrite.com/e/bart-to-antioch-train-preview-open-house-tickets-27182466489 or call (510) 464-6257.

For more information about the project: http://www.bart.gov/about/projects/ecc

East County in-home senior care service celebrates first year in business

By Leave a Comment

James and Constance Tolbert, owners of the Seniors Helping Seniors franchise in Concord, Clayton and East County, in their Bay Point office.

James and Constance Tolbert, owners of the Seniors Helping Seniors franchise in East County, Concord and Clayton, in their Bay Point office.

By Allen Payton

As a Registered Nurse for 35 years, Constance Tolbert knows what it means to serve the needs of others. She got an early start in health care by serving as a candy striper while a school girl in Connecticut.

“She was born to care for people,” said husband and co-owner James.

Her service in the Army Nurse Corps brought her to California in 1982 when she went on active duty. Then, after being in the reserves, her medical unit, the 6253rd, was activated and transferred to the Persian Gulf during Desert Storm in 1990. Constance served in Fort Carson, Colorado, replacing a nurse who had been deployed.

After briefly retiring in 2013 from Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Oakland, she wasn’t done helping others and chose to work as a traveling nurse for a year.

Then in 2015, after being inspired by her mother who had owned a residential care facility for the elderly, Constance and James chose to buy a franchise of Seniors Helping Seniors.

“It was divine intervention,” Constance said. “We liked the mission of the company, which is based on Mother Teresa’s life work of serving others.”

The founder of Seniors Helping Seniors, Karen Yocom had worked with the soon to be Catholic Saint for 14 years in India.

“What also inspired us to go with this company is they have a different marketing model to reach seniors,” James shared. “Based on our previous work at our church, everyone we dealt with there were seniors. So, we liked the idea of hiring seniors to help other seniors.”

Their definition of senior is anyone age 50 or over for both the caregivers and the clients.

Since starting their franchise, which covers a territory of Concord to Discovery Bay, and including all East County communities, they’ve grown to a multi-cultural staff of 40. They include seniors from Puerto Rico, Guam, Fiji and Philippines, as well as others who are Japanese, African American, Hispanic and Caucasian.

“We can provide a caregiver so that people can be cared by those from their same culture,” Constance said.

“We cover the rainbow,” said James, who adds his years of experience and Masters Degree in organizational management. He’s also an Air Force veteran who currently works for the U.S. Department of Labor.

Most of the caregivers work part-time, as they’re either retired or in their second careers. Their clients range in age from as old as 98 and some as young as age 52.

“We try to match clients with senior caregivers with similar life experiences,” said James. “We had one client who was a Gulf War veteran. So, we were able to match her with a caregiver who is a fellow veteran and knows all about the VA in Martinez.”

They have a special program for low-income, military veterans or their spouses, called VetAssist which taps the Aid & Attendance benefits they qualify for.

“We’re able to access those benefits, quicker than if they were left to just go through the VA system,” James shared. “That could take six to eight months. We’re able to get it done in one or two months.”

“It’s critical for us to provide services to veterans, because they’re a forgotten group,” Constance said. “It’s definitely an honor for us to serve our fellow war time veterans who served this country.”

The services Seniors Helping Seniors provide include companionship, meal preparation, transportation for doctor appointments and others, light housekeeping, personal grooming and dressing, medications, showering assistance, and respite care for the main, family caregivers. Some seniors they serve have permanent disabilities, such as those who are blind, have dementia or are amputees, and are not ambulatory. Some younger seniors need help for temporary disabilities due to accidents, surgeries or injury.

“We have a transition program with hospitals, to reduce the readmission rate,” James shared.

“If a Medicare patient is readmitted within a 30-day period for the same diagnosis, they are responsible to pay the costs,” Constance explained. “With in-home care we are able to help them stay at home with the needed care, with such things as medication reminders, and proper nutrition. That’s critical, because so many who forget to take their medicine or don’t eat right, end up getting readmitted to the hospital.”

“Those costs can be as much as $5,000 a day,” she added.

“We’re able to help them avoid spending their savings and borrowing from their retirement account,” James said. “They could pay $30,000 at the hospital or just a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, with us. Plus, they’ll have someone who will provide them one-on-one care.”

The rates for the services of Seniors Helping Seniors are $26 to $28 per hour with a minimum of two hours per day, based on care needs. They also offer overnight stays and 24-hour care, seven days a week.

The Tolberts are also able to reach outside of their franchise territory to serve those who aren’t currently being served by a franchisee, such as in Martinez, and even San Joaquin Valley cities like Tracy, Manteca and Modesto.

Should you, a loved one or other senior you know have a need for in-home care, contact Seniors Helping Seniors 24-hours a day at (925) 698-6145 or constance@seniorcarebrentwoodca.com for a free RN consultation and assessment. They are bonded, insured and licensed with the State of California, and are in compliance with the new regulations that went into effect as of January, this year. For more information visit their website at www.seniorcarebrentwoodca.com.

Antioch High grad returns home to direct his next movie, includes locals as extras

By Leave a Comment

Director Anthony C. Ferrante (right, in Ramones shirt) watches the shooting on a monitor with some of his crew outside the El Campanil Theatre in downtown Antioch, Monday night, August 22, 2016.

Director Anthony C. Ferrante (right, in Ramones shirt) watches the shooting on a monitor with some of his crew outside the El Campanil Theatre in downtown Antioch, Monday night, August 22, 2016.

By Allen Payton

While attending Antioch High School, Anthony C. Ferrante took a film course at Los Medanos College. The movie director, who gained fame with his four Sharknado films, has been back in Antioch, over the past two weeks, filming a TV thriller entitled Forgotten Evil.

Shooting outside scenes at El Campanil Theatre.

Shooting outside scenes at El Campanil Theatre.

“My very first film I shot at the El Campanil Theatre but the lights went out,” Ferrante said in an interview this week. “I shot a whole other horror film in the basement and at the Riverview Lodge.”

“I filmed a lot of different things in Antioch,” he added.

Besides his course at LMC, Ferrante earned his liberal arts degree in film studies from San Francisco State. He also used to be the entertainment critic for the former Antioch Ledger-Dispatch newspaper, for years.

He shared how the idea of returning to his hometown came about.

“I actually had been trying to find something I could do in Antioch for awhile,” Ferranted stated. “We shot for a day in San Francisco for Sharknado 4. Then after I said ‘Let’s drive back through Antioch on our way back to L.A.’”

“I forgot how cool downtown was,” he offered.

That was earlier this year. Then he was asked to direct his latest film.

“When this project happened, they asked me where I wanted to shoot. I said ‘why don’t we look at Antioch,’” Ferrante said. “I got to revisit the place I did my first short films.”

“I wrote the script four weeks ago, and I kept thinking about Antioch and it was perfect,” he continued.

Family and friends of the crew, as well as other local residents served as extras for the audience scene inside the El Campanil Theatre.

Family and friends of the crew, as well as other local residents served as extras for the audience scene inside the El Campanil Theatre.

So, he and his crew arrived a few weeks ago and began recruiting family, friends and other local residents to be extras in the film

“We shot a few days at the high school. We changed the script to fit where we were shooting,” Ferrante explained. “We decided to call Antioch, Antioch in the script. But we’re also shooting in a coastal city.”

They also shot at the site of his first film, the El Campanil.

“One of our producers back in L.A. said they were stunned at how good the theater looked,” he stated. “It’s such a beautiful downtown. Film companies are always looking for places that are easy to do it without a lot of hassle.”

Ferrante said he is “hoping by setting the movie in downtown that other movies will be made here.”

“It still has a small town feel and attitude,” he added.

Ferrante offered his appreciation and thoughts about Antioch.

Extras wave for the selfie photo being taken by the stars of the movie inside the El Campanil Theatre.

Extras wave for the selfie photo being taken by the stars of the movie inside the El Campanil Theatre.

“Everything you’re trying to do to revitalize it, like the concerts,” he offered. “It looks like you’re looking at a town out of time. It’s just gorgeous.”

He wanted people to know how supportive and how positive that everyone has been.

“It’s been really cool,” Ferrante stated. “A lot of friends have been coming out and hanging out. Every time we’ve turned around there’s been generosity.”

He was grateful for the support of the Antioch Police, the Chief, the Antioch High School, the principal.

“We also used Martin Gonsalves’ law offices,” he explained. “Rick Carraher of the El Campanil has been amazing. City hall has been great getting us the permits and allowing us to shoot here. Lynn [Kutsal, owner] of Nature’s Bounty has been catering for us and making great food. The carrot cake with cream cheese on top has been the best thing ever. The enchilada chicken salad everyone just loved.”

They also shot some of the film at the Antioch Police Facility and the marina, this week.

“This all kind of worked out,” Ferrante continued. “We used the locals for extras. We’ve been low maintenance for the most part.”

On Monday, August 22nd they filmed inside and outside of the El Campanil Theatre, including in the basement in one of the “creepy rooms” in the front of the building, as described by a member of the film crew. That was also when they needed the most extras, to play members of the audience inside the auditorium. About 100 residents were there. A few were asked to remain for the shooting of the outside scenes. The extras were paid $10 per hour for their participation.

They also shot some of the footage at the Antioch Police Facility and the marina, this week.

Today and Friday will be their last days of filming, in Antioch.

“Then we’re done and start working on editing,” Ferrante said.

The main actors of Forgotten Evil include Masiela Lusha, who was in Sharknado 4 but gained her fame as the daughter of George Lopez in the TV series of the same name.

Ferrante shared more about the made for TV movie.

Shooting in one of the rooms in the basement of El Campanil Theatre.

Shooting in one of the rooms in the basement of El Campanil Theatre.

“I started the script in mid-June,” he explained. “The company came to me with a bunch of thrillers. I picked out the one I was most interested in and gave it some treatment.”

“Sharknado 4 we started in February and delivered it to the network in July,” Ferranted shared. “It was a very short time period for making a movie.”

Asked about when we can see Antioch in his new movie, he replied “I have to have it finished by the end of the year. It probably will air early next year.”

The movie will be sold, once it’s finished. Ferrante isn’t sure yet to which company that will be nor on which channel it will air. But, he hopes to let Antioch residents see it, first.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to do some kind of screening or something,” Ferrante added. “Possibly at the El Campanil Theatre. That’s where we’d love to have it.”

Ferrante is married. They have one daughter and live in Los Angeles. One of his sisters still lives in Antioch and the other lives in Napa.

So, expect to see him back in town, not only for the screening, but hopefully more movie making in the future.

Contra Costa CASE Team makes arrests, seizure of guns, money, drugs, ammo in Pittsburg

By Leave a Comment

photo courtesy of Contra Costa County Sheriff

photo courtesy of Contra Costa County Sheriff.

Following an investigation, members of the CASE (Contra Costa County Anti-Violence Support Effort) Team executed a search warrant on Wednesday, August 25, 2016 in the 3600 block of Olympia Circle in Pittsburg. Inside the residence, CASE found nearly a pound of methamphetamine (worth approximately $10,000), four firearms, approximately 150 rounds of various calibers of ammunition, digital scales, hundreds of small plastic bags used in the sales of controlled substances, and over $5,000 in U.S. currency.

The CASE Team arrested 41-year-old Leopoldo Fernandez and 41-year-old Jeanna Gomez, both of Pittsburg. They were booked into county jail on numerous drug and firearms related violations, including felon in possession of a firearm. Fernandez is being held in lieu of $615,000 bail: Gomez’s bail is set at $165,000.

The CASE Team is a joint effort by the Office of the Sheriff, California Department of Justice, California Highway Patrol, Pittsburg Police Department, and Walnut Creek Police Department. CASE was created in November 2011 as a collaborative effort to reduce violent crimes in Contra Costa, especially those related to illegal firearms.

 

Extras needed for new movie by Sharknado director filming in Antioch, this week

By Leave a Comment

By Allen Payton

If you’ve ever wanted to be in a movie, this may be your chance. Antioch’s own Anthony Ferrante, the director of the Sharknado films, is back in town with his crew filming a new movie entitled Forgotten Evil. And they need extras, starting tonight, Monday, August 22nd.

More about Ferrante and the movie, later. But, for now, according to Kris Wynne, Line Producer for the movie, following is the schedule for extras needed for the film:

 (Please don’t wear black, white or stripes and NO logos)

MONDAY 8/22 – El Campanil Theatre  6PM-10PM

TUESDAY 8/23 – Riverview Lodge  6PM

WEDNESDAY 8/24 – Southern Cafe 8PM

THURSDAY 8/25 – Los Medanos College (Time to be announced)

FRIDAY 8/26 – Antioch Convalescent Home 3PM

If interested, please email casfilm2016@gmail.com

Supervisor Piepho seeks residents to serve on county commissions

By Leave a Comment

Contra Costa County Supervisor Mary Nejedly Piepho is seeking qualified, motivated candidates to serve on the following county advisory committees:

County Library Commission

2 seats

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors and the County Librarian. They provide a community linkage to the County Library and establish a forum for the community to express its views regarding goals and operations of the County Library. The Commission assists the Board of Supervisors and the County Librarian to provide library services based on assessed public needs and develops and recommends proposals to the Board of Supervisors and the County Librarian for the betterment of the County Library including, but not limited to, such efforts as insuring a stable and adequate funding level for the libraries in the County.

The Commission meets on the 4th Thursday of every other month at 7:00 p.m. located at 75 Santa Barbara in Pleasant Hill.

Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board

1 seat

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The board assesses family and community needs regarding treatment and prevention of alcohol and drug abuse problems and provides input and recommendations on prevention, intervention, and treatment services to the Contra Costa Health Services Department, the Board of Supervisors, and the communities they serve.

The Board meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 3:45 p.m. located at the Alcohol and Other Drugs Services Division, 1220 Morello Avenue, Suite 200 in Martinez.

Emergency Medical Care Committee

2 seats

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Emergency Medical Care Committee (EMCC) function is to review the operations of each of the following at least annually:

  1. Ambulance services operating within the county.
  2. Emergency medical care offered within the county,
  3. First aid practices in the county.

Regular meetings of the EMCC shall be held at least four (4) times per year or more often as deemed necessary. Meetings will convene at 4:00 p.m. on the Second Wednesday of March, June, September, and December unless otherwise directed by the EMCC or its Executive Committee. Location: Contra Costa County Schools Insurance Group, 550 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill, CA.

Family & Children’s Trust Commission

1 seat

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Commission conducts a bi-annual needs assessment on family and children’s services in the County.

The Commission meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 8:30 a.m. located at the Employment and Human Services Dept., 40 Douglas Drive, in Martinez

Discovery Bay P-6 Citizen Advisory Committee

1 seat – Ravenswood Development

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

To make reports and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on extended police protection services which shall include, but not limited to, enforcement of the State Vehicle Code where authorized by law, crime prevention, and litter control.

The Committee meets on the 2nd Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m. located at 1800 Willow Lake Road in Discovery Bay.

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District’s Fire Advisory Commission

1 Alternate seat

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Commission shall review and advise on annual operations and capital budgets; to review district expenditures; to review and advise on long-range capital improvement plans; pursuant to district ordinance to serve as the Appeals Board on weed abatement matters; to advise the Fire Chief on district service matters; to meet jointly with the Board of Supervisors and provide advice to the board as needed; to communicate with the other fire district advisory commissions on services and functional integration; to assist in the Fire Chief’s selection process as required; to serve as liaison between the Board of Supervisors and the community served by each district; to perform such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned and as directed by the Board of Supervisors.

The Commission meets on the 2nd Monday of February, April, June, August, October and December located at the Administration Building, 2010 Geary Road in Pleasant Hill.
Bethel Island Municipal Advisory Committee

1 seat

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Council shall advise the Board of Supervisors on land use and planning matters affecting the community of Bethel Island and may represent the Bethel Island community before the Board of Supervisors, the East County Regional Planning Commission and the Zoning Administrator on such issues as land use, planning and zoning. The Council may also represent the Bethel Island Community before the Local Agency Formation Commission no proposed boundary changes affecting the community. The Council may advise the Board on services which may be provided to the Bethel Island Community by Contra Costa County or other local governmental agencies.
The Council meets on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. located at Scout Hall, 3190 Ranch Lane in Bethel Island.

Background

The Board of Supervisors receives valuable input and community participation from numerous citizen advisory boards on a range of issues. Boards usually meet monthly on a regular basis.
Candidates for these positions must live in District III or any specified boundary area for special districts.  District III is comprised of the cities of Antioch, Brentwood, and Oakley, and the unincorporated communities of Bethel Island, Blackhawk, Byron, Diablo, Discovery Bay, and Knightsen.

For more information visit http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/753/Resident-Advisory-Councils.

Click here to download an application from the County’s website.  Applications should be submitted to the Clerk of the Board’s office, 925.335.1900, located at 651 Pine Street, Martinez, CA 94553.

For more information, including on how to apply, you may contact Supervisor Piepho’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Lea Castleberry at 925.820.8683.

Author and producer of Obama, Hillary books and documentaries Dinesh D’Souza in East County, September 11

By Leave a Comment

HA Poster Final 72dpiJoin the Bay Area Republican Women Clubs in a lovely winery in East Contra Costa for an afternoon with noted documentary journalist and best-selling author Dinesh D’Souza as he details the impact of the Progressive movement in the USA. His new book Stealing America, was released in November, 2015 and has a rating of almost 90% on Amazon. D’Souza’s new documentary, Hillary’s America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party, is based on the book and was released in theaters, nationwide in July, 2016.

In 2010, D’Souza wrote The Roots of Obama’s Rage, described as the most influential political book of the year, set off a firestorm that ultimately led to D’Souza’s first film, 2016: Obama’s America which rose to the second highest grossing political documentary of all time.

In 2012, his second analysis of Obama, Obama’s America: Unmaking the American Dream, climbed to #1 on the New York Times bestseller list.

In D’Souza’s 2014 book, America: Imagine The World Without Her, became the #1 New York Times bestselling book and the movie by the same title was the sixth most successful political documentary of all time. Later that year, D’Souza found himself hauled into federal court for improperly donating money to a friend running for the Senate. He pleaded guilty, apologized, and was sentenced to eight months in a state-run confinement center near his home in San Diego.

Tickets

VIP $175 per person – 1:30 pm entry

Includes a personalized signed book, professional photo with Dinesh, wine from the venue, and preferred seating for the keynote.

General Admission $100 per person – 2:00 pm entry

Appetizers Served, No Host Bar

For Tickets contact: Liz Ritchie, President, East Contra Costa Republican Women Federated lizritchie@me.com or (925) 684-4995. For more information visit www.eastcontracostarepublicanwomen.org.

Dinesh D'Souza

Dinesh D’Souza

About Dinesh D’Souza

Born in Mumbai, India, Dinesh D’Souza came to the U.S. as an exchange student and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Dartmouth College in 1983.

A former policy analyst in the Reagan White House, D’Souza also served as John M. Olin Fellow at the American Enterprise Instituteand the Robert and Karen Rishwain Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. He served as the president of The King’s College in New York City from 2010 to 2012.

His first book ,Illiberal Education (1991), publicized the phenomenon of political correctness in America’s colleges and universities and became a New York Times bestseller for 15 weeks.

In 1995, D’Souza published The End of Racism, which became one of the most controversial books of the time and another national bestseller. His 1997 book, Ronald Reagan: How an Ordinary Man Became an Extraordinary Leader, was the first book to make the case for Reagan’s intellectual and political importance. D’Souza’s The Virtue of Prosperity (2000) explored the social and moral implications of wealth.

In 2002, D’Souza published his New York Times bestseller What’s So Great About America, which anticipated the case that would need to be made for American exceptionalism and was critically acclaimed for its thoughtful patriotism. His 2003 book, Letters to a Young Conservative, has become a handbook for a new generation of young conservatives inspired by D’Souza’s style and ideas.

In 2010, D’Souza wrote The Roots of Obama’s Rage, which was described as the most influential political book of the year, and set off a firestorm which ultimately led to D’Souza’s first film, 2016: Obama’s America. The film quickly rose to the second highest grossing political documentary of all time.

D’Souza’s second analysis of Obama came in his 2012 book, Obama’s America: Unmaking the American Dream, which climbed to #1 on the New York Times bestseller list.

His 2014 book, America: Imagine The World Without Her, became the #1 New York Times bestselling book and the movie by the same title was the sixth most successful political documentary of all time.

In the fall of 2014, D’Souza found himself hauled into federal court for improperly donating money to a friend who was running for the Senate. D’Souza pleaded guilty, apologized for his offense, and was sentenced to eight months in a state-run confinement center near his home in San Diego.

D’Souza’s latest book Stealing America, rose to #16 on Publisher’s Weekly.

Burgis endorsed by DA Peterson, Sheriff Livingston, firefighters and deputy sheriffs in campaign for Supervisor

By Leave a Comment

Today, East Bay Regional Park District Director Diane Burgis, candidate for Contra Costa County Supervisor in District Three, earned the enthusiastic endorsement of the Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs Association, Antioch Police Officers Association, Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston and District Attorney Mark Peterson, as well as the endorsement recommendation of the Executive Board of the United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County, Local 1230.

“We need tough, principled leadership to tackle the long-standing problem of inadequate fire protection coverage in the county,” said Vince Wells, President of the United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County, Local 1230. “Diane Burgis is the only candidate for District Three we can trust to get the job done. She’s not just another politician – she has the proven competence and know-how necessary to improve fire protection services for every East County resident.”

Fire and emergency resources in East County are inadequate, leading to longer response times and lower quality fire and emergency services. Multiple district firehouses have closed due to a lack of proper funding.

“Diane Burgis is uniquely qualified to tackle the challenges our county faces,” said Shawn Welch, President of the Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs Association. “Under her watch, Oakley was recognized as one of the safest cities in the state. As a city councilmember, she supported police so that they could do their jobs fighting crime. As a park director, she partnered with law enforcement to make sure every tax dollar was spent wisely.  I and my fellow deputies are proud to stand with her this November.”

The Contra Costa Deputy Sheriffs Association is dedicated to the security and well-being of Contra Costa’s citizens and the protection of its 830+ employees. The United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County, Local 1230 includes over 450 firefighters from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, East Contra Costa County Fire District and various city fire departments. The Antioch Police Officers Association represents 120 police officers serving in the Antioch Police Department.

“Diane Burgis asks the right questions, listens closely to her constituents and then fights on their behalf,” said David Livingston, Contra Costa County Sheriff-Coroner. “I know I can count on her. She’s not one to pick political expediency over doing the right thing. She’s mastered the issues and demonstrated true skill as a leader, building coalitions and solving problems while putting a high priority on public safety.”

Diane Burgis currently serves as an East Bay Regional Parks District director and is the executive director of the Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed. Previously, she served as an Oakley city councilmember and spent over ten years as a small business owner. She highlights four priorities for her candidacy: improving public safety, attracting economic development, ensuring fiscal accountability and preserving the delta for future generations.

“Diane will work hard to develop the resources our police, firefighters and prosecutors need to keep us safe,” said Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark Peterson. “As a small business owner, nonprofit manager and public official, she has proven that she can balance a budget and defend taxpayers. I endorse her with no reservations – our county needs a real leader on the board.”

Diane Burgis is also endorsed by County Supervisor Mary Piepho, Assemblymember Joan Buchanan and a broad coalition of elected officials and leaders from every city and community in the district.

“I am honored by this extraordinary vote of confidence from our county’s bravest public servants,” said Diane Burgis, Candidate for Contra Costa County Supervisor in District Three. “I pledge to work collaboratively with our firefighters, sheriffs and every district resident to find effective solutions as we work together to improve public safety for all.”

Voters can learn more about her and her platform at www.dianeburgis.com.

Police make arrest, DA files charges in July murder of Antioch man in North Richmond

By Leave a Comment

Kendrick Barfield

Kendrick Barfield

On Tuesday, July 19th, 2016 at 9:45 PM, Richmond police officers responded to calls of multiple shots fired in the city’s Central District – North Richmond, with a possible victim of a shooting.  Officers arrived and found 32 yr. old Paul King of Richmond suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper torso.  Mr. King was lying in the middle of the roadway in the 200 block of Gertrude Ave. where he succumbed to his injuries.

Homicide Detective M. Castillo along with other detectives responded to the scene and began their investigation.  Detectives learned that the incident was about an argument between Paul King and the suspect.  The disagreement escalated and the suspect shot Mr. King multiple times before he fled from the scene.  Detective Castillo identified the suspect as 39 yr. old Kendrick Barfield of Richmond.

On Friday, July 29th, 2016, Detective Castillo, along with RPD’s Special Investigations Section (SIS) detectives located and arrested Barfield in an apartment in the city’s Southern District.

On Tuesday, August 2nd, 2016, Kendrick Barfield was charged for the murder of Paul King and multiple enhancements.  His bail is set at $5.8 million.