Contra Costa Herald

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

22nd Annual Discovery Bay Parade of Lights Dec. 7

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See Super Heroes with Magical Super Powers beginning at 6:00 PM

Join us on Saturday, December 7th for the 22nd Annual Discovery Bay Parade of Lights!

This year’s decorating theme is inspired by the event date of Pearl Harbor Day, and by the amazing heroes we have in our community, the iconic toys and characters that delight us, and of course the Super Hero with Magical Super Powers who IS the ‘reason for the season’.

The Parade-of-Lights theme is ALWAYS about delighting children, creating memories of this community that they will treasure, and of an age-friendly community in which everyone is served.

The Parade-of-Lights is presented by local nonprofit, ROAR California, and their mission is to encourage and facilitate age-friendly communities, and supported by generous community sponsors.

Street Route: From Marina Road to Discovery Bay Blvd. (and the site of Discovery Bay’s Community Tree!)

Part 1 of 2: Former Antioch cop’s attorney files motion to dismiss, claims Protected Whistle Blower activities in sexting scandal

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Former Antioch Police Officer Devon Wenger is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern District of California. Herald file photo

Alleges prosecutorial misconduct, claims retaliation; says evidence used was unlawfully obtained, information withheld from defense; separate matter from and not involved in racist text scandal

Devon Wenger, who was not terminated but resigned, faces charges of attempted civil rights violations, illegal use of force, conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute anabolic steroids

“There’s a lot there that is political.” – Attorney Nicole Castronovo

Oakland, CA – A former Antioch Police officer who spoke out against sexually explicit group texts among department members is fighting back against a malicious prosecution which has made him the scandal’s scapegoat as punishment for blowing the whistle.

Former Officer Devon Christopher Wenger of the Antioch Police Department, who resigned from the force on June 5, 2023, and is embroiled in a high-profile case stemming from the department’s texting scandal, filed a motion to dismiss the charges against him which have been grossly exaggerated as retribution.

The motion to dismiss was filed Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, by Wenger’s attorney, Nicole Castronovo, and argues evidence used against Wenger was unlawfully obtained, undermining his right to a fair trial. Castronovo further alleges prosecutors improperly withheld key exculpatory information from the defense.

“The manner in which this investigation was conducted shows a blatant disregard for Wenger’s constitutional rights,” Castronovo said. “We have uncovered that evidence has been manipulated, critical facts have been omitted and exculpatory material has been ignored. This entire case is being levied against my client as a vicious act of retribution and is a gross misuse of the criminal justice system.”

Along with other Antioch officers, Wenger was arrested on Thursday, August 17, 2023, and prosecuted as a result of the investigations by the FBI and the Office of the Contra Costa County District Attorney. He was originally charged with 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1), and (b)(1)(E)(i) Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids; 18 U.S.C. § 1519 Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations and 18 U.S.C. §§ 241 Conspiracy Against Rights, 242 Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law. (See related articles here, here and here)

However, Castronovo said Wenger is facing only three charges, “conspiracy to commit civil rights violations based solely on the text messages and with illegal use of force, for using what’s called a 40,” which is a non-lethal weapon. “He did so at the command of his sergeant, and it was within policy. So, they charged him for something found to be within policy,” she added. Wenger is also facing the steroid charges in a separate case in which he’s represented by a different attorney.

Regarding his claim of having whistleblower status Castronovo said, “He was a whistle blower on all kinds of things. His lieutenant had an affair with Wenger’s girlfriend. There’s a lot there that is political. He didn’t send any of the racist text messages. He also blew the whistle on a sexting scandal.”

Recently filed court documents uncovered a prior FBI investigation into the Antioch Police Department during which evidence was mishandled and not appropriately sealed. That evidence, in an unrelated, State-level case, is now potentially being used by federal prosecutors against Wenger.

Key to Wenger’s claims of misconduct include a declaration highlighting the testimony of Larry Wallace, who served as a high-ranking law enforcement advisor under Vice President Kamala Harris during her tenure as California Attorney General. Wallace resigned after being sued for sexual harassment and now works as an investigator in the Contra Costa DA’s Office.

Federal prosecutors failed to mention Wallace was part of a joint operation with the FBI starting in November 2021. The government also did not disclose the FBI’s simultaneous seizure of Wenger’s phone in the unrelated state-level investigation.

In a testimony given on October 25, 2024, Wallace admitted he illegally mishandled sensitive data and failed to seal private information during his involvement in the FBI investigation of the Antioch Police Department in 2021. The mishandling of that evidence resulted in the unauthorized use of Wenger’s personal communications and violated his legal right to privacy. It also violated the stringent rules of CalECPA (California Electronic Communications Privacy Act).

In addition, the Herald later broke the news on Aug. 17, 2023, that Wallace also failed to properly redact officers’ names, cell phone numbers and alleged crimes in a report released to the media. Exclusive: Contra Costa DA’s Office under fire for releasing report revealing phone numbers of Antioch cops in text scandal, names of Antioch, Pittsburg cops, alleged crimes in FBI investigation | Contra Costa Herald

Exclusive: Contra Costa DA’s Office under fire for releasing report revealing phone numbers of Antioch Police Officers in text scandal, names of Antioch, Pittsburg officers, alleged crimes in FBI investigation | Antioch Herald

The chain of evidence log demonstrates that the FBI seized Wenger’s phone on March 28, 2022, well before federal warrants were signed authorizing the seizure of evidence in this current case and raise significant questions about the legality of the evidence and the government’s representations to the Court.

Federal prosecutors also misrepresented to the Court the number of search warrants in existence, referring to only two warrants in their moving papers (dated May and July of 2023), which postdate Wallace’s defective state warrants in the earlier FBI investigation.

These misrepresentations are critical, as the defense contends that the Independent Source Doctrine, invoked by the government to justify the evidence, cannot apply under such circumstances, where an investigation since its inception has been a joint task force between state and local agencies.

Castronovo also questions the independence of the investigation, arguing that federal prosecutors heavily relied on data from state-level investigations, which violated the Independent Source Doctrine.

“We are determined to see that justice prevails,” Castronovo emphasized. “Officer Wenger is entitled to a fair trial, free from unlawful manipulation and misconduct by those in power.”

APOA Attorney Submits Declaration About Wallace in Support of Wenger

Michael Rains, the attorney for the Antioch Police Officers Association, whose firm has been representing more than a dozen officers caught up in the investigations, submitted a Declaration in Support of Wenger’s Motion to Dismiss “based upon prosecutorial misconduct and ineffective assistance of counsel, in the alternative defendant requests a change of venue.” In his declaration, the APOA attorney wrote of his cross-examination of Wallace in another case in which Rains was defending an Antioch Police Officer. He wrote, “According to California Penal Code Section 1546.1, also known as CalECPA, it is a legal requirement to seal any information obtained through the execution of a search warrant that is unrelated to the objective of the warrant. Any such sealed information should not be subject to further review, use, or disclosure except pursuant to a court order or to comply with discovery as required by Sections 1054.1 of the Penal Code.

“When I questioned Wallace at arbitration as to whether he had complied with the requirements of CalECPA he admitted that (1) he neither sealed the information nor (2) did he seek any further order from the court to use the information for any other purpose. From my involvement in discipline cases involving several Antioch officers, I know the text messages relied upon by the City of Antioch to terminate officers, did not result from a Court Order authorizing such use,” the APOA attorney’s declaration further states.

Rains also wrote, “Wallace admitted in his testimony that he ha last received training on search warrants in 2004, and never received any training concerning CalECPA, which became law in 2021, as it pertains to writing search warrants.”

“Wallace testified that in November 2021, he received an anonymous postcard from the Pittsburg Police Department as well as information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding steroid use amongst Antioch Police Officers and Pittsburg police officers and a joint investigation was launched by the FBI and the Contra Costa County DA’s office,” the declaration states. “It was communicated to Wallace that the Chief of Pittsburg Police Department gave the post card to Chief of Inspectors Arnold Threets, who then assigned the investigation to Wallace. ‘Almost simultaneously’, upon receipt of the postcard Wallace was visited by FBI Agent Thuy Zobach regarding issues in the wiretap room concerning Officer Timothy Manly Williams of the Antioch Police Department. Notably the postcard never mentioned Devon Wenger…by name.”

Asked if one of the 8 cell phones seized by Wallace was Wenger’s personal cell. Castronovo said it was. According to Rains’ declaration, the phones were seized by Wallace in 2022, after he prepared the state warrant on March 22nd that year. Wallace turned it over to the FBI on March 28th. But I have a receipt for property on April 11, 2022, that includes Wenger’s phone, which is when they gave it back to Wallace,” Castronovo shared. “So, they probably dumped it during those two weeks. But the FBI didn’t issue a warrant for it until the following year.”

The judge in the hearing for Castronovo’s motion to suppress the evidence from the phone, “chose to listen to the FBI. He’s a former Assistant U.S. Attorney,” she explained. “The federal prosecutors just called it moot and said they wouldn’t use the evidence, which was really fishy, to me.”

“What’s interesting in their moving papers they said there were only three search warrants,” which would have only covered three phones, Castronovo shared. “But in the FBI’s search warrant it shows there were eight,” for the eight phones.

Rains Also Exploring Legal Options, Damages to Officers for Wallace’s Release of Information

As previously reported about the release of information by Wallace, Rains said, “I am exploring legal options including a possible lawsuit related to our grave concerns about the way in which this report was ordered released by the court to begin with, when I was supposed to be given the opportunity on behalf of the officers to seek a protective order.”

“Plus, the release by the DA’s Office when they told me, the judge told me to tell Chief Assistant DA Simon O’Connell to not release the report until I had the opportunity to be heard,” he continued. “We tried to set up dates with the defense attorneys on Monday, after the morning appearance I made. Then I received an email from O’Connell on Tuesday that the judge ordered the report released. I feel betrayed by both the judge and by the DA’s Office.”

“I’m exploring the damages done to the officers due to the actions by the DA’s Office,” Rains added.

DA’s Office Will Not Comment

Wallace and the Contra Costa DA’s Office were asked for comment regarding the claims about his testimony in Wenger’s case. The DA’s spokesman, Ted Asregadoo, responded, “We will not comment on an active federal prosecution in which the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office was involved or address the inaccuracies in the press release you shared. However, we want to clarify that Larry Wallace, an employee of our office, acted in compliance with a court order to release information to defense attorneys in a March 2021 murder case in the City of Antioch.”

Wenger’s Next Hearing Possibly Dec. 10

The next hearing for Wenger is tentatively scheduled for December 10, 2024, at the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, where these and other issues raised by the defense’s motion to dismiss will be addressed.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood councilwoman’s use of fire chaplain’s photo without permission, claim of fire district merger accomplishments challenged

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Con Fire Lead Chaplain and Antioch priest Father Robert Rien (left), Councilwoman Jovita Mendoza (right) and the disputed photo from her campaign mailer. Sources: Herald file photo, Brian Oftedal and Mendoza campaign Facebook account posted on Jan. 18, 2024.

“She had absolutely nothing to do with the merger… I know who did and didn’t work on it…” Con Fire Chaplain Fr. Robert Rien

Calls for Jovita Mendoza’s censure by city council

Also questioned about using official City email for campaign, challenged by opponent for not signing Code of Conduct but does not respond

UPDATE: Mendoza responds via video doubles down with no apology for use of photo

By Allen D. Payton

A mailer was sent out by Brentwood District 1 City Councilwoman Jovita Mendoza in support of her re-election campaign, in District 3, that included a photo of herself and Con Fire Lead Chaplain Fr. Robert Rein, a Catholic priest and Pastor of St. Ignatius Church in Antioch, which he says she didn’t have permission to use. He sent a letter to the editor last week sharing that fact, saying he hasn’t endorsed the councilwoman and that he’s asked Mendoza to “revoke the flyer and clarify that she used my photograph with her fraudulently.” Yet, as of last Friday, Oct.19 she had not responded to his email sent the week before.

“No, I haven’t received any phone call or email from her, as of today,” Rien said. “I thought she would have had the courtesy to ask me first.”

“The firefighters brought the mailer to me and said, ‘You know, you can’t endorse candidates,’ and I said, ‘What? I know. I don’t even know who she is,” he explained.

Rien also said he doesn’t recall when the photo was taken. Asked if it was during the push-in ceremony for the new fire truck at one of the Brentwood fire stations earlier this year, he said, “We had a push-in event. I do the blessing and the dedication.”

That push-in ceremony was held in June and Mendoza was in attendance for the event. (See related article)

“I don’t even remember taking the photo,” Rien added.

“The bishop sent us two letters telling us clearly we cannot endorse in any political campaigns,” the priest and fire chaplain explained. “It could jeopardize our 501c3 status.”

Rien Asks for Council Censure of Mendoza, Action from Diocese

When reached once more today, Tuesday, Oct. 22, Rien said he still hadn’t heard from Mendoza and that he had sent a letter to the city council asking for them to censure the councilwoman for not taking responsibility for her actions.

“I thought she would have at least apologized to me and for causing us potential challenges,” Rien added who said he would be contacting the vicar asking him to request the Diocese’s Bishop to take further action.

A portion of Jovita Mendoza’s campaign material showing her claim about the fire district merger as an accomplishment.

Says Mendoza’s Fire District Merger Claim False

The mailer from Mendoza’s campaign also claims as one of her accomplishments, “Improved emergency services with the merger of the ECCRFPD and CoCoCo Fire, with no additional taxes placed on residents.”

About the fire district merger claim Rien was emphatic saying, “She had absolutely nothing to do with the merger. I knew who was working to make it happen and happen smoothly. Brian Helmick, Chief Brochard and Diane Burgis were the ones, and Brian Oftedal was the president of the fire board at the time and was working with them.”

“I know who did and didn’t work on it and for her to continue to take credit is just completely dishonest,” the priest stated.

As previously reported, on March 9, 2022, the Contra Costa County Local Area Formation Commission (LAFCo) unanimously approved the annexation of East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) to the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (CCCFPD) and the dissolution of ECCFPD. Oftedal was President of the ECCFPD Board of Directors at that time. The two fire districts finalized their merger on July 1, 2022, during a Transfer of Command ceremony.

Oftedal Takes Issue with Mendoza’s Claim

Her opponent, Contra Costa County Fire Advisory Commission Chair and former President of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District Board, Oftedal responded to Mendoza’s claim and shared a video excerpt from a recent candidates’ forum. He said, “Councilmember Mendoza is claiming some sort of responsibility for fixing ECCFPD and also that she returns all emails (as seen in the video attached).”

In that video Mendoza said, “I always return every single email, every single call, every single Facebook comment or Facebook message or in the Next Door.”

Jovita Mendoza’s 2024 re-election campaign Facebook page showing her official City email address (see yellow outlined box) for voters to contact her. Screenshot taken Oct. 22, 2024.

Questions for Mendoza Go Unanswered

A copy of her mailer containing the photo with Rien and the video shared by Oftedal were sent to Mendoza on Friday afternoon, Oct. 18, 2024, asking her the following questions: “To give you the benefit of the doubt, have you seen and read his email (as sometimes they end up in junk folders if it was the first time Fr. Rien has emailed you)? Have you been out of town on vacation and unable to access your emails?”

She was also asked, “Did you intend the photo to imply Fr. Rien’s endorsement? If not, did you or whomever is helping your campaign think to ask him or those in the other photos for their permission to appear on the mailer? Have you contacted Fr. Rien, today and will you now publicly state that the use of the photo with him was done without his permission and that it does not constitute an endorsement of your campaign?”

“How many copies of the mailer were sent out?” Mendoza was also asked.

She was also informed that Oftedal is challenging the claim in her mailer taking credit for the fire district merger and that no tax increases were incurred. Mendoza was then asked, “What role did you play in the merger before LAFCo approved it in March 2022 and ensuring there were ‘no additional taxes placed on residents’?”

Finally, the councilwoman was asked, “On another matter, why are you using your official, taxpayer-funded City email address for your campaign, as it appears on your re-election Facebook page instead of either a personal or campaign email address?”

As of Tuesday, Oct. 22, Mendoza had not responded.

Oftedal Challenges Mendoza’s Claim of Returning All Calls and Emails, Use of City Email for Campaign, Failure to Sign City Council Code of Conduct

Oftedal shared additional comments about the mailer saying, “Councilmember Mendoza clearly indicated during our recorded Brentwood Candidate Forum that she returns all forms of communication. As of today, my understanding is that Father Robert Rein is still waiting for an email reply, to clear his name with his superiors. As humans, we all make mistakes. If this was a mistake, I can’t understand why a simple apology couldn’t be shared.”

“As an FYI, I did reach out to Father Robert to check on his situation earlier today and he indicated that he is [sic] still not received a reply from my opponent and indicated that he submitted a public comment for tonight‘s City Council meeting,” the first-time council candidate continued.

Informed of Mendoza’s use of her official City email address on her campaign Facebook page (which continued through today) Oftedal replied, “I was not aware that my opponent was using city resources for her political campaign. I find it odd that she would not be aware that officeholders cannot use their taxpayer funded email address for campaign related activities.”

In addition, as of earlier this month, according to a ContraCosta.news report, the councilwoman has refused to sign the Brentwood City Council Code of Conduct which her opponent challenged.

“I find it bizarre that Ms. Mendoza will not sign the current Code of Conduct, yet all of the other sitting council members have signed,” Oftedal stated. “I know I am not the only community member that has concern over her rationale shared at the Brentwood Candidate Forum”.

UPDATE 1: Mendoza Doubles Down, Won’t Apologize

Jovita Mendoza in the Facebook video regarding her campaign mailer in which the photo with Fr. Rien appeared. Screenshot.

Instead of responding by phone or email to the Herald or  calling Fr. Rien to apologize, Mendoza posted a video on her campaign Facebook page on Wednesday, Oct. 23, in which she doubled down on her use of the photo with the fire chaplain, claiming she’s known him since she was young, and he was friends with her husband’s parents, while repeatedly referring to him as “Father Bob”. She also admitted she sent her husband, Michael Kleeman, whom she claims is her campaign manager, to speak with the priest in person to “clear the air with him,” she said. That occurred during a funeral Fr. Rien was conducting at St. Ignatius Church in Antioch.

The candidate also said she doesn’t believe the letter to the editor was sent by the fire chaplain. However, it was received from Fr. Rien’s personal email account, and this reporter spoke with him that same day to verify he sent it, as is done with all letters to the editor submitted to the Herald. It was also forwarded to Mendoza with the aforementioned questions. See below:

Fr. Robert Rien emailed Letter to the Editor received by the Herald on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. Screenshot.

In addition, in her video Mendoza said, “I called the parish on the 10th as soon as I found out he was upset about the mailer. That was the first thing I did. I spoke to his assistant, she transferred me to his voicemail, I left a message, name, number, information, everything he needed.”

“I also called the bishop’s office,” she continued. “The reason I did that was this was my mailer. No one on here was endorsing me. This is just information about me and what I’ve been doing the last four years. So, I wanted to make sure he was OK. Spoke to his personal assistant, she said she didn’t know what I was talking about. She told me if there was an issue she’d call me back. No one has called me back from the bishop’s office. I have yet to hear from them. So, I’m thinking it might be a non-issue.”

Regarding Rien’s quote that she had absolutely nothing to do with the (district) merger, Mendoza said she worked for it as an activist and a resident but not in her official capacity as a city council member.

She said, “That one is really false. What East Contra Costa County Fire wanted to do is stick us with $450 more per parcel on our property tax bill and I was not OK with that. So, what was going on in those days, I was…advocating…everywhere on social media, everyone I could talk to, don’t, let’s not do this, let’s do this.”

“So, at one point the chief of fire was actually trolling me all over social media,” Mendoza continued. “And I didn’t make it public. I just sent him an email and I said, ‘you need to stop harassing me. I’m not going to change my mind. I’m not going to support a tax no matter how much you want me to. It’s not gonna happen and you need to look at other options like a merger.’ I even offered my help to help them do that. So, when people say we don’t things as residents, oh, no, we do. And we’re not going to let them take away the credit that we deserve for what we do in our city.”

“And yes, I did fight for that merger and once we got Prop X on the ballot, I was out there advocating for it every single day. When they found out we weren’t going to support a tax they had to shift their plans,” she claimed.

About his letter to the editor Mendoza said, “I think someone is strong arming him to do it” and claimed “The fire department is not happy with him” referring to Fr. Rien. She then went on to claim, “He’s getting pressure from a government agency.”

As of Thursday night, Oct. 24, her video had received 25 “Likes” and 13 comments in response.

UPDATE 2: Rien Says No One Calls Him “Father Bob”, Did Work at Schools Mendoza Mentioned but “They Never Were Longtime ‘Family Friends’”

Although Rien said last week, he did not want to deal with the matter further, after an article by the ContraCosta.news about the incident with Jovita Mendoza’s husband during the funeral was published on Tuesday, Oct. 29th, additional questions were posed to the priest.

Asked if anyone else refers to him as “Father Bob”, if Mendoza might have him confused with another priest in the Diocese, and if he recalls being either her or Kleeman’s priest when they were in elementary school Rien responded, “I have been ordained 50 years this year and no one calls me, father, Bob! For at least 47 years of my life as a priest I have been referred to as father, Robert. So, I don’t know how she’s able to call me that because I don’t even think she was born when I was ordained and that was in 1974. I don’t know how old she is but even still, and as far as I know, there is no other priest, with my name in Far East County, or in Antioch.  I am just hoping that this will finally put this to rest and all of it will stop. Thank you for your personal support; it is greatly appreciated.

According to MyLife.com, Jovita R. Mendoza of Brentwood, CA is 52. So, she was born in either 1971 or 1972 depending her date of birth.

In her video she also said, “My husband came across a picture with Father Bob and what you all may not know about Father Bob is that Father Bob has history with our family. Father Bob was my preschool priest and elementary school for, I think, a year or so. Then he left St. Leander’s where I went and then he went to Corpus Christi where my husband went and he was my husband’s elementary school priest all through eighth grade, and Father Bob was friends with his mom and dad. They knew each other. So, we have a family history with Father Bob and that’s why we were excited to use the picture.”

Asked if he had worked at St. Leander’s Elementary School and Corpus Christi Elementary where she claims “Father Bob” worked when she and her husband attended those schools, the fire chaplain responded with the correct information about his work history. He said, “I was at Corpus Christi Piedmont as the Vicar from 1977 to 1982 and then went down to St. Leander in San Leandro where I was the Vicar from 1982 to 1987. I had very little to do with the school or the preschool as we were doing six to eight funerals a week as well as taking care of doctors, hospital, Vesper, the restrooms, and the convalescent home patients and I really had very little time for anything else besides the daily and Sunday masses.”

“They never were longtime ‘family friends’, and I certainly never knew that they married one another! I was stunned when I found out that Bill Kleeman’s son, Michael, had married her; I had no idea,” he continued. “My responsibility at both parishes was to the parish and their ministries, but not the schools; perhaps an occasional walk-through, or perhaps presiding for a school mass, but certainly nothing more than that.”

Publisher’s Note: Anyone running for office should obtain the permission of anyone who appears in photos used in their campaign, especially the use of photos of officials. Because it gives the false impression that the person supports and endorses the candidate. It’s a common practice which I’ve applied in my own campaigns and made sure the candidates’ campaigns for whom I’ve managed or consulted on since 1989 also follow.”

The election is November 5th.

Letters: Antioch priest, Lead Fire Chaplain says he didn’t authorize use of his photo by Brentwood councilwoman in re-election mailer

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Copy of Brentwood District 1 Councilwoman Jovita Mendoza’s re-election campaign mailer which included a photo with Con Fire Chaplain and Antioch Catholic Priest Robert Rien (see yellow circle).

Claims Jovita Mendoza won’t respond to request to “revoke the flyer”

Editor,

I am writing to clarify the situation of a political flyer that has been distributed including a photograph of Jovita Mendoza and myself.  In my position as a Priest of the Diocese of Oakland, the Pastor of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish of Antioch, and the Lead Chaplain for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, I am not allowed to support or endorse any candidate for public office nor give the impression that I do so.  The flyer in question gives the impression that I do support Jovita Mendoza for public office, and it is not true.  My consent and permission to make use of my photograph for that flyer was never sought or given.

More than a week ago, I sent her an email requesting that she revoke the flyer and clarify that she used my photograph with her fraudulently to suggest that as the fire chaplain (and possibly a priest) that I do in fact endorse and support her effort to win a seat on the Brentwood City Council.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  I write to you today to make sure that my parishioners, the members of our diocese, and the citizens of East County that I have not

violated the directives given to me by both my Bishop and the Fire Chief.  My hope is that this incident would give the citizens of Brentwood pause as to who this person really is and her disregard for ethics, professionalism, morality, and fitness for the position she seeks.

Father Robert Rien

Pastor

St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish

and

Lead Chaplain, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

Senior Fire Captain, Commission Chair, business owner Brian Oftedal runs for Brentwood council

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Source: Oftedal for Brentwood City Council campaign

Challenges incumbent on a campaign of public safety, local economic development, infrastructure, smart growth and quality of life

By Allen D. Payton

Brian Oftedal, a Senior Captain in the Oakland Fire Department, Contra Costa County Fire Advisory Commission Chair, former President of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District Board and local, small business owner, is running for Brentwood City Council in the new District 3. The first-time candidate for public office is challenging incumbent Councilwoman Jovita Mendoza, running for her second term. She currently represents District 1 but following redistricting in 2022 was moved into the neighboring council district.

Oftedal is running on a campaign slogan of “Committed to Community, Dedicated to Service”

“My wife and I have lived here for the past 24 years, and we’ve been fortunate to have raised our family here, surrounded by working farms and world-class schools,” said Oftedal. “I’ve had the privilege of serving this community on fire boards, as the Vice Chair of our parents club, and as a community volunteer promoting emergency preparedness and resilience.”

He also served as Chair of his daughters’ School Site Council.

“I’ve learned the importance of listening and inclusivity, avoiding divisive rhetoric, and creating opportunities for success that are widely shared and well-informed,” he shared.

Background

According to his LinkedIn profile, since March 2006, Oftedal has worked as the Executive Director of Priority 1 Consulting, LLC in Brentwood, “providing coaching and mentoring services for individuals in their quest to join the fire service and the public safety arena.”

He earned his paramedic license in 1998 from Paul Cline & Associates (Samaritan Training School) in Vacaville, CA and attended EMT school while in high school and in 1996 obtained the Alameda County EMT accreditation/certification from Las Positas College.

“As Chair of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Advisory Fire Board, my extensive experience in fire protection, emergency medical services, and community leadership has prepared me to effectively contribute to improving our county’s fire protection district,” Oftedal shared.

“My dedication to public safety, as evidenced by my time as President of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District and my involvement with the American Red Cross. My proven track record of leadership and service will make a meaningful impact within the community,” he added.

Issues & Platform

Oftedal shared the Focus Areas if he’s elected are Public Safety and Preparedness, Local Economic Development, Infrastructure, Smart Growth and Quality of Life.

Endorsements & Support

Oftedal is backed by community leaders including Brentwood District 4 Councilman Tony Oerlemans, Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis and District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen and Vince Wells, President of the International Association of Firefighters Local 1230.

“Brian’s extensive experience in public service equips him with a deep understanding of local issues and the ability to address them effectively,” said Oerlemans. “With a vision for smart growth and community development, Brian Oftedal is well-positioned to drive positive change in Brentwood, enhancing the quality of life for all residents. He’d be a great choice for council, and I wholeheartedly endorse him.”

Burgis said, “Brian Oftedal has demonstrated leadership by bringing people together rather than dividing them. He’s a public servant in every way. His selfless leadership as the chair of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District Board was instrumental in fixing fire protection and emergency medical service issues in East County. Brian will help preserve Brentwood’s unique hometown feel while helping the city thrive.”

“We worked with Brian on the East Contra Costa Fire board, and after annexation as Chair of the Contra Costa Fire Advisory Commission,” said Wells. “Brian’s an outstanding leader who works to bring people together to build consensus on complex issues. He’ll listen to everyone, and that’s one of the reasons why he was able to play such a large role in bringing resolution to the longstanding issue of insufficient fire service in East County. We’re enthusiastically supporting Brian’s run for council.”

Oftedal also has the endorsements of the United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County L1230, Contra Costa Labor Council, the Contra Costa Building and Construction Trades Council, Contra Costa Young Democrats and the Delta Association of Realtors.

Brian and Nicole Oftedal and their daughters during a July 4th parade and celebration in downtown Brentwood. Photo: Oftedal campaign

Personal

The 47-year-old Oftedal grew up in Southern California, is married to Nicole, and they have two daughters.

For a full list of endorsements, more information about Brian Oftedal’s candidacy call (925) 966-2800, email info@brian4brentwood.com or visit www.brian4brentwood.com.

The election is November 5th.

 

 

City welcomes CenterCal as Streets of Brentwood new owner

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Photos: DK Engineering

Plans to revitalize into “dynamic lifestyle center”; destination will soon welcome new outdoor spaces and first-to-market retailers

By Darin Gale, Brentwood Assistant City Manager

BRENTWOOD, CA – The Streets of Brentwood, located at the intersection of Highway 4 and Sand Creek Road, has transitioned to new ownership. CenterCal Properties, LLC, a prominent developer known for its vibrant retail and entertainment destinations, is now the owner of the center. CenterCal also owns and operates notable properties such as The Veranda in Concord and Bay Street in Emeryville, along with several other lifestyle centers across the western United States.

CenterCal plans to revitalize The Streets of Brentwood, transforming it into a dynamic lifestyle center where visitors can shop, dine, and enjoy entertainment in a welcoming, clean, and vibrant atmosphere. “The Streets of Brentwood will continue to provide safe, healthy, and enjoyable experiences for the more than 400,000 residents of the Delta Region. The City of Brentwood is thrilled to welcome CenterCal to our community and looks forward to partnering on this exciting new chapter for the Streets of Brentwood,” said Tim Ogden, City Manager.

CenterCal Properties is focused on creating thoughtful projects that will ensure a lasting benefit to the communities they serve. Their primary goal is to design gathering places that will strengthen the social fabric of the surrounding neighborhoods, ultimately creating prosperity, happiness and a stronger sense of community.

CenterCal honors the customer by providing the best experience possible, through design, fine restaurants and retailers, and amenities that enhance the surrounding neighborhoods. CenterCal partners with the communities in which they locate, offering visitors many activities, entertainment and events in an atmospheres, which are inviting and fun for years to come.

UPDATE: Later, CenterCal shared offered additional information about their new ownership of the center.

CenterCal Properties, a premier full-service commercial real estate company serving the western U.S., and Heitman, a global real estate investment management firm, today announced the joint acquisition of The Streets of Brentwood shopping center. The transaction underscores both companies’ commitment to enhancing community-oriented shopping centers and fostering vibrant guest experiences as they continue to expand in key markets across the western United States.

The Streets of Brentwood, a top-tier shopping destination located in Brentwood, Calif., features a dynamic and convenient mix of retail, dining, and entertainment. CenterCal Properties and Heitman plan to collectively reimagine and enhance the center’s offerings that make it a premier lifestyle destination, further solidifying its status as a cornerstone of the community. While a range of entertainment and shopping experiences are currently available, exciting additions are on the horizon, including a new community gathering space for hosting seasonal events and more renowned lifestyle brands and restaurants.

“The Streets of Brentwood is an important addition to our portfolio of premier, mixed-use properties,” said Jean Paul Wardy, CEO of CenterCal Properties. “We are committed to creating spaces that not only serve as shopping destinations but as community hubs where people can gather, relax, and enjoy a variety of experiences. We look forward to working closely with our retail partners and the Brentwood community to continue to elevate this vibrant center.”

Gordon Black, Portfolio Manager at Heitman adds, “Open-air lifestyle centers have demonstrated strong operating fundamentals post the COVID-19 pandemic. These fundamentals are further benefitting from minimal new supply and sustained demand from retailers, a trend we believe will continue. We believe this property has features that are critical to success, including partnership with an established regional operator and trade area demographics that are supportive of demand.”

The Streets of Brentwood serves four major California regions—Bay area, Tri-Valley, Sacramento Delta, and the Central Valley—with 358,700 square-feet of retail and mixed-use space.

About CenterCal Properties

CenterCal Properties LLC, a premier full-service commercial real estate company founded in 2004, is redefining the landscape of the western U.S. With a focus on community-building, the company creates spaces that foster connection, enjoyment, and a sense of belonging. Under the visionary leadership of Founder and CEO Jean Paul Wardy, CenterCal Properties has become synonymous with excellence and innovation, boasting a portfolio of iconic destinations across California, Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington. Rooted in core values that include creative persistence, high standards, resourcefulness, delivering today, and unwavering integrity, CenterCal Properties specializes in the investment, development, leasing and management of high-quality retail and mixed-use development from its headquarters in El Segundo, California. More information, including a full property portfolio, is available at www.centercal.com.

 About Heitman

Heitman is a global real estate investment management firm with nearly $50 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2024. Founded in 1966 and headquartered in Chicago, Heitman has 10 offices worldwide and is an active participant in the global real estate property and capital markets. Heitman makes real estate investments through private equity, debt, and publicly traded real estate securities.

Hannah Castle of FINN Partners contributed to this report.

Two Pittsburg armed robbery suspects arrested in Antioch early Wednesday

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The two AK-47’s including one fully loaded (top) and the Glock found in the suspects’ vehicle early Wednesday morning, Oct. 16, 2024. Photos: APD

Found with two AK-47s, one fully loaded, and Glock with extended magazine

By Antioch Police Department

On October 15th, at approximately 11:00 PM, the Pittsburg Police Department issued a BOLO (Be on the Lookout) for suspects involved in an armed robbery, reported to be carrying a handgun and an AK-47 rifle.

Around 1:30 AM on October 16th, Antioch PD responded to a disturbance in the parking lot of 320 W 20th Street. Officers encountered a white Chrysler 300 and observed a suspected controlled substance in the vehicle. During the investigation, two individuals were detained, and officers discovered a fully loaded AK-47 rifle and a Glock handgun with an extended magazine. Another AK-47 rifle was found in a backpack.

Pittsburg PD arrived and confirmed the suspects as those involved in the robbery and recovered the stolen necklace from the robbery. Pittsburg PD took custody of the suspects, their vehicle, and the firearms.

Thanks to outstanding police work, three dangerous weapons were taken off the streets!

Suspect arrested for multiple Antioch sexual assault cases over past 10 years

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Robert Chukwuemeka Chuksorji. Photo by APD

Robert Chukwuemeka Chuksorji held on $2 million bail; police ask any other victims to come forward

By Sgt. Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On June 24, 2024 at 6:36 AM, the Antioch Police arrested a suspect wanted for a violent sexual assault. During the investigation, several other victims were identified and provided crucial information to the case. The Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau began investigating multiple cases over the past ten years.

The suspect, 37-year-old Robert Chukwuemeka Chuksorji (born 10/17/87), would meet women either in person or online, obtain their phone number and begin a texting relationship. Chuksorji would then plan to meet the victim, which would later turn into a sexual assault. Chuksorji was ultimately caught, and charges have been filed against him

During the investigation, detectives determined that there could be other unreported sexual assaults and victims related to Chuksorji. Chuksorji may have used several other names throughout the years. If you have been victimized by this individual, please contact the Antioch Police Department immediately.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, as of Monday, October 14, 2024, he was still in custody. The six-foot, two-inch tall, 175-pound Chuksorji is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility with bail set at $2 million. His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 22 at 8:30 AM in Delta Superior Court, Dept. 04 in Pittsburg.

According to localcrimenews.com, Chuksorji was also arrested in 2017 by Antioch PD on July 27, 2016 on an outstanding warrant.

This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time. Any tips or other information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Allen at (925) 779-6923 or by email aallen@antiochca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Black Diamond Mines Open House Oct. 26 & 27

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Photo: EBRPD

Free Mine Tours on Saturday and Sunday!

During Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve Open House on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 26 and 27, free mine tours will be held for both the Coal Mine Experience and the Hazel Atlas Sand Mine! We will also have Victorian Era games to play and a nature table outside the mines, plus staff at the Rose Hill Cemetery to chat with.

Tour Details:

All tours will be first come, first served.

The earliest you can sign up for tours is 10am.

First tours will begin at 10:30am.

Last tours will begin at 3:00pm.

All tours will last 30 minutes.

Tours are only available to ages 7+.

No animals allowed on tours with the exception of service animals.

How to Sign-Up for Free Tours:

Coal Mine Experience- Register at the table outside of the Greathouse Visitor Center.

Hazel Atlas Sand Mine- Register at the table outside of the Hazel Atlas Mine.

*Sign-ups are done in person, there will be no reservations over the phone.

Other Helpful Info:

It can take a good 10-15 minutes to walk to either mine from the parking lot.

It can also take 10-15 minutes to walk from mine to mine – don’t sign up for one mine tour directly after the other.

The Hazel Atlas Sand Mine has train tracks going throughout the tour making it less accessible than the Coal Mine Experience, which is flat the whole way.

The Greathouse Visitor Center will be open from 10am-4pm.

Check the weather and dress accordingly. Even if it’s hot outside, it’s still cold in the mines!

The Mines are located at the south end of Somersville Road in Antioch.

For more info about the park and mine tours, please visit: Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve | East Bay Parks (ebparks.org).

 

Contra Costa, Richmond, Antioch awarded state grants to house people living in homeless encampments

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Source: Office of the CA Governor

Governor Newsom awards $130.7 million in Round 3 of program to help 18 California communities

Also creating a collaborative program between the state and targeted communities to streamline the cleanup of encampments

SACRAMENTO – Oct. 4, 2024 — Expanding the state’s unprecedented support for local communities to create new housing and address homelessness, Governor Newsom announced Friday, the state is awarding $130.7 million to 18 local governments to clear homeless encampments and provide shelter, care and support. The grants are from Round 3 of the Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF) awards from the Department of Housing and Community Development. The Governor also announced new accountability measures, requiring award recipients to adhere to all state housing and homeless laws — as well as remain in compliance with their Housing Elements — or risk losing funding and face other enforcement actions.

The Round 3 funds awarded Friday will go to 12 cities, four counties and two Continuums of Care (CoCs) and are intended to resolve critical encampment concerns and address the housing and health and safety needs of 3,364 people living in encampments, and permanently house 1,565 people.

Of the total amount the City of Richmond was awarded $9,336,746, the City of Antioch will receive $6,812,686 and the County of Contra Costa was granted $5,708,516. Of the 18 agencies, Contra Costa County scored the highest followed by Richmond.

“We’re supporting local communities’ efforts to get people out of encampments and connected with care and housing across the state. It’s important and urgent work that requires everyone to do their part. The state has committed more than $27 billion to help local governments tackle the homelessness crisis — and we want to see $27 billion worth of results,” said Governor Newsom.

Source: CA Dept of HCD

$1 billion in funding to clear encampments

Governor Newsom has made unprecedented investments to address the housing and homelessness crises, with $40 billion invested to help communities create more housing and $27 billion provided to communities for homelessness. Today’s new grants are part of the state’s $1 billion Encampment Resolution Funds (ERF), which help communities address dangerous encampments and support people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

So far, the program has invested $737 million for 109 projects or encampments across 21 counties, 41 cities and 5 CoCs to help 20,888 people throughout the state, helping 20,888 people transition out of homelessness.

“These grants will ensure local communities take a person-centered, trauma-informed approach as they help their most vulnerable residents transition to safe and stable housing,” said Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary Tomiquia Moss. “The Encampment Resolution Fund grants are infusing critical resources in communities up and down California so that unhoused Californians can access the essential housing and supportive services they need to achieve long-term stability.”

Source: Office of the CA Governor

Greater accountability 

As a condition of receiving the funding, the awardees must agree to increased accountability and compliance measures. These new accountability measures build on the current requirements that all grantees adhere to state and federal laws, rules, and regulations related to construction, health and safety, labor, fair employment practices, environmental protection, equal opportunity, fair housing, and all other matters applicable and/or related to the ERF program.

The Governor’s new measures expressly require local governments to maintain a compliant housing element, as well as adhere to all planning, permitting, entitlement, fair housing, and homelessness laws.

Non-compliance with these measures may result in the state revoking and clawing back awarded funds in addition to potential enforcement actions by the state’s Housing Accountability Unit. This ensures that grant recipients remain accountable and protects state funding.

Source: Office of the CA Governor

Care, compassion, collaboration 

Today’s announcement follows the Governor’s executive order urging local governments to adopt policies and plans consistent with the California Department of Transportation’s (CalTrans) existing encampment policy.

Prioritizing encampments that pose a threat to the life, health, and safety of the community, Caltrans provides advance notice of clearance and works with local service providers to support those experiencing homelessness at the encampment, and stores personal property collected at the site for at least 60 days.

Since July 2021, California has cleared more than 12,000 encampments and has removed 267,611 cubic yards of debris from encampments along the state right of way in preparation for Clean California projects.

Source: Office of the CA Governor

Delegated Maintenance Agreements

The Governor also announced today a new collaborative program that will help streamline the cleanup of encampments by establishing agreements between the state and targeted local communities. The agreements will remove jurisdictional boundaries and allow locals to address encampments on state property and receive reimbursement for their efforts.

To help provide additional guidance and direction for local governments, the California Interagency Council on Homelessness has posted webinars and resources to help communities address encampments.

Below are the other 10 cities, three counties and two Continuums of Care awarded Round 3 ERF grants:

  • City of Berkeley – $5,395,637
  • City of Carlsbad – $2,994,225
  • City of Los Angeles – $11,351,281
  • City of Palm Springs – $5,106,731
  • City of Petaluma – $8,098,978
  • City of Redlands — $5,341,800
  • City of Sacramento — 18,199,661
  • City of San Jose —- $4,821,083
  • City of Victorville — $6,365,070
  • City of Visalia —- $3,000,000
  • County of Riverside — $12,612,779
  • County of San Bernardino — $11,000,000
  • City and County of San Francisco – $7,975,486
  • Humboldt County — Continuum of Care – $3,784,294
  • Pasadena –  Continuum of Care – $2,772,801

“Our team is energized by this opportunity to help bring people-centered, Housing First solutions to Californians who are unsheltered throughout the state,” said Gustavo Velasquez, Director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), which has administered ERF since the start of the 2024-25 fiscal year. “Combined with the investments in permanent supportive housing made possible by voter approval of Proposition 1, the state has unprecedented momentum to make monumental progress on a crisis of homelessness that has been growing for decades.”

The awards announced Friday utilize all remaining FY 2023-24 ERF funds. An additional appropriation of $150 million in the FY 2024-25 State Budget allowed HCD to award all eligible ERF Round 3, Window 2 applicants. The budget also included $100 million in ERF funds for FY 2025-26, bringing to $1 billion this investment to address encampments through proven housing solutions.

Each agency was required to apply for the ERF program.

The grants will provide stable, safe housing for individuals living in encampments in their respective communities. The awarded proposals will assist individuals living in encampments with compassion and dignity by providing a range of housing solutions: permanent housing; interim housing for individuals seeking coordinated entry system resources or housing vouchers; housing navigation services and rapid rehousing subsidies; support for accessing permanent housing by providing security deposits and other moving expenses; and allowing awardees to acquire property for housing.

Each agency was required to apply for the grant program

Pablo Espinoza, Deputy Director of Communications, CA Department of HCD Media and Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.