Contra Costa Herald

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

Brentwood traffic stop leads to DUI, gun arrest of Antioch woman, Oakland man

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Her third DUI arrest this year; cited and released

By Brentwood Police Department

Alcohol and stolen gun confiscated during traffic stop on Dec. 10, 2023. Photo: Brentwood PD

Last weekend, on December 10, 2023, a Brentwood officer was patrolling the area of Heidorn Ranch and Kohl’s Drive when he pulled a car over for not having a front license plate and suspended registration. When he contacted the driver, identified as 20-year-old Arrieanna Renel Snell, Jr. of Antioch, he determined she was driving under the influence of alcohol. The officer also noticed an open bottle of tequila behind the passenger’s seat.

Upon contacting the passenger, identified as 23-year-old Jai Royale Williams of Oakland, the officer located a stolen gun in the car.

Snell was placed under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol and Williams was placed under arrest for being in possession of the stolen gun. Both were transported to the County Jail for booking.

According to vinelink.com, Snell was cited and released and Williams is out of custody with no charges filed.  According to localcrimenews.com, she was also arrested for driving with a license suspended for drunk driving. Earlier this year, Snell was arrested twice for assault upon a peace officer, DUI alcohol/drugs and for DUI alcohol with blood alcohol content above .08 percent.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Local author to speak at Brentwood Library luncheon fundraiser in February

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Tickets available; Dan Hanel’s books make great Christmas gifts!

Get your tickets now for the Friends of the Brentwood Library Author’s Luncheon fundraiser on February 7, 2024. Enjoy good food, good wine and a good chance to hear local, award-winning author Dan Hanel speak about the early 20th century wine industry in Contra Costa, including Winehaven, the largest winery in the world, the subject of his most recent novel, Beneath the Tangles Vines.

Hanel has been an educator for over 35 years – as an award-winning science teacher when he received the Eukel Teacher Trust award for outstanding teachers of Contra Costa County and was named the Distinguished High School Science Teacher for the State of California. He is also an award winning school administrator serving at the high school, district, and county office levels.

Hanel grew up in Richmond, CA and received a degree in Biology from U.C., Berkeley and a Masters in Education from Cal State University, Hayward. Dan, his wife, and their dog, Luna, currently live in Brentwood, CA . . . in the shadow of Diablo.

Half the $40 ticket price is tax deductible, plus tickets make a great stocking stuffer – availableat Author’s Luncheon | Friends of the Brentwood Library.

And don’t forget, a set of the In The Shadow of Diablo series makes a great gift.

Learn more about Hanel and his books at danhanel.com.

 

CHP pursuit from San Francisco to Bay Point ends in crash, arrests of five

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One of the five suspects from the overturned car surrenders to CHP officers on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. Video screenshot

Speeds reached in excess of 120 MPH

By CHP – Golden Gate Division Air Operations

Early Saturday morning, Dec. 9, 2023, CHP helicopter H30 was requested by San Francisco CHP units to assist in pursuing a vehicle wanted for reckless driving.

The crew of H30 arrived overhead as the vehicle crossed the Oakland Bay Bridge as speeds in excess of 120 mph. The suspect vehicle led officers on a 45-minute pursuit through three counties. (See video)

With H30 overhead, ground units were able to back off to a safe distance and set up spike strips.

After hitting the spike strips, the vehicle lost multiple tires and the driver eventually lost control and crashed. Five occupants in the vehicle were subsequently taken into custody.

CHP Contra Costa is handling the investigation.

Chanukah Festival of Lights Celebration in Brentwood Sunday, Dec. 10

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Includes lighting of grand Menorah of Freedom

By Mashie Goldshmid, Chabad of the Delta

You are invited to join us for a grand Chanukah Celebration on Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 4:30pm!

Come celebrate the Festival of Lights with Chabad of the Delta and our surrounding communities as we light the grand Menorah at Brentwood City Park.

Our local community leaders will participate in kindling the giant “Menorah of Freedom”. There will be fun activities for everyone including:

  • Musical Entertainment by Aaron Smith
  • Epic Magic Performance with Nathaniel Sagel
  • Giant Menorah Lighting with Dignitaries
  • Chanukah Donuts
  • Latkes
  • Chocolate Gelt
  • Chanukah Crafts
  • Festival Indoors, Lighting Outdoors
  • Win Chanukah Gifts
  • Security Presence
  • Free Fidget Dreidel for the first 50 Children

For many of us, Chanukah prompts warm, loving memories from our childhood. We light the Menorah every night of the 8-night holiday. These lights offer warmth, joy, strength, inspiration and renews our sense of identity.

Rabbi Peretz Goldshmid, director of the Chabad of the Delta Jewish Center, describes Chanukah as “a holiday that enriches our lives with the light of tradition. In ancient times our ancestors rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem with the Menorah. Today, we rededicate ourselves to making this world a better and brighter place.”

As we celebrate in East Contra Costa, we join millions the world over, promoting the universal message that good will prevail over evil, freedom over oppression and light over darkness!

Make sure not to miss this opportunity to celebrate with your family and friends!

For more information, contact Chabad of the Delta at (925)420-4999 or online at JewishDelta.com/Chanukah.

Kaiser Permanente Antioch, Richmond Medical Centers ranked among nation’s best by Leapfrog Group

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For providing safe, high-quality patient care

By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

Six Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals are ranked among the nation’s best for providing safe, high-quality patient care, according to the Leapfrog Group’s 2023 Top Hospital award.

The highest-performing hospitals on the Leapfrog Hospital Survey are recognized annually with the prestigious Leapfrog Top Hospital award, considered one of the most elite and competitive honors a hospital can receive. Only 132 hospitals nationwide, or just 6% of the 2,100 eligible hospitals, were recognized this year.

The six Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals to receive the award include: Antioch, Richmond, San Leandro, San Rafael, Santa Clara and South San Francisco.

“Our hospitals exemplify the high-quality, extraordinary care Kaiser Permanente provides to its members and patients every day throughout Northern California,” said Carrie Owen Plietz, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “This honor speaks to the commitment of our physicians, nurses, and staff who give patient-centered care in a safe, nurturing environment.”

Source: Kaiser Permanente

The Leapfrog Top Hospital award is based on excellence in upholding quality standards across several areas of patient care including staffing, hand hygiene, infection rates, practices for safer surgery, maternity care, and error prevention. Hospitals must have also received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade in the most recent round of scoring to be eligible for the Top Hospital award.

“This recognition is a tribute to our physicians, clinicians and staff, who are dedicated to delivering exceptional care and service to our patients every day,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, chief executive officer and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “As a result, our hospitals are consistently ranked among the best in the nation for providing high-quality care, and we continue to have a positive and often life-changing impact on the health and well-being of our Kaiser Permanente members and patients.”

The annual Top Hospital award is given to both teaching and general medical centers. Kaiser Permanente San Leandro and San Rafael are named top general hospitals and Kaiser Permanente Antioch, Richmond, Santa Clara and South San Francisco are named top teaching hospitals.

The Leapfrog Group is an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health care benefits. It is an independent advocacy group working with a broad range of partners, including hospitals and insurers.

 

 

18-year-old arrested for October Oakley house party shooting death

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U.S. Marshals assist; held on $3.5 million bail

By Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard

On October 21, 2023, a shooting occurred at a house party in the 400 block of Shannon Way in Oakley. Tragically, a 16-year-old male died as a result of this shooting and three others (17-year-old female, 16-year-old male and 15-year-old male) sustained gunshot wounds. This case has been a top priority of the detectives of the Oakley Police Department. (See related articles here and here)

On October 25, 2023, we arrested a person in connection with these crimes (an Antioch teen who was later released) The arrest drew us closer to the facts of what happened during and after the shooting. Our detectives were provided with information from people who were previously disinclined to talk to us, and new evidence was revealed to us. (See related articles here and here)

On Thursday, November 30, 2023, at approximately 6:00 PM, the Oakley Police Department, in partnership with the U.S. Marshals Service, arrested Sean Anthony Karp (18, Oakley) for homicide. The arrest occurred I the 900 block of 2nd Street in Brentwood. According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, he is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $3.5 million bail.

Our detectives have had many positive interactions with the District Attorney’s Office during the lifespan of this investigation and on occasion we have had face-to-face meetings to discuss details and updates.

I first want to acknowledge the family of the young man who lost his life in this horrible crime. I know nothing can replace what they have lost and there is a great sense of profoundness in their loss. I, along with all the members of the Oakley Police Department extend our condolences to the family.

I have said this before about this case, but it bears repeating: this does not belong in Oakley, this does not belong anywhere. Seeing how this did occur in Oakley, however, I deeply appreciate the leadership, diligence, work ethic, teamwork, and innovation I have seen out of my Investigations Unit from the onset of this case. I also appreciate the partnership we formed with the United States Marshals Service, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and other law enforcement agencies as we left nothing to chance in our pursuit of the person who was responsible for the killing of one person and the maiming of three others.

I have been briefed several times on this case and all available evidence and information supports the arrest that was made.

Stay safe Oakley.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

CCTA, Tri Delta Transit announce public-private partnership for East County 28-mile personal micro transit line

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Rendering of a proposed Glydways micro-transit system station. Source: CCTA

Using Glydways’ electric, autonomous vehicles holding up to 4 passengers using dedicated guideways

Will pursue regional, state, federal funds for $450 million project

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and Tri Delta Transit are marking another milestone in the innovative East Contra Costa County Dynamic Personal Micro Transit (DPMT) Project. Today, CCTA and Tri Delta Transit are announcing a partnership with East County Connection Partners, LLC (ECCP), made up of transportation innovators Glydways and Plenary Americas, and lead construction contractor Flatiron.

DPMT is a cutting-edge technology. It provides on-demand and autonomous transportation for up to four passengers. These zero-emission electric vehicles travel in narrow, dedicated guideways to minimize the space needed to operate the system.

The DPMT Project is a 28-mile, multi-city, on-demand transit option designed to meet the diverse mobility needs of people in Eastern Contra Costa County. ECCP will help bring the vision of a safe, on-demand, single-party, transportation system into reality with its zero-emission, autonomous, four-person Glydcars. These electric vehicles travel in narrow, dedicated elevated or at-grade guideways, making more efficient use of space, substantially cutting operational costs, and providing a sustainable option that aligns with local, regional, and state emission reduction goals. The Glydcars are designed with convenience in mind, with enough space for passengers to easily travel with their luggage or bikes. The vehicles are also fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and provide enough room to comfortably fit a wheelchair.

East County DPMT Conceptual Route Map. Source: CCTA

The shuttles will be fully separated from traffic and are a closed system, autonomous, electric, public micro transit solution. They will be on a virtual rail, with tires on their own pathways. It will be near Highway 4 but not in the median.

This new, fare-based transit solution will help alleviate the increasing congestion on Highway 4 in East County. The project also aims to enhance transit accessibility in East County by improving connections to existing options such as BART and local bus services.

In Spring 2021, the cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley and Pittsburg completed the East County DPMT Feasibility Study (Study) to support a potential micro-transit deployment with Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) in East Contra Costa County. Subsequently, the CCTA and Tri Delta Transit partnered to evaluate the potential deployment of the East County DPMT project.

ECCP specializes in a revolutionary on-demand public transportation system. CCTA in partnership with Tri Delta Transit, selected ECCP as the preferred vendor for the DPMT project after a comprehensive evaluation process. CCTA, Tri Delta Transit, and ECCP will work together to deliver an initial viable segment of the larger project through a unique public-private partnership (P3).

East County DPMT proposed station locations map. Source: CCTA

“We’re very excited about this project and believe it will significantly improve the quality of life in our community,” said CCTA Board Chair Federal Glover. “It’s a bold step towards a more sustainable and accessible future for Contra Costa.”

To actualize that future, CCTA and Tri Delta Transit determined last year that engaging a private sector partner to collaborate with would be the most beneficial strategy. The P3 approach has proven to be a highly efficient agreement, allowing for smoother delivery and deployment of transportation projects. P3s unlock the ability to quickly mobilize the resources required for state-of-the-art, effective, and sustainable transportation solutions, such as the DPMT project.

As East Contra Costa County prepares for extensive population growth and an increasingly overburdened and congested Highway 4, DPMT offers an opportunity to relieve congestion on the freeway and local arterials.

“This partnership is a significant milestone for us,” said Tri Delta Transit Board Chair, Lamar Thorpe. “By working with ECCP, we can leverage their expertise in innovative transportation technologies to better serve East County residents.”

While CCTA and Tri Delta Transit will now need to pursue regional, state and federal funding to support the project, the announcement of this partnership is the first step in the process. The Feasibility Study included a high-level cost estimate of $450M for the conceptual alignment shown in that study. The cost estimate is subject to change as it needs to be validated as the project progresses. During SPDA Phase 1, the ECCP will work collaboratively with CCTA, Tri Delta Transit and the East County cities to select an initial viable segment. The work will include developing the cost estimate and funding plan for this initial segment.

For more information about the DPMT Project see video or visit https://ccta.net/projects/east-county-dynamic-personal-micro-transit-project/

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood: Presentation at Bristow Middle School following gun violence threats

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Opportunity for public to speak Wednesday, Nov. 29th

In the wake of a recent gun violence threat at Bristow Middle School in Brentwood, Digital4Good has taken a proactive stance to address the issue head-on by organizing an educational initiative aimed at raising awareness and promoting a safer environment for students.

On Wednesday, November 29th, Kim Karr, the visionary behind Digital4Good formerly #ICANHELP, will be speaking at Bristow to engage with students, faculty, and the community at

large. The focus of Karr’s presentation will be on fostering understanding, and open dialogue, and providing valuable information about recognizing and responding to potential threats.

Digital4Good has been a support to schools for 10 years in dealing with social media education and Bristow was one of the first rooted schools to use the #ICANHELP programs. Mental health plays a crucial role in the goals surrounding the non-profit and continues to be a topic of conversation at the upcoming forum.

This critical event aims to empower students and the community with knowledge and resources to prevent, identify, and report potential threats of gun violence. Digital4Good believes that education is a powerful tool in creating a safer and more secure environment for everyone.

The event will include 3 student presentations, staff training and a parent night by Kim Karr, followed by an open forum for questions and discussion. Digital4Good encourages parents, community members, and local media to attend and participate in this important conversation.

Details of the event:

Time: 6-7 pm

Location: Bristow Middle School, 855 Minnesota Avenue, Brentwood

Virtual option will be available

Digital4Good remains committed to fostering safer communities through education, awareness, and community engagement. For more information about the organization and its initiatives, please visit www.icanhelp.net or contact Kim Karr at kim@icanhelp.com.

About Digital4Good

Digital4Good is a non-profit dedicated to educating and empowering students and educators to promote good use of technology, make a positive impact within communities, and help them to become inspirational digital citizens to prevent cyberbullying and other types of abuse.

3 Queens of Motown Tribute show at Pittsburg’s California Theater Friday, Dec. 1st

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By Art Ray

If you missed the Michael Jackson Tribute show last week at the California Theatre in Pittsburg, you missed a great show.  It was a good example of the quality of shows Anthony Lane Entertainment is bringing into the beautiful theater.

The Jackson “Foreverland” tribute show on stage was great, but I was really impressed with the non-stop energy and choreography of the show’s horn section.

Next Friday, December 1st it’s going to be the 3 Queens of Motown that takes the stage at the historic and newly remolded theater. Watch out Bay Area you now have a new place to go to see great live entertainment acts in Downtown Pittsburg, California.

Just back from a successful tour playing multiple sold out Las Vegas area casinos the Nathan Owens-produced 3 Queens of Motown Tribute show takes to the stage Friday December First in Pittsburg at the California Theatre.  Mark that on your calendar

The 3 Queens of Motown is a Las Vegas style high energy stage show that pays tribute to Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross and Owens nine-piece band under his music direction.

Here’s a great idea: How about making it a date night with that someone special or call up some friends and have a theater party?

In an effort to introduce you to the beautiful and newly remolded historic theater the owner, Anthony Lane is keeping the price down to $25.00 for general admission seats. Typically, the 3 Queens seats go from $35.00 to $75.00 and at $25.00 that is the best entertainment value in the entire Bay Area.

Put together your party and get your tickets today before they sell out. All of the 3 Queens shows sell out. We are most proud that we sold out Yoshi’s on a hard to sell Tuesday night after a busy three-day Memorial Day weekend. So, you already know we are going to sell out the California Theater. Tickets can be purchased today at www.tickets831.com.

The California Theatre is located at 351 Railroad Avenue. See you at the show on December 1st.

For info on booking the 3 Queens Tribute Show drop me an email at Art@3QueensTributeShow.com.