Contra Costa Herald

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

Antioch teen arrested for homicide, multiple victim shooting in Oakley

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U.S. Marshals assist in apprehension

By Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard

Oakley, CA – The senseless homicide of a 16-year-old male, and the shooting of three other teenagers that occurred on Saturday, October 21st in the 400 block of Shannon Way has been the top priority of the Oakley Police Department since it occurred. (See related article)

Today, October 25, 2023, at 4:30 PM the Oakley Police Department, in partnership with the United States Marshals Service, arrested Jason Walizada (18, Antioch) in connection with these heinous crimes. The arrest occurred in the 2600 block of Orange Way, Antioch. Walizada was booked into the Main Detention Facility in Martinez with a $3,500,000 bail (homicide warrant).

Over the past few days all investigators of the Oakley Police Department have spoken to dozens of potential witnesses, and they have processed a large amount of electronic/digital evidence. The arrest of Walizada does not represent the sole focus of our investigation because we will continue to investigate every lead in this case.

“This case has absolutely shattered the lives of family, friends and loved ones of the victims in this case, especially the deceased child. I am hoping we will see full measures of accountability achieved in this case.

Our work is not done, but I appreciate my investigators for all of the diligent work they have put in so far to identify a responsible in this case and to get him into custody. I appreciate all of the support from all of the allied agencies that assisted us during this investigation, particularly the United States Marshals Service.

As I previously said this youth violence does not belong anywhere- ever!

If there are any further developments or updates in this case I will be sure to provide updates.

Antioch Speedway: DeCarlo, Foulger, Garner, Ryan winners on Bill Bowers Memorial Weekend

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Nick DeCarlo #17 turned in a stellar effort to win the Saturday IMCA Modified race. Photo by Katrina Kniss

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…October 20-21…Nick DeCarlo of Martinez and Troy Foulger of Oakley were the winners in IMCA Modified competition last weekend at Antioch Speedway. This was the Annual Bill Bowers Memorial/West Coast Nationals race with the Friday portion also paying tribute to legend JD Willis.

Car count dictated an adjustment to the show that saw two complete programs run on Friday and Saturday with the intended purse on Saturday split between the two nights. This put $1,000 into the pockets of Saturday winner DeCarlo and Friday winner Foulger, who came close to picking up the Saturday win as well.

Troy Foulger #49 picked up a JD Willis trophy for his Friday night IMCA Modified triumph. He is unofficially one win shy of 70 combined on the all-time win list at Antioch Speedway. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Both nights ran two sets of heat races for each division with the points adding up to set the lineups for the feature races. State champion Andrew Pearce took the early lead of the Saturday IMCA Modified feature ahead of Kellen Chadwick of Oakley. Foulger was running third until a Lap 11 yellow flag for debris. Pearce continued to lead Chadwick with DeCarlo moving into third. When Pearce got out of shape exiting Turn 2 on the 12th lap, DeCarlo ducked low and emerged with the lead. Foulger followed closely into second. Foulger kept the pressure on DeCarlo until making the outside pass in Turn 4 on Lap 18 to grab the lead. DeCarlo stayed low and emerged with the lead in the same turn a lap later. The battle remained intense until the checkered flag with DeCarlo winning ahead of Foulger, Chadwick, Pearce and Tim Balding of Prunedale.

On Friday night, DeCarlo paced just one lap before an inside pass on the back stretch put Foulger in command. DeCarlo briefly gained the lead on Lap 14 before Foulger was back up front on Lap 15. A yellow flag also waved at that point for debris on the track. Foulger led DeCarlo and Pearce on the restart. They ran in that order to the checkered flag as Chadwick and Jim Pettit II of Prunedale rounded out the Top 5.

Mark Garner #76 finally returned to the IMCA Sport Modified winner’s circle with his Bowers Memorial win on Saturday night. Photo by Katrina Kniss

In IMCA Sport Modified competition, it was Mark Garner of Antioch picking up the win on Saturday with the Friday victory going to Jason Ryan Jr of Oakley. The wins paid both drivers $750. Garner had finished third on Friday night.

On Saturday, State champion Trevor Clymens of Brentwood set the early pace with Garner making an inside pass on the back stretch on the sixth lap to take second from Ryan. Garner went inside Clymens on the back stretch on Lap 7 to take the lead from him. The race was riddled with yellow flags during the second half. A heated incident between Tommy Fraser of Antioch and Ryan saw the race end for both of them. Through each yellow flag, Garner emerged with the lead and picked up a much deserved victory ahead of Clymens, Dylan Connelly of Antioch, Johnathan Hagio of Prunedale and Matt Pitts of Rodeo.

Jason Ryan Jr #52 picked up a JD Willis trophy with his IMCA Sport Modified win on Friday night. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Ryan enjoyed a stellar season with second place rankings at Antioch and in the State. Heat race points put him on the front row for the Friday show, and he bolted into the lead at the start ahead of Trevor Clymens. An inside move down the back stretch on Lap 6 put three-time champion Fred Ryland of Brentwood into second. Garner moved into third on a Lap 9 restart. With Ryland in pursuit, Ryan had to make the right moves on multiple restarts during the second half of the race. However, Ryan prevailed over Ryland at the checkered flag. Garner settled for third ahead of Raymond Lindeman of Rio Linda and Trevor Clymens.

Antioch and State champion Troy Foulger of Oakley picked up $500 IMCA Stock Car victories on both Friday and Saturday night as he nudges closer to 70 combined wins all time at Antioch Speedway.

Troy Foulger #49 turned in a repeat performance with IMCA Stock Car wins on both Friday and Saturday nights. Photos by Katrina Kniss

Fred Ryland of Brentwood paced the opening lap of the Saturday race with Foulger getting around Mitch Machado of Rohnert Park on the second lap. Foulger and Ryland briefly went side by side before Foulger emerged with the lead on the fifth lap. From there, Foulger sped on to the win ahead of Ryland, Dave Hill of South San Francisco, Machado and Scott Foster of Oakley.

Points from the heat races put Foulger on the front row and he led the Friday portion of the show from the start. Ryland was a race-long second. Machado was an early third, but Terry DeCarlo Jr of Martinez gained the position on the ninth lap. Foulger won ahead of Ryland, DeCarlo, Machado and Dave Hill.

Track champion Grayson Baca #31b picked up the Friday night Hobby Stock win. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Jared Baugh of Pittsburgh and track champion Grayson Baca of Brentwood picked up the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock feature wins for the weekend. Baugh didn’t show up on Friday but picked up the Saturday win in impressive fashion.

Baugh took the lead from the start ahead of Troy Foulger, who was piloting the car originally intended for Mya Jones of Martinez. Baca held third in the early stages, but Foulger brought out a yellow flag on Lap 6. Baugh led Baca on the restart with Kevin Brown of Oakley running third. Jake Archibald of Oakley slipped past Brown for third on the ninth lap, and Baca brought out a Lap 11 yellow flag. Baugh continued to lead Archibald and Brown On the restart. Archibald was trailing by a straightaway when his race came to an unfortunate end three laps for the finish. Baugh cruised to victory ahead of Brown, Trevor Clymens, Baca and Archibald.

Jared Baugh #31b only raced on Saturday, but that was good enough for a Hobby Stock feature win. Photo by Katrina Kniss

On Friday night, Baca took the lead from the start ahead of Trevor Clymens. Foulger moved past Brown for third on Lap 3 before a yellow flag waved. Foulger moved into second on the restart with Tommy Clymens settling into third. Baca held command by a wide margin when the checkered flag flew, followed by Foulger, Tommy Clymens, Brown and Jess Paladino of Brentwood.

On Halloween weekend, there will be candy for the kids. The Xtreme Late Models, Super Stocks and Hardtops will be having their season point finales. Wingless Spec Sprints and Print Club Mini Stocks are also in action. For further information, go to www.raceantiochspeedway.com or check out the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions Facebook page.

Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 Race Results

IMCA Modifieds

Heat Winners Round 1 (10 laps)-Kellen Chadwick, Andrew Pearce. Heat Winners Round 2 (10 laps)-Kellen Chadwick, Andrew Pearce. Main Event (25 laps)-Nick DeCarlo, Troy Foulger, Kellen Chadwick, Andrew Pearce, Tim Balding, Aaron Crowell, Mickey Hill, Jim Pettit II, Dave Duste Jr, Matthew Hagio DNS.

IMCA Sport Modifieds

Heat Winners Round 1 (10 laps)-Mark Garner, Jason Ryan Jr. Heat Winners Round 2 (10 laps)-Mark Garner, Trevor Clymens. Main Event (25)-Mark Garner, Trevor Clymens, Dylan Connelly, Jonathan Hagio, Matt Pitts, Tommy Clymens, Al Johnson, James Graessle, Tommy Fraser, Jason Ryan Jr.

IMCA Stock Cars

Heat Winner Round 1 (10 laps)-Dave Hill. Heat Winner Round 2 (10 laps)-Mitch Machado. Main Event (25 laps)-Troy Fougler, Fred Ryland, Dave Hill, Mitch Machado, Scott Foster, Jason Robles DNS.

Hobby Stocks

Heat Winners Round 1 (10 laps)-Kevin Brown Jared Baugh. Heat Winners Round 2 (10 laps)-Kevin Brown, Grayson Baca. Main Event (25 laps)-Jared Baugh, Kevin Brown, Trevor Clymens, Grayson Baca, Jake Archibald, John Keith, Kamren Robles, Jess Paladino, Troy Foulger, Tommy Clymens.

Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 Race Results

IMCA Modifieds

Heat Winner Round 1 (10 laps)-Troy Foulger, Andrew Pearce. Heat Winners Round 2 (10 laps)-Kellen Chadwick, Nick DeCarlo. Main Event (25 laps)-Troy Foulger, Nick DeCarlo, Andrew Pearce, Kellen Chadwick, Jim Pettit II, Tim Balding, Aaron Crowell, Paul Gugliemoni, Matthew Hagio, Dave Duste Jr.

IMCA Sport Modifieds

Heat Winners Round 1 (10 laps)-Trevor Clymens, Jason Ryan Jr. Heat Winners Round 2 (10 laps)-Jonathan Hagio, Fred Ryland. Main Event (25 laps)-Jason Ryan Jr, Fred Ryland, Mark Garner, Raymond Lindeman, Trevor Clymens, Jonathan Hagio, Tommy Clymens, Dylan Connelly, Joseph Pato, Al Johnson.

IMCA Stock Cars

Heat Winner Round 1 (10 laps)-Troy Foulger. Heat Winner Round 2 (10 laps)-Troy Foulger. Main Event (25 laps)-Troy Foulger, Fred Ryland, Terry DeCarlo Jr, Mitch Machado, Dave Hill, Scott Foster.

Hobby Stocks

Heat Winner Round 1 (10 laps)-Grayson Baca. Heat Winner Round 2 (10 laps)-Grayson Baca. Main Event (25 laps)-Grayson Baca, Troy Foulger, Tommy Clymens, Kevin Brown, Jess Paladino, Trevor Clymens.

Contra Costa County Library awarded $9.9M grant for new Bay Point library 

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Rendering of the planned Ambrose Village Development in Bay Point where the new library will be located. Source: CCC Library

Part of mixed use, high-density, transit-oriented development within the Pittsburg-Bay Point BART station area

Will be matched by Contra Costa for first library in county since 1961

By Brooke Converse, PIO, Contra Costa County Library

Ambrose Village Development Project Site Map near the Pittsburg-Bay Point BART station. Source: CCC Library

The Contra Costa County Library received $9.9 million in grant funding for the buildout of the new Bay Point Library. The grant money comes from the California State Library’s Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program.

The award requires a 50 percent match from the Library, which will come from a portion of the $10 million the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors designated for the Bay Point Library project in the 2023-24 budget. The grant also requires the money to be spent on specific parts of the project including interior construction, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire protection and conveying systems.

“Bay Point is the fastest growing unincorporated area in the county and these grant funds will help to build a library that really meets the needs of the community,” said District V Supervisor Federal Glover. “The residents of Bay Point are getting a modern, spacious library that can offer the technology and services they deserve.”

“This grant will help bring a state-of-the-art, standalone library and more open hours to a large, growing community,” said County Librarian Alison McKee. “The new Bay Point Library will be the first brand new library built in Contra Costa County since 1961 and there is no community in greater need.”

The Contra Costa County Library is one of 34 libraries, out of 148 who applied, receiving funds in this round of awards. More than $172 million in grant funds were awarded to address deferred maintenance, improve energy efficiency, and expand digital and physical access.

The new Bay Point Library will be built as part of a mixed use, high-density, transit-oriented development within the Pittsburg-Bay Point BART station area. It will include retail space and 340 low-income housing units. The 21,000 square foot library is expected to open in early 2027.

The $172 million awarded this year is part of $489 million set aside in 2022 by Governor Newsom and the Legislature to improve libraries in high poverty areas. Last year, $312 million was awarded by the State Library for 246 projects. The Contra Costa County Library received $2.5M for deferred maintenance on the Antioch and Pinole libraries. The grant funds will pay for several projects including replacing the HVAC systems, replacing both roofs, electrical services upgrades, lighting improvements and paint.

For more information on the grant program, please visit the State Library website.

BACKGROUND

The existing 4,000 square foot Bay Point Library is co-located at Riverview Middle School in a building built in 1956. It lacks the necessary power and data infrastructure to support the 21st century technological needs of a library. Limited electrical and telecommunications access means limited computer stations and reduced access to power receptacles for patron’s laptop and mobile devices.

Visit ccclib.org to sign up for a library card and get connected to books and resources. For questions about Library services and programming or account information, contact the Library via online Chat, email ask@library.cccounty.us or text questions to (925) 290-7627.

For media inquiries, please contact Public Information Officer Brooke Converse at brooke.converse@library.cccounty.us or (925) 329-8414.

Four teens shot, one dead in Oakley Saturday night

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One male deceased at scene, two other males, one female injured

Several students walk off Freedom High campus out of fear, Monday

By Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard

On Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 at 11:12 PM Oakley police officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Shannon Way on the report a shooting had just occurred and several people had been shot.  Officers arrived on scene a short while later and located five spent 9mm shell casings in front of the residence. Officers also found a total of four victims suffering from gunshot wounds.

Tragically a 16-year-old juvenile was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel. Next of kin has been notified. The other three victims were transported to John Muir Walnut Creek with non-life-threatening injuries.

Additional resources, to include Oakley police detectives, additional officers and administration were called in.

The suspect fled the scene prior to officers arriving and has not been located. This was a very chaotic scene and Oakley police personnel are actively working with dozens of potential witnesses in an attempt to ascertain the identification of the suspect. At this point it does appear as if there was only one suspect.

Officers were dispatched to this residence approximately thirty minutes prior to the shooting regarding a loud party. Officers arrived at that time and spoke to an 18-year-old female resident who was advised of the noise complaint. The female advised the party was being shut down and they were trying to get people to leave but kids kept showing up. Officers asked if she needed help shutting down the party and she declined assistance.

One witness advised that after officers left the residence, a group of 20-30 kids showed up in front of the residence but could not get into the house due to the front door being locked. The group entered the backyard through the side gate. Shortly after, screaming was heard coming from inside the home and several people were seen running out the front door.  Shortly after that, approximately five-six shots were heard being fired in front of the residence, which is consistent with the observations of our officers and the evidence they have located so far.

“This is an active investigation, and it is our top priority right now. I have spoken to the Oakley personnel who were at this scene, and I have been made aware of all of the investigative steps that need to be taken. Our commitment to our community is heightened due to the fact the suspect and the weapon used in this crime are still not accounted for. This is very much of a “no rest until an arrest” approach for our investigators and officers. Every plausible lead is going to be followed up on until this case is resolved.

As I write this there is not yet enough information that has been developed about the suspect in this case, for me to broadcast out. As soon as I have something to put out that will benefit our investigation, I will be sure to do so and I will make an appeal to our community to assist us in locating the suspect.

No parent should ever have to receive the news that happened last night and live through the horror of losing a child- I am very sorry this happened, and I offer sincere condolences.

I will update all of you as soon as I can. If you do have any information about this shooting please call the Oakley Police Department at 925-625-8060, advise the dispatcher you have information regarding the shooting that happened on Shannon Way and you will be connected to the appropriate person.

10/23/23 UPDATE: The shooting/homicide that occurred on Saturday, October 21st in the 400 block of Shannon Way remains the top priority of the Oakley Police Department and we have been steadily working on it every hour since it occurred.

I am providing the following facts about the victims in this case:

  • 16-year-old male- deceased (gunshot wounds)
  • 17-year-old female- released from hospital (gunshot wounds)
  • 16-year-old male- still hospitalized (gunshot wounds)
  • 15-year-old male- still hospitalized (gunshot wounds)

Our investigators have spoken to multiple people who were associated with the party or witnessed the tragic events that occurred. We have sourced several videos from the neighborhood that we believe are key to our investigation and we continue to scour for electronic/ digital evidence. We are doing all of these things in hopes of making an arrest in this case.

It has been brought to our attention, several students walked off of the Freedom High School campus, today, Monday, Oct. 23rd out of fear that was driven by an unverified and unvetted rumor. It appears as if the presence of this rumor on social media created even more concern. So far, our investigation has not revealed any information that suggests there is a threat of violence at any school due to the shooting on Saturday night and we urge families to resume normal school and daily activities.

The Oakley Police Department acknowledges the assistance rendered by the Brentwood Police Department and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office East Contra Costa Fire Department and the American Medical Response ambulances. This was a multi-casualty event, and we appreciate all of the assistance we received. This case remains a multi-faceted investigation.

“I have received several briefs on this case and the direction it is going in. I feel confident in the ability and skills of our investigators to bring this case to a positive resolution. The more I learn about this case the more angry and sad I get that a multi-casualty event occurred. The fact that it involved juveniles- children, makes it even worse. This does not belong in Oakley this does not belong anywhere.

My investigators have my full support to do what they have to do to identify the killer in this case and to get him into custody”.   

Coroner’s Inquest jury finds 2022 police shooting death of Oakley man was “at the hands of another person”

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During domestic violence incident

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston announces that a coroner’s jury today reached a finding in the August 26, 2022 death of 58-year-old Frank Anthony Correa of Oakley. The finding of the jury is that the manner of death is at the hands of another person, other than by accident.

During a domestic violence incident, Correa opened fire on Oakley Police resulting in officers returning fire and killing him. (See related article)

The coroner’s jury reached the verdict in the inquest after hearing the testimony of witnesses called by hearing officer Matt Guichard.

A coroner’s inquest, which Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston convenes in fatal incidents involving law enforcement personnel, is a public hearing during which a jury rules on the manner of a person’s death. Jury members can choose from the following four options when making their finding: Accident, Suicide, Natural Causes and At the hands of another person, other than by accident.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Fifth Annual West Coast Nationals Bill Bowers Memorial this weekend at Antioch Speedway

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Jeff Browne #2, reigning race champion Troy Foulger #49 and Justin Yeager #17 could all be part of the IMCA Modified show this weekend. Photo by Katrina Kniss

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…After a weekend off to allow the local racers who desired to take a trip down south to support the show in Bakersfield, racing returns in a big way this Friday and Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. It’s the fifth running of the West Coast Nationals Bill Bowers Memorial Race.

The event hearkens back to when Antioch Speedway first had a West Coast Nationals IMCA Modified race in 1993. Then champion Scott Busby of Martinez was looking to prove a point regarding the value of this growing class. He did the legwork, and the first show produced a track record 83 Modifieds.

To this day, it’s one of the biggest Modified turnouts in California history. There are two other interesting points regarding that race. It was won by Mark Welch of Orangevale. The car Mark drove to victory was purchased by current Promoter Chad Chadwick as he came out of retirement to go racing again.

After four more runnings of this race, it was retired when management changed hands to John Soares in 1998. Enter Chad Chadwick and PROmotions.

Chad had been in negotiations to take over the track and was given the opportunity to promote a big race in October of 2019. Thusly, he brought back the West Coast Nationals name. When longtime friend and employee Bill Bowers passed away, he decided to make it a memorial race in his honor.

IMCA Sport Modified front-runner Mark Garner #76, Dylan Connolly #6 and Matt Pitts #16a do battle in a race earlier this year. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Bowers and JD Willis are both Antioch Speedway Hall of Fame members, and they won many races and championships together. Willis, a 72-time feature winner and five-time champion at the track, will be saluted on the Friday night portion of the program.

The format is still being set as management encourages the racers to submit their ideas. The IMCA Modifieds, Sport Modifieds and Stock Cars are the featured divisions. When the purse was announced two weeks ago, the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks were added to give them another big race.

The Modified drivers will be competing for one of the coveted feature starting births on Saturday night, which pays $300 minimum to take the green flag. The winner of the race takes home $2,000. The Sport Modified drivers get $200 minimum to start that race and $1,500 to win, while the Stock Cars get $150 to start and $1,000 to win.

More than that, the drivers want to win this race in honor of Bill, one of the most beloved figures among the local racing community. Bill’s motors were fast, and people are still competing with them to this day. Last year, his son Billy and driver Troy Foulger of Oakley teamed up to win both the Modified and Stock Car races, making it a special occasion for the family.

Jason Robles #78, Steve Stone #73, Fred Ryland #7J and reigning race champion Troy Foulger #49 are all anticipated for IMCA Stock Car action this weekend. Photo by Katrina Kniss

The Sport Modified win went to Kenny Shrader of Pacheco, who was notching his second West Coast Nationals victory. In fact, the winners of last year’s big event were a sign of what was to come this year. They won track championships in their respective divisions.

In Modified competition, there’s never been a repeat winner. The previous winners in order have been Kellen Chadwick of Oakley, Jacob Hobsheidt of Plattsmouth, Nebraska and Ryan McDaniel of Olivehurst. The first race paid an even bigger purse, and Bobby Hogge IV of Salinas had the win in hand until Chadwick used slower traffic to snatch the victory.

After Shrader got the first Sport Modified win in 2019, Guy Ahlwardt of Antioch and Fred Ryland of Brentwood won the next two. The IMCA Stock Cars got an audition in 2020 that yielded a good car count and led to the class being added for championship points a year later. Foulger won that weekend, while Nick Johnson of Bakersfield came to town and won in 2021.

Drivers come from everywhere in California to compete in this event. A few competitors will even show up from out of state. The addition of the Hobby Stock class to the program adds a new dimension of excitement. When last we had a race at the speedway two weeks ago, Buddy Kniss of Oakley was collecting a $3,000 Hobby Stock Nationals payday in the Dave Baca owned car.

Kevin Brown #17b and Trent Golden #7t are two Hobby Stock drivers to watch for this weekend. Photo by Katrina Kniss

The fans will get an opportunity to see some top talent that they don’t see at the speedway every week. The four division lineup should offer them plenty of excitement from start to finish on both nights. With the money and the glory on the line, who will be leaving with the victories this year?

It should also be pointed out that excitement is building in Antioch with the second running of the Open Wheel Showcase planned for November 11th. That night will see some of the top Winged 360 Sprint Car drivers from California in action. Fans have been asking for more Winged Sprint Car racing, and that night will fulfill their need for speed.

The gates will open on both nights at 4:00 with the first race starting at 6:00.

Adult tickets are $20, Senior/Military $15, Kids (5-12) $15 and kids four and under free.

For further information, go to www.raceantiochspeedway.com or check out the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions Facebook page.

Tree work along Knightsen Avenue Oct. 23-26

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Source: CCC Public Works

By Kelly Kalfsbeek, PIO, Contra Costa County Public Works Department

Knightsen, CA – The Contra Costa County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) will perform tree trimming and removal work along Knightsen Avenue, between 2nd Street and Delta Road. Work will occur on Monday, October 23, 2023, through Thursday, October 26, 2023, barring unforeseen circumstances. Work will take place between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., weather permitting.

This work is being performed for the public’s safety. Appropriate traffic control measures will be implemented to safely direct pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles through the work area. Road users may experience some delays and are encouraged to consider alternative routes during these work hours.

About Contra Costa County Public Works Department

The CCCPWD maintains over 660 miles of roads, 150 miles of streams, channels, and other drainage and over 150 County buildings throughout Contra Costa County. CCCPWD provides services such as Parks and Recreation, Sandbag Distribution and Flood Control throughout the unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County. CCCPWD operates two airports, Buchanan Field Airport in Concord, and Byron Airport in Byron. For more information about CCCPWD, please visit us at: www.cccpublicworks.org

CONTACT: Project: Ricardo Martinez, 925.313.7039

Los Medanos College to hold Investiture Ceremony for Pamela Ralston, Ph.D., its 7th president Oct. 19

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By Juliet V. Casey, Director of Marketing, LMC

Dr. Pamela Ralston, President, Los Medanos College. Photo: LMC

Pittsburg, Calif. – Los Medanos College officially welcomes Pamela Ralston, Ph.D., as its seventh president at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19 with a reception and Investiture Ceremony at the Pittsburg Campus Student Union, 2700 E. Leland Road. The event will feature speakers, including Pittsburg Mayor Shanelle Scales-Preston.

Ralston took the helm at LMC, overseeing its Pittsburg Campus and Brentwood Center, in January 2023 as interim president. She stepped in for President Bob Kratochvil, who retired. The Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board in July named her to the permanent position.

“Our East County community deserves the best, and we believe Dr. Ralston fits that description,” Interim Chancellor Mojdeh Mehdizadeh said. “She has the qualities of leadership, experience and commitment to serve all students, particularly for students of color, which makes her an excellent choice as president of Los Medanos College.”

Since joining LMC, Ralston has aggressively worked to increase student enrollment for transfer and for career and technical education. During her time at LMC, Ralston has emphasized the “serving” aspect of the college’s mission as a federally designated minority- and Hispanic-serving institution. Her work also has focused on outreach and inviting student and community voices to civic discussions on local and regional topics.

Before coming to LMC, Ralston was president of the Santiago Canyon College. Prior to joining SCC, she held numerous administrative and academic appointments at Santa Barbara Community College District, College of the Desert in Palm Desert, and Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo. She was a faculty member and division chair of English and Written Communications at Tacoma Community College (TCC). Before joining TCC, she was an American Studies lecturer at the University of Washington.

Ralston received her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Oregon and her master’s and doctoral degrees in comparative literature from the University of Washington. She has earned excellence in teaching awards from Tacoma Community College and the University of Washington and was honored with a Fulbright fellowship for doctoral research at the Royal Library and University of Copenhagen in Denmark.

About Los Medanos College (LMC): LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District, serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood.

Pittsburg Festa Italia Sunday, Oct. 22

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Gates open at 11 am.

Street Stage

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM The Intro to the Festa!!!

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM- MICHAEL TRUCCO BAND

1:45 PM – 2:45 PM Espositones & Famiglia

3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Italica

5:15 PM – 6:00 PM Espositones & Famiglia

6:15 PM – 7:00 PM Anthony “Nino” Lane Band

Bambini Stage

1:00 PM – 1:30 PM Fratello Marionette Show in Munoz Plaza

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM Fratello Marionette Show in Munoz Plaza

California Theatre Stage

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ANTHONY “NINO” LANE BAND

2:45 PM – 3:45 PM Exclusive Organ Demonstration

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM Pasquale Esposito

7:00 PM Buona Notte Until Next Year

Learn more at festaitaliapittsburgca.com

Serve on the Los Medanos Health Advisory Committee

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For residents of or those who work in Pittsburg, Bay Point area of former healthcare district

Application deadline Nov. 17

The Los Medanos Health Advisory Committee was established by the Board of Supervisors in July 2018 as part of the plan to dissolve the Los Medanos Community Healthcare District, increasing funding available for healthcare programming in the Pittsburg and Bay Point areas. The Committee is charged with development of an area health plan to determine specific health needs of the community, identify priorities to address those needs, and facilitate a request for proposals process to make funding recommendations for health programs in the community to the Board of Supervisors. The Committee includes representatives from the local community and medical practitioners, making this a unique opportunity for collaboration.

The County is recruiting volunteers to fill one vacancy in the “At Large” seat for the three-year term of January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2026.  The County Board of Supervisors will make the appointment following a screening process conducted by the Board’s Internal Operations Committee. Residents and those who work in the territory of the District, which is primarily the Pittsburg and Bay Point area, are welcome to apply.  This is a volunteer appointment – no stipends or reimbursements are authorized for this Committee.

Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000 or the application can be completed online by visiting the County website at  https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/3418.

Applications should be returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St., Martinez, CA  94553 no later than by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 17, 2023.

Applicants should plan to be available for public interviews to be conducted virtually via Zoom on Thursday, December 14, 2023.

More information about the Los Medanos Health Advisory Committee can be found in the authorizing resolution, available at http://64.166.146.245/docs/2018/BOS/20180710_1118/34028_Resolution%202018-436%20Final.pdf or by contacting committee staff, Ernesto De La Torre, at ernesto.delatorre@cchealth.org.