Contra Costa Herald

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

Habitat-for-Humanity-AH-&-CCH

Back to School Bash August 5 at The Streets of Brentwood

By Leave a Comment

By The Streets of Brentwood

What’s the best way to get ready for the start of a new school year? A celebration at the Streets of Brentwood!
We’re hosting a Back to School Bash, Saturday, August 5 from 10 AM to 2 PM.
The event will have musical performances from local entertainers, face painting and activities for the kids, informational tables from community groups and schools, and much more!
We will also have our Free Gift with Purchase program during the event.  Shoppers can present original receipt(s) totaling $50 or more from any of our stores or restaurants and receive a FREE $10 The Streets of Brentwood Gift Card.  One per customer, per day.  Original receipts only.  While supplies last.  August 5th only.
Check back here as we add our list of entertainers and participating community groups.
The Streets of Brentwood is located at 2455 Sand Creek Road.

Bethel Island 2nd Annual Boats & Berries Music Festival July 22 & 23

By 1 Comment

Parade, live music and dancing, boat show, pie eating contest, 5K and rubber duckie races, dog show, Kids Zone, food trucks, vendor booths and more!

Bethel Island presents their 2nd Annual Boats & Berries Music Festival this weekend, Saturday and Sunday July 22nd and 23rd.

The days starts off with opening ceremonies with our Military Color Guard and National Anthem sung by Zena Jean. Bethel Island will have a huge downtown parade that is filled with our locals’ decorated golf carts, our military, horses, dogs, Brentwood FFA, dancers, musicians and more!

OTHER FEATURED EVENTS THROUGHT THE WEEKEND

-Live Music with Mama Faxxy and The Gypsy Rebels, Freeway Rock Band and Zena Jean performs with the band Weekend at Jimmy’s! ♥️

INSIDE SCOUT HALL – Michael acoustic shows!

-Boat Show! -Catfish Races are back! -Manpowered Boat Race  – Rusty Porthole  -Berry Pie Eating Contest! -Rubber Duckie Races! -Karaoke -Line Dancing

– Fun and Educational Kids Zone! -Dog Show! -Local Businesses and Vendor Booths! -Adult Refreshments/Goodies Garden! -Food Trucks too!

SUNDAY – Bethel Breakfast after our 5K Race and Boat Race leaving from The Rusty Porthole!

$600 plus Sponsors:

Rusty Porthole, Delta Coves, Reliable Automotive & Diesel Repair, Plumbtree Plumbing & Rooter, Boyd Real Estate, Scheer Security Alarm Systems, Inc.

Other Sponsors

The San Joaquin Yacht Club, Rusty Porthole, Delta Coves, Knightsen Saloon, Bethel Harbor,, Bethel Market, Black Bear Diner, French Flea #7, Will and Kathy Burns CA Mechanical, Reliable Automotive & Diesel Repair, Boyd Real Estate, Vintage Soul Boutique, Hurst Solar Panel Cleaning, Delta Sports Bar & Gateway Market, Plumbtree Plumbing and Rooter, Scheer Security Alarm Systems, Inc, Lindsay Decker Realtor with RE/Max Gold, Friendly Fire Systems, Inc, Island Cuts, Timothy McDonald, Bob Gerber, Scott and Kim, Linda Nash, Anthony Banks, Straightline Painting, Good Scents Florist, Ted and Geri Alesna, Shannon & Kevin, Lori Castillo, Dorreen Oxford, Hal Hutchens, Ed Horn, Mark and Sue Stas.

For more information visit the event’s Facebook page.

Less than nine months in permanent position Antioch Police Chief Ford announces retirement

By 1 Comment

“…with a heavy heart” his last day will be August 11th; while 35 officers on paid leave due to two investigations

Antioch Police Chief Dr. Steven A. Ford. Source: APD

By Allen D. Payton

With rumors beginning to circulate in the community Antioch Police Chief Steve Ford announced his retirement on Wednesday afternoon, July 19, 2023. His last day will be August 11th.

After less than nine months in his permanent position as the leader of the department, Ford wrote to his staff, “Dear members of the Antioch Police Department,

It is with a heavy heart that I forward this email to inform that I will be retiring as of August 11th. My time here has been both a tremendous opportunity and quite challenging. What is most meaningful to me are the relationships I have forged. I’m grateful for the way you embraced me and the changes we made.

I firmly believe with your help and determination this organization is poised to move forward in a very meaningful way and evolve where anyone would want to work.

It’s been my privilege to have worked with all of you.

Sincerely,

Steve”

——–

Screenshot of Chief Ford’s resignation email sent Wednesday, July 19, 2023.

Although he had just started his tenure as interim police chief following a grand oath of office ceremony on April 27, 2022, Ford is named in a federal lawsuit regarding the Antioch officers’ racist text scandal which covered a time period ending that month. He is also scheduled to testify at a hearing this Friday, July 21, in a murder case involving four defendants whose attorneys claim officers violated their civil rights.

In addition, during their meeting on April 11, 2023, the council majority moved forward with an effort to directly hire the police chief instead of leaving it up to the city manager, as is done with all other department heads.

It will leave the City with an acting city manager, no assistant city manager, an acting public works director, currently no acting community development director as of Monday afternoon due to the departure of Forrest Ebbs last Friday, and no assistant city attorney. Unless the city council takes action to change who appoints the police chief, Acting City Manager Kwame Reed will be tasked with appointing an acting or interim chief. Captain Tony Morefield filled the position after former Chief Tammany Brooks left for a new job in Boise, Idaho in October 2021, until Ford came on board.

UPDATE 1: When reached for comment District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica said, “this took us all by surprise. I learned of it this evening. I’ve worked with the chief closely during the time he has been here. Now, that he has made his decision, what we need to do is regroup and talk about who to appoint as acting or interim chief. Kwame is going to need the support of the city council. We cannot be without a chief.”

UPDATE 2: Chief Ford Issues Statement to Community

The following press release was issued Wednesday night:

July 19, 2023 – Antioch, California

The Antioch Police Department announces the retirement of Chief Steven A. Ford effective August 11, 2023. The following is a statement from Chief Ford to the Antioch Community.

To the Antioch Community,

I am writing to inform you of my decision to retire from the Antioch Police Department as of August 11, 2023. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have served as your Chief. I have worked with some very talented and passionate people – it has been a great privilege to learn and grow from them.

I am proud of what we have accomplished and firmly believe the groundwork has been laid for organizational success. I know our work to align us with the tenants of Procedural Justice and Constitutional Policing will keep this Department headed in the right direction. I sincerely hope our engagement with the Community will continue and flourish.

I attribute our numerous accomplishments to support from the City Council, the tremendous Citizens of Antioch, and the talented members of this Police Department, who continue to embrace organizational changes with enthusiasm and dedication. Because of this, the Antioch Police Department has become more inclusive, equitable, and a better place to work.

Sincerely,

Steven A. Ford

Chief of Police

———-

Efforts to reach Ford for further comment and the other four council members for their responses were unsuccessful prior to publication Wednesday evening. Please check back later for any updates to this report.

 

Brentwood business among BBB 2023 Torch Awards for Ethics winners

By Leave a Comment

Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern Coastal California is proud to announce the winners of the annual regional competition including Flow Pro Plumbing.

The BBB is proud to announce this year’s Torch Awards for Ethics Winners! The Torch Awards for Ethics competition was created to honor businesses that demonstrate their commitment to trust and marketplace ethics, and the award embodies BBB’s mission to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. The Torch Awards are presented to businesses that strive to go above and beyond in their dealings with customers, employees, vendors and the community.

For-profit, 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) non-profit organizations of all sizes headquartered in the 13-county service area of BBB serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern Coastal California were invited to apply. BBB received entries from across the area and from various industries.

We are proud to announce the winners of the regional 2023 Torch Awards for Ethics. They include:

BBB is also recognizing and commending the finalists. Though their entries were not selected for an award, finalists are still recognized for demonstrating strong ethical business practices and being leaders in the community. There were two finalists in Category 1: Adom Manor Care Home and Armed Force Pest Control, Inc., and three finalists in Category 2: Arrow Ai, Pacific Bay Estates, and SFO Representatives, Inc.

“Torch Awards winners demonstrate the highest ethical standards of trust toward customers, employees and the communities in which they do business,” said Lori Wilson, President and CEO of BBB serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern Coastal California. “We are proud to present this prestigious award to these deserving businesses.”

Each business went through an application process to illustrate its commitment to ethics and community leadership. All applicants were encouraged to find examples of their organization’s practices that best exemplify each of the four criteria to be judged on: company, character, culture, and community services.

They were judged by an independent panel of judges consisting of community leaders and business owners in various industries.

Winners of the 2023 Torch Awards are now qualified to enter the 2023 International Torch Awards for Ethics. Presented annually since 1996, the International Torch Awards for Ethics honors companies who demonstrate best practices in leadership character and high standards of organizational ethics that benefits their customers, employees, suppliers, shareholders and communities. To enter the International Torch Award for Ethics, a business must first be a winner of their local BBB award program.

Thank you to all the businesses that applied to this year’s competition, and congratulations to the winners and finalists!

 

Free Summer Gathering in the Park at Contra Costa Event Park Aug. 6

By 1 Comment

Community Outreach Musical

Come out and join us for a day of school supply giveaways, community unity with music and dance. Resource operations will also share information.

Sunday, August 6, 2023 3 – 6 p.m.

Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch

To reserve your free school supplies, please contact B.C.C. Ministries at (925) 350-0188 or bcc1781@gmail.com.

American Heart Association recognizes Kaiser hospitals for reducing death, disability among cardiac, stroke patients

By Leave a Comment

Including Antioch, Richmond and Walnut Creek; severe heart attacks in Kaiser Nor Cal patients reduced by 72% using team-based, preventive approach

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

The American Heart Association is recognizing 21 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals with awards for their commitment to delivering high-quality cardiac and stroke care that follows nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals receiving both the Get With The Guidelines®– Heart Failure and the Get With The Guidelines®– Stroke awards include Antioch, Fremont, Fresno, Modesto, Oakland, Redwood City, Richmond, Roseville, Sacramento, San Jose, San Leandro, San Rafael, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, South Sacramento, South San Francisco, Vacaville, Vallejo, and Walnut Creek. In addition, Kaiser Permanente Manteca received the Get With The Guidelines®– Heart Failure award and Kaiser Permanente San Francisco received the Get With The Guidelines®– Stroke award.

“This recognition is a tribute to the collective expertise of our physicians, nurses, and staff who provide comprehensive cardiac care and treatment for our patients and members,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “Our reduction in cardiovascular events continues to surpass the nation in quality outcomes, as our cardiologists, physicians, and care teams work across specialties and locations to consistently deliver the highest quality care to our patients and members, who are living longer and healthier lives as a result of these efforts.”

Kaiser Permanente Northern California caregivers have reduced severe heart attacks by 72% using a team-based, preventive approach, according to Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California Division of Research.​ Kaiser Permanente members are 33% less likely to experience premature death due to heart disease, Elizabeth A. McGlynn, PhD, et al., “Measuring Premature Mortality Among Kaiser Permanente Members Compared to the Community,” Kaiser Permanente, July 20, 2022.

“Our Kaiser Permanente Northern California teams of cardiac specialists collaborate seamlessly to coordinate diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of our patients,” said Carrie Owen Plietz, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “We are helping our members and patients with heart disease live longer, healthier lives through our comprehensive care and support.”

The Get With The Guidelines®– Heart Failure award is earned by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and aggressive risk-reduction therapies. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their heart failure and overall health, get a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.

The Get With The Guidelines®– Stroke award is earned by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their health, get a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.7 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org

About Get With The Guidelines®

Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 12 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

Walnut Creek man in Friday Brentwood shootout ID’d, arrested for attempted murder, robbery, more

By 1 Comment

 

Bail set at $2,575,000; 17-year-old Antioch suspect died from his injuries; victim is 21-year-old Antioch man

By Brentwood Police Department

The surviving suspect in Friday night’s shooting that occurred in the 800 block of Marjoram Drive in Brentwood at approximately 7:45 P.M. was identified as Antonio Barajas, a 20-year-old Walnut Creek resident. Barajas (born 12/29/2002) was booked at the Martinez Detention Facility, Saturday morning (7/15/23) for the following:

  1. Attempted Murder
  2. Attempted Robbery
  3. Conspiracy
  4. Assault w/ a Deadly Weapon
  5. False Imprisonment
  6. Discharging a firearm at an occupied vehicle
  7. Carrying a loaded firearm in public

As previously reported, Barajas was not injured but the 21-year-old victim from Antioch was. The 17-year-old suspect from Antioch was transported to an area hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries.

Anyone with information related to this shooting is asked to contact Detective Inerbichler or Detective Goold at 925-809-7911. Callers may remain anonymous.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa Commission for Women and Girls to host state Commissions Appointments Workshop

By Leave a Comment

July 29th in Brentwood

By Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media

(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa Commission for Women and Girls is partnering with California Women Lead to host a State of California Commissions Appointments Workshop on July 29.

The workshop will provide information on state and local commissions, the application process, and tips for strong applications. The Commission encourages participation of active community members seeking to learn about public governance, preparing for elected office, or aiming to make more significant community impact. Learn about the value of serving on boards and commissions and why there needs to be more women at the table.

Date and Location:

Saturday, July 29 – 11 am to 1:30 pm

Brentwood Library – 104 Oak Street, Brentwood

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/669132712957

The Contra Costa Commission for Women and Girls was formed in 1984 as an advisory committee to the Board of Supervisors. The Commission provides information and advice to the Board relating to the health and welfare of women and girls in the County. The Commission strives to increase awareness of women’s and girls’ issues, celebrate achievements of local deserving women, champion opportunities for women and girls, and recommend legislative solutions at the city, county, state, and federal levels.

For further information about the California Commissions Appointments Workshop and the Contra Costa Commission for Women and Girls, please email cccwomenscommission@gmail.com.

Oakley’s Ryan wraps up two-win weekend at Antioch Speedway

By Leave a Comment

Jason Ryan, Jr. #52 regained the point lead with his third IMCA Sport Modified win. Photo by Katrina Kniss

DeCarlo of Martinez, Baugh of Pittsburg also winners

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…July 15…Jason Ryan, Jr. of Oakley won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. This was his third win of the season as he regained the point lead from Kenny Shrader of Pacheco. Ryan also won the Main Event at Watsonville a night earlier.

With a front row start, rookie Billy Garner bolted into the lead when the green flag flew, pursued by his father Mark Garner, both of Antioch. Ryan settled into third very quickly and took up pursuit of Mark Garner. Ryan and the elder Garner went side by side for several laps before a low pass in Turn 4 of the 11th lap gained Ryan second as Garner pushed too high.

Billy Garner continued to lead the way until an inside pass in Turn 4 of the 14th lap gained Ryan the lead. Mark Garner passed his son for second before a yellow flag waved on Lap 18. Ryan maintained his cool on the restart and held off Mark Garner for the victory. Billy Garner impressed with a third-place finish, followed by Kelly Campanile of Oakley and Trevor Clymens, of Brentwood.

Terry DeCarlo, Jr. looked impressive in winning the IMCA Stock Car feature. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Terry DeCarlo, Jr. of Martinez won the 20 lap IMCA Stock Car Main Event. A week earlier he led the first half for the race before being passed. This time around, he gained the lead when brother Nick DeCarlo had mechanical issues on the ninth lap.

Nick DeCarlo of Martinez took the early lead over Terry DeCarlo Jr and Kenneth Robles of Rio Vista. They ran that way until Nick DeCarlo fell off the pace as they went down the front straightaway on ninth lap, surrendering the lead to his brother. Kenneth Robles held second ahead of father, Jason Robles of Rio Vista.

However, Jason also fell out, leaving Kenneth Robles to battle Mitch Enos of Manteca and point leader Troy Foulger of Oakley in a good race for second. Foulger made a Turn 2 move around Enos on Lap 18 for third. As Terry DeCarlo Jr sped to a straightaway advantage in victory. Foulger tried to get underneath Kenneth Robles exiting Turn 4, but Robles held him off at the line for second. Enos ended up fourth ahead of Jason Robles.

Jared Baugh #07 won his second-straight Hobby Stock Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Jared Baugh of Pittsburg won his second-straight Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event. Point leader Grayson Baca of Brentwood set the pace on the opening up, but a yellow flag waved for debris on the track. Baca surrendered the lead to Baugh on the restart with James Thomson of Pittsburg settling into second on the third lap. Aidan Ponciano got past Baca for third on Lap 6 and led Baca around Thomson for second and third on the eighth lap.

They ran that way until Colten Haney of Brentwood spun in Turn 4, collecting Ken Johns of Antioch on Lap 16. Baugh continued to lead the way with Ponciano in close pursuit in second. However, Baugh would prevail at the checkered flag. Reigning champion Misty Welborn of Castro Valley made a late surge for third ahead of Baca as San Pablo’s Bobby Motts Jr beat James Graessle of Antioch back to the line in a drag race for fifth.

Tom Davis #75 gained the Mini Stock point lead with his fifth feature triumph. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Tom Davis of Los Molinos won his fifth-straight 20 lap Print Club Mini Stock Main Event and took the point lead from Tom Brown of Santa Rosa in the process. Brown was a Main Event scratch.

Wyatt Lakin of Diamond Springs set the early pace ahead of Davis, but Davis went low in Turn 3 of the third lap to grab the lead. An inside move on the back stretch of the fifth lap gained Tony Quinones second. Davis set a rapid pace during the final 10 laps and won by a straightaway ahead of Quinones. Lakin ended up settling for third, followed Austin Struthers and Thomas Jensen, both of Placerville.

Don McLeister #7 won his third 600 Micro Sprint Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Don McLeister of Stockton won the 15 lap 600 Micro Sprint Main Event. This was his third win in as many races. He wasted little time charging into the lead from his pole position start as Ryan Holden of Lodi took up close pursuit. The first two positions never changed as McLeister picked up the win ahead of Holden. Devin McLeister of Stockton ran third until pulling off on Lap 8, giving the position to eventual third place finisher Swen Johnson of Marysville. Devin McLeuster settled for fourth ahead of Charlie Kight of Antioch.

Racing resumes next Saturday night with the Wingless Spec Sprints and Xtreme Late Models back in action along with the Delta Dwarf Cars, Super Stocks and Hardtops. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Antioch Speedway Race Results – July 15, 2023

IMCA Sport Modifieds 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Trevor Clymens, Jason Ryan Jr. Main Event (20 laps)-Jason Ryan Jr, Mark Garner, Billy Garner, Kelly Campanile, Trevor Clymens, Tom Fraser, Kenny Shrader, Raymond Lindeman, KC Carpenter, Al Johnson.

Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Grayson Baca, Jared Baugh, Aidan Ponciano. Main Event (20 laps)-Jared Baugh, Aidan Ponciano, Misty Welborn, Grayson Baca, Bobby Motts Jr, James Graessle, James Thomson, Colten Haney, Ken Johns, Gavin Griffiths.

IMCA Stock Cars

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Mitch Enos, Kenneth Robles. Main Event (20 laps)-Terry DeCarlo Jr, Kenneth Robles, Troy Foulger, Mitch Enos, Jason Robles, Nick DeCarlo, Dan Gondeman, Scott Foster.

Print Club Mini Stocks 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Tony Quinones, Tom Davis. Main Event (20 laps)-Tom Davis, Tony Quinones, Wyatt Lakin, Austin Struthers, Thomas Jensen, Logan Lakin, David Carson, Tom Carse, Tom Brown DNS, Dana Gardner DNS.

600 Micro Sprints

Heat Winner (8 laps)-Don McCleister. Main Event (15 laps)-Don McLeister, Ryan Holden, Sven Johnson, Devin McLeister, Charlie Kight, Ryan Dotson DNS, Devin Baxter DNS.