Contra Costa Herald

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

Brentwood Council surveys residents on options to fill vacant council seat for remaining two years

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Deadline to participate Monday, Dec. 28

By Gregory Lawson, Public Information Officer, City of Brentwood

The Brentwood City Council unanimously voted to provide a survey for Brentwood residents to voice their opinions on the direction the Council should take on filling the vacancy on the City Council created by the election of former Vice Mayor Joel Bryant to the Office of Mayor. The survey will consist of three alternatives that residents can choose from:

  • Conduct a special election to allow voters to choose a new council member (Approx. cost $200,000)
  • Selection by City Council appointment, consistent with state election law, of the candidate who received the second highest number of votes in the 2020 mayoral race. (No Fiscal Impact)
  • Selection by City Council appointment, consistent with state election law, using an application process that allows any person who is an elector of the City and registered voter to apply. (No Fiscal Impact)

In addition, if an appointment by application process is to be used, survey respondents will have an opportunity to share what criteria they believe should be considered by the Council in selecting the new member. Residents are encouraged to participate in the survey by visiting the City’s website www.brentwoodca.gov and clicking on “Council Vacancy Survey” or by calling (925) 516-5187. The survey will end on Monday, December 28 at Noon. A Special City Council meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, December 29 at 6 pm.

Antioch man charged with distribution and aggravated possession of child pornography

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By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Office of the District Attorney, Contra Costa County

Shawn Jamison Prichard. Photo: CCDA

Martinez, Calif. – On Thursday, December 10, 2020, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed felony child pornography charges against 41-year-old Antioch resident Shawn Jamison Prichard. Prichard is charged with three counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of aggravated possession of child pornography.

Aggravated possession is defined as any person who, with knowledge of its contents, possesses one hundred (100) or more separate materials depicting child pornography shall be, upon conviction, guilty of aggravated possession of child pornography.

On December 9, 2020, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force served a search warrant in the 2400 block of Mammoth Way in Antioch. During the service of the search warrant, several items of digital evidence were reviewed which contained child pornography. As a result, Prichard was taken into custody and booked the Martinez Detention Facility. Prichard’s bail was set by the court at $1,000,000. Prichard remains in the custody of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office. Prichard appeared in court for his arraignment on Friday December 11, 2020.

The Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is managed by the San Jose Police Department. In Contra Costa County, detectives and investigators from the Walnut Creek, Concord, Martinez, Brentwood and Moraga Police Departments, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Contra Costa County Probation Department and Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office participate in the task force along with Special Agents from the United States Department of Homeland Security and the United States Secret Service.

Parents are encouraged to discuss online safety with their children and can visit the website www.kidsmartz.org for further information. If you believe your school or community organization would benefit from a smartphone and social media awareness presentation, please contact the District Attorney’s Office at DA-Office@contracostada.org.

Anyone with information about this investigation is encouraged to contact Senior Inspector Darryl Holcombe at 925-957-8757 or dholcombe@contracostada.org.

Case information: People v. Prichard Docket Number 04-200770-6

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

2021 Contra Costa County Fair canceled

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ANTIOCH – As a major event facility, The Contra Costa Event Park has been weighing all of its options, as we monitor the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. There is no higher priority than the safety of our Fairgrounds family, patrons, vendors, promoters and sponsors at the Contra Costa Event Park. It is with heavy heart and great regret due to this ongoing situation the Contra Costa Event Park Board of Directors met last night and unanimously voted to cancel the 2021 Contra Costa County Fair scheduled for May 13 – 16.

We understand that this decision has both financial and emotional impact on all of our Fair partners. After thoughtful consideration, we do not feel it would be a responsible decision to continue with the planning of the 2021 Contra Costa County Fair, when it could potential be canceled at the last minute.

The Contra Costa County Fair has been an annual event for over 80 years, and has operated uninterrupted, with the exception of a few years during World War II. The Fair is a large part of our communities’ history and tradition, and the decision to cancel the 2021 Fair did not come lightly.

We thank the community and all of our partners for your continued support during these challenging times.

We look forward to seeing you all safe and healthy for the 2022 Contra Costa County Fair May 12 – 15.

 

East County residents asked to take Delta tunnel Environmental Justice Community Survey by Friday, Dec. 11

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The Environmental Justice Community Survey launched by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) closes this Friday, December 11th. The survey takes just a few minutes and is intended to gather perspectives from community members who live or work in the Stockton, Sacramento, and Antioch region and the small towns in between. Your input is crucial to identifying the potential impacts and benefits of the proposed Delta tunnel known as the Conveyance Project.

Don’t wait – if you haven’t already, take the survey today – and share with others in the Delta region!

Click here to TAKE THE SURVEY TODAY!

About the Survey

Through the “Your Delta, Your Voice” survey, DWR is specifically aiming to engage those who live or work in the Delta region and are often not adequately represented in public processes by seeking direct input from low income residents and workers, people of color, limited English speakers, Tribal members and other underrepresented communities.

They survey has two primary goals. One is to accurately reflect how the members of a variety of Delta communities value the region’s cultural, recreational and natural resources, through a series of questions and a map that allows people to identify places that are special to them. The other is to seek input about ways the project may cause impacts to these resources or potentially bring benefits to Delta communities.

Spread the Word

Please help spread the word about the survey by forwarding this email to those in your network so the voices of the Delta’s diverse communities can be heard.

You can also share the survey on social media using the following links:

   Share on Facebook:  English  |  Español  |  中文
   Share on Twitter:  English  |  Español  |  中文

Rep. McNerney, Salesforce to host online workshop on expanding career opportunities Wednesday

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An event to connect constituents with free skills-training programs

By Nikki Cannon, Communications Director

As COVID-19 has changed many aspects of Americans lives, including career trajectories and prospects, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) has announced a collaborative event with the software company Salesforce to help his constituents learn in-demand skills and expand employment opportunities.

The workshop, entitled Skill Up for the Future with Trailhead, will take place on Wednesday, December 9th, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, using the Salesforce learning platform, Trailhead.

Join Online:

https://trailhead.salesforce.com/live/broadcasts/a2r3k000001n2SR/trailhead-tour-stockton

 

 

$40 million affordable housing project to be built as part of Pittsburg’s first transit oriented development

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Artist’s rendering of The Atchison multifamily housing project planned for Railroad Avenue in Pittsburg. Courtesy of Integrated Community Development.

By Allen Payton

Alliant Capital announced on Tuesday the closing of their investment in The Atchison in Pittsburg, and the new development of over 200 affordable housing units. The $40 million project is part of a $90 million mixed use transit oriented development near the BART station, the first for the city. Alliant will work on the project with the not for profit Corporation for Better Housing and Integrated Community Development.

The 202-unit multifamily, Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) project will be built on the site of the former Ford dealer at 2575 Railroad Avenue, less than half-a-mile from the Pittsburg BART Station. It is part of the city’s Railroad Avenue Specific Plan adopted by the city council in 2009.

“With the Atchison project, the City of Pittsburg is continuing to see the community’s vision of the Railroad Avenue corridor and the area around the Pittsburg Center BART Station come to life,” said Mayor Jelani Killings during a virtual ground breaking ceremony earlier this year. “This project addresses the need in Pittsburg for high quality and amenity-driven transit-oriented development, and shows that during these uncertain times, Pittsburg is a community that is working, building, and looking toward the future.”

The overall project also includes developer funded improvements to the Delta De Anza Regional Trail that runs along the south side of the property.

Delta De Anza Trail (red line) and location of The Atchison adjacent. From East Bay Regional Park District.

“Integrated Community Development (ICD) is the Administrative General Partner of the partnership that owns the Atchison,” explained Managing Member Ben Lingo, about the company’s role. “ICD is the developer of the project and works closely with the Corporation for Better Housing, the development’s not for profit general partner.”

About The Atchison

The Atchison is the new construction of 202 apartment units. The projected construction timeline spans a 22-month period, culminating in October 2022.

When completed, The Atchison will consist of 20 efficiency units, 122 one-bedroom/one bath units, and 60 two-bedroom/one bath units. Of those, 100 units will be set aside for households whose income is at or below 50% of the area median income (“AMI”) and 100 units will be set aside for households whose income is at or below 70% of AMI. The overall average income for the project will be 60% of AMI. Two units will be used for on-site property managers.

The Atchison will help to provide new affordable housing opportunities within a pedestrian oriented neighborhood with access to transportation, job centers, retail, schools, and community services. The development will include 202 residential units and approximately 13,000 square feet of ground floor commercial and retail space. The development offers the residents a robust amenity package including a pool with a sunning deck, fire pits, outdoor BBQ areas, playgrounds, community business center, fitness center, lounge area and pool side clubhouse. The Atchison offers market rate amenities with mixed income rents.

Renderings courtesy of Integrated Community Development.

About Alliant Capital

The Alliant Company is a leading LIHTC firm focused on providing tax credit syndication for the development and financing of affordable multifamily rental housing. Founded in 1997 to assist in America’s critical need for affordable housing, today Alliant is among the nation’s top syndicators and has an unparalleled track record of success. With a dedicated team of experienced commercial real estate, asset management, legal and tax professionals, Alliant provides the highest level of fully integrated real estate and investment support services. We deliver rock-solid expertise with an innovative perspective.

About Corporation for Better Housing

Founded in 1995, Corporation for Better Housing (CBH) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We believe community action changes lives, embodies the spirit of hope, and makes neighborhoods a better place to live. It’s our goal to provide the tools necessary, for these ideas to flourish long after construction is complete. We are committed to providing services free of charge to all our residents. Regardless of the nature of the development, Corporation for Better Housing remains dedicated to its residents, the public, and the communities it serves.

In our goal to eradicate the “poor and unsafe living conditions” that exist in underprivileged communities today, we pride ourselves on our “boots on the ground” approach. Our management teams are fully integrated into our development process during the construction stages and remain heavily involved in the completion of every development. We are committed to being proactive (and flexible), with the challenges that come with affordable housing.

The development of quality affordable housing has enabled Corporation for Better Housing to forge lasting and fruitful partnerships with many recognized leaders in the affordable housing industry. Alliant has syndicated deals for Corporation for Better Housing and continues to be an invaluable asset to our development team.

About Integrated Community Development

Integrated Community Development is a diversified firm that specializes in all aspects of real estate development including Land Acquisition, Environmental Law, Entitlement, Design, Finance, Construction, Asset Management, and Property Management.

Contra Costa Arts and Cultural Commission seeks applicants for opening in Supervisorial District 3

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Do you live in Contra Costa County Supervisorial District 3? It includes Bethel Island, Blackhawk, Byron, Diablo, Discovery Bay, Knightsen, Antioch, Brentwood, and Oakley. If so, we have an opening on the Arts and Cultural Commission of Contra Costa County for which you can apply!

APPLY HERE

The Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County is dedicated to advancing the arts in a way that promotes communication, education, appreciation and collaboration throughout Contra Costa County so that we may grow creatively as a community that preserves and celebrates our diverse cultural expression.

The commission has 10 seats; five from each of the County’s Supervisorial Districts, four at-large and one alternate.

District Specific Seats:

Are recommended by the applicable District Supervisor and then approved by the Board of Supervisors.

What does a Commissioner do?

  • Support the functions of the Commission.
  • Give all meetings and other Commission activities a priority on his/her calendar.
  • Serve on and chair Commission committees and events.
  • Keep current with all facts and information upon which the Commission must base its collective opinions and decisions.
  • Participate in strategic planning and implementation of arts programming.
  • Be an ambassador and proponent of the arts and the Commission in Contra Costa County and engage people from all cultural and ethnic groups in the arts and in the work of the Commission.

Please apply today! Learn more at www.ac5.org

 

After 18 months Bay Point Regional Shoreline reopens with improved visitor facilities, Delta water access

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By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, East Bay Regional Park District

Bay Point Regional Shoreline reopened to the public Friday, November 20, 2020, after being closed for 14 months to restore habitat and construct public access improvements. The project, officially known as the Bay Point Regional Shoreline Habitat

Restoration and Public Access Project, includes additional parking, bathrooms, picnic areas, drinking fountains, elevated walking and hiking trails, and a kayak launch.

Bay Point Regional Shoreline provides access to open space and marsh habitat in an area surrounded by residential, military, and industrial development. The nearly 150-acre park is at the approximate midpoint of the San Francisco Bay Estuary and the Sacramento/San Joaquin River Delta. The East Bay Regional Park District acquired the park property in 1996.

The Park District celebrated the reopening of Bay Point Regional Shoreline with a live virtual program on Friday, November 20, at 10:00 a.m. with a naturalist-lead virtual tour, behind the scenes video, and featured speakers, including Park District General Manager Robert Doyle, Board President Ellen Corbett, Board Member Colin Coffey who represents the area, Board Member Beverley Lane who has long-advocated for more recreational opportunities in East Contra Costa County, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, Assemblymember Tim Grayson and Pittsburg Council Member Shanelle Scales-Preston. Virtual program available at https://youtu.be/bHT7GGzXpNM?t=44.

Park District General Manager Robert Doyle speaks at the virtual re-opening ceremony on Nov. 20, 2020. Video screenshot.

“Parks like Bay Point Regional Shoreline are essential for the community’s physical and mental health, now more than ever,” said Park District General Manager Robert Doyle. “COVID has shown us just how important parks are for recreation, respite, and rejuvenation.”

“More than 4,000 residents live within a half-mile of the improved shoreline park. The project significantly expands access to nature for the neighboring community, which has historically had limited access to parks and open space,” added Doyle.

The project restored tidal emergent marshes and transitional uplands, preserving natural habitat for endangered species like the California black rail and salt marsh harvest mouse.

“The improvements at Bay Point Regional Shoreline, both to public access and habitat, provide eastern Contra Costa County residents and the neighboring community with better opportunities to experience nature nearby for enjoyment, learning, and health,” said Park District Board Director Colin Coffey. “Access to parks and nature close to home are more important than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

East Bay Regional Park District Board Member Colin Coffey prepares to cut the ribbon, with Pittsburg City Councilwoman Shanelle Scales-Preston, District Board President Ellen Corbett, District General Manager Robert Doyle, and Board Member Beverley Lane, to officially re-open the park. Photos by EBRPD.

Climate change impacts were also taken into account by the project. New trails, visitor improvements, and interpretive signage were all elevated to withstand future sea levels and environmental restoration designed to provide quality habitat even at anticipated 2080 sea levels.

“The Park District is excited to highlight Bay Point Regional Shoreline as one of the Park District’s climate-resilient parks, with habitat restoration and recreational amenities designed and built to withstand climate change impacts, including extreme weather and sea level rise,” said Park District Board President Ellen Corbett. “We are working to adapt to climate change and protect our parks and trails from coastal flooding due to sea level rise”

Funding for the park was from the Shell Oil spill mitigation fund.

Regional and site maps of the Bay Point Regional Shoreline. From EBRPD BPRS brochure.

The Park is now open to the public from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. For more information about Bay Point Regional Shoreline, visit EBRPD – Bay Point (ebparks.org).

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,300 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives more than 25 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

19-year-old Antioch man dies in Vasco Road head-on collision early Tuesday morning

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Struck by 49-year-old male driver from Brentwood

By CHP – Contra Costa

Early this morning at about 3:45am, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a two-vehicle crash on Vasco Road, south of Walnut Blvd. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, it was determined that a 2008 Chevrolet HHR was traveling northbound on Vasco Road and began a turning movement, crossing over the solid double yellow lines and into the southbound lane. As the Chevrolet entered into the southbound lane, it was directly in the path of an oncoming vehicle, a 2015 Ford F-150. The driver of the Ford, a 49-year-old male from Brentwood, was unable to avoid the HHR within the lane and collided into it, causing major damage to both vehicles. Tragically the driver of the Chevrolet, a 19-year-old male from Antioch, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the Ford suffered moderate injuries and was transported to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek. The Contra Costa County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of identity of the deceased driver.

It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs were a factor in this collision, but it is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it and have not yet spoken with CHP, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980.

Fatal solo vehicle crash on Hwy 242 late Sunday night claims life of Pittsburg man

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By CHP – Contra Costa

Last night at about 11:33pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a solo vehicle crash on State Route 242 northbound, at Hwy 4. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, it was determined that a solo, black 1994 Honda Civic had veered from the lanes of traffic of SR-242 northbound and collided into the concrete center divider. The driver then lost control of the vehicle as it tumbled over the center divider and down the center dirt embankment towards the southbound lanes of SR-242. The vehicle landed on its roof and came to rest within the southbound lanes of SR-242.

The driver, a 22-year-old male from Concord, was restrained and sustained only minor injuries. The male passenger, an adult male from Pittsburg, was not properly restrained and subsequently ejected from the vehicle and onto the roadway of SR-242 southbound and struck by a passing vehicle. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of the deceased passenger’s identity.

Alcohol or drugs are not considered a factor in this collision, but it is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it and have not yet spoken with CHP, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980.