Contra Costa Herald

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

Maya Cinemas in Pittsburg offers popcorn and concession zero-contact pickup program

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By Greg Heckmann, Creative Marketing Consultant, Maya Cinemas

Maya Cinemas is keeping the fresh popcorn popping while its guests are at home watching movies on the small screen. This is a way for Maya to stay connected to its movie going community. The first week of the program was incredibly well received and orders were beyond all expectations.

Maya Cinemas launched a new program on April 8th where customers can purchase a 2-gallon resealable bag of popcorn and 2 movie size candies for $12. $2 add-ons to this package are available with a full list on the website.

The program is available every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Orders can be called in between 9am and 3pm with zero-contact pickup at the theater between 2pm and 5pm. Pickups are assigned in 15-minute increments to ensure safe distancing between guests. All payments must be completed over the phone to ensure safe pickup, so no cash payments accepted.

All info including order phone numbers, candy available and more at https://www.mayacinemas.com/popcorn-pickup

Maya Cinemas in Pittsburg is located at 4085 Century Blvd.

Get your tickets now at mayacinemas.com, you can also signup for weekly email showtimes!

Maya Cinemas was chartered in 2001 with a mission to develop, build, own and operate modern, first-run, megaplex movie theaters in underserved, family oriented, Latino-dominant communities. Maya offers first-run Hollywood movies in high-end cinemas focused on quality of design and state-of-the-art presentation technologies while keeping a keen focus on superior customer service.

Contra Costa Event Park in Antioch to be converted into potential care site for COVID-19 patients

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By Kim McCarl, Assistant to the Director, Communications, Contra Costa Health Services

Contra Costa County is preparing to use the Contra Costa Event Park in Antioch as a site to care for COVID-19 patients, should the need arise.

As part of local emergency preparations, the county has been exploring and preparing “alternate care sites” in preparation for the likely surge of patients in local hospitals who test positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19). The building, which is normally used as an exhibit hall during the annual county fair, is located in the Contra Costa Event Park at 1201 W. 10th Street and has capacity for 43 people who test positive for COVID-19 and need medical care, but do not need to be hospitalized.

“The fairgrounds alternate care site is a great example of state, county, city and non-profit agencies coming together to create increased capacity to care for patients needing fewer resources, which frees up critical hospital beds in our healthcare system to fight COVID-19,” said Federal Glover, District V Supervisor.

Contra Costa and other Bay Area counties recently extended a regional stay-at-home order through May 3 hoping that continued physical-distancing measures will reduce the impact of COVID-19 on area hospitals.

“The Contra Costa Event Center, City of Antioch and the Red Cross really stepped up to help make this site happen,” said Diane Burgis, District III Supervisor. “This site would not be possible without their assistance.”

The Red Cross has shared expertise in standing up critical care sites for individuals displaced by emergency situations with County officials working on the Fairgrounds site.

“The Red Cross is proud to be working closely with our government and public health officials to support their efforts to keep our community safe with the planning and opening of the alternate care site in Antioch,” said Briana Taylor, Regional Disaster Chair for the American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region. “It is impressive to see the whole community work together during this stressful time.”

The Craneway Pavilion in Richmond is equipped with 250 beds for COVID-positive patients who do not require hospitalization. Should a surge require the facility to open, COVID-positive patients are likely to be housed at the Craneway Pavilion first. (See related article) The Concord Shelter and Philip Doran Respite Center will house individuals who may not need hospitalization but require closer observation than provided at Craneway Pavilion. The county anticipates that Contra Costa Event Center will be the last facility to open.

“Although the City of Antioch did not request for the county to select a site within our city, we understand the gravity of the moment,” said Antioch Mayor Sean Wright. “In the fight to save lives, the world has been asked to step up and do more, Antioch is no exception to this reality. By working together, we will hopefully be able to minimize the number of lives lost to this horrible pandemic.”

The 23rd District Agricultural Association is home to the Contra Costa County Fair that has hosted hundreds of thousands of guests for over seventy-five years. The Event Park celebrates all that is best in Contra Costa County while preserving the agricultural heritage of the community.

“The Contra Costa Event Park is here to help the community during this time of need, and happy to work with the County of Contra Costa as we all work together to end this pandemic,” said Joe Brengle, chief executive officer of the Contra Costa Event Park.

“The county has been working in two of our buildings to prepare them should the need arise,” he told the Herald on Wednesday.

The Fair Board cancelled this year’s fair during their meeting on March 18. (See related article)

Contra Costa County and the Board of Supervisors continue to work in real time to respond to community needs while preparing to meet the challenges ahead.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Clayton, Brentwood Realtors® named 2019 award winners by Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.

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By Michelle Watson, Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.

Weichert Realtors® – America First Team and HH and Associates are proud to announce their 2019 Office Award Winners. The agents were honored by the national franchise organization, Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., based on achieving specified production requirements in gross commission income or units earned in 2019. These Weichert® affiliated agents earned their recognition from among associates in 40 states at the year’s end.

The Weichert – America First Team 2019 Award Winners – Jill Totton, Larry Hansohn, Linda Miller, Michael Arnone, Karen Holmberg and Astrid Jarquin.

America First Team – Clayton

Jill Totton – Sales Achievement; Larry Hansohn – Sales Achievement; Linda Miller – Sales Achievement; Michael Arnone – Sales Achievement; Karen Holmberg – Sales Achievement; and Astrid Jarquin – Sales Achievement.

Weichert – HH & Associates 2019 Award Winners Delia Colmenares, Jessica Enos, Ronald J. Enos, Emil Geddes, Mandy Kay Myhand-Teputepu and Naomi Longoria.

HH and Associates – Brentwood

Delia Colmenares – President’s Club (Gold); Jessica Enos – Executive Club; Ronald J. Enos – Executive Club; Emil Geddes – Sales Achievement; Mandy Kay Myhand-Teputepu – Sales Achievement; and Naomi Longoria – Sales Achievement.

“Our affiliates accomplished so much last year,” said Bill Scavone, president and chief operating officer of Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. “We are extremely fortunate to have such knowledgeable, dedicated and tireless Realtors.”

Weichert Realtors® – America First Team is an independently owned and operated Weichert affiliated office and located at 1520 Kirker Pass Road, Suite A in Clayton. For more information about Weichert Realtors® – America First Team, please contact Broker/Owner Julie Rogers at 925-672-9091, email jrogers@weichert.com or visit their Weichert website.

Weichert Realtors® – HH and Associates is owned by Broker Maggie Hurtado and Dave Hansen.

“No words can express the gratitude I feel towards our agents. With combined experience and knowledge, I couldn’t ask for a better team,” Hurtado said. “As we continue to serve the families and community we live in I’m very proud to say we not only offer buying and selling homes, land and commercial, I can honestly say we do it with integrity and always put our clients, first.”

“This special award-winning group is the reason we’re not just about real estate, we’re a family,” she added.

Weichert Realtors® – HH and Associates is an independently owned and operated Weichert affiliated office and located at 9000 Brentwood Blvd., Suite C in Brentwood. For more information please contact Maggie Hurtado or Dave Hansen at (925) 634-4611, email MargaretHurtado@sbcglobal.net or DHansen@HHandAssociates.com, or visit their Weichert website.

About Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.

Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. has grown steadily since Jim Weichert, president, chairman and CEO of Weichert Companies, launched the company’s franchise division in 2001. The affiliate division was created to offer a business model for franchisee ownership candidates described as “a clearly defined operating system for marketing and managing a real estate business.”

Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. announced its first affiliate in 2002, was ranked as one of the top traditional residential real estate franchises in Entrepreneur’s 2020 Franchise 500 and was identified in 2020 by Franchise Business Review as one of the top U.S. franchises for owner satisfaction. Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. has offices serving over 350 markets in 40 states. For more information about Weichert, visit Weichert.com or for information on franchise opportunities visit WeichertFranchise.com. Each Weichert® franchised office is independently owned and operated.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood middle school girl makes masks for local healthcare workers

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Haley Wieland sews masks at home and delivers them to Sutter Health offices in Antioch.

Haley during better times.

By Allen Payton

Haley Wieland is setting aside her feelings and doing something for others during the coronavirus pandemic. While the straight-A, 8th grade student at Bristow Middle School in Brentwood is really bummed about not being in school, she decided to make the most of her time during the shelter in place and sew masks for healthcare workers in Antioch, Brentwood, Discovery Bay, and Oakley.

Haley is sad to miss her 8th grade dance, promotion, and other fun planned activities with her friends. But she’s maintaining a good attitude.

“I feel everyone should pull together and support our hard-working healthcare workers during this pandemic,” she said.

Haley was selected to be part of a program at school called WEB, which stands for Where Everyone Belongs. They help out their community and peers throughout the school year. Now, she’s applying that same approach to helping the healthcare community in East County.

Sheriff’s Deputies arrest Oakley man for shooting of woman near Oakley Monday night

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For attempted murder, assault, burglary and drug charges. Suspect has criminal record with multiple arrests dating back to 2014. 

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

On Monday, April 6, 2020, at about 9:38 PM, Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a report of a shooting at the 2600 block of Dutch Slough Road in unincorporated Contra Costa County.

Deputies arrived on scene finding a 35-year-old woman suffering from a gunshot wound to her leg. The suspect reportedly fled the scene. The woman was transported by helicopter to John Muir Walnut Creek, according to Battalion Chief Craig Auzene of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District.

A Sheriff’s Office K-9 located the suspect hiding nearby in a shed on Dutch Slough Road. He surrendered and was taken into custody.

The suspect is identified as 44-year-old Terrell Medley of Oakley. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges that include attempted murder, assault, burglary, and drug charges. Medley also had two warrants for his arrest. He is being held in lieu of $1,130,000 bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, Medley has a history of arrests dating back to 2014, including use/under the influence of a controlled substance in San Mateo on Oct. 14, 2014; possession of a controlled substance and paraphernalia in Contra Costa County on Nov. 6, 2015; on Jan. 31, 2018 by the Antioch Police for a bench Warrant/failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge; for warrants/holds only in Contra Costa County on Dec. 1, 2018; and then again for violation of probation in San Mateo County on Dec. 3, 2018.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Cancer Support Community reschedules 6th Annual Hope Walk due to COVID-19 shelter in place

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New Date is October 17, 2020

By Alexandra Rubin, Director of Communications, Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area

WALNUT CREEK, April 6, 2020 – Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area (CSC) has announced that their 6th annual Hope Walk, originally scheduled for May 16, has been rescheduled to October 17. The fun event, which is a major fundraiser for the organization, draws over 1,000 registered walkers and more than 70 exhibitors to Heather Farm Park each year.

“The Hope Walk is a way for our members, supporters, and the whole community to come out and celebrate the great work that Cancer Support Community does, which is helping people live longer and live better when faced with cancer,” said CSC’s Development Director and the event’s manager, Carol Louisell. “And, it’s just a really great time for families to get out and get some exercise along with music, entertainment, and a thousand friends!”

While the Hope Walk has had to be postponed due to the shelter-in-place order, CSC has been able to continue bringing support, hope, and healing to cancer patients and their caregivers without interruption. CSC started providing virtual support groups the same day the order was announced, on Monday, March 16. By the next week, CSC not only had very strong participation in support groups and individual counseling sessions – with their therapists and facilitators working from their homes – but also had moved many movement classes and some workshops online.

“This is exactly what our mission is,” said James Bouquin, CSC’s Chief Executive Officer. “We help people deal with the unexpected, dramatic crisis of cancer every day. It’s one of the most isolating of diseases, creating anxiety and fear. We are proud and profoundly grateful that we can continue to be a source of hope, community, and relief for our members.”

People can register for the walk and make donations at http://www.hopewalkbayarea.net/. All registrations for the May date will be transferred to the new date.

CSC’s gala, “An Evening of Hope and Healing,” is still scheduled for September 19. For information on either of these events, please contact Carol Louisell at clouisell@cancersupport.net.

About Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area

Celebrating 30 years in the East Bay, Cancer Support Community provides comprehensive, integrative care—including counseling, support groups, nutrition training, exercise classes, and patient education programs—for people with cancer, their caregivers, and their families. Our evidence-based services enable cancer patients to partner with their medical teams to manage their treatment and recovery most effectively, increase their chances for survival, reduce their chances of recurrence, and provide for the highest possible quality of life. We never turn anyone away, and all of our services are always provided free of charge. With services provided at our Walnut Creek center, in local medical centers throughout the Bay Area, and now in Antioch, we serve more than 2,200 people annually.

Assemblymember Frazier chooses Byron winery owner Michelle Campos as AD11 Woman of the Year

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Michelle Campos with her plaque honoring her as Assembly District 11 Woman of the Year. Photo courtesy Office of Assemblymember Jim Frazier.

Sacramento – Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D- Fairfield), invites the public to join him in celebrating Michelle Campos in her selection as Assembly District 11’s Woman of the Year. Michelle’s contributions to her community include volunteering in programs at local schools, cancer philanthropy and founding a successful business that continues the tradition of giving back. Currently Michelle and her husband, Ric are proprietors of Campos Family Vineyards in Byron and live there, as well.

“In her nearly three decades of living in the area, Michelle’s commitment to her community and to those around her is astounding,” Frazier said. “From her involvement in the Performing Arts Program at Excelsior Middle School, the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer to creating not only a successful business, but one that is constantly finding new ways to share what she’s been given, Michelle has contributed much to our community. I am delighted and honored to nominate Michelle to represent the 11th Assembly District as Woman of the Year.”

Michelle was born and raised in San Leandro.  She graduated in 1977 from San Leandro High School, attended Chabot College and Western Career College.  Michelle worked as a Nurse in Family Practice, OB/GYN and Labor & Delivery at Washington Hospital in Fremont. She previously was a Childbirth Educator and Private Doula.  She also obtained her Real Estate License and sold new homes for Kaufman & Broad in Contra Costa County. Michelle and Ric married in 1991 and moved to Discovery Bay. Together they raised her two children and their daughter.

A heartfelt desire to become involved in the community and give back was important to Michelle.  As her children went through school, she was involved in and supported the Performing Arts Program at Excelsior Middle School and the Cheer Program at Liberty High School. Michelle and her husband started an environmental business (SWIMS) in 1996 out of their home garage. SWIMS now has six locations and more than 100 employees. Together she and Ric pioneered the storm water industry and both worked hands-on to grow and develop their business.

In 2016, Campos Family Vineyards was born, the result of the couple’s long-time dream and love for vineyards. Years of long drives through many California wine regions was a favorite pastime. Providing a place to gather the community, give back and produce award-winning wines is the heartbeat of both Campos Family Vineyards and Michelle. Being part of the community for more than 29 years, raising children and now grandchildren here, Michelle believes that creating a gathering place is very important. Raising awareness and funds for the Temple Grandin/Eustacia Cutler Autism Foundation is also near to Michelle’s heart, as her granddaughter Gianna (GiGi) is on the Autism Spectrum and has Aspergers.  It was Gigi’s idea, at age 11, to give back and help others.

2020 Contra Costa County Fair canceled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19)

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By Joe Brengle, CEO Contra Costa County Event Park

ANTIOCH – As a major event facility, The Contra Costa Event Park has been monitoring 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. Due to this ongoing situation the Contra Costa Event Park Board of Directors met last night and unanimously voted to cancel the 2020 Contra Costa County Fair scheduled for May 14 – 17.

The Fair Board realizes that the individual’s most affected by this cancellation is the youth livestock exhibitors of our county. The Fair Board did approve to let a committee of Contra Costa County 4H and FFA parents work on a Youth Fair where these youth livestock exhibitors could show and auction their animals. The Fair Board agreed to provide support to this committee as needed. If the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Contra Costa County Health Department, or the Governor of California lengthen the current restrictions and orders, it is possible that a Youth Fair will not take place. At this time dates for Youth Fair are yet to be determined.

We thank the community for your continued support during these challenging times.

Mark your calendars for the 2021 Contra Costa County Fair May 13 – 16.

White Pony Express continues food deliveries to families who use school food pantries

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Despite school closures

Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, almost all Contra Costa County schools are now closed for the protection of students. Despite this, White Pony Express (WPE), the food rescue nonprofit based in Pleasant Hill, will continue to deliver food to students and families being served by WPE’s “School Food Pantry Program.” Under this Program, WPE has been delivering fresh, surplus food to eleven free-lunch schools in the county. Since the schools are now closed, WPE will deliver the food to a nearby community center or church where families can still obtain it. Many of these families rely on this food to make ends meet.

Need for School Food Pantry Programs

Over 100,000 students in Contra Costa County, or 40%, qualify for the free lunch program. The goal of the School Pantry Program is to help eliminate hunger and increase students’ academic success so they can contribute more fully to the communities in which they live. Helen Jones, WPE’s Food Rescue Operations Manager says, “The families we serve through this program have

demanding challenges throughout the month. Many of the participants receive food stamps which only cover a portion of a month’s worth of food. The food that WPE provides to the schools we serve not only provides nutrition. It provides hope.”

Currently, WPE’s eleven school pantries are set up in schools located in Antioch, Bay Point, Martinez, Pittsburg, Richmond, and San Pablo. This year WPE’s school pantries will deliver in excess of 415,000 meals of quality, nutritious food. WPE plans to open new pantries in 2020, but

continuing the Program will depend on finding sustainable funding.

Institution of New Health Protocols

Based upon guidelines issued by the state and county, WPE will be incorporating new health guidelines to support state and local efforts to combat the COVID-19 outbreak. These protocols (hand washing, use of hand sanitizers, gloves, social distancing, etc.) will be made a part of all aspects of WPE’s food and clothing operations.

“It is important for the public and our volunteers to know that WPE will be implementing strict cleanliness standards so that our valuable programs can continue safely,” says Mary Brooks, WPE’s Executive Director. “And the families at the schools we are serving should know that WPE is preparing and delivering this surplus food in accordance with these high standards.”

ABOUT White Pony Express: WPE is a volunteer powered 501(c)3 organization headquartered in Pleasant Hill, CA, which helps people move from the margins to the mainstream by providing free food and clothing in a loving and respectful manner.

Dr. Carol Weyland Conner founded WPE in September 2013 when she was troubled that with such as an abundance of food, many thousands were going hungry, while at the same time food retailers were throwing out huge quantities of healthy, fresh food. Out of this insight, the Food Rescue program was born. In a little over 6 years, WPE has rescued and delivered more than 10.5 million pounds (equivalent to 8,750,000 meals) of fresh, nutritious food, free of charge, that would otherwise go to waste.

In 2014 the White Pony General Store was added to provide high quality clothing, toys, and books to the underserved in our communities – all free of charge. Since that time, the General Store has given away over 512,000 items to those in need.

If you’d like to contribute to WPE’s School Food Pantry Program or its other programs, you can do so by visiting WPE’s website at www.whiteponyexpress.org/donate-funds. Those who wish to volunteer can sign up at www.whiteponyexpress.org/volunteer.

For more on WPE, visit www.whiteponyexpress.org.

Vasco Road closed due to fatal three-vehicle accident from Livermore to Camino Diablo Road

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Vasco Road at Camino Diablo Road intersection is the scene of the accident. Photo by CCCPublic Worrks.

Expected to reopen at 10 p.m.

According to the CHP-Contra Costa and the Vasco Road is shut down entirely between Camino Diablo and Dalton Avenue in Livermore due to a three-vehicle fatality collision. A Sigalert has been issued and expected to reopen at about 5pm. Seek alternate routes to avoid the area. More details soon.

According to the East Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, “At 2:31 pm ECCFPD units responded to a report of a 3-vehicle accident involving a big rig on its side. Unfortunately, it has been confirmed that one patient has died in the accident.”

According to the Contra Costa County Public Works Department, they “anticipate the road to re-open by 10:00 p.m. Please take alternative routes to avoid this area.”

Motorists are urged to avoid the area and use Interstate 680 to get between eastern Contra Costa and Alameda counties.