Contra Costa Herald

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

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Supervisors turn focus to high-end housing

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By Daniel Borsuk

The push to build affordable housing in Contra Costa County took a detour when supervisors took two separate actions Tuesday to shore up the county’s housing stock for those with lofty incomes and capable of living in the leafy environs of Lafayette and Kensington.

It was only last month, supervisors had approved a 193-unit, $60 million affordable income apartment development in unincorporated Bay Point at the intersection of Port Chicago Highway and Willow Pass Road.

Lafayette In-Fill Project

Supervisors brushed aside the appeal of Lafayette residents Bruce Last, Hanna Cervenka and Prem Cervenka over the proposed development of nine split level houses on lots in a hilly part of unincorporated Lafayette that would require the removal of 16 trees and 18,000 cubic yards of soil.  Each residential development is projected to sell in excess of $1 million.

The 7.5 – acre site is located at Taylor Boulevard and Gloria Terrace Court.

With lots measuring from 22,600 square feet to 73,301 square feet each, Last, who lives nearby the proposed Gloria Terrace Estates, a joint development of co-owners Gloria Terrace and H. F. Layton, said the hill’s steep slopes presented fire safety access problems for Cal Fire.

“This development presents a fire safety issue with Cal Fire regulations because of the steep slopes where these homes will be constructed,” Last said.

Last also said the split-level design of the proposed new houses are out of character with the area’s single level houses.

Supervisors were informed each house will include sprinklers to minimize fire hazards in the area.  In addition, the hill top will be lowered so that it won’t present privacy problems for those living down the hill.

County Senior Planner Francisco Avila told supervisors since February when the Gloria Terrace Estates was presented to the county planning commission, the developers have agreed to plant 24 new trees because 16 trees will have to be removed for the development.

In addition, the developers, Avila said, agreed to provide six on street parking spaces to help resolve parking problems.  The developers had already agreed to provide three to four guest parking spaces per lot.

New Law Gets Test in Kensington

Some residents in the tony unincorporated community of Kensington are not pleased county supervisors adopted the state’s new law that replaces the term second unit with accessory dwelling unit.

Signed into law, earlier this year, to spark the construction of more housing throughout the Golden State by lowering or eliminating altogether parking requirements while boosting the accessory dwelling unit floor space 30 percent to 50 percent of the attached dwelling unit, the new ordinance is getting its first Contra Costa County test in Kensington, and some residents don’t like what they see coming down the road.

Concerned about potential parking impacts, visual impacts and overcrowding impacts, Kensington resident Joseph Holsom said, “I think this is a step backwards.”

Barbara Holsom predicted there will be other single-family houses like the one she lives across from that will become an Airbnb rental once the county adopts the ADU ordinance that provides more incentives than the old ordinance.  “The owners don’t live there anymore.  The house is used as a motel, “she complained.

Supervisors approved a bulk of the ADU ordinance with the understanding some technical points will be brought back for board action at a later date.

Lafayette police arrest suspect for Tuesday afternoon kidnapping

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On Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at about 1:53 PM, Lafayette police officers were dispatched to a suspicious circumstance at the Chase Bank at 3492 Mt. Diablo Boulevard in Lafayette.

A customer apparently came into the bank and told staff that someone had threatened and beat him while he was at his home on Sweet Drive and told him to withdraw money from his bank account.

The suspect took a shotgun from the victim’s home and forced him into the suspect’s car. They then drove to the bank. The suspect waited in the vehicle while the victim went in and notified bank staff.

Officers arrived at the bank and detained the suspect at gunpoint.

He is identified as 26-year-old Manuel Bustos. Detectives are interviewing him at this time. He will later be booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges that include kidnapping, robbery, burglary, and stolen automobile.

Congressman DeSaulnier Awarded High Marks from the League of Conservation Voters

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Washington, DC – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) received a 97% score from the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) on its 2015 National Environmental Scorecard. The high score reflects his record of fighting for important issues, including energy, global warming, public health, public lands and wildlife conservation, and supporting environmental programs during his first session of Congress.

“Preserving our planet’s natural resources for generations to come has been one of my priorities since serving on the California Air Resources Board in the 1990s. It is an honor to be recognized by the League of Conservation Voters for my environmental work, and I will continue to work with the LCV to promote policies that address climate change and protect public health while strengthening our economy,” said Congressman DeSaulnier.

“The 2015 Scorecard shows that our cornerstone environmental standards are under attack more than ever before,” said Gene Karpinski, President of the League of Conservation Voters. “Thankfully, Congressman DeSaulnier is helping lead the charge against these extreme attacks. His stellar record during his first year in the U.S. House builds on his strong record at the state-level fighting to protect the air we breathe and confront the climate crisis and we look forward to continue working with him.”

LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard ranks 35 different votes to provide objective, factual information about the most important environmental legislation considered in the 114th Congress and the corresponding voting records of all members of Congress. The Scorecard represents the consensus of experts from approximately 20 respected environmental and conservation organizations who select the key votes on which members of Congress should be scored.

The full scorecard can be found here.

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier also has earned a lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters of 97%.

 

Sunny outlook for solar power at Antioch, Lafayette BART stations

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On October 27, the Board of Directors authorized BART to enter into an agreement with Solar City to install, operate, and maintain solar panels at the new, upcoming Antioch station as well as Lafayette Station.

BART will purchase electricity generated from these two new installations, which once constructed will be the largest solar generation facilities on District property.  As an additional benefit to customers, the panel canopies will provide shade over a portion of the parking lots at each location.

“The BART to Antioch project is putting a brand new face on transit in eastern Contra Costa, and it’s exciting to see new, environmentally-friendly technologies like solar powering up these upcoming stations,” said BART Director Joel Keller.

The cost of the project will be paid from the energy operating budget, and will cost a cumulative $3.75 million and $3.85 million at Antioch and Lafayette stations, respectively, over the 20-year term of the agreement.

Construction of the panels is expected to be completed at Antioch station by fall 2017, and in Lafayette by late spring 2017.

D.A. Peterson announces arrest of Orinda child psychologist for possession of child pornography

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Kenneth Breslin

Kenneth Breslin

On Wednesday, October 5th, 2016, investigators arrested 68 year old Lafayette resident Kenneth Allen Breslin for Possession of Child Pornography. The arrest stems from an investigation conducted by members of the Contra Costa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The task force consists of detectives from the Martinez, Walnut Creek, Moraga, Concord, Pleasant Hill and San Ramon police departments; along with investigators from the Sheriff’s Office, Probation Department, and the District Attorney’s Office.

Investigators served a search warrant in the 3400 block of Moraga Blvd in Lafayette.  During a search of the residence, a significant quantity of child pornography was located on Dr. Breslin’s computers and other storage devices.  A subsequent search of his office in Orinda yielded additional files of child pornography.

Dr. Breslin was arrested and booked at the Martinez Detention Facility. His bail was initially set at $200,000.   The case is being reviewed by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

Dr. Breslin has been a psychologist for over 30 years and maintains a practice in Orinda called “A Child’s Point of View.”

Anyone with information should contact Contra Costa District Attorney Senior Inspector Darryl Holcombe at 925-957-8789.

All nine of Assemblywoman Baker’s bipartisan bills were passed and signed into law

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Finishing out the last year of the 2015-16 legislative session, Assemblywoman Catharine Baker (R-San Ramon) announced that all of the nine bills she authored, were passed and sent to the Governor have been signed.

“Having nine bills pass with strong, bipartisan support and the Governor’s signature affirms my belief that bipartisanship can and does work,” said Baker.

The following bills were introduced by Assemblywoman Baker, received broad bipartisan support in the Legislature, and were signed by Governor Brown:

AB 1058 – Child abuse prevention training

Preventing child abuse by requiring the State Department of Education to establish guidelines and best practices for child abuse prevention in schools and school programs for the first time in California history.

AB 1284 – Bringing transparency to the Bay Bridge

Promoting much-needed transparency over the Bay Bridge Project by requiring the Toll Bridge Program Oversight Committee (TBPOC)—which oversees the Bay Bridge construction—to be subject to the Bagley-Keene Open Meetings Act for the first time in the Committee’s history.

AB 773 – Addressing shortage of mental health professionals

Addressing the red tape and lack of consistency for obtaining psychology licenses by replacing the outdated system of licensing with a new system in which psychology licenses will expire two years from the date of issuance.

AB 1401 – Supporting veterans in higher education

Providing veterans of the California National Guard, the State Military Reserve, and the Naval Militia with greater access to student financial aid services as they pursue higher education after active duty.

AB 1399 – Supporting local domestic violence support programs

Increases available resources for programs serving victims of domestic violence by adding a donation option on California tax returns to the California Domestic Violence Victims Fund.

AB 2295 – Ensuring victims are allowed full restitution

Dissolving any ambiguity in California law to ensure convicted criminals are required to provide full restitution to their victims.

AB 2346 – Streamlining government hearings

Modernizes and streamlines the hearing process at the Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) by making position statements available to Californians electronically, in person, or by mail, at least two working days before a hearing.

AB 2486 – Fighting underground economy and scams

Making it easier for consumers to find and check for a licensed contractor for construction projects by requiring the Contractors State License Board to update its website to allow consumers to search for licensed contractors by zip code, not just by license number or exact name.

AB 2263 – Protecting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and reproductive health care service providers

Closing a loophole in the state’s “Safe At Home Program” to better protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking from their abusers.

Baker added, “During the past two years, the greatest successes in the Legislature were the direct result of bipartisan efforts, championed by those who were willing to work across the aisle to put the needs of our State ahead of party politics. I remain committed to fostering strong bipartisan relationships and inspiring greater cooperation between Democrat and Republican members, and I’m hopeful that our state will make even larger strides in this area in the coming years. It is what our constituents deserve.”

Baker represents the 16th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Alamo, Danville, Dublin, Lafayette, Livermore, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasanton, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek.

Suspects wore Halloween masks in Orinda robbery and shooting, Monday night

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Orinda Police are continuing to investigate a robbery and shooting that occurred Monday night.

At about 9:09 PM, police were dispatched to a medical call at a residence on the first block of Claremont Avenue. A woman was apparently shot in front of her house during an armed robbery by two suspects who were said to be wearing “Halloween style masks.”

The victim, who was suffering from gunshot wounds, was taken to a local hospital and is said to be in stable condition. A male victim, who was pistol-whipped, was treated at a hospital and later released. Both victims are Orinda residents. The suspects fled on foot with the victims’ personal property.

Officers, assisted by a police K-9 and a helicopter, conducted a search for the suspects. They were not located.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Orinda Police Department at (925) 254-6820. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

 

Assemblywoman Baker’s domestic violence bill signed by governor

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Assemblywoman Catharine Baker (R-San Ramon) announced, last week, that Governor Brown signed her bill, AB 1399, legislation increasing available resources for programs serving victims of domestic violence.

Programs helping victims of domestic violence provide essential, life-saving services to victims and their children. These programs have faced a significant funding shortfall in recent years. AB 1399 will help direct much-needed funding support for these programs through a donation option on California tax returns to the California Domestic Violence Fund. Tax filers can check off a box on their tax returns to contribute their own private funds in excess of their tax liability to organizations supporting victims of domestic violence.

“An increasing need for domestic violence programs throughout California has been met with a decrease in funding for these programs—leaving thousands of children and families without the support they need,” said Assemblywoman Baker. “Government can’t and shouldn’t do it all. AB 1399 efficiently increases the availability of vital resources by providing Californians with the opportunity to contribute to life-saving domestic violence programs.”

On just a single day in 2014, 1,216 requests for services from domestic violence victims went unmet in California, leaving thousands of individuals, children, and families without a safe place to stay or access to vital counseling and resources. Of those unmet needs, approximately 49% of programs report that victims return to their abuser, 37% report that victims become homeless, and 16% report that families end up living in their car.

AB 1399 received unanimous bipartisan support in both the Assembly and the Senate prior to being signed by the Governor.

Baker’s bill is supported by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, the Center for Domestic Peace, the Alliance for Community Transformations, the Center for Community Solutions, Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments-SAVE, the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and Junior Leagues of California.

Baker represents the 16th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Alamo, Danville, Dublin, Lafayette, Livermore, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasanton, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek.

Thirty current and former Contra Costa leaders endorse Allen over incumbent Murray in race for BART Director

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As incumbent District 1 BART Board Director Gail Murray officially announced her campaign for re-election on Wednesday, her challenger Debora Allen announced the endorsement of 30 current and former East Bay elected leaders.

The endorsements are:
Steve Glazer State Senator, California
Catharine Baker State Assemblywoman, California
Candace Andersen Supervisor, Contra Costa County
Ben Johnson Mayor, City of Pittsburg
Bill Clarkson Mayor, City of San Ramon
Dan Walden Former Board Member, Walnut Creek School Board
Ed Duarte Director, Dublin-San Ramon Services District
Eve Phillips Vice‐Mayor, City of Orinda
Greg Marvel President, Board of Education, San Ramon Valley Unified School District
H. Abram Wilson Former Mayor, City of San Ramon
Howard Geller Mayor, City of Clayton
Jack Weir Former City Council Member, City of Pleasant Hill
Jim Diaz Vice Mayor, Clayton
John Phillips Chairman, Contra Costa County Pension Board
Julie Pierce Council Member, City of Clayton
Justin Wedel Council Member, City of Walnut Creek
Lynne Leach Former CA State Assemblywoman AD15 (1996‐2002)
Mark Peterson District Attorney, Contra Costa County
Merle Hall Former Mayor, Walnut Creek
Mike McGill Board Member,  Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
Pete Laurence Former Mayor, City of Clayton
Richard Rainey Former CA State Senator, Assemblyman, and Contra Costa County Sheriff
Robert Storer Council Member, Danville Town Council
Russell Watts Treasurer‐Tax Collector, Contra Costa County
Sal Evola Council Member, City of Pittsburg
Scott Gordon Secretary, Contra Costa County Pension Board
Scott Perkins Vice Mayor, City of San Ramon
Steve Barr Council Member, City of Brentwood
Steve Mick Alamo Municipal Advisory Council
Vicki Gordon Board President, Contra Costa Community College District

In the 12 years Murray has served as a BART Director, the system has seen the largest decline in quality of service in its 40+ year history, accord to Allen.

“Over the last decade, the BART experience has deteriorated with increased crime, system delays, labor strikes, equipment malfunctions, fake security cameras, high fares, budget shortfalls and overall public dissatisfaction,” she said. “BART is so antiquated, their control system is from 1972 and they buy replacement parts on eBay.”

Following are what some of her supporters have to say:

Senator Steve Glazer: “Debora Allen will bring an important voice and fiscally responsible vote into the BART boardroom. She’s smart, she’s tough, and she’s a problem solver. She will stand up to special interests and management incompetence and fight to improve BART while protecting the interest of taxpayers.”

Assemblywoman Catharine Baker: “Debora Allen brings a refreshing new energy and approach to getting BART’s fiscal house in order. She will be a champion for the transit rider and taxpayer!”

City Council Member of Clayton Julie Pierce: “Our BART system is incredibly important to the residents of Contra Costa County. I am confident that Debora Allen will be strong leadership on the Board of Directors and a loud voice for transparency and financial accountability to the stakeholders as we rebuild BART into a world class transportation system of which we can all be proud.”

Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen: “Debora Allen brings the business experience and financial acumen we need to lead BART in the right direction.”

Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark Peterson: “I trust Debora Allen to protect the taxpayers’ investment in BART, for the riders, the workers, and for the future of Bay Area living.”

Former CA State Assemblywoman Lynne Leach: “Debora Allen is a talented, trusted and experienced businesswoman.  Her background of working to stem the ever increasing growth of public pension costs prepares her well to serve on the BART Board.”

Former Mayor of Walnut Creek Merle Hall: “Debora will help get BART off welfare, and run it like a proper railroad in a business-like manner.”

Allen is Murray’s only challenger in the November election. BART District 1 includes the BART stations in Concord, Lafayette, Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre and Walnut Creek and all or portions of the Contra Costa County cities and communities of Alamo, Alhambra Valley, Blackhawk, Camino Tassajara, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Diablo, Lafayette, Martinez, Pacheco, Pleasant Hill, Port Costa, San Ramon and Walnut Creek.

District 3 BART Board candidate Chew challenges incumbent, explains why he’s running

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Ken Chew

Ken Chew

By Allen Payton

Former Moraga Mayor Ken Chew released his candidate’s statement early, so voters can know why he is running for BART Board in District 3. He is one of three challengers for incumbent Rebecca Saltzman, who is seeking reelection to her second term.

Following is his complete statement:

“We can make BART better. We can make BART safe, clean and run-on time. We can hold the BART Board fiscally responsible and accountable. I will work hard to make this happen.

With over 25 years’ experience as a transportation professional and having served three years on the Moraga Planning Commission before serving eight years as a councilmember, including two years as mayor, I have the expertise and public policy leadership experience to be your BART Director.

BART is an essential system in need of reform in many areas.  BART employees are our assets and integral to the success of the entire system under strong leadership with a sound plan.

My top priority is to make stations and trains safe and welcoming with adequate staffing and training to transform BART stations to be clean, service-oriented and vibrant.  I will pursue full staffing of BART police, and then push for smart technology solutions to force multiply their abilities on public safety effectiveness.   For the few stations that are key opportunity hubs for ‘smart village’ development, I will work with stakeholders to attract community investments to develop transit villages of the 21st century.

Reform requires new leadership characterized by common sense and shared vision.  With your votes, we can begin the process of getting BART back on track.”

Chew has the support of over 50 public officials, community leaders and business owners, including four of the five members of the Contra Costa County Supervisors, Candace Andersen, Federal Glover, Karen Mitchoff and Mary Piepho, as well a variety of mayors and council members. For a more extensive list of his endorsements visit www.electkenchew.com/endorsements.html.

District 3 includes the following BART Stations: Bay Fair, Downtown Berkeley, El Cerrito del Norte, El Cerrito Plaza, North Berkeley, Orinda, Rockridge, San Leandro; and all or portions of the following cities and communities: Albany, Ashland, Berkeley, Castro Valley, Cherryland, El Cerrito, Kensington, Lafayette, Moraga, Oakland, Orinda, Piedmont, San Lorenzo See map of District 3, here: www.bart.gov/sites/default/files/docs/bart_3.pdf

Chew is a long time resident of the San Francisco Bay Area. He is a professional engineer, is married and a father of two children. For more information about his campaign, visit www.electkenchew.com. The election is November 8.