Contra Costa Herald

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

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.

Oroville man, woman arrested for Lafayette bank robbery

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Robert Keith Dennis

Robert Keith Dennis

The alleged suspect in the bank robbery that occurred at the U.S. Bank branch in Lafayette on August 23, 2016 was arrested. He is identified as 55-year-old Robert Keith Dennis of Oroville.

During the investigation, Lafayette police detectives, assisted by the FBI, determined the alleged suspect may be tied to a series of recent bank robberies in Northern California. Bank robberies involving a similar suspect were also being investigated by police in Brentwood, Napa, Roseville, and Sacramento. The Davis Police Department was also investigating an attempted bank robbery allegedly by the same suspect.

On Wednesday, August 31, 2016, an officer with the Butte County Sheriff’s Office saw a law enforcement bulletin with a picture of the alleged bank robbery suspect and was able to identify him as Dennis. He was already in custody in Butte County Jail for a drug violation.

On Thursday, September 1, 2016, Lafayette police detectives served arrest and search warrants at several locations in Oroville. They were assisted by the Napa Police Department, Oroville Police Department and Butte County Sheriff’s Office. Police arrested 47-year-old Elizabeth Fay Morse of Oroville after Napa police detectives were able to confirm her alleged involvement in some the robberies.

Dennis and Morse are currently being held at the Butte County Jail.

Morse was arrested on a Ramey Warrant for robbery and conspiracy. She is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail and will be transferred to Contra Costa County.

Dennis is in custody on unrelated felony drug charges. When he is released from Butte County Jail, he will be arrested on a Ramey Warrant and will be transferred to Contra Costa County.

 

Deputy Sheriff’s Association thanks man for help in subduing Orinda robbery suspect

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From the Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriff’s Assocation Facebook page.

The DSA was recently made aware of the below incident that occurred in the the City of Orinda, which is patrolled by Deputy Sheriffs. I am sharing this story with you to show Mr. Dewitt our appreciation, not to encourage the citizens of Contra Costa County to put themselves in danger. That being said, Mr. Dewitt thank you for being there for one of our brothers.

August 25, 2016

Mr. Jason Dewitt,

On the afternoon of August 19, 2016, Orinda police officers attempted to contact a subject that had just committed a theft from a local retailer. Officer Ladner began to chase the subject on foot through the Theater Square shopping center. As Officer Ladner closed the distance between himself and the suspect, the suspect decided he would rather fight with Officer Ladner. Rather than continue to run away or comply with Officer Ladner’s lawful orders to stop running and cooperate, the suspect turned around and assaulted Officer Ladner by punching him in the face.

Officer Ladner then engaged in a violent struggle with the suspect, the suspect continuing to physically resist and conceal his hands beneath his body. Officer Ladner was only able to apply his handcuffs to one of the suspect’s hands and was fighting with the suspect, attempting to gain control of the second hand and place him in handcuffs. It was at this point, while enjoying coffee at a nearby restaurant, that you heard the struggle and Officer Ladner’s commands to the suspect.

With complete disregard for your own safety, you approached Officer Ladner; actively fighting with the suspect, and asked if he needed help. Officer Ladner stated, “Yes.” Without hesitation you assisted Officer Ladner in gaining control of the suspect’s free hand and successfully placed him in handcuffs. Your assistance prevented further injury to Officer Ladner. Furthermore, without your assistance, the suspect’s continued fighting and resistance would have likely resulted in Officer Ladner having to escalate his own use of force. Your assistance prevented the escalation of force and likely prevented injury to the suspect.

The actions you took were nothing less than selfless and courageous. You took these actions not knowing if the suspect was armed with a weapon. Additionally, you took these actions not knowing that the suspect you were helping to detain had a long and violent criminal history. The Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs Association could never express how sincerely grateful we are for your assistance. Your actions are an incredible reminder of our community’s appreciation and support for our services.

Best Regards,

Shawn Welch

President

 

Lafayette police seek bank robbery suspect

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Bank robbery suspect 4Bank robbery suspect 3Lafayette police are requesting the public’s assistance in trying to identify the suspect who robbed a branch of U.S. Bank on the 3400 block of Mt. Diablo Boulevard on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at about 3:35 PM.

The suspect entered the bank, announced that a robbery was taking place, and demanded money from one of the tellers. After receiving some money, the suspect fled. Police quickly set up a perimeter and searched for the suspect, who is believed to have fled in a vehicle. He was not located. The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, 5’8″ tall, medium build, and “salt and pepper” goatee. He was wearing a cap with the “Fox” logo on it.

Bank robbery suspect 2Anyone who can identify the suspect or has information on the case is asked to contact the Lafayette Police Department at (925) 283-3680 or by email at: 94549Tip@gmail.com.

Bank robbery suspect 1

 

 

Debora Allen announces strong bi-partisan support in campaign for BART Director

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Debora Allen

Debora Allen

Challenging three-term incumbent Gail Murray

County pension board trustee Debora Allen announced, Wednesday morning, that she is running for District 1 BART Director, in the 2016 general election. The chief financial officer of East County Glass is challenging incumbent Gail Murray who is seeking her fourth term on the BART board. District 1 includes the Concord, Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre, Walnut Creek and Lafayette BART stations, and the cities of Martinez, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Concord, Danville, San Ramon and Clayton, as well as Alamo and Blackhawk.

“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,” Allen said. “BART is so antiquated, their control system is from 1972 and they buy replacement parts on eBay.”

Allen’s campaign platform is focused on five primary objectives:

  • DEMAND accountability from management for the financial stability, affordability, and cost effectiveness of BART.
  • REBUILD the old infrastructure to provide a renewed, sustainable, and durable transportation system for future generations.
  • REPLACE obsolete, broken equipment with clean, innovative, modern replacements, and maintain them.
  • INTEGRATE the current system with our numerous other Bay Area transit systems to create greater accessibility and efficiency in our lives.
  • PROVIDE a better BART experience to the customer, the rider, and the workers.

In an email, last week, Allen stated “BART needs strong leadership that is willing to stand up for change and hold management accountable for its revitalization.”

Numerous, prominent East Bay leaders have joined in supporting Allen’s campaign, including California State Senator Steve Glazer, a Democrat who has been an outspoken critic of strikes by BART employees, as well as BART operations and finances.

“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,” Glazer said. “She will stand up to special interests and management incompetence and fight to improve BART while protecting the interest of taxpayers.”

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

President of the Association of Bay Area Governments (known as ABAG) and Vice Mayor of Clayton Julie Pierce also endorsed Allen, stating “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 also offered her support.

“Debora Allen brings the business experience and financial acumen we need to lead BART in the right direction,” she stated.

Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark Peterson also endorsed Allen, stating “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 California State Assemblywoman (1996-2002) Lynne Leach added her support.

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

Also endorsing Allen are Mayor of Pittsburg Ben Johnson, Mayor of Clayton Howard Geller, Pittsburg City Council Member Sal Evola, Contra Costa Community College District Board President Vicki Gordon, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District Board Member and Past President Contra Costa Taxpayers Association Michael McGill, attorney and Contra Costa County Employees Retirement System Board Trustee Scott Gordon, Alamo Municipal Advisory Council Member Steve Mick, Former Mayor of Clayton Pete Laurence, former Walnut Creek School Board Member Dan Walden, and retired BART employee Robert Leach.

“I am an independent, thoughtful, outsider, willing to take on the challenges of the troubled BART system,” Allen said. “I have spent over 25 years in a career in various financial management and board level positions. I now want to use that experience and knowledge to help the BART stakeholders, the riders, the taxpayers, and the BART employees.”

This is Allen’s second run for public office. She ran for State Assembly in the 14th District in the June primary, but did not make the run-off, placing a close third in the race behind the top-two candidates. She has a college degree from Sac State in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting, is married to Tim Allen and they have two adult sons. They live just outside of Clayton, next to Mt. Diablo State Park.

For more information visit www.deboraallen.com or www.facebook.com/deboraallenforbart, or email her at debora@fixourbart.com.

The election will be on Tuesday, November 8.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Assemblywoman Baker honors Lafayette’s ECOlunchbox as Assembly District 16’s Small Business of the Month for April

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State Assemblywoman Catharine Baker presents her Business of the Month honor to ECOlunchbox owner Sandra Ann Harris.

State Assemblywoman Catharine Baker, left presents her April Business of the Month honor to ECOlunchbox owner Sandra Ann Harris.

Assemblywoman Catharine Baker (R-San Ramon) honored ECOlunchbox as the Small Business of the Month for the month of April on Friday, April 22, just in time for Earth Day. ECOlunchbox was founded in 2009 by Sandra Ann Harris of Lafayette with the mission of helping people reduce their dependence on plastics by providing an ecofriendly alternative to the standard plastic lunchware.

“I am pleased to recognize ECOlunchbox as our April Small Business of the Month, and I thank ECOlunchbox founder, Sandra Ann Harris, for contributing to the vitality of our local economy,” said Baker. “Sandra is not only running a highly successful business in our community, she is also leading the way for a cleaner environment by reducing waste from our landfills and oceans one reusable container at a time, and doing so as a mom working from home.”

ECOlunchbox produces non-leaching stainless steel lunchboxes and cotton lunch bags, all of which are plastic- and waste-free. In addition to selling its products online at ecolunchboxes.com, ECOlunchbox uses its website as a resource to share information about the impact plastic has on our planet and advice for families about reducing exposure to toxins found in plastics.

“We’re a small, green, woman-owned social venture based in Lafayette,” said Harris. “What a thrill to get a call that we’re being recognized by Assemblywoman Baker as business of the month. Forward-thinking leaders, like Assemblywoman Baker, know that businesses like ECOlunchbox are good for the economy – as well as for people and planet.”

ECOlunchbox has sold more than 280,000 lunchboxes since it was founded seven years ago on Harris’ kitchen table, and is responsible for averting the use of tens of millions of pieces of plastic trash from use and disposal.

“It’s important we be good stewards of our environment,” Baker added. “Let’s treat every day like it’s Earth Day.”

Lafayette police investigate suspicious death, Wednesday night

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The Lafayette Police Department is investigating a suspicious death that occurred in Lafayette.

On Wednesday at about 7:32 PM, officers were dispatched to the 800 block of Rosedale Avenue for a welfare check from someone who a relative had not been able to contact in days. Officers accessed the residence and found a deceased 66-year-old woman. The victim is not being identified at this time.

The investigation into this death is ongoing.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Lafayette Police Department at (925) 283-3680. For any tips, please email: 94549Tip@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.