Contra Costa Herald

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

Contra Costa DA’s Office issues Use of Force Report on Frank Correa of Oakley

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Claims 2022 officer involved shooting death “was justified and lawful.”

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office’s report on the August 25, 2022, use of force death of 58-year-old Frank Correa in Oakley is now publicly available. (See related articles here and here)

District Attorney Diana Becton emphasized: “The Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident (LEIFI) reports my office releases to the public reflect my administration’s commitment to government transparency. The public should have the opportunity to independently review our investigations into the use of force and understand how my team and I analyze the details to arrive at our legal conclusions.”

Each LEIFI report summarizes the results of the District Attorney’s independent criminal investigation, including a summary of an autopsy, the outcome of a coroner’s inquest, a legal analysis of the facts, and a determination of criminal liability.

In the incident on August 25th, 2022, involving Frank Correa, it was reported that Mr. Correa — armed with a semiautomatic firearm — threatened to kill his girlfriend at his residence. His girlfriend managed to escape to safety and the police were contacted shortly thereafter about the incident. After Oakley Police officers responded to the scene and endeavored to de-escalate the situation for over two hours, Correa proceeded to discharge his firearm seven times at responding Oakley Police Department officers. To counter an imminent threat of death/great bodily injury, Oakley Police Department Sergeant Jeff Solomon authorized Officer Brett Jackson to use lethal force against Mr. Correa to protect themselves and others in the neighborhood from death or bodily harm.

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s legal analysis of the totality of the circumstances determined the officer’s use of deadly force on August 25th was justified and lawful. Therefore, no further action will be taken in this case.

To read the complete LEIFI report on Frank Correa, click here.

East By Park District honors Congressman DeSaulnier with 2023 Radke Championing Advocacy Award

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Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (center with award) is joined by (L-R) Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth, Board President Dennis Waespi, Board Members Colin Coffey and John Mercurio, and Regional Parks Foundation Immediate Past President Les Hausrath. Photo: EBRPD

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

Friday, December 8, 2023 (Oakland, CA) – The East Bay Regional Park District and the Regional Parks Foundation recognized U.S. Representative Mark DeSaulnier today with the 2023 Radke Championing Advocacy Award at a ceremony along the Iron Horse Trail in Walnut Creek. U.S. Representative DeSaulnier has been a long-time supporter and avid user of Park District parks and trails. In 2022, he was instrumental in securing $3 million in federal funding for the District’s planned visitor center at Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50.

“U.S. Representative Mark DeSaulnier has been a great champion and supporter of the East Bay Regional Park District,” said Park District Board President Dennis Waespi. “The 2023 Radke Championing Advocacy Award recognizes the Representative for his many years of advocacy for the Park District, including as a Concord City Council Member, Contra Costa County Supervisor, State Legislator, and now as a U.S. Representative.”

Representative DeSaulnier is the first award recipient serving in Washington, D.C.

“The Park District thanks Representative Mark DeSaulnier for his leadership in obtaining critical funds in the Federal budget for expanding access to the outdoors and providing a welcoming space for visitors to learn the important history at Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50,” said Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “Representative DeSaunier has been a true partner and champion for the Park District throughout the years.”

Representative Mark DeSaulnier is known for championing policies that promote sustainability, environmental protection, and mitigate the consequential effects of climate change. He led the effort to secure a $3 million Community Benefit Project application for a future Visitor Center at Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50. The visitor center is envisioned as a joint facility with the National Park Service (NPS) to provide outdoor recreational opportunities, connect the public with the natural and human history of the park, and serve as a welcoming center for NPS to share the history of events commemorated by the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial.

“The East Bay Regional Park District provides invaluable service to our community by creating opportunities for outdoor activity that benefit our physical and mental health, protecting the environment, and hosting wildlife educational programs,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “I am proud to have called the Park District a partner over many years in our efforts to ensure public access to parklands, preserve habitats, and share the history of our East Bay lands, and am honored to be recognized with the 2023 Radke Championing Advocacy Award.” The Radke Championing Advocacy award is named for late Park District Board Member Ted Radke, who advanced state and federal support for park funding. Former Director Radke strengthened the Park District’s ties in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. Radke served 36 years on the Park District Board of Directors and was the longest-serving Board member in its 89-year history.

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.

Delta Conveyance (tunnel) Project issues Final Environmental Impact Report

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Source: CA DWP

To public agencies prior to certification per CEQA requirements

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按一下這裡檢視此通知的中文版本。

By California Department of Water Resources

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is today releasing the Final Environmental Impact Report to public agencies that commented on the Draft EIR, per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).* Proposed responses to comments, as well as the Final EIR and accompanying informational resources, can be accessed at www.deltaconveyanceproject.com. This action signifies the last step DWR is required to take under CEQA prior to deciding whether to certify the EIR and approve the proposed project.

The Final EIR was prepared by DWR as the lead agency to comply with the requirements of CEQA. The Final EIR is presented in two volumes: 1) the contents of the entire Draft EIR, as revised, and 2) all comments received on the Draft EIR and responses to substantive comments.

At the conclusion of the CEQA process, DWR will determine if the Final EIR has been completed in compliance with CEQA and whether to certify that the Final EIR reflects DWR’s independent judgment and analysis. Following certification of the Final EIR, DWR would then determine whether to approve the proposed project, an alternative or no project. Learn more about the CEQA process here.

The proposed project identified in the Final EIR would modernize the state’s water infrastructure in the Delta to help protect the reliability of this important water supply for 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland from earthquakes and climate-driven weather extremes.

Accessing the Final EIR

The Final EIR is available online at www.deltaconveyanceproject.com/planning-processes/california-environmental-quality-act/final-eir/final-eir-document.

Informational Materials and Resources

Project Planning Next Steps

  • Community Benefits Program: Should DWR certify the Final EIR and approve the proposed project, DWR plans to release the Community Benefits Program Implementation Plan and Guidelines Discussion Document next year for review. There will be associated public engagement opportunities announced when that document is released.
  • Additional Permitting: DWR continues to pursue additional required federal and state planning processes, including but not limited to federal and state Endangered Species Act compliance, adding points of diversion to existing water rights and Delta Plan consistency. Information and updates related to these processes can be found on the project’s permit portal website.
    *DWR is releasing the Final EIR to public agencies prior to certification per CEQA requirements. While CEQA does not require—and DWR is not providing—a public comment period on a Final EIR, it does require DWR to send its proposed responses at least 10 days prior to a decision on certification of the EIR.

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Two arrested in downtown Walnut Creek armed robbery

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Source: WCPD video screenshot

By Lt. Bruce Jower, Walnut Creek Police Department

On Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at approximately 7:36 PM, Walnut Creek Police Dispatch received a 911 call of a robbery on the 1500 block of Bonanza Street. Walnut Creek police officers responded to the scene and located two victims. The victims said they were approached by three male suspects wearing all black clothing and masks. One of the suspects was armed with a dark-colored handgun. The suspects stole the victim’s wallet, pistol-whipped and stole the bag of the other victim, and fled the scene in a white Lexus. The victim who was assaulted sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

Walnut Creek Police Detectives, in coordination with the Oakland Police Department, located the white Lexus in Oakland. Walnut Creek Police Detectives arrested two suspects, Elias Alcorn and Daymonee Johnson, and recovered stolen property from this robbery. Both were booked at the Martinez Detention Facility for the following charges with a bail of $250,000:

  • PC 211 – Robbery
  • PC 245 – Assault with a Deadly Weapon
  • PC 182(A)(1) – Conspiracy to Commit a Crime

The Walnut Creek Police Investigations Bureau continues to pursue investigative leads related to this incident. We encourage anyone with information regarding this robbery to contact the Walnut Creek Police Department at 925-943-5844 or utilize our Anonymous Tip Line at 925-943-5865.

Case #: 23-38521

Kaiser Permanente Antioch, Richmond Medical Centers ranked among nation’s best by Leapfrog Group

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For providing safe, high-quality patient care

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

Six Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals are ranked among the nation’s best for providing safe, high-quality patient care, according to the Leapfrog Group’s 2023 Top Hospital award.

The highest-performing hospitals on the Leapfrog Hospital Survey are recognized annually with the prestigious Leapfrog Top Hospital award, considered one of the most elite and competitive honors a hospital can receive. Only 132 hospitals nationwide, or just 6% of the 2,100 eligible hospitals, were recognized this year.

The six Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals to receive the award include: Antioch, Richmond, San Leandro, San Rafael, Santa Clara and South San Francisco.

“Our hospitals exemplify the high-quality, extraordinary care Kaiser Permanente provides to its members and patients every day throughout Northern California,” said Carrie Owen Plietz, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “This honor speaks to the commitment of our physicians, nurses, and staff who give patient-centered care in a safe, nurturing environment.”

Source: Kaiser Permanente

The Leapfrog Top Hospital award is based on excellence in upholding quality standards across several areas of patient care including staffing, hand hygiene, infection rates, practices for safer surgery, maternity care, and error prevention. Hospitals must have also received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade in the most recent round of scoring to be eligible for the Top Hospital award.

“This recognition is a tribute to our physicians, clinicians and staff, who are dedicated to delivering exceptional care and service to our patients every day,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, chief executive officer and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “As a result, our hospitals are consistently ranked among the best in the nation for providing high-quality care, and we continue to have a positive and often life-changing impact on the health and well-being of our Kaiser Permanente members and patients.”

The annual Top Hospital award is given to both teaching and general medical centers. Kaiser Permanente San Leandro and San Rafael are named top general hospitals and Kaiser Permanente Antioch, Richmond, Santa Clara and South San Francisco are named top teaching hospitals.

The Leapfrog Group is an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health care benefits. It is an independent advocacy group working with a broad range of partners, including hospitals and insurers.

 

 

18-year-old arrested for October Oakley house party shooting death

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U.S. Marshals assist; held on $3.5 million bail

By Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard

On October 21, 2023, a shooting occurred at a house party in the 400 block of Shannon Way in Oakley. Tragically, a 16-year-old male died as a result of this shooting and three others (17-year-old female, 16-year-old male and 15-year-old male) sustained gunshot wounds. This case has been a top priority of the detectives of the Oakley Police Department. (See related articles here and here)

On October 25, 2023, we arrested a person in connection with these crimes (an Antioch teen who was later released) The arrest drew us closer to the facts of what happened during and after the shooting. Our detectives were provided with information from people who were previously disinclined to talk to us, and new evidence was revealed to us. (See related articles here and here)

On Thursday, November 30, 2023, at approximately 6:00 PM, the Oakley Police Department, in partnership with the U.S. Marshals Service, arrested Sean Anthony Karp (18, Oakley) for homicide. The arrest occurred I the 900 block of 2nd Street in Brentwood. According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, he is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $3.5 million bail.

Our detectives have had many positive interactions with the District Attorney’s Office during the lifespan of this investigation and on occasion we have had face-to-face meetings to discuss details and updates.

I first want to acknowledge the family of the young man who lost his life in this horrible crime. I know nothing can replace what they have lost and there is a great sense of profoundness in their loss. I, along with all the members of the Oakley Police Department extend our condolences to the family.

I have said this before about this case, but it bears repeating: this does not belong in Oakley, this does not belong anywhere. Seeing how this did occur in Oakley, however, I deeply appreciate the leadership, diligence, work ethic, teamwork, and innovation I have seen out of my Investigations Unit from the onset of this case. I also appreciate the partnership we formed with the United States Marshals Service, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and other law enforcement agencies as we left nothing to chance in our pursuit of the person who was responsible for the killing of one person and the maiming of three others.

I have been briefed several times on this case and all available evidence and information supports the arrest that was made.

Stay safe Oakley.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

County Mental Health Rehabilitation Center planned in Richmond thanks to state grant

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Contra Costa Health (CCH) will build a new mental health rehabilitation center and fill a critical gap in county mental health services, thanks to an $18.6 million grant from the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).

The facility, planned for a county-owned property at 847 Brookside Drive in Richmond, will serve patients experiencing serious mental illness who need 24-hour residential care, but don’t need hospitalization. Residents who need that level of care must now travel out of the community – sometimes across the state – to find it.

“Right now, there is a tremendous burden on our patients and families, who must uproot their lives and relocate to wherever beds are available, during a time that is already extremely difficult for them,” said John Gioia, chair of the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, whose district includes the future site. “This facility will help us to keep our residents in our community, where they are best served.”

The center is planned as a locked facility with 44 beds providing 24-hour, sub-acute care, a high level of care that is less intensive and longer term than acute care, which patients receive when hospitalized.

No facilities currently provide this service in Contra Costa County, CCH Behavioral Health Director Suzanne Tavano said, meaning that when a patient is ready to step down from hospital care but still needs 24-hour service in a locked facility, they are transferred to neighboring counties or farther.

“Our goal is to bring Contra Costa residents back home,” Tavano said. “People who need this level of care are receiving it in facilities located in the greater Bay Area and Central Valley. For at least 20 years, we’ve been working toward opening our own facility in Contra Costa, for Contra Costa residents.”

The opportunity arrived this month, when DHCS selected Contra Costa’s proposal for an $18.6 million grant through its Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP).

Voices from Contra Costa’s mental health advocacy community played a pivotal role in making the project a state funding priority. Currently more than 100 patients from Contra Costa County are receiving sub-acute care at facilities elsewhere in California.

“A healthcare system that includes a tiered array of Housing That Heals as part of a full continuum of medically necessary care will help mend our broken hearts and bend the harm curve for families like ours,” said Lauren Rettagliata and Teresa Pasquini, community advocates.

Pasquini and Rettagliata co-authored a 2020 report, Housing That Heals: A Search for a Place Like Home for Families Like Ours, that documents gaps in appropriate residential care for people who have mental illness, both in Contra Costa and statewide, and their own experiences advocating for family members who need care.

The state grant will cover construction costs for the CCH-operated facility. A timeline for the project has not yet been established and there are no drawings, yet for the facility.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Contra Costa Probation Department awarded grant for high-risk DUI offenders

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From state Office of Traffic Safety

A $412,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for Intensive Supervision Program for High-Risk DUI Offenders will go toward check-ins with probationers to make sure they are following court-ordered terms of their probation and prevent probationers from re-offending.

“This grant will allow us to tackle the complex issues surrounding repeat DUI offenders, providing vital resources and guidance to break the cycle of alcohol-related offenses,” said Chief Probation Officer Esa Ehmen-Krause. “With this funding, we can create safer roads and a healthier community by reducing the incidence of DUI offenses.”

“The intensive supervision programs are critical to reducing the devastating consequences of DUI offenses,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “Prevention is an effective, proactive tool to address the often tragic consequences of impaired driving.”

The grant will fund Probation Department personnel to monitor drivers on Probation for felony DUI or multiple misdemeanor DUI convictions, including conducting unannounced Fourth Amendment waiver home searches, field visits, random alcohol and drug testing and ensuring those on probation are attending court-ordered DUI education and treatment programs. The probation grant will also pay for warrant operations targeting probation violations and/or DUI suspects who do not appear in court, officer training in Standard Field Sobriety Testing (SFST), distribution of DUI “Be On the Lookout” (BOLO) alerts, collaborating with courts and prosecutors to establish probation orders and participation with local law enforcement on anti-DUI efforts. While alcohol remains the worst offender for DUI crashes, Contra Costa County Probation supports OTS in its statement, “DUI just doesn’t mean booze.”

Prescription medications and marijuana can be impairing by themselves, but also in combination with alcohol, and can result in a DUI arrest.

The grant program runs through September 2024. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 

DA’s Office responds to Walnut Creek man’s 86 arrests since 2017, 41 in 2023

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Most occurred in Contra Costa County

By Allen D. Payton

Concord Police arrested 44-year-old Jesse Leonardo Otero of Walnut Creek on Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 22, 2023, for theft from the Veranda shopping center located at 2001 Diamond Blvd. Mr. Ortero was transported to the Concord PD jail and later to the Martinez Detention Facility for theft and resisting/delaying a peace officer. (See related article)

According to localcrimenews.com, Otero has been arrested 86 times since 2017 including 41 arrests in 2023 – sometimes twice in the same day – by multiple Contra Costa and Alameda County law enforcement agencies for a variety of crimes including trespassing, petty theft, public nuisance, possession of a controlled substance, shoplifting of less than $950, receiving or concealing stolen property, resisting arrest, robbery, vandalism and giving false information to a police officer. His arrests include three times in 2017; 10 in 2018; twice in 2019; five in 2020; 12 in 2021; and 13 times in 2022.

An email was sent to Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton asking how someone with Otero’s record hasn’t been sentenced to multiple years in jail or prison.

In response, Ted Asregadoo, Contra Costa DA’s Office PIO provided the following statement:

“44-year-old Jesse Leonardo Otero is currently on felony probation for commercial burglary [PC 460(b)]. He was convicted on June 13, 2022, of a felony and was sentenced to 150 days in county jail and placed on two years of formal probation. On the same day, Otero was convicted of a misdemeanor shoplifting offense [PC 459.5] after stealing a gaming controller from a GameStop store. In October 2021, Otero was prosecuted and convicted of two separate counts of misdemeanor vandalism [PC 594(a)]. He was sentenced to 28 days in county jail and a year of probation for the vandalism offenses.

Many of the violations Mr. Otero was cited for in Contra Costa County were low-level, misdemeanor offenses such as trespassing, public nuisance, petty theft, and possession of controlled substances or paraphernalia. Otero’s misdemeanor thefts, for example, include taking a soft drink and candy at a Target store, stealing $27 worth of cosmetics, or shoplifting $50 worth of razor blades.

Our office is working with law enforcement agencies to merge a number of seemingly minor cases for prosecution to seek justice, ensure accountability, and protect our communities. Misdemeanor complaints filed with the court will have multiple incidents that we believe can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”

CCTA, Tri Delta Transit announce public-private partnership for East County 28-mile personal micro transit line

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Rendering of a proposed Glydways micro-transit system station. Source: CCTA

Using Glydways’ electric, autonomous vehicles holding up to 4 passengers using dedicated guideways

Will pursue regional, state, federal funds for $450 million project

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and Tri Delta Transit are marking another milestone in the innovative East Contra Costa County Dynamic Personal Micro Transit (DPMT) Project. Today, CCTA and Tri Delta Transit are announcing a partnership with East County Connection Partners, LLC (ECCP), made up of transportation innovators Glydways and Plenary Americas, and lead construction contractor Flatiron.

DPMT is a cutting-edge technology. It provides on-demand and autonomous transportation for up to four passengers. These zero-emission electric vehicles travel in narrow, dedicated guideways to minimize the space needed to operate the system.

The DPMT Project is a 28-mile, multi-city, on-demand transit option designed to meet the diverse mobility needs of people in Eastern Contra Costa County. ECCP will help bring the vision of a safe, on-demand, single-party, transportation system into reality with its zero-emission, autonomous, four-person Glydcars. These electric vehicles travel in narrow, dedicated elevated or at-grade guideways, making more efficient use of space, substantially cutting operational costs, and providing a sustainable option that aligns with local, regional, and state emission reduction goals. The Glydcars are designed with convenience in mind, with enough space for passengers to easily travel with their luggage or bikes. The vehicles are also fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and provide enough room to comfortably fit a wheelchair.

East County DPMT Conceptual Route Map. Source: CCTA

The shuttles will be fully separated from traffic and are a closed system, autonomous, electric, public micro transit solution. They will be on a virtual rail, with tires on their own pathways. It will be near Highway 4 but not in the median.

This new, fare-based transit solution will help alleviate the increasing congestion on Highway 4 in East County. The project also aims to enhance transit accessibility in East County by improving connections to existing options such as BART and local bus services.

In Spring 2021, the cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley and Pittsburg completed the East County DPMT Feasibility Study (Study) to support a potential micro-transit deployment with Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) in East Contra Costa County. Subsequently, the CCTA and Tri Delta Transit partnered to evaluate the potential deployment of the East County DPMT project.

ECCP specializes in a revolutionary on-demand public transportation system. CCTA in partnership with Tri Delta Transit, selected ECCP as the preferred vendor for the DPMT project after a comprehensive evaluation process. CCTA, Tri Delta Transit, and ECCP will work together to deliver an initial viable segment of the larger project through a unique public-private partnership (P3).

East County DPMT proposed station locations map. Source: CCTA

“We’re very excited about this project and believe it will significantly improve the quality of life in our community,” said CCTA Board Chair Federal Glover. “It’s a bold step towards a more sustainable and accessible future for Contra Costa.”

To actualize that future, CCTA and Tri Delta Transit determined last year that engaging a private sector partner to collaborate with would be the most beneficial strategy. The P3 approach has proven to be a highly efficient agreement, allowing for smoother delivery and deployment of transportation projects. P3s unlock the ability to quickly mobilize the resources required for state-of-the-art, effective, and sustainable transportation solutions, such as the DPMT project.

As East Contra Costa County prepares for extensive population growth and an increasingly overburdened and congested Highway 4, DPMT offers an opportunity to relieve congestion on the freeway and local arterials.

“This partnership is a significant milestone for us,” said Tri Delta Transit Board Chair, Lamar Thorpe. “By working with ECCP, we can leverage their expertise in innovative transportation technologies to better serve East County residents.”

While CCTA and Tri Delta Transit will now need to pursue regional, state and federal funding to support the project, the announcement of this partnership is the first step in the process. The Feasibility Study included a high-level cost estimate of $450M for the conceptual alignment shown in that study. The cost estimate is subject to change as it needs to be validated as the project progresses. During SPDA Phase 1, the ECCP will work collaboratively with CCTA, Tri Delta Transit and the East County cities to select an initial viable segment. The work will include developing the cost estimate and funding plan for this initial segment.

For more information about the DPMT Project see video or visit https://ccta.net/projects/east-county-dynamic-personal-micro-transit-project/

Allen Payton contributed to this report.