Contra Costa Herald

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

Contra Costa Supervisors appoint co-directors to lead Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice

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Kendra Carr and Peter Kim are the new co-directors of the Contra Costa County ORESJ. Photos: CCCounty

By Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media

On Tuesday, Oct. 3, the Board of Supervisors appointed two Co-Directors to lead the new Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice (ORESJ).

Kendra Carr was selected as Co-Director, Race Equity and Inter-Agency Engagement and will focus on assessing, supporting, and coordinating racial equity work within and across county agencies and departments. Peter Kim was selected as Co-Director, Race Equity and Community Empowerment and will focus on assessing, supporting, and coordinating racial equity work in the community.

“We must center the priorities and lived experiences of our residents and families who are most vulnerable to systems’ harms and inequities,” said Board Chair John Gioia, District 1 Supervisor. “This is how we will reduce racial disparities and improve outcomes for all.”

Peter Kim and Kendra Car are joined by members of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and others following their appointment on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023.

Contra Costa County is the first jurisdiction to develop and launch an office of racial equity and social justice through a community engagement process. In 2020, the Board of Supervisors authorized the development of the ORESJ to enact and sustain principles, policies, practices, and investments that are racially just and socially equitable across all departments and divisions.

Kendra Carr speaks at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Oct. 3, 2023.

“The work of this office is crucial for us as a county to focus on healing, justice, equity, and accountability through our service to the community,” said Vice Chair Federal Glover, District 5 Supervisor. “We must rise to the challenge and meet people where they are with the expectation that we will move at a righteous, reparative pace. The ORESJ will embody these principles, commitments, and values in their work.”

Carr holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and ethnic studies from Santa Clara University, a master’s degree in education, equity, and social justice, and a doctoral degree in educational leadership.

Her experience includes Chief Program Officer, Senior Director of Research with Girls Leadership and Principal with Holy Names High School.

“I am excited about the opportunity to co-lead the new Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice and ensure that all community members have equitable access to and thrive as a result of engaging with the programs and services offered by county agencies,” Carr said.

Peter Kim speaks at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Oct. 3, 2023.

Kim holds multiple ethnic studies degrees from the University of California Berkeley including a bachelor’s and a master’s and is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree.

“I’m honored to have been appointed as a co-director and humbled by the importance of what this office is tasked to do,” Kim said. “I’m ready to hit the ground running with Dr. Carr and build off the incredible work of all the community members, county staff and stakeholders who worked tirelessly these past two years to establish the ORESJ.”

His experience includes the roles of Program Coordinator at Responsibility, Integrity, Strength, Empower (R.I.S.E.) and Managing Director at East Bay Asian Youth Center in East Oakland. Kim also worked for the City of Oakland as a Division Manager in the Department of Human Resources, and Department Manager/Interim Director with the Department of Violence Prevention. His most recent work has been with the Bright Research Group as a Senior Consultant.

Active at 90: Walnut Creek man sets personal planking record

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Dick Evans holding his impressive, record-breaking plank. Photos: The Kensington at Walnut Creek.

Dick Evans holds plank for a record-breaking one minute, 45 seconds  

By Uniqua Williams, Pierpont Communications, Inc.

Dick Evans exercising in The Kensington at Walnut Creek fitness center.

Walnut Creek, Calif. (October 3, 2023) – The Kensington at Walnut Creek – a Kisco senior living community – is highlighting one of its most avid health fanatics, Richard (Dick) Evans. Even at the wise age of 90, Evans remains a shining example of the positive impact an active lifestyle can have on aging gracefully, consistently achieving active goals that many people struggle with. In the words of Evans, “Use it or lose it” is a simple yet profound motto to live by when it comes to staying active.

Originally from Northern New York, Evans has been a proud Californian for the last forty years, and a beloved member of The Kensington community since 2020. Prior to joining The Kensington, Evans enjoyed a range of activities that kept him fit and active, such as walking a mile or two every day and frequently playing golf with his wife. Since his integration into the community, he has continued his commitment to staying active, participating in Physical Therapy courses at the community eight to nine times a week, participating in balance classes and even engaging in activities with PE instructors who frequent the community.

“Staying active is extremely important to me,” said Evans, resident at The Kensington. “One of my biggest goals is to live to be 100 years old. I know a big part of being able to achieve this is through continuing to stay active and living a healthy lifestyle. Which is what I’ll continue to do for as long as I can.”

Maintaining an active lifestyle offers many benefits as one ages gracefully. It serves as a powerful shield against various health concerns, effectively lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Additionally, it enhances one’s strength and balance, reducing the likelihood of injuries and fostering independence. Moreover, an active lifestyle can alleviate pain, elevate mood, mitigate symptoms of anxiety and depression, sharpen cognitive abilities, decision-making skills and so much more.

The Kensington provides a diverse range of accommodations and resources to wholeheartedly support residents who wish to maintain an active lifestyle. These offerings encompass weekly putting contests as well as onsite physical therapy classes. The community also offers many physical education courses from yoga, stretching, dance and more.

“The exercise classes the community offers have been a tremendous help, not just in keeping me active but also in maintaining my social connections within the community,” said Evans. “It’s important, especially in places like this, to find a group of people who either share your active journey or are simply pleasant company. Having a support system truly makes all the difference and keeps you motivated to keep going. I know that if I quit my active journey, I’d deteriorate quickly, and I definitely don’t want that.”

During one of Evans’ recent physical therapy sessions, his instructor threw down the challenge to see how long he could hold a plank. In the spirit of fun, Evans accepted the challenge and surprised everyone by holding his plank for an impressive one minute and 45 seconds – longer than even he thought possible. Evans, his instructor, and the whole community were proud of his remarkable achievement, a clear testament to his ongoing dedication to enhancing his balance and core strength.

“We couldn’t be prouder of Dick,” said Kayla Pierce, wellness director at The Kensington. “He serves as an incredible source of inspiration for all of us within the community, encouraging us to persistently pursue our goals. Dick brings immense joy to our community, and his unwavering commitment to staying active and assisting others shines brightly as an embodiment of the vibrant spirit we strive to create here.”

One of Evans’ favorite pastimes is leisurely strolling around the community and engaging in friendly conversations with fellow residents. He firmly believes that these interactions have been a powerful motivator, encouraging him to maintain an active lifestyle while also offering support to others on their journeys. For Evans, a fundamental philosophy is lending a hand whenever possible. During his daily walks, he finds joy in extending a helping hand to those in need along the way.

“Ever since my wife’s passing, I’ve found myself navigating this world alone, and staying active has become a vital lifeline,” said Evans. “It’s more than just exercise; it’s a lifeline to social connections. Staying active keeps me engaged with others, filling my days with purpose and meaning. Without it, my days could easily feel lonely or empty.”

In reflecting on his active lifestyle, Evans offers sage advice to those looking to stay active and lead a healthy life:

“It has to be your own decision; you’ve got to want to do it. And if you make the decision, you have to stick with it. You can’t do it one week, then drop off the next. Once you start, you’ll realize it’s not just about staying healthy; it’s about a healthy mind, making friends and getting back to the things you love.”

Evan’s story serves as a powerful reminder for all of us: it’s essential to prioritize our health. Staying active holds a wealth of benefits, regardless of age, and can unlock potential we never knew we had.

About the Kensington at Walnut Creek:

Life at The Kensington is vibrant, fulfilling and as active or carefree as you desire. The community offers Assisted Living and Memory Care in a friendly environment where our residents and associates enjoy being served and serving others. Our caring team of associates will customize a care program that is right for you while you continue to enjoy your friends, hobbies, and new opportunities at The Kensington, surrounded by mature redwood trees and filled with the comforts of a modern resort. The Kensington is an oasis in Walnut Creek, tucked away from the bustle of the city, but close enough you could walk. To learn more, visit our website or call 925-693-7784.

Rodeo couple arrested for murder, torture in bathtub drowning of 2-year-old

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Held on $1,070,000 bail

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

On Monday, October 2, 2023, at about 8:48 PM, Bay Station deputies were dispatched to the 300 block of California Street in Rodeo for a call of a two-year-old who had reportedly drowned in a bathtub.

The fire department arrived at the same time as deputies and started life-saving measures on the child. He was transported to a hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

Detectives investigating this incident have made two arrests in connection to the child’s death: Destiny Rose Deboe, 22 (born April 5, 2021) of Rodeo and Tyshawn Haywood, 21 (born May 16, 2002) of Rodeo. Deboe is described as 5-feet 8-inches tall and 140 pounds and Haywood is described 5-feet 9-inches tall and weighing 180 pounds.

Both have been booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on the following charges: murder, felony infliction of injury to a child, and torture. Each is being held in lieu of $1,070,000 bail.

This case remains under investigation.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood party call leads to gun arrest of Antioch woman

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Zyann Martin. Source: her Facebook page posted on Jan. 1, 2018.

Charged with 1 felony, 2 misdemeanors for being drunk, on probation for DUI, carrying concealed, loaded stolen weapon

By Brentwood Police Department

Last week, Brentwood Officers responded to the 1600 block of Ceylon Drive for a party complaint. Our Dispatch received additional calls reporting there was a fight and someone had a gun.

When officers arrived, they saw several partygoers in the street, including an adult female who matched the description of the suspect with a gun.

The female, identified as 24-year-old Zyann Chablis Martin of Antioch, was found to be in possession of a loaded stolen gun. Martin who was heavily intoxicated at the time officers contacted her, was also on probation for DUI. According to unicourt.com her DUI occurred early last year.

Martin was placed under arrest and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility. According to recentlybooked.com, Martin was charged with one felony and two misdemeanors: 25400(C)(2) PC – carrying a concealed stolen weapon (F), 496(A) PC – receiving/etc. known stolen property (M) and 647(F) PC – disorderly conduct alcohol (M). According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, as of Monday, October 2, 2023, she bonded out of custody.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Police stop 114 vehicles during Concord traffic safety enforcement

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Photo by Concord PD.

Funded by state grant

By Concord Police Department

This past Friday, the Concord Police Department’s Traffic Unit conducted targeted traffic enforcement operations throughout the City of Concord. These types of traffic safety operations are paramount in keeping our roadways safe and educating drivers on safe driving practices. This operation was made possible through a grant provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).

During this operation, 114 vehicles were stopped for various vehicle code violations. Offices focused their attention on the most egregious violations and found one driver speeding on Ygnacio Valley Road at 86 MPH in a 45 MPH zone!

Coalition calls CA AG’s ballot initiative title, summary false, misleading

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Source: Our Neighborhood Voices

Effort “to bring back a local voice in community planning” co-sponsored by Brentwood Councilwoman

By Daniel Payne, Our Neighborhood Voices

This past week the Our Neighborhood Voices initiative received a title and summary from the office of Attorney General Rob Bonta that is false, misleading and likely to create prejudice against the initiative.

The title and summary provided by Bonta’s office falsely claims that the measure “automatically” overrides the state’s affordable housing laws. It does no such thing. It gives communities the power to shape local growth in a way that better meets affordable housing requirements – and it restores the ability of local communities to negotiate even higher affordable housing rates, which one-size-fits-all laws passed in Sacramento have taken away.

In 2021, Bonta’s own office issued a title and summary for the first draft of this initiative that did not include this misleading language. It correctly stated that the Our Neighborhood Voices initiative would return land-use and zoning decisions back to local communities – instead of forcing top-down mandates on cities that damage neighborhoods and only benefit for-profit developers.

Brentwood District 1 Councilmember Jovita Mendoza is one of the three co-sponsors of the initiative which has been endorsed by the Contra Costa County city councils of Brentwood and Clayton, as well as Oakley Vice Mayor Randy Pope.

In fact, the Our Neighborhood Voices initiative will increase the chances of more affordable housing being built according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office. In their report, the LAO states that the initiative “May enable additional flexibility for affordable housing development.” This is exactly the intent of the initiative – to help local cities choose which state housing laws work best for them and modify them in ways that will make them more successful.

The only substantial changes in the new version of the initiative submitted to Bonta’s office this year was the addition of a provision that exempts 100% affordable housing projects at 80% of AMI, and a repeal of Article 34 of the California Constitution that makes it more difficult to create affordable housing.

Yet Bonta’s office still added the argumentative and prejudicial language that the initiative would “automatically override” affordable housing laws.

“Bonta’s claim that our initiative would ‘automatically override’ affordable housing laws is clearly and provably false,” Brentwood City Councilmember and initiative proponent Jovita Mendoza said. “Our initiative would allow cities to choose where and how new housing projects get built, instead of forcing them to comply with blanket mandates from Sacramento that give for-profit developers a blank check to gentrify and destroy our communities.”

The laws that the Attorney General’s office is apparently referring to are not even correctly called “affordable housing” laws. Sacramento politicians have given developers the ability to override local communities and governments to build luxury housing with affordable requirements so low that these new projects contribute to displacement and gentrification.

A law like SB9, which eliminated single family zoning in California, is being challenged in court because it was passed on the premise that it WILL create affordable housing, but clearly will not. “There is nothing in laws like SB9 that would get us anywhere close to the number of new affordable units that the state says we need,” said Kalimah Priforce, an Emeryville City Councilmember and advocate for BIPOC homeownership. “Instead, we will continue to see projects that are largely unaffordable to most working families, communities of color, or other Californians who need housing most. ‘Trickle down housing’ doesn’t work – and we certainly shouldn’t be relying on debunked theories to guide important housing decisions in our state.”

“Without a fair and accurate title and summary, our initiative cannot go forward on the 2024 ballot,” explained Susan Candell, Lafayette City Councilmember and proponent of the Our Neighborhood Voices initiative. “We are weighing our options to sue, although such a delay will run out the clock for an initiative like ours – which relies on volunteer efforts to qualify. But our fight for local democracy will go forward – and we won’t stop until we restore our right to have a say in the future of our own communities.”

“In fact this politicized attack against our initiative is just further evidence that Sacramento will continue to put developer profits over the needs of our communities – unless we stand up and fight back. And while we focus our efforts on seeing that this misleading language is changed, we will continue to grow our grassroots coalition and fight back for our neighborhood voice,” said Redondo Beach City Councilmember and supporter of the initiative Nils Nehrenheim.

Learn more about the Our Neighborhood Voices coalition and

how you can get involved at www.OurNeighborhoodVoices.com

Bethel Island Health & Safety Fair Oct. 7

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Presented by Supervisor Diane Burgis, East Bay Senior Coalition & Bethel Island Municipal Advisory Council.

All are welcome to the Bethel Island Health & Safety Fair on Saturday, October 7. More than 30 service providers and agencies will be providing screenings, referrals and information for children, adults, veterans, people with disabilities and seniors.

Date: Saturday, October 7, 2023

Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Location: Scout Hall & Community Park, 3090 Ranch Lane, Bethel Island

Refreshments & Free Raffle!

For more information contact: Mark Whitlock at 925-351-3759

Contra Costa Supervisors celebrate East Bay’s first Girls in Aviation Day

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Photos courtesy Office of Supervisor Diane Burgis.

By Supervisor Diane Burgis

Last Saturday, September 23, in our roles as co-chairs of the Contra Costa County Airport Committee, Supervisor Ken Carlson and I attended the East Bay’s first ever Girls in Aviation Day, hosted by Women in Aviation International and the Mount Diablo Pilots Association. More than 60 young women got to learn first-hand about aviation, aeronautics and aerospace, and the potential career paths available.

The event at Concord’s Buchanan Field featured planes, helicopters, drones, and flight simulators complete with VR goggles. Most importantly, it featured women working in the industry who provided inspiration and a day of mentorship to these young women.

Since the very first Women in Aviation International Girls in Aviation Day in 2015, the annual WAI event has grown every year since its first gathering of 32 events and 3,200 participants.

You can read more about the event in the Pioneer.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Kaiser Permanente Diablo earns East Bay Leadership Medal

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East Bay Leadership Council CEO Mark Orcutt presents Marty Ardron, Kaiser Permanente SVP Hospital and Health Plan Operations and Sharon Mowat, Physician in Chief of Kaiser’s Antioch Medical Center with the East Bay Leadership Medal during the dinner on August 9, 2023. Photo: East Bay Leadership Council

By East Bay Leadership Council

During the East Bay Leadership Council’s Installation Awards dinner on August 9, 2023 Kaiser Permanente Diablo was presented with the East Bay Leadership Medal. It is the highest honor to an organization recognizing outstanding service in support of the Council and the broader East Bay community. Kaiser Permanente currently is the third East Bay employer to receive this honor twice since the award was founded in 1987.

Kaiser Permanente Diablo includes locations in Antioch, Dublin, Livermore, Martinez, Pleasanton, San Ramon and Walnut Creek.

The Council offered the following about the honorees and the evening: “Kaiser Permanente is not only a world-class health system and one of the East Bay’s largest employers, but a force for generosity spanning from affordable housing construction to gun violence prevention. On top of it all, Kaiser has supported the East Bay Leadership Council’s mission through sponsorships and staff volunteerism that continues to expand our impact and reach as an organization. We are honored to present Kaiser with our top organizational award.”

Kaiser Permanente staff with the East Bay Leadership Medal include (L-R) Cherlene Andresen, Public Affairs Manager, Daniel Mejia, Senior Public Affairs Representative, Michelle Mendoza, Communications Lead, Marta Hudson, Continuum Administrator, Sharon Mowat, Sharon Mowat, Physician in Chief, Antioch Medical Center, Avin Attur, Area Information Officer, Marty Ardron, SVP Hospital and Health Plan Operations, Yvette Radford, Vice President, External & Community Affairs, Linsey Dicks, Medical Group Administrator, Pam Galley, SVP & Area Manager and Deneen Wohlford, Public Affairs Director.

The sold-out event featured inspiring words from the honorees — Chadi Chazbek, Bielle Moore, and Kaiser Permanente — who have all been influential in fostering a thriving East Bay community.

In his opening remarks, EBLC’s President & CEO, Mark Orcutt, shared what is at the heart of the EBLC community, “You would not be here tonight if you were hopeless and disinterested in taking on the challenges we face as a region. You are here because you believe as I do that a group of well-informed and driven leaders can change the world.”

Past Chair Leo Scott passed the baton to Peggy White, who expressed why she is excited to take on the role of Chair of the Board, “The hallmark of my career has been putting my passion and energy into causes that I care deeply about. And I care deeply about the Council’s mission to make the region a better place to live and work.”

It was an inspiring and heartwarming evening, full of appreciation and recognition for the important work being done to make the East Bay a place where businesses and residents thrive.

Thank you to our sponsors for making this uplifting event possible and thank you to our board and community members for your ongoing commitment to EBLC. We are excited for the year ahead!

More information about the East Bay Leadership Council Awards night can be viewed here: https://eastbayleadershipcouncil.com/news/installation-awards-recap-photos-and-more

For more information about the EBLC visit East Bay Leadership Council.

Allen D. Payton and Antonia Ehlers of Kaiser Permanente contributed to this report.

FEMA, FCC to hold nationwide emergency alert test Oct. 4

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Source: CoCoCoSheriff

Test messages will be sent to all TVs, radios and cell phones

WASHINGTON — FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) next week.

The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 4.

The WEA portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones. This will be the third nationwide test, but the second test to all cellular devices. The test message will display in either English or in Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset.

The EAS portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions. This will be the seventh nationwide EAS test.

FEMA and the FCC are coordinating with EAS participants, wireless providers, emergency managers and other stakeholders in preparation for this national test to minimize confusion and to maximize the public safety value of the test.

The purpose of the Oct. 4 test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. In case the Oct. 4 test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the back-up testing date is Oct. 11.

The WEA portion of the test will be initiated using FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), a centralized internet-based system administered by FEMA that enables authorities to send authenticated emergency messages to the public through multiple communications networks. The WEA test will be administered via a code sent to cell phones.

This year the EAS message will be disseminated as a Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) message via the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System-Open Platform for Emergency Networks (IPAWS-OPEN).

All wireless phones should receive the message only once. The following can be expected from the nationwide WEA test:

  • Beginning at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET, cell towers will broadcast the test for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message.
  • For consumers, the message that appears on their phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
  • Phones with the main menu set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”

WEA alerts are created and sent by authorized federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government agencies through IPAWS to participating wireless providers, which deliver the alerts to compatible handsets in geo-targeted areas. To help ensure that these alerts are accessible to the entire public, including people with disabilities, the alerts are accompanied by a unique tone and vibration.

Important information about the EAS test:

  • The EAS portion of the test is scheduled to last approximately one minute and will be conducted with the participation of radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers and wireline video providers.
  • The test message will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages with which the public is familiar. It will state: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.