Contra Costa Herald

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

Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids honors San Ramon girl as National Youth Advocate of the Year

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Agamroop Kaur. Source: LinkedIn

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Agamroop Kaur of San Ramon, CA, has been named the Barrie Fiske National Youth Advocate of the Year by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Agamroop will be honored on May 5, 2022, for her leadership in the fight against tobacco at the Tobacco-Free Kids’ annual Youth Advocates of the Year Awards celebration in Washington D.C.

Now, a senior at Dougherty Valley High School, Agamroop Kaur’s advocacy work began in middle school when she noticed that every bathroom smelled like a candy store and many of her classmates were already hooked on Juul e-cigarettes. She made it her mission to educate her peers about the dangers of vaping and to stop the tobacco industry from targeting her generation. She has also authored op-eds and produced a documentary on the youth e-cigarette epidemic – titled “BIG Tobacco BIGGER Epidemic” – that won a prize in C-SPAN’s student documentary contest. Agamroop also worked on successful campaigns in five California cities and Contra Costa County to end the sale of flavored e-cigarettes and other tobacco products, expand smoke-free policies and limit tobacco retailers in youth centered areas.

“We are thrilled to honor Agamroop Kaur as the Barry Fiske National Youth Advocate of the Year,” said Matthew L. Myers, President of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. “Seeing first-hand the impact of tobacco use, Agamroop has become a passionate advocate for the health of her peers and community. She exemplifies the qualities of a new generation of leaders who are standing up to the tobacco industry and fighting with us for a healthier and more equitable future.”

The National Youth Advocate of the Year Award is named after Barrie Fiske, a tireless champion for the right to breathe smoke-free air and a longtime member of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Board of Directors, who passed away in 2019.

Every year, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids honors a National Youth Advocate of the Year, four Individual Youth Advocates of the Year and a Group Youth Advocate of the Year. The winners receive scholarships to continue their tobacco prevention efforts and serve as youth ambassadors for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

“I am an ambitious high school student, venturing through the world with an open mind,” Agamroop wrote on her LinkedIn page. “With my passion for policy, research, human biology and behavior, I seek to expand the realm of public health with innovative solutions.”

Last year, she served for four months as a Policy and Media Intern for the Contra Costa Health Services Tobacco Prevention Project and has been a Teen Research Advisor for the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media since February 2021. Agamroop is also a Stanford University Research and Policy Intern serving as a Youth Action Board member of Stanford’s REACH Lab where she’s working to build and review curriculum reaching 2 million youth.

Tobacco use is the No. 1 cause of preventable death in the United States, killing over 480,000 Americans and costing the nation $226 billion in annual smoking health care costs.

In California, tobacco use claims 40,000 lives annually and costs $13.29 billion in health care bills each year. Currently, 1.2% (24,400) of California high school students smoke cigarettes, and 8.2% use e-cigarettes.

Additional information about the youth award winners can be found at tfk.org/awards and more resources and information about tobacco can be found at www.tobaccofreekids.org

 

MTC affordable housing loan program expands funding options

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Photo: MTC

For purchase and preservation

Agency aims to attract more borrowers in more Bay Area communities

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) announced, recently new underwriting guidelines for its four-year-old Bay Area Preservation Pilot loan fund, which is designed to help nonprofit housing developers and community land trusts finance the acquisition and preservation of existing multifamily properties that are affordable for lower- and moderate-income renters and located in areas with high-frequency transit service. Revisions to the $49 million revolving loan fund include a lower leveraging-ratio requirement and the allocation of up to $6 million for designation as forgivable long-term debt.

The goal of the new underwriting rules is to attract more borrowers by funding loans more quickly for a more diverse set of properties in a more diverse set of Bay Area communities. All loans funded through the Preservation Pilot to date have been used to finance the borrowers’ purchase of rental properties in Oakland. MTC last year approved policy revisions for the Bay Area Preservation Pilot designed to make these funds more accessible to buyers of properties throughout the Bay Area, including those in communities that don’t have their own local preservation funds; properties in which tenants face a high risk of displacement or house families with children, seniors, people of color, people with disabilities, people with extremely low-incomes and people with language barriers; and prospective buyers working in close partnership with existing tenants.

Nonprofit developers and joint venture partnerships can tap the Preservation Pilot fund for loans with terms as long as 10 years to buy nonsubsidized apartment buildings with at least four units. Rents for at least 75 percent of the units must be considered affordable for households whose annual income is no more than 80 percent of the area median. Borrowers also can use the loan proceeds to fund an operating reserve for the acquired property, and to perform life safety upgrades and other rehabilitation work.

MTC established the Bay Area Preservation Pilot in 2018 with a $10 million commitment supplemented by an additional $39 million from program managers Enterprise Community Loan Fund (ECLF) and Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF). Loans are originated on a first-come, first-served basis. Prospective borrowers are encouraged to contact Enterprise and/or LIIF directly to apply. More details on the Bay Area Preservation Pilot fund may be found on the MTC website at https://mtc.ca.gov/BAPP.

MTC is the regional transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. ECLF has invested more than $2.3 billion and leveraged over $21 billion in additional capital to create or preserve more than 127,000 housing units affordable for lower-income households nationwide. San Francisco-based LIIF has provided over $3 billion of financing and technical assistance and leveraged another $13 billion to provide some 2.4 million lower-income people around the country with stable housing and community services.

Malicious Monster Trucks delight crowd at Antioch Speedway

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Screenshot of video by Sabrina Pedrotte

By Don Martin II, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…The Malicious Monster Truck Insanity Tour is in high demand on the West Coast. On Saturday night and Sunday afternoon, the fans at Antioch Speedway were given an example as to why. From the moment the music played at the start of the festivities to the final ride alongs for the fans at the conclusion of the program, they were entertained. (See Facebook videos here,  here and here)

The crowd on Saturday night April 30, 2022. Photo by Sabrina Pedrotte

Antioch Speedway fans were given an induction to this exciting touring group last September. Promoters Chad and Tina Chadwick were so delighted by the response that they booked them on two weekend occasions this year. This was the first one, and they will be back in town in September.

They bring two ride along trucks. One is named after one of their star attractions, Identity Theft The Ride. The other is Skeletor. Both proved to be very popular as rides were given prior to the start of the contest, during intermission and then at the conclusion of the show. Everybody who wanted one was able to get a ride and feel what it’s like to be in one of these gargantuan machines.

Identity Theft monster truck. Photo by Don Martin, II

Skeletor monster truck offered rides. Photo by Sabrina Pedrotte

Once Dallas, who expertly announces this program, got the fans on their feet, the five Monster Trucks went off in various directions at the same time to the delight of the crowd. Then, there was the introduction of the competitors on the front straightaway.

There is the dragon themed Monster Truck called Spitfire. This truck actually shoots fire out it’s nose and is piloted expertly by Nick Jones of Chimacum WA. There’s also Weekend Warrior, driven by Myles Parker of Colfax, CA, the California Kid, driven by PJ Solorio of Paso Robles, CA and Identity Theft, piloted by Dwight Mathews.

Some will correctly say that they are all the stars, but there is a little more love generated from the fans by Spitfire, Identity Theft and immensely popular Rockstar. Rockstar is a unique truck in that it has two drivers, the husband and wife team of Bill and Lorna Payne of Port Orchard, WA. The duo are also the promoters of the tour itself.

The fans see a series of competitions, and there are three judges giving them scores. Dallas serves as one of them, there is also another judge in the booth and one on the track itself. The competition ranges from freestyle to time trials to one-on-one racing. Spitfire is known for the fire shooting out of the truck’s nose. Identity Theft does an impressive rear wheel stand, and Rockstar takes it up a notch as they stand it on its front wheels. That proves to be very popular with the fans as they roar their approval.

Monster trucks in action. Screenshot of video by Sabrina Pedrotte

Dallas will go through the grandstands and find the rowdiest fans. Everybody is up on their feet as he hands out T-shirts throughout the night. He pretty much has the fans in his hands and is an expert in presenting these gargantuan, highflying machines to the public. The fans are into it from the start as they pick their favorite trucks and cheer them on all night.

When it comes to freestyle, they hold nothing back. It takes a steady hand to pilot one of these big machines. One miscalculation, and you land improperly from a jump and risk doing damage. You can end up on your roof. They don’t want that to happen as it means one less truck for the rest of the evening. They try to give the fans a little razzle dazzle while also exercising caution when necessary. By the time they get to freestyle, nobody holds anything back.

The freestyle competition at the end of the night is what closes the competition. Therefore, if you put a little more into a jump at the conclusion of the night and land awkwardly, it’s damage that can be repaired for the next night. Every truck seems to take it up a notch.

Spitfire usually runs third and is raising the bar. Identity Theft takes it up even higher. Rockstar is probably the fan favorite. You see more pink colored “Breast Cancer Awareness” Rockstar shirts among the crowd in the stands. Bill and Lorna give it their all. They proved to be the winners on this occasion, but the real winners were the fans.

Identity Theft monster truck also offered rides. Photo by Don Martin, II

Saturday was the bigger night in terms of attendance. Some would compare the numbers to what was seen on a weekly basis in the grandstands back in the 1980s and before.

However, even the Sunday afternoon turnout was bigger than what you’d see on an average night. Management is doing things like this to create awareness and get more fans coming out to the show, and things are improving gradually.

While the show went well and the track looks forward to the Monster Truck visit on September 10th and 11th, racing will return this Saturday night. On the Coco Farms Antioch Speedway Racing calendar for this Saturday night, we find a Mother’s Day Mini Van race, and the other competing divisions will include IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds and IMCA Stock Cars. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com or go to the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions Facebook page.

 

Bay Area Bike to Wherever Days in May

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Bike to Work Day returns May 20 after two-year absence

This month, Bike Month and “Bike to Wherever Days” (BTWD) once again will roll across the nine counties of the Bay Area, and include the return of Bike to Work Day on May 20.

For the first time in two years, many employees are beginning to return to their offices, small businesses are seeing a rise in customers and clients, and bicycles once again are being used for commuting – as well as exercise, recreation, traveling to school, running errands and more.

As a result, BTWD 2022 – the event’s 28th year – will be a celebration throughout the entire month of May and will be highlighted by Bike to Work Day, which was modified the last two years due to the pandemic.

“The return of Bike to Work Day is another indicator that life in the Bay Area is slowly, but surely, getting back to normal,” said Alfredo Pedroza, MTC Chairman and Napa County Supervisor. “What better way to celebrate than by getting outdoors and biking. The May events highlight all the many benefits of bicycling, and we want everyone to participate.”

BTWD brings together the nine Bay Area counties to celebrate bicycling, helps new and experienced riders build community, promotes pedaling as a means of transportation, while benefitting the health of residents and the environment.

During Bike Month, county bike coalitions offer classes, activities, education and more. And while each county celebrates all cyclists within its boundaries, one dedicated rider is chosen as its Bike Champion of the Year. This year’s award winners will be announced in late April.

For those who need a little extra encouragement to ride during May – and after Bike Month is over – riders are encouraged to make a pledge to cycle through their respective county coalitions. Details on how to make that pledge – and to learn more about what’s going on in each county – can be found at Bayareabiketowork.com.

Details about Bike to Wherever Days can also be found online at Bayareabiketowork.com. Follow on Facebook at @biketoworkday, Twitter @BikeToWorkSFBay, and Instagram @biketoworkday_bayarea.

Bay Area Bike to Wherever Days is presented by MTC (the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area), 511 (the region’s traveler information system) and Amazon. BTWD 2022 also receives regional support from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), and Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), as well as from many sponsors at the local level. Prizes for the Bike Champion of the Year winners were donated by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Better World Club and Mike’s Bikes.

Contra Costa Water District asks customers for 15% conservation to address drought

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Public hearing June 15 on temporary drought surcharge of up to 15%

New reduction target, restrictions are consistent with state mandates

Facing a third consecutive dry year and responding to a new executive order from Gov. Newsom aimed at bolstering statewide water supplies, Contra Costa Water District’s Board of Directors adopted a new Drought Management Program at its April 20, 2022, meeting.

The move brings the District into Stage 2 of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan, adds new water use restrictions, and aims for an overall 15% reduction in water use as compared to 2020. Full details of the Drought Management Program are available at ccwater.com. Despite precipitation in late 2021, the beginning of this year has been among the driest on record.

“We know that further reductions can be a challenge, but our customers are conscientious water users who step up for their community,” said Lisa M. Borba, District Board President. “Setting our baseline year as 2020 protects those customers who voluntarily reduced their water use in 2021.”

The District’s water allocation from the federal Central Valley Project, which will provide only for minimum public health and safety levels this year, will be supplemented with local supplies and water stored in its Los Vaqueros Reservoir, which currently is about 58% of capacity.

To encourage conservation and to recover costs related to the ongoing drought, the District is proposing a temporary drought surcharge of up to 15%, or $0.79 per 748 gallons for treated water customers, effective for water delivered starting July 1. For the average customer using 260 gallons of water per day, the surcharge amounts to approximately $0.28 per day. A rebate to offset the drought surcharge for treated water customers who use 200 gallons per day or less, funded with non-rate revenues, is included in the District’s proposal. A public hearing to consider the temporary drought surcharge is set for June 15.

“We are committed to helping our customers use water as efficiently as possible,” President Borba said. “Our incentive programs help customers effectively reduce their water use, especially outdoors where nearly half of water is used during the summer months.”

The District offers numerous resources and rebates available for customers to reduce their water use – all available at ccwater.com/drought.

 

Oakley Police Chief, parents of missing Alexis Gabe announce $10,000 reward fund

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Alexis Gabe’s father Gwyn speaks as his wife, Rowena, Oakley Chief Paul Beard and Detective Tyler Horn look on during the press conference on Thurs., April 28, 2022. (Video screenshot by Allen D. Payton) New poster showing reward.

“Tell us where our daughter is. Help us bring her back home. We need our daughter back.” – Gwyn Gabe, Alexis’ father

Last seen in Antioch on January 26, 2022

By Allen D. Payton

The City of Oakley is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the whereabouts of Alexis Gabe, the 22-year-old Oakley woman missing since January 26 and last seen in Antioch on Benttree Way by her ex-boyfriend, who remains a person of interest in the case. The Oakley Police Department received a call of a missing person, under suspicious circumstances, on January 27, 2022. Police found Gabe’s car on Trenton Street, a cul-de-sac off Oakley Road. The car was unlocked with the keys inside, according to Oakley police Sgt. Robert Roberts. (See related article)

During a press conference on Thursday, April 28, her parents, Gwyn and Rowena Gabe, Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard and Detective Tyler Horn announced the reward and asked for the public to assist in the efforts to locate her. (See video)

A brief, security camera video of a possible suspect was shared showing a man wearing a head covering and COVID-style mask walking in an area four-to-five minutes from where her car was found in Oakley on Jan. 26, 2022. (See video here and here).

Alexis’ Father Says “We Need Our Daughter Back”

During the press conference, Alexis’ father Gwyn spoke of his daughter and pleaded with whomever has information to please come forward.

“It’s been three, long excruciating months since Alexis’ disappearance,” Mr. Gabe said as Mrs. Gabe stood next to him choking back tears. “Since the day our daughter went missing, we’ve questioned our faith, have been completely overwhelmed and filled with doubt and despair. But with the love and support of those around us, we continue to find renewed strength and hope, every day.”

“We know this ordeal has impacted not only our family’s lives, and those who knew her and loved Alexis, but also the lives of the people within the community,” he continued. “Alexis is an amazing woman, daughter, sister and friend. She is genuine, loving, kind, smart and loyal. She is full of wit and humor. She still has so much life, laughter and joy to share.”

“We are pleading to whomever has information regarding Alexis’ disappearance to please come forward,” Mr. Gabe stated. “Please give Alexis the chance to be the person she is meant to be in this world. Tell us where our daughter is. Help us bring her back home. We need our daughter back. Thank you.”

Chief Beard Thanks Antioch PD for Help on His Department’s Biggest Case

Beard spoke next saying, “this is the biggest case my department has had in our relatively short history. We realize this case was bigger than us at a very early stage and we cannot effectively investigate this case had it not been for the assistance of other agencies, such as Antioch PD.” (See video of Chief Beard’s remarks)

“Together Antioch and Oakley PD have worked together, diligently every day of the week since she has been gone, sometimes around the clock,” the chief continued.

“I wish to reiterate that we are still seeking the help of the public, that is the main theme of today’s conference,” Beard stated. “My message to you is we need assistance from the public to help us solve this case and bring Alexis back and bring peace to her family.”

‘The Oakley Police Department, the Antioch Police Department, the City of Oakley all stand in support of the Gabe family,” he concluded.

In response to questions from the media, Beard said “I have dedicated six to seven people on the case.” (See video of Q&A)

Screenshot of security camera video of suspect walking near Alexis’ car on Jan. 26, 2022. Source: Oakley P.D.

Detective Horn Offers Description of Suspect in Video

Horn then had the video of the suspect walking from Alexis’ car shown several times and described him. www.ci.oakley.ca.us/alexisgabeapril28pressconference

“That is the individual we believe that dropped off Alexis’ car,” he said. “He’s about 5’11” to six-foot, skinny build, dark-skinned male with a large overcoat, either a beany or a cap on, sort of an N-95-style mask on with a beard protruding from underneath that mask.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the tip line at 925-625-7009 or email alexistips@ci.antioch.ca.us. 

National Prescription Drug TAKE BACK – Saturday, April 30

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Photo: CCCSheriff

On Saturday, April 30, 2022, from 10 AM to 2 PM, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

“The Take Back Event addresses not only a public health issue but also public safety,” said Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston. “These drugs could fall into the wrong hands and harm family members and friends. This is an opportunity for everyone to help prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.”

Needles and sharps cannot be accepted; only pills, patches, and liquids sealed in their original container will be accepted. Vape pens or other e-cigarette devices from individual consumers are accepted only after the batteries are removed from the devices.

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Bring your pills for disposal at the following sites.

DROP OFF LOCATIONS

-Office of the Sheriff Muir Station, 980 Muir Road, Martinez

-Office of the Sheriff Bay Station, 5555 Giant Highway, Richmond

-Office of the Sheriff Valley Station, 150 Alamo Plaza, #C, Alamo

-Danville Police Department, 510 La Gonda Way, Danville

-Lafayette Police Department, 3471 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette

-Orinda Police Department, 22 Orinda Way, Orinda

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, locations or the Take Back event, visit: www.dea.gov/takebackday.

Last lap pass nets Fraser the victory at Antioch Speedway

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2019 IMCA Sport Modified champion Tommy Fraser #12 made a late move to score the victory. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Whitley, Friend, Wagner other winners

By Don Martin II, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…April 23…Tommy Fraser won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. The 2019 champion made his move as they raced to the white flag and brought home the victory. Over 80 drivers competed in the four-division program.

Nick Zapatero charged into the lead at the start, followed by Fraser and Mark Garner. They ran that way for several laps before a yellow flag waved for a Turn 4 tangle involving Chuck Golden, Jason Ryan Jr, Brianna Troen and Nick Caughman Jr. Zapatero led Fraser and KC Keller on the restart. Zapatero was doing a good job of leading the way, but he didn’t have a very good Lap 18. A lap later, Zapatero pushed a little bit in Turn 3, and Fraser went down low in Turn 4 to grab the lead. Zapatero ended up spinning, and Fraser won ahead of Keller, Andrew Pearce, Mark Garner and Jonathan Hagio.

Jacob Tuttle drove the third-place finishing car in the 20 lap Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Daniel Whitley picked up the win in the 20 lap Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event. The Hunt Series Rookie of the Year was piloting a car owned by Ted Finkenbinder, who also owns the third place finishing car of Jacob Tuttle.

Two-time Watsonville champion Jimmy Christian led the opening lap before Rick Panfili spun in Turn 4 for a yellow flag. On the restart lap, Whitley got a good run exiting Turn 2 and passed teammate Jacob Tuttle for second. Whitley then went racing past Christian on the back straightaway. There were two yellow flags from there. The worst was a red flag incident that saw Kaimi Moniz-Costa and Bob Newberry get together on the back straightaway with Newberry rolling. As Whitley started to pull away in the waning laps, Christian had his hands full battling Tuttle for second. Whitley won by a straightaway, and Christian held off Tuttle for the runner-up finish as Jarrett Soares and Trey Walters rounded out the Top 5.

Les Friend #42 got the win in the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock feature race. Photo by Katrina Kniss.

Les Friend picked up the win in the 30 lap Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event. Looking for her fourth win, Misty Welborn brought the field to green flag ahead of Jason Robles and Clarence Holbrook. Welborn and Robles had a little bit of contact on Lap 10 as they battled in traffic. Welborn ended up with a flat tire, and Friend made a low pass in Turn 4 to take the lead. Friend was leading Robles and Holbrook at the halfway point of the race. Bobby Motts Jr moved into third on a Lap 19 restart. Friend set a rapid pace and scored the well-earned victory ahead of Robles, Motts, Holbrook and Jeff Bentancourt. James Graessle and Michaela Taylor won the two 10 lap B Mains with over 30 cars in competition.

Point leader Danny Wagner #11DD continues to roll with his third win in the Delta Dwarf Cars. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Point leader Danny Wagner won the 20 lap Delta Dwarf Car Main Event. This was his third win of the season. South Bay Dwarf Car competitor Dan Zuger led them to the green flag ahead of David Michael Rosa. Wagner quickly moved into third and made an inside pass on the backstretch on Lap 4 to gain second. A yellow flag waved on Lap 4 for David Rosa, and Zuger continued to lead Wagner and David Michael Rosa on the restart. Both Wagner and David Michael Rosa got around Zuger on Lap 6, and Devan Kammermann moved into third soonafter. Kammermann made a move around Rosa on Lap 8, and the battle was on between Wagner and Kammermann. At times the lead duo went side by side in the final 13 laps. However, Wagner kept his cool and brought it home to the victory. Kammermann settled for another second place finish, followed by Sean Catucci, Ellie Russo and David Michael Rosa.

This weekend, Antioch Speedway hosts the Malicious Monster Truck Insanity Tour for two nights of exciting entertainment on Saturday and Sunday. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Antioch Speedway April 23 Unofficial Race Results

Wingless Spec Sprints

Heat Winners (8 laps) – Jacob Tuttle, Jimmy Christian, Daniel Whitley. Main Event (20 laps)  Daniel Whitley, Jimmy Christian, Jacob Tuttle, Jarrett Soares, Trey Walters, Shannon Newton, Zack Neeley, James East, Tony Bernard, Jacob Williams.

IMCA Sport Modifieds

Heat Winners (8 laps) – Tommy Fraser, KC Keller, Tyler Browne, Matt Pitts. Main Event (20 laps) – Tommy Fraser, KC Keller, Andrew Pearce, Mark Garner, Jonathan Hagio Jacob Mallet Jr, Fred Ryland, Jason Ryan Jr, Nick Caughman Jr, Chester Kniss.

Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks

Heat Winners (8 laps) – Misty Welborn, Clarence Holbrook, Jason Robles, Jon Haney. B Main 1 (10 laps) – James Graessle, Jess Paladino, Gavin Griffiths. B Main 2 (10 laps) – Michaela Taylor, Angela Brown, Judy Arth. Main Event (30 laps) – Les Friend, Jason Robles, Bobby Motts Jr, Clarence Holbrook, Jeff Bentancourt, Jared Baugh, Chris Long, Grayson Baca, Jewell Crandall, Ken Johns.

Delta Dwarf Cars

Heat Winners (8 laps) – Chance Russell, Sean Catucci. Main Event (20 laps )- Danny Wagner, Devan Kammerman, Sean Catucci, Ellie Russo, David Michael Rosa, Toby Brown Dan Zuger, Mario Marques, Joe LeDuc, Chance Russell.

Masks once again required on BART

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After judge in Florida tossed out federal mask mandate for public transit systems and airlines

The BART Board of Directors at its meeting today, Thursday, April 28, 2022, approved a temporary amendment to the District’s Code of Conduct to require riders to wear masks in paid areas of the system with limited exceptions. This requirement applies to trains and all portions of stations beyond the fare gates. Children ages two and under as well as people with medical conditions that prevent them from wearing masks are exempt from the mandate. The rule is effective until July 18, 2022, unless it is extended by the BART Board.

“I strongly support requiring a mask to ride BART to keep all our riders safe,” said BART Board President Rebecca Saltzman. “I’m especially concerned for our riders who are immunocompromised, people with underlying health conditions, and children under the age of five who are not yet eligible for vaccination.”

The update to the Code of Conduct comes after a federal judge in Florida earlier this month tossed out a federal mask mandate for public transit systems and airlines. Like other Bay Area transit agencies, BART’s previous mask mandate had been based on the now former TSA directive.

“It is essential the BART Board take action to protect our riders and employees after the surprising ruling that threw out the federal mandate,” said BART Board Vice President Janice Li. “Wearing masks helps to protect everyone, which is especially important now as COVID cases rise in the Bay Area.”

Free masks are available at station agent booths and from all safety staff for those who need one. As with the previous federal mandate, BART PD will continue its education-based enforcement of the mask requirement by offering free masks to anyone who needs one before taking any enforcement action which could include a citation up to $75 or being ejected from the paid area.

Throughout the pandemic BART has prioritized the safety of riders. BART has installed MERV 14 (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) air filters on all train cars new and old. These filters are dense enough to trap the virus and provide an extra layer of protection to our riders. Air is replaced every 70 seconds onboard cars mixing filtered air with fresh air. That means the circulation on BART train cars is better than most offices. In addition, all BART employees are fully vaccinated.

Female passenger dies when truck hits tree on river road early Sunday morning

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Brentwood driver said he swerved to avoid an animal

By Mark Leavitt, Public Information Officer, CHP, South Sacramento Area

On April 24th, 2022, at approximately 2:39 a.m. California Highway Patrol (CHP) was advised of a Ford F-150 pickup truck versus a tree on SR-160 southbound, north of Poverty Road, between Walnut Grove and Rio Vista, with an occupant stuck inside the vehicle. Fire personnel arrived on scene and related to CHP dispatch of a fatality.

CHP South Sacramento arrived on scene and contacted a 51-year-old male from Brentwood, that was identified as the driver. The driver was uninjured and stated to CHP that as he was driving southbound on SR-160 when he saw an animal in his path that caused him to steer the Ford to the right, off the roadway, and down an embankment where he collided with a tree. The 34-year-old, female passenger from Sacramento, sustained fatal injuries. The male driver was checked for sobriety and was determined not to be under the influence.