Contra Costa Herald

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

Two die in wrong way driver three-car crash on I-80 in Crockett Sunday

By Leave a Comment

By CHP-Contra Costa

Early Sunday morning, March 20, 2022, at about 3:41 AM, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a wrong way driver traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-80 near the Carquinez Bridge. The wrong way vehicle (Honda SUV) continued westbound in the eastbound lanes and collided head on into a vehicle (Tesla Model 3) traveling in the eastbound lanes of I-80, just west of Pomona Street. Both vehicles sustained major damage and came to rest within the eastbound lanes. Moments later, a third vehicle (Toyota Camry) traveling eastbound collided into the damaged vehicles. Due to the collision, the Honda and the Tesla became fully engulfed in flames.

The driver and sole occupant of the Honda and the Tesla sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased on scene. The driver of the Toyota sustained minor injuries. At this time, it is undetermined if drugs and/or alcohol were a factor.  This incident is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this collision, the wrong way vehicle prior to the collision, or the events leading up to the collision, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez at (925) 646-4980.

Two transient men arrested by Con Fire for arson in Bay Point, Antioch

By Leave a Comment

Scene of the fire set by an arson in Bay Point on Tuesday, March 22, 2022. Photo: ConFire

Quick investigative work results in two arrests within 48 hours

By Steve Hill, PIO, Con Fire

CONCORD, CALIF., Mar. 23, 2022 – Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) today announced its fire investigators made arrests in the last 48 hours in two separate, intentionally set fires in Bay Point and Antioch.

On March 22, Con Fire investigators arrested Emanuel Serrano, 25, a transient, in the vicinity of two vegetation fires burning along Highway Four near Evora and Willow Pass Roads in Bay Point. The two separate fires originated along the walking trail next to westbound Highway 4.

As crews were arriving, a witness pointed out a subject who they had observed starting the fires. Investigators checked the area and observed Serrano running through a nearby field. Searching the area on foot and from above with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), investigators located the suspect hiding in tall vegetation on a nearby hill where he was taken into custody.

Witnesses positively identified Serrano as the individual seen starting the fires. Investigators conducted an “origin and cause” investigation, which did not reveal ignition sources other than human activity in the area of the fires. Serrano was transported to and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility, charged with two counts of Arson of a Structure or Forest Land (PC § 451(c)).

On March 21, a Con Fire investigator responded to an exterior fire burning in brush along the soundwall near Larkspur Drive and Hillcrest Avenue in Antioch. Nearby, Jason McGee, 27, a transient living in Antioch, who had been seen in the area of the fire, was identified as a suspect.

During questioning, McGee admitted to lighting this fire and a witness in the area further identified the suspect as having been seen lighting another fire the previous Friday. McGee was subsequently arrested for both fires and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking on two charges of Arson of a Structure or Forest Land (PC § 451(c)).

Con Fire’s Fire Investigation Unit asks residents to help them fight the crime of arson by calling the Arson Tip Line at 1-866-50-ARSON. They caution residents not to hesitate on information that seems too little or unimportant, adding some of the most valuable tips come from residents who were not aware what they saw was very important to the investigation of an incident. Residents can leave a recorded message on the tip line about fire-related criminal activity in English or Spanish. Tips can be anonymous, and all tips are treated confidentially. But investigators sometimes need additional information, so contact information is encouraged.

ConFire rescues man from underground storm water pipe in Antioch Sunday evening

By Leave a Comment

Man brought to surface after rescue from drainage pipe in Antioch where he had been stuck for two days on Sunday, March 20, 2022. Photos: Con Fire

Some 50 fire personnel conduct rare, complex and risky rescue to free man in 30’s from where he had been trapped for up to two days

By Steve Hill, PIO, Con Fire

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) led a three-and-a-half-hour, nearly 50-person rescue effort Sunday evening that freed a man in his thirties from an underground storm water pipe where he had been stuck for up to two days.

The rescue took place after passersby heard cries for help coming from underground and reported this to 911. Con Fire was notified at 5:37 p.m. Sunday of someone possibly stuck in a drainage pipe near the 3100 block of Buchanan Road in Antioch. Arriving on scene moments later, firefighters quickly determined someone was trapped and launched the rescue effort.

The complex, high risk, and rare “confined space” rescue was conducted by specially trained firefighter technicians from Con Fire and East Contra Costa Fire with support from City of Antioch Public Works and Antioch PD. Four Con Fire firefighters, connected by umbilical cords for breathing air and underground communications, made entry into the storm water infrastructure, locating the victim, clearing considerable debris blocking his path, and bringing him to the surface shortly before 9 p.m.

“As an all-risk fire agency, we train for rare rescues such as this,” said Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Fire Chief Lewis Broschard. “Still, this was a complex and high-risk rescue effort that required extensive specialized resources and the skill and experience of many professionals from across the District to successfully complete.”

Confined space rescues are both uncommon and high risk. They are highly complex for many reasons including oftentimes the unknown location and condition of the victim and the potential risks to both victim and rescuers. Confined spaces such as these are not intended for humans to occupy, consequently, they may be an oxygen-deficient environment not capable of supporting human life.

In this case, uncertain of how to successfully reach the man through several potential access points, the incident commander ordered two simultaneous rescue attempts from opposite sides of the drainage pipe. The first, which eventually proved successful, involved sending rescue firefighters into a nearby underground vault to make their way to and free the victim. At the same time, City of Antioch Public Works responders were directed to use a backhoe to dig down to the underground pipe on the opposite side of the victim’s location in case it became necessary to break it open to affect a rescue from that direction.

Con Fire personnel carry man to a waiting ambulance following rescue from pipe.

Con Fire firefighters routinely train to conduct restricted space and a wide variety of other rescue types at our Training Division on Treat Boulevard in Concord. In addition to academic training facilities, the Con Fire training campus has many sophisticated training props designed to allow firefighters to train in the most realistic environments possible for rescues such as this.

Rescuers were unable to determine the man’s motivation for entering the stormwater drainage system or his exact entry point, which is believed to have been some distance from the rescue location.

Once brought to the surface, the victim was evaluated at the scene, determined to be uninjured, and transported to Sutter Delta for further evaluation.

Contra Costa Sheriff investigating officer-involved shooting death in Discovery Bay

By Leave a Comment

Weapon that was held by Robert Jones Tuesday night, March 22, 2022. Photo: CCC Sheriff

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

Inage of Robert Jones pointing a weapon at law enforcement officers as he advanced toward them. Photo: CCC Sheriff

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, and the Oakley Police Department continue to investigate the Discovery Bay officer-involved shooting death per the county law enforcement involved fatal incident protocol.

Last night, March 22, 2022, at about 8:44 PM, deputy sheriffs were dispatched to a domestic disturbance at a residence on the 8000 block of Westport Circle in Discovery Bay. After speaking to the caller, a deputy attempted to talk to a man in the residence. As deputies tried to speak to him through a screen door, the man took out a knife and raised it over his head. Deputies commanded him to drop the knife. The man then brandished what appeared to be a rifle at the deputies, who retreated to safe distance away from the residence to set up a perimeter.

A short while later, as other deputies and Oakley police officers arrived at the scene, the man came out of the residence with the weapon raised and pointed as he walked toward the deputies and officers on the street. They attempted to de-escalate the situation by giving him numerous commands to put his weapon down. He refused to comply and advanced on the deputies and officers who discharged their firearms striking the man. They immediately requested an ambulance and the fire department to respond and began performing life-saving measures. The man was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

The man is identified as 51-year-old Robert Jones. The weapon he was carrying and pointed at law enforcement officers was a Umarex AirJavelin Archery Rifle that propels arrows up to 300 feet per second.

The California Department of Justice was contacted and declined to participate in the investigation because the weapon Jones possessed is considered to be a deadly weapon.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or through Sheriff’s Office dis-patch at (925) 646-2441. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Officials, bicycle advocates celebrate groundbreaking of Mokelumne Trail overcrossing in Brentwood

By Leave a Comment

City of Brentwood and transportation officials ceremonially break ground for construction of the Highway 4 overcrossing for the Mokelumne Trail in Brentwood on Friday, March 18, 2022. Photo by Allen D. Payton

Will close gap caused by Hwy 4, complete Contra Costa section by early 2023

“This is one of my dreams that really did come true.” – former Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor

By Allen D. Payton

Officials from the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA), State Route 4 Bypass Authority and the City of Brentwood celebrated the beginning of construction on the Mokelumne Trail Bike and Pedestrian Overcrossing Friday morning, March 18 with a ceremonial groundbreaking. The multi-span bridge will connect two sides of the Mokelumne Trail, providing safe access to cyclists and pedestrians across Highway 4 for recreational travel and commuting. When completed, the overcrossing will provide access to the future Brentwood Transit Center and BART Station.

When completed, the overcrossing will also provide access to the future Brentwood Transit Center and BART Station. It is part of the Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail which includes the Delta de Anza Regional Trail that runs through Antioch and Oakley.

Also in attendance at the groundbreaking were local bicycle advocates including Bruce Ohlson from Bay Point, who rode his bike to the event.

It’s been the plan since the right-of-way for the Highway 4 Bypass/extension between Lone Tree Way and Balfour Road was purchased in 1998 to provide a connection to both sides of the trail and close the gap with an overcrossing.

“The highway splits the trail that was not in place but merely planned at the time the first phase of the Bypass was built in 2002,” said Dale Dennis, Program Manager for the State Route 4 Bypass Authority. “With the understanding that the regional trail would connect. and we would have to provide that connection in the future.”

“The Bypass Authority did the right of way acquisition for the trail,” he added.

Construction on the $8.6 million project is expected to be completed by early 2023 if not sooner. Funding has been provided through the county’s Measure J half-cent sales tax dollars, the Bypass Authority, and regional bridge toll funding from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC).

The project will have one of the shortest construction timelines in CCTA’s history. The 850-foot bridge structure includes a wider trail width of sixteen feet to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians using the trail or accessing potential future transit and meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards to support use by all community members.

“Total construction costs are $8.6 million with total project costs of $13 million,” said Timothy Haile, CCTA Executive Director. “It’s turned into a focal point for the community….for transit in Eastern Contra Costa County…for the transit center…and for Brentwood’s Innovation Center” for commercial development and employment.

Supervisor Federal Glover spoke representing the MTC saying, “This is going to be major for some visionary individuals as we connect to other areas. It’s been a very collaborative effort and very well thought out through the years. But it doesn’t happen until someone brings the money together.”

He acknowledged and thanked former Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor, “who was banging on the door of (former CCTA Executive Director) Randy Iwasaki and Tim Haile asking, ‘how…are we going to get the money to get this done?’”

Glover then thanked the partners and all those who helped

“I started working with the City of Brentwood in 2017” Haile said, then thanked the city staff “and the city council that has been very supportive.”

Brentwood Mayor Joel Bryant said, “the overcrossing is part of a greater vision…part of a larger Mokelumne to Crest Trail. This is very exciting. We have a lot of residents who are pedestrians and bicyclists.”

“We provide everything the future is going to need as far as economic development and living as the Bay Area moves our way,” he added.

Bryant acknowledged his predecessor, Mayor Taylor and said, “this is his project that he handed to us”.

“I made a promise 16 years ago that I would do this,” Taylor then said. “I was very naive. After 10 years, I said ‘we’re going to do this’. After 12 years, ‘we’re going to do this’. Well, we’re going to do this.”

“This is not just a Brentwood thing. It couldn’t have been done without a whole lot of people,” he continued. “This is one of my dreams that really did come true.”

“When I came to CCTA the first thing that happened was Bob came into my office and asked how we were going to get the Mokelumne Trail Overcrossing?” Tim Haile added to the credit given to Taylor for the project.

“This new bicycle and pedestrian overcrossing will improve the community’s connections to nature, jobs, housing, and transit opportunities – and serves as an example of what can be accomplished through collaboration,” said Contra Costa Transportation Authority Board Chair Chris Kelley. “But just as important, this bridge is designed with the future in mind and could accommodate potential future autonomous shuttles as well as bicycles and pedestrians to help local residents get where they need to go.”

Options for Brentwood’s East County Intermodal Transit Center are currently being evaluated as part of the East County Integrated Transit Study. The overcrossing also provides a connection to the planned Innovation Center at Brentwood, a 200+ acre parcel that city officials have zoned for employer and development partners to create a workplace community.

According not the trail map website, “For 28 years, dozens of citizens and government agencies have been working to complete the 300+ mile-long Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail. First envisioned by ‘Father of CA Trails’ and ‘Grandfather of National Trails’ George H. Cardinet, Jr., the Trail Council is proud to share three open sections for day hikes and more.”

 

USDA Food & Nutrition Service Western Region says “Thank a Farmer” on National Ag Day March 22

By Leave a Comment

A recognition during National Ag Week – March 20-26, 2022

By Julie Yee, Public Affairs, USDA Food & Nutrition Service Western Region

SAN FRANCISCO, March 22, 2022 – Today, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s (FNS) Western Region (Alaska, American Samoa, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, and Washington) joins millions of Americans in celebrating National Ag Day. The special recognition encourages every American to understand how food and fiber products are produced, value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy, and appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products. This day also provides an opportunity to show appreciation to hard-working farmers who provide delicious and nutritious food for families across the region.

“National Ag Day provides us an annual opportunity to say “Thank You” to countless farmers and ranchers across the Western Region who work hard each day so that we have healthy and nutritious food on our plates,” said FNS Western Regional Administrator Jesus Mendoza, Jr. “Over the last year, the agriculture sector has stepped up to ensure we have a stable food supply in the face of incredible challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Farmers provide consumers with fresh, affordable, convenient, and healthy products. With support from USDA, farmers can offer customers the opportunity to make purchases with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); and the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.

America’s Direct Marketing Farmers and Farmers’ Markets (DMFs/FMs) are great sources of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods. FNS is committed to expanding access to these foods by SNAP recipients while supporting economic opportunities for farmers and producers. Use the interactive map to locate participating DMFs/FMs and other retailers in the west and all across the nation.

In the western region, 230 DMFs and 722 FMs were authorized by USDA in fiscal year 2020. This is an increase of 66.67 percent and 12.64 percent respectively over the previous year. These farmers and farmers markets are authorized to accept SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT), which enables SNAP recipients to use their benefits to purchase eligible food. Farmers and farmers’ markets in the western region redeemed more than $9.5 million in EBT benefits in fiscal year 2020.

A top FNS priority for 2022 is continuing USDA’s focus on nutrition security, not just for the duration of the pandemic, but well into the future to make sure the many nutrition programs USDA offers are providing access to nutritious food for all those in need. FNS delivers science-based information and guidance that is pivotal in ensuring Americans have a nutritious, safe, affordable and abundant food supply. USDA will make full use of flexibilities to support governors, school districts, food banks and others while deploying food assistance to struggling families, seniors and people with disabilities.

Learn More

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit  

www.usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

 

2022 Contra Costa Youth Hall of Fame Award winners announced

By Leave a Comment

Ballet Folklórico Netzahualcoyotl dancers perform accompanied by Mariachi Monumental in 2021. Source: Contra Costa County

Contra Costa Supervisors to honor the middle and high school students during 28th Annual César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration March 29

By Susan Shiu, PIO, Contra Costa County

(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors will honor César E. Chávez in a celebration recognizing his commitment to social justice and respect for human dignity. The 28th Annual César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration will be on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at 11 am in Board Chambers at 1025 Escobar Street in Martinez. Community members can also join the event live on Contra Costa Television channels and the County’s website.

“We honor César E. Chávez and recognize his legacy of fighting injustice and improving the lives of farmworkers, their families, and so many others. We are inspired to once again commit ourselves to service to others,” said Board Chair, Supervisor Karen Mitchoff. “We recognize our 2022 Youth Hall of Fame awardees whose commitment to service and community are to be applauded.”

The theme for this year’s celebration is Advancing Our Generations with Unity – Avanzando Nuestras Generaciones con Unidad. Joining the celebration will feature speakers who make a difference in Contra Costa County including Ruth Fernandez, Executive Director, First 5 Contra Costa and Marivel Mendoza-Matheu, President & Co-Founder, Hijas del Campo.

The event will include presentation of the 2022 Youth Hall of Fame Awards to students who make outstanding community contributions, live musical performances from Mariachi Monumental and Ballet Folklórico Netzahualcoyotl, and celebratory remarks from members of the Board of Supervisors.

Mariachi Monumental musicians perform at the County’s César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration in 2021. Source: Contra Costa County

Here are the County’s 2022 Youth Hall of Fame Award winners:

High School Awardees:

Good Samaritan: Carolyn Considine, Campolindo High School

Volunteerism: Jake Hammerman, Campolindo High School

Perseverance: Mark Rainier Catapusan, Ygnacio Valley High School

Teamwork: Namratha Kasalanati, Campolindo High School

Leadership & Civic Engagement: Seena Farhadi, Northgate High School

Middle School Rising Stars:

Good Samaritan Rising Star: Sohan Emani, Diablo Vista Middle School

Volunteerism Rising Star: Alice Zeitler, Montessori Family School (El Sobrante)

Leadership & Civic Engagement Rising Star: Krish Veluthakkal, Sequoia Middle School

The annual celebration honors the diversity and richness of our community. To learn more about César E. Chávez Ceremony, visit https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6039 on the Contra Costa County website. The community can also watch the event live online at www.contracosta.ca.gov/6086 or www.contracostatv.org. The celebration will broadcast live on Contra Costa Television channels: Comcast Cable 27, ATT/U-Verse 99, and Astound 32.

 

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month sheds light on new screening guidelines

By Leave a Comment

Source: Kaiser

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

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States among men and women combined. With March being Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a good time to remind those in your life about the importance of regular screening.

Following recently updated federal guidelines, Kaiser Permanente Northern California is now recommending screening to adults ages 45 to 49. Previously, the recommended screening age was 50 for adults who are at average risk for colorectal cancer.

“These new guidelines are important because younger people are getting colon cancer more often,” said Theodore Levin, MD, a gastroenterologist at the Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek Medical Center. “Today, we have more options. A patient can have a colonoscopy or the at-home fecal immunochemical test.”

According to Levin, the increase in cases in younger patients has been linked to obesity, antibiotic use, and sweetened sodas and sports drinks.

Kaiser Permanente is expanding its easy to use, at-home colorectal cancer screening program to members age 45 and older following a nationwide increase in deaths of people under age 50. The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for colon and rectal cancer is mailed annually to members’ homes, free of charge. 

Colorectal cancer symptoms include rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, a change in bowel habits and unexplained weight loss. The FIT test checks for hidden blood in a patient’s stool, which could be a sign of cancer or benign colorectal polyps.

If a test is positive, a colonoscopy is ordered to examine the inner lining of the colon and rectum for signs of cancerous or pre-cancerous growths.

According to Jeffrey Fox, MD, chair of Gastroenterology for The Permanente Medical Group in Northern California, Kaiser Permanente’s home screening test has lowered colorectal cancer deaths by 50 percent among its members during the past two decades.

“We estimate that our members have a 30 percent less risk of death from colorectal cancer than non-members in part because of this testing program,” he said.

Dr. Fox also noted that in addition to reducing deaths through use of the test among all members, Kaiser Permanente Northern California also has drastically reduced the rate of colorectal cancer among Black members. Targeted testing outreach over the last 10 years has brought the rate down from 54.2 per 100,000 to 21 per 100,000, which now is the same rate as white members.

 

Contra Costa Republican Party raising funds for body armor for Ukrainians

By Leave a Comment

Dinner in Pleasant Hill with Ukrainian Consul General in San Francisco Tuesday, March 22

The Contra Costa Republican Party is hosting a dinner with the Ukrainian Consul General in San Francisco, Dmytro Kushneruk, next Tuesday, March 22 and will be donating 100% of the profits to buy body armor for those fighting in Ukraine.

Within 48 hours of announcing the dinner, the Contra Costa Republican Party raised nearly $20,000 towards this effort. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased at www.ContraCostaRepublicanParty/Ukraine.

“Contra Costa Republicans are demonstrating that they are enthusiastic to step up and personally support Ukrainians fighting the Russian invasion,” said Contra Costa Republican Party Chairman, Matt Shupe (@MattShupePR). “We stand in solidarity with both our neighbors that previously fled the horrors of socialism in Eastern Europe and the Ukrainians who stand and fight against tyranny now.”

The Contra Costa Republican Party partnered with the Ukrainian American Coordinating Council to host the dinner event. UACC has obtained the permits required to transport the body armor to Ukraine.“The battleground is in Ukraine, but the battle is for western civilization and freedom,” said UACC Board Member, Lydia Stoykovych. “Ukrainians are fighting for a better future, not just for Ukraine, but for the world, where individualism, democracy, peace, and innovation reign. All Americans need to understand that Putin’s aggressive ambition extends far beyond Ukraine.”

The dinner will also feature Ukrainian immigrant turned Republican candidate for California’s 10th Congressional District, Oleksii Chuiko. It will be in Pleasant Hill on Tuesday, March 22nd and will start at 6 p.m.

The Contra Costa Republican Party hosts a monthly fundraising dinner called the Chairman’s Circle Dinner Series. Dinners include a hosted bar, three course, filet mignon dinner, and very prominent speakers.

Becton, 3 other DA’s ask for oversight, audit of Contra Costa Sheriff’s Dep’t after Livingston slams DA, judge for sentencing of former deputy

By Leave a Comment

Contra Costa District Attorney Becton and Sheriff David Livingston. Official county website photos.

Send letter to County Supervisors claiming, “Sheriff’s unwavering support for deputy who killed two people raises serious questions about his commitment to safety and accountability”

Instead of six years in prison for Andrew Hall “official Probation Department report recommended probation.”

“Contra Costa is not San Francisco or Los Angeles” – Sheriff Livingston

By Allen D. Payton

During campaign season, as both are facing re-election, an email was sent by Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston to his department staff on Friday, March 4, 2022, criticizing District Attorney Diana Becton and the judge for sentencing of former Deputy Andrew Hall to six years in prison for the shooting death of Laudemer Arboleda in 2018. (See related article)

In response, Becton and three other DA’s in the state who formed the Prosecutors Alliance of California are asking the County Supervisors “to increase external oversight of departmental misconduct” and for an audit of the sheriff’s department’s disciplinary practices. Formed in 2020, the Alliance is made up of four members, including the DA’s of San Francisco and L.A. Counties who are both currently facing possible recalls, and funded by Tides Advocacy, a social justice and welfare organization.

Sheriff Livingston’s email:

During his years of service, he served with honor and distinction.  He handled thousands of calls for service, as many of you have, and was well received by the citizens of our county.   After an extensive internal investigation, he was found to be within departmental policy when he was forced to use deadly force to protect himself and others on that fateful day.  I was proud to support him publicly and privately after the events of November 3, 2018, and I support him today.

For our district attorney to charge a deputy sheriff, or any peace officer, for a crime based on a split-second tactical decision is abhorrent.  It is even more abhorrent for that same district attorney to later repost photos on her reelection campaign social media that show her smiling and proclaiming that she “charged the officer.”

Despite these odd times, please remember I appreciate the work all of you do; I respect your sacrifice and commitment to the community we serve, and most importantly, I have your back.  I may not be able to impact the decisions of other elected officials, or the courts, but I definitely can impact what happens in our organization.  Do your job with honor, follow department policies, and obey the law.  If you do that, I will proudly stand with you – regardless of your job assignment, your rank, or your duties.  Never forget that and never doubt that.

I’m proud to be your Sheriff, and I thank you all.

David Livingston

Sheriff-Coroner”

Prosecutors Alliance Chides Livingston, Asks Supervisors for Oversight, Audit

On Monday, March 14, in a letter to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, the Prosecutors Alliance of California asked for an audit of the disciplinary practices in Sheriff Livingston’s department and to increase external oversight of departmental misconduct. Recent remarks made by Sheriff David Livingston suggest he believes his deputies are above the law, raising serious concerns over the legitimacy of an Internal Affairs investigation into former Deputy Andrew Hall and how the Sheriff is disciplining officers who abuse their authority.

“Sheriff Livingston’s comments are abhorrent and indicate his belief that deputies who kill are above the law,” said Cristine Soto DeBerry, Founder and Executive Director of the Prosecutors Alliance of California. “Police have wide latitude to use force, but when they unnecessarily kill they must be held accountable just like anyone else in our community.  When we do not hold police accountable, people do not trust the legal system to protect them. That makes the job of policing more difficult and dangerous, and it makes it far less likely that crimes will be reported. That, in turn, poses a threat to everyone’s safety.

“District Attorney Diana Becton’s willingness to hold law enforcement accountable is the only check on an agency whose leader would otherwise grant his deputies unbridled power to kill with impunity. Sheriff Livingston took an oath to seek equal justice under the law and his remarks are an affront to that sworn commitment. These are not the words of a law enforcement leader, they’re the words of a man that believes accountability does not extend to police.”

Last week, a judge sentenced Deputy Andrew Hall to state prison after a jury convicted him for the 2018 shooting and killing of Laudemer Arboleda, an unarmed man having a mental health episode. This was not Hall’s only killing – he shot and killed Tyrell Wilson in 2021. Contra Costa County has paid $9.4 million to settle claims regarding former Sheriff’s deputy Andrew Hall. The County agreed to a $4.9 million settlement with Arboleda’s family last October in addition to a $4.5 million settlement with Tryell Wilson’s family.

In response to the verdict, Sheriff Livinston sent a department wide letter saying former Sheriff’s Deputy Andrew Hall served with “honor and distinction,” that Hall “was forced to use deadly force to protect himself that day,” and noted that an internal affairs investigation had cleared Hall. Livingston called DA Becton’s decision to charge former Deputy Hall “abhorrent,” and told his deputies, “I have your back.”

In an email to the Board of Supervisors today, Cristine DeBerry sounded the alarm, noting that, “the fact that [Internal Affairs] cleared former Deputy Hall is concerning.  If Department policy allows Sheriff’s Deputies to use force in contravention of the law, that would set up a situation wherein Deputies are being trained to use force in a manner that conflicts with criminal law. That presents serious issues for law enforcement officers, public safety, and county liability.  Alternatively, if the Sheriff is clearing deputies in cases where their use of force was criminal, that too raises serious questions about the Sheriff’s commitment to public safety and accountability.”

The Board of Supervisors can help restore trust by increasing oversight over the Sheriff’s Department, and by auditing the department’s disciplinary policies. These are critical steps to help the public understand the scope of law enforcement misconduct and to develop policies to increase accountability.

“DA Becton courageously charged Officer Hall with the death of Mr. Arboleda, a jury convicted him, and a judge sentenced him to prison,” said Cristine DeBerry. “Sheriff Livingston should accept the jury’s verdict and look at ways to reduce the use of unnecessary force by his deputies rather than question the prosecutor’s decision to bring charges and defiantly proclaim to ‘have the back’ of officers where a jury has determined the force to be criminal.”

A question was sent Thursday evening to the Alliance’s media contact asking if they had received any response, yet from the Board of Supervisors.

Livingston Responds to Alliance Letter

“The so-called ‘Prosecutors Alliance’ committee is made up of only four of the 58 DAs in the state,” Livingston responded. “Contra Costa is not San Francisco or Los Angeles where two of their far-leftwing founding members serve. Instead of playing politics here, they should do their job and prosecute offenders and start caring about crime victims for once.”

Both Livingston is facing one opponent in the June Primary Election, while Becton is facing two. If no candidate receives a majority of the vote, then the top two candidates will face off in the November General Election.

Please check back for any updates to this report.