Contra Costa Herald

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

Voter registration for governor’s recall election closes Monday

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By Dawn Kruger, Civic Outreach/Engagement Specialist Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department

Contra Costa County—Debi Cooper, County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters announced today that the close of registration for the upcoming September 14, 2021 Gubernatorial Recall election is fast approaching on August 30th. 

“This is the deadline for voters to register to be sent an Official Ballot in the mail and be provided their assigned polling place information if they choose to vote in person on Election Day,” she said. “After this date, voters will be required to register and vote in person.”

Register to Vote:

Voters can register to vote most conveniently online at https://registertovote.ca.gov, or complete a voter registration card available at most post offices, city halls, and libraries throughout the county.  Online registration must be completed before midnight.  Paper registration cards must be postmarked by August 30th. 

To be eligible to vote in this election, a registered voter must be a U.S. Citizen, at least 18 years of age by Election Day, a resident of the state, and not currently serving a federal or state prison term for the conviction of a felony.

You must update your registration if you have moved or changed your name (married, divorced, etc.).

You can check your voter registration status online at http://www.cocovote.us by clicking on the “My Voting Information” button.

After the August 30th registration deadline, new voters will be required to register and vote in person at one of the County’s early voting sites, the Elections Division in Martinez, or at a polling place on Election Day. Cooper’s advice: “Register early so you will receive a ballot in the mail. If you choose to vote in-person, already being registered will speed up the process at your polling place on Election Day.”

Save Mount Diablo earns national recognition

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Save Mount Diablo’s stunning Curry Canyon Ranch is surrounded on three sides by Mount Diablo State Park. Save Mount Diablo currently owns and manages 19 properties and, with its partners, has protected more than 120,000 acres in 50 parks and preserves in the region. Photo credit: Al Johnson.

Strong commitment to public trust and conservation excellence

By Laura Kindsvater, Communications Manager, Save Mount Diablo

One thing that unites us as a nation is land: Americans strongly support saving the open spaces they love. Since 1971, Save Mount Diablo has been doing just that for the people of the San Francisco Bay Area. Save Mount Diablo has just earned an important recognition and distinction receiving its renewed national land trust accreditation award – proving once again that, as part of a network of over 450 accredited land trusts across the nation, it is committed to professional excellence and to maintaining the public’s trust in its conservation work.

Save Mount Diablo provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that Save Mount Diablo’s lands will be protected forever. Accredited land trusts now steward almost 20 million acres – the size of Denali, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Everglades, and Yosemite National Parks combined.

“It is exciting to recognize Save Mount Diablo’s continued commitment to national standards by renewing this national mark of distinction,” said Melissa Kalvestrand, executive director of the commission. “Donors and partners can trust the more than 450 accredited land trusts across the country are united behind strong standards and have demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.”

Save Mount Diablo is one of 1,363 land trusts across the United States according to the Land Trust Alliance’s most recent National Land Trust Census. A complete list of accredited land trusts and more information about the process and benefits can be found at www.landtrustaccreditation.org.

“Renewing our national accreditation shows Save Mount Diablo’s ongoing commitment to permanent land conservation in the Mount Diablo area,” said Ted Clement, Executive Director. “We are a stronger organization than ever for having gone through the rigorous accreditation renewal process. Our strength means the special natural places we protect have a better chance of being protected forever, making the Mount Diablo area an even greater place for us and our children.”

About Save Mount Diablo

Save Mount Diablo is a nationally accredited, nonprofit land trust founded in 1971 with a mission to preserve Mount Diablo’s peaks, surrounding foothills, watersheds, and connection to the Diablo Range through land acquisition and preservation strategies designed to protect the mountain’s natural beauty, biological diversity, and historic and agricultural heritage; enhance our area’s quality of life; and provide educational and recreational opportunities consistent with the protection of natural resources. Learn more at www.savemountdiablo.org.

About the Land Trust Accreditation Commission

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission inspires excellence, promotes public trust, and ensures permanence in the conservation of open lands by recognizing organizations that meet rigorous quality standards and strive for continuous improvement. The commission, established in 2006 as an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, is governed by a volunteer board of diverse land conservation and nonprofit management experts. For more, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org.

Pittsburg woman sentenced to probation, more for 2019 fatal felony hit and run

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By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County Office of the District Attorney

Earlier this summer, a Contra Costa County jury convicted Camille Thompson of three counts, including the felony hit and run count resulting in death, misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter and misdemeanor destroying evidence. Last week, Thompson was sentenced to two years of formal probation and one year of electronic home detention by the Honorable Julia Campins for the 2019 felony hit and run conviction that resulted in the death of a Pittsburg man. Judge Campins also sentenced Thompson to 100 hours of community service and to take a driver safety class. (See related articles here and here)

Originally, Thompson faced up to four years in state prison for the felony hit and run count. The prosecution asked Judge Campins to sentence the defendant to state prison. Contra Costa County Probation Department also agreed that the defendant be sentenced to state prison.

On March 20, 2019, the victim was walking home on the side of the road at West Leland Road and Bailey Road and was hit by Thompson’s Mercedes Benz C-class coupe. Video surveillance captured Thompson circling back to where the victim’s body laid on the side of the road. Thompson’s Mercedes briefly paused next to victim’s body. She then left the scene and failed to render or seek aid for the victim. A few minutes later, a Good Samaritan stopped at the scene and stayed with the victim until Contra Cosa County Fire Department personnel arrived. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

As a result of the collision, Thompson’s vehicle had extensive damage, including a nearly shattered windshield and a missing fog lamp which was left behind at the scene.

Pittsburg Police Department officers began an extensive investigation to identify the driver who left the scene and found the fog lamp near where the victim’s body was discovered. Pittsburg Police determined the fog lamp came from a Mercedes vehicle.

In turn, officers reviewed city and residential surveillance footage and determined Thompson’s vehicle was the only Mercedes to travel on W Leland Road during the estimated timeline and was the last vehicle to pass the victim prior to the Good Samaritan stopping to seek aid for him. Five days after the collision, officers executed the search warrant at Thompson’s residence. There, officers located the Mercedes vehicle in the carport under a tarp and tire tracks in the backyard. In addition to extensive body damage, the Mercedes was conspicuously missing a fog lamp. During the execution of the search warrant, officers also found recently dated receipts to the local Home Depot and discovered Thompson purchased some items routinely used to repair damaged vehicles.

Case information: People v. Camille Edith Thompson, Docket Number 05-192420-8.

Pittsburg man sentenced to almost 16 years for January 2021 shooting

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By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County Office of the District Attorney

Earlier this month, defendant Brandon Leo Hilliard of Pittsburg was sentenced to 15 years and eight months in state prison for the shooting of an unarmed man. In May of 2021, a Contra Costa County jury found Hilliard guilty of attempted voluntary manslaughter and assault with a semiautomatic firearm. Additionally, the jury found true the enhancements listed in the charges against Hilliard, including use of a firearm and causing great bodily injury. (See related article)

“The defendant in this case displayed extreme disregard for public safety and another human’s life when he brazenly shot the victim over a minor verbal argument. I want to thank the Pittsburg Police Department for their extensive investigation and locating information which tied the defendant to the scene in order to help make this prosecution successful,” Deputy District Attorney Natasha Mehta stated. DDA Mehta prosecuted the case on behalf of the People.

In the late morning of January 9, 2021, the victim and the defendant got into a verbal confrontation at Central Avenue and Birch Street in Pittsburg. As the argument progressed, the defendant pulled out a Glock 43 semi-automatic handgun. The defendant fired multiple shots at the victim. The shooting, which left the victim with three penetrating gunshot wounds in the legs, was captured on home surveillance. Hilliard immediately fled the scene.

Police officers used surrounding city surveillance cameras to locate a silver vehicle the defendant was seen driving away in from the scene of the shooting. Officers tracked Hilliard’s vehicle, which law enforcement determined to be a silver Toyota Avalon, using an automated license plate reader technology and Pittsburg Police Department determined the vehicle’s license plate number. On January 10, a San Pablo police officer located the defendant and arrested him. The arresting officer found images on Hilliard’s phone which showed the defendant tried to sell a semi-automatic handgun.

The defendant was on an ankle monitor for his pending attempted robbery case. Hilliard cut off his ankle monitor the day before this shooting, leading to an escape count filed against him as well. Hilliard pled to this count prior to the start of trial.

Case information: People v. Brandon Leo Hilliard, Docket Number 04-200980-1.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

 

Fatal car vs. train collision in Oakley claims life of 12-year-old boy Wednesday afternoon

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19-year-old driver sustains serious injuries

By Oakley Police Department

It is with great sadness that we confirm that there was a fatal collision between a vehicle and a freight train on East Cypress Road near Main Street shortly before 1:00 p.m. this afternoon.

A vehicle driven by a 19-year-old woman was travelling westbound on East Cypress Road at the railroad crossing when the back portion of the sedan was struck by a train. A 12-year-old male passenger in the car was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver was airlifted to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek for treatment of serious injuries.

The deceased boy was a student at Delta Vista Middle School and we extend our condolences to the entire school community. Oakley Union Elementary School District Superintendent Jeff Palmquist has confirmed that their crisis management team and counselors will be on campus to provide support to students and staff.

An additional vehicle in the area was struck by the car secondarily and the passengers in that car were not injured.

At this time, it appears all signals in the area were operating correctly. The initial investigation is being handled by the Oakley Police Department in cooperation with the Federal Railroad Administration.

There have been questions from the public regarding the flow of traffic in this area during peak traffic times. Per traffic studies, road striping changes have been implemented at East Cypress Road and Main Street that sought to alleviate congestion by providing double left turn lanes from westbound East Cypress to southbound Main Street.

To complement that striping and signage, the traffic signal timing has been adjusted at the intersection to expedite the flow of traffic out of East Cypress Road onto Main Street in all directions and give priority to the westbound traffic of this intersection during peak hours.

Oakley Police continue to ask people to avoid the area of Main Street and East Cypress Road this afternoon and into the evening. For access towards Bethel Island, use alternate routes to northbound Sellers Road to eastbound Cypress Road.

Once the lanes of traffic along East Cypress Road have reopened, residents will be alerted via a Nixle alert. To sign up for Nixle alerts text our zip code “94561” to 888777. You can also register through their website at www.nixle.com.

Three shot, one dead in rural Brentwood Tuesday

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

On Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at about 4:20 PM, Delta Station deputies responded to a report of shots fired at a residence in the 10200 block of Brentwood Boulevard in unincorporated Brentwood.

Upon arrival, deputies located two gunshot victims in front of the residence. Both subjects were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Another subject with gunshot wounds was also located on the property and was pronounced deceased.

None of the subjects are being identified at this time. Homicide detectives and crime lab personnel are on scene. The investigation is ongoing.

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

Pittsburg-based steel company fined $4 million for hazardous materials, toxic waste violations

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By Scott Alonso, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office and Kim McCarl, Contra Costa Health Services

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office announces today a $4 million civil settlement with USS-UPI, Inc. to resolve allegations that USS-UPI violated multiple state environmental laws and regulations dating back 4 years. This case involved numerous violations related to the maintenance, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials and toxic waste. This case resolved by way of a stipulated final judgment entered in Contra Costa County Superior Court and requires a monetary payment of $4 million from USS-UPI, which is comprised of $1.75 million in civil penalties, $1 million dollars in environmental compliance expenditures, $250,000 for supplemental projects promoting training for California environmental agencies and funding to support the “Health Career Pathways Programs.” UPI-USS must also abide by an injunction and be subject to a suspended penalty of $1 million dollars to ensure future statutory compliance as well as pay $429,383.85 for reimbursement of investigative and enforcement costs.

“It is of vital importance to hold our companies responsible for the unlawful maintenance, storage and disposal of hazardous materials and waste,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “USS-UPI was cooperative throughout our investigation and this settlement was only reached after verification that USS-UPI had corrected the violations and created and implemented an environmental compliance framework.”

The investigation began with Contra Costa Health Services Hazardous Materials Programs inspectors auditing operations at the USS-UPI, Inc. steel plant facility at 900 Loveridge Road in Pittsburg, California. Inspectors with Contra Costa Health Services acted under their authority as the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) for Contra Costa County.

“Any business in our community not following the law must be held accountable. Fortunately, with this settlement, USS-UPI will need to adhere to strict oversight and penalties for these serious violations,” Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover. Supervisor Glover represents District 5, which includes the location of this steel plant.

The Contra Costa Health Services investigation found numerous violations that threatened the environment and safety, such as:

  • Failure to maintain and operate the facility to minimize the possibility of fire explosions or unplanned release of hazardous waste
  • Failure to remove accumulated oil and failure to correct visible discharges of oil from equipment
  • Failure to submit a complete/correct Hazardous Materials Business Plan
  • Failure to train employees in safety procedures in the event of a release of a hazardous material
  • Failure to remove from service a tank system where there has been a leak
  • Failure to obtain the proper permits
  • Failure to maintain records of inspections and tests
  • Failure to operate numerous aboveground petroleum storage tanks in accordance with the facility’s Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan
  • Treatment or storage of a hazardous waste at an unauthorized location
  • Failure to complete a written hazardous waste tank system assessment by a professional engineer
  • Failure to use proper spill/overfill prevention controls and practices
  • Illegal disposal of a hazardous waste
  • Failure to provide employee hazardous waste training
  • Failure to determine if wastes generated are a hazardous waste
  • Failure to manage an Excluded Recyclable Material (ERM) waste stream in accordance with all applicable requirements

According to Matthew Kaufmann, Director of Hazardous Materials Programs for Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS), “From the evidence observed during the initial inspection in 2017, as well as subsequent follow-up inspections, we do not believe that there was or is an imminent threat to the public health of Contra Costa County residents.”

Hazardous materials and wastes that were improperly stored or disposed of at the facility included used oil, plating solutions, acidic and caustic solutions.

After USS-UPI, Inc. was notified about the alleged violations in 2017, the company took steps to cooperate and to dedicate additional resources towards environmental compliance.

“As part of its mission to care for and improve the health of all Contra Costa residents, with special attention to those most vulnerable to health problems, we take compliance with environmental laws and regulations very seriously,” CCHS Deputy Director Randy Sawyer said. “Community exposure to these chemicals, whether short term or long term, can and does have the potential to affect the health of residents of our county.”

The settlement was approved the Contra Costa Superior Court. Senior Deputy District Attorney Stacey Grassini prosecuted the case on behalf of the People.

Public Service Announcement: Tips to avoid rental scams

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Today, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office is sharing important tips for consumers to avoid rental scams.

What is a rental scam?

Scammers will list properties for rent online (i.e., Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace) even though they do not own them or have authority to rent them out. The scammer will attempt to have a prospective renter wire transfer or demand cash payment for the lease and or deposit, by claiming they can rent it but are not available to show it now.

Different kinds of rental scams

  • Knockoff listings: When searching for properties be on the lookout for listings that have been copied and pasted from a legitimate listing but then offered at a low price.
  • Illegal sublets: A scammer has obtained access to a listed property and begins to show the unit as if the unit is their own property or have authority to rent out.
  • Ghost rentals: Scammers will list properties that are not for rent or do not exist and try to lure a victim in with a promise of low rent and great amenities. Their goal is to get the victims money before they find out.

Identifying scams

  • Scammers will request a wire transfer for a first month’s rent, security deposit, application fees or vacation rental fees if applicable as a wire transfer. Please note, a wire transfer is equivalent to handing over cash.
  • The scammer will request funds prior to signing the lease or viewing the property with the excuse that the property is in high demand, adding an urgency to the transaction. The scammer will claim to have a list of other possible renters who are also interested in the property.
  • Scammer will claim they are out of the country by alleging they have an agent or lawyer working on their behalf.

Tips to avoid rental scams

  • Verify who owns the unit or building. To ensure that the person renting the unit is the legitimate owner or property manager, do an online search or visit the Contra Costa County Recorder’s office. The Contra Costa County Recorder’soffice is located at 555 Escobar St, Martinez CA 94553.
  • Conduct an Internet search using a search engine such as Google or Bing by entering in the listed address, agent or alleged homeowners name, email and phone number. Be suspicious of images that may be generated from Multiple Listing Service (MLS). MLS is a service realtor’s frequently use to list properties for prospective buyers. Scammers will crop and adjust these photos for their own use in fraudulent their ads.
  • Legitimate landlords will arrange a tour of the interior of the property without excuse or hesitation. Before any money is exchanged, the landlord will take in an application to do a background check.
  • Landlords will usually accept a personal check, a cashier’s check or money order for the first month’s rent and security deposit.
  • Never provide an advance payment, money is usually not exchanged until a legitimate lease is signed. Do not agree to pay anything in cash or via wire transfer.
  • Be wary of giving your personal information until you verify the leasing party before any personal information is given.
  • Ask detailed questions about the unit, application and move in dates/process. Scammers do not want to answer detailed questions because they are only after the initial deposit. In doing so they will end communication or ignore the questions or answers will contain strange grammar.
  • If a deal is too good to be true, it usually is!

¿Qué es una estafa de alquiler?

Un estafador enumera propiedades para alquiler en línea (Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc.) aunque no sean dueños de la propiedad ni tengan autoridad para alquilarlas. El estafador intentará enganchar un posible inquilino en que realice una transferencia bancaria o exigir pago en efectivo para el arrendamiento o depósito, aportando que puede y tiene autoridad de alquilarlo, pero no está disponible para mostrarlo en este momento.

Diferentes tipos de estafas de alquiler

  • Listados de imitación: Cuando busque propiedades, esté atento a los listados que se hayan copiado y pegado de un listado legítimo, pero que luego se ofrezcan a un precio bajo.
  • Subarrendamientos ilegales:un estafador ha obtenido acceso a una propiedad que figura en la lista y comienza a mostrarla como si fuera su propia propiedad o tuviera autoridad para alquilarla.
  • Alquilares Inexistentes: el estafador listara listados de las propiedades que no están para alquiler o que no existen y tratará de atraer a la víctima con la promesa de un alquiler bajo y comodidades increibles. El objetivo es de estafar la victima antes de que se enteren que el trato es fraudulento.

Como identificar estafas

Los estafadores solicitarán una transferencia bancaria para el primer mes de el alquiler, depósito de seguridad y otros cobros relacionados con el alquiler. Tenga en cuenta que una transferencia bancaria equivale a entregar dinero en efectivo.

El estafador solicitará fondos antes de firmar el contrato de arrendamiento o antes de poder ver la propiedad con la excusa de que la propiedad tiene gran demanda, agregando una urgencia en la transacción. El estafador afirmará tener una lista de otros posibles inquilinos que también están interesados ​​en la propiedad.

El estafador afirmará que está fuera del país alegando que tiene un agente o abogado trabajando en su nombre.

Consejos para evitar estafas de alquiler

Verifique quién es el propietario de la unidad o el edificio. Para asegurarse de que la persona que alquila la unidad es el propietario legítimo o el administrador de la propiedad, realice una búsqueda en línea o visite las oficinas de registradores del condado. La oficina del registrador del condado de Contra Costa está ubicada en 555 Escobar St, Martinez CA 94553.

https://www.ccclerkrec.us/clerk/

Realice una búsqueda por internet utilizando búscador como Google o Bing ingresando la dirección, el correo electrónico, el número de teléfono y el supuesto agente o propietario de la casa que figuran en la lista. Sospeche de las imágenes que puedan generarse a partir de Multiple Listing Service (MLS). MLS es un servicio que agentes de bienes raíces utilizan con frecuencia para publicar propiedades para posibles compradores. Los estafadores recortan y ajustan estas fotos para su propio uso en sus anuncios fraudulentos.

Los propietarios legítimos organizara un recorrido por el interior de la propiedad sin excusa ni vacilación. Antes de que intercambie el dinero, un arrendador legitimo presentará una solicitud para realizar una verificación de antecedentes.

Los propietarios generalmente aceptarán un cheque personal, un cheque de caja o un giro postal por el primer meses de alquiler y depósito de seguridad.

Nunca proporcione un pago por adelantado, el dinero generalmente no se intercambia hasta que se firma un contrato de arrendamiento legítimo. No acepte pagar nada en efectivo o mediante transferencia bancaria.

Tenga cuidado de no dar su información personal a un estafador que pretende tener un contrato de arrendamiento legítimo, asegúrese de verificar la parte del arrendamiento antes de proporcionar cualquier información personal.

Haga preguntas detalladas sobre la unidad, la solicitud, las fechas de mudanza y el proceso de mudanza, etc. Los estafadores no quieren responder a preguntas detalladas porque están de tras del depósito inicial. Al hacerlo, terminarán la comunicación, ignorarán las preguntas o las respuestas contendrán gramática extraña.

Si un trato es demasiado bueno para ser verdad, ¡por lo general lo es!

 

 

Contra Costa, Bay Area health officials issue orders requiring indoor masking beginning Tuesday

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Graphic by State of California from Gov. Newsom’s Wear a Mask campaign.

Also includes Counties of Alameda, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Sonoma, and the City of Berkeley; Napa and Solano Counties not included

With the COVID-19 Delta variant now infecting a small percentage of vaccinated people as well as many unvaccinated people, eight Bay Area health officers have issued health orders requiring masks indoors in public places.

The orders require all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings when indoors in public settings, with limited exceptions, starting at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, August 3rd.

Vaccines remain the most powerful tool in the fight against COVID-19, including the Delta variant. Nonetheless, the Delta variant is infecting a small percentage of the vaccinated in the Bay Area — who still remain strongly protected against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. In those instances of infection in a vaccinated person, a face covering prevents further spread. Bay Area health officials urge all unvaccinated residents 12 and older to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

“We must act now to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our community. If you are eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine and have not yet done so, please do not wait any longer,” said Dr. Chris Farnitano, health officer for Contra Costa. “During July the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in our county increased 400%. Four out of five of the COVID patients we see are not vaccinated, even though only one out of five Contra Costa adults are not vaccinated.”

These health orders aim to reduce community transmission of COVID-19 and protect everyone. Health officials are very concerned by the substantial levels of community transmission now found across the Bay Area, especially among unvaccinated people. In part, this is due to the widespread COVID-19 Delta variant, which is substantially more transmissible than previous forms of the virus. Recent information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also indicates that even fully vaccinated individuals can in some cases spread the Delta variant to others, and so indoor use of face coverings provides an important added layer of protection.

The new Health Orders require wearing a well-fitting mask indoors in public settings. Indoor settings, whether public or private, are higher risk for COVID-19 transmission, especially when you are with people you do not live with. Health officials also recommend that all employers make face coverings available to individuals entering their businesses, and businesses are required to implement the indoor face covering order.

Today’s Health Orders are consistent with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health, which recommend that fully vaccinated individuals wear masks while in indoor public settings. Bay Area Health Officers will continue to monitor data, including increasing vaccination throughout the region, to determine when the Orders can be adjusted or lifted.

For more information about COVID-19, and how to get a free vaccine near you, visit cchealth.org/coronavirus.

 

Two Olympic athletes from Contra Costa competing in Tokyo

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Kara Kohler and Maggie Steffens. Photos: Team USA

By Allen Payton

There are 87 Bay Area athletes competing in the Tokyo Olympics and two are from Contra Costa County. They are rowing team member Kara Kohler of Clayton and water polo team member Maggie Steffens of Danville.

Kara Kohler in a June 13, 2021 photo from her Facebook page.

Kara Kohler

2012 Bronze medal winner in quadruple sculls, Kara Kohler, whose hometown is Clayton where she was also born, is competing in Women’s Rowing in the Single Sculls event this year. She placed first in her heat on Friday and second in her semifinal race Sunday morning. Her next race is scheduled for Thursday morning, July 29.

According to Team USA, the 6’2” 30-year-old Kohler was a competitive swimmer throughout high school, at Clayton Valley in Concord, including at the 2008 Janet Evans Grand Prix Swim Meet at USC and the 2008 Pacific Swimming North America Cup Challenge.  But during her senior year of high school, she was encouraged by a family friend to look into rowing collegiately, which led her down the path to becoming a recruited walk-on at UC Berkeley.

Kohler was named the Pac-10 Conference Newcomer of the Year in 2010 and won Cal’s Most Promising Freshman Award. She was also a four-time All-American.

After switching to the single sculls in 2018, Kohler won the bronze medal at the 2019 World Championships. That year, she was also named USRowing’s Female Athlete of the Year. Her hobbies include adventures with her dog Luna, camping, swimming, road biking and cooking.

According to her profile page on Tokyo 2020 Olympics website, Kohler’s parents are her greatest influence, her hero is U.S. rower Jill Costello and her philosophy is, “Enjoy the process a little more because no one’s perfect from the start.”

Maggie Steffens in action. Photo from her Instagram account.

Maggie Steffens

Steffens, who was born in San Ramon, is a two-time Gold medal winner at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. At the 2016 games in Rio, she was named MVP, and tied the Olympic record for most goals scored at 21. The 5’8” 28-year-old athlete is the USA Women’s Water Polo Team Captain for the second time.

According to Team USA, she is a 2012 graduate of Monte Vista High School. Her sister Jessica is also a two-time Olympic medalist in water polo, first in 2008 and then on the same 2012 team Maggie played on. Steffens is the daughter of Carlos and Peggy Steffens, has one brother, Charlie, and another sister, Teresa.

She aided Stanford University to three NCAA titles (2014, 2015 and 2017) and was named FINA World Player of the Year in 2012 and 2014.

Growing up, Steffens competed in soccer, swimming, basketball and gymnastics.

She is the co-founder of 6-8 Sports, Inc., a platform connecting data and technology for youth athlete development currently focused on the sport of water polo.

Her hobbies include hiking, kayaking and canoeing, writing, singing, dancing and reading. Steffens is also fluent in Spanish.

According to her website, “Maggie was named to the Women’s National Team in 2009 and has represented the United States at every major international championship competition held annually since.”

She was honored as the NCAA Tournament MVP and received multiple Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Player of the Year and Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches Player of the Year honors.

She’s also scholar athlete, having earned “an undergraduate degree in Science, Technology & Society in 2017 and a Masters of Science in Management, Science and Engineering in 2018.”

See Steffens’ interview on NBC Bay Area and read more about her on the Tokyo 2020 Olympics website.

Photo: Team USA.