Contra Costa Herald

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

Supervisor Glover files for re-election to sixth term

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Supervisor Federal Glover. Herald file photo.

Incumbent Supervisor Federal Glover, representing District 5 on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, officially filed for re-election on Monday with the County Registrar of Voters Office.

“I’m so proud of our accomplishments and excited to be applying for a final term to complete the good work we started,” said Glover.

He has been one of the county’s top transportation advocates, identifying funding to improve Highway 4, I-680, and bring BART to Pittsburg and Antioch.

“We’re in the beginning of negotiations on establishing possible ferry service to San Francisco from Hercules, Martinez, Bay Point and Antioch, and I want to see that through completion for the residents I represent,” Glover added.

Other accomplishments that make Glover proud: Bringing the County into a AAA financial rating due to sound budgeting decisions, establishing three Family Justice Centers to support victims of domestic violence, increasing prosecution of human traffickers who kidnap and victimize young women, strengthening the Industrial Safety Ordinance to reduce refinery accidents, and leading the fight to protect open space, our hillsides and maintaining the County’s Urban Limit Line to control growth.

Glover says that making PG&E accountable for upgrading its service, and working with cities to create alternative forms of energy to decrease the company’s issuance of power outages is another issue he is working on that requires more work.

“Supervisor Federal Glover was there for our firefighters and our residents during the massive fires we experienced the last couple of years. We wholeheartedly support Supervisor Glover’s re-election and look forward to working closely with him for another term,” said Firefighter Vince Wells, President of Contra Costa Firefighters Local 1230.

Glover is also endorsed by the Contra Costa Deputy Sheriff’s Association, the Contra Costa Building and Construction Council, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Association, police associations, Congressional, Senate, Assembly and local city elected officials (see partial list of endorsements, below).

“We have a great campaign team and I will raise whatever donations necessary to run a top-notch campaign to the voters of District 5,” Glover added. “This will be my last term on the Board of Supervisors, and I’m excited to complete the projects important to my District.”

Glover’s district includes Martinez, Hercules, Pinole, Alhambra Valley, Briones, Antioch, Port Costa, Clyde, Bay Point, Pittsburg, Crockett, Mt. View, Pacheco, Reliez Valley, Rodeo, Tormey & Vine Hill.

Supervisor Federal Glover Endorsements (partial list)

Congressman Mike Thompson

Congressman Jerry McNerney

State Treasurer Fiona Ma

State Senator Bill Dodd

State Senator Steve Glazer

Assemblymember Tim Grayson

Assemblymember Jim Frazier

County Auditor Bob Campbell

County Tax Collector Rusty Watts

East Bay Regional Parks Director Colin Coffey

Antioch Mayor Sean Wright

Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Joy Motts

Antioch Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock

Antioch Councilwoman Monica Wilson

Antioch Councilmember Lamar Thorpe

Hercules Vice Mayor Roland Esquivias

Hercules Councilwoman Chris Kelley

Hercules Former Mayor Myrna De Vera

Hercules Former Mayor Sherri McCoy

Martinez Mayor Rob Schroder

Martinez Councilwoman Lara Delaney

Martinez Councilmember Mark Ross

Pinole Mayor Pete Murray

Pinole Vice Mayor Roy Swearingen

Pinole Councilmember Vincent Salimi

Pinole Councilmember Anthony Tave

Pittsburg Mayor Juan Benales

Pittsburg Councilwoman Merl Craft

Pittsburg Councilmember Holland White

Pittsburg Councilwoman Shanell Scales-Preston 

Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs Association

Contra Costa Professional Firefighters Local 1230

Contra Costa Deputy District Attorneys Association

Pittsburg Police Officers Association

Contra Costa Building & Constructions

Trades Council

IBEW

Boilermakers

Teamsters

Sheriff’s Detectives investigate death of teen shot in North Richmond Tuesday morning

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

Tuesday morning, Nov. 26, 2019 at about 11:25 AM, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Dispatch received a 911 call of a person who was shot in front of a store located on the 500 block of Market Avenue in North Richmond.

Deputy Sheriffs arrived on scene finding a male on the sidewalk suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds.

The Deputies immediately performed CPR on the victim. The fire department arrived and took over life-saving measures

He was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The victim, a 17-year-old, is not being identified at this time.

Sheriff’s Office Homicide Detectives responded along with Criminalists from the Crime Lab.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. Tips could be emailed to – tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

 

Lafayette Police investigate home invasion armed robbery

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Similar to another incident on Halloween night

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

On Tuesday, November 26, 2019, at about 11:00 PM, Lafayette Police Officers were dispatched to a report of a home invasion robbery that happened on the 1100 block of Crestmont Drive in Lafayette.

The incident involved three suspects who were armed with a pistol. The suspects entered the residence through an open garage door. The suspects assaulted a male resident and then restrained both residents. The suspects went through the house, stealing valuables and personal items.

When the suspects left the home, they left both residents still restrained. It took the residents several hours before they were able to get free and call 9-1-1. The residents said that the suspects entered the home around 7:30 PM.

Both victims suffered minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital.

Lafayette Police Investigations and the Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab responded, and the investigation is ongoing.

The incident is very similar to another home invasion armed robbery that occurred on Halloween night in Lafayette, also involving three suspects, in which two victims were injured. (See related article)

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Lafayette Police Department at (925) 283-3680 or (925) 299-3234. For any tips, email: 94549TIP@gmail.com or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Following state hearing, former County Clerk-Recorder Canciamilla officially fined $150,000, faces possible criminal charges, pension forfeiture

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Screentshot of Kenji Yamada of Concord speaking during public comments at the FPPC hearing on Thursday, on the agenda item regarding Canciamilla.

Reimburses $130,529 in misused campaign funds; some county residents who spoke wanted stiffer penalties.

Joe Canciamilla

By Daniel Borsuk

Potential criminal and abuse of public pension charges might be levied against former Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder and Elections Chief Joseph Canciamilla following a vote of the California Fair Political Practices Commission at its meeting on Thursday.

commissioners voted 4-0 to assess one of its largest penalties of the year of $150,000 against the Pittsburg native at its meeting in Sacramento, for misuse of campaign funds. The fine has been paid and all fines go to the state’s General Fund.

Without going into detail, commissioners also referred the case to Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton and the Contra Costa County Employees Retirement Association for further review and potential action against the former Contra Costa County Clerk-Record-Registrar of Voters, who was once considered to be a rising political star in the Democratic Party when he launched his political career at the age of 17 years old, winning a seat to the Pittsburg Unified School District’s Board of Education in 1973.

“We have an active investigation,” said Scott Alonso, spokesman for DA Becton. “So, we won’t be able to weigh in here.”

Gail Strohl, Executive Director of the Contra Costa County Employees Retirement Association, said her organization has yet to receive instructions from the FPPC, but she said the association does have power to forfeit public pensions of elected officials “for job-related convictions.”

“One of the basic trusts people place in the system is when you give money to a candidate, it’s used as intended, which is a campaign, not to line their pockets or take vacations,” FPPC Chair Richard C. Miadich said in a press release.” Not only is this egregious in and of itself, but even more troubling is the damage to the public trust. That’s why this required a strong penalty, and the public deserves strong actions to restore and maintain integrity in the system.”

The FPPC uncovered Canciamilla’ s misuse of campaign funds from an audit conducted by the Franchise Tax Board’s Political Reform Audit Program. The audit found numerous issues, including personal use and reporting errors. The FPPC Enforcement Division conducted an investigation that determined Canciamilla misled the Franchise Tax Board for the purpose of concealing other violations, including additional personal use of campaign funds, false reporting, and commingling of campaign funds with personal funds.

“I’m proud of our Enforcement unit for helping uncover this scheme,” said FPPC Chief of Enforcement Galena West. “The work of our investigative unit took the FTB’s findings and uncovered even more instances and details. I thank the Commission for approving thi substantial penalty to show how serious we are about making sure public officials serve the public, and not themselves.”

Canciamilla was found to have used campaign funds to remodel a vacation home in Hawaii and for a vacation to Asia. Canciamilla fully reimbursed the committee for the $130,529 improperly used and the approved settlement required Canciamilla to pay half the penalty with his own personal funds. The full exhibit of facts can be found here – FPPC Joseph Canciamilla – Stipulation Decision & Order

Even still, a contingent of Contra Costa County residents spoke before FPPC commissioners requesting that the proposed fine for Canciamilla did not go far enough to punish the former longtime politician. They wanted stiffer fines but, were informed the penalties the FPPC levied were legislatively the highest the commissioners could impose.

“It’s pretty outrageous our local elections official violated these rules in a very willful way. Making this case painful for Mr. Canciamilla is the point,” said Kenji Yamada, who stated he was a candidate for public office, last year. “We need a deterrent. A stronger one than we have seen in previous cases. What we, those of us from Contra Costa, would like you to do is reject staff’s stipulation agreement which charges Canciamilla with far fewer counts than possible. Instead direct staff to seek the maximum number of counts for the maximum penalty…for the purpose of deterrence and to make this case as painful as possible.”

“Your work serves as a deterrent,” said one of the speakers, Mike Pierce, who said many of the elected candidates for countywide posts run uncontested.

Claire Mitchell also of Contra Costa County reminded commissioners of the case where former county District Attorney Mark Peterson was forced to step down from his post and convicted in 2017 for misusing $66,000 of campaign funds for personal use.

“This $150,000 fine is a drop in the bucket,” protested Mitchell.

FPPC Commissioner Frank Cardenas said the Canciamilla case shook his resolve about “transparency and the disclosure process of elected officials who have had our interests and had a good heart.”

“Mr. Canciamilla has taken full responsibility for this situation, is humbled, and embarrassed and hopes the FPPC fines won’t severely overshadow his 46 years of public service to the residents of Contra Costa County for various campaign violations,” said Andy Rockas, a Sacramento attorney representing Canciamilla, who was not in attendance.

“Mr. Canciamilla has cooperated with the FPPC, paid a hefty fine and has paid back all disputed amounts. None of the violations involved the use of taxpayer funds and were limited to campaign funds contributed by private sources” the Canciamilla press statement said.

“Canciamilla resigned his clerk-recorder position on October 31 so as to not bring undue hardship to the office while this matter was being resolved,” said Rockas.

To view the hearing, click here for the YouTube video beginning at the 39:00 mark for the agenda item regarding Canciamilla.

Concord man charged by U.S. Attorney with making false statements to gain admittance into military

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Suspect Ross Farca. Herald file photo.

Defendant identified after posting racist messages, identifying himself as a neo-Nazi, and discussing mass shootings of synagogues on an online video game website

SAN FRANCISCO – Ross Anthony Farca was charged in a criminal complaint with making a false statement to a government agency, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F Bennett.

He had been previously charged for threats to commit mass shooting at synagogue, shoot cops and possession of an illegal assault-style rifle. (See related article).

In a complaint filed November 19, 2019, a redacted version of which was unsealed today, Farca, 23, of Concord, was charged with making a false statement on an online background check application in his bid to join the U.S. Army.  According to the complaint, on June 22, 2017, Farca traveled to a U.S. Army Recruitment Center in Mountain View, Calif., where he completed and submitted the background check application, also known as an SF-86.  The SF-86 contains language specifically warning that falsifying or concealing a material fact on the application is a felony which may result in fines or imprisonment.  In this case, the criminal complaint alleges that Farca nevertheless knowingly made false statements about his mental health when completing the form.  Specifically, he affirmatively stated that he had not received mental health treatment, which the complaint alleges was not true.

According to the complaint, Farca had been in regular contact with a psychiatrist since 2011.  In addition, Farca allegedly had received prescriptions for various medications and had received treatments to manage his mental disorders.  Further, according to the complaint, Farca understood that because of his diagnosis, he needed a letter of clearance from a mental health professional before he would be qualified to enlist in the army.

The complaint alleges that Farca requested a letter of clearance from both his psychiatrist and a caseworker familiar with his condition; both mental health professionals, however, denied Farca’s request for a clearance letter.  The complaint further alleges that when Farca completed the SF-86, rather than admit he had been seeing a psychiatrist and that he was unable to obtain a letter clearing him for duty, Farca instead denied he had ever had counseling for his psychological or emotional health.

According to the complaint, Farca reported to basic training on August 28, 2017, and was discharged October 3, 2017.  The discharge paperwork cited “failed medical, physical, procurement standards” and noted, “erroneous enlistment; medical condition disqualifying for military service, with no medical waiver approved.”

The complaint suggests that evidence of Farca’s false statements on the SF-86 was obtained during the June 10, 2019, search of his home.  Officers from the Concord Police Department executed warrants to arrest Farca and to search his home while investigating messages Farca posted on an online video game website.  The complaint describes several messages Farca allegedly posted using his online name “Adolf Hitler (((6 MILLION)))” about carrying out a mass shooting of synagogues and praising terrorists who have perpetrated recent mass shootings at houses of worship.  During the search of Farca’s home, paperwork relating to his psychiatric condition and his military service discharge were found.

The complaint charges Farca with knowingly making false statements to a government agency, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2).  The charges contained in the criminal complaint are mere allegations. As in any criminal case, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Farca currently is in federal custody pending a continued detention hearing currently scheduled before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sallie Kim on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at 10:30.  If convicted, Farca faces a maximum statutory penalty maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000, plus restitution, for each violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2).  However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

The case is being prosecuted by the Special Prosecutions and National Security Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Francisco and investigated by the FBI and the Concord Police Department.

Men from Martinez, Vallejo arrested in Orinda Halloween shooting deaths

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Domenico Dones and Frederick Johnson are suspects in the Halloween Orinda party shooting deaths. Photos by CCCSheriff

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

On Thursday, November 21, 2019, at 7 AM, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff served Ramey arrest warrants and search warrants in multiple locations, including Martinez and Vallejo, in connection with the Orinda shooting on October 31, 2019.

The Office of the Sheriff was assisted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The two suspects are identified as:

-29-year-old Domico Michael Dones of Martinez. Dones was booked on charges related to the Orinda shooting. On Friday, the Contra Costa County DA’s Office has filed two formal charges against Dones – felon in possession of a firearm and felon in possession of ammunition.

According to Scott Alonso, the CCDA’s Public Information Officer, Dones has a prior felony conviction for second degree robbery in Santa Clara County. He was in possession of a Glock 22. 40 Caliber handgun with a laser scope and ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) San Francisco Field Division also assisted in the arrest of Dones.

Dones will be arraigned on Monday, November 25, in Martinez. Dones was not one of the five suspects arrested in connection with the Orinda Halloween shooting last week by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office. Due to the sensitive nature of the Orinda investigation, no further details will be released regarding Dones in connection with the incident.

-29-year-old Frederick Johnson of Vallejo. Johnson was also booked on charges related to the Orinda shooting. The Solano County DA’s Office has filed charges against Johnson – felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, and child endangerment.

Both of them are being held at the Martinez Detention Facility. Dones is being held in lieu of $300,000 bail; Johnson is being held in lieu of $75,000 bail.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Sheriff’s Office Detectives along with multiple law enforcement agencies have worked continuously on the investigation into the shooting that killed five people at a Halloween party.

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

Supervisors ban vaping product sales, plan to approve cannabis retail, cultivation permits

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The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors recognized CCTV on its 25th anniversary at the supervisors’ meeting on Tuesday. Accepting the resolution on behalf of CCTV was Susan Shiu, Contra Costa County director of communications and media. CCTV currently broadcasts six channels – CCTV, City Channel, Ed TV, Community Access, Hercules Community TV, and Delta TV. The Contra Costa Television network provides public, education and government access services for users in Contra Costa County, in the cities of Antioch, Clayton, Danville, Hercules, Martinez, Moraga, Pleasant Hill, and San Ramon. CCTV has adopted the slogan “Making Television Part of the Solution.” Photo by Daniel Borsuk.

Recognize 25th anniversary of CCTV

By Daniel Borsuk

A few hours after supervisors had unanimously passed an ordinance banning the sale of vaping products and prohibiting the delivery of cannabis vaping products in unincorporated Contra Costa County, the elected officials instructed Planning Department officials on Tuesday to prepare for supervisors’ potential approval of land use permits for commercial cannabis storefront retailers and cultivators at the supervisors’ upcoming December 10th meeting.

Supervisors adopted the county’s anti-vaping ordinance, after supervisors listening to 10 speakers advocate for the prohibition of the sale or delivery of tobacco vaping products, cannabis vaping products, and flavored tobacco products in 54 retail stores in unincorporated areas of the county. A week ago, more than 50 speakers called on supervisors to pass the proposed anti-vaping ordinance.

Prior to adoption of the new law banning the countywide sale of vaping products, the county prohibited the retail sale of vaping products to persons under 21 years old within 1,000 feet of a public or private school, playground, park or library. That law had affected about 45 retailers in unincorporated parts of the county.

More than 2,000 Americans, many of them teenagers and young adults, have become sick from using vaping products since March, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Some persons have died from using vaping products.

Supervisors set the stage to select candidates who will be invited to apply for either cannabis storefront retail and commercial cannabis cultivator land use permits from the Conservation & Development Department.

Supervisors learned a 10-member Cannabis Review Panel consisting of representatives from the county Administrator’s Office, Department of Agriculture, Contra Costa Fire Protection District, Health Services Department and Conservation & Development Department(CDD), had met 15 times to score and rank candidates seeking land use permits to start the regulatory process of legally operating in accordance with the County’s Cannabis Business Tax Ordinance that was approved by county voters on Nov. 6, 2018.

The county cannabis ordinance permits for the creation of four storefront cannabis retailers, 10 commercial cannabis cultivators and two commercial cannabis manufactures in agricultural zones.

CDD official Ruben Hernandez, said proposals for storefront retailers were received from Bay Point, 2; from Clyde, 1; Pacheco Boulevard, 10; El Sobrante, 7, and North Richmond, 1.

Eleven of the 19 commercial cannabis cultivator proposals were found to be ineligible because the subject properties are not within service area of a retail water supplier, a requirement set in the Cannabis Business Tax Ordinance.

A majority of the commercial cannabis cultivation proposals were located in the Eastern Contra Costa areas of Bethel Island, Kingston and Brentwood area. Three proposals were located in North Richmond.

“Since fewer proposals were received than the maximum number of commercial cultivation businesses to be permitted, the panel is recommending that all seven eligible proposals be invited to apply for land use permits,” a document from CDD Director John Kopchik stated.

During the public speaking portion, several persons protested that the cultivation operations nearby housing subdivisions will stimulate crime and/or health problems.

Knightsen resident Ann Richie said permitting cannabis cultivation operations nearby her residence will only increase crime. “We’ve had two incidents recently,” she said. “They were violent crimes. Please don’t let this happen.”

Patrice Kintral of Knightsen told supervisors that allowing a cannabis cultivation operation nearby her home will mean more health problems for her nine-year-old special needs daughter. “This proposal could mean she may expect to have more migraines,” Kintral said.

In the meantime, some Supervisors plan to study the proposed sites before the December 10, meeting.

Board Chair John Gioia plans to look at each site before the Board’s next meeting. “Some of these locations are better than others,” he said.

“We want to start slow on this,” said Vice Chair Candace Andersen. “We want to dot the i’s and cross the t’s because we have seen how other counties have made mistakes when they enacted cannabis laws.”

District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover, who has five cannabis proposals in his district, and District 4 Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, who has 10 cannabis proposals in her district (Pacheco Boulevard), both liked the community benefit proposals that bidders submitted. “You did a fabulous job,” Mitchoff said.

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors recognized Donald L. Bouchet for 55 years of public service including 23 years serving on Treasury Oversight Committee since April of 1995 at their meeting on Tuesday. Bouchet, 89, was honored for serving on the oversight committee since its creation and performing the committee’s responsibilities of annually reviewing the county’s investment policy and cause an annual audit to be conducted to determine the county treasurer’s compliance with the policy. Bouchet recently retired from the committee. Board Chair John Gioia is shown holding the resolution with Bouchet and family members, board of supervisors, and county Treasurer-Tax Collector Russell Watts. Photo by Daniel Borsuk.

In other action, supervisors approved on consent the following:

  • Renewed a $322,927 a year contract with Baker & Taylor for book rental services for the Contra Costa County Library from Jan. 1, through Dec. 31, 2020. Baker & Taylor builds and maintains an economical method for maintaining an inventory of the most current, high demand hardcover titles.
  • Approved the $13 million Marsh Drive Bridge Replacement Project over the Walnut Creek Channel. Constructed in 1938, the existing bridge is structurally, seismically and hydraulically deficient and will be replaced with a new five-span bridge, pre-stressed concrete slab structure on concrete piles that is longer and wider than the existing bridge, at about 340 feet long and 55 feet wide. The bridge is currently 325 feet long and 34 feet wide.
  • Increased solid waste collection rates in the unincorporated West County areas covered by the Richmond Sanitary Service. The residential rate increase of 4.63 percent effective Jan. 1, 2020
  • The rate increase corresponds with a monthly raise of $1.17 in the most common (35-gallon cart) collection rate.

Coroner’s inquest jury determines death of homeless man while in Concord police custody in February was an accident

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

Sheriff-Coroner David O. Livingston announced that a Coroner’s Jury reached a finding in the February 8, 2019 death of 50-year-old Steven Kenneth Hankins, who was homeless and in the custody of the Concord Police at the time. The finding of the jury is that the death is an accident.

The Coroner’s Jury yesterday reached the 12-0 verdict after hearing the testimony of witnesses called by the hearing officer, Matthew Guichard.

According to authorities, police were called to the Concord Homeless Shelter at 2047 Arnold Industrial Way where Hankins was yelling and being violent. He was still “acting erratically and being violent” after police arrived, they said. After struggling with police, Hankins showed signs of medical distress. He became unresponsive and police attempted to revive him. Paramedics were called and after they arrived Hankins was declared dead at the scene.

A preliminary coroner’s report found Hankins had a “high concentration of methamphetamine” in his system, according to Concord Police spokesperson Lt. Mike Kindorf.

A Coroner’s Inquest, which Sheriff-Coroner Livingston convenes in fatal incidents involving police officers, is a public hearing, during which a jury rules on the manner of a person’s death. Jury members can choose from the following four options when making their finding: accident, suicide, natural causes or at the hands of another person, other than by accident.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Public invited to grand opening celebration to unveil new El Sobrante Library and Nancy Fahden House Nov. 23

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The Nancy Fahden House. Photo by the El Sobrante Historical Society.

A celebration to introduce the new El Sobrante Library and the adjoining Nancy Fahden House to the community is set for Saturday, November 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Supervisor John Gioia and the Contra Costa County Library will mark the occasion with a community ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. The all-day event is free and will include library tours, performers, a scavenger hunt, storytimes and special guests.

The Library, located at 4191 Appian Way has been closed since it sustained major damage in a February 2018 fire.   The severe smoke, fire and water damage required that the building be stripped down to the studs for appropriate renovation. The Library, constructed in 1961, also underwent asbestos abatement, accessibility improvements and plumbing and electric systems code upgrades.

The completely remodeled Library has new windows on all sides including two walls of windows and six skylights that allow natural light into the building. The roof, paint, carpet, furniture, shelving and books are all brand new. The remodel also includes new bathrooms, a new meeting room and all new computers.

The newly renovated adjoining building – the Nancy Fahden House (formerly the Friends of the Library building) – will also be introduced to the community. It will be home to both the Friends of the El Sobrante Library and the El Sobrante Historical Society. This building is named after former Supervisor Nancy Fahden, who was the first female elected to the Board of Supervisors in 1978 and once housed her District Office.

“The County is proud to re-open our completely remodeled library that better meets the needs of the El Sobrante community with state of the art technology and improved meeting space. In addition, the adjacent Nancy Fahden House will provide greater community space for local non-profits,” said John Gioia, Chair of the Board of Supervisors, who represents El Sobrante.

The project led by Contra Costa County Public Works and the Library, included Mark Scott Construction, BRW Architects and Humphries Poli/RATIO Architects.

“We are so thankful for the hard work and dedication of the many county departments, library staff and contractors who brought this library back to life,” said County Librarian Melinda Cervantes. “The new building is stunning, and we are thrilled to be serving the El Sobrante community once again.”

Entertainment for the celebration will include performances by Coventry and Kaluza, an award-winning physical comedy duo, guitarist Daniel Fries, musical storytimes, face painting, balloon-making, and a visit from Oakland Athletics mascot, Stomper. Guests can also participate in a scavenger hunt that will take them on a tour of the new library and grounds.

For more information about the grand opening, please call (800) 984-4636 or email ask@ccclib.org.

 

Contra Costa DA won’t charge five suspects in Orinda Halloween shooting deaths, wants more investigation

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The five suspects arrested, not charged and to be released are (l-r) Jason Iles, Shamron Mitchell, Devin Williamson, Lebraun Wallace and Jaquez Deshawn Sweeney. Photos by CoCoSheriff.

Suspects are or will be released; Sheriff stands by his department’s investigation

By Allen Payton

In a news release, this evening, Scott Alonso, the Public Information Officer for Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton, wrote, “Today the District Attorney’s Office met with members of the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff to review the Orinda Halloween shooting incident. No criminal charges are being filed at this time against any individual. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the case should call the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit at 925-313-2600.” (See related article)

When reached for comment, Alonso said, “We made the decision about 5:00 p.m. tonight.”

Asked if all five suspects who were arrested would be released, he responded, “That’s my understanding, yes. If they have no holds are on their records, then they will be released, tonight. If there are no charges filed against them. Four are in custody of the Contra Costa Sheriff. One is in custody of the Marin County Sheriff.”

Asked why D.A. Becton chose not to charge any of the suspects, Alonso said, “We have a really high filing standard and we need more information. We are collaboratively working with the Sheriff’s Office to see what else is out there.”

“It’s very complex. We want more witnesses to come forward. There were a lot of people at that party,” he added.

When reached for comment and asked about the suspects, Jimmy Lee, the Director of Public Affairs for the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff responded, “They have either been released or are in the process.”

“We stand by our investigation and the arrests were made pursuant to a judge’s order,” he continued. “Although the district attorney may want more investigation done, the persons arrested and responsible for these crimes will ultimately be held to account. The entire investigation is ongoing, as is common in these types of complex cases.”