Contra Costa Herald

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

Driver of stolen vehicle causes collision injuring four in Antioch Wednesday afternoon

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Scene of the head-on collision on Somersville Road near Highway 4 in Antioch, Wednesday, Jan. 17. Screenshot by Belinda Sedano from Facebook, courtesy of ABC7 News.

Screenshot by Belinda Sedano from Facebook, courtesy of ABC7 News.

At about 12:47 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, the Office of the Sheriff received information of a stolen vehicle in Pittsburg. A Deputy Sheriff spotted the stolen vehicle, a Ford F-250 pickup truck on Bailey Road. The Deputy followed the vehicle as it headed eastbound on Highway 4. The Deputy did not activate the emergency lights on his vehicle.

As the suspect took the Somersville Road exit, he immediately accelerated at a high speed. The Deputy then activated the emergency lights on his vehicle. Moments later, the suspect vehicle went through a red light at Somersville Road and collided into a Ford F-150 that was heading southbound.

Three people, including two children, were injured in the F-150. They were taken to local hospitals. The suspect, a 23-year-old Pittsburg resident, was also taken to a hospital. He is not being identified at this time.

Screenshot by Belinda Sedano from Facebook, courtesy of ABC7 News.

According to Antioch Police Lt. Tarra Mendes, Antioch Police Officers responded to assist the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office. The incident caused the closure of North and Southbound Somersville Road as well as the Eastbound Highway 4 off ramp to Somersville Road.

The countywide officer-involved protocol was invoked. The investigation is being handled by the D.A.’s Office, Office of the Sheriff, California Highway Patrol, and Antioch PD.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Office of the Sheriff at (925) 646-2441. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Supervisors appoint two directors to financially challenged East Contra Costa Fire Board

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2018 Contra Costa County Humanitarian of the Year Award recipient Phil Arnold (center) with Supervisors, from left are Diane Burgis, Federal Glover, John Gioia and Candace Andersen. Photos courtesy of Supervisor Candace Andersen.

Honor Humanitarians of the Year during Martin Luther King Day Celebration

By Daniel Borsuk

Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors appointed Susanna Thompson and Mark Whitlock to serve on the financially beleaguered East Contra Costa Fire Protection District Board of Directors, a position that the two incoming board directors may only serve on until the end 2018.

Supervisors voted 4-0 to approve the consent item at Tuesday’s board meeting.  Board Chair Karen Mitchoff of Pleasant Hill was absent due to illness.

The reason Thompson, a co-owner of an electric contractor business of Clayton, and Whitlock, owner of a Bethel Island carpet cleaning business, may only serve a year on the board is because unless both directors decide to run election campaigns later this year, their jobs on the financially challenged fire district board will come to an end.

Thompson and Whitlock beat five other candidates for the fire board posts.  They replace county appointees Robert Kenny and Cheryl Morgan.  Both Kenny’s and Morgan’s term expire next month, February.

Other candidates for the two county appointments to the fire district’s board were Anthony Barigiacchi of Brentwood who is an engineer with the Novato Fire Protection District; Lito Calimlim of Clayton, who is a real estate broker; Karin Schneider of Brentwood, a city of Tracy finance director; Stephen Smith of Brentwood, who is a former ECCFPD director; and Sandra Strobel, a Knightsen real estate agent

In November 2016 voters in the fire district overwhelmingly passed Measure M 62.4 percent to 37.6 percent to change the board from an appointed nine-member panel an elected board of nine directors.  Currently the nine-member board consists of directors are appointed by residency.

In addition to the two directors now appointed by the board of supervisors, the ECCFPD has four directors selected by the city of Brentwood and three directors chosen by the city of Oakley.

As if the upcoming November election isn’t enough, voters in the fire district will take part in a vote by mail election in March on whether to scale down the number of board directors from nine directors to five directors.  Depending on the outcome of the special election in March, voters will cast ballots in November on who gets to serve on either the nine-member or five-member board of directors.

The two 2018 elections occur in a fire district that is rapidly growing and transitioning from its agricultural roots to a bustling and sprawling suburban area where real estate values have zoomed up more than 14 percent in 2017.

Whether changing the composition or number of ECCFD Board of Directors from nine to five Directors-at-Large to retaining the number of directors at nine, will enable the district to gain more citizen support to place and pass bond measures to adequately fund the district, is a question no one can properly predict right now.

Supervisor Diane Burgis of Brentwood, whose District 3 encompasses the troubled ECCFD, believes the change from an appointed board to an elected board will solve the district’s financial woes.  “I am really pleased that the fire board is going to be elected,” she said after the supervisors approved the consent item.  “Hopefully, by having an elected board, fire district constituents will feel more confident about the district and the directors will act more responsibly.”

ECCFPD Fire Chief Brian Helmick believes the elected Board of Directors will also help the financially strapped fire district turn the page on its financial woes.  The question of moving from an appointed board of directors to an elected board of directors has been something the community has been asking for some time,” the fire chief said.

The key is whether an elected board of directors can do the job of convincing constituents of passing bond measures to keep the ECCFPD fiscally sound.  “We need a source of sustainable funding,” said Fire Chief Helmick.  “Having an appointed board has not been successful in finding long-term sustainable funding.  Perhaps voters will listen to elected directors,” he said.

Even though an audit last August found the Fire District’s budget had $6.2 million in additional funds, Fire Chief Helmick, who was permanently named fire chief last October, said he is constantly competing against fire districts that tend to recruit his veteran fire fighters because those fire districts offer better pay and benefit packages than the ECCFPD.  Most recently, four fire fighters left the ECCFPD to join districts offering better pay and benefit packages.

Chief Helmick, who has been with the ECCFD since the district’s formation in 2002, oversees a $15 million 2018 budget for 28 fire fighters and four battalion chiefs to staff fire stations located in Brentwood, Discovery Bay and Oakley.

Las Lomas High student Sienna Camille Terry is honored by county supervisors.

Humanitarian of the Year Awards

In other business, the Supervisors celebrated the county’s 40th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration and Humanitarian of the Year Awards. Community activist and retired software industry executive Phil Arnold of Concord was awarded the Humanitarian of the Year Award. The Air Force veteran was recognized for his community service, especially in the areas of race and humanitarian relations. Sienna Camille Terry, a Las Lomas High School student was honored as Student Humanitarian of the Year.

Supervisors Approve Sheriff-Coroner MOU to Use Naval Weapons Station

In addition, Supervisors also unanimously approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the Contra Costa County Sheriff-Coroner and the United States Army to use a portion of the former Naval Weapons Station near Concord to operate a marine patrol and training facility. The agreement will last nine years at no cost to the county.

CHP Officer struck by vehicle during traffic stop on eastbound Hwy 4, Monday night

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The damaged motorcycle of a CHP Officer who was injured in a crash on eastbound Hwy 4, Monday night, Jan. 15, 2018. Screenshots from NBC Bay Area News report.

Three of the eight vehicles damaged by the three, chain-reaction crashes.

According to the CHP – Contra Costa Facebook page, “This evening at about 6:15 pm, one of our CHP Officers was involved in a traffic collision at SR-4 eastbound and Port Chicago Highway (in Concord). He suffered major injuries, non-life threatening, and was transported to a local hospital. The scene is still active for the investigation. We have no further details at this time, but we will advise when we do. Thank you.”

Further reports on NBC Bay Area TV Channel 3 News and ABC7 News he was a motorcycle officer, and an SUV flipped an landed on the officer including a broken leg. It set off a chain reaction including at least eight cars and three separate crashes. It backed up traffic on Highway 4 for miles.

County offers “Destination Wedding” location this Valentine’s Day

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The historic John Muir House in Martinez. Photos courtesy of Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder

Couples can get married at the historic John Muir House by Clerk-Recorder officiants

Get hitched in style this year! The Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder office is offering a special venue for couples who wish to exchange wedding vows at a special location on Valentine’s Day.

The Clerk-Recorder Division, in partnership with the National Park Service, will host weddings at the historic John Muir House from 10:20 am to 3:20 pm on February 14th. There are 16 appointments available for this “Destination Wedding” opportunity.

“We are excited to partner with the National Park Service and the staff of the John Muir National Historic Site to offer couples the option of being married at this historic location on Valentine’s Day,” Clerk-Recorder Joe Canciamilla said. “It is with a great deal of local pride that we can highlight the history of our region and of Martinez while offering this memorable option for couples’ special day.”

“We think it’s great that the local community can use the grounds for a really special day,” said Jim MacDonald, Supervisory Park Ranger at the John Muir National Historic Site.

MacDonald shares a quote from Louisa Strentzel Muir, John Muir’s wife, that he says is applicable to what weddings represent.

“Now I know that neither time nor space can ever separate us, and that wherever you be, here or there, I am with you truly.”

Weddings will be held inside one of the well-decorated rooms of the Italianate Victorian-style home, which was built in 1882. The room features an elegant chandelier and grand piano, detailed architecture and a stunning backdrop for the ceremony with an archway in front of a window overlooking the property.

Couples interested in a ceremony at the John Muir House should call 925-335-7908.

Couples can also make appointments to have their Valentine’s Day wedding ceremony at the Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder Office, located at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez. The office features two beautifully appointed ceremony rooms adorned with handcrafted stained glass windows. Appointment times are from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Walk-in couples are welcome and will be accommodated based on availability of ceremony rooms. Appointments are recommended, as Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year for civil ceremonies.

Those looking to book a ceremony at Clerk-Recorder’s office can do so online at www.contracostacore.us.

A civil marriage ceremony is $60. Couples can obtain a public marriage license for $86 or a confidential license for $90.

To save time, marriage license applications are available for completion online at www.contracostacore.us prior to visiting the office and may also be purchased before the ceremony date.

For more information, contact Joseph Barton, Clerk-Recorder Services Supervisor at (925) 335-7928.

Walnut Creek dealership to donate new car to Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services

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2018 Subaru Outback. Photo by evox images

Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services (MOWSOS) is proud to announce that it will receive the donation of a 2018 Subaru Outback as part of a partnership between Meals on Wheels America and Subaru of America, Inc. in celebration of the ’50 CARS FOR 50 YEARS’ campaign.

“We are both thrilled & honored to announce that MOWSOS is one of 50 national recipients of a 2018 Subaru Outback for this campaign,” says Elaine Clark, Chief Executive Officer for MOWSOS.  “We are so thankful to Meals on Wheels America and Subaru for recognizing the work we are doing to combat isolation, and for giving us a vehicle to use for wellness visits to check on frail, home-bound seniors.”

On Thursday, January 18, MOWSOS will receive the car during a celebration event held at Diablo Subaru of Walnut Creek, 2646 N. Main St. in Walnut Creek. The event will take place from 5:30pm until 7:00pm. Complimentary on-site valet parking and refreshments will be provided.

“Diablo Subaru of Walnut Creek is proud to be selected by Subaru of America to deliver a 2018 Subaru Outback to Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services. This is a great opportunity for us to be part of an event that will benefit a superb organization like MOWSOS, enabling them to provide even more comprehensive services, which benefits our entire community,” says Tom Baxley, General Manager for Diablo Subaru of Walnut Creek.

Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services is a full-service nonprofit organization dedicated since 1968 to helping seniors live independently and with dignity.  Based in Walnut Creek, the agency serves older adults all across Contra Costa County.  More information can be found at www.mowsos.org.

Diablo Subaru of Walnut Creek has been serving the Walnut Creek community for over forty years, and is one of Northern California’s largest volume Subaru retailers. Six months ago, construction was completed on a brand new, state-of-the-art facility, enabling them to better serve their sales and service customers. More information can be found at www.diablosubaru.com.

Meals on Wheels America (MOWA) is the oldest and largest national organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based senior nutrition programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. This network exists in virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. By providing funding, leadership, education and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 620 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone, and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA has donated more than $120 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged more than 40,000 volunteer hours. As a company, Subaru believes it is important to do its part in making a positive impact in the world because it is the right thing to do. For additional information visit media.subaru.com.

 

Progressive prosecutor Patrick Vanier drops out of DA’s race backs Becton

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Patrick Vanier. Herald file photo

Today, Friday, January 12, 2018, Patrick Vanier, Supervising Prosecutor in Santa Clara County, and a candidate for Contra Costa County District Attorney issued the following statement:

“When I announced my candidacy for District Attorney last spring, I made it clear that my candidacy was not about me, but about bringing real reform to the office of District Attorney and instituting best practices to bring Contra Costa County’s criminal justice system into the 21st Century.  I was the first to declare my candidacy to challenge former DA Mark Peterson and I am proud to have started the dialogue for change.

A little more than a month later, Mark Peterson resigned from office.  Upon his resignation, the County initiated an appointment process to fill the vacancy. I was honored to be selected by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors as a finalist in that process.

During the appointment process in the summer and fall, I again made it clear that if a person was appointed who can bring progressive leadership to the office of District Attorney and will modernize and standardize how cases are prosecuted, I may not seek election.

Ultimately, the Board of Supervisors voted to appoint retired Judge Diana Becton to be District Attorney. (See related article) Although I was disappointed in not receiving the appointment, I respected the Supervisors’ decision as they recognized the importance of selecting a candidate from outside the dysfunction of the current office. While I was in this race to win, as I felt that I possess the skills this County needs, I also realize the importance of ensuring that change does indeed occur.

Over the past several months I have been following the developments within the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office under District Attorney Diana Becton.  I believe she has undertaken a course of action to run the department in an honest and ethical manner and will utilize the latest technologies, data analytics, and community prosecution models to prevent crime and prosecute cases. I want this County to be focused on ensuring that change continues.

For these reasons, I have decided to withdraw from the race for Contra Costa County District Attorney and fully support and endorse Diana Becton.

I want to thank my supporters for their unflagging support and encouragement and I will be urging them to support Diana Becton.”

On his campaign website, Vanier said he offered “progressive leadership” to the people of Contra Costa County. With him out of the race the remaining candidates, currently are the appointed incumbent, Interim Contra Costa DA Becton and Contra Costa Senior Deputy District Attorney Paul Graves, who entered the race last spring to take on Peterson, prior to his resignation and has the support of most law enforcement organizations in the county. If no other candidates enter the race the winner of the Primary Election in June will be elected. According to the County Elections Office website, the filing period for the election begins February 12 and ends March 9.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

New Board of Supervisors Chair Mitchoff spotlights four key issues for 2018

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Glover highlights accomplishments this past year as Board Chair for possibly, the final time

By Daniel Borsuk

Water, air quality, transportation and the new Pleasant Hill public library will be top 2018 hot button issues of newly elected Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Chair Karen Mitchoff. District 1 Supervisor John Gioia of Richmond was elected Vice Chair for 2018, in the annual rotation of the board’s leadership.

Contra Costa Superior Court Judge Jill Gannin gives the oath of office to county new Board of Supervisors Vice Chair John Gioia and to Chair Karen Mitchoff on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2018. Photo by Daniel Borsuk

A supervisor from Pleasant Hill and representing District 4 on the board, Mitchoff said after being sworn into office by Contra Costa County Superior Court Judge Jill Fannin on Tuesday, “The new year ushers in a rush of ideas of reflection and projection” as she aims to apply the four key issues during her administration in 2018.

“While I doubt the $3 bridge toll increase will pass, I believe the measure should be placed on the ballot so that the people have the opportunity to vote on it,” she said, who replaces District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover of Pittsburg as chairperson.

Concerning water quality issues, Mitchoff said Gov. Jerry Brown’s $16 billion Twin Tunnels project is “going nowhere.”  The supervisor added, “This project does not have the funding.”

The supervisor said state and local governments need to come up with more sensible, less costly and more environmentally compatible water projects similar to the proposed Los Vaqueros Reservoir expansion project near Brentwood.

“I’m happy to say it’s been a great year,” said outgoing board chairman Federal Glover of Pittsburg.  “We did everything from A to Z.”

One of the county’s major accomplishments has been the continual financial stability, Glover said.  “We’ve been financially stable the last seven years,” he said.  The county has maintained a Standard & Poors AAA rating an Aa3 rating from Moody’s Investor Services.

Glover was also proud of the work done on the Northern Waterfront Planning Area.  “The Northern Waterfront initiative is becoming a reality with new business opportunities,” the supervisor from Pittsburg said.

“It is predicted by the year 2030 some 18,000 new jobs will be created along the waterfront,” Glover continued.

The Northern Waterfront is already being planned to be used for a self-driving car testing site and as a potential public university campus site.

In 2018, the county will break ground to construct a $60 million county administration building to be constructed nearby the existing administration building in downtown Martinez, the county seat since 1850.  An additional $40 million will be allocated to build a modern Emergency Operations Center at Glacier Drive in Martinez.  The county closed on $100.3 million in lease revenue bonds to construct the new administration building and Emergency Operations Center.  The bonds were sold for a 15-year term at an interest rate of 2.387 percent.

During 2017, the board of supervisors were responsible for 35 major achievements, said Glover.  Some of those achievements were:

  • The appointment of interim District Attorney Diana Becton, who replaced former District Attorney Mark Peterson who was found guilty for misuse of campaign funds.
  • Creation of the Stand Together CoCo, a rapid response and community education project to support safety and justice for immigrant families in Contra Costa.
  • Ended the year at 83 percent Live Release Rate for all animals at county run Animal Services facilities. The live release rate for dogs and cats was 87 percent, up from 67.17 percent in 2014.
  • Contra Costa County Fire Protection District ambulance service performance is now required to arrive 90 percent of the time within 11 minutes and 45 seconds in all zones except Richmond, where they are required to arrive within 10 minutes and 90 percent of the time. District performance has consistently been in the 95 percent range and at time as high 98 percent. This means ambulance response times are much quicker.
  • Approved the mixed use Saranap Village Project near Walnut Creek. The project will provide 198 housing units and a significant amount of commercial space.

During her initial year in office, District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis of Brentwood listed a number of accomplishments in 2017 including seeing the opening of a Veterans services office in Brentwood and the start of Tri Delta bus service to the Martinez Veterans Medical Center.

Burgis said she looks forward to a number of accomplishments in 2018 that will benefit East County constituents including completion of work on the Morgan Territory, Byron Highway and Balfour Highway projects and the startup of EBART train service.

2018 calendar released for Discover Diablo, Save Mount Diablo’s free public hikes series

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Discover Diablo is Save Mount Diablo’s free public hike series program, offering an annual schedule of guided interpretive family walks, hikes and property tours open to any and all trail blazers looking to get out in nature. Generously sponsored by the Shell Martinez Refinery for a second year, the 2018 Discover Diablo Free Public Hike Series will begin in mid-January.

Hosted by Save Mount Diablo, the Discover Diablo program, now in its second year, continues to build awareness of local land conservation efforts and to convey the importance of protecting open space for habitat and recreation. Through this initiative, Save Mount Diablo intends to reach new audiences, build our membership base of adventurers, explorers and outdoor enthusiasts, spark a passion for the Diablo Range, and engender community conservation by deepening connections to the land and nature.

“We are pleased to sponsor this opportunity for people to explore and discover the beauty of Mount Diablo, a wonderful natural resource in our own backyard, with experienced guides,” said Ann Notarangelo, External Relations Manager for the Shell Martinez Refinery. “We hope that people will enjoy learning more about the diverse habitats and the striking vistas while spending time outside with their families and friends.”

We invite you to join us in exploring the Bay Area’s beautiful wild lands and open spaces. Discover Diablo offers two events per month for the entire year – either taking place on a Save Mount Diablo property or hosted on a collaborating agency’s land. Save Mount Diablo’s Family Walks are for hikers of all skill levels and will take place on other portions of open space on and around the mountain. Save Mount Diablo’s Property Tours will illustrate the importance of preserving wildlife habitat, building corridors between existing parks, and of course, all the beauty that the Diablo Range has to offer. We hope that with two events per month in various locations, there will be something for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

To honor Save Mount Diablo’s mission, we aim to display both our current property holdings as well as those we have helped protect over the years. Hosting monthly hikes is an effective way to engage and grow communities invested in the sustainability of local open space. SMD properties aren’t usually open to the public, so these are rare opportunities.

To complete the land conservation picture in the Diablo Range and pay homage to collaborating agencies, we also host monthly outings on Mount Diablo State Park, East Bay Regional Park District, and Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation lands. Discover Diablo ties these outings together by offering an annual schedule of free public hikes to explore these diverse lands – with the added bonus of being guided by knowledgeable staff and experienced volunteer hike leaders.

According to Ted Clement, Executive Director of Save Mount Diablo, “It is the goal of the Discover Diablo program to build connections between people, Save Mount Diablo, and the land, helping communities develop a strong sense of place and a deepened appreciation for our collective backyard. Most importantly, we want to cultivate a love of the land in participants – so as to grow the land ethic and stewardship for our precious Mount Diablo area.”

We intend to reach audiences from all over the Bay Area to improve awareness of and advocacy efforts for the Diablo Range. There is something for us all to discover in the nooks and crannies surrounding Mount Diablo. Please join us on the trails to find your own individual inspiration!

RSVP required. See our full schedule of upcoming hikes: http://bit.ly/Discover-Diablo-Hikes-Calendar

Martinez breaks ground on final phase of downtown intermodal transportation facility

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The location maps for the Martinez Intermodal Facility in downtown. Courtesy of City of Martinez

The City of Martinez held a final ground-breaking ceremony for the initiation of the third and final phase of the multi-million-dollar Intermodal Facility project in downtown on Friday, Jan. 5, 2018. The project has spanned over 20 years.

A photo of the previous groundbreaking of Phase 3 of the Intermodal Station in May, 2016 with Martinez City Council members. (Left to right) Mark Ross, Mayor Rob Schroder, Debbie McKillop and Lara DeLaney. Courtesy of City of Martinez

In 1994, the City of Martinez moved forward with the property acquisition of the old railroad yard south of the tracks. Three years later in 1997, the parking lot was constructed along with enhancements to Alhambra Creek, replacement of the railroad bridge, and the addition of two northerly tracks. Later in 2002, the Amtrak Station building, and platforms were completed and opened to the public. The City then acquired the Zocchi property in 2008, which is the parking lot north of where the tracks now exist, for the implementation of Phase 3.

This last phase of the Intermodal Facility, Phase 3, is funded by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) Measure J sales tax revenues. The project is located north of the Amtrak Station and includes a 110-foot long prefabricated steel bridge to be installed over the UPRR tracks, a paved trail along the west south, and east perimeters of the site along with a 30-foot long prefabricated pedestrian bridge near Ferry Street and the UPRR tracks. The project also includes and a new entrance road at the Ferry Street/Joe DiMaggio Drive intersection which connects to the easterly side of the recently constructed parking lot. Other features include an elevator, wetland mitigation, landscaping, and street and parking lot lighting. This work is scheduled to begin this month and be substantially complete by December 2018. Once the structural supports are constructed, the placement of the 110-foot long prefabricated pedestrian bridge crossing the railroad tracks will occur between midnight and 5:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning (date still to be determined). The City awarded the construction contract to Gordon N. Ball, Inc., (Alamo) with a total bid amount of $6,150,676.00.

CCTA staff members involved in the project included Randell Iwasaki, Hisham Noeimi, and Jack Hall; the design was provided by NV5, Inc., supported by LCC Engineering and Surveying, Inc., BSK Associates, LSA, and Cynthia Easton Architects. Agencies involved in the project include EBRPD, UPRR, Amtrak, CPUC, PG&E, Shell Oil, AT&T, CDF&W, USCOE, and RWQCB.

Please visit these links to view the location map and the pedestrian bridge architectural plan.

Contra Costa to begin enforcing new laws preventing tobacco sales to youth in unincorporated parts of county

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Contra Costa County Tobacco Retailers within 1,000 feet of schools, 2016. From Contra Costa County Tobacco Prevention Project

New laws to protect youth from tobacco influences went into effect this month and local health officials are enforcing the new regulations, which include prohibiting the sale of flavored tobacco products, such as menthol cigarettes and flavored e-liquids, within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, playgrounds, and libraries in unincorporated parts of the county.  The sale of cigars in pack sizes under 10 is also prohibited in unincorporated areas of the county, with cigars selling for $5 each excluded from the regulations.

The Contra Costa Board of Supervisors passed new rules last summer (see related article), and retailers were given a period of time to prepare. The County’s Tobacco Prevention Project has been doing education and outreach to all tobacco retailers in recent months to help ensure compliance with the new youth protections.

A 2016 survey showed that more than 80% of stores licensed to sell tobacco that are located near schools in Contra Costa County carried flavored products, such as “watermelon” or “tropical blast” cigarillos or little cigars. Many small cigars and cigarillos are sold for less than $1, making them attractive and affordable for youth.

“These tobacco products are clearly aimed at youth and they serve as a gateway to a lifetime of addiction to tobacco,” said Denice Dennis, manager of the Tobacco Prevention Program. “These new tobacco-sales rules will help prevent our youth from tobacco influences in the community.”

The new regulations prohibit the sale of flavored “e-liquids” for use with electronic smoking devices, which also come in candy and fruit flavors that appeal to new, young smokers. A recent UC San Francisco study showed that many teens who vape would not have started smoking if only traditional tobacco products were available. Other research shows that teens who vape are four times more likely to begin smoking cigarettes a year later than those who do not.

Under the new regulations, no new tobacco retailer licenses will be granted to businesses located within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, playgrounds or libraries, or within 500 feet of another business that sells tobacco.

Another provision adopted by the Board of Supervisors that bans sales of tobacco products in pharmacies won’t take effect until July 2018 after their tobacco retailer licenses expire.

The ordinance also requires retailers to examine the identification of a person who reasonably appears to be under the age of 27 before the tobacco retailer sells tobacco products or paraphernalia to that person.

Retailers not complying with the new rules can be fined up to $500 for each day they are in violation and may face suspension or revocation of their tobacco retailer license.

The National Association of Tobacco Outlets opposed the ordinance because the retailers didn’t believe six months was enough time to sell off their inventory.

Contra Costa joins many other Bay Area cities and counties to prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products including Santa Clara and Yolo Counties, and the cities of El Cerrito, Novato, Los Gatos, San Francisco, and Oakland.

For more information about the County’s new tobacco regulations, please visit cchealth.org/tobacco. Information for retailers can be read at http://cchealth.org/tobacco/retailers.php.