Contra Costa Herald

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

Potentially harmful blue-green algae blooms detected in Discovery Bay

By Leave a Comment

Contra Costa health officials and the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board advise people and pets in the Discovery Bay community to avoid contact with local bodies of water because of blue-green algae blooms.

Contra Costa Health Services Environmental Health Division (CCEH) received results this week for several water samples taken in late June from the southwestern section of Discovery Bay. Results found elevated levels of a natural toxin produced by blue-green algae blooms.

“We are advising residents to stay out of the water and keep their pets out of the water in the southwestern portion of Discovery Bay,” said CCEH Director, Dr. Marilyn C Underwood, “However, water circulates throughout the community, so the algae can also move and spread and therefore it is prudent to be cautious and to stay out of the water if you see scum or algae blooms.”

Exposure to the toxin can cause rashes, skin and eye irritation, allergic reactions, gastrointestinal upset and other symptoms.

“It’s important to know that dogs are especially vulnerable to getting sick from this toxin. There have been reports from past incidents of dogs dying after drinking the water or licking algae from their fur after swimming in water with blue-green algae blooms.  If your pet gets ill after swimming in water with an algae bloom, take them to the vet immediately,” said Christine Joab, Cyanobacteria Coordinator for the Central Valley Water Board.

For a fact sheet to help veterinarians diagnose illness related blue-green algae exposure, visit www.mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/what/vet_habs_factsheet.pdf

Blooms of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, can look like green, blue-green, white or brown foam or scum floating on top of water, or suspended in the water. Warm water temperatures and nutrients contribute to blooms, but these will eventually subside under cooler conditions.

CCEH will regularly test bodies of water throughout Discovery Bay and update the community while these conditions persist.

“Anyone who had contact with blue-green algae and has now developed symptoms or believes they may have consumed contaminated water should contact their healthcare provider immediately or call California Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222,” said Underwood.

No illnesses linked to Discovery Bay algae blooms have been reported in 2017. A child became sick after swimming in Discovery Bay during a similar event in 2016. Only recreational water areas are affected. Tap water in Discovery Bay is unaffected by the algal bloom.

FAQs

Is it safe for me to go in the water in Discovery Bay?

It depends where you are and if there are advisories posted in the area.

A CAUTION sign means:

Do not swim or wade near algae or scum

Keep your children away from algae in the water or on the shore

Do not drink the water or use it for cooking

Do not let pets or livestock go into or drink the water or eat scum on the shoreline

Do not eat shellfish from the water

A WARNING sign means:

No swimming

Stay away from scum, and cloudy or discolored water

Do not use these waters for drinking or cooking

Do not let pets or livestock go into or drink the water, or go near the scum

Do not eat shellfish from these waters

For fish caught here, throw away guts and clean fillets with tap water or bottled water before cooking

A DANGER sign means:

Stay out of the water until further notice. Do not touch scum in the water or on shore.

Do not let pets or livestock drink or go into the water or go near the scum

Do not eat fish or shellfish from these waters

Do not use the water for drinking or cooking. Boiling or filtering will not make the water safe.

Exposure to blue-green algae can cause rashes, skin and eye irritation, allergic reactions, gastrointestinal upset, and other effects. At high levels, exposure can result in serious illness or death, according to the California Department of Public Health.

What about my pets?

Keep pets out of water with blue-green algae blooms. Dogs are especially vulnerable to getting sick and there have been reports through the years of dogs dying following exposure associated with drinking the water and licking algae from their fur after wading/swimming in water with blue-green algae blooms.

Is there an issue with drinking water?

No, contamination only affects recreational water areas, not drinking water from the tap in Discovery Bay.

Who should I contact if I swam in the water and now have symptoms?

If you think you or someone else is displaying symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, contact your health care provider or the California Poison Center Help Hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

What can I do to get rid of blue-green algae in Discovery Bay?

We do not recommend attempting to treat or remove the algae. Blue-green algae blooms are natural to the environment’s food chain, and eventually dissipate on their own. Chemical treatment is often ineffective and can result in more toxins being released into the water as algae cells die, as well as unintended effects on other species in the area.

Algae blooms result from changes in water conditions that encourage sudden growth of the species. The best way to reduce and prevent blooms is to reduce water pollution, particularly from runoff containing fertilizers or pesticides. Pick up trash dumped in waterways, and make sure all household sewer systems are working properly.

Treating aquariums with a hydrogen peroxide solution is a common way to get rid of some kinds of algae. But the Delta is not a closed system like an aquarium, so the results would be unpredictable, both in terms of efficacy and impact on the environment.

For updates, detailed explanations of posted advisories, a map of sampling sites and other information, visit cchealth.org/eh/blue-green-algae.

Pittsburg police identify Antioch teen as suspect in Wednesday homicide at Century Plaza

By Leave a Comment

Homicide suspect Larry Daryl Neal, Jr., 19 years old, Antioch resident. Pittsburg PD photo.

By Captain S. Albanese, Pittsburg Police Department

Pittsburg Police Detectives have been working throughout the evening and have identified Larry Daryl Neal, Jr., a 19-year-old Antioch resident, as the shooter in this incident.  Neal is considered armed and dangerous and investigators have secured a warrant for his arrest related to this homicide. (See related article)

At this time, the victim’s name is being withheld pending notification to family members.  Detectives were able to quickly identify Neal as the suspect in this case due to overwhelming cooperation by the community throughout the investigation.

The Pittsburg Police Department asks anyone with additional information, or has knowledge of Neal’s whereabouts to please contact the Pittsburg Police Department Tip-Line at 925-252-4040 or Dispatch at 925-646-2441.

County Supervisors approve ordinance limiting flavored tobacco retail sales

By 1 Comment

Begin review of marijuana regulations

By Daniel Borsuk

Retailers of menthol and flavored tobacco products that are located within 1,000 feet of a public, private school, playground, park, or library in Contra Costa County will be required to sell off their inventory by the end of 2017 now that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 on Tuesday to approve an ordinance creating tobacco sales restrictions and a cap on tobacco retail licenses.

Supervisors limited the number of tobacco retailers in unincorporated Contra Costa at 90.

Supervisors drafted the ordinance after conducting public hearings on how menthol and flavored tobacco products have serious health consequences for teenagers congregating at schools, playgrounds, parks or libraries that are within 1,000 feet from a store selling those tobacco products that are known to lead to heart and cancer health problems later on in life.

Some of the ordinance’s provisions include:

  • Failure to obey the new law could mean a retail license suspension of 30 days for the first violation, up to 90 days for a second violation within two years after the first violation, and up to one year for a third and subsequent violation within two years after the first violation.
  • Although the county tobacco law sets requirements on the how retailers sell cigars, including little cigars that must be sold in a package of at least 10 cigars, the ordinance states “This requirement does not apply to cigars that have a sale price of at least $5.”
  • The ordinance bans retailers from posting tobacco displays on their premises.
  • The law prohibits pharmacies from selling tobacco products.
  • The ordinance also requires retailers to “examine the identification of a person who reasonably appears to under the age of 27 before the tobacco retailers sells tobacco products or paraphernalia to that person.”

“The National Association of Tobacco Outlets opposes this ordinance,” said Jaime Rojas, a NATO representative, “because it represents a bad case of government overreach. You are forcing retailers to sell off an inventory within six months or face consequences.”

“You are taking a big step towards improving public health,” said Dr. Phillip Gardner of the University of California at San Francisco.  He hailed the supervisors action because it will help reduce the influence of menthol flavored tobacco products especially on the African American community.

During the supervisors’ meeting, nothing was disclosed about how the ordinance will be enforced between the Sheriff’s Department, Health Department and perhaps Planning Department and at what cost to county taxpayers.

“Currently we have no idea what the costs will be to enforce this ordinance,” County Administrator David Twa told the Contra Costa Herald after supervisors voted.  “Just wait when the board adopts the recreational marijuana ordinance (see item below).  Expenses will go up dramatically then.”

“We will not begin enforcement on whether a retailer is within the 1,000-foot buffer until Jan. 1,” said District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen of Danville.

In the meantime, the passage of the ordinance put retailers on notice they should not be reordering flavored tobacco products if they are located within the 1,000-foot buffer zone, said District 1 Supervisor John Gioia of Richmond.

Review of Marijuana Regulations

In other business, Supervisors also kickstarted the review process on how to regulate commercial cannabis enterprises in unincorporated Contra Costa County in compliance with the voter approved State Proposition 64, the legalization of recreational marijuana sales.

During the presentation, supervisors were shown eight preliminary land use maps of where outdoor and indoor cannabis enterprises could potentially operate in unincorporated county.

Planning officials were instructed to present at a future meeting revised land used maps showing other buffer configurations.

The board voted 5-0 to permit County Administrator David Twa to negotiate with the consulting firm of Hinderliter, de Llamas & Associates to prepare a study with recommendations on options for taxation for various cannabis activities.

Twa did not disclose what the county will pay the Hinderliter, de Llamas & Associates because the price has yet to be negotiated.  Twa said information from the Hinderliter, de Llamas & Associates study would be used to draft a proposed countywide cannabis tax measure that would need to go before voters at the next general election, November 2018.

“If the tax fails to pass, so does the marijuana law in the county,” Twa told supervisors.

Gita Dombroski, owner of an Oakland cannabis nursery who said he has $4 million in the bank and wants to expand his nursery operations into Contra Costa County, warned supervisors that they are heading in the wrong direction by potentially levying high taxes.

“You need to be realistic. Your taxes are going to be too be too high and they will dissuade prospective businesses from coming to your county,” he said.

Instead of investing in Contra Costa County, Dombroski said he will open up another nursery in Oakland.

Cannabis proponent Max Fogarty objected to the county proposal of establishing a 1,000-foot buffer between cannabis businesses and public and private schools, parks, playgrounds and libraries, and a 500 foot distance from existing tobacco retail establishments.

“Why 1,000 feet from a school, playground or library.  It does not make sense,” said Fogarty

“Not everyone feels the way you do. We need to protect our communities” said Gioia in defense of the buffers.

Los Vaqueros Reservoir expansion draft documents available; public meetings in July

By Leave a Comment

Los Vaqueros Reservoir. Photo by Aerial Photographer Dick Jones. Courtesy of CCWater.com

Next meeting Tuesday in Brentwood

The Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) and the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) have taken the next step necessary in evaluating the Phase 2 expansion of Los Vaqueros Reservoir from 160,000 acre-feet up to 275,000 acre-feet at an estimated cost of $800 million. Interested stakeholders can now review the draft document, and provide comments in writing or at a public meeting scheduled in July. (See Fact Sheet, here: http://www.ccwater.com/DocumentCenter/View/4033)

Los Vaqueros Reservoir, south of Brentwood, is owned and operated by CCWD.  CCWD and Reclamation have been working on a joint evaluation of expanding Los Vaqueros Reservoir to develop water supplies for environmental management for fish and habitats, increase water supply reliability, and improve the quality of water deliveries.  In 2012, the first phase of the expansion increasing capacity from 100,000 acre-feet to 160,000 acre-feet was completed by CCWD and provides customers with drought supply and water supply reliability benefits. 

With the State’s announcement of availability of Proposition 1 funding for storage projects, a group of 11 water agencies entered into agreements with CCWD to prepare a funding application and necessary environmental documents for a Phase 2 Expansion of Los Vaqueros Reservoir from 160,000 acre-feet up to 275,000 acre-feet. 

The next step in evaluating that further expansion is releasing the Draft Supplement to the Final Environmental Impact Statement / Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) for public review.  The Final EIS/EIR was certified in 2010 by CCWD – the Draft Supplement to the Final EIS/EIR updates that document with new information available. See the draft documents, here: http://www.ccwater.com/709/Expansion-Documents.

CCWD is currently working with the Bureau of Reclamation and local partners to evaluate project alternatives, facilities and operations. Upcoming key milestones include a funding application due to the California Water Commission in August 2017 and completion of the Final Federal Feasibility Report in November 2018. Construction could begin as early as 2022.

The potential local partners include:

o Alameda County Water District

o Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency

o Byron Bethany Irrigation District

o City of Brentwood

o East Bay Municipal Utility District

o East Contra Costa Irrigation District

o Grassland Water District

o Santa Clara Valley Water District

o San Francisco Public Utilities Commission

o San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority

o Zone 7 Water Agency

Interested stakeholders can participate in six public meetings to learn more about the Phase 2 Expansion and provide comments.  Meeting locations allow for attendance by customers of the water agencies considering project participation.  All meetings will start with an open house and presentation in the first hour, followed by a public hearing for the second hour.  Remaining meeting details are as follows:

Brentwood: Tuesday, July 25, 2017, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak Street

Los Banos: Thursday, July 27, 2017, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Complex Headquarters and Visitors Center, 7376 S. Wolfsen Road

For further information about the Draft Supplement to the Final EIS/EIR, public meetings and how to comment, please visit: www.ccwater.com/lvstudies and http://www.ccwater.com/832/Los-Vaqueros-FAQ.

Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year finalists complete their final phase

By Leave a Comment

Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year finalists (left to right): Kari Stewart, Walnut Creek School District; Paula Raj, West Contra Costa Unified School District; Marissa Ware, San Ramon Valley Unified School District; Tom Trowbridge, Mt. Diablo Unified School District. Photo courtesy of Contra Costa County Office of Education.

PLEASANT HILL, Calif., July 19, 2017 – It was a morning of absolute inspiration for the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) employees and invited speech judges at the annual Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Speech Presentation, held this morning at the CCCOE’s Stewart Building, in Pleasant Hill.

After a rigorous selection process, the four current Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year (TOY) finalists concluded their progression by each presenting a prepared three- to five-minute speech, titled: “What have I learned from my students.” It was clear that the 10-person judging panel and audience were very impressed with the four speeches. (For more information about the Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Program, and the three-stage judging process, please review this Web page.)

This year’s Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year finalists:

Paula Raj, West Contra Costa Unified School District: Before she was old enough to attend school, Raj began honing her teaching skills with a “classroom” of stuffed animals and younger neighbor kids. Raj teaches Spanish to grades 9-12 at De Anza High School, in Richmond. The 35-year teacher has taught at De Anza for the past 21 years. Prior to her current position, the Brooklyn native taught middle and high school Spanish and French in Brooklyn, New York City, and Lexington, Massachusetts.

Kari Stewart, Walnut Creek School District: While majoring in genetics, Stewart found her career in education through a college internship tutoring local at-risk students. Stewart will soon begin her 25th year of teaching for the Walnut Creek School District. For the past two years, Stewart has taught multiple subjects at Tice Creek School, in Walnut Creek. Her former experience includes teaching at the school district’s Walnut Creek Intermediate and Buena Vista Elementary, grades 5-8.

Tom Trowbridge, Mt. Diablo Unified School District: Trowbridge has been a building trades and engineering educator for more than 11 years at Concord High School. His high school courses include CTE/ROP robotics engineering, civil engineering and architecture, woodworking technology, and construction technology. For the past year, Trowbridge and his students have continued to make news with the construction of their low-cost, eco-friendly Tiny Homes project.

Marissa Ware, San Ramon Valley Unified School District: Ware was well on the road to becoming a physical therapist, but during her college work with an infant development program, she became fascinated watching the development stages of the infant and toddler patients grow. From this experience, Ware changed course to education. The 18-year educator has been teaching grades K-3, at John Baldwin Elementary, in Danville for the past six years.

(For additional information about the four finalists, please visit this Web page.)

On the evening of September 28, 2017, all 22 TOYs, accompanied by their families, friends, and co-workers (an audience of close to 500) will be honored at the annual Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Gala, held at the Hilton Concord. Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Karen Sakata, who serves as master of ceremonies, introduces the TOYs by sharing a special story that reflects her classroom visits of each teacher during the current spring and summer months. This will be followed by the four TOY finalists giving their speeches to the filled banquet room (same speeches that were presented today). Finally, the night will come to a dramatic close with the announcement of the two 2017-2018 Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year.

The two winners of the County TOY program will represent Contra Costa County in the California State Teacher of the Year Program this coming fall.

TOY Speech Judges:

  • Phil Arnold, Jr., Team Lead, Government Alliance on Race & Equity, “Outstanding Friend of Education Award Recipient 2004” awarded by Joseph A. Ovick
  • Hon. Steve Austin, Superior Court Judge, CCC Superior Court
  • Michael Casten, Undersheriff, Office of CCC Sheriff David O. Livingston
  • Luke Ellis, Law Partner, GJEL Accident Attorneys
  • Hon. Jill Fannin, Presiding Superior Court Judge, CCC Superior Court
  • Robin Lipetzky, County Public Defender, CCC Public Defender’s Office
  • Eric Maldonado, Community Involvement Officer, Travis Credit Union
  • Hon. Dan O’Malley (ret), Law Partner, O’Connor, Runckel & O’Malley, LLP
  • Marsha Tokuyoshi, Coordinator, CCCOE

·         Erica Williamson, Human Resources/Communications Manager, CCC Schools Insurance Group

Pittsburg police seek suspect in Century Plaza shooting death of Bethel Island man, Wed. afternoon

By 1 Comment

By Captain S. Albanese, Pittsburg Police Department

On Wednesday, July 19th at 3:00 in the afternoon, Pittsburg Police Officers responded to the Baskin Robbins on Century Boulevard, in regards to a reported shooting. When Officers arrived on scene they located a 43-year-old male suffering from several gunshot wounds.  Pittsburg Police Officers immediately began performing CPR on the victim for life saving efforts.  The victim, a resident of Bethel Island, was transported to Sutter Delta Medical Center and succumbed to his injuries. The Investigations Division responded to the scene and took over the investigation.

Based on initial information, it appears the victim and suspect knew each other. Detectives are currently contacting witnesses and obtaining additional statements.

The Pittsburg Police Department asks anyone with additional information to please contact their Tip-Line at 925-252-4040.

Supervisor Glover announces $1.3 million in Keller Canyon grants to the community

By Leave a Comment

Youth activities, health improvement, safety strategies, senior meals and beautification efforts in Bay Point, Pittsburg and Antioch benefited from the Keller Canyon Landfill Mitigation grants.

Over $1.3 million were awarded to community-based organizations and public agencies, including county departments, from the grant program administered by the District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover. The grants were approved unanimously by the Board of Supervisors, Tuesday morning, July 18.

“I’m inspired by the number of good people doing good work to enhance our community,” said Glover. “They sometimes get overlooked by the media, but they continue to work behind the scenes to help our young people, the elderly, the hungry and the sickly.”

The mitigation fund was negotiated by the County in the 1980s to offset the impact of having the landfill in Keller Canyon, just south of Pittsburg and Bay Point off of Bailey Road. The amount of the fund is based on the tonnage of debris, waste and trash brought to the dumpsite.

Some of the programs receiving grants this year include:

•         Antioch Arts & Cultural Foundation;

•         Opportunity Junction job training and placement program;

•         Crossing guards for Bay Point schools;

•         Feeding programs for senior citizens;

•         Code enforcement and beautification efforts;

•         Violence prevention programs; and

•         Tutoring programs for youth

“The programs and services offered by these agencies help improve the quality of life in our community,” said Glover.

For a complete list of the grants, click here.

Rep. McNerney unveils new comprehensive water bill

By Leave a Comment

Rep. McNerney introduces other officials at a press conference on his new water bill in Stockton on Wed., July 17, 2017. Screenshot of YouTube video.

As the debate continues over how best to address California’s water needs, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09), during a press conference in Stockton on Monday, July 17, 2017 announced the introduction of new, comprehensive legislation that would provide a long-term plan to improve water sustainability in California and across the country.

The Water and Energy Sustainability through Technology Act (WEST Act) includes provisions that support innovative technologies and infrastructure for urban and agricultural areas, as well as efforts to improve efficiency.

“Our water infrastructure is declining and in need of repair,” said Congressman McNerney. “Water supply in California, and across the nation, is a serious challenge, but we’ve only been presented with short-sighted and ill-conceived plans that rely on the shipment of water from one area to another. Instead, we should be focusing on creating water sustainability through conservation, recycling, and capture.”

Currently, the United States uses approximately 80 billion gallons of fresh groundwater per day. Under the WEST Act, reimbursements would be authorized for recycling and reuse projects that create new water, and regional self-sufficiency would be improved through the encouragement of storm water capture and increased water storage. It would also require a study on ways to improve leak detection location, mapping, and communications for pipeline systems and provide grants to implement these solutions.

“It’s time to change the narrative and focus on practical, forward-thinking solutions instead of high-cost, short-term fixes,” said Congressman McNerney. “California has long been a leading innovator in energy and technology and we now have the opportunity to apply that type of ingenuity to modernizing our water systems.”

The WEST Act would also establish a U.S. Bureau of Reclamation groundwater information system and groundwater management technical assistance, in addition to a smart energy and water efficiency program to support innovative technology solutions for agricultural use and to improve efficiency at federal buildings.

“This bill is the result of extensive engagement with a diverse group of stakeholders – including farmers, technology innovators, industry and community leaders,” Congressman McNerney stated. “These are tangible, commonsense approaches that we can accomplish in the short-term that will benefit all of us in the long-term.”

To launch the legislation, Congressman McNerney hosted a press conference yesterday, featuring local leaders and advocates who voiced their support for this legislation.

To view the full press conference, click here.

Rep. Jerry McNerney proudly serves the constituents of California’s 9th Congressional District that includes portions of San Joaquin, Contra Costa, and Sacramento Counties. For more information on Rep. McNerney’s work, follow him on Facebook and on Twitter @RepMcNerney

Recruitment for Interim Contra Costa DA closes Friday

By 1 Comment

Candidate Forum set for August 15

Friday, July 21, 2017, is the deadline to submit an application for the vacant position of District Attorney for Contra Costa County.  The June 14 resignation of Mark Peterson from the position of District Attorney created a vacancy that will extend until the current term of office expires on January 7, 2019.  The next election for the District Attorney will take place in June of 2018, with a potential runoff election in November of 2018.

At the August 1, 2017, Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board will review the applications and determine which applicants will continue in the process. The finalists will be invited to participate in a public forum to be held on August 15 at 6:00 p.m., with final candidate interviews by the County Board scheduled for September 12, 2017.

At the forum, a moderated discussion will take place, with questions solicited from the public in advance, as well as during the forum.  If you would like to offer a question, you can submit it online via the District Attorney recruitment section of our website. On that site, you can also offer public comment to be submitted to the Board of Supervisors and entered into the public record.  The forum will be open to the public, televised live and streamed live online.

Completed applications and a supplemental questionnaire must be returned to the County Human Resources Department no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 21.   Materials can be found online at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/contracosta. A background investigation will be conducted on all finalists. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon the successful completion of a thorough background investigation, which will include fingerprinting; county, state, and national criminal records checks; Economic Disclosure Form 700; and civil filings.

 

Car fire on Highway 4 jumps to hillside burning 30 acres in Antioch, Sunday evening

By Leave a Comment

Car on fire on the side of eastbound Highway 4 near the Highway 160 offramp, Sunday, July 16, 2017.

Story and Photos By Allen Payton

A car caught fire on the side of eastbound Highway 4 just west of the Highway 160 onramp and interchange, Sunday, July 16, 2017 at approximately 6:00 p.m. The fire then jumped to the grass on the adjacent hillside and quickly spread up the hill. Fire crews were able to bring the fire under control, but not until it had consumed approximately 30 acres. See more photos and video at www.facebook.com/cocoherald.

The car fire jumped to the hillside.

 

Emergency crews arrived and began fighting the fire.

 

As crews battled the fire, it continued to quickly spread up the hill.