Contra Costa Herald

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

Statues, other items stolen in residential burglary in Martinez recovered, arrest made

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stolen items truckDetectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff have recovered most items that were taken during two burglaries that occurred at a home on Alhambra Valley Road in unincorporated Martinez, last month.

Following the burglaries, the Investigation Division received several anonymous email tips and voice messages on the tip line indicating the location of the stolen property. Detectives went to the location finding numerous bronze statues, whiskey decanters, and other items that were stolen from the residence. Several photos of the recovered items are attached.

Detectives subsequently executed three search warrants at locations in the El Sobrante area finding more stolen items.

statues 2Detectives arrested 49-year-old Charles Somers of San Pablo for possession of stolen property in connection with the burglaries. In addition, Somers, a parolee, is being held on a parole violation. Somers is currently in custody at the county jail without bail.

The investigation into the burglaries is continuing. Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2661.

For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Frazier, Beall introduce bills to fund $7.4 billion transportation plan

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On Thursday, August 25, 2016, Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D – Oakley) and Senator Jim Beall (D – San Jose) introduced companion bills – ABX1 26 and SBX1 1 – in the 1st Extraordinary Session to address California’s transportation funding crisis. As mentioned in a recent article, the plan includes increases to the tax on gas by 17 cents per gallon and on diesel by 30 cents per gallon, as well as a $165 annual fee on electric vehicles.

“Over the past year, I’ve worked with my colleagues, local communities and industry experts to develop an all-inclusive plan that makes necessary improvements to our transportation system. These conversations resulted in ABX1 26,” stated Frazier. “The package that Senator Jim Beall and I put forth provides vital tools to ensure California remains economically competitive. By strengthening our trade corridors and accelerating the movement of goods, this proposal keeps business in California while simultaneously creating jobs through the advancement of crucial road maintenance and enhancement projects.”

 The joint proposal provides an additional $7.4 billion annually across California’s transportation system: highways, local streets, transit, bikes and pedestrians. The plan utilizes a portfolio approach in addressing a multitude of funding needs, ensuring that everyone benefitting from California’s transportation infrastructure contributes to its continual maintenance and improvement. Additionally, important systemic reforms are included to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of funds.

“Assemblymember Jim Frazier and I have met with scores of legislators and stakeholders to craft an equitable solution that calls for everyone who drives to pay their fair share toward repairing California’s crumbling roads, bridges and trade corridors,” said Senator Jim Beall, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. “Our plan includes bipartisan recommendations to increase efficiency and accountability to taxpayers.  By choosing to repair our transportation system now, we will have smoother and safer roads, generate jobs, and also save billions of dollars in future maintenance and construction costs.’’

The breakdown of new annual funding includes $2.9 billion for state highway maintenance, $2.5 billion for the upkeep of local streets and roads, $534 million to help regions restore cuts to the State Transportation Improvement Program, $516 million for transit capital projects and operations, $900 million to enhance goods movement, $80 million for active transportation projects and up to $150 million possible through Caltrans efficiencies for bicycle and pedestrian projects.

“This new proposal demonstrates real progress in the fight to secure needed transportation funding,” stated Bob Alvarado, Executive Officer of the Northern California Carpenters Regional Council. “Many in the labor community are already supportive of these efforts and look forward to helping secure the success of a funding package so we can put people to work.”

Asked if he and Beall had considered reallocating current spending to pay for their plan instead of the tax increases, Frazier responded with the following:

“In most circumstances, transportation funding has always come from a user-pay system. The General Fund is an unsteady and unpredictable source of revenue with regular fluctuations, resulting in constant funding and defunding of state-run programs. Therefore, this is not an ideal candidate for transportation projects, which can take years to plan and complete. Imagine the disappointment of developing a project only to have it cancelled last minute and without warning because state revenues are down and other programs were considered more important.”

“The proposal I laid out in ABX1-26 fixes the current transportation funding structure while still following the guiding principle of a user-pay system. This new plan utilizes a portfolio approach to diversify the collection of funds, ensuring that everyone benefitting from California’s transportation system is contributing to its maintenance and overall improvement. Additionally, the plan fixes the gas tax’s current structure, ending the instability and uncertainty of available revenues. It does this by resetting the revenue source to where it was before being altered in 2010. It then indexes it to keep pace with inflation so we can be confident that its buying power will remain strong into the future.”

The 1st Extraordinary Session was called by the Governor in June of 2015. The bills have until November 30th to be taken up for a vote before the session expires. To see the complete text of the bill, please click here.

Assemblymember Frazier represents the 11th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Antioch, Bethel Island, Birds Landing, Brentwood, Byron, Collinsville, Discovery Bay, Fairfield, Isleton, Knightsen, Locke, Oakley, Pittsburg (partial), Rio Vista, Suisun City, Travis AFB, Vacaville and Walnut Grove.

Two arrested in Antioch, eight in Livermore, Thursday for large marijuana operation, other violations

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Two men are in handcuffs following their arrest in Antioch on Thursday. photo courtesy of Mike Burkholder

Two men are in handcuffs following their arrest in Antioch on Thursday. photo by Mike Burkholder

The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office began a long term investigation regarding an enormous outdoor illegal marijuana cultivation near mile marker 18.6 on Mines Road in rural Livermore. ACSO obtained a search warrant for the 200 acre property, as well as a residence of the primary suspect in Antioch.

On Thursday, August 11, 2016, the search warrant was conducted on Mines Road with the assistance of Hayward, Fremont and East Bay Regional Parks Police. CHP Air ops and our UAV team provided aerial support. The Antioch residence search warrant was done by the Alameda County Narcotics Task. A small, illegal marijuana grow, approximately two pounds of dried and processed marijuana and $10,000 cash were located in Antioch. Two suspects were arrested at that location on Barbano Court.

The Mines Road location consisted of three separate parcels which were spread out on the 200 acres of land. Over 4,600 Marijuana plants were eradicated. Some of these plants were over nine feet tall and six feet wide. 100 lbs of processed marijuana, two firearms, and over $15,000 in cash were recovered. Eight people were detained and ultimately arrested for Cultivation and distribution of illegal marijuana at this location. A marijuana oil extraction lab was also located.

The land, gardens, and dozens of outbuildings were inspected by California Fish and Game, Zone 7 Water District, and Alameda County Code Enforcement. The Game Wardens located over 20 violations of environmental crimes. Some of the major violations were diverting natural water runoff, drilling illegal wells, and crimes of pollution which all severely impacted the environment in a negative way. Fish and Game reported there is likely over a million dollars’ worth of civil penalties for the damage caused by this marijuana grow. Cal Fire additionally evaluated the area and noted several violations regarding fire safety and endangerment to the environment.

The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office will be moving forward with the prosecution of this case.

Frazier proposes gas tax increase to fund new transportation plan

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By Allen Payton

State Assemblyman Jim Frazier (D-Oakley) and State Senator Jim Beall (D-San Jose) presented a $7.4-billion transportation plan late Wednesday, which includes an increase of 17 cents per gallon in the state gas tax, to help pay for it. The plan would also increase the tax on diesel by 30 cents per gallon and introduce a $165 annual fee on electric cars.

The Frazier-Beall plan also includes streamlining the environmental process for repairing existing transportation infrastructure and a new Office of Transportation inspector general to oversee spending.

The pair’s proposal is in response to a report about the condition of California’s roads, highways and bridges, also released on Wednesday. See the entire report, here – TRIP_Report_August_2016

Frazier issued the following statement about the report, on Thursday:

Yesterday, The Road Information Program (TRIP) released a report detailing the current status of California’s transportation system, confirming Assemblymember Frazier’s (D – Oakley) claims that road conditions will continue to worsen without passing a transportation funding plan.

“The information released in yesterday’s report further demonstrates the desperate need to repair California’s transportation system,” stated Frazier. “This cannot be accomplished without fixing the current, outdated funding structure.”

The report details the existing condition of California’s transportation infrastructure and examines future mobility needs with an increase in population and goods movement. Included in the study is the vital role our roads, highways and bridges have on economic growth and overall quality of life. The report uncovered that deteriorating roads cost Californians $56.6 billion annually in the form of additional vehicle operating costs, congestion-related delays and traffic crashes.

“I’ve spent the past year calling for a comprehensive funding fix. If we fail to act on this now, the condition of our roads will continue on this downward trajectory,” stated Frazier. “Our residents deserve a transportation system that works for all Californians. It’s time that the Legislature comes together to pass a thoughtful, sustainable plan. To that end, I’ve worked with Senator Beall to put forth a plan that will address these concerns.”

The report concluded that addressing these significant transportation issues is essential for California to remain competitive and accommodate the demands of a modern society.

Assemblymember Frazier represents the 11th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Antioch, Bethel Island, Birds Landing, Brentwood, Byron, Collinsville, Discovery Bay, Fairfield, Isleton, Knightsen, Locke, Oakley, Pittsburg (partial), Rio Vista, Suisun City, Travis AFB, Vacaville and Walnut Grove.

 

Contra Costa school board member Belle denied diversion program, continues to fight DA prosecution for ballot statement lie

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By Allen Payton

Jeff Belle, source Contra Costa County Board of Education

Jeff Belle, source Contra Costa County Board of Education

County School Board Member Jeff Belle, who has been charged and is being prosecuted for lying on his ballot statement during his 2014 campaign, was denied a request for participation in a diversion program in July.

In his 2014 campaign ballot statement, Belle claimed to have a college degree, but he didn’t at the time.

In July, he filed a motion to compel diversion. Belled wanted to enter a new Contra Costa District Attorney program designed to divert people from the criminal justice system. However, the DA’s office filed a response and turned him down.

Belle then requested the court to demand that the DA comply with his request, but it was also declined.

A pre-trial conference to discuss a resolution of the case was scheduled, but Belle’s attorney was unable to attend. So, it was postponed eight weeks at Belle’s request, until sometime in late September or early October.

He continues to fight the charge over which he has plead not guilty and faces trial. The maximum penalty Belle faces is a $1,000 fine and no jail time. It’s a fine only misdemeanor.

Attempts to reach Belle for this article were unsuccessful.

For more information about this case, please see the articles here and here.

U.S. News & World Report ranks John Muir Health’s medical centers among best in nation, region, state and Bay Area

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John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek Ranks in Top 50 nationally for Gynecology, its tenth consecutive year with a nationally ranked service. John Muir Health’s Concord and Walnut Creek medical centers ranked in Top 4 overall in San Francisco/Oakland area and Top 15 in the state

john-muir-healthJohn Muir Health’s Concord and Walnut Creek medical centers were 2 of just 504 hospitals or about 10% nationally that earned the designation of Best Regional Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report in its annual list of America’s Best Hospitals.

To earn this distinction, each medical center had to earn at least one national ranking in a specialty or at least four ratings of “high performing” across 16 specialties and nine procedures and conditions. Combined, the two medical centers had seven specialties nationally ranked or rated as high performing and eight procedures and conditions rated as high performing. This places both medical centers among the top ranked on the West Coast.

For the tenth consecutive year, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek had a service nationally ranked. The Walnut Creek medical center has been nationally ranked in Gynecology for the past five years. It was one of just 153 medical centers – less than 3 percent of the nearly 5,000 analyzed – to be nationally ranked in even one of 16 specialties surveyed for the report.

John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek was also ranked as high-performing in Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Geriatrics, Orthopedics, Pulmonology, Urology and Diabetes & Endocrinology. In addition, the medical center was rated as high performing in several adult procedures and conditions, including Heart Failure, Colon Cancer Surgery, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Hip Replacement, Knee Replacement and Lung Cancer Surgery.

John Muir Medical Center, Concord was ranked as high-performing in four specialties, including Diabetes & Endocrinology, Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Geriatrics and Orthopedics. In addition, the medical center was rated as high performing in several adult procedures and conditions, including Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair, Heart Bypass Surgery, Heart Failure, Colon Cancer Surgery, COPD, Hip Replacement, Knee Replacement and Lung Cancer Surgery.

Along with its national rankings, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals published state and metropolitan hospital rankings.  John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek is listed at #2 out of 44 hospitals in the San Francisco-Oakland area and #11 out of 415 acute care hospitals in California. John Muir Medical Center, Concord is listed at #4 locally and #15 in the state.

“We’re proud to be ranked among the region, state and nation’s best by U.S. News again this year,” said Jane Willemsen, president and chief administrative officer of John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek.  “Our highly-skilled team of doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers is the reason for this recognition. They are dedicated to delivering on our mission to improve the health of the communities we serve with quality and compassion.”

“Every day, we focus on the needs of our patients and that is reflected in the exceptional care and experience we provide,” said Mike Thomas, president and chief administrative officer at John Muir Medical Center, Concord. “We have a range of services not usually associated with community hospitals that allows patients to stay close to home for their care, which is a tremendous benefit in the healing process.”

“Our rankings should give patients confidence that exceptional care is available to them throughout John Muir Health,” said Irving Pike, M.D., chief medical officer at John Muir Health. “We are here to serve the community and our goal is to treat every patient like a member of our own family.”

Between the two medical centers in Concord and Walnut Creek, John Muir Health has 799 licensed beds. John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek also serves as the designated trauma center for Contra Costa County. In addition, the health system offers a network of more than 1,000 primary care and specialty physicians to care for patients.

The complete rankings and methodology are available at http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals and will appear in print in the U.S. News Best Hospitals 2016 guidebook, available in bookstores and on newsstands in September.

To learn more about John Muir Health’s award-winning programs and services, visit: www.johnmuirhealth.com.

About John Muir Health

John Muir Health is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit health care organization east of San Francisco serving patients in Contra Costa, eastern Alameda and southern Solano Counties. It includes a network of more than 1,000 primary care and specialty physicians, more than 6,000 employees, medical centers in Concord and Walnut Creek, including Contra Costa County’s only trauma center, and a Behavioral Health Center. John Muir Health also has partnerships with UCSF Health, Tenet Healthcare/San Ramon Regional Medical Center and Stanford Children’s Health. The health system offers a full-range of medical services, including primary care, outpatient and imaging services, and is widely recognized as a leader in many specialties – neurosciences, orthopedic, cancer, cardiovascular, trauma, emergency, pediatrics and high-risk obstetrics care.

Follow JMH

John Muir Health.com | Facebook.com/JMH | Twitter.com/JMH | YouTube.com/JMH

Contra Costa DA files charges against man who stole from 90-year-old woman, two other victims

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Arrested at Walnut Creek church, investigations into other possible victims

Ward Steven Caldwell

Ward Steven Caldwell

The Contra Costa District Attorney has filed three felony counts of grand theft by fraud and one felony count of Elder Financial Abuse against Ward Steven Caldwell, also known as Bruce Harmon, also known as Bruce Goodrich, age 55. Caldwell is also charged with penalty enhancements for losses exceeding $150,000 and an aggravated white collar enhancement for committing financial crimes on two or more people with total losses over $100,000. Additional charges are pending after several more victims were discovered.

In September 2015, Caldwell befriended the first victim, a widowed hairdresser, by portraying himself as a successful investor and promising to double her money. Caldwell told her that he had a business partner named Junior in Las Vegas who invested in strip joints, casinos and TV commercials. Over a three-month period in 2016, the victim gave Caldwell a total of $139,500.

The second victim met Caldwell at a car wash in Walnut Creek. Caldwell struck up a conversation about the car she was driving and offered to help her sell her first car. Caldwell convinced her to invest $30,000 in a business deal where investors would buy a Bugatti Chiron and sell it for a large profit.

The third victim is a 90-year-old woman from Lafayette. She met Caldwell at the Grace Presbyterian Church in Walnut Creek. The victim thought Caldwell was an honest person because she read in the church newsletter that Caldwell had donated $150,000 to the church. In reality, Caldwell had given the pastor two checks totaling $150,000 and told him to hold the checks until Caldwell told him that he had received some settlement money that would make the checks good. The elderly victim gave Caldwell a total of $171,200.

DA Investigators and accountants found that Caldwell had used the investment money for personal expenses and none of it went to any investments. They also found two potential victims in Contra Costa, Alameda County and one victim in Butte County.  Those cases are under investigation.

Defendant was arrested last Sunday at the Grace Presbyterian Church and is being held in custody on a $505,000 bail. The District Attorney’s office believes there may be other victims at the church and defendant may have befriended other elders living at assisted living facilities.

If you know of other victims, or assisted-living facilities that Caldwell may have visited, please contact DA Inspector Al Cofer at 925-957-2200.

Debora Allen announces strong bi-partisan support in campaign for BART Director

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Debora Allen

Debora Allen

Challenging three-term incumbent Gail Murray

County pension board trustee Debora Allen announced, Wednesday morning, that she is running for District 1 BART Director, in the 2016 general election. The chief financial officer of East County Glass is challenging incumbent Gail Murray who is seeking her fourth term on the BART board. District 1 includes the Concord, Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre, Walnut Creek and Lafayette BART stations, and the cities of Martinez, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Concord, Danville, San Ramon and Clayton, as well as Alamo and Blackhawk.

“Over the last decade, the BART experience has deteriorated with increased crime, system delays, labor strikes, equipment malfunctions, fake security cameras, high fares, budget shortfalls and overall public dissatisfaction,” Allen said. “BART is so antiquated, their control system is from 1972 and they buy replacement parts on eBay.”

Allen’s campaign platform is focused on five primary objectives:

  • DEMAND accountability from management for the financial stability, affordability, and cost effectiveness of BART.
  • REBUILD the old infrastructure to provide a renewed, sustainable, and durable transportation system for future generations.
  • REPLACE obsolete, broken equipment with clean, innovative, modern replacements, and maintain them.
  • INTEGRATE the current system with our numerous other Bay Area transit systems to create greater accessibility and efficiency in our lives.
  • PROVIDE a better BART experience to the customer, the rider, and the workers.

In an email, last week, Allen stated “BART needs strong leadership that is willing to stand up for change and hold management accountable for its revitalization.”

Numerous, prominent East Bay leaders have joined in supporting Allen’s campaign, including California State Senator Steve Glazer, a Democrat who has been an outspoken critic of strikes by BART employees, as well as BART operations and finances.

“Debora Allen will bring an important voice and fiscally responsible vote into the BART boardroom.  She’s smart, she’s tough, and she’s a problem solver,” Glazer said. “She will stand up to special interests and management incompetence and fight to improve BART while protecting the interest of taxpayers.”

“Debora Allen brings a refreshing new energy and approach to getting BART’s fiscal house in order,” said Assemblywoman Catharine Baker, a Republican. “She will be a champion for the transit rider and taxpayer.”

President of the Association of Bay Area Governments (known as ABAG) and Vice Mayor of Clayton Julie Pierce also endorsed Allen, stating “Our BART system is incredibly important to the residents of Contra Costa County. I am confident that Debora Allen will be strong leadership on the Board of Directors and a loud voice for transparency and financial accountability to the stakeholders as we rebuild BART into a world class transportation system of which we can all be proud.”

Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen also offered her support.

“Debora Allen brings the business experience and financial acumen we need to lead BART in the right direction,” she stated.

Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark Peterson also endorsed Allen, stating “I trust Debora Allen to protect the taxpayers’ investment in BART, for the riders, the workers, and for the future of Bay Area living.”

Former California State Assemblywoman (1996-2002) Lynne Leach added her support.

“Debora Allen is a talented, trusted and experienced businesswoman,” Leach said. “Her background of working to stem the ever increasing growth of public pension costs prepares her well to serve on the BART Board.”

Also endorsing Allen are Mayor of Pittsburg Ben Johnson, Mayor of Clayton Howard Geller, Pittsburg City Council Member Sal Evola, Contra Costa Community College District Board President Vicki Gordon, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District Board Member and Past President Contra Costa Taxpayers Association Michael McGill, attorney and Contra Costa County Employees Retirement System Board Trustee Scott Gordon, Alamo Municipal Advisory Council Member Steve Mick, Former Mayor of Clayton Pete Laurence, former Walnut Creek School Board Member Dan Walden, and retired BART employee Robert Leach.

“I am an independent, thoughtful, outsider, willing to take on the challenges of the troubled BART system,” Allen said. “I have spent over 25 years in a career in various financial management and board level positions. I now want to use that experience and knowledge to help the BART stakeholders, the riders, the taxpayers, and the BART employees.”

This is Allen’s second run for public office. She ran for State Assembly in the 14th District in the June primary, but did not make the run-off, placing a close third in the race behind the top-two candidates. She has a college degree from Sac State in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting, is married to Tim Allen and they have two adult sons. They live just outside of Clayton, next to Mt. Diablo State Park.

For more information visit www.deboraallen.com or www.facebook.com/deboraallenforbart, or email her at debora@fixourbart.com.

The election will be on Tuesday, November 8.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa Sheriff warns of scam – suspect impersonating police officer

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The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff would like to call your attention to a scam. Although it is not anything new, it pops up every now and then and usually targets the elderly. Fortunately, the victim in the most recent case last week did not suffer any loss.

The suspect impersonates a Deputy Sheriff and tells people that they have missed jury duty and there is a warrant for their arrest.

The suspect goes on to say the warrant could be cleared by making a “green dot” payment at various local drug stores. There were two phone numbers associated with this scam and they have set up an automated voice message claiming to be the Sheriff’s Office. In another variation of this scam, the suspect tells people they have unpaid parking tickets that can be cleared by purchasing prepaid debit cards at stores.

These are scams. The Office of the Sheriff does not have people pay fines or fees by through reloadable prepaid cards. Furthermore, the public is never contacted in this way.

Anyone receiving such a call should refuse to provide any personal information to the caller or simply hang up. Please contact your local law enforcement agency and notify them of the incident.

Thank you for sharing this post with others.

Governor signs Frazier bill regarding highway operational efficiencies

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In July, Governor Brown signed a bill by Assembly Member Jim Frazier (D – Oakley) to remedy an inconsistency within the State Highway Operation and Protection (SHOPP) by stating that projects relating to operational improvements on state highways are eligible for inclusion in the program.

“I commend the Governor for signing AB 2289 into law,” said Frazier. “This bill adds another layer of transparency to ensure that these funds are used in the appropriate manner. As we increasingly look to traffic operation improvements to provide greater efficiencies in the operation of the state highway system, AB 2289 makes it abundantly clear that these operational improvements are to be included in the SHOPP.”

For nearly 20 years, investments in state highways, bridges, and projects to improve traffic operations facilities have always been included in the SHOPP. Oddly, current law governing the preparation of the SHOPP does not explicitly include operational improvement projects in the list of projects to be included in the SHOPP. AB 2289 puts the ‘O’ in the SHOPP.

“The Commission appreciates Assembly Member Frazier’s leadership to ensure that operational capital improvements are included as an eligible component for asset management planning and capital expenditure through the SHOPP,” stated Susan Bransen, Executive Director of the California Transportation Commission.

AB 2289 had the support of the California Transportation Commission, Automobile Club of Southern California, San Diego Association of Governments, Associated General Contractors, Transportation Agency for Monterey County, and San Francisco County Transportation Commission. This bill passed through the legislature with widespread bipartisan support and will become effective on January 1, 2016.

Assemblymember Frazier represents the 11th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Antioch, Bethel Island, Birds Landing, Brentwood, Byron, Collinsville, Discovery Bay, Fairfield, Isleton, Knightsen, Locke, Oakley, Pittsburg (partial), Rio Vista, Suisun City, Travis AFB, Vacaville and Walnut Grove.