Contra Costa Herald

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

Brentwood Planning Commissioner, former Chamber president Gerald Johnson runs for mayor

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Source: Johnson Mayor campaign

On campaign of THRIVE: Togetherness, Housing, Recreation, Inclusion, Volunteerism and the Economy

Will use business background to attract employers and high-paying jobs to city; will work to add 5th police beat, eliminate homelessness

By Allen D. Payton

Gerald Johnson, current City of Brentwood Planning Commissioner, former two-time president of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, local business owner and 22-year resident of Brentwood is running for Mayor of Brentwood. With a vision for a thriving community rooted in unity, sustainable growth and economic vitality, Johnson says he is prepared to bring fresh leadership to the city he calls home.

“As a Planning Commissioner, I’ve been privileged to help shape Brentwood’s future by ensuring our city grows responsibly while preserving its unique character,” said Johnson. “My experience as President of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce has deepened my commitment to strengthening our local economy and supporting the businesses that are the backbone of our community.”

Johnson serves on the Brentwood Planning Commission. Photo: Johnson for Mayor campaign

Johnson’s campaign is centered on the principles of THRIVE: Togetherness, Housing, Recreation, Inclusion, Volunteerism and the Economy. His platform focuses on developing attainable housing for young families and professionals, enhancing cultural and recreational opportunities, promoting inclusivity, encouraging volunteerism, driving economic growth through strategic public-private partnerships, and expanding Brentwood’s agritourism sector so he can balance the budget.

He will also work to increase public safety by adding and staffing the long-planned fifth beat to the police department and push for policies to eliminate homelessness in the city. Johnson also aims to leverage the talents and knowledge of Brentwood’s senior community to enrich local initiatives and programs that benefit them.

Johnson recognizes housing growth is inevitable since it’s required by state law under the Regional Housing Needs Analysis mandates, but said he and the council need to work with developers to get the most and best amenities for the city as possible and offset any impacts to the community.

Endorsements

Johnson’s campaign is already gaining momentum with endorsements from several prominent individuals and organizations, including Brentwood Councilman Tony Oerlemans, former Brentwood Mayor Brian Swisher; former Brentwood Vice Mayor Johnny Rodriguez, Contra Costa, County Board of Education Area 3 Trustee Anamarie Avila Farias, the Contra Costa United Professional Firefighters, Contra Costa Labor Council, AFL-CIO and the Contra Costa Building & Construction Trades.

“I am running for Mayor because I believe Brentwood’s best days are ahead of us. I aim to create a community where everyone can thrive – where we unite to solve our challenges, support our local businesses, and ensure that Brentwood remains a wonderful place to live and work,” Johnson added.

Business Background

The Principal of Sabacon Consulting, a management consulting firm, since 2006, Johnson has an extensive business background working for and with Fortune 500 companies. According to his LinkedIn profile, they include Northern California Regional Manager for ConocoPhillips and Area Manager for Mobil Oil over 15 years. He also has served as President of the Northern ​California Chapter of the Institute of Management Consultants USA and since January Johnson is serving as Chair of the Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee which is the leadership group of the Certified Minority Business Enterprises Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council, an affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council.

He says he will use his business experience and contacts to attract employers to Brentwood with high-paying jobs for the residents, so they can get out of the commute and spend more time with their families.

Education

The first-time candidate for public office has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science ​from Brooklyn College and ​pursued a Minority Executive Program Certificate from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, as well as ​becoming a Certified Management Consultant.

Gerald & Audrey Johnson and family. Source: Johnson for Mayor campaign.

Personal

He is married to Audrey and they have two sons who attended Brentwood schools. It was that experience driving them to school that helped shape Johnson’s thinking about the need for better traffic flow in the community, especially around Heritage High and Adams Middle School.

Johnson’s candidacy combines a fresh perspective with seasoned experience. He is committed to listening to the community’s needs and working collaboratively to build a stronger, more vibrant Brentwood.

He faces one opponent, current Vice Mayor and District 3 Councilwoman Susannah Meyer in the November election.

For more information about Johnson’s campaign, call (925) 515-7900, email info@GeraldCJohnson.com or visit www.GeraldCJohnson.com.

DeSaulnier announces over $166 million to modernize the region’s transportation systems along I-680 Corridor

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Funding for Contra Costa Transportation Authority through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Will benefit two projects on I-680

By Mairead Glowacki, Communications Director at U.S. House of Representatives, Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

Washington, D.C. – Today, Monday, September 23, 2024, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced that the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) will receive over $166 million in funding he advocated for to the Department of Transportation (DOT) that will help to improve safety, reduce congestion, and reduce air pollution along the I-680 corridor through Contra Costa County. This funding was made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and longtime champion for policies that would reduce commute times, cut harmful pollution, and improve our quality of life, I was proud to advocate for this funding and am delighted it has been granted and will begin making a difference in the lives of Bay Area and California residents,” said DeSaulnier. “I am thankful to CCTA and DOT for their partnership in working to improve transportation across our region.”

“The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for his support in securing this monumental award. This federal grant speaks to the Congressman’s long-standing leadership in transportation and vision for our community,” said Tim Haile, Executive Director, CCTA. “Interstate 680 (I-680) is critical to the region’s economy and prosperity. It provides for the movement of goods, services, and people throughout northern California and beyond. Thousands rely on this corridor and increased congestion has led to unacceptable delays. The Contra Costa Transportation Authority is excited to advance the I-680 corridor through focused modernizations that will maximize efficiency and promote shared transportation. We are grateful for Congressman DeSaulnier’s dedication to improving quality of life and embracing innovation at both the local and national levels.”

Will Benefit Two Projects on I-680

This funding will go to two projects in Contra Costa County, which are part of the INNOVATE 680 Program, to complete the northbound I-680 express lane gap from SR-24 to SR-242 and convert the existing northbound High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane from SR-242 to north of Arthur Road into an express lane, construct a braided ramp system between North Main Street and Treat Boulevard interchanges in Walnut Creek to address an existing bottleneck caused by weaving at this location, and implement Coordinated Adaptive Ramp Metering for a 19-mile segment of NB I-680.

More information about this funding can be found in the letters Congressman DeSaulnier sent to DOT in support of this grant.

Congressman DeSaulnier has been a longtime champion of improving transportation in the Bay Area and along the I-680 corridor, including by consistently supporting CCTA in its work to advance projects that innovate our transportation systems, ease congestion, and make our roadways safer.

 

Kaiser Nor-Cal’s health plans recognized for expert, coordinated care and exceptional service

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Source: Kaiser Permanente

NCQA rates Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s Medicare and commercial health plans highest in California, among highest in nation

By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

OAKLAND, Calif.– Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s health plans are once again recognized as the highest rated in California – and among the highest in the nation – for providing expert, coordinated care, and exceptional service.

Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare and commercial health plans in Northern California each received 4.5 out of 5 stars, according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) 2024 Health Plan Ratings. This is the ninth ratings period that Kaiser Permanente Northern California has been the highest-rated plan in the region and among the highest in the country. Nationally, only 8% of the health plans are rated 4.5 stars or higher.

NCQA also ranks Kaiser Permanente Northern California health plans as best in the state for overall treatment, prevention, equity, and patient experience.

“Kaiser Permanente Northern California is a national leader when it comes to putting patient care first, and ensuring we are exceeding our members’ needs with a focus on providing high-quality, safe, and equitable care,” said Carrie Owen Plietz, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “This NCQA recognition reiterates our commitment to delivering world-class service to those who entrust us with their care.”

Source: NCQA

For 2024, NCQA analyzed more than 1,000 plans – commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid – for quality and service nationwide. All of Kaiser Permanente’s commercial and Medicare plans received the highest rating, or were tied for the highest rating, in all of the geographic regions we serve. Kaiser Permanente had more 5-star or 4.5-star plans than any other health care organization for the ninth ratings cycle in a row.

“This exceptional rating from NCQA is yet another testament to the expert and coordinated care provided by our clinical teams in Northern California,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “Our highly skilled physicians and dedicated care teams continue to deliver innovative and equitable care that translates to healthier lives for our 4.6 million patients.”

Source: NCQA

NCQA is a national, private not-for-profit organization that surveys health plans for performance in a wide range of clinical service measures including consumer experience, prevention, equity and treatment.

NCQA primarily used the 2023 Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set, or HEDIS®, to establish its ratings. HEDIS is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care.

The 2024 ratings and methodology are posted on the NCQA’s website at https://www.ncqa.org/.

EarthGrid announces $18B funding to deploy U.S. underground utility projects

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EarthGrid’s 2-Torch Plasma-Boring System Operating on Limestone. Source: EarthGrid

Groundbreaking joint venture with Kuwait-based EnerTech will use Point Richmond company’s plasma boring technology

Enables critical infrastructure improvements, increased grid capacity and resiliency to meet rising clean power demands

POINT RICHMOND, Calif./PRNewswire/ — EarthGrid, a Bay-area plasma tunnel-boring technology and infrastructure development company, announced Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, that it has signed a joint venture agreement with EnerTech, a Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) entity, to deploy infrastructure projects in four phases across the United States, Europe and the Middle East.

https://earthgrid.io/

The first two phases consist of, in estimate, $18 billion in U.S. infrastructure improvement projects. Utilizing EarthGrid’s patented plasma-powered machines, this joint venture will develop a network of underground tunnels designed to upgrade the current power grid and fiber networks with reliability, efficiency, and resiliency while accelerating the clean power transition.

To meet the U.S. goal of reaching net-zero economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, more than a million miles of new transmission will be required over the span of three decades. Compounding this challenge is that more than 70% of current transmission lines are over 25 years old, aged over half their 50-year expected lifetime. Through this joint venture, EarthGrid will enable more than 100 gigawatts of new renewable energy to be added to the U.S. grid while also solving grid congestion in strategic locations.

“On average, it takes 10 to 20 years to develop, permit, and build new overhead transmission lines, making it evident that an alternative approach is critical to meet the needs of U.S. environmental goals,” said Troy Helming, EarthGrid founder and CEO. “Through our joint venture with EnerTech, a cleantech and infrastructure developer, we are proud to support the much-needed evolution of the U.S. power grid, enabling clean energy and improving core infrastructure development.”

While overhead transmission lines are time-consuming to complete, traditional undergrounding is also slow, more costly than overhead lines, and performs poorly against hard rock, which can, in turn, result in abandoned or very delayed projects. EarthGrid’s plasma-boring technology and proprietary approach significantly reduces the time and costs of undergrounding methods without harmful chemicals, primarily powered by clean energy.

EarthGrid’s cleantech undergrounding approach aligns with EnerTech’s goals to deploy breakthrough technology globally, with projects initiated first in the U.S., and subsequently, in Europe and the Middle East, to accelerate the deployment of clean energy options worldwide. “We are thrilled to announce this partnership with EarthGrid to deploy what we believe is the fastest and most cost-efficient tunnel boring technology by far to improve core infrastructure,” said Abdullah Al Mutairi, EnerTech CEO.

As a registered telecommunications utility in 46 states (CPCN), EarthGrid offers its customers and partners preferred access to rights of way alongside public roadways to expedite underground fiber projects. EarthGrid intends to secure permits, as needed, to add additional infrastructure to its tunnels and trenches, including power, water, and robotic freight tubes.

Ultimately, this joint venture’s project pipeline will be deployed in collaboration with an ecosystem of key capital, strategic and government stakeholders globally, including utilities, data centers, and clean energy companies.

EarthGrid was represented by a U.S law firm, Glaser Weil, with Jeff Joyner, senior partner of the firm, playing a key role in executing the deal through his extensive experience in sustainable solutions.

About EarthGrid

EarthGrid, founded in 2016, is a plasma boring technology and infrastructure company specializing in proprietary, groundbreaking plasma tunnel-boring technology that can revolutionize the grid infrastructure in the U.S. Its goal is to create a network of underground tunnels to transmit clean energy and high-speed broadband across the U.S. In addition to expanding electricity capacity, EarthGrid aims to enhance the safety, security, and reliability of grid infrastructure, housing critical infrastructure underground to avoid the crippling effects of natural disasters. Follow EarthGrid on LinkedIn and YouTube.

About EnerTech

Established in 2012, EnerTech’s mission is to initiate its own development projects and participate in projects within the energy, clean technology, recycling, water, waste management, and renewable energy sectors. EnerTech is a Kuwait-based state-owned entity with full ultimate ownership by Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), currently one of the world’s oldest and largest sovereign wealth funds.

Media Contact: jocelyn@warnerpr.com

UPDATE: Police arrest 18-year-old female suspect in Thursday night shooting of man in Brentwood

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Felony charges to include assault with a deadly weapon, attempted murder; held on $820,000 bail

By Lt. Christopher Peart, Brentwood Police Department

Brentwood, CA – On September 19, 2024 at approximately 8:44 p.m., Brentwood officers responded to the area of Sand Creek Road near Stony Creek Drive for a reported shooting. When officers arrived, they located an adult male victim who had been shot one time in the abdomen. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment and is expected to survive.

After speaking to the victim and witnesses in the area, a suspect was identified, and multiple people were detained as part of the investigation. This was an isolated incident with no apparent threat to public safety and the motive for the shooting is still under investigation.

3:46 PM 9/20/24 UPDATE: Further investigation revealed the shooting occurred on Sand Creek Road east of Stoney Creek Drive. Following the shooting, individuals fled to a home in the 100 block of Brush Creek Drive. There, Officers detained six people related to the incident, recovered a firearm and arrested the shooter, identified as 18-year-old female Ty’Jae Dukes (born 3/15/2006) from Brentwood. Dukes was booked into the Contra Costa County Jail on a number of felony charges to include Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Attempted Murder.

The shooting victim remains hospitalized and is expected to recover.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, nine-inch tall, 120-pound Dukes is being held on $820,000 bail.

This remains an ongoing investigation, and no additional information is being released at this time. Anyone with information or witnesses that have yet to be interviewed by Law Enforcement are encouraged to contact Detective Goold at (925) 809-7911. Callers may remain anonymous.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pandemic recovery in schools will be a ‘long slog,’ says sobering national report

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Freshmen attend Algebra 1 at Oakland Technical High School in Oakland, Calif., Monday, May 1, 2017. Student mental health was declining even before the pandemic, research has shown. Photo by Alison Yin for EdSource

Young, disabled, English learners and homeless students are coming back too slowly from effects, report states

By Emma Gallegos, EdSource.org, republished with permission

Nearly five years after Covid-19 began, a national report released Tuesday,  Sept. 17, 2024, shows that recovery from the pandemic for students will be a “long slog.”

“The State of the American Student,” a report by the Center for Reinventing Public Education (CRPE) states that the findings are “sobering, daunting, and discouraging,” and that the slow pace of recovery from the pandemic has left an indelible mark on education, with long-term implications for students’ income, racial inequity and social mobility in the United States.

“If policymakers and educators do not get serious about ensuring these students have access to proven interventions, then we will continue to see the educational impact of the pandemic reverberate for many years, both in our schools and in our economy,” the report stated.

For the last three years, CRPE — a research organization out of the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University — has released annual reports examining the academic, social, emotional and mental health effects of the pandemic on students. CRPE Executive Director Robin Lake said the reports were an attempt to ensure that schools wouldn’t go back to business as usual before students were “made whole.”

Fears that the pandemic would widen pre-existing opportunity gaps have come to fruition, according to the report’s summary of a wide span of research. The report focuses extra attention on certain groups: young children, disabled students, English learners and homeless students, and students who still lag far behind from where they would have been if not for the pandemic. Lake added these groups were largely not well served by schools before the pandemic began.

The report takes a sweeping look at the issues that have been harming students’ recovery since 2020, including chronic absenteeism, staffing shortages, poor teacher morale and student disengagement. These are all signs pointing to a pandemic recovery effort that will require a “long haul.”

Struggling students need more attention

Currently, schools are facing “gale-force” headwinds trying to address these challenges, the report states. Pandemic-era funding is drying up, declining school enrollment is stretching district finances, and many educators are facing burnout. But the worst part is that the problem is underappreciated, Lake said.

“Perhaps the most concerning thing to us is how little discussion there is about these problems,” Lake said.

Politicians are not talking about pandemic recovery, especially when it comes to the groups that have been struggling the most, she said. For instance, CRPE pointed out how some states, including California, do a poor job communicating data about how students have fared since the pandemic.

Additionally, parents do not seem to know just how far behind their children are — thanks in part to grade inflation and some schools’ poor communication, Lake said.

USC’s Center for Economic and Social Research conducted interviews with the parents of disabled students.

One parent did not learn from the school that their child was failing two courses, making him ineligible to graduate from high school: “I didn’t know until we were in the process of graduation,” the parent told interviewers.

The number of students who are served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act has skyrocketed in recent years. It dipped during the peak of the pandemic when school campuses were closed, but surged again as students returned to the classrooms. It’s not clear why, but different theories have emerged.

While it states that kindergartners who have not attended preschool are more likely to have academic and social struggles, including a rising number of behavioral issues and speech delays, the report notes that students who start school behind their peers may be being over-identified as having a disability or that the high numbers could be because students who might have simply been treading water in a previous era are now being correctly identified as having a disability.

The problems faced by disabled students exemplify many of the biggest struggles of pandemic recovery efforts in schools. Disabled students’ academic performance has long lagged behind other students, but that gap has widened in the wake of the pandemic. The teacher shortage is particularly acute among special education teachers, now that they are needed most. Meanwhile, some effective efforts, such as tutoring, are not reaching disabled students. Low expectations for students with disabilities is a crisis that has failed to garner proper attention and resources, Lake said.

One parent interviewed for the report said that getting help for their disabled students required constant fighting. “Multiple times, they promised in-person, in-school tutoring — which they just were understaffed and were never able to find anyone,” the parent said.

Another parent said that without speech therapy, their son with epilepsy fell behind in school during the pandemic.

“He fell further behind because my husband and I tried our best, but we can only do so much if you’re not a teacher, which is very frustrating,” the parent said in an interview.

Recovery solutions are straightforward

The strategies that helped schools recover have “not been rocket science,” Lake said.

Many schools have been successful with programs such as tutoring, high-quality curricula, extending learning time and improving communication with parents. Some schools are making these strategies a permanent part of the school experience, which is good news: Tutoring and small-group instruction are some of the most powerful tools schools have at their disposal, the report states.

But scaling can be tricky, and many of the students who need help the most are not getting it, CRPE notes. Fewer than half of students who most needed that help enrolled in summer school, according to a Rand study, and just 1% of eligible students in Louisiana enrolled in a tutoring program for struggling readers.

The report recommends focusing on the specific needs of struggling students, such as students with a disability or English learners, rather than so-called average students. Addressing the issues that these students are struggling with will pay dividends for the broader student population, Lake said.

Some schools are demonstrating that recovery is possible, even if it’s not the dominant story right now. Students and educators alike are struggling, but there is a renewed understanding of the crucial role that school plays in a community. That has led to some schools rebuilding and strengthening that institution.

“During the pandemic, you remember, there was so much talk about more joyful education, more engaging, more flexible,” Lake said. “We think that that has actually taken hold.”

Emma Gallegos covers equity issues in education and is based in California’s Central Valley.

Contra Costa Transportation Authority, May Mobility launch autonomous vehicle service in Martinez

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(L-R) Brianne Zorn, Mayor of Martinez; Newell Arnerich, Chair, Contra Costa Transportation Authority; Tim Haile, Executive Director, Contra Costa Transportation Authority; Michelle Grey, President, Transit Union Local 1605; Manik Dhar, Chief Commercial Officer, May Mobility and Dr. Sergio Urcuyo, Contra Costa Regional Medical Center with one of May Mobility’s PRESTO autonomous shuttles at the launch of the service in Martinez on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. Photo: CCTA

The free service aims to improve access to healthcare and eliminate transportation barriers for community residents

MARTINEZ, Calif. – Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and May Mobility, an autonomous driving (AD) technology company, on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, launched PRESTO, a shared autonomous vehicle (AV) service for the general public in Martinez, California and Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (County Hospital) patients. A goal of the service is to improve access to healthcare in the area by providing another reliable and convenient mode of transportation.

The free service will run Monday through Friday, first offering County Hospital patients rides from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and then opening to the general public from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Patients can book rides to or from the County Hospital and to a preferred pharmacy from a set list of locations by calling (925) 995-3797 or by arranging travel with a hospital representative.

From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the service will be open to all residents in the area. Those interested can book rides to a list of designated stops within the service zone by using the May Mobility app, powered by transit tech leader Via, or by calling (925) 995-3797. In addition to stops at the County Hospital healthcare facilities and local pharmacies, the service zone includes stops that help connect Martinez residents to their community, including residential areas, shopping districts and downtown Martinez.

“CCTA is once again making history here in Northern California by offering a free, autonomous vehicle transportation service to City of Martinez residents,” said CCTA Chair Newell Arnerich. “We established the County Hospital element to aid patients who may need rides in the afternoon to resources in the community. As an added benefit to residents, during the evening hours, the service will carry passengers to an array of destinations in the City of Martinez.”

A second PRESTO autonomous shuttle presented during the launch in Martinez. Photo: CCTA

May Mobility equipped a fleet of seven Toyota Sienna Autono-MaaS vehicles with its patented Multi-Policy Decision Making (MPDM) AD technology. MPDM uses in-situ AI to learn in real-time by imagining thousands of “what-if” scenarios every second while it drives and then commits to the safest and most comfortable maneuvers within milliseconds. Each shared AV seats five passengers and all will have an attendant on board to answer questions and assist with passenger entry and exit if needed. Three of the AVs are also wheelchair accessible, with an ADA-compliant wheelchair ramp allowing entry and exit via the rear of the vehicle. The wheelchair-accessible vehicles seat up to three passengers, including one wheelchair user.

“May Mobility is dedicated to filling gaps in public transportation. With the PRESTO shared AV pilot in Martinez, we’re redefining how communities connect and move,” said May Mobility Chief Commercial Officer Manik Dhar. “We’re excited to see how our patented MPDM technology will service local residents and contribute to the broader adoption of AVs.”

CCTA and May Mobility have also partnered with County Connection, which provides fixed-route and paratransit bus service for communities in Central Contra Costa County.

“County Connection has partnered with our paratransit contractor to provide union drivers to serve as safety stewards in each Martinez ADS vehicle,” said County Connection General Manager Bill Churchill, “underscoring our commitment to innovative transportation deployments ensuring everyone has the freedom to travel safely and independently.”

Passenger feedback will play a critical role in shaping the future of autonomous mobility, as data from the City of Martinez PRESTO pilot will be used by federal transportation officials to advance standards in automated mobility. The pilot is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Martinez marks the third location where CCTA has introduced an autonomous vehicle pilot program.

To learn more about PRESTO, visit  https://ridepresto.com/martinez/

 

Mount Diablo receives $2.6 million state grant for building new Education Center

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A rendering of the Mitchell Canyon Education Center, a project of the Mount Diablo Interpretive Assocation, which recently received a grant from the state Wildlife Conservation Board. Source: MDIA

Major boost to fundraising effort for project near Clayton

The Mount Diablo Interpretive Association (MDIA) is pleased to announce that, on August 22, the California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) awarded a grant of $2.6 million to help build the Mitchell Canyon Education Center in Mount Diablo State Park.

“On behalf of MDIA, I want to express how thrilled we are. We are immensely grateful to the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) for this grant and to all the donors and community organizations who believed in the value of this project and generously provided the initial funding for it,” said Steve Smith, President of the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association (MDIA).

MDIA is an all-volunteer association and the official support organization for Mount Diablo State Park. The organization has worked closely with California State Parks and the staff at Mount Diablo to pursue funding for a new education and visitor center.

Ryen Goering (CA State Parks), Mike Brandy (MDIA), Clint Elsholz (CSP), Linda Kwong (MDIA), Alyssa Benedetti (WCB), Steve Smith (MDIA), Julie Martin (MDIA), and Dan Sandri (MDIA) celebrate the grant award. Photo: MDIA

The grant provides critical funding that moves the project forward toward construction phases. The new facility will replace an aging trailer that is not ADA-compliant. The new facility will be fully accessible, able to accommodate school groups on the mountain, expand the natural and cultural history content, and enhance the visitor experience overall. Construction may begin as early as Fall 2025.

The project has attracted wide community support, including from California Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-AD16), who secured a $1 million State allocation for the project, based in part on the new opportunity to serve all the school districts in Contra Costa. A wide variety of community leaders, foundations and organizations have also contributed to and endorsed the project.

MDIA hit the $2 million milestone at the close of 2023 including $1 million in private donations for the education center, matching the state funds.

“We are grateful for the enthusiastic support of the project and financial support from a wide range of individuals, companies, organizations, community leaders, and elected officials,” Smith said.

A total of 116 local donors contributed to the campaign including current and former MDIA Board members, Cemex Corporation, the Kerr Foundation, Clayton Business & Community Association, PG&E and numerous individuals. An anonymous donor made a major contribution that enabled the organization to achieve their goal.

Location of the planned Education Center near Clayton. Source: Mt. Diablo State Park

Learn more by taking a 3-minute video tour of the Education Center and reading the project brochure.

Mitchell Canyon is accessible via Mitchell Canyon Road in Clayton. See map.

WCB is a California State Board whose primary purpose is to approve funding for wildlife habitat protection, restoration and wildlife-oriented public access projects.

Established in 1974, the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association (MDIA) is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization that assists the California Department of Parks and Recreation in maintaining and interpreting Mount Diablo State Park for its 700,000 visitors each year. In 2022, MDIA initiated a campaign to build a new education center in Mitchell Canyon, on Mount Diablo’s northeast side to better serve visitors and open new opportunities for students.

For more information visit www.mdia.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Glazer announces $2.5 million incentive program for construction of 350 ADUs in Contra Costa, Alameda counties

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15 cities eligible to participate in ADU Accelerator Program

By Steven Harmon, Policy Analyst/Communications, Office of State Senator Steve Glazer

SACRAMENTO – Senator Steve Glazer, D-Contra Costa, announced a newly created program to encourage the construction of hundreds of Accessory Dwelling Units in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.

The ADU Accelerator Program, secured in the budget through Senator Glazer’s efforts, offers rebates of up to $15,000 for qualifying ADU plans and projects. This $2.5 million state-funded initiative is intended to facilitate the construction of 350 ADUs among the 15 cities and towns in the East Bay.

“It is no secret the State of California is facing a shortage of available and affordable housing, and no one knows this better than our local cities and towns,” Glazer said. “From my first days in the State Senate, I have been a staunch supporter of cities seeking new and unique ways to spur the production of housing while blending new developments within the fabric of their communities.”

“I’m hoping that cities in my district can show what can be achieved when cities work together with the state on an incentivized program aimed at producing more affordable housing,” Senator Glazer said.

The program, approved in the 2023 budget, will be administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

The 15 cities are: Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Dublin, Lafayette, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pittsburg, San Ramon, Walnut Creek in Contra Costa County and Livermore and Pleasanton in Alameda County.

Qualifying cities must have a Certified Housing Element that meets the substantial compliance requirements of Housing and Community Development.

Following is an overview of the new program along with guidelines to apply and receive funds. ADU-Program-Overview

Senate District 7 – ADU Accelerator Program | GUIDELINES

Program Overview

Some cities are taking steps to encourage and facilitate the construction of ADUs through the development of permit-ready plans, including architectural design work. Other cities are waiving processing fees to bring down the cost of housing.

This new program will be piloted by Senator Glazer’s District 7, composed of 15 cities in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area. The program will be administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development for the purpose of advancing or “accelerating” the production of 350 ADUs through a series of programs.

Program Funding

Section 19.564 of the Budget Act of 2023 provides $2,500,000 to be allocated by the California Department of Housing and Community Development for implementation of the ADU Accelerator Program (“Program”) to grant funds to cities for the creation of pre-approved permit-ready accessory dwelling unit plans and an incentive program.

Program Eligibility

  • Fifteen (15) cities located in Senate District 7, including: Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Dublin, Lafayette, Livermore, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pittsburg, Pleasanton, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek.
  • Qualifying cities must have a Certified Housing Element that meets the substantial compliance requirements of Housing and Community Development.

Program Details

  1. Incentive Program. Available Funding: $1,725,000
  2. Low-Income Restricted ADUs

Provide individual rebates of up to $15,000 to property owners who obtain building permits to construct an ADU and receive a certificate of occupancy within 18 months of issuance. Rebates will be provided for units that are deed restricted to low-income households for a minimum of 20 years; based upon the following sliding scale:

  • $15,000 for units < 50 square feet
  • $10,000 for units between 501-750 square feet
  • $5,000 for units between 751-1,000 square feet
  • No rebates for units over 1,000 square feet.
  1. Non-restrictedADUs

Provide individual rebates of up to $7,500 to property owners who obtain building permits to construct an ADU and receive a certificate of occupancy within 18 months of issuance. Rebates will be provided for units that are deed restricted to low-income households for a minimum of 20 years. Funds are awarded based upon the following sliding scale:

  • $7,500 for units < 50 square feet
  • $5,000 for units between 501-750 square feet
  • $2,500 for units between 751-1,000 square feet
  • No rebates for units over 1,000 square feet.

Example:

  • City of Dublin has a population of 72,917 (as of January 1, 2024)
  • Per Capita: $1.87
  • Eligible for Award of $136,352 ($1.87 per capita x 72,917 population)
  • Divided by average of $5,000 per unit (unrestricted)

Potential ADUs Added: 27 ADUs

  1. Permit Ready Prototype ADU Plans. Available Funding: $750,000

Qualified cities receive funding toward preparing prototypical permit-ready ADU plans (“ADU Plans”), including design elevations and construction drawings. Permit-ready plans are intended to streamline the ADU development process and facilitate additional ADU development in the community. Cities may partner with other cities on applications in this category to leverage investment. The maximum grant per city will be $50,000.

Cities may not be reimbursed for permit-ready ADU plans that were prepared prior to the launch of this program. Program funds may be used to modify or update existing permit-ready ADU plans or to create additional permit-ready ADU plans. Cities may also seek compensation from other eligible cities they share plans with.

Application Process

To receive funds, qualified cities must complete and submit an electronic application to the Town of Danville, Fiscal Agent. All funds must be expended as prescribed below and no later than September 30, 2026, after which these funds would be considered unexpended “Excess Funds” subject to re-allocation.

Incentive Program

An application must include (a) the anticipated number of units proposed to be produced through the program; and (b) amount requested based on the per capita amount identified in the Funding Eligibility section.

Funding will be distributed to cities upon receipt of the application. Any unused funding must be returned to the Town of Danville, Fiscal Agent, at the end of the 18-month period and may be reallocated to cities that meet their targets and have additional need.

Permit-Ready Prototype ADU Plans

An application must include (a) brief description of the plans to be developed including the number of floor plans and ADU sizes; and (b) requested funding amount. The maximum funding is $50,000 per agency. Cities may partner with other eligible cities on applications in this category to leverage funding investment.

Funding will be distributed to cities upon receipt of the application. Permit-ready plans must be completed and available to prospective permittees within 12 months of grant award and include a city resolution adopting the ADU Plans.

Excess Funds

Any funding that has not been expended pursuant to these program guidelines by September 30, 2026, must be returned to the Fiscal Agent, the Town of Danville. These Excess Funds will be reallocated to other eligible agencies pursuant to the Incentive Program Guidelines. Funds will be re-allocated on a first come, first served basis. In the event of multiple requests, consideration will be given to which city or cities will generate the largest number of affordable units.

Application Deadlines

Applications are accepted via electronic submittal only

Incentive Program: September 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025 (may be extended if additional funds are available to be rolled over from the Permit-Ready program).

Permit-Ready Prototype ADU Plans: September 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025.

Program Administration

As authorized through the California Budget Act of 2023 and the California Department of Housing and Community Development, the Town of Danville will act as the fiscal agent (“Fiscal Agent”) to receive funding applications and distribute Program funds. The Town of Danville will receive a 1% fee ($25,000) for administering the program.

General program questions can be directed to Planning Division c/o Jessica Lam, Town of Danville at jlam@danville.ca.gov or (925) 314-3337.

Applications and application-related correspondence can be directed to SD7.ADUProgram@danville.ca.gov.

Biannual Reporting

Eligible recipients will be required to submit Biannual Progress Reports which summarize the number of ADUs that have been permitted and finaled for the reporting period as well as cumulatively for the life of the program through September 30, 2027.

Biannual Progress Reports will be filed with the Fiscal Agent at SD7.ADUProgram@danville.ca.gov.

*Applications are accepted via electronic submittal only

Newsom vetoes bill to include illegal immigrants in CA home loan program

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Cites “finite funding”; would have qualified some for up to $150,000 or 20% down payment; signs 5 other bills

By Allen D. Payton

In a message to the California State Assembly on Thursday, Sept. 6, Governor Gavin Newsom explained his veto of AB1840, Home Purchase Assistance Program: eligibility by Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno) that it’s due to limited funds. He wrote:

“To the Members of the California State Assembly:

I am returning Assembly Bill 1840 without my signature.

This bill seeks to prohibit the disqualification of applicants from one of California Housing Finance Agency’s (CalHFA) home purchase assistance programs based solely on their immigration status.

Given the finite funding available for CalHFA programs, expanding program eligibility must be carefully considered within the broader context of the annual state budget to ensure we manage our resources effectively.

For this reason, I am unable to sign this bill.”

Source: Office of the Governor of California

The bill would have allowed some illegal immigrants in California to qualify for the California Dream for All Shared Appreciation Loan program, which would have been renamed under the bill to the Home Purchase Assistance Program, and receive up to $150,000 for a 20% downpayment to purchase their first home.

Newsom also announced on Thursday the bills he signed into law:

AB 1170 by Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim) – Political Reform Act of 1974: filing requirements.

AB 1770 by the Committee on Emergency Management – Emergency services: Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission: seismic mitigation and earthquake early warning technology.

AB 2094 by Assemblymember Heath Flora (R-Modesto) – Alcoholic beverage control: public community college stadiums: City of Bakersfield.

AB 2436 by Assemblymember Juan Alanis (R-Modesto) – Cattle: inspections: fees.

AB 2721 by the Committee on Agriculture – Food and agriculture: omnibus bill.

For full text of the bills, visit: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.