Contra Costa Herald

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

The Sandlot movie 30th Anniversary Tour coming to Walnut Creek Aug. 24

By Leave a Comment

See the film, hear from and meet the actors; tickets on sale July 26

Walnut Creek native, former Antioch resident is a producer of the tour

By Allen D. Payton

Cast members from the classic baseball movie “The Sandlot”, known to be one of the most famous of all time, are coming to Walnut Creek, California on Saturday, August 24th, 2024. 30 years after The Sandlot’s 1993 debut, a few of those former kids, now men in their 40s, are celebrating the film’s lasting power and its devoted fans.

Featuring Tom “smalls” Guiry, Chauncey “squints” Leopardi, Marty “yeah yeah” York, and possibly others of the original cast will be in person to watch the film that found its way into so many baseball fans’ hearts.

After the movie the cast will describe events and activities while on the set as well as tell anecdotes of their experiences, behind-the-scenes stories and why it is still a great memory to them. The audience will also be engaged in an interaction for a question-and-answer session with the cast members. VIP ticket holders will have the opportunity to meet personally with the cast members and get pictures and autographs with them.

Andrew Lenz, of NuWorlds Productions, is one of the producers of the Sandlot Anniversary Tour and is excited to bring it to his hometown area.

“I was born and grew up in Walnut Creek and Antioch so this area means a lot to me,” he said.

Lenz graduated from Las Lomas High School in 1984.

“My parents moved then to Antioch,” he shared. “I went to college at Diablo Valley and worked in San Francisco so at the time I had to drive to Concord to catch BART and then to Antioch every day for two years. So, I remember what it was like back then and how it has changed since!”

He was an actor and actually performed years ago in the same theater where this performance will be held.

“So, it is very nostalgic for me,” Lenz added.

About the tour, the St. Louis Post Dispatch wrote, “THANKS to the boys of summer – nine wonderful child actors – and a sweetly nostalgic story well told by writer-director David Mickey Evans, The Sandlot is a winner.”

The 30th Anniversary Tour lands at the Lesher Center for the Arts at 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek and tickets go on sale to the public July 26th. Special Presale access available to those who sign up at: https://www.hollywoodonbroadway.com/sandlotwalnutcreek

New Contra Costa Youth Stabilization Unit opening for children, teens experiencing psychiatric emergencies  

By Leave a Comment

At Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez

By Contra Costa Health

Children and adolescents having psychiatric emergencies will have their own standalone 24/7 behavioral health crisis stabilization space in Contra Costa County starting Monday, June 24.

The new Contra Costa Youth Stabilization Unit will serve people ages 6-17 for the first 24 hours of a diagnosed psychiatric emergency when they are considered a danger to themselves or others.

Until now, youth in the county experiencing psychiatric emergencies were treated alongside adults in the Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) unit at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center. Children and teens will now be able to receive developmentally appropriate emergency psychiatric care in a dedicated space designed for pediatric patients that is separate from the adult PES.

“This is a huge step forward for mental healthcare for youth in our community,” said Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Chair Federal Glover. “Having a dedicated standalone space for children and adolescents will provide our kids with a more safe, secure and therapeutic environment to help them heal.”

The Youth Stabilization Unit, located at 25 Allen Street next to the Miller Wellness Center, will be able to serve up to eight minors at a time. In 2023, there were 1,072 admissions for pediatric psychiatric patients at the PES unit. The majority of those admitted were adolescents and young teens who presented with depression and suicidal ideation or intent.

Contra Costa Health has contracted with Pacific Clinics to staff the new unit. Care teams will include psychiatrists, registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, licensed psychiatric technicians, clinicians and crisis intervention specialists. Services will include crisis intervention, mental health assessment, medication assistance, therapy, alcohol and drug screening, case management and peer support.

The program is designed to provide a calming and welcoming environment to support mental wellness. The goal is to stabilize the unit’s patients and connect them with mental health services without requiring inpatient hospitalization, although, when clinically appropriate, inpatient care may still be recommended.

Many children and adolescents suffering mental health crises are either hospitalized or arrested, which can be even further destabilizing. Having a team of mental health professionals available to provide crisis stabilization at the new facility will help divert youth from unnecessary encounters with law enforcement or visits to hospital emergency rooms.

“The new Crisis Stabilization Unit will give youth experiencing a behavioral health crisis compassionate care tailored to their needs,” said Suzanne Tavano, Behavioral Health director for Contra Costa Health. “It is going to be a tremendous resource for our community.”

“Our team’s primary goals are to provide support and safety to these young individuals in a time of crisis,” said Mary Sheppard, regional executive director for Pacific Clinics. “We will be a therapeutic, landing spot for them and aim to instill in them the belief that there is hope beyond this moment.”

 

CA Supreme Court removes Taxpayer Protection Act from Nov. ballot

By Leave a Comment

“The measure exceeds the scope of the power to amend the Constitution via citizen initiative” – California Supreme Court

“Today’s ruling is the greatest threat to democracy California has faced in recent memory…the California Supreme Court has put politics ahead of the Constitution” – Californians for Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability

By Allen D. Payton

In response to a lawsuit by Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state legislature, the California Supreme Court justices unanimously ruled, today, Thursday, June 20, 2024, the measure known as the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act amounts to an illegal constitutional revision and removed it from the November election ballot. However, proponents vowed to continue to explore their legal options and efforts to minimize

According to Ballotpedia, “The initiative would have amended the California Constitution to define all state and local levies, charges, and fees as taxes. The initiative would have also required new or increased taxes to be passed by a two-thirds legislative vote in each chamber and approved by a simple majority of voters. It would also have increased the vote requirement for local taxes proposed by local government or citizens to a two-thirds vote of the local electorate. The increased vote requirements for new or higher taxes would have not applied to citizen-initiated state ballot measures. As of 2024, state tax increases require approval by a two-thirds vote in each chamber or a simple majority vote at a statewide election

In addition, a ‘yes’ vote on the measure would have supported “amending the state constitution to define all state and local levies, charges, and fees as taxes and to require new state taxes proposed by the state legislature to be enacted via a two-thirds legislative vote and voter approval and new local taxes to be enacted via a two-thirds vote of the electorate.”

However, according to the Associated Press, “The biggest impact…would have been that the measure threatened to retroactively reverse most tax increases approved since Jan. 1, 2022. Local governments warned they would have lost billions of dollars in revenue that had previously approved by voters. And it would have threatened recent statewide tax increases.”

Proponents

Proponents of the measure, Californians for Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability, self-described as “a bipartisan coalition of homeowners, taxpayers and businesses committed to ensuring California remains affordable for families and accountable to its voters,” led the campaign in support of the initiative.  The campaign explained the initiative, saying, “The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act will give voters the right to vote on all future state taxes and holds politicians accountable for new fees and other increased costs paid by working families and all Californians. The measure increases accountability by requiring politicians to spend new or higher tax revenue on its intended purpose. It will provide much-needed relief to families, farmers, and business owners, helping them to combat the growing cost-of-living crisis facing all Californians.”

Supporters included the California Business Roundtable, California NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association, and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. The campaign had received $17.8 million in contributions.

According to the NAIOP, the measure would have given “voters the right to vote on all future state taxes and holds politicians accountable for new fees and other increased costs paid by working families and all Californians.” It would have increased “accountability by requiring politicians to spend new or higher tax revenue on its intended purpose. It will provide much-needed relief to families, farmers, and business owners, helping them to combat the growing cost-of-living crisis facing all Californians. The Act doesn’t cut any current state or local government funding. It simply gives voters the right to vote on all future tax increases and stops working families from paying billions more in “hidden taxes” imposed by unelected bureaucrats.  They are currently gathering signatures and will need $70 million in fundraising efforts to pass the ballot measure in November of 2022.”

View materials on the proposed ballot measure.

Supporters Respond, Will Seek Legal Options, Continue Efforts

In response to the court’s ruling, the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act (TPA) campaign issued the following statement from Rob Lapsley, president of the California Business Roundtable, Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association (HJTA) and Matthew Hargrove, president and CEO of the California Business Properties Association:

“Today’s ruling is the greatest threat to democracy California has faced in recent memory. Governor Newsom has effectively erased the voice of 1.43 million voters who signed the petition to qualify the Taxpayer Protection Act for the November ballot. Most importantly, the governor has cynically terminated Californians’ rights to engage in direct democracy despite his many claims that he is a defender of individual rights and democracy. Evidently, the governor wants to protect democracy and individual rights in other states, but not for all Californians.

We are disappointed that the California Supreme Court has put politics ahead of the Constitution, disregarding long-standing precedent that they should not intervene in an election before voters decide qualified initiatives.

Direct democracy and our initiative process are now at risk with this decision, showing California is firmly a one-party state where the governor and Legislature can politically influence courts to block ballot measures that threaten their ability to increase spending and raise taxes. Using the courts to block voters’ voices is the latest effort from the Democrats’ supermajority to remove any accountability measures that interfere with their agenda – a failed agenda that continues to drive up the cost of living with little accountability and few results.

This ruling sends a damning message to businesses in California and across the country that it is politically perilous to invest and grow jobs for the future.

In light of this ruling and the state’s large budget deficit, a huge amount of tax increases are on the way that are sure to make California’s cost of living even higher.

We will continue to explore our legal options and fight for the people’s right to hold their government accountable through direct democracy.”

Opponents

The measure was opposed by Governor Newsom, CA Attorney General Rob Bonta, AFSCME California, SEIU California State Council, California Special Districts Association, California State Association of Counties, and League of California Cities. Graham Knaus, executive director of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), said, “This deceptive initiative would undermine the rights of local voters and their elected officials to make decisions on critical local services that residents rely upon. It creates major new tax loopholes at the expense of residents and will weaken our local services and communities.”

Bonta had relabeled the measure’s title to, “Limits Ability of Voters and State and Local Governments to Raise Revenues for Government Services. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.” The summary he required to be included on signature petition sheets read as follows: “For new or increased state taxes currently enacted by two-thirds vote of Legislature, also requires statewide election and majority voter approval. Limits voters’ ability to pass voter-proposed local special taxes by raising vote requirement to two-thirds. Eliminates voters’ ability to advise how to spend revenues from proposed general tax on same ballot as the proposed tax. Expands definition of ‘taxes’ to include certain regulatory fees, broadening application of tax approval requirements. Requires Legislature or local governing body set certain other fees.”

In spite of that, supporters were still able to gather the required signatures to qualify the measure for the ballot. The signature gathering occurred in 2022.

Court’s Decision

According to information about the case #S281977 entitled LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA v. WEBER (HILTACHK) on the state Supreme Court’s website, it “presented the following issues: (1) Does the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act (TPA) constitute an impermissible attempted revision of the California Constitution by voter initiative? (2) Is this initiative measure subject to invalidation on the ground that, if adopted, it would impair essential government functions?”

The court wrote in its unanimous opinion, “we conclude that the TPA would clearly ‘accomplish such far reaching changes in the nature of our basic governmental plan as to amount to a revision’ of the (state) Constitution. The measure exceeds the scope of the power to amend the Constitution via citizen initiative.”

“It is within the people’s prerogative to make these changes, but they must be undertaken in a manner commensurate with their gravity: through the process for revision set forth in Article XVIII of the Constitution,” the decision continued.

The court concluded by “directing the (CA) Secretary of State to refrain from taking steps to place” the initiative “on the November 5, 2024 election ballot or to include the measure in the voter information guide.”

However, Section 3 of that Article clearly reads, “The electors may amend the Constitution by initiative.” Coupal of the HJTA was asked to explain what the court is referring to and what other approach or process should the proponents have followed. He did not respond prior to publication time.

See Court ruling, here.

For more information about the ballot measure and the coalition that supported it visit www.taxpayerprotection.com.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

No arbitrations yet for 10 fired Antioch cops, APOA attorney confident “all will get their jobs back”

By Leave a Comment

6 face possible permanent decertification as peace officers

There have been no arbitrations that have occurred to date according to City staff

“Virtually all will get their jobs back.” – APOA & defense attorney Mike Rains. May call mayor, councilwoman to testify.

“…we are pleased to see that the investigation into these incidents has concluded.” – APOA VP Sgt. Loren Bledsoe

By Allen D. Payton

A report in the East Bay Times on Monday, June 17, 2024, provided information that’s been sought for months by local media about the number of Antioch Police Officers who have been terminated as a result of both the FBI and text scandal investigations over the past two years. According to the report, 10 officers have been fired and the information was based on “recently obtained emails department commanders sent to city officials.”

In the report he cited three more officers who had quit because they, “knew that harsh discipline was imminent, city documents say.” The Times also reported, “six officers were given unpaid suspensions…one received a written reprimand” and “One officer was cleared of wrongdoing.” That doesn’t include former Officer Matthew Nutt who was acquitted by a jury last Thursday of assault against a man he arrested two years ago.

That information was confirmed by Antioch District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica on Monday which he had just confirmed that with City staff and was given authorization to share it with the media. He said, “10 officers were terminated, three resigned prior to any discipline being implemented, two were demoted, six were suspended and one was cleared of all charges from an independent investigation, not including Matthew Nut.”

The Times’ report claimed, “city officials attempted to fire or discipline several more officers who ultimately won arbitration hearings and got the decisions reversed or reduced, according to multiple officials with firsthand knowledge.”

However, asked about the arbitrations Barbanica said, “I am not aware of any arbitrations that have yet occurred. It doesn’t mean they haven’t.”

Following a call to City staff, in a brief, follow up conversation Barbanica clarified saying firmly, “There have been no arbitrations that have occurred to date.”

Of the 10 officers who were terminated, six also face decertification as peace officers.

APOA Attorney Confident Officers “Will Get Their Jobs Back”

When asked about the 10 terminations, defense attorney Mike Rains, who also represents the Antioch Police Officers Association (APOA), said, “I am confident they will get their jobs back. There were terminations who were charged criminally and those who sent the text messages. We (his law firm) conflicted out of the criminal cases.”

“Nutt wasn’t involved at all in the text case,” he added, referring to former Officer Matthew Nutt who was acquitted by a jury last Thursday of assault for punching and kicking a man who was handcuffs during a traffic stop in 2022. Nutt was fired last June. (See related articles here and here)

“Virtually all will get their jobs back,” Rains stated. “Six cases are pending right now for the texting that were terminated that we represent, that I’m confident they’ll get their jobs back.”

“This is a way overreaction for the text messages on their personal cell phones,” the attorney continued. “The guys who just received them or sent the message back that the City thought was not a condemnation, the City claimed Biased-Based Policing. They threw that out in most of these cases, which is ridiculous. That’s based on officers targeting individuals in the community, that they’re going to get them because of their race and wouldn’t consider targeting people of other races.”

Bias-Based Policing is also known as profiling. According to civilrightspolicing.org, is “Profiling is presuming that someone is involved in criminal activity based on who they are rather than what they have done.”

“The City said, ‘you used a bad word we don’t like, that we think is a racist term and we’re going to fire you for them,’” Rains continued. “Amiri and Rombough had texts that were really offensive. But many of them they were sending they were putting out on chains including 15 people. Some of the officers said they weren’t even reading them.”

As previously reported, Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe called for the firing of all the officers investigated for the text scandal in May 2023 and again the following month. In May 2023, District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Waker also called for the immediate firing of “officers involved in the racist texting scandal.”.

Asked if that tcould affect the officers’ efforts to regain their jobs Rains said, “I’ll probably subpoena Thorpe to testify. I may call her, too.”

“The mayor’s comments about the entire department are completely misleading,” he added.

APOA Responds

In response to the information released about the 10 terminated officers, APOA Vice President Sgt. Loren Bledsoe wrote, “We acknowledge the recent developments regarding the disciplinary actions taken against several Antioch officers. As a union, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity within our ranks.

It is important to note that the APOA cannot comment on ongoing personnel matters. However, we are pleased to see that the investigation into these incidents has concluded.

Moving forward, our focus will be on rebuilding relationships with the community and restoring public trust. We understand the significance of fostering positive connections between law enforcement and the people we serve. We are dedicated to working collaboratively with community leaders, organizations, and residents to ensure public safety and promote a sense of security for all.

We remain committed to continuous improvement, education, and training within our department. We will strive to create an inclusive and equitable environment that reflects the values and expectations of the diverse Antioch community.”

Information as of Monday, June 17, 2024. Source: POST

6 Face Possible Permanent Decertification

Beyond being terminated from their positions, six former Antioch Police officers face possible decertification. According to the California Commission on Police Officers Standards and Training (POST) police officers can face decertification for Serious Misconduct. That is defined by the Commission as follows:

  1. Dishonesty relating to the reporting, investigation, or prosecution of a crime, or relating to the reporting of, or investigation of misconduct by, a peace officer.
  2. Abuse of power, including, but not limited to, intimidating witnesses, knowingly obtaining a false confession, and knowingly making a false arrest.
  3. Physical abuse, including, but not limited to, the excessive or unreasonable use of force.
  4. Sexual assault as described in subdivision (b) of Penal Code §832.7, and shall extend to acts committed amongst members of any law enforcement agency.
  5. Demonstrating bias on the basis of actual or perceived race, national origin, religion, gender identity or expression, housing status, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, or other protected status in violation of law or department policy or inconsistent with a peace officer’s obligation to carry out their duties in a fair and unbiased manner.
  6. Acts that violate the law and are sufficiently egregious or repeated as to be inconsistent with a peace officer’s obligation to uphold the law or respect the rights of members of the public.
  7. Participation in a law enforcement gang.
  8. Failure to cooperate with an investigation into potential police misconduct.
  9. Failure to intercede when present and observing another officer using force that is clearly beyond that which is necessary, as determined by an objectively reasonable officer under the circumstances.

Five Types of Decertification

The commission publishes the names of any peace officer whose certification is suspended or revoked and the basis for the suspension or revocation. There are five types of decertification:

Ineligible – An individual has been disqualified from eligibility to be a peace officer based on a disqualifying event as set forth in Government Code section 1029.

Revoked – The peace officer has been decertified and may not exercise the duties and powers of a peace officer. A revocation is permanent, and the certification shall not be reactivated.

Voluntary Surrender or Surrender – A person who holds a certificate issued by the commission, knowingly and willingly, returns the certificate to the commission, forfeiting all rights and privileges associated with that certificate. A “surrender” has the same effect of a revocation in that it cannot be reactivated.

Immediate Temporary Suspension or Temporary Suspension – The immediate suspension of a peace officer’s certification, pending the outcome of an investigation related to allegations of serious misconduct, pursuant to Penal Code section 13510.8(d). The “temporary suspension” may be issued under the following circumstances:

  • When a peace officer is arrested or indicted for a felony or other crime listed in GC§ 1029,
  • When a peace officer is discharged from a law enforcement agency for serious misconduct, or
  • When a peace officer has separated from employment as a peace officer during a pending investigation into allegations of serious misconduct.

The temporary suspension remains in effect until either a final determination is made by the Commission or the Executive Director withdraws the “temporary suspension” if a withdrawal is deemed to be warranted

Suspension – a disciplinary action of the Commission wherein a peace officer certification has been suspended for a specified period of time, not to exceed three years. A peace officer whose certification has been suspended may not be assigned duties which include the exercise of peace officer powers.

The six officers have all been fired from their positions with the Antioch Police Department but each of their certifications as police officers are currently under Temporary Suspension as of Monday, June 17, 2024. The list is updated weekly on Monday mornings:

Current APD Staffing

Interim Antioch Police Chief Brian Addington reported earlier this month to the Police Oversight Commission the names of all the sworn officers currently on the force, including 17 currently on paid leave. As of yesterday, there are now 76 sworn officers in the department out of 115 in the budget approved by the city council and additional officers will be sworn in next week.

Olivehurst woman, accountant for Richmond business, pleads guilty to embezzling over $900K

By Leave a Comment

Agrees to pay restitution, 10-year prison sentence reduced to 3 years

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office reached a negotiated plea with Angela Fae Brown for offenses related to identity theft, money laundering, grand theft, tax evasion and false impersonation.

Brown, a 53-year-old (born 9/22/1970) resident of Olivehurst, CA in Yuba County, was charged in April 2024 on a six-count felony complaint with a special allegation of aggravated white-collar crime. While working as an accountant, Brown embezzled over $900,000 from her employer, a paver company in Richmond. The illegal financial scheme occurred between September 2017 and November 2022, wherein Brown used her accounting skills to exploit financial vulnerabilities in the company to enrich herself. (See related article)

On June 14th, Ms. Brown accepted a negotiated disposition where she pled guilty to an amended 12-count complaint. To fulfill the terms of the plea, the court will suspend her 10-year prison term for three years and place her on formal probation so she can seek and maintain employment to pay restitution. Moreover, assets Brown accumulated during the period she was embezzling and stealing from her employer will be liquidated. The funds from the sale of those assets will be applied to restitution payments. $907,087.00 will go to the victim, and $61,860.10 to the Franchise Tax Board of California. Any violations of the terms of the plea agreement mean that Ms. Brown could be subject to the state prison system to serve the remainder of her sentence.

District Attorney Diana Becton said, “When seeking justice for victims of white-collar crimes, it’s important to find effective ways to make a victim’s financial loss whole again. This agreement holds the defendant accountable for the offenses and is structured for repayment of stolen funds.”

Case No. 02-24-00513 | The People of the State of California v. Brown, Angela Fae

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 190-pound Brown is Black, was arrested by Richmond PD, is being held on no bail at a Custody Alternative Facility and scheduled to be released on Oct. 15, 2024.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Construction on Walnut Blvd. Bikeway Gap Closure Project June 24-July 22

By Leave a Comment

Expect delays of up to 10 minutes between Marsh Creek and Vasco Roads

By Kelly Kalfsbeek, Community & Media Relations Coordinator, PIO, Contra Costa County Public Works

June 18, 2024 – Unincorporated Brentwood, CA – Contra Costa County Public Works will begin construction of the Walnut Boulevard Bikeway Gap Closure Project on Monday, June 24, 2024, through Monday, July 22, 2024, barring unforeseen circumstances. Work will occur between 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), weather permitting.

Traffic control will be used. Message boards will alert drivers about the work. Drivers should expect delays of up to 10 minutes through the construction zone and consider alternative routes during working hours.

The work consists of roadway shoulder widening along an 860-foot segment of Walnut Boulevard between Marsh Creek Road and Vasco Road to provide Class II bike lanes, grinding and overlaying the roadway pavement section, and installing a centerline rumble strip, striping, pavement markings, and signage.

Funding for this project is provided by a State Highway Safety Improvement Program grant, local Transportation Development Act grant and Gas Tax Funds. For more information visit: www.contracosta.ca.gov/9899/Walnut-Blvd-Bikeway-Gap-Closure.

27 Contra Costa seniors receive National Merit Scholarships

By Leave a Comment

6 awarded corporate-sponsored scholarships

14 awarded $2,500 scholarships

7 awarded college-sponsored scholarships

26 from 4 high schools and one home-schooled student

By Contra Costa County Office of Education

A total of 27 students from Contra Costa County have been named recipients of National Merit Scholarships in the 69th annual program funded by corporations, U.S. colleges and universities, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced. These distinguished students are from Campolindo High School in Moraga, Dougherty Valley High School in San Ramon, Miramonte High School in Orinda and Monte Vista High School in Danville. One winner was homeschooled.

Corporate-Sponsored Scholarship Winners

Celebrating academic excellence, six seniors from four Contra Costa County high schools have been recognized as winners in the scholarship program. These students are among about 770 distinguished high school seniors nationwide announced in the first National Merit Scholars group for 2024.

“These six high school seniors stand out for their exceptional academic achievements and well-rounded accomplishments,” Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey said. “Their dedication and hard work, supported by the encouragement of their families, have earned them this distinguished honor. I also want to thank the teachers and support staff whose commitment and guidance nurtured the talents of these high achieving students.”

Sponsored by corporations, company foundations and other business organizations, these scholarships are designed to assist students who are either children of employees, residents of communities served by the company/funder, or are pursuing college majors and careers that align with the sponsor’s objectives.

Scholarship winners were chosen from a group of students who had reached the Finalist level in the National Merit Scholarship competition and met the criteria established by their scholarship sponsors. Most of the awards are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study and offer annual stipends ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, or a single payment between $2,500 and $5,000.

High school juniors entered the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, marking the beginning of their journey towards this prestigious recognition. In September 2023, 114 Contra Costa County students were honored as National Merit Semifinalists, representing the highest-scoring program entrants in California, and comprising less than one percent of the nation’s seniors.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY CORPORATE-SPONSORED NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Campolindo High School

  • Laurel K. Tringe

Dougherty Valley High School

  • Ansh Maroo
  • Elaine Peng
  • Neal Y. Yan

Miramonte High School

  • Alexander Poe Battersby

Monte Vista High School

  • Alan Fang

$2,500 Scholarship Winners

Fourteen Contra Costa County high school seniors were among 2,500 students named National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®).

“Congratulations to these 14 amazing students who have illustrated the exceptional academic standards in this county,” Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey said. “The students, their families and their school communities should be proud of this accomplishment.”

National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners are the Finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The number of winners named in each state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the nation’s graduating high school seniors.

These scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by both the Finalists and their high schools: the academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®); contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the Finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY $2,500 NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Campolindo High School

  • Christopher W. Seo
  • Naina Srivastava
  • Yu Xin Wang

Dougherty Valley High School

  • Nidhi Gaonkar
  • Shirin Kaur Grewal
  • Anna E. Lau
  • Taneesh V. Matharasi
  • Ananya Pinnamaneni

Miramonte High School

  • Cameron Corbin Berg
  • Nicole Y. Guo

Mont Vista High School

  • Sheldon U. Tan
  • Adithya Ramesh
  • Hannah Abigail Yang

Homeschool

  • Benjamin G. Klieger

College-Sponsored National Merit Scholarships

The National Merit Scholarships provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the sponsoring institution. 149 higher education institutions are underwriting these awards through the National Merit Scholarship Program.

“Thank you to the school communities and families who supported and challenged these students to achieve this accomplishment,” Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey said. “We are proud of these scholars for representing our County as National Merit Scholarship winners. These scholarships are highly competitive and require far more than just high-test scores. Your hard work has paid off, and we wish you the best as you embark on your college journeys.”

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY COLLEGE-SPONSORED NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

The Contra Costa County students who have been awarded College-Sponsored Merit Scholarships are:

Monte Vista High School

  • Owen Chen – National Merit University of Southern California Scholarship
  • Alice Jiang – National Merit University of Southern California Scholarship
  • Emily M. Kalin – National Merit Purdue University Scholarship

Dougherty Valley High School

  • Prerita Babarjung – National Merit University of Texas at Dallas Scholarship
  • Dhruv Harinath – National Merit Claremont McKenna College Scholarship
  • Vaishnavi Kolluru – National Merit University of Southern California Scholarship
  • John Park – National Merit University of Southern California Scholarship

Each award recipient submitted a detailed scholarship application, including an essay and information on extracurricular activities, awards, and leadership roles. Their SAT or ACT scores were also considered, alongside academic records and recommendations from high school officials.

Of over 15,000 scholarship Finalists nationwide, about half will become Merit Scholarship winners in 2024.

Scholarship recipients represent less than one percent of the nation’s seniors and are among the highest-scoring program entrants from each state. According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, awardees possess the strongest combination of academic skills, extracurricular achievements, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. During the 2024 competition, more than 6,870 academic champions will be selected for National Merit Scholarships, totaling about $26 million.

Merit Scholars are selected based on their academic skills, extracurricular achievements, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. More information about the National Merit Scholarship program can be found online at https://www.nationalmerit.org/.

According to The National Merit Scholarship Corporation, by the conclusion of this year’s competition, over 6,870 Finalists will receive National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million. More winners of college-sponsored National Merit Scholarship awards will be announced on July 15.

About Contra Costa County Office of Education

One of 58 counties in California, Contra Costa County (CCCOE) has the 11th largest public-school student population in the state (approximately 169,225 students). Officially established in 1932, CCCOE has a long history of providing direct services to some of our county’s most vulnerable students, including young people who are incarcerated, homeless, or in foster care, as well as students who have severe physical or emotional challenges.

CCCOE also provides support services to schools and school districts in Contra Costa County; services that can be handled most effectively and economically on a regional basis rather than by each of the county’s 286 schools or 18 school districts. These services range from budget approval and fiscal support to technology infrastructure, communication support, and high-level professional development opportunities for educators. CCCOE maintains a website at www.cocoschools.org.

2023 Annual Report: Serious crime in Lafayette remains low

By Leave a Comment

Report cover and 2023 Lafayette Police Department staff. Photo: Lafayette PD

“Overall, crime remains low in Lafayette, a testament to the collective efforts of our community. However, there are still categories of crimes that the Police Department, in partnership with our residents, continues to strive to reduce.” – Chief Benjamin Alldritt

By Lafayette Police Department

The most recent crime report for 2023 from the Lafayette Police Department has been presented to the Lafayette City Council. The report shows that the rate of violent crime in Lafayette remains low, with only 13 reported Part 1 violent crimes in 2023. This equals 51.2 violent crimes per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 380.7 violent crimes per 100,000 and the California average of 494.6 violent crimes per 100,000 in 2022.

“Overall, crime remains low in Lafayette, a testament to the collective efforts of our community. However, there are still categories of crimes that the Police Department, in partnership with our residents, continues to strive to reduce,” said Lafayette Police Chief Benjamin Alldritt.

In 2023, the Lafayette Police received 12,007 calls for service, filed 1,168 police reports, made 302 arrests, and issued 1,022 traffic citations.

Lafayette Police Department Total Annual Calls for Service 2014-23. Source: Lafayette PD

Part I Crimes include two categories: Crimes against Persons and property crimes.  Crimes against Persons are murder, rape, aggravated assault, robbery, and human trafficking.  Property Crimes are burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson.

“Crimes against Persons are our top priority because they have the most significant impact on the victim. The Lafayette Police Department is committed to dedicating all necessary resources to investigate these crimes and bring the suspects to justice,” said Chief Alldritt.

Overall, Part 1 crimes decreased from 456 in 2013 to 277 in 2023. This represents a 39% decrease in these types of crime over the last decade.

“Proactive policing and an alert community keep crime low in Lafayette,” he continued. “If people see something, they say something. Residents quickly report, respond, and actively watch out for their friends, family, and neighbors. We appreciate that our community members continue to call in and report crimes and remain aware of their surroundings”.

10–Year Comparison of Part 1 Uniform Crime Reporting in Lafayette, CA. Source: Lafayette PD

“The professional staff are force multipliers for the Police Department,” said Chief Alldritt. “They run the administrative office, manage the City’s emergency preparedness activities and fleet maintenance, carry out crime scene investigations, parking enforcement, vacation house checks, emergency traffic control, and other programs such as “Slow Down Lafayette.”

The City of Lafayette takes a multi-departmental approach to reduce accidents in Lafayette by using the “Three E’s” of traffic safety: Enforcement, Engineering, and Education. The Police Traffic Unit meets regularly with the City’s Transportation Planner to identify problem areas where engineering solutions may have a calming effect on traffic, resulting in fewer accidents and less need for enforcement. The Traffic Unit reviews collision rates and locations, along with citizen complaints, when considering areas for enforcement efforts.   

  • Acquired two low-profile radar measurement devices, two temporary speed display signs, two speed display trailers, and two LIDAR devices to assist with speed enforcement.
  • Analyzed over 1.3 million data points on vehicle speeds
  • Reduced the number of speeders by 20%–25% in areas where display signs and traffic enforcement are used. Provided educational materials on crosswalk safety, school bus safety, e-bikes, and various weather and other traffic-related notices.
  • The Lamorinda Residents Guide to Wildfire Preparedness and Evacuation was updated and mailed out to all Lamorinda residents in 2022.
  • The Police Department encouragesresidents to sign up for the County’s Community Warning System (CWS)
  • The ALERT California wildfire program maintains a network of cameras to detect, alert, and monitor wildfires. Lafayette Police Department Emergency Services Manager John Cornell handled the installation of multiple wildfire cameras throughout Contra Costa County, which included training for multiple local fire and police departments.

Lafayette Police Department Emergency Services Manager John Cornell handled the installation of multiple wildfire cameras and coordinated camera locations and training with other agencies. Source: Lafayette PD

The city also operates an information and emergency radio station, available on AM 1670 or streaming via the city’s app, My Lafayette, for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play – Android Store.

 “I am proud of the men and women who serve the City of Lafayette with pride and dedication,” says Chief Alldritt. “The entire Police Department and our City staff and leaders are focused on providing the highest level of service possible to our residents, businesses, and visitors. From responding to calls for service, to investigations, traffic enforcement, emergency preparedness, and the myriad other things my staff do daily in service of the community.”

You can also download the slide deck of the May 28, 2024, presentation and watch a recording of the presentation to the City Council on May 28, 2024, on the City’s YouTube channel.

About The City of Lafayette

Lafayette is a charming small community located in Contra Costa County, 30 miles from The City of Oakland. It’s known for its beautiful green hills, excellent schools, and miles of hiking trails, making it an attractive place to live. The City has a population of more than 25,000 highly educated residents, with 75.2% of them holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, 73.6% of the homes in Lafayette are owner-occupied. The median home value is $1,914,700, while the median household income is $219,250. The total area of the city is 15.22 square miles.

San Ramon Valley school district opens 2nd annual 30 Under 30 Alumni Recognition nominations

By Leave a Comment

District seeks to highlight exemplary young alumni

By Ilana Israel Samuels, Director of Communications, Family and Community Engagement, San Ramon Unified School District

The San Ramon Unified School District, in partnership with the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation, is pleased to announce the second annual 30 Under 30 Alumni Recognition Campaign. Nominations are now open to highlight SRVUSD graduates who are 30 years old or younger and have made a positive impact in our community and beyond.

The 30 Under 30 Alumni Recognition Program will recognize SRVUSD alumni who:

  • Graduated from a school or program in SRVUSD
  • Are currently 30 years old or younger (in 2024)
  • Are thriving in their endeavors since graduating from SRVUSD in one or more of the following ways:
  1. They have made a significant impact on or contribution to the San Ramon Valley community; and/or
  2. They have achieved their college and/or career goals; and/or
  3. They have accomplished something else significant or impactful along their pathway since graduating.

Anyone can nominate alumni by filling out the 30 Under 30 application and submitting it by August 19, 2024. The winners will be announced in fall 2024, and honored and celebrated in a variety of ways. Winners from the 30 Under 30 honorees in 2023 can be viewed on the district’s 30 Under 30 web page and in the video.

Any questions from the community can be sent to communications@srvusd.net.

About San Ramon Valley Unified School District: Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD) is one of the highest-achieving school districts in California. With approximately 29,000 students, the district encompasses the communities of Alamo, Danville, San Ramon, and a small portion of Walnut Creek and Pleasanton.

SRVUSD has been recognized at state and national levels with many awards and achievements. The district is designated by AASA, The School Superintendents Association, as a Learning 2025 Lighthouse District because it serves as a model of positive change in public education and is committed to the whole child. Based on a foundation of academic excellence, SRVUSD’s work is guided by the district’s Strategic Directions, and broadening the definition of success so all students can thrive. The district maintains graduation rates above 96%. The Learner Profile outlines the competencies the district aspires for students to possess upon graduation, preparing students to be Critical Thinkers, Creative Contributors, Intentional Collaborators, Adaptable Learners, and Effective Communicators.

About the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation (SRVEF): The San Ramon Valley Education Foundation invests in education, supports parent organizations, and engages our community for the benefit of and in partnership with SRVUSD. The vision of the Major Gifts and Endowment Fund of the SRVEF is to provide a stable, local funding source that will enable the San Ramon Valley Unified School District to undertake long term and innovative educational programs to enhance the curriculum. Over the past years distributions from the Endowment Fund have helped fund significant programs that directly impact SRVUSD students. Learn more at www.srvef.org.

 

Ilana Israel Samuels  

She/Her/Hers

Director of Communications, Family and Community Engagement

 

San Pablo man arrested for attacking employee inside Pinole police building

By Leave a Comment

Pinole Police building video shows Victor jumping over the counter and into the offices of the clerk. Screenshot source: Pinole PD

By Commander Matt Avery, Pinole Police Department

On Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at approximately 4:15 PM, a male subject entered the Pinole Public Safety Building (880 Tennent Avenue, Pinole) and walked around the reception area while a police employee assisted a citizen at the front counter. The subject used the drinking fountain and then attempted to open the locked lobby door leading to the police department’s inner office area. The subject then sat down and waited approximately two minutes until our staff member finished assisting the citizen.

When the citizen completed her business and left the area, the male subject approached the front counter, where our staff member greeted him. The subject responded by reaching out and ringing the counter bell several times. Within seconds, the subject grabbed our staff member by her right arm. The victim fought back, and the subject pulled her toward him, preventing her from escaping. The victim could break free from the subject’s grasp, and the subject climbed over the counter and through a window. The victim retreated into the main hallway, and the subject chased after her. The victim was able to enter the administrative office area with the assistance of another staff member. Officers in the department at the time heard the disturbance and quickly made their way toward the reception area. They confronted the subject in the main hallway and safely detained the subject. (See Facebook incident video)

The victim sustained minor injuries to her right arm caused by the subject when he grabbed and pulled her. The victim is expected to make a full recovery. The subject was arrested and identified as Chester Erwin Victor, Jr. (born 4/20/1959), a 65-year-old male from unincorporated San Pablo. He was booked at the Martinez Detention Facility on burglary (PC 460(b)), kidnapping (PC 207(A)), false imprisonment (PC 236), battery (PC 243(A), assault (PC 241(A)), and a warrant.

This is an ongoing investigation, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Pinole Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 510-724-1111.

According to localcrimenews.com, Victor was also arrested by Solano CHP in June 2017 for DUI.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff, he is five-feet, 11-inches tall, 200-pounds, Hispanic and being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $47,500 bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for June 26 is Superior Court.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.