Contra Costa Herald

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

DVC administrator chosen for National Presidential Fellowship for Community College Leaders

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By Timothy Leong, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa Community College District

Vice President Mary Gutierrez.Photo by Emma Hall, Assistant Editor, The Inquirer.

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program today announced that Dr. Mary Gutierrez, Vice President of Instruction at Diablo Valley College (DVC), is one of 40 leaders selected for the 2020-21 class of the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship. This highly respected national leadership program prepares the next generation of community college presidents to transform institutions to achieve higher and more equitable levels of student success.

Gutierrez became vice president of the college in 2018 and has over 36 years of experience in education, according to The Inquirer, DVC’s student newspaper.

The Rising Presidents Fellows will embark on a 10-month fellowship beginning in July 2020. Delivered in collaboration with the Stanford Educational Leadership Initiative, the fellows will be mentored by esteemed current and former community college presidents who have achieved exceptional outcomes for students throughout their careers, and will learn strategies to improve student outcomes in and after college, lead internal change, and create strong external partnerships with K-12 schools, four-year colleges, employers, and other partners.

“Evidence shows that substantial improvements in student success are achieved only when presidents have the commitment and skill needed to lead change within their institutions and through partnerships in the community,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the College Excellence Program. “These fellows have been chosen because they embody that commitment and, we believe, will build their skills even further to become transformational presidents.”

“We are thrilled the Aspen Institute has chosen Mary for this national leadership program,” says DVC President Susan Lamb. “She is smart, passionate about student success, and is already a tremendous leader. There is no doubt in my mind this fellowship program will increase her skills and experience to be a great future community college president.”

The Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship responds to the growing need for a new generation of leaders well-equipped to meet the challenges of the future. Nationally, nearly 80 percent of sitting presidents plan to retire in the next decade. While the traditional pathway to the presidency has excluded women and people of color, the incoming class of Aspen Rising Presidents Fellows is composed of 70 percent women and 61 percent people of color and represents institutions of varying sizes and locations. For a list of the 2020-21 class of the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship visit https://highered.aspeninstitute.org/risingpresidents/.

“This is a wonderful honor and opportunity to continue my growth as a community college administrator,” says Dr. Gutierrez. “I want to thank President Lamb and the DVC community for their support in applying for this professional development.”

Diablo Valley College is a large suburban community college, approximately 25 miles east of San Francisco in Contra Costa County. One of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District, DVC enrolls approximately 20,000 students, about 40% who come from groups historically underrepresented in higher education. DVC ranks consistently as one of the most successful transfer institutions in California and also offers a wide range of highly respected occupational programs leading to certificates or degrees. The faculty is known for its intellectual vitality and deep commitment to the success of its students.

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program aims to advance higher education practices and leadership strategies that significantly improve student outcomes. Through the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the Aspen Presidential Fellowship for Community College Excellence, and other initiatives, the College Excellence Program works to improve colleges’ understanding and capacity to teach and graduate students, especially the growing population of low-income students and students of color on American campuses. For more information, visit highered.aspeninstitute.org and follow us on Twitter at @AspenHigherEd.

Stanford Educational Leadership Initiative (SELI) strives to help education leaders further develop their ability to transform education systems and drive meaningful change. SELI programs bring together the strengths of Stanford Graduate School of Education and Stanford Graduate School of Business, as well as additional Stanford faculty and resources, to offer multidimensional and immediately impactful professional development programming for practicing leaders in PreK-12, higher education, and policy. By fostering collaboration and building relationships between existing colleagues and among new peers, SELI programs create networks supporting participants’ continued learning and organizational improvement. For more information, visit https://seli.stanford.edu/.

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most important challenges facing the United States and the world. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Institute has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, and an international network of partners.

Assemblymember Frazier chooses Byron winery owner Michelle Campos as AD11 Woman of the Year

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Michelle Campos with her plaque honoring her as Assembly District 11 Woman of the Year. Photo courtesy Office of Assemblymember Jim Frazier.

Sacramento – Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D- Fairfield), invites the public to join him in celebrating Michelle Campos in her selection as Assembly District 11’s Woman of the Year. Michelle’s contributions to her community include volunteering in programs at local schools, cancer philanthropy and founding a successful business that continues the tradition of giving back. Currently Michelle and her husband, Ric are proprietors of Campos Family Vineyards in Byron and live there, as well.

“In her nearly three decades of living in the area, Michelle’s commitment to her community and to those around her is astounding,” Frazier said. “From her involvement in the Performing Arts Program at Excelsior Middle School, the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer to creating not only a successful business, but one that is constantly finding new ways to share what she’s been given, Michelle has contributed much to our community. I am delighted and honored to nominate Michelle to represent the 11th Assembly District as Woman of the Year.”

Michelle was born and raised in San Leandro.  She graduated in 1977 from San Leandro High School, attended Chabot College and Western Career College.  Michelle worked as a Nurse in Family Practice, OB/GYN and Labor & Delivery at Washington Hospital in Fremont. She previously was a Childbirth Educator and Private Doula.  She also obtained her Real Estate License and sold new homes for Kaufman & Broad in Contra Costa County. Michelle and Ric married in 1991 and moved to Discovery Bay. Together they raised her two children and their daughter.

A heartfelt desire to become involved in the community and give back was important to Michelle.  As her children went through school, she was involved in and supported the Performing Arts Program at Excelsior Middle School and the Cheer Program at Liberty High School. Michelle and her husband started an environmental business (SWIMS) in 1996 out of their home garage. SWIMS now has six locations and more than 100 employees. Together she and Ric pioneered the storm water industry and both worked hands-on to grow and develop their business.

In 2016, Campos Family Vineyards was born, the result of the couple’s long-time dream and love for vineyards. Years of long drives through many California wine regions was a favorite pastime. Providing a place to gather the community, give back and produce award-winning wines is the heartbeat of both Campos Family Vineyards and Michelle. Being part of the community for more than 29 years, raising children and now grandchildren here, Michelle believes that creating a gathering place is very important. Raising awareness and funds for the Temple Grandin/Eustacia Cutler Autism Foundation is also near to Michelle’s heart, as her granddaughter Gianna (GiGi) is on the Autism Spectrum and has Aspergers.  It was Gigi’s idea, at age 11, to give back and help others.

Former Contra Costa Assemblyman, Richmond Councilman Bob Campbell passes at 82

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Robert J. “Bob” Campbell in his younger days.

December 20, 1937 – March 27, 2020 

photo from M.A. Hays Insurance Facebook page

Campbell in an October 2019 photo. Courtesy of Office of Supervisor John Gioia.

“He was one of my rock solid guiders on education matters.” – former Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, Jr.

By Allen Payton

Former Assemblyman Robert J. “Bob” Campbell who represented Contra Costa County in the California State Assembly passed away on Friday, March 27, 2020 following a battle with cancer. He was 82. A Democrat, he served 16 years from 1980-96 representing the 11th District in the California State Assembly.

Campbell was first elected to the Richmond City Council in 1975 where he served until his election to the Assembly. He was also an insurance broker and owner of M.A. Hays Insurance Brokers in Richmond.

According to his biography on Wikipedia: “His family settled in Richmond when he was a child. After high school graduation he attended Contra Costa College in San Pablo and San Francisco State University, where he received a B.A. degree in 1961. He served in the U.S. Army and the California National Guard from 1961 to 1972. He worked in the insurance industry.

From 1963-65 Campbell worked as a political science professor at U.C. Berkeley.

He developed an interest in politics while still in college and worked on several election campaigns before being elected to the city council at age 37. He won his campaigns for Assembly eight straight times in the heavily Democratic district. His priorities as an Assemblyman were education and environmental protection. He chaired the Ways and Means subcommittee on education for six years and served on the Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee for 15 years. He was often the author of bills involving funding for schools and community colleges.

According to JoinCalifornia, Campbell was able to get a bill passed in 1989 establishing John Muir Day every April 21, with the first one celebrated in 1990, according to the Sierra Club.

Bob Campbell speaks at the retirement party for Joan Carpenter, a staff member of Supervisor John Gioia in October 2019. Photo courtesy of Office of Supervisor John Gioia.

During his time in the Assembly, Campbell would distribute books to constituents that contained copies of the California Constitution, the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Declaration of Rights, Articles of Confederation and the Mayflower Compact.

In 1996, unable to seek re-election to the California State Assembly due to term limits, he opted to run for California State Senate. However, Campbell didn’t run for his area senate seat, which had been made more competitive after the last redistricting. He chose to instead run in a neighboring district, which was much more Democratic, but went on to lose the Democratic primary to Assembly colleague Barbara Lee. He was subsequently appointed to the California Coastal Commission in 1996 by then-Assembly Speaker Cruz Bustamante.”

He helped spawn a generation of leaders in the county, including three who offered their condolences and thoughts about Campbell, as well as other current county officials.

Campbell’s former district chief of staff from 1980-87, Eric Zell, a political consultant and former West Contra Costa Healthcare District Board Member, shared his thoughts about his long-time friend and former boss.

“Outside of my parents, Bob had the greatest influence on both my professional, and in many ways, my personal life. A great mentor, an unbelievable role model and a true ‘common man’,” wrote Zell. “He helped so many people, and never wanted or asked for recognition. There will never be another like him. My family and I were so fortunate to be part of the Campbell ‘family’. May his memory be a blessing.”

Former campaign aid and Assembly staffer for Campbell, Tim Farley who served as a Martinez Councilman and Contra Costa Community College District Board Member, shared his comments in a post on Facebook.

“I am shocked and heartbroken to hear the news that former state Assemblyman Bob Campbell has passed away,” he wrote. “I worked on his successful campaign for the state Assembly in 1980. I learned so much from him. At 20 years old Bob treated me like a seasoned campaign aid. Later I worked on his Assembly staff from 1983-1994.We have been friends for over 40 years. God bless you Bob and know you will always be in my heart.”

“Sorry to hear this news. I learned a lot interning in his Capitol office in the early ’80s. RIP Bob,” wrote former Concord Mayor Guy Bjerke, who interned for Campbell in 1981 while attending Sac State University. He now works for the City of Concord in charge of reuse of the former naval weapons station.

“Bob was one of the finest public servants I ever met,” wrote Contra Costa County Supervisor Karen Mitchoff. “He treated all alike and worked so hard for our county.”

“We lost a strong progressive voice for the most vulnerable and for all of Contra Costa,” wrote Supervisor John Gioia. “Those of us who knew Bob, know how much he listened to people and then used the power of government to improve people’s lives. We will miss Bob, but we benefit from his legacy every day!”

In a post on Friday on the M.A. Hays Insurance Company’s Facebook page, his staff shared their condolences: “It is with a heavy heart that we have to tell you that Bob Campbell passed away. He has been sick with cancer that came back this past year. Bob owned M.A. Hays Co and his hard work and dedication to the residents and businesses of West County as an Insurance Broker, Richmond City Council member and our State Assemblyman for 16 years is unmatchable. His support and help of the less fortunate, improving his community on an everyday basis as well as other Californians will not be forgotten. His laugh, his storytelling and his great smile will be missed within the insurance office of M.A. Hays Co. Rest in Peace Bobby, you made the world a better place while you were here.”

When reached for comment, former Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, Jr. shared his thoughts about and gave accolades to Campbell.

“I was frankly amazed when Jack O’Connell, retired State Superintendent of Public Instruction, advised me early Sunday morning that Bob Campbell had passed away,” he said. “I was blown away. He was always athletic, he was not a drinker or smoker in any excessive way.”

“He was particularly dedicated in the world of education,” Brown said. “He was one of my rock solid guiders on education matters.”

“I counted Bob Campbell as a key in the world of urban based education, coming out of Richmond with the kind of needs that school district had,” he continued. “Whatever we did for Richmond in some cases became what we did for other similar school districts, because of Bob Campbell’s efforts.”

“It’s a real loss and he died much too younger. I thought a lot of him, personally, as well,” Brown added.

Campbell leaves behind his wife, former Richmond City Councilwoman Maria Theresa Viramontes; a son, Kirk Campbell of Richmond; a daughter, Lisa Campbell and partner Chios Holguin, and a grandson, all of Davis; stepsons Armando Viramontes of Richmond, David Viramontes and Andres Uyeda; grandchildren Andrew Viramontes, Livia Uyeda-Tannyhill, and Kelly Reck of Richmond.

Services have not yet been scheduled.

Eugene Huff selected as CC Community College District interim chancellor

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Eugene Huff. By CCCCD.

By Timothy Leong, Public Information Officer, CCCC College District

The Contra Costa Community College District (District) Governing Board (Board) has selected Eugene Huff as interim chancellor. Huff’s contract begins January 23, 2020, with an end date of December 31, 2020, or until a permanent chancellor is selected.

Huff began his service with the District in 2001 in human resources.  He was promoted to Vice Chancellor of Human Resources in 2004 and has been the District’s chief negotiator since that time.  He was promoted to his current position of Executive Vice Chancellor, Administrative Services in 2013. In that position, Huff has overseen fiscal services, human resources, information technology, police services and risk management areas.

Before coming to the District, Huff spent over a decade in the private sector in human resources and operations management roles, and led the start-up of the human resources function for a non-profit organization. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and his master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Purdue University.

“The Governing Board is excited and grateful that Gene has agreed to serve as our Interim Chancellor,” said Board President Rebecca Barrett. “His many years of steady administrative leadership in the District has prepared him for this opportunity, and we are confident the District will be in good hands until a permanent chancellor is on board.”

The District continues its national search for a permanent chancellor and is assisted by the Collaborative Brain Trust (CBT) and Dr. Brice Harris, a longtime California community college educator and Chancellor Emeritus of the California Community Colleges. Huff will not be a candidate for permanent chancellor. The goal will be to complete the search process and announce the new chancellor in April 2020, with a start date of June 1-July 1, 2020.

Prior to joining the District, Mr. Huff worked at Whirlpool Corporation for 11 years in operations and human resources. Mr. Huff is married and has one grown daughter and one granddaughter. He enjoys diving, gardening and travel.

The Contra Costa Community College District (CCCCD) is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California. The CCCCD serves a population of 1,019,640 people, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. The District is home to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, as well as educational centers in Brentwood and San Ramon.  The District headquarters is located in downtown Martinez.

Kiwanis Club of Brentwood energized by new president Alan Iannaccone

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Alan Iannaccone (center) with his family and Kiwanis Club members following his installation as the Brentwood Club’s new president on Friday, Jan. 10, 2020. Photos courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Brentwood.

Alan Iannaccone given oath of office as club president for 2020 by Angel Luevano as Argentina Dávila-Luévano looks on.

By Argentina Dávila-Luévano, Immediate Past Lt. Gov, Division 26

The Kiwanis Club of Brentwood has a new, dynamic and superb leader in President Alan Iannaccone. Alan represents the future of Kiwanis to bring invigorating and energetic Professionalism into its member ranks.

He was installed for the 2020 year during a ceremony on Friday, January 10 and received special recognition from U.S. Congressman Jerry McNerney and State Assembly Member Jim Frazier.

Alan works as a Station Design Engineer and earned a bachelor degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Portland, Oregon. Alan attended Holy Rosary Catholic School in Antioch and De La Salle High School. Among his many achievements, Alan was head coach of Springwood Swim Club and enjoys his hobbies in Golf, Hiking, and Water Polo. Alan brings ten years of community service to the Club.

He is the son of Brentwood chiropractor Dr. Alan and Elizabeth Iannacone of Brentwood and grandson of Monte and Lucia Albers, also of Brentwood.

Alan (center) with members of the Key Club, the service program of Kiwanis International for high school students.

Alan is already planning our Kiwanis Brentwood Club’s first Golf Tournament and Restaurant Tour. Come and Join us in welcoming Alan Iannaccone as the new president of the Kiwanis Club of Brentwood.

Our club meets once a month on the second Tuesday of the month from 6:30-8:00 p.m at Jalisco Restaurant in Brentwood.

Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time.

Kiwanis is for men and women who want personal involvement in the leadership and improvement of their communities.

Our club is a snapshot of the community and made up of individuals who are unified in their belief that children and their community’s benefit from the efforts of a proficient group of caring and involved people.

Concord woman to celebrate her 100th birthday with family Saturday

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Ruth Virginia Ferrell turns 100 on Jan. 12, 2020.

Ruth Virginia Ferrell will be celebrating her 100th birthday with family, this Saturday.

Born January 12, 1920 in Memphis, Tennessee, she came to California in 1948, and lives with her grandson and family in Concord.

Ruth is blessed with three children, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

She’s doing very well and is very spry for her age.

Navy recognizes sailor from Alamo as a Recruiter of the Year

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SAN ANTONIO – (Dec. 12, 2019) Lt. Jeffrey Underwood (center), of Alamo, Calif., assigned to Navy Recruiting District (NRD) San Antonio was recognized as the NRD’s Active Officer Recruiter of the Year during an annual awards banquet held at the Embassy Suites Landmark. Presenting the awards were (left to right) NRD Command Master Chief Francisco Valdovinos, NRD Commanding Officer Cmdr. Nicholas Gamiz, NRD Chief Recruiter Master Chief Navy Counselor Matthew Maduemesi, and NRD Executive Officer Cmdr. Michael Files. For his meritorious service, Underwood was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. NRD’s area of responsibility includes more than 34 Navy Recruiting Stations and Navy Officer Recruiting Stations spread throughout 144,000 square miles of Central and South Texas territory. (U.S. Navy Photo by Burrell Parmer, Navy Recruiting District San Antonio/Released)

Seaman from Pittsburg serving aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec 3, 2019) Seaman Isaiah Peralta, from Pittsburg, Calif., holds the phone and distance line on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during a replenishment-at-sea Dec. 3, 2019. Theodore Roosevelt is underway conducting routine training in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Airman D.J. Schwartz)

BART employee who saved man’s life is from Antioch, former high school football coach

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John O’Connor and his wife, Tere.

By Luke Johnson

A man fell into the trackway – about 30 feet in front of an oncoming train – and a BART employee immediately thought:

“Oh, he ain’t gonna make it.”

Photo courtesy of John O’Connor.

However, the employee got on his knees and reached over the trackway – putting himself in harm’s way. He then grabbed the fallen man and pulled him to safety with inches to spare. This all happened in a matter of three seconds. (See BART video)

The hero: John O’Connor, 55, a 28-year Antioch resident and former assistant football coach for the Antioch High School Panthers.

He was working at the Coliseum Station after the Oakland Raiders game Sunday, Nov. 3 to provide extra supervision for the overflowing postgame crowd – which was needed to say the least.

“That’s what I’m here for,” O’Connor said. “God was with us at that moment.”

“It seemed a lot slower than it actually happened (on video),” said O’Connor to the media. “He came to the side, I figured he wasn’t going to make it so I grabbed him and pulled him up to the platform. That’s what we do. We got foreworkers, train operators, station agents who deal with this on a daily basis. We preach safety, and we practice it.”

He added that it doesn’t sound right to be called a hero, because people in the military, police and fire department save lives all the time and he doesn’t believe he belongs in that category.

Although he may not identify as a hero, this Thursday the Raiders will honor him as one. The team will host him in front of the Thursday Night Football audience as this week’s “Hometown Hero.”

O’Connor during a press conference. Photo by BART

BART said the young man who stumbled onto the trackway was intoxicated.

After O’Connor pulled the young man to safety, he lifted him from the ground, embraced him with a hug and said, “It’s OK.” Meanwhile, other BART riders cheered for O’Connor for saving the young man’s life.

The moment was captured on video and posted to Twitter – which quickly went viral and can be seen, here.

The story has been all over the news and has even garnered national attention. O’Connor said if it weren’t for that video, many people would not have known what happened, and it would have become “just another good drinkin’ story.”

During a press conference, O’Connor stated, “A lot of times, people see us, and they don’t understand what we’re doing and what we’re going through but when something like this goes down, we rise to the occasion. Whether it’s the ’89 (Loma Prieta) Earthquake, the Giants World Series, you name it, BART’s been here for the Bay Area, and what we do is we try to get people where they need to be.”