LMC to host 2nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Feb. 26
Contra Costa Health CEO caps historic career with County
Anna Roth, RN, MS, MPH. Photo: CC Regional Medical Center
Anna Roth starts new position in Tahoe area beginning of March
Following a distinguished 32-year career of service, Contra Costa Health Chief Executive Officer and Health Director Anna M. Roth has announced her intention to retire from the county.
A steadfast champion for health and addressing the needs of underserved communities, Ms. Roth will serve as president and CEO of Tahoe Forest Health System (TFHS) beginning in March.
Ms. Roth began working for Merithew Hospital in Martinez, now Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC), as a registered nurse in 1993, assuming greater responsibilities until she was named CCRMC Chief Executive Officer in 2009. Her success operating CCRMC and its 11 community clinics led to her appointment in 2018 as county health director.
“Anna Roth has been a transformative leader for Contra Costa Health (CCH), and while we will deeply miss her visionary leadership, we are thrilled to see her take on this exciting opportunity,” said Contra Costa Board of Supervisors Chair Candace Andersen, who represents District 2. “Her tireless commitment to improving healthcare for Contra Costa’s residents, especially our most vulnerable populations, has made a lasting impact. Tahoe Forest Health System is fortunate to gain such an exceptional leader.”
As the county’s health director, Ms. Roth managed a staff of more than 4,400. During her tenure at CCH, she oversaw the growth of a $3 billion integrated health system serving more than 1 million residents. Under her guidance, the County expanded safety-net services, strengthened behavioral and physical health integration, and launched innovative programs to address homelessness, environmental health, and emergency medical services.
“I’ve worked with Anna Roth for 25 years and have seen her commitment to improving access to quality medical care for our County’s most vulnerable residents and her passion for closing the health equity gap that has impacted our African American and Latino residents,” said District 1 Supervisor John Gioia, who chairs the Health Services Joint Conference Committee. “She introduced landmark new programs to meet the evolving needs of our most health challenged community members resulting in improved health outcomes. Because of her dedication and talents, our county has been recognized nationally for the many innovative and life-saving programs that were pioneered under her leadership.”
Ms. Roth was instrumental in leading CCRMC to achieve high-quality standards while maintaining a strong focus on equity and access. CCH implemented its electronic health record on her watch and expanded access to healthcare to thousands of county residents through the Affordable Care Act. She also led Contra Costa County’s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in one of the lowest COVID-19 mortality rates in the U.S. among similar-sized counties.
“I loved my time with Contra Costa Health. I am excited about my next chapter, but I am going to miss working with so many amazing people, caring for the health of our community,” Ms. Roth said. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Contra Costa County and honored to continue my service with Tahoe Forest Health District.”
The Board of Supervisors will discuss the next steps for leadership of CCH at its next meeting.
Clayton Valley Charter High School alumni nominated for College Television Award
Kadrik Blatt and Rachel Burnett will be honored at the 44th College TV Awards in April. Photo courtesy of Television Academy Foundation
With three fellow U.C. Santa Barbara classmates
By Jane Sparango, breakwhitelight for the Television Academy Foundation
Clayton Valley Charter High School alumni Kadrik Blatt and Rachel Burnett have been nominated for the Television Academy Foundation’s 44th College Television Awards. The Foundation’s annual awards show recognizes and rewards excellence in student-produced programs from colleges across the country. Winners in the competition will be announced by television stars at the red carpet awards ceremony on April 5, 2025, at the Television Academy in North Hollywood, California. Designed to emulate the Emmy® Awards, student entries are judged by Television Academy members. Criteria for the College Television Awards reflect industry standards of excellence, imagination and innovation.
Blatt and Burnett, along with three fellow University of California, Santa Barbara classmates, have been nominated in the ‘Drama Series’ category for producing a short film titled The Circus Monkey, which was selected from over 200 entries by Television Academy members.
The Circus Monkey is a dramatic film that centers on its main character, Vivian, who is a cellist and music instructor confused about whether she wants to continue as a musician in the competitive world of classical music. She is forced by Arthur, her mentor and boss, to take on a stubborn but talented new cello student named Grace, who is interested in auditioning for the Beaumont Conservatory Orchestra in Texas. In their first meeting, Grace gets under Vivian’s skin and exposes her inner turmoil about quitting the cello.
“Everything we do now is to achieve something,” said Blatt. “In our world today, it seems to some extent that you are nothing without a high salary or a multitude of accolades. The story of The Circus Monkey finds beauty in doing something merely for the fact of loving it. I think that’s what makes us human.
“This nomination is such a wonderful indication that this is where I’m meant to be and doing what I’m meant to be doing,” said Blatt. “I think when you tell people you produce film, they often don’t understand what exactly that entails or how much dedication is required to make a project happen. Being nominated for this award is far more tangible of an accomplishment for others to understand, and a really incredible indication personally of why I do this, for others to feel the same way I do about a story. It means the world that The Circus Monkey resonated with the Academy members in the same way it did with me.”
From Concord, California, Burnett attended Clayton Valley Charter High School in Concord. She is a 2024 graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, who majored in film and media studies.
“Perfectionism has ruled my life for as long as I’ve known; room for error has not been welcomed, and each slip was a detrimental setback,” said Burnett. “All I’ve ever longed for was for someone to tell me that my passion was enough and that each mistake presented an opportunity for growth. When I first read The Circus Monkey script, I found the message I was waiting for and knew that others needed it, too.”
“After graduating from UCSB in June, navigating the post-grad world has left me with many questions and challenges about where life will take me next,” said Burnett. “Receiving the [College Television Award] nomination has fueled me to continue creating art that allows me to express my authentic self while inspiring others through the process. If we were to win, that would only further motivate me to improve my craft and pursue more powerful stories like The Circus Monkey.
Character “Vivian” in the cello scene from The Circus Monkey.
Attending nominees of the 44th College Television Awards will also participate in two days of professional development events with media and industry leaders and a special screening of their projects for Television Academy members prior to the awards show on April 5.
About the Television Academy Foundation
Established in 1959 as the charitable arm of the Television Academy, the Television Academy Foundation is dedicated to preserving the legacy of television while educating and inspiring those who will shape its future. Through renowned educational and outreach programs, such as The Interviews: An Oral History of Television Project, College Television Awards and Summit, Student Internship Program, and the Media Educators Conference, the Foundation seeks to widen the circle of voices our industry represents and to create more opportunity for television to reflect all of society. For more information on the Foundation, please visit TelevisionAcademy.com/Foundation.
Alexis Gabe’s family responds to DA’s decision not to charge alleged murderer’s mother
Alexis Gabe from her missing poster photo in 2022 and her ex-boyfriend Marshall Jones seen unloading a black plastic bag at his mother’s house on Jan. 28, 2022. Source: Video screenshot from Justice for Alexis Gabe Facebook page.
“We are extremely disappointed” – Gwyn Gabe, Alexis’ father
Holds vigil on 3rd anniversary of day she went missing
Share videos showing Marshall Jones unloading black garbage bags at mother’s home, her discovering them in the garage, the two speaking, laughing and hugging
By Allen D. Payton
In a post on the Justice for Alexis Gabe Facebook page on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, her father Gwyn Gabe provided a response to the decision by the Contra Costa District Attorney to not pursue charges against Alicia Coleman-Clark, the mother of Alexis’ alleged murderer, her now-deceased ex-boyfriend Marshall Curtis Jones, III. Gwyn wrote, “It’s not over.” (See related article) Part of Alexis’ remains were found in Amador County. Jones was later killed when police attempted to arrest him in Washington state. (See related articles here and here)
Post on Justice for Alexis Gabe Facebook page on Jan. 24, 2025.
Gwyn Gabe went on to write, “We are extremely disappointed. We just concluded a conversation with DA Diana Becton and Deputy DA Simon O’Connell. Despite having a substantial amount of evidence, they still declined to pursue charges.”
Another post on the Facebook page from July 2, 2022, was shared, showing Coleman-Clark’s mugshot which reads, “This is a picture of Marshall’s mother. She was arrested on May 19, 2022 and charged with Penal Code 32 (aiding & abetting) by OPD, but the DA declined to file charges.”
Alicia Coleman-Clark and her son Marshall Jones in front of her house in screenshots of undated security surveillance videos. Source: Justice for Alexis Gabe Facebook page.
Security Surveillance Videos at Suspect’s Mother’s Home
A security surveillance video from his mother’s house posted on that same Facebook page on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, shows Marshall Jones unloading black garbage bags from a truck at his mother’s house in Antioch. The post reads:
“THE BLACK GARBAGE BAGS.
Our case has concluded, and as I promised, here is the video of Marshall Jones unloading black garbage bags at his mother’s house on January 28, 2022. This video gave us nightmares and is quite disturbing and difficult to view. Please be careful with your comments. The ADT camera captures footage every 30 seconds, so you might see some gaps. I will share more videos soon.”
Another, undated video posted earlier that day shows his mother, Coleman-Clark, speaking on the phone with someone. The comment with the video reads, “Discovering the bags in her garage. ‘They’re ice cold….like they just came out of the refrigerator.’”
A third, undated video from what appears to be the same day also posted on the group’s Facebook page on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, shows Jones speaking with his mother wearing the same dress as in the undated video above, with the truck in the same location as it was shown in the previous video in which he unloaded the black bags. The comment with that post reads, “Garbage bags back in the SUV and on his way to his sister’s house. ‘I didn’t want to do it, but I did it’ ‘Come back thereafter, so people can see you’ ‘You can have people do it’ ‘Don’t talk to anybody.’ What else did you hear?”
More videos are posted on the Facebook page, including one on Saturday, Jan. 25, which includes the comment, “Just got back from Amador County. The karaoke party is still happening. Someone seemed a bit upset, though.”
A vigil for Alexis was held on Sunday night, Jan. 26, the third anniversary of the date she went missing. KTVU FOX 2, KPIX 5 News, NBC News Bay Area and ABC 7 News covered the event.
“It still really hurts everyday that you wake up without my daughter,” said Alexis’ mother, Rowena Gabe.
Opinion: Writer lauds retired County Supervisor Federal Glover
I have been blessed to have Federal popping in and out throughout my life since we were in the 3rd grade together.
We went to Marina Primary School and he also lived two blocks from my house which I had to walk past every day to school and St. Peter Martyr Church where I regularly attended was on the corner from Federal’s house.
I can still see the same little boy smile he always had every time I saw him then as when I see Federal now. His smile somehow made you feel good, it was real. Federal gave that same smile to everyone during our school years, Federal respected everyone and never saw people of being any color, everyone was the same there was no poor, no rich, no special, no unfortunate.
In grade school Federal was always in the top five students for academics. In Junior High and High school he was always on the dean’s list and honor roll. Federal was a member of every Student Body Board in our Class and yes he was our Senior Class President. Federal had time for every student and everyone felt comfortable talking to him about anything, he was very involved. I remember Federal dating Sheila Thompson during our class years. Everyone thought they were the perfect couple, Sheila was a very sweet person, I would say she was very special, an angel sent here from above. When I found out Sheila had passed and Federal was raising her two daughters as his own I knew that was meant to be.
I have volunteered with Federal for many years at the Pittsburg Seafood Festival and I also would go to his Supervisor Office and took advantage of the free Notary service he offered and attended a one-day free Grant Writing Course sponsored by his Office. Sometimes I would just drop by to say hi.
Of course I have run into Federal at other times, Parkside Market when I was buying Italian sausage and at events sponsored by the Friends of Isola, a Sicilian Club honoring the Sicilian Heritage of Pittsburg’s Past. I have seen him at Contra Costa County Supervisors Board meetings and events. Seeing Federal always makes me feel like I’m home.
I was unaware of Federal’s retirement until I read it in Diane Burgis’ Newsletter. Since then I have felt compelled to write something for him because I truly believe people should know the True, Kind, Colorblind Man Federal Glover really is. I have the utmost respect for him, I always have and always will. God Bless you Federal Glover and your wonderful family.
Paula Wherity
Byron MAC Board Member
Note: Glover represented District 5 on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and chose not to run for a seventh four-year term.
Martinez Letter Carrier celebrates three decades of federal service
Martinez, CA Letter Carrier Raul Hernandez. Photo: USPS
Pittsburg resident Raul Hernandez to be honored in ceremony Aug. 22
By Meiko S. Patton, Communications Specialist, U.S. Postal Service
On Thursday, August 22, 2024, Letter Carrier Raul Hernandez will be honored during a celebration party for his 30 years of service.
Hernandez, a Pittsburg resident, began his federal service as a Marine. He later joined the Postal Service in 1998 as a Letter Carrier in San Francisco where he worked for 18 years before transferring to Martinez, CA.
A typical workday for him involves casing mail, pulling down mail, sorting packages for his route and delivering mail. “It’s been a good run here at the post office. It was kind of fortuitous that I would one day work here since I worked as a postal clerk in the Marines,” he said. “The secret to my longevity has been my military background, the word quit isn’t in my vocabulary. I truly enjoy my job and have no plans of leaving.”
The celebration will be held at 8:00 am at the Martinez Post Office, 4100 Alhambra Avenue in Martinez.
Congressman Garamendi announces he has early stage, treatable blood cancer
Rep. John Garamendi announces his cancer diagnosis in a video on his X feed on Monday, July 8, 2024. and his official photo.
Represents northern waterfront and western Contra Costa communities
By Office of Representative John Garamendi
WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) on Monday, July 8, 2024, released the following statement about his diagnosis of early stage, treatable blood cancer:
“My wife Patti, a leader in the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program, ensures I stay vigilant about preventative screenings and care. Freezing abnormal bumps is standard, but a call from my doctor changed everything: “When will you be back in California? You need to come in for a series of tests.” Thus began my journey with early-stage Multiple Myeloma, a form of treatable blood cancer.
“Today, I started my path to remission with chemo-immunotherapy as an outpatient at Kaiser Oncology in Sacramento. With early detection, excellent doctors, and the love and support of Patti, our entire family, my extraordinary staff, and congressional colleagues, I know I’ll get through this while continuing to serve my constituents and advance American democracy. I’m grateful our President initiated the Cancer Moonshot and that California’s efforts in stem cell research and taxing cigarettes in the 1980s for cancer research have advanced therapies benefiting not only me, but every family dealing with cancer.
“Throughout my treatments, which my doctor expects will last a few months, I will continue working on my long list of projects and goals for my constituents in Contra Costa and Solano counties. However, alongside destroying cancer cells, chemotherapy weakens natural antibodies and the immune system. My doctors have cautioned me to minimize exposure to COVID-19, flu, and other viruses, so I will limit travel to Washington and public events during the treatment process.
“My thoughts and support are with families managing cancer or any health condition, and with the doctors, nurses, and medical personnel who offer comfort and hope. I am confident that the treatments will be effective, allowing me to continue serving impacted families and my constituents in Congress for years to come.”
In a video post on his X (formerly Twitter) feed on Monday, Garamendi read his statement and wrote, “Like 1.9 million Americans each year, I recently received the dreaded call from my doctor informing me that I had cancer. I am thankful to have caught this early, and we are confident that I will soon be in remission.”
The 79-year-old Garamendi represents the northern waterfront and western communities of Contra Costa County including the northern portion of Antioch in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Pittsburg resident, long-time community leader joins board of Meals on Wheels Diablo Region
Lindy Maynes-Kolthoff. Photo: MOWDR
By Skylar Schaefer, Communications Specialist, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region
WALNUT CREEK, CA – Meals on Wheels Diablo Region (MOW Diablo Region) is pleased to announce that Lindy Maynes-Kolthoff has been elected to the organization’s Board of Directors. Maynes-Kolthoff has a close relationship with MOW Diablo Region as a volunteer for the Breakfast Bag Program.
Maynes-Kolthoff spent over 35 years serving students in higher education at both the university and community college levels. As the Executive Director of the Los Medanos College Foundation, she was active in her East Contra Costa County area as a member of the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce, member of the Industrial Association of Contra Costa County, was presented with a Proclamation honoring her volunteer work in the City of Pittsburg and served 21 years on the Board of Directors for the Rotary Club of Antioch. Maynes-Kolthoff currently serves on the Board of Directors of Delta Advocacy Foundation as the Grants Chair.
In addition to her volunteering for MOW Diablo Region, Maynes-Kolthoff has personal experience with the organization. Her father volunteered forty years ago and said that it was the best job he ever had. Ten years ago, when her father-in-law needed services, she says that the meal deliveries literally saved his life.
When reached for comment about her new position Maynes-Kolthoff said, “I’ve been volunteering for about two years, now and I deliver breakfast bags to clients in Antioch. Then I substitute, here in Pittsburg when they need a driver.”
“Board Chairman Tim Argenti (formerly of Republic Services) is the one who asked if I’d be willing to serve on the board and I said, ‘sure’,” she stated. “I enjoy volunteering because I think it’s important to support our seniors in our communities. I’m more than happy to, now serve on the board.”
“I’m very humbled to be a part of this amazing organization,” Maynes-Kolthoff added.
Meals on Wheels Diablo Region’s mission is to keep seniors nourished, safe, less isolated, and independent for as long as possible. MOW Diablo Region is the only Meals on Wheels that delivers both meals and supportive services to the entire county. In addition to home delivered meals, the organization provides breakfast bags, grocery bags, cultural cuisine, cafés, fall prevention, friendly visitors, callers, and helpers, case management, and exercise classes. All services are free of charge. To learn more about services, volunteering, or donating, visit mowdiabloregion.org.
About Meals on Wheels Diablo Region:
For more than 50 years, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has improved the lives of vulnerable seniors in Contra Costa County by delivering nutritious meals and supportive services that allow seniors to remain in their homes safely and with dignity. Programs include home-delivered meals, Breakfast Bags, Grocery Bags, Fall Prevention, Cafés, Care Management, Friendly Visitors, Health and Wellness, and more.
About Meals on Wheels America
Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. Powered by a trusted volunteer workforce, this network delivers a comprehensive solution that begins with a meal and is proven to enable independence and well-being through the additional benefits of tailored nutrition, social connection, safety and much more. By providing funding, programming, education, research and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time.
Senator Glazer to honor first and only CA Supreme Court Chief Justice to be voted out of office
Former California Supreme Court Chief Justice Rose Bird (Photo: CSCHS) and Senator Steve Glazer. (Official photo)
For reversing death sentences; plaques to be unveiled for Rose Bird at new plaza named for her in Capitol World Peace Rose Garden during Tuesday ceremony
Glazer was her spokesman during her failed 1986 retention campaign
SACRAMENTO – Former California Supreme Court Chief Justice Rose Elizabeth Bird will be recognized Tuesday, May 7, for her trailblazing work as a jurist – the first such public dedication in California.
Current Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, Patricia Guerrero, and retired Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, will lead the 10 a.m. unveiling of two plaques at the new Chief Justice Rose Elizabeth Bird Justice For All Plaza at the State Capitol World Peace Rose Garden 25 years after her death in 1999.
Speakers will also include Stephen Buehl, former Justice Bird’s chief of staff, Senator Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, the chair of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus, and Kathryn Meola, president of the Women Lawyers of Sacramento.
“Honoring Chief Justice Rose Elizabeth Bird is long overdue,” said Senator Steve Glazer, D-Contra Costa, who authored a resolution, SCR 47 (2023) to create her place of honor in the Capitol Rose Garden. Senator Glazer was Bird’s spokesman during her retention campaign in 1986. “We now have the benefit of time in recognizing her courage and integrity in upholding the Constitution and rule of law – especially in protecting the poor and oppressed.”
Justice Bird was the first woman Chief Justice of California; the first woman Chair of the Judicial Council; the first woman on a California Governor’s Cabinet and the first woman deputy public defender in Santa Clara County. She served as the Chief Justice under Governor Jerry Brown from 1977-1986.
She was also the first and only chief justice in state history to be voted out of office. Bird and three other justices voted to reverse murderers’ sentences, and she, two of her colleagues, Reynoso and Grodin, were subsequently voted off the state supreme court. Bird was overwhelmingly removed in the November 4, 1986, election by a margin of 67% to 33%.
What: The Unveiling of the Chief Justice Rose Elizabeth Bird Justice For All Plaza
When: May 7, 2024, 10 a.m.
Where: State Capitol World Peace Rose Garden
Speakers: Senator Steve Glazer; Patricia Guerrero, Chief Justice of California; Tani Cantil-Sakauye, retired Chief Justice of California; Stephen Buehl, chief of staff to Chief Justice Rose Bird, Senator Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, the chair of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus, and Kathryn Meola, president of the Women Lawyers of Sacramento.
Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaE6NUxkuv0
https://sd07.senate.ca.gov/video/honoring-chief-justice-rose-elizabeth-bird
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report
Retired Pittsburg Chief Addington appointed Antioch Interim Chief of Police
Former Pittsburg Police Chief Brian Addington has been appointed as Antioch’s interim police chief. Photo source: WBA Consulting & Investigative Services
Starts Monday, February 26, 2024
“We’re very lucky to have him as our chief.” – Councilman & retired Pittsburg Lt. Mike Barbanica
Police Officers Association “excited to learn” of appointment
Antioch, CA: Acting Antioch City Manager Kwame Reed has selected retired Pittsburg Police Chief Brian Addington to serve as Interim Chief of Police until a permanent chief is appointed. Chief Addington brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of East Contra Costa County law enforcement to this leadership role. He has a proven track record of leadership and dedication to public safety that are essential to guiding the department during this transitional period. Chief Addington’s first day in the office will be Monday, February 26, 2024. Chief Addington understands the challenges and opportunities facing law enforcement in our community. With over a decade of experience as the police chief in neighboring Pittsburg, he has demonstrated his commitment to serving the residents of East Contra Costa County with integrity and professionalism. “We are confident that Chief Addington’s leadership will enhance the safety and security of our community,” Reed said. “His extensive knowledge of local policing issues and his strong ties with the East County community make him the perfect choice to lead the Antioch Police Department during this interim period.” “Retired Chief Addington will come to Antioch with a strong ability to make tough decisions under difficult circumstances,” said Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe. “Until the hiring of a permanent chief of police, he’ll work with City Hall to continue to rebuild police staffing levels and decrease 911 response times.” Addington expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Interim Chief of Police, stating, “I am honored to join the dedicated men and women of the Antioch Police Department. We will work tirelessly – with a renewed focus on serving our community – and upholding the department’s mission of protecting and serving the residents of Antioch with integrity, compassion, and professionalism.” When reached for comment District 2 Councilman and retired Pittsburg Police Lt. Mike Barbanica said, “I’m very supportive of Chief Addington. He’s a great addition to the APD. We’re very lucky to have him as our chief. I worked with him for many years at the PPD. In fact, he worked for me when. When I was a Bureau Commander and I had the pick of the list, Brian Addington was my first choice. He was my right-hand person. He’s an outstanding administrator. He’s the right choice.” “Addington and I worked together ridding the department of corruption, investigating officers who were falsifying arrest reports and we ended up removing the officer from the police department,” the councilman added. Police Officers Association “Excited to Learn” of Appointment Antioch Police Officers Association Vice President Sgt. Loren Bledsoe was asked for comment about Addington’s appointment. He responded, “The APOA was excited to learn that Chief Addington was selected for the position of Interim Chief of Police. APD has always shared a strong working relationship with the Pittsburg Police Department, and we look forward to the opportunity to support the mission and vision of Chief Addington here, at APD.” About Brian Addington According to a press release from the Pittsburg Police Department when Addington retired, “In 1994, Officer Brian Addington made, what we think, was the best decision of his career. He joined the Pittsburg Police Department after having served for a year and a half with the Suisun City Police Department. That decision left a lasting mark on our department and our Pittsburg community as he rose through the ranks to become our Police Chief serving in that role for the last decade. Chief Addington started as an officer in patrol on the Strategic Enforcement Team (SET) where he served for several years focused on reducing street-level crimes. From there, he became an undercover detective in the Narcotics Unit. In 1998, he was promoted to Sergeant where he trained and mentored officers in a wide variety of assignments. Chief Addington’s rise through the ranks included a promotion to Lieutenant in 2004 and then Captain in 2010. He served as our Public Information Officer as well as duties in patrol, training, narcotics, criminal and administrative investigations and so much more. As Police Chief, he focused on transparency and breaking down barriers between police and the community we’re sworn to serve. His modern approach to law enforcement strategies resulted in both a 10% decrease in crime and more than a 100% increase in diversity among the ranks of the Pittsburg Police Department. These are achievements that will last for decades to come. Chief Addington brought respect and a broader footprint for the Pittsburg Police Department through his service and leadership in many roles including membership with the FBI National Academy Associates, California Police Chiefs Association, and the International Association of Police Chiefs.” See a brief video of Addington’s farewell posted on the Pittsburg PD’s Facebook page. Addington’s Business, Education and Personal Background According to his LinkedIn profile, since retiring, Addington founded WBA Consulting and Investigations, LLC and is Chief Operations Officer for Vacaville-based Cole Pro Media. When reached for comment, Addington said, “I work part-time for Cole Pro Media which works with law enforcement agencies on communications strategy.” His profile on the WBA website offers more about his experience and knowledge. “His expertise covers the full range of policing disciplines based on his experiences in a law enforcement agency in California. Brian provides expert advice on best practices in policing, leadership development, organizational assessments, training, independent investigations, and community engagement and media relations. Brian has also served as an advisor and consultant to various law enforcement agencies and executives in developing strategies and best practices to address the ever-changing demands placed on law enforcement professionals.” He was able to retire at age 50 under the previous compensation package for many law enforcement agencies in the state, including the CHP and Antioch Police Department. Addington said he will be 52 in March. “My intent was always to work after I retired,” he stated. Addington is married, and together with his wife they have a total of eight children “in a blended family.” He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in organizational leadership, both from Chapman University. In addition, Addington graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2012 and the California POST (Police Officer Standards and Training program) Command College in 2011. He’s been a board member with the Pittsburg Police Activities League since 2014 Asked why he goes by Brian, Addington shared, “My dad was William Calvin Addington, and I’m William Brian. My mom called me Brian. So, I just go by my middle name.” Addington said he was born in San Gabriel in the L.A. area and his family moved to Concord when he was three years old. “We then moved when I was eight to Fairfield. So, I grew up in Solano County,” he added. While he officially starts Monday, Reed was asked if Addington will be sworn in that day or during next Tuesday’s council meeting. He responded, “for the Oath of Office we are planning that now with it being tentatively set some time Tuesday afternoon.” Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.- « Previous Page
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