Contra Costa Herald

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

After 32 years Tri Delta Transit has new CEO, Rashidi Barnes, Jeanne Krieg to retire in February

By Leave a Comment

Former Tri Delta Transit CEO Jeanne Krieg and new CEO Rashidi Barnes. Photos: Tri Delta Transit

By Leeann Loroño, Manager of Customer Service and Marketing, Tri Delta Transit

(Note: Apologies for the delay in posting this information. The Herald publisher was sick during the week this press release was issued)

After an extensive nationwide search, the Board of Directors of the Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority, aka Tri Delta Transit, unanimously selected Rashidi Barnes as Tri Delta Transit’s new CEO. He assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer on September 7, 2022, replacing long-time CEO Jeanne Krieg who is retiring in February after 32 years at the agency.

Barnes started his transit career twenty years ago as the Western Sales Manager for Transit Marketing Group, a leader in marketing and sales for transit product manufacturers. From there he became the Director of Procurement for Foothill Transit where he was responsible for insuring contract compliance and procurement of materials/supplies and professional, architectural and engineering services. He also served as Foothill Transit’s Disadvantaged Enterprise Liaison Officer during his tenure.  His next five and a half years was spent with Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection) where he served as Senior Manager of Transportation, Senior Manager of Innovation and Shared Mobility, and then Director of Innovation and Shared Mobility. Projects that he helped to deliver included the initial Clipper System implementation for CCCTA, introducing on-demand transportation service, shepherding bus on shoulder legislation and congestion mitigation options, working with the regions local utility provider to help launch the agency’s first electric bus. During his other roles at CCCTA, Mr. Barnes oversaw the daily operations of 160+ bus operators, 12 supervisors and 1 transit manager. Daily as an operations team, their focus was on providing efficient service. This was accomplished through a dedication to strong customer service, innovative approaches in planning, traffic mitigation, and performance management of employees.

Most recently, Mr. Barnes has been working for First Transit as the Director of Mobility as a Service, a national position where he worked with various transit agencies, TNC’s, payment solution companies and micro mobility providers to deliver innovative mobility solutions. Through the introduction of MaaS mobile applications, data analytics and focus on improving the customers journeys Mr. Barnes believes that transit agencies will be able re-solidify its place in the daily transportation decisions that people make.

Mr. Barnes brings a variety of experience in roles that are part of Tri Delta Transit’s service.  In addition, he brings proven leadership, innovative thought, decision making skills, contract administration, as well as, in-depth industry knowledge.  In 2015, Mr. Barnes was listed by Mass Transit Magazine as one of the Top 40 Under 40 to watch and follow.

“We are greatly saddened by the retirement of Jeanne Krieg, who has been a strong leader for the last 32 years,” Board Chair Anissa Williams stated. “We are extremely fortunate to be bringing Rashidi Barnes onboard, who will no doubt continue Jeanne Krieg’s strong leadership and direction, while forging his own legacy.”

Krieg assumed the title of CEO Transitional Officer, serving in the position until she retires officially in February after a long and distinguished career.

Krieg Honored on Industry’s Wall of Excellence

In April, this year Krieg was honored by the California Association for Coordinated Transportation (CalACT) in Newport Beach at the CalACT spring conference. She was awarded a spot on the CalACT Wall of Excellence which recognizes individuals who have had a long and distinguished career in public transportation and have made outstanding contributions to CalACT and the transportation industry.

“Under the leadership of CEO Jeanne Krieg, Tri Delta Transit is a very forward thinking and innovative agency,” said then Board Chair Ken Gray. “Tri Delta Transit has been first adaptors of electric and hydrogen technology, use of various app technology, and in the forefront of employee practices to retain employees and create an optimal work environment.”

CalACT is a statewide, non-profit organization that represents the interests of small, rural and specialized transportation providers. CalACT, who have been in existence since 1984, promotes: striving for professional excellence in the field of transportation; that mobility is essential to the freedom and quality of life for everyone; and that agencies can create solutions by working together. CalACT acts as advocates for the industry, provides resources, sponsors conferences that promote idea and knowledge sharing, and implements programs such as bus procurement cooperative.

“I was surprised and humbled by this recognition from my industry,” Krieg said. “All of the employees and board members at Tri Delta Transit are a part of this award: their support, dedication, and hard work are what makes our agency successful.”

ABOUT TRI DELTA TRANSIT

Tri Delta Transit provides over two million trips each year to a population of over 315,000 residents in the 225 square miles of Eastern Contra Costa County. They currently operate 15 local bus routes Monday – Friday, five local bus routes on weekends, door-to-door bus service for senior citizens and people with disabilities, and on-demand rideshare services. To learn more, visit TriDeltaTransit.com.

Hometown Antioch filmmaker brings The Dark Fest Film Festival to El Campanil Theatre Sept. 17

By Leave a Comment

Film submissions from other, local filmmakers still accepted until Sept. 5th

Jason D. Morris

Award winning filmmaker, Jason D. Morris is bringing his love for films to his hometown of Antioch with The Dark Fest on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. Co-founder of the short film festival featuring genres of film noir, mystery, science fiction, horror, dark comedy and more, Morris grew up in Antioch, and as so many others who grew up here in the 80’s and 90’s, one of his best memories is watching films in the historically beautiful Stamm and El Campanil theaters. Those very experiences are ultimately what pushed him into filmmaking.

A graduate of Antioch High School and attendee of the Academy of Art University in San Francisco led to his career in film. After having produced and directed several feature films, including some in Antioch, he co-founded Resurrection Films with several other likeminded filmmakers which eventually led to the creation of The Dark Fest, after their experiences of taking their first film out on the festival circuit.

The first major production from Resurrection Films was a documentary based on Chris Carter’s (of The X-Files) television show Millennium, titled Millennium after the Millennium. Millennium starred film actor Lance Henriksen (The Right Stuff, Aliens) in one of his most enduring roles as Frank Black, an FBI profiler. Millennium paved the way for shows like Criminal Minds, Mindhunter and many others. The documentary screened in eight countries and garnered 21 awards during its festival run, including screenings at the LA Comic-Con, Monsterpalooza in Burbank and Horror Hound’s Horror Convention in Indianapolis. But festivals are expensive and far away for the average filmmaker, this can make getting your film seen expensively prohibitive.

Since Morris had already shot four films in Antioch, bringing Hollywood talent such as Academy nominated actor Eric Roberts, Ricco Ross and Henriksen to his productions, he thought “why not set up an event for other local filmmakers to have easier access to getting their films screened?” With such a creative hub of activity in Antioch and the surrounding areas many film productions go unnoticed and have little options for an audience. The Dark Fest aims to alleviate this issue for local filmmakers looking for a way to screen their films without the hefty expense of renting a theater or having to travel to far away locations. The members of Resurrection Films have hopes to continue the festival and expand it into a bigger event with more community involvement and celebration of local filmmakers.

Film Submissions

If you’re a filmmaker, submissions are still open until September 5th by visiting filmfreeway.com/thedarkfest  and email info@thedarkfest.com. If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please reach out at info@thedarkfest.com. As for the rest of you we hope to see you in Antioch’s historic downtown Rivertown on September 17 at El Campanil Theatre for a night of dark cinema.

About The Dark Fest:

Resurrection Films presents The Dark Fest, showcasing short films from the dark side of cinema with genres of film noir, mystery, science fiction, horror, dark comedy and more, as we celebrate local filmmakers from the bay area, and around the world. Join us at 5:30pm Sept. 17 at the El Campanil Theatre for musical pre-show entertainment by local musicians Matthew Gatsos on piano and Evan Morris on saxophone while enjoying concessions provided for purchase by the venue. Screening begins at 6pm and ends at 10pm.

Tickets

Tickets are $10 for Adults and $8 for Seniors & Youth.

THIS EVENT IS RATED R. NO ONE UNDER 17 WILL BE ADMITTED UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT. To purchase tickets, visit elcampaniltheatre.com or click here.

El Campanil Theatre is located at 602 W. 2nd Street.

Antioch native opens Hawai’i’s first flagship location for line of all-electric two-wheel vehicles

By Leave a Comment

Nathan Bingham inside his NIU Honolulu store. Photos Poi Planet.

NIU Honolulu offers mopeds, kick scooters, motor scooters and e-bikes

2004 Antioch High grad Nathan Bingham inspiring others to “Make Life Electric”

NIU Honolulu owner Nathan Bingham.

Honolulu, HI — NIU (pronounced “NEW”) Technologies, the world’s leading provider of smart and eco-friendly two-wheelers, officially opened its first flagship store in Kaimuki in Honolulu on the island of Oʻahu in Hawai’i. With gas prices soaring at an average of $5.40 per gallon in the Hawaiʻi islands, Nathan Bingham, owner of Hawaiian Style Rentals & Sales (see related article), proudly partners with NIU Technologies to bring Hawaiʻi a more cost-effective, alternative mode of transportation. Featuring all-new electric mopeds, kick scooters, motor scooters, and e-bikes, NIU provides riders a stylish, more convenient, and economical way to travel in Hawaiʻi.

Initially founded in 2014, NIU currently has retail stores in over 38 countries. With their goal to create a modern mode of transportation that is environmentally friendly, NIU built two-wheeler vehicles designed to perform, backed with an innovative electric system. Bingham partnered with NIU in 2021, as he was fully aware of the need for a dependable, affordable, and eco-friendly alternative to Hawaiʻi’s traditional, gas-operated transportation.

He opened the NIU Honolulu store in February, this year.

“Providing Hawaiʻi customers a modern mode of transportation is our goal. NIU provides a safe, comfortable, efficient, and fun way to get around town,” Bingham said. “The all-electric mopeds, kick scooters, motor scooters, and e-bikes aren’t just beautiful in design, but are very easy to maneuver. They are better for the environment in so many ways, including a significant reduction in noise pollution as NIU products make no sound.”

“We think NIU may inspire many to ‘make life electric,’ leave their cars in the garage, and give the electric lifestyle a go,” he added.

About his Hawaiian Style Rentals business Bingham said, “we expanded into a second location right before the pandemic, but we had to shut it down two months later. Then we reopened in Dec. 2020. Then from the middle of March to the middle of August, because of a rental car shortage, business was unimaginable. We had lines out the door. We then opened our third location in May 2022. We’ve staffed up from nine employees before the pandemic to 25, today.”

“Our rental shops are all in Waikiki for tourism,” he explained. “The NIU store is a few miles away in Honolulu to serve the locals. It’s the flagship store for all the Hawiai’ian islands and the third in the U.S.”

Bingham graduated from Antioch High in 2004. His mom went to Pittsburg High, his wife, Martina (maiden name Cacciaroni) is also from Antioch. Her mother graduated from Antioch High, and her father graduated from Pittsburg High and owned Cacci’s Deli in Pittsburg. Nathan’s grandfather ran the train station in Pittsburg, he shared. They’ve been in East County and Northern California this past weekend and this week with their one-year-old baby boy celebrating his birthday with family.

Nathan’s love for mopeds started at age 18, when he and his family experienced scooter rides around O’ahu while on vacation.

After high school, Bingham went to BYU in Utah for a semester, then transferred to BYU Hawai’i on the North Shore. With the help of his brothers while visiting him during Spring Break, he rented scooters and decided to go into the business and didn’t return to school. Bingham ran the business out of the back of his truck for a few years, delivering and picking up scooters.

“It took me a while to get the business going,” Bingham shared.

About the NIU product line he said, “because it’s such a new product, the electric mopeds, there’s a lot of legislation being pushed. It’s just the way things are going. China went fully electric a few years ago. NIU is selling about a million units a year, internationally. They have a big presence in Asia and Europe.”

NIU products have state-of-the-art features that put them at the forefront of the electric mobility industry. The NIU Energy Lithium Battery is light and dependable, built with an aluminum casing to prevent overheating and a handle to carry on the go. Because they are removable, they make an intelligent security feature. All NIU vehicles are linked to the “NIU Cloud” app, allowing customers to be connected to their electric vehicle 24/7 through their smartphone devices. Customers can check their battery status, view riding history, locate their vehicle, and be alerted of any unauthorized movement of their scooter. Every NIU vehicle has movement sensors that alert the rider if there are unauthorized vibrations detected. This feature is proven to prevent theft, and the GPS tracking system can pinpoint where each vehicle is according to your location. There are “easy” settings on ECO mode for beginning riders, limiting the speed and automatically adjusting the brakes’ sensitivity. For quick journeys, sport mode can be activated while keeping the ride smooth and seamless. According to the user’s preferences, these two modes can be interchanged. All motorbikes, scooters, and mopeds also come with a digital LED display, with lights that output greater luminosity while reducing energy, and an intuitive dashboard.

With the 100% electric design, users of NIU products will be saving money on transportation. For less than two cents per mile, NIU riders pay as low as 47 cents per charge, giving them ranges from 28 miles up to 87 miles depending on the vehicle and battery size. Also, with any electric two-wheel rides, regular maintenance usually performed on gas-powered models is not needed, such as oil changes, air filters, or fuel filters.

Asked about future plans, in what he referred to as ‘the micro-mobility market’, Bingham said, “what’s great about NIU is they’re always coming out with new products, including an electric motorcycle. So, we will continue to build the brand. The goal is to get a presence in all the islands.”

So, the next time you’re in Honolulu, stop by the NIU Honolulu store or one of Bingham’s Hawaiian Style Rentals and say “hello” and be sure to rent one of their electric, two-wheel vehicles.

To learn more please visit niuhonolulu.com, or follow NIU Honolulu on Instagram (@niuhonolulu) and Facebook (NIU Honolulu).

About NIU Honolulu

NIU (pronounced “NEW”) Technologies, the world’s leading provider of smart and eco-friendly two-wheelers, officially opened its first flagship store in Kaimuki, Oʻahu. Begun in 2021 by owner, Nathan Bingham, NIU Honolulu is Hawaiʻi’s first store that sells electric mopeds, kick scooters, motor scooters, and e-bikes. The modern two-wheeler vehicles are 100% electric and have the option to remove the battery as needed, keeping the NIU scooters safe from theft. Interested guests can book a test ride at the shop, and servicing for all two-wheeled vehicles is completed within the store.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

East Contra Costa Fire Chief Helmick offers his farewell, gives final State of the District

By Leave a Comment

ECCFPD Chief Brian Helmick. Official photo

City of Oakley offers their thanks

As the transfer of command to the Contra Costa Fire Protection District will occur this Friday, East Contra Costa Fire Chief Brian Helmick in a post on his own Facebook page on Monday, June 27, which was then shared on the district’s Facebook page, he offered the following farewell:

“It’s been an Honor and Privilege to Serve You as East Contra Costa Fire Protection Districts Fire Chief.

Today marks my last week as the Fire Chief of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD). In April of 2017, I was given the opportunity to serve as the Interim Fire Chief of ECCFPD and in January 2018, I became the permanent Fire Chief.

This article is intended to say thank you to my extended family and community for the patience and continued support through this entire painstakingly hard process. Below one will find the ones who are responsible for correcting ECCFPD’s historical Fire, Rescue, and EMS challenges.

ECCFPD Chief Brian Helmick, with his wife, Kristen and their daughters. Photos: Brian Helmick

Below are the ones who deserve the credit for fixing once and for all ECCFPD’s challenges.

They are as follows:

To God, my family, friends, appointed / elected Fire Board members, ECCFPD’s employees past and present, IAFF Local 1230 and other Labor Representatives, and ECCFPD Contractors. I start by thanking God (with God shall nothing be impossible-thank you Jesus!) for all of you. Personally, over the last five years, I trusted and worked to be obedient to God (stumbling many times along the way) and HE blessed me with The Dream Team. For years, I have been consistently confident that if I was obedient to Him, that in His time, and according to His plan, ECCFPD’s issues would be resolved.

To my Family, ECCFPD Family, and the “Dream Team”, your efforts collectively and perseverance are what brought the concept of fixing ECCFPD’s historical issues to a conclusion. I thank you all.

To the elected Officials and their Staff of the City of Brentwood, City of Oakley, Contra Costa County, the Towns / Municipal Advisory Councils, and The Discovery Bay Community Service District. Your continued collaboration, patience, and trust over the past five years have been a catalyst to moving the Fire District forward. I thank you all.

To the long list of Partner Fire, Law, and EMS agencies. Thank you for the years of responding to mutual aid and automatic aid requests and for filling the gap where we could not ourselves. Your dedicated support has saved many lives and property. Thank you for helping us do what we could not do on our own.

To the federal, state and local elective representatives and affiliate associations. Thank you for helping ECCFPD identify what options were available (and were not) at the federal, state, and local level. The education and collaboration brought millions of dollars to the fire district. Thank you.

To the citizens and businesses of East Contra Costa. Thank you for working with ECCFPD to develop the 2019-2023 strategic plan and to challenge the District to explore all options in lieu of taxes to fix the Fire District’s historical challenges. The communities continued patience and accountability helped define the path that the district took that led to annexing into Con Fire.

I have been asked if I’m OK with this transition, and no longer serving as the Fire Chief of ECCFPD?

Although the process is truly bittersweet, I can confidently say, yes!!!! I say this confidentiality because the District’s men and women, that I served with, have demonstrated that they are more than capable of moving forward and into the next chapter or our organization’s story. As of July 1, 2022, the community will be receiving, for the first time in decades, sustainable and acceptable Fire, EMS, and Rescue services.

As the annexation becomes reality on July 1, please know that I’m not going anywhere. I will be transitioning from my current Fire Chief’s position into a Deputy Fire Chief position with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. In my new position, I will continue to advocate for the first responders, citizens and businesses of eastern Contra Costa County and throughout the County as a whole.

In closing, as your Fire Chief, I say thank you to all of those mentioned in this article (apologies to anyone missed), as it has been a tremendous privilege and honor to serve you and to be part of the team that did what many said was impossible to do.

Mission accomplished!!

Sincerely, In His service and always at heart, your Fire Chief,

Brian Helmick”

——————-

City of Oakley Offers Their Thanks to Helmick

In a post on Thursday, June 30, the City of Oakley posted the following message of thanks to Helmick on their Facebook page:

“On his last day as Chief of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD), we extend our sincere gratitude to Fire Chief Brian Helmick.

Chief Helmick is a selfless leader who has put the residents of East Contra Costa before all else. For the past few years, he’s worked to have ECCFPD annexed by Contra Contra Fire Protection District (Con Fire) so that East County would have access to more personnel, equipment, and resources. The annexation means more fire services in our area and faster, life-saving response times.

He has literally worked himself out of a job for the benefit of our East County community and we couldn’t be more grateful for his selfless efforts. Chief Helmick is a public servant in every sense of the word, and we salute him for his service to Oakley. We look forward to working with him as he transitions to Con Fire!”

Helmick Provides a Final State of the District

Then on Wednesday, Helmick gave a final State of the District in a live video on the fire district’s Facebook page which can be viewed, here.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Reward fund for missing Oakley woman Alexis Gabe increased to $60,000

By 1 Comment

By Oakley Police Department

In April, the City of Oakley announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the location of Alexis Gabe, who was last seen on January 26, 2022, in Antioch. (See related articles here and here)

An anonymous donor has contributed $50,000 to the reward fund to help bring the 24-year-old Oakley resident home. A total of $60,000 will be awarded to anyone with information leading to Ms. Gabe’s whereabouts.

“The Oakley Police Department and partner agencies are relentlessly working on this case and investigating the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. Our hope is that these reward funds will bring us closer to finding Alexis and bringing resolution to the Gabe family,” said Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard. “We are grateful for the donor’s generous contribution and to the community for their continued support.”

Detective Tyler Horn urges those with information to come forward, “we continue to comb through all the tips received and are working on this case around the clock. We ask that anyone with information please contact us.”

Those with information as to the whereabouts of Alexis Gabe are asked to call 925-625-7009 or Alexistips@ci.oakley.ca.us.

KlaasKids Foundation asks for help in search for missing Oakley woman Alexis Gabe next two weekends

By 3 Comments

Organizers of the Alexis Gabe search effort and the KlaasKids Foundation are asking farmers, ranchers, real estate agents and other citizens with access to unoccupied out buildings, unoccupied residences, structures, or fields to check those locations for signs of missing Alexis Gabe this coming weekend, March 26-27. (See related articles here and here)

The search for a missing loved one is a long, arduous task that requires the help and assistance of countless people. Law Enforcement and our volunteers have done an incredible job at searching public locations and lands, but we need your help to cover accessible privately owned property. For this reason, we are asking individuals with access to out buildings, unoccupied residences, and other structures to please search for any signs of missing Alexis Gabe. This effort will go far toward eliminating possible locations where she may be kept against her will, or other evidence of her current whereabouts.

If any suspicious items are located or if you have any information related to the disappearance of Alexis Gabe, please contact the Oakley Police Department at (925) 625-8855

We want to take this opportunity to thank the Oakley Police Department, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Search & Rescue and the selfless volunteers who have searched for Alexis, or otherwise supported the search effort. Another volunteer search will be scheduled and conducted on Saturday, April 2, 2022

El Cerrito female Taekwondo student athlete raises funds for trip to World Championship

By Leave a Comment

Source: GoFundMe

Almost to goal of $5,000

By Nicole Santos, Spokesperson, GoFundMe

Samantha Skye Valdez lives in El Cerrito, is a 17-year-old high school junior and straight A student who has been doing Taekwondo since she was six years old. On February 20, Samantha won the qualifier in Colorado Springs to be a part of TeamUSA for the Goyang 2022 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in South Korea. She is a member of Team BoHyeon.

Samantha Skye Valdez (left) with her teammates.

To help Samantha represent the USA from April 21-24 at the World Championship, a GoFundMe has been launched by Kristel Cosio and donations will help her pay for her plane ticket and accommodation. To view the GoFundMe please visit: https://gf.me/v/c/4d4w/help-sam-represent-usa-at-worlds-korea

Samantha Skye Valdez trains.

The fundraiser states, “She practices at three studios in the Bay Area six days a week while taking SAT prep courses! Earlier this year she won Gold for women’s teams under 30 in the United States.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch residents crowned Ms. Golden State All World Beauties Elite, Man of Distinction

By Leave a Comment

Antioch resident Luella Hill-Dudley is crowned Ms. All World Beauties Elite as Man of Distinction winner and fellow Antioch resident, Paul Wright (back left) watches on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022. Photo: Danae Forrest-Braggs

Second year in a row an Antioch lady has won in the pageant competition

Paul Wright Man of Distinction winner. Photo courtesy of Paul Wright

By Allen D. Payton

Antioch resident, Luella Hill-Dudley, was crowned Ms. Golden State All World Beauties Elite at the Inaugural California All World Beauties pageant held Saturday, January 22, 2022, in Newark. In addition, Paul Wright, also of Antioch, won the Man of Distinction competition.

“All World Beauties and Man of Distinction want you to know, if anyone ever told you that you couldn’t win I’m living proof we all were made to win,” Hill-Dudley shared on her Facebook page following her coronation. “It may wear you out, but don’t give up you(‘re) going to win.”

“My reasoning for being a part of the pageant is to inspire other men and women to see their own inner beauty and beauty is not based on your looks but your character as a person,” she later shared. “Also, my desire to help others to believe in themselves no matter what and to show them if I can do it, they can, too.”

In another Facebook post Hill-Dudley wrote, “My first title was Ms. Antioch Elite but on January 22, 2022 I became Ms. Golden State Elite isn’t God good. This is a very proud moment in my life. I give all glory to God.”

Samantha Richardson, the National All World Beauties Royal Ambassador, which is an overall title, is executive director of the California pageant, which she took on after being crowned a national queen.

“Luella also won the Spirit of Pageantry award. She did really well. She was really great,” Richardson stated. “Luella also had the highest interview score of 10 from all three judges, a perfect score.”

When reached for comment about his experience with the pageant, Wright said, “Absolutely amazing, motivational. It takes your self-confidence to the next level.”

“Never in my wildest dreams would I thought of doing something like this,” he shared.

Hill-Dudley with her Ms. Antioch Elite sash.

Asked if his wife, Maggie had encouraged him to enter the contest, Wright said, “my wife assisted in the event. But we are going to take it to the next level, representing the city of Antioch and the state of California.”

This is the second year in a row an Antioch woman has won in a category of the All World Beauties pageant.

“We had a queen last year from Antioch who we celebrated, Janice Lipnisky, who passed away in September,” Richardson shared. “She was crowned Ms. California AWB Elite. We all went to Texas for the national competition, last year, as at large entries, since there wasn’t a state-level competition at that time.”

According to the national organization’s Facebook page, “at the inaugural California All World Beauties and Man of Distinction Pageant the Staff, Delegation, and Nationals staff in attendance honored our beloved Queen Janice Lipnisky, who passed suddenly after the 20th Anniversary pageant. Janice, you were a pillar of strength, beauty, and determination! We love you and will miss you.”

The late Janice Lipnisky was honored at the Inaugural California pageant on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022. Photo: National All World Beauties Pageant

Wright posing in his bright-colored suit during the January pageant.

This year’s inaugural California competition had different categories, including the Elite division for women ages 45 and up, Mrs. Queen for married ladies ages 21 and up, a Ms. category for ladies ages 30 to 44, and Ms. Plus for plus size 12 and up ladies ages 30 to 44.

“Plus, our Men of Distinction category for ages 21 and up,” Richardson added. “We didn’t have a teen category for ages 15 to 17, Miss for ages 18 to 29, or Miss Plus for sizes 12 and up for ladies ages 18 to 29.”

Each of the winners were crowned and received prizes and gifts.

“They received their regalia, which includes the crown and sash, or stole for the men, plus their national entry fee paid,” said Richardson. “In addition, the winners also receive prizes and gifts from sponsors.

The winners of the California pageant will compete at the national pageant on June 25, 2022. For more information visit the national organization’s Facebook page.

Those interested in competing in next year’s California pageant can visit the national website at AllWorldBeauties.com and let the organizers know. They will put you in touch with Richardson.

Frazier announces resignation from Assembly to pursue career in transportation, spend time with family, friends

By 3 Comments

Assemblyman Jim Frazier. Source: Twitter

“It was the best job in the world, helping people and solving problems.”– Jim Frazier

Currently serves most of East County

By Allen Payton

In a post on his official Facebook page and Twitter feed, Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021 State Assemblyman Jim Frazier (D-11) announced he will be resigning from his position at the end of the month.

In addition to posting his letter of resignation, at 12:32 pm Wednesday, he tweeted, “It has been a joy and a privilege to represent District 11. I extend my sincerest appreciation to each of you. Thank you all.” Frazier posted a similar comment on his Facebook page, writing, “It has been a joy and a privilege to represent District 11. I extend my sincerest appreciation and love for an incredible 9 years of service. Thank you all.”

His announcement dispels the rumors that Frazier, who moved from Oakley to Fairfield a few years ago, would run for supervisor in Solano County, State Senate or Congress, if Rep. John Garamendi was going to retire. But the Assemblyman, was first elected to the Assembly in 2012 following his time on the Oakley City Council, could have served one more term, since members of the state legislature can only serve a total of 12 years in either the Assembly or State Senate or a combination of both, due to term limits in Proposition 28 passed by voters in 2012.

When reached for comment Frazier said, “it’s time to move on and I have a strong urge to get back into the transportation sector, pursue my passion, and help people achieve their goals in transportation.”

“It was the best job in the world, helping people and solving problems,” he continued. I’ve served for 14 years in public service. It’s time to move on.”

Asked about the rumors he might run for another office, Frazier laughed and said, “nobody asked me.”

The press release reads: Jim Frazier resignation ltr 12-02-21

“California State Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D-Fairfield) today announced his resignation from the California State Assembly, District 11, effective December 31, 2021. Mr. Frazier will be seeking new opportunities in the field of transportation.

Assemblymember Frazier said, “This is the best job that I have ever had. I have enjoyed serving the State of California and the 11th Assembly District and greatly appreciate the confidence that my constituents have shown in me over the last nine years. I am proud of the many successes that we achieved together. My future plans are to put to use my passion and experience in the transportation sector, explore new career opportunities and spend additional time with family and friends.”

Mr. Frazier was elected to the California State Assembly, District 11 in November of 2012. The 11th District encompasses portions of Solano, Contra Costa and Sacramento counties and includes the following cities, towns, and areas: Antioch, Bethel Island, Birds Landing, Brentwood, Byron, Collinsville, Discovery Bay, Fairfield, Isleton, Knightsen, Locke, Oakley, Pittsburg (partial), Rio Vista, Suisun City, Travis Air Force Base, Vacaville and Walnut Grove.

Assemblymember Frazier currently serves as Chair of the powerful Assembly Governmental Organization Committee, providing oversight of open meeting laws, Offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, State Controller, and State Treasurer, State holidays, seals, and official acts, emergency services, Outdoor Advertising Act (billboards), alcohol, gaming, horse racing, the State Lottery, and tobacco. He has been an advocate for enhanced unemployment and disability policy as chairman of Select Committee on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. As a key member of the Assembly Veteran’s Committee, he supported legislation to improve lives of veterans. Mr. Frazier oversaw and helped coordinate state public works activities while serving as the Assembly Speaker’s appointee to the State Public Works Board. Mr. Frazier previously served as chairman of the Assembly Transportation Committee, overseeing transportation infrastructure managing $2.3T in annual commerce, and promoting system improvements and job creation.

Additional key accomplishments:

  • Delivered numerous improvements to transportation infrastructure across high-speed rail, highways, and public transportation, securing $30B in total transportation funding and $5.2B for highly impactful SB1 infrastructure project.
  • Fostered legislation to obtain $1.2B in funding for special needs population, supporting and overseeing series of hearings throughout the State of California, evaluating the mission and effectiveness of relevant state agencies.
  • Established reputation as champion for California Delta, serving as key member of Delta Protection Commission focused on protecting fish and wildlife, safeguarding farmers, and ensuring continuous environmental and economic viability of delta by promoting water conservation, improved water quality, and improved management of land use and development.
  • Secured $12 million to remove abandoned and derelict commercial marine vessels throughout the Delta region through the 2021 State Budget.
  • Secured funding for Special Olympics for 6 years, including $20M funding through the 2021 State Budget.
  • Secured funding for Solano First 5 in the amount of $2 million to create a Fairfield First 5 Center through the 2021 State Budget.
  • Secured $500,000 for East Contra Costa Fire Protection District’s training program.
  • Authored legislation for a Veteran Designation of CA Driver’s License to recognize military service, resulting in hundreds of thousands of additional dollars for Veterans.

Mr. Frazier’s was recognized with many awards during his Assembly career. His accomplishments include (partial list): 2018, Legislator of the Year from the California State Commanders Veterans Council, 2017 California Transportation Foundation Elected Official of the Year, Director’s Special Recognition for Infrastructure Advocacy by American Society of Civil Engineers, 2016 Special Olympics Volunteer of the Year, 2016 AMVETS Legislator of the Year, 2015 Decoding Dyslexia: Assemblymember of the Year, 2015 California Transportation Foundation: Elected Official of the Year, 2015 Small Business Legislator of the year by California Small Business Association (CSBA) and California Small Business Roundtable (CSBR), 2015 CA Waterfowl Association, Grant Kenyon Award, Legislator of the Year, Appreciation Award: Sikh Communities of Napa and Solano Counties and Fairfield- Suisun Unified School District.

An avid supporter of non-profits, Mr. Frazier was a Founder and Vice President of the Friends of Oakley Community Foundation from 2007 until 2013. A dedicated volunteer, Mr. Frazier served on the Boys and Girls Club Advisory Board, a Board of Director member for Impact Teen Drivers and dearest to his heart, he has been a volunteer with Special Olympics since 2005.”

CEO of East County’s Tri Delta Transit named Small Operators Transit Professional of the Year

By Leave a Comment

Jeanne Krieg shares a laugh with Rachel Ede, Chair of the CTA Small Operations Committee, while receiving the award on Nov. 3, 2021. Source: Tri Delta Transit

Jeanne Krieg honored by the California Transit Association

By Leeann Loroño, Manager of Customer Service and Marketing, Tri Delta Transit

ANTIOCH, CA, Tri Delta Transit’s CEO, Jeanne Krieg, was honored to receive California Transit Association’s (CTA) distinguished award Small Operators Committee Transit Professional of the Year 2021. She was honored on Nov. 3 during an awards breakfast at the CTA’s 56th Annual Fall Conference & Expo in Sacramento.

The CTA has 52 Small Operator members throughout the state which each operate fewer than 100 buses. The organization gives the award to an outstanding individual who has provided strong leadership and vision to a California transit agency or made a notable contribution that benefits public transit in general.

Krieg has done both of those. She has served as CEO of the agency for 26 of its 44-year history. Krieg has met every challenge the agency has faced, while continuing to grow the organization through innovation that focuses on meeting the transportation needs of Eastern Contra Costa County. Under her leadership, Tri Delta Transit is often first adaptors for programs such as “green business” certifications, Mobility on Demand, real time route applications, mobile ticketing apps, free Wi-Fi, Tri Delta Watch hazard reporting, electric buses, and (soon) hydrogen fueling stations and buses.

“What makes our CEO such a strong leader is not only her passion for the industry and vision for innovation, but also her focus on providing ultimate customer service for our riders,” says Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority Board of Directors Chair Ken Grey. “In addition, she takes as much care of the staff as she does the riders, with an open-door policy, benefits and morale programs, as well as providing training support and personal touches that result in very low turnover.”

Krieg encourages sharing of resources and information, which she does herself by serving on the CTA Executive Committee, for which she served as Chair from 2002 to 2004, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) executive committee, and the Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Oversight and Project Selection Committee, not to mention being active on many sub-committees. Her many contributions to the transit industry over her 30-year career have benefitted many other agencies and the industry as a whole.

“I was surprised and honored to receive this award,” Krieg said. “The award really belongs to the board of directors and staff for making Tri Delta Transit such a great organization.”

The Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority, doing business as Tri Delta Transit, is a joint powers agency of the governments of Pittsburg, Antioch, Oakley, Brentwood, and Contra Costa County that provides over 2,500,000 trips each year to a population of over 315,000 residents in the 225 square miles of Eastern Contra Costa County. They currently operate 15 local bus routes Monday through Friday, four local bus routes on weekends, on-demand ride share service Tri MyRide, and door-to-door bus service for senior citizens and people with disabilities.

For additional information about Tri Delta Transit, please visit www.trideltatransit.com.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.