BART employee who saved man’s life is from Antioch, former high school football coach
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.”
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.”
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.”
Family seeks help finding Pittsburg man missing since Oct. 8
Clayton attorney on legal team suing state over immigrants voting, wins case for Pres. Trump on releasing tax returns
Representing legal immigrants in effort to verify voters’ citizenship status
By Allen Payton
Elections law attorney and Clayton resident, Mark Meuser, along with attorneys Harmeet Dhillon and Gregory Michael of the Dhillon Law Group in San Francisco, sued California Secretary of State Alex Padilla on Tuesday, claiming the state is not ensuring only citizens are on the voter rolls. Meuser was Padilla’s opponent in last November’s election.
The suit was filed on behalf of three California voters, two of whom are legal immigrants “who earned the privilege to vote by becoming citizens of the United States,” Meuser said.
Meuser and Dhillon were also part of the legal team that was successful in court on Tuesday, when a federal judge barred California from requiring presidential candidates provide their tax returns in order to appear on the March 2020 Primary Election Ballot. It mainly targeted President Trump who has refused to release his tax returns.
Legal Immigrants Sue California For Failure To Verify Voters’ Citizenship Status.
In addition to suing Padilla, the lawsuit by the plaintiffs, Roxanne Hoge, Ali Mazarei, and Corrin Rankin, was also filed against Steve Gordon, director of California’s Department of Motor Vehicles for violations of the National Voter Registration Act. That was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1993. Both Hoge and Mazarei are the legal immigrants who became citizens.
“Federal law says that a state is to ensure that only citizens are on the voting rolls” Meuser said. “California has admitted that they are doing nothing to verify citizenship prior to placing applicants on the voter rolls.”
“The National Voter Registration Act says three things,” he stated in an interview with the California Globe. “Number 1, is that the state shall determine eligibility. Eligibility and citizenship go hand in hand. All they are doing is looking at state records for felons or duplicate registrations.”
To see the entire complaint, visit Publius Lex.
“I am grateful that Publius Lex has agreed to assist in funding this important litigation,” Meuser shared. “Publius Lex is a 501c3 organization that assists in the funding of important civil rights litigation.”
Meuser is asking those interested in supporting the legal effort to please visit the website to make a tax-deductible donation.
Federal Judge Stops California from Keeping President Trump Off of California’s Presidential Primary Ballot
Senate Bill 27 was passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in July, in an attempt to force President Trump to release five years of his tax returns. But the judge ruled the law unconstitutional, as it adds to the requirements to be president. The team of lawyers represented the National Republican Party, California Republican Party, and several California voters who sued the State of California and won.
Tuesday, United States District Judge Morrison C. England, Jr. issued an injunction prohibiting California from enforcing the law before they could be placed on the ballot. The judge ruled the law was unconstitutional because:
- The qualifications to serve as President are in the Constitution and California cannot add to the Constitution;
- The Republican Party has the right to determine who its standard bearer will be and California cannot interfere with the Republican primary process;
- Californians have the right to vote for the qualified presidential candidate of their choice and the state cannot tip the scales by pushing voters towards certain candidates by not placing candidates on the ballot;
- Under Equal Protection, California cannot treat independent candidates one way and candidates for the major parties a different way. This law did not require independent candidates to show their tax returns; and
- Federal law already mandated financial disclosures of presidential candidates and as such, the state was preempted from passing laws when Congress has already acted.
“Judge England’s opinion makes clear that California’s SB 27 was fatally unconstitutional in multiple respects: qualifications clause, First Amendment, Equal Protection, and also pre-empted by the federal statutes,” Dhillon said. “This order is a victory for the First Amendment, the rule of law, and for all citizens who want to cast their vote for the qualified presidential candidate of their choice without California’s interference. We hope that in light of this decisive, multi-layered opinion, California drops this biased effort to disenfranchise Republican voters, and moves on to more productive efforts designed to address California’s many substantive challenges that affect all California residents.”
“The Judge was very clear that SB 27 was unconstitutional and that the State has no authority to interfere with a qualified candidate appearing on the California Presidential Primary ballot,” Meuser added. “California cannot pass a law that interferes with the Republican Party selecting the standard bearer of its choosing.”
The judge’s decision can be read, here.
DeSaulnier introduces private bill to protect Concord woman receiving medical treatment, and family from deportation
Washington, DC – Today, Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) announced the introduction of a private bill (H.R. 4225) to allow Maria Isabel Bueso, a resident of Concord, California, to remain in the United States to continue to receive treatment for her rare, life-threatening disease. Following a Trump Administration change, Isabel and her family face deportation. Yesterday, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said it will re-open deferred action cases that received denials like Isabel’s but, did not say whether it would reverse the policy change that led to the cancellation of deferred action.
“A few weeks ago, families were blindsided when they received notification from USCIS that they were being forced to leave the country within 33 days. Re-opening cases is no guarantee they will be allowed to stay, and it is not a permanent solution. These families need and deserve decisive action,” said DeSaulnier. “I am introducing legislation that would provide Isabel and her family with permanent resident status so they can remain in the United States without fear of removal. The Bueso family has followed every rule – they came here legally, paid their taxes, and Isabel’s participation in groundbreaking clinical trials has given hope to Americans with rare diseases. I will do everything in my power to help Isabel and her family remain here.”
“While I am thrilled that my deferred action status is being reconsidered, I was born with MPS 6; so, neither my condition nor my critical need for lifelong, weekly treatment will change in another two years’ time,” said Isabel Bueso. “We need to work together to find a more permanent solution that gives families like mine the guarantee that our lives won’t continue to be threatened. Congressman DeSaulnier and Senator Feinstein’s bill to give my family permanent status is part of that solution,” said Isabel.
“We are encouraged to hear that the administration is willing to reconsider our medical deferred action case,” the Bueso family stated. “We see this as a first step in revisiting our status as U.S. residents and will be working with lawmakers to find a more permanent solution that guarantees Isabel’s life is never put at risk again. Our hearts go out to all of the families involved in this sudden policy change and we won’t rest until they also have continued access to the life-saving medical care they deserve. Thank you to everyone who supported our family during this time – our hearts are overflowing with gratitude,” the Bueso family concluded.
Isabel came to the United States legally from Guatemala to receive treatment for Maroteaux-Lamy Syndrome, also known as Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VI. Her participation in drug trials helped identify an effective, life-saving treatment, which the drug manufacturer says Isabel cannot receive in her home country of Guatemala. Isabel and her family have lawfully resided in the East Bay since then, where she recently graduated summa cum laude from Cal State Easy Bay. Before her treatment was discovered, Isabel’s life expectancy was seven years old. She is now 24.
In a comment with a video posted on his Congressional Facebook page on Saturday, DeSaulnier wrote, “We have a sociopath in the White House who acts more like a mobster than the President. Our office is working hard to #SaveIsabel and stand up for immigrants with medical conditions that the #Trump Administration has targeted.”
In addition to introducing a private bill, Congressman DeSaulnier was joined by Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) in sending a letter petitioning the Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Kevin McAleenan, to re-review the cases of the Bueso family. He also co-led an effort with Immigration and Citizenship Subcommittee Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Representatives Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Judy Chu (D-CA), Lou Correa (D-CA), and Senators Edward Markey (D-MA) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) to DHS, ICE, and USCIS demanding answers on USCIS’s decision to end consideration of non-military deferred action requests, including medical deferred action. In the letter, which was joined by over 100 additional lawmakers, he called on the agencies to reverse this decision and turn over any documents discussing the policy change by September 13, 2019.
San Ramon native, Cal High grad exemplifies “We Build, We Fight” legacy of U.S. Navy Seabees
By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach
GULFPORT, Ms. – “We Build, We Fight” has been the motto of the U. S. Navy’s Construction Force, known as the “Seabees,” for more than 75 years. Constructionman Apprentice Sara Harris, a 2017 California High School graduate and native of San Ramon, California, builds and fights around the world as a member of naval construction battalion center located in Gulfport, Mississippi.
Harris is serving as a Navy builder, who is responsible for building and repairing wood structures, working with masonry and concrete, and installing interior finish work.
Harris credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in San Ramon.
“Growing up San Ramon, I learned how to build things from my dad,” said Harris.
Building in austere environments can be a challenge. Fighting in harsh conditions can also be a challenge. Building in austere environments while fighting in harsh conditions takes a special kind of person with a great deal of perseverance and determination. These are the kinds of people serving here at Gulfport, the home of the Atlantic Fleet Seabees. These are the people who provide crucial support to Seabee units deployed around the world.
The jobs of many of today’s Seabees remained unchanged since World War II, when the Seabees paved the 10,000-mile road to victory for the allies in the Pacific and in Europe, according to Lara Godbille, director of the U. S. Navy Seabee Museum.
For more than 75 years Seabees have served in all American conflicts. They have also supported humanitarian efforts using their construction skills to help communities around the world. They aid following earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters.
Harris is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
A key element of the Navy the Nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Harris is most proud of graduating boot camp.
“It’s the most important accomplishment I’ve had so far,” said Harris.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Harris and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“It’s exciting to start this career,” added Harris. “I’m having a lot of fun!”
Oakley native, 2015 Freedom High graduate trains to be a U.S. Navy warfighter
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jerry Jimenez, Navy Office of Community Outreach
GREAT LAKES, Ill. – Sailors are some of the most highly-trained people on the planet, according to Navy officials, and at Recruit Training Command, otherwise known as “boot camp,” these skills are taught by hard-charging, Navy professionals who transforms civilians into disciplined, qualified U.S Navy sailors.
Seaman Ian Kendrick, a native of Oakley, California, recently graduated from RTC, and will be learning the necessary skills needed to be a logistics specialist.
A logistics specialist is responsible for providing fresh supplies, food and other necessities to sailors in the fleet.
After “boot camp,” students attend advanced technical schools where they are taught the basic technical knowledge and skills required to be successful in their new careers.
Kendrick, a 2015 graduate of Freedom High School, credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Oakley.
“I learned from my parents, family members, friends, schoolteachers and coaches about responsibility, integrity and the importance of teamwork and dedication,” Kendrick said. “These traits have served me well in my new Navy life.”
In 1994, RTC Great Lakes became the Navy’s only recruit training facility. The mission of RTC is to transform civilians into smartly disciplined, physically fit, basically trained Sailors who are ready for follow-on training and service to the fleet while instilling in them the highest standards of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
Recruit training involves a change in the mental and physical capacity of the new recruit, according to Navy officials. From the first day at RTC through graduation day when new sailors board the bus to depart, recruits find themselves in a whirl of activity. Every recruit entering the Navy today will remember RTC as their introduction to Navy life.
Boot camp is approximately eight weeks and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. Their basic training curriculum is comprised of five core competencies: firefighting & damage control, seamanship, watch standing, and physical fitness. Through a hands-on learning approach, recruits ‘train how they fight’ and receive critical warfighting skills during the sailor development process. The command consists of more than 1,100 staff members, with an average of 6,000 recruits in training at any time.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
Kendrick plays a crucial role in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Kendrick, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Kendrick is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My great-grandfather on my mother’s side, fought in WWII while serving in the Navy after immigrating from Cuba,” Kendrick said. “My grandfather was a Marine and served in the Vietnam War and my uncle, Scott, was also in the Navy. I have a sense of pride carrying the family torch serving our country.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Kendrick and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy is the highest honor and one of the best jobs I can think about doing,” Kendrick said. “It means not only serving my country but also serving the world.”
Concord native serves aboard U.S. Navy Guided-Missile Destroyer in Pearl Harbor
By Lt. Courtney Prizer, Navy Office of Community Outreach
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii – A 2006 Contra Costa Christian High School graduate, 2013 Diablo Valley College graduate and Concord, California, native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile destroyer, USS Chung-Hoon.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Aries Socrates works as a Navy fire controlman AEGIS aboard the forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer operating out of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.
Socrates credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Concord.
“My hometown taught me the value of hard work and patience,” said Socrates, “Also, that the same day you plant the seed is not the same day that you will eat the fruit.”
Chung-Hoon measures approximately 500 feet and is powered by four gas turbines that allow the destroyer to achieve more than 30 mph in open seas.
Approximately 30 officers and 300 enlisted men and women make up the ship’s company. Their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the cruiser running smoothly, according to Navy officials. The jobs range from maintaining engines and handling weaponry to washing dishes and preparing meals.
As a Navy fire controlman AEGIS, Socrates is responsible for the computers and servers that provide the ship’s overall navigation and combat picture.
According to Navy officials, destroyers are tactical multi-mission surface combatants capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, as well as humanitarian assistance. Fast, maneuverable, and technically advanced, destroyers provide the required war-fighting expertise and operational flexibility to execute any tasking overseas.
Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means Socrates is serving in a part of the world taking on a new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances, and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Socrates is most proud of graduating from boot camp and technical school and now serving on a ship stationed in Hawaii.
“Dedication and persistence to my personal goals and family helped to push me through to reach where I am now,” said Socrates.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Socrates and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving the Navy means working on and reflecting on myself and my goals,” added Socrates. “Through various obstacles presented on the job, I am constantly being tested, allowing me to build myself up in some way. I have been growing in patience, resilience, and physical strength, as well as taking more initiative.”
Danville native participates in multinational maritime exercise in Black Sea
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian T. Glunt, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, TN — A 2011 Monte Vista High School and 2015 University of Colorado at Boulder graduate and Danville, California, native participated in Sea Breeze 2019, a multinational maritime exercise in the Black Sea, July 1-12.
Lt. Adam Sharma, a U.S. Navy explosive ordnance disposal officer assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 8, took part in the exercise which focused on multiple warfare areas including maritime interdiction operations, air defense, anti-submarine warfare, damage control, search and rescue and amphibious operations.
“We rely heavily on our men and women in uniform to remain ready and vigilant in an increasingly complex environment, while they work closely with our NATO allies and partners to ensure regional stability,” said Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet. “Each and every sailor and Marine who is here in Ukraine participating in exercise Sea Breeze 2019 is absolutely essential to the success of this exercise, and we could not be more proud of their hard work and commitment.”
As an explosive ordnance disposal officer, Sharma is responsible for diffusing improvised explosive devices and other ordnance.
This was the 19th iteration of Sea Breeze in which naval forces from 19 nations contributed in the annual exercise co-hosted by the Ukrainian and U.S. Navies aiming to improve interoperability while promoting regional security and peace.
Nations scheduled to participate in Sea Breeze include Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States.
“This year we will focus on strengthening our partnerships and building upon the friendships that have been established for years,” said Capt. Matthew Lehmann, commodore of U.S. Destroyer Squadron 60.
U.S. participation included the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney, a P-8A Poseidon from Patrol Squadron NINE, Navy Underwater Construction Team-1B, U.S. Marines from Marine Rotational Force-Europe and members of the Commander, Naval Forces Europe/Africa and Commander, U.S. Naval 6th Fleet staffs. In total, approximately 600 U.S. sailors and Marines participated.
“The thing I look forward to most during Sea Breeze is training with the Ukrainian explosive ordnance disposal divers,” said Sharma. “I enjoy everything about being in the Navy.”
To view a video of the exercise, click here.
AAUW appoints Moraga woman to serve on Board of Directors
Peggy Cabaniss, a financial planner and investment advisor form Moraga, California, has been named to the Board of Directors of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), a nonprofit organization that promotes equity and economic security for women and girls through research, education and advocacy.
“We are honored to have Peggy’s experience and expertise on our Board,” said Kim Churches, AAUW’s chief executive officer. “This is an important moment in time when we need to innovate a new approach to advancing gender equity, and Peggy will help us be at the forefront of breaking down barriers and building new pathways for girls and women.”
Cabaniss was the owner and co-founder of HC Financial Advisors, Inc., a fee-only financial planning and investment advisory firm in Lafayette. She has held leadership positions in the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, including a stint as chair of its national board.
The American Association of University has more than 170,000 members and supporters across the United States, as well as 1,000 local branches and more than 800 college and university members. Since its founding in 1881, AAUW members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political. AAUW’s fellowships and grants have helped scholars and activists overcome barriers to education and advancement for 130 years. Work Smart, its free online salary negotiation course, has trained countless women in negotiation skills. Learn more at www.aauw.org.
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