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DeSaulnier agrees with former Rep. Gaetz’s withdrawal from Attorney General consideration

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Rep. Mark DeSaulnier and former Rep. Matt Gaetz. Official photos

Voted to release investigative report as member of House Ethics Committee 

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D, CA-10) made the following statement on former Representative Matt Gaetz’s decision to withdraw from consideration for Attorney General.

“As a member of the Ethics Committee, I cannot comment on the Committee’s investigation into former Representative Matt Gaetz, but his decision to withdraw from consideration for Attorney General is clearly in the best interest of the country.”

Former Florida Congressman Gaetz resigned last week prior to the release of an Ethics Committee report of an investigation into allegations of sexual relations with a 17-year-old girl and possible sex trafficking of her and others. The committee split 5-5 along party lines to release the report.

According to a report by GovEx.com, “The Department of Justice investigated the sex trafficking allegations against Gaetz but ended its investigation last year without bringing criminal charges. Gaetz and his attorneys have consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing and pointed to the Justice Department under Biden administration Attorney General Merrick Garland declining to pursue charges.”

In a post on his X/Twitter feed on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, Gaetz wrote, “I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback – and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition. There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1.

“I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history. I will forever be honored that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I’m certain he will Save America.”

If the Gaetz report was released, which House Speaker Mike Johnson opposed as it’s not typically done for private citizens, only sitting Members of Congress, other House Members and members of the public called for the release of all investigations by the Ethics Committee, and details on the secret slush fund payments made to previous accusers and victims of sexual and other complaints.

Former Congressman Gaetz was handily re-elected to his same seat on Nov. 5 by 66% to 34% over his opponent and can return to the House of Representatives on January 6, 2025.

DeSaulnier represents most of Contra Costa County in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

California State Parks Foundation celebrates passage of Proposition 4

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Sources: Yes on 4 campaign, CA Secretary of State

SACRAMENTO, CA – On Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, the California State Parks Foundation released the following statement reacting to the passage of Proposition 4 –The Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024. The passage of Prop 4 authorizes up to $10 billion in bonds to help the state become more climate resilient. The investments in state parks will include $175 million in deferred maintenance, $50 million in sea level rise adaptation projects, and $200 million to build parks and recreational facilities in local communities.

“While there are many votes still left to count, we are optimistic that voters passed Prop 4 by a wide margin,” saidRachel Norton, Executive Director of California State Parks Foundation. “We thank California voters for choosing to supply California’s state park system with desperately needed resources to make our state parks more resilient to extreme weather, sea level rise, wildfires, and other impacts driven by climate change. These funds will also update state park infrastructure, help California acquire new parklands, and create recreation opportunities in local communities.

“As California’s economic fortunes have changed the past few years, and budget surpluses became budget deficits, state parks have faced steep cuts. The passage of Prop 4 is an important step in reversing the budget reductions that cut the deepest.”

ABOUT CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS FOUNDATION

California State Parks Foundation, an independent, member-supported nonprofit with over 50 years of history, is dedicated to protecting and preserving the California state park system for the benefit of all. We work in parks and in Sacramento with partners, park staff, and policymakers to address the challenges parks face. To make real and lasting change we are working to build a movement of people who enjoy and advocate for their parks now, and for future generations. Learn more at www.calparks.org, or find California State Parks Foundation on Facebook, or Instagram and Twitter/X (@calparks).

UPDATE: 191,700 ballots remaining to be counted in Contra Costa County

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Source: Herald file photo.

11/7/24 UPDATE: As of 12:43 p.m. the County Elections office claims 191,700 unprocessed ballots remaining to be counted

As of Wednesday; no breakdowns by city

By Allen D. Payton According to Dawn Kruger, Media Outreach Coordinator for the Elections Division of the Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder’s Office, as of Wednesday morning there were still as many as 90,000 ballots remaining to be counted in the county. “We had tallied 291,000 ballots as of Election Day. All the ballots received at the polling places, those were counted on Election Night, except for the Vote By Mail ballots submitted in their sealed envelopes at polling places,” she stated. Those are part of “the upwards of 90,000 ballots we received included from Drop Boxes which were picked up last on Tuesday afternoon. Those still have to be processed with signature verification, then extraction, then tally,” Kruger explained. Asked about the additional ballots from the Drop Boxes she said, “The boxes were locked at 8:00 p.m. and the ballots were picked up the following morning.” “We expect to add all those ballots to the results on Friday’s update,” Kruger stated. “But we continue to receive ballots placed in the mail on Election Day which can be received up to seven days following, which is Tuesday, the 12th. “We’ll have a better understanding this afternoon.” Kruger added. “By tomorrow afternoon at end of the day, we’ll have more of an exact count up on our website.” She also shared they do not have a breakdown by city of remaining ballots to be counted. 11/7/24 UPDATE: Estimated Number of Unprocessed Ballots in County According to the Contra Costa Elections office, the estimated number of unprocessed ballots as of 12:43 p.m. on Thursday, total 191,700: Ballots voted at a voting location – 200 Vote-by-mail ballots received on or before Election Day – 170,000 Vote-by-mail ballots received after Election Day – 6,500 Provisional ballots – 6,000 Conditional Voter Registration Provisional ballots – 6,000 Other (In Review, Damaged) – 3,000 Total – 191,700. That’s over 101,000 more ballots than the estimated unprocessed ballots figure provided earlier in the day. The next results update is expected at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8. The Elections office has 28 days to certify the election.

Opinion: Running for office is not easy, candidate responds to other publication’s article

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By Rudy Recile, Retired U.S. Army Major, candidate for Congress, CA District 8

Rudy Recile. Source: 2024 campaign

Grassroots candidates running for an office don’t have it easy.  People don’t know your name, you have no money in your campaign account and adding insult to injury, depending on what party you are affiliated with, the media may or may not be friendly towards you or your campaign.

Recently an article was written about my campaign “Rematch race for East Bay congressional seat clouded by disinformation from challenger” by Katie Lauer East Bay Times October 30, 2024.

With a title like that would any challenger have a chance? Depending on whether or not the reader keeps up with current events would determine what type of article they are reading. I don’t know if this was an article, opinion statement or hit piece.

I know Rep. John Garamendi has cancer, and I mentioned to the reporter during the interview I wouldn’t disparage the congressman in any way.  I wanted to run a clean race and not a smear campaign.  Instead of John Garamendi going after me the reporter decided to write an article seemingly attacking me.

All stories have a point of view and there is always some truth in the telling of the story.  When I was being interviewed, I didn’t remember all of the details of the current events we were discussing.  I was able to get most of the information correct and instead of the reporter doing her due diligence she took the negative side and stated I am passing dis-information.

For example, when hurricane Helene devastated the east coast, I stated the Government was restricting air space and it was in fact happening.

Eventually the restrictions were lifted.  The point the reporter emphasized was the lifting of restrictions which means there were restrictions in place.  The reporter failed to mention that FEMA and other federal agencies didn’t show up for almost a week after the hurricane and there were many people posting on social media platforms that they were being restricted from flying.

I spoke about a Veteran being evicted to make way for migrants.  The reporter found an article where some people acted and reported they were evicted to make way for migrants from a hotel which was found to be a hoax.  The article I was referring to was about a New York Army Veteran who was evicted from a nursing home to make way for migrants and not the story she mentioned. https://nypost.com/2023/11/30/news/army-vet-kicked-out-of-nyc-nursing-home-to-make-room-for-migrants/ There are many stories out there she could have chosen but the story she chose to back her story was the one regarding the hoax.

I also mentioned how crime is not being reported based on an article in the Wall Street Journal entitled, “Contrary to Media Myth, U.S. Urban Crime Rates Are Up” – https://www.wsj.com/opinion/contrary-to-media-myth-u-s-urban-crime-rates-are-up-violence-cities-9ce714f6. “National Crime Victim Survey (NVCS) 2023 finds no statistically significant evidence that violent crime or property crime is dropping in America…” NVCS. “In the 2023 NVCS, crime victims conveyed that a majority – 55% of violent victimizations weren’t reported to the police,
while 70% of property crime victimizations weren’t reported.”

Since crime is not being reported as it was in the past the statistics seem to be decreasing.  It is so easy to find articles regarding how Prop 47 has affected California. She decided to identify an article which soft plays Prop 47 which I mentioned.

Even with all the negativity the best parts of the article were the parts where she directly quoted my full statement and not just parts of my statements

The bottom line is this, if you’re a grassroots candidate, realize running for office isn’t easy and it won’t be all sunshine and rainbows.  If you’re going to vote, do your own due diligence and be an educated voter before you vote.  Vote the policies the person supports and not the person or the party.

For more information about me and my campaign visit https://rudyforuscongress.com.

Payton Perspective: Backed by the badge, businessman, Councilman Barbanica is best for Contra Costa Board of Supervisors

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Mike Barbanica. Source: 2024 campaign

With experience in law enforcement, private sector and government he offers common-sense views unlike his left-leaning opponent

By Allen D. Payton, Publisher

In the race for Contra Costa County Supervisor District 5 seat held by Federal Glover who is retiring after six consecutive terms, Antioch Councilman Mike Barbanica is clearly the best choice to replace him. He faces Pittsburg Councilwoman Shanell Scales-Preston in the November run-off, after both made it past the four-candidate March primary election. The district includes the county’s northern waterfront cities and communities from the Senator John A. Nejedly-Antioch Bridge in East County to Hercules in West County.

Scales-Preston is Too Socialist and Progressive

Scales-Preston has some applicable experience having served as a councilmember and rotated vice mayor and mayor for the City of Pittsburg for the past six years, as well as on the four transportation boards serving East County, three for just the past two years, as past president and current member of the East Bay League of California Cities, and chair of the Los Medanos Health Advisory Committee. That committee worked with the now defunct healthcare district where Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe was the executive director for which the County Board of Supervisors settled with two of his female employees over sexual harassment claims for $350,000.

According to her bio on the City of Pittsburg’s website, Scales-Preston grew up in the City of Pittsburg graduated from Pittsburg High School and earned a degree in Political Science with an option in Pre-Law from Cal State East Bay. Her career has been in government, working for over 20 years as a staff member for both former Congressman George Miller and now Congressman Mark DeSaulnier.

That’s one of the challenges I have with Scales-Preston. Unlike her current boss, DeSaulnier who was a restaurateur in Concord before getting elected to local, then state and now federal office, Shanelle hasn’t worked in the private sector. So, she can’t truly understand what it takes to create jobs or wealth and grow the economy. That’s what is one of the key issues that needs to be addressed in District 5, especially along the waterfront.

Another issue I have with Scales-Preston is her political alliances and from whom she has accepted and promotes endorsements. They include Our Revolution East Bay, which according to their website, ourrevolutioneastbay.org, is “a progressive political organization that emerged from the historic Bernie Sanders campaign.” Sanders for decades described himself as a democratic socialist and has been the most liberal member of the U.S. Senate, except when now-Vice President Kamala Harris was serving. Those are not the kind of bigger, more expensive government views we need on the Board of Supervisors.

That brings up another issue, the blatant injection of partisan politics into local, non-partisan races, which I’ve harped on for the past 12 years, ever since Antioch Councilwoman Monica Wilson put her face and name on one side of a mailer and Obama’s on the other. Scales-Preston’s running a billboard ad on Highway 4 in Antioch with her face on one side of the ad and Harris’ on the other side. That’s completely inappropriate, and unnecessarily, and foolishly divisive. Scales-Preston also touts the endorsements of several Democratic Party organizations, including the State Party which surprisingly is opposing Prop. 36, the anti-crime measure, on the November ballot.

Finally, the other alliance and endorsement Scales-Preston promotes in her campaign is from the nation’s top abortion provider, Planned Parenthood. As I called out District Attorney Diana Becton for doing the same in 2022, I’m calling out Shanelle. Why would a Black woman take the endorsement of an organization founded in racist eugenics which by Margaret Sanger who spoke about and worked to eliminate the Black and brown races, which includes Hispanics, and has been very successful. Because the majority of abortions in the U.S. each year are by Black and Hispanic mothers. That’s why Planned Parenthood continues to focus and located their so-called “clinics” in neighborhoods with high populations of African- and Hispanic Americans. Scales-Preston is literally siding with the organization that continues to work against her own people of color. (Please see Margaret Sanger: Ambitious Feminist and Racist Eugenicist, https://womanisrational.uchicago.edu/2022/09/21/margaret-sanger-the-duality-of-a-ambitious-feminist-and-racist-eugenicist/)

While I like her and find that she’s a nice lady in our few conversations, Shanelle is seriously misdirected in her thinking and views and needs some experience with a job in the private sector before running either for re-election or higher office, again.

Backed by the Badge, Councilman, Former Cop, Business Owner Barbanica is Better and Best for the Board

Barbanica, on the other hand, has a much broader career experience having served as an officer and retired lieutenant after 21 years with the Pittsburg Police Department, where he helped fight against eight dirty cops, one of whom is still in prison for murder. He also worked as a sexual assault detective and a homicide detective, where he “helped women in the worst times of their lives,” Barbanica stated. That included saving a 13-year-old girl from repeated sexual assaults from an older man. He also ran the traffic division, oversaw not only Code Enforcement and all the other specialized enforcement units, including gangs, alcohol and tobacco, and street-level drug dealing teams.

He developed and led a six-officer team for six years, that worked on violent and street-level crime, which was reduced by almost 24% over a few years. Barbanica also ran the K-9 and Field Training Officer programs, and the Emergency Operations Center working with the FBI after 9-11 to prevent any terrorist attacks inside local industrial plants.

For the past 19 years he’s owned a successful, local real estate business in both residential and commercial sales, property ownership and management, the appropriately named Blue Line Property Real Estate & Management. That has given him the experience of dealing with renters and owners, understanding the issues that both sides have to deal with.

For the past four years, Barbanica has also served on the embattled Antioch City Council where he’s been the mature voice of reason in spite of the chaos, cronyism and corruption in which he did not participate. Nor can he be blamed for it, as he was on the short end of a variety of 3-2 and 4-1 votes while at the same time he was able to push for and successfully obtain majority votes in favor of his proposals, such as body cameras for police officers and dash cams for their vehicles, and tougher penalties for sideshows. In fact, Barbanica was the one who found common ground with the mayor to include penalties for advertisers planners, participants and spectators, as well.

He also pushed for expanding Antioch’s Code Enforcement by seven officers, doubling it to 14.

Barbanica has developed private-sector solutions to the challenge of homelessness in our county. He worked to revise the existing HUD contract with the County “to make it more palatable for owners to want to do business with homeless residents,” he said. “The program was actually my wife’s idea. We started with one single mom with her children, one of whom is disabled, and who are still housed with us, today.”

They expanded it to include homeless veterans.

“We work with seven different agencies to get people off the street and today, we have over 575 people housed that were facing homelessness or instability, who now have a roof over their head,” the candidate shared.

Barbanica’s platform focuses on his top priorities which are public safety, homelessness and blight.

Asked about economic development he said, “It’s always a constant. But we have to deal with the other issues, first. If we want business to come here, we have to provide them a place where their business will thrive.”

Regarding the Northern Waterfront Initiative, “It needs retooling,” Barbanica stated. “Because the zoning doesn’t match the long-term plans and developers have struggled and are very frustrated with the County. I’m going to be an advocate to develop that area and work with those developers but balance it with the concerns for the environment.”

He will also work on the Green Empowerment Zone, “to bring green jobs into our county to boost our local economy,” he added.

Barbanica also worked to bringing in 1,100 new, upscale homes in the Sand Creek area of Antioch in which “both sides, the developer and the environmental community, specifically Save Mt. Diablo, were satisfied,” following multiple meetings.

About transportation, he says supports extending BART to Tracy and back to Pleasanton, as well as completing the Highway 4 bypass / extension and building Route 239 from Brentwood to Tracy to connect Highway 4 to I-5, 205 and 580, “an East Bay loop” he said. It will permanently open East County for economic development. “Finally, it’s being planned after being on the books for almost 65 years,” Barbanica added.

Not surprisingly, he has the support of law enforcement, including Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston, the Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs Association, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Association, Contra Costa County District Attorney Investigators’ Association, California Association of Highway Patrolmen, PORAC – Police Officers Research Association of California, as well as the Police Officers Associations of Antioch, Pittsburg, Concord, Martinez, Hercules, Brentwood, Clayton, Moraga, Pinole, Pleasant Hill, Richmond and Walnut Creek and the United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County.

Regarding the police scandals that affected both the Antioch and Pittsburg Police Departments, one thing needs to be clarified. When Antioch’s mayor and one councilwoman were irresponsibly and publicly calling for all 35 Antioch officers caught up in the racist text scandal to be fired – most of whom merely received the texts, but didn’t send any, and before the investigations were completed, and most returned to their jobs – Barbanica was again, the voice of reason. He said he, the mayor and other council members needed to shut their mouths and let the investigators work through the process, and not give the dirty, guilty cops anything they could use to keep their jobs, such as claiming their terminations were politically motivated. Yet, his opposition has been attempting to twist his words to mean something he didn’t.

One additional thing I like about him, having dealt and worked with with him in a councilman-reporter relationship for the past four years, Barbanica is available and responds to phone calls, texts and emails including any and all questions no matter how challenging. I respect that in an elected official.

“I truly believe the media’s responsibility is to keep government and politicians honest, and the people informed,” he stated. I completely agree.

On a personal note, Barbanica is married to Kristine, they have three children and six grandchildren, most of whom live in the area. Two of his children have followed him into law enforcement as his son is a Pittsburg Police Officer who “works my old beat with the same call sign assigned to it,” Barbanica shared. His youngest daughter is a prosecutor in another county in California. His older daughter is a physician’s assistant.

For the benefit of the northern portion and all of Contra Costa County, please join me in supporting Mike Barbanica as our next Supervisor representing District 5.

To learn more about him and his campaign visit www.mikebarbanica.com.

Tips and reminders for voting in the November 5th General Election

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Early Voting Sites open today, Friday, Nov. 1st

By Kristin B. Connelly, County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters & Dawn Kruger, Community and Media Relations Coordinator, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department

The Contra Costa Elections Division would like residents to know that our staff and volunteers are ready for Election Day! Five Early Voting Sites will be open beginning Friday, November 1st and polling places will be open from 7:00 AM until 8:00 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th.

Voters can still return their ballots by mail, postmarked on or before Election Day – make sure to check mailboxes for pick up times – or drop their ballot off at one of the County’s 43 official drop boxes before 8:00 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th, to ensure we receive your ballot on time.

“We encourage voters to vote early if they can,” said Kristin B. Connelly, the County’s top Elections Official. “Voting early means voters have less stress around rushing to vote before the deadline and finding time on one day to vote. Even if voters wait until just before Election Day, or on Election Day to cast their vote, there are plenty of options for Contra Costa County residents to ensure that their voices are heard at the ballot box.”

In-Person Services
If you prefer to vote in person or need in-person services to cast your ballot, Contra Costa County residents will have early voting options at five Regional Early Voting sites throughout the county beginning today, November 1st.

All registered Contra Costa voters will be able to vote at any of the Regional Early Voting locations, which will be open Friday November 1st from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturday, November 2nd from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; and Monday, November 4th from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Here are the locations of Contra Costa’s Regional Early Voting sites:
• Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak Street, Brentwood
• Pittsburg Library-Community Room, 80 Power Avenue, Pittsburg
• Richmond Library-Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond
• San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church, 902 Danville Boulevard., Alamo
• Walnut Creek City Hall, 1666 North Main Street., Walnut Creek

Polling Places
Polling places will be open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Please check the back of your Voter Information Guide for your assigned polling place or go to our website and check “My Voting Information.”

Drive-Thru Drop Off
Drive-thru drop-off will be available at the Clerk-Recorder-Elections Office on Monday, November 4th from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Conditional Voter Registration
If you missed the voter registration deadline, you still can register and vote in-person using Conditional Voter Registration. It is a one-stop opportunity to register and cast your ballot and is available at our office at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez, Regional Early Voting sites, and all polling places.

Accessible Voting Equipment and Additional Language Access
Official ballots and voting instructions are provided in English, Spanish, and Chinese. Voting equipment with accessible features is available at every in-person voting location for voters who may need assistance due to a disability. Additional language resources are available through ballot translation guides which are available online and at in-person voting locations.

Be Prepared
If you vote in person, many voters find it helpful to come prepared. Make your choices ahead of time and bring your pre-marked Sample Ballot to the polls to help you save time. Copies of the Voter Information Guide are available at the polls and the information is also available online.

Leave the Campaign T-Shirts, Buttons, and Hats at Home
Please remember that voters have the right to cast a ballot free from intimidation or distraction. Electioneering, including wearing anything with a candidate’s name on it, is prohibited within 100 feet of any voting location. Anyone wearing items with a candidate’s name will be asked to remove or cover them while they are at the voting location. Please help our poll workers by refraining from electioneering and leave your campaign t-shirts, buttons and hats at home.

For more information on voting options for the General Election, visit www.contracostavote.gov or call 925.335.7800.

Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder, DA, Sheriff working to ensure 2024 election safety, prevent voter intimidation

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By Dawn Kruger, Community and Media Relations Coordinator, Contra Costa Elections Division

Election and law enforcement officials in Contra Costa County are taking steps to make the safety and security of the 2024 election paramount on multiple levels.

“Contra Costa County voters have several safe and convenient ways to vote in the November 5, 2024, General Election,” said Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Kristin B. Connelly. “Specific information on different options can be found in our Voter Information Guide that went out to all registered voters the last week of September, or on our website, www.contracostavote.gov. Our Elections team has prepared diligently to ensure every valid ballot is counted and that our county residents’ voices are heard.”

AB 2642, the Protecting Elections from Armed Coercion and Extremism – Peace Act, went into effect September 24, 2024, creating protections for California voters and the workers who administer our elections in all 58 counties. Of note the Peace Act protects voters and election officials by explicitly prohibiting intimidation and threats. There are also legal protections that make the presence of a firearm – or even a replica of one – at a polling place unlawful intimidation. Moreover, the Peace Act will provide voters, election officials, and election workers with civil legal recourse against intimidation and coercion.

Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton said, “My office and local law enforcement will work in concert to protect our fundamental right to vote in Contra Costa County. Any threats, intentional disruptions, or intimidating acts designed to stop a citizen from legally voting or officials from administering an election will be held accountable.”

According to a September 27th Memorandum addressed to “All County Clerks/Registrars of Voters” in the state from Robbie Anderson, Elections Counsel in the California Secretary of State’s Office, “The purpose of the Act is to supplement, and not limit or replace existing statutes that prohibit the intimidation of voters and others in the election process and the carrying of firearms where votes are cast and counted.”

“Our focus is on the safety and security of election workers, voters, and the election process,” said Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston. “Additional arrangements will be put in place and we encourage anyone to report suspicious activity or crimes by calling 9-1-1 or their local law enforcement agency.”

County officials are collaborating to ensure that the 2024 General Election in Contra Costa County is safe, secure, and free from threats and intimidation.

For more information on how or where to vote, visit the Contra Costa County Elections website.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood councilwoman’s use of fire chaplain’s photo without permission, claim of fire district merger accomplishments challenged

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Con Fire Lead Chaplain and Antioch priest Father Robert Rien (left), Councilwoman Jovita Mendoza (right) and the disputed photo from her campaign mailer. Sources: Herald file photo, Brian Oftedal and Mendoza campaign Facebook account posted on Jan. 18, 2024.

“She had absolutely nothing to do with the merger… I know who did and didn’t work on it…” Con Fire Chaplain Fr. Robert Rien

Calls for Jovita Mendoza’s censure by city council

Also questioned about using official City email for campaign, challenged by opponent for not signing Code of Conduct but does not respond

UPDATE: Mendoza responds via video doubles down with no apology for use of photo

By Allen D. Payton

A mailer was sent out by Brentwood District 1 City Councilwoman Jovita Mendoza in support of her re-election campaign, in District 3, that included a photo of herself and Con Fire Lead Chaplain Fr. Robert Rein, a Catholic priest and Pastor of St. Ignatius Church in Antioch, which he says she didn’t have permission to use. He sent a letter to the editor last week sharing that fact, saying he hasn’t endorsed the councilwoman and that he’s asked Mendoza to “revoke the flyer and clarify that she used my photograph with her fraudulently.” Yet, as of last Friday, Oct.19 she had not responded to his email sent the week before.

“No, I haven’t received any phone call or email from her, as of today,” Rien said. “I thought she would have had the courtesy to ask me first.”

“The firefighters brought the mailer to me and said, ‘You know, you can’t endorse candidates,’ and I said, ‘What? I know. I don’t even know who she is,” he explained.

Rien also said he doesn’t recall when the photo was taken. Asked if it was during the push-in ceremony for the new fire truck at one of the Brentwood fire stations earlier this year, he said, “We had a push-in event. I do the blessing and the dedication.”

That push-in ceremony was held in June and Mendoza was in attendance for the event. (See related article)

“I don’t even remember taking the photo,” Rien added.

“The bishop sent us two letters telling us clearly we cannot endorse in any political campaigns,” the priest and fire chaplain explained. “It could jeopardize our 501c3 status.”

Rien Asks for Council Censure of Mendoza, Action from Diocese

When reached once more today, Tuesday, Oct. 22, Rien said he still hadn’t heard from Mendoza and that he had sent a letter to the city council asking for them to censure the councilwoman for not taking responsibility for her actions.

“I thought she would have at least apologized to me and for causing us potential challenges,” Rien added who said he would be contacting the vicar asking him to request the Diocese’s Bishop to take further action.

A portion of Jovita Mendoza’s campaign material showing her claim about the fire district merger as an accomplishment.

Says Mendoza’s Fire District Merger Claim False

The mailer from Mendoza’s campaign also claims as one of her accomplishments, “Improved emergency services with the merger of the ECCRFPD and CoCoCo Fire, with no additional taxes placed on residents.”

About the fire district merger claim Rien was emphatic saying, “She had absolutely nothing to do with the merger. I knew who was working to make it happen and happen smoothly. Brian Helmick, Chief Brochard and Diane Burgis were the ones, and Brian Oftedal was the president of the fire board at the time and was working with them.”

“I know who did and didn’t work on it and for her to continue to take credit is just completely dishonest,” the priest stated.

As previously reported, on March 9, 2022, the Contra Costa County Local Area Formation Commission (LAFCo) unanimously approved the annexation of East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) to the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (CCCFPD) and the dissolution of ECCFPD. Oftedal was President of the ECCFPD Board of Directors at that time. The two fire districts finalized their merger on July 1, 2022, during a Transfer of Command ceremony.

Oftedal Takes Issue with Mendoza’s Claim

Her opponent, Contra Costa County Fire Advisory Commission Chair and former President of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District Board, Oftedal responded to Mendoza’s claim and shared a video excerpt from a recent candidates’ forum. He said, “Councilmember Mendoza is claiming some sort of responsibility for fixing ECCFPD and also that she returns all emails (as seen in the video attached).”

In that video Mendoza said, “I always return every single email, every single call, every single Facebook comment or Facebook message or in the Next Door.”

Jovita Mendoza’s 2024 re-election campaign Facebook page showing her official City email address (see yellow outlined box) for voters to contact her. Screenshot taken Oct. 22, 2024.

Questions for Mendoza Go Unanswered

A copy of her mailer containing the photo with Rien and the video shared by Oftedal were sent to Mendoza on Friday afternoon, Oct. 18, 2024, asking her the following questions: “To give you the benefit of the doubt, have you seen and read his email (as sometimes they end up in junk folders if it was the first time Fr. Rien has emailed you)? Have you been out of town on vacation and unable to access your emails?”

She was also asked, “Did you intend the photo to imply Fr. Rien’s endorsement? If not, did you or whomever is helping your campaign think to ask him or those in the other photos for their permission to appear on the mailer? Have you contacted Fr. Rien, today and will you now publicly state that the use of the photo with him was done without his permission and that it does not constitute an endorsement of your campaign?”

“How many copies of the mailer were sent out?” Mendoza was also asked.

She was also informed that Oftedal is challenging the claim in her mailer taking credit for the fire district merger and that no tax increases were incurred. Mendoza was then asked, “What role did you play in the merger before LAFCo approved it in March 2022 and ensuring there were ‘no additional taxes placed on residents’?”

Finally, the councilwoman was asked, “On another matter, why are you using your official, taxpayer-funded City email address for your campaign, as it appears on your re-election Facebook page instead of either a personal or campaign email address?”

As of Tuesday, Oct. 22, Mendoza had not responded.

Oftedal Challenges Mendoza’s Claim of Returning All Calls and Emails, Use of City Email for Campaign, Failure to Sign City Council Code of Conduct

Oftedal shared additional comments about the mailer saying, “Councilmember Mendoza clearly indicated during our recorded Brentwood Candidate Forum that she returns all forms of communication. As of today, my understanding is that Father Robert Rein is still waiting for an email reply, to clear his name with his superiors. As humans, we all make mistakes. If this was a mistake, I can’t understand why a simple apology couldn’t be shared.”

“As an FYI, I did reach out to Father Robert to check on his situation earlier today and he indicated that he is [sic] still not received a reply from my opponent and indicated that he submitted a public comment for tonight‘s City Council meeting,” the first-time council candidate continued.

Informed of Mendoza’s use of her official City email address on her campaign Facebook page (which continued through today) Oftedal replied, “I was not aware that my opponent was using city resources for her political campaign. I find it odd that she would not be aware that officeholders cannot use their taxpayer funded email address for campaign related activities.”

In addition, as of earlier this month, according to a ContraCosta.news report, the councilwoman has refused to sign the Brentwood City Council Code of Conduct which her opponent challenged.

“I find it bizarre that Ms. Mendoza will not sign the current Code of Conduct, yet all of the other sitting council members have signed,” Oftedal stated. “I know I am not the only community member that has concern over her rationale shared at the Brentwood Candidate Forum”.

UPDATE 1: Mendoza Doubles Down, Won’t Apologize

Jovita Mendoza in the Facebook video regarding her campaign mailer in which the photo with Fr. Rien appeared. Screenshot.

Instead of responding by phone or email to the Herald or  calling Fr. Rien to apologize, Mendoza posted a video on her campaign Facebook page on Wednesday, Oct. 23, in which she doubled down on her use of the photo with the fire chaplain, claiming she’s known him since she was young, and he was friends with her husband’s parents, while repeatedly referring to him as “Father Bob”. She also admitted she sent her husband, Michael Kleeman, whom she claims is her campaign manager, to speak with the priest in person to “clear the air with him,” she said. That occurred during a funeral Fr. Rien was conducting at St. Ignatius Church in Antioch.

The candidate also said she doesn’t believe the letter to the editor was sent by the fire chaplain. However, it was received from Fr. Rien’s personal email account, and this reporter spoke with him that same day to verify he sent it, as is done with all letters to the editor submitted to the Herald. It was also forwarded to Mendoza with the aforementioned questions. See below:

Fr. Robert Rien emailed Letter to the Editor received by the Herald on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. Screenshot.

In addition, in her video Mendoza said, “I called the parish on the 10th as soon as I found out he was upset about the mailer. That was the first thing I did. I spoke to his assistant, she transferred me to his voicemail, I left a message, name, number, information, everything he needed.”

“I also called the bishop’s office,” she continued. “The reason I did that was this was my mailer. No one on here was endorsing me. This is just information about me and what I’ve been doing the last four years. So, I wanted to make sure he was OK. Spoke to his personal assistant, she said she didn’t know what I was talking about. She told me if there was an issue she’d call me back. No one has called me back from the bishop’s office. I have yet to hear from them. So, I’m thinking it might be a non-issue.”

Regarding Rien’s quote that she had absolutely nothing to do with the (district) merger, Mendoza said she worked for it as an activist and a resident but not in her official capacity as a city council member.

She said, “That one is really false. What East Contra Costa County Fire wanted to do is stick us with $450 more per parcel on our property tax bill and I was not OK with that. So, what was going on in those days, I was…advocating…everywhere on social media, everyone I could talk to, don’t, let’s not do this, let’s do this.”

“So, at one point the chief of fire was actually trolling me all over social media,” Mendoza continued. “And I didn’t make it public. I just sent him an email and I said, ‘you need to stop harassing me. I’m not going to change my mind. I’m not going to support a tax no matter how much you want me to. It’s not gonna happen and you need to look at other options like a merger.’ I even offered my help to help them do that. So, when people say we don’t things as residents, oh, no, we do. And we’re not going to let them take away the credit that we deserve for what we do in our city.”

“And yes, I did fight for that merger and once we got Prop X on the ballot, I was out there advocating for it every single day. When they found out we weren’t going to support a tax they had to shift their plans,” she claimed.

About his letter to the editor Mendoza said, “I think someone is strong arming him to do it” and claimed “The fire department is not happy with him” referring to Fr. Rien. She then went on to claim, “He’s getting pressure from a government agency.”

As of Thursday night, Oct. 24, her video had received 25 “Likes” and 13 comments in response.

UPDATE 2: Rien Says No One Calls Him “Father Bob”, Did Work at Schools Mendoza Mentioned but “They Never Were Longtime ‘Family Friends’”

Although Rien said last week, he did not want to deal with the matter further, after an article by the ContraCosta.news about the incident with Jovita Mendoza’s husband during the funeral was published on Tuesday, Oct. 29th, additional questions were posed to the priest.

Asked if anyone else refers to him as “Father Bob”, if Mendoza might have him confused with another priest in the Diocese, and if he recalls being either her or Kleeman’s priest when they were in elementary school Rien responded, “I have been ordained 50 years this year and no one calls me, father, Bob! For at least 47 years of my life as a priest I have been referred to as father, Robert. So, I don’t know how she’s able to call me that because I don’t even think she was born when I was ordained and that was in 1974. I don’t know how old she is but even still, and as far as I know, there is no other priest, with my name in Far East County, or in Antioch.  I am just hoping that this will finally put this to rest and all of it will stop. Thank you for your personal support; it is greatly appreciated.

According to MyLife.com, Jovita R. Mendoza of Brentwood, CA is 52. So, she was born in either 1971 or 1972 depending her date of birth.

In her video she also said, “My husband came across a picture with Father Bob and what you all may not know about Father Bob is that Father Bob has history with our family. Father Bob was my preschool priest and elementary school for, I think, a year or so. Then he left St. Leander’s where I went and then he went to Corpus Christi where my husband went and he was my husband’s elementary school priest all through eighth grade, and Father Bob was friends with his mom and dad. They knew each other. So, we have a family history with Father Bob and that’s why we were excited to use the picture.”

Asked if he had worked at St. Leander’s Elementary School and Corpus Christi Elementary where she claims “Father Bob” worked when she and her husband attended those schools, the fire chaplain responded with the correct information about his work history. He said, “I was at Corpus Christi Piedmont as the Vicar from 1977 to 1982 and then went down to St. Leander in San Leandro where I was the Vicar from 1982 to 1987. I had very little to do with the school or the preschool as we were doing six to eight funerals a week as well as taking care of doctors, hospital, Vesper, the restrooms, and the convalescent home patients and I really had very little time for anything else besides the daily and Sunday masses.”

“They never were longtime ‘family friends’, and I certainly never knew that they married one another! I was stunned when I found out that Bill Kleeman’s son, Michael, had married her; I had no idea,” he continued. “My responsibility at both parishes was to the parish and their ministries, but not the schools; perhaps an occasional walk-through, or perhaps presiding for a school mass, but certainly nothing more than that.”

Publisher’s Note: Anyone running for office should obtain the permission of anyone who appears in photos used in their campaign, especially the use of photos of officials. Because it gives the false impression that the person supports and endorses the candidate. It’s a common practice which I’ve applied in my own campaigns and made sure the candidates’ campaigns for whom I’ve managed or consulted on since 1989 also follow.”

The election is November 5th.

Letters: Antioch priest, Lead Fire Chaplain says he didn’t authorize use of his photo by Brentwood councilwoman in re-election mailer

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Copy of Brentwood District 1 Councilwoman Jovita Mendoza’s re-election campaign mailer which included a photo with Con Fire Chaplain and Antioch Catholic Priest Robert Rien (see yellow circle).

Claims Jovita Mendoza won’t respond to request to “revoke the flyer”

Editor,

I am writing to clarify the situation of a political flyer that has been distributed including a photograph of Jovita Mendoza and myself.  In my position as a Priest of the Diocese of Oakland, the Pastor of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish of Antioch, and the Lead Chaplain for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, I am not allowed to support or endorse any candidate for public office nor give the impression that I do so.  The flyer in question gives the impression that I do support Jovita Mendoza for public office, and it is not true.  My consent and permission to make use of my photograph for that flyer was never sought or given.

More than a week ago, I sent her an email requesting that she revoke the flyer and clarify that she used my photograph with her fraudulently to suggest that as the fire chaplain (and possibly a priest) that I do in fact endorse and support her effort to win a seat on the Brentwood City Council.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  I write to you today to make sure that my parishioners, the members of our diocese, and the citizens of East County that I have not

violated the directives given to me by both my Bishop and the Fire Chief.  My hope is that this incident would give the citizens of Brentwood pause as to who this person really is and her disregard for ethics, professionalism, morality, and fitness for the position she seeks.

Father Robert Rien

Pastor

St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish

and

Lead Chaplain, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

Senior Fire Captain, Commission Chair, business owner Brian Oftedal runs for Brentwood council

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Source: Oftedal for Brentwood City Council campaign

Challenges incumbent on a campaign of public safety, local economic development, infrastructure, smart growth and quality of life

By Allen D. Payton

Brian Oftedal, a Senior Captain in the Oakland Fire Department, Contra Costa County Fire Advisory Commission Chair, former President of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District Board and local, small business owner, is running for Brentwood City Council in the new District 3. The first-time candidate for public office is challenging incumbent Councilwoman Jovita Mendoza, running for her second term. She currently represents District 1 but following redistricting in 2022 was moved into the neighboring council district.

Oftedal is running on a campaign slogan of “Committed to Community, Dedicated to Service”

“My wife and I have lived here for the past 24 years, and we’ve been fortunate to have raised our family here, surrounded by working farms and world-class schools,” said Oftedal. “I’ve had the privilege of serving this community on fire boards, as the Vice Chair of our parents club, and as a community volunteer promoting emergency preparedness and resilience.”

He also served as Chair of his daughters’ School Site Council.

“I’ve learned the importance of listening and inclusivity, avoiding divisive rhetoric, and creating opportunities for success that are widely shared and well-informed,” he shared.

Background

According to his LinkedIn profile, since March 2006, Oftedal has worked as the Executive Director of Priority 1 Consulting, LLC in Brentwood, “providing coaching and mentoring services for individuals in their quest to join the fire service and the public safety arena.”

He earned his paramedic license in 1998 from Paul Cline & Associates (Samaritan Training School) in Vacaville, CA and attended EMT school while in high school and in 1996 obtained the Alameda County EMT accreditation/certification from Las Positas College.

“As Chair of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Advisory Fire Board, my extensive experience in fire protection, emergency medical services, and community leadership has prepared me to effectively contribute to improving our county’s fire protection district,” Oftedal shared.

“My dedication to public safety, as evidenced by my time as President of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District and my involvement with the American Red Cross. My proven track record of leadership and service will make a meaningful impact within the community,” he added.

Issues & Platform

Oftedal shared the Focus Areas if he’s elected are Public Safety and Preparedness, Local Economic Development, Infrastructure, Smart Growth and Quality of Life.

Endorsements & Support

Oftedal is backed by community leaders including Brentwood District 4 Councilman Tony Oerlemans, Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis and District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen and Vince Wells, President of the International Association of Firefighters Local 1230.

“Brian’s extensive experience in public service equips him with a deep understanding of local issues and the ability to address them effectively,” said Oerlemans. “With a vision for smart growth and community development, Brian Oftedal is well-positioned to drive positive change in Brentwood, enhancing the quality of life for all residents. He’d be a great choice for council, and I wholeheartedly endorse him.”

Burgis said, “Brian Oftedal has demonstrated leadership by bringing people together rather than dividing them. He’s a public servant in every way. His selfless leadership as the chair of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District Board was instrumental in fixing fire protection and emergency medical service issues in East County. Brian will help preserve Brentwood’s unique hometown feel while helping the city thrive.”

“We worked with Brian on the East Contra Costa Fire board, and after annexation as Chair of the Contra Costa Fire Advisory Commission,” said Wells. “Brian’s an outstanding leader who works to bring people together to build consensus on complex issues. He’ll listen to everyone, and that’s one of the reasons why he was able to play such a large role in bringing resolution to the longstanding issue of insufficient fire service in East County. We’re enthusiastically supporting Brian’s run for council.”

Oftedal also has the endorsements of the United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County L1230, Contra Costa Labor Council, the Contra Costa Building and Construction Trades Council, Contra Costa Young Democrats and the Delta Association of Realtors.

Brian and Nicole Oftedal and their daughters during a July 4th parade and celebration in downtown Brentwood. Photo: Oftedal campaign

Personal

The 47-year-old Oftedal grew up in Southern California, is married to Nicole, and they have two daughters.

For a full list of endorsements, more information about Brian Oftedal’s candidacy call (925) 966-2800, email info@brian4brentwood.com or visit www.brian4brentwood.com.

The election is November 5th.