Contra Costa Herald

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

Contra Costa Elections office to test Dominion Voting Systems equipment for accuracy Friday, March 25

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Dominion’s Image Cast X equipment. From company brochure.

Public test of Vote-by-Mail counting equipment

The April 5, 2022 Special Election for the California Assembly District 11 office is underway in California. The Contra Costa County Elections Division will perform the county’s official logic and accuracy testing on central ballot counting and processing equipment at 10:00 am Friday, March 25, 2022 at the Elections Office, located at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez and the public is invited to observe.

According to Helen Nolan, Assistant Registrar, “Contra Costa County purchased its ballot counting and processing equipment from Dominion Voting Systems. We originally purchased this ballot tabulation system in March 2018 and will be conducting our 11th election with the system in April using the Dominion Democracy Suite 5.10a.  Brand names used in the system include Dell, Canon, InoTec, OKI, AValue, and HP.” (See related article)

Logic and accuracy testing is a standard pre-election procedure. The test will confirm that all central count equipment is in working order and functioning properly. A set of test ballots will be run through each scanner to ensure they are properly programmed and operating as expected.

Visitors are asked to check-in at the Elections lobby.  For more information, call 925-335-7800.

Becton, 3 other DA’s ask for oversight, audit of Contra Costa Sheriff’s Dep’t after Livingston slams DA, judge for sentencing of former deputy

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Contra Costa District Attorney Becton and Sheriff David Livingston. Official county website photos.

Send letter to County Supervisors claiming, “Sheriff’s unwavering support for deputy who killed two people raises serious questions about his commitment to safety and accountability”

Instead of six years in prison for Andrew Hall “official Probation Department report recommended probation.”

“Contra Costa is not San Francisco or Los Angeles” – Sheriff Livingston

By Allen D. Payton

During campaign season, as both are facing re-election, an email was sent by Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston to his department staff on Friday, March 4, 2022, criticizing District Attorney Diana Becton and the judge for sentencing of former Deputy Andrew Hall to six years in prison for the shooting death of Laudemer Arboleda in 2018. (See related article)

In response, Becton and three other DA’s in the state who formed the Prosecutors Alliance of California are asking the County Supervisors “to increase external oversight of departmental misconduct” and for an audit of the sheriff’s department’s disciplinary practices. Formed in 2020, the Alliance is made up of four members, including the DA’s of San Francisco and L.A. Counties who are both currently facing possible recalls, and funded by Tides Advocacy, a social justice and welfare organization.

Sheriff Livingston’s email:

During his years of service, he served with honor and distinction.  He handled thousands of calls for service, as many of you have, and was well received by the citizens of our county.   After an extensive internal investigation, he was found to be within departmental policy when he was forced to use deadly force to protect himself and others on that fateful day.  I was proud to support him publicly and privately after the events of November 3, 2018, and I support him today.

For our district attorney to charge a deputy sheriff, or any peace officer, for a crime based on a split-second tactical decision is abhorrent.  It is even more abhorrent for that same district attorney to later repost photos on her reelection campaign social media that show her smiling and proclaiming that she “charged the officer.”

Despite these odd times, please remember I appreciate the work all of you do; I respect your sacrifice and commitment to the community we serve, and most importantly, I have your back.  I may not be able to impact the decisions of other elected officials, or the courts, but I definitely can impact what happens in our organization.  Do your job with honor, follow department policies, and obey the law.  If you do that, I will proudly stand with you – regardless of your job assignment, your rank, or your duties.  Never forget that and never doubt that.

I’m proud to be your Sheriff, and I thank you all.

David Livingston

Sheriff-Coroner”

Prosecutors Alliance Chides Livingston, Asks Supervisors for Oversight, Audit

On Monday, March 14, in a letter to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, the Prosecutors Alliance of California asked for an audit of the disciplinary practices in Sheriff Livingston’s department and to increase external oversight of departmental misconduct. Recent remarks made by Sheriff David Livingston suggest he believes his deputies are above the law, raising serious concerns over the legitimacy of an Internal Affairs investigation into former Deputy Andrew Hall and how the Sheriff is disciplining officers who abuse their authority.

“Sheriff Livingston’s comments are abhorrent and indicate his belief that deputies who kill are above the law,” said Cristine Soto DeBerry, Founder and Executive Director of the Prosecutors Alliance of California. “Police have wide latitude to use force, but when they unnecessarily kill they must be held accountable just like anyone else in our community.  When we do not hold police accountable, people do not trust the legal system to protect them. That makes the job of policing more difficult and dangerous, and it makes it far less likely that crimes will be reported. That, in turn, poses a threat to everyone’s safety.

“District Attorney Diana Becton’s willingness to hold law enforcement accountable is the only check on an agency whose leader would otherwise grant his deputies unbridled power to kill with impunity. Sheriff Livingston took an oath to seek equal justice under the law and his remarks are an affront to that sworn commitment. These are not the words of a law enforcement leader, they’re the words of a man that believes accountability does not extend to police.”

Last week, a judge sentenced Deputy Andrew Hall to state prison after a jury convicted him for the 2018 shooting and killing of Laudemer Arboleda, an unarmed man having a mental health episode. This was not Hall’s only killing – he shot and killed Tyrell Wilson in 2021. Contra Costa County has paid $9.4 million to settle claims regarding former Sheriff’s deputy Andrew Hall. The County agreed to a $4.9 million settlement with Arboleda’s family last October in addition to a $4.5 million settlement with Tryell Wilson’s family.

In response to the verdict, Sheriff Livinston sent a department wide letter saying former Sheriff’s Deputy Andrew Hall served with “honor and distinction,” that Hall “was forced to use deadly force to protect himself that day,” and noted that an internal affairs investigation had cleared Hall. Livingston called DA Becton’s decision to charge former Deputy Hall “abhorrent,” and told his deputies, “I have your back.”

In an email to the Board of Supervisors today, Cristine DeBerry sounded the alarm, noting that, “the fact that [Internal Affairs] cleared former Deputy Hall is concerning.  If Department policy allows Sheriff’s Deputies to use force in contravention of the law, that would set up a situation wherein Deputies are being trained to use force in a manner that conflicts with criminal law. That presents serious issues for law enforcement officers, public safety, and county liability.  Alternatively, if the Sheriff is clearing deputies in cases where their use of force was criminal, that too raises serious questions about the Sheriff’s commitment to public safety and accountability.”

The Board of Supervisors can help restore trust by increasing oversight over the Sheriff’s Department, and by auditing the department’s disciplinary policies. These are critical steps to help the public understand the scope of law enforcement misconduct and to develop policies to increase accountability.

“DA Becton courageously charged Officer Hall with the death of Mr. Arboleda, a jury convicted him, and a judge sentenced him to prison,” said Cristine DeBerry. “Sheriff Livingston should accept the jury’s verdict and look at ways to reduce the use of unnecessary force by his deputies rather than question the prosecutor’s decision to bring charges and defiantly proclaim to ‘have the back’ of officers where a jury has determined the force to be criminal.”

A question was sent Thursday evening to the Alliance’s media contact asking if they had received any response, yet from the Board of Supervisors.

Livingston Responds to Alliance Letter

“The so-called ‘Prosecutors Alliance’ committee is made up of only four of the 58 DAs in the state,” Livingston responded. “Contra Costa is not San Francisco or Los Angeles where two of their far-leftwing founding members serve. Instead of playing politics here, they should do their job and prosecute offenders and start caring about crime victims for once.”

Both Livingston is facing one opponent in the June Primary Election, while Becton is facing two. If no candidate receives a majority of the vote, then the top two candidates will face off in the November General Election.

Please check back for any updates to this report.

 

BART board approves new redistricting map dividing Contra Costa into four districts

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BART 2022 Adopted Redistricting Map. Source: BART.gov

On March 10, 2022, the BART Board of Directors voted to approve a final redistricting map for the nine districts which will affect elections for the next 10 years. View the presentation for the 3/10/22 board meeting

According to the Map Plan E2 Description, “This plan presents districts with varying levels of similarity to the current BART districts. The greatest change is in District 7 with only 27.9% of its current population remaining in District 7. The next district to show major changes is District 3 with 31.3% of its current population remaining in the proposed Plan E2, District 3.

District 4 maintains 48.8% of its current population. District 1 maintains greater than 75% of its current population. Districts 5, 8, and 9 maintain greater than 81% of their current populations. The districts most similar to the current boundaries are District 2 with 91.4% of its current population and District 6 with 95.6% of its current population.”

Most of Contra Costa County is now in Districts 1, 2 and 3, with portions of San Ramon in District 5.

BART 2022 District 1 map. Source: BART.gov

District 1

District 1 is in Contra Costa County and includes the Southern portion of the City of Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Town of Danville, the Northern part of the City of San Ramon, City of Lafayette, the Southern part of the City of Concord, including Cowell, Four Corners, and Meinert, City of Moraga, City of Orinda, and City of Clayton.

BART Stations included in District 1: Orinda, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre and Concord (shared with District 2)

BART 2022 District 2 map. Source: BART.gov

District 2

District 2 is in Contra Costa County and includes the City of Pittsburg, City of Antioch, City of Brentwood, City of Oakley, the Northeastern part of the City of Concord including the former Naval Weapons Station, and the Northern part of the City of Martinez including the unincorporated neighborhoods of Mountain View and Vine Hill.

BART Stations included in District 2: Concord (shared with District 1), North Concord / Martinez, Pittsburg / Bay Point, eBART Transfer, Pittsburg Center and Antioch.

BART 2022 District 3 map. Source: BART.gov

District 3

District 3 is in both Contra Costa and Alameda Counties and includes the City of Hercules, City of Pinole, City of San Pablo, City of Richmond, City of El Cerrito, City of Albany, the majority of the City of Berkeley including the University of California Berkeley and excepting a few neighborhoods to the South of Ashby Avenue, and unincorporated parts of Contra Costa County including North Richmond, El Sobrante, Rodeo and Crockett.

BART Stations included in District 3: Richmond, El Cerrito del Norte, El Cerrito Plaza, North Berkeley, Downtown Berkeley and Ashby (shared with District 7)

BART 2022 District 5 map. Source: BART.gov

District 5

District 5 is in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties and includes a portion of the City of Hayward ranging from the Castro Valley BART station in the North to the Hayward station in the South. Major places and landmarks in this area include the Bishop Ranch Regional Open Space, Lake Chabot Regional Park, Knowland Park, Fairview, Sunol Regional Wilderness, and San Antonio Reservoir. District 5 also includes the City of Pleasanton expect for a portion near Kilkare Woods, City of Livermore, City of Dublin, the Southeastern part of San Ramon, and rural areas of east Alameda County.

BART Stations included in District 5: Hayward (shared with District 4), Castro Valley, West Dublin / Pleasanton and Dublin / Pleasanton

The new districts will be in effect for the November elections which include Districts 2, 4, 6 and 8. Districts 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 will be up for election in 2024.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Suisun City mayor only candidate to file for State Assembly District 11 Special Election race, so far

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Lori Wilson running to fill Frazier vacancy through end of year

Still time for write-in candidates to enter race

She’s also only candidate so far to file for June Primary for regular election in new AD11

Current district includes Brentwood and Antioch, new one doesn’t

Suisun City Mayor Lori D. Wilson. Source: LinkedIn

By Allen D. Payton

On Wednesday, Feb. 9, Suisun City Mayor Lori D. Wilson officially filed for candidacy in the April 5th Special Primary Election race for California’s current 11th Assembly District. The vacancy was caused by former Assemblyman Jim Frazier’s resignation at the end of December. By 5:00 PM the next day, Wilson, a Democrat, learned she was the only candidate to file.

Wilson’s campaign issued a press release on Friday, Feb. 11 stating, “She still intends to run a strong campaign to talk to voters about their concerns and tell them her story. Wilson believes that a strong voter turnout in every election is important to democracy.”

Still Time for Write-In Candidates to File and Run, Could Force Run-Off in Special General Election

However, there is still time for write-in candidates to file and run in the race. According to the Special Primary Election Calendar on the California Secretary of State’s website, which isn’t included in the Special Primary Election Calendar on the county’s Elections Office website, the “Period for all write-in candidates to file their Statement of Write-In Candidacy and Nomination Papers with the county elections official” began Feb. 7 and runs through the deadline on March 22, 2022. Those interested and who live in Contra Costa County must obtain the necessary documents from the Elections Office in Martinez.

If a candidate does not receive a majority of the votes of at least 50% plus one, a special general election will be held. The top two candidates in the primary will face off in the general election. While a write-in candidate’s name will not appear on the special primary election ballot, if a run-off is necessary, the name of the write-in candidate who is one of the top two candidates in the primary will appear on the special general election ballot. Whomever wins the election will fill the vacancy in the current 11th District through the end of the year. If no write-in candidate files, Wilson automatically wins will be sworn in sometime in April.

About Wilson

According to her LinkedIn account, since July 201 Wilson has worked as the Director of Finance for developer KB Home in Fairfield, and in the same position for Meritage Homes from 2011 to January 2019. Prior to working in the private sector, she worked for two non-profit organizations, first as Program Director for Liberty, then as Chief Accountant for Fair Housing Napa Valley. Prior to that she worked as an auditor for Solano County from 2003 to 2006.

Wilson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accountancy from Cal State Sacramento.

She has “been endorsed by Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, who joins a long list of state and local elected officials who have voiced their support for the campaign,” the press release reads.

“Lori Wilson has the right priorities and experience to represent Solano and Contra Costa Counties in the Assembly,” the press release continues. “As Mayor of Suisun City she has helped solve tough problems and delivered for her constituents. We need strong women leaders in Sacramento and I am proud to endorse Lori Wilson for Assembly.”

According to her campaign website, Wilson is the first Black female mayor to serve in all of Solano County She has served as Mayor of Suisun City since 2018 and was first elected to the Suisun City Council in 2012. According to her press release, “During her tenure, she has worked tirelessly to make Suisun City a welcoming and safe home to all. Wilson has a track record of fiscal responsibility while leading efforts to bring more housing, jobs and diversity to Suisun City. Lori Wilson is committed to fighting for the residents of California’s 11th Assembly District and she has a track record of creating good jobs, keeping our community safe and increasing the quality of life for all her constituents.”

According to the bio on her campaign website, Wilson is “A native Californian raised on the west side of Fresno, Lori is married to her high school sweetheart Chavares Wilson, a retired Air Force Reserve Technical Sergeant. They have been blessed with two sons, Tyler and Kiren, and a daughter-in-law, Brittney. They have enjoyed living in Suisun City since 2004 after being stationed at Travis AFB for 5 years.”

Only Candidate to File for Regular Election Also

Wilson has also filed to run in the regular election in the June primary, for the newly redrawn district which no longer includes Antioch. To date, in that race she is the only candidate to do so in either Solano County or Contra Costa County, as well. Candidates have until March 16 to file papers to run, since the seat is currently vacant.

For more information about Wilson visit ElectLoriWilson.com.

Past Write-In Candidate for Assembly District 11

This reporter was the last candidate to successfully run as a write-in in a primary election for Assembly District 11, in 1998, garnering enough votes to be included on the November ballot. He lost to then-incumbent Assemblyman Tom Torlakson.

Glazer considers run for State Controller, asks supporters what they think of the idea

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Would leave State Senate two years early if elected

State Senator Steve Glazer. Source: SenatorGlazer.com

By Allen D. Payton

In an email sent out, today, Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022, State Senator Steve Glazer (D-Orinda), who represents the 7th District which includes most of Contra Costa County, said he’s considering running for California State Controller and asked his supporters for their input. Incumbent Betty Yee is termed out after serving eight years in the position so, Glazer would be running for the open seat.

According to the office’s website, the controller is the chief fiscal officer of the state and is responsible for accountability and disbursement of the state’s financial resources…safeguards many types of property until claimed by the rightful owners, independently audits government agencies that spend state funds, and administers the payroll system for state government employees and California State University employees. The Controller is a member of numerous financing authorities, and fiscal and financial oversight entities including the Franchise Tax Board and Board of Equalization.”

If elected Glazer would step down from his seat two years early, creating a vacancy that would be filled by a special election.

When reached for comment, Glazer said he has to decide by March 11, which is the usual end of the candidate filing period. However, according to the California Secretary of State’s Primary Election Calendar (see page 6-10) filing is extended five more days until March 16 when the incumbent cannot or does not file to run for re-election. Asked what would be the determining factor in his decision he said, “hearing from people like you.”

In his message, Glazer wrote:

“I want to share some exciting news with you: I am pondering what could be a big step in my career in public service.

I have been deeply reflecting on my seven years in the Senate, the many policy and fiscal challenges facing our state, and my energy and passion for public service. I don’t make decisions quickly and I do try to take a 360 degree view of any serious matter.

It has been a hard two years under Covid for my work and my family, and I’m sure it has been for you as well. Life is precious, and I often reflect on how I am spending my time. My father died at age 55, so as I have aged, I have continuously felt the time clock ticking. This has helped me live with a no-regrets approach to so many things. Do your best, be nice to everyone, enjoy every day.

So here is my self-assessment: I like my job in the Senate, but I could be working in a school, a non-profit or even local government again and still feel that public service is immensely fulfilling and important. Titles don’t matter so much. It is doing valuable work that is important. So I have a strong desire to remain in public service.

A big reason I ended up running for a legislative office was in rebellion against the status quo of politics. I saw first-hand the rivers of power politics flowing through the Capitol canals. It’s a cliché to simply say that the people’s voices were being drowned out. I would just say that good people are involved on all sides, but most are frozen in fear that the ‘right’ decision would cost them politically. I ran not just to cast a thoughtful vote on the issues of the day. It was to try to set an example as someone willing to do what they think is best and not worry so much about perceived power from interest groups or party bosses.

As you know, I get politically labelled in simplistic ways. People are always looking for shorthand descriptions and analysis, so it is not a surprise to be framed as this or that. Suffice it to say I am not a conformist. The status quo of politics is breaking down and people wonder why I am not conforming. Hello!

To cut to the chase, there is a state constitutional office of Controller where the incumbent is termed out. There is meaning to the word constitutional. It is an independent office elected by the entire state, and the responsibilities of the office — overseeing all taxes and revenues — are intended to be independent of party power. Besides sitting as a voting member of numerous tax, pension and land authorities, the Controller has independent power to audit the use and effectiveness of your tax dollars by every public agency in our state. Spending on schools, the homeless, fire prevention, drought, public safety, pensions, mental health, and safety net programs are all subject to review by the Controller. Knowing me as so many of you do, you can see my interest in this position.

Asking hard questions and instigating oversight has been a part of all my public service work. For ten years, I was on the audit committee of my city. I served for four years on the audit committee of the Board of Trustees of the 23-campus California State University. I presently serve on the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. Part of the reason that members of my own party are uncomfortable with me is because I see the spending of every tax dollar as critically important not just in delivering the best services for the money but because the wise stewardship of our tax dollars is the foundation upon which we built public trust. Underscoring all of that is the willingness to have the independent backbone to speak truth to power.

So I am taking the next few weeks to delve deeper into the job, the dynamics of a short campaign (June primary), and feedback from friends and supporters.

My current Senate term runs until 2024. Should I run for this job, I will encounter the same vitriol that is emblematic of our current state of politics. But it is an opportunity to potentially pursue a job of bigger scope, responsibility and impact. What do you think?

Your support is why I have the privilege of serving as your state Senator. Many thanks for this honor of a lifetime.

Best,

Steve”

Constituents can let Glazer know what they think of his plans at steve@senatorglazer.com.

 

Highlighting her efforts to transform department Becton launches re-election campaign for Contra Costa DA

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Will have to defend controversial policies as one of nation’s Soros-backed district attorneys; faces two challengers, including career prosecutor

Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton from her 2022 re-election campaign website.

By Allen D. Payton

In a press release issued Monday and received by the Herald on Tuesday, Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton announced her campaign for re-election in the June 7th Primary Election.

On February 12, 2022, at the U.A. 342 Union Hall in Concord, state and county elected and labor leaders joined more than 150 community members as Becton kicked off her campaign.

“Four years ago, Contra Costa voters elected me as your district attorney with overwhelming, majority support,” said DA Becton. “In these challenging times, feeling safe in our homes and our communities is what we all deserve. I am proud to say I have worked hard to deliver safety, justice and progress for the people of Contra Costa County. I am running for re-election to continue the important work of making our communities safer and our system more fair for everyone, and I thank the people of Contra Costa County for their support.”

The press release claims, since taking office, DA Becton has kept her promise to make real and lasting change, transforming the District Attorney’s Office into one that works for everyone in Contra Costa County and delivering justice for victims. She has worked to support victims, focus resources on violent crime and reduce mass incarceration. Under her leadership, the District Attorney’s Office also has developed and enhanced diversion programs and encouraged treatment for those who suffer from mental illness and drug addiction. She is also advancing youth justice by establishing a juvenile diversion pre-filing program and creating the Reimagine Youth Justice Task Force to recommend alternatives to prison for young people.

During her tenure 51 veteran deputy DA’s have left the department for one reason or another, and 40 rookie deputies were hired following their graduation from law school. No lateral hires of veteran prosecutors from other agencies to fill the vacancies have occurred.

“My priority has always been serving the people of Contra Costa and making our voices heard on issues that matter most,” said Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11). “When it comes to the safety of our families and our communities, there is no one who will work harder than District Attorney Diana Becton. Her proven leadership has led to tremendous progress to help keep our communities safe and our system more fair and equitable. I’m proud to support her campaign.”

Among her other accomplishments, District Attorney Becton:

  • Co-leads the FBI Safe Streets Task Force that coordinates the resources of federal, state and local law enforcement on violent crime.
  • Continues to file felony charges in organized retail theft incidents in Walnut Creek, coordinating with law enforcement partners throughout the Bay Area.
  • Eliminated backlog of untested sexual assault kits and established the county’s first Human Trafficking Unit.
  • Established Cold Case Homicide Unit to pursue justice for the victims and families of unsolved murders.
  • Joined Code for America initiative to dismiss thousands of old marijuana convictions, which disproportionately affect people of color in the community.
  • Piloted the California County Resentencing Program to address excessive sentencing.
  • Partnered with The Vera Institute of Justice (VERA) on data analysis to uncover and address bias in the disposition of criminal cases. (See related article)
  • Strengthened the internal investigative procedures associated with the investigation of officer-involved shootings and banned use of carotid hold by DA office investigators. (See related article)
  • Successfully held a local steel company accountable for dumping toxic waste in the community. The local steel company was forced to pay a $4 million fine. (See related article)

“District Attorney Diana Becton has made lasting changes in her efforts to transform and reimagine the DA’s office into one that works for everyone,” said BART Board Director Lateefah Simon, who represents District 7 which includes portions of West County. “We need a leader who is prioritizing safety for our communities while staying resolute in working to reduce mass incarceration’s harm on Black communities and communities of color. I thank her for her courage and historic leadership.”

As part of that transformation and efforts to “reimagine the DA’s office”, Becton has taken controversial positions on various issues during her term in office, including supporting banning campaign contributions for DA candidates from police officer unions. (See related articles here and here)

She has also issued controversial policies for her department. In 2020 Becton issued a policy requiring prosecutors consider the reason for looting during a state of emergency before charging suspects with a crime. (See related article)

Then in late 2020, she announced a policy that prevents her department from prosecuting certain first-time criminals including drug offenders arrested with small amounts or for other crimes such as shoplifting, petty theft, disorderly conduct. (See related article)

In addition, in an effort to fulfill a campaign promise from 2018, in December, Becton announced a new Neighborhood Restorative Partnership program, a voluntary, neighborhood-focused, adult diversion, restorative justice initiative addressing root causes of criminal behavior, reducing recidivism, enhancing community relationships, and promoting public safety and quality of life. She put her office’s Assistant Investigator/Facility K9 Handler in charge of the program, who said in December, the procedures, guidelines, and logistics are still under development. As of Wednesday, Feb. 16, a group of volunteers was interviewed and selected to participate, but the program has not yet launched. (See related article)

Appointed by the Board of Supervisors, Becton took office in 2017 as the first woman and first African-American District Attorney in the County’s 167-year history “with overwhelming countywide and community support” her campaign press release stated. She was then elected in 2018 as one of several left-leaning, progressive DA’s in the nation backed by billionaire George Soros in an effort to reshape America’s criminal justice system. According to a report by RepublicBroadcasting.org, Becton was “backed by $275,000 from Soros in 2018,” and is “one of the first in the position to have zero prior experience as a prosecutor. During Becton’s first years in office four Contra Costa cities (Richmond, Antioch, Pittsburg and Concord) made the list of the top 100 most dangerous cities in California in 2018, and both violent crime and property crime increased by several percent during 2019.”

Becton married a Richmond minister in summer 2020 and caused controversy by hosting the wedding and reception in her back yard violation of COVID-19 orders. She was chastised by the Board of Supervisors for her actions. (See related articles here, here and here).

Becton is currently the only African-American District Attorney in California. According to the Contra Costa Elections office, as of Tuesday, Feb. 15, she faces two challengers in the race, including criminal defense attorney Lawrence Strauss, who placed a distant third in the 2018 election, and veteran Contra Costa Deputy DA Mary Knox. Read more about DA Becton at www.dianabecton.com.

Candidate filing period for June 7 Primary Election begins Monday

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For county DA, sheriff, supervisor, Superior Court judges and other offices, U.S. Senate, Congress, governor and other statewide offices, and State Assembly

By Dawn Kruger, Civic Outreach/Engagement Specialist, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department

On Monday, February 14, the June 7, 2022, Candidate Filing Period will begin, and nomination papers will be available for candidates running for Statewide Constitutional offices, County offices, Superior Court judges, United States Senator, United States Representative in Congress and Member of the State Assembly. The nomination period runs through 5:00 pm Friday, March 11, 2022.  A list of offices currently up for election can be found here: https://www.cocovote.us/wp-content/uploads/22Jun07_PositionsUpForElection-1.pdf

Papers for offices that are up for election will be available at the Contra Costa Elections Office, 555 Escobar Street, Martinez.

For further information on the primary election and key dates, visit www.cocovote.us.

With COVID-19 still in play, the Contra Costa Elections Division is asking interested candidates to schedule an appointment through email at candidate.services@vote.cccounty.us or by calling 925-335-7800. Walk-ins are accepted, but subject to the availability of staff. Appointments are available on weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Filing documents and information will be provided to interested constituents at their appointment. The process takes 20 minutes.

All visitors will be asked to check-in at the Elections lobby and will be required to wear a mask and observe social distancing guidelines.

Contra Costa Supervisors to act on affordable housing, election campaign funding ordinances Tuesday

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Will celebrate Inaugural Asian and Pacific Islander Lunar New Year, honor City of Antioch’s Sesquicentennial

By Daniel Borsuk

An ordinance concerning Contra Costa County’s affordable housing status and other proposed ordinances designed to boost election campaign funding for Supervisors and Non-supervisor candidates along with an Inaugural celebration recognizing the Asian and Pacific Islander New Year will be some of the Agenda Items the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors will either take action on or pay tribute to at a meeting on Tuesday, February 1.

The Supervisors will meet remotely, starting at 9:00 a.m.  Proceedings will be televised on Comcast Cable twenty-seven, ATT/U-Verse Channel 99 and WAVE Channel 32 and can be seen live online at www.contracosta.ca.gov.

Public Hearing on Inclusionary Housing Ordinance

Supervisors will hold a hearing to determine if the county’s Inclusionary Housing Ordinance is “Consistent with the State’s definition of low-income household and qualifying income units and exempt community care facilities from the County’s Affordable Housing Requirements,” according to the report from the Contra Costa County Conservation and Development.

In effect since 2006, the proposed ordinance would align the County’s Ordinance with changes in the state’s definition of extended low, very low-, low- and moderate-income households and their respective qualifying income limits.

The proposed ordinance would exempt Community Care Facilities from the County’s Affordable Housing Requirements.

Election Campaign Ordinance

Supervisors will consider an Election Campaign Ordinance for Supervisorial and Non-supervisoral candidates increasing individual donations from $1,675 to $2,500.  The County’s Election Campaign Ordinance was first adopted in 1984 and was last revised in 2005.

The Election Campaign Ordinance also applies to other County Elected Positions such as Recorder-elections, Treasurer, Assessor, District Attorney, and Sheriff-Coroner.

A few weeks ago, when Supervisors first reviewed this ordinance, they had briefly studied the idea of raising donations to $5,000, the state limit, but decided to not go that route.

Inaugural Asian and Pacific Islander New Year Celebration

The Board of Supervisors will conduct their inaugural Asian and Pacific Islander New Year Celebration with Susan Kim, executive director of the Contra Costa Family Justice Center, and Professor Kent Wong, Director of the University of California Los Angeles Labor Center, as speakers.   The multi-cultural ceremony will feature dance, music, food, and unique customs of many of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities represented in Contra Costa County including Nepalese, Filipino, Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, Tai, and Indian communities.

“We want to recognize one of the most important celebrations for our Asian and Pacific Islander communities and dismiss monolithic stereotypes by featuring the diversity in our Asian communities,” said Board Chair, Supervisor Karen Mitchoff. “Contra Costa County will make history on the first day of this year’s Lunar New Year, February 1st, with the inaugural event as we honor and celebrate the many different Asian and Pacific Islander cultures and traditions. As an important and integral part of our County family, we celebrate the new year with you, and wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year!”

The Asian and Pacific Islander New Year Celebration will be shown at www.contracostaca.gov/6068 or www.contracostatv.org. The community can watch on Contra Costa Television (CCTV) Channels; COMCAST Cable 27.

Rodeo Senior Housing Project  

Supervisors will hold a hearing on a proposal to permit Conservation and Development Director John Kopchick to sign a Development and Loan Agreement between the County and La Loma Rodeo EAU LLC for the sale of county owned property at 710 Willow Ave. in Rodeo.

The Rodeo development calls for the construction of a PA 67-unit affordable unit senior housing project with community space. The developers will receive from the county a $4,450,000 loan from the Housing Succession Low Moderate-Income Funds for construction of the building. The County would sell the County-owned property to La Loma Rodeo for $980,000.

Will honor City of Antioch’s Sesquicentennial – 150th Anniversary

District 3 Supervisor Dianne Burgis who represents portions of Antioch, will present her resolution for adoption that recognizes the City of Antioch’s Sesquicentennial or 150th Anniversary of Incorporation. Antioch was founded as Smith’s Landing in 1849 when the twin Smith brothers purchased land from John Marsh, owner of Rancho Los Medano, who had constructed a landing on the San Joaquin River. Following the death of Reverend Joseph Horton Smith in 1850, the residents, under the leadership of Rev. William Wiggins Smith, gathered during the July 4, 1851 picnic and renamed the town Antioch after the biblical city in Syria where the followers of Christ were first called Christians.  The City of Antioch was incorporated on February 6, 1872, becoming Contra Costa County’s original city. (See related article)

 

“So You Want to Run for Office” East County campaign school in Antioch Wednesday

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East County residents interested in running for office this year, will have the opportunity to learn from County Elections staff, Fair Political Practices Commission, local elected officials and campaign professionals during a campaign school Wednesday night, Jan. 2.

Date:         02/02/2022

Time:           6:00 – 9:00pm

Location:     Antioch Community Center at Prewett Family Park, 4703 Lone Tree Way, Antioch

Program:

Welcome:    Helen Nolan, Assistant Registrar

Moderator:  Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis

Presentations:

  1. Filing for Office Speakers: 6:10 – 6:30pm
  • Contra Costa Elections Supervisor, Rosa Mena
  • Brentwood City Clerk, Margaret Wimberly
  1. Campaign Financial Disclosures Speakers: 6:35– 7:00pm
  • Contra Costa Elections Specialist, Olga Hernandez
  • NetFile, Tom Diebert
  • FPPC, Chloe Hackert (Via Zoom)
  1. Changes for Future Elections: 7:05 – 7:15
  • Contra Costa County Assistant Registrar, Helen Nolan
  1. Bay Area Trust in Elections: 7:15 -7:25
  • Contra Costa County Deputy Clerk-Recorder-Registrar, Tommy Gong

Break:  7:25 – 7:35

  1. Communicating the Message Speakers: 7:40 – 8:15pm
  • Consultant, Allen Payton, Del Rey Advertising & Marketing Agency
  • Voters Edge, Shawn Gilbert
  • Social Media, Jenna Valle-Riestra (Via Zoom)
  1. Encouraging Future Leaders Speakers: 8:20 – 8:55pm
  • Contra Costa College Governing Board Trustee, District 5, Fernando Sandoval
  • Contra Costa County Office of Education, District 5, Annette Lewis
  • City of Pittsburg City Council Vice Mayor, Shanelle Scales
  • City of Brentwood Councilwoman, Susannah Meyer

We would like to make sure that we are clear about a couple of details of the event:

  • The purpose of the event is for residents to learn about the specifics of how to run for office, there will not be any campaigning or candidacy promotion at this event.
  • This is the final of three events that we have held (Lafayette, Richmond, and Antioch) and all events are the same format and information with a few different panelists.

While everything points to the latest trends in Coronavirus transmission rates being in decline, we understand that the Omicron strain of the virus is still a big factor, and our county continues to have specific rules in place with regard to indoor venues and events. We want to make sure that all of our participants and panelists understand all of the current rules in place, and that we provide all options for everyone to participate fully.

Please note that as of December 29, 2021, the current mask mandate requires all people in Contra Costa, regardless of vaccination status to mask in public indoor settings. (For our panelists, you will be requested to keep your mask on while speaking). We will also be taking precautions with the seating to assure that our panelists and participants are socially distanced.

Please self-monitor and if you have any of the following symptoms, please do not attend this event in person:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

While we feel that we are providing a safe in-person event given all the protocols in place, we understand that some people may not feel comfortable attending in-person.  If you are not comfortable attending this event in-person, please join us via Zoom:

Topic: Antioch Candidate Workshop

Time: Feb 2, 2022 06:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87938930334?pwd=cklnZXFwN3V6R1dUdm1ZVkNhVFlsQT09

Meeting ID: 879 3893 0334

Passcode: 550253

One tap mobile

+16699009128,,87938930334#,,,,*550253# US (San Jose)

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we continue to navigate the pandemic and attempt to make this event as accessible as possible.  https://us02web.zoom.us/account/report

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact either one of us prior to the event:

Dawn Kruger, Civic Outreach/Engagement Specialist

Dawn.Kruger@cr.cccounty.us

925-335-7805

Karen Tedford, Civic Engagement Aide

Karen.tedford@cr.cccounty.us

925-335-7863

Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department

We will see you soon!