Contra Costa Herald

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

Contra Costa Elections to test public ballot tabulation equipment to ensure accuracy Oct. 10

By Leave a Comment

 

Herald file photo

By Dawn Kruger, Community and Media Relations Coordinator, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department

Ballots have been mailed for the November 4, 2025 Statewide Special Election and the Elections Office is ready to receive voted ballots sent by mail or dropped in drop boxes. The Contra Costa County Elections Division will perform the County’s official logic and accuracy testing on central ballot tabulation and processing equipment at 10:00 am Friday, October 10, 2025, a at the Elections Office, located at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez and the public is invited to observe.

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.

If you would like to observe this process, we encourage you to let us know in advance by contacting the Elections office at 925-335-7800. On the day of testing, visitors will be asked to check-in at the Elections lobby on the first floor.

Ballots for upcoming statewide Prop 50 Special Election are in the mail

By Leave a Comment

By Dawn Kruger Community and Media Relations Coordinator Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department

Contra Costa County—Registered voters in Contra Costa County will soon receive their Official Ballots for the upcoming November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election. Ballots are at the post office as of Monday, Oct. 6 and should arrive in mailboxes beginning this week.  If you do not receive your ballot by October 13th, call our office at (925) 335-7800.

“The Statewide Special Election was not approved by the California State Legislature until late August, and I want to make sure that all registered Contra Costa County voters know what they can expect as we get closer to Election Day,” said Kristin B. Connelly, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters. “Our office wants to ensure that every Contra Costa County Voter is fully informed about how to participate in this election.”

In the coming days and weeks, the Contra Costa Elections Division will be sharing important logistical information about this election with local residents at ContraCostaVote.gov and on our social media.

Under Proposition 50, five Republican-held congressional districts would shift to become more Democratic, based on presidential election results from 2024. Kamala Harris (D) would have won three—District 1, District 3, and District 41—with margins above 10%. District 48 would lean Democratic, with a margin of 3%. District 22 would have shifted four percentage points toward Democrats; however, Donald Trump (R) would have won the district with a margin of 2%. The table above provides additional information about these five districts. Source: Ballotpedia

Some key dates:

– State Voter Information Guide mailed out/online: by Sept 20

– County Voter Information Guide sent to Registered Voters: by September 25

-Vote-by-Mail ballots sent to registered voters: by Oct 6

– Contra Costa Elections Office opens for early voting: Oct 6

– Deadline for registering to vote online via RegisterToVote.ca.gov: Oct 20

– Regional Early Voting open: Oct 31

– Polling places open: Election Day, Nov 4 (7am to 8pm)

– Vote-by-Mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Nov 4

The Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department offers many ways for voters to cast their ballot early and ensure it is included in the first report on Election Night. Voters can send their ballot through the US Mail in their postage pre-paid ballot envelope. They can put it in one of 45 secure Contra Costa Dropboxes located throughout the County, or they can bring it to our office at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez between 8 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday. The Elections Division also offers Regional Early Voting sites for those who need to register and/or vote in person.

For more information about the November 4, 2025 Statewide Special Election visit Proposition 50 | Official Voter Information Guide | California Secretary of State, or go to the Contra Costa County Elections Office, your trusted source of nonpartisan election information, visit the website at www.contracostavote.gov, or call 925-335-7800 M-F 8 am to 5 pm.

CA Secretary of State announces mistake in special Prop 50 election Voter Information Guide Map, correction mailing

By 1 Comment

Under Proposition 50, five Republican-held congressional districts would shift to become more Democratic, based on presidential election results from 2024. Source: Ballotpedia

“Will cost taxpayers millions of dollars” more

Sacramento, CA – The California Office of the Secretary of State announced on Monday that a correction notice will be mailed to voter households in response to the discovery of a map labeling error in the official 2025 Voter Information Guide (VIG).

On page 11 of the guide, a proposed congressional district contained in the map provided by the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) was inadvertently labeled as District 22 instead of District 27. A separate map provided by the LAO on page 15 included the correct identification of District 27.

To ensure voters receive accurate information, a correction postcard will be mailed to all voter households who received the guide with the typo. The “https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/“ website has also been updated to reflect the corrected map.

“Accuracy in voter information is essential to maintaining public trust in California’s elections.” said Weber.  “We are taking swift, transparent action to ensure voters receive correct information. This mislabeling does not affect proposed districts, ballots, or the election process; it is solely a labeling error. Every eligible Californian can have full confidence that their vote will be counted and their representation is secure.”

According to a report by the L.A. Times, “There are 23 million registered voters in California, but it’s unclear if the postcards will be mailed to each registered voter or to households of registered voters. Even if the corrective notices are mailed to voter households rather than individual voters, the postage alone is likely to be millions of dollars, in addition to the cost of printing the postcards. The special election, which the legislature called for in August, was already expected to cost taxpayers $284 million.”

“When politicians force the Secretary of State to rush an election, mistakes are bound to happen,” said Amy Thoma, a spokesperson for one of the campaigns opposing the effort. “It’s unfortunate that this one will cost taxpayers millions of dollars.”

The election is Tuesday, Nov. 4. (See more information at Pros and Cons of Proposition 50 events Sept 30, Oct 2 & 9).

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pros and Cons of Proposition 50 events Sept 30, Oct 2 & 9

By 1 Comment

Under Proposition 50, five Republican-held congressional districts would shift to become more Democratic, based on presidential election results from 2024. Kamala Harris (D) would have won three—District 1, District 3, and District 41—with margins above 10%. District 48 would lean Democratic, with a margin of 3%. District 22 would have shifted four percentage points toward Democrats; however, Donald Trump (R) would have won the district with a margin of 2%. The table above provides additional information about these five districts. Source: Ballotpedia

Presented in Concord, Antioch, San Ramon and online by League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley

Learn the Pros and Cons of Proposition 50, the Election Rigging Response Act, a temporary redistricting measure on the statewide election scheduled for November 4. The League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley will sponsor three in-person events and one online session for the public to hear arguments and funding for and against the measure, which has potential nationwide impact.

Ballots will be mailed October 6.

Proposed new California Congressional District 10 map if Prop. 50 passes. Source: California State Assembly Elections Committee AB604

Background

Proposition 50 was a response by Governor Newsom and the California State Legislature to Texas Legislature’s recent mid-cycle redistricting. But the California ballot measure was approved and signed into law on Aug. 21 before Texas’ new congressional district were approved on Aug. 29, which was done in response to a lawsuit by the Biden Administration’s Department of Justice.

According to a report by Democracy Docket, the lawsuit was “filed in 2021 by the DOJ under the Biden administration that alleged the state’s new redistricting plans drawn with 2020 census data violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act because they ignored the Lone Star State’s growing minority population and instead diluted the voting strength of voters. The lawsuit was later consolidated with several other similar lawsuits.”

Proposed new California Congressional District 9 map if Prop. 50 passes. Source: California State Assembly Elections Committee AB604

While in March the Trump Administration’s DOJ “dropped its claims against Texas that its…state legislative and congressional maps violate the Voting Rights Act, litigation is ongoing, with a coalition of pro-voting groups — including the League of United Latin American Citizens, the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, Mi Familia Vota and others — continuing their legal efforts for fair maps in Texas.”

Later, according to a July 15th report by Politico, President Trump told reporters he wanted Texas to attain five additional Republican congressional seats in the 2026 election through redistricting, in order to maintain a Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Proposed new California Congressional District 8 map if Prop. 50 passes. Source: California State Assembly Elections Committee AB604

According to the LWV, “The California measure’s stated intent is to counteract Texas’ actions and help ensure that the 2026 U.S. mid-term elections are conducted on a level playing field, without an unfair advantage for either party.” While California’s Prop 50 puts the decision in the hands of California voters the new district lines were drawn and approved by the Democrats in the state legislature and Governor Newsom.

UPDATE: Unlike California’s redistricting requirements included in Article 21, Section 2 of the state’s constitution which, by a vote of the people, mandated the creation of the independent Citizens Redistricting Commission to redraw district lines each decade following the Census, according to the State of Texas redistricting website, “No Texas constitutional or statutory provisions address congressional redistricting…Unlike legislative redistricting, congressional redistricting does not come within the authority of the Legislative Redistricting Board if the legislature fails to enact a valid plan during the regular session that is meeting when the decennial census is published. The issue may be taken up in a subsequent special session of the legislature or, if the legislature fails to enact a congressional plan or if the governor does not call a special session, the districts may ultimately be drawn by a state or federal district court.” So, the Texas legislature is responsible for redrawing congressional district lines to create new maps.

California voters will decide in November whether or not to confirm the proposed, new Congressional district maps for our state.

See Prop. 50 proposed Congressional Districts Map.

See current maps drawn by Citizens Redistricting Commission.

Source: Ballotpedia

Event Details: 

Events are free to the public. Registration is appreciated.

Tuesday, September 30, 6:00– 7:00 p.m. – Concord Library, 2900 Salvio Street, Concord.  To RSVP for this event, email marion@lwvdv.org.

Thursday, October 2, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Genesis Church, 1800 Woodland Drive, Antioch.  RSVP for this event.  To RSVP for this event, email marion@lwvdv.org

Thursday, October 2, 7:00 – 8:00 pm – Dougherty Station Library, 17017 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon.  Register for this event.

Thursday, October 9, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. – Virtual; this event will have simultaneous Spanish translation and will be recorded for future viewing online. Registration is required to receive the link. Register for this event.

For more information, contact janet@lwvdv.org.

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy.  We empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation at the local, state and national levels. For more information visit www.lwvdv.org.

Gail Murray and Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

BART seeks professionals to serve as members for RR Bond Oversight Committee

By Leave a Comment

1 Civil Engineer, 1 Electrical Engineer and 1 Certified Public Accountant

By San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District

BART is recruiting volunteer candidates to fill three vacant seats on the Measure RR Bond Oversight Committee. The committee provides diligent and public oversight of the expenditure of funds from bond sales associated with Measure RR, which is a $3.5 billion bond measure approved by BART District voters in 2016 to rebuild the system’s core infrastructure. Members of the Bond Oversight Committee represent a diversity of expertise, geography, and demographic characteristics. BART is looking for candidates to fill the electrical engineer, civil engineer, and Certified Public Accountant seats on the committee. All committee members are unpaid volunteers.

Candidates must live in either Alameda County, Contra Costa County or San Francisco City and County.

Source: BART

About Measure RR

Voters approved Measure RR, a $3.5 billion bond, in November 2016. The bond proceeds fund a portfolio of projects including replacing 90 miles of severely worn tracks, repair tunnels damaged by water intrusion and upgrade the aging train control system. Learn more at bart.gov/rebuilding/projects.

About the Committee

The independent Measure RR Bond Oversight Committee consists of five professionals in the areas of engineering, auditing, public finance, construction project management, and two members from the League of Women Voters. Learn more at bart.gov/bondoversight.

Committee Responsibilities

Members of the Committee are responsible for the following:

  • Assess how bond proceeds are spent.
  • Assess that work is completed in a timely, cost effective and quality manner.
  • Communicate its findings and recommendations to the public.
  • Publish an annual report.

Source: BART

Time Commitment

The minimum time commitment is about 10 to 15 hours per year. There are typically four in person meetings annually, which are open to the public

Compensation

Committee members are volunteers. However, BART will compensate members for their travel on BART to and from meetings.

INTERESTED?

Contact Rachel Russell at (510) 418-0859 or measurerrcommittee@bart.gov to discuss next steps.

DEADLINE

Friday, August 15, 2025, 5pm Pacific Time. Submit cover letter and resume to Rachel Russell for consideration.

Learn more about applying here.

Contra Costa DA Becton’s campaign announces support for her recall

By Leave a Comment

Source: Diana Becton for District Attorney campaign

CCC Deputy Sheriff’s contribute $50K; Antioch Police Officers Association explains reasons for $5,000 contribution

By Allen D. Payton

In a post on Facebook on Monday, July 28, 2025, the Becton for DA campaign surprisingly announced new support for her recall from the Deputy Sheriff’s Association and two other “major law enforcement associations.” According to recall organizer Gwynn Gabe the other two are the Antioch Police Officers Association (APOA) and Concord Police Officers Association.

“She’s been keeping track of the people who are giving us money,” he added.

The post by “Team Becton” reads: “The recall against District Attorney Diana Becton just escalated.

Three major law enforcement associations, including the Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, just poured tens of thousands into the recall effort—including a single $50,000 donation. Even more telling? They’ve hired the strategist behind the recalls of DAs in San Francisco and Alameda County.

This isn’t just a warning. This is a coordinated, well-funded effort to undo the will of the voters and take Contra Costa backwards.

But here’s the truth they don’t want you to remember: we’ve already won twice. And with your help, we will again, because here’s what they’re underestimating: you. Us. This community.

This is not the time to sit back. We need you on the front lines —because what’s at stake is bigger than any one election. It’s about protecting real public safety solutions, and standing up to those who want to take us backward. DA Becton has stood up for equity, justice, and real public safety. Now we must stand up for her.”

It then offers ways for opponents of the recall to “Take Action Now” including volunteering and donating through the Act Blue campaign fundraising website for Democrats currently under investigation for possible fraudulent political contributions.

The APOA Board issued the following statement about their contribution of $5,000 to the campaign to recall Becton: “The APOA was approached by members of the recall movement who asked if we would be willing to support them in their efforts to recall the DA. After careful consideration, we agreed as a board to support this endeavor in hopes that this would ultimately lead to a more transparent DA’s office that holds criminals accountable and keeps our streets safe. Whatever the outcome, we know the officers represented by the APOA will continue to work hard to keep our community safe and have a great working relationship with the DA’s office.”

Recall organizers have until 5:00 PM on Thursday, September 25, 2025, to submit 72,556 valid signatures to qualify the effort for the ballot.

 

Contra Costa Taxpayers’ Association welcomes defeat of Acalanes school district parcel tax

By Leave a Comment

Measure T fails to receive two-thirds vote

On May 15, the Contra Costa Clerk Reporter published final results of the Acalanes Union High School District Measure T parcel tax election, showing that the measure failed to achieve the two-thirds majority required for passage. “Yes” votes totaled 19,448 or 63.57% of all votes counted.

The “No” vote of 11,115 was 50% higher than the negative vote total when AUHSD last went to the ballot for a parcel tax measure in 2014 suggesting increased resistance to supplementary taxation in the District, which includes Lamorinda and adjacent portions of Walnut Creek.

Leading opposition to the ballot measure was the Contra Costa Taxpayer’s Association, whose President, Marc Joffe, acted as a plaintiff on a successful ballot language lawsuit and wrote the opposition arguments in the ballot guide.

CoCoTax’s major concerns with the ballot measure included the District’s decision to call a costly special election and its use of misleading ballot language. For example, the original version of the 75-word ballot summary did not clearly state that the amount of the parcel tax would increase with the area cost of living.

With respect to the need for an additional $130 per year parcel tax (on top of the $301 already levied), opponents were critical of the large number of highly compensated administrative employees in the District and its emphasis on non-academic matters such as Diversity Equity and Inclusion.

Campaign finance disclosures reported to County Clerk Recorder showed that the campaign on behalf of Measure T raised over $140,000 in cash contributions and received non-monetary support worth over $20,000.

The “Yes” campaign sent multiple mailers and text messages while also blanketing social media. “Advocates should take pause from the fact that they raised over $7 per Yes vote and still failed to win“ Joffe said. “The tens of thousands donated by local educational foundations and parent teacher organizations would have been better spent on programs for area high school students.”

Several of the donating organizations are Section 501(c)3 tax-exempt charitable organizations. “While they may have not violated the letter of IRS regulations, channeling charitable donations to election campaigning seems to run contrary to the spirit of the laws governing 501(c)3 non-profits,” Joffe concluded.

Before signature gathering begins DA Becton fights back against recall effort

By Leave a Comment

Source: Diana Becton for District Attorney Facebook page

Proponents will start gathering signatures today, Saturday, April 26

By Allen D. Payton

Ahead of the announced press conference by the recall proponents today, Saturday, April 26, 2025, which will be followed by the start of signature gathering, in a post on the Diana Becton for District Attorney Facebook page on Thursday, she fought back encouraging voters to not sign the petition. They gave reasons to support Becton including accomplishments while in office.

“As your District Attorney, I’m committed to protecting public safety and pursuing justice without fear or favor. That means holding everyone accountable—violent offenders, corrupt politicians, exploitative corporations, unethical polluters and anyone who abuses their power.

But now, special interests want to roll back our progress with a wasteful, misguided recall. They are weaponizing fear, distorting facts and exploiting victims—not to serve our community, but to push their own agenda.

Together, we have made significant strides in strengthening our criminal justice system. Here are the facts:

— I established a Major Crimes Task Force to crack down on violent offenders, gang crime and organized retail theft.

— I launched a Human Trafficking Unit to combat modern-day slavery and protect victims of exploitation.

— My Cold Case Unit is at the forefront of solving unsolved homicides by combining forensic science with traditional investigative methods.

— I have also expanded our Victim Advocate Team, increasing services and resources for victims of violent crime, particularly in underserved communities.

— And because prevention is key to lasting safety, I have championed initiatives that keep our youth on the right path and stop crime before it happens.

We cannot afford to go backward. This recall isn’t about public safety, it’s the final cry of a broken system and its failed policies that made all our communities less safe. What’s worse, this recall will cost taxpayers an estimated $8.5 million—money that should be spent on public safety, not political games.

After two decades as a Superior Court Judge and nearly eight years as your District Attorney, I’ve learned the right thing isn’t always easy, but it is necessary to deliver safety, justice and progress. I hope you will stand with me.

In the coming months, there are three simple things my team needs you to do so we can keep this recall off the ballot:

— First of all, do not sign the recall petition and remind your friends to do the same. Learn more at www.dianabecton.org.

— Second, endorse our Stop the Recall campaign.

— Finally, donate what you can to ensure we can defend our county’s hard earned progress.

Thank you for everything that you do for our community.

In solidarity,

District Attorney Diana Becton

P.S. We’re going to need a robust campaign to fight back against the special interests funding this recall. Please donate today if you can: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/diana-becton-1”

The proponents have until September 25, 2025, to submit petitions with a total of 72,556 valid signatures of registered voters in the county.

 

 

Concord-based developers charged in scheme to bribe Antioch City Councilmember, one denies wrongdoing

By Leave a Comment

Coffee mug and cash allegedly used in the bribery scheme. Source: U.S. DOJ

Co-founder and son, a company VP, of DeNova Homes

Corporate attorney responds saying company “not implicated”

Target, referred to as “he” and “him”, could be either former Mayor Hernández-Thorpe or Councilman Barbanica

“We are confident the facts will show that Dave is innocent, and that he was unfairly targeted,” – attorney Winston Chan

By Allen D. Payton

On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California issued the following announcement about an indictment for alleged bribery of an Antioch Councilmember by the father and son, former and current, leaders of Concord-based DeNova Homes. The company developed the Aviano new home project in Antioch’s Sand Creek Area and The Pointe at Wildflower Station project overlooking the condominiums near the Hillcrest Avenue/Davison Drive and Deer Valley Road intersection. In addition, the Sansons’ Yellow Roof Foundation is coordinating with DeNova homes to pursue a smaller housing project on the north side of the city,

A two-count indictment was unsealed today charging property developers David Sanson and Trent Sanson with conspiracy and bribery in connection with offering to pay an Antioch City Councilmember $10,000 and later giving the Councilmember a company travel mug with $5,000 in cash, in exchange for favorable treatment for one of their development projects.  The Councilmember reported the alleged bribe to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  Both defendants made their initial appearances in federal court this morning.

According to the indictment filed April 3, 2025, David Sanson, 60, of Philipsburg, Mont., is the owner and Chief Executive Officer of a home building and development company based in Concord, Calif., and his son, Trent Sanson, 33, of Walnut Creek, Calif., is the Vice President.  The development company has a number of projects in Antioch and neighboring areas, including the Aviano project, a multi-phase 533-unit residential development project.

Dave Sanson is DeNova Homes’ Co-Founder and CEO Emeritus, and his son Trent Sanson is the company’s Vice President for Land Acquisition & Entitlements. Source: Yellow Roof Foundation

As alleged, the Antioch Engineering and Development Services Division indicated that the development company had not completed all of its required public infrastructure improvements and that Phase 3 of the Aviano project should not be deemed complete or approved by the City Council until those improvements were completed.  As a result, the City of Antioch had not approved the release of bonds secured for the project.  To get the Antioch Engineering and Development Services Division to affirm completion and release the bonds associated with the project, Trent Sanson allegedly contacted an Antioch City Councilmember via iMessage on May 29, 2024, stating that he wanted to discuss with the Councilmember issues that the development company was facing with the Antioch “Engineering department” on a number of projects, including Phase 3 of the Aviano project.

“The indictment describes a video-recorded meeting between the Councilmember and Trent Sanson on June 12, 2024, during which Trent Sanson allegedly stated that he wanted the Councilmember to place on the City Council agenda, and vote in favor of, “acceptance for Phase 3 at Aviano to release the completion and guarantee bonds . . . .”  Trent Sanson allegedly stated that David Sanson was willing to pay the Councilmember $10,000 in exchange for the requested actions.  A second video-recorded meeting took place on June 20, 2024, at which David Sanson allegedly paid the Councilmember $5,000 in cash concealed in a travel coffee mug branded with the logo of the Sansons’ development company.

“This indictment alleges that the defendants tried to bribe an Antioch City Councilmember to take favorable action on their real estate project and to evade having to make the public infrastructure improvements that the City required,” said Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins.  “This case is another example of my Office’s commitment to working closely with our partners at the FBI to root out bribery and attempts to corrupt public office.”

“Attempting to bribe a public official is a blatant attack on the integrity of our government and the trust of the communities we serve,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani.  “The allegations in this case reflect a clear attempt to manipulate the system for personal gain. The FBI will continue to aggressively investigate and hold accountable anyone who seeks to corrupt public institutions through bribery or abuse of power.”

The defendants are next scheduled to appear in district court on June 12, 2025, for a status conference before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers.

The indictment charges each defendant with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371 and one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666(a)(2).  The bribery count also includes an allegation that defendants aided and abetted one another in bribing the Antioch City Councilmember.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  If convicted, defendants each face a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the count under 18 U.S.C. § 371 and 10 years in prison for the count under 18 U.S.C. §§ 666(a)(2).  Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas R. Green and Benjamin K. Kleinman are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Amala James and Laurie Worthen.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.

Two Former Councilmembers Respond

The two current and two former council members and former Mayor Lamar Hernández-Thorpe, who were serving during the time the alleged incidents occurred, were asked if they were aware of the indictment and if they were the unnamed councilmember. Former District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock said simply, “It wasn’t me,” and former District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica responded, “I won’t comment on an active federal investigation. I took the same stance when I was on the council.”

No responses were received from Hernández-Thorpe nor District 1 and 4 Councilwomen Tamisha Torres-Walker and Monica Wilson. An additional effort to reach Hernández-Thorpe’s re-election campaign’s spokesman and former City of Antioch Public Information Officer Rolando Bonilla asking if he is the political consultant mentioned in the indictment was also unsuccessful prior to publication time.

DeNova Homes’ Chief Legal Officer Responds

Efforts to reach the Sansons were unsuccessful. But DeNova Homes, Inc.’s Chief Legal Officer, Dana Tsubota, responded with the following statement:

“DeNova Homes is aware of the legal matter involving our founder, Dave Sanson, and his son, Trent. While Mr. Sanson has been an important figure in the company’s history, he semi-retired in 2020 when he moved to Montana and he is no longer involved in the leadership or daily operations.

“Importantly, DeNova Homes is not implicated in the government’s investigation. DeNova remains financially sound and fully focused on delivering for our customers, partners, and communities without disruption.

“Under the leadership of President Ryan Parlett and our experienced executive team, DeNova continues its mission of building high-quality homes and supporting the communities we serve.”

According to the company’s website, Dave is a Co-Founder and CEO Emeritus, and according to theorg.com website, Trent is the company’s Vice President for Land Acquisition & Entitlements.

Source: U.S. DOJ

Indictment Claims Request Made “to place” Item “on the…Council agenda, and vote in favor”

The indictment claims, “TRENT SANSON and DAVID SANSON bribed the Councilmember during video recorded meetings, including a meeting at which TRENT SANSON offered the $10,000 bribe to the Councilmember and a subsequent meeting at which DAVID SANSON gave the Councilmember a travel coffee mug branded with the Development Company’s logo and name containing $5,000 in cash.”

The indictment includes quotes from the unnamed councilmember but uses the term “him” in reference in Section 17. Sections 15 through 17 lay out the allegations which read as follows:

June 12, 2024: T. SANSON Bribes the Councilmember

  1. On or about June 12, 2024, T. SANSON met with the Councilmember and stated that he wanted the Councilmember to place on the Antioch City Council agenda, and vote in favor of, the following item: “A tract acceptance for Phase 3 at Aviano to release the completion and guarantee bonds ….” T. SANSON asked the Councilmember for the Councilmember’s assistance and vote in the hopes that the Antioch City Council would approve release of the bond and effectively override the Antioch Engineering and Development Services Division’s position that further work was required by the Development Company to complete its obligations on Phase 3 of Aviano.
  2. In exchange for the Councilmember’s actions, T. SANSON told the Councilmember that he spoke with his father, D. SANSON, in advance of the meeting, and D. SANSON was “willing” to pay the Councilmember $10,000. T. SANSON stated, “[YJou’re not going to see anything directly, but Dave will be doing something for you[.]” T. SANSON then added, “I don’t know if it’s an IE or through a PAC because we … can give to a PAC and then the PAC isn’t limited, you know what I mean?” Shortly thereafter, T. SANSON reiterated, “I’m pretty sure we’ll go through one of the PACs.” T. SANSON ultimately told the Councilmember that he’d check with D. SANSON to determine if they could pay $5,000 to the Councilmember’s IE account and $5,000 in cash. T. SANSON stated that the split “sounds fair.” The Councilmember informed the FBI of the bribe offer by T. SANSON.

Mentions “the primary” and “the general” Elections; Refers to Councilmember as “He” and “Him”

Upon reading the indictment, the terms “he” and “him” are used to describe the unnamed councilmember.

June 20. 2024: D. SANSON Pays the Bribe Initiated bv T. SANSON

  1. On or about June 20, 2024, D. SANSON met with the Councilmember. During the meeting, D. SANSON told the Councilmember, “Anyways, Trent called me and told me that he met with you last week, and 1 told him OK let me take care of it. 1 don’t want you involved.” D. SANSON thanked the Councilmember for meeting with him, stating, “1 know it was last minute, but this had to be done in person.” D. SANSON informed the Councilmember that he’d been in touch with the political consultant running the Councilmember’s IE, stating, “[That’s all still on track for round two. We did it during the primary, and now for the general – we’re back committed to supporting you and all that. So, 1 just want you to know that’s happening – that it’s not just a false commitment or anything like that; and then Trent told me you needed a little extra shot.” D. SANSON then handed the Councilmember a travel coffee mug branded with the Development Company insignia, which contained $5,000 in cash. The Councilmember informed D. SANSON that he had a detailed conversation with T. SANSON, and that he understood what D. SANSON and T. SANSON were asking him to do. D. SANSON replied, “Yeah – Phase 3,” and reiterated, “the project has been finished.” The Councilmember informed the FBI of D. SANSON’s bribe and gave the money to the FBI.

Dave Sanson’s Attorney Responds

In response to a request for comment, Dave Sanson’s attorney Winston Chan of the San Francisco office for the Gibson Dunn & Crutcher law firm denied the accusations against the developer.

“My client Dave Sanson is a respected business leader and philanthropist with a 30-year track record of building homes and supporting communities across Northern California.

We are reviewing the government’s allegations closely and caution against any rush to judgment based on mere allegations that present a one-sided story. We are confident the facts will show that Dave is innocent, and that he was unfairly targeted without cause to be dragged out of near retirement from out-of-state, to be trapped into a web of deceit manufactured to ‘take down’ Dave and his family by a controversial local politico, whose own suspect personal motivations we look forward to exposing.

It’s incredibly disappointing that Dave’s reputation—built on a decades-long career of creating opportunities for residents of cities like Antioch, that have struggled for years to keep up with housing needs and other challenges—is being dragged through the mud.

Dave and our team look forward to addressing this matter in court.”

Unnamed Councilmember Could Be Either Hernández-Thorpe or Barbanica

While only the mayor has the authority to place items on a city council meeting agenda, Barbanica was the only candidate of the five incumbent council members, last year, who ran during both the primary and general elections for the County Board of Supervisors. So, the “him” could refer to either one.

Sanson company contribution to Thorpe’s #Beat the Karen Recall committee made on Jan. 14, 2022. Source: Thorpe committee Form 460

2022 Recall Campaign Contribution from Sanson Company to Hernández-Thorpe

During the effort to recall Hernández-Thorpe in 2022, the then-mayor’s campaign committee received a $10,000 contribution from another of the Sansons’ companies, Civic Park Properties, Inc. State law has since changed and the maximum contribution a developer who has business before a local agency can contribute to one of its elected members is $250.

No Contributions to Either Hernández-Thorpe, Barbanica or IE Committee Supporting Either in 2024

But a search of Form 460 campaign finance reports showed no contributions could be found of any amount over $100 from either of the Sansons, DeNova Homes or their companies that were made last year to either Hernández-Thorpe’s re-election committee, Barbanica’s campaign committee or the independent expenditure (IE) committee supporting Barbanica’s election entitled, “Citizens for a Safer Contra Costa County Supporting Mike Barbanica for Supervisor 2024, Sponsored by Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, ID #1347607.” In addition, no IE committee supporting Hernández-Thorpe’s re-election could be found in a search on the City Clerk’s or California Secretary of State’s campaign reporting websites.

Political Consultant Who Handled IE Supporting Barbanica’s Home Raided by FBI

Last month, according to news reports, Mary Jo Rossi, a longtime political consultant in Contra Costa County, whose company, Rossi Communications, was paid by the IE committee of the Deputy Sheriff’s Association supporting Barbanica, had her home raided by the FBI.

Laura Stephens of Stephen Company, the treasurer for the committee confirmed Rossi was its paid consultant.  But whether the raid was related to the investigation into the alleged bribery is unclear.

Sansons Have History of Serving the Community

Dave Sanson, and his wife Lori, have a history of giving back to the communities in which DeNova has done business, and founded the Yellow Roof Foundation to provide low-income housing to facilitate their efforts. The organization helped open a new home development with four rentals in Oakley in December and is pursuing another, 143-unit housing project, which will include six affordable rental units, located between E. 18th Street and Wilbur Avenue on the north side of Antioch.

The Sansons are most likely best known to the public for their 2004 work on the ABC-TV “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” project in which they led a team of 1,200 volunteers “to tear down and rebuild a two-story home in Martinez. It was done for a 17-year-old “teen, who suffers from a rare degenerative disorder, had been forced to move out of her home because her fragile immune system would not tolerate its mold issues.”

According to Builder Magazine, the pair received the 2017 Hearthstone BUILDER Humanitarian Award.

Dave and Trent serve on the foundation’s board of directors.

Petition approved for Contra Costa DA Becton recall effort

By Leave a Comment

Source: Recall of District Attorney Diana Becton

Organizers can begin gathering signatures

By Allen D. Payton

The organizers for the effort to recall Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton announced on Friday the Contra Costa Elections office approved their petition. They can now begin gathering signatures following a press conference this Saturday, April 26.

“We are pleased to announce that our recall petition has received approval today, Friday, April 18, 2025. As stated in the email with the official letter we received, we need a total of 72,556 valid signatures. The reviewing body has 60 business days from the filing date to assess the petition and verify that the necessary number of voters have signed it. All completed petitions must be submitted by 5:00 PM on Thursday, September 25, 2025, which is 160 days from the notice date.

“If the petition meets the required standards, the elections official will certify the results to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors upon completing the review. The Board of Supervisors is required to order an election within 14 days following their meeting. Should the Board fail to issue this order within the specified timeframe, the Registrar of Voters will set the election date within 5 days.

“The election will take place no sooner than 88 days and no later than 125 days after the order is issued. However, it may also occur within 180 days of the order if it can be coordinated with a regularly scheduled election.

“The recall organizers have decided to hold a press conference and the first day of signing on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 5 PM. This event will take place at Alexis Gabe’s memorial bench located at 3231 Main St., Oakley, CA, just outside city hall. They believe it is important to celebrate this momentous occasion with the many supporters who have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to sign the petition.

“Please confirm your attendance. For any questions or further information, feel free to contact us via email at recalldianabecton@gmail.com or info@recalldianabecton.org. We look forward to seeing you there.

Sincerely,

The Recall District Attorney Diana Becton Team”

(See related articles here and here)