Contra Costa Herald

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

Blackhawk man arrested, Monday for murder of wife, Sunday

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Homicide detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff arrested 69-year-old John Tercheria on Monday, August 8 in connection with the death of his wife in Blackhawk, on Sunday. Tercheria was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility for murder. He is currently being held in lieu of $1 million bail.

At about 4:10 p.m. on Sunday, August 7, 2016, Deputy Sheriffs responded to a suspicious circumstance at a home on the 4300 block of Quail Run Lane in Blackhawk. Deputies arrived on scene and found a 69-year-old woman, who was later pronounced deceased. A homicide investigation was launched. The woman is identified as 69-year-old Linda Marie Tercheria, wife of suspect John Tercheria. They both resided at that home.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Office of the Sheriff at (925) 646-2441. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or to call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Burgis endorsed by DA Peterson, Sheriff Livingston, firefighters and deputy sheriffs in campaign for Supervisor

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Today, East Bay Regional Park District Director Diane Burgis, candidate for Contra Costa County Supervisor in District Three, earned the enthusiastic endorsement of the Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs Association, Antioch Police Officers Association, Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston and District Attorney Mark Peterson, as well as the endorsement recommendation of the Executive Board of the United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County, Local 1230.

“We need tough, principled leadership to tackle the long-standing problem of inadequate fire protection coverage in the county,” said Vince Wells, President of the United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County, Local 1230. “Diane Burgis is the only candidate for District Three we can trust to get the job done. She’s not just another politician – she has the proven competence and know-how necessary to improve fire protection services for every East County resident.”

Fire and emergency resources in East County are inadequate, leading to longer response times and lower quality fire and emergency services. Multiple district firehouses have closed due to a lack of proper funding.

“Diane Burgis is uniquely qualified to tackle the challenges our county faces,” said Shawn Welch, President of the Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs Association. “Under her watch, Oakley was recognized as one of the safest cities in the state. As a city councilmember, she supported police so that they could do their jobs fighting crime. As a park director, she partnered with law enforcement to make sure every tax dollar was spent wisely.  I and my fellow deputies are proud to stand with her this November.”

The Contra Costa Deputy Sheriffs Association is dedicated to the security and well-being of Contra Costa’s citizens and the protection of its 830+ employees. The United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County, Local 1230 includes over 450 firefighters from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, East Contra Costa County Fire District and various city fire departments. The Antioch Police Officers Association represents 120 police officers serving in the Antioch Police Department.

“Diane Burgis asks the right questions, listens closely to her constituents and then fights on their behalf,” said David Livingston, Contra Costa County Sheriff-Coroner. “I know I can count on her. She’s not one to pick political expediency over doing the right thing. She’s mastered the issues and demonstrated true skill as a leader, building coalitions and solving problems while putting a high priority on public safety.”

Diane Burgis currently serves as an East Bay Regional Parks District director and is the executive director of the Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed. Previously, she served as an Oakley city councilmember and spent over ten years as a small business owner. She highlights four priorities for her candidacy: improving public safety, attracting economic development, ensuring fiscal accountability and preserving the delta for future generations.

“Diane will work hard to develop the resources our police, firefighters and prosecutors need to keep us safe,” said Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark Peterson. “As a small business owner, nonprofit manager and public official, she has proven that she can balance a budget and defend taxpayers. I endorse her with no reservations – our county needs a real leader on the board.”

Diane Burgis is also endorsed by County Supervisor Mary Piepho, Assemblymember Joan Buchanan and a broad coalition of elected officials and leaders from every city and community in the district.

“I am honored by this extraordinary vote of confidence from our county’s bravest public servants,” said Diane Burgis, Candidate for Contra Costa County Supervisor in District Three. “I pledge to work collaboratively with our firefighters, sheriffs and every district resident to find effective solutions as we work together to improve public safety for all.”

Voters can learn more about her and her platform at www.dianeburgis.com.

Congressman DeSaulnier hosts town hall meetings in August

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Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D, CA-11) will host five more town hall meetings in the communities of Danville, Orinda, Rossmoor, Concord and Pittsburg during the month of August. He held his first in Richmond on Monday night. One of DeSaulnier’s top priorities is to be accessible to his constituents. Since being elected to Congress in January 2015, Mark has hosted 23 town hall meetings and mobile district office hours throughout Contra Costa County.

“Hearing directly from the residents of Contra Costa County helps make me a better representative. It is my hope that these town hall meetings will serve as a place for constituents to share their thoughts and opinions on issues important to our community. I invite you to join me at a town hall meeting to listen to a Congressional update on key policy issues, learn about our legislative work in Congress, and discuss the broad range of services we can provide,” said Congressman DeSaulnier.

Danville Town Hall
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
(Check-in begins at 6:30 p.m.)
Veterans Memorial Building
Community Hall
400 Hartz Avenue, Danville

Orinda Town Hall
Saturday, August 6, 2016
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
(Check-in begins at 10:30 a.m.)
Orinda Library Auditorium
26 Orinda Way, Orinda

Rossmoor Town Hall
Saturday, August 6, 2016
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
(Check-in begins at 12:30 p.m.)
Rossmoor, Fireside Room
1001 Golden Rain Road, Walnut Creek

Concord Town Hall
Monday, August 8, 2016
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
(Check-in begins at 6:00 p.m.)
Concord City Council Chambers
1950 Parkside Drive, Concord

Pittsburg Town Hall
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
(Check-in begins at 6:00 p.m.)
Pittsburg Senior Center
300 Presidio Lane, Pittsburg

For more information or to request ADA accommodations, please email CA11.RSVP@mail.house.gov or call (925) 933-2660

Contra Costa Deputy District Attorneys endorse Barr for Supervisor

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Steve Barr

Steve Barr

Today, Thursday, July 14, 2016, the Contra Costa County District Attorneys’ Association announced their endorsement of Steve Barr for County Supervisor in District 3.

The District Attorneys’ Association represents more than 75 Deputy DA’s who serve our community as prosecutors in the District Attorney’s office.

Aron DeFerrari, the group’s president, said the decision came down to Steve’s direct and open style, as well as his financial skills.

“Steve is very honest and tells you exactly how it is,” said DeFerrari. “We don’t always agree on everything. But we think his direct and open style is going to make him a great partner as we work on a lot of tough public safety issues.”

“Having a small business owner who understands finances and has a track record of using public money responsibly, was also very attractive to us,” DeFerrari continued. “We don’t have unlimited resources and need leaders who can make sure our public safety officers and prosecutors have enough money to do their jobs effectively. Steve Barr has our full trust.”

Barr said the endorsement was great news.

“Their vote of confidence means a lot and the role of prosecutors play in the county is vital,” he said. “I really look forward to working with them throughout this campaign and beyond.”

Barr, who was the top vote getter in the primary, is currently in the runoff election that will be held November 8th. As a Brentwood City Councilman he has made public safety a top priority, and his campaign already has the support of the Brentwood Police Officers’ Association.

Please visit www.SteveBarrForSupervisor.com for more information about the campaign and www.ContraCostaProsecutors.com for more information about the District Attorneys’ Assocation.

Danville man arrested for distribution of child porn and more, Tuesday

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On July 7, 2016, a Grand Jury in Contra Costa County indicted twenty-seven year old Danville resident Nickolas Robert Thurston on charges he distributed and possessed child pornography, conspired to access protected computer systems and used the identities of multiple women in an attempt to unlawfully gain access to their “cloud” computer accounts.

Following indictment, Danville police arrested Thurston at his home on July 12, 2016 and he is currently in the custody of the Contra Costa County Sheriff with bail set at 1.5 million dollars.  Thurston will make his first appearance in court on July 12, 2016 in front of the Honorable Patricia Scanlon.

The indictment alleges that between January 1, 2016 and May 24, 2016, Thurston conspired with an unnamed co-conspirator to unlawfully access the protected “cloud” accounts of women and girls that he knew in an attempt to gain revealing photographs of them and distributed their personal information in order to further the plan.  The indictment further alleges that Thurston operated a website to distribute child pornography and directly distributed images of a nine-year-old girl engaged in sexual activity via email.

On May 24, 2016, investigators from the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force served a search warrant on Buena Vista Drive in Danville.  During the course of that search warrant service, investigators developed probable cause to arrest Thurston and numerous items of evidence were seized from his house.

Thurston has been indicted on two counts of distribution of child pornography in violation of California Penal Code 311.2(c), one count of possession of child pornography in violation of California Penal Code 311.11(a), four counts of identity theft in violation of California Penal Code 530.5(a), three counts of accessing or attempting to access a protected computer system to steal files in violation of California Penal Code 502(c)(1) and conspiracy to commit computer theft in violation of California Penal Code 182(a)(1).

The maximum penalty for the above charged offenses is approximately five years and a requirement to register as a sex offender.  An indictment is an allegation that a crime has occurred and all charges must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.  All defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.

I-680 Walnut Creek to San Ramon – Nighttime Ramp Closures, June 13 – July 1

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Summary 

Upcoming construction activity for the Express Lanes on I-680 between Walnut Creek and San Ramon requires temporary, nighttime ramp closures. The construction activity will include the excavation and paving of maintenance vehicle pullouts on the ramp shoulders. Once complete, the vehicle pullouts will create a safer environment for highway maintenance crews.

Due to the dynamic nature of this work, the ramp closures are scheduled to occur intermittently Monday, June 13 through Friday, July 1 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. The ramp closures will be intermittent and will alternate as work is completed.

The following ramp closures are scheduled:

  • The southbound Rudgear Road on-ramp
  • The northbound Stone Valley Road off-ramp
  • The northbound El Cerro Boulevard on-ramp
  • The southbound Bollinger Canyon Road on-ramp

What to Expect

  • In addition to the ramp closures, intermittent and alternating nightly closures will occur in the northbound and southbound directions in the lanes closest to the median, and in the lane closest to the shoulder from Martinez to Dublin. Approved construction work hours are: Monday through Thursday from 8 p.m. – 5 a.m., Friday from 8 p.m. – 7 a.m., Saturday from 7 p.m. to 10 a.m.
  • Construction crews will be present on some city streets during the day near I-680 from Martinez to Dublin with temporary and minor pedestrian detours to maintain public safety.
  • Construction lighting will be present and directed away from residential areas.
  • When traveling near construction activity
    • Always use caution
    • Be prepared to reduce speeds
    • Follow posted signs

Ramp Closure Detour Routes

  • Southbound Rudgear Road on-ramp:  Enter northbound I-680 from Rudgear Rd, continue on northbound I-680, exit at Olympic Blvd., head west on Olympic Blvd., and enter southbound I-680.
  • Northbound Stone Valley Road off-ramp: Continue on northbound I-680, exit at the Livorna Rd. off-ramp, head west on Livorna Rd., enter southbound I-680, and exit at the Stone Valley Rd. off-ramp.
  • Northbound El Cerro Boulevard on-ramp: Enter southbound I-680, continue on southbound I-680, exit at Diablo Rd., head east on Diablo Rd, and enter northbound I-680.
  • Southbound Bollinger Canyon Road on-ramp: Enter northbound I-680, continue on northbound I-680, exit at Crow Canyon Rd., head west on Crow Canyon Rd., and enter southbound I-680.

Construction is a dynamic process and information is subject to change without notice. Please use caution while traveling through the construction zone.

 

Barr, Burgis expand leads in Thursday’s District 3 Supervisor race vote count update

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By Allen Payton

An update on the Contra Costa County Elections Office website on Thursday, June 09, 2016 at 4:04 p.m. shows Brentwood City Councilman Steve Barr expanding his lead over East Bay Regional Parks District Board Member Diane Burgis, to 1,930 votes. Burgis expanded her lead over Oakley Councilman Doug Hardcastle to 1,227 votes, with about an additional 4,000 votes counted since Tuesday night.

Barr has secured his place in the November run-off. If the trend continues as the remaining ballots are counted, Burgis will have secured her place, as well, as the top two finishers face off in the General Election.

The latest vote counts and percentages are as follows:

ODESSA LEFRANCOIS 1,787 5.73%
DIANE BURGIS 7,044 22.57%
STEVE BARR 9,014 28.88%
MONICA E WILSON 2,798 8.97%
DOUGLAS F. HARDCASTLE 5,817 18.64%
WADE HARPER 4,684 15.01%
WRITE-IN 66 0.21%
Total 31,210

Election for District 3 Supervisor may not yet be over, about 56,000 ballots left to count

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By Allen Payton

Election results from Tuesday night show Brentwood Councilman Steve Barr in a commanding first place lead and East Bay Regional Parks District Board Member in second place in the race for District 3 Supervisor. But, the battle for second place to determine who will face Barr in the run-off election in November may not yet be decided.

Oakley Councilman Doug Hardcastle trails Burgis by just 1,025 votes and according to County Elections Office staff, there are still about 56,000 vote-by-mail ballots in the county, turned in at the polls, Tuesday that are left to be counted. That figure does not include an additional 19,000 provisional ballots, plus the ballots turned in to the 19 City Clerks’ offices, on Tuesday, nor those ballots postmarked by Tuesday and received by this Friday.

All the ballots of those who voted at the polls were counted and included in Tuesday night’s totals.

According to the County Elections website, the results for the District 3 race as of Tuesday night are as follows:

Steve Barr – 7,996 votes, 28.9%

Diane Burgis – 6,136 votes, 22.2%

Doug Hardcastle – 5,109 votes, 18.49%

Wade Harper – 4,234 votes, 15.32%

Monica Wilson – 2,516 votes, 9.11%

Odessa Lefrancois – 1,584 votes, 5.73%

Vote counts will be updated as the County Elections office has them, with the first one expected on Friday.

Hardcastle maintains lead in finances in District 3 Supervisor race, Burgis leads in monetary contributions, is second in spending

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By Allen Payton

The final financial reports were due on Friday, June 2 for the candidates in races for Contra Costa County Supervisor. In District 3, Oakley Councilman Doug Hardcastle continues to maintain his lead in total contributions and total expenses. East Bay Regional Parks District Board Member Diane Burgis shows the most in monetary contributions. Brentwood Councilman Steve Barr is in second in that category. But, Burgis shows the second most spent during the campaign and the most in outstanding debts.

Below is the summary of the campaign finances based on the latest reporting (please see copies of their reports at the bottom of this story):

Doug Hardcastle

Monetary Contributions Received during the period: $1,300

Loans Received during the period: $1,000

Non-Monetary Contributions Received: $1,400

Total Contributions Received for the period: $3,700 (1st)

Monetary Contributions Received during the campaign: $27,308.16 (4th)

Total Contributions during the campaign: $52,633.16 (1st)

Payments Made during period: $2,511.13

Accrued Expenses (unpaid bills) for the period: $ -0-

Total Expenditures Made during the campaign: $52,155.00 (1st)

Ending Cash Balance: $478.16

Outstanding Debts: $16,500 (2nd) – all loans from himself

Hardcastle submitted two amended reports showing $700 in additional monetary contributions and a $750 in-kind contribution not previously reported.

 

Steve Barr

Monetary Contributions Received during the period: $2,567

Loans Received during the period: $ -0-

Non-Monetary Contributions Received: $ -0-

Total Contributions Received for the period: $2,567 (2nd)

Monetary Contributions Received during the campaign: $30,352 (2nd)

Total Contributions during the campaign: $40,752 (3rd)

Expenditures Made during period: $ -0-

Total Expenditures Made during the campaign: $38,768 (3rd)

Ending Cash Balance: $3,984

Outstanding Debts: $7,000 (3rd) – $5,000 in loans from himself

Barr submitted an amended report showing a change from an in-kind contribution of $450 to an Accrued Expense.

 

Diane Burgis

Monetary Contributions Received during the period: $2,000

Loans Received during the period: $  -0-

Non-Monetary Contributions Received: $ -0-

Total Contributions Received for the period: $2,000 (4th)

Monetary Contributions Received during the campaign: $31,655 (1st)

Total Contributions during the campaign: $31,755 (3rd)

Expenditures Made during period: $8,137.80

Accrued Expenses (unpaid bills) for the period: $23,370.06

Total Expenditures Made during the campaign: $50,043.18 (2nd)

Ending Cash Balance: $5,082.43

Outstanding Debts: $23,470.06 (1st) – $100 in a loan from herself

 

Monica Wilson

Monetary Contributions Received during period: $2,095

Loans Received during the period: $  -0-

Non-Monetary Contributions received: $ -0-

Total Contributions Received for the period: $2,095 (3rd)

Monetary Contributions Received during the campaign: $29,170.92 (3rd)

Total Contributions for the campaign: $31,216.86 (4th)

Expenditures Made during period: $5,254.59 paid down previous unpaid bills of $1,874.98

Accrued Expenses (unpaid bills) for the period: $ -0-

Total Expenditures Made during the campaign: $34,470.54 (4th)

Ending Cash Balance of $3,175.32

Outstanding Debts: $1,250 (4th)

 

Odessa Lefrancois

Monetary Contributions Received during period: $ -0-

Loans Received during the period: $  -0-

Non-Monetary Contributions received: $   -0-

Total Contributions Received for the period: $  -0-

Monetary Contributions Received during the campaign: $13,025.00 (5th)

Total Contributions for the campaign: $13,025.00 (5th)

Expenditures Made during period: $2,312.22

Accrued Expenses (unpaid bills) for the period: $ -0-

Total Expenditures Made during the campaign: $11,590.02 (5th)

Ending Cash Balance of $1,434.98

Outstanding Debts: $ -0-

She will have to file an amended report, as hers once again, does not show the Year to Date Totals on the Summary page.

 

Wade Harper

Monetary Contributions Received during period: $ -0-

Non-Monetary Contributions received: $   -0-

Total Contributions Received for the period: $ -0-

Monetary Contributions Received during the campaign: $9,725.00 (6th)

Total Contributions for the campaign: $9,725.00 (6th)

Expenditures Made during period: $ -0-

Accrued Expenses (unpaid bills) for the period: $ -0-

Total Expenditures Made during the campaign: $8,950.54 (6th)

Ending Cash Balance of $774.46

Outstanding Debts: $ -0-

Publisher’s Note: For full disclosure and as explained in the March issue of the Antioch Herald, I, the writer of this article, am the paid consultant for Doug Hardcastle’s campaign for County Supervisor.

Barr 460 0522-060216

Barr Amend 0424-052116

Burgis 460 0522-060216

Hardcastle 460 0522-060216

Hardcastle Amend 0101-042316

Hardcastle Amend 0424-052116

Harper 460 0522-060216

Lefrancios 460 0522-060316

Wilson 460 0522-060216

Hardcastle continues to lead in money battle in race for District 3 Supervisor, Burgis close behind in spending

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By Allen Payton

Candidates and campaigns were required to file financial reports on Thursday, May 26 for the period of April 24 through May 21, 2016. Oakley Councilman Doug Hardcastle continues to lead in the amount of funds raised and spent in the campaign. East Bay Regional Parks District Board Member Diane Burgis is second behind Hardcastle in expenditures, but has the most in monetary contributions, and in unaid bills. But, Brentwood Councilman Steve Barr, has raised more than Burgis in total contributions. Antioch Councilwoman Monica Wilson is in a close fourth in fundraising, in both monetary and total contributions.

Following is the financial information submitted by the candidates in the District 3 Supervisor race for the latest period (see the complete reports, posted in alphabetical order of last name, below):

Doug Hardcastle

Monetary Contributions Received during the period: $8,297

Non-Monetary Contributions Received: $1,675

Total Contributions Received for the period: $9,972 (3rd)

Monetary Contributions Received during the campaign: $25,308.16 (4th)

Total Contributions Received during the campaign: $47,483.16 (1st)

Expenditures Made during period: $11,176.07

Accrued Expenses (unpaid bills) for the period: $ -0-

Total Expenditures Made during the campaign: $45,818.87 (1st)

Ending Cash Balance: $1,664.29

Outstanding Debts: $15,500 (2nd) – all loans from himself

After his report was submitted, Hardcastle discovered a file of monetary contributions totaling approximately $700 and an in-kind contribution of $750 from a fundraiser in May that was not included in the latest report. He will be submitting an amended report, this next week.

 

Steve Barr

Monetary Contributions Received during the period: $9,100.00 – Most from within the district.

Non-Monetary Contributions Received: $1,200

Total Contributions Received for the period: $10,300 (2nd)

Monetary Contributions Received during the campaign: $27,785 (2nd)

Total Contributions Received during the campaign: $38,635 (2nd)

Expenditures Made during period: $28,594, paid down previous unpaid bills of $17,035

Total Expenditures Made during the campaign: $31,768 (3rd)

Ending Cash Balance: $1,417

Outstanding Debts: $6,550 (3rd) – $5,000 in loans from himself

 

Diane Burgis

Monetary Contributions Received during the period: $10,798

Non-Monetary Contributions Received: $ -0-

Total Contributions Received for the period: $10,798 (1st)

Monetary Contributions Received during the campaign: $29,655 (1st)

Total Contributions Received during the campaign: $29,755 (3rd)

Expenditures Made during period: $15,336.52

Accrued Expenses (unpaid bills) for the period: $8,098.85

Total Expenditures Made during the campaign: $41,905.38 (2nd)

Ending Cash Balance: $11,220.23

Outstanding Debts: $23,470.06 (1st) – $100 in loans from herself

Almost all of her contributions were received during the period from and most of her money was spent outside of the district.

 

Monica Wilson

Monetary Contributions Received during period: $6,665.16

Non-Monetary Contributions received: $1,927.88

Total Contributions Received for the period: $8,593.04 (4th)

Monetary Contributions Received during the campaign: $27,075.92 (3rd)

Total Contributions Received during the campaign: $29,121.86 (4th)

Expenditures Made during period: $12,704.75 paid down previous unpaid bills of $11,462.87

Accrued Expenses (unpaid bills) for the period: $ -0-

Total Expenditures Made during the campaign: $29,215.95 (4th)

Ending Cash Balance of $8,209.89

Outstanding Debts: $3,124.98 (4th)

All of her contributions were received during the period from and most of her money was spent outside of the district, with the majority of it spent out of state for yard signs and direct mail.

 

Odessa Lefrancois

Monetary Contributions Received during period: $1,140.00

Non-Monetary Contributions received: $   -0-

Total Contributions Received for the period: $1,140.00 (6th)

Monetary Contributions Received during the campaign: $13,025.00 (5th)

Total Contributions Received during the campaign: $13,025.00 (5th)

Expenditures Made during period: $2,312.22

Accrued Expenses (unpaid bills) for the period: $ -0-

Total Expenditures Made during the campaign: $11,590.02 (5th)

Ending Cash Balance of $1,434.98

Outstanding Debts: $ -0-

She will have to file an amended report, as hers does not show the Year to Date Totals on the Summary page.

 

Wade Harper

Monetary Contributions Received during period: $1,675.00

Non-Monetary Contributions received: $   -0-

Total Contributions Received for the period: $1,675.00 (5th)

Monetary Contributions Received during the campaign: $9,725.00 (6th)

Total Contributions Received during the campaign: $9,725.00 (6th)

Expenditures Made during period: $3,287.00

Accrued Expenses (unpaid bills) for the period: $ -0-

Total Expenditures Made during the campaign: $8,950.54 (6th)

Ending Cash Balance of $774.46

Outstanding Debts: $ -0-

Publisher’s Note: For full disclosure and as explained in the March issue of the Antioch Herald, I, the writer of this article, am the paid consultant for Doug Hardcastle’s campaign for County Supervisor.

Barr 460 0424-52116

Burgis 460 0424-052116

Hardcastle 460 0424-052116

Harper 460 0424-052116

Lefrancois 460 0424-052116

Wilson 460 0424-052116