Contra Costa Herald

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

Martinez Planning Commissioner Sean Trambley announces campaign for District 5 County Supervisor

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Sean Trambley from his campaign website.

Today, Martinez Planning Commission Vice Chair Sean Trambley, formally announced his campaign for Contra Costa County Supervisor in District 5. The district includes Antioch, Pittsburg, Bay Point, Martinez, Port Costa, Crockett, Rodeo, Hercules, Pinole and numerous unincorporated communities. Supervisor Federal Glover is the current officeholder and when reached for comment said he would be running for re-election for a sixth term.

“Our communities deserve a Supervisor who will show up and work hard for all of us,” Trambley said. “I believe Contra Costa County, with new, active leadership, can offer better opportunities to those hoping to buy a home, start a small business, and provide for their families.”

A press release from Trambley’s campaign stated, “As a small business owner and native of Martinez, the County seat of Contra Costa, Sean has watched as stagnant leadership has failed to address the challenges holding back working families and young people. Sean’s extensive experience in government, business, and advocacy has given him the tools and understanding to make smart, creative decisions and ensure the County reaches its fullest potential.”

He’s a public relations consultant, and has worked on issues such as affordable housing and open land preservation. In the past Trambley worked in Washington, D.C. as an intern for Congressman George Miller, then as an aid for Congressman Dennis Cardoza. He then worked for an organization known as the Democracy Initiative.

“For too long, the current district leadership has failed to represent working families and has yet to enact a broader set of initiatives that could give our county a stronger footing. Our county must take the lead on the environment, regional transportation infrastructure, and the local economy. My neighbors can’t even get their representative, or his office, to answer the phone, let alone fight for them. I believe we need someone on the Board who will show up. I believe I offer a strong, new voice for our district,” Trambley continued.

The press release further stated, “Contra Costa County is home to more than 1.1 million people, an economic driver that houses much of the Bay Area’s workforce. Yet, it faces a lack of family and workforce housing, an unbearable commute, long-standing challenges for small businesses, mounting homelessness, and a county government that is often too slow to respond.”

Trambley’s campaign will be focused on tackling these growing challenges in close partnership with small business owners, labor partners, community leaders and the residents of District 5.

Trambley has the support of Martinez Councilmember Noralea Gipner, Martinez School Board Member Jonathan Wright and Martinez Planning Commissioner Jason Martinez. He also has the support of former County Clerk-Recorder Steve Weir, who said, “Sean is a new voice for Contra Costa and I’m excited to support his campaign. He is smart, thoughtful, and dedicated to public service. His background in government, business, and advocacy will be a huge asset to the County.”

More information is available at www.seantrambleyforsupervisor2020.com. Sign up for his newsletter here.

Please check back later for any updates. Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Supervisors will appoint new County Clerk-Recorder on Feb. 4, recruitment process begins Nov. 8

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Joe Canciamilla

Canciamilla retired on October 31

By Daniel Borsuk

With the clock ticking for the June 2, 2020 California Primary Election, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday set a schedule to appoint a new County Clerk-Recorder by Feb. 4, 2020.

Supervisors voted 5-0 on Tuesday to follow a schedule to select a new Clerk-Recorder to replace Joseph Canciamilla who surprisingly retired on October 31 after serving one year of his second four-year term.

Canciamilla, who is on record as the nation’s youngest elected School Board Trustee when he was elected to the Pittsburg Unified School District Board in 1973 at age 17, was one year in into his second four-year term as County Clerk-Recorder when he announced his retirement.

Prior to his serving as Clerk-Recorder, Canciamilla had served as a State Assemblyman, County Supervisor, Pittsburg City Council Member and Pittsburg School Board Member.

In March 2013, out a pool of 19 candidates Canciamilla was selected by the board of supervisors to complete the term of County Clerk-Recorder Steve Weir, who had resigned after serving as clerk-recorder for 24 uncontested years.

Supervisors were pressed to establish a selection process and agreed to open recruitment on Nov. 8, close recruitment on Nov. 16, interview selected applicants and select a finalist on Jan. 21, authorize County Administrator David Twa to conduct a social media check and a criminal background check of the finalist and to obtain fingerprints and an economic disclosure statement (Form 700) from the finalist. The finalist will be appointed on Feb. 4.

No one spoke in opposition or in favor of the supervisors’ selection schedule, but supervisors spent some time on whether they’d accept applicants from outside the county and whether the county can attract quality candidates from within Contra Costa County or if the pool of candidates should emanate from outside the county.

“We’re going to get good local people,” predicted Supervisor Diane Burgis of Brentwood.

But District 4 Supervisor Karen Mitchoff warned “I’m not going to vote for some who applies for this position and maintains a rental.”

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution proclaiming November as Adoption Awareness Month in Contra Costa County at their meeting on Tuesday. In 2019, more than 150 children, including adoptions by former foster parents, family members and non-relatives had transpired. More than 1,600 families like the Nicole and Adam Davis of Concord receive adoption assistance and post-adoption support. Nicole and Adam are the foster parents of Chris, 10, Kavin, 8, and Ayden, 2. Children and Family Services in Contra Costa County offers concurrent planning, enabling the placement of children in a potential adoptive home while working with the birth family to help overcome challenges and support reunification efforts. Photo by Daniel Borsuk

Authorize Byron Airport Development Lease Negotiations

Supervisors gave county airport officials the green light to commence negotiations with Mark Scott Construction, Inc. to negotiate a long-term ground lease and development terms for three acres of vacant land at the north corner of Falcon Way and Eagle Court at the Byron Airport. The item was approved as a consent item.

The Airport Division of the Contra Costa County Public Works Department received a letter of interest from Mark Scott Construction Inc. to lease and develop the property for aviation use.

The business proposal will be presented before the Aviation Advisory Committee, the Airport Committee, and other stakeholders.

Revert 12-Year Housing Action in El Sobrante

Supervisors took the unusual action of unanimously taking a reversion of property designation that supervisors had approved nearly 12 years ago for a five-lot subdivision at Luise Lane at Hilltop Drive in unincorporated El Sobrante.

Since the developer and owner of the project site, Geoghegan Homes, Inc., has not met county requirements of installing road, drainage and other subdivision improvements as of Dec. 4, 2009 and has missed that extended deadline five times, ultimately to April 20, 2019, the county opted to exercise its reversion powers.

Now the property can only be developed into one house containing 7,000 square feet. Furthermore, the developer must go through a new county planning department review procedure, explained Slava Gospodchikov of the Contra Costa County Public Works Department.

The supervisors’ action did not please everyone especially Robert Johannessen, who lives across the street from the subject site and has seen rise of traffic accidents on Luise Lane when motorists take detours off nearby Interstate 80 when the freeway is jammed due to an accident. “It’s not a safe neighborhood anymore,” he said. Johannessen thinks any development on that site, even a 7,000 square foot house, will draw potential traffic problems to the neighborhood.

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors recognized four county entities for their contributions in combatting homelessness in the county at Tuesday’s board meeting. Supervisors passed a resolution recognizing November as Homelessness Awareness Month. The county has only 28 percent shelter capacity needed for single adults. In 2018, 6,924 persons accessed homeless services in the county. At the supervisors meeting, four awards were presented by the Council on Homelessness. Ken Rickner of Shower House Ministeries was named Outstanding Volunteer. Lito Calimlin was named as Outstanding Landlord Award. Chris Celio of the Home Center was named winner of the Rapid Resolution Program and the City of Martinez was named Outstanding Jurisdiction. Photo by Daniel Borsuk.

Other Board Actions

In other business, the supervisors approved five United States Department of Homeland Security Urban Area Security Initiative Grants contracts for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District totaling $408,900. Those contracts include:

  • $295,000 for the purchase of a hook lift modular transport vehicle.
  • $10,000 for two 8,000 lbs. rated grip hoist rescue units.
  • $24,900 for Weapons of Mass Destruction rescue Personal Protective Equipment such as butyl rubber gloves, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear or Explosive filter cartridges and adapters.
  • $38,000 for search and rescue listening devices; and
  • $41,000 for the purchase of two search cameras.

Supervisors’ emergency proclamation qualifies county for federal, state aid

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By Daniel Borsuk

On Friday, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution ratifying County Administrator David Twa’s Sunday, Oct. 27 proclamation of the existence of a local emergency when the board of supervisors was not in session and could not be called into session immediately.

The supervisors’ action on Friday triggers the county’s application for federal and state funds for reimbursement for fire emergency costs for responding to fires that flared up in Crockett, Bethel Island, Morgan Territory, Oakley and other locations in the county that stretched the resources of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and its Emergency Services Division.

The proclamation states: “Conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property have arisen within the County, caused by a severe weather event commencing at 8 p.m. on October 26, 2019. The velocity and duration of wind, coupled with low humidity, is driving wildfires in locations causing power disruptions, tree falls and infrastructure damage, and necessitating evacuations; and that these conditions are or are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment and facilities of the County.”

Contra Costa County Emergency Manager Rick Kovar said while the supervisors’ action sets in motion the application for federal aid that will reimburse the county for 75 percent of the costs and state aid for 22 percent of the costs, the county will have to pick up the remainder of about 2.5 percent of the Oct. 26 emergency expenses.

Kovar said as of Friday a total cost figure has not yet been compiled for the Oct. 26 fire emergency activities and probably won’t be revealed until perhaps Nov. 8

“It was a very collective effort by all parties,” said CCFPD Chief Lewis Brossard, who noted the outbreak of five fires around the county occurred about the time firefighters were cleaning up from a major blaze at a three-story building in downtown Walnut Creek. Concerning the Office of the Sheriff, Chief Brossard remarked “pretty spectacular work.”

“The county prepares for emergencies,” said County Administrator David Twa. “Our teams did the work they were trained to do. We are grateful that there was no loss of human life. We will continue to support residents and encourage you to stay prepared.”

“You were so prepared,” said District 3 Supervisors Diane Burgis of Brentwood. “I’m very proud of Contra Costa County. You did a very good job. We all came together.”

“The weather conditions were such that there were a series of fires one after another that led to evacuation orders in multiple parts of the county on that day alone,” said Board Chair John Gioia of Richmond. “Throughout the local emergency, Con Fire and other fire district firefighters, Sheriff’s Office, county departments’ employees and other partners including the National Weather Service, worked diligently to coordinate in the county’s Emergency Operations Center.”

Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors ratify proclamation of local emergency

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By Susan Shiu, Director, Contra Costa County Office of Communications and Media

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution at a special Board meeting today, November 1, 2019, ratifying the County Administrator’s October 27, 2019 proclamation of existence of a local emergency when the Board of Supervisors was not in session and could not immediately be called into session.

Contra Costa County issued a proclamation of local emergency due to severe weather conditions on Sunday, October 27, 2019 at 4:37 pm when County Administrator David J. Twa, as the Administrator of Emergency Services, signed the proclamation.

The proclamation states that “conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property have arisen within the County, caused by a severe weather event commencing at 8 p.m. on October 26, 2019. The velocity and duration of wind, coupled with low humidity, is driving wildfires in multiple locations, causing power disruptions, tree falls and infrastructure damage, and necessitating evacuations; and that these conditions are or are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment and facilities of the County.”

Board Chair, Supervisor John Gioia, said, “The weather conditions were such that there were a series of fires one after another that led to evacuation orders in multiple parts of the County on that day alone. Throughout the local emergency, Con Fire and other fire district firefighters, Sheriff’s Office, County departments’ employees and other partners, including the National Weather Service, worked diligently to coordinate in the County’s Emergency Operation Center.”

The Supervisors all echoed this sentiment of pride in how the County worked together with multiple agencies and jurisdictions to keep residents safe and informed during an unprecedented local emergency affecting tens of thousands of Contra Costa residents.

“The County prepares for emergencies. Our teams did the work they were trained to do. We are grateful that there was no loss of human life,” says County Administrator David Twa. “We will continue to support residents and encourage you to stay prepared.”

To learn about and register for Contra Costa County’s Community Warning System, go to cwsalerts.com. Sign up to receive alerts, such as evacuation alerts, via voice, text and email. Follow @CoCoCWS, @CCCounty and other official sources on Twitter.

For safety and preparedness resources, go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/5435/Public-Safety-Emergency-Info.

Supervisors demand NuStar Energy safety probe before Crockett plant is reopened following fire

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The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors conducted a hearing on Tuesday to learn from county fire and hazardous materials officials what may have caused the Oct. 15 fire that caused the destruction of 250,000 gallons of ethanol, a chemical mixed with gasoline At the meeting were from left County Administrator David Twa, Contra Costa County Assistant Counsel Mary Ann Mason, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Deputy Fire Chief Aaron McAllister, CCCFPD Fire Chief Lewis Broschard, and Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Program Director Randy Sawyer. Photos by Daniel Borsuk.

Form committee to consider half-cent sales tax measure for Nov. 2020 ballot

By Daniel Borsuk

Contra Costa County Supervisors on Tuesday demanded that county officials confirm that operators of the fire damaged NuStar Energy plant in Crockett not resume operations until its fire and hazardous materials safety measures have been completely reviewed and upgraded by state and federal authorities.

“I want updated progress reports on your investigations,” demanded Board Chair John Gioia, whose District 1 covers the Crockett refinery location where the fire erupted from a tank filled with ethanol at 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15. The fire spread, catching a nearby tank also containing ethanol. Some 250,000 gallons of ethanol were destroyed in the fire.

The blaze forced county authorities to call a Shelter in Place in the Crockett area. Interstate 80 was closed for six hours. The incident was officially over at 8:10 p.m. when I-80 was reopened to traffic by the Highway Patrol, said Contra Costa County Director of Hazardous Materials Randy Sawyer.

“At the end of the day, the incident was contained, “said Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Chief Lewis Broschard. “No other tanks were destroyed. No other materials were discharged.”

Broschard told supervisors it was through the fire fighting resources of NuStar Energy and several other refineries that were able to promptly respond to the fire site to assist CCCFPD in extinguishing fire. Those refineries – Shell, Chevon, Phillips 66, Tessoro, and Marathon – supplied foam that the county fire district did not have to adequately extinguish the blaze, said Chief Broschard.

Chief Broschard said at this time there is no known cause for the fire including whether arson may have been a factor.

Gioia made it clear to Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Chief Broschard and Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Program Director Randy Sawyer that he wants a thorough investigation completed before “there is a reopening” of the NuStar plant.

Supervisors heard from eight speakers, all critical of NuStar and its safety track record.

NuStar spokesperson Mary Rose Brown told the Contra Costa Herald via an emailed message:

“We absolutely agree, and we are working closely and cooperatively with CalOSHA and other regulatory agencies on detailed plans to ensure that the facility is safe to operate before it is reopened. We also are continuing to work in very close cooperation with all applicable local and state regulatory agencies to investigate the root cause of the incident so that we can take whatever measures are required to ensure the continued safety of our employees, contractors, neighbors and the community. We worked over the weekend to pump liquids out of the incident area and CalOSHA and local fire investigators accessed the area today (Tuesday).”

County resident Carl Davidson suggested that the NuStar plant incident may have been triggered by a seismic event since the facility is located on the Pinole fault and the fire erupted after seismic events were reported in the Pleasant Hill area the previous day.

Twenty-five-year Crockett area resident Isabella Izzi said the board of supervisors and regulators should clamp down on NuStar for this environmental violation and future violations by requiring the refiner to provide hazmat masks to all residents of Crockett. “The Board of Supervisors should make it clear that it will deny any new expansion at that refinery,” she said.

Dan Torres, a representative of an industrial fire sprinkler installation union, questioned the quality and reliability of the fire sprinkler system installed at NuStar.

At the end, Chair Gioia asked that updates on the NuStar fire will be reported at the Public Safety Committee that he chairs.

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors recognized the community service of CERT C-8 on Tuesday. Currently consisting of 70 members, supervisors recognized the organization that is known to dispatch volunteers to train senior care staff, serve as Amateur Radio Operators, Red Cross Shelter workers, traffic control and join the Contra Costa CART. C-8 has helped to get Spanish Cert out to many areas of the county. The program is called Listos.

Sales Tax Ad Hoc Committee Formed

Supervisors voted 4-0 to create an ad hoc committee to explore the feasibility of placing on the ballot a sales tax measure. The committee will consist mainly of union leaders, county agency heads and nonprofit organizations leaders.

On the vote, District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover was absent.

At the recommendation of District 4 Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, who serves on the Finance Committee, proposed the establishment of a citizen-based ad hoc committee to study a proposal that could wind up on a ballot for county voters to decide on perhaps by the November 2020 general election.

In California, the maximum sales, use, and transactions tax rate is 9.25 percent. That includes a statewide base sale and use tax of 7.25 percent and up to 2 percent for local district transaction and use taxes.

Current projections for annual revenues for a countywide transaction and use tax are one half cent $93 million and quarter cent $46.5 million. Current projections for annual revenues for an unincorporated area transaction and use tax are one half cent: $8.32 million and one.

So far, the ad hoc committee will study several potential tax scenarios. Current projections for annual revenues for a countywide transaction and use tax area:

. 0.50 percent (1/2 cent): $93 million

. 0.25 percent (1/4 cent): $46.5 million

Projections for annual revenues for an unincorporated area transaction and use tax are:

. 0.50 percent (1/2 cent): $8.32 million

. 0.25 percent (1/4 cent): $4.16 million

Mitchoff said she is promoting the sales tax ad hoc committee because she frequently hears from constituents why Contra Costa County does not have a sales tax while other counties like Alameda, San San Mateo, Santa Clara and others do draw additional revenues for county services from a sales tax.

The ad hoc committee will be led by stake holders, not supervisors, Mitchoff said. “We want all comers at the table,” she said. “This will be a difficult lift.”

“This is a huge opportunity,” said Sean Casey, executive director of the nonprofit organization First 5. “16,000 families could benefit from this in Contra Costa County.”

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors designated November 6 as ”Shelter-in-Place-Education Day” in all public and private schools and children centers in the county. The Contra Costa Community Awareness Emergency Response Group – CAER – is sponsoring the 18th Annual Shelter-in-Place Drill and assisting schools and childcare centers with their emergency preparedness. At the resolution presentation during the board’s Tuesday meeting were from left REACHProject Executive Director Mickie Marchetti, District 4 Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, Board Chair John Gioia, Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Program Director Randy Sawyer, District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis, and Vice Chair Candace Andersen.

In other business, the supervisors:

-Approved a $240,000 contract to Concord Yellow Cab, Inc. to provide non-emergency taxicab transportation services for Contra Costa Regional Medical center and Contra Costa Health Center patients for the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020. The county pays taxicab service for patients unable to transport themselves to medical appointments due to medical conditions, including physical disabilities, patients who have verifiable seizure disorder or patients who have received medications which has or could impair their mobility.

-Approved a $1.97 million Public Works Department contract with Debri-Tech, Inc. to provide on-call assistance with trash and abandoned waste cleanup and removal for the Contra Costa County Watershed Program for the program October 15, 2019 through September 30, 2022.

-Approved the issuance of $85 million in Multifamily Housing Revenue Bond by the California Statewide Communities Development Authority for the Fairfield Hilltop LP, a California limited partnership, to provide for the financing of the acquisition and rehabilitation of a 322-unit multi-family housing development known as Hilltop Commons Apartments located at 15690l Crestwood Drive.

Some of the county’s major figures in the arts were honored by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. Supervisors presented Awards for Outstanding Contributions to the Arts. Supervisors recognized the Lafayette Town Hall Theater for reaching a milestone celebrating its 75th anniversary and 300th theatre production. The theater’s theater and dance education programs serve 600 families each year. The Blue Devil Performing Arts, founded by Tony and Ann Odello in 1957, was recognized for serving more than 6,000 young persons during a long celebrated history. The Blue Devil Performing Arts, founded as a Drum Corps with a separate marching team, but later added glockenspiels (bells), Color Guard and horns to their productions was undefeated State Champion drum and Bell Corps from 1957 to 1970. The majorettes earned six National Championships and 12 National Team titles. Supervisors also honored Michelle Seville, who is retiring after 12 years as manager of Richmond’s Arts & Culture Center. Seveille was one of the original park rangers at the Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park when it was first established in 2000.

Supervisors prepare for PG&E power shutoff during Tuesday meeting

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The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors proclaimed October 6 through 12 as National 4-H Week throughout the county. Supervisors encouraged citizens to recognize 4-H for the “significant impact it has made and continues to make by empowering youth with the skills they need to lead for a lifetime.” 4-H has helped 3,159 youth in Contra Costa County to become leaders. The University of California Cooperative Extension delivers the program in California. National 4-H Week showcases the experiences that 4-H offers youth. Attending Tuesday’s resolution presentation were from left, West Contra Costa County 4H Director Jen Komaroni, Board Chair John Gioia of Richmond, District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover, eight year 4H member Delanie Sheridan, District 4 Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, seven year 4H member Brodie Emmons of Brentwood, fifth year 4H member Emily Tavers of Brentwood, Briones 4H Director Paula McCauley, District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis, Brentwood 4H Director Julie Carter, University of California Cooperative Extension Director for Alameda and Contra Costa Bob Bennaton and Vice Chair Candace Andersen. Photo by Daniel Borsuk.

Approve MOU for Route 239 in East County to connect Brentwood to Tracy; $2.1 Million for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

By Daniel Borsuk

Potentially facing the first-ever utility-induced electric power shutdown in parts of Contra Costa County, members of the Board of Supervisors discharged a barrage of questions on Tuesday about the preparedness of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District in handling potential emergencies during what could be a power shutdown lasting several days.

At the end, Supervisors learned CCCFPD is ready to handle whatever might come down from a PG&E power shutdown.

Supervisors relayed their concerns about the CCCFPD’s fire emergency readiness at Tuesday’s fire district meeting where supervisors also serve as the fire district’s fiscal and policymaking entity.

PG&E revealed plans on Tuesday it would intentionally shut down power serving Rossmoor and parts of the Lafayette-Moraga-Orinda areas on Wednesday, due to high winds and concerns the winds could knock down power lines sparking a fire. The power shutoff could last through Friday or longer depending on weather conditions.

CCCFPD Chief Lewis Broschard III forecast one-third of Rossmoor or 4,000 to 5,000 residents could be potentially harmed by a power outage. Many elderly residents living in senior housing don’t have backup electric generators, he said.

“We’re looking at longer response times due to traffic tie ups,” the chief said. This will require having equipment and personnel strategically located ahead of potential emergencies.

Broschard acknowledged that the fire district has encountered a roadblock in obtaining state pre-position funding.

When Chief Broschard informed supervisors that the district’s newly built Fire Station 16 in Lafayette will be officially opened on Wednesday, Board Vice Chair Candace Andersen, whose District 2 covers most of the areas PG&E has identified will have power shut off observed “We might not have power tomorrow to dedicate the station.”

Chief Broschard said the district recently accepted delivery of its newest bulldozer, the district’s second bulldozer that will provide district extra firefighting power in what has been “a quiet fire season” up to this point in time.

In other business, supervisors unanimously approved their 2020 schedule consisting of 30 meetings. Vice Chair Candace Andersen of Danville has already been elected chair for next year and District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis of Brentwood has been elected vice chair for 2020.

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors designated the second week of October as Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Week in Contra Costa County on Tuesday. Supervisors recognized the work and dedication of code enforcement officers, of which there are five in the county. “You’re our unsung heroes<” said Supervisor Karen Mitchoff who acknowledged “We’ve recently have had some problems in the Pleasant Hill Barea area.” Supervisor Federal Glover of Pittsburg remarked “The work you do is unappreciated. That’s mostly because the cases are complaint driven.” The supervisors’ resolution states “Contra Costa County wants to recognize and honor our Code Enforcement Officers that serve our community and acknowledge their role in leading the way to improve quality of life within our ommunities.” Photo by Daniel Borsuk

Supervisors also approved as consent items:

MOU for Route 239 in East County

An amended and restated Memorandum of Understanding between the county and the Contra Costa Transportation Authority concerning the development and federal funding for State Route 239 Project from Brentwood and Byron to Tracy. There were no public speakers concerning the $17.6 million project, $14 million in federal funding and $3.6 million in Local Road Fund.

$2.1 Million for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Supervisors approved a $2,099,274 contract for the California Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program for the period of Oct. 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021. The grant is funded with federal money through the California Department of Community Services and Development.

Supervisors ban Styrofoam food containers beginning May 1, 2020

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The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors honored gardener Victor Celis for 25 years of dedicated service with an award on Tuesday. Celis is a landscaper who is widely known for his professional work at the Lafayette library and in the Alamo area. He has been a lead gardener with the county Public Works Department since 1999. “I’m so humbled and so grateful,“ said Celis. “ I enjoy working for the county. Thank you so much” At the award presentation were from left, Contra Costa County Public Works Director Brian Balbas, Supervisor Federal Glover of Pittsburg, Board Chairperson John Gioia of Richmond, Victor Celis,, Supervisor Karen Mitchoff of Pleasant Hill, wife Alma Celis, daughter Alia Celis, Supervisor Diane Burgis of Brentwood and Vice Chairperson Candace Andersen of Danville. Photo by Daniel Borsuk

Andersen elected Board Chair for 2020

By Daniel Borsuk

Without any citizen opposition, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 on Tuesday to approve an ordinance that will prohibit food vendors from using polystyrene food service ware (Styrofoam) and require vendors to use environmentally-friendly food service products.

The ordinance goes into effect on May 1, 2020. The Contra Costa County Department of Public Works will enforce the law.

The ordinance includes a procedure where a food vendor can file for a one-year hardship exemption from the county. The exemption is renewable.

Concerning the exemption, the ordinance states:

“Application for hardship exemption. A food vendor may request a hardship exemption from the requirements of this chapter by submitting a written request to the Public Works Director. The food vendor must establish to the satisfaction of the Public Works Director that use of polystyrene food service ware will cause an undue hardship to the vendor, or that no suitable alternative polystyrene food service ware is available in the form of environmentally-friendly food service ware. The Public Works Director may require the food vendor to provide additional information in support of its request for a hardship exemption, including, but not limited to a list of available alternative packaging materials and the reasons why those materials cannot be used without causing a hardship to the food vendor. A hardship does not exist solely on the basis that an environmentally-friendly food service ware product costs more than a similar polystyrene food service ware product.”

Howdy Goudey, chair of the Contra Costa Sustainability Commission, told supervisors on Tuesday that he welcomes the county’s ordinance banning polystyrene foodware. Photo by Daniel Howdy Goudey

Exempt from the ordinance are raw meat trays, polystyrene-based ice chests and coolers intended to be reused, and prepackaged food products that use polystyrene-based packaging materials.

“This is great” declared Supervisor Diane Burgis of Brentwood, who briefly talked about her environmental work removing polystyrene dissolved pellets from polluted creeks in the county. “Reusable is the way to go.”

“I welcome the ban of polystyrene foodware in the proposed ordinance,” Howdy Goudey of El Cerrito, who also chairs the Contra Costa Sustainability Commission and wrote in a letter to the supervisors. Goudey also appeared at the board meeting.

“The Contra Costa County ordinance does not go far enough,” said Goudey. “It is inappropriate to exclude compostable foodware products from the definition of environmentally friendly food service ware. “

The county ordinance defines environmentally friendly food packaging as:

“(1) Single-use, disposable containers and other products made from recyclable materials and used for selling, vending, or serving food or beverages, including, but not limited to cups, bowls, plates, and hinged or lidded containers (clamshells).

“(2) Products that can be used more than once in their current form to serve or transport prepared, ready-to-consume food or beverages, including, but not limited to cups, bowls, plates, and containers made from ceramic, glass, porcelain, metal, or other composite or product intended to be reused.”

Andersen Elected Board 2020 Chair, Burgis Vice Chair

Supervisors have broken tradition on the way it elects Board Chairperson and Vice Chairperson by electing the new incoming chairperson and vice chairperson in late September instead of on the first regular board meeting held in January.

The supervisors elected Vice Chair Candace Andersen of Danville as Chairperson and Supervisor Burgis of Brentwood as Vice Chair after unanimously adopting new rules on election of new year officers.

Supervisors switched the election of Board officers from January to September because the reorganization “requires many weeks of advance planning.” In addition, “The early selection of officers of the Board of Supervisors would facilitate a seamless transition of leadership at the time of reorganization,” the board’s ordinance states.

Also, supervisors inserted a teleconference provision so supervisors who are absent or are attending a meeting elsewhere can attend or vote on crucial business items via teleconference.

In addition, supervisors modified their Disruption of Meeting Rule to read: “For the purpose of insure the orderly conduct of the Board of Supervisors meeting, no whistles, horns, drums, noise makers, megaphones, air horns, bullhorns, or other amplified devices are allowed inside the County Administration Building while the meeting is in session. If any meeting is willfully interrupted by a group or groups so that the orderly conduct of the meeting becomes infeasible and order cannot be restored by the removal of individuals who are willfully interrupting the meeting, the Chair may order the meeting room cleared, as authorized by law (Gov. Code, 54957.9), recess the meeting, adjourn the meeting.”

There were no public comments for or against Ralph M. Brown Act changes proposed by the supervisors.

Approve 35-Home Alamo Subdivision

Seven years in the making, developers got the green light from supervisors to begin construction of the environmentally sensitive Ball Estates subdivision development in the Alamo area. Supervisors approved the development’s ordinance on a 5-0 vote.

The development on a former orchard of which 735 trees of 3,489 total trees are on the project site will have to be removed, to clear ground for the gated subdivision’s 35, single family custom houses.

There was no public comment concerning the development that had previously earned environmental impact report certification from the Contra Costa County Department Conservation and Development.

Approve $25 Million in Housing Bonds for Walnut Creek Development

Supervisors approved the issuance of $25 million in revenue bonds to the nonprofit affordable housing developer Bridge Housing to finance the acquisition, construction and rehabilitation of Coggins Square Apartments in Walnut Creek. Located at 1316 Las Juntas Way in an unincorporated area nearby Walnut Creek, the development consists of 87 multifamily rental housing units.

Bridge Housing is a participant in the county’s multi-family mortgage revenue bond financing program.

On split vote by Supervisors county to temporarily stop collecting “discriminatory” adult criminal justice fees

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Direct DA’s office to reopen 2005 Lafayette murder case; approve new land development fees

By Daniel Borsuk

On a thin 3-2 vote, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday slapped a temporary moratorium on the County’s collection and assessment of 14 Adult Criminal Justice Fees that will cost the county $1.8 million in revenue a year should the moratorium become permanent.

During Public Safety Committee meetings, Chairperson John Gioia of Richmond and Supervisor Federal Glover of Pittsburg agreed with citizen committee members the fees are discriminatory to persons of color and likely result in longtime economic or financial hardship for persons who had a criminal record.

An “aye” vote from District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis of Brentwood meant the county will temporarily stop the collection of fees, including the Sheriff Central Administration’s Booking Fee that will generate about $40,000 in 2019/2020, and the Adult Probation Supervision Fee that potentially could have generated nearly $1.8 million in 2019/2020 revenue.

The temporary moratorium will be effective immediately with the Board expecting to reevaluate the moratorium’s progress no later than Dec. 31, 2019. Supervisors will reassess the value of the moratorium at a December meeting.

Even though the county’s coffers are plentiful, with supervisors also officially adopting on a 5-0 vote the county’s $3.6 billion 2019-2020 final budget, the county is spending funds at a rapid pace through newly inked employee-union labor agreements like a 3.44 percent pay hike for social workers, an 8 percent salary raise for county supervisors that went into effect in July, and tacking on an additional $7.5 million in costs to the new Administration Building and new Emergency Operations Center/Public Safety Building to improve the security and communication capabilities during emergencies.

During a three-hour discussion on the item, Board Vice Chair Candace Andersen consistently opposed the moratorium on grounds that by dropping the fees for all persons, individual with the financial resources will benefit the most. “There are a lot of people who are committing these crimes who have the ability to pay these fees,” said the supervisor from Danville. “There is no reason why we shouldn’t be assessing these fees.”

In arguing against the proposal, District 4 Supervisor Karen Mitchoff said the elimination of $1.8 million of criminal justice fees could financially impact social and health programs such as drug diversion programs that assist persons with criminal records. “I cannot support the moratorium at this time,” the supervisor from Pleasant Hill declared.

But there were a number of citizens in support of the proposal to eliminate the fees.

“There are many people I have represented who 15 to 20 years later did not know that they’d have their wages garnished or face the ongoing inability to pay even though they have jobs and families,” said Mary Sylla, an attorney at Rubicon Programs.

“We urge you to do the right thing,” pleaded Ali Saidi, head of the Contra Costa Public Defenders Association, “These fees impact people of color.”

Request to Reopen Lafayette Murder Case Referred to DA’s Unit

Antioch private investigator and former Antioch Councilman Ralph Hernandez’s pitch, to have the 2005 murder case of Pamela Vitale of Lafayette reopened, got the thumbs up from the board of supervisors. The case was referred to Contra Costa District Attorney’s newly created conviction integrity unit. In this instance, Scott Dyleski, who Hernandez represents, was convicted for the October 2005 murder of Vitale.

“Your assistance in directing such from your two agencies (D.A.’s Office and Public Defender’s Office) is more than warranted,” Hernandez said. “Fourteen years of Scott’s youth has already been denied him and he still faces many more if this very serious matter is just ignored by all. Pamela Vitale’s memory deserves that the truth be determined, not ignored.”

Supervisors did not comment openly about the case, but Gioia consented that at least the DA’s new conviction integrity unit review the case.

New Land Development Fees Approved

Without opposition from either supervisors or the public, supervisors unanimously approved new land development fees charged for services performed by the Department of Conservation and Development and the Public Works Department starting March 1, 2020.

Some fees like encroachment fees have not been adjusted since 1995 and in many instances, rates are decreasing “due to economy of scale,” John Kopchik, director of the Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development told the Contra Costa Herald.

Supervisors withheld action on a proposal to charge a $1,000 fee for the time and materials needed to submit and process applications for nomination of a building or cultural resource for consideration before the Historical Landmarks Advisory Committee.

“The Historical Landmarks Advisory Committee believes that the current and proposed fees of $1,000 deposit and time and materials required to submit and process applications to nominate historical and cultural resources to the County’s Historic Resources Inventory (HRI) are a deterrent to public participation in the program.

“The HLAC voted at their meeting held on August 8, 2019 to make a formal recommendation to the Board of Supervisors to reduce these fees to encourage organizations or individuals to nominate potential resources to be designated to the HRI,” Historic Landmark Advisory Committee staff member Dominique Vogelpohl wrote on August 26.

Supervisors approve 3.44% pay hike for social workers, 5% for probation workers

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The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors recognized September as Suicide Prevention Month by honoring the Freedom High School student video production program that produced effective anti-suicide awareness videos for students during the 2018-2019 academic year. Since September 2013, the board of supervisors has promoted a Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan to give communities a plan to reduce suicide through education, increasing awareness of knowing warning signs, and implementing trainings to equip people with tools needed to help others who consider suicide. In the United States, among individuals between the ages of 15 and 24, more than 47,000 people in the United States take their lives every year. At Tuesday’s presentation were from left Jennifer Brugeman of Contra Costa County Behavioral Health Services; Jamie Sampson, Freedom High School graduate and a current Los Medanos College freshman; Supervisor Federal Glover of Pittsburg; Tom Tamura, executive director of the Contra Costa Crisis Center; Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Candace Andersen, Supervisor Karen Mitchoff of Pleasant Hill; Rapiel Cadena, Freedom High School graduate and Los Medanos College freshman; and Supervisor Diane Burgis of Brentwood. Photo by Daniel Borsuk.

Propose ban on e-cigarettes, $1.5 million for transitional housing, $600 million for Medi-Cal contract with Kaiser

By Daniel Borsuk

One hundred Contra Costa County social workers won a hard-fought 3.44 percent salary increase from the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday that reconvened after taking a five-week summer break.

On a 4-0 vote supervisors approved the consent item granting the pay hike for social workers. Social workers will see the salary increases go into effect Oct. 1.

An absent board chair John Gioia of Richmond was attending a statewide supervisors meeting.

“We are pleased and we are surprised by the board of supervisors vote,” said social worker Carmen Rivera, a union member of the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 that represents 100 employees.

Board Vice Chair Candace Andersen of Danville said the reason the board decided to move on the long sought demand by SEIU was to finally bring county social workers salaries up to Bay Area salary levels. A recent survey found Contra Costa social workers were 3.44 percent below mean of comparable salaries of Bay Area social workers.

“This has been an on-going issue and finally we had some flexibility in the budget to do something about it,” Andersen said.

Unlike Alameda County that draws additional revenues from a sales tax and can pay social workers better salaries, Andersen said Contra Costa County must pay social worker positions from general funds.

Currently, the county has a 12 percent vacancy rate in its Employment and Human Services Department with 409 unfilled positions, the highest in the Bay Area.

It is too early to tell if the pay increase will turn the tide in permanently improving the earning power of social workers in the county, but it might be the start of good things to come.

OK Pay Hikes for Probation Workers, Juvenile Institution Officer

County probation workers and supervisors under contract with the represented by the Deputy Sheriffs Association have agreed to a new four-year labor agreement with the county that increase salaries 5 percent every July 1 on 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Ban on E-Cigarettes Proposed

An idea to impose a countywide ban on e-cigarettes, the vaporized flavored tobacco product that is heavily marketed to teenagers and is reportedly linked with respiratory and cancer cases around the nation, was proposed by Supervisor Karen Mitchoff of Pleasant Hill.

Health hazards tied to teens who have used e-cigarettes have been recently popping up around the nation and Mitchoff believes Contra Costa County Health officials should report what is occurring locally. “There’s been so much bad publicity about vaping products and the health risks associated with them for our youth, I think we need to have a discussion on that topic and maybe impose a ban on this product,” the supervisor said.

There was no further discussion on the topic. A date has not been set when the report or issue will be presented for discussion.

Supervisors Approve $1.5 Million Contract With Interfaith Transitional Housing

Supervisors approved a $1.5 million contract with Contra Costa Interfaith Transitional Housing Inc. to provide temporary supportive housing services to homeless Contra Costa County residents to assist CalWORKS families achieve self-sufficiency and housing stability. The contract will be in effect from August 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

County Inks $600 Million Medi-Cal Contract Extension With Kaiser

Supervisors approved a Medi-Cal contract extension with Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. effective September 30, 2019 to September 30, 2021 for additional Medi-Cal services for Contra Costa Health Plan members enrolled in the Kaiser Health Plan. The supervisors’ action was consent vote.

Fire Chief Broschard’s Report

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District’s Lewis T. Broschard IlI’s report to supervisors, who also serve in the capacity of the county fire commission, the chief reported about the fire season:

“To date, this fire season has been mild across the state. There are estimates stating that up to 90 percent fewer acres have burned compared with the same time last year.

In our District, there have been about the same number of fires as compared with last year, and we have succeeded in keeping these relatively small fires small. There have been three significant wildland fires in the east Contra Costa Fire Protection District within the last 60 days, and we provided substantial resources for an extended period. We now are entering what is normally the most active and dangerous period of our local fire season but with a significantly higher fuel load than in recent years. We all should be reminded there is still considerable potential for large and destructive wildfires until consistent rains begin to fall in the area.”

Supervisors raise salaries for Auditor-Controller, Clerk-Recorder, Treasurer-Tax Collector, exclude Assessor

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The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors recognized two recent high school graduates who are recipients of Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarships. Overall 192 California college bound high school graduates were awarded scholarships in recognition for their academics and community work. At the presentation on Tuesday were from left Board of Supervisors Chair John Gioia of Richmond, Supervisor Federal Glover of Pittsburg, Freedom High School graduate Amara Payne who will attend Los Medanos College, Concord High School graduate Assal Bastani who will attend the University of California Los Angeles, Supervisor Karen Mitchoff of Pleasant Hill, Supervisor Candace Andersen of Danville, and Supervisor Diane Burgis of Brentwood. Photos by Daniel Borsuk.

Burgis gets Blackhawk Country Club to donate $40,000 per year for 10 years for police services

By Daniel Borsuk

Supervisors unanimously approved cost of living increases to three major elected office holders but withheld a salary boost for county assessor Gus Kramer citing “a salary adjustment for the Assessor will be considered at a later date once other issues in the Department have been resolved.”

That citation is in reference to an ongoing sex harassment case lodged against Kramer by county employees. Kramer would have been in line to have received a 1.96 percent cost of living adjustment increase that would have increased his pay to $208,013.

In compliance with a Dec. 11, 2018 Board Resolution, County Administrator David Twa said his office conducted a salary comparison of analysis of elected office officials in Alameda, Marin, Napa, Sacramento, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano and Solano counties and discovered in order to bring the salaries up to Bay Area average, the salary of Auditor-Controller Robert Campbell will rise 8.45 percent to an annual salary of $225,594. The annual salary of Clerk-Recorder Joseph Canciamilla will increase 5.48 percent to a yearly salary of $210,686. The yearly salary of Treasurer-Tax Collector Russell V. Watts will rise 4.77 percent to a yearly salary of $235,611.

There was no discussion from either the supervisors or public on the topic.

Blackhawk Country Club Donates $40,000 Per Year for 10 Years for Police Services

Notching a political victory in the tony enclave of Blackhawk, District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis of Brentwood played a role for steering the Blackhawk Country Club to donate $40,000 a year over a 10-year span to help cover police services provided by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department.

A dispute had erupted recently when the Blackhawk Homeowners Association, led by association president Ron Banducci, who had called on county supervisors to intervene in urging the Blackhawk Country Club to contribute funds towards the community’s police force that consists of three deputy sheriffs and one lieutenant. Up until now, the country club had not provided funds for police services since formation of County Service Area P-2A in 1985.

Since the creation of P-2A, homeowners have shouldered the financial costs for police protection, but the county club has never provided any financial assistance for P-2A coverage. Last May, Banducci, who also serves as chairman of the Blackhawk Police Advisory Committee, warned supervisors of “any backroom deal” like the one Burgis and the country club were then discussing, the 10-year, $40,000 a year donation.

Banducci did not return a Contra Costa Herald phone call to respond to the $40,000 a year donation consent agenda item at Tuesday’s board of supervisors meeting. There was no comment from either the public or supervisors on the item.

“I appreciate the Blackhawk Country Club’s donation to the county to support supplemental law enforcement services in the Blackhawk community,” Burgis said in a statement to the Herald. “I look forward to continuing to work with the Blackhawk Police Advisory, the Sheriff’s Office and other community shareholders to support the level of police service that the community wants.”

In a July 26 letter, sent to Burgis, that lays out details about the donation, Country Club President Scott Batiste states that this is a donation, not a tax.

“Residents of P2-A have authorized a special tax for police protection services in this area,” he wrote. “The BHCC does not pay this tax. The BHCC Board of Directors has authorized making a donation to the County of Contra Costa of $40,000 per year to support the Sheriff’s law enforcement services in P-2A each year for a ten-year period.”

Over the next 10 years, the county will receive a donation totaling $400,000 from the country club.

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors presented a resolution recognizing National Health Center Week, August 4-10, at its meeting on Tuesday. Supervisors recognized the work of Community Clinic Consortium consisting of Lifelong Medical Care, La Clinica de La Raza, and Planned Parenthood of Northern California that provide high-quality, affordable. Comprehensive primary and preventive health care in the county’s underserved communities regardless of their ability to pay, insurance or immigration status. Health centers serve more than 160,000 patients in Contra Costa County a year. Attending the resolution presentation were from left, Board Chair John Gioia of Richmond, Supervisor Federal Glover of Pittsburg, Lifelong Medical Clinic Executive Director Lucinda Bazile, Supervisor Karen Mitchoff of Pleasant Hill; Community Clinic Consortium Executive Director Alvaro Fuentes, Board Vice Chair Candace Andersen of Danville, and Supervisor Diane Burgis of Brentwood.

Supervisor Glover Postpones Youth Summit Over Mass Shooting Concerns

Citing the series of weekend deadly shootings triggered by ultra-right shooters in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio, Supervisor Federal Glover of Pittsburg announced that the Youth Summit, a one-day event that he co-sponsors at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg has been postponed.

Originally slated to be held this Saturday, August 10 to draw thousands of youth in Contra Costa County, Glover announced at the supervisors meeting, “I will convene a meeting of the stakeholders, including law enforcement, to make sure we are ready to deal with active shooter scenarios and other public safety emergencies that may arise. The Youth Summit brings together a number of youth and I need to be confident as well as be able, to assure their parents that we have taken all reasonable measures to ensure their children’s safety at such a large public event.”

“As we review our protocols and formulate our plans, we will notify members of the public of our plans for a future youth summit,” Glover said in a press statement.

Approve $19.2 Million Multifamily Housing Revenue Rehab Bonds for Bay Point Apartment Building

Keeping in mind the county’s affordable housing shortage, supervisors approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of $19.2 million in Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds to finance the costs for the acquisition and rehabilitation of 88 units of rental housing known as Hidden Cove Apartments at 2900, 2911, and 2921-2931 Mary Ann Lane in Bay Point. The apartments will be initially owned at the time of the financing by Hidden Cove Apartments, LP, a California Limited Partnership.

OK Contract With Canine Companions for Independence

In another consent act, supervisors approved an agreement with Canine Companions for Independence to provide a dog to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. The dog offers comfort and assistance to victims of crimes during interviews, in-court testimony, and other traumatic situations. The cost of expenses for the care and feeding of the facility dog is estimated to be about $5,000 a year and will be covered from the District Attorney’s general fund budget.