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Rep. DeSaulnier to host virtual Town Hall on Social Media and Mental Health Oct. 29

October 28, 2026 By Publisher Leave a Comment

With Dr. Brian Keum, Associate Professor, UC Berkeley School of Public Health & Dr. Supreet Mann, Director of Research, Common Sense Media 

By Mairead Glowacki, Communications Director, Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

Walnut Creek, CA – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) will host a virtual Town Hall on Social Media and Mental Health on Thursday, October 29th at 3:30 p.m. PT. In 2023, then-Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a public health warning linking the youth mental health crisis with social media use. Since then, social media usage has increased and recent lawsuits are an indication that more needs to be done. The Congressman will be joined by expert special guests from the UC Berkeley School of Public Health and Common Sense Media to discuss the latest research on this link and innovative policy solutions to protect American kids and families.

Virtual Town Hall on Social Media and Mental Health

Thursday, October 29th

3:30 – 5:00 p.m. PT

Hosted on Zoom

Panelists include:

  • Dr. Brian Keum, Associate Professor, UC Berkeley School of Public Health
  • Dr. Supreet Mann, Director of Research, Common Sense Media 

To reserve your spot and receive a Zoom link or to request special accommodation, visit https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660.

This will be Congressman DeSaulnier’s 280th town hall and constituent office hours since coming to Congress in January 2015.

Filed Under: Government, Health, News, Technology

Faith leaders, community to meet with Pittsburg city manager about data center Wednesday

October 27, 2026 By Publisher Leave a Comment

AVAIO Digital data center rendering. Source: City of Pittsburg

To express concerns about environmental health and why the decision process did not include them.

“A data center raises issues about the moral implications of how we care for creation and our families.” – Oakland-based Faith in Action East Bay spokesperson

By Theresa Henson, Communications Manager, Faith in Action East Bay

PITTSBURG, CA – With concerns about a data center in their neighborhood, community members will meet with the City Manager, Darin Gale, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, at St. Peter Martyr Church, 740 Black Diamond Street, Pittsburg.

The data center was recently approved by the City of Pittsburg without community input. Through research meetings and presentations by Stanford experts, residents have learned about the environmental risks and respiratory health problems already affecting Pittsburg and how a possible data center would worsen environmental health.

In a formal meeting that will follow a prepared agenda, the community will seek answers to questions about the data center’s impact and why the decision was made without the input of the community.

The October 28 meeting will not be an open forum but a meeting following a prepared agenda that will uphold values of mutual respect of city officials and the sacred space in which the meeting will be held.

The meeting will begin promptly at 7 p.m. and will be conducted in Spanish, with English interpretation.

The meeting will be available on Zoom: https://bit.ly/Oct28Pittsburg

WHAT: Meeting about the recently approved data center in Pittsburg

WHO: Pittsburg residents and City of Pittsburgh Manager Darin Gale

WHEN: Wednesday, October 28, 2026 7 p.m.

WHERE: St. Peter Martyr Church, Parish Hall, 740 Black Diamond Street, Pittsburg

Asked why faith leaders would expect to be involved in such a City decision and what does a data center have to do with faith, Henson responded, “A data center raises issues about the moral implications of how we care for creation and our families. Faith in Action East Bay builds leaders who are motivated by their faith values to bring healthy changes to their communities — processes which often involve research and actions with civic officials.”

(See related articles here, here, here, here and here)

About Faith in Action East Bay [FIAEB]

Faith in Action East Bay is a multi-faith and multi-racial organizing network made up of more than 23 congregations and over 25,000 families. Since 1972, Oakland Community Organization (OCO), now Faith in Action East Bay, has empowered leaders to advance systemic change, racial justice, and economic equity in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report

Filed Under: Business, East Bay, Energy, Faith, Government, News, Technology, Water

State Workforce Board announces $5.7 Million to build career pathways in quantum and fusion

October 26, 2026 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Five projects will connect Californians to training and quality jobs in two emerging industries including at two Bay Area sites

By Anna Champe, Communications Manager, California Workforce Development Board

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) today announced $5,744,665 million in Workforce Accelerator Fund (WAF) 14 awards to five projects that will help Californians prepare for and access quality jobs in the state’s growing quantum and fusion industries.

The awards build on Governor Newsom’s recent announcement of new investments and legislation to advance California’s leadership in quantum technology and fusion energy. Quantum and fusion are priority sectors identified in California’s State Economic Blueprint, underscoring the need to support a skilled workforce to drive these emerging industries.

“Expanding on recent state investments in quantum, WAF 14 gives regions across the state an opportunity to prepare workers for these emerging industries,” said Kaina Pereira, Executive Director of the California Workforce Development Board. “By bringing together employers, educators, and workforce partners, these investments will help address key barriers to growth, strengthen California’s workforce, and create new opportunities for Californians.”

The Workforce Accelerator Fund has awarded more than $40 million since 2018 to support partnerships that test, scale, and replicate innovative approaches to workforce development. WAF 14 continues this investment by advancing career pathways in quantum, fusion, and related occupations, connecting Californians to industry-recognized credentials, training, and jobs, including those that do not require a four-year degree.

“Accelerator funds are the first grant I’ve ever worked with that allowed us to try out different solutions and figure out what works best for our individuals,” said Marni Roosevelt, WAF 9 grantee and Director of the Family Resource Center at Los Angeles Valley College.

Watch their success story to learn how WAF helps organizations expand services and create opportunities for Californians facing barriers to employment.

Accelerator 14 Awards

  • $1.5 M for San Jose State University Research Foundation, Quantum Computing Hardware Design – creates a three-tier certificate program that prepares students and workers for careers in quantum computing hardware. The program offers flexible pathways from high school through university, with options to enter the workforce or advance to the next certificate level.
  • $1.03 M for University of California, Berkeley, Northern California Quantum Training Pipeline – Develops and pilots a regional quantum workforce pipeline from grades 9 through 16, connecting students and job seekers to quantum careers. The project will create an implementation plan for coordinated training at the associate and bachelor’s levels, along with an 8- to 13-week industry-verified credential.
  • $993,900 for University of California, Santa Barbara, Q-COAST – establishes a training pathway for hardware technician careers that does not require a four-year degree. The program will prepare workers for jobs in superconductivity, photonic integrated circuits, quantum optics, and fusion.
  • $746,040 for Valley Vision, Inc., Quantum Capital – creates a regional workforce system for Greater Sacramento by defining the quantum economy and skills needed, aligning training and credentials with employer needs, and connecting K-12 education through college to quantum careers.
  • $1.48 M for University of California, San Diego, Fusion CAL Career Pathway – creates a career pathway from high school through college and university to in-demand fusion jobs. Serving an estimated 160 participants, the pathway includes a stackable, industry-recognized certificate that can be earned in 13 weeks.

Since 2019, CWDB has awarded more than $596 million to support workforce development projects across the state, serving more than 80,500 participants. Grounded in equity, quality jobs, and climate resilience, these investments help Californians with employment challenges, access supportive services, develop in-demand skills, earn industry-recognized credentials, and connect to quality jobs that offer opportunities for long-term career growth.

About CWDB

The California Workforce Development Board forges partnerships with businesses, labor, and government to build an economy defined by equity, quality jobs, and climate resiliency that challenges systemic barriers toward shared economic prosperity.

 

Filed Under: Education, Finances, News, State of California, Technology

Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, District Attorney, Sheriff work together to ensure safe, secure 2026 General Election

October 23, 2026 By Publisher Leave a Comment

To prohibit election intimidation in compliance with state laws in response to concerns Pres. Trump is trying to influence results

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

Martinez, California – As voting gets underway for the November 3rd General Election, Contra Costa County’s Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, District Attorney and Sheriff are standing together to ensure every voter can cast a ballot safely and with confidence.

California has long led the nation in protecting the right to vote, and its election safeguards keep getting stronger. The Peace Act (AB 2642), signed into law in September 2024, established clear protections for voters and election workers in all 58 counties by explicitly prohibiting intimidation and threats at the polls. It treats the presence of a firearm, or even a replica of one, at a polling place as unlawful intimidation, and it gives voters, election officials, and election workers the right to take civil legal action against anyone who tries to intimidate or coerce them.

Legislation signed by Governor Gavin Newsom this September builds on that foundation. The new laws make it a felony to tamper with ballots, election records, or voting equipment, guard voters against deepfakes and deception, and expand access to the ballot box, giving election and law enforcement officials across the state more tools to keep elections safe, secure, and fair. For Contra Costa County voters, that means every ballot, whether cast at a polling place, dropped in a drop box, or returned by mail, is protected from the moment it’s cast until the final count.

In his signing statement Newsom said, “Donald Trump won’t stop until he can exert dictatorial control over your free vote and disenfranchise millions of people this November. California will stop him at every opportunity. We have no bigger task than fighting to protect the right to vote from interference and meddling – the future of democracy is on the line. These bills today build upon the wall California has built to safeguard our electoral process.”

Contra Costa voters can vote their way with confidence, say the three County officials.

“As the Chief Elections Officer for Contra Costa County, I want to encourage all eligible Contra Costa residents to vote and to know that we expect another safe and secure election,” said Kristin B. Connelly, Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters. “I also want to reassure voters that we take extensive safety precautions in every election. We partner closely with local law enforcement to ensure that all Contra Costa Voters can feel confident voting with their preferred method either by drop box, through the post office, or in-person.”

Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton said, “Your vote is your voice, and we will protect it. From the mailbox to the drop box to the polling place, my office and our law enforcement partners are making sure every eligible voter in Contra Costa County can cast a ballot freely, safely, and with confidence that their voice will be heard.”

“As the election approaches, the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office is working with its law enforcement partners to ensure this election is safe and that we will help protect residents’ right to vote,” said Sheriff David Livingston.

However, the Contra Costa County Elections Division still uses the controversial Dominion voting equipment purchased in 2018 that has removal flash drives, as well as Scytle software. (See related articles here, here and here)

Since then, Dominion Voting Systems, a Canadian company, was purchased in 2025 by election reform advocate Scott Leiendecker under a new company called Liberty Vote based in Denver, Colorado.

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

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: District Attorney, Legislation, News, Politics & Elections, Sheriff, State of California, Technology

Pittsburg Council to hold vote on 45-day data center moratorium Oct. 26

October 22, 2026 By Publisher 1 Comment

AVAIO Digital data center rendering and Mayor Dionne Adams official photo. Source: City of Pittsburg

PITTSBURG, CA — Mayor Dionne Adams issued the following statement today, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026:

On Monday, October 26, the Pittsburg City Council will consider a 45-day emergency moratorium on future data center development, including Phases II and III of the AVAIO project. This follows months of residents speaking up, asking questions and sharing concerns about what data centers mean for their families and neighborhoods.

Although my employer’s involvement has required me to recuse myself from recent project-related decisions, my responsibility to listen to residents and help ensure their questions are answered has remained central to my work as Mayor.

For the last few months, I directed the City Manager and staff to expand their outreach across the City, online and in-person, and called for a dedicated Council meeting focused entirely on data centers – where the creation of a community advisory council followed. More recently, I’ve routinely requested formal updates from the City Manager to the public, all of this ultimately leading to the upcoming moratorium vote.

The City’s advisory council is currently developing recommendations for future data center policies, and the Council’s upcoming moratorium vote will enable council to complete that work.

Pittsburg is my home, too. As our understanding of data centers and AI infrastructure evolves, we have a responsibility to keep learning and responding to the people whose lives and neighborhoods are affected. I won’t get every decision right, but I will always listen, take your concerns seriously, and do what I believe is in the best interests of Pittsburg and its residents, even when I cannot vote on every individual item.

To everyone who has taken the time to speak with me, attend a meeting or ask a difficult question: thank you. You deserve a City government that hears you and responds.

Monday’s meeting agenda has not yet been published on the City’s website. Please check the Agendas and Minutes page, later, here: Pittsburg, CA – Agendas & Minutes.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: Business, East County, Government, Non-Profits, Technology

AwareCA app provides public, first responders new tool for timely, accurate, trusted wildfire incident info

October 6, 2026 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Graphics source: CAL FIRE

By California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection 

Sacramento, CA —As California continues to strengthen emergency preparedness and public safety communications, CAL FIRE and local government emergency response agencies are announcing the availability of the AwareCA mobile application, providing Californians with another tool to stay informed and connected during emergencies.

“We know the public wants fast, accurate, mobile-first information directly from the agencies managing incidents on the ground,” said CAL FIRE Director/Fire Chief Joe Tyler. “We have always provided timely and accurate information to the public during emergencies, and now with AwareCA, CAL FIRE can provide the public this information in near real time, where they want it, their mobile device.”

AwareCA addresses the growing public demand for fast, accurate, reliable, and authoritative emergency information while reducing confusion caused by fragmented alerts, unofficial reports, rumors, and misinformation.

Developed through a collaborative process between CAL FIRE, Intterra, and local emergency response agencies, AwareCA was designed to support millions of users while ensuring agencies retain ownership of their data and maintain a single source of truth for public information. The app is designed to keep communities informed throughout all phases of an incident by providing:

  • Near real-time incident updates
  • Interactive emergency maps
  • Warning and order evacuation zones
  • Shelter and assistance locations
  • Hazard information
  • Road closures
  • Push notifications and location-aware alerts

AwareCA will support a wide range of emergencies and incidents across California, including wildfires, floods, earthquakes, severe weather situations, hazardous materials incidents, and other large-scale emergencies.

Source: CAL FIRE

All features of AwareCA are free for the user, including but not limited to:

  • Adding locations of interest with notification distances
  • Choosing different maps based on needs and preferences
  • Selecting layers to control which hazards get displayed
  • Viewing the map to quickly find incidents and emergency information
  • Following incidents and sharing critical information with contacts
  • Receiving alerts about fast-moving incidents directly from agencies
  • Following response assets such as aircraft
  • Viewing Caltrans traffic cameras and ALERTCalifornia wildfire cameras

During fast-moving emergencies, information can change quickly. AwareCA is designed to help Californians stay connected to updates from the agencies responsible for managing incidents, reducing reliance on unofficial sources and making it easier to find relevant information in one place.

Residents are encouraged to download the app and enable notifications for areas where they live, work, travel or have loved ones. AwareCA is now available for download on mobile devices in the App Store and Google Play.

For more information, visit Aware.ca.gov. 

Filed Under: Fire, News, State of California, Technology

Caltrans QuickMap free mobile app provides real‑time traffic, road and safety information

October 6, 2026 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Source: Caltrans

By Caltrans

The Caltrans QuickMap is a free mobile app from the California Department of Transportation that delivers real‑time traffic, road, and safety information directly from Caltrans, helping drivers plan trips, avoid delays, and stay informed on the road App Store.

What the app offers

The QuickMap app layers multiple live data sources onto a map, including App Store+1:

  • Freeway speeds and congestion (color‑coded lines; green = normal, red = slow)
  • Live traffic cameras and snapshots
  • Lane closures and CHP incidents
  • Chain controls and snow plows
  • Changeable message signs (CMS) content
  • Border wait times
  • Safety roadside rest areas and Park & Ride lots
  • Commercial vehicle info: weigh stations, escape ramps, overweight corridors, and California Truck Network routes

Key features

  • Auto‑refresh: Updates data every 3 minutes (adjustable in settings) App Store
  • Manual refresh: Available via the refresh button on the map
  • Geotargeted notifications: Optional push alerts for road closures near your location, even when the app is closed (requires background location; may impact battery life) App Store
  • Layer controls: Toggle on/off different data layers via the app’s menu QuickMap

How it works

The app uses Caltrans data plus other sources (e.g., Google Maps Traffic Layer, Automated Vehicle Location, cellular data) to provide speed and condition information QuickMap. Clicking a map marker shows detailed info in a pop‑up.

Access and support

  • iOS: Download on the App Store App Store
  • Web: QuickMap portal QuickMap
  • Support: Email quickmap@dot.ca.gov for questions or issues App Store

Tip: Enable geotargeted notifications if you want alerts for closures near you, but be aware of the battery impact App Store. This makes QuickMap a useful “know before you go” tool for both urban and rural California travel.

Filed Under: News, State of California, Technology, Transportation

EEOC sues employment agency for H-1B visa-based national origin discrimination

September 30, 2026 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Image Source: X/ Techgig

Federal lawsuit alleges agency refused to refer American applicant for tech position in Silicon Valley

By Office of Communications & Legislative Affairs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

SAN FRANCISCO — Sibitalent Corp., a Texas-based employment agency specializing in information technology staffing and recruitment, violated federal law when it refused to refer an American applicant for a position in Mountain View, California because of the applicant’s national origin, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit announced today.

According to the EEOC’s lawsuit, in July 2025, a Sibitalent recruiter contacted an American database developer by e-mail for a business data analyst position in Mountain View, California, but included a notification “ONLY H-1B,” in large, highlighted text. When the American developer questioned the legality of such a visa requirement for the position, the Sibitalent recruiter ceased communicating and refused to refer him for the job. Sibitalent subsequently referred two candidates of Indian and Nepali origin for the same analyst position, according to the suit.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s website, the H-1B Visa program “applies to employers seeking to hire nonimmigrant aliens as workers in specialty occupations or as fashion models of distinguished merit and ability. A specialty occupation is one that requires the application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and the attainment of at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. The intent of the H-1B provisions is to help employers who cannot otherwise obtain needed business skills and abilities from the U.S. workforce by authorizing the temporary employment of qualified individuals who are not otherwise authorized to work in the United States.

“The law establishes certain standards in order to protect similarly employed U.S. workers from being adversely affected by the employment of the nonimmigrant workers, as well as to protect the H-1B nonimmigrant workers. Employers must attest to the Department of Labor that they will pay wages to the H-1B nonimmigrant workers that are at least equal to the actual wage paid by the employer to other workers with similar experience and qualifications for the job in question, or the prevailing wage for the occupation in the area of intended employment – whichever is greater.”

“The EEOC’s mission is to ensure equal opportunity for all, which includes Americans,” said EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas. “Employers and employment agencies cannot shut qualified Americans out of job opportunities by using unjustified visa requirements as a proxy for national origin discrimination. The EEOC will vigorously enforce federal law to protect American workers from unlawful discrimination.”

This alleged conduct violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination by employment agencies based on national origin. The EEOC filed suit (EEOC v. Sibitalent Corp., Case No. 3:26-cv-11106) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, after first attempting to reach a pre‑litigation settlement through its administrative conciliation process.

EEOC San Francisco District Director Christopher Green said, “The EEOC will vigorously enforce Title VII to ensure that American applicants can compete for jobs on a level field where hiring decisions are based on qualifications and performance.”

The EEOC recently released information on anti-American discrimination and is partnering with the Department of Labor in Project Firewall. For more information on national origin discrimination, please visit https://www.eeoc.gov/national-origin-discrimination.

The EEOC’s San Francisco District Office has jurisdiction over Northern Nevada, Northern California, Washington, Alaska, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.

The EEOC is the sole federal agency authorized to investigate and litigate against businesses and other private sector employers for violations of federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. For public sector employers, the EEOC shares jurisdiction with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. The EEOC also is responsible for coordinating the federal government’s employment antidiscrimination effort. More information about the EEOC is available at www.eeoc.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: Bay Area, Employment, International, Legal, News, Technology

Teenage El Cerrito murder accomplice from Richmond arrested, suspect vehicle located 

August 26, 2026 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Victim identified; police seek shooter and getaway driver

By El Cerrito Police Department

On Monday, August 24, 2026, El Cerrito detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Jacari Taliferro Gibson, an 18-year-old man from Richmond (born 10/20/07), for murder and robbery in connection with the homicide in El Cerrito on Sunday, August 23.

At 1:20 PM, on August 24, 2026, Richmond Police officers located Mr. Gibson in the City of Richmond. El Cerrito Officers took custody of Mr. Gibson, booked him for the crimes of murder and robbery, and transported him to the county jail in Martinez. Following his arrest, El Cerrito Investigators and Officers served a search warrant at Mr. Gibson’s residence in Richmond.

Surveillance cameras near the scene of the crime captured footage of the suspect’s vehicle. This footage did not provide ECPD with a license plate. Investigators collaborated with regional jurisdictions to identify a license plate for the suspect vehicle, thanks to Flock Safety and Vigilant ALPR cameras. This information proved essential in identifying the vehicle used by the suspects to flee the scene. El Cerrito Investigators placed the vehicle on a statewide alert list.

During the evening of August 24, 2026, Vallejo Police officers located the 2017 Nissan Maxima used in the commission of the murder in the parking lot of the Del Norte Plaza shopping center, located at 11299 San Pablo Avenue in El Cerrito.

According to a KTVU FOX 2 News report, the 21-year-old victim was Jakai Couch, who was shot and killed in his Toyota Camry parked outside Los Moles restaurant in El Cerrito, and was expecting baby with his girlfriend.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 230-pound Gibson is listed as Non-Hispanic, and also as Black, and is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail.

The ECPD is still searching for Mr. Gibson’s two accomplices, including the shooter and the getaway driver. The ECPD asks anyone with information regarding their identity or whereabouts to contact investigators at (510) 237-3233.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: Crime, News, Police, Technology, West County

Contra Costa businesses receive support from Alameda County Board of Supervisors for ultra-light rail freight and transit system, underground utility “SuperGrid”

July 16, 2026 By Publisher 1 Comment

Renderings source: CyberTran International, Inc.

Richmond’s CyberTran International, Inc., EarthGrid, UC Berkeley’s PATH, San Ramon’s Manex announce major achievement signaling new era of freight rail innovation and development, East Bay job creation

Richmond, CA – The Alameda County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, officially and unanimously adopted a resolution in support of moving freight through the county using Richmond-based CyberTran International’s Ultra-Light Rail Freight and Transit (ULRF&T) system. The ULRF&T system is planned to operate from Oakland to the Central Valley via underground tunnels, and create a next-generation SuperGrid for underground utilities.

The development partnership includes CyberTran International, Richmond-based EarthGrid, U.C. Berkeley Partners in Advanced Transportation Technology (PATH), located at the Richmond Field Station, and the San Ramon-based Corporation for Manufacturing Excellence (Manex).

“Adoption…demonstrates…support for continued exploration and development of the Ultra-Light Rail Freight and Transit system, associated underground infrastructure improvements, and the establishment of advanced manufacturing and Inland Port facilities that could provide long-term transportation, environmental, and economic benefits to the East Bay region.” – Supervisor Nate Miley

Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley has been a leading advocate for this effort. According to his staff report for the agenda item, #46, “The proposed ULRF&T system is intended to provide a lower-cost, zero-carbon alternative to conventional freight and transit rail systems while reducing truck traffic along the heavily congested Interstate 580 corridor. EarthGrid’s proposed underground SuperGrid technology would provide tunnel infrastructure capable of supporting both freight transportation and modernized utility corridors, while PATH contributes expertise in autonomous vehicle technology. MANEX would assist CyberTran in establishing a manufacturing facility within Alameda County, creating local jobs and supporting advanced manufacturing in the East Bay. As part of this initiative, CyberTran and its partners are also proposing the development of an Inland Port in eastern Alameda County to facilitate the movement of goods between the Port of Oakland and California’s Central Valley.”

“Adoption of the attached resolution demonstrates the County’s support for continued exploration and development of the Ultra-Light Rail Freight and Transit system, associated underground infrastructure improvements, and the establishment of advanced manufacturing and Inland Port facilities that could provide long-term transportation, environmental, and economic benefits to the East Bay region,” the staff report concludes.

Miley made the motion to adopt the resolution, Board President David Haubert seconded the motion, and it passed on a vote of 5-0. (See AlCo BOS CyberTran Resolution 071426)

“Automobiles have evolved, aviation has evolved, aerospace has evolved, it’s time for rail to evolve. Plus, roving blackouts and wildfires along with tomorrow’s energy and water needs dictate that it’s time to upgrade our outdated utility grid,” said Dexter Vizinau, CEO of CyberTran International.

Key Highlights of the Resolution

  • The initiative seeks to establish a Public Private Partnership Pilot Project.
  • The project will focus on developing and deploying an innovative autonomous rail system designed to efficiently transport freight, reduce costs, and decrease travel times compared to traditional trucking methods.
  • The County’s resolution also supports UC Berkeley PATH’s work to research, develop, and implement an autonomous ULRF&T system.
  • EarthGrid’s plasma boring technology is endorsed for tunnel construction, which will form a SuperGrid for utilities and facilitate the ULRF&T transit network.
  • Manex is supported in creating a CyberTran factory in Alameda County to manufacture and distribute ULRF&T systems globally.
  • This initiative is expected to reduce traffic congestion, particularly along the Highway 580 Corridor.
  • Thousands of well-paying jobs are anticipated for Alameda County residents because of the project.
  • By lessening truck traffic and congestion, the county aims to reduce negative environmental impacts.

Commitment to East Bay Community

The companies and organizations involved have a long history of fostering innovation and supporting skilled individuals, organizations, and businesses. Their strong ties to Alameda and Contra Costa County demonstrate their dedication to quality, creativity and integrity. (See related articles here, here and here)

(See 2:01:30 mark of Board meeting video)

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Note: The publisher of the Herald has a financial interest in CyberTran International, Inc.

Filed Under: Business, East Bay, News, San Ramon Valley, Technology, Transportation, West County

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