Contra Costa Herald

But male income decreased by more than female income in the county between 2009 and 2015

By Kevin Pryor, Analyst

Recent data shows that the male median income in Contra Costa County was $17,710 more than the female median income.  In 2016, women in Contra Costa County earned $31,040 while men earned $48,750.  This leads to a difference in pay where females earned 64 percent of male’s yearly earnings in the county.

The study was conducted by pansop.com, a knowledge based sharing website.  In regards to this study, the data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau and represents the median income for individual males and females in the U.S aged 15 and up.

Figures show that Contra Costa County had a higher gender pay gap than state and national values.  California experienced a difference in pay of $11,550 between males and females while the nation had a $12,397 difference.  This contrast in pay means that Contra Costa County ranked among the higher pay gaps in the nation and the fourth highest in the state of California.

The information is best represented in the following graph.

The numbers illustrate how men generally make more money the women from county to national values.  Furthermore, Contra Costa County’s income gap outperformed California by $6,160 and the national gap by $5,313.  Such a large difference is partly due to the fact that Contra Costa County residents also earned a higher income last year when compared to state and national figures.

“The data shows that women in Contra Costa County have experienced a significant difference in pay than men.  Such a gap between the two genders represents how the national trend of gender pay is magnified here on the county level” said data analyst for Pansop, Kevin Pryor.

Further research shows that female income in the county decreased by 0.7 percent between 2009 and 2015 while the male median income decreased by 3.7 percent.

Pay Gap Based on Education

For this study we analyzed the 2016 employee pay data based on education level for geographical locations in the U.S.

The pay disparity is usually based on education attainment and is correlated to other factors such as occupation, gender discrimination, gender bias, payment decisions, and more.

In general, the individuals with graduate or professional degree tend to earn more than those who only complete a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, school graduates.

Our key findings for individuals with less than high school education

• The gap between male and female median incomes in US for this group is $9,325
• Males in this group make $8,999 more than females in California
• Males in this group make $13,518 more than females in Contra Costa County
• California’s gender pay gap for this group is less than US by $326
• Contra Costa County’s gender pay gap for this group is more than California by $4,519

Our key findings for individuals with high school education

• The gap between male and female median incomes in US for this group is $12,237
• Males in this group make $9,743 more than females in California
• Males in this group make $8,521 more than females in Contra Costa County
• California’s gender pay gap for this group is less than US by $2,494
• Contra Costa County’s gender pay gap for this group is less than California by $1,222

Our key findings for individuals with associate degree

• The gap between male and female median incomes in US for this group is $12,217
• Males in this group make $11,472 more than females in California
• Males in this group make $12,743 more than females in Contra Costa County
• California’s gender pay gap for this group is less than US by $745
• Contra Costa County’s gender pay gap for this group is more than California by $1,271

Our key findings for individuals with bachelor’s degree

• The gap between male and female median incomes in US for this group is $20,066
• Males in this group make $20,897 more than females in California
• Males in this group make $29,807 more than females in Contra Costa County
• California’s gender pay gap for this group is more than US by $831
• Contra Costa County’s gender pay gap for this group is more than California by $8,910

Our key findings for individuals with professional degree

• The gap between male and female median incomes in US for this group is $28,155
• Males in this group make $30,221 more than females in California
• Males in this group make $41,102 more than females in Contra Costa County
• California’s gender pay gap for this group is more than US by $2,066
• Contra Costa County’s gender pay gap for this group is more than California by $10,881

Gender pay gap by education attainment

• Gender pay gap for individuals with less than high school education in Contra Costa County is less than California by 9.5%
• California’s Gender pay gap for individuals with high school education is 5.8% more than US
• Gender pay gap for individuals with high school education in Contra Costa County is more than California by 7.1%
• Gender pay gap for individuals with bachelors degree in Contra Costa County is less than California by 4.6%
• Gender pay gap for individuals with professional degree in Contra Costa County is more than California by 5.2%

NOTE: Gender pay gap is measured as the ratio of female to male median yearly earnings. The above data for the population age above 25 years. To see the graphs for each education category, click here.

For more information, please contact Kevin Pryor at 203-518-2348 or email at kevin@gridlex.com.

Pansop.com is a product of Gridlex, which has a cross functional team of software engineers, data scientists, and analysts. Pansop.com is a knowledge based analytics service.  Team members research data from public sources such as the U.S Census Bureau and private databases to produce insightful studies.  Pansop’s data is aimed to serve niche industry professionals and organizations so they may gain further insight into market dynamics.

A MicroPAD miniature home can be towed to its location. Photos from Panoramic Interests.

Rendering of the interior of a MicroPAD home.

By Daniel Borsuk

Perhaps by this time next year, Contra Costa County officials will be offering MicroPADs as a new alternate form of housing in its repertoire of programs designed to reduce homelessness, a major economic and social issue that is, at least in this East Bay county showing signs of fading away.

The number of homeless individuals in the county declined seven percent from 2016 to 1,607 homeless persons as of Jan. 25, 2017, an annual report stated and accepted by the supervisors on a 3-0 vote at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting.

Board chair Federal Glover was absent due to a death in the family and Supervisor Diane Burgis of Brentwood was absent because she was recovering from a surgical procedure.

The county’s success in decreasing the number of homeless individuals or families living outdoors or in cars can be credited to the county’s wide array of federal and state funded programs and services worth $15 million last year.  Those services range from emergency shelters, support services only, transitional housing, rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, street outreach and preventive programs.

MicroPAD interior view.

Next month the county expects to learn how much money it will receive from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development in its newest service designed to further drive down homelessness – the MicroPAD, said Lavonna Martin, Director of Contra Costa County Health, Housing and Homeless Services.

The MicroPAD miniature, stackable home is a relatively new weapon in the fight against homelessness.  It is now in use in San Francisco, a city and county well known for its high cost of housing and homeless population problems.

Each 160-square foot modular prefabricated dwelling unit comes with a furnished bedroom, private bathroom, and kitchenette.  In Contra Costa, in order for a homeless individual to be eligible to occupy a MicroPAD he or she would have to pay 30 percent of their monthly income (i.e. SSI) towards rent, said Martin.

Contra Costa County could have as many as 50 MicroPADs available for eligible homeless persons.

Supervisors wanted to know if a site had been selected to place the MicroPADs, but the county homeless director said that a site has not been selected even though the county and City of Richmond were co-sponsoring a presentation at the same time the Board of Supervisors meeting was in session.  At the Richmond Civic Center presentation, a MicroPAD was on display for the public to see.  A similar MicroPAD presentation was conducted on Wednesday at the Richmond Civic Center.

Another interior view of a MicroPAD miniature home.

District 1 Supervisor John Gioia of Richmond was slated to appear at Tuesday’s civic center presentation following the board meeting.

“We do not have a site set yet,” Martin told supervisors.  “We’ll be working on that over the next few months.”

“It’s going to be challenging to find the right location,” acknowledged Gioia.  “The homeless will not get off the street if you offer them shelter, but this (i.e. MicroPADs) will get them off the street because it is housing.  The challenge will be finding an appropriate location.”

Supervisor Candace Andersen of Danville was also supportive of the MicroPAD concept that the county is pursuing.  “What can we do to effect a positive situation?” she asked.  “I am excited about the MicroPAD program with its small units and the support services that will be available for occupants.”

To view a news report by KRON 4 TV news with video of a MicroPAD home, click here. To learn more about MicroPADs click here.

Supervisors Accept Winter Storm Preparedness Report

During the Tuesday meeting, Supervisors also approved a report that the county is prepared for whatever amount of rainfall this winter season will bring.  The report on Winter Storm Preparedness in Contra Costa County was presented by Tim Jensen of the Public Works Department.

The report highlighted Walnut Creek Intermediate School’s “Stay Out Stay Alive” publicity campaign to warn students and the public about the dangers of Walnut Creek especially when it is full of raging water during a major rain storm.  Two years ago, two persons died when they fell into the rain swollen creek that that bisects the school.

The report also informed the public about the county’s sand bag stations, media outreach, newsletter, and flood control district webpage – http://www.cccounty.us/5906FloodPreparedness

Guns and drugs seized by the CASE team during a recent investigation in East County. Photo courtesy of CCCSheriff

After a months-long investigation into a gang in East Contra Costa County that was allegedly transferring firearms illegally, law enforcement officers on Wednesday executed eight search warrants in Pittsburg, Antioch, and Bay Point.

The investigation was led by CASE (Contra Costa County Anti-Violence Support Effort). During the operation, CASE was assisted by Special Agents from the California Department of Justice (Burea…u of Firearms), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, California Highway Patrol, Pittsburg Police Department, Walnut Creek Police Department, Richmond Police Department and Probation Officers from the Contra Costa County Probation Department.

A total of nine people were arrested and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. They are being held on numerous charges that include conspiracy, gang and narcotics violations, and weapons’ charges including felon in possession of a firearm, possession of an assault rife, prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and illegal transfer of a firearm.

During searches of the locations, law enforcement officers seized one AK-47 style assault rifle, three handguns, high capacity magazines, cocaine, marijuana, and pills.

The CASE Team is a joint effort by the Office of the Sheriff, California Department of Justice, California Highway Patrol, Pittsburg Police Department and Walnut Creek Police Department. CASE was created in November 2011 as a collaborative effort to reduce violent crimes in Contra Costa, especially those related to illegal firearms.

By John Crowder

On Friday, October 20, representatives of four cities and the County came together to discuss economic development for the East County region.  The annual EC² (EC Squared, which stands for East County Economic Collaborative) Summit, the brainchild of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, is designed to promote job growth and economic opportunity in the region.  The event was held at the Antioch Community Center.

Moderated by Antioch Mayor Sean Wright, attendees heard from representatives from each of four cities; Antioch, Pittsburg, Brentwood, and Oakley, as well as a representative from the Contra Costa County Transportation Agency.

Presenters from each city highlighted resources and programs that are designed to stimulate economic activity.  Antioch’s presentation focused on the development of the waterfront, light industrial space, and the upcoming BART extension to the city.

The City of Pittsburg presentation highlighted a desire to move beyond heavy industry by shifting focus to manufacturing and their involvement in the Bay Area Manufacturing Initiative.  Also mentioned were marketing initiatives for the City, including the use of social media.

Oakley’s talk discussed how residential development is driving growth.  According to their presentation, they have over 5000 entitled residential lots, along with over 300 acres of industrial zoned land.  Emphasizing that as a city they are, “development friendly,” they noted a reduction in commercial impact fees of 40% and a streamlined project approval process.

The City of Brentwood touted their Economic Development Action Plan.  Some of their “game changers” include a business development center, full scale hospital, a Next Generation Technology Business Park, and a Farm to Fork program.

Contra Costa Transportation Authority Executive Director Randy Iwasaki discussed the East Bay as a “Corridor of Opportunity,” with a broad overview of how voter approved transportation initiative funds are being used.  The projects he mentioned included work on Highway 4, BART expansion to Antioch, and the Highway 160/Highway 4 Connector Ramps.  He also discussed future projects under consideration.

Antioch Mayor Sean Wright commented on the event, saying, “It was awesome to see all four cities and the County coming together to discuss strategies and work being done to bring jobs to East Contra Costa County.  Too many of our residents are spending too much of their lives commuting and we must double our efforts to bring those good paying jobs here to our region.”

His sentiments were echoed by Richard Pagano, CEO of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce.  He said the important question is, “How do we work regionally to bring jobs to the entire area? A job in Antioch helps Oakley, and vice-versa.  That’s the paradigm shift we’re trying to effect.”

The television broadcast of EC² can be seen on the following channels in November: CCTV – Wednesday November 15 at 12 pm and Delta TV – Thursday November 16 at 10 am.

By Allen Payton

According to eyewitnesses about 10 or 12 police vehicles had another car stopped on Laurel Road near the Highway 4 offramp at about 8:15 p.m. Sunday night. It turned to be the end of a high-speed police pursuit of a stolen vehicle.

“It was a vehicle that got carjacked last night in Oakley,” said Oakley Police Sgt. Rick Grubaugh,

“Today he was driving through Pittsburg on Highway 4 eastbound,” he continued. “Pittsburg PD began pursuing it. The vehicle took the Laurel Road offramp and that’s where the vehicle pursuit ended, and we took the guy into custody.”

It was a high-speed pursuit on Hwy 4, Grubaugh confirmed.

Oakley PD was there near the Laurel Road offramp waiting for the driver, he explained.

The “30-year-old black male” is “from somewhere on the west end of the county” and “is fine and in custody,” Grubaugh added.

Tim Farley, from CCCCD

For work in his position at Saint Mary’s College

Contra Costa Community College District (CCCCD) Governing Board member Timothy J. Farley has received the national 2017 Edwin Crawford Award for Innovation.  Farley is being honored for his advocacy and leadership as director of Community and Government Relations at Saint Mary’s College in Moraga and elevating the college’s profile among California legislators and their staff.

“To be selected for this national honor is humbling,” said Farley.  “I have been fortunate to develop a network of elected official contacts during my career both as an elected official and staff member for several state legislators.  These relationships and understanding how to work within the legislative process have been the keys to my success.”

Farley’s recognition is one of two 2017 Service Awards in State Government Relations awarded by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, American Association of Community Colleges, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities.  They are the only national awards in higher education/state relations, and he will be honored at a December 7, 2017, luncheon at the 2017 Higher Education Government Relations Conference in San Diego.

“On behalf of the District, we congratulate trustee Farley for being recognized as a national government relations leader,” noted CCCCD chancellor Fred Wood.  “He is great asset to our District and proud alumni of one of our colleges, Diablo Valley College.  This honor continues our wonderful community college legacy of providing the foundation for tomorrow’s community leaders.”

Elected to the college board in 2014, Farley represents Ward III and currently serves as board vice president. According to his bio on the college’s website, Farley “is responsible for monitoring all federal and state legislation as it pertains to higher education. Additionally, Tim handles concerns with the Town of Moraga and surrounding communities. Tim was part of the team that brought the 2010 United States Senate debate to Saint Mary’s College.”

He is also graduate of U.C. Davis where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Farley and his wife Eileen have two adult sons.

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education is a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit association of educational institutions whose mission includes fostering public support of education and marketing their member institutions to prospective students.  For more information visit www.case.org.

About CCCCD

The Contra Costa Community College District (CCCCD) is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California. The CCCCD serves a population of 1,019,640 people, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. The District is home to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, as well as educational centers in Brentwood and San Ramon.  The District headquarters is located in downtown Martinez. For more information visit www.4cd.edu.

Photos courtesy of Concord PD.

Four face murder, other charges

From Concord Police Department Facebook Page

Concord Police provided an update to their investigation into the Monday murder of a teen near Olympic High School. (See related article)

On Wednesday, Nov. 8, Concord Police Detectives presented this murder case to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and the following charges were filed:

– Kristhiam Uceda, a 20-year old Concord resident, was charged with murder.

– Bryan Sermeno-Chachagua, an 18-year old Concord resident, was charged with hiding the gun after the shooting.

We are not identifying three suspects due to their ages:

– A 17-year old Concord male was charged with murder for driving the involved car.

– Another 17-year old Concord male was charged with hiding the gun after the shooting.

– No charges were filed at this time against a 5th male juvenile.

The Concord Police Department is not releasing further details at this time, due to the ongoing investigation. Inquiries can be referred to Lieutenant Mike Kindorf at (925) 671-3478.

A two-car eBART train undergoes testing in the middle of Highway 4 between Hillcrest Avenue and A Street/Lone Tree Way on Friday evening, July 1, 2016 for the extension to Pittsburg and Antioch. Herald file photo by Allen Payton

BART Director Joel Keller. From BART.gov

By Joel Keller, District 2 Director, Bay Area Rapid Transit District

The BART Board will consider both BART to Antioch fares and BART to Antioch parking fees at a public hearing on November 16th meeting. On December 7th, the Board will be asked to approve the BART to Antioch fares and parking fees.

The proposal will extend BART’s distance-based fare structure for the Pittsburg Center Station and the Antioch station, resulting in a 15 cent increase at Pittsburg Center and an 80 cent increase at Antioch.

Sample BART to Antioch Fares:

Pittsburg/Bay Point to Embarcadero: $6.70

Pittsburg Center to Embarcadero: $6.85

Antioch to Embarcadero: $7.50

There will be 262 parking spaces on Bliss Avenue near Railroad Avenue serving the Pittsburg Center Station and 1012 parking spaces at the Antioch Station.

The parking fees are proposed to be effective upon commencement of operation of the Pittsburg Center and Antioch stations as follows:

Daily Fee Parking: $3.00 per day

Permit Fee Parking:

Monthly Reserved Permit: $105 per month

Single Day Reserved Permit: $6.00 per day

Airport/Long-Term Permit: $7.00 per day

Your opinion is valued and you can contact me directly at Joel.Keller@bart.gov or 510-915-7925 or you can let the entire Board know your thoughts by emailing BoardOfDirectors@BART.gov or calling 510-464-6095.

District 2 includes Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, Pittsburg and portions of Concord and unincorporated Contra Costa County.

Between the 12-cent-per-gallon increase in the gas tax and being able to earn $2 credit each trip, there’s never been a better time to trade your solo commute for a shared ride. Whether you fill an empty seat in your car or catch a ride as a passenger, carpooling is a great way to save money.

Thanks to a partnership between 511 Contra Costa and Scoop, when you use the Scoop app to match with another commuter for your ride to work, you get a $2 credit. As long as your trip starts or ends in Contra Costa, each person in the carpool will receive a $2 credit. Passengers will see the credit automatically applied to their trip, while drivers can cash out the credits they earn.

If you commute to Concord, Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre or Dublin/Pleasanton BART using Scoop, you also get guaranteed parking! (Passengers: use the code CCTA05 to get an additional $5 in Scoop credit – the combined $7 in credit covers the cost of most first rides.)

As part of a carpool, you’ll have access to the HOV lanes and can use the I-680 and I-580 Express Lanes toll-free. (Note: If you’re crossing the Bay Bridge, the Scoop app will match you with two other commuters so you can use the HOV lanes.) If you’re driving to Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre BART, Concord BART or Dublin/Pleasanton BART Stations you’re also guaranteed parking if you arrive before 10am and parking is free.

It’s time to give sharing the ride to work a try.

Earning the $2 credit is easy:

1. Download the Scoop app

2. Enter your account information

3. Use the Scoop app to carpool

$5 SCOOP CREDIT: Enter the code CCTA05 in the Scoop app to get a $5 credit towards your first ride.

To download the Scoop app and get a $5 first-time rider credit, visit our Scoop Special Offer page.

The Los Medanos Community Healthcare District building, formerly Los Medanos Hospital. Photo from the LMCHD Facebook page.

“The need for a healthcare district board of directors has come and gone.” – Supervisor Federal Glover

By Daniel Borsuk

The little heard of governmental entity dubbed the Contra Costa Local Agency Formational Commission (CCLAFCo) will consider either at its February or April 2018 meeting a resolution unanimously passed by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday to dissolve the financially troubled Los Medanos Community Healthcare District (LMCHD).

Established in 1963 by the state legislature to sort out local governmental agency boundary issues and other inter-county government problems, every county in the state has a local agency formation commission.  The CCLAFCo consists of seven voting members, with two members representing the board of supervisors, two members representing city councils, two representing special district boards and one public member.

In this instance, Board of Supervisors Chair Federal Glover, who represents Pittsburg and Bay Point which are the two communities served by LMCHD, and District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen have already voted to dissolve the LMCHD and both serve on the CCLAFCo board and will have a second opportunity to vote on the issue when it comes before the commission.  District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis of Brentwood also serves as an alternate to the CCLAFCo only when either Glover or Andersen cannot attend a meeting.

On its face there seems to be a potential conflict of interest or perhaps not.

CCLAFCo Executive Administrator Lou Anne Texeira told the Herald that when this item comes up, the two supervisors can vote on the issue and will not have to recuse themselves as long as they have no financial stake in their action.

“There is no law or rule that bars them from voting on the matter again,” Texeira said.  “They do have the option to recuse themselves when the matter comes up for a vote if they so choose to do so.”

“All of this will be considered before LAFCo,” said Glover before the supervisors’ vote.  “The need for a healthcare district board of directors has come and gone.  I accept the staff’s recommendation.”

At Tuesday’s supervisors meeting, the decision to approve the County Administrator’s Office recommendation took less than 20 minutes.

LMCHD Executive Director Godfrey L. Wilson admitted he was caught off guard that the board of supervisors were considering dissolving the financially struggling healthcare district in this manner by placing the issue on the board’s agenda.

Recent financial data indicates the healthcare district that serves Pittsburg and Bay Point is not perking along well.  The district had healthcare grant programs, which are the district’s core operation of $268,569 or 25 percent of total revenues of $1,060,330.  At the same time, district financial records show general administration costs, including board member stipends represented 33 percent of the district’s expenses or $345,383.

When asked what way CCLAFCo may vote when the issues come before that panel next year, LMCHD Executive Director Wilson responded in an unoptimistic manner, “I think some people have already made up their minds on that issue.”

The county health department that has operated the Pittsburg Health Clinic at the 130,000-square foot building at 2311 Loveridge Road since 1998 will continue to operate the health clinic that is the most successful clinic in the county treating more than 100,000 patients a year.

The county has paid $100,000 a year in rent to the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development for use of the Loveridge Road property.  In addition, the county has paid the state $24 million for capital improvements to the building on Loveridge Road.

The county-run Pittsburg Health Center accounts for 65 percent of all clinic visits in East Contra Costa County.  The clinic provides primary adult care as well as pediatrics care, audiology, orthopedics, podiatry, and dental care services.