On Thursday, May 12, the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) honored 41 high school students, representing 27 schools in Contra Costa and Alameda counties, with the Students of Excellence Awards for their outstanding achievement in their CTE/ROP (Career Technical Education/Regional Occupational Program) classes. The celebrated students were each presented a certificate of merit and a $250.00 scholarship award. Scholarship funding was provided by Honda Walnut Creek, John Muir Health, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Walnut Creek Honda, and C&H Sugar.
More than 200 attendees were on hand at the Concord Senior Center. Along with the honored students and their families, the students’ teachers and ROP business-partnership representatives were also on hand. Welcoming remarks were made by Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Karen Sakata, County Board of Education President Christine Deane, Assembly Member Jim Frazier, and CCCOE Director of Student Programs Janet Haun.
Superintendent Sakata individually presented the awards and checks to each student on stage, followed by a short speech from each of the awardees. The common themes of the heart-felt speeches were their gratitude of their parents and families, as well as their appreciation for their CTE/ROP courses and teachers. Many of the students said their CTE/ROP courses were the highlight of coming to school, and that the classes made their future career goals much clearer.
The Contra Costa County CTE/ROP serves nearly 12,000 students annually with classes in 34 high schools throughout Contra Costa and Alameda counties. Currently, there are 393 state-of-the-art career development classes in this program. CTE/ROP focuses on career preparation and exploration, hands-on experience, and academic excellence to prepare students for success in college and future careers. CTE/ROP provides students with the newest equipment, rigorous academic standards, and classes in emerging technologies. All of the CTE/ROP classes and programs are directed by and funded through the CCCOE. For more information about CTE/ROP classes, visit their website.
The following outstanding students received certificates of merit plus $250.00 in scholarship awards for the CTE/ROP courses they excelled in during the current school year:
ANTIOCH
Mark Jovero, Art & Animatio,
Antioch High School – Erin Susoev, Instructor
Angelita Yarborough, Careers in Teaching
Antioch High School – Tamsen Armstrong, Instructor
Shyriah Vaughn, Cosmetology
Delta Beauty College – Tamara Reaves, Instructor
Jacqueline Villaseñor, Sports Medicine
Dozier-Libbey Medical High School – Kim O’Leary, Instructor
Jordan Bjorklund, Television Production
Deer Valley High School – Kiel Olff, Instructor
Noah Lema, Marketing
Deer Valley High School – Steve Kish, Instructor
BERKELEY
Milo Whitburn-Thomas, Advanced Digital Photography
Berkeley High School – Gabriel Berent, Instructor
BRENTWOOD
Miranda Breves, Robotics Engineering
Heritage High School – Rob Pardi, Instructor
Christianna McFarland, Law Enforcement Careers
Heritage High School – Matt Carr, Instructor
Joseph Gliedt, Fire Science
Liberty High School – James Scarbrough, Instructor
Tianna Nelson, Automotive Technology
Liberty High School – Jonathan Dorr, Instructor
CLAYTON
Miya Adolphson, Game Design
Clayton Valley Charter High School – Evan Hughes, Instructor
Andrey Pristinsky, Civil Engineering & Architecture
Clayton Valley Charter High School – Scott Farquhar, Instructor
CONCORD
Jake Gorospe, Computer Applications
Concord High School – Laurie Harris, Instructor
Zachary Ruiz, Robotics Engineering
Concord High School – Tom Trowbridge, Instructor
Yoselin Tamayo, Careers in Teaching
Ygnacio Valley High School – Thatcher Palmer, Instructor
Claire Rader, Biotechnology
Ygnacio Valley High School – Maria Fletcher, Instructor
DANVILLE
Grant Hayes, Architectural Design
Monte Vista High School – Mike Huntsman, Instructor
Katie Parker, AP Environmental Science
San Ramon Valley High School – Cindy Egan, Instructor
EL CERRITO
Lucy Tabor, Art of Video Production
El Cerrito High School Theodore Grover, Instructor
LAFAYETTE
Julia Lauer, Digital Arts/Design for the Web
Acalanes High School – Susan Lane, Instructor
MARTINEZ
Elizabeth Doty, Automotive Technology
Alhambra High School – Brian Wheeler, Instructor
Matt Webb, Construction Technology
Alhambra High School – Jay Heeb, Instructor
MORAGA
Holly Moore, Advanced Sports Medicine
Campolindo High School – Ray Albiento, Instructor
OAKLEY
Kaleigh Rubio, Careers with Children
Freedom High School – Elizabeth Rodriguez, Instructor
PIEDMONT
Kaitlyn De Mello, Culinary Careers
Piedmont High School – M’Lisa Kelley, Instructor
PINOLE
Marina Boudsady, Publications
Pinole Valley High School – Alexander Van Hook, Instructor
Shalvena Sharma, Law Enforcement Careers
Pinole Valley High School – Patricia Blades, Instructor
PITTSBURG
Shudipto Rahman, AP Computer Science
Pittsburg High School – Romeo Simionas, Instructor
RICHMOND
Luis Arreola, Hospital Health Services
De Anza High School – David Pintado, Instructor
Simranpreet Kaur, Hospital Health Services
De Anza High School – Fathom Riordan-Ng, Instructor
Jacqueline Hopkins, Digital Photography
Kennedy High School – Steve Pinto, Instructor
Mariana Romero, Advanced Photography
Richmond High School – John Ohlmann, Instructor
SAN RAMON
Annissa Bensalah, Journalism Productions
California High School – Brian Barr, Instructor
Kathryn Lew, Analytical Forensic Science
California High School – Andrew White, Instructor
Emily Lai, Introduction to Business
Dougherty Valley High School – Jeff Silverman, Instructor
Bethany Vega, Computer Graphic Arts
Dougherty Valley High School – Jeff Silverman, Instructor
WALNUT CREEK
Jaclyn Leonard, Medical Technologies
Las Lomas High School – Kathleen Mooney, Instructor
Makena Paynton, Sports Medicine
Northgate High School – Glen Barker, Instructor
Roya Stoops, Veterinary Science
Northgate High School – Melanie Scott, Instructor
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Dear Editor:
With the race for the June primaries almost upon us, and six different candidates running for County Supervisor in District 3, what’s a poor voter to do? I am fortunate to have had the privilege of meeting most of these candidates, and without question, Diane Burgis is, by far, the most qualified and absolute best candidate for this position.
Diane is the only candidate with broad, regional experience – she is currently a trustee on the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) Board, which manages a budget in excess of two hundred million dollars servicing almost three million people, and overseeing its own fire department and police force. This is an entirely different level of responsibility decision-making than that of a local city council member – with just a local city issues to address. No other candidate has this breadth of experience and understanding of complex issues and decisions required to address an entire county.
Diane is a leader who knows how to build consensus and bring people together. Diane has the endorsement of over sixty leaders throughout the county and state, including all of the current Trustees on the EBRPD. Contrast that with candidate Hardcastle, who touts his 12 years of experience on the Ironhouse Sanitary District (ISD) Board, yet not one of the ISD Directors, current or previously-serving, has stepped up to endorse him.
Join me in voting for Diane Burgis for District 3 County Supervisor – the only qualified candidate for this position.
Susan Morgan
Director, Ironhouse Sanitary District
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Greg Enholm
The East County Voters for Equal Protect (ECV) is pleased to announce that Greg Enholm, Trustee on the Contra Costa Community College District (CCCCD), has joined the citizens action committee to help improve funding for the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD).
Enholm is Vice President of the CCCCD Governing Board, and has served the district since 2012. His community involvement includes representing non-Concord residents on the Concord Naval Weapons Station reuse planning committee, and serving on the Ambrose Recreation and Park District Board.
“I’ll be happy to do this,” Enholm said when reviewing the ECV goals and plans with Co-Chairs Hal Bray and Bryan Scott. “We must solve this problem.
“I have adequate fire protection, I’m served by ConFire” continued Enholm, a Bay Point resident. “Why don’t you? We need to start the process to solve this problem.”
Enholm brings a diverse background to the ECV effort to improve ECCFPD funding. He has worked as a financial economist for the Wisconsin utility regulatory commission, a securities analyst at Merrill Lynch Mortgage Capital, Inc., and was a vice president at Salomon Brothers.
He subsequently established his own financial advisory firm and published two books on utility financial and regulatory issues. Enholm has been a high school math teacher in both public and private schools, and has taught math at Heald College. He is now a professor at DeVry University where he teaches economics, finance, mathematics and statistics. Enholm earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in economics from the University of Florida.
“Greg will provide invaluable insight into the operations of public agencies,” said Scott. “He communicates with zeal, and has a passion improving the world around him. We welcome his contribution to obtaining fire and emergency medical services for the residents of East Contra Costa.”
East County Voters for Equal Protection is a non-partisan grass roots citizens action committee formed to address the unequal funding of fire and emergency medical services existing in 249 square miles of Eastern Contra Costa County. About 110,000 residents, as well as those who work and play in Eastern Contra Costa, have services funded at a level one-fourth to one-third of those levels in other parts of Contra Costa County. For more information contact committee Co-Chairs Hal Bray at hal.bray@pacbell.net or Bryan Scott scott.bryan@comcast.net. Follow them on their Facebook page.
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By Don Martin II
Saturday night at Antioch Speedway featured another action packed event that entertained the crowd and concluded at a reasonable time. When the checkered flag flew on the five Main Events, it was Jeff Decker (A Modifieds), Jim Perry Jr. (Wingless Spec Sprints), Trevor Clymens (B Modifieds), Mark Biscardi (Dwarf Cars) and Melissa Hansen (Hobby Stocks), collecting the victories.
All last season, while he was winning the Late Model championship, Jeff Decker was working on his A Modified. It’s ready now, and he has begun racing in this division as well. With a few of the name drivers not at the track tonight, defending champion Scott Busby was hoping he might add to his all time division leading win total. Unfortunately, he ran into to an obstacle in Decker’s #84 car. Decker drove a good race and earned the victory, forcing Busby to settle for second. Trent Wentworth enjoyed one of his best efforts in a while as he won his heat race and finished third in the feature. The other heat race winner, 2014 champion Carl Berendsen II, was fourth as Norm Boeck rounded out the Top 5.
After back to back third place finishes in Wingless Spec Sprint competition, Jim Perry Jr. decided he had enough of that. The all time winner in Spec Sprint racing with over 40 feature triumphs, Perry Jr. grabbed the lead and set sail for his first win of the season. Only one early yellow slowed the pace, and Perry Jr. would leave the pack behind from there. He was chased across the line by his son, Jimmy Perry III. The father and son are both past division champions. After winning his heat race, Roy Fisher collected a respectable third ahead of defending champion Kyle Bakkie and heat winner James East.
Last time the Dwarf Cars were in action, Bay Area Dwarf Car competitor Mark Biscardi paid the track a visit and brought home the victory. He liked it so much that he returned and impressed with another feature win. Biscardi’s win came ahead of title contender Kevin Miraglio, who is still searching for his first win. This second place finish was Miraglio’s third Top 3 finish of the season. Miraglio was also a heat race winner. Tim Reeder enjoyed his best career finish in third, while heat race winner Chuck Weir was fourth. Teammates Mike Corsaro and Charlie Correia were fifth and sixth, respectively. Corsaro came into the night as the point leader ahead of Miraglio.
The Hobby Stocks produced a solid 15 car field, and point leader Guy Ahlwardt was a heat winner along with Danny Jones and two time division champion Melissa Myers. The Main Event was a fast paced, non stop affair that saw Myers grab the lead. Once she had it, she would not relinquish it as she became the fifth different feature winner in five races. Ahlwardt gave a it a good effort before settling for second. After rolling his daughter’s car in his season debut last time out, past Street Stock champion Rob Waldrop was just happy to keep his car on four wheels. He did better than that as he grabbed the final podium position in third.
Trevor Clyemens is on a roll in B Modifieds and will creep back up the point leader if this continues. The second generation leadfoot collected his second straight Main Event victory. If not for missing a race, Clymens might very well be leading the standings now. Clymens had to work for this one after starting back in the fifth row. He steadily worked his way to the front to battle with Brian Pearce for the lead as they hit lapped traffic down the stretch. Clymens would use traffic to get the win. Pearce wasn’t as lucky as contact with one of the slower cars sent him into the front wall. Meanwhile, rookie Shane DeVolder would grab his second runner up finish of the season. DeVolder came into the night second in points and will gain a little on incoming point leader Al Johnson, who missed the top five this time. Heat winner Lloyd Cline grabbed a season best third ahead of K.C. Keller and double division racer Danny Jones. Paul Mulder was the other heat race winner.
Racing continues next Saturday night at Antioch Speedway with a six division program that features Winged 360 Sprint Cars, A Modifieds, Limited Late Models, B Modifieds, Dwarf Cars and California Hardtops. For further information, check out the official website at www.antiochspeedway.com.
Unofficial Race Results, Saturday Night May 14
A Modified
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Carl Berendsen II, Trent Wentworth.
Main Event (20 Laps)-Jeff Decker, Scott Busby, Trent Wentworth, Carl Berendsen II, Norm Boeck.
Wingless Spec Sprints
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Ray Fisher, James East.
Main Event (20 Laps)-Jim Perry Jr., Jimmy Perry III, Fisher, Kyle Bakkie, James East.
Hobby Stocks
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Guy Ahlwardt, Danny Jones, Melissa Myers.
Main Event (20 Laps)-Myers, Ahlwardt, Rob Waldrop.
B Modifieds
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Paul Mulder, Lloyd Cline.
Main Event (20 Laps)-Trevor Clymens, Shane DeVolder, Cline, K.C. Keller, Danny Jones.
Dwarf Car
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Chuck Weir, Kevin Miraglio.
Main Event (20 Laps)-Mark Biscardi, Miraglio, Tim Reeder, Weir, Mike Corsaro, Charlie Correia.
Read MoreBy Dave Roberts
County Supervisor Federal Glover did not show up for a recent District 5 candidates’ forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters and televised on Contra Costa TV. His absence proved to be a metaphor for the most common refrain among the other four candidates: Glover’s lack of leadership in his district on a variety of issues, including warnings of “horrendous” gridlock when the Concord Naval Weapons Station property is developed.
Glover has served on the Board of Supervisors for 16 years and is seeking a fifth term. He has missed numerous governmental meetings in recent years due to health problems, including a heart and kidney transplant last year.
When reached for comment he said he was unable to attend the forum because of
None of the other candidates mentioned Glover by name. But they all criticized the lack of leadership in his district, which snakes along the northern county waterfront from Antioch to Hercules.
“The reason why I’m running for public office is because there is a lack of leadership,” Hercules Mayor Dan Romero. “We have an absent supervisor right now. He tends to stay in two different areas, Pittsburg and Bay Point. And, unfortunately, there’s several other cities inside there. The number one [thing] I keep on hearing is that the supervisor never shows up. You go to Crockett, Rodeo, Port Costa, and it’s the same thing that keeps on coming up.”
Department of Homeland Security analyst Conrad Dandridge cited the district’s lack of leadership three times when asked why he decided to run for office. “Some areas of this district have not seen their member of the board ever – that includes me,” he said. “I promise if elected that I will meet with you the residents at least once a month in every region of our district from Pinole to Antioch to Clyde to Port Costa.”
Martinez Vice-Mayor Anamarie Avila Farias and former Martinez Mayor Mike Menesini also criticized the district’s leadership vacuum. “I will bring leadership that has been absent,” said Farias. Menesini said, “What I’m seeing is a real problem with leadership.”
One of Menesini’s top concerns is lack of county input into the planned development of the Concord Naval Weapons Station property at Highway 4 and Willow Pass Road.
“We do have a huge problem that is about to unfold with respect to the Highway 4 corridor, which goes from Hercules out to Antioch,” said Menesini. “The city of Concord is proposing to build a city on top of Willow Pass Road: 12,000 homes, 6 million square feet of commercial space – and not one provision for how transportation is going to be mitigated.
“The fact is, if you live in Antioch, Pittsburg and anywhere along the Highway 4 corridor, you are going to be severely impacted by this development. And the county has sat on its hands. It has not offered one bit of mitigation advice to the city of Concord.”
Romero agreed. “Transportation gridlock in the Concord area is absolutely going to be horrendous as the Concord Naval Weapons Station comes on board,” he said. “I feel that the Concord Naval Weapons Station is a failed project right now because of all of the influx on the city council in Concord. I think that the board should be taking a leadership step and being a part of that process.
“We have to represent all. That means there should be some sort of statement coming from the supervisors’ office about what’s going to happen. Absolutely traffic is going to be horrendous once that project gets going. We have 15 to 20 years before the project starts, but that leadership starts today.”
Farias advocated moving jobs to where the homes are.
“I think [the solution] is passing good policy to create livable communities,” she said. “Live and work in your communities. We have become a community of commuters, which has contributed to a lot of our freeway congestion. I think if we would have had a lot better regional planning within our communities in addition to really creating the job centers. We burden a system that is inadequately funded.
“So I would bring leadership to bring policy that creates more livable communities to reduce that impact on freeway congestion. And also seek increased funding for transportation needs that are in the spirit of sustainability and livable communities.”
Dandridge said the focus should be on transportation improvements.
“Gridlock is already here,” he said. “I live two minutes from probably the worst freeway interchange in the county or northern California: 680 and Highway 4. In 1988 the voters of Contra Costa County passed Measure C, increasing our sales tax, to fix that. That project is well overdue. And it just got pushed off the table again. And not one member of the board said, ‘Whoa, this has to be fixed.’
“But gridlock is more than just improving freeways. It’s improving public transportation systems. Our public transportation system in this county is non-existent. We can’t move people from west to east. Better planning needs to be accomplished. But most importantly, we need to accomplish those things that the voters have already approved doing. And that at the top of my list would be the Highway 4 interchange.”
The candidates were mostly in agreement on other issues discussed at the forum. They:
- Oppose the proposed twin tunnels project transferring water from north of the Delta to southern California.
- Oppose moving the urban limit line to allow more development on agricultural and open space lands.
- Support providing more affordable housing.
- Agree that the county has addressed its pension funding issue for now, but more compensation adjustments may be needed down the road.
- Agree that the county supervisor’s job requires more than 40 hours a week.
The entire candidates’ forum can be viewed on Contra Costa TV. CCTV is available to subscribers of AT&T U-verse on Channel 99. Comcast subscribers can watch CCTV on Channel 27. Wave (formerly Astound) subscribers can watch on Channel 32. Following is the schedule for the remainder of May: Sundays – 9:00 AM; Mondays – 8:00 PM; Wednesdays – 12:00 PM; Fridays – 3:00 PM.
The election is June 7th. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, then the top two face off in the General Election in November.
Read MoreBy Allen Payton
In the race for Contra Costa County Supervisor in District 5, the incumbent, Federal Glover has an overwhelming lead in campaign funding in his bid for a fifth term. Reports were due on Thursday, April 28 covering the period of January 1 through April 23, 2016 and only three of the five candidates submitted one.
He reported raising $26,894 during the period, but started with a beginning cash balance of $37,372.32 in his campaign account. Glover carried over $23,616.51 from his 2012 re-election campaign account and didn’t start raising funds for his 2016 re-election campaign until 2014, for a total of $5,025 for that year. Then, last year he raised another $13,055 for a total of $45,469 raised for this year’s re-election effort,
Glover also has an Officeholder Account which had $68,918.40 in the bank at the beginning of the year. However, he stated today, Thursday, May 12, 2016, that (correcting the record from previous misinformation provided to this reporter) those funds can not be spent on his re-election campaign.
“I wish I had that money for my campaign,” Glover said with a laugh.
The other two who submitted reports were Martinez Vice Mayor AnaMarie Avila Farias, who was in a distant second, having raised $7,000 and Hercules Mayor Dan Romero, who reported raising $5,655.
Neither former Martinez Mayor Mike Menesini nor Martinez resident Conrad Dandridge submitted financial reports.
A supervisor candidate’s campaign committee is required to file a Form 460 financial report to the County Clerk’s Office, if they have raised or spent $2,000 or more in an election. However, the filing and ballot statement fees are not counted against that amount.
“It just got turned in. There was a mix up,” Dandridge said. “I turned it into the state.”
“I have just started raising money after the 23rd but, I turned one in anyhow for transparency,” he added. “I hadn’t raised $2,000 but I am at that threshold, now. I got donations, last week.
Asked if he was a serious candidate since he hadn’t raised at least $2,000 by April 23rd, Dandridge responded, “I am a serious candidate.”
“My learning curve, based on my first, and only race, when I first ran in 2006, I learned some serious lessons that I am applying, now,” Dandridge continued. “Last time I was a self-funded candidate. Had the option to do that, now but don’t plan to do that this time. We have a Go-Fund me page. Folks wanted to fund me early on, but I told them to wait. But, the funds are coming in.”
Glover’s largest contribution during the reporting period was $5,000 from I.B.E.W. Local Union No. 302 PAC. Glover spent a total of $41,915.74 from both accounts, with almost half of that, $20,245.67 paid to Rossi Communications, for his campaign consultant Mary Jo Rossi. He ended the period with $25,388.35 in the bank.
Avila Farias’s largest contribution was $5,000 from the Professional Firefighters in the county. She showed no expenses, although she has large campaign signs up in the District.
When asked why the expense was not reported, Avila Farias replied “We hadn’t been invoiced for them, yet.”
She also stated she had received another $5,000 contribution from the Deputy Sheriffs Association, since the reporting period ended.
Romero’s largest contributions were $1,675 received from Republic Services, one of the garbage companies in the county, and $1,500 from Sonnikson Stordahl Construction in Martinez.
Menesini did not respond to efforts to contact him for this story.
Please see the reports, below. Additional reports for Glover have been added for the periods he raised funds for his 2016 re-election campaign committee. All of his reports prior to that period can be seen on the County Elections Office website.
Glover campaign Fin Rpt 010116-042316
Glover campaign Fin Rpt 0701-123115
Glover campaign Fin Rpt 0701-123114
Read MoreTonight, Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 7:00 pm at St. Ignatius of Antioch 3351 Contra Loma Blvd in Antioch, a coalition of Contra Costa county community-based organizations, faith leaders and residents will hold a Candidate Forum with candidates running for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisor District 3 and 5. Candidates will be asked questions on how they plan to make and impact on racial justice, the criminal justice system, affordable housing, education, health care, job creation, poverty and inequality, and the environment specifically for East Contra Costa County. This historical 2016 Board of supervisor race presents an opportunity for community leaders to know the candidates. In the past, candidates running in these Districts have ran unopposed.
Thursday’s Town Hall is an organized community response to organizing efforts where residents have been advocating at the county level for justice reinvestment where more county funds would and could be reallocated to support service for community and not for mass incarceration practices.
The Outcome of Town Hall
During Thursday night’s meeting, more than 100 county residents will ask several questions to the candidates to know where they stand on important issues such as racial justice, the criminal justice system, affordable housing, education, health care, job creation, poverty and inequality, and the environment.
About CCISCO
CCISCO is a member of the PICO National Network and PICO California. The organization believes that all faith communities are called to seek justice and peace for all people. CCISCO answers this call by empowering people to transform their communities. CCISCO is a unique community organization in the region that is successfully building bridges across boundaries of faith, race, geography, generation and economic class. We believe in building unity through diversity. Since 1996, CCISCO has been an organizing voice for justice and equity in Contra Costa County. The organization is a multi-ethnic, multi-generational, interfaith federation of 25 congregations and youth institutions representing over 35,000 families. CCISCO provides leadership training through our member institutions that help channel their power and ability to effect change in their local communities and put their faith into action.
About Contra Costa County Racial Justice Coalition (CCCRJC)
CCCRJC is a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to eliminating racial inequalities in Contra Costa. We are people who live and work here. We know from current research and our own experience that racism is very much a part of the problem. Systemic bias against people of color is a reality we see every day, and we will not stand for more of the same.
Read MoreA suspect with a $1.3 million warrant for charges that included trying to run down several Deputy Sheriffs was apprehended on Wednesday.
43-year-old Bryan Hill was located in a residence in Crockett on May 4, 2016 at about 4:18 PM. As Deputies surrounded the home, Hill ran into a vehicle and nearly hit several Deputies as he fled. Hill’s car became disabled after hitting a patrol car. He then took off on foot.
A police K-9 was deployed and later caught Hill, who was taken into custody by Deputies. Two Deputies were treated at the hospital for injuries sustained during the arrest.
Hill is currently being held at the Martinez Detention Facility in lieu of $1.3 million bail. His charges include stolen vehicle, felony evasion, assault with a deadly weapon and obstructing/resisting an executive officer.
On April 8, 2016, Hill was involved in a stolen vehicle incident, where he later got into another car and tried to rundown several officers in the Tara Hills area. The vehicle was later found in Oakland, but Hill remained outstanding until his arrest on May 4.
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The rescued boater, second from left, with his rescuers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Sheriff’s Office Marine Services Unit. photo courtesy of CCCSheriff’s Office
The Office of the Sheriff Marine Services Unit on Saturday morning, April 30, located a missing jet-skier on Browns Island near Pittsburg. He had been overdue for some time. Because of 5-6 foot swells, 40 mile per hour wind gusts and shallow waters, it was difficult for any vessel to get to the boater.
Fortunately, a work boat from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was nearby and was able to get to the boater. The boater and his vessel were taken back to shore. Other than being cold, he did not need any medical attention.
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On Thursday, May 12, the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) honored 41 high school students, representing 27 schools in Contra Costa and Alameda counties, with the Students of Excellence Awards for their outstanding achievement in their CTE/ROP (Career Technical Education/Regional Occupational Program) classes. The celebrated students were each presented a certificate of merit and a $250.00 scholarship award. Scholarship funding was provided by Honda Walnut Creek, John Muir Health, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Walnut Creek Honda, and C&H Sugar.
More than 200 attendees were on hand at the Concord Senior Center. Along with the honored students and their families, the students’ teachers and ROP business-partnership representatives were also on hand. Welcoming remarks were made by Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Karen Sakata, County Board of Education President Christine Deane, Assembly Member Jim Frazier, and CCCOE Director of Student Programs Janet Haun.
Superintendent Sakata individually presented the awards and checks to each student on stage, followed by a short speech from each of the awardees. The common themes of the heart-felt speeches were their gratitude of their parents and families, as well as their appreciation for their CTE/ROP courses and teachers. Many of the students said their CTE/ROP courses were the highlight of coming to school, and that the classes made their future career goals much clearer.
The Contra Costa County CTE/ROP serves nearly 12,000 students annually with classes in 34 high schools throughout Contra Costa and Alameda counties. Currently, there are 393 state-of-the-art career development classes in this program. CTE/ROP focuses on career preparation and exploration, hands-on experience, and academic excellence to prepare students for success in college and future careers. CTE/ROP provides students with the newest equipment, rigorous academic standards, and classes in emerging technologies. All of the CTE/ROP classes and programs are directed by and funded through the CCCOE. For more information about CTE/ROP classes, visit their website.
The following outstanding students received certificates of merit plus $250.00 in scholarship awards for the CTE/ROP courses they excelled in during the current school year:
ANTIOCH
Mark Jovero, Art & Animatio,
Antioch High School – Erin Susoev, Instructor
Angelita Yarborough, Careers in Teaching
Antioch High School – Tamsen Armstrong, Instructor
Shyriah Vaughn, Cosmetology
Delta Beauty College – Tamara Reaves, Instructor
Jacqueline Villaseñor, Sports Medicine
Dozier-Libbey Medical High School – Kim O’Leary, Instructor
Jordan Bjorklund, Television Production
Deer Valley High School – Kiel Olff, Instructor
Noah Lema, Marketing
Deer Valley High School – Steve Kish, Instructor
BERKELEY
Milo Whitburn-Thomas, Advanced Digital Photography
Berkeley High School – Gabriel Berent, Instructor
BRENTWOOD
Miranda Breves, Robotics Engineering
Heritage High School – Rob Pardi, Instructor
Christianna McFarland, Law Enforcement Careers
Heritage High School – Matt Carr, Instructor
Joseph Gliedt, Fire Science
Liberty High School – James Scarbrough, Instructor
Tianna Nelson, Automotive Technology
Liberty High School – Jonathan Dorr, Instructor
CLAYTON
Miya Adolphson, Game Design
Clayton Valley Charter High School – Evan Hughes, Instructor
Andrey Pristinsky, Civil Engineering & Architecture
Clayton Valley Charter High School – Scott Farquhar, Instructor
CONCORD
Jake Gorospe, Computer Applications
Concord High School – Laurie Harris, Instructor
Zachary Ruiz, Robotics Engineering
Concord High School – Tom Trowbridge, Instructor
Yoselin Tamayo, Careers in Teaching
Ygnacio Valley High School – Thatcher Palmer, Instructor
Claire Rader, Biotechnology
Ygnacio Valley High School – Maria Fletcher, Instructor
DANVILLE
Grant Hayes, Architectural Design
Monte Vista High School – Mike Huntsman, Instructor
Katie Parker, AP Environmental Science
San Ramon Valley High School – Cindy Egan, Instructor
EL CERRITO
Lucy Tabor, Art of Video Production
El Cerrito High School Theodore Grover, Instructor
LAFAYETTE
Julia Lauer, Digital Arts/Design for the Web
Acalanes High School – Susan Lane, Instructor
MARTINEZ
Elizabeth Doty, Automotive Technology
Alhambra High School – Brian Wheeler, Instructor
Matt Webb, Construction Technology
Alhambra High School – Jay Heeb, Instructor
MORAGA
Holly Moore, Advanced Sports Medicine
Campolindo High School – Ray Albiento, Instructor
OAKLEY
Kaleigh Rubio, Careers with Children
Freedom High School – Elizabeth Rodriguez, Instructor
PIEDMONT
Kaitlyn De Mello, Culinary Careers
Piedmont High School – M’Lisa Kelley, Instructor
PINOLE
Marina Boudsady, Publications
Pinole Valley High School – Alexander Van Hook, Instructor
Shalvena Sharma, Law Enforcement Careers
Pinole Valley High School – Patricia Blades, Instructor
PITTSBURG
Shudipto Rahman, AP Computer Science
Pittsburg High School – Romeo Simionas, Instructor
RICHMOND
Luis Arreola, Hospital Health Services
De Anza High School – David Pintado, Instructor
Simranpreet Kaur, Hospital Health Services
De Anza High School – Fathom Riordan-Ng, Instructor
Jacqueline Hopkins, Digital Photography
Kennedy High School – Steve Pinto, Instructor
Mariana Romero, Advanced Photography
Richmond High School – John Ohlmann, Instructor
SAN RAMON
Annissa Bensalah, Journalism Productions
California High School – Brian Barr, Instructor
Kathryn Lew, Analytical Forensic Science
California High School – Andrew White, Instructor
Emily Lai, Introduction to Business
Dougherty Valley High School – Jeff Silverman, Instructor
Bethany Vega, Computer Graphic Arts
Dougherty Valley High School – Jeff Silverman, Instructor
WALNUT CREEK
Jaclyn Leonard, Medical Technologies
Las Lomas High School – Kathleen Mooney, Instructor
Makena Paynton, Sports Medicine
Northgate High School – Glen Barker, Instructor
Roya Stoops, Veterinary Science
Northgate High School – Melanie Scott, Instructor
Read More
Dear Editor:
With the race for the June primaries almost upon us, and six different candidates running for County Supervisor in District 3, what’s a poor voter to do? I am fortunate to have had the privilege of meeting most of these candidates, and without question, Diane Burgis is, by far, the most qualified and absolute best candidate for this position.
Diane is the only candidate with broad, regional experience – she is currently a trustee on the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) Board, which manages a budget in excess of two hundred million dollars servicing almost three million people, and overseeing its own fire department and police force. This is an entirely different level of responsibility decision-making than that of a local city council member – with just a local city issues to address. No other candidate has this breadth of experience and understanding of complex issues and decisions required to address an entire county.
Diane is a leader who knows how to build consensus and bring people together. Diane has the endorsement of over sixty leaders throughout the county and state, including all of the current Trustees on the EBRPD. Contrast that with candidate Hardcastle, who touts his 12 years of experience on the Ironhouse Sanitary District (ISD) Board, yet not one of the ISD Directors, current or previously-serving, has stepped up to endorse him.
Join me in voting for Diane Burgis for District 3 County Supervisor – the only qualified candidate for this position.
Susan Morgan
Director, Ironhouse Sanitary District
Read MoreGreg Enholm
The East County Voters for Equal Protect (ECV) is pleased to announce that Greg Enholm, Trustee on the Contra Costa Community College District (CCCCD), has joined the citizens action committee to help improve funding for the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD).
Enholm is Vice President of the CCCCD Governing Board, and has served the district since 2012. His community involvement includes representing non-Concord residents on the Concord Naval Weapons Station reuse planning committee, and serving on the Ambrose Recreation and Park District Board.
“I’ll be happy to do this,” Enholm said when reviewing the ECV goals and plans with Co-Chairs Hal Bray and Bryan Scott. “We must solve this problem.
“I have adequate fire protection, I’m served by ConFire” continued Enholm, a Bay Point resident. “Why don’t you? We need to start the process to solve this problem.”
Enholm brings a diverse background to the ECV effort to improve ECCFPD funding. He has worked as a financial economist for the Wisconsin utility regulatory commission, a securities analyst at Merrill Lynch Mortgage Capital, Inc., and was a vice president at Salomon Brothers.
He subsequently established his own financial advisory firm and published two books on utility financial and regulatory issues. Enholm has been a high school math teacher in both public and private schools, and has taught math at Heald College. He is now a professor at DeVry University where he teaches economics, finance, mathematics and statistics. Enholm earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in economics from the University of Florida.
“Greg will provide invaluable insight into the operations of public agencies,” said Scott. “He communicates with zeal, and has a passion improving the world around him. We welcome his contribution to obtaining fire and emergency medical services for the residents of East Contra Costa.”
East County Voters for Equal Protection is a non-partisan grass roots citizens action committee formed to address the unequal funding of fire and emergency medical services existing in 249 square miles of Eastern Contra Costa County. About 110,000 residents, as well as those who work and play in Eastern Contra Costa, have services funded at a level one-fourth to one-third of those levels in other parts of Contra Costa County. For more information contact committee Co-Chairs Hal Bray at hal.bray@pacbell.net or Bryan Scott scott.bryan@comcast.net. Follow them on their Facebook page.
Read MoreBy Don Martin II
Saturday night at Antioch Speedway featured another action packed event that entertained the crowd and concluded at a reasonable time. When the checkered flag flew on the five Main Events, it was Jeff Decker (A Modifieds), Jim Perry Jr. (Wingless Spec Sprints), Trevor Clymens (B Modifieds), Mark Biscardi (Dwarf Cars) and Melissa Hansen (Hobby Stocks), collecting the victories.
All last season, while he was winning the Late Model championship, Jeff Decker was working on his A Modified. It’s ready now, and he has begun racing in this division as well. With a few of the name drivers not at the track tonight, defending champion Scott Busby was hoping he might add to his all time division leading win total. Unfortunately, he ran into to an obstacle in Decker’s #84 car. Decker drove a good race and earned the victory, forcing Busby to settle for second. Trent Wentworth enjoyed one of his best efforts in a while as he won his heat race and finished third in the feature. The other heat race winner, 2014 champion Carl Berendsen II, was fourth as Norm Boeck rounded out the Top 5.
After back to back third place finishes in Wingless Spec Sprint competition, Jim Perry Jr. decided he had enough of that. The all time winner in Spec Sprint racing with over 40 feature triumphs, Perry Jr. grabbed the lead and set sail for his first win of the season. Only one early yellow slowed the pace, and Perry Jr. would leave the pack behind from there. He was chased across the line by his son, Jimmy Perry III. The father and son are both past division champions. After winning his heat race, Roy Fisher collected a respectable third ahead of defending champion Kyle Bakkie and heat winner James East.
Last time the Dwarf Cars were in action, Bay Area Dwarf Car competitor Mark Biscardi paid the track a visit and brought home the victory. He liked it so much that he returned and impressed with another feature win. Biscardi’s win came ahead of title contender Kevin Miraglio, who is still searching for his first win. This second place finish was Miraglio’s third Top 3 finish of the season. Miraglio was also a heat race winner. Tim Reeder enjoyed his best career finish in third, while heat race winner Chuck Weir was fourth. Teammates Mike Corsaro and Charlie Correia were fifth and sixth, respectively. Corsaro came into the night as the point leader ahead of Miraglio.
The Hobby Stocks produced a solid 15 car field, and point leader Guy Ahlwardt was a heat winner along with Danny Jones and two time division champion Melissa Myers. The Main Event was a fast paced, non stop affair that saw Myers grab the lead. Once she had it, she would not relinquish it as she became the fifth different feature winner in five races. Ahlwardt gave a it a good effort before settling for second. After rolling his daughter’s car in his season debut last time out, past Street Stock champion Rob Waldrop was just happy to keep his car on four wheels. He did better than that as he grabbed the final podium position in third.
Trevor Clyemens is on a roll in B Modifieds and will creep back up the point leader if this continues. The second generation leadfoot collected his second straight Main Event victory. If not for missing a race, Clymens might very well be leading the standings now. Clymens had to work for this one after starting back in the fifth row. He steadily worked his way to the front to battle with Brian Pearce for the lead as they hit lapped traffic down the stretch. Clymens would use traffic to get the win. Pearce wasn’t as lucky as contact with one of the slower cars sent him into the front wall. Meanwhile, rookie Shane DeVolder would grab his second runner up finish of the season. DeVolder came into the night second in points and will gain a little on incoming point leader Al Johnson, who missed the top five this time. Heat winner Lloyd Cline grabbed a season best third ahead of K.C. Keller and double division racer Danny Jones. Paul Mulder was the other heat race winner.
Racing continues next Saturday night at Antioch Speedway with a six division program that features Winged 360 Sprint Cars, A Modifieds, Limited Late Models, B Modifieds, Dwarf Cars and California Hardtops. For further information, check out the official website at www.antiochspeedway.com.
Unofficial Race Results, Saturday Night May 14
A Modified
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Carl Berendsen II, Trent Wentworth.
Main Event (20 Laps)-Jeff Decker, Scott Busby, Trent Wentworth, Carl Berendsen II, Norm Boeck.
Wingless Spec Sprints
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Ray Fisher, James East.
Main Event (20 Laps)-Jim Perry Jr., Jimmy Perry III, Fisher, Kyle Bakkie, James East.
Hobby Stocks
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Guy Ahlwardt, Danny Jones, Melissa Myers.
Main Event (20 Laps)-Myers, Ahlwardt, Rob Waldrop.
B Modifieds
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Paul Mulder, Lloyd Cline.
Main Event (20 Laps)-Trevor Clymens, Shane DeVolder, Cline, K.C. Keller, Danny Jones.
Dwarf Car
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Chuck Weir, Kevin Miraglio.
Main Event (20 Laps)-Mark Biscardi, Miraglio, Tim Reeder, Weir, Mike Corsaro, Charlie Correia.
Read MoreBy Dave Roberts
County Supervisor Federal Glover did not show up for a recent District 5 candidates’ forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters and televised on Contra Costa TV. His absence proved to be a metaphor for the most common refrain among the other four candidates: Glover’s lack of leadership in his district on a variety of issues, including warnings of “horrendous” gridlock when the Concord Naval Weapons Station property is developed.
Glover has served on the Board of Supervisors for 16 years and is seeking a fifth term. He has missed numerous governmental meetings in recent years due to health problems, including a heart and kidney transplant last year.
When reached for comment he said he was unable to attend the forum because of
None of the other candidates mentioned Glover by name. But they all criticized the lack of leadership in his district, which snakes along the northern county waterfront from Antioch to Hercules.
“The reason why I’m running for public office is because there is a lack of leadership,” Hercules Mayor Dan Romero. “We have an absent supervisor right now. He tends to stay in two different areas, Pittsburg and Bay Point. And, unfortunately, there’s several other cities inside there. The number one [thing] I keep on hearing is that the supervisor never shows up. You go to Crockett, Rodeo, Port Costa, and it’s the same thing that keeps on coming up.”
Department of Homeland Security analyst Conrad Dandridge cited the district’s lack of leadership three times when asked why he decided to run for office. “Some areas of this district have not seen their member of the board ever – that includes me,” he said. “I promise if elected that I will meet with you the residents at least once a month in every region of our district from Pinole to Antioch to Clyde to Port Costa.”
Martinez Vice-Mayor Anamarie Avila Farias and former Martinez Mayor Mike Menesini also criticized the district’s leadership vacuum. “I will bring leadership that has been absent,” said Farias. Menesini said, “What I’m seeing is a real problem with leadership.”
One of Menesini’s top concerns is lack of county input into the planned development of the Concord Naval Weapons Station property at Highway 4 and Willow Pass Road.
“We do have a huge problem that is about to unfold with respect to the Highway 4 corridor, which goes from Hercules out to Antioch,” said Menesini. “The city of Concord is proposing to build a city on top of Willow Pass Road: 12,000 homes, 6 million square feet of commercial space – and not one provision for how transportation is going to be mitigated.
“The fact is, if you live in Antioch, Pittsburg and anywhere along the Highway 4 corridor, you are going to be severely impacted by this development. And the county has sat on its hands. It has not offered one bit of mitigation advice to the city of Concord.”
Romero agreed. “Transportation gridlock in the Concord area is absolutely going to be horrendous as the Concord Naval Weapons Station comes on board,” he said. “I feel that the Concord Naval Weapons Station is a failed project right now because of all of the influx on the city council in Concord. I think that the board should be taking a leadership step and being a part of that process.
“We have to represent all. That means there should be some sort of statement coming from the supervisors’ office about what’s going to happen. Absolutely traffic is going to be horrendous once that project gets going. We have 15 to 20 years before the project starts, but that leadership starts today.”
Farias advocated moving jobs to where the homes are.
“I think [the solution] is passing good policy to create livable communities,” she said. “Live and work in your communities. We have become a community of commuters, which has contributed to a lot of our freeway congestion. I think if we would have had a lot better regional planning within our communities in addition to really creating the job centers. We burden a system that is inadequately funded.
“So I would bring leadership to bring policy that creates more livable communities to reduce that impact on freeway congestion. And also seek increased funding for transportation needs that are in the spirit of sustainability and livable communities.”
Dandridge said the focus should be on transportation improvements.
“Gridlock is already here,” he said. “I live two minutes from probably the worst freeway interchange in the county or northern California: 680 and Highway 4. In 1988 the voters of Contra Costa County passed Measure C, increasing our sales tax, to fix that. That project is well overdue. And it just got pushed off the table again. And not one member of the board said, ‘Whoa, this has to be fixed.’
“But gridlock is more than just improving freeways. It’s improving public transportation systems. Our public transportation system in this county is non-existent. We can’t move people from west to east. Better planning needs to be accomplished. But most importantly, we need to accomplish those things that the voters have already approved doing. And that at the top of my list would be the Highway 4 interchange.”
The candidates were mostly in agreement on other issues discussed at the forum. They:
- Oppose the proposed twin tunnels project transferring water from north of the Delta to southern California.
- Oppose moving the urban limit line to allow more development on agricultural and open space lands.
- Support providing more affordable housing.
- Agree that the county has addressed its pension funding issue for now, but more compensation adjustments may be needed down the road.
- Agree that the county supervisor’s job requires more than 40 hours a week.
The entire candidates’ forum can be viewed on Contra Costa TV. CCTV is available to subscribers of AT&T U-verse on Channel 99. Comcast subscribers can watch CCTV on Channel 27. Wave (formerly Astound) subscribers can watch on Channel 32. Following is the schedule for the remainder of May: Sundays – 9:00 AM; Mondays – 8:00 PM; Wednesdays – 12:00 PM; Fridays – 3:00 PM.
The election is June 7th. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, then the top two face off in the General Election in November.
Read MoreBy Allen Payton
In the race for Contra Costa County Supervisor in District 5, the incumbent, Federal Glover has an overwhelming lead in campaign funding in his bid for a fifth term. Reports were due on Thursday, April 28 covering the period of January 1 through April 23, 2016 and only three of the five candidates submitted one.
He reported raising $26,894 during the period, but started with a beginning cash balance of $37,372.32 in his campaign account. Glover carried over $23,616.51 from his 2012 re-election campaign account and didn’t start raising funds for his 2016 re-election campaign until 2014, for a total of $5,025 for that year. Then, last year he raised another $13,055 for a total of $45,469 raised for this year’s re-election effort,
Glover also has an Officeholder Account which had $68,918.40 in the bank at the beginning of the year. However, he stated today, Thursday, May 12, 2016, that (correcting the record from previous misinformation provided to this reporter) those funds can not be spent on his re-election campaign.
“I wish I had that money for my campaign,” Glover said with a laugh.
The other two who submitted reports were Martinez Vice Mayor AnaMarie Avila Farias, who was in a distant second, having raised $7,000 and Hercules Mayor Dan Romero, who reported raising $5,655.
Neither former Martinez Mayor Mike Menesini nor Martinez resident Conrad Dandridge submitted financial reports.
A supervisor candidate’s campaign committee is required to file a Form 460 financial report to the County Clerk’s Office, if they have raised or spent $2,000 or more in an election. However, the filing and ballot statement fees are not counted against that amount.
“It just got turned in. There was a mix up,” Dandridge said. “I turned it into the state.”
“I have just started raising money after the 23rd but, I turned one in anyhow for transparency,” he added. “I hadn’t raised $2,000 but I am at that threshold, now. I got donations, last week.
Asked if he was a serious candidate since he hadn’t raised at least $2,000 by April 23rd, Dandridge responded, “I am a serious candidate.”
“My learning curve, based on my first, and only race, when I first ran in 2006, I learned some serious lessons that I am applying, now,” Dandridge continued. “Last time I was a self-funded candidate. Had the option to do that, now but don’t plan to do that this time. We have a Go-Fund me page. Folks wanted to fund me early on, but I told them to wait. But, the funds are coming in.”
Glover’s largest contribution during the reporting period was $5,000 from I.B.E.W. Local Union No. 302 PAC. Glover spent a total of $41,915.74 from both accounts, with almost half of that, $20,245.67 paid to Rossi Communications, for his campaign consultant Mary Jo Rossi. He ended the period with $25,388.35 in the bank.
Avila Farias’s largest contribution was $5,000 from the Professional Firefighters in the county. She showed no expenses, although she has large campaign signs up in the District.
When asked why the expense was not reported, Avila Farias replied “We hadn’t been invoiced for them, yet.”
She also stated she had received another $5,000 contribution from the Deputy Sheriffs Association, since the reporting period ended.
Romero’s largest contributions were $1,675 received from Republic Services, one of the garbage companies in the county, and $1,500 from Sonnikson Stordahl Construction in Martinez.
Menesini did not respond to efforts to contact him for this story.
Please see the reports, below. Additional reports for Glover have been added for the periods he raised funds for his 2016 re-election campaign committee. All of his reports prior to that period can be seen on the County Elections Office website.
Glover campaign Fin Rpt 010116-042316
Glover campaign Fin Rpt 0701-123115
Glover campaign Fin Rpt 0701-123114
Read MoreTonight, Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 7:00 pm at St. Ignatius of Antioch 3351 Contra Loma Blvd in Antioch, a coalition of Contra Costa county community-based organizations, faith leaders and residents will hold a Candidate Forum with candidates running for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisor District 3 and 5. Candidates will be asked questions on how they plan to make and impact on racial justice, the criminal justice system, affordable housing, education, health care, job creation, poverty and inequality, and the environment specifically for East Contra Costa County. This historical 2016 Board of supervisor race presents an opportunity for community leaders to know the candidates. In the past, candidates running in these Districts have ran unopposed.
Thursday’s Town Hall is an organized community response to organizing efforts where residents have been advocating at the county level for justice reinvestment where more county funds would and could be reallocated to support service for community and not for mass incarceration practices.
The Outcome of Town Hall
During Thursday night’s meeting, more than 100 county residents will ask several questions to the candidates to know where they stand on important issues such as racial justice, the criminal justice system, affordable housing, education, health care, job creation, poverty and inequality, and the environment.
About CCISCO
CCISCO is a member of the PICO National Network and PICO California. The organization believes that all faith communities are called to seek justice and peace for all people. CCISCO answers this call by empowering people to transform their communities. CCISCO is a unique community organization in the region that is successfully building bridges across boundaries of faith, race, geography, generation and economic class. We believe in building unity through diversity. Since 1996, CCISCO has been an organizing voice for justice and equity in Contra Costa County. The organization is a multi-ethnic, multi-generational, interfaith federation of 25 congregations and youth institutions representing over 35,000 families. CCISCO provides leadership training through our member institutions that help channel their power and ability to effect change in their local communities and put their faith into action.
About Contra Costa County Racial Justice Coalition (CCCRJC)
CCCRJC is a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to eliminating racial inequalities in Contra Costa. We are people who live and work here. We know from current research and our own experience that racism is very much a part of the problem. Systemic bias against people of color is a reality we see every day, and we will not stand for more of the same.
Read MoreA suspect with a $1.3 million warrant for charges that included trying to run down several Deputy Sheriffs was apprehended on Wednesday.
43-year-old Bryan Hill was located in a residence in Crockett on May 4, 2016 at about 4:18 PM. As Deputies surrounded the home, Hill ran into a vehicle and nearly hit several Deputies as he fled. Hill’s car became disabled after hitting a patrol car. He then took off on foot.
A police K-9 was deployed and later caught Hill, who was taken into custody by Deputies. Two Deputies were treated at the hospital for injuries sustained during the arrest.
Hill is currently being held at the Martinez Detention Facility in lieu of $1.3 million bail. His charges include stolen vehicle, felony evasion, assault with a deadly weapon and obstructing/resisting an executive officer.
On April 8, 2016, Hill was involved in a stolen vehicle incident, where he later got into another car and tried to rundown several officers in the Tara Hills area. The vehicle was later found in Oakland, but Hill remained outstanding until his arrest on May 4.
Read MoreThe rescued boater, second from left, with his rescuers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Sheriff’s Office Marine Services Unit. photo courtesy of CCCSheriff’s Office
The Office of the Sheriff Marine Services Unit on Saturday morning, April 30, located a missing jet-skier on Browns Island near Pittsburg. He had been overdue for some time. Because of 5-6 foot swells, 40 mile per hour wind gusts and shallow waters, it was difficult for any vessel to get to the boater.
Fortunately, a work boat from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was nearby and was able to get to the boater. The boater and his vessel were taken back to shore. Other than being cold, he did not need any medical attention.
Read More