A fire burns near Clayton and Mt. Diablo and filling the sky with smoke over southeast Antioch on Sunday, September 8, 2013. – by Brandon Payton

By Allen Payton

As of 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 8, 2013, a fire near Mt. Diablo and Clayton in the area of Morgan Territory and Marsh Creek Roads, has grown to about 300 to 400 acres, according to Brandon Leittzke, Battalion Chief with CalFire. Evacuations are in progress on Oak Hill Road in Clayton.

In addition to CalFire, other agencies are on the scene actively fighting the blaze, including Contra Costa Fire Department, Marin County Fire Department and others.

An Emergency Alert has been broadcast on television about the fire and evacuations.

For those with livestock being evacuated from Mt. Diablo the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds is now set up as an evacuation center for horses, cattle, hogs, sheep, and goats. Please spread the word to those in need. Call 757-4400 for more information.

The fire near Clayton and Mt. Diablo spreads, filling the sky over Antioch with smoke. By Brandon Payton

The fire had spread up the north peak of Mt. Diablo by 10:30 p.m. – by Allen Payton

By Jeff Belle

Air quality, optimal health and community growth are major concerns for residents of Contra Costa County. Equally important is the fact that business and industry are vital to economic development and sustainability. However, from time to time, communities are adversely affected by industrialized companies. For example, in East County, asthma prevalence has risen above the state average. In fact, in the State of California, this upward trend of asthma prevalence has risen steadily since 2004. About 1 in 8 Californians report they have been diagnosed with asthma.

Air pollution has been linked to an increase in the exacerbation of asthmatics conditions which vary often require additional medical care including emergency room visits and hospitalizations. In addition, asthma complications incur medical and economic cost. Severe asthma conditions can be life-threatening.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), long term exposure to particular matter in the air increased the risk of lung cancer even at levels lower than the government agency recommended limit values. Consequently, residents living near polluting industrial facilities have the greatest risk exposure; thereby resulting in a localized pattern of disease such as lung cancer. But the question remains: What’s the connection between air toxins from industrialized facilities in East County and asthma and lung cancer among residents of East County?

In order to answer the preceding question, a group of interns from Los Medanos Community Healthcare District and I undertook a descriptive epidemiology and methodological process. Our hopes were to identify the link between air pollutants from industrial facilities located near Pittsburg and Antioch, California and the increase in asthma exacerbations and lung cancer mortality among residents in East County. An extensive online search of journals, government reports, community health publications, public health data, empirical evidence from peer-reviewed studies and an onsite random sample survey and interviews were all researched, analyzed and evaluated to meet our litmus test.

A large amount of evidence clearly showed the link between an increased in the number of asthma hospitalization and medical emergency visits in Contra Costa County and the quantity and types of air pollutants emitted from industrial facilities located in or near Antioch or Pittsburg. In addition to the four known air toxins which trigger asthma exacerbations, we identified four known carcinogenic air toxins which have been known to cause lung cancer. In fact, five industrial chemical facilities located near Pittsburg, California have a long history (since 2002) of releasing large quantities of these toxins.

During our random sampling and on-site interviews, we found that 82 percent of respondents reported that they have someone in their household who has a breathing problem. Moreover, 57 percent believe that industrial facilities are the greatest contributor to air pollution. An overwhelming 86 percent were very concerned about the health consequences of poor air quality.

In regards to health disparity that exist among people of ethnic diversity and lower socioeconomic communities, it’s a matter of geographical locations. And, unfortunately, incidence, prevalence and mortality are all affected by geographic. Consequently, residents who reside in San Pablo, Pittsburg, Antioch and Oakley have a greater exposure rate and therefore are more susceptible to asthma exacerbations and incidence of lung cancer than any other cities in Contra Costa County. Of course, physical, pre-existing health, socio-economic and environmental determinants are important factors as well.

As the interns coined the theme of our research, “The Battle to Breathe”; I’m perplexed with the thought of residents in East County having to battle to breathe, meanwhile industrialized facilities battle for business. All in all, I hear the sound of a bitter sweet symphony.

Partial Sources:

Asthma and Air Pollution: Natural Resources Defense Council Report

California Air Resources Board, July 2013

California Department of Health Services, Environment Health Investigation, March 2004.

California Cancer Registry, October 2009.

Center for Disease Control (CDC), 2012

Occupational Hazard Report January 2000.

Scorecard Report on Environmental Releases

Belle is a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Public Policy and Leadership Development. He researches, writes and lectures on health policy and leadership development issues. He is a resident of Antioch.

Rakeem Rucks

Publisher’s Note: We discovered this article was accidently saved in Drafts and was never published on our website, until now. We apologize for the oversight.

By Sergeant Morefield, Antioch, Police Investigations Bureau

On Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at approximately 11:59 AM, Antioch police officers responded to a report of a male assaulting a female in the downtown area. As officers arrived on scene, the male subject (later identified as 32-year-old Antioch resident, Rakeem Rucks) fled on foot, while the female victim, also an Antioch resident, remained on scene but was uncooperative and wouldn’t identify her attacker. Antioch officers chased Rucks to a residence in the 400 block of F Street where Rucks violently resisted officers and then forced his way into the home. The residence was surrounded by police and attempts were made to call Rucks out of the home with no response. The original victim to the assault showed up at that scene and interfered with the police officers there and was ultimately arrested.

With no response from inside the F Street residence, officers made entry (deploying two light/sound diversionary devices) and cleared the home. A loaded, stolen firearm was found in the home, but Rucks was not located inside. It was determined that he likely fled out of the back before police could completely surround the residence.

Rucks was found several hours later by police after summoning medical assistance for injuries sustained while he tried to evade police. Rucks was taken into custody after treatment at a local hospital and then sent to the Martinez Detention Facility. This case is currently being looked at by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for criminal filing.

You may text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH

Dear Editor:

Now that the dust has settled on another school year start, it’s a good time to take inventory with a parental quiz.

Are you assuming that everything is going swimmingly or are you taking nothing for granted and communicating vigorously with your child on what they’re doing and how’s it going? Any classwork problems, any bullying? Obviously, your kid doesn’t have a crystal ball and won’t know you value education unless you show it by showing interest, probing for issues, setting high expectations and insisting on hard work.

Are you on School Loop where with the touch of a computer keyboard you can assess your child’s attendance, assignments and grades? Today, there is no excuse to be surprised at a report card; you can catch the problem before it mushrooms.

Are you monitoring your child’s sleep habits? Remember, sleep deficit is a national epidemic and without those crucial 8 to 110 hours rest behavior, attitude, energy and focus all suffer. Be proactive by structuring homework time and limiting internet and T.V. usage.

Are you making sure your child gets a daily jump start with a good breakfast and maintains energy with a balanced lunch?

Have you set aside a quiet, comfortable work area with dictionary for your child to do their homework?

Have you pledged to read to, or with, your child, if not daily for twenty minutes, at least weekly?  Are you a role model of life-long learning who they see reading and do you use daily life experiences as teaching moments?

Do you praise your child’s achievements and honest efforts and, in the face of shortcomings, seek interventions?o If your child is struggling there are after school programs, real-time tutors thru the county library site at ccclib.org and over 3,000 heralded and, yes, free, on-line tutorials at www.khanacademy.org.

Education is a three legged stool of students, teachers and parents. It’s a simple fact that involved parents make a difference. Be an unsung hero as a mom or dad active in your child’s education. After all, you are their ultimate teacher. It all begins at home.

Walter Ruehlig

Antioch

Ruehlig is a former Antioch School Board Trustee

The Contra Costa County (County) Aviation Advisory Committee (AAC) is accepting applications for an upcoming opening for an At-Large position; position becomes vacant March 1, 2014. Contra Costa residents are eligible to fill this position to represent all County stakeholders in matters related to Buchanan Field and Byron Airports.

The AAC serves as an advisory group to the Contra Costa County Board (Board) of Supervisors to provide advice and recommendations to the Board on aviation matters related to the Contra Costa County Airports. The AAC typically meets once per month at either Buchanan Field or Byron Airport. If you are interested in serving on the AAC, please contact the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors at (925) 335-1900 to obtain an application. Applications must be received by the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2013.

For more information on the Contra Costa County Airports or the AAC visit the Airport’s website at www.buchananfield-byronairports.org or by calling (925) 646-5722.

By Sergeant Dimitri Barakos, Antioch Police Community Policing Bureau

On August 31, 2013 at 6:38 p.m., an Antioch Police officer was parked on West 9th Street near ‘A’ Street when he was almost struck by a box truck, similar to a moving truck. As that occurred, we received a call of a speeding box truck on W. 9th Street. The officer followed the truck with the intent to stop the truck. The truck pulled over and as the officer got out of his patrol car the driver of the truck drove towards him and almost struck the officer.

The driver of the truck led officers on a vehicle chase on ‘A’ Street. The driver abandoned the truck in the SR4 construction area near ‘A’ Street and Drake Street. The driver, identified as 45-year-old Eric Lehtinen, fled and was apprehended by officers. Dispatch advised the officers that there was a burglary alarm pending at the business, Ordaz Cultured Marble & Onyx, Inc., located in the 2600 block of West 10th Street in Antioch, where the truck was registered.

Officers found that the business had been broken into and the truck had been stolen from the business. Lehtinen was arrested on multiple charges and sent to the Martinez Detention Facility.

You may text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

By Ofc. B. Hewitt, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

On Sunday, August 31, 2013 at approximately 6:55 p.m., a group of citizens were gathered behind the apartments in the 1600 block of Sycamore Drive for a block party. A vehicle was seen speeding west bound through the alley and an occupant of the vehicle fired several shots, striking a 25-year-old male. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for his injury and released. The investigation is still ongoing.

You may text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

MARTINEZ, CA – The Contra Costa Community College District (District) sadly announced the passing of Governing Board president Sheila A. Grilli on Saturday, August 31, 2013 at the age of 75. Ms. Grilli represented Ward 3 which included most of Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Concord, and the community of Pacheco.

She was first elected to the Governing Board in 1998, and was serving her fourth consecutive term of office.  Grilli is only the third member to represent this area since the District was created in 1948.  Former Ward 3 representatives included founding Governing Board member George R. Gordon for whom the District Office in Martinez is named, and Eugene H. Ross for whom the District Office board room is named.

“Our prayers and sympathies are with the Grilli family and friends,” says Governing Board Vice President John E. Márquez.  “Sheila was a feisty advocate for the students who come to us with hopes of fulfilling their higher education goals with us.  One of my fondest memories will be the joy on her face as she describes her participation at graduation ceremonies and seeing the contribution our colleges make in the lives of our students.  She will be missed.”

After earning her A.A. degree at Diablo Valley College, Grilli attended U.C. Berkeley, where she graduated with a B.A. in English and Journalism.  She then went on to San Francisco State University, where she earned her general secondary teaching credential and taught at Clayton Valley High School. She also studied for her M.A. in English at California State University, Hayward and taught writing there for four years.

During her fifteen years as a Governing Board member, Grilli was a tireless supporter of the community college mission to provide affordable and quality higher education opportunities for our students and the community.  She worked on the passage of Bond Measure A 2002 and 2006 which have modernized our campus facilities to improve the learning environment for students and prepare them for 21^st century jobs and careers.

Grilli was a bookstore owner in Martinez and active in community work.  She served as treasurer of the Muir Heritage Land Trust, secretary of Woodbridge Children’s Centers, and secretary of St. Catherine’s Pastoral Council.  She was also active in the Cal Alumni Association and in the revitalization of downtown Martinez.

In adherence to California Education Code 5091, the Governing Board shall decide within 60 days if the District will order an election or make a provisional appointment to fill the vacancy.

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 1,065,177 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 about the District, visit www.4cd.edu.