By Allen Payton

In June, the BART Board voted 9-0 to place a $3.5 billion bond measure on the November ballot to provide funding for repair and maintenance of and upgrades to the existing system. The measure will appear on ballots in the three counties of Contra Costa, Alameda and San Francisco that make up the BART District, and requires a two-thirds vote to pass.

The system improvements will take 21 years to complete, according to the brochure about the measure. To see the brochure, click here: BetterBART_Brochure

“BART anticipates that the 2016 System Renewal Program Plan will be implemented over the course of twenty-one years, commencing in Fiscal Year 2017 and concluding in Fiscal Year 2038. Projects will be accelerated as practical to maximize the benefit of planned improvements as quickly as possible.”

However, the bonds will take as long as 50 years to pay off.

“We’re not likely to sell $3.5 billion of bonds in the first year or even the first 10 years,” stated BART Director Joel Keller, who represents Antioch and Eastern Contra Costa County.  “There are laws that require you spend bond proceeds before you issue more bonds. What we’ll do is sell the bonds in what’s called tranches. Let’s say the first tranche is $1 billion and it takes us five to 10 years to spend that money. That tranche will last 30 years. If we do that three or four times, that could take the final payment out years. That’s really an unknown. It could take 40 to 50 years. It will be 30 years after the last bond is sold.”

It’s similar to the Antioch Mello-Roos bonds, which were to be paid off 20 years after the last bond was sold, the final bonds of which are finally being paid off, this year.

Annual Cost Per Property

According to a BART press release, “Estimates show the bond will cost Alameda, Contra Costa and San Francisco county homeowners less than a pack of gum a week.” More specifically, the cost will increase the average property tax bill by $37.21 per year in Contra Costa County if the measure is approved, according to Keller.

The annual cost is based on the appraised of property values, both residential and commercial, similar to the BART earthquake retrofit bond measure, which is what property owners are currently paying on their property tax bills.

For the BART Earthquake Safety Measure, which voters approved in 2004 and totaled $980 million, the projected annual cost was between $4.85 and $12.65 per $100,000 of assessed value. However, the actually cost was $2.60 to $9 per $100,000 of assessed value.

“It’s an ad valorem tax with a fixed cost to pay off the bonds,” Keller explained. “So, if property values increase, the cost per $100,000 will decrease.”

The 2016 bond measure is projected to cost $8.98 per $100,000 of assessed value. So a property in Contra Costa County with an average value of $414,399 will be assessed $37.21 per year.

Use of Bond Proceeds

The use of funds from the bond measure is split into two categories, according to the BART System Renewal Program Plan 2016.

Repair and Replace Critical Safety Infrastructure – $3.165 billion, 90.43%

“We want to upgrade our computer equipment from Pong-era technology to a modern train control system—which means less waiting for trains on crowded platforms and less frustration from delays. New maintenance facilities will keep the maximum number of cars out serving customers, so that fewer cars clog our congested highways,” from “The Plan” brochure about the measure.

This category is further divided into six sub-categories, with explanations in the brochure.

Renew Power System – $1.225 billion, 35%

Replacing Worn Track – $625 million, 17.85%

Waterproofing & Repairing Tunnels & Structures – $570 million, 16.29%

Modernizing & Replacing Train Control – $400 million, 11.43%

Renovating Stations – $210 million, 6%

Renewing Mechanical Infastructure – $135 million, 3.86%

Safer Station Access – $335 million, 9.57%

Design Future Projects to Reduce Crowding & Reduce Traffic Congestion – $200 million, 5.71%

Expand Opportunities to Safely Access Stations – $135 million, 3.86%

The bond measure brochure clearly states No general operating expenditures: The proceeds of the bond measure cannot be used to support BART’s general operating needs, but must be dedicated to the capital program outlined in this Program Plan.” Therefore none of the funds can be used for employee salaries or benefits.

According to a press release from BART:

The bond measure is a key funding component of BART’s plan to rebuild and renew its aging system, which faces increasing problems as various physical parts of the 44-year-old railway reach the end of their useful lives.  The plan replaces and repairs 90 miles of deteriorating tracks and other aging infrastructure in order to maintain BART’s excellent safety record and protects our environment by keeping thousands of cars off the road.

“This bond measure is practical; it’s dedicated to fixing what we have,” said Board President Tom Radulovich. “We have a responsibility to keep our system safe and reliable while getting the maximum value out of taxpayers’ investment.”

Over the past year, BART’s community outreach department has held over 230 community meetings with local stakeholders and civic groups to ensure widespread understanding of BART’s needs, and to hear the public’s thoughts about its capital reinvestment program.

Due to record-breaking ridership, BART has been able to find funding for many of the solutions needed to increase capacity, meet modern demand, relieve crowding, and upgrade the system.  That includes the newly arriving Fleet of the Future, the Hayward Maintenance Complex, and some of the groundwork for a cutting-edge train control system.

However, the cost of the capital projects needed to repair, fix, and replace worn rail, leaking tunnels, unreliable track circuitry, and failing power transmission equipment outpaces revenue growth.  BART’s plan is to dedicate funds from the bond measure solely to fixing what we have first – without earmarks, pet projects, or frills.

If voters choose to pass the measure in November, great care will be taken to ensure the public’s money is protected and spent wisely.  An independent audit committee will be commissioned to publish regular, transparent reports on how the money is being spent, with open, frequent and public meetings.

BART has proven itself to be a prudent and effective steward of public bond funds in the past, executing its 2004 Earthquake Safety and Retrofitting effort under budget with better and more robust results than expected.

Public transportation continues to be at the intersection of many of the great issues facing cities in the 21st century – and voters were wise in choosing to build such an extraordinary work as BART back in 1962.  Since then, BART has been a staple of this region’s culture, workforce, and values. As both riders and service providers, BART appreciates and is deeply grateful for the opportunity to connect residents to the people and places they care about.

Kerry Hamill, Government Relations Manager for BART offered additional comments regarding the cost and length of the bond measure, in response to an editorial by Dan Borenstein published in the East Bay Times:

The East Bay Times editorialist’s headline – that our bond measure will cost double what we are saying – is flatly incorrect, a conclusion drawn from a selective interpretation of our analysis. In order to assist BART’s Board of Directors in making an informed executive decision, a variety of scenarios were created with different variables relevant to particular presentations. The East Bay Times piece incorrectly appropriated data from these scenarios, resulting in an inaccurate characterization of the bond’s effects. BART has long taken care to illustrate the repayment structure of this bond in a standardized way; we have been doing so through all our exhibits and resolutions since the Board discussions began in earnest this past February.

The editorial also takes issue with how staff described the bond to the Board of Directors and the public, claiming we provided inaccurate information out of either incompetence or deceit – a charge which has absolutely no merit. Bonds are issued over time in subsets called tranches, each lasting 30 years (hence the name ’30-year bond’). This is done to coordinate the timing of bond issuance as closely as possible with construction progress payments, which minimizes interest costs and keeps the annual tax rates as low as possible – a prudent and responsible financial management practice. The editorialist was given this point of clarification multiple times as he repeatedly misrepresented the meaning of a ’30-year bond’ to mean the total span of time property owners would be paying – a false claim BART has never made. We were disappointed to see the author’s misunderstanding make the final printing, despite our best efforts.

The bond measure is projected to cost between $0.80 and $17.49 per $100,000 of a property’s assessed value, for a weighted average of $8.98 per $100,000 over the life of the bond – and for further explanation, that minimum and maximum range is based on the structure of BART’s projected debt service. The editorial’s repeated point that BART made a mathematical error in not compounding the increase in AV is also flatly incorrect, based on a misunderstanding of how the cost of bonds increase or decrease over time. The more the District’s assessed value increases (as housing supply, ownership changes, improvements increase), the lower the rate property owners would pay as the cost is spread over a larger base of assessed values. Furthermore, our models and estimates are built on the assumption of a 4% yearly increase in assessed value. $3.5B Scenario C Tax Rate At 4% AV Escalation

This is not our first bond – when the Earthquake Safety measure went before voters in 2004, the District projected that rates would vary between $4.85 to $12.79 per $100,000 of a property’s assessed value. Since approval, the actual annual cost has ranged between $2.60 (current year) and $9.00 per $100,000 of assessed value. Contrary to popular opinion, we have a proven track record of responsible fiscal stewardship. $3.5B Bond Financing

Concerned property owners are encouraged to do their own math for the sake of accuracy: $8.98 per $100,000 of assessed property value. When we provide averages for particular scenarios, we run the risk of appearing to conceal changes in amounts due to the many variables that can be introduced. Our goal is to provide people with a general understanding of a complex issue based on the best information available, which we have done and will continue to do. We are a transparent organization with deep ties to the community, and have held hundreds of meetings to ensure people understand what this bond is and how it will work. In that vein, we appreciate the opportunity to draw attention to our plan to rebuild the core of the BART system for improved safety, reliability, and traffic congestion relief.

Complete details of what is in the bond and how it relates to safety, reliability, and relief of traffic congestion can be found at bart.gov/betterbart.

By Don Martin, II

Randy McDaniel won the 30 lap Jerry Hetrick Memorial race for the All Star Series A Modifieds at Antioch Speedway Saturday night.  The win paid $2500 and attracted nearly 30 competitors to John M. Soares’s fast 3/8th mile clay oval.  McDaniel has won well over 100 Main Events in his decorated racing career, and this ranks up there as one of his biggest victories.

Bobby Hogge IV was doing a great job up front in the A Modified race and held a commanding lead.  Hogge might have gotten the win himself if not for being collected in the spin of one of the drivers he was about to lap.  McDaniel happily drove to the win and the big pay check that came with it.  Friday night Watsonville winner Cody Burke held off recent Antioch winner Darrell Hughes II for the second place finish.  Chico Limited Late Model champion Ryan McDaniel and four time Antioch champion Troy Foulger completed the Top 5.

Hogge didn’t go away empty handed.  The talented third generation racer charged to his second 20 lap DIRTcar Late Model Main Event victory.  He now has nearly 70 feature wins in his career at Antioch Speedway.  Hogge had to battle current point leader Richard Papenhausen for the win.

Papenhausen grabbed his third second place finish of the season to maintain his point lead as past Antioch champion Andy Obertello grabbed the final podium position in third.  Two time Petaluma Late Model champion Paul Guglielmoni finished fourth, while Merced IMCA Modified point leader Bill Egleston made his first Antioch Late Model start in fifth.

Ageless veteran Roy Fisher became the sixth different Wingless Spec Sprint winner in seven races.  Fisher had to hold off two time division champion Dan Gonderman to earn the 20 lap victory.  Gonderman’s teammate, Marcus Smith, moved into second in the standings on the strength of his third straight third place finish as Steven Grier was fourth.  Rookie Adam Teves had his best start of the season as he drove the Lloyd Beard Special to a fifth place finish.

Aaron Crowell, the 2004 Modified champion, emerged with his second 20 lap B Modified Main Event triumph.  Crowell was once again behind the wheel of Paul Mulder’s #96 car, and he ran a great race from eighth starting to win ahead of Late Model veteran Joel Hannagan, who was enjoying his best finish yet in the division.  Championship hopeful Trevor Clymens gained valuable points on incoming point leader Al Johnson with his third place finish.  Johnson suffered a rare DNF back in eighth.  Rookie Shane DeVolder has had a string of good finishes lately at several different tracks, and he picked up a fourth place finish ahead of K.C. Keller.

Larry Damitz, who is 87-years-old, hasn’t been seen in the Limited Late Model winner’s circle since the opener, but he came back in a big way with his second 20 lap feature victory.  Damitz increased his point lead over Mark Garner, who suffered suspension damage and exited the race early on.  The division’s all time win leader and two time champion Mike Gustafson was in the hunt for his second win of the season, but he settled for a respectable second place finish ahead of Jim Freethy and Lori Brown.  Rookie Kimo Oreta stayed in the hunt with his fifth place finish and heat win.

The Guy Ahlwardt train kept right on rolling in the 20 lap Hobby Stock Main Event.  Coming off of back to back wins, the current point leader started back in tenth.  The race had an exciting three car battle down the stretch as Alhwardt snatched the win away from leader Danny Jones on the last lap.  Ahlwardt now has four wins this season, and this is all happening in his rookie year.  Jones settled for second as 2010 champion Chris Sorensen was a strong third.  Heat winner Rob Waldrop and Jordan Swank made up the remainder of the Top 5.

Racing continues next Saturday night with Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Wingless Spec Sprints, A Modifieds, B Modifieds, Limited Late Models and Hobby Stocks all in action.  For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Race Results, July 9th
DIRTcar Late Models
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Bobby Hogge IV, Jeff Decker.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Hogge, Richard Papenhausen, Andy Obertello, Paul Guglielmoni, Bill Egleston.
A Modifieds
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Randy McDaniel, Nick DeCarlo, Bobby Hogge IV, Austin Burke.  B Main (12 Laps)-Brian Cass, Tim Balding, Anthony Slaney.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Randy McDaniel, Cody Burke, Darrell Hughes II, Ryan McDaniel, Troy Foulger.
B Modifieds
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Danny Jones, Aaron Crowell.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Crowell, Joel Hannagan, Trevor Clymens, Shane DeVolder, K.C. Keller.
Wingless Spec Sprints
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Jim Perry Jr., Marcus Smith.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Roy Fisher, Dan Gonderman, Smith, Steven Grier, Adam Teves.
Limited Late Models
Heat Winner (8 Laps)-Kimo Oreta.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Larry Damitz, Mike Gustafson, Jim Freethy, Lori Brown, Oreta.
Hobby Stocks
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Rob Waldrop, Guy Ahlwardt.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Ahlwardt, Danny Jones, Chris Sorensen, Waldrop, Jordan Swank.

White Pony Express (WPE), a nonprofit group dedicated to ending hunger and poverty in Contra Costa County, is calling for volunteers to help keep up with itsrapid growth.WPE delivers fresh, top-quality food and high quality clothing, toys, and children’s books, all free of charge, from its Pleasant Hill distribution centers to about 60,000 county residents in need.

How WPE Rescues Food

Seven days a week, WPE Food Rescue volunteers take trucks to supermarkets, restaurants, and farmers markets where they pick up surplus food – high quality, nourishing food – that would ordinarily be thrown away.  In Antioch, food donors include Costco. After sorting the food, WPE volunteers deliver it to Antioch nonprofit groups that feed the hungry, including Agape International Ministry, Don Brown Shelter, Fellowship Church Greater Bay Area, Golden Hills Community Outreach Center, Light Outreach Ministry, the Salvation Army, and STAND! Kinship Center. All of this food is given free of charge.

In two and a half years, WPE has delivered more than 3,000,000 pounds of meat, dairy, eggs, produce, deli, and baked goods (equivalent to 2,500,000 meals) that would otherwise have gone to waste and that the hungry would have gone without.

 

WPE Stages Innovative “Mobile Boutiques”

WPE’s Free General Store has hosted 36 unique “Mobile Boutiques” in various parts of the county.  Residents in need can“shop”at these boutiques for new or like-new clothing, shoes, toys, games, and books and then take them home – all free of charge.  In Antioch, WPE has hosted delightful boutiques for the Community Baby Shower for African American Women at the Grace Bible Fellowship of Antioch, Antioch Shares and Cares, Victory Outreach, and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).  In addition, through its “Direct Distribution” program, the Free General Store partners with service groups around our county who help those less fortunate. These groups identify the kinds and sizing of clothing needed by those they help; then they let us know and we deliver it directly to their program.  Through its Mobile Boutique and Direct Distribution programs, WPE has delivered more than 250,000 items to underserved parts of the county.

Founded Solely to Serve Others

Carol Weyland Conner, PhD, spiritual director of Sufism Reoriented, founded WPE in September 2013 when she was troubled that in a county of such abundance, scores of thousands were going hungry, while at the same time food retailers were throwing out huge quantities of healthy, fresh food.  Dr. Conner developed WPE’s Food Rescue and the Free General Store, both of which are free community service programs, to enable those who have more than they need to easily give to those with less, so that all can share in the happiness and abundance of life.  In 2014, WPE became a separate public benefit nonprofit.  Dr. Conner, who continues to be a sponsor of WPE, wanted service for WPE to spring from the heart, so today WPE is staffed entirely by volunteers who want to help, purely in the spirit of service.

More Volunteers Needed

“Our success has only been possible because of the selfless service of 400 volunteers who find great satisfaction and joy in being so helpful to others,” says Gary Conner, Executive Coordinator. “Going forward, our ability to help our neighbors is limited only by the number of people who join with us. We welcome more volunteers! We have many roles available with flexible schedules. Just give us a call!”

Interested volunteers should contact Mandy Nakaya at 925-818-6361 or email her at mandy@whiteponyexpress.org.  For moreon WPE, go to www.whiteponyexpress.org.

Antioch Police highlights as published in City Manager Steve Duran’s Weekly Report dated July 8, 2016 and provided by Chief of Police Allan Cantando.

Calls for Service and Arrest Data Summary:

Time Period: 06/30/16 00:00:00 – 07/06/16 23:59:59

Number of Calls for Service: 1,969

Number of Case Reports: 283

Number of Arrests: 69

Felony: 32

Misdemeanor: 37

Arrests with DUI charge: 2

The data is based upon unaudited CAD/RMS data at time of report generation.

• ·On 7/7/16 at 4:09 am, officers were in the area of 85 S. Lake Dr. when they observed 27 year old James Ramey driving without a license plate attached to his vehicle. Officers made a vehicle enforcement stop and contacted Ramey. Upon making contact, officers observed a glass pipe and a bag containing suspected methamphetamine in plain view. Ramey showed to be on several counts of parole and probation. Ramey was taken into custody without incident and later transported to county jail.
• ·On 7/7/16 at 12:11 am, the 7-11 night clerk at 4355 Hillcrest Ave. was busy cleaning when a male subject walked in the store. The male approached him and put a handgun in his back. He demanded all the money and the clerk provided him what was in the till. The subject fled on foot towards Wildhorse Dr. and out of sight.
• ·On 7/6/16 at 10:10 pm, the victim was in the parking lot on Madrid Lane and was in the process of getting her infant out of the car when she was approached by an unknown male. The male pointed a firearm at her and demanded her purse. She gave the male her purse and the male then got into the passenger seat of an older model green Toyota sedan. The Toyota was occupied with two other unknown males. The vehicle fled the area northbound on Gentrytown Drive. A short while later, the victim advised the officers her credit card had been used at the Shell gas station in Bay Point. Officers responded to the Shell in attempt to locate any video footage, which met with negative results.
• ·On 7/6/16 at 8:32 pm, the victim was walking home on Country Hills Dr. near Wolf Way when he was approached by an unknown male. The male lifted his shirt exposing the pistol grip to a black semi automatic handgun. The male told the victim to hand over all his property. The victim gave the male his backpack and IPad in fear and went home to call the police.
• ·On 7/6/16 at 5:20 pm, officers were working a proactive detail when they observed a white Nissan pass them with no license plates. They made a u-turn but the vehicle fled west on Sunset Lane at a high rate of speed before they could turn around to initiate a traffic stop. The officers drove in the last known direction and found the Nissan had collided with another vehicle on the curve near Bryan Ave. As they approached, the driver, 33 year old Vitorrio Mercurio was attempting to flee but was quickly detained. The driver of the other vehicle had complaint of pain but no serious injuries. Mercurio complained of having a broken leg from the accident and both were sent to the hospital for treatment. Mercurio was released pending further investigation due to his injuries.
• ·On 7/6/16 at 11:51 am, 24 year old Mario Fregoso was driving recklessly in his neighborhood and collided into the victim’s vehicle near the intersection of F St. and W 13^th St. The collision left both vehicles with major damage. Afterwards, Fregoso and his passenger fled on foot. Several people witnessed the incident that knew who he was and told police. Fregoso was contacted at his residence and identified as the driver. The victim was transported to the hospital with moderate injuries. During this investigation, Oakley PD contacted us and stated the registered owner was reporting their car stolen. Fregoso was cleared at the hospital and then transported to the county jail for auto theft and hit and run charges.
• ·On 7/6/16 at 10:20 am, the victim was on vacation out of the area and returned to find his car gone. He reported it stolen and an officer observed 30 year old Arthur Castro driving it. Arthur had time to run into 2701 Carob St. A probation search was conducted and Arthur came out from hiding after K-9 announcements. He was arrested without incident however, his brother, 25 year old Raymond Cardoza chose to hide in the garage underneath some clothing. Raymond refused to come out and a police K-9 located him and took him into custody. Raymond was cleared medically at a local hospital and they were both booked into county jail.
• ·On 7/5/16 at 9:08 pm, officers were dispatched to Prewett Ranch Dr. and Cedar Ridge Way for a report of a male lying in the street yelling. When officers arrived, they contacted 23 year old David Bridges staggering in the area. Bridges displayed symptoms of being under the influence of an alcoholic beverage. He suddenly began to cry asking to be taken to jail because he wanted water to drink. His demeanor shifted and he became erratic making incoherent statements. Due to his intoxicated state, he was arrested for drunk in public and transported to county jail.
• ·On 7/5/16 at 4:51 pm, officers contacted 44 year old Anthony Davison as he was leaning into the driver’s seat of a parked vehicle at A St. and W. Madill St. The vehicle was determined to be stolen. Davison was arrested without incident and was found to be on parole for murder. Davison was transported and booked into county jail.
• ·On 7/5/16 at 11:08 am, an officer conducted a traffic stop at 18^th St. and A St. The driver was not able to provide identification and appeared to be lying about his name. The officer requested another unit and the cogent finger print device was used to learn the driver’s real name. 24 year old Adolfo Babino was found to have two warrants for his arrest. He was booked into county jail without further incident. His vehicle was towed with a 30 day hold.
• ·On 7/5/16 at 12:20 am, a clerk at the 711 located 2301 Buchanan Rd. called APD after an adult male entered the store and approached the counter with items to purchase. As the clerk was adding the cost of the items, the BMA produced a small handgun and demanded the money from the register. The clerk complied and gave the male cash from the till. The suspect was described as wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and khaki pants and fled on foot east on Buchanan Rd.
• ·On 7/4/16 at 6:39 pm, an officer was driving past the entrance to Lone Tree Golf Course and noticed a vehicle was trying to drive through the chain link fencing next to the iron gates. The officer stopped and noticed the chain linked fencing was wrapped around the rear tires of the vehicle making the vehicle disabled. The officer contacted the driver, 21 year old Juan Estrada, who stated he was inside the golf course area fishing in the lake and because he was locked in and could not leave, he decided to drive through the fencing to exit the property so that he could go home. Approx. 30′ of fencing was damaged. Estrada was cited and released from the scene.
• ·On 7/4/16 at 5:05 pm, 50 year old Bennett Gaxiola had entered the Starbucks 1896 A St. and was disturbing other customers. He was asked by the manager to leave but he refused. The manager called APD to have Gaxiola removed from the premises. Officers arrived and asked him to leave. Gaxiola would not respond or move at the request of the officers. As officers attempted to escort him out of the business Gaxiola resisted and a struggle ensued. He was placed in a restraint device and was transported to county jail.
• ·On 7/4/16 at 7:40 am, officers were flagged down by an employee at Starbucks located at 2504 Somersville Rd. who advised there was a transient subject inside the business. The male was asleep and refused to leave. Officers contacted 28 year old Christopher Black who refused to leave and yelled obscenities at the officers. When officers attempted to escort Black from the property, he resisted but was handcuffed without incident. Black was arrested for trespassing and brought to APD where he was released on a citation.
• ·On 7/4/16 at 12:54 pm, 22 year old Justin Banuelos was driving his motorcycle and was observed by an officer run a red light at Lone Tree Way and Country Hills Dr. When the officer fell in behind Banuelos, he quickly accelerated at a high rate of speed and blacked out his lights. The officer did not pursue but observed Banuelos run another red light and disappear into the city streets off Black Diamond Dr. During an area check, the officer located the motorcycle lying on its side in the driveway on Medicine Mountain Ct. with Banuelos hiding near the side gate holding his motorcycle helmet. He was detained without incident and admitted to running from the police because he did not want to get a ticket for running the red light. Banuelos’ driving record indicated a history of bad driving and his motorcycle was impounded for 30 days. He was transported to county jail.
• ·On 7/3/16 at 9:32 pm, officers responded to the Wal-Mart store on a report of an armed robbery having just occurred in the parking lot. Officers contacted the victim who advised she was loading her vehicle with groceries when a small white SUV drove past her, stopped, backed up and stopped next to her. The passenger got out, approached the victim, brandished a handgun and demanded her purse. The victim refused so he grabbed her purse, pulling her to the ground and was ultimately able to get the purse away from her. The suspect got back into the vehicle and fled. The victim had a complaint of pain only.
• ·On 7/3/16 at 3:39 pm, the manager of the Safeway on Deer Valley Rd. called APD to report 27 year old Shane Stange was trespassing inside the store and had just stolen a bottle of alcohol from the business. An area check was conducted and Stange was located near the Dollar Store in the same shopping complex. The manager identified Stange as the responsible and signed a citizen’s arrest form. Stange is also on two counts of probation. Stange was arrested without incident and booked into county jail.
• ·On 7/2/16 at 11:50 am, officer contacted 18 year old Jashuan Brown driving recklessly in the area of Silverado Dr. and James Donlon Blvd. Brown lied about his name and the thumb reader was deployed. His true identity was learned and he had a warrant for his arrest as well as a suspended driver’s license. The vehicle was towed and Brown was transported to the county jail.
• ·On 7/2/16 at 8:09 am, during the investigation of a suspicious vehicle at Gentrytown Park located at 2800 Carmona Way, 42 year old Brian Castillo was contacted and found to be a parolee-at-large. He was arrested and transported to the county jail.
• ·On 7/2/16 at 5:22 am, officers responded to Quik Stop on West Tregallas Rd. after the clerk called to report a subject had entered the business with a gun demanding cash. The suspect fled on foot when the clerk was unable to open the cash drawer. An area check met with negative results. A short time later, the clerk called back and stated a subject she believed was the responsible had just left the store after buying beer. She got a license plate and units responded to the registered owner’s house. The registered owner of the vehicle agreed to respond to Quik Stop for a lineup. The clerk could not make a positive identification. The registered owner stated he had just arrived home from work and had not gone to Quik Stop. The investigation is on-going.
• ·On 7/1/16 at 4:56 pm, officers were dispatched to the Lakeshore apartments at 600 Wilbur Ave. for a report of a vehicle collision. The driver, 42 year old David Frew, was traveling south on Cavallo Rd. when he left the roadway and collided with an iron fence. He continued through the fence and came to rest on top of a fire hydrant and tree. He had two dogs in the car as well. When officers arrived, Frew displayed signs of being under the influence of narcotics and had to be physically restrained. He was taken to a local hospital and eventually cleared for incarceration. There were no injuries as a result of the accident and the dogs were taken into custody by Animal Services.
• ·On 7/1/16 at 12:32 pm, APD Dispatch received two calls regarding 54 year old Michael McKee aggressively panhandling near Somersville Rd. and Hwy 4. McKee was contacted and found to be intoxicated. McKee is on probation for public intoxication and a term of his probation is that he cannot drink alcohol. McKee was arrested and transported to county jail for a probation violation.
• ·On 7/1/16 at 12:26 pm, security from Somersville Towne Center called APD regarding 27 year old Tyree West trespassing at the Mall. Over the past two weeks, mall security has created five calls for service for West trespassing. West has been warned several times not to be on the property. West was arrested for trespassing and sent to county jail.
• ·On 6/30/16 at 10:52 pm, the victim was in his driveway in the 3400 block of Gentrytown Dr. when two unknown males approached him. One of the males was armed with a firearm. The responsibles demanded the victim’s property so he gave the responsibles his phone and wallet that contained his ID and credit cards. The responsibles fled on foot in an unknown direction.
• ·On 6/30/16 at 8:20 pm, a loss prevention employee for Macys observed two males in the perfume section looking at perfumes. The two males were carrying duffle bags with them and began to conceal the perfumes. Loss prevention ran after the two males in an attempt to get the merchandise back. One of the males struck the loss prevention employee in the face several times with a box of perfume that he had in his hand. The two males then fled the store with the merchandise. The loss prevention employee suffered a minor cut to her cheek and declined medical attention. The responsibles were not located.
• ·On 6/30/16 at 9:20 am, a witness called APD because 28 year old Christopher Kliment was seen hitting his pit bull and picking up a smaller dog by the neck. Office rs contacted Kliment who denied the claims. The witness wished to make a citizen’s arrest so Antioch Animal Services were called out to contact Kliment. Kliment was issued a misdemeanor citation and Animal Services will be following up.
• ·On 6/25/16, at 2215 hours Antioch Police Officers were dispatched to the 1900 block of Biglow Drive on the report of residents returning home and finding their relative, 43 year old Relis Eastman, on the floor inside the home and suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported by ambulance to an area hospital, where he was treated, but died on 7/5/16. After a detailed investigation by Antioch Police Detectives, and after multiple interviews with Relis’ 22 year old son Scott Eastman of Antioch, Antioch Police Detectives developed the probable cause necessary to obtain an arrest warrant for Scott Eastman for the murder of his father, Relis. On 7/7/16 at approximately 9:00 PM a team of Antioch Police Detectives responded to the Eastman residence in the 1900 block of Biglow Drive, where Scott resides with his family. Detectives took Eastman into custody without incident. Eastman was booked into the Contra Costa County Main Detention Facility on Murder charges and is being held with no bail. Detectives plan on filing this case with the Contra Costa County Office of the District Attorney early next week.

Who: Mayor Wade Harper; various members of the clergy

What: Prayer Vigil and moment of silence

When: Sunday, July 10, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.

Where: In front of the Antioch Community Center, Prewett Park, 4703 Lone Tree Way, Antioch

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in various cities nationwide involving police and young African American males. I am also concerned and outraged about the killing of police officers in Dallas Texas and other U.S. cities,” said Harper in a press release. “Violence is not the answer. I grieve for the nation. America is in crisis.”

Harper in conjunction with various local faith groups will be hosting a prayer vigil, Sunday July 10, 2016 in front of the Antioch Community Center at 7:00 p.m.

All are invited to join in a moment of silence, prayer and reflection in light of tragic loss of life in Dallas Texas, Falcon Heights Minnesota, and Baton Rouge Louisiana to name a few.

Mayor Harper is calling for residents to pray as a community with a spirit of unity, respect and tolerance.

Let those who are in attendance stand together against hate and violence.

On Thursday morning, July 7, 2016 at about 11:00 a.m., Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Special Investigation Unit, assisted by the Contra Costa County Anti-Violence Support Effort (CASE) team, served a search warrant at a home on the 4500 block of Elkhorn Way in Antioch.

During the search, detectives seized approximately one pound of heroin, methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy), and marijuana in sales quantities. The value of the drugs is estimated to be about $30,000.

There were also seven firearms seized, to include one shotgun, two assault rifles with hi-capacity magazines and four handguns, two of which were stolen. Detectives also recovered a stolen motorcycle. In all, over $76,000 in cash was seized.

Two people were arrested at the scene: 40-year-old Michael Green and 30-year-old Joseph Lowery. Both lived at the residence. They were both booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on various charges that include possession of a narcotic controlled substance for sales, maintaining a place for the purpose of selling drugs, possession of drugs while armed with a loaded firearm, possession of stolen property, and child endangerment.

Green is being held in lieu of $430,000 bail; Lowery’s bail is set at $340,000.

Elections Division officials discover 113 voters successfully cast two ballots in June election

As a result of an emergency accommodation to the California Secretary of State’s office, the Contra Costa County Elections Division has discovered that 113 registered voters voted twice and had both ballots counted during the June 7th Presidential Primary Election.

The Contra Costa Elections Division plans to send those voter fraud cases to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s office, Registrar of Voters Joe Canciamilla said.

Elections Division staff will also send recommendations to the Secretary of State’s office requesting a change in their practices for surrendering vote-by-mail ballots.

Contra Costa County’s long standing practice in administering state Election Code 3016 has been to issue provisional ballots to all vote-by-mail voters who surrender their ballots at a polling place. Part of the reason this practice is in place is to prevent voter fraud.

The process of surrendering a ballot as it is currently written does not provide a means of detecting or preventing this type of fraud until it is too late.

The County is urging Secretary of State Alex Padilla to seek urgency legislation or work with counties to eliminate this vulnerability in the election process for the November election.

HIGHWAY LANE CLOSURES:

There will be highway lane closures in the westbound direction of State Route 4 between Somersville Road/ Auto Center Drive and Railroad Ave. Monday through Friday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

There will be highway lane closures in the eastbound direction of State Route 4 between Bailey Road and the State Route 4 / State Route 160 connector ramp on Monday through Friday from 4:30 am to 12:00 pm.

There will be highway lane closures in the eastbound direction of State Route 4 between A Street / Lone Tree Way and the State Route 4 / State Route 160 connector ramp on Saturday from 7:00 am to 11:00 am.

There will be highway lane closures in the westbound direction of State Route 4 between A Street / Lone Tree Way and the State Route 4 / State Route 160 connector ramp on Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

LOCAL STREET CLOSURES:

There will be lane closures in the eastbound and westbound directions of Larkspur Drive between Hillcrest Avenue and Wildflower Drive on Saturday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 6:00 am.

There will be lane closures in the northbound and southbound directions of Hillcrest Avenue between Larkspur Drive and Sunset Drive on Saturday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 6:00 am.

There will be lane closures in the northbound and southbound directions of A Street/Lone Tree Way between Rossi Avenue and E. Tregallas Road on Saturday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 6:00 am.

There will be lane closures in the northbound and southbound directions of Somersville Road / Auto Center Drive between Delta Fair Boulevard and Century Boulevard on Saturday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

For questions or comments please send e-mail to info@4eastcounty.org