New BART Chief Ed Alvarez. Photo: BART.gov

BART’s General Manager Bob Powers announced today the hiring of Ed Alvarez as Chief of Police and tasked the new chief with immediate changes to increase officer presence on board trains and other strategies to reduce crime on the system and improve the rider experience.

Alvarez is a 22-year veteran of the BART Police Department, an East Bay native, and has spent his entire law enforcement career moving up the ranks within BART Police. He was serving as Interim Chief of Police and was previously the Deputy Chief in charge of the Support Services Bureau.  The selection is the result of a nationwide search process involving BART’s Police Citizen Review Board and Independent Police Auditor.

“Alvarez knows the system and has a vision for safety that includes short-term and long-term strategies to grow the department into a fully staffed, progressive agency serving diverse communities,” said General Manager Bob Powers.  “We must do more to ensure all riders feel safe and to prevent crime on BART.  Ed Alvarez brings the internal knowledge coupled with the creative thinking to better serve our riders, support our officers, and increase accountability without delay.”

The appointment is effective immediately and Alvarez is swiftly putting into place new deployment strategies responding to concerns voiced by riders in Customer Satisfaction surveys and the General Manager’s Listening Tour. Changes include:

• Beginning Monday, a newly created team of 12 sworn police officers will be dedicated to riding trains in pairs and walking platforms on nights and weekends. This team will supplement the newly approved ambassador program which Alvarez was instrumental in creating and begins February 10, utilizing unarmed non-sworn police staff to prevent and de-escalate problems on board trains.  Coupled together, both programs offer 22 police staff dedicated to riding trains, representing a new shift in the deployment strategies of the police department.
• Immediate evaluation of patrol staffing to determine the feasibility for the creation of newly assigned fixed post assignments at key stations such as Coliseum, where data shows a high volume of calls for service. The assigned fixed post officer would be responsible for the safety and security of a specific station, opposed to current roving patrols. The fixed post assignments will create greater station ownership and on-going community engagement.  The evaluation will include how to improve response times, reduce crime, and increase presence.
• Increased visibility and engagement with riders to prevent cell phone snatching, especially between Balboa Park and Powell stations where there has been an uptick in the number of juveniles snatching phones, running to make a quick escape, and selling them along Market Street for cash. In 2019 59% of violent crimes at BART were attributed to electronic thefts.  If we are successful in stopping cellphone thefts, the violent crime rate at BART will dramatically drop. 2019 BART crime stats show crime is up 11% with violent crime up 4% compared to 2018.

“I am excited for the opportunity to move the department forward and improve the relationship with our riders and our employees as we work together to make BART the safest transit system in the country,” said Alvarez.  “Our officers take great pride in protecting and securing our busy system, they are skilled and committed, and I will do everything I can to support their efforts.”

As Interim Chief of Police, he oversaw the record-breaking acceleration of hiring, outpacing attrition to increase the number of officers available for patrol; the on-going process and commitment to BPD’s prestigious accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA); the improvement of surveillance video recovery time; and the roll out and life-saving deployment of Narcan.

As a BART detective, he investigated, arrested, and helped get the conviction of a human trafficker that targeted a young juvenile.  As a sergeant he’s credited with starting the Critical Asset Patrol team that provides additional uniformed presence within the stations and on trains in the core of the BART system which includes the downtown San Francisco and downtown Oakland stations.

Alvarez is a first generation Mexican-American, fluent in Spanish, and grew up in Newark riding BART to A’s games and into San Francisco.  He understands the needs of the riders and the complexities involved with transit policing. It is Chief Alvarez’s goal to improve engagement between BART police and the public through increased outreach and accessibility.

On January 13th from 7:00-8:00 pm, we will talk with authors about the experiences and inspirations that shaped their literary works.  Authors Steven Burchik, Bill Nelson, Jerry Whiting, Shauna Springer, and Jason Roncoroni will discuss their work, and take live call in questions.

The Veterans’ Voices monthly program can be seen live online on the County’s website and Facebook @Veteransvoices1. The show will broadcast live and re-run multiple times on Contra Costa Television (CCTV) at www.contracostatv.org. CCTV can be found on Comcast Channel 27, Wave Channel 32, and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 throughout Contra Costa County.

Viewers can share their own experiences or ask a question by calling into the program at (925) 313-1170, Facebook @Veteransvoices 1 or email veteransvoices@contracostatv.org

For more information about the program, show topic or to arrange interviews, including many Veterans who volunteer to work on this locally produced talk show for Veterans, contact County Veterans Service Officer, Nathan Johnson, at nathan@vs.cccounty.us or (925) 313-1481.

Our intention is to explore the process that turns military stories and experiences into published works, and perhaps inspire other Veterans to find a voice through writing. We want to invite you onto the show to be a participant in this conversation.

By Allen Payton

At their meeting on Tuesday night, Dec. 14 the Antioch City Council will discuss and consider how they will choose the next mayor pro tem following next year’s elections. Until now the top vote getter in the council elections was then voted by the council members to be the mayor pro tem for the following two years. But, this year since the council members will no longer run citywide but be elected by district, the council needs to change the way the position is filled. Mayor Pro Tem ACC011420 Agenda Item #10

The mayor pro tem acts in place of the mayor during his or her absence with the full power and authority of the mayor.

One option is to fill the position on a rotation basis, as is done in other cities, which give the position the title of either mayor pro tem or vice mayor.

Council meetings are currently held in the Antioch Community Center at Prewett Park beginning at 7:00 p.m. or you can watch it live on local Comcast/Xfinity cable channel 24 or livestream on the city’s website.

Delta Blues Festival 2019 scholarship winners. Courtesy DBF.

In 1999 an East Contra Costa County blues fan, David Williamson, had a dream. He wanted to create a family-friendly event called the Delta Blues Festival. He rallied three local blues bands together and put on the very first festival on October 23, that year.

The purpose of the #DeltaBluesFestival /#DaveWilliamsonMemorialScholarship is to allow the festival to do their part to help further the education of a graduate of an East Contra Costa County High School in their collegiate or vocational studies.

Each application will be anonymously discussed and reviewed by a group of DBF volunteers along with representatives of the #ElCampanilPreservationFoundation to decide the submission which best deserves the scholarship.

Criteria:
• Applicant must be an East Contra Costa resident.
Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, and Pittsburg
• Applicant must have a commitment to continue musical studies.
• Submit an unofficial transcript.
• Submit an essay which may include some or all of the following:
Their personal affiliation with the style of music they enjoy.
Note and explain their career choice and how they see music involved.
How music affects their life.
How they will benefit by pursuing an education including or devoted to music.
Submit any support and commitment to non-profits and/or volunteer organizations.
• Submit a link to a video recording (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) of applicant’s personal talent (playing an instrument, singing a song, or both). The song can be a cover of another artist or one can provide a copy of an original piece of music written by the applicant.

Click on this link to learn more and apply for this scholarship opportunity:
https://deltabluesfestival.net/scholarship

On behalf of the #DeltaBluesFestival Committee, #ElCampanilPreservationFoundation, and the Williamson family – we look forward towards hearing from you… good Luck!

“The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you. We all have idols. Play like anyone you care about but try to be yourself while you’re doing so” – B.B.King

Part of automatic record clearance partnership

By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa District Attorney

Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton and Code for America today announced that 3,264 marijuana convictions eligible for relief under Proposition 64 will be dismissed and sealed as part of their cutting-edge partnership.

“I am grateful the partnership with Code for America has given us the ability to deliver tangible results for members of our community by dismissing old marijuana convictions allowed under the law. Far too often old criminal convictions for minor drug offenses can leave a lasting mark on an individual’s life. The removal of these convictions effectively reduces barriers to licensing, education, housing and employment. It is imperative that we continue to be innovative in our approach to reforming and strengthening the criminal justice system,” said Diana Becton, District Attorney for Contra Costa County.

“At Code for America, we believe government can work dramatically better than it does today; the criminal justice system is one of the areas in which we are most failing the American people. We must make sure that California lives up to the obligation of Proposition 64 and now AB 1793,” said Jennifer Pahlka, Founder and Executive Director, Code for America. “I’d like to thank Contra Costa District Attorney Becton for her leadership on this issue. Through our partnership, we will remove barriers to employment, housing, health and education for thousands of Californians. By reimagining existing government systems through technology and user-centered design, we can rethink incarceration, reduce recidivism and restore opportunity.”

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s office used Code for America’s Clear My Record technology, which reads bulk criminal history data from the California Department of Justice, and securely and accurately analyzes eligibility for record remediation under state law.  This technology can analyze eligibility for thousands of convictions in just a few minutes, alleviating the need for DA staff to go through state criminal records one by one to evaluate eligibility, a time and labor-intensive process.

This partnership helps address wrongs caused by the failed war on drugs, felt most strongly by communities of color. Approximately 2,400 individuals will receive conviction relief through this partnership. Of those, approximately 36% are Black or African American, 45% are White, 15% are Latinx, 2% are Asian/Pacific Islander, and 2% are other or unknown.

Contra Costa is the fifth California District Attorney’s Office to announce a pilot partnership with Code for America and use Clear My Record Technology to clear marijuana-related convictions eligible under Proposition 64.  The other counties include San Francisco, Sacramento, San Joaquin and Los Angeles.   In total, these five pilots will help reduce or dismiss approximately 75,000 Proposition 64 eligible convictions.

Earlier this year, Code for America also launched its new Clear My Record Application and Implementation Blueprint, available at no cost and open source to all California counties.  These resources allow all District Attorneys’ offices to follow the lead of DA Becton and expedite and streamline review of Prop 64 convictions.

Record Clearance for the Digital Age

Record clearance was not built for the digital age.  Previously, each person seeking relief had to petition the court on their own to clear their records, but this is a time-consuming, expensive, and confusing process.  Because of these barriers, the vast majority of those eligible for relief have not received it.

With the aid of Code for America’s Clear My Record technology, a DA’s office can automatically and securely evaluate eligibility for record clearance for thousands of convictions in just a few minutes.

This requires no action on the part of the individual, and minimal staff time and resources from the DA’s office — two obstacles for record clearance. Streamlining conviction data processing will also make it easier for courts to update records, ensuring that individuals can obtain relief as soon as possible.

These partnerships set the standard for the statewide implementation of Assembly Bill 1793, which tasks prosecutors with affirmatively reviewing convictions eligible for dismissal or reduction under Proposition 64.  This novel approach also creates a blueprint for the future of record clearance for remedies beyond Proposition 64 — the development of policy and technology that expands, streamlines and automates the record clearance process at scale.

Code for America has been making it easier for people to remove eligible convictions from their records through Clear my Record technology since 2016.

About Code for America

Code for America believes government must work for the people, and by the people, in the digital age, starting with the people who need it most. We build digital services that enhance government capabilities, and we help others do the same across all levels of government. We organize thousands of volunteers across nearly 80 chapters nationwide who improve government in their local communities. Our goal: a 21st century government that effectively and equitably serves all Americans. Learn more at codeforamerica.org.

Home Games played at Antioch Community Center in Prewett Park, 4703 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. Tickets at: www.brownpapertickets.com/cccds/3689712 Learn more at www.cccdeltastars.com.

Contra Costa County Administrator David Twa, who will retire at the end of 2020, administered the oath of office to new Supervisors Chair Candace Andersen of Danville and Vice Chair Diane Burgis of Brentwood at the Board meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020. Photo by Daniel Borusk.

Martinez, CA – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors held a swearing-in ceremony for Supervisor Candace Andersen as Board Chair and Supervisor Diane Burgis as Vice Chair at its January 7th, 2020 Board meeting.

District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen who has served Contra Costa County since she was first elected in 2012, including a previous term as Board Chair in 2016, takes the leadership role from outgoing Chair, Supervisor John Gioia of District 1.

Gioia of Richmond, who was presented with a prized Hawaiian Koa wood gavel from incoming Andersen as a gift, credited the “great work of county employees” in 2019 for salvaging a year marked by power  outages and catastrophic fires.

Andersen expressed her thanks to Gioia, as well as her readiness to tackle the County’s issues.

“I appreciate Supervisor Gioia’s leadership in maintaining our County’s strong fiscal position and ensuring that many who need County services receive them in a timely manner. As Chair, I intend to work with my colleagues to strengthen the County’s commitment to supporting our law enforcement to keep our communities safe,  expand our work addressing homelessness and the need for more housing, and do even more to help individuals, families and communities confronting mental health issues,” she said.

Andersen, who has served as a supervisor since 2012 and previously chaired the board in 2016, said there will plenty of business items the supervisors will address in 2020.  Among the issues she listed were updating the county tree and Airbnb ordinances, considering a $20 million housing grant, and the grand openings of the new county and new sheriff’s office administration buildings.

Burgis, who has served on the County’s Board of Supervisors since 2017, representing the largest geographic region of the five districts, said she will work on the 2020 census, the Delta, and public safety and fire safety issues  during the year.

Andersen is completing her second term, facing no opposition in her re-election bid, while Burgis, who represents parts of Antioch, is completing her first, facing one opponent in the March Primary election. They will lead the five-member elected body that sets the direction of county government and oversees its $4.43 billion budget to serve this large and diverse East Bay County.

For more information about Contra Costa County and its Board of Supervisors, visit the County’s website at www.contracosta.ca.gov or the webpage: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/193/Board-of-Supervisors.

Daniel Borsuk contributed to this report.

The City of Antioch is launching a program that can provide up to $50,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance to first time homebuyers who live or work in the City of Antioch.  Antioch’s Home Ownership Program (AHOP) provides eligible homebuyers a substantive leg-up to expand affordability and access to homeownership.

To learn more about AHOP please register to attend the upcoming informational workshop:

Antioch Home Ownership Program (AHOP) Informational Workshop

Saturday, January 18, 2020

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Rick Rodríguez Center

213 F Street, Antioch CA – Room 220. 

Reservations for the AHOP workshop are required and can be made at www.myhomegateway.org/ahop.

You can also get more information on AHOP by emailing BAAHA at ahop@myhomegateway.com

AHOP is available to Antioch homebuyers who meet eligibility requirements, including:

• Live or work in the City of Antioch
• Combined household incomes do not exceed 80% of the area’s median income, as adjusted by household size (see table below)

• Have not owned a home in the past three years
• Completed HUD approved homebuyer education requirements
• Have sufficient creditworthiness to obtain a conventional 30-year mortgage

The City of Antioch has contracted with the Bay Area Affordable Homeownership Alliance (BAAHA) to administer AHOP.  BAAHA will be working with the City, non-profit organizations, and with for profit partners to deliver beneficial homebuyers services and resources; including and not limited to:

Down payment and closing cost assistance loans – AHOP will provide financial subsidies in the form of loans that require no monthly payments which are repaid when the home is sold or in 45 years (whichever comes first).

Homebuyer Education – ECHO Housing, a non-profit HUD approved homebuyer education provider, will be delivering informative seminars to educate homebuyers on the home purchase process.

Homebuyer Counseling – BAAHA and AHOP partners will be providing valuable guidance and coaching to help homebuyers a) work through the complexities and challenges of purchasing a home; and b) navigate through the process to secure any and all homebuyer subsidies available.

Additional Homebuyer Subsidies – BAAHA will be coordinating efforts to incorporate and combine additional subsidies with AHOP including and not limited to: the Contra Costa County Mortgage Credit Certificate Program, Federal Home Loan Bank WISH Subsidy Program (up to $22,000), Housing Authority of Contra Costa County Section 8 Ownership Voucher Program.

For additional information on AHOP please visit BAAHA’s website at www.myhomegateway.org/ahop.