By Antioch Police Department

A little before 8 pm Sunday night, April 19, 2020, several of you stepped-up and contacted us about a BMW spinning donuts in the intersection of Indian Hill and Toyon Way. The folks in this neighborhood WEREN’T HAVIN’ IT and sent us video and photos of the vehicle, including the license plate. Officer Manly, who PROUDLY patrols Southeast Antioch, wasn’t havin’ it either and found the BMW parked nearby. Terrorizing our neighborhoods with this sort of reckless nonsense is NEVER allowed, so Officer Manly did his duty and brought the vehicle to CAR JAIL for the next 30 DAYS!

Are you noticing a theme with our recent posts? People in our community STEP-UP when they see something wrong. Working together with our community empowers us to keep you safe. We never want our community members to put themselves in harm’s way, so please do so safely and call us at (925) 778-2441, or 9-1-1 if you think it’s an emergency. Leave the rest to us!

We have a zero-tolerance attitude toward sideshow activity in Antioch. Any vehicle involved in this sorta craziness is subject to a minimum 30-day impound and drivers face significant fines.

Did you know Officer Manly’s favorite activities include binge-watching Keeping Up With The Kardashians, listening to John Denver, and PROTECTING ANTIOCH?!!

#AntiochStrong #AntiochPD #OfficerManly

By Antioch Police Department

You wanna know what makes East county strong? Read below and I’ll tell you…

Just before 2 pm on Saturday, April 18, 2020, APD was notified that an Amazon delivery van had been stolen on West 9th and B Streets. Our awesome dispatchers put out a quick alert to all surrounding police departments to be-on-the-lookout. A short time later, an observant Pittsburg Police Department, Pittsburg, CA Police Officer found the van and began recovering it. While doing so, an equally observant Pittsburg resident approached the officer and said they saw some suspicious characters removing packages from the van, placing them into a silver Mitsubishi with Colorado plates.

The witness took a picture of the plate and gave it to the officer, which was relayed back to us. At about 3:30 pm, Officer Angelini (pictured left fitting the first crook with new bracelets) spotted said Mitsubishi on the south side of our fine city and halted this criminal spree. Officers found several stolen packages in the back of the vehicle and will be working with Amazon to get them back to their intended destinations.

Note to criminals: Stealing vehicles and packages are not essential activities. Your failure to #StayAtHome and your decision to mess with Antioch and Pittsburg resulted in an express trip to the County Motel (AKA jail).

This incident is the classic example of “See Something, Say Something! This was a collaborative effort between two cities, two police departments, and a very alert citizen. Please continue to report suspicious incidents to our Dispatch at (925) 778-2441, or 9-1-1 if you think it’s an emergency.

A special thanks to the Pittsburg resident and Pittsburg PD for continuing to show they are a great neighbor!!! #EastCountyStrong #AntiochPD #PittsburgPD

Some of you have asked more about Officer Angelini after his good bust yesterday from the Amazon package theft caper. Here’s a picture of him taking a moment away from his investigation to proudly pose next to his find. Did you know Officer Angelini is originally from Brazil, speaks three languages, loves riding dirt bikes, and (sorry ladies!) is happily married! #OfficerAngelini #DontStealPackages

Seniors, public invited to listen – must register, first

SAN FRANCISCO – Prosecutors from the four United States Attorney’s Offices in California, along with representatives from the FBI, will participate in a telephonic town hall to help California residents identify and avoid fraudulent schemes related to Coronavirus and COVID-19.  The event is being coordinated by the American Association of Retired Persons (“AARP”).

The telephonic town hall will happen on Monday, April 20 from 10 to 11 a.m. PDT. During the event, a special agent from the FBI and a federal prosecutor will make presentations, and participants from across California will be allowed to ask questions to a panel of Assistant United States Attorneys from the four offices that serve California.

AARP’s Fraud Watch Network is providing the infrastructure for the event. Approximately 100,000 AARP members will receive a phone call Monday morning inviting them to participate in the town hall. Those who wish to receive an invitation may sign up here (https://vekeo.com/aarpcalifornia/).

During the current health crisis, federal investigators and prosecutors continue to fulfill their critical mission of protecting public safety. Federal officials have prioritized the disruption, investigation and prosecution of crimes related to Coronavirus and COVID-19, including fraudulent schemes, unapproved treatments, and scams related to stimulus money. During the town hall, federal officials will discuss the types of schemes currently being seen, along with tips on how to avoid becoming a victim.

Soon after the town hall event, a recording will be available at https://vekeo.com/aarpcalifornia/.

REPORT COVID-19 CRIME.  Contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline: 866-720-5721 or disaster@leo.gov.

By Allen Payton

As of Saturday, April 18, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) is reporting a total of 685 cases of COVID-19/coronavirus, and a total of 19 deaths in the county, three more than yesterday. There are 37 people diagnosed with the virus currently hospitalized.

A total of 8,944 people have been tested for the virus in the county. There are 51 people who have tested positive for COVID-19/coronavirus in Antioch.

The county’s coronavirus dashboard also offers hospital information. It shows the daily Intensive Care Unit Occupancy Rate and Ventilator Utilization for all hospitals in the county.

The largest category of those who have been diagnosed with the virus continue to be people ages 41-60 with 251 cases.

To see the all the statistics provided by CCHS, click here.

“But, it’s problematic because going to church still isn’t considered essential” – Attorney Harmeet Dhillon

By Allen Payton

A victory, Friday in a lawsuit on freedom of worship is forcing California to allow drive-in church services.

The lawsuit against the State of California naming Governor Gavin Newsom over his executive order, was filed by San Francisco attorney Harmeet Dhillon, founder of the non-profit Center for American Liberty and co-counsel Mark Meuser, on behalf of three southern California churches and one parishioner. (See related article)

According to twitter posts by Dhillon, a government brief filed late (Friday) morning claimed that “drive in” is a “technology” like streaming video, and now OK. In response to this executive order “clarification” by opposition brief, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties update(d) their health decrees to allow drive-in worship.

“This development is a partial victory in our lawsuit, but it still does not allow in-building services – meaning people seeking spiritual guidance and fellowship safely, are given no right to do so but the same people can visit wine, pot, food, laundry shops with a mask legally,” she tweeted.

“We continue to wait for ruling on TRO (temporary restraining order),” Dhillon continued. “People of faith may be treated no less favorably than any other people in California. Reporters, termite guys, tree trimmers, baristas, stir-fry chefs, grocery workers, and customers of all have rights – so do religious leaders & followers!”

She was asked why this applies to the entire state, when she was only representing the three churches and one parishioner in Southern California.

“But I sued the State of California over the statewide order, and the counties,” she explained.

The place where the so-called policy changes were announced are hidden in the ruling, with the state agreeing that “of course drive-in churches are a technology like streaming video,” Dhillon shared. “You and I both know that’s absurd. But, it’s problematic, because going to church still isn’t considered essential.”

There’s no requirement for the state to publicize the court’s decision.

“It’s sneaky,” she said.

Asked about her clients Dhillon said, “I’m only representing those who are socially responsible, like anyone else.”

According to their website, “The Center for American Liberty defends the Free Speech rights and Civil Liberties of Americans.”

“The non-profit hired my firm to represent the plaintiffs,” she explained.

The decision was handed down by the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles, which also includes Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

“I’m glad we were able to do this. This is a small thing,” Dhillon added. “You’re probably not going to see a lot of drive-in churches in the next week or two. But, it’s better than nothing, dressing up, driving in and seeing your friends.”

The order also addresses background checks for essential workers

SACRAMENTO (Apr 16, 2020) – On Thursday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order addressing a variety of issues in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including adjusting admissions requirements for the California State University system and providing flexibility for 60 days on background checks for critical infrastructure sectors. (See the entire order, below).

Specifically, the CSU system will be able to waive hearing requirements to be able to make adjustments to admissions criteria for students applying this coming fall to enter as freshmen in the fall of 2021.

Additionally, the order will allow the California Department of Justice to develop procedures to perform name-based background checks to protect health and safety and avoid delays in processing employment for critical sectors, such as health care services and care and support for vulnerable populations.

The executive order also will allow federal stimulus checks to flow directly to custodial parents owed back child support payments and will additionally allow for commercially licensed food trucks to be able to temporarily operate in roadside rest areas for a period of 60 days, to ensure essential infrastructure workers have access to food. Caltrans will be charged with developing and implementing a process to administer the temporary permits.

The text of the Governor’s executive order can be found here and a copy can be found here.

Learn more about the state’s ongoing COVID-19 response efforts here. Visit covid19.ca.gov for critical steps Californians can take to stay healthy, and resources available to those impacted by the outbreak.

EXECUTIVE ORDER N-52-20

WHEREAS on March 4, 2020, I proclaimed a State of Emergency to exist in California as a result of the threat of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS despite sustained efforts, COVID-19 continues to spread and is impacting nearly all sectors of California; and

WHEREAS the COVID-19 pandemic and the necessary physical distancing measures implemented have affected governmental agencies, workers, private businesses, and California residents alike, with associated impacts on adherence to certain statutory and regulatory deadlines; and

WHEREAS a shortage of fingerprinting services has arisen in California despite those services being included among the essential critical infrastructure sectors identified pursuant to Executive Order N-33-20, and this shortage is impacting other essential critical infrastructure sectors, including the healthcare sector and other programs that provide care and support to vulnerable Californians; and

WHEREAS to prevent potential impairment of delivery of critical healthcare services and of care and support for vulnerable populations, the California Department of Justice, working in concert with the California Health and Human Services Agency and other agencies and departments, is developing procedures to perform name-based criminal background checks, consistent with Penal Code sections 11105.7 and 11105.75, and subject to certain conditions, including a requirement that each applicant’s identity and criminal history be verified by fingerprints as soon as practicable after an initial check based on other identifying information has been performed; and

WHEREAS individuals who are tested for COVID-19 should have access to test results, and important information on test interpretation, isolation, and care guidance, in an expeditious and deliberate manner; and

WHEREAS illness due to COVID-19 and physical distancing requirements imposed to limit spread of the virus impede the ability of the California Coastal Commission, the State Water Resources Control Board, members of the public, and others to meet certain time limits set forth in the Permit Streamlining Act and the Public Resources Code; and

WHEREAS the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent school closures has disrupted the lives and educational progress of K-12 students, impacting their ability to meet existing admissions prerequisites for the California State University system; and

WHEREAS it is important that the trucking industry have access to food at highway rest areas while maintaining the critical supply chain throughout this state; and

WHEREAS federal financial relief provided under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) should be made swiftly available to individuals who would otherwise be entitled to it—including custodial parents and other caregivers entitled to past due support—notwithstanding state law providing that certain federal tax refund offsets should first be applied to support owed to the State; and

WHEREAS under the provisions of Government Code section 8571, I find that strict compliance with various statutes and regulations specified in this order would prevent, hinder, or delay appropriate actions to prevent and mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, in accordance with the authority vested in me by the State Constitution and statutes of the State of California, and in particular, Government Code sections 8567, 8571, and 8627, do hereby issue the following Order to become effective immediately:

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:

1) The timeframes set forth in Business and Professions Code, Division 4, Part 1, Chapter 3, Article 2 (Section 10150, et seq.) are hereby extended for a period of 60 days. The deadlines specified in Business and Professions Code, Division 4, Part 1, Chapter 3, Article 4 (Section 10200, et seq.), related to payment of real estate license application, and renewal fees, are hereby extended for a period of 60 days.   2) The timeframes set forth in the Business and Professions Code Division 4, Part 1, Chapter 3, Article 2.5 (Section 10170 et seq.), relating to continuing education requirements for real estate licensees, are hereby extended for a period of 60 days.

3) The deadlines specified in existing Orders issued by the Real Estate Commissioner pursuant to Business and Professions Code, Division 4, Part 1 are hereby extended for a period of 60 days.

4) The June 1, 2020 deadline specified in Education Code section 8434(g), related to the election of a representative for family childcare providers, is extended to August 1, 2020.

5) The requirements specified in Harbors and Navigation Code section 1176 and in California Code of Regulations, title 7, sections 217.5 and 217.10 that a pilot be found fit-for-duty as a condition of having his or her license renewed and that a pilot trainee be found fit-for-duty to be allowed to continue in the training program are temporarily waived. The temporary waiver of a fit-for-duty determination applies to pilots whose license expires between April 1, 2020, and July 31, 2020, and to trainees whose anniversary of admission to the training program falls between these same dates. These fit-for-duty requirements must be satisfied by December 31, 2020, unless this Order is further extended.

6) The training requirements specified in California Code of Regulations, title 7, section 215 relating to continuing education for pilots are temporarily waived for those pilots required to complete training in 2020. These pilots must satisfy these waived training requirements by June 30, 2021, unless this Order is further extended.

7) The three-year maximum length of the training program for pilot trainees specified in Harbors and Navigation Code section 1171.5 (c) and California Code of Regulations, title 7, section 214 (c) is extended by one year for trainees who have been unable to train on vessels because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

8) The provisions of California Vehicle Code section 2501 requiring all licenses issued to privately owned or operated ambulances used to respond to emergency calls, privately owned armored cars, and fleet owner inspection and maintenance stations that expire one year after the licenses are issued are hereby extended for a period of 60 days from the license expiration date. This extension is applicable to licenses expired on or after March 4, 2020, or will expire within 60 days from the date of this Order.

9) For holders of current commercial driver’s licenses or certificates, whose required medical certificate has or will expire on or after March 1, 2020, the timeframes set forth in Vehicle Code section 12804.9(c), and accompanying regulations, pertaining to possessing a valid medical certificate in order to maintain a valid commercial driver license or certificate, are waived until June 30, 2020.

10) The time limits set forth in the Permit Streamlining Act in Government Code sections 65943, 65950, 65952, and 65956, and in Public Resources Code sections 30512, 30513, 30603, 30606, 30621, 30622, 30625, 30714, and 30812 are suspended, with respect to actions by or matters before the California Coastal Commission or the State Water Resources Control Board, for a period of 60 days. This paragraph pauses the time limits in the referenced sections but does not restart them, and should be construed to toll those timeframes for 60 days, such that no time should be counted for 60 days, but that any days that elapsed prior to this suspension are still counted.

11) To the extent any provision of state law might restrict the exercise of the California Department of Justice’s authority to conduct criminal background checks pursuant to Penal Code section 11105 based on identifying information other than fingerprints for individuals performing tasks that require licensure pursuant to pursuant to Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code or providing services or care pursuant to the California Community Care Facilities Act (Chapter 3 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code), the California Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly Act (Chapter 3.2 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code), the California Child Day Care Facilities Act (Chapter 3.4 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code) or In-Home Supportive Services (Article 7 of Chapter 3 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code and Welfare and Institutions Code sections 14132.95, 14132.952, and 14132.956), those provisions are suspended for a period of 60 days.

12) To the extent any provision of state law might restrict the exercise of the California Department of Justice’s authority to waive or eliminate the applicable fee for a criminal background check conducted pursuant to Paragraph 11, those provisions are suspended for a period of 60 days.     13) Health and Safety Code section 123148(b)(1) is suspended to the extent it requires a health care professional to review COVID-19 test results before those test results may be disclosed to a patient via the Internet or other electronic means, on the condition that any such disclosure must be conducted in accordance with an order of the State Public Health Officer or a local public health officer, and with guidance issued by the California Department of Public Health pursuant this paragraph. The California Department of Public Health shall issue guidance concerning large-scale COVID-19 testing, as well as appropriate test interpretation, isolation, and care measures to be undertaken in conjunction with such testing.

14) All requirements in Education Code section 89030.5, which permits a change in the criteria for admission to a California State University campus to become effective only after public hearings have been held and only after a period of at least six months or one year (as applicable) has elapsed after that change is approved by the chancellor, are waived through June 30, 2021.

15) The restrictions for commercial activities in safety roadside rest areas specified in Streets and Highways Code sections 225 and 225.5 and Vehicle Code sections 22518, 22520.5 and 22520.6, and accompanying regulations, are suspended for a period of 60 days, to the extent necessary to allow commercially licensed food trucks to operate and sell food in designated safety roadside rest areas in compliance with a temporary permit issued by Caltrans. Caltrans is authorized to develop and implement a process to issue and administer temporary permits allowing commercially licensed food truck vendors that otherwise are in compliance with state and local licensing and permitting requirements to operate and sell food in designated safety roadside rest areas. The development and implementation of this process shall not be subject to the Administrative Procedure Act, Government Code section 11340 et seq.

16) Code of Civil Procedure section 695.221(e), concerning credits to the State from certain collections received from federal tax refund offsets when the recipient of such a refund owes past due support, is suspended.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that as soon as hereafter possible, this Order be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State and that widespread publicity and notice be given of this Order.

This Order is not intended to, and does not, create any rights or benefits, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity, against the State of California, its agencies, departments, entities, officers, employees, or any other person.

Department of Justice files Statement of Interest in Mississippi church case

On Tuesday, April 14, 2020, United States Attorney General William P. Barr, the nation’s top law enforcement officer, issued the following statement:

“In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the President has issued guidelines calling on all Americans to do their part to slow the spread of a dangerous and highly contagious virus.  Those measures are important because the virus is transmitted so easily from person to person, and because it all too often has life-threatening consequences for its victims, it has the potential to overwhelm health care systems when it surges.

To contain the virus and protect the most vulnerable among us, Americans have been asked, for a limited period of time, to practice rigorous social distancing.  The President has also asked Americans to listen to and follow directions issued by state and local authorities regarding social distancing.  Social distancing, while difficult and unfamiliar for a nation that has long prided itself on the strength of its voluntary associations, has the potential to save hundreds of thousands of American lives from an imminent threat.  Scrupulously observing these guidelines is the best path to swiftly ending COVID-19’s profound disruptions to our national life and resuming the normal economic life of our country.  Citizens who seek to do otherwise are not merely assuming risk with respect to themselves, but are exposing others to danger.  In exigent circumstances, when the community as a whole faces an impending harm of this magnitude, and where the measures are tailored to meeting the imminent danger, the constitution does allow some temporary restriction on our liberties that would not be tolerated in normal circumstances.

But even in times of emergency, when reasonable and temporary restrictions are placed on rights, the First Amendment and federal statutory law prohibit discrimination against religious institutions and religious believers.  Thus, government may not impose special restrictions on religious activity that do not also apply to similar nonreligious activity. For example, if a government allows movie theaters, restaurants, concert halls, and other comparable places of assembly to remain open and unrestricted, it may not order houses of worship to close, limit their congregation size, or otherwise impede religious gatherings.  Religious institutions must not be singled out for special burdens.

Today, the Department filed a Statement of Interest in support of a church in Mississippi that allegedly sought to hold parking lot worship services, in which congregants listened to their pastor preach over their car radios, while sitting in their cars in the church parking lot with their windows rolled up.  The City of Greenville fined congregants $500 per person for attending these parking lot services – while permitting citizens to attend nearby drive-in restaurants, even with their windows open.[1]  The City appears to have thereby singled churches out as the only essential service (as designated by the state of Mississippi) that may not operate despite following all CDC and state recommendations regarding social distancing.

As we explain in the Statement of Interest, where a state has not acted evenhandedly, it must have a compelling reason to impose restrictions on places of worship and must ensure that those restrictions are narrowly tailored to advance its compelling interest.  While we believe that during this period there is a sufficient basis for the social distancing rules that have been put in place, the scope and justification of restrictions beyond that will have to be assessed based on the circumstances as they evolve.

Religion and religious worship continue to be central to the lives of millions of Americans.  This is true more so than ever during this difficult time.  The pandemic has changed the ways Americans live their lives.  Religious communities have rallied to the critical need to protect the community from the spread of this disease by making services available online and in ways that otherwise comply with social distancing guidelines.

The United States Department of Justice will continue to ensure that religious freedom remains protected if any state or local government, in their response to COVID-19, singles out, targets, or discriminates against any house of worship for special restrictions.”

Governor appoints business and civic leader, and former Democratic presidential candidate Tom Steyer Chief Advisor and as task force co-chair with governor’s Chief of Staff Ann O’Leary

All of California’s former governors and California’s legislative leaders across both political parties join the task force

Brings together Californian government, business, labor, health care and community leaders from across diverse range of the state’s economy to develop recommendations for a plan that works for all Californians, with a focus on the regions and communities hardest hit by the pandemic

Former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen, Disney Executive Chairman Bob Iger, ILWU President Willie Adams, President and CEO of the California Community Foundation Antonia Hernandez, former head of the Small Business Administration Aida Álvarez and Apple CEO Tim Cook will be part of the task force stepping up to help California pave the way toward a fast, safe recovery of jobs

SACRAMENTO (April 17, 2020) – Bringing together leaders across California’s diverse, innovative economic and social sectors to chart a path forward on recovery in the wake of COVID-19, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the formation of a state Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery. The Task Force will be co-chaired by Governor Newsom’s Chief of Staff Ann O’Leary and philanthropist, environmentalist and businessman Tom Steyer, who was also appointed Chief Advisor to the Governor on Business and Jobs Recovery. He will receive no compensation for his service.

Members of the Task Force include Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, Senate Minority Leader Shannon Grove, Assembly Minority Leader Marie Waldron, former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen, Walt Disney Company Executive Chairman Bob Iger, former head of the Small Business Administration Aida Álvarez and dozens of prominent leaders in business, labor, health care, academia and philanthropy.

Read the full list of Task Force members here.

“This pandemic has forced millions of Californians out of jobs – with the most vulnerable hit the hardest,” said Governor Newsom. “While we have made significant progress in flattening the curve and increased preparedness of our health care delivery system, the actions taken have also impacted the economy, poverty and overall health care in California. We will use a gradual, science-based and data-driven framework to guide our re-opening timing while planning our economic recovery. I am honored that dozens of leaders in business, labor, health and philanthropy are stepping up to meet this moment by committing their time and talent to lift up all Californians. Through their leadership, and the leadership of California’s 40 million residents, I have no doubt we will emerge stronger from this crisis.”

The Task Force will work to develop actions government and businesses can take to help Californians recover as fast as safely possible from the COVID-19 induced recession and to shape a fair, green, and prosperous future. They will meet twice a month throughout 2020 to develop options that would work for all Californians, with a particular focus on those hardest hit by the pandemic.

“Governor Newsom has been a steady hand and shining example of how to lead during a crisis, and I am thrilled to help in this critical way,” said Tom Steyer. “In the coming weeks and months, we will bring together the public and private sectors, outside experts, organized labor, environmental groups, and activists to develop recommendations for a recovery plan that works for all Californians, with an emphasis on those communities hardest hit by the pandemic. Our goal is to present Governor Newsom with tangible actions that leverage the task force’s expertise to rebuild California, emphasize smart, green technologies and provide a model for just economic development for our country.”

The Task Force will craft ideas for short, medium, and long-term solutions that reflect communities across the state, and emphasize a fair and equitable recovery. There will be significant emphasis of the state’s strengths, including diversity and innovation. The Task Force will not only focus on our immediate recovery, but on actions to support a cleaner, more equitable and prosperous future for all Californians. It will build on the important work of other groups including the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors, the Higher Education Council and the Commission on the Future of Work. Both co-chairs of the Future of Work Commission, President of SEIU Mary Kay Henry and Senior Partner of McKinsey & Company James Manyika, will serve on the new Task Force.

The governor formed the Business and Jobs Recovery Task Force just days after he announced a multi-state Task Force with Oregon and Washington to coordinate the reopening of our regional economy. Governor Newsom outlined a road map to recovery with six indicators that should be met before California’s stay-at-home orders are modified.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on California’s economy. The state has seen more than 2.8 million unemployment claims since March 12, 2020 – not including undocumented residents or independent contractors. The impact has been particularly devastating for California’s small businesses.