Thomas L. Geiger was selected the new Contra Costa County Counsel. Source: CCC Office of Communications & Media

(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors has selected Thomas L. Geiger as the next County Counsel. His formal appointment will be approved at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, April 4.

County Counsel is the legal advisor for the County, including the Board of Supervisors and County officers, departments, boards and commissions, and certain special districts. Mr. Geiger has been an attorney in the County Counsel’s Office since 2001 and has served as Chief Assistant County Counsel since August 2022. He has significant legal experience in the areas of land use, code enforcement, real estate, public works, elections, emergency medical services, and Delta and water issues. Among his many accomplishments, he advised the Board of Supervisors, County Health Officer, and other County departments on legal issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic response.

“It’s a privilege to serve Contra Costa County in this role and to lead such an incredible team in the County Counsel’s Office,” Geiger said. “I am deeply honored to be selected as County Counsel and for the opportunity to help the Board of Supervisors carry out its vision of delivering quality public services that make a difference in the lives of people throughout our County.”

Geiger succeeds Mary Ann Mason, who retired as County Counsel in November 2022. As County Counsel, he will lead a legal team of 55 attorneys and staff who advise the County on civil legal matters and defend the County in litigation filed against it.

“Tom has a long history of public service in Contra Costa and has skillfully guided our County through complicated legal issues involving disaster response, land use and other significant community matters,” said Board Chair John Gioia, who represents District I. “We are grateful for his strong leadership, commitment to equity and transparency, and his ability to implement the Board’s priorities on the public’s behalf.”

Mr. Geiger holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Stanford University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of California, Davis, School of Law.

By Andrei Iancu and David Kappos

Chinese President Xi Jinping is putting his money where his mouth is.

“We must regard science and technology as our primary productive force,” he recently said. He’s already raised his country’s research and development spending to unprecedented levels. Now, he’s filling the highest reaches of government with experts in such areas as artificial intelligence, biotech, and semiconductors.

The United States needs to take this challenge seriously. Many in Washington appear to. The Chips and Science Act, passed in August, directs $200 billion over the next few years into basic research in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence and robotics.

But bankrolling basic research alone won’t lead to more innovation down the line. We also need robust intellectual property protections, without which new inventions wither away after the initial discovery for lack of further investment.

The last several decades have taught us that money isn’t everything. For example, the United States now spends about 3% of gross domestic product on R&D annually — a higher proportion than it spent at the height of the Space Race in the early 1960s. And yet, total factor productivity — the best measure of how much value innovation adds to the economy — has shrunk to an annual growth rate of just 0.5%, compared to 1% back then.

In other words, Americans used to get more for less.

This recent lackluster performance is a byproduct of ongoing assaults on IP law, which send a discouraging message to the companies and funds that invest in technology. Consider, for example, a proposal at the World Trade Organization to waive international patent protections on Covid therapeutics and diagnostic tools — most of which have applications far beyond one disease. This would amount to a hand-out of historic proportions to our biggest economic competitors.

The waiver is unnecessary on its own terms in a world where Covid tests and treatments are already in abundant supply. Plus, it would deal a devastating economic blow to the United States, undermine the development of new medicines, and set a precedent that invites even more attacks on IP rights. Other countries could insist on a “right” to U.S. patented technology in areas ranging from renewable energy to agriculture and beyond.

Another case in point: Dozens of members of Congress are urging the Administration to twist the law so that the federal government can seize patents whenever it has contributed so much as a cent to R&D.

It takes an enormous investment to move research from the laboratory to the marketplace, and we can be sure companies would stop funding product development if the government could simply nullify patent rights based on political whim. Kill patents and you kill private investment in innovation.

How can the United States keep its place as the world leader in scientific innovation? For a start, by resisting calls to tamper with patent rights. There is no surer way to cede technological leadership to China.

Andrei Iancu served as the undersecretary of commerce for intellectual property and director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office from 2018 to 2021, under former President Donald Trump. David Kappos served as the undersecretary of commerce for intellectual property and director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office from 2009 to 2013, under former President Barack Obama. Both serve as board co-chairs of the Council for Innovation Promotion.

Shannon Newton wasn’t planning to chase points and ended up winning his second Wingless Spec Sprint championship. Photo by Katrina Kniss

2022 Champions were Nick DeCarlo (IMCA Modifieds), Fred Ryland (IMCA Sport Modifieds), Travis Dutra (IMCA Stock Cars), Misty Welborn (Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks), Shannon Newton (Wingless Spec Sprints), Jim Freethy (Super Stocks), Danny Wagner (Delta Dwarf Cars) and Tom Brown (Print Club Mini Stocks)

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing News

Antioch, CA…This Saturday night, March 25, 2023, Antioch Speedway has a loaded program as the 63rd season of championship auto racing is set to begin. Weather permitting, the trifecta of IMCA, Modifieds, Sport Modifieds and Stock Cars, will be joined by the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks, Delta Dwarf Cars and United States Auto Club Western States Midgets. Wet weather leading up to Saturday could postpone things again.

Antioch, like much of the state, has seen more rain this winter than has been seen in several years. The rain hit the track so hard that you could have had a fishing contest on the flooded racing surface back in February. With water pumps and a diligently working track crew, the track is expected to be ready on Saturday as long as the weather allows the six-division show to happen.

Back in February, the track did manage to make an awards banquet happen to celebrate last season. This has not been a given for the track in recent years. Due to COVID-19, the track couldn’t even have fans in the grandstands in 2020 when they held races, and the banquet was a non-starter. The banquet was set to happen early in 2022, which would celebrate the previous season, but COVID-19 regulations kept the gathering from happening again.

However, last year was the first season since 2019 in which fans were able to attend every race. There were no restrictions in place. A last minute effort was put together for the banquet, which took place at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in February. With some sponsorship and teamwork from throughout the racing community, champions in eight divisions were crowned in February.

Fred Ryland added his third IMCA Sport Modified track championship trophy to his mantle. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Drivers earning the big trophies included Nick DeCarlo (IMCA Modifieds), Fred Ryland (IMCA Sport Modifieds), Travis Dutra (IMCA Stock Cars), Misty Welborn (Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks), Shannon Newton (Wingless Spec Sprints), Jim Freethy (Super Stocks), Danny Wagner (Delta Dwarf Cars) and Tom Brown (Print Club Mini Stocks).

The Top 10 drivers in each division were honored along with Most Improved Driver and Rookie of The Year awards in all classes, plus special awards. Track Photographer Katrina Kniss also had some special awards for the Top 3 drivers in each class.

The gala event was nearly at capacity, and the interesting part was something was attempted that had never been done before. This was a free to attend event for the racing community, which also included a spaghetti meal and beverages. A live band ended the night on a positive note.

Drivers were speaking of their enthusiasm coming into the new season, It’s a clean slate. That means a new opportunity for drivers to run for points in the popular IMCA divisions, which always garner lots of attention from the fans. The Hobby Stocks were noteworthy last year in bringing the biggest car count week in and week out. If the five regular divisions on the schedule aren’t enough, there’s a special attraction on Saturday.

Misty Welborn displayed her championship blanket after picking up the Hobby Stock honors. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Promoter Chad Chadwick and Race Director Chris Bennett worked diligently to give the fans several special events of interest, and more open wheel racing will be a part of it. For the first time ever, the United States Auto Club Western States Miidgets will compete at Antioch Speedway, and this is just their first visit of the year. These fast wingless open wheel cars have been a popular form of racing in California since the 1930s.

Later on this year, the fans will be treated to NARC Winged 410 Sprint Cars, Sprint Car Challenge Tour Winged 360 Sprint Cars and Hunt Wingless Spec Sprints, among the many special events that will be a part of things in the weeks ahead.

The track’s website has the schedule listed along with other vital information, and it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the social media pages.

The IMCA Modifieds are the longest continuously tenured division currently in the lineup, having had championship seasons every year since 1990. DeCarlo enjoyed his second Antioch championship last year. The Sport Modifieds have a slightly bigger car count and will have intense competition this year, while the Stock Cars continue to gain more competitors among their ranks. They are poised to have a breakout season. Add in all the other elements, and Saturday night is a must-see event for racing enthusiasts.

The gates will open at 4:00 with the first race starting at 6:00.

Adult tickets are $20, Senior/Military $15, Kids (5-12) $15 and kids five and under free.

For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com for check out the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions Facebook page.

Bail set at $1.6 million; arrested last month for battery, child endangerment

By Ashley Crandell, PIO, Antioch Police Community Engagement Unit

In response to media requests for additional information, the identity and arrest charges of the suspect in the stabbing of a pregnant woman and two children on Saturday, March 18, 2023, are being released in accordance with California Government Code § 6254(f)(1): Bartley Hall, 37-year-old Antioch resident. (See related article)

Charges: Three (3) felony counts of attempted murder – California Penal Code § 664/187(a). Two (2) felony counts of evading a peace officer – California Vehicle Code §§ 2800.2(1), 2800.

Hall remains in-custody on these charges at the Martinez Detention Facility and his bail is currently $1.6 million. This case will be presented to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office by Wednesday, March 22, 2023

The identity of the victims will be kept confidential in accordance with California Penal Code § 293.

According to localcrimenews.com, Hall was arrested by Antioch Police on Feb. 12 for 243(E)(1) – Battery On Spouse / Cohabitant / Former Spouse and 273A(A) – Child Endangerment.

This is an active investigation and members of our Investigations Bureau to include Crime Scene Investigators and Violent Crimes Detectives responded to the scene and took over the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Gerber at (925) 481-8297 or rgerber@antiochca.gov. You may also text an anonymous tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword ANTIOCH.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Following police chase to Solano County; two victims in critical condition

By Ashley Crandell, PIO, Antioch Police Department Community Engagement Unit

On March 18, 2023, at approximately 3:54 pm, the Antioch Police Department’s Communications Center began receiving calls regarding a disturbance in the 100 block of Wilbur Avenue. Shortly after, they received another call stating people were being stabbed at the location. Antioch Police Officers immediately responded to the scene and noticed a vehicle fleeing the area at a high rate of speed.

One officer pursued the vehicle where it was involved in a collision in Solano County and the suspect, a 37-year-old, Antioch resident, was taken into custody. No one was injured as a result of the collision and the suspect was evaluated at a local hospital for precaution. While that officer pursued the suspect, other officers immediately rendered aid to three victims that were suffering from stab wounds. One victim was a 35-year-old female who was pregnant, a 14-year-old male, and a 11-year-old female. All three victims were transported to local hospitals and two are listed in critical condition. This is an isolated incident and there is no active threat to the public.

This is an active investigation and members of our Investigations Bureau to include Crime Scene Investigators and Violent Crimes Detectives responded to the scene and took over the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Gerber at (925) 481-8297 or rgerber@antiochca.gov. You may also text an anonymous tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword ANTIOCH.

The members of the Antioch Police Department would like to thank the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, and the Fairfield, CA Police Department for their assistance in the vehicle pursuit and taking the suspect into custody.

New HAWK traffic signals in city; includes funds for Byron Highway, Vasco Road

Caltran announced Thursday, March 9, 2023, that it is awarding more than $225.6 million for local projects with $19 million in Contra Costa County designed to reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries on city and county roads. Funding is provided through the Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 11. In HSIP Cycle 11 Call-for-Projects, 434 applications from 206 local public agencies, requesting $521.1 million of HSIP funds, were received.  A total of 282 projects from 155 local agencies will receive HSIP funds including Contra Costa County and six of its cities.

Safety enhancements will include pedestrian crossings, bike safety improvements and new traffic signals, roundabouts, turn lanes, rumble strips and guardrails. Caltrans awards these grants every other year to cities, counties and tribal governments.

Antioch had requested $3,72,600 and was granted $3,328,000 in transportation improvement funds. They will be used to provide signal system upgrades at multiple locations and to install High Intensity Activated crossWalK (HAWK) signals at trail crossing to enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety in the city. The signals do not include a green light and drivers don’t have to wait until the red light goes out. (See video of how they work).

Source: City of Phoenix, AZ

“Safety is always Caltrans’ top priority,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “These projects will enhance systemwide safety features, including enhancing safety for people who walk and bike, and move us closer to our vision of reaching zero fatalities and serious injuries on roadways throughout the state by 2050.”

Caltrans is using the Safe System approach – which emphasizes multiple layers of protection, including safer road designs – to achieve its goal of reducing to zero the number of fatalities and serious injuries on state roadways by 2050. Caltrans’ adoption of the Safe System approach builds on its ongoing work to embed safety in the state’s transportation system, and for that reason all transportation projects the department funds or oversees now must include “complete street” features that provide safe and accessible options for people walking, biking and taking transit.

“True equity on our roads means creating safe spaces for all, where pedestrians and cyclists are valued and protected with the same care and attention as motorists, said Caltrans District 4 Director Dina El-Tawansy. “This critical funding for safety will bring us closer to achieving a sustainable and equitable transportation system for all Californians.”

District 4 includes Contra Costa, Alameda, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma counties.

Projects approved in Contra Costa County include:

• $2.5M in the city of Antioch for signal system upgrades at multiple locations.
• $828,000 to install Hawk signals at trail crossings to enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety in the city of Antioch.
• $1.3M for Byron Highway safety improvements.
• $715,050 for Vasco Road safety improvements in the county.
• $249,415 for the county for Walnut Boulevard bike safety improvements (near Brentwood).
• $7.4M in street lighting and safety improvements in the city of Concord. The project includes installing new lighting, upgrading existing street and intersection lighting, installing pedestrian countdown signal heads, modifying phasing to provide a Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) and installing three new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) and four HAWK signals.
• $249,984 to upgrade existing uncontrolled crossing locations to enhance pedestrian safety with flashing beacon systems in the city of Concord.
• $249,480 to install bike lane buffer delineators to provide physical separation between bicycles and vehicles and install bike boxes at intersection approaches in city of Concord.
• $531,360 for traffic signal and intersection safety improvements in the city of Danville.
• $107,910 for Hartz Avenue corridor intersection safety improvements in the city of Danville.
• $445,860 for pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements in the city of Moraga.
• $220,500 for pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements in the city of Moraga.
• $239,040 for safety improvements on arterial roadways in the city of Pinole.
• $1.4M for Barrett Avenue Road improvements in the city of Richmond.
• $224,640 for MacDonald Avenue pedestrian crossing safety upgrades in the city of Richmond.
• $999,990 to replace guardrails in various locations throughout the county.
• $249,840 to install Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), bulb-outs and a median refuge island in the county.
• $1.1M in the county to install bike lanes by widening and restriping the roadway and installing a centerline rumble strip.

More information on the program is available at Caltrans’ HSIP page, including a full list of approved projects.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Antioch Police PIO Ashley Crandell, Community Engagement Unit

On March 17, 2023, at approximately 10:18 pm, the Antioch Police Department’s Communications Center received a call from Onstar regarding a traffic collision at the intersection of Lone Tree Way and State Route 4 (Hwy 4). Onstar was unable to contact anyone in the vehicle involved and called our communications center to report the collision. Lone Tree Way intersects with Hwy 4 in two locations in Antioch and this collision occurred on the portion of Lone Tree Way right before it turns into ‘A’ Street.

Antioch Police Officers immediately responded to the scene. They located a traffic accident involving two vehicles in the intersection of the east bound Hwy 4 off and on ramps and Lone Tree Way. When Officers arrived, they located a deceased male in one of the vehicles. There were two passengers in that same vehicle, and they were both transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

Our Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. Preliminary information revealed a vehicle was traveling south (towards E. Tregallas Road) on Lone Tree Way and collided with another vehicle that was exiting eastbound Hwy 4 and turning north (towards ‘A’ Street) on Lone Tree Way. The occupants of the other vehicle remained on the scene and were uninjured. The investigation is on-going, and our Traffic Enforcement Unit is still on scene investigating.

The identities of the occupants will remain confidential until proper notification has been made to their family.

Anyone with information regarding this traffic accident is asked to contact Officer Egan at (925)204-1587 or jegan@antiochca.gov. You may also text an anonymous tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword ANTIOCH.