Between Lone Tree Way and Sand Creek Road Saturday, July 8 through Sunday, July 9, 2023

For Mokelumne Trail Overcrossing construction

By Ivan Ramirez, Contra Costa Transportation Authority

BRENTWOOD, CA – In partnership with the City of Brentwood, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is constructing the Mokelumne Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing to provide safe access to cyclists and pedestrians for commuting and recreational travel, reconnecting two sides of the trail that were separated by the expansion of State Route 4.

This overnight closure will facilitate the removing of the temporary structure that was used to support the bridge and will impact State Route 4 in the eastbound direction. CCTA and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) have scheduled the closure during the early morning hours in order to minimize impacts to the motoring public.

In order to ensure crew and public safety during the planned construction work, a temporary nighttime freeway closure in the eastbound direction of State Route 4 will occur between Saturday, July 8 and Sunday, July 9, 2023 on the following schedule (weather permitting):

Eastbound Highway 4 will be closed between Lone Tree Way and Sand Creek Road from 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 8 until 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 9, 2023. 

Detours
Detours will be in place to reroute drivers around the closure and are planned as follows:

Eastbound traffic will be directed to exit at Lone Tree Way, go eastbound to Shady Willow Lane, then southbound on Shady Willow Lane to Sand Creek Road, before proceeding westbound on Sand Creek Road to the eastbound State Route 4 on-ramp.

Future Freeway Closures

Additional overnight closures will be needed over the course of the next several weeks (weather dependent) to facilitate ­­­­construction work­­­­­­­­ of the future Mokelumne Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing. Additional information regarding dates and detours will be provided once the schedule is confirmed. This project is anticipated to be complete in late summer or early fall of 2023.
About the Contra Costa Transportation Authority

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is a public agency formed by Contra Costa voters in 1988 to manage the county’s transportation sales tax program and oversee countywide transportation planning efforts. With a staff of twenty people managing a multi-billion-dollar suite of projects and programs, CCTA is responsible for planning, funding and delivering critical transportation infrastructure projects and programs that connect our communities, foster a strong economy, increase sustainability, and safely and efficiently get people where they need to go. CCTA also serves as the county’s designated Congestion Management Agency, responsible for putting programs in place to keep traffic levels manageable. More information about CCTA is available at ccta.net.

More than 11 million arrest and conviction records automatically cleared including old arrests that never turned into charges and provides relief to people who completed all conditions of their sentence

Due to legislation pioneered by Los Angeles DA George Gascón

By Max Szabo, Prosecutors Alliance of California

SACRAMENTO–New data from the California Department of Justice (CAL DOJ) indicates that 11,164,458 records of arrest and conviction were automatically cleared between July 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022 pursuant to Assembly Bill 1076. The historic reform automated a process that individuals were already entitled to but had to seek out through an arduous process. AB 1076 requires CAL DOJ to automatically clear old arrests that never turned into charges and provides relief to people who completed all the conditions of their sentence, thereby expanding education, employment and housing opportunities for countless Californians.

“People who were arrested or convicted of low-level crimes and did what was asked of them are entitled to a second chance under the law, but bureaucratic barriers kept them in a paper prison,” said Cristine DeBerry, Founder and Executive Director of the Prosecutors Alliance of California.  “That wasn’t just unfair, it was unsafe, as a criminal record hangs over people, hampering their access to employment and housing opportunities, primary factors that drive recidivism. The system had taken away hope and opportunity, but commonsense and technology enabled one of the most important reforms in years.” 

The automated record clearance is due to a 2019 law, Assembly Bill 1076, which was authored by Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) and sponsored by then-San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón.  The legislation mandated that the state Department of Justice automatically clear records of arrests that did not result in a conviction after the statute of limitations had passed as well as convictions involving probation and jail once an offender’s sentence was completed. Individuals sentenced to prison and anyone who had to register as a sex offender or who violated their probation is not eligible.  The record clearance largely benefits individuals who had committed drugs or property crimes.

“It’s a vicious cycle, as communities of color are more likely to be arrested, they are therefore more likely to have a record that includes an arrest or conviction, and yet they were less likely to be aware that they were entitled to relief,” said LA County District Attorney George Gascón.  “These were unnecessary barriers that make it more difficult to successfully reenter and break the cycle by limiting access to jobs, education and housing.  Breaking down these barriers makes our system more just and our communities more safe.”

During the appropriations process that bill was limited to prospective arrests and convictions.  However, a subsequent effort in 2021, AB 1038, authored again by Assemblymember Ting, and sponsored by the Prosecutors Alliance of California, made the record clearance provided under AB 1076 retroactive.  That bill took effect July 1, 2023.  The newly released DOJ data indicates that the relief granted thus far was pursuant to AB 1076, the initial authorizing legislation only, suggesting that the expanded eligibility profile now in effect under AB 1038 will result in the clearance of millions of additional records.  

Prior to the automated record clearance, 8 million California residents had criminal convictions on their records that hampered their ability to find work and housing, secure public benefits, or even get admitted to college.  Studies indicate approximately two million of them were eligible for record clearance. Millions more have old arrests on their record that never resulted in a conviction but, remain as obstacles to employment.  

Under the law arrests that didn’t result in a conviction may be cleared. Convictions that carry probation or jail time are also eligible for record clearance after the individual completes all the terms and conditions of their sentence. Prior to AB 1076, however, this required individuals to be aware of their eligibility and to retain an attorney to proactively file the necessary petition.  As a result, millions of Californians have been entitled to relief for years that they never realized because they had to jump through hoops to get it. In fact, nationally, only 6.5% of eligible people have been estimated to obtain record clearance within five years of eligibility. With more affluent communities more able to afford a private attorney, this bureaucracy disproportionately impacted socioeconomically disadvantaged communities and communities of color in particular.

Nearly 90% of employers, 80% of landlords, and 60% of colleges screen applicants’ criminal records.  According to a 2012 study conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management, many prospective employees and housing applicants are rejected solely based on having an arrest record on file.  Studies also show people with unsealed arrest records have a substantially increased chance of living in poverty, earning lower wages, with fewer educational opportunities.

The concept for the legislation grew out of DA Gascón’s effort to clear old cannabis convictions that were eligible for clearance pursuant to Proposition 64.  That effort has now been adopted by prosecutors’ offices across the nation.  Notably, the algorithm that enabled automated record clearance pursuant to AB 1076–much like the cannabis clearance effort–would not be possible without the help and support of Code For America. Research by the California Policy Lab of the University of California provided supporting evidence regarding the feasibility of large-scale record clearance automation, as well as its enormous potential impact on the lives of Californians.  Assemblymember Phil Ting has the sincere gratitude of the Prosecutors Alliance for leading the historic initiative and seeing that all eligible and impacted Californians would obtain the relief to which they are entitled.  

The Prosecutors Alliance of California is fiscally sponsored by Tides Advocacy, a social welfare organization. Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton is a founding member. For more information about the Prosecutors Alliance go to www.ProsecutorsAlliance.org and keep up with our work on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. 

By Tammy Gochenouer

Over the past fourteen years, California Rainbow Girls (CAIORG) have fundraised and donated over $1,000,000 to non-profit organizations across California. This past weekend at the state-wide meeting in Visalia, CAIORG announced their decision to support Banding Together as their 2024 recipient. Since 2009, Banding Together has brought music opportunities to individuals with special needs throughout the San Diego area. Their programing includes music therapy scholarships and free Jam Sessions, all of which utilize music as a means to promote socialization, expression and inclusion within the communities they serve.

Over the next year, members of CAIORG across the state will work together to support Banding Together through fundraising and volunteer activities and will present the total amount raised at their annual convention in 2024.

Our local assembly, Diablo Valley #84, meets in Antioch. We have eight active members ranging in age from 12-17.  Not only do we raise funds each year towards a state service project for a non-profit (we have assemblies all over the state if CA), we also do local projects to support our community.  We have done city cleanups, food drives and making port pals for our local hospitals and clinics.  The state project, Banding Together is located in the greater San Diego area.  Our state leader chose this project because we are statewide and music and therapy have a special meaning to her. 

The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is a nonprofit organization for girls between the ages of 11 and 20. Rainbow was created in 1922 for young women whose fathers were members of the Masonic Lodge, and their friends. The organization prepares the girls of today to be the leaders of tomorrow through leadership training, service opportunities, and sisterhood.

If you are interested in supporting California Rainbow and Banding Together, check out www.gocagrainbow.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Limited response plan implementation ensures responses to exceptionally high volume of fireworks-caused fires

Antioch had most with 22 and worst structure fire destroying garage, damaging two homes in which four residents displaced, dog died

Martinez man loses part of hand holding an exploding firework

By Steve Hill, PIO, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

July 6, 2023 – Contra Costa County Fire Protection District today made available details of the fire and EMS activity, much of it fireworks related, occurring across the district on the Independence Day holiday evening.

For the six-hour period from 8 p.m., July 4, to 2 a.m., July 5, the district dispatched crews to 69 fire incidents. This represents a more than 400 percent increase over other recent Tuesdays, which in June, averaged 20 fire dispatches for the entire day. Year-over-year, fire incidents were up nearly 60 percent.

The holiday evening’s 69 fire incidents point to the dangers of fireworks use in current heightened fire danger conditions. Eleven of these fires are known to have been caused, and another 51 suspected of having been caused by fireworks.

While the cool weather was favorable and the midweek timing had the holiday falling on a work night, fires numbered some 60 percent more than 4th of July 2023’s 44 fire incidents for the same evening period.

In spite of more than 60 grass, vegetation and other exterior fires burning across the district on the

Four Residents Displaced, Dog Dies in Antioch Fire

evening of the Fourth, only four structure fires ensued. Of these, in three cases, fireworks could not be ruled out as the cause. In the worst structure fire of the evening, in the 2 a.m. hour in Antioch, a garage was destroyed, and two adjacent homes substantially damaged as a result of fireworks. In all, four residents were displaced, and a dog died, as a result of this unnecessary fire.

20% Increase in Emergency Medical Service Incidents 

Calls for emergency medical services were also up over normal, non-holiday periods with some of this increase likely attributable to fireworks activity. On the Fourth, 240 EMS incidents were dispatched with 64 of these occurring between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. the next day. Total EMS responses represent about a 20% increase over more typical weekdays. On average, Con Fire responds to just over 200 EMS incidents daily.

In one particularly egregious case, a 66-year-old male in Martinez was gravely injured in the 10 p.m. hour when he lost part of a hand while holding an exploding firework.

Considerable preparation across the district, including upstaffing of additional dispatchers; two hand crews and equipment; two fire dozers; and the district operations center, staffed by multiple chief officers; resulted in rapid and overwhelming responses, which served to limit fire spread, and resultant damage when fires did occur.

All 60-plus grass and exterior fires were kept small, limiting potential for structure damage as a result of rapid and overwhelming responses as well as early notifications to 911 by residents.

Sponsored by Republic Services

Calling all Golfers and Antioch PAL Supporters,

It’s that time of the year again! We are proud to announce the 13th Annual Antioch Police Activities League Charity Golf Tournament is open for player and sponsorship registration. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this year’s fun and excitement! The tournament will take place on Friday, September 15th 2023, at the beautiful Lone Tree Golf and Event Center at 4800 Golf Course Road here in Antioch.

Attached you will find the registration form with additional information about how to register players, sponsor the event, or both! As in prior years, we are limiting our field to 128 players. Don’t wait too long to register, as you may miss out on participating in THE premier tournament in East County!

Please remember, all proceeds raised from this tournament go toward helping the youth in our community stay active and socially involved through positive relationships with mentors and members of the Antioch Police Department. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, and your donation/sponsorship can be considered tax deductible.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

***Many of you who have played in prior PAL tournaments know it always sells out. As in years past, teams that register as part of a sponsorship get priority entry.  Standard entries are then taken on a first come first serve basis.  Any extra entries are placed on a waiting list and will be kept informed of openings in case any teams back out prior to the tournament.

Thanks,

Steve Ford, Chief of Police

Antioch Police Department

She was ejected from the car being driven recklessly after crashing into other vehicle

By Allen D. Payton

7/13/23 UPDATE: In response to the questions sent to Antioch Police on Monday, July 10, 2023, according to APD Public Information Liaison Sgt. Price Kendall, “the young lady was not pregnant. As for your additional questions, they all pertain to the investigation, which is still ongoing.”

In an earlier report, police claimed the unborn baby did not survive.

Asked if the driver had been arrested and about the restraining order, Kendall said, “No. Orders have to be served. What was going on beforehand (inside Fierro’s vehicle) is part of the investigation. All parties have been contacted in the investigation.”

ORIGINAL STORY: A pregnant woman and her unborn baby died and three others were injured in a two-car collision on Lone Tree Way near Clayburn Road late Thursday afternoon. The young woman was ejected from the car that was being driven recklessly according to police. (See follow-up article)

Assistant Chief Chris Bachman confirmed it was a fatal accident. The victim is a female, probably in her 20’s who was ejected from the vehicle which rolled multiple times, he said.

They transported three other people including two others in the same vehicle and one from another vehicle. The severity of their injuries is not known at this time.

The roadway was shut down.

According to Antioch Police Public Information Liaison Sgt. Price Kendall, at approximately 4:50 pm, the Antioch Police Communications center received several calls of a rollover collision in front of Sutter Delta Hospital on Lone Tree Way.

Officers and AMR arrived on scene and located a pregnant female who had been ejected from the vehicle during the rollover. She was pronounced deceased.

8:48 PM UPDATE by APD: The investigation revealed the pregnant female was a passenger in the car being driven recklessly before crashing into the other vehicle. The baby did not survive.

The collision is still being investigated and an arrest is probable. APD will provide an update if and when an arrest is made.

9:13 AM 07/07/23 UPDATE

According to a press release by Sgt. Rob Green of the Antioch Police Field Services Division issued Friday morning, “On July 6th, 2023, at about 4:49 PM, the Antioch Police Department Communications Center received multiple 9-1-1 calls about a roll over vehicle collision with a female who was ejected from the vehicle in the 3900 block of Lone Tree Way. Officers arrived and learned that two vehicles had collided in the intersection of Lone Tree Way and Clayburn Road

 A solo driver of one vehicle suffered chest pain and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. The driver and passenger of the roll over vehicle were also transported to an area hospital for precautions. A 20-year-old female was ejected from the vehicle that rolled over and was pronounced deceased on scene by emergency medical personnel.

APD Accident Investigators assumed control of the investigation. The preliminary investigation determined speed was a factor in the crash.

This investigation is ongoing, and we ask anyone with information to contact Officer Blumberg at fblumberg@antiochca.gov or at 925-779-6900 ext. 85444. You may also text an anonymous tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword.”

All events at the Antioch Water Park at Prewett Family Park, 4701 Lone Tree Way, include night swim! Tickets and passes available at antiochwaterpark.com

For details click on the links:

• Luau Night July 7 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
• Friday Night Lights July 14 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
• Christmas in July July 21 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
• Carnival Night July 28 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

The Jazz, Blues, and Funk Festival is BACK!

Join us at the Pittsburg Civic Center for the Jazz, Blues, Funk Festival the weekend of August 19-20. The Festival is a two-day event that will feature a variety of artists, food, beer, and wine.

Tickets are on sale now with the option for VIP, General admission, and Two-day Passes.

Buy your tickets now: www.pittsburgtickets.com