By Danielle Navarro, Oakley Assistant City Manager
Oakley, CA – 4:49 PM – The homicide of a 16-year-old male, and the shooting of three other teenagers that occurred on October 21st in the 400 block of Shannon Way has been the top priority of the Oakley Police Department since it occurred. The investigators of the Oakley Police Department have worked tirelessly and continuously on this case over the past week. The Department has processed a large amount of electronic and digital evidence and spoken to many people in relation to the investigation. (See related articles here and here)
On October 25, 2023, the Oakley Police Department arrested Jason Walizada (18, Antioch) in connection with these heinous crimes. Walizada was booked into the Main Detention Facility in Martinez for a warrant, which was obtained by Oakley PD.
This case continues to be an ongoing and very active investigation. With this being the situation, we are unable to speak about the details of the case or what we have uncovered so far. Walizada will be released from custody later today pending further developments in our investigation. This latest development is always considered to be a possibility in major cases like ours where there are large amounts of evidence to process and sort through.
“This case represents the largest, most violent and deadly mass-shooting involving youth in the history of Oakley,” said Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard. “We are not done in our pursuit of justice in this killing and it is our end goal to remove all responsible parties from free society and incarcerate them. I previously stated our work is not done – we will not rest until we have successfully achieved the end goal in this case.
As always, if there are any further developments or updates in this case, I will be sure to share them.”
Members also rated KP 5 stars for their care and service experience
By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
OAKLAND, Calif. Oct. 26, 2023 – Kaiser Permanente has the highest rated health plan in the state for overall quality and is also rated highest by members for care and service experience, according to the health plan ratings for 2024 by Covered California – the state’s health insurance marketplace under the Affordable Care Act.
“Kaiser Permanente is a national leader in providing our members and patients with high-quality, compassionate care and service,” said Carrie Owen Plietz, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “We take great pride in knowing that our own members and patients rated their experiences with Kaiser Permanente 5 stars – the highest of any health plan in the state.”
In addition to achieving a 5-star “Overall Quality” rating for quality, Kaiser Permanente received 5 stars for “Members’ Care Experience,” which is based on patient surveys asking about their recent experiences when visiting the doctor and getting medical care; “Getting the Right Care,” a measure of care that is given, comparing with the national standards for care and treatments proven to help patients; and “Plan Services for Members,” which analyzes a health plan’s efficiency, affordability, and management.
“Our physicians and staff are committed to delivering exceptional clinical care and world-class service to improve and maintain the health and well-being of our members and patients,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “We keep our patient’s needs at the forefront of every decision, and our highly skilled physicians and care teams work collaboratively to consistently provide our patients with the personalized care they deserve.”
Kaiser Permanente is the only health plan in the state to receive 5 stars in every category. Kaiser Permanente is also the only health plan in the state to receive a 5-star “Overall Quality” rating in each of the last five years.
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.7 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org
Antioch councilman, retired police lieutenant, only union member in the race adds United Steelworkers Local 326 to list
Antioch, CA – On Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, Mike Barbanica, candidate for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors District 5, announced the endorsement of United Steelworkers Local 326. Barbanica comes from a long line of union workers, including his father and father-in-law who were Teamsters and his grandfather, uncles, and cousins who were members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Barbanica joined the Retail Clerks union (now known as United Food and Commercial Workers) at just 16 years old, and he is currently a member of the Teamsters.
United Steelworkers Local 326 is a local branch of America’s largest industrial union, with 1.2 million members and retirees. They are responsible for negotiating labor contracts, advocating for workers’ rights, and providing services and support to members such as grievance resolution and organizing.
“We are proud to endorse Teamster and Councilman Mike Barbanica for Contra Costa County Supervisor,” said Tyson Bagley, President of United Steelworkers Local 326. “As the son and grandson of union workers and a union member himself, we know that Mike has the right values and right experience to keep delivering for Contra Costa workers and their families. We trust that at the county level, he will prioritize growing good-paying union jobs and always fight to protect our workers and their rights.”
“I am honored to have earned the trust and endorsement of the United Steelworkers Local 326,” Barbanica said. “Growing up in a union family, and as a proud union member myself, I have always supported unions because I have seen firsthand how they improve lives and help working people reach their dreams. On the Board of Supervisors, I will continue to put working families first and that means fighting for greater health care access, more affordable housing, and keeping our community safe and secure.”
Barbanica is running for Contra Costa County Supervisorial District 5, which spans the north shore of Contra Costa County, including the cities of Hercules, Martinez, Pittsburg and portions of Antioch and the unincorporated communities of Alhambra Valley, Bay Point, Briones, Rodeo, Pacheco, Crockett, Tormey, Port Costa, Mt. View, Vine Hill, Reliez Valley, and Clyde.
Barbanica is a 21 year veteran of the Pittsburg Police Department, where he retired in 2007 as a police lieutenant and earned the Bronze Medal of Valor Award for his service. Barbanica and his team were credited by the police chief with bringing about a 20% decrease in crime. Barbanica and his wife Kristine are the owners of Blue Line Property Group where they help local families access affordable housing. In 2020, Barbanica, a Democrat, was elected to the Antioch City Council and currently represents District 2.
Democrat Mike Barbanica is a veteran of the Pittsburg Police Department, where he served 21 years and retired in 2007 as a police lieutenant. On the force, Mike ran a street level narcotic and crime unit that was credited with reducing crime by 23% in Pittsburg.
In 2020, Mike was elected to represent District 2 on the Antioch City Council where he’s been cracking down on dilapidated properties, improving public safety, and getting small businesses the funds they need to succeed.
Mike and his wife Kristine are the owners of Blue Line Property Group, where they help local families access affordable housing. Mike has received numerous awards for his teaching and coaching of others, including the California and Hawaii Region “Outstanding Brokerage of the Year” and the region’s “Broker of the Year.” He also authored an international bestselling book.
With over 20 years of experience protecting our community as a police officer and now an elected Councilmember with a thriving small business, Mike is running for Contra Costa Board of Supervisors to ensure Contra Costa County is a place where every family has equal opportunity to thrive and to use his experience to tackle the housing crisis, ensure we get serious about public safety, and build a stronger community for all who call Contra Costa County home.
Mike is also active in his community. He is a member of the Elk’s Club, the local Knights of Columbus, the Peace Officers Research Association of California, the National Association of Realtors, the Pittsburg Italian American Club, and other service organizations.
Mike and his wife Kristine raised their three children in the Antioch community and are grandparents to four grandchildren.
Shares story of caring for her mother for National Family Caregivers Month in November
I’d like to begin by reminding all of you that November is National Family Caregivers Month. It’s a time to recognize the incredible dedication and sacrifices of those who care for their loved ones, particularly those grappling with dementia, in any of its forms. I come to you not just as a speaker but as someone who has experienced the profound impact of dementia firsthand, a journey that started when my mother asked for my help back in 2014.
My mom’s story is one that many of you might find familiar. She was a vibrant woman who, as she approached her 68th birthday, began exhibiting signs of something amiss. Her social withdrawal, erratic medication intake, and a fainting episode that led her to the hospital in Walnut Creek were all red flags. It wasn’t until 2019 that a diagnosis was finally confirmed – vascular dementia. A young, dismissive doctor delivered the news, but our suspicions had been growing for years. The truth was that my mom had been prescribed what I’ve come to call “the dementia cocktail” in 2012, when she was just 61. It consisted of Aricept and Memantine, but her decline was slow, leading to moments of despair. By 2019, she had reached a point where she couldn’t care for herself, yet medical professionals seemed hesitant to make the diagnosis, leaving me feeling isolated in my role as her advocate.
However, my journey took an unexpected turn on my 40th birthday. That day, my mom embarked on a 36-hour odyssey across the Bay Area, signifying her fading independence. She drove across the Bay Bridge twice and even crossed the Golden Gate Bridge once. She was found disoriented and alone, wandering along Alemany Boulevard in Daly City at 3 am, having left her car in front of someone’s house, a silent testament to her deteriorating condition.
My 40th birthday celebration was anything but joyful; it marked the beginning of a deeply personal battle to protect and care for the woman who had once cared for me. My mom’s story is a vivid reminder of the complex and urgent challenge that dementia presents. It’s a disease that not only affects individuals but also places tremendous emotional and physical strain on their caregivers.
In addition to November being National Caregiver Month, let us also acknowledge the importance of the National Alzheimer’s Plan. This initiative has played a vital role in advancing research and support for individuals and families dealing with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. However, we cannot afford to let this plan expire. We must ensure its continued existence and strength.
I call upon our new Senator Laphonza Butler and Senator Alex Padilla to take a stand in this critical moment. I urge them to cosponsor the bipartisan NAPA (National Alzheimer’s Project Act) Reauthorization Act (S. 133) to renew and bolster the National Alzheimer’s Plan, ensuring that the needs of those affected by dementia are met, and research into this disease continues to progress.
In closing, if you or someone you know needs information or assistance in caring for a loved one with dementia, please reach out to the Alzheimer’s Association at 800.272.3900. Together, we can provide the support and resources needed for those battling this heart-wrenching disease. Thank you for your attention and let us work collectively to make a difference.
On Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 10 AM to 2 PM, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, or unused prescription drugs.
Needles and sharps cannot be accepted; only pills, patches, and liquids sealed in their original containers will be accepted. Vape pens or other e-cigarette devices from individual consumers are accepted only after the batteries are removed from the devices.
The service is free and anonymous; no questions asked. Bring your pills for disposal at the following sites:
DROP OFF LOCATIONS
Muir Station – 1980 Muir Road, Martinez
Bay Station – 5555 Giant Highway, Richmond
Valley Station – 150 Alamo Plaza, #C, Alamo
Delta Station – 14830 Highway 4, Discovery Bay
Danville Police Department – 510 La Gonda Way, Danville
Lafayette Police Department – 3471 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette
Orinda Police Department – 22 Orinda Way, Orinda
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, locations, or the Take Back event, visit: www.dea.gov/takebackday.
Photo of sideshow at Lone Tree Way and Deer Valley Road Sunday morning, Sept. 24, 2023. Photos by Allen D. Payton
Torres-Walker, Wilson concerned about punishing bystanders, more concerned with single car “spinouts”
“…when we can’t even trust them, not all but some, to do their current job without bias, I just don’t know if this is the particular right direction to go in.” – Mayor Pro Tem Tamisha Torres-Walker.
By Allen D. Payton
After hearing from a few speakers during public comments the Antioch City Council discussed developing an ordinance to ban bystanders at sideshows, during their meeting on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. The mayor and two council members support moving forward, while two were concerned with criminalizing spectators. (See 3:03:40 mark of council meeting video)
Speaking to one resident who suggested prevention over punishment Mayor Pro Tem Tamisha Torres-Walker said, “This has been an amazing night. People in this city continue to surprise me. I totally agree with a lot of your comments. There are already traffic laws that need to be enforced that aren’t being enforced and we all know why but we won’t go there.”
“Spinouts are not large-scale sideshows with 100 or 200 spectators,” she continued. “That is the daily experience in this city for the majority of residents, not large-scale sideshows. What are we going to do about that?”
The District 1 councilwoman then shared concerns about banning spectators and the police response.
“Even passing a policy that will criminalize the simple spectator, give the authority to someone in law enforcement to decide who’s a spectator and who’s not spectator when we can’t even trust them, not all but some, to do their current job without bias, I just don’t know if this is the particular right direction to go in,” said Torres-Walker.
District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica then said in response to a public comment, “First off, Bots Dots do not work. If you want proof of that…go to Blue Rock and Lone Tree. They do not work. Also go to James Donlon and Somersville. All the Bots Dots are literally covered in rubber. In District 2 we have, it seems almost a weekly event, now. Two weeks ago, they actually destroyed city signage, there. There was so much debris in the roadway that cars couldn’t drive through there. It took two city workers almost two hours to clean it up.”
“Most of this is occurring from people coming to the city from outside the city creating the issues then leaving our city,” he continued.
In response to a few residents who suggested providing a safe space for sideshows Barbanica stated, “I’m not really interested in saying as Antioch taxpayers why don’t we go ahead and develop a site for out-of-town people. It’s ludicrous.”
A large-scale sideshow causes a traffic backup in both directions on Lone Tree Way early Sunday morning, Sept. 24, 2023.
In response to Torres-Walker’s concerns he said, “Police officers are paid all day long to make determinations all day long. We’re issuing an infraction citation, here. We have been doing a lot of work trying to identify where these events occur. We’ve tried to prevent them. We’ve tried to cite people. A local business tried to do one and it ended in a shooting.
“I’m all for this ordinance,” he concluded.
“I too am for this ordinance,” District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock said. “I’m not sure about the spectator side. I’ve had several residents call and they were afraid for their lives as they were stuck in them.”
She then mentioned a sideshow that she witnessed.
“I think it is a safety issue and I’d like to see this going forward,” Ogorchock concluded.
Police arrive at the scene of the sideshow on Sunday morning, Sept. 24, 2023.
District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson said, “How do we tell who is a bystander and who isn’t? I see more burnouts. We need to work on this more. But I would like to see some type of ordinance. It’s like a cat and mouse. The bystander ordinance gives me great pause.”
“Thank you, Councilwoman Ogorchock for describing a spectator, because at that point, you were,” Torres-Walker said. “When we say, ‘all these people are not from Antioch’ is just not true. If you’re in your city, you probably organized it…people who navigate the city. When these events break up how do they know which way to go…to get to the freeway.
“This isn’t a race issue, because most likely when you go to one of these events most of the people probably look like Councilman Barbanica and Councilwoman Ogorchock,” Torres-Walker continued.
She spoke about prevention and again asked what to do about spinouts saying, “I see my neighbors do it before they pull in their driveway.”
Police arrest a driver of one car and confiscate a gun from inside following the sideshow on Sunday morning, Sept. 24, 2023.
Mayor Lamar Thorpe then weighed in saying, “We can certainly bring back the burnouts at a later time. I specifically asked if we can do roundabouts…and it didn’t go anywhere and what we got was a recommendation from staff for dots…and we went along with it.”
“I’m for this,” he continued. “I am for prevention. We’ve done a great job on prevention. But our traffic division has been decimated due to the racist text scandal. Second, there have been places that have hosted sideshows that have been fairly successful. But we did have the one…that ended on Cavallo. They’re still doing some and it seems to be controlled, so it’s working. I wish the fairgrounds would get involved with the racetrack but that’s not our jurisdiction.”
“I’m for this and I don’t have a problem with spectators,” Thorpe shared. “The police are doing a good job using cameras. I hear those concerns, but I think we should use all aspects.”
“It appears we have consensus,” Barbanica stated.
“There are a lot of things you can do to determine who is a spectator,” said City Attorney Thomas L. Smith. “But you guys can determine what is the right way to handle the bystander situation.”
Oakley, CA – The senseless homicide of a 16-year-old male, and the shooting of three other teenagers that occurred on Saturday, October 21st in the 400 block of Shannon Way has been the top priority of the Oakley Police Department since it occurred. (See related article)
Today, October 25, 2023, at 4:30 PM the Oakley Police Department, in partnership with the United States Marshals Service, arrested Jason Walizada (18, Antioch) in connection with these heinous crimes. The arrest occurred in the 2600 block of Orange Way, Antioch. Walizada was booked into the Main Detention Facility in Martinez with a $3,500,000 bail (homicide warrant).
Over the past few days all investigators of the Oakley Police Department have spoken to dozens of potential witnesses, and they have processed a large amount of electronic/digital evidence. The arrest of Walizada does not represent the sole focus of our investigation because we will continue to investigate every lead in this case.
“This case has absolutely shattered the lives of family, friends and loved ones of the victims in this case, especially the deceased child. I am hoping we will see full measures of accountability achieved in this case.
Our work is not done, but I appreciate my investigators for all of the diligent work they have put in so far to identify a responsible in this case and to get him into custody. I appreciate all of the support from all of the allied agencies that assisted us during this investigation, particularly the United States Marshals Service.
As I previously said this youth violence does not belong anywhere- ever!
If there are any further developments or updates in this case I will be sure to provide updates.
