The Contra Costa County Public Works Department will perform work on Marsh Creek Road from Camino Diablo to the Clayton City limits, from February 12 through March 1, 2018. The work will occur between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m to trim back trees and vegetation along the road edge and make spot shoulder repairs.

The purpose of this work is to increase driver visibility, awareness and public safety. The work may be rescheduled based on weather conditions. Electronic message boards will alert drivers of the scheduled work. There will be traffic control through the work area and motorists can expect delays.

About Contra Costa County Public Works Department:

Contra Costa County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) maintains over 660 miles of roads, 150 miles of streams, channels and other drainage and over 200 County buildings throughout Contra Costa County.   CCCPWD provides services such as Parks and Recreation, Sand Bag Distribution and Flood Control throughout unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County.  For more information about CCCPWD, please visit us here.

California WaterFix (i.e. Delta Twin Tunnels) route. From californiawaterfix.com

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Jim Frazier, D-Discovery Bay, issued a statement on Thursday, after the Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced it is significantly altering the proposed WaterFix project to construct one larger tunnel first and build a second tunnel later.

Assemblyman Jim Frazier

On Wednesday, the DWR sent a memo to the local public water agencies participating in the development and construction of California WaterFix and issued the following statement from DWR Director Karla Nemeth.

“WaterFix is a long-overdue infrastructure upgrade that will maintain a reliable water supply for 25 million Californians while also protecting the Delta ecosystem. With the current stated support of the participating public water agencies, the state is proposing to pursue WaterFix as planned, but also explore an option to implement construction in stages. This prudent approach aligns the urgent statewide need for action with the project’s current support. We are eager to move forward with WaterFix to protect the Delta and water supplies.”

The memo further states “The option for a first stage includes two intakes…one tunnel, one intermediate forebay, and one pumping station.”

Frazier responded with the following statement:

“The Department of Water Resources is trying to sell its latest WaterFix revision as a one-tunnel plan, but that is smoke and mirrors,” Frazier stated. “Their plan still calls for two tunnels. The new plan still poses the same threat to the Delta’s environment, agricultural economy and way of life. There still is no cost-benefit analysis or economic justification for the project.  The project still does not create a single ounce of new water.

DWR has shape-shifted the size of the tunnels. This is now an entirely new project. The process must start over from the beginning, with an entirely new Environmental Impact Report.  The proposed new and even larger tunnel will have even greater ecological and economic impacts on the Delta.

DWR can’t just amend the EIR and biological opinions and pass it off as legitimate. The size and scope of a project this size demands a thorough process and the ability for the people of the Delta to voice their concerns.

DWR’s method for estimating the cost of its revised plan is also curious. Instead of doing a comprehensive cost analysis for the revised proposal, they gave us lazy math. They just took $16.3 billion cost estimate they have been using and chopped it into thirds.

When I was a construction contractor, I couldn’t just change my building plans without bringing it back for review. DWR and the Administration should not be exempt from process that all building projects are subject to in California, especially on one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the state’s history.”

SOUTHERN CAFE PRESENTS

NORMAN CONNORS & JEAN CARN

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 17, 2018

TWO SHOWS: 7:00 PM & 9:30PM

TICKETS: $45.00, $55.00, VIP $65.00

Doors open at 5:00 pm

Ask about our earlybird ticket specials. Tickets purchased before February 4th

includes $10.00 dinner coupon.

PURCHASE TICKETS: normanjean.eventbrite.com

INFORMATION: (510) 708-2013, (707)980-1848 prbellsoutherncafe@gmail.com

Southern Café, 400 G Street, Antioch, CA 94509 (925) 754-1172

Two Item minimum per person – Drinks or Drinks & Food. Seating is limited

Antioch Police and CHP surround the car in which an armed carjacking suspect refused to exit before being apprehended, Sunday afternoon, Feb. 11, 2017. Photos by Allen Payton.

Apprehended by Antioch Police dog

By Acting Lieutenant Rick Martin #3343, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

The suspect in custody is loaded on a gurney into an ambulance before being transported to a local hospital.

On Sunday, February 11, 2018, at approximately 2:36 pm, CHP officers notified Antioch Police Dispatch they were in pursuit of an armed carjacking vehicle out of Oakland on the city streets of Antioch. The pursuit came to an end when the suspect, a 35-year-old Antioch resident, pulled into the driveway of a residence in the 4500 block of Elkhorn Way near Deerfield Drive.

The suspect would not exit the vehicle and did not comply with commands given by officers on scene. Less than lethal rounds were fired into the vehicle, blowing out the windows and an Antioch PD canine was deployed. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident. There were no injuries to officers or residents in the area. Oakland PD came to the scene and took over the investigation.

According to witnesses the man appeared to be Hispanic. But, his identity has not yet been released.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is encouraged to contact the Oakland Police Department. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

By Sergeant John Fortner #3264, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau Violent Crimes Unit

On Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018, at approximately 10:22 AM, a resident from the 1200 block of “C” Street called 911 to report that an elderly female family member had been assaulted and was possibly deceased. The caller, fearing for their safety, fled from the residence to phone the police. Several officers responded to the residence. When they arrived, officers found a 76-year-old elderly female on the living room floor bound in tape suffering from numerous serious injuries.

The caller reported that a 44-year-old white male, family member admitted to assaulting the victim over the course of several hours and was possibly under the influence of narcotics. The suspect fled the scene in his vehicle as officers were responding but, was quickly located in the neighborhood. A short vehicle pursuit ensued, and the suspect led the officers to the area of “A” Street and Railroad Avenue. The chase came to an end when the officers disabled the suspect’s vehicle and took him into custody.

The victim was rushed to a local area hospital and is currently in stable, but critical condition. The suspect was also treated at a local area hospital and cleared for incarceration.

This incident is currently under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call Antioch Police Detective A. Gonzalez at (925)779-6923. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Los Medanos College (LMC) is preparing to host its annual “César Chávez Celebration” on Thursday, March 22, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the college’s Recital Hall [Reception at 6:00 p.m., Awards & Recognition Ceremony at 7:00 p.m.].  LMC is located at 2700 East Leland Road in Pittsburg.  The public is welcome to attend the free event.

Los Medanos College hosts this event each year to honor the life of César Chávez and to recognize East Contra Costa County community leaders who continue his great tradition of service and social activism. A true American hero, César Chávez exemplifies service to community and non-violent social change.

The college is now seeking nominations for three recognition awards, which will be presented at the event.  The LMC César Chávez Award for Exemplary Community Service, established in 1995, is awarded to local residents who have demonstrated a long-standing commitment to service and who represent the core values established by César Chávez: Service to Others, Sacrifice, Help the Most Needy, Determination, Non-Violence, Acceptance of All People, Respect for Life and the Environment, Celebrating Community, Knowledge, and Innovation.  The East County Educator Award honors members of the educational community who demonstrate the above values and a commitment to student success and equity, particularly for low-income students and students of color.  The Chávez Spirit Award recognizes emerging/student leaders who are making an impact on East Contra Costa County in the areas of advocacy and social justice.

To submit nominations for the César Chávez awards, visit:  www.losmedanos.edu/chavez/nominate.  The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, February 28, 2018.

For more information, please contact Jennifer Adams, jadams@losmedanos.edu or (925) 473-7302.

Los Medanos College (LMC), one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District, has served the East Contra Costa County community since 1974. LMC offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, high-quality support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an engaging and inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, strong regional partnerships, and state-of-the-art facilities, the College prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres near the Antioch border, with an additional education center in Brentwood.

To celebrate Black History Month and empower tomorrow’s leaders

Join African American students throughout Eastern Contra Costa County during their 1st Annual Black Student Organizations Summit and Step Show. This free event is scheduled for Saturday, February 10, 2018 at historic Antioch High School in Antioch. The event will begin at 12 p.m. with a pre-summit kick-off.

Event organizers want to highlight important and increasing issues such as: college access rates for our African-American student population, College and career readiness and the preservation of student-led Black History Month events within our schools.

It is easier to build strong children,

than to repair broken men.

– Frederick Douglass

They believe that with the help of the NAACP, local artists, business owners, community members, fraternities, and sororities, we can light a fire and empower our students in an effort to show them that college is and can be a space where they can see themselves. Furthermore, we are committed to supporting students as they navigate leadership roles and acquire the necessary experiences to prepare them for a promising future.

This event has been primarily organized by students throughout East Contra Costa County High Schools to enhance a cohesive and united stand for equal access for all students. The pre-summit kick-off will be hosted by the East County Branch of NAACP Youth and College Division, then offer various workshops starting at 1pm and ending with a finale Step Show hosted by several African American fraternities and sororities from various colleges throughout the Bay Area. The first 100 student attendees will receive a free T-shirt, and all attendees will be entered into a drawing for two lucky students to receive a prize pack with a ticket to attend the Warrior’s vs Hawks on March 23.

Lloyd Joseph Harris Jr. Photo by Antioch Police

Also wanted for felony assault, had federal warrant for his arrest

By Sergeant John Fortner #3264, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau Violent Crimes Unit

On Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018, members of the Antioch Police Department saw Lloyd Joseph Harris, Jr. (age 40 of Antioch) driving a car on Golf Course Road near Lone Tree Way. The officers recognized Harris and knew that he had a federal warrant for his arrest, which listed him as “armed and dangerous.” Harris was also wanted in connection with a recent felony assault that happened in another Bay Area law enforcement jurisdiction. In addition to the above-mentioned information, Harris was known to the officers as a person of interest from a previous Antioch homicide case.

Harris was contacted by several officers in an effort to take him into custody. Harris did not comply with the officers’ commands. During this contact, one Antioch officer discharged his duty weapon striking Harris. Afterwards, lifesaving measures were immediately taken and Harris was transported to a local area hospital. While at the hospital, Harris succumbed to his injuries.

The event activated the Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident (LEIFI) protocol. Members of the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office responded to the City of Antioch to begin an investigation assisted by Antioch detectives. Technicians from the Contra Costa County Crime Lab also responded to process the scene. A realistic looking, full-sized firearm was recovered from the ground where Harris was removed. Upon later examination, the item was determined to be a BB gun. The firearm fell to the ground from Harris’ waist when he was removed from the vehicle.

No officers were injured during this incident. The officer who discharged his firearm is a ten-year veteran of the Antioch Police Department and is currently assigned to the Investigations Bureau.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925)778-2441. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.