District includes northern and western portions of Antioch

Jelani Killings will focus on government accountability, public safety, economic development and homelessness

May challenge six-term incumbent Glover

“The county has to do a better job of partnering with cities.” – Jelani Killings

By Allen D. Payton

In a post on his personal Facebook page on July 20, two-term Pittsburg Councilman and former mayor, Jelani Killings announced his campaign for Contra Costa County Supervisor in District 5 in the March 2024 Primary. He wrote, “I am thrilled to announce that I am running for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors District 5! I look forward to sharing my vision for the County and earning the vote of District 5 residents. See press release for the official announcement and stay tuned for more details about the campaign and how you can get involved! Thank you in advance for the support, prayers, and contributions that will make this campaign a success!”

District 5 includes the northern and western portions of Antioch, the cities of Pittsburg, Hercules, Martinez, Pittsburg and portions of Pinole, and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Rodeo, Pacheco, Crockett, Clyde, Port Costa, Alhambra Valley, Briones, Tormey, Mt. View, Vine Hill and Reliez Valley.

Six-term incumbent Federal Glover has not yet announced if he is going to run again in 2024. But that isn’t stopping Killings from jumping in the race.

A July 20th press release about his campaign reads, “A visionary leader for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors District 5: Jelani Killings

Jelani Killings, a dynamic and experienced public servant, announces his candidacy for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors District 5. With a fresh perspective and a passion for addressing the community’s needs, Killings brings the energy and leadership necessary to ignite positive change. With an impressive track record serving on the Pittsburg City Council, Killings is poised to bring his experience, integrity, and forward-thinking approach to the next level.

During his two-term tenure on the Pittsburg City Council, Jelani Killings has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to his community and has proven himself as a leader who thinks critically and acts independently. His passion for serving the people and dedication to government accountability has earned him the trust and respect of his constituents as well as leaders throughout the region.

“District 5 has the potential to be the economic and cultural backbone of Contra Costa County,” said Killings. “I envision a future where our community thrives, and its potential is fully realized. Together, we will build a brighter and more prosperous future for all.”

Killings’ platform is centered around three core pillars: government accountability, public safety and economic development. As a tireless advocate for transparency and responsible governance, he aims to foster an environment of trust and cooperation between the County and its residents.

Regarding public safety, Killings understands that a safe community is the bedrock upon which all other progress is built. He is committed to working collaboratively with law enforcement agencies and community leaders to ensure a safer environment for all District 5 residents. 

Furthermore, Killings recognizes the immense potential for economic growth in District 5. With his passion for economic development and a clear vision, he plans to increase support for small businesses, champion additional investments for workforce development, and revitalize local industries, ultimately boosting the county’s economy.

His campaign’s motto, “Vision, Integrity, Accountability,” reflects Killings’ unwavering dedication to serving the people and bringing positive change to Contra Costa County. With his proven leadership qualities and experience, Jelani Killings is undoubtedly the candidate to lead District 5 into a prosperous future.

About Jelani Killings

Jelani Killings is a well-respected public servant, having served on the Pittsburg City Council for the past seven years. He brings a wealth of experience, determination, and fresh ideas to his campaign for the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors District 5. Jelani is a champion of government accountability, public safety, and economic development, and he envisions a brighter future for the community he loves.

————–

When reached for comment Killings said, “I’m excited. I’m already feeling the heat a little bit. My campaign is not predicated on whether Glover runs for re-election or not. For the past two elections he said it would be his last.”

Killings has worked for the City of Oakland for the past 10 years and currently works for the City’s Public Ethics Commission dealing with campaign finance, government ethics, transparency and lobbyist laws in Oakland. Previously he worked as an Office Manager for H&R Block and a Youth Program Coordinator, STS Academy.

He was first elected to the Pittsburg City Council in 2016 then re-elected in 2020 the year he served has mayor.

His bio on votersedge.org during the 2020 campaign reads, “A Pittsburg native and Pittsburg High School graduate, Mayor Killings has dedicated his life to serving others and giving back to the community that inspired him growing up. He is a proud husband, father, minister, and mentor. He currently serves on the City Council’s Finance, Economic Development, and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) committees. Mayor Killings also serves as a city representative to the East Bay League of California Cities, Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), and the 2×2 School District committees.”

On the issues and his major concerns in the supervisor’s race, he shared, “The county has to make some tough decisions in the next few years. There’s going to have to be some cutbacks. Finance has shared that there are issues that will have to be addressed with the budget. Economic development is going to be a focus and public safety is definitely a strong focus.”

“When I talk about accountability, I’m talking about efficiencies and sustainability of the programs the county runs,” Killings continued. “They’re looking at what to do about homelessness. We’ve seen exorbitant amounts of money spent on homelessness over the past decade but statewide, countywide and even in East County the outcomes haven’t been addressing the problems surrounding it.”

“The county has to do a better job of partnering with cities,” he stated. “In Pittsburg we had the county working with the state to take over Motel 6. The City really had no say in the process. Our consolation prize was them giving us two years of a dedicated CORE team in our community.”

“The larger conversation must be about housing itself,” Killings explained. “I’m more of a supply and demand person, when the government is holding the purse for new, affordable housing, then you have local regulations and litigation that’s slowing down the approval process and production overall of new housing.”

The councilman and candidate for supervisor, earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Clark Atlanta University in 2009 and a Master’s in Public Administration – Public Management and Policy from Cal State East Bay in 2015. He is married with two children, a daughter age 8 and a son, age 5.

Killings said he is in the process of forming a campaign committee and developing a website. For now, for more information or to contact the candidate email killingsforsupervisor2024@gmail.com or visit his official city council Facebook page.

The filing deadline in the race is December 8. If no one wins a majority of the vote in March, the top two candidates will face off in a run-off election in the November General Election.

An effort to reach Glover to determine if he has made a decision about the 2024 election yet, was unsuccessful prior to publication. Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Deadline August 31st

By Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office

We are excited to announce that applications are now open for our Fall 2023 Citizens Academy! The Citizens Academy is a comprehensive six-week course designed to provide participants with a hands-on learning experience and foster a deeper understanding of the vital role played by the Office of the Sheriff in our community.

Classes will be held every Wednesday evening, starting on September 13th and ending on October 18th. We’ve also planned a Saturday day class on September 30th.

To apply, simply visit cocosheriff.org and navigate to the Community Services/Crime Prevention Unit section. Once you’ve completed the application form, kindly submit it via email to csu@so.cccounty.us. Remember, the deadline for applications is August 31st. Don’t miss out!

By Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

We are pleased to announce that Father Robert Rien has accepted the newly created position of volunteer Fire Chaplain – lead as part of the fire district peer support program. He is the first-ever official Fire Chaplain for Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. This appointment is effective immediately.

He has been the Pastor of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish in Antioch for the last 18 years. During that time, he served as Chaplain for the Antioch Police Department and for the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District. He holds the distinguished Master Chaplain Certification from the International Conference of Police Chaplains.

Father Robert Rien is a native of Oakland, California, and is a Priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oakland for the past 50 years. Ordained in 1974, he served parishes in Alameda and Contra Costa County. Three years after ordination, he served as the Catholic Chaplain for the 349th Military Air Lift Wing, stationed at Travis Air Force Base for five years.

Before being assigned to parishes in Contra Costa County in 2001, he served as Chaplain for the Oakland Fire Department. In addition to his other duties and responsibilities, he serves as Catholic Chaplain for both Sutter-Delta and Kaiser Deer Valley Hospitals.

Additionally, he serves as a Regional Chaplain for the East Bay Regional Park District and a Contra Costa County Peer Support Services Association member.

Father Robert currently resides in Antioch. When not tending to his parish, he enjoys reading, cooking, and watching the 49ers, Warriors, and Giants. He appreciates being with friends and loved ones.

Located in East County, Father Robert can be reached by email at Rrien@cccfpd.org. Please assist Father Robert in becoming familiar with the District and join us in making him a welcome part of the Con Fire team!

Don’t pay a fee to have your property taxes reduced

(Martinez, CA) – Many property owners throughout Contra Costa County are receiving an official looking document in the mail regarding a fee-based service to have their property’s taxable value reduced. Although these mailers have the appearance of an official government document, the correspondence is not from the Contra Costa County Assessor or any other Contra Costa County Office. 

The California Attorney General’s Office has posted warnings to California property owners on their website about the practices of these companies. For more information, please visit the Attorney General’s Consumer Alert at https://oag.ca.gov/consumers/general/prop_tax_scam.

Current scam mailers are requiring both a $40 county filing fee with the Clerk of the Assessment Appeals Board for a formal appeal, and a contingent fee of 30% of any tax savings as a result of filing the application. 

It is important for property owners to know that the Contra Costa County Assessor’s Office does not charge a fee to complete an informal value review for our taxpayers.

Property owners who believe the current market value of their property is less than the assessed value, can file a FREE “Request for Value Review (Prop 8)” form with the Contra Costa County Assessor’s Office. Please visit our webpage at http://www.cccounty.us/assessor and select “Review Your Value” to find a downloadable application.

Online forums for both on Wednesday, July 26

By Marisa Greenberg, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, 4CD

The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) announces the selection of two finalists for the position of Associate Vice Chancellor/Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The finalists are: Amy Nichols and Dr. Tony Wold.

Two separate online forums have been scheduled for July 26, 2023. Employees, students, and community members are invited to attend the forums via Zoom. Each forum will last 60 minutes, beginning at 1:30 p.m., and will be recorded. A detailed public forum schedule, recordings of each forum, and an online survey to provide feedback on the candidates will be available on the District website at http://www.4cd.edu.

Amy Nichols currently serves as the Chief Business Official of the Roseland Public Schools, overseeing all fiscal and facility services for the Roseland School District and Roseland Charter School. She is driven to ensure that all students who wish to pursue higher learning are provided opportunities to do so. She is committed to fostering practices that construct a foundation of financial stability that will allow 4CD faculty and staff to craft educational and social opportunities that meet the needs of all students.

Amy’s own background was shaped by her time as a student at Diablo Valley College (DVC). She began her studies as a young student when she left high school early in order to pursue paid work. Amy was grateful that DVC gave her the options she needed to continue to learn while also working – an experience that fostered a lifetime love of learning. Twelve years after beginning her studies at DVC, Amy completed her Associate degree at DVC, and then earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Organizational Leadership with a minor in Labor and Employer Relations at Penn State University. Amy holds a Master’s of Science in Project Management from the University of Wisconsin, and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Science in Accountancy at California State Sacramento. Amy is also a credentialed teacher and holds the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) Chief Business Official (CBO) Certification.

Amy has been a dedicated educator for more than 20 years and has taught and supported curriculum development for adults at San Francisco State University’s College of Extended Learning, Mission Valley Regional Opportunity Program (ROP), and in a correctional education program offered through the Contra Costa County Office of Education. She transitioned to fiscal and business leadership roles in the California K-12 environment with roles as a Director of Technology Projects, Director of Technology and Senior Director of Procurement and Technology in the Acalanes Union High School District, Burlingame School District and Pleasanton Unified School District.

Amy believes strongly that sound financial management in educational agencies is critical for faculty and staff to successfully sustain and develop educational programs that support California’s diverse students.
She strives to provide collaborative, student focused leadership that keeps equity and transparency at the forefront of all activities.

Dr. Tony Wold has served multiple school districts as Associate Superintendent and Chief Business Officer in leadership roles in Business, Labor Negotiations, Student Services, and Student Assessment. His ability to align resources to support improved student achievement has improved student outcomes in diverse districts where over 90% of students received state and federal aid and higher socio-economic communities afforded experience in all district configurations.

Tony brings an extraordinary amount of educational experience both in and outside of the classroom, having also served as a teacher, site administrator, educational services director, and football coach in his educational career. Dr. Wold has a strong sense of the K-14 finance world and has been active in the California School Business Officials Association (CASBO), Coalition of Adequate School Housing (CASH), and serving as a mentor for aspiring Chief Business Officials. For the past year, Tony served as CBO in Residence for School Innovations & Achievement where his focus is on rebuilding systems to bring students back into schools to address the learning loss and changes in attendance behaviors resulting from the pandemic. In addition, Dr. Wold is the principal software design executive with DistrictOS, which is an agnostic SaaS platform that connects school district data systems together to allow for greater transparency in district operations to the public.

Dr. Wold recently served as Associate Superintendent, Business Services in West Contra Costa Unified School District, where he oversaw the daily operations and management of accounting, budget, purchasing, payroll, employee benefits, labor relations, school operations, athletics, safety, warehouse, transportation, nutrition services, and risk management. He was instrumental in the passing of the $575 million Measure R Bond in March 2020 and navigating a $49.9 million structural deficit to restore the District’s budget certification in collaboration with the District’s five labor associations.

A native of Redwood City, Tony received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California (USC). He subsequently completed his School Business Management Certification and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at USC. He also earned Chief Business Official certifications from the Council of Great City Schools, and Lead Negotiators certification from the School Employers Association of California (SEAC).

Tony and his wife Lisa have been married for over 27 years and have one daughter who graduated from the University of San Francisco to join the educational system as a teacher.

About 4CD

The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California. The 4CD serves a population of 1,200,997 people, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. 4CD is home to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College with campuses in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon, and Los Medanos College with a campus in Pittsburg, and center in Brentwood. The District headquarters is located in downtown Martinez. For more information visit www.4cd.edu.

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.

Local tax base increases by almost $15 billion, to over $267 billion

Oakley, Antioch, Lafayette had greatest increases, San Pablo, San Ramon, Hercules had lowest

By Allen D. Payton

Just in time for Independence Day, when Americans celebrate our victory over the British in the battle against King George III and his onerous taxes, the “2023-2024 Assessor’s Close of Roll Affidavit” was signed by Assessor Gus S. Kramer and subscribed and sworn to the County Clerk-Recorder’s Office, on June 30. The 2023-2024 Assessment Roll has been delivered to the County Auditor, as required by law.

The increase to the local tax base for 2023-2024 is over $14.96 billion. This represents a 5.94% increase in assessed value and brings the total net local assessment roll to more than $266.67 billion. The 2023-2024 assessment roll is the highest to date in Contra Costa County’s history.

Cities with the largest increases in assessed value include Antioch, Oakley and Lafayette with increases ranging up to 8.49%. San Pablo, San Ramon and Hercules saw the lowest assessed value increases ranging from 4.30% down to 3.86%.  The assessment roll now consists of 379,442 parcels, an increase of 1,202 over the previous year.

“I would like to acknowledge and commend the employees of the Assessor’s Office for their continued dedication and hard work which resulted in the completion and delivery of the 2023-2024 assessment roll,” Kramer wrote in his letter.

The Assessor’s annual letter to the Assessment Roll Reports can be found at: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/79697/2023-2024-BOS-Close-of-Assessment-Roll-Letter-and-Reports-to-the-CCC-Board-of-Supervisors?bidId= 

The report shows the total Secured Value of property in the county, which includes all the real estate, is now over $267.6 billion. The Unsecured Value is the business equipment which includes computers, desks, chairs and machinery, Kramer explained. That total is now almost $7.8 billion.

“Local Exemptions (which total almost $8.7 billion) are what churches and non-profits enjoy, as well as all the homeowners’ exemptions. That’s a $7,000 deduction you have to apply for which saves you about $70 a year on your property taxes,” he shared. “That’s something I’m livid with the legislature for not increasing. In Idaho the homeowners’ exemption is 50%. Prior to Prop 13 in California, it was 25% but the legislature has never adjusted it. It should have been indexed or something.”

Asked about the difference between the charts in the report of $1 billion in the total Secured Value Kramer said. “It’s less than one-third of one percent, but we know what it is and we’re working it out. We had to get the report in by the July 1 due date.”

To learn more about your property taxes visit Assessor | Contra Costa County, CA Official Website, call (925) 313-7400 or email customerservice@assr.cccounty.us.

By Dawn Kruger, Civic Outreach and Engagement Specialist, Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder’s Office

The Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder’s Office, in partnership with the California Department of State Parks, will be offering “Destination Weddings” on top of Mount Diablo on Friday May 26, 2023. Sixteen marriage ceremonies will be performed at the summit by Clerk staff between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. Couples may have up to 30 guests, but there is limited seating available during the ceremony (16 chairs).

“Destination Weddings on Mount Diablo is always a favorite location for our customers,” Clerk-Recorder Registrar of Voters, Kristin Connelly said. “We are excited to be able to offer couples this accessible opportunity for a unique day to remember at the summit of a Bay Area jewel.”      

Mount Diablo State Park is a Contra Costa County landmark.  On a clear day visitors have views westward beyond the Golden Gate Bridge to the Farallon Islands; South to Mount Hamilton and the Santa Cruz Mountains, North to Mount Saint Helena; and East over the Delta waterways. The stunning views provide a special backdrop for wedding ceremonies.

Because of the event’s popularity, all ceremony appointments for this Destination Weddings event have been booked, and no unscheduled appointments will be accommodated. 

A marriage license must be obtained before a ceremony can be performed. Couples must purchase a license before their ceremony appointment at the County Clerk-Recorder’s office in Martinez. The fee for a public marriage license is $86, while a confidential license is $90. The civil marriage ceremony fee is $60.

For information about marriage license and ceremony services, go to www.contracostacore.us or call the office at 925-335-7900 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm.