$8.3 million in grants; $2.6 million in district matching funds

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

The East Bay Regional Park District is set to spend $10.9 million over the next three years to reduce fire fuels at Anthony Chabot, Tilden, and Wildcat Canyon Regional Parks, Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve, and Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline. The funding will help reduce wildfire risks by removing dead and dying trees and hazardous vegetation on over 600 acres. Dead trees burn hotter and faster and can cast embers long distances, igniting new fires.

These efforts are in addition to ongoing fuels reduction work districtwide, including large-scale projects at Anthony Chabot Regional Park (544 acres) and Tilden Regional Park (39 acres), a 16-person year-round fuels reduction crew, and annual goat, sheep, and cattle grazing. In 2024, the Park District’s fuels reduction crew removed hazardous fire fuels on 104 acres in 11 parks. Additionally, more than 86,800 acres of parkland are grazed annually by cattle, sheep, or goats.

“The grant funding enhances our ability to protect the public and safeguard our natural landscapes,” said Park District Interim Fire Chief Khari Helae. “Securing the funding is a testament to the Park District’s efforts—from planning to permitting—to manage the detailed grant application process and its proven ability to carry out large-scale fuels reduction projects in support of the community.”

The $10.9 million for fuels reduction projects includes $8.3 million in grants, with $6.1 million coming from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), $2.1 million from the California State Coastal Conservancy, and $100,000 from the U.S. Forest Service. FEMA funding was obtained in partnership with U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, who secured $1.5 million in the 2023 budget, and U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, who secured $1.4 million in the 2024 budget.

An additional $2.6 million comes from required Park District matching funds, which include general funds and voter-approved local revenue measures like Measure FF. These local revenue measures enhance the Park District’s ability to qualify for and secure grant funding by providing required matching contributions.

“These projects are vital to reducing wildfire risks in the East Bay,” said Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “We thank FEMA, Sen. Alex Padilla, Rep. Eric Swalwell, the California State Coastal Conservancy, the U.S. Forest Service, and Park District voters for their support and for prioritizing wildfire mitigation in the East Bay.”

For large scale vegetation management projects, the Park District utilizes a climate-friendly carbonizer to dispose of vegetation. The carbonizer burns organic matter at 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit with little oxygen, which produces very low emissions—especially compared to conventional disposal methods such as open pile burning or transporting debris long distances in diesel trucks. The resulting biochar is being used throughout the Park District to enhance soil health, improve water retention, and increase crop productivity, including at the District’s Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont.

The Park District Board of Directors will consider authorizing $1,883,261 in matching funds from Measure FF at their upcoming Board Meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Measure FF was passed in 2018 by voters in the communities of Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Emeryville, Kensington, Oakland, Piedmont, Richmond, and San Pablo to provide funding to reduce fire risks, improve public access, and restore natural habitat. The Board of Directors previously authorized $500,016 in matching funds in March 2023.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Has history of arrests dating to 2017 and twice last year, including for child endangerment and cruelty to a child

“After conducting several tests, Con Fire HAZMAT determined the home to be uninhabitable.”

By Allen D. Payton

Four children were found unconscious in an Antioch home on Thursday, February 20, 2025, after a call came in from a passerby at 4:51 p.m. who stopped to check on them, and their mother was later arrested for child abuse. The children, ages 2, 2, 5 and 8, have been placed in the custody of Child and Family Services.

“We got a call from someone driving by who stopped and checked on the kids,” said Antioch Police Lt. Njoroge while at the scene. “When we got here, we checked on the welfare of the children. We’ve contacted the parents.”

Contra Costa Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Bob Atlas said, “We got the call about 5:15 pm that there were four children unconscious in the home. We arrived on scene, Antioch PD retrieved all the children and brought them outside. Con Fire provided medical care and transported all four children to area hospitals for evaluation. No adults were in the home.”

“We don’t know what it was. But we know a lot of things it wasn’t,” he explained. “When it’s a mystery like this we start by ruling out what it isn’t.”

At about 6:30 p.m. Con Fire placed a blower outside the home facing the open front door. “We are currently blowing out the environment for anything that could be potentially harmful,” Atlas added.

The following press release with additional details about the incident was issued Friday afternoon:

According to. Lt. Njoroge of the Field Services Division, “just before 5:00 p.m., officers responded to a welfare check regarding a 2-year-old child who was found alone and outside a home on the 2100 block of Spruce Way by a passerby. Upon arrival, officers discovered the front door of the residence was unsecured. Officers knocked and announced themselves, however nobody responded.

To ensure the child’s safety, officers entered the home and found three additional young children, with no adults present. The children appeared to require medical attention, and Con Fire, along with paramedics, was requested to the scene. All four children were transported to nearby hospitals for further evaluation.

UPDATE: To clarify matters, Lt. Njoroge later said, “Three of the four children were unconscious. The two-year-old seen outside was back in the house by the time officers arrived. But I can’t say which of the four was not unconscious.”

The children’s mother, 36-year-old Shante Alberty, later arrived at the residence and was placed under arrest on child abuse-related charges. She was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

After conducting several tests, Con Fire HAZMAT determined the home to be uninhabitable. All four children were medically cleared and placed into the custody of Child and Family Services (CFS).

This information was made available by the Field Services Bureau. Any further inquiries into the status of this case should be done via the Media Access Telephone Line 925-779-6874. Any further information or additional press releases will be provided by the Investigations Bureau.”

According to localcrimenews.com, Alberty has a history of arrests dating back to 2017 including twice last year by Antioch PD and San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department for crimes including battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse, and on Sept. 5, 2024, for possession of a narcotic controlled substance, child endangerment and cruelty to a child by inflicting injury.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, she is Black. Also, according to the Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, eight-inch tall, 175 lb. Alberty was born on March 22, 1988, and is being held on $425,000 bail. She’s being held in the West County Detention Facility.

See exclusive Antioch Herald video of the scene, here.

Claims Jovita Mendoza won’t respond to request to “revoke the flyer”; ally of Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson

Editor,

I am writing to clarify the situation of a political flyer that has been distributed including a photograph of Jovita Mendoza and myself.  In my position as a Priest of the Diocese of Oakland, the Pastor of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish of Antioch, and the Lead Chaplain for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, I am not allowed to support or endorse any candidate for public office nor give the impression that I do so.  The flyer in question gives the impression that I do support Jovita Mendoza for public office, and it is not true.  My consent and permission to make use of my photograph for that flyer was never sought or given.

More than a week ago, I sent her an email requesting that she revoke the flyer and clarify that she used my photograph with her fraudulently to suggest that as the fire chaplain (and possibly a priest) that I do in fact endorse and support her effort to win a seat on the Brentwood City Council.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  I write to you today to make sure that my parishioners, the members of our diocese, and the citizens of East County that I have not

violated the directives given to me by both my Bishop and the Fire Chief.  My hope is that this incident would give the citizens of Brentwood pause as to who this person really is and her disregard for ethics, professionalism, morality, and fitness for the position she seeks.

Father Robert Rien

Pastor

St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish

and

Lead Chaplain, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

By Chris Toler, Fire Captain, PIO, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Contra Costa Fire) is excited to announce the 2024 Contra Costa Fire Annual Open House. The media and community are welcome and encouraged to attend this family-friendly event to see Contra Costa Fire up close. Multiple live demonstrations are scheduled. The live demonstrations are designed to display many of the services provided by Contra Costa Fire. The public will also have access to fire engines, meet firefighters, learn how to be fire safe and have the opportunity to ask questions.

All attendees, please adhere to parking signage and instructions. Free parking for the event is being provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 2930 Treat Blvd. The church is located directly across the street from the training grounds.

WHERE: Contra Costa Fire Training and Safety Division, 2945 Treat Blvd., Concord

WHEN: Saturday, October 19, 2024, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

About Con Fire – Contra Costa Fire provides fire and emergency medical services to more than 770,000 residents in 12 cities (Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Lafayette, Martinez, Oakley, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, San Pablo and Walnut Creek) and 10 unincorporated areas across our expanded 553 square-mile jurisdiction. The District comprises 34 fire stations, 40 companies and more than 500 employees. Through our unique ambulance Alliance, the District delivers EMS and ambulance transport services to much of Contra Costa County. Contra Costa Fire remains dedicated to preserving life, property, and the environment.

By Allen D. Payton

According to Con Fire, “A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) may be possible in parts of Contra Costa County from 10/17 to 10/19 to help prevent wildfires. For details and resources on how to prepare visit PG&E Outage Center – PSPS 7-Day Forecast (pge.com)

PG&E provided the following details:

10/17: PSPS Watch – Shutoffs likely

Affected Areas:

• Some parts of the following counties may be affected
• Specific addresses, maps, and shutoff details are typically available 2 days before shutoff.

Counties under Watch: Due to high winds and dry conditions, a shutoff is likely

• Alameda         
• Colusa
• Contra Costa
• Glenn
• Lake
• Mendocino
• Napa
• Santa Clara
• Shasta
• Solano
• Sonoma
• Tehama
• Yolo

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Forecast

This forecast is based on weather conditions and fuel moisture content only. It does not include other criteria used to determine whether a PSPS may be necessary. This forecast only provides a broad overview for a potential PSPS event in the next 7 days. It is determined from an analysis of forecast weather, the potential for wind-related damage, and fuel moisture content in dead and live vegetation. It is not a fire danger forecast. The forecast is broken down by county. PSPS decisions are made at more granular levels. Only a portion of a county may experience a PSPS event. While a PSPS event may not be expected for an area, due to the interconnectivity of the grid any location within PG&E territory may be subject to PSPS event.

PG&E 7 Day Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) and Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) Potential: Wednesday October 16, 2024 Evening Update: The forecast remains on track for a weather system to enter the Great Basin resulting in breezy to locally gusty offshore winds tomorrow through Saturday afternoon. The PSPS 7-day forecast continues to highlight Watch status for counties that are expected to experience potential PSPS weather conditions tomorrow through Saturday. Note that entire counties will not be deenergized and this forecast is only intended to show counties that have a non-zero customer impact from a potential PSPS event. The exact areas in scope for PSPS will be available at the public outage map here, https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/outage-tools/outage-map/, by selecting future PSPS outages.

Previous Discussion: A weather system is beginning to push into Northern California this morning and is bringing showers to portions of the North Coast, with those showers expected to continue to develop across portions of northern California through this afternoon, mainly across the Southern Cascades and northern Sierra Nevada. Behind today’s system, dry northerly winds will develop along the western side of the Sacramento Valley tomorrow before more widespread offshore flow develops tomorrow night through midday Saturday. The strongest winds are expected in the Sierra Nevada foothills, the western Sacramento Valley, elevated Bay Area terrain and elevated terrain in portions of the Central Coast.

Winds will decrease in strength but remain offshore through Sunday, before more settled weather returns early next week. Multiple Red Flag Warnings go into effect tomorrow night across the territory as well as High Risk indications from other federal agencies. The PSPS 7 day forecast is in Watch status for counties that are expected to experience potential PSPS weather conditions Thursday through Saturday. Note that entire counties will not be deenergized and this forecast is only intended to show counties that have a non-zero customer impact from a potential PSPS event. The exact areas in scope for PSPS will be available at the public outage map here, https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/outage-tools/outage-map/, by selecting future PSPS outages.

Fuels: An abundant and fully cured grass crop is present at all elevations. Dead fuel moisture values are expected to remain very low due to recent hot temperatures. Live fuel moisture values have largely fallen to below normal levels over the course of this hot summer and are below critical values and near seasonal minimums.

The latest 4 Month Seasonal Outlook from Northern Operations Predictive Services is forecasting normal to above normal fire activity in October and normal fire activity November through January. Southern Operations Predictive Services is forecasting normal to above normal significant fire potential across the territory October through December and normal fire activity for January. There are 646 of 788 circuits in High Fire Risk Areas (HFRA) that are EPSS-enabled today, with 48 of these circuits having at least one EPSS Buffer device enabled. The remaining 142 circuits in HFRA will have devices postured in normal settings due to seasonable temperatures.

Additionally, zero EPSS Buffer-only circuits are enabled today. Please note: This forecast is published daily by an operational meteorologist from PG&E’s Meteorology and Analytics team. This forecast has been customized for PG&E utility operations and should not be used for any other purpose or by any other entity.

This forecast only provides a broad overview for a potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event in the next 7 days as determined from an analysis of forecasted weather, the potential for wind-related damage, and fuel moisture content in dead and live vegetation. It is not a fire danger forecast. The forecast is broken down by county; however, PSPS decisions are made at more granular levels; thus, only a portion of a county may experience a PSPS event.

While a PSPS event may not be expected for an area, due to the interconnectivity of the grid any location within PG&E territory may be subject to PSPS event. Daily PG&E operational decisions should be based on the PG&E Utility Fire Potential Index (FPI), which presents detailed FPI rating forecasts from R1 to R5-Plus for each FPI Rating Area in the PG&E territory today (Day 0) through Day 2.  To subscribe to the PG&E Utility FPI, click here

PLEASE NOTE: This forecast is published daily by an operational meteorologist from PG&E’s Meteorology and Analytics team. This forecast has been customized for PG&E utility operations. It should not be used for any other purpose or by any other entity.

Swim facilities, shoreline regional parks remain open

By Jen Vaya, Public Information Specialist, East Bay Regional Park District

Parks previously closed by the East Bay Regional Park District will remain closed through Saturday and will reopen Sunday morning. Some hill and inland East Bay Regional Parks were closed on Tuesday, July 2, due to extreme fire conditions and excessive heat.

Park status is subject to change depending on conditions. Check www.ebparks.org before heading to a park.

The National Weather Service-Bay Area has extended its Red Flag through Saturday, July 6, with Level 2 restrictions in effect DISTRICT WIDE. A Red Flag Warning means that dry and windy conditions are expected, leading to extreme fire weather risks.

Level 2 Extreme Fire Danger Restrictions Include:

• No smoking. Smoking is prohibited in all regional parks, trails, and shorelines. (Prohibited year-round)
• NO fireworks. Fireworks are not permitted in any Regional Parks. (Prohibited year-round)
• No open fires or barbecues of any type. Only gas-fueled stoves are allowed.
• Drive only on designated roadways – no off-road driving. Do not drive or park on dry grass, as heat from a vehicle’s undercarriage can start a fire.
• Secure all tow chains – dragging tow chains can spark fires.

Parks Closed and Reopening Sunday:

Park Closed and Reopening Sunday:

•   Anthony Chabot •   Bishop Ranch •   Black Diamond Mines •   Briones •   Brushy Peak •   Carquinez/Crockett Hills •   Claremont Canyon •   Contra Loma •   Deer Valley

•   Dry Creek •   Diablo Foothills (trails closed) •   Dublin Hills •   Five Canyons •   Garin •   Huckleberry •   Las Trampas

•   Leona Canyon •   Mission Peak •   Morgan Territory •   Ohlone •   Pleasanton Ridge •   Round Valley •   Sibley •   Sobrante Ridge

•   Sunol •   Sycamore Valley •   Tilden (trails closed) •   Vargas Plateau •   Vasco Caves •   Vasco Hills •   Waterbird •   Wildcat Canyon

Anthony Chabot Campground will remain closed through Sunday, July 7. Please check www.ebparks.org/alerts-closures for the most updated information.

Swim facilities and Shoreline Regional Parks will remain open. Follow these safety tips:

• Avoid the hottest part of the day. If you do visit, go in the morning or early evening when it is cooler.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Wear sunscreen and lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen the heat’s effects on your body.
• Don’t forget your pets! Carry water for them.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Reopening Sunday, July 7 (subject to change).

By East Bay Regional Park District

Due to high temperatures and extreme fire danger, Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch will be closed Saturday, July 6. Dry and windy conditions are expected, which can lead to extreme fire weather risks.

When the park is open again, please still take precautions when hiking in the heat. Here are some safety tips:

• Avoid the hottest part of the day. If you do visit, go in the morning or early evening when it is cooler.

• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

• Wear sunscreen and lightweight, light-colored clothing.

• Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen the heat’s effects on your body.

• Don’t forget your pets! Carry water for them.

• No smoking. Smoking is prohibited in all regional trails, parks, and shorelines.

• No open fires or barbecues of any type. Gas-fueled stoves are permitted.

• Stay on designated roads – no off-road driving. Heat from a vehicle’s undercarriage can start a fire.

• Secure all tow chains – dragging tow chains can spark fires.

To learn more about East Bay Regional Park closures visit www.ebparks.org/alerts-closures.

Stay safe, everyone!

Hills and inland East Bay Regional Parks closed due to extreme fire conditions, excessive heat

Contra Loma Park in Antioch closed, Ambrose Aquatic Center in Pittsburg open

By Dave Mason Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs East Bay Regional Park District

Many East Bay Regional Parks will remain open for visitors during this week’s increased temperatures. Park guests are encouraged to take special precautions to prepare for the heat while enjoying the open shoreline parks and swimming facilities.

The National Weather Service-Bay Area issued a Red Flag Warning and Excessive Heat Warning for inland East Bay areas and an Excessive Heat Watch for coastal and bayside areas beginning Monday, July 1, at 11 p.m. The Red Flag Warning means that dry and windy conditions are expected, leading to extreme fire weather risks.

Due to possible high fire risk, the Park District will be closing the parks/areas below beginning Tuesday, July 2, through Friday morning (subject to change).

Park Closures:

•   Wildcat Canyon •   Tilden (trails only) •   Huckleberry •   Sibley •   Leona Canyon •   Claremont Canyon •   Anthony Chabot •   Sobrante Ridge

•   Sunol •   Ohlone •   Mission Peak •   Vargas Plateau •   Five Canyons •   Garin/Dry Creek •   Pleasanton Ridge •   Dublin Hills

•   Sycamore Valley •   Bishop Ranch •   Las Trampas •   Briones •   Carquinez/Crockett Hills •   Black Diamond Mines •   Contra Loma

•   Deer Valley •   Round Valley •   Morgan Territory •   Brushy Peak •   Vasco Hills •   Vasco Caves •   Waterbird

Swim facilities and Shoreline Regional Parks will remain open. Follow these safety rules and tips:

•   Avoid the hottest part of the day. If you do visit, go in the morning or early evening when it is cooler.

•   Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

•   Wear sunscreen and lightweight, light-colored clothing.

•   Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen the heat’s effects on your body.

•   Don’t forget your pets! Carry water for them.

•   Swim only in designated areas.

•   No smoking. Smoking is prohibited in all regional trails, parks, and shorelines.

•   No open fires or barbecues of any type. Gas-fueled stoves are permitted.

•   Stay on designated roads – no off-road driving. Heat from a vehicle’s undercarriage can start a fire.

•   Secure all tow chains – dragging tow chains can spark fires.

Contra Loma Park & Swimming Lagoon in Antioch Closed, Ambrose Aquatic Center in Pittsburg Open

The Contra Loma Swim Lagoon is closed for the 2024 swim season and has been closed for the past few years due to ongoing renovations.

However, the Park District has partnered with the City of Pittsburg and the Ambrose Parks and Recreation District to provide alternative swim access and programs at Ambrose Aquatic Center in Pittsburg. The District’s support allows the Aquatic Center to be opened seven days a week during the 2024 swim season. Visit www.ambroserec.org/ambrose-aquatic-center for more information.

See updated list of park closures.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.