Service Pros Plumbers staff and equipment. Source: Antioch Chamber of CommerceTom Menasco, who nominated Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring, with their team members, Shannon and Ann Creson, Dave Shupe, Brad Middleton and Darin Gossett, with Chamber Membership Director Jack Monroe. Source: Antioch Chamber of Commerce
To be honored at annual Chamber of Commerce Gala March 22
Antioch, CA – Among the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual award winners, Service Pros Plumbers was named Small Business of the Year, and Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring was named Large Business of the Year.
Small Business of the Year – Service Pros Plumbers
Service Pros Plumbers, with their skills and dedication, actively contribute and volunteer in Antioch to support various charitable and community initiatives. Jason and Ana started this small business in Antioch in 2012 and have since expanded, creating employment opportunities within the community. Whenever help is needed, they respond promptly. They have aided numerous local organizations and charities, consistently offering their support. Their dedication to making a positive impact on the community remains unwavering.
Large Business of the Year – Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring
Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring is an Antioch based, family-owned company that employs 350 staff members in our local area and over 600 across the country. They actively support and participate in local organizations and events. Their generous donations greatly benefit our community. The owners quietly support many organizations, groups, and individuals without seeking praise or acknowledgment for their generosity. They provide help to those in need through their actions rather than seeking recognition. This quiet support benefits numerous people and makes a positive impact in the community. Their kindness and generosity make a difference in the lives of those they help.
Each of the winners will be honored at the Chamber’s annual Gala on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Lone Tree Golf & Event Center. Tickets are $80 each or $640 for a reserved table of 8 and can be purchased on the Chamber’s website at www.antiochchamber.com.
Ward 5 Trustee Fernando Sandoval official photo. Source: 4CD
I thought I would update our communities. In this day and age it’s so important that we continue to provide accessible quality education for our communities so we can build and sustain a skilled and educated workforce.
Heading into 2024 and final year of my term as a Trustee for Ward 5 in Contra Costa Community College District I would like to underscore my role and the successes of the District.
Coming onto the board I brought my experiences as a positive collaborator, consensus builder, positions in Technology and Finance and understanding the issues in the communities we serve. Coming out of the pandemic my role is to contribute to support increasing enrollment, oversight of policies, helping set priorities, educational quality, financial review’s for approval of budget, selection of our Chancellor and approve key leadership positions.
Education is a key to helping our communities improve as valued members of our workforce. Beyond Associate Degree Transfer programs we continue to support pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs as part of our wide array of CTE programs with valuable skills certifications.
Some of our priorities included Leadership Stability, Educational Quality and Equity, Workforce Development and Community Partnerships. I am sharing the results of these efforts as the recent President of the Governing Board of Trustees and overall, as a key member of the board.
I worked to create a respectful approach in building relationships with fellow board members and restoring the trust of the 3 Academic Senate bodies as we together moved forward in a shared governance model.
Our faculty and staff are the heart of the District and we worked closely with United Faculty and Local 1 on new contract agreements to ensure the needs of its members were addressed and aligned with our priorities and ensuring financial stability for the future.
Leadership Stability: Having a transformative leadership team drives our mission, prepares us to meet the challenges of the future and provides stability for our faculty, staff and for student success. Approvals completed for the following key positions:
Chancellor – Mojdeh Mehdizadh
Executive Vice Chancellor – Micaela Ochoa
Chief Finance Officer – Tony Wold
Director of Human Resources – Dan Cueva
President Los Medanos College – Pamela Ralston
President Contra Costa College – Kimberly Rogers
Educational Quality and Equity: Our Colleges continue to receive recognition and here is a snapshot of these recognitions. The commitment of our faculty and classified professionals are underscored in the way students thrive and rise to succeed.
Los Medanos College – Aspen Institute Award – Recognized as 1 of the top 150 colleges for Community College excellence. The 6 critical areas reviewed for this award are teaching and learning, transfer and bachelor’s attainment, workforce success, access, and equity for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds. Received 2021 Equity Champion Award for transferring students.
Diablo Valley College – Ranked as #1 in the state in transfers to UC Berkeley, Saint Mary’s College, and Cal State Maritime Academy.
Additionally, DVC ranked in the top 5 for large schools Community Colleges in California based on graduation and transfer rates.
Contra Costa College – Chosen as one of the 10 US Colleges to participate in Achieving the Dream (ATD), a program that uses high-level coaching and other resources to help community colleges collect and analyze data, then use those findings to help students succeed.
Recognized for their Center for Science Excellence and Green Energy Programs and also offering the only Hybrid Technician Certification in the Bay Area. CCC continues to be a leader in Culinary Arts and Journalism.
Equity– The District was awarded a grant by the State Chancellor’s office to research and create the framework for a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging framework as part of an Institutional Effective Plan to improve our culture of belonging and improve student success.
Los Medanos College and Contra Costa College are recognized as Hispanic Serving Institutions with robust STEM programs. The Puente, Umoja, and African American Male Leadership programs thrive in the District and lead to a unique experience for students and faculty.
Partnerships and Community Engagement: I diligently provided the details needed to have Diablo Valley College partner with United Latino Voices and the Mount DIablo School District to increase enrollment and pilot an augment outreach and enrollment through culturally and linguistically diverse approaches.
The pilot may lead to DVC submitting and receiving a Hispanic Service Institution (HSI) designation allowing for additional grant proposals. LMC and CCC are existing HSI colleges in our District.
Working on partnerships with the East Bay Leadership Council, Contra Costa School Board Association, Dual Enrollment, Concurrent Enrollment and Non-profits continue to reap benefits.
Workforce Development: The Colleges offer unique leadership opportunities and continue to innovate in the area of workforce development for future jobs to support the growing needs of the county. Our new Learning Aligned Education Program (LAEP) offers for-profit employers 50% reimbursement and non-profits 90% reimbursement for the cost of internships if they invest in our students. Our advanced robotics program in which we partner with Tesla provides the skills for immediate employment.
Certifications for Firefighting, Process Power Technology, Nursing, Early Childhood Education and Police Services continue to provide valuable skills.
Graduates and Certificates: The most recent graduating class in 2023 conferred completions for 7,702 degrees and certificates, including 2,133 Associates in Science,2,204Associates of Arts and 3,365Certifications across our District.
Enrollment: The efforts of the colleges to regain students as part of outreach and enrollment associated with the pandemic and economy continues to show results. Year to year enrollment has continued to increase FTE’s enrollment is up by 9.3% across the district prior year point in time.
Our work is not done. We need to keep our bar raised to improve enrollment and provide educational services for our communities to support our labor needs.
Financial Stability: The recent audit just completed showed strength in our finances and no issues with our Bond Oversight continuing to ensure that our expenditures are in alignment with policies and practices and align with the voters expectations as we invest in our facilities and as we review future needs.
Modernization:Bonds passed by our residents resulting in a new Science Building at Contra Costa College, a new Student Union and Kinesiology Building at Los Medanos College as well as modernizing facilities at Diablo Valley College. This investment will support the future needs of our students.
Advocacy: We continue to work with our legislators to aid in support and this resulted in a $1,000,000 grant by Congressman DeSaulner and Senator Padilla to the District for driving our Open Educational Resources program to reduce the cost of books for our students.
Gun and ammunition confiscated during arrest on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Photo: Brentwood PD
Both already out of custody one – a former Deer Valley High cheerleader – on bond, the other with no charges filed
By Brentwood Police Department
On Sunday night, March 10, 2024, a Brentwood officer conducted a routine traffic stop in the area of Lone Tree Way and Fairside Way. The stop was initiated due to multiple vehicle code violations observed by the officer.
During the course of the stop, the officer found an un-serialized loaded high-capacity firearm in the backseat of the vehicle. As a result, 19-year-old Daekaylah Leiloni Little and 20-year-old Louis Edward Quinn, Jr., both of Antioch, were placed under arrest and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.
According to localcrimenews.com they were charged with carrying a loaded firearm on Person or in vehicle while in public place, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle and a large capacity magazine.
Unofficial election results as of Friday, March 13, 2024. Source: CCC Elections Office.
5,300 ballots remaining to be counted in the county
By Allen D. Payton
In the race for Contra Costa County District 5 Supervisor Antioch Councilman Mike Barbanica leads in votes over Pittsburg Councilwoman Shanelle Scales-Preston who placed a second in last Tuesday’s primary election. But she leads in campaign finances, having raised about $114,500 while Barbanica had raised close to $100,500.
In a distant third place is Pittsburg Vice Mayor Jelani Killings in both votes and campaign finances, having raised close to $18,000 and fourth-place finisher in both votes and finances is Iztaccuauhtli “White Eagle” Hector Gonzalez who raised almost $10,200 all in loans from himself.
As of the latest update from the Contra Costa Elections Office today, Wednesday, March 13 at 2:50 PM, Barbanica has 14,080 votes or 38.59% of the vote to 12,834 votes for Scales-Preston or 35.18%. Killings has 5,597 votes or 15.34% and Gonzalez has 3,973 votes or 10.89% of the vote.
The results are in, and it’s official: we’re advancing through the primary elections for District 5 of the Board of Supervisors! With a grateful heart, I extend my deepest thanks to each and every one of you who cast your vote, shared your voice, and believed in our vision for a safer, stronger community.
Your support has been the driving force of this campaign. To the countless volunteers, the dedicated team members, and especially to the voters who took a stand for our shared values—thank you. This triumph is yours as much as it is ours.
A special acknowledgment to the elected officials who have endorsed our cause; your faith in our mission fortifies our resolve. I’m also incredibly thankful for the endorsements and unwavering support from esteemed organizations such as Thousand Friends of Martinez, PORAC, CCDSA, and the Police Officers Associations of Martinez, Richmond, Concord, Pittsburg, San Mateo County, and Clayton. The backing of the Local 326 United Steel Workers has been nothing short of inspiring.
As we gear up for the next phase of this journey, let’s remember that this is more than a campaign; it’s a collective effort to nurture the well-being and prosperity of Contra Costa County. We’re in this together, and together, we will make a difference.
Warm regards,
Mike Barbanica”
When reached for comment he said, “I’m absolutely honored for the support from our community and I look forward to continuing to move towards the general election and change coming to the District 5 office, later this year, in December. For the last 24 years this office has been represented by someone from Pittsburg and it would be nice to see change coming to the office, from someone such as myself who has Pittsburg connections, Antioch connections and connections to the rest of the district.”
“I spent 21 years as a Pittsburg Police officer, retiring as a lieutenant, and my wife was born and raised in Pittsburg. So, we have a lot of ties, there,” Barbanica added.
Source: Facebook
Attempts to reach Scales-Preston for a comment were unsuccessful prior to publication. However, on Saturday, she posted the following comment on her campaign Facebook page: “Thank you for all your support! There are many votes left to count, but we remain in the top two and are confident we will advance to November. This is due to your support and all that you did to advance our campaign.”
Campaign Finance Comparison
According to the required campaign finance disclosure reports known as Forms 460 and 497 posted on the Contra Costa Elections Public Portal, as of March 6, 2024, Scales-Preston had raised $114,514 and as of Feb. 29 her campaign had spent $105,029.33, with $5,036.13 in outstanding debts and $8,596.22 cash on hand.
As of March 6, 2024, Barbanica’s reports show he had raised $100,452.65 and as of Feb. 29, his campaign had spent $93,384.62 with $58,817.66 in outstanding debts and $24,229.52 cash on hand.
As of Feb. 29, Killings’ reports show he had raised $17,773 and spent $19,769.39. He ended his campaign with $2,515.54 in outstanding debts and $3,185.26 cash on hand.
As of the same date, Gonzalez’s reports show he loaned his campaign $10,197.13, didn’t raise any other funds and spent $8,576.42. He ended his campaign with outstanding debts of $10,197.13 and 1,620.71 cash on hand.
Both Scales-Preston received $5,000 from the Building Industry Association of the Bay Area’s Build Jobs PAC and both she and Killings received contributions from former Antioch resident Keith Archuleta.
Scales-Preston Supported by PACS, Politicians & Unions
Scales-Preston received most of her campaign funds from union political action committees and local politicians. Her largest contributions were as follows:
$5,000 each from International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) 302 Community Candidates PAC of Martinez; IBEW PAC Educational Fund in Washington, DC; Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 104 Poltical Committee; United Association No. 159 Consumer Protection Fund Sponsored by Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 159 of Martinez; American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees Council 57 PAC, and International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers Local 549 PAC, and Build Jobs PAC, ID #761102 Sponsored by Building Industry Association of the Bay Area;
$2,500 each from Dignity CA SEIU Local 2015; Karen Grove Menlo Park, retired; former political consultant Melody Howe Weintraub of Lafayette, Progressive Era PAC (ID# 1449477) which, according to its website, “exists to elect governing majorities of leaders in California committed to building a progressive era for people of color”; homemaker Faye M. Stratus and a separate contribution from Sandor H. Stratus, retired, both of Lafayette; Victor Baker of Martinez, owner of Equitify a diversity, equity and inclusion consulting firm; Sikh Society of Central Contra Costa County; Lift Up Contra Costa Action which, according to its website, “fights against all forms of oppression, including anti-black racism, racism, anti-immigrant, anti-LBGTQ, environmental & healthcare injustice and the classist, anti-worker movements”, a Project of Tides Advocacy PAC, which, according to its website, is “deeply committed to advancing social justice”; District 1 Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia, Laborers International Union of North America Local No. 324, Northern California Carpenters Regional Council Small Contributor Committee, and Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Candidate PAC;
$2,000 from garbage company Republic Services Inc., and affiliated entities;
$1,400 from Kanwar Singh of Pittsburg, a Sequence Read Archive Explorer for the Joint Genome Institute;
$1,000 from David Bowlby of Danville, public affairs consultant of The David Bowlby Group; East Bay Regional Parks Director Colin Coffey of Hercules; Daniel Madigan of Walnut Creek, not employed; Debbie Toth of Fairfield, Director of the nonprofit Choice in Aging; DRIVE Committee (International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Democrat, Republican, Independent Voter Education) in Washington, DC; East Bay Trans, Inc. trucking company of Concord, Haver Trans, Inc. dump trucking company of Concord, Jasmine Tarkoff of Lafayette, retired; and Lupe Schoenberger of Alamo, listed as not employed but her LinkedIn profile shows she is Congressman Mark DeSaulnier’s political director and Principal of Acceso Government Relations, LLC described as “Facilitating cannabis business licensing and local government relations;” and Latika Malkani of Orinda, Attorney for employment law firm Siegel LeWitter Malkani;
$700 from Leonard Ramirez of Concord, retired;
$600 each from Contra Costa DA Diana Becton; Paramjit Virk of Antioch, a Registered Nurse at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center; Contra Costa County Democratic Central Committee Chair Katie Ricklefs of Lafayette, listed as retired, and Kathleen Petricca of Martinez, retired;
$500 each from Berkeley school teacher Cathy Campbell of El Cerrito; John Cumbers of Lafayette, Chief Executive Officer for SynBioBeta; Friends of Gina Daly for Board of Education Trustee Area 1 2024 in Oakland (former San Rafael school board member who resigned in December after the contribution was made); Carol Hatch of Martinez, retired; insurance broker Gregory Osorio of Pittsburg, consultant Keith Archuleta of Chapel Hill, NC (a former Antioch resident); Service Employees International Union United Healthcare Workers West PAC, Kathy Braun of Martinez, retired; G R Beverages, Inc. of Antioch, United Teachers of Richmond, Cynthia Miller of Martinez, Owner of George & Cynthia Miller Wellness Center (wife of former congressman), Willie Mims of Pittsburg, Mariana Moore of Benicia, Program Manager for Richmond Community Foundation, Leslie Shafton of Walnut Creek, Realtor, Dudum Real Estate Group, Teamsters Local Union No. 315,
$460 from Mt. Diablo Unified School Board Trustee Cherise Khaund of Walnut Creek, listed as a nonprofit manager;
$400 from Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey;
$350 each from Jim Craft of Pittsburg, as an in-kind contribution for use of a venue for a fundraiser; and Caitlin E. Sly of Walnut Creek, Executive Director for Meals on Wheels Diablo Region;
$300 from former City of Antioch Public Information Officer Rolando Bonilla of San Jose; El Cerrito Councilman Gabriel Quinto, Susan Mautner of Orinda, not employed; Charles Glasper of Antioch, retired, who contributed on Jan. 11, 2024 and then served as the MC and asked the questions during the NAACP Candidates Night in Antioch on Feb. 22;
$260 from Mt. Diablo Unified School District Trustee Cherise Khaund of Walnut Creek;
$250 each from DLC Group Inc. of Pleasant Hill owned by a Dalton Chow, Walnut Creek Mayor Pro Tem Loella Haskew, Benjamin Miller of Arlington, VA, Principal, Kadesh & Associates a bipartisan federal advocacy firm; Patricia Reyes of San Ramon, Consultant for Strategic Prevention Solutions; Valerie Sloven of Pleasant Hill, Case Manager for Heluna Health, Carol Toms of Concord, Information Technology Professional for Albertsons; Contra Costa County School Board Trustee Sarah Butler of Orinda; Baljit Bhandal of Pittsburg, General Manager for The Wine Village, Inc.; Bombay Trading Company of Concord, Contra Costa County Public Defenders Association, State Farm Insurance agent Tim McGallian of Clayton, Tara Sanders of Pittsburg, Program Manager – Workforce & Economic Development for the Contra Costa Community College District; Tracy Brog of Lafayette, retired; Martinez City Councilman Jay Howard’s 2022 campaign committee, Mike McCoy of Danville, Billboard Developer for Mesa Outdoor, and Janitzia Rodriguez of Pittsburg, Mental Health Clinician for Contra Costa County.
Although not large contributions, Scales-Preston also received $200 from Adrienne Ursino of Martinez, Director of Stakeholder Engagement for the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers and former Antioch School Board Trustee Debra Vinson, $150 from Pittsburg Mayor Juan Banales, Hercules City Councilwoman Christine Kelley, former Pittsburg Councilwoman Nancy L. Parent, and former Clayton Councilwoman Tuija Catalano, as well as $100 each from Concord Councilman Edi Birsan, former Orinda Councilwoman Amy Worth, former Walnut Creek Councilwoman Gail Murray, and the Marsh Creek Democratic Club.
Barbanica Backed by the Badge, Builders & Business
Barbanica’s largest contributions were from law enforcement, the building industry and local businesses. They include the following:
$10,000 from the Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriff’s Association PAC Small Contributor Committee with $5,000for the primary and the other $5,000 for the general election;
$5,000 each from Bryan Benton of Antioch, owner of Da Nang Turang restaurant and Build Jobs PAC, ID #761102 Sponsored by Building Industry Association of the Bay Area;
$2,500 each from Peace Officers Research Association of California PAC (PORAC PAC) Small Contributor Committee, Sheriff David Livingston’s 2028 re-election committee and the Richmond Police Officers Association PAC;
$2,000 each from Kay Ku of Newport Beach, retired; Stacey Romero of Pittsburg, retired; Weston Law Group, PC of Danville; Fernandes Auto Wrecking and Towing of Pittsburg; and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s County Employees’ Benefit Association Local PAC;
$1,500 from Jim Moita of Clayton, owner of property management company JMI Properties Corporation;
$1,000 each from real estate investor Mike Cava of Oakley and Thousand Friends of Martinez;
$500 each from the Concord Police Association PAC; Dennis Costanza of Pittsburg, Director for home builder Lennar; former Pittsburg Mayor, City Clerk and Assistant City Manager Mary Erbez; Brentwood Councilman Tony Oerlemans; Sheila Stokley, of Stokley Properties in Pleasant Hill; and Christopher Thorsen of Walnut Creek, retired; and
$250 each from Assistant District Attorney Mary Knox, Mike McCoy of Danville, Billboard Developer for Mesa Outdoor and Susan Dragon Presser of Pittsburg, retired.
Killings’s Campaign Cash is from Kin, Cops & Others
$2,500 from Denise Killings of Pittsburg, retired;
$1,500 from Henry A. Killings, Pastor of Threshing Floor Tabernacle in Antioch; Leah L. Blackman of Brentwood, Pastor of Faith Worship Center, and William Posada of Antioch, listed as an Independent Distributor but is the Manager with Only Believe Distributor, LLC;
$1,000 from Pittsburg Police Officer’s Association, Efrem R. Finn of Oakland, Operator for Rydetrans bus service; consultant Keith Archuleta of Chapel Hill, NC (former Antioch resident), and a non-monetary, in-kind contribution for fundraising event expenses from Peter Nguyen of Pittsburg, Owner of Fisherman’s Catch;
$600 from Blayne Wittig of Martinez, Executive Director, Options Health;
$500 from Jerry Beverly of Alameda, listed as an Investor/Philanthropist, Losefa Lam Yuen of Pittsburg, who works in Logistics for the Department of Homeland Security, and Paul Loukianoff of San Leandro, who works in construction for Con-Quest Contractors, Inc.,
$450 from Daniel Patton of Oakley, Business Solutions Manager for WK Kellogg Company;
$250 from East County Glass & Window, Inc. in Pittsburg, and Kevin McGary of Hayward, President of Every Black Life Matters; and
$200 from Sarah Jean Killings of Pittsburg.
Ballot counting has continued as mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day, March 5 could be received until yesterday, March 12 and the County Elections Office has 28 days to certify the election.
Asked if there are any remaining ballots to be counted and when the next results update will be, Assistant Registrar Helen Nolan said, “We have about 5,300 ballots left to process as of today” and added the next update will be Friday, March 15 at 4 p.m.
The top two candidates, Barbanica and Scales-Preston will face off in the November general election.
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
Working smoke alarms reduce risk of home fire deaths in half
Daylight saving time begins on March 10 and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as theyturn their clocks forward to make sure the devices are working.
“Working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire in half as you only have about two minutes to get out,” said Hanna Malak, Regional Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region. “Every second counts when there’s a home fire and the sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place. When you turn your clocks forward this weekend, test your smoke alarms too to help prevent a tragedy in your home.”
Since July 1, 2023, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help 2,645 people in the Northern California Coastal Region affected by 472 home fire events, which account for most of the about 65,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country.
SMOKE ALARMS When turning your clocks forward this weekend, test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed.Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to create and practice with your family, or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.
Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.
Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late.
Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.
HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVES LIVES Most of us don’t realize we have just two minutes to escape a home fire — which is the nation’s most frequent disaster. Since October 2014, the American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 2,030 lives by meeting one-on-one with families in at-risk communities to share home fire safety information, help families create escape plans, and install free smoke alarms. If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. To request an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation or to get involved in an installation event, visit soundthealarm.org/nccr.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or follow us on social media.
La Cruz Roja le pide que PRUEBE sus alarmas de humo mientras ADELANTA sus relojes este fin de semana
Las alarmas de humo en funcionamiento reducen a la mitad el riesgo de muertes por incendios domésticos
El horario de verano comienza el 10 de marzo y la Cruz Roja Americana alienta a todos a probar sus alarmas de humo mientras adelantan sus relojes para asegurarse que los dispositivos funcionen.
“Las alarmas de humo en funcionamiento reducen a la mitad el riesgo de morir en un incendio doméstico, ya que sólo se dispone de unos dos minutos para salir,” dijo Hanna Malak, CEO Regional de la Cruz Roja en la Región de la Costa Norte de California. “Cada segundo cuenta cuando hay un incendio doméstico y cuanto antes le avise una alarma de humo, antes podrá llegar a un lugar más seguro. Cuando adelante sus relojes este fin de semana, pruebe también sus alarmas de humo para ayudar a prevenir una tragedia en su hogar.”
Desde el 1 de Julio de 2023, los voluntarios locales de la Cruz Roja respondieron para ayudar a 2,645 personas en la Región de la Costa Norte de California, que fue afectada por 472 incendios domésticos, que representan la mayoría de los cerca de 65,000 desastres a los que la Cruz Roja responde anualmente en todo el país.
ALARMAS DE HUMO Cuando adelante los relojes este fin de semana, pruebe sus alarmas de humo y cambie las baterías si es necesario. Visite CruzRojaAmericana.org/incendios para más información, incluyendo un plan de escape para crear y practicar con su familia, o descargue la aplicación gratuita Emergencia de la Cruz Roja buscando “Cruz Roja Americana” en las tiendas de aplicaciones.
Instale alarmas de humo en todos los niveles de su casa, incluidos los dormitorios interiores y exteriores y las áreas para dormir.
Reemplace las alarmas de humo que tengan 10 años o más. Los componentes, como los sensores, pueden volverse menos sensibles con el tiempo. Siga las instrucciones del fabricante de la alarma.
Practique su plan de escape en caso de incendio doméstico de dos minutos. Asegúrese de que todos los miembros de su hogar puedan salir en menos de dos minutos, la cantidad de tiempo que puede tener para escapar de una casa en llamas antes de que sea demasiado tarde.
Incluya al menos dos formas de salir de cada habitación y seleccione un lugar de reunión a una distancia segura de su casa, como la casa de su vecino o un punto de referencia como un árbol específico en su patio delantero, donde todos puedan reunirse.
LA CAMPAÑA DE PREVENCIÓN DE INCENDIOS EN EL HOGAR SALVA VIDAS Desde octubre de 2014, la Campaña de Prevención de Incendios en el Hogar de la Cruz Roja, en colaboración con socios comunitarios, ha salvado al menos 2,030 vidas educando a las familias sobre la seguridad contra incendios, ayudándoles a crear planes de escape e instalando alarmas de humo gratuitas en zonas de alto riesgo de todo el país. Para obtener más información sobre la campaña y cómo puede participar, visite CruzRojaAmericana.org/incendiosdomesticos.
Sobre la Cruz Roja Americana:
La Cruz Roja Americana alberga, alimenta y ofrece alivio a las víctimas de desastres; suministra alrededor del 40% de la sangre en el país; enseña habilidades que salvan vidas; distribuye ayuda humanitaria internacional; y apoya a los veteranos, a los miembros de las fuerzas armadas y a sus familias. La Cruz Roja es una
organización sin fines de lucro que depende de los voluntarios y de la generosidad del público estadounidense para cumplir su misión. Para obtener más información, visite redcross.org o CruzRojaAmericana.org, o síganos en las redes sociales.
At the Nick Rodriguez Community Center, 213 F Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. Hosted by the Contra Costa Health Department’s Violence Prevention Program and Gun Violence Prevention Coalition, and Bridge Builders to the New Generation.
According the CCHealth’s website, The Violence Prevention Program uses a public health approach to prevent and reduce gun violence in Contra Costa County by providing high-risk populations with social support and services informed by evidence-based practices and equity principles. The program, established in October 2022, was made possible through a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Justice Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative.
The Violence Prevention Program is partnering with community stakeholders to develop a Gun Violence Reduction Strategic Plan for the county. The plan will focus on developing social-emotional learning programs for at-risk youth, building workforce development opportunities and career paths, and working with communities to improve the physical environment, neighborhood appearance and community engagement.
Currently, the program is working with the nonprofit consultant on a landscape analysis of the county’s existing violence prevention efforts.
The Gun Violence Prevention Coalition is a diverse, community and multi-agency-driven collaborative supported by Contra Costa Health’s Violence Prevention Program. The Coalition seeks to increase collaboration among residents, community partners, and agencies who are interested in and are actively involved in reducing gun violence and advancing gun-violence prevention policies. The Coalition’s goal is to prevent and reduce the incidence of gun violence and its associated negative community and health impacts.
Please help us identify an unknown suspect who was recorded on video stealing a vehicle and later dumping it. The vehicle was recovered near East 6th Street and ‘A’ Street, and the suspect is seen on camera walking away from that area afterwards.
If you have any information on the identity of this suspect, please contact Community Service Officer Collazo at (925) 778-2441, or via email: jcollazo@antiochca.gov, and reference case #24-1991. Any individuals coming forth with information can remain anonymous.
Antioch School District’s bond Measure B barely passing
Incumbents lead in races for Congress, other Assembly districts
Berkeley Mayor, Oakland Councilman lead in West County State Senate race; former West Sacramento Mayor and Dixon Councilman lead in East County State Senate race
By Allen D. Payton
With the top two candidates heading to the November general election, the initial election results posted at 8:15 PM, 9:35 PM and 10:31 PM on the Contra Costa County Elections website for contested races with more than two candidates show the following:
Unofficial results as of 10:31 PM on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Source: CCC Elections
In the 15th Assembly District race Democrat County School Board Trustee Anamarie Avila Farias and Republican Realtor Sonia Ledo are leading the other two Democrats in the race, Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson and former County Supervisor Karen Mitchoff who is in a distant fourth. As of the 10:31 PM update, Ledo had pulled within 99 votes of Avila Farias with just 0.2 percent of the vote separating the two.
When reached for comment Ledo said, “I’m honored that the voters have placed their trust in me for positive change in California. I think this is proof the candidates can run on their merits and the two candidates who ran the most positive race came out on top. Congratulations to Anamarie. I’m hopeful that the numbers we see will hold as we are uncertain at this time how many precincts have been counted.”
11:31 PM UPDATE: Ledo moved into the lead ahead of Avila Farias following the latest update from the Contra Costa Elections office. Ledo had 17,303 votes or 32.98% and Avila Farias had 15,877 votes or 30.26% of the vote.
Unofficial results as of 10:31 PM on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Source: CCC Elections
In the 5th Supervisorial District race Antioch Councilman Mike Barbanica and Pittsburg Councilwoman Shanelle Scales-Preston are leading Pittsburg Vice Mayor Jelani Killings, followed by Realtor Iztaccuauhtli “White Eagle” Hector M. Gonzalez.
In the 14th Assembly District race which includes West County communities, Democrat incumbent Buffy Wicks and Democrat challenger Margot Smith lead their Republican opponent and in the 11th Assembly District race which includes Far East County communities, Democrat incumbent Lori Wilson and Republican challenger Dave Ennis leader their opponents.
In the 10th Congressional District, Democrat incumbent Mark DeSaulnier and Republican challenger Katherine Piccinini lead their opponents and in the race for the 9th Congressional District, which includes Discovery Bay, Democrat incumbent Josh Harder and Republican Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln lead their opponents.
In the 3rd State Senate District race, which includes Far East County communities, Democrat former West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon and Republican Dixon City Councilman Thomas Bogue are in the lead over their rivals.
In the 7th State Senate District race, which includes West County communities, Democrat Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín and Democrat Oakland Councilman Dan Kalb lead their rivals.
All Local Measures Passing as of the 10:31 PM Update
Measure A in Martinez, which changes the City Clerk from an elected to appointed position was passing 67.08 to 32.92 percent of the vote. The measure requires a simple majority to pass.
The Antioch Unified School District’s Measure B bond measure for school improvements was passing 56.83 to 42.6 percent and requires a vote of at least 55% to pass.
Measure C in the Martinez Unified School District, which renews the $75 annual parcel tax for eight years and requires a 2/3rds vote to pass, had more than enough with 72.94 percent of the vote in favor and 27.06% of the vote opposed.
Finally, the Moraga School District Measure D bond, also requiring a 55% vote to pass, had 65.91% support and 34.09% of the vote opposing.
Please check back later for more election updates on this website.
Please check back later for more election updates on this website.
