By Sergeant Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On January 03, 2024, at approximately 8:37 PM, Antioch police officers responded to Sycamore Square located at 1068 Sycamore Drive for a reported shooting that occurred in the parking lot.

When officers arrived, they located evidence of shooting. While officers were on scene, a 32-year-old male victim suffering from at least one gunshot wound arrived at an area hospital. The male victim was treated for his injuries where he was admitted and is in critical but stable condition.

Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released.

Additional inquiries or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Duffy at (925) 779-6884 or by emailing aduffy@antiochca.gov. Anonymous tips or information about this – or any other incident – can be sent via text to 274637 (CRIMES) with the keyword ANTIOCH.

Wants Congress to approve caps on deferred compensation

SACRAMENTO — State Controller Malia M. Cohen released the following statement following last month’s announcement that the L.A. Dodgers signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with pitcher Shohei Ohtani. The contract is structured so that Ohtani will receive $2 million per year and defer the balance approximately 10 years, when he could potentially return to Japan and escape payment of California state income taxes on the deferred amount:

“The current tax system allows for unlimited deferrals for those fortunate enough to be in the highest tax brackets, creating a significant imbalance in the tax structure.” said Cohen. “The absence of reasonable caps on deferral for the wealthiest individuals exacerbates income inequality and hinders the fair distribution of taxes. I would urge Congress to take immediate and decisive action to rectify this imbalance.”

“Introducing limits on deductions and exemptions for high-income earners promotes social responsibility and contributes to a tax system that is just and beneficial for all. This action would not only create a more equitable tax system, but also generate additional revenue that can be directed towards addressing pressing important social issues and fostering economic stability,” Cohen stated.

About Controller Cohen

As the chief fiscal officer of California, Controller Cohen is responsible for accountability and disbursement of the state’s financial resources. The Controller has independent auditing authority over government agencies that spend state funds. She is a member of numerous financing authorities, and fiscal and financial oversight entities including the Franchise Tax Board. She also serves on the boards for the nation’s two largest public pension funds. Follow the Controller on X at @CAController and on Facebook.

Donors urged to give now as nation faces lowest number of blood donors in decades. Donors have the chance to help save lives, win trip to Super Bowl LVIII

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. The Red Cross blood supply has fallen to critically low levels across the country, and blood and platelet donors are urged to make a donation appointment to help alleviate the shortage and help ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not put on hold.

Over the last 20 years, the number of people donating blood to the Red Cross has fallen by about 40%. When fewer people donate blood, even small disruptions to blood donations – such as the nearly 7,000-unit shortfall in blood donations the Red Cross experienced between Christmas and New Year’s Day alone – can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of emergency blood transfusion. Blood products are currently going to hospitals faster than blood donations are coming in, and in recent weeks, the Red Cross has had to limit distributions of type O blood products – among the most transfused blood types – to hospitals.

“Small changes in blood donor turnout can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of an emergency blood transfusion,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “More challenges may lie ahead as the potential for severe winter weather and seasonal illness may compound the dire blood supply situation. Donors of all types – especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets – are urged to give now.” 

Don’t wait – to make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Red Cross and the National Football League (NFL) are partnering this January, during National Blood Donor Month, to urge individuals to give blood or platelets and help tackle the emergency blood shortage. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Super Bowl.

Who donations help:

Sarah Montoya knows firsthand the lifesaving power a single blood donation contains. Five years ago, Sarah discovered that her 10-month-old son had a Wilms tumor growing on his kidney. He was one of the 43 children who, on average, are diagnosed with cancer in America every single day. He needed blood transfusions to survive the surgery that would ultimately save his life. Since then, Sarah start donating blood with the Red Cross. “I am so grateful that I can help people the same way my son has been helped,” she said.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Jan. 8-31:

Contra Costa County

Antioch

1/25/2024: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., ST. Ignatius of Antioch, 3351 Contra Loma Boulevard

Brentwood

1/31/2024: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Trilogy Vineyards Veterans Association, 1700 Trilogy Parkway

Danville

1/12/2024: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Blackhawk Country Club, 599 Blackhawk Club Road

El Cerrito

1/27/2024: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., El Cerrito High School, 540 Ashbury Avenue

Pleasant Hill

1/8/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/9/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/10/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/11/2024: 12 p.m. – 6:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/12/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/13/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/14/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/15/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/16/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/17/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/18/2024: 12 p.m. – 6:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/19/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/20/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/21/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/22/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/23/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/24/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/25/2024: 12 p.m. – 6:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/26/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/27/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/28/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/29/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/30/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

1/31/2024: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., College Park High School, 201 Viking Drive

1/31/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

San Ramon

1/10/2024: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., San Ramon Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2260 Camino Ramon

_______________

Alameda County

Alameda

1/9/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Alameda City Library, 1550 Oak Street

1/13/2024: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Alameda Community – Twin Towers United Methodist, 1411 Oak Street

1/27/2024: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., St. Joseph High School – Notre Dame Hall, St. Joseph Basilica, on Lafayette Street

Livermore

1/19/2024: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Asbury United Methodist Church, 4743 East Avenue

Newark

1/8/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/9/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/11/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/12/2024: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/13/2024: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/14/2024: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/15/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/16/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/18/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/19/2024: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/20/2024: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/21/2024: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/22/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/23/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/25/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/26/2024: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/27/2024: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/28/2024: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/29/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

1/30/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Boulevard

Oakland
1/8/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/9/2024: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Oakland Scottish Rite, 1547 Lakeside Drive

1/9/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/10/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/11/2024: 10:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/12/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/13/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/14/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/15/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/16/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/17/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/18/2024: 10:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/19/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/20/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/21/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/22/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/23/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/24/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/25/2024: 10:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/26/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/27/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/28/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/29/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/30/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

1/31/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Oakland Blood Donation Center, 5450 College Avenue

Pleasanton

1/8/2024: 12 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/9/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/10/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/12/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/13/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/14/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/15/2024: 12 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/16/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/17/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/19/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/20/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/21/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/22/2024: 12 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/23/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/24/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/26/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/27/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/28/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/29/2024: 12 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/30/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

1/31/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 34

_______________

San Francisco County

San Francisco

1/8/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/9/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/10/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/12/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/13/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/14/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/15/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/16/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/17/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/19/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/20/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/21/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/22/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/23/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/24/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/27/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/28/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/29/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/30/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

1/31/2024: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., San Francisco Blood Donation Center, 1663 Market Street

_______________

Santa Clara County

Gilroy

1/11/2024: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Interfaith – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Gilroy, 7999 Miller Avenue

1/17/2024: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Gavilan College, 5055 Santa Teresa Boulevard

Morgan Hill

1/9/2024: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Interfaith – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Morgan Hill, 1790 E. Dunne Avenue

San Jose

1/8/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/9/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/10/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/11/2024: 10:45 a.m. – 5:45 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/12/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/13/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/13/2024: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., San Jose Center Mobile Drives, American Red Cross, 2731 N. 1st Street

1/14/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/15/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/16/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/17/2024: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Interfaith – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
San Jose, 1655 Noreen Street

1/17/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/18/2024: 10:45 a.m. – 5:45 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/19/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/20/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/20/2024: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Jack and Jill of America San Jose Chapter, Jack and Jill, 2731 N. First Street

1/21/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/22/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/23/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/24/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/25/2024: 10:45 a.m. – 5:45 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/26/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/27/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/28/2024: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/29/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/30/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

1/31/2024: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

Santa Clara

1/27/2024: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Santa Clara, 875 Quince Avenue

Saratoga

1/30/2024: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Congregation Beth David, 19700 Prospect Road

_______________

San Mateo County

Foster City

1/20/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Foster City, 1000 Shell Boulevard

Half Moon Bay

1/16/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Ted Adcock Community Center, 535 Kelly Avenue

Millbrae

1/11/2024: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., The Westin San Francisco Airport, 1 Old Bayshore Highway

San Mateo

1/13/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Highlands Recreation Center, 1851 Lexington Avenue

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.

Newly launched program will empower organizations in Northern California with $117,000 in funding

Travis Credit Union Foundation announces that applications are open today for its 2024 Financial Coaching Grants program. The Financial Coaching Grant aims to strengthen nonprofit organizations and create a network of financial coaches that empower communities in Northern California with increased financial literacy. Each grant will total $30,000 for general operating support and up to $9,000 in professional development for nonprofit staff. There are three grants available in 2024. Those interested in applying can start here.

Eligibility requirements are:

• Organizations benefitting people in the counties of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Contra Costa, and Merced
• Organizations classified as public charities
• Organizations with the ability to reach diverse communities to include those that are unbanked/underserved
• Organizations that do not discriminate by race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status
• Organizations with the capacity to allocate time and resources for two staff members to become financial coaches (self-study) and provide ten or more one-hour financial coaching sessions to beneficiaries each month
• Organizations that are willing to promote their participation in the Financial Coaching Grant Program and acknowledge funding received from Travis Credit Union Foundation in traditional and social media

“We believe in the power of financial education to transform lives,” said Damian Alarcon, president of Travis Credit Union Foundation. “This program is about making a tangible difference. By partnering with other nonprofits and ‘training the trainer,’ we aim to create a ripple effect of positive change, ultimately contributing to the financial wellness of the entire community.”

Those who apply and are selected as coaches will undergo a comprehensive three to five month self-study training through the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) / Financial Counseling for Empowerment Program (FICEP). Upon completing the Financial Coaching Course, coaches will be equipped to address a wide range of financial topics, from summarizing saving principles to educating community members about credit reports, credit scores, and wise use of tax refunds.

 The TCU Foundation is committed to supporting nonprofits throughout the grant’s lifetime, ensuring that financial wellness outcomes are achieved. The foundation will monitor financial coaching goals, metrics, and outcomes related to reduced debt, increased savings and established and/or improved credit scores. Renewal preferences are given to non-profits with a demonstrated record of coaching more beneficiaries.

 The grant application will close on February 8, 2024 at 11:59 pm PST.

About Travis Credit Union Foundation

The Travis Credit Union Foundation supports financial education and wellness initiatives and is the philanthropic arm of Travis Credit Union. The Foundation is committed to making a positive impact in the communities it serves through financial education, charitable giving, and community support. Travis Credit Union generously funds the administrative costs of the Travis Credit Union Foundation, allowing for 100% of funds raised to go back to the community. To learn more about the Travis Credit Union Foundation’s mission and how to participate in all it’s doing to build financial wellness in the communities it serves, visit tcufund.org.

Charged with five felonies, being held on $130,000 bail; Richmond PD assists

By Brentwood Police Department

On Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, Brentwood Police officers were dispatched to a report of a theft at Kohl’s. When the first officer arrived, he saw two of the suspects get into a car, which was parked in front of the store. The officer recognized it as being a suspect car involved in multiple prior thefts from Kohl’s.

The suspect car, which was driving recklessly and at a high rate of speed, fled from officers on scene. Because the suspects were believed to be involved in multiple thefts, with a most recent theft of $20,000, Dispatch notified other agencies of the information regarding the suspects and the involved car.

About an hour after this incident, Richmond PD notified our Dispatch that they had located the car and had one of the occupants, identified as 25-year-old Maya Vernay Usher of Antioch, in custody.

Usher was positively identified as one of the suspects responsible for the thefts. Our investigation also determined Usher is responsible for being involved in thousands of dollars’ worth of thefts from Kohl’s Department stores in and outside Contra Costa County. Usher was placed under arrest for organized retail theft, evading police, and other related charges.

This investigation is ongoing, and we will continue to work diligently in holding the other involved suspects accountable. A special thank you to Richmond PD for their assistance in this investigation.

According to recentlybooked.com, she was charged with five felonies including burglary: second degree – shoplifting, evading a peace officer with wanton disregard for safety, grand theft: money, labor, property – shoplifting, organized retail theft with intent to sell, exchange or return and conspiracy to commit a crime.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the 5’1”, 195-lb. Usher (born 11-16-1998) is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $130,000 bail and her next appearance in Contra Costa Superior Court is scheduled for Jan. 8, 2024, at 1:30 p.m.

According to localcrimenews.com, she was also arrested on June 12, 2021, by San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Deputies for grand theft.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Usher is a former Customer Service Representative for the Antioch Walmart store from Mar. 2017 to Jan. 2018, an Emergency Dispatcher for Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. in Oakland from Jan. 2018 to Dec. 2021, and has worked as a COVID technician for Bay Area PLS, a mobile phlebotomy company providing professional blood draws, vaccinations and Covid-19 testing, with no dates of employment provided.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Get customized notifications with the BART app.

By Bay Area Rapid Transit District

Some departure times will shift by a few minutes, and we encourage riders to check the schedule before January 15th to see if their trip is impacted.

BART’s Trip Planner has been updated for trips beginning January 15, 2024, and PDF timetables are available here. 

The Official BART App offers customized in-app notifications about BART service and news.

Riders can personalize what type of information they get through the app based on when and where they ride BART and what information they care most about.

For example, you can select service advisories for your line and direction of travel and specific times of day. Or you can get real time departures pushed as notifications for the 15 minutes before arriving to a station on the days you ride.

To turn on these features, select the person icon in the upper-right, then select “Notification Settings” and starting adding what you want. This is a great option for people who don’t want to subscribe to text/email alerts or for people who remain on Twitter (X) only for BART Service Advisories.

We also made it easier to pay for parking with the new Tap-and-Go feature on the app that allows customers to pay for parking with just one tap. Check it out!

Salinas Police Chief Roberto Filice

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, East Bay Regional Parks District

After a nationwide search, the East Bay Regional Park District announces the appointment of Salinas Police Chief Roberto Filice as its new Assistant General Manager of Public Safety and Police Chief at the public agency. The East Bay Regional Park District’s mission is to preserve a rich heritage of natural and cultural resources and provide open space, parks, trails, safe and healthful recreation and environmental education. An environmental ethic guides the District in all of its activities. Chief Filice will be sworn in and begin in the role on January 22, 2024.

As the largest regional park district in the country, the park system spans Alameda and Contra Costa counties and serves an estimated 30 million visitors a year through park and trail access, visitor centers, and programs. Its workforce provides services that encompass 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,300 miles of trails. With an expansive area and diverse lands, the Park District’s Public Safety Division comprises Police, Fire, and Lifeguard Services. The Police Department includes the Air Support Unit, Marine Patrol, Equestrian Patrols, Investigations Unit, and a 24-hour per day 9-1-1 Communications Center.

“We are pleased to welcome Chief Roberto Filice, a highly seasoned leader and law enforcement executive with over 25 years of dedicated public service, to the East Bay Regional Park District,” said Sabrina Landreth, General Manager at the East Bay Regional Park District. “We look forward to his leadership and strong sense of community service in this important role that prioritizes public safety, quality of life, and exceptional park experiences.”

“I am excited to be part of an organization that cares about engaging with the public and providing positive experiences in nature and recreational opportunities with safety in mind,” said Chief Roberto Filice. “With a community-focused and team-oriented approach, I am ready to build partnerships, mentor and support career development opportunities, collaborate to enhance our work, and commit to serving the public in my role at the East Bay Regional Park District.”

The Assistant General Manager of Public Safety and Police Chief position will further enhance the vital work of Fire, Police and Lifeguard Services, knowing that public safety and quality of life are both personal and shared responsibilities for all community members.

With decades of experience, Chief Filice has served as the Chief of the Salinas Police Department since 2021, following his tenure there as Assistant Chief for four years. During his distinguished tenure, his strategic vision, in alignment with the principles of 21st Century Policing, was centered on crime reduction, fostering new opportunities for officer career development, enhancing organizational efficiency through technological advancements, and a steadfast commitment to refining and cultivating community relationships.

Chief Filice’s academic achievements include the successful completion of the FBI National Academy (Session 255), Senior Management Institute in Policing (SMIP), FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (LEEDS), Peace Officers Standards and Training Executive Certificate, a Master of Business Administration in Public Administration and Master of Science degrees in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University. Additionally, Chief Filice holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Mountain State University and is currently attending the prestigious Executive Leaders Program at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey.

Chief Filice actively participates in various professional associations, reflecting his commitment to ongoing learning and collaboration. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), Salinas Faith-Based Organizations, California Police Chiefs Association, FBI National Academy Associates, serves as the Central California Representative on the CalChiefs Board of Directors, and is a Board Member of the Marina Police Activities League.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,300 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.

Participate in 90th Anniversary “Explore Your Parks” Adventure Series

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

Welcome to the East Bay Regional Park District’s 90th Anniversary year. After 90 years, the Park District has grown to be the largest regional park district of its kind in the nation, with 73 regional parks available for hiking, biking, swimming, horseback riding, boating, fishing, picnicking, camping, and nature discovery. The Park District manages over 125,000 acres of parklands, 55 miles of shoreline, and more than 1,300 miles of trails in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Wherever you live in the East Bay, there is a beautiful regional park close to you.

To celebrate 90 years of land preservation, environmental conservation, and recreation, the District is planning a series of events and programs throughout the year, including a community birthday celebration on May 11 and monthly naturalist led “Explore Your Parks” adventure programs, among others. Additional events and programs will be announced throughout the year.

“Join us in celebrating the Park District’s 90 years of milestones and history of environmental conservation and positive experiences in nature,” said Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “We invite the public to enjoy their regional parks and shorelines and celebrate with us throughout the year at events and programs commemorating our 90 years of service to the community.”

The East Bay Regional Park District’s story began in the late 1920s when thousands of acres of watershed land in the East Bay Hills suddenly became available for development. Civic leaders came together with a vision: preserve the land forever, and balance environmental conservation with public enjoyment.

To aid the cause, they enlisted renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. and National Park Service’s Chief Naturalist Ansel Hall to survey the watershed lands for potential park use. The resulting 1930 Olmsted-Hall report titled “Report on Proposed Park Reservations for East Bay Cities” brought national credibility to the effort and is largely considered the founding document of the East Bay Regional Park District.

Four years later, in the heart of the Great Depression, civic leaders placed a measure on the ballot to establish the Park District and tax themselves for land preservation. The measure passed on November 6, 1934, by a resounding 71 percent – even during trying times and economic instability. On June 4, 1936, the District purchased land from the East Bay Municipal Utility District to create its first three parks – Upper Wildcat Canyon (Tilden), Temescal, and Roundtop (Sibley).

For 90 years, the East Bay Regional Park District has preserved and protected open space and provided safe and welcoming parks for recreation and nature viewing.

For more information about the Park District’s 90th Anniversary, including events and activities, visit www.ebparks.org/celebrating-90-years.

90th Anniversary “Explore Your Parks” Adventure Series

Throughout 2024, Park District naturalists are hosting a series of programs and events to celebrate the District’s 90th Anniversary. Look for these events to discover new parks, activities and ways to celebrate 90 years of connecting parks and communities. Celebrate with us!

KING TIDE WALK

Hayward Regional Shoreline (West Winton Ave. Staging Area)

Jan 13 (Sat), noon-1:30 p.m.; Feb 10 (Sat), 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

What are king tides? How do they affect plants and animals, and what can we learn from them? Be prepared for muddy shoes! Drop-in program; no registration is required.

COMMUNITY SCIENCE BIO BLITZ

Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve (Sunol)

Jan 27 (Sat), 10 a.m.-noon

Love nature and want to contribute to real scientific studies? Learn how apps like Seek, iNaturalist, and others are used to help scientists gather data, while enhancing your next hike! Drop-in program; no registration is required.

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY WALKS

Thurgood Marshall Regional Park (Concord)

Sundays in February, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

In honor of Black History Month, tours will explore the southern end of the new Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50, where attendees can learn about the natural and human history of the land. Registration required. www.ebparks.org/calendar.

WINTER WALK

Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline (Port Costa Staging Area)

Feb 23 (Fri), 9am-noon

Take in the spectacular views of Carquinez Strait and look for signs of spring’s approach along this rolling, paved trail. Heavy rain cancels. Drop-in program; no registration is required. The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,300 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives more than 25 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area