Says state can borrow over $91 billion

By Allen D. Payton

The California Legislative Analyst’s Office issued a report on Dec. 7, 2023, that the state faces a $68 billion budget deficit for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year. Entitled, “The 2024-25 Budget: California’s Fiscal Outlook”, the report’s Executive Summary read as follows:

“California Faces a $68 Billion Deficit.

Largely as a result of a severe revenue decline in 2022-23, the state faces a serious budget deficit. Specifically, under the state’s current law and policy, we estimate the Legislature will need to solve a budget problem of $68 billion in the upcoming budget process.

Unprecedented Prior-Year Revenue Shortfall Creates Unique Challenges.

Typically, the budget process does not involve large changes in revenue in the prior year (in this case, 2022-23). This is because prior-year taxes usually have been filed and associated revenues collected. Due to the state conforming to federal tax filing extensions, however, the Legislature is gaining a complete picture of 2022-23 tax collections after the fiscal year has already ended. Specifically, we estimate that 2022-23 revenue will be $26 billion below budget act estimates. This creates unique and difficult challenges—including limiting the Legislature’s options for addressing the budget problem.

Legislature Has Multiple Tools Available to Address Budget Problem.

While addressing a deficit of this scope will be challenging, the Legislature has a number of options available to do so. In particular, the state has nearly $24 billion in reserves to address the budget problem. In addition, there are options to reduce spending on schools and community colleges that could address nearly $17 billion of the budget problem. Further adjustments to other areas of the budget, such as reductions to one-time spending, could address at least an additional $10 billion or so. These options and some others, like cost shifts, would allow the Legislature to solve most of the deficit largely without impacting the state’s core ongoing service level.

Legislature Will Have Fewer Options to Address Multiyear Deficits in the Coming Years.

Given the state faces a serious budget problem, using general purpose reserves this year is merited. That said, we suggest the Legislature exercise some caution when deploying tools like reserves and cost shifts. The state’s reserves are unlikely to be sufficient to cover the state’s multiyear deficits—which average $30 billion per year under our estimates. These deficits likely necessitate ongoing spending reductions, revenue increases, or both. As a result, preserving a substantial portion—potentially up to half—of reserves would provide a helpful cushion in light of the anticipated shortfalls that lie ahead.”

Controller Cohen Calls for Calm

In a press release issued Tuesday, Dec. 19, State Controller Malia M. Cohen calls for calm in the wake of recent budget deficit announcements and issued the following statement after releasing the recent Cash Report on December 8:

“Despite reports from various sources indicating a budgetary deficit of approximately $68 billion, the state’s cash position remains strong, and, absent any unforeseen circumstances, the state has sufficient cash to pay its bills and meet its financial obligations through the end of the fiscal year.”

“As chief fiscal officer, one of my duties is to track and report on the state’s actual cash balance,” she continued. “In that regard, the state currently has more than $91.4 billion in available borrowable resources, due in large part to the Governor’s and Legislature’s foresight in building prudent rainy-day reserves in the Budget Stabilization Account. While legislators will have difficult choices to make in the new year, I am confident they will be deliberate in addressing the budget challenges before them, and I urge them to protect, to the extent possible, the health and social service programs designed to benefit those who are displaced, without shelter, or otherwise economically disadvantaged.”

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 at California State Controller’s Office.

About the Legislative Analyst’s Office

The Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) has provided fiscal and policy advice to the Legislature for 75 years. It is known for its fiscal and programmatic expertise and nonpartisan analyses of the state budget. The office serves as the “eyes and ears” for the Legislature to ensure that the executive branch is implementing legislative policy in a cost efficient and effective manner.

Organization

The office is overseen by the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC), a 16-member bipartisan committee. Currently, the office has a staff of 43 analysts and approximately 13 support staff. The analytical staff cover several budget and policy areas: Criminal Justice, State Finance, Education (including K-12 and Higher Education), Health and Human Services, Natural Resources and Environment, General Government (including Local Government), Transportation, and Capital Outlay and Infrastructure.

By Josef Britschgi, Marketing & Communication Administrator, BAC Community Bank

BAC Community Bank recently helped secure funding for a nonprofit workforce development organization in Antioch.

Through a collaboration with the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco) and its AHEAD economic development grant program, BAC Community Bank helped to provide $70,000 in funding to Antioch’s Opportunity Junction for the expansion of its mental health services. 

“It is a privilege to stand by Opportunity Junction and other grassroots community organizations,” said Dana Bockstahler, BAC Community Bank CEO. “We are honored to assist in providing the vital financial support that fuels their unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on local lives.”

With a mission to “help motivated Contra Costa County job seekers develop the skills and confidence to launch careers that lead to financial security,” Opportunity Junction provides no-cost job training and wraparound support to income-eligible individuals with barriers to employment. 

Opportunity Junction President and CEO Brianna Robinson said her organization’s Administrative Careers Training program has offered mental health services to participants since 2003, but this BAC Community Bank-sponsored grant will now make those services available to all individuals enrolled in the Healthcare Career Pathway and Career Counseling and Placement Assistance programs. 

“We are deeply grateful for this support,” Robinson continued. “We recognized in 2003 that addressing trauma was critical to helping job seekers overcome barriers to employment. As we have grown over the years and added more programs, we are excited to offer these services to all our job seekers with the goal of supporting high graduation and employment retention rates.” 

The AHEAD program enables FHLBank San Francisco members like BAC Community Bank to give a critical boost to local programs and projects that target pressing community needs and bring greater opportunity to underserved populations. AHEAD grants are awarded annually and delivered through FHLBank San Francisco member financial institutions to local community organizations for projects and programs that benefit lower-income and underserved communities. 

Since the program’s inception in 2004, FHLBank San Francisco has awarded more than $25 million in AHEAD grants to over 800 economic development projects in Arizona, California and Nevada. In 2023, the FHLBank San Francisco board of directors allocated $4 million to the AHEAD program, more than doubling the funding in prior years, and awarded grants to 75 projects. BAC Community Bank applied for the grant in partnership with Opportunity Junction and was awarded the $70,000 after a competitive selection process. This is the fourth year that BAC Community Bank has participated in the program.

“Each year, we are inspired by the wide range of impactful programs that are brought to us by our member institutions through the AHEAD grant program,” said Eric Cicourel, FHLBank San Francisco senior vice president and community investment officer. “We were particularly encouraged by the large number of unique members who participated in this cycle, including BAC Community Bank. These financial institutions are pillars in their communities and have an intimate understanding of the needs of the communities they serve. We are proud to partner with our members to extend a lifeline to so many compelling and deserving organizations.”  

For those interested in applying for the AHEAD Program in 2024, please contact BAC Community Bank or visit the FHLBank San Francisco website at www.fhlbsf.com to learn more. 

About BAC Community Bank

BAC Community Bank is California’s 10th oldest state-chartered bank. Established in 1965, BAC operates branch offices throughout San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and eastern Contra Costa counties. Centrally headquartered in Stockton, California, BAC is continuously recognized for its strength and banking excellence in the communities it serves. BAC Community Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Equal Opportunity Employer. Member FDIC. More information is available online at www.bankbac.com. 

About Opportunity Junction

Opportunity Junction was founded in 2000 on the fundamental belief that everyone who works hard deserves the opportunity to succeed despite facing personal and systemic barriers. The organization provides training, support, work experience and placement assistance to empower Contra Costa job seekers to achieve financial security. More information is available online at www.opportunityjunction.org. 

About the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco

The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco is a member-driven cooperative helping local lenders in Arizona, California, and Nevada build strong communities, create opportunity, and change lives for the better. The tools and resources we provide to our member financial institutions — commercial banks, credit unions, industrial loan companies, savings institutions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions — promote homeownership and expand access to quality housing and boost economic development. Together with our members and other partners, we are making the communities we serve more vibrant, equitable, and resilient. More information is available online at www.fhlbsf.com.

Would create $10 million Dep’t. of Justice pilot program

Washington, D.C. – On December 12, 2023, Representatives Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), and Don Beyer (VA-08) announced the introduction of the Advancing Gun Safety Technology Act (H.R. 6697), a bill that would help bring life-saving gun safety technology to the market. Specifically, the bill would create a $10 million pilot program at the Department of Justice’s National Institute of Justice to support private-sector commercialization of gun safety technology. This legislation is supported by Brady’s United Against Gun Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety and Gifford’s Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.

Gun safety technology—like smart guns, user-authorized handguns, childproof guns, personalized guns, and safes and locking devices that include personalized technology—are designed to reduce the likelihood of an accidental or unauthorized use of a gun. According to the Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence, each year nearly 500 people die from unintentional firearm injuries, and unintentional firearm injuries account for 37% of nonfatal firearm injuries.

“With gun violence taking such a devastating toll on our communities, and as the son of someone who took his life by gun suicide, I strongly believe that we need to use every tool in the toolbox to address the gun violence epidemic,” said DeSaulnier (CA-10). “Gun safety technology will help reduce accidental shootings and gun suicides while protecting responsible gun owners, and this bill will help make that technology available to more people. I am grateful to join with my colleagues in introducing this important legislation.”

“We have a gun violence crisis in this country, and Congress should act on all fronts to help keep our communities safe. That includes by passing our Advancing Gun Safety Technology Act to boost innovators’ ability to market technology that can save Americans’ lives,” said Lofgren (CA-18). “My district was devastated by the Gilroy Garlic Festival and Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority yard mass shootings, and I always value collaborating with colleagues committed to doing more to end the scourge of gun violence in America. This legislation is focused on safety and progress, and non-gun owners and gun owners alike should support this sensible bill.”

“Gun safety technology has the potential to save some of the tens of thousands of American lives lost to gun violence each year,” said Beyer (VA-08). “Many of those deaths are suicides and accidental shootings, which smart gun tech is designed to help prevent. Our legislation would help spur innovation to develop these technologies and bring products incorporating them to market, preventing gun violence and saving lives. I appreciate my colleagues Rep. DeSaulnier and Rep. Lofgren for their leadership on this legislation and look forward to building a coalition to advance it.”

“Innovators continue to advance gun safety technology, striving to minimize unauthorized access to firearms. However, additional funding is essential to bring these life-saving innovations to the market. An analysis of unintentional gun deaths suggests that 37% of fatal shootings could have been prevented by smart gun technology. Gun owners and non-gun owners alike stand to benefit significantly when firearms are manufactured, stored, and utilized with the utmost safety in mind,” said Gifford’s Federal Affairs Director Adzi Vokhiwa. “We applaud Representatives DeSaulnier, Lofgren, and Beyer for leading the charge for innovation in gun safety technology, and we strongly urge Congress to swiftly pass this bill.”

“Guns are now the number one cause of death for America’s children. If the same could be said for a type of medicine, toy, or anything else, action would be taken to save lives. To date, the gun industry has refused to invest in technology to make guns less dangerous, especially in the hands of children. The Advancing Gun Safety Technology Act will fill this gap and provide grants to entities looking to develop gun safety technologies. Stated simply, this investment will protect more Americans – particularly our children – from being irrevocably injured or killed by firearms. Brady is grateful to Reps. DeSaulnier, Lofgren, and Beyer for re-introducing this legislation,” said Kris Brown, President of Brady.

The Advancing Gun Safety Technology Act was previously introduced by former Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA).

Running to replace Tim Grayson, Sonia Ledo is the sole Republican in the race against three Democrats including Antioch Councilwoman Monica Wilson

District 15 includes all of Antioch

Sonia Ledo, a resident of Concord and Realtor, has announced her candidacy for the California State Assembly. She aims to bring an improved quality of life for all residents of District 15.

“I’m excited to take this important step in seeking to represent much of Contra Costa County in the California State Assembly,” said Ledo. “I believe my professional and personal experiences give me a unique understanding of the needs of the district and the challenges we face. I will work to develop common sense solutions to improve the quality of life for not only Contra Costa residents, but all Californians.”

Through her professional experience in mortgage lending and real estate, Ledo has helped many first-time buyers purchase their dream homes utilizing various down payment assistance programs. Personally, she has raised four sons in the public education system in Contra Costa, including autistic twins who require special needs assistance.

The bi-lingual candidate who is fluent in Spanish and a first-generation American, has also volunteered locally over the years by coaching Challenger baseball for special needs players, sorting food at the Food Bank, feeding the needy on Christmas morning, and directly assisting families through personal donations. Ledo served as treasurer for the Women’s Council of Realtors Contra Costa and is also a longtime member of the One Hundred Club organization that supports families of fallen firefighters and police officers.

According to her webpage on the Compass, Inc. real estate website, she has been a licensed California Realtor® since 1991 and earned a bachelor’s degree in legal studies from JFK University and is a certified paralegal. In her free time, Ledo enjoys hiking the Contra Costa trails with her dog.

This blend of professional and personal experience has given her a deep understanding of the challenges faced in our communities by small businesses, families, seniors, disabled, people in crisis, and those with special needs.

If elected to the State Assembly, Ledo promises to work hard to bring fairness, transparency and a strong work ethic to Sacramento. Her priorities would include public safety, education, improved mental health services, increasing housing supply, and serving as a good steward of taxpayer money when faced with tough decisions regarding the looming state budget deficit of $68 billion.

Regarding housing, Ledo emphasizes that, “Building more housing alone won’t solve the issues of housing affordability. The underlying reasons for the high cost of housing must be addressed. We also need to better serve individuals with disabilities, mental health issues, and homelessness as a collaborative state effort.”

The seat being vacated by Assemblymember Tim Grayson includes all or parts of the cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg and Pleasant Hill and unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County including Bay Point, Crockett and Pacheco.

The only Republican in the race, Ledo is looking forward to the March 5th primary elections and will be ready on day one to begin with a strong commitment to working with all bay area and California elected leaders for the well-being of our communities, region and state.

She faces Antioch Councilwoman Monica Wilson, Contra Costa School Board Trustee Anamaria Avila Farias and former county Supervisor Karen Mitchoff in the primary. The top two vote-getters will continue on to face off in the general election in November.

For more information about Ledo’s campaign visit www.sonialedo.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch Police search home in Brentwood for suspect who was taken into custody; Brentwood PD assists with new armored vehicle

At least 11 murders in city, this year

By Allen D. Payton

Antioch Police are investigating a fatal shooting of transient man by an unknown suspect next to the railroad tracks between Waldie Plaza and the fishing pier, in downtown Antioch Saturday evening.

Witnesses said the victim, named Eric, age 29, was shot point blank in the chest in front of his tent next to the BNSF Rail line after a Hispanic man walked up to him, asked his name then shot him. One woman said a group of people tried to resuscitate the victim, but he succumbed to his injuries.

According to an interview of Antioch Police Lt. Rick Martin by Art Ray of Bay News Video, Antioch Police served a search warrant at a home in Brentwood looking for the shooting suspect.

“Based on our investigation we had leads that led us to the 1200 block of Dainty Avenue in the City of Brentwood” where the suspect, described as is a Hispanic male in his 30’s, was believed to have gone, Martin shared.

The 40-year-old suspect from Concord was taken into custody.

The shooting incident “started as a dispute between two males,” Martin added.

Ray said Brentwood Police assisted APD by using their new armored Emergency Rescue Vehicle during the search at the home.

Lt. Martin said he believes this is the 11th homicide in the City, this year. According to the crimes statistics on the Antioch Police website there were nine murders through September. In addition, as previously reported, another homicide occurred in November.

12/17/23 5:55 PM UPDATE from APD – The following press release was issued by Lt. Martin of the Antioch Police Investigations Bureau early Sunday morning but issues with APD’s server prevented it from being sent out to the media until Sunday evening:

On December 16, 2023, at approximately 4:30 p.m. Antioch Police Dispatch began receiving calls of a shooting near the railroad tracks in the 700 block of W. 1st Street. Antioch Police officers arrived and located a 29-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers arrived on scene and immediately began rendering first aid. Paramedics arrived a short time later and pronounced the male deceased.

Witnesses on scene provided information to officers of the suspect and the suspect vehicle. A short time later, Brentwood Police located the suspect vehicle in the 1200 block of Dainty Avenue. With the assistance of the Brentwood police patrol officers and Brentwood police SWAT team, a 40-year-old male suspect was taken into custody without incident.

Antioch Police Detectives are still conducting this active investigation. We are withholding the name of the decedent until proper family notification has been made. The suspect’s name will be released at a later date.

APD would like to thank the Brentwood Police Department and Antioch citizens for their assistance in this investigation. No further information will be provided at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Duffy at (925) 779-6884 or the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441.

Please be aware of a scam targeting our community. The scam involves an individual posing as an employee of the Sheriff’s Office who calls unsuspecting residents.

The scammer informs the resident that they have an active warrant and must immediately make a payment to avoid legal consequences.

It is important to note that the scammer is utilizing technology to manipulate caller ID systems, making it appear that the calls originate from legitimate Sheriff’s Office phone numbers.

We urge all residents to exercise caution and remain vigilant. Law enforcement agencies will never demand immediate payments over the phone (typically through gift cards) or threaten arrest for unpaid fees or fines.

Stay informed and protect yourself from falling victim to these scams. Hang up and never provide private, personal information.

Her third DUI arrest this year; cited and released

By Brentwood Police Department

Last weekend, on December 10, 2023, a Brentwood officer was patrolling the area of Heidorn Ranch and Kohl’s Drive when he pulled a car over for not having a front license plate and suspended registration. When he contacted the driver, identified as 20-year-old Arrieanna Renel Snell, Jr. of Antioch, he determined she was driving under the influence of alcohol. The officer also noticed an open bottle of tequila behind the passenger’s seat.

Upon contacting the passenger, identified as 23-year-old Jai Royale Williams of Oakland, the officer located a stolen gun in the car.

Snell was placed under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol and Williams was placed under arrest for being in possession of the stolen gun. Both were transported to the County Jail for booking.

According to vinelink.com, Snell was cited and released and Williams is out of custody with no charges filed.  According to localcrimenews.com, she was also arrested for driving with a license suspended for drunk driving. Earlier this year, Snell was arrested twice for assault upon a peace officer, DUI alcohol/drugs and for DUI alcohol with blood alcohol content above .08 percent.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa Health (CCH) seeks input from county residents about whether they use the Community Warning System (CWS), how well it works, and if more notification options would improve it.

The CWS is an all-hazards community notification system that alerts residents about emergencies affecting public health or safety, including those from refineries and large chemical manufacturing facilities in Contra Costa County.

CCH’s online survey, available on the CWS page at cchealth.org, seeks information about community familiarity with the tool, whether polled residents subscribe, and opinions about the service.

The CWS sends free phone calls, texts and emails to anyone who signs up at cwsalerts.com. Users have subscription options, including whether to receive alerts only from certain areas of Contra Costa County, or only about certain facilities.

The survey, conducted at the direction of the Industrial Safety Ordinance / Community Warning System Ad Hoc Committee of the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, also asks if residents would like notifications about nearby industrial incidents that are not deemed emergencies.

The CWS was designed for emergency use, and so when a facility reports an unexpected release – such as flaring, odors, smoke, noises, or fires – CWS only sends an alert to its subscribers if the incident is likely to affect health in the surrounding community, in the estimation of the facility, or the emergency responders from CCH or the fire department who are investigating.

For details about the CWS and its response levels, visit the CWS page at cchealth.org.

The county’s Hazardous Materials Incident Notification Policy requires specified facilities, including all the county’s refineries, to immediately report to the CWS whenever there is a release or threatened release of hazardous material, as well as flaring events.

Most of these are “Level 1” incidents – received and investigated by CCH’s Hazardous Materials Response Team, but not subject to a community alert. CWS has received 227 reported Level 1 alerts so far in 2023 from industrial facilities.

Since 2022, an automated feed has displayed all active Level 1 alerts that have lasted longer than 20 minutes and are seen, heard or associated with offsite odors, at cchealth.org/hazmat.

The survey asks whether CWS subscribers should have the option to directly receive additional alerts via phone, text or email as they happen, even for incidents that may not threaten the community.

The survey is planned to continue through January 12, 2024, and CCH share the results publicly and with the Ad Hoc Committee.