By Sergeant Rick Martin #3343, Antioch Police Traffic Division

On March 25,2020, at 9:45 pm, Antioch Police Officers responded to the intersection of Contra Loma Boulevard and the eastbound Highway 4 offramp on a report of a vehicle collision. Upon arrival officers located two vehicles involved in a collision. A 52-year-old male from Oakley was pronounced deceased at the scene. His two passengers were treated and released at the scene. The other driver, 18-year-old male from Antioch, was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

It was determined the male driver from Oakley had exited the eastbound Highway 4 offramp at Contra Loma Blvd., failed to stop at the red signal light and broadsided the male driver from Antioch who was travelling southbound on Contra Loma Blvd.

Names of the drivers are being withheld at this time until proper notifications are made to the next of kin.

No further information will be released at this time. This preliminary information is made available by the Traffic Division.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non- emergency line at (925) 778-2441. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Screenshot of Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors virtual, online meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2020.

Hold online, virtual meeting; homeless population increases 43% in county

County staff stay six feet apart in the Board meeting room speak with members of the board during the virtual meeting. Video screenshot.

By Daniel Borsuk

Forced to meet remotely in an inaugural teleconference board meeting Tuesday, Contra Costal County Board of Supervisors learned the county is lean on supplies to combat the rising COVID-19 pandemic.

Circumstances are getting so dire, Contra Costa Health Services officials have put out the call for donations from the public for surgical protective equipment and supplies for healthcare providers as concerns emerge the county cannot deliver an adequate amount of medical gear and supplies for emergency workers to be adequately protected while treating those potentially affected by COVID-19.

As of Tuesday, Contra Costa Health Services Director Anna Roth told supervisors 71 county residents now have contracted COVID-19 and one person has died, an increase from 10 COVID-19 cases when Roth released her initial report to the Supervisors 21 days ago on March 3. Twenty-two persons are currently waiting for lab test results, reported Roth.

When Supervisors individually met via teleconference, Contra Costa Health Services along with six other Bay Area medical entities had earlier announced a unified, regional program designed to combat the spread of COVID-19 by ordering laboratories testing for COVID-19 to report comprehensive testing data to local and state authorities.

In addition, the county is stepping up the wide gap in procuring medical supplies and gear for health care workers. “We are making preparations for more people to become sick,” said Dr. Chris Farnitano, Contra Costa County Health Officer.

County Health Officer Dr. Chris Farnitano, speaks with Board Chair Candace Andersen during the virtual meeting. Video screenshot.

A call has gone out to the public from Contra Costa Health Services to donate protective medical supplies for health care workers. Those supplies include eye protection including goggles and face shields, antibacterial and disinfecting wipes, typically alcohol or bleach based, excluding baby wipes. The county also needs N-95 and surgical masks in unopened containers, and disposable medical gowns.

The county has designated three donation centers that will be open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The donation centers are at West County, 151 Linus Pauling Dr., Hercules; Central County, 1750 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill; and East County, 4545 Delta Fair Blvd., Antioch.

County Administrator David Twa said the County has started to buy motel rooms nearby medical work sites so tired and overworked emergency workers can get sleep and avoid having to travel home during the nationwide health emergency.

“Some people say this COVID-19 pandemic is going to dip into our reserves. Well, we have already seen COVID-19 dip into our reserves,” said Supervisor Karen Mitchoff of Pleasant Hill who was frustrated with the likely fiscal impact as well as the technical problems that flared up during the two-hour supervisors’ teleconference meeting. Mitchoff requested that a better teleconference program replace the current program.

Supervisors are expected to begin their review of the proposed 2020-2021 fiscal year budget via teleconference at next week’s board meeting.

Homeless Population Increases 43 Percent

In other business, Lavonna Martin, director of the Contra Costa County Health, Housing and Homeless Services, informed supervisors that the county’s homeless population in 2019 increased 43 percent in two years. Based on a department survey there were 2,295 homeless persons counted in 2019 in comparison to 1,607 in 2017. In 2018, there were 2,234 homeless persons.

The 2019 report indicates 1,398 persons are in the 25 to 54-year-old age bracket. The survey found that 165 persons were 62 years old or older.

Sixty-three percent of the families that are homeless can be served by available shelters with 201 beds, but only 28 percent of the single adults can be served by shelters, according to the study.

Psychiatric Emergency Service Project

Supervisors gave the go ahead for the Public Health Commission to conduct public hearings on the proposed remodel project for the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center’s over-used Psychiatric Emergency Services – PES – located in the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez.

Current conditions at the PES are deemed to be a danger to patients, to the general public.

The objectives of the PES project are to separate children, ages 7 through 12, and adolescents, ages 13 through 17 years, from adult patients, and provide a larger dedicated space more conducive to a therapeutic environment to better support youth and their families, the addition of a confidential triage space at the entrance of the PES, and expansion of treatment space for adults.

Supervisors were shown three project options. Option 1 would cost $3.7 million and add 2,101 square feet to the existing 5,370 square foot facility. Option 2, the recommended option, would cost $4,920,968 and would add 2,265 square feet to the current facility, and Option 3 would cost $8,332.471 to add 3,499 square feet to the existing facility.

By Susan Shiu, Director, Office of Communications and Media, Contra Costa County

The Contra Costa County Tax Collector’s Office understands and shares the public’s concern about the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our residents and businesses, and we are committed to helping in any way we can. While we have no legal authority to extend the April 10 property tax delinquent deadline, we can cancel late-payment charges.

• Existing law R&T 4985.2 authorizes us to cancel penalties and interest on a delinquent payment due to circumstances, such as the pandemic that impacts a taxpayer’s ability to make timely payment. Note the penalty cancellation process will require documentation.
• Nevertheless, those able to pay should do so online, over the phone, through bill pay at one’s own bank, or by mail.  We will honor the U.S. Postal Services’ cancellation postmark as the receiving day for mail-in payments.  The Office cannot accept walk-in payments.
• For receipt of payment, a copy of your tax bill with the installment’s payment date is available online in View Bill under Account Lookup. We can mail you a copy as well.

For additional information, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions, visit our website at www.cctax.us, or email our office at taxinfo@tax.cccounty.us.

For the latest updates on the impacts of the COVID-19 on property tax deadlines, please refer to the Statement from Russell V. Watts, Treasurer-Tax Collector.

(STOCKTON, Calif.) – March 23, 2020 – The San Joaquins Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) and Amtrak are working closely with local, state, and federal public health agencies to monitor the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation closely. Following severe travel restrictions along the corridor, Amtrak San Joaquins is reducing service due to the drop in ridership and revenue, while also maintaining appropriate social distancing abilities aboard the trains.

As of March 23, Amtrak San Joaquins ridership is down approximately 70%. To help contain costs and continue to operate essential transportation services for our riders, SJJPA and Amtrak will be making the following operational adjustments, beginning Thursday, March 26, 2020:

• Train Service Suspensions: Due to reduced demand, Amtrak San Joaquins trains 701, 702, 703, 704, 714, and 717 will be suspended. We’ve reduced trains with lowest ridership to mitigate the effects on riders still needing to utilize service for essential travel. The suspensions eliminate all direct train service to Lodi and Sacramento. Lodi and Sacramento will continue to be served by Thruway Busses to/from all operating trains.
• Suspension of Café Car Service: To eliminate risks from food handling and reduce unnecessary onboard passenger movement, Café Car Service will be suspended. Emergency snack packs and water will be distributed to riders free of charge. SJJPA and Amtrak encourage passengers to prepare ahead of time to bring their own food and drinks.
• Closure of Stations: To focus resources on essential transportation functions, the following station lobbies will be closed: Hanford (HNF), Fresno (FNO), Merced (MCD), Modesto (MOD), and Martinez (MTZ). Note: Trains will stop at all closed stations. Bakersfield (BFD), Stockton (SKN), Sacramento (SAC), Emeryville (EMY), and Oakland (OKJ) will operate with reduced staff and hours. Tickets can still be purchased via amtraksanjoaquins.com, Amtrak Mobile App, 1-800-USA-RAIL, and onboard from the conductor with cash.
• Reduction in Thruway Bus Service: Amtrak San Joaquins will be suspending all connecting Thruway Bus services to trains that are being suspended. Additionally, Thruway routes with multiple round-trips that are currently underutilized due to the reduction in ridership will be reduced. A summary of continuing bus services can be found below.

The safety of Amtrak San Joaquins’ passengers and employees is our top priority. We continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely, and we are taking action based on guidance from public health experts; that includes restoring service to trains and routes once demand returns. To reduce risk during this operational period, we are:

• Enhancing cleaning protocols: We have increased the frequency of cleaning services on our trains and at our stations.
• Increasing disinfectant supplies: We have increased the quantity of sanitizers and disinfectant wipes available for riders and employees on our trains and at our stations.
• Reinforcing good hygiene practices: We are regularly sharing best practices with employees and customers on ways to protect against communicable diseases.

Get accurate information about Coronavirus and prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html

Summary of Thruway Bus Service:

• RT 1 – Bakersfield – Los Angeles – Long Beach/San Pedro – West Los Angeles – Summary as Follows:
  • 1 Round-Trip between Bakersfield and San-Diego via Los Angeles
  • 3 Round-Trips between Bakersfield and Los Angeles
  • 1 Round-Trip between Fresno and Los Angeles with Connection to Pacific Surfliner
  • 1 Northbound One-Way Trip and 2 Southbound One-Way Trips Between Bakersfield and Long Beach/San Pedro
  • 2 Northbound One-Way Trips Between West Los Angeles and Bakersfield and 3 Southbound One-Way Trips Between Bakersfield and Torrance
  • Bus Numbers Still Operating: 5822, 5710, 5810, 5910, 5712, 5812, 5912, 5716, 5816, 5916, 5818, 5811, 5713, 5813, 5715, 5815, 5915, 5719, 5819, 5919, 5885
• RT 3 – Stockton – Sacramento – Chico – Redding – 2 Round-Trips Between Stockton-Sacramento-Chico-Redding and 1 Round-Trip Between Stockton-Sacramento-Chico**
  • Bus Numbers Still Operating: 3710, 3810, 3712, 3812, 3716, 3816, 3718, 3711, 3811, 3713, 3813, 3865, 3715, 3815, 3646, 3819
  • *All Oakland/Bakersfield trains include connections to/from Sacramento
• RT 7 – Martinez – Napa – Santa Rosa – Ukiah – Arcata – 1 Round-Trip
  • Bus Numbers Still Operating: 6313 and 6318
• RT 9 – Bakersfield – Barstow – Las Vegas – All Service Suspended
• RT 10 – Bakersfield – Oxnard – Ventura – Santa Barbara – 2 Round-Trips
  • Bus Numbers Still Operating: 5612, 5615, 5616, and 5619
• RT 12 – Bakersfield – Palmdale – Victorville – 1 Round-Trip
  • Bus Numbers Still Operating: 3410 and 3415
• RT 18 – Visalia – Hanford (Train Transfer) – Paso Robles – San Luis Obispo – 1 Round-Trip
  • Bus Numbers Still Operating: 6710/4010 and 6715/4015
• RT 19 – Bakersfield – San Bernardino – Palm Springs – Indio – Hemet – 1 Round-Trip Bakersfield to San Bernardino, 1 Round-Trip Bakersfield to Hemet, and 1 Round-Trip Bakersfield to Indio
  • Bus Numbers Still Operating: 5410, 5412, 5416, 5413, 5415, 5419
• RT 34 – Stockton – Oakland – San Francisco – All Service Suspended
• RT 99 – Emeryville – San Francisco – All Service Suspended*
  • *Passengers traveling to/from San Francisco are encouraged to use BART via Richmond Station. BART will be honoring Amtrak Tickets to/from the Richmond Station through April 4, 2020.

Rep. DeSaulnier

Washington, DC – “We’ve been amazed and moved by the outpouring of support, prayers, and love from everyone who cares so deeply about our dad. We can’t thank you all enough. It’s a testament to him that even at this difficult moment, so many people have taken the time and effort to reach out on his behalf,” said Tristan and Tucker DeSaulnier, the Congressman’s sons.

“At this point, our dad remains in critical condition in the ICU. The doctors are hopeful that he remains stable, but he has much improvement to go. He has devoted his time, energy, and his life to the citizens of California, and we hope that you will all continue to lend him your support while giving him the quiet he needs as he continues fighting the good fight.”

By Allen Payton

At their March 10th Antioch City Council meeting, they unanimously approved four new, smaller designs for the Aviano homes project in the Sand Creek area next to Kaiser hospital and Dozier Libbey Medical High School. The project was approved by the council in 2015. (See related article)

City Manager Ron Bernal said, “Aviano homes requested the city council approve four new designs for their 533-unit development.”

City staff provided the report stating, “the applicant is requesting home size modification. The application is proposing four new plans, two that are one-story and can fit on all 530 parcels. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval to the City Council.

The project currently has twelve approved plans, each with three elevations per floor plan. The square footages of these approved homes range from 1,804 sq. ft. to 3,758 sq. ft. The applicant is proposing to introduce four new plans with three elevations per plan with square footages ranging from 1,449 sq. ft. to 2,179 sq. ft. The applicant is requesting approval of the four new plans in order to bring more diversity of housing types into the community while meeting current market needs and demands.

During the public hearing portion, only the applicant spoke.

Trent Sanson spoke on behalf of DeNova Homes the developer for the Aviano project, which was founded by his parents Dave and Lori, about 30 years ago, he said.

The new designs are for the 5,000-square foot lots. They want the changes, introducing two new single-story homes for “the opportunity to meet current market demands and needs for growing households, first-time home buyers, empty nesters trying to move down a bit” with three bedrooms, two baths, one design with four bedrooms, two baths, and two more two-story, four-bedroom, three bath designs.

DeNova expected to begin construction in early April.

Councilwoman Monica Wilson said, “I’m glad that you’re adding more single stories…because not everyone who wants a new house wants a two-story home.”

Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock agreed with Wilson.

“You’re doing a great job,” she said regarding DeNova Homes’ other project in Antioch known as Wildflower Station, at Hillcrest and Wildflower Drive.

“We’re currently targeting low- to mid-$500,000’s,” Sanson said in response to questions from Mayor Pro Tem Joy Motts and Ogorchock. “That’s just the starting point.”

“We need more Wildflower Stations,” Thorpe said, and then made the motion to approve the addition of four new, smaller home designs.

“We’re looking at a two-and-half-year build out” on the first phase, Sanson added.

He mentioned another developer that is interested in building some of the units, which would speed up the build-out.

The council then approved the motion on a unanimous vote.

“We will continue to serve Californians”

By Trish Roath, Executive Director, Resource Recovery Coalition of California

The member companies of the Resource Recovery Coalition of California (Resource Coalition) provide solid waste collection and processing services in California. During these uncertain times, and as an essential industry, we believe it’s important to do our part in the effort to fight COVID-19 as well as provide a sense of routine for all Californians.

As an industry, we have taken the following steps:

• Resource Coalition members are working diligently with their local jurisdiction partners to continue to provide service to avoid any additional public health and safety hazards caused by uncollected waste.

• Resource Coalition members have been provided a guidance document on how to ensure worker safety, based on CDC and OSHA guidelines, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Many solid waste and recycling companies have already implemented work from home policies for office staff where possible to prevent the spread of infection and keep employees safe.

• All solid waste and recycling facilities have been advised to consider suspending nonessential on-site activities. This may include activities such as facility tours, public drop-off, in-person bill pay, and other similar activities. Notice will be provided to customers that all best efforts will be taken to address questions and concerns via phone, email, or website communication.

“The Resource Coalition acknowledges that this is an unprecedented situation and we are fully committed to fulfilling our duties as an essential industry,” said Trish Roath, Executive Director of the Resource Coalition. “Our members are committed to working together with their cities and counties to provide safe solid waste collection and processing service through this crisis and beyond.”

For more information on how the solid waste collection and processing industry serves Californians, please visit www.resourcecoalition.org.