Martinez, CA — In an age where there’s so much information available to us, why would the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office start a podcast?
The answer is simple: to inform the public on legal issues that directly impact our community. The approach of the Cross-Examination podcast is one that focuses on depth and detail, wrapped up in engaging discussions.
Cross-Examination aims to unpack the complexities of the criminal justice system, shine a light on important public safety topics, and foster transparency in law enforcement as it applies to residents in Contra Costa County.
The debut episode features District Attorney Diana Becton in a conversation with hosts Ted Asregadoo and Deputy District Attorney Brian Feinberg. Together, they explore the vital role of the District Attorney’s Office in seeking justice, maintaining public safety, and balancing these responsibilities with the need for reform.
Other episodes delve into timely and relevant topics, such as retail theft. Chief of Inspectors Arnold Threets shares insights from real-world cases and discusses crime prevention strategies, while criminologist Dr. Samuel DeWitt examines how media coverage influences public perception of crime.
By launching this podcast, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office is providing a way for the public to gain a better understanding of the criminal justice system from multiple angles. District Attorney Diana Becton said, “I think podcasts about the kind of work our local government does — especially the District Attorney’s Office — will be beneficial in building trust by fostering stronger community relations through deep discussions about issues related to public safety.”
Cross-Examination is available now on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and other podcast platforms.
Application period for Kaiser Permanente’s Community Health Care Program opens Nov. 1st
By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
Many low-income Californians make too much money to qualify for Medi-Cal, but they’re unable to get affordable health coverage anywhere else. Kaiser Permanente’s Community Health Care Program (CHCP) was designed with them in mind.
The Kaiser Permanente CHCP provides comprehensive, affordable health care coverage for qualified low-income adults and children in California who don’t have access to other public or private health coverage.
Open enrollment for CHCP is Nov. 1, 2024, through Jan. 31, 2025.
Eligible Californians receive comprehensive health coverage from Kaiser Permanente including preventive services, without paying a monthly premium. They also don’t pay copays or out-of-pocket costs for most care at Kaiser Permanente facilities.
“Even with the expansion of Medi-Cal in 2024, too many Californians remain uninsured,” said Yvette Radford, vice president, External and Community Affairs, Kaiser Permanente Northern California. “The Community Health Care Program helps address this gap, providing Kaiser Permanente’s high-quality care and coverage to eligible Californians in our service areas.”
Who is eligible for the Community Health Care Program?
The program is designed for applicants who meet the following criteria: • total household annual income of no more than 3 times the federal poverty level (Example: up to $45,180 for an individual or up to $93,600 for a family of 4 in 2024) • not eligible for any other health coverage, including Medi-Cal, Medicare, a job-based health plan, or Covered California • must live in a Kaiser Permanente California service area
Individuals do not have to be U.S. citizens to qualify. Applications must be submitted by January 31, 2025.
How to apply
As of November 1, you can apply online at www.kp.org/chcp. Click the “apply now” button at the top of the website for a link to the application. If you need assistance, click the “get help” button for a list of community agencies that can provide help, or call Kaiser Permanente Member Services at 1-800-464-4000 (TTY 711).
By Kristin B. Connelly, County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters & Dawn Kruger, Community and Media Relations Coordinator, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department
The Contra Costa Elections Division would like residents to know that our staff and volunteers are ready for Election Day! Five Early Voting Sites will be open beginning Friday, November 1st and polling places will be open from 7:00 AM until 8:00 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th.
Voters can still return their ballots by mail, postmarked on or before Election Day – make sure to check mailboxes for pick up times – or drop their ballot off at one of the County’s 43 official drop boxes before 8:00 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th, to ensure we receive your ballot on time.
“We encourage voters to vote early if they can,” said Kristin B. Connelly, the County’s top Elections Official. “Voting early means voters have less stress around rushing to vote before the deadline and finding time on one day to vote. Even if voters wait until just before Election Day, or on Election Day to cast their vote, there are plenty of options for Contra Costa County residents to ensure that their voices are heard at the ballot box.”
In-Person Services If you prefer to vote in person or need in-person services to cast your ballot, Contra Costa County residents will have early voting options at five Regional Early Voting sites throughout the county beginning today, November 1st.
All registered Contra Costa voters will be able to vote at any of the Regional Early Voting locations, which will be open Friday November 1st from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturday, November 2nd from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; and Monday, November 4th from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Here are the locations of Contra Costa’s Regional Early Voting sites: • Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak Street, Brentwood • Pittsburg Library-Community Room, 80 Power Avenue, Pittsburg • Richmond Library-Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond • San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church, 902 Danville Boulevard., Alamo • Walnut Creek City Hall, 1666 North Main Street., Walnut Creek
Polling Places Polling places will be open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Please check the back of your Voter Information Guide for your assigned polling place or go to our website and check “My Voting Information.”
Drive-Thru Drop Off Drive-thru drop-off will be available at the Clerk-Recorder-Elections Office on Monday, November 4th from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Conditional Voter Registration If you missed the voter registration deadline, you still can register and vote in-person using Conditional Voter Registration. It is a one-stop opportunity to register and cast your ballot and is available at our office at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez, Regional Early Voting sites, and all polling places.
Accessible Voting Equipment and Additional Language Access Official ballots and voting instructions are provided in English, Spanish, and Chinese. Voting equipment with accessible features is available at every in-person voting location for voters who may need assistance due to a disability. Additional language resources are available through ballot translation guides which are available online and at in-person voting locations.
Be Prepared If you vote in person, many voters find it helpful to come prepared. Make your choices ahead of time and bring your pre-marked Sample Ballot to the polls to help you save time. Copies of the Voter Information Guide are available at the polls and the information is also available online.
Leave the Campaign T-Shirts, Buttons, and Hats at Home Please remember that voters have the right to cast a ballot free from intimidation or distraction. Electioneering, including wearing anything with a candidate’s name on it, is prohibited within 100 feet of any voting location. Anyone wearing items with a candidate’s name will be asked to remove or cover them while they are at the voting location. Please help our poll workers by refraining from electioneering and leave your campaign t-shirts, buttons and hats at home.
For more information on voting options for the General Election, visit www.contracostavote.gov or call 925.335.7800.
Retired Antioch Police Chief Steven Ford endorsed Ron Bernal for Mayor of Antioch in a video posted on Facebook Oct. 30, 2024. Sources: screenshot (left) and Bernal campaign photo (right).
Calls the challenger, “the ideal leader Antioch needs at this most critical time.”
By Allen D. Payton
In a text message received on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, the Bernal for Antioch Mayor campaign announced former Police Chief Steve Ford had endorsed the candidate in this year’s election against incumbent Lamar Hernández-Thorpe.
Ford wrote: “Hello…this is Ret. Antioch Chief of Police, Steven A. Ford. I want to let you know why I am endorsing Ron Bernal for Mayor of Antioch.
As a law enforcement professional, practitioner, academic, and researcher with over thirty-three years of experience, I have learned the importance of a balanced approach to the co-production of public safety between community and law enforcement; anchored in community trust, transparency, and proactive community engagement.
Ron Bernal embodies the character traits essential to cultivating a vibrant-healthy community.
As a long-time resident, former city servant, and community steward, I know Ron is committed to strong relationships, accountability, and a solutions-based approach, which makes him the ideal leader Antioch needs at this most critical time.
As Antioch’s forthcoming Mayor, I am confident Ron Bernal will make public safety and community partnerships his main priority while also anchoring city-wide trust and collaboration which is sorely needed now more than ever.
Ron has a healthy vision for the city that will coalesce everyone under a strong sense of belonging and community.
I strongly suggest Ron Bernal receive your consideration for Mayor. The city of Antioch needs and deserves a compassionate forward-thinking leader.
Thank you for reading!”
Also, on Oct. 30th, a brief video of Ford was posted on Bernal’s Facebook page in which the former police chief said, “Hello, my name is Steven Ford and I’m the retired Chief of Police, here in the City of Antioch and I’d like to make it very clear that I endorse Mr. Ron Bernal for Mayor for the City of Antioch.”
Oct. 14, 2024, post on Bernal’s Facebook page.
Earlier, on Bernal’s Facebook page on Oct. 14, a message from Ford was posted which read the same as two portions of the text message and that he endorsed the first-time candidate for public office, that day.
Hernández-Thorpe announced Ford’s hiring as the interim police chief on Feb. 23, 2022, during a press conference to which he didn’t invite the other council members. Then in April 2022, Ford was celebrated during an unprecedented, grandiose ceremony. The acting chief was then promoted to the permanent position on Oct. 23rd and less than nine months later, on Aug. 11, 2023, he retired.
Antioch Police Officers get instructions then participate in the violence suppression detail on Friday night, Oct. 25, 2024. Photos: APD
In just 4 hours!
By Antioch Police Department
“Since when do you guys do this!?” – Comment from a man arrested last night with a firearm.
Last Friday night’s violence suppression detail saw significant results:
25 traffic stops
2 stolen firearms recovered
8 felony arrests
One pound of marijuana seized
Methamphetamine confiscated
4 vehicles towed
1 stolen vehicle arrest And all within just 4 hours!
Our commitment to this community is unwavering. We’ve launched gun violence suppression teams who will operate in two-man cars, focusing on areas most impacted by gun violence. The families in this community deserve peace, and we are resolute in restoring safety and order here. Special thanks to the Kensington Police Department for joining forces with us to protect our community.
New Antioch Police Corporal Matt Mulholland and new Officers Ali Kahlili, Jarred Flower, Cameron Mbanugo and Michael Drace are given their oaths of office by Interim Chief Brian Addington on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. Photos by Allen D. Payton
Brings force to 82 sworn
By Allen D. Payton
During a ceremony at the Antioch Police Facility on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, Interim Chief Brian Addington administered the oath of office to four new officers and a new corporal promoted from within the ranks. He introduced each of the five men, Corporal Matt Mulholland and Officers Ali Kahlili, Jarred Flower, Cameron Mbanugo and Michael Drace then read about their backgrounds.
“This isn’t something that was handed to you. Each of you have worked extremely hard…wearing the Antioch Police Department patch,” Addington said to them.
In attendance for the ceremony inside the Community Room were District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock, City Manager Bessie Scott, Economic Development Director Kwame Reed, Parks and Recreation Director Brad Helfenberger as well as department leaders and officers, as well as family members and friends.
New Corporal Matt Mulholland is pinned with his new badge by his wife, Samantha who gave him a congratulatory kiss.
Corporal Matt Mulholland
Addington shared the following about new Corporal Mulholland saying, “Matt began his law enforcement career at the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office in 2013. In seven years of service with ACSO he served as a classification and custodial deputy at the Santa Rita jail and a patrol deputy at the Eden Township and Tri Valley substations. Matt transferred to Antioch police department in 2020 and has been assigned to patrol. Throughout his career, Matt has been a field training officer, crisis negotiator, crime scene investigator, and a drug recognition expert. Matt is also a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve with 16 years of military service and is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom with a deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan. Matt enjoys the outdoors, attending concerts and sporting events, and is a lifelong 49er fan. Matt lives in Brentwood with his wife Samantha and daughter Savannah (in attendance).
Fun fact: Matt enjoys traveling and has been to 35 states and 20 countries.
About the new corporal Addington shared, “Our officers often turn to him for advice with stripes or not. He also serves on the board of our police union, as well.”
Mulholland’s wife Samantha pinned on his new badge.
New Officer Ali Khalili is pinned then kissed by his mother as Chief Brian Addington looks on.
Officer Ai Khalili – Police Trainee
About new Officer Khalili, the chief said, “Ali was born in Martinez and raised in Antioch. He graduated from Deer Valley High School in 2019. After graduating Deer Valley, he attended Los Medanos College and CSU Sacramento where he earned his Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice. Prior to becoming a trainee, he worked at the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff as a Student Intern for two years in the Emergency Services Division. Ali first joined the Antioch Police Department as a Police Explorer in 2017, where he stayed until 2023. Ali is fortunate and happy to be back at the department he considers home and is excited to begin!
Fun Fact: Ali has worked at three different Agencies, Contra Costa Community College District Police Department, Sacramento State Police Department, and the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff.”
“We were fortunate to hire him. He just graduated from the Sacramento Sheriff Academy,” Addington added.
New Officer Jarred Flower has his badge pinned on his uniform by Antioch Police Sgt. Price Kendall who commented about his struggle as Chief Addington smiles.
Officer Jarred Flower – Police Trainee
About new Officer Flower Addington said, “Jarred was born in Martinez and raised in Concord. He graduated from Mt. Diablo High School. After high school Jarred attended San Francisco State University from 2011 to 2019, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in History. In his free time Jarred enjoys playing airsoft, playing video games, and going to the shooting range. Jarred is excited and ready to go to the academy and begin working with APD.
Fun Fact: Jarred enjoys history documentaries.”
“We also sponsored him through the Sacramento County Police. He’s excited to be done with the academy,” the chief stated.
Flower asked Antioch Police Sgt. Price Kendall to pin on his badge.
New Officer Cameron Mbanugo is pinned by his mother.
Officer Cameron Mbanugo – Academy Graduate
About Officer Mbanugo the chief said, “Cameron was born in Martinez and raised in Vacaville. He attended and graduated from Vanden High School in Vacaville. Shortly after, he attended the Alameda County Police Academy and graduated on May 13, 2024. Cameron was influenced by his stepfather, who is with the BART Police, to become a police officer. On his free time, he enjoys travelling, hiking and shopping.
Fun fact: If Cameron was to move out of California, he would move to Puerto Rico.”
“We’re excited to have him join our ranks,” Addington added.
The new officer had his mother pin on his badge.
Side note, if his last name looks familiar to some Antioch residents, it’s because he is the nephew of local business owner Clifton Mbanugo of Clifton Creative Web. Their last name is pronounced, “Em-BON-uh-go”.
(Awaiting video of new Officer Mbanugo’s comments. Please check back later for the link).
Antioch Police Sgt. Price Kendall (right) responds to razzing from fellow APD leaders and officers for being asked to also pin on new Officer Michael Drace’s badge before fulfilling the request.
Officer Michael Drace – Lateral
About Officer Drace, Addington said, “Michael was born in Lodi and raised in Antioch and Oakley. He attended and graduated from Freedom High School (in Oakley) and during his senior year enlisted in the Marine Corps. Once he graduated high school, he left for the Marine Corps, where he served four years as an armorer, and was stationed in Twenty-Nine Palms, CA. He was honorably discharged from the Marines in 2022. He then attended the Alameda County Police Academy and graduated in 2023. He found his calling to be a police officer because of his service in the Marine Corps and the similar brotherhood. On his free time, he enjoys dirt biking, fishing, weightlifting, jiu-jitsu and spending time with his one-year-old daughter Stella.
Fun fact: Michael has a twin sister.
“He graduated from the academy with Antioch Officers who are close friends. He broke the bad news to the Pleasanton Police Department. Bad news for them good news for us, I think,” the chief shared with a smile.
Addington then asked Drace about his twin sister, “Does she want to be a police officer as well?” “No,” the new Antioch Police Officer said with a laugh.
Drace also asked Sgt. Kendall to pin on his badge, who was razzed about it by other Antioch PD leaders and officers in attendance.
After each had their badge pinned to their uniforms, the five men were given the opportunity to say a few words, thanking Addington for the opportunity and their families for their support.
New Corporal Mulholland (left) and the five new Antioch Police Officers take the IACP Oath of Honor on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024.
IACP Oath of Honor
Addington then spoke about the Oath of Honor, which he’s been having each of the new recruits and those promoted in leadership to take, this year.
“I had the opportunity this past weekend to attend the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conference,” the chief shared. “They asked all the sworn officers in the room to take the Oath of Honor.”
Addington then charged the five men, “To adhere to this oath and to live up to the highest ethical standards” and asked them, “Do each of you understand that?”
Following the conclusion of the ceremony, the new corporal and officers gathered with their family, friends for photos, enjoyed refreshments and took tours of the Police Facility.
Addington later said that brings the Antioch Police force to 82 sworn officers. That’s out of 115 in the budget.
By Lt. Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division
On October 28, 2024, at approximately 10:58 AM, Antioch Police officers responded to reports of a solo motorcyclist down in the 4300 block of Hillcrest Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found the 43-year-old (Antioch resident) motorcyclist on the ground, suffering from major injuries, and unresponsive. Unfortunately, the motorcyclist succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Hillcrest Avenue was temporarily closed between Hidden Glen Drive and Via Dora Drive.
Traffic Accident Investigators took over the investigation. This collision investigation is in the preliminary stages and the names of the parties involved are not being released at this time. Based on preliminary information at the scene, it was determined the solo motorcyclist was traveling northbound on Hillcrest Avenue at a high rate of speed and collided with the sidewalk where he was ejected from the motorcycle.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925)778-2441 or Traffic Collision Investigator Sergeant Green at 925-779-6864, email rgreen@antiochca.gov.
USGS national estimates of the probability for PFAS in groundwater at the depth of private drinking water supply. Source: USGS
Estimates according to a new USGS predictive model. Exposure to some PFAS may lead to adverse health risks.
Antioch has some of the highest levels
Approximately 71 to 95 million people in the Lower 48 states – more than 20% of the country’s population – may rely on groundwater that contains detectable concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, for their drinking water supplies. These findings are according to a U.S Geological Survey study published Oct. 24. The predictive model results can help members of the public, water suppliers and regulators understand the potential for PFAS contamination, guide future studies and inform strategic planning for water resources.
USGS scientists are the first to report national estimates of PFAS occurrence in untreated groundwater that supplies water to public and private wells. This research also provides the first estimate of the number of people across the country who are potentially affected by PFAS-contaminated groundwater.
Along with a scientific report, the USGS published an interactive, online map so users can see probability estimates of PFAS occurrence. Note that predictive results are intended to be evaluated at state, regional and national scales rather than at individual household levels. Probability estimates are for the presence of PFAS in groundwater and do not account for any subsequent actions taken by states, municipalities or individuals to treat drinking water. The model does not include estimates of PFAS concentrations; testing is the only way to confirm the presence of contaminants.
Antioch area groundwater map. Source: USGS PFAS in US Groundwater Interactive Dashboard
Exposure to certain PFAS may lead to adverse health risks in people, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a wide variety of common applications, from the linings of fast-food boxes and non-stick cookware to fire-fighting foams and other purposes. PFAS are commonly called “forever chemicals” because many of them do not easily break down and can build up over time, making them a concern for drinking water quality.
“This study’s findings indicate widespread PFAS contamination in groundwater that is used for public and private drinking water supplies in the U.S.,” said Andrea Tokranov, USGS research hydrologist and lead author of this study. “This new predictive model can help prioritize areas for future sampling to help ensure people aren’t unknowingly drinking contaminated water. This is especially important for private well users, who may not have information on water quality in their region and may not have the same access to testing and treatment that public water suppliers do.”
The EPA has established legally enforceable levels, called maximum contaminant levels, for six types of PFAS in drinking water. The EPA regulates public water supplies, and some states have additional regulations for drinking water. Some homes use private water supplies, where residents are responsible for the maintenance, testing and treatment of their drinking water. Those interested in treatment processes and testing options can read EPA’s guidance or contact their state officials or water supplier.
The states with the largest populations relying on public water supplies with potentially contaminated groundwater sources are Florida and California. Regarding private wells, Michigan, Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio have the largest populations relying on potentially contaminated groundwater.
The study also presents data according to population percentage. In Massachusetts, for example, the source water for 86 to 98% of people who rely on groundwater from public water supplies could be contaminated with PFAS. In Connecticut, the source water for 67 to 87% of the people who rely on groundwater from private wells could be affected. Details by state can be seen in the report’s tables S6 through S8.
“To derive these estimates, the team analyzed 1,238 groundwater samples collected by USGS scientists and determined how factors such as urban development and well depth can impact PFAS occurrence,” continued Tokranov. “With that information, a detailed machine learning model was developed and used to identify which geographic areas have a higher likelihood for contamination. That information was combined with existing USGS research on the number of people in a given area who rely on groundwater for drinking water to establish population estimates.”
Scientists present separate estimates for public and private wells because they typically receive water from different groundwater depths. Public wells using groundwater as the primary water source are usually deeper than private wells.
There are more than 12,000 types of PFAS, not all of which can be detected with current tests; the USGS study tested for the presence of 24 common types. The USGS estimates consider the presence of at least one of those 24 types of PFAS. The most frequently detected compounds were perfluorobutane sulfonate known as PFBS, perfluorooctane sulfonate known as PFOS and perfluorooctanoate known as PFOA. This research provides a broad outlook for the Lower 48 states and presents state-level estimates. Scientists did not look in detail at specific cities or provide estimates for the types of PFAS present or PFAS concentrations.
