The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors changed 841 pronouns in county ordinances on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. Video screenshot.
Replaces “he” or “she” with “they” or “them”
By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County
(Martinez, CA) – In a unanimous vote, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors has approved a significant update to the County Ordinance Code, removing gender-specific pronouns as part of ongoing efforts to modernize language and reflect the diversity of the community.
The ordinance code, which governs areas such as health and safety, administration, and land use, had not undergone a comprehensive review of its language since it was recodified in 1970. During this update, 841 instances of gender-specific pronouns were identified across more than 1,300 pages. Terms such as “he” were replaced with neutral descriptors like “the department head,” ensuring the code is inclusive and representative of all residents.
Source: Contra Costa County staff presentation
According to the Ordinance No. 2024-23, “SECTION II. Section 16-4.016 of the County Ordinance Code is amended to read: 16-4.016 Gender. Whenever a personal pronoun is used in the neutral gender, it shall include both the feminine and the masculine. ‘They/them’ shall indicate a singular individual, unless the context indicates the contrary.”
“Contra Costa County is a community for all, and our policies should reflect our dedication to serving everyone,” said Board Chair and District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover. “By updating the County Ordinance Code, we’re delivering on our commitment to create meaningful change that benefits all residents.”
The initiative marks a step toward broader modernization efforts, including plans to draft a policy mandating the use of gender-neutral language in all County policies and procedures, both existing and future.
“We are changing our county ordinances to reflect today’s reality and removing gender references turns the page on a practice that has no place in county policy,” said District 1 Supervisor John Gioia, Chair of the Board’s Equity Committee.
This update underscores the County’s commitment to responsive and representative governance.
“Removing gender-specific pronouns from the County Ordinance Code reflects Contra Costa County’s dedication to fairness and modernizing our practices,” said County Administrator Monica Nino. “This change ensures our policies and language honor the diversity of our community and promote dignity and respect for all.”
This project was sponsored by the County Administrator’s Office in partnership with the County Counsel’s Office with advice from the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice.
Antioch Police officers with members of the Vistalli family at their “Disney House” decorated for Christmas in 2021. Photo by AP
See over 35,000 lights and 70+ handmade wooden cut-outs
Special Guest Appearance by Belle for photos with guests
By Antioch Police Department
For 28 years, with the help of our family, friends and community, we have been providing holiday support to local families. Please help us continue our efforts this year during our Drive by Disney “Spirit & Support” at the home of Gary and Kristen Vistalli located at 3732 Colonial Court. The event will be held this Saturday, Dec. 7.
See have over 35,000 lights and 70+ wooden cut-outs all handmade and SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCE by Belle who will be there taking photos with guests.
Herald file photo.
We’re collecting gift cards, new unwrapped toys, blankets, clothes including hats, gloves, scarves and socks, as well as money including Venmo payments. Items collected will be provided to the Antioch Police Department Giveaway Event for Antioch residents. Our goal is 100 families or even more!
We REALLY need items for TEENS!
Drive by and drop off between the hours of 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm. If you cannot come by in person, please consider a monetary donation or if local, we can arrange a pick-up. Just let us know. We truly appreciate your generosity for so many in need.
Church window the arrested burglar broke using an axe on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. Photos: Antioch PD
“But the righteous are as bold as a lion.”
Used axe to break in
By Antioch Police Department
When the pastor at First Family Church on Contra Loma responded to check an alarm in the early hours of Thanksgiving he was not expecting to confront a burglar, but that’s what happened. When the burglar saw his wicked deeds had been discovered he decided to fight with the pastor instead of repent. What he did not know was the pastor would win this battle of good and evil, and he held down the perp until APD arrived and placed the man in custody.
We are thankful today that the pastor was uninjured during this incident and hopeful that with amazing community members like we have been highlighting lately, we can turn the tide on crime in our city.
The axe in the photo was used to break a window on the church which is how the burglar entered.
Antioch Police Lt. Matt Koch was joined by Interim Chief Brian Addington (left) and Captain Joe Vigil (right) during the graduation ceremony on Nov. 20, 2024, in Del Mar, California. Photo: Antioch PD
SBSLI, established by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), is one of the most respected leadership programs in law enforcement. Over the course of eight months, participants engage in intensive training designed to enhance leadership, critical thinking, and team-building skills. SBSLI challenges its graduates to reflect on their leadership styles, develop emotional intelligence, and master the tools needed to inspire and guide their teams in today’s dynamic public safety environment. The institute is name for the 29th Sheriff of Los Angeles County.
The dedication and perseverance it takes to complete this rigorous program are a testament to Lt. Koch’s commitment to excellence. His graduation is not only a personal milestone but also a win for our entire team, as he brings back invaluable insights to help strengthen our department.
Interim Chief Brian Addington and Captain Joe Vigil were honored to attend the ceremony in Del Mar, California on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, to support and celebrate this incredible achievement. Lt. Koch, your hard work and determination continue to make us proud!
Koch began his career in law enforcement with the Antioch Police Department as a cadet in 1996, then served as a reserve officer in 1999 until being hired as a police officer in August 2001. He was promoted to the position of lieutenant in June.
2024 Contra Costa County Youth Hall of Fame winner for Leadership & Civic Engagement Morelia Gil-Cubillo of Antioch High School with members of the Board of Supervisors. Photo: CoCoCounty
To be presented during Board of Supervisors annual César E. Chávez Celebration in April
Deadline: Feb. 25, 2025
ByKristi Jourdan, PIO & Lia Bristol, Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media
(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Contra Costa County Youth Hall of Fame Awards. These awards are presented annually to outstanding Contra Costa County residents between 12 and 18 years old. Students will be recognized at the 31st Annual César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 11 am in Board Chambers at 1025 Escobar St. in Martinez. Community members can also join the event live on Contra Costa Television channels and the County’swebsite.
Únase a nosotros el martes 1 de abril de 2025 para la 31ª Celebración Conmemorativa Anual de César E. Chávez. Actualmente estamos aceptando formularios de nominación para los Premios del Salón de la Fama Juvenil 2025. Haga clic aquí para acceder al formulario de nominación y más información sobre los Premios del Salón de la Fama de la Juventud.
Nominees should demonstrate exemplary behavior in one of six categories:
Good Samaritan: Goes out of their way to do for others without seeking recognition
Volunteerism: Lends a helping hand for the good of the community; Gives their time and energy to a worthy cause or organization
Teamwork: Works unselfishly for the good of the team
Leadership and Civic Engagement: A natural leader who inspires others and works to make a difference in school and the community
Perseverance: Has worked hard to overcome obstacles and achieve success
Innovation and Empowerment: Lifts others up and inspires change through creative solutions
We invite you to submit your nomination by completing the form and uploading it to the County website or emailing the application and your letter of recommendation to Lia Bristol at YouthNomination@dcd.cccounty.us.
Nominations must be received or postmarked by February 25, 2025. Recipients will be recognized at the April 1, 2025, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors’ César E. Chávez Celebration.
Buscando nominaciones para el Salón de la Fama de la Juventud del Condado de Contra Costa
La Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Contra Costa está aceptando nominaciones para los Premios del Salón de la Fama Juvenil del Condado de Contra Costa 2025. Estos premios se otorgan anualmente a los destacados residentes de este mismo condado, para los jóvenes entre los 12 y 18 años.
Los estudiantes serán reconocidos en la 31ª Celebración Conmemorativa Anual de César E. Chávez el martes 1 de abril de 2025 a las 11 am en el auditorio localizado en el 1025 Escobar Street, Martínez. Los miembros de la comunidad también pueden unirse al evento en vivo por medio de los canales de televisión y de Contra Costa en el sitio web del condado.
Los nominados deben demostrar un comportamiento ejemplar en una de las seis categorías: •Buen Samaritano: Una persona o’ joven que se desvive por hacer por los demás sin buscar reconocimiento •Voluntariado: Es aquella persona que da una mano amiga para el bien de la comunidad; Cede su tiempo y energía a una causa u organización digna •Trabajo en equipo: Aquella persona que trabaja desinteresadamente por el bien del equipo •Liderazgo y Compromiso Cívico: Un líder natural que inspira a otros y trabaja para marcar la diferencia en la escuela y la comunidad •Perseverancia: Aquella persona que a trabajado duro para superar obstáculos y alcanzar el éxito •Innovación y empoderamiento: Es una persona que anima a los demás e inspira el cambio a través de soluciones creativas
Lo invitamos a enviar su nominación completando el formulario y subiéndolo en el sitio web del Condado o enviándolo por correo electrónico, acompañado con la solicitud y su carta de recomendación a Lia Bristol en YouthNomination@dcd.cccounty.us.
Las nominaciones deben recibirse o tener matasellos antes del 25 de febrero de 2025. Los ganadores serán reconocidos en la Celebración César E. Chávez de la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Contra Costa el 1 de abril de 2025.
Including hiring search firm for police chief recruitment, giving authority to Planning Commission to approve tentative maps, commission appointments
Also, Climate Action and Resilience Plan, lawsuit by Antioch Police Officers Association
By Allen D. Payton
Just two weeks before a new council majority is seated, with Antioch’s new mayor and two members to be sworn in, defeated Mayor Lamar Hernández-Thorpe has placed a variety of major issues on the agenda for the current council to decide during their “lame duck” meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. A lame duck government meeting occurs whenever an elected board meets after its successors are elected.
Prior to the regular session at 7:00 p.m., the council will hold a Closed Session beginning at 6:00 p.m. to discuss a significant exposure to anticipated litigation and two lawsuits, one by the mother of a man who died following interactions with police and one by the Antioch Police Officers Association.
The one issue that is the responsibility of the current council is their response to the scathing report from the Civil Grand Jury, from earlier this year. But the other major issues the current mayor has placed on the agenda include hiring a search firm for recruiting a permanent police chief, giving authority to the Planning Commission to approve tentative maps, appointments of two members to the Planning Commission, one to the Parks and Recreation Commission and two to the Police Oversight Commission, all of which could be left to the new mayor and council majority to decide.
The council will also consider giving a city-owned parcel on E. 18th Street to Con Fire for a new station, directing city staff to discuss with the county the use of a 4.7-acre city-owned lot on Delta Fair Blvd. for homeless shelter, and adopting a Climate Action and Resilience Plan.
The council will also consider under item #15 potential upgrades to the Antioch Amtrak Station to help keep it from being closed or decommissioned in the next two to three years as is the current approved plan of the San Joaquins Joint Powers Authority which oversees the Amtrak service in and through Antioch. Finally, under item #15, the council will consider allocating $60,000 for a Chinese Commemoration Public Art Project in the area of Rivertown which was the City’s Chinatown in the 1800’s.
Organizational chart of how the general law City of Antioch is supposed to operate as pointed out in the Grand Jury report.
Response to Grand Jury Report
Under agenda item #1, carried over twice from previous meetings, the council will consider, “Approving an addendum to specific Findings and Recommendations identified in the Grand Jury Noncompliance letters dated October 3, 2024 in response to the Findings and Recommendations resulting from the 2023-2024 Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury report of June 12, 2024 entitled: “Challenges Facing the City of Antioch” Addendum; and 2) Authorizing the Mayor to sign and submit it to the Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury.”
Hiring Search Firm for Police Chief Recruitment
Under the Consent Calendar item #6L, the council will consider hiring executive search firm Bob Hall & Associates to recruit a permanent police chief. According to the city staff report, in September, the City issued a Request for Qualifications to attract qualified recruitment firms capable of conducting a nationwide search. The Human Resources Department contacted 29 firms and of those contacted, seven firms submitted applications.
On Oct. 31st, City staff and a representative from the Antioch Police Oversight Commission evaluated and ranked the applications based on the firms’ experience, proposed recruitment strategies, cost effectiveness, commitment to diversity and ability to meet the City’s timeline and goals. Two firms were identified as the closest matches to the criteria and were interviewed, during which they outlined “their strategies and processes for engaging the community and fostering trust between the Police Department and community members.” Bob Hall & Associates was ranked the highest and selected.
The Huntington Beach-based firm’s most recent police chief recruitment effort was in the City of Vallejo. According to the company’s LinkedIn profile, it’s founder and namesake, Bob Hall, passed away “on July 12, 2024, after a 5-month battle with cancer.”
UPDATE: Interim Chief Brian Addington said he was part of the decision-making process in selecting the firm and that it was Commission Chairperson Porsche Taylor as the member who participated, as well. He said he feels very confident in the search firm and that both finalists had the needed experience.
In addition, Rachel Hall, the firm’s Recruitment Manager, shared, “Bob Hall & Associates was founded in 2019 and we will be dedicating a specialized team to the Antioch Police Chief recruitment.”
Allowing Planning Commission Approval of Tentative Maps
According to the city staff report for agenda item #7, “In order to streamline Antioch’s development review process and make it more consistent with neighboring jurisdictions and the goals of the Housing Element, this proposed ordinance (“Ordinance”) amends AMC (Antioch Municipal Code) Title 9, Chapter 4, Articles 1 and 3 to assign the Planning Commission the sole authority to approve Tentative Maps as the Advisory Agency in compliance with the Subdivision Map Act, while designating the City Council to act as the Appeals Board for Tentative Map decisions and to continue approving Final Maps.”
Meeting Information
The regular meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street in historic, downtown Rivertown. The meeting can also be seen via livestream on the City’s website or viewed on either Comcast local cable channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99. See the complete agenda packet.
See separate article about the City’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan. An effort to reach Mike Rains, the attorney for the Antioch Police Officers Association for more details about their lawsuit was also unsuccessful prior to publication time.
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton is presented with her Achievers Award by NOBLE San Francisco Area President and BART Police Deputy Chief Ja’Son Scott at the annual luncheon on Oct. 30, 2024. Photo courtesy of DA Becton.
Receives Achievers Award at annual SF Chapter luncheon
The event was held at Scott’s Seafood Restaurant in Oakland and had the theme of “Staying the Course, Supporting Justice for the Next Generation.” During his welcoming remarks Chapter President Ja’Son Scott, Deputy Chief of the BART Police Department, said the theme, “emphasizes our collective commitment to fostering a brighter future for our leaders in law enforcement and our communities.”
“Today, we come together not only to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our honorees, but also to reaffirm our dedication to justice and equity for the next generation,” he continued. “Your presence here is a testament to our shared mission and the important role each of us plays in shaping a more just society.”
The luncheon’s Keynote Speaker was Jennifer L. Eberhardt, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at Stanford University and author of Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do.
In a Nov. 18th post on her campaign Facebook page Becton wrote, “I am deeply humbled and honored to be recognized by NOBLE, National Association [sic] of Black Law Enforcement, San Francisco Area Chapter, with the esteemed Achievers Award, alongside distinguished honorees Janieth Glenn-Davis, Jonni Redick, Sean Washington, and Margaret Dixon.”
Glenn-Davis is the retired Deputy Chief for the BART Police Department, Redick is the retired Assistant Chief of the California Highway Patrol and Washington is Chief of Police for Fremont. Dixon was honored with the NOBLE Partner Award and is a retired Oakland Police Officer.
CCDA Becton participated in the NOBLE presentation panel.Photo: DA Becton campaign Facebook page
In addition, that same day Becton shared, “Law enforcement representatives from the Bay Area participated in a discussion with me, offering expertise on human trafficking activities, trends, and enforcement tactics.”
According to the organization’s website, founded in September 1976, “The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives™, also known as NOBLE®, consists of community leaders united in our mission to promote justice, equity, and excellence in the administration of justice.” Their slogan is “Justice by Action.”
Earns an “A” for limiting patient injuries, reducing medical errors, and preventing infections, according to The Leapfrog Group
By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
Antioch, CA –Kaiser Permanente Antioch is being recognized as among the safest in the nation for patient care, according to The Leapfrog Group’s biannual Hospital Safety Grades report.
Leapfrog reviews hospital clinical data and assigns hospitals grades based on approximately two dozen safety measures that analyze patient injuries, medical and medication errors, and infections. Kaiser Permanente Antioch is recognized with an “A” grade for patient safety.
“We putpatient safety at the forefront of everything we do,” said Kaiser Permanente Diablo Senior Vice President and Area Manager Pam Galley. “This recognition highlights the safe, high-quality care our physicians, nurses and staff provide every day to our members and patients.”
This fall, 14 Kaiser Permanente hospitals in Northern California received A grades from Leapfrog, including: Antioch, Fresno, Manteca, Modesto, Oakland, Roseville, San Francisco, San Jose, San Leandro, San Rafael, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, South Sacramento, and South San Francisco.
“Being among the top hospitals in the nation for patient safety is part of Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to provide safe care that improves the overall health and well-being of our members and patients,” said Kaiser Permanente Antioch Physician in Chief Sharon Mowat, MD. “Our dedicated clinical teams are focused on keeping our patients and members safe in a warm and welcoming environment.”
Photo: Kaiser Permanente
The Leapfrog Group assigns letter grades to nearly 3,000 hospitals throughout the United States. The grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.
More than 60% of Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals received an A grade. In California overall, only about 30% of the state’s hospitals earned this top grade.
The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits, released its Hospital Safety Gradesafter examining publicly available data on patient injuries, medical and medication errors, and infections at U.S. hospitals. The report includes data collected by national health care organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Scores are calculated based on more than two dozen publicly available measures, and hospitals are then assigned A, B, C, D or F grades for their safety records. The grades are released as a free resource to help patients and their families make informed health care decisions.
Kaiser Permanente is one of America’s leading integrated health care providers and serves 12.5 million members. Nationally, 24 of the 39 Kaiser Permanente hospitals that were eligible for a grade, more than 60% percent, received a Leapfrog Safety A grade. In contrast, approximately 30% of the nation’s hospitals received an A rating.
For complete details on Kaiser Antioch’s grade click, here and for more information and a complete list of the hospital safety grades, visit Leapfrog.
