Contra Costa Times reporter out of West County bureau in Richmond. Covers the communities of Hercules, Pinole, San Pablo and surrounding unincorporated areas.
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Articles by Tom Lochner
Martinez Refinery Investigation Stalled by Impasse Over Confidentiality Issues
The following story by freelance writer Tom Lochner is made possible by the financial support of paid subscribers and other donors to the newsletter. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber if not already to continue to fund such work.
Health Advisory Lifted Following Soil Results from Refinery Accident, but Many Questions Remain, Some of Which May Never be Answered
The following report by freelance writer Tom Lochner is made possible by the financial support of paid subscribers and other donors to Martinez News and Views. Please consider upgrading to a paid subscription if you haven’t already to fund more content such as this.
Mt. View Sanitary District Board Approves Rate Hikes, to Study Possible Consolidation with Central San
The following article by freelance writer Tom Lochner is made possible by the financial support of paid subscribers and other donors to the newsletter. To help produce more reports like this, please consider becoming a paid subscriber if you aren’t already. By Tom Lochner The Mt. View Sanitary District board, facing growing pushback by ratepayers, on Thursday passed a shorter-term, streamlined variant of an earlier five-year, approximately 9 percent-a-year proposed rate increase schedule.
City Leaders Aim to Overhaul Regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units, but Impact on Affordable Housing Remains to be Seen
Editor’s note: The following report from freelance writer Tom Lochner on last week’s City Council/Planning Commission study session on Accessory Dwelling Unit regulations was made possible by the financial support of paid subscribers and other donors to Martinez News and Views.
Ex-Congressman George Miller Swears in New Councilman; Future of Waterfront Studied
I have a special treat for readers with this post. It was (mostly) written by someone other than me! While I was visiting New Orleans last week (and eating way too many beignets), longtime Contra Costa County journalist Tom Lochner attended Wednesday’s City Council meeting and filed the following report. Lochner spent over 25 years as a local news reporter for the Bay Area News Group chain (where we were colleagues), primarily covering municipalities in West Contra Costa.
Longtime El Cerrito, East Bay journalist and historian Treadway dies at 66
EL CERRITO — Chris Treadway, a longtime champion of East Bay news and history, died Nov. 11 of pancreatic cancer. He was 66. In a 35-year journalism career that began in 1986, Treadway started out as a reporter, columnist and editor for the Berkeley Voice, El Cerrito Journal and Montclarion community newspapers, then owned by Hills Newspapers.
Oakland’s Italian American Colombo Club celebrating 101st anniversary
OAKLAND — Back in 1919, a group of 22 young men from northwest Italy’s Piedmont region got together most evenings at a house in North Oakland to drink wine and play cards and bocce. Similar smaller gatherings took place at other Piemontese family houses in the area. By 1920, the men’s exuberant energy overwhelmed their hosts. “So we kicked them out of our houses and told them to find somewhere else to play,” one of the older folks, Lucia Puppione, recounted years later to her grandson, Rich.
Seaman faces Article 32 hearing for murder connected to drunken fight
A U.S. Coast Guardsman currently station at Alameda, Calif., recently as base security, will soon face an Article 32 trial for the murder of a fellow seaman in a drunken fight while they were stationed in Alaska. A U.S. Coast Guardsman currently stationed in Alameda will learn within weeks whether he will face a court-martial for murder in connection with the death of a shipmate in the wake of a drunken struggle in January in Alaska.
Seven run for three Pinole council spots
PINOLE — Seven candidates, including two incumbents, are vying for three seats on the Pinole City Council. Incumbent Tim Banuelos, an architect and the current mayor, was appointed to the council in 2009 to replace Mary Horton, who resigned; Banuelos was elected in 2010 and re-elected in 2014.
Hercules town hall meeting to discuss property sales
Amid public criticism that is turning increasingly angry and personal, Hercules officials will hold a town hall meeting Thursday to discuss the planned sale of two city-owned commercial parcels for residential development that some vocal residents condemn as shortsighted and inconsistent with a pedestrian-, bicycle- and transit-friendly retail-residential vision for Central Hercules and the waterfront.
Former UC Berkeley journalism Dean Ben Bagdikian dies at 96
BERKELEY — Ben Bagdikian, professor emeritus and former dean at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism and a key figure in the Pentagon Papers release, died Friday at 96.
Berkeley City Councilwoman Maio won’t seek re-election
BERKELEY — After a quarter-century on the City Council, Linda Maio said she will call it quits when her term expires at the end of the year. “My career on the council has placed me in the forefront of all of Berkeley’s exciting endeavors,” Maio said in a press release this week in which she called it “a tremendous privilege” to represent a “wonderful, active, caring community” proud of its schools, libraries and parks.
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier hosting town hall meetings in San Pablo
SAN PABLO – U.S. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord) will host two town hall meetings in the city in the coming days, at which he will provide a Congressional update and field questions from the public. The first will be part of a “Conversation on Race” co-hosted by U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland); the second, a town hall forum directed primarily to seniors. The meetings will occur at the following times and places Conversation on Race: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Feb.
Richmond: New health center to be named for pioneering doctor
RICHMOND — LifeLong Medical Care will hold a groundbreaking ceremony Feb. 9 for its newest health center, at 150 Harbour Way. The event will run from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the public is welcome.
Berkeley: State Assembly candidates set to make pitch at senior center
BERKELEY — All nine candidates for the state Assembly District 15 seat are scheduled to gather at the South Berkeley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis St., on Feb. 12 to make a pitch for endorsements. The forum, sponsored by Berkeley Citizens Action, Berkeley Progressive Alliance and the Berkeley Tenants Union, will begin at 2 p.m. The public is welcome. The senior center is wheelchair-accessible.
Berkeley: Workshop to teach about coyotes and how to live with them
BERKELEY — A workshop on coyotes and how to coexist with them will be featured at the city’s animal shelter from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 pm Feb. 4. The shelter, formally known as Berkeley Animal Care Services, is at 1 Bolivar Drive . “The coyote, known as the Song Dog, has existed in North America since the Pleistocene (era) and is the most persecuted native carnivore in North America,” an announcement from the shelter reads in part.
El Cerrito club pushes ban on herbicides and pesticides to protect bees, other pollinators
EL CERRITO — Protect Local Bees — and other pollinators — is the theme of a project recently begun by the El Cerrito Garden Club. Club members have distributed door hangers and displayed signs in their gardens to promote the use of environmentally friendly products instead of toxic chemicals for weed and pest control, according to an announcement. The door hangers provide information on alternative methods of weed and pest control.
Berkeley: State Assembly candidates set to make pitch at senior center
BERKELEY — All nine candidates for the state Assembly District 15 seat are scheduled to gather at the South Berkeley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis St., on Feb. 12 to make a pitch for endorsements. The forum, sponsored by Berkeley Citizens Action, Berkeley Progressive Alliance and the Berkeley Tenants Union, will begin at 2 p.m. The public is welcome. The senior center is wheelchair-accessible.
El Cerrito club holding annual Sundar Shadi garden contest
EL CERRITO — The El Cerrito Garden Club is accepting nominations to the 2018 Sundar Shadi Contest, named after the late horticulturist who delighted neighbors as well as visitors from afar with his annual nativity scene and, the rest of the year, gardens with various themes, in his sprawling yard on Arlington Avenue at Moeser Lane. The deadline to submit a garden’s address is March 30.
Albany/Berkeley/El Cerrito briefs: Coyote talk; Assembly candidate forum
A workshop on coyotes and how to coexist with them will be featured at the Berkeley animal shelter from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 pm Feb. 4. The shelter, formally known as Berkeley Animal Care Services, is at 1 Bolivar Drive . “The coyote, known as the Song Dog, has existed in North America since the Pleistocene (era) and is the most persecuted native carnivore in North America,” an announcement from the shelter reads in part.
Crockett: Meeting to discuss Selby toxic cleanup project
CROCKETT — Remediation of a toxic site on the San Pablo Bay shore between Crockett and Rodeo will be the subject of a public meeting this week sponsored by the state Department of Toxic Substances Control.
Marijuana farm at heart of lawsuit against Richmond and its mayor
RICHMOND — A proposed pot farm on the city’s north shore is emerging as an important issue in a pending lawsuit against the city; Mayor Tom Butt; former Mayor and City Councilwoman and now candidate for lieutenant governor Gayle McLaughlin; and current Council members.
Richmond mayor and lieutenant governor hopeful sued by property owners
RICHMOND — Mayor Tom Butt is being sued by a group of owners who say he had a conflict of interest when he promoted the rezoning of their shoreline property as parkland, frustrating their plans to develop a business center there.
Berkeley councilwoman to convene community forum on homelessness
BERKELEY — A community forum on homelessness, sponsored by District 4 Councilwoman Kate Harrison, will take place at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. A panel will include District 5 Councilwoman Sophie Hahn and staff members from the city departments of Housing and Community Development, and Public Works. “Our sidewalks were not created for human habitation,” Harrison said in a news release.
Berkeley seeks public input to draft marijuana regulations
BERKELEY — The city is seeking public input as it develops regulations for cannabis, or marijuana, businesses, for recreational use by adults as well as medical use, according to an announcement this week. The subject will be discussed at several upcoming public meetings: Cannabis Commission, 2 p.m. Feb. 1, in the Redwood Room on the sixth floor of City Hall, 2180 Milvia St. Planning Commission, 7 p.m. Feb. 7, and 7 p.m. Feb. 21, at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave.
Pinole: Congressman to meet with residents over coffee
PINOLE — Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Napa, is inviting residents to discuss issues of concern to them and learn about services available through his local offices, over coffee on Jan. 25 at the Pinole Senior Center, 2500 Charles Ave. “Coffee with our Congressman” will run from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. RSVP by calling 707-645-1888 or clicking here.
Berkeley councilwoman to convene community forum on homelessness
BERKELEY — A community forum on homelessness, sponsored by District 4 Councilwoman Kate Harrison, will take place at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. A panel will include District 5 Councilwoman Sophie Hahn and staff members from the city departments of Housing and Community Development, and Public Works. “Our sidewalks were not created for human habitation,” Harrison said in a news release.
Here are the East Bay communities eligible for state earthquake retrofit grants
BERKELEY — Homeowners in more than four dozen communities statewide can apply starting Tuesday for grants of up to $3,000 for seismic retrofits of older houses — but not for long: the deadline is Feb. 23.
Here are the Bay Area communities eligible for state earthquake retrofit grants
BERKELEY — Homeowners in more than four dozen communities statewide can apply starting Tuesday for grants of up to $3,000 for seismic retrofits of older houses — but not for long: the deadline is Feb. 23.
Here are the East Bay communities eligible for state earthquake retrofit grants
BERKELEY — Homeowners in more than four dozen communities statewide can apply starting Tuesday for grants of up to $3,000 for seismic retrofits of older houses — but not for long: the deadline is Feb. 23.
Pittsburg: Second child loses battle for life after crash with stolen pickup in Antioch
PITTSBURG — A second little girl hit in a crash with a stolen pickup truck in Antioch last week has died, a family member announced on GoFundMe. “It is with a heavy heart that I update: Camila has passed,” read the posting, made Saturday, at www.gofundme.com/cardoza-family. Camila Cardoza, 2, had been on life support at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland after the crash that killed her sister, Lenexy Cardoza, 4.
Police arrest suspect in San Pablo hit-and-run
SAN PABLO — Police announced Sunday they arrested a man suspected of driving a car that hit a pedestrian in a hit-and-run collision early Saturday morning in the area of Brookside Drive and 23rd Street. Officers found the victim, a 33-year-old man, lying at the scene shortly before 1 a.m. Saturday with multiple injuries to his face and torso, according to a news release from the San Pablo Police Department.
West County wastewater reverses course, ousts highly praised general manager choice
RICHMOND — Just weeks after he was hailed as an industry superstar the likes of basketball immortal Michael Jordan, Ed McCormick has been yanked from the helm of the West County Wastewater District. On Jan. 3, the district board voted unanimously to terminate its employment agreement with McCormick as interim general manager, according to a Jan. 8 announcement. Board member Harry Wiener was absent during the 4-0 vote.
Berkeley's Finest to hold court over coffee at Mo'Joe
BERKELEY — The Police Department invites the community to chat informally over “Coffee with a Cop” from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 24 at Mo’Joe Cafe, 2517 Sacramento St. “No agenda or speeches, just a chance to ask questions, share concerns, and meet some of the team who works to keep you safe,” the department said in a press release. Coffee with a Cop is a periodic event rotating among cafes throughout the city.
Industry group asks Supreme Court to overturn cellphone warning law | Merced Sun-Star
BERKELEY, Calif. – An industry group has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down Berkeley's cellphone disclosure ordinance as unconstitutional. The ordinance, approved by the City Council in May 2015, mandates a warning notice to people buying and leasing cellphones that carrying the devices close to the body when switched on could expose them to radiation in excess of federal guidelines.
Industry group asks Supreme Court to strike down Berkeley cellphone warning ordinance
BERKELEY — An industry group is asking the United States Supreme Court to strike down Berkeley’s cellphone disclosure ordinance as unconstitutional. The ordinance, approved by the City Council in May 2015, mandates a warning notice to people buying and leasing cellphones that carrying the devices close to the body when switched on could expose them to radiation in excess of federal guidelines.
Industry group asks Supreme Court to strike down Berkeley cellphone warning ordinance
BERKELEY — An industry group is asking the United States Supreme Court to strike down Berkeley’s cellphone disclosure ordinance as unconstitutional. The ordinance, approved by the City Council in May 2015, mandates a warning notice to people buying and leasing cellphones that carrying the devices close to the body when switched on could expose them to radiation in excess of federal guidelines.
Berkeley Historical Society docent remembered for passion, dedication
BERKELEY — A woman killed last week when she was struck in a crosswalk by a city vehicle was a prominent member of the Berkeley Historical Society, and likely on her way to work her regular weekly volunteer shift at its history center, according to friends and colleagues. Shelley Rideout, 70, was crossing Fulton Street at Channing Way, heading north away from her nearby home around 1:20 p.m. Jan.
West County sewage agency directors’ travels benefit ratepayers, official says
RICHMOND — If a broad horizon and a thirst for knowledge are measures of an elected official’s stature, then few ratepayers are as blessed as those of the West County Wastewater District, which serves about 93,000 people in San Pablo, parts of Richmond and Pinole, and surrounding unincorporated areas.
Berkeley homeless camps take 21st century approach with solar power
BERKELEY — A group of homeless people are pioneering what they say is a sustainable, if minimalist, 21st century camp model in this often trendsetting city by installing solar panels to charge cellphones and computers, power a few nighttime reading lights, and otherwise stay globally tuned.
Berkeley homeless camps take 21st century approach with solar power
BERKELEY — A group of homeless people are pioneering what they say is a sustainable, if minimalist, 21st century camp model in this often trendsetting city by installing solar panels to charge cellphones and computers, power a few nighttime reading lights, and otherwise stay globally tuned.
El Cerrito man charged with selling ivory at San Francisco gallery
SAN FRANCISCO – An El Cerrito man faces trial for alleged possession and sale of ivory at his San Francisco store, San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón announced earlier this month. Abraham Magadish, 56, of El Cerrito, the owner of Lovell’s Gallery at 625 Grant Ave. in San Francisco, was charged along with the business’ corporate parent, ALAER-90 Inc., with one count of sale of ivory and two counts of illegal possession of ivory for sale, according to the announcement.
El Cerrito man charged with selling ivory at San Francisco gallery
SAN FRANCISCO – An El Cerrito man faces trial for alleged possession and sale of ivory at his San Francisco store, San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón announced earlier this month. Abraham Magadish, 56, of El Cerrito, the owner of Lovell’s Gallery at 625 Grant Ave. in San Francisco, was charged along with the business’ corporate parent, ALAER-90 Inc., with one count of sale of ivory and two counts of illegal possession of ivory for sale, according to the announcement.
Ohlone activists stand firm in opposing West Berkeley Shellmound development
BERKELEY — Three Ohlone family bands say they have rejected a developer’s offer to reduce the footprint of its proposed project in the parking lot across from Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto in exchange for the Ohlones’ blessing. A principal of the developer however says talks are continuing, and that he is confident the project will eventually happen. The 2.2-acre project site, at 1900 Fourth St., is part of the West Berkeley Shellmound site, a city landmark since 2000.
Leaders envision downtown boom with Richmond BART improvements
RICHMOND — Officials from the city and BART cut the ribbon on a new pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly entrance to the Richmond BART station Monday in a ceremony that also proclaimed the imminent blossoming of downtown as a regional showcase of transit-oriented development. Richmond Mayor Tom Butt, flanked by BART board President Rebecca Saltzman, right, and BART District 7 board member Lateefah Simon, ceremoniously cuts the ribbon on the new eastern entrance to the Richmond BART station on Dec.
Leaders envision downtown boom with Richmond BART improvements
RICHMOND — Officials from the city and BART cut the ribbon on a new pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly entrance to the Richmond BART station Monday in a ceremony that also proclaimed the imminent blossoming of downtown as a regional showcase of transit-oriented development. Richmond Mayor Tom Butt, flanked by BART board President Rebecca Saltzman, right, and BART District 7 board member Lateefah Simon, ceremoniously cuts the ribbon on the new eastern entrance to the Richmond BART station on Dec.
Ohlone activists stand firm in opposing West Berkeley Shellmound development
BERKELEY — Three Ohlone family bands say they have rejected a developer’s offer to reduce the footprint of its proposed project in the parking lot across from Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto in exchange for the Ohlones’ blessing. A principal of the developer however says talks are continuing, and that he is confident the project will eventually happen. The 2.2-acre project site, at 1900 Fourth St., is part of the West Berkeley Shellmound site, a city landmark since 2000.
California Issues New Guidance on Cell Phones and Health
California's new cell-phone safety guidelines issued this week for adults and children are being welcomed by the public health, environmental and First Amendment advocates who successfully sued the state to release guidelines that had been languishing since 2009.
California activists applaud state’s new cell phone safety advisory
SACRAMENTO — California’s new cell-phone safety guidelines issued this week for adults and children are being welcomed by the public health, environmental and First Amendment advocates who successfully sued the state to release guidelines that had been languishing since 2009.
Richmond: Salute restaurant owner to get sports hall of fame honor
RICHMOND — Salute e Vita Ristorante owner Menbere “Menbe” Aklilu will be inducted along with some big names like former San Francisco Giants pitcher Juan Marichal and former Oakland Raiders quarterback Daryle Lamonica into the Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame early next year. “Giving back to her community is an essential part of who she is,” the organization said in an announcement this week.
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