So, this happened to our friend “MadMom”….

Today my daughter & I were at the Arco on Willow Pass. They were power washing so half of the pumps were blocked off. People couldn’t cope. They were so out of sorts. But this guy? He blocked the entire center isle because he needed to reach his gas tank. Everything came to a standstill while he obliviously finished pumping his gas. I guess he owned the world today. Anyway I just had to share. Knowing I would contact Claycord was the only thing keeping me from telling this gentleman just how selfish and ridiculous he was!

Even the guy on the right side of the picture is wondering what’s happening.

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The “Water Cooler” is a feature on Claycord.com where we ask you a question or provide a topic, and you talk about it!

The “Water Cooler” will be up Monday-Friday at noon!

Today’s question:

What is one part of the World (outside of the U.S.) you would never visit because of the possible danger to your life?

Talk about it….

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There has been a lot in the media recently about electronic smoking devices such as e-cigarettes, hookah pens and vape pens. If you haven’t seen them in your neighborhood store, you may have seen someone using them, or “vaping.”

The Contra Costa Health Department released information this week on why they believe eCigarettes are bad for the community.

The following information is from the Contra Costa Health Department:

Electronic smoking devices are battery-operated products designed to deliver nicotine, flavor and other chemicals. They often resemble the look of a cigarette, including a battery-lit glow at the end of the device. They turn nicotine, which is highly addictive, and other chemicals into a vapor that is inhaled by the user. They also come in youth-friendly, high-tech designs and flavors like cherry crush, grape, vivid vanilla, cinnamon bun and mint chocolate.

While the advertising for these products may say they are a safe alternative to tobacco cigarettes, there is much more research that needs to be conducted to make this claim. Electronic smoking devices are unregulated by the federal government at this time and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that consumers currently have no way of knowing whether e-cigarettes are safe for their intended use, what types or concentrations of potentially harmful chemicals are found in these products, or how much nicotine they are inhaling when they use these products. In short, e-cigarette users don’t really know what they’re putting in their bodies.

In addition, we don’t know how the vapor from electronic smoking devices affects people in the vicinity of where they are being used. The FDA has conducted laboratory analysis of electronic cigarette samples and found they contained carcinogens and toxic chemicals to which users and bystanders could potentially be exposed. A major review by University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) researchers of the scientific literature on these devices found that the while the data is still limited, these products are not “merely harmless water vapor” as the manufacturers frequently claim. The researchers concluded that these devices should be prohibited wherever tobacco use is prohibited.

Just as important as the possible health risks associated with these products, there is growing concern that the use of e-cigarettes in public and places of employment could increase social acceptance of smoking, undermine smoke-free ordinances, and make smoking seem socially normal, especially among youth.

There is also a concern about triggering relapse in those who are trying to quit smoking. Because these products look incredibly similar to tobacco cigarettes, and simulate smoking, they may provide models for unhealthy behavior.

In a study published in the March 6th Journal of the American Medical Association’s JAMA Pediatrics, it was found that e-cigarettes were associated with more, not less, cigarette smoking among adolescents. In fact, electronic smoking devices are likely to be “gateway” devices for nicotine addiction among youth, according to the study.

In April of last year, the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors voted to include electronic smoking devices such as e-cigarettes in the county’s Secondhand Smoke Protections Ordinance, prohibiting the use of electronic cigarettes wherever smoking is prohibited, including in common indoor and outdoor areas of multi-unit housing. Richmond, Walnut Creek, Concord, Oakley and Pittsburg have also joined the 60 other jurisdictions in California that prohibit the use of electronic smoking devices where smoking is prohibited.

For those trying to stop smoking, the Centers for Disease Control has found that FDA-approved cessation aids like nicotine patches or gum may help smokers quit. For information on smoking cessation resources, call 1-800-NO-BUTTS or visit cchealth.org/tobacco.

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BART is warning the Bay Area’s homeless population that stricter enforcement started today to stop people from sleeping and lying down in BART station corridors.

Saying that having people lying or sleeping in the stations could impede speedy evacuation, BART police started the campaign with increased enforcement at the Powell Street BART station this morning.

The campaign is intended to bring the stations into compliance with California law requiring that stations have to be able to evacuate safely in four to six minutes, according to BART.

State and local law prohibits blocking the free movement of another person in underground stations by lying down, according to BART.

BART spokesman Jim Allison said today that police started the enforcement measures at Powell Street at about 4 a.m. and that they reported this afternoon it had been going “very well.”

The enforcement will mainly focus on the Powell Street station for the moment but will expand out to other stations in time.

According to BART, the first infraction will provoke a verbal warning and a citation with no fine. The second will come with another citation with no fine, but the third will include a summons for a court appearance and potentially an arrest or fine.

Representatives from the veterans’ assistance group Swords to Plowshares accompanied BART officers making the rounds in stations today, BART said.

“This enforcement is in addition to our ongoing efforts to assist individuals who need help to get the services they need,” BART police Chief Kenton Rainey said in a statement.

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Concord’s garbage disposal company has announced the launch of two new trucks that are environmentally friendly and will also increase efficiency.

The two split-body trucks will pick up trash and recycling in the same vehicle, reducing the number of trucks driving through neighborhoods, according to officials with Concord Disposal Service.

The new trucks will also run on compressed natural gas, rather than the diesel fuel of older trucks, company officials said.

“Being a good environmental steward, as well as cutting down on residential noise and wear and tear on neighborhood streets, are top priorities for Concord Disposal,” Joe Garaventa, CEO of Garaventa Enterprises, said in a statement.

Garaventa Enterprises owns and operates Concord Disposal, as well as Mt. Diablo Recycling in Pittsburg.

“We value our Concord customers and are looking forward to getting our new trucks out on the road,” he said.

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Thanks to Kevin S. for the beautiful photos of Claycord.

Click on each one for a much larger view.

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A California packing company is recalling whole fruit sold through Costco, Trader Joe’s and other retailers after possibly harmful bacteria may have contaminated their produce, the company announced Saturday.

No illnesses related to the potentially contaminated peaches, nectarines, plums and pluots have been reported, but the Wawona Packing Company of Cutler issued the recall after internal company testing indicated the potential for infection.

Fruit packed between June 1 and July 12 may have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the company.

Listeria infection can cause high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea in healthy people and can be fatal in young children, elderly people and people with weakened immune systems.

It can also cause miscarriage and stillbirths in pregnant women.

The products were shipped directly to retailers and wholesalers and Wawona said it is unclear exactly what locations bought the contaminated products and have issued a nationwide recall.

The company shut down the infected packing lines, retrofitted its equipment and sanitized the facilities and has found no further trace of the bacteria, Wawona officials said.

“We are aware of no illnesses related to the consumption of these products,” Brent Smittcamp, president of Wawona Packing Company, said in a statement.

“By taking the precautionary step of recalling product, we will minimize even the slightest risk to public health, and that is our priority,” Smittcamp said.

Anyone who purchased the fruit at the store should throw it out and not eat it, the company said. Anyone with questions can contact Wawona Packing Company at (888) 232-9912.

A list of the recalled products with photographs is available by CLICKING HERE.

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Fire crews battled a 14-acre grass fire in a rural area east of Clayton this afternoon, according to an East Contra Costa Fire Protection District dispatcher.

The blaze was reported around 2:50 p.m. in a grassy area near the intersection of Marsh Creek and Deer Valley roads, the dispatcher said.

Responding crews saw a large column of smoke coming from the scene and were able to quickly bring the blaze under control.

The fire was contained within 30-minutes, the dispatcher said.

Thanks to Sue Thompson for the picture!

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As we previously reported, the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District held a memorial service for fallen firefighters today in Concord.

The following information is from the United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County on Facebook. You can visit them by clicking ON THIS LINK.:

To those that were not in attendance at today’s memorial service in Concord at the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Training Division, we would like to share President Wells’ speech:

On behalf of the members of Local 1230 I would like to thank you for coming to this memorial service to join us as we remember our fallen firefighters. I would like to extend a special thanks to the Local 1230 Honor Guard for their participation in this service and for the many other services they provide to members of our profession both past and present.

This is the sixth year that we’ve held these services and still the memories of the tragic events that lead to the creation of this memorial wall, have not been forgotten.

I still remember that early morning phone call from OB, Chief Obrien and his words, “we lost two tonight.” I still remember arriving at Carolyn Desmond’s house early that morning as part of the notification team, and the look on her face as she opened the door with their son Tyler in her arms, knowing immediately why we were there so early that morning.

I remember arriving at Pinole Fire Station 73 a few hours after the fire and seeing all the crews huddled up in threes and Engineer Tony Miller standing alone as the only survivor of E70.

I also remember all the events that followed as we planned their memorial services. I remember the time I shared with Matt Burton in the recruit academy and the calls I ran with Scott Desmond. I also have vivid memories of John Nunes as he worked tirelessly with crews, on preparing the hose bed of Engine 70 for transporting Matt Burton’s coffin to his burial site while at Station 10.

Ironically, we did the same thing for John as he died tragically, two years later.

As I promised then, we will continue to stay close to the families and keep the stories of their loved ones alive. We will continue to remember the passion of Mike Impastato and his love for this union. I remember Kent Leverton and his rope rescue skills as we worked to recover the bodies of those killed and injured at the Tosco refinery. I remember Captain Ferrante and his tough outer shell but passion “for the people.” I reflect back on Captain John Nunes and his expertise in personal protective gear and his work to assure we had the best protective equipment.

I remember Dave Gehling and his passion for EMS and the lists he was famous for making. I remember Jim Capra as he fought his illness and Terry Warners stories and unusual eating habits. I have not had the opportunity to work with all the people whose names are on this wall, but I have heard many of their stories. There’s a picture on the wall at Station 1 of firefighters who shaved their heads in support of Rene Penaloza’s fight with cancer. Also we remember John Fields whose memorial plaques sits in front of Pittsburg Fire Station 87 which is now closed.

Our memories of those who have paid the ultimate price for this community will live into eternity. This wall and this memorial service will assure that happens.

As Union President, I have had the opportunity to escort many of the families of our fallen to the IAFF Memorial wall in Colorado Springs and to the California Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Sacramento as our heroes names were placed on those walls along with others. I encourage all of you to travel to Colorado Springs and Sacramento to witness the annual ceremonies honoring the names of those on the wall as they add new names.

Again, thank you Chief, staff, and all those who maintain this wall and who continue this memorial service. Thank all of you for coming.

To my fellow Firefighters,

Stay safe and watch each other’s back. With the funding shortages that have depleted our resources and staffing; it is paramount that we stick together, and keep an eye on each other, to make sure we all go home safe to our families when our shift is over and avoid adding any more names to this wall!

God bless each and every one of you.

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An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 2.5 struck near Concord this afternoon, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The temblor was reported at 2:52 p.m. about a mile west-northwest of Concord, USGS officials said.

The quake had a depth of 10 miles, according to the USGS.

An earthquake of the same magnitude struck about 24 hours earlier in another part of Contra Costa County near the unincorporated community of Blackhawk.

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The “Water Cooler” is a feature on Claycord.com where we ask you a question or provide a topic, and you talk about it!

The “Water Cooler” will be up Monday-Friday at noon!

Today’s question:

Food trucks….Do you trust them, or do you still see them as the “roach coaches” they were affectionately know as several years ago?

Also, when was the last time you ordered an item from a food truck?

Talk about it….

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The brand new, live television and webcast talk show “Veterans’ Voices” will make its debut in Contra Costa County tonight at 7:00 p.m.

The monthly show, a joint production of Contra Costa Television and the County’s Veterans Service Office, will feature a range of guests and topics. Viewers can watch on CCTV, or online, and can ask questions during the show via email, phone or an online chat.

Nathan Johnson, Contra Costa County’s Veterans Service Officer, will serve as host; other staff members and veterans organization representatives will co-host. Johnson sees the show as a unique way to reach veterans who might not otherwise know what types of services are available.

“Our County is home to more than 65,000 veterans, and we work hard to reach out to as many as possible. By using TV and the web, we hope to tap into a potential audience that might not have stopped by our office or picked up the phone and called,” Johnson noted.

The show is underwritten by a grant from the California Department of Veterans Affairs, which invited Veterans Service Offices from around the state to apply for mental health outreach funding.

Recognizing that the transition from veteran to civilian is increasingly more complex, the goal of the grant program is to allow local offices to design innovative outreach efforts that meet their community needs.

“Veterans’ Voices” airs tonight at 7:00 p.m. on CCTV, and can be found on Comcast Channel 27, Astound Channel 32 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 throughout Contra Costa County.

The show will also be streamed live online at www.ContraCostaTV.org.

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Concord’s $61,704 fence has been hit, again.

The fence completely surrounds the empty property on Galindo between Clayton Rd. & Concord Blvd., and was hit over the weekend during a non-injury vehicle collision.

The fence, which has been damaged dozens of times, has only been up for a few years, and should be coming down when apartments are built on the property.

Thanks to Brooke for the picture!

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Assemblywoman Bonilla’s AB 1838, which allows graduates of accelerated and fully accredited medical education programs to become licensed physicians in California, was signed into law on Friday by Governor Brown.

The following information is from the Office of Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla:

“Currently California faces an extreme shortage of trained medical residents and physicians,” said Assemblywoman Susan A. Bonilla (D-Concord). “AB 1838 is an innovative step towards addressing this problem and meeting the needs of our communities, without diminishing the quality of patient care.”
Accelerated programs differ from traditional programs as they focus on the individuals’ skills and academic achievements, as opposed to the length of time they are in school. Accelerated programs do not replace current programs, they are offered as a separate track. Only students who have demonstrated a high level of scientific and medical understanding are eligible for the accelerated track.

This bill, which is co-sponsored by the Medical Board of California and the University of California, will be effective January, 2015.

“The Medical Board of California is pleased that Governor Brown signed AB 1838 into law,” said Executive Director, Kimberly Kirchmeyer. “This bill will help meet the needs of applicants applying for licensure, who have graduated from accelerated medical school programs, and will also assist in reducing student debt. The passage of the bill will further the Medical Board’s mission of promoting access to care while continuing to protect consumers.”

“We want to thank Assemblymember Susan A. Bonilla and the Medical Board of California for their leadership on this important and timely legislation,” said Dr. Cathryn Nation, UC Associate Vice President, Health Sciences. “UC is proud that its School of Medicine at Davis, in partnership with Kaiser Permanente, developed the first accelerated medical education program in California, enrolling its first class of six students in June 2014. Now, future graduates from not only this primary-care focused program – but also other accelerated programs – will have a clear path to medical practice in California.”

Assemblywoman Bonilla’s legislation, AB 1838, is also expected to enable California’s graduate medical education or residency training programs to recruit graduates of accelerated medical education programs operated by other accredited medical schools to complete their specialty training, become licensed, and enter practice in the state. Not only do accelerated programs address the clear need for more physicians while reducing student debt, they do so without affecting the quality of healthcare that patients deserve.

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The Contra Costa County Fire District will hold its annual Line of Duty Death Remembrance Ceremony at 9:30 AM on Monday, July 21, 2014 at its training center, located at 2945 Treat Blvd in Concord.

The ceremony honors those members of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District who have died in the line of duty. Line of Duty Deaths include those lost to Cancer and other job related diseases, as well as those lost while fighting fires.

The ceremony will take place at the Memorial Wall and Memorial Rose Garden. All members of the public are invited to the remembrance.

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The Clayton Police Weekly Activity Report:

The times shown indicate when the incident was reported to the PD.

ACCIDENTS:

• Center St./Easley Dr.  Non-injury.  (07/17/14 – 1731 hrs.)

ARRESTS:

• 5400 Clayton Rd.  Warrant.  An 18-year-old transient male was arrested after being contacted by officers.  He was transported to Martinez Detention Facility for booking.  (07/17/14 – 1040 hrs.)

BURGLARIES/THEFTS:

• 1500 Kirker Pass Rd.  Petty Theft – Vehicle.  (07/14/14 – 1848 hrs.)
• Mt. Teton Pl.  Petty Theft – Vehicle.  (07/16/14 – (0550 hrs.)
• Long Creek Cir.  Petty Theft – Vehicle.  (0716/14 – 0804 hrs.)
• Mt. Alpine Pl.  Petty Theft – Vehicle.  (07/16/14 – 0840 hrs.)
• Lone Pine Ct.  Petty Theft.  (07/16/14 – 0918 hrs.)
• Mountaire Cir.  Petty Theft – Residential.  (07/16/14 – 0953 hrs.)
• Mountaire Ct.  Petty Theft – Vehicle.  (07/16/14 – 1005 hrs.)
• Nottingham Cir.  Petty Theft – Vehicle.  (07/16/14 – 1640 hrs.)
• Mountaire Pkwy.  Petty Theft – Vehicle.  (07/16/14 – 1933 hrs.)

VANDALISMS:

• 1500 Kirker Pass Rd.  (07/14/14 – 1848 hrs.)

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