Sylvia Hacaj Kensington Police & Comm Svcs District Director

There is a lot to think about in Jill Filopovic’s piece, but I love her definition of tech bro culture.

“many long-time attendees have noted the event’s shift from counterculture mecca to a see-and-be-seen desert drug party for influencers and Silicon Valley sorts. Coverage of the event paints a picture of a festival that has in recent years come to embody the worst of libertarian tech-bro culture: A radically elevated sense of self coupled with profound shallowness and narcissism masquerading as creativity; a promise of rugged self-reliance only enabled by access to tremendous resources; lofty ambitions and the performance of significance but very little in the way of actual depth, morality, or greater purpose.”

Opinion: Be careful when you laugh at Burning Man | CNN Jill Filipovic writes that one of the 10 principles of the popular Burning Man festival, “self-reliance,” was certainly tested this year, as torrential rains stranded thousands of Burners on the playa for several days.

A good news story…We certainly need to see more of them!

How coffee is helping to restore this national park | CNN Gorongosa Coffee Project serves a dual purpose: providing income and helping to reforest Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park.

Monday comes too soon…

Don’t forget to squeeze several moments of joy into this weekend.
Throw in some little pockets of peace and then be sure to sprinkle some good old belly-laughter to get the life-giving mix going.
Let go of the safety bars for a moment or two, and throw those hands up in the air.
This is life. This is it.
Give yourself over, to whatever brings you that light, this world so desperately needs.

Monday comes too soon.

Donna Ashworth
A little extract from ‘wild hope’ ♥️

https://amzn.eu/d/9Y6E6kz

Art by the truly wonderful Bettina Baldassari - BettiPigna

Contra Costa County is about to start a curb and ramp project on Kenyon and Westminster Avenues, the main access to Kensington Hilltop Elementary school, this week. Seems like it is going to effect school traffic (morning and afternoon). Here's a link to the planned improvements:

Westminster and Kenyon Avenue Accessibilty Project will begin on Mon 8/21/23 - Weds 11/1/23, from 7:00 am-5:00 pm, Mon-Fri. Work will take place at six (6) intersections within Kensington. Expect delays from the intersection of Westminster Ave & York Ave through intersection of Kenyon Ave & Trinity Ave.

Please see note below about Temporary Relocation of Kensington Police Protection and Community Services District Offices—KPPCSD Administration and Kensington Police Dept.

Public Notice

We at your Kensington Police Department are not moving, leaving, or departing the district of Kensington. Instead, think of us as polishing, strengthening, or enhancing our work product, by temporarily relocating to our neighboring city in nearby El Cerrito at 10940 San Pablo Avenue.

While in the process of retrofitting your Public Safety Building, we need to temporarily vacate the location to allow the engineers to do their job, while simultaneously allowing us to continue to do our jobs without interruptions. Our business hours will remain the same and all phone numbers will remain the same, including dispatch, and non-emergency contact. We hope to transfer seamlessly and will have no break in service and merely want to remind everyone that we are and never will be closed for business.

We anticipate being moved in by Friday, September 30 and we look forward to seeing the public at Kensington’s new temporary Police Department.

Looking for an excuse to get your neighbors together for an outdoor party?

If you're interested in hosting a National Night Out Block Party on Tuesday, August 2nd, please fill out this host registration form. Host Registration Deadline is 5:00 pm July 12th.
On Tuesday, August 2nd, the Kensington Police Department and Kensington Fire Protection District join forces for National Night Out 2022. This is an excellent opportunity to build stronger positive relationships with your public safety personnel and first responders and get to know your neighbors to prepare for emergencies together.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. We are very excited to have a strong collaborative partnership between the Kensington Police Department and the Kensington Fire Protection District for National Night Out 2022.
If you are interested in hosting a block party, contact Kensington Police Lt. Brad Harms or Kensington/ El Cerrito Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Johnnie Valenzuela at 510-526-4141. You can also go to the Kensingtonfire.org website and click the link to fill out a registration form.
Hope to see you this year!

Let’s keep our community safe this Fourth!

***All Fireworks are Illegal in Contra Costa.
Increased fines for using fireworks***

Todos los Fuegos artificiales son Ilegales en Contra Costa
Aumento de multas por uso de fuegos artificiales

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire), East Contra
Costa Fire Protection District and law enforcement agencies across the county are warning residents about the extreme dangers of fireworks use in current critically high fire danger conditions and remind residents of the ordinance enacted last year, along with numerous city ordinances, that strengthen enforcement abilities.

Fireworks, regardless of type or labeling, are illegal everywhere in the county. There are no “Safe & Sane” fireworks, regardless of labeling, they are all dangerous and uncontrollable. Additionally, the potential for serious injury posed by these illegal devices and the risk of causing catastrophic wildfires during this time of extremely high fire danger is great.

Last year, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors adopted a new fireworks ordinance strengthening regulations regarding the possession, manufacture, sale, use, and discharge of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of the County. Under the new ordinance, property and vessel owners are responsible for ensuring use of fireworks does not occur on their property and may be liable for ordinance violations if the use does occur. Violations of the ordinance are subject to an initial fine of $100, $200 for a second violation within one year, and $500 for each additional violation within one year.

Similar city ordinances establish the illegality of fireworks in their communities and set violation fines.

Meanwhile, for safe, fun, and legal celebrations, check out these:

Richmond's 3rd of July Fireworks and Celebration
North Richmond's July 4th Annual Parade and Festival
July 4th Pinole Fireworks and Community Event
City of San Pablo's July 4th Community Event
City of El Cerrito's July 4th World One Event

En español...
Distrito de Protección contra Incendios del Condado de Contra Costa (Con Fire), El Este Distrito de Protección contra Incendios de Contra Costa y los organismos encargados de hacer cumplir la ley en todo el condado advierten a los residentes sobre los peligros extremos del uso de fuegos artificiales en las condiciones actuales de peligro de incendio críticamente alto y recuerdan a los residentes la ordenanza promulgada el año pasado, junto con numerosas ordenanzas de la Cuidad, que fortalecen las capacidades de ejecución.

Los fuegos artificiales, independientemente del tipo o la etiqueta, son ilegales en todo el condado. No hay fuegos artificiales "seguros y sanos", independientemente del etiquetado, todos son peligrosos e incontrolables. Además, el potencial de lesiones graves que plantean estos dispositivos ilegales y el riesgo de causar incendios forestales catastróficos durante este tiempo de peligro de incendio extremadamente alto es grande.

El año pasado, la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Contra Costa adoptó una nueva ordenanza sobre fuegos artificiales que fortalece las normas relativas a la posesión, fabricación, venta, uso y descarga de fuegos artificiales en las áreas no incorporadas del Condado. Según la nueva ordenanza, los dueños de propiedades y embarcaciones son responsables de garantizar que no se usen fuegos artificiales en su propiedad y pueden ser responsables de infracciones de la ordenanza si se usan. Las violaciones de la ordenanza están sujetas a una multa inicial de $100, $200 por una segunda violación dentro de un año y $500 por cada violación adicional dentro de un año.

Ordenanzas municipales similares establecen la ilegalidad de los fuegos artificiales en sus comunidades y establecen multas por infracciones.

Mientras tanto, para celebraciones seguras, divertidas y legales, visite el espectáculo oficial del 3 de Julio de la Ciudad de Richmond y el desfile y festival anual de North Richmond.

Richmond's 3rd of July Fireworks and Celebration
North Richmond's July 4th Annual Parade and Festival
July 4th Pinole Fireworks and Community Event
City of San Pablo's July 4th Community Event
City of El Cerrito's July 4th World One Event

There are many great things about Kensington. John Mello is one of them.

Colusa Circle is home to many artisan small businesses, and John Mello is one of them! Mello has been restoring and building guitars from scratch for over 40 years. Though he began in the basement of Tupper & Reed in Berkeley, he moved into his Colusa Circle Studio since the 80s.

You can read all about Mello’s approach to crafting guitars on his website, johnfmello.com. His channel has a “track of the month”where you can listen to music from his guitars.

What other neighborhood has their own luthier? Our area is becoming known for its artists, including and !

A very important part of civic life.

💜

Way to go! Community & cops working together!

*UPDATE*

The suspect in this investigation has been formally charged by the Contra Costa County District Attorneys' office with Burglary, Attempted Burglary, Vandalism, and Providing False Information to a Police Officer. A superior court judge set bail at $165,000.00. Outstanding work by responding Officer Megan Farley and Lieutenant B Harms with follow-up and filing completed by Detective Sergeant A. Nath. KPD 2022 teamwork in motion!

***********************************************************************

Burglar Arrested!

Today, on May 5th at about 1:00pm, Kensington PD Officers responded to a resident who had just come home and discovered their house had been burglarized. While conducting the investigation, another crime was reported nearby and officers responded to that location. While investigating that crime, yet another location was determined to have been involved. Following the "breadcrumbs", the same officers responded and initially detained an individual. However, once the "dust settled", all three crimes were linked to the original burglary, and the person was arrested and booked into the County Jail for (2) Counts of PC 459 - Residential Burglary, PC 594(F)-Felony Vandalism, PC 647(H)-Prowling, PC 496-Possession of Stolen Property, PC 602-Trespassing, PC 148.9-False ID and H&S 11364-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia............. Then, over $2,500 worth of stolen property was returned to the grateful owner. Is anybody missing a bicycle? If you have the serial number or can describe it accurately, we may have what belongs to you

Kensington is served by several special districts. Learn more about them during .

We’re thrilled to celebrate California Special Districts Week with our friends at the California Special Districts Association! Special districts are formed by communities to provide necessary services such as water treatment, libraries, and hospitals, are overseen by a local board, and are funded by local revenue. These public entities provide efficient, effective, and sustainable service while maintaining local accountability.

https://www.csda.net/advocate/take-action/ta-special-districts-week-2022

Great day! Thank you to all the volunteers that made it happen!

Today is the day! Thank you so much to the many parent volunteers that are making this magical event possible! We would also like to give a big shout out to Ruth Frassetto with Compass Realty for being our hero sponsor. Your support year after year helps make the carnival go round!

Heads up local folks!

On Thursday, May 12th, look for the El Cerrito-Kensington Fire Department crews at the intersection of Carlson and San Pablo Avenue (EC Plaza entrance/Peet's/Chipotle). The crews will be collecting funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) from 8:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Drop by and support them!
Since 1954, fire fighters across the country have collected critical funds in the community as part of the Fill the Boot program to raise money for MDA. This partnership began when the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) signed a proclamation designating MDA as its charity of choice. The dollars raised through Fill the Boot fund MDA’s mission of empowering people living with neuromuscular disease to achieve their potential.

The Kensington Police Department and the El Cerrito-Kensington Fire Department work hand in hand to serve Kensington residents. I am thankful for both as we conclude Wildfire Preparedness Week. Take time to prepare and plan. Sign up for all the warning systems. The websites of both depts. have plenty of resources.

Wishing Chief Pigoni all the best! Like Mr. Rogers, you invited us into your home during Covid. Thanks for your guidance and good humor during all these long Zoom meetings. And most of all, thank you fir being such a great partner to the Kensington Police Department.

Congratulations to retired Fire Chief Michael Pigoni! Chief Pigoni spent the last 27 years serving the El Cerrito and Kensington communities under the capacity of Firefighter, Fire Captain, Battalion Chief and finally, Fire Chief. Interim Fire Chief Jose Castrejon presented retired Chief Pigoni with a service plaque from the El Cerrito-Kensington Fire Department at his retirement celebration. Enjoy your retirement!

It wasn’t business as usual in Kensington a few nights ago.

**Trail Rescue-Wildcat Canyon**

At approximately 6pm, CHP H-30 responded with El Ceritto Kensington Fire to a report of an injured mountain biker in Wildcat Canyon.

As firefighters responded, H-30 deployed an El Cerrito firefighter/helicopter rescue technician (HRT) to the trail.

The patient was assessed and loaded into H-30 who flew the injured rider to a nearby LZ where he was transferred to a waiting AMR ambulance.

The patient was taken by ground ambulance to a local hospital for treatment.

If you feel you have to report an issue related to a wild (or domestic) animal, please contact Contra Costa Animal Control. Info below.

Recently we have been asked whom to contact regarding issues with wildlife in the District. We reached out to Contra Costa County Animal Services and Lt. Morales was quick to provide some great information and training. Officer Farley wanted to make sure you all have it as well.

Please use this link to contact CCSA through the Sheriff's Office:
https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/7216/Field-Services

Please use this link to report deceased animals:
https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/7398/Report-a-Deceased-Animal

If it is an emergency please Dial 9-1-1 and if non-emergency please contact Albany Police Dispatch at 510-525-7573.

Know anyone in law enforcement or looking to start? Kensington is a great community to serve!

Very proud of our 100% new and improved KPD!

🚔🚨OFFICER IN ACTION 🚔🚨

This morning at about 2:30am, Officer Fajardo was conducting pro active patrols of the District. He located a vehicle traversing the District roadways with several vehicle equipment violations. Upon notifying dispatch of the vehicle license plate, it was learned the vehicle was stolen out of the City of San Rafael. Officer Fajardo requested assistance from Albany PD and followed the vehicle until sufficient units arrived to assist and an area was clear for a High-Risk felony Stop.

All occupants of the vehicle were safely removed and taken into custody.

Upon contact with the driver, she admitted to Officer Fajardo possession of the vehicle, burglary tools and narcotics.

We are happy that this incident resulted with no injuries to anyone involved and the vehicle was later returned to the registered owner.

Kensington Police Department is dedicated to protecting our community by maintaining a constant police presence, investigating crimes and deterring criminal activity. Great work, Officer Fajardo!

“Government is about the art of the possible and navigating your way through a world where you have enormously conflicting values.”

— Atul Gawande

Thanks to Zip Code East Bay and all who helped out, including Lift & Sprint for organizing this great community 5K!

Crime Prevention Alert!

Early this morning on Saturday, February 26th, a little after midnight, a Kensington Police Officer spotted a suspicious vehicle in the 100 block of Highgate Road. A subsequent investigation located a car jack, a reciprocating saw and numerous reciprocating saw blades inside of the vehicle. The person was immediately arrested for PC 466-Burglary Tools and the vehicle was impounded at the owner's expense.

The bad guys are out there, so let’s do all we can to belp the Kensington Police Dept. foil them.

Have a theft prevention plate installed on catalytic converter. Lock all car and house doors and windows. Don’t leave anything visible in your car. Install motion-sensor or other good outdoor lighting. Keep bushes by windows trimmed.

An ounce if of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

“Crime Prevention Alert!

Early this morning KPD noticed a vehicle potentially casing the 200 block of Arlington Avenue. A proactive traffic enforcement stop for multiple vehicle code violations was initiated. During the course of the Officers’ investigation, it was discovered the two subjects were in possession of Illegal narcotics and burglary tools. Both subjects were arrested for possession of burglary tools, possession of illegal narcotics, and their vehicle was impounded.”

New no parking zone. Please read.

Your Voice Has Been Heard!
Recently, several Kensington residents have voiced their concern about a potential “bottleneck” on Lenox Road between Beverly Road and Kingston Road. Well, efforts to ease potential congestion have been implemented. As such, big, wide and in fact very large vehicles can now navigate the Lenox Road Corridor in the event of an emergency evacuation.
So, lets embrace Grace. No…..not Grace Kelly, Grace Slick, Topper Grace, or Grace Jones, but grace itself. Yep, over the next 30 days, the Kensington Police Department will not rigidly or strictly enforce the new No Parking Zone installed by the Contra Costa County Public Works Department, but instead will allow a period of grace for locals to transition to the new NO PARKING Zone.

A story with a happy ending courtesy of the KPD!

Kensington Police Recover Statewide Silver Alert B.O.L.O.- Be On Lookout Bolo.

It is not to often that we get to report a positive and uplifting story, but this is a happy story with a happy ending. On Thursday morning at about 2:00 AM, KPD spotted a suspicious looking car with front end damage, in the 200 block of Arlington Avenue. Officers contacted the driver in the front seat and determined he was an elderly man, who had been missing for 22 hours from an unincorporated town in Santa Clara County. During the course of the contact, it was determined a Silver Alert had been issued throughout the State of California.

So what is a Silver Alert? According to the CHP website it is as follows:

A Silver Alert is activated when an elderly, developmentally, or cognitively-impaired person has gone missing and is determined to be at-risk. Silver Alerts provide immediate information to the public to aid in the swift recovery of at-risk persons meeting the criteria.
Silver Alert Criteria

In order for the California Silver Alert Plan to be activated, law enforcement must be satisfied the following criteria must be met (Government Code section 8594.10):
1. The missing person is 65 years of age or older, developmentally disabled or cognitively impaired.
2. The investigating law enforcement agency has utilized all available local resources.
3. The law enforcement agency determines that the person has gone missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances.
4. The law enforcement agency believes that the person is in danger because of age, health, mental or physical disability, environment or weather conditions, the person is in the company of a potentially dangerous person, or other factors indicating that the person may be in peril.

When it was all said and done the father was transported to a local hospital and safely reunited with a family that had been worried sick all day long!....The end.

The KPD is working to educate residents about coyotes.

I saw Lt. Harms in action on this case this morning! Great job!

On Wednesday, October 27th at 0908 hours, a parked vehicle was sideswiped by a silver Mercedes-Benz near the intersection of Kenyon Avenue and Wellesley Avenue.

Kensington PD was notified about 6 hours later and it was determined the left front axle had been broken and the parked vehicle was eventually towed away. An investigation was initiated and today at about noon, with the help of the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office, the vehicle was located in El Sobrante. The driver was identified and cited for CVC 20002(a) -Misdemeanor Hit and Run by Kensington PD Lt. Harms, who was conducting the follow up investigation in the area.

Thanks Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office!

Tree work on Arlington Ave next week. Give yourself an extra 5-10 mins.

https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2809

Contra Costa County, CA Tree Work on Arlington Boulevard

The winning police dept gets $500 to donate toward a school. Pre-pandemic, Kensington Hilltop Elementary hosted a couple of movie nights each year. (Hint: Kensington PD’s entry would go great to support movie night.) Please vote!

Vote For Your Favorite Pumpkin! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5X6VBWK

Save the Date!

https://www.kensingtonfire.org/paper-shred-pharmaceutical-drop-off-event

Paper Shred & Pharmaceutical Drop-Off Event. The Kensington Fire Protection District will be holding a paper shredding and pharmaceutical collection event on Saturday, November 13, 2021, from 11:…

If you had reservations for tennis at Kensington Park tomorrow, you’ll have to use the back gate.