QUESTION: If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be?

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The post The Water Cooler – If You Could Swap Jobs With Anyone For A Day, Who Would It Be? appeared first on CLAYCORD.com.

The Concord Police Department is urging motorists to stay focused behind the wheel as part of the National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April.

Police said officers will increase enforcement efforts targeting violations of the state’s hands-free cell phone law, which prohibits drivers from holding electronic devices while operating a vehicle, even at a stoplight.

“Distracted driving continues to put everyone on the road at risk,” Concord Police Chief Mark Bustillos said in a statement, warning that even brief distractions can lead to serious consequences.

According to a 2025 statewide survey, more than 70% of drivers cited texting or phone use as their top safety concern. Authorities said 158 people were killed in distracted driving crashes in California in 2023, a 6.8% increase from the previous year.

Officials reminded drivers to silence or store their phones, set navigation before driving, and avoid activities such as eating or adjusting controls while on the road.

The post Concord Police Crack Down On Distracted Driving, Warn Of Rising Dangers On The Road appeared first on CLAYCORD.com.

Californians took more than 1.2 million rides in commercial self-driving cars in December, a 500% increase in 19 months, according to the Public Utilities Commission.

The autonomous vehicle market, which grew from fewer than 200,000 rides statewide in May 2024, was outlined at a conference on the future of the technology in San Francisco.

The annual Autonomous Vehicles and the City Symposium showed how policymakers and regulatory agencies are confronting new problems that arise from the rapidly growing industry.

AVs have the potential to reduce traffic deaths because they remove the problem of human error, said Adetokunbo Omishakin, the state Secretary of Transportation. California had about 4,000 traffic fatalities in 2023, according to the state Office of Traffic Safety.

“A big responsibility for us is to drive those fatality numbers,” Omishakin said. “Our hope is to reduce the fatality numbers by 30% by reducing crashes caused by human error, AVs hold a powerful potential for saving life.”

AVs also may play a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the future of automated public transit systems.

“If we’re going to be able to achieve those goals, it’s going to continue to take technology to help us,” Omishakin said. “All of these benefits are possible with AVs, but it will take strong partnership and governance and an active commitment to shape the trajectory of this technology into the future.”

The theme of this year’s symposium focused on the challenges of adopting new policies and regulations while not stifling innovation in the AV industry.

“We need to make sure that we are having good regulation to protect public safety and to benefit the public without strangling technology and without putting requirements on AVs that are not possible to meet,” said state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco.

Still, the AI technology in AVs is not at the level where it can be fully automated. In December, for instance, a large-scale power blackout in San Francisco caused traffic jams as Waymo cars were unable to operate.

“There are circumstances in which humans, human help will be really needed and in fact necessary,” said Melody Drummond Hansen, former chief counsel for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. “We thought humans were dangerous, but it turns out that we’ve had all of these recent experiences, whether it’s in the PG&E instance, or it’s in an instance where you’re interrupting an emergency situation.”

One of the issues that is being addressed through legislation is AV interactions with first responders. There have been instances of AVs obstructing emergency responses and getting pulled over for traffic violations.

AB1777, which goes into effect in July, requires all AVs to have a remote operator who can be contacted through a two-way communication system equipped in the vehicles.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles “will be adopting finalizing regulations to implement that law in July, and this is an important first step,” Wiener said.

Other issues under discussion by policymakers include whether to implement age restrictions for minors riding alone in AVs.

“There’s a lot of debate amongst regulators, stakeholders, people in the industry, about whether it’s appropriate to have a child alone in an autonomous vehicle and a commercial autonomous vehicle,” said Rachel Swan, a local news reporter and moderator for one of the speaker panels.

Drummond Hansen suggested that minors should have the ability to use AVs since they are allowed to take other modes of transit unaccompanied.

“We let kids ride the bus by themselves. We let them ride BART by themselves,” she said. “There are all of these other areas where we handle unaccompanied minors.”

The future of AVs and public transit is also in flux.

In San Jose, there is a project underway with the company Glydways to introduce a driverless fleet of vehicles that will connect riders from Diridon Station to San Jose Mineta International Airport.

“I’m actually pretty hopeful about the potential for this,” Omishakin said. “In my opinion, we have to start exploring more and more solutions like this and how it can be incorporated into the broader public transportation system.”

Megan Neese, Head of Insights at Waymo, said most autonomous vehicle projects want to be an added element to existing public transit instead of replacing it.

“Our goal is to try to integrate and complement high-capacity transit,” Neese said. “We do see that Waymo riders do that now.”

“There are people who are of the view that public transportation is obsolete, that AVs are going to eclipse it,” Wiener said. “That is false, and AVs can complement public transportation.”

Speakers agreed that the Bay Area will continue to be a testing ground for adapting to the issues that arise out of the rapidly growing technology.

“We are so often on the lead,” Wiener said. “Sometimes that creates tensions and can create some temporary challenges, but in the end, we get to a better place.”

The post California Sees 500% Surge In Self-Driving Car Rides As Industry Rapidly Expands appeared first on CLAYCORD.com.

The Clayton Police Department reported a relatively calm week of activity between April 10 and April 16, with one arrest, a residential burglary, and a handful of other incidents documented.

According to the department’s weekly log, officers responded to a non-injury traffic accident at Eagle Peak Avenue and Ohlone Heights on April 15 at approximately 1:31 p.m.

Police also made one arrest during the reporting period. On April 14, officers responded to a call on Kenston Drive, where a 48-year-old Clayton woman was taken into custody for allegedly violating a court order related to domestic violence. She was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.

In addition, a residential burglary was reported on Shell Lane on April 12. Authorities did not release further details about the incident.

Two theft-related cases were also noted, including a petty theft from a vehicle near Mitchell Canyon Road and Four Oaks Drive on April 13.

No vandalism incidents were reported during the week.

The post Clayton Crime Roundup – One Arrest, Residential Burglary, And Vehicle Theft Reported appeared first on CLAYCORD.com.

Join Contra Costa Water District on Friday May 15 from 8:40 AM – 3:30 PM for a fun and fascinating day as we follow the journey of your drinking water from source to tap. This free, all-day bus tour takes you from the Delta to your drinking water. You’ll visit key facilities, meet the people who operate them, and learn how we manage and protect your water every step of the way.

REGISTRATION IS FREE, BUT YOU MUST SIGN-UP. CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP.

The post Ever Wonder Where Your Water Comes From? Take This Free Contra Costa Water District Tour! appeared first on CLAYCORD.com.

Happy Friday to all the wonderful citizens in the City of Claycord. This is a post with no subject, you can talk about whatever you want. If breaking news happens (such as a shooting, earthquake, etc.), or you hear about something newsworthy, feel free to post it here.

Please Note: Users who use multiple names will be deleted. Please choose a name so others can easily chat with you. Users must provide a name in the ‘name field’, please do not use the ‘@’ symbol in the name field.

The post Claycord – Talk About Whatever – April 17, 2026 appeared first on CLAYCORD.com.

This post is “Talk About Politics”. Please use this post to talk about politics, and keep politics out of the “whatever” thread. Thank you, and be kind to each other.

Please Note: Users who use multiple names will be deleted. Please choose a name so others can easily chat with you. Users must provide a name in the ‘name field’, please do not use the ‘@’ symbol in the name field.

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As we previously reported, Concord Police are investigating a robbery at the Chevron ExtraMile store on Alberta Way, just off Ygnacio Valley Road. The incident occurred Monday evening, not Monday morning as we initially reported. According to information provided by a store employee, the robbery appeared to be coordinated. The suspect was reportedly dropped off near Pine Hollow Road and New Hampshire Drive around 9:15 p.m., then walked along Pine Hollow Road to the store, where he waited for customers to leave before entering. After the robbery, the suspect fled on foot toward a waiting getaway vehicle described as a newer black Chevrolet Suburban, which had been parked near a nearby PG&E substation. The vehicle then reportedly drove off toward Walnut Creek along Ygnacio Valley Road. The suspect made off with less than $200, according to the employee. Store staff followed company safety protocols during the incident, limiting the amount of cash in the register and prioritizing de-escalation to avoid confrontation or injury. No injuries were reported. Anyone with information should call the Concord Police Department.

The post UPDATE: Concord Robbery Occurred Monday Evening, Not Morning; Suspect Used Getaway Vehicle (PHOTOS) appeared first on CLAYCORD.com.

QUESTION: Do you think Eric Swalwell will end up in prison?

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As it heats up outside, cold-blooded rattlesnakes are getting out to warm up. The East Bay Regional Park District said now that it’s spring, rattlers are emerging from hibernation and getting more active, which will lead to more encounters with humans and dogs, especially along trails and roads. The park district is encouraging people to keep snakes in mind when visiting wild areas and take proper precautions. Snakes are important to the natural environment; They control rodents and other reptile populations. The district said in a statement that snakes should be observed from afar and left alone. Collecting, killing, or removing any plants or animals from East Bay regional parks is illegal. The district recommends that people hike with someone else in case of an emergency and scan the ground ahead as they walk, jog, or ride. Stay on trails and avoid walking in tall grass. Look carefully around and under logs and rocks before sitting down.

People should listen for the buzz of a rattlesnake’s rattle warning that it’s there and should avoid placing hands or feet in places where they cannot see clearly. And keep dogs on a leash. If someone sees a rattlesnake, the district recommends leaving it alone — don’t try capturing or harming it. Move carefully and slowly away or around it to give it plenty of space. If a rattlesnake bites someone, they should stay calm and have someone call 911. Lie down with the affected limb lower than the heart. Getting medical attention quickly is critical — do not use tourniquets, sucking, or snakebite kits. If someone is alone, they should walk calmly to the nearest source of help to dial 911. Don’t run; doing so increases their heart rate and spreads poisoned blood faster through the body. If bitten by another type of snake, wash the wound with soap and water or an antiseptic and seek medical attention. If someone is unsure what kind of snake bit them, check the bite for two puncture marks (in rare cases, one puncture mark) associated with intense, burning pain. This is typical of a rattlesnake bite. Other snakebites may leave multiple teeth marks without associated burning pain. People don’t need to identify the specific type of rattlesnake to receive the correct antivenom. The northern Pacific rattlesnake is the species living in East Bay regional parks.

The post Heads Up, Hikers: It’s Rattlesnake Rush Hour In The East Bay appeared first on CLAYCORD.com.

Join Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery for a behind-the-scenes tour of their recovery facility, where you’ll see firsthand how they optimize the use of the materials they collect and process. During the tour, you’ll see a fascinating blend of human expertise, heavy machinery, and advanced robotics working together as they responsibly manage waste and recover valuable resources from homes, businesses, and construction sites. Don’t miss this special guided tour opportunity. Reserve your spot today: mdrr.com/floor-tour-042026/

The post THIS WEEKEND! Take A Free Tour Of Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery’s Facility In Pittsburg appeared first on CLAYCORD.com.

Concord police are investigating a strong-arm robbery at the Chevron Extra Mile convenience store (formerly Circle K) on Ygnacio Valley Road at Alberta Rd. According to authorities, the incident occurred Monday morning around 9 a.m. when a suspect reached over the counter and grabbed cash directly from an employee’s hand before fleeing the scene. No injuries were reported. Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Concord Police Department.

The post Suspect Snatches Cash From Clerk In Daylight Robbery At Concord Chevron On Ygnacio Valley Rd. appeared first on CLAYCORD.com.

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) released the following statement upon the resignations of Representatives Eric Swalwell (CA-14) and Tony Gonzales (TX-23) from Congress.

“The departures of Mr. Swalwell and Mr. Gonzales from Congress represent steps in a more constructive direction. While they have a right to due process and their individual day in court, it is both a privilege and a sacred responsibility to the public, not a right, to serve in the House of Representatives. Their alleged behavior is an attack on the integrity of the Congress and made them unfit to serve the American public in Congress. Their constituents deserve better. I am horrified, particularly as a member of the Bay Area delegation, to have learned of Mr. Swalwell’s alleged behavior last week and remain committed to ensuring justice for all victims.”

The post Swamp War Erupts: DeSaulnier Condemns Former Colleagues In Scandal-Plagued Congress appeared first on CLAYCORD.com.

QUESTION: What would you do to bring the Iran war to an end?

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The Concord Police Department is reminding drivers to stay alert and avoid distractions behind the wheel as part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April.

Officials say everyday behaviors such as checking a phone, adjusting in-car technology, eating, or changing the radio can significantly increase the risk of crashes. Police plan to step up enforcement throughout the month, focusing on violations of California’s hands-free cell phone law.

“Distracted driving continues to put everyone on the road at risk,” Police Chief Mark Bustillos said in a statement, urging drivers to keep their attention on the road at all times.

According to a statewide survey, more than 70% of drivers identified texting or phone use as their top safety concern. State data also shows that 158 people were killed in distracted driving crashes in California in 2023, marking an increase from the previous year. Officials note that the true number may be higher, as distraction is not always confirmed in crash investigations.

Under California law, drivers are prohibited from holding a phone or electronic device while operating a vehicle, even when stopped at a red light. Violations can result in fines, and repeat offenses within 36 months may add a point to a driver’s record.

Police are encouraging drivers to take simple steps to reduce distractions, including setting navigation before driving, silencing or storing phones out of reach, and pulling over safely if attention is needed elsewhere.

Funding for enforcement efforts is provided through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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