Orinda Police Department welcomes their new Investigations Sergeant Michael Berry.

Sergeant Michael Berry has been employed with the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff for over 14 years. As a deputy in the Custody Division, he was assigned to the Martinez Detention Facility, the West County Detention Facility, and the Marsh Creek Detention Facility.  As a deputy in the Patrol Division, he was assigned to County Patrol, Marine Patrol, and the City of Orinda. While working in the City of Orinda, Michael was recognized by MADD for his efforts in driving under the influence (DUI) enforcement.

In July of 2012, Michael was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. His first assignment as a Sergeant was at the West County Detention Facility as a line supervisor. While working at West County Detention Facility, he was the supervisor for the Sheriff's Emergency Response Team (SERT).

Michael is a great addition to the Orinda Police Department and we appreciate the experience he brings. 

The Orinda Police Department is participating in the National Prescription Drug Take Back day on Saturday, April 26th. The Orinda Police Department lobby located at 22 Orinda Way will be open from 10am to 2pm for anyone wishing to dispose of unused and/or expired prescription drugs.

The Federal Drug Enforcement Administration-sponsored free event invites residents to anonymously dispose of their unwanted, unused and expired prescription drugs so they won't endanger the health and safety of others. The event helps reduce the possibility of abuse or theft of the drugs, which are often easily obtained from friends and family. It seeks to curb the alarmingly high rates of prescription drug abuse nationwide, as well as the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses they caused.  

Residents also are cautioned not to flush such drugs down the toilet or throw them in the trash, because that poses potential safety and health hazards.

The City offers year-round  Pharmaceutical drop off in a special bin in the Police Department's lobby.

We received an update from PG&E regarding the work to be performed on the transmission tower south of Highway 24 on Quarry Hill (PG&E Tower No. 116).   In order to meet ground clearance requirements, the height of towers throughout the community will be increased. Most of the work will be done with cranes; however, in some locations a helicopter will be necessary.  According to PG&E, a 15-foot extension to the top of the tower No. 116 will need to be installed by helicopter rather than with a crane as they had originally planned. PG&E is anticipating receipt of the necessary permit from Caltrans, and if received, work is scheduled for May 2 and 3, 2014.  The work should not interfere with regular community activities, but there may be noise from the use of the helicopter.

If you have questions for PG&E about the project you can contact Rory Dimick, customer outreach specialist, at 925-459-6158 or electricreliability@pge.com.  

Each month the City of Orinda in conjunction with Lafayette and Moraga hosts an informational session for active adults. The theme for the Spring and Summer session is the outdoor garden and topics include -  It's for the Birds (and Bees) on May 6, Inside Dirt, June 10, and Garden Habitats on July 8. The cost is only $10 for residents and includes an interactive presentation and lunch. For more information or to register please contact the Orinda Parks and Recreation staff at 925-254-2445.