Photo: Los Medanos College
By Juliet V. Casey, Director of Marketing, Los Medanos College
Pittsburg, Calif. – Ten students from Los Medanos College (LMC) will present their work at the 2025 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). This is the second time LMC research has risen to warrant national exposure in a field dominated by four-year universities.
The conference will be held April 7 in Pittsburgh, PA.
“Undergraduate research opportunities are incredibly important for students, and I am so proud that Los Medanos College intentionally provides research opportunities within our science courses,” LMC President Pamela Ralston said. “It’s wonderful to see so many of our students selected to present on a national stage.”
LMC was among the first community colleges to adopt STEM course-based research in 2014 and was one of the first members of the National Science Foundation-funded for the Community College Undergraduate Research Initiative in 2015.
Biology professor Briana McCarthy, who was among the faculty spearheading the initiative for LMC, said that when the grant cycle ended in 2018, the college sought another well-respected venue where students could present their research and found NCUR.
“This will be our second year to bring a group of students to NCUR,” McCarthy said. “This is our biggest group yet!” The college sent seven students to the conference last year, when LMC was one of only a handful of community colleges selected to participate.
The national conference, organized by the Council on Undergraduate Research, promotes high-quality, mentored undergraduate research, scholarship and creative inquiry.
Lindsay Currie, executive officer of the Council on Undergraduate Research, said the critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration skills that undergraduates attain through research are essential in today’s world.
“When colleges and universities actively involve undergraduates in research, they are not only shaping the next generation of scholars and leaders but also accelerating discovery and advancement across disciplines,” Currie said. “The earlier we invest in research experiences, the faster we can drive innovation and progress, while ensuring we have an equipped future workforce.”
Currie said abstract submissions for the conference are on the rise. The event drew 3,500 submissions in 2023 and 4,000 in 2024. The conference is set to surpass 4,000 submissions in 2025. The growth in submissions reflects the growing recognition of undergraduate research as a vital part of academic and professional development, she said.
“The increase in submissions demonstrates that students and institutions alike see the value in presenting research, engaging with peers and mentors, and contributing to the broader scholarly conversation,” Currie said.
LMC STEM Students Presenting at NCUR
Zarah Abatcha – Examining Effects of Indole-3-Acetic Acid and Phosphorus Deprivation On Root And Shoot Growth In Brachypodium Distachyon (Faculty advisor: Dr. Jill Bouchard)
Michaela Aquino – The Impact of Home-Cooked Shrimp Flavors on Chitin’s Effectiveness in Adsorbing Methylene Blue Dye from Wastewater (Faculty advisor: Dr. Mindy Capes)
Maddy Delauter – Owl pellets as bio-indicators for heavy metals (Faculty advisor: Professor Briana McCarthy)
Jonathan Mattes – Preparation of Banana Peel Effect on Adsorption of Anionic and Cationic Dyes (Faculty advisor: Dr. Mindy Capes)
Jazmyn Montes – Adsorption of Methylene Blue using Fish Scales and Fish Chitin (Faculty advisor: Dr. Mindy Capes)
Daniel Murillo – Adsorption of Methylene Blue using Fish Scales and Fish Chitin (Faculty advisor: Dr. Mindy Capes)
Carolina Padilla – Adsorption of Anionic and Cationic Dyes with Pumpkin Peels (Faculty advisor: Dr. Mindy Capes)
Jin Christian Rimando – Predictive Modelling of Wildfire Dynamics: Analyzing the Park and Borel Fires through Satellite Imagery to Enhance Fire Management in California (Faculty Advisor: Professor Julie von Bergen)
Jonathan Reed Ryan – Repurposing Grape Pomace as a Bioabsorbent for Removal of Methylene Blue (Faculty advisor: Dr. Mindy Capes)
Brianna Wolf – Abundance of Azolla filiculoides on Dissolved Oxygen Concentration (Faculty advisor: Professor Briana McCarthy)
About Los Medanos College (LMC): LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District, serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood.
About NCUR 2025
The 2025 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) is dedicated to promoting undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activity in all fields of study by sponsoring an annual conference for students. Unlike meetings of academic professional organizations, this gathering of student scholars welcomes presenters from all institutions of higher learning and from all disciplines. Overall, this conference offers a unique environment for the celebration and promotion of undergraduate student achievement; provides models of exemplary research, scholarship, and creative activity; and offers student career readiness development. Find out more about the history of NCUR here.
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Photos: Brentwood PD
6th arrest in less than 4 years
By Brentwood Police Department
On March 15th in the early afternoon, one of our day shift officers located a vehicle, stolen out of Concord four days earlier, parked in a parking lot in one of our apartment complexes.
The driver of the vehicle, 35-year-old Gustavo Montano-Razo from Concord (born 6/8/1989), ran from the vehicle but after a short foot pursuit the officer apprehended him safely. A search of Montano-Razo, who was also on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS), revealed suspected narcotics on his person. Stolen mail, including tax documents from a different apartment complex in Brentwood, were also found in the vehicle. Montano-Razo was booked into jail.
Especially during tax season, criminals are often looking for confidential and personal information that they can use to steal someone’s identity. We would like to remind our residents to keep an eye out for anyone suspicious or loitering around mailboxes. Together we can make Brentwood safer for everyone.
According to localcrimenews.com, this is the sixth time Montano-Razo has been arrested since 2021. His other arrests include assault with any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, vehicle theft, grand theft, burglary and drug possession.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 210-pound Hispanic man is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Company provides services in Concord
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office
Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton announces, in conjunction with five other District Attorneys in California, a $1.275 million settlement with WaveDivision Holdings, LLC — which operates under the brand name “Astound Broadband” within California – over environmental violations. Concord is the only city in Contra Costa County in which Astound provides internet, television and phone services.
WaveDivision Holdings, which provides telecommunication services including cable and internet, was jointly investigated by five District Attorneys’ Offices and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Waste inspections at Astound facilities in Contra Costa, San Francisco, Yolo and Placer counties revealed the unlawful disposal of hazardous waste generated by WaveDivision Holdings including electronic equipment, silicone gels, sealants and batteries. The hazardous waste was improperly being directed to municipal landfills instead of authorized hazardous waste disposal facilities.
Hazardous waste can cause serious harm to the environment and the public if not properly disposed. For example, splitters and power taps found in the inspections contained lead as well as lithium and alkaline batteries were recovered.
“Businesses must be held accountable for conduct that harms the environment,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “WaveDivision Holdings cooperated with the investigation and has since implemented training programs to properly manage and dispose of hazardous waste, ensuring future compliance.”
Under the settlement agreement, WaveDivision will pay:
• $875,000 in civil penalties
• $300,000 for reimbursement of investigative costs
• $100,000 for Supplemental Environmental Projects
Additionally, the company is subject to an injunction requiring strict compliance with hazardous waste laws and implementation of compliance measures to prevent future violations.
The complaint was filed in Contra Costa Superior Court on March 18, 2025, by Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe, San Luis Obispo District Attorney Dan Dow, Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig, and Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire. Judge Danielle K. Douglas signed the order on the same day the complaint was filed.
Case No. C25-00758 | The People of the State of California v. WaveDivision Holdings, LLC
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Source: Recall District Attorney Diana Becton
Organizers hope Diana Becton’s luck has run out; have 160 days to gather signatures of 73,000 voters; election may not happen until next March
By Allen D. Payton
With less than two years left in her term and over a year after posting about their effort on social media, organizers announced on Monday, March 17, 2025, Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton was served with recall papers. They cite a “persistent cycle of unaddressed criminal activity” and “empty promises to victims and their families.”
Source: Recall District Attorney Diana Becton (Redacted by organizers)
In an announcement on their website on Tuesday, organizers wrote, “District Attorney Diana Becton has been served with the Notice of Intent to recall her from office on March 17, 2025. This recall notice was delivered in person, as shown in a video recording, while she was entering the back entrance of the DA’s office. Furthermore, the notice of intention was filed with the Contra Costa County Elections office today. Out of the 121 signatures collected, 103 were validated, exceeding the recall group’s requirement of 100 valid signatures for the initiative to proceed. Diana Becton now has seven days to respond to the Notice of Intention.
The petition declares, ‘We, the victims of crime, their families, local business owners and employees, as well as residents of Contra Costa County, have reached our limit and are initiating the recall of District Attorney Diana Becton. We are increasingly concerned about the persistent cycle of unaddressed criminal activity. We are frustrated by her continuous empty promises to victims and their families that justice will prevail while she permits criminals to roam free. Her lack of transparency regarding crime in this county and her attempts to keep offenders out of jail have left us disheartened. We stand for the residents of Contra Costa County because everyone deserves to live in a safe environment. We advocate for all crime victims who feel ignored, exasperated, and hopeless in their pursuit of justice for themselves or their loved ones. We support the business owners who endure constant thefts and burglaries from repeat offenders while Becton turns a blind eye. District Attorney Diana Becton is compromising the safety of our community and failing to address the needs of victims. We are committed to restoring justice, starting with the urgent recall of District Attorney Diana Becton.’
The organizers of the recall will be arranging a press conference soon. For any questions or inquiries, please reach out via email to recalldianabecton@gmail.com or info@recalldianabecton.org.”
The brief video on the website shows Becton being served with the recall papers as she walked into a building.
Source: Recall District Attorney Diana Becton
In addition, the website reveals a photo and list of the 10 recall organizers as promised to the Herald in an email dated Sept. 6, 2024, as well as the victims they represent. They include:
Top Row
1. Zelma Johnson – Grandmother of Damond Lazenby Jr.
2. Stephen Arellano – Father of Thomas Arellano
3. Gwyn Gabe – Father of Alexis Gabe
4. Kelly Melton – Aunt of Allie Sweitzer
5. Monte’ Corley – Brother of Stacy Dewayne Corley Jr.
6. Emileigh Faulkner – Cousin of Allie Sweitzer
Bottom Row
7. Carol Ann Sherman – Granddaughter of Carmen Vasquez
8. Erica Esperanza Cano – Ex-Wife of Anthony Hernandez
9. Jessica Frances Gabe Zuasola – Cousin of Alexis Gabe
10. Christopher Rodriguez – Stepfather of Allie Sweitzer
According to a December 2024 report by Richmondside, “Contra Costa County’s Registrar of Voters told Richmondside there are about 729,500 registered voters in the county, so the recall team will need to gather, at minimum, about 73,000 signatures,” or 10 percent as required in local jurisdictions with 100,000 or more registered voters.
According to the California Secretary of State’s Procedures for Recalling State and Local Officials, the organizers will have 160 days to accomplish that requirement.
In addition, the procedures require, “If there are more than 500 signatures to verify, the elections department has 60 days to determine if there are enough valid signatures, and the elections department can use random sampling techniques. However, if the elections department determines that a 60-day window “could cause the recall election to be ineligible for consolidation with the next regularly scheduled election,” the process must be finished in 30 days instead of 60.
“The relevant governing body (Board of Supervisors) must call for an election within 14 days after the meeting at which the certificate of sufficiency for the recall petition was presented. If the governing body fails to issue the order within 14 days, the county elections official, within 5 days, shall set the date for holding the election.
“The election shall be held not less than 88 nor more than 125 days after the issuance of the order. However, the election may be conducted within 180 days after the issuance of the order so that the election may be consolidated with a regularly scheduled election.” The latest the recall election could occur is next March.
Due to new state laws passed by the legislature and signed by Newsom in 2022, local recalls no longer include a simultaneous replacement election. Instead, should Becton be recalled, then her position will remain vacant until the Board of Supervisors appoints her replacement or holds another election. If appointed or elected, that person would fill the remainder of Becton’s term until December 2026 when a new DA is elected during either the Primary Election on June 2, 2026, when Becton faces re-election should she decide to run, or during the runoff in the General Election on November 3, 2026.
Becton could end up running in both the 2026 District Attorney election and the recall election at the same time, as she could be required to file for re-election before the date of the recall election should it be held next March. If she’s both recalled and re-elected, Becton would be out of office immediately following certification of the recall election and until being sworn in again next December.
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Photo: Granicus LLC
With Granicus, LLC developed notification program
By Dawn Kruger, Community and Media Relations Coordinator, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder’s Office
Martinez, CA-The Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder’s Office is pleased to announce the launch of a new online tool that property owners can use to add an extra layer of security for recordings. The opt-in tool allows those with recorded documents to be notified of any new recording activity related to property. Property owners who go online to our Real Estate Recording Notification Alert page https://www.contracostavote.gov/recorder/fraud-protection/real-estate-recording-notification-program/ can sign up to receive an email notification anytime a document related to the property address, parcel number, or name associated with the property is indexed after recording.
As part of the department’s commitment to transparency, the Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder Division staff worked closely with Granicus, LLC, a longtime vendor, to develop a real estate recording notification program to help customers stay informed about any activity related to their property recordings. The notification program is optional, and property owners can sign up on the Clerk-Recorder website.
“Our office is always looking for ways to offer as much security as possible to property owners,” said Kristin B. Connelly, Clerk-Recorder for Contra Costa County. “This real estate recording notification program, along with our partnership with the District Attorney’s office to protect homeowners from fraudulent transfers of ownership, offers an important layer of security to Contra Costa County property owners.”
The launch of the real estate recording notification program is just one of the many ways that the Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder works tirelessly to ensure our residents are informed and protected from fraud.
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Faces up to 10 years in prison, $250,000 fine; detention hearing on St. Patrick’s Day
By U.S. Attorney – Northern District of California
OAKLAND – A Brentwood man has been charged with unlawful possession of a machine gun conversion device. Noah Kanaye Bauer, 21 (born 12/13/2003), was arrested yesterday and made his initial appearance in federal district court in Oakland this morning.
According to the criminal complaint and court documents unsealed on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, on Sept. 6, 2024, officers with the Brentwood Police Department (BPD) responded to a call regarding an individual with a firearm at a grocery store in Brentwood and found Bauer with a 3D printed Glock style firearm. Officers allegedly removed the firearm from the front of Bauer’s waistband and saw that there was no serial number on it. In a search of Bauer’s home after his arrest for carrying a concealed weapon, BPD officers found a 3D printing machine, three 3D printed pistol frames, and a 3D printed machine gun conversion device in Bauer’s room.
The complaint describes that machine gun conversion devices, also known as “switches” or “auto sears,” are designed and created for the purpose of converting a semi-automatic Glock type pistol into a fully automatic machine gun. When BPD officers questioned Bauer on what the conversion devices were used for, Bauer allegedly stated, “to make it shoot faster.”
Bauer is next scheduled to appear in court on March 17, 2025, for a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kandis A. Westmore.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.
Bauer is charged with one count of 18 U.S.C. § 922(o). A complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The National Security and Special Prosecutions Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting this case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI with assistance from the BPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
According to a report by crimevoice.com, the incident occurred at the Raley’s grocery store on
Sand Creek Road. Bauer’s arrest in September 2024 prompted an FBI investigation of him conducted
by the domestic terrorism squad of the San Francisco field office.
According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, nine-inch tall, 145-pound Bauer is Hispanic and being held on no bail in the West County Detention Facility.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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By Contra Costa CHP
ORINDA, Calif. – A two-vehicle crash early this morning has resulted in fatal injuries to one driver.
On March 14, 2025, at approximately 8:20 a.m., officers assigned to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Contra Costa Area office responded to a two-vehicle crash which occurred on Hwy 24 eastbound at Wilder Road in Orinda.
Our preliminary investigation indicates a blue Ford Flex, solely occupied by an adult male driver, was traveling eastbound on SR-24 at Wilder Road, when, for reasons still under investigation, it crashed into the rear of a red Toyota Corolla traveling in the same direction.
The adult male driver and sole occupant of the Toyota was uninjured. The driver of the Ford, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and was tragically pronounced deceased at the scene. It is still under investigation whether DUI was a factor in this crash.
All lanes of SR-24 eastbound were closed at approximately 8:44 a.m., for on-scene investigation, and were re-opened at approximately 11:34 a.m.
According to Officer Dan Gilmore, CHP-Contra Costa PIO, the deceased was 32 years old.
This crash remains under investigation. If anyone witnessed the incident or the events leading up to it, please contact the Contra Costa Area office in Martinez at (925) 646-4980 or email your contact information to 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov to be contacted by the investigating officer.
The Mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Video screenshots of the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office Helicopter STARR3 water rescue in Hercules on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Source: CCCSheriff
Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office Helicopter STARR3 water rescue
By Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office
On Saturday, March 1, 2025, at about 3 PM, Sheriff’s Office Marine Services Unit deputy sheriffs were dispatched to the Hercules shoreline for an overturned boat with a victim in the water. Sheriff’s Office helicopter STARR3 also responded to assist.
STARR3 arrived on scene and located a capsized boat about 200 feet off the shoreline with one person who was in distress. The helicopter landed nearby and set up for a water rescue. A STARR3 crew member was short-hauled to the victim where he performed a water rescue and brought the victim to paramedics waiting nearby.
STARR3 located another victim about 2 feet underwater. The STARR3 crew member performed a short-haul rescue of the second victim who was taken to paramedics.
Both victims were transported to nearby hospitals, where one was later pronounced deceased.
The Sheriff’s Office Marine Services Unit is investigating this incident. Anyone with any information is asked to call (925) 754-0718.
See video.
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Burglary suspect Lacy William Ball was arrested on March 7, 2025. Photos: Pleasant Hill PD
Arrested again on March 12 for first-degree burglary by Concord PD
45-year-old Lacy Ball has some ‘splaining’ to do!
By Pleasant Hill Police Department
Great investigation by our Patrol Officers!
This past Friday night (March 7, 2025), our officers responded to a residential burglary in the Pleasant Valley neighborhood. Thanks to quick action and surveillance footage, they were able to identify the suspect as 45-year-old Lacy William Ball (born 8/1/79) of Pleasant Hill.
Ball was located in Pleasant Hill and arrested for burglary in the 1400 block of Contra Costa Blvd. Officers also recovered stolen property, which was returned to the victim.
A big thank you to our Patrol Officers and the watchful neighbors who helped bring this case to a swift resolution!
According to the Pleasant Hill PD website, the five-feet, 10-inch tall, 205-pound Ball is White with blonde hair and blue eyes and is unemployed.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, he is Hispanic, five-feet, nine inches tall, 170 pounds with blue eyes and grey hair, was arrested again by Concord Police on March 12 at 9:42 AM and is being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail. Ball faces two counts of first-degree burglary and his next court date is scheduled for 8:30 AM on April 17, 2025, in Superior Court in Martinez.
According to localcrimenews.com, Ball was also arrested four previous times, twice for burglary in 2023 by Concord Police and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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These awards from the Northern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) highlight the City of San Pablo’s extraordinary vision and dedication that are transforming San Pablo into a safer, greener, and more sustainable community. Source: City of San Pablo
By Carl Dameron, Vice President of Public Relations, Strategy Research Institute
The City of San Pablo took home three major awards at the 2025 APWA Project Awards Ceremony, hosted by the Northern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association, on February 20, 2025.
The Rumrill Blvd. Complete Streets Project won both the Small Cities Transportation Project of the Year award and the prestigious Project of the Year awards.
Rendering of improvements to Rumrill Blvd. between Costa Avenue and Market Avenue. Source: City of San Pablo
Additionally, the San Pablo Public Works Department received the Exceptional Performance in Sustainable Practices award, recognizing the City’s commitment to innovative, sustainable projects that benefit both the community and the environment.
Rendering of improvements to Rumrill Blvd. between Market Avenue and San Pablo Avenue. Source: City of San Pablo
“This is an acknowledgement of the City’s commitment to making San Pablo a wonderful community where to reside,” said Allan Panganiban, Public Works Director/City Engineer.
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Photo: Los Medanos College
By Juliet V. Casey, Director of Marketing, Los Medanos College
Pittsburg, Calif. – Ten students from Los Medanos College (LMC) will present their work at the 2025 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). This is the second time LMC research has risen to warrant national exposure in a field dominated by four-year universities.
The conference will be held April 7 in Pittsburgh, PA.
“Undergraduate research opportunities are incredibly important for students, and I am so proud that Los Medanos College intentionally provides research opportunities within our science courses,” LMC President Pamela Ralston said. “It’s wonderful to see so many of our students selected to present on a national stage.”
LMC was among the first community colleges to adopt STEM course-based research in 2014 and was one of the first members of the National Science Foundation-funded for the Community College Undergraduate Research Initiative in 2015.
Biology professor Briana McCarthy, who was among the faculty spearheading the initiative for LMC, said that when the grant cycle ended in 2018, the college sought another well-respected venue where students could present their research and found NCUR.
“This will be our second year to bring a group of students to NCUR,” McCarthy said. “This is our biggest group yet!” The college sent seven students to the conference last year, when LMC was one of only a handful of community colleges selected to participate.
The national conference, organized by the Council on Undergraduate Research, promotes high-quality, mentored undergraduate research, scholarship and creative inquiry.
Lindsay Currie, executive officer of the Council on Undergraduate Research, said the critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration skills that undergraduates attain through research are essential in today’s world.
“When colleges and universities actively involve undergraduates in research, they are not only shaping the next generation of scholars and leaders but also accelerating discovery and advancement across disciplines,” Currie said. “The earlier we invest in research experiences, the faster we can drive innovation and progress, while ensuring we have an equipped future workforce.”
Currie said abstract submissions for the conference are on the rise. The event drew 3,500 submissions in 2023 and 4,000 in 2024. The conference is set to surpass 4,000 submissions in 2025. The growth in submissions reflects the growing recognition of undergraduate research as a vital part of academic and professional development, she said.
“The increase in submissions demonstrates that students and institutions alike see the value in presenting research, engaging with peers and mentors, and contributing to the broader scholarly conversation,” Currie said.
LMC STEM Students Presenting at NCUR
Zarah Abatcha – Examining Effects of Indole-3-Acetic Acid and Phosphorus Deprivation On Root And Shoot Growth In Brachypodium Distachyon (Faculty advisor: Dr. Jill Bouchard)
Michaela Aquino – The Impact of Home-Cooked Shrimp Flavors on Chitin’s Effectiveness in Adsorbing Methylene Blue Dye from Wastewater (Faculty advisor: Dr. Mindy Capes)
Maddy Delauter – Owl pellets as bio-indicators for heavy metals (Faculty advisor: Professor Briana McCarthy)
Jonathan Mattes – Preparation of Banana Peel Effect on Adsorption of Anionic and Cationic Dyes (Faculty advisor: Dr. Mindy Capes)
Jazmyn Montes – Adsorption of Methylene Blue using Fish Scales and Fish Chitin (Faculty advisor: Dr. Mindy Capes)
Daniel Murillo – Adsorption of Methylene Blue using Fish Scales and Fish Chitin (Faculty advisor: Dr. Mindy Capes)
Carolina Padilla – Adsorption of Anionic and Cationic Dyes with Pumpkin Peels (Faculty advisor: Dr. Mindy Capes)
Jin Christian Rimando – Predictive Modelling of Wildfire Dynamics: Analyzing the Park and Borel Fires through Satellite Imagery to Enhance Fire Management in California (Faculty Advisor: Professor Julie von Bergen)
Jonathan Reed Ryan – Repurposing Grape Pomace as a Bioabsorbent for Removal of Methylene Blue (Faculty advisor: Dr. Mindy Capes)
Brianna Wolf – Abundance of Azolla filiculoides on Dissolved Oxygen Concentration (Faculty advisor: Professor Briana McCarthy)
About Los Medanos College (LMC): LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District, serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood.
About NCUR 2025
The 2025 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) is dedicated to promoting undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activity in all fields of study by sponsoring an annual conference for students. Unlike meetings of academic professional organizations, this gathering of student scholars welcomes presenters from all institutions of higher learning and from all disciplines. Overall, this conference offers a unique environment for the celebration and promotion of undergraduate student achievement; provides models of exemplary research, scholarship, and creative activity; and offers student career readiness development. Find out more about the history of NCUR here.
Read More
Photos: Brentwood PD
6th arrest in less than 4 years
By Brentwood Police Department
On March 15th in the early afternoon, one of our day shift officers located a vehicle, stolen out of Concord four days earlier, parked in a parking lot in one of our apartment complexes.
The driver of the vehicle, 35-year-old Gustavo Montano-Razo from Concord (born 6/8/1989), ran from the vehicle but after a short foot pursuit the officer apprehended him safely. A search of Montano-Razo, who was also on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS), revealed suspected narcotics on his person. Stolen mail, including tax documents from a different apartment complex in Brentwood, were also found in the vehicle. Montano-Razo was booked into jail.
Especially during tax season, criminals are often looking for confidential and personal information that they can use to steal someone’s identity. We would like to remind our residents to keep an eye out for anyone suspicious or loitering around mailboxes. Together we can make Brentwood safer for everyone.
According to localcrimenews.com, this is the sixth time Montano-Razo has been arrested since 2021. His other arrests include assault with any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, vehicle theft, grand theft, burglary and drug possession.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 210-pound Hispanic man is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Company provides services in Concord
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office
Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton announces, in conjunction with five other District Attorneys in California, a $1.275 million settlement with WaveDivision Holdings, LLC — which operates under the brand name “Astound Broadband” within California – over environmental violations. Concord is the only city in Contra Costa County in which Astound provides internet, television and phone services.
WaveDivision Holdings, which provides telecommunication services including cable and internet, was jointly investigated by five District Attorneys’ Offices and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Waste inspections at Astound facilities in Contra Costa, San Francisco, Yolo and Placer counties revealed the unlawful disposal of hazardous waste generated by WaveDivision Holdings including electronic equipment, silicone gels, sealants and batteries. The hazardous waste was improperly being directed to municipal landfills instead of authorized hazardous waste disposal facilities.
Hazardous waste can cause serious harm to the environment and the public if not properly disposed. For example, splitters and power taps found in the inspections contained lead as well as lithium and alkaline batteries were recovered.
“Businesses must be held accountable for conduct that harms the environment,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “WaveDivision Holdings cooperated with the investigation and has since implemented training programs to properly manage and dispose of hazardous waste, ensuring future compliance.”
Under the settlement agreement, WaveDivision will pay:
• $875,000 in civil penalties
• $300,000 for reimbursement of investigative costs
• $100,000 for Supplemental Environmental Projects
Additionally, the company is subject to an injunction requiring strict compliance with hazardous waste laws and implementation of compliance measures to prevent future violations.
The complaint was filed in Contra Costa Superior Court on March 18, 2025, by Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe, San Luis Obispo District Attorney Dan Dow, Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig, and Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire. Judge Danielle K. Douglas signed the order on the same day the complaint was filed.
Case No. C25-00758 | The People of the State of California v. WaveDivision Holdings, LLC
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreSource: Recall District Attorney Diana Becton
Organizers hope Diana Becton’s luck has run out; have 160 days to gather signatures of 73,000 voters; election may not happen until next March
By Allen D. Payton
With less than two years left in her term and over a year after posting about their effort on social media, organizers announced on Monday, March 17, 2025, Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton was served with recall papers. They cite a “persistent cycle of unaddressed criminal activity” and “empty promises to victims and their families.”
Source: Recall District Attorney Diana Becton (Redacted by organizers)
In an announcement on their website on Tuesday, organizers wrote, “District Attorney Diana Becton has been served with the Notice of Intent to recall her from office on March 17, 2025. This recall notice was delivered in person, as shown in a video recording, while she was entering the back entrance of the DA’s office. Furthermore, the notice of intention was filed with the Contra Costa County Elections office today. Out of the 121 signatures collected, 103 were validated, exceeding the recall group’s requirement of 100 valid signatures for the initiative to proceed. Diana Becton now has seven days to respond to the Notice of Intention.
The petition declares, ‘We, the victims of crime, their families, local business owners and employees, as well as residents of Contra Costa County, have reached our limit and are initiating the recall of District Attorney Diana Becton. We are increasingly concerned about the persistent cycle of unaddressed criminal activity. We are frustrated by her continuous empty promises to victims and their families that justice will prevail while she permits criminals to roam free. Her lack of transparency regarding crime in this county and her attempts to keep offenders out of jail have left us disheartened. We stand for the residents of Contra Costa County because everyone deserves to live in a safe environment. We advocate for all crime victims who feel ignored, exasperated, and hopeless in their pursuit of justice for themselves or their loved ones. We support the business owners who endure constant thefts and burglaries from repeat offenders while Becton turns a blind eye. District Attorney Diana Becton is compromising the safety of our community and failing to address the needs of victims. We are committed to restoring justice, starting with the urgent recall of District Attorney Diana Becton.’
The organizers of the recall will be arranging a press conference soon. For any questions or inquiries, please reach out via email to recalldianabecton@gmail.com or info@recalldianabecton.org.”
The brief video on the website shows Becton being served with the recall papers as she walked into a building.
Source: Recall District Attorney Diana Becton
In addition, the website reveals a photo and list of the 10 recall organizers as promised to the Herald in an email dated Sept. 6, 2024, as well as the victims they represent. They include:
Top Row
1. Zelma Johnson – Grandmother of Damond Lazenby Jr.
2. Stephen Arellano – Father of Thomas Arellano
3. Gwyn Gabe – Father of Alexis Gabe
4. Kelly Melton – Aunt of Allie Sweitzer
5. Monte’ Corley – Brother of Stacy Dewayne Corley Jr.
6. Emileigh Faulkner – Cousin of Allie Sweitzer
Bottom Row
7. Carol Ann Sherman – Granddaughter of Carmen Vasquez
8. Erica Esperanza Cano – Ex-Wife of Anthony Hernandez
9. Jessica Frances Gabe Zuasola – Cousin of Alexis Gabe
10. Christopher Rodriguez – Stepfather of Allie Sweitzer
According to a December 2024 report by Richmondside, “Contra Costa County’s Registrar of Voters told Richmondside there are about 729,500 registered voters in the county, so the recall team will need to gather, at minimum, about 73,000 signatures,” or 10 percent as required in local jurisdictions with 100,000 or more registered voters.
According to the California Secretary of State’s Procedures for Recalling State and Local Officials, the organizers will have 160 days to accomplish that requirement.
In addition, the procedures require, “If there are more than 500 signatures to verify, the elections department has 60 days to determine if there are enough valid signatures, and the elections department can use random sampling techniques. However, if the elections department determines that a 60-day window “could cause the recall election to be ineligible for consolidation with the next regularly scheduled election,” the process must be finished in 30 days instead of 60.
“The relevant governing body (Board of Supervisors) must call for an election within 14 days after the meeting at which the certificate of sufficiency for the recall petition was presented. If the governing body fails to issue the order within 14 days, the county elections official, within 5 days, shall set the date for holding the election.
“The election shall be held not less than 88 nor more than 125 days after the issuance of the order. However, the election may be conducted within 180 days after the issuance of the order so that the election may be consolidated with a regularly scheduled election.” The latest the recall election could occur is next March.
Due to new state laws passed by the legislature and signed by Newsom in 2022, local recalls no longer include a simultaneous replacement election. Instead, should Becton be recalled, then her position will remain vacant until the Board of Supervisors appoints her replacement or holds another election. If appointed or elected, that person would fill the remainder of Becton’s term until December 2026 when a new DA is elected during either the Primary Election on June 2, 2026, when Becton faces re-election should she decide to run, or during the runoff in the General Election on November 3, 2026.
Becton could end up running in both the 2026 District Attorney election and the recall election at the same time, as she could be required to file for re-election before the date of the recall election should it be held next March. If she’s both recalled and re-elected, Becton would be out of office immediately following certification of the recall election and until being sworn in again next December.
Read MorePhoto: Granicus LLC
With Granicus, LLC developed notification program
By Dawn Kruger, Community and Media Relations Coordinator, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder’s Office
Martinez, CA-The Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder’s Office is pleased to announce the launch of a new online tool that property owners can use to add an extra layer of security for recordings. The opt-in tool allows those with recorded documents to be notified of any new recording activity related to property. Property owners who go online to our Real Estate Recording Notification Alert page https://www.contracostavote.gov/recorder/fraud-protection/real-estate-recording-notification-program/ can sign up to receive an email notification anytime a document related to the property address, parcel number, or name associated with the property is indexed after recording.
As part of the department’s commitment to transparency, the Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder Division staff worked closely with Granicus, LLC, a longtime vendor, to develop a real estate recording notification program to help customers stay informed about any activity related to their property recordings. The notification program is optional, and property owners can sign up on the Clerk-Recorder website.
“Our office is always looking for ways to offer as much security as possible to property owners,” said Kristin B. Connelly, Clerk-Recorder for Contra Costa County. “This real estate recording notification program, along with our partnership with the District Attorney’s office to protect homeowners from fraudulent transfers of ownership, offers an important layer of security to Contra Costa County property owners.”
The launch of the real estate recording notification program is just one of the many ways that the Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder works tirelessly to ensure our residents are informed and protected from fraud.
Read MoreFaces up to 10 years in prison, $250,000 fine; detention hearing on St. Patrick’s Day
By U.S. Attorney – Northern District of California
OAKLAND – A Brentwood man has been charged with unlawful possession of a machine gun conversion device. Noah Kanaye Bauer, 21 (born 12/13/2003), was arrested yesterday and made his initial appearance in federal district court in Oakland this morning.
According to the criminal complaint and court documents unsealed on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, on Sept. 6, 2024, officers with the Brentwood Police Department (BPD) responded to a call regarding an individual with a firearm at a grocery store in Brentwood and found Bauer with a 3D printed Glock style firearm. Officers allegedly removed the firearm from the front of Bauer’s waistband and saw that there was no serial number on it. In a search of Bauer’s home after his arrest for carrying a concealed weapon, BPD officers found a 3D printing machine, three 3D printed pistol frames, and a 3D printed machine gun conversion device in Bauer’s room.
The complaint describes that machine gun conversion devices, also known as “switches” or “auto sears,” are designed and created for the purpose of converting a semi-automatic Glock type pistol into a fully automatic machine gun. When BPD officers questioned Bauer on what the conversion devices were used for, Bauer allegedly stated, “to make it shoot faster.”
Bauer is next scheduled to appear in court on March 17, 2025, for a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kandis A. Westmore.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.
Bauer is charged with one count of 18 U.S.C. § 922(o). A complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The National Security and Special Prosecutions Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting this case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI with assistance from the BPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
According to a report by crimevoice.com, the incident occurred at the Raley’s grocery store on
Sand Creek Road. Bauer’s arrest in September 2024 prompted an FBI investigation of him conducted
by the domestic terrorism squad of the San Francisco field office.
According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, nine-inch tall, 145-pound Bauer is Hispanic and being held on no bail in the West County Detention Facility.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read More
By Contra Costa CHP
ORINDA, Calif. – A two-vehicle crash early this morning has resulted in fatal injuries to one driver.
On March 14, 2025, at approximately 8:20 a.m., officers assigned to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Contra Costa Area office responded to a two-vehicle crash which occurred on Hwy 24 eastbound at Wilder Road in Orinda.
Our preliminary investigation indicates a blue Ford Flex, solely occupied by an adult male driver, was traveling eastbound on SR-24 at Wilder Road, when, for reasons still under investigation, it crashed into the rear of a red Toyota Corolla traveling in the same direction.
The adult male driver and sole occupant of the Toyota was uninjured. The driver of the Ford, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and was tragically pronounced deceased at the scene. It is still under investigation whether DUI was a factor in this crash.
All lanes of SR-24 eastbound were closed at approximately 8:44 a.m., for on-scene investigation, and were re-opened at approximately 11:34 a.m.
According to Officer Dan Gilmore, CHP-Contra Costa PIO, the deceased was 32 years old.
This crash remains under investigation. If anyone witnessed the incident or the events leading up to it, please contact the Contra Costa Area office in Martinez at (925) 646-4980 or email your contact information to 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov to be contacted by the investigating officer.
The Mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreVideo screenshots of the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office Helicopter STARR3 water rescue in Hercules on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Source: CCCSheriff
Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office Helicopter STARR3 water rescue
By Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office
On Saturday, March 1, 2025, at about 3 PM, Sheriff’s Office Marine Services Unit deputy sheriffs were dispatched to the Hercules shoreline for an overturned boat with a victim in the water. Sheriff’s Office helicopter STARR3 also responded to assist.
STARR3 arrived on scene and located a capsized boat about 200 feet off the shoreline with one person who was in distress. The helicopter landed nearby and set up for a water rescue. A STARR3 crew member was short-hauled to the victim where he performed a water rescue and brought the victim to paramedics waiting nearby.
STARR3 located another victim about 2 feet underwater. The STARR3 crew member performed a short-haul rescue of the second victim who was taken to paramedics.
Both victims were transported to nearby hospitals, where one was later pronounced deceased.
The Sheriff’s Office Marine Services Unit is investigating this incident. Anyone with any information is asked to call (925) 754-0718.
See video.
Read MoreBurglary suspect Lacy William Ball was arrested on March 7, 2025. Photos: Pleasant Hill PD
Arrested again on March 12 for first-degree burglary by Concord PD
45-year-old Lacy Ball has some ‘splaining’ to do!
By Pleasant Hill Police Department
Great investigation by our Patrol Officers!
This past Friday night (March 7, 2025), our officers responded to a residential burglary in the Pleasant Valley neighborhood. Thanks to quick action and surveillance footage, they were able to identify the suspect as 45-year-old Lacy William Ball (born 8/1/79) of Pleasant Hill.
Ball was located in Pleasant Hill and arrested for burglary in the 1400 block of Contra Costa Blvd. Officers also recovered stolen property, which was returned to the victim.
A big thank you to our Patrol Officers and the watchful neighbors who helped bring this case to a swift resolution!
According to the Pleasant Hill PD website, the five-feet, 10-inch tall, 205-pound Ball is White with blonde hair and blue eyes and is unemployed.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, he is Hispanic, five-feet, nine inches tall, 170 pounds with blue eyes and grey hair, was arrested again by Concord Police on March 12 at 9:42 AM and is being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail. Ball faces two counts of first-degree burglary and his next court date is scheduled for 8:30 AM on April 17, 2025, in Superior Court in Martinez.
According to localcrimenews.com, Ball was also arrested four previous times, twice for burglary in 2023 by Concord Police and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreThese awards from the Northern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) highlight the City of San Pablo’s extraordinary vision and dedication that are transforming San Pablo into a safer, greener, and more sustainable community. Source: City of San Pablo
By Carl Dameron, Vice President of Public Relations, Strategy Research Institute
The City of San Pablo took home three major awards at the 2025 APWA Project Awards Ceremony, hosted by the Northern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association, on February 20, 2025.
The Rumrill Blvd. Complete Streets Project won both the Small Cities Transportation Project of the Year award and the prestigious Project of the Year awards.
Rendering of improvements to Rumrill Blvd. between Costa Avenue and Market Avenue. Source: City of San Pablo
Additionally, the San Pablo Public Works Department received the Exceptional Performance in Sustainable Practices award, recognizing the City’s commitment to innovative, sustainable projects that benefit both the community and the environment.
Rendering of improvements to Rumrill Blvd. between Market Avenue and San Pablo Avenue. Source: City of San Pablo
“This is an acknowledgement of the City’s commitment to making San Pablo a wonderful community where to reside,” said Allan Panganiban, Public Works Director/City Engineer.
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