Contra Costa Herald

Following mental health check, multi-agency effort

20-year veteran of the department

Second cop shot in county Thursday

By Lt. Donald Patchin, Richmond Police Department

RICHMOND, Calif. — At approximately 6:41 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, Contra Costa Health’s A3 Crisis Response was contacted regarding a request to conduct a mental health check on an individual in the 2200 block of Key Boulevard. A3 is Contra Costa County’s behavioral health crisis response program. When circumstances present a potential safety concern, A3 may request assistance from law enforcement. Due to the nature of the call, A3 requested that Richmond Police officers accompany them to the location.

When the first officer arrived at the residence, the officer was struck by gunfire. The officer was immediately transported to a local hospital for treatment and is in stable condition. The officer is expected to survive.

The suspect barricaded inside the residence and continued firing numerous rounds indiscriminately from within the home. Several rounds struck an RPD Patrol vehicle and neighboring residences, but fortunately, no residents or additional personnel were injured.

Screenshot of El Cerrito Police lockdown order on CWS showing the area near the incident. Source: John Gioia

On social media and the County Sheriff’s Community Warning System, Richmond Police issued a shelter-in-place order and El Cerrito Police issued a lockdown order for the nearby neighborhood. The public was informed, “As of 8:00 pm, there is recently law enforcement activity in Richmond near the El Cerrito border. People in the area near Canyon Trail Park and Key Boulevard are advised to LOCK DOWN IN THE NEAREST PLACE POSSIBLE. Go inside, lock all windows and doors. Stay off the phone and do not call 911 unless you need to report a life-threatening emergency. To report suspicious activity, contact El Cerrito Police. Stay indoors until you receive further instructions.” The order was later lifted.

In addition, District 1 Supervisor John Gioia posted on his Facebook page, “Since 8 pm tonight (Thursday) there has been a lockdown ordered for residents in Richmond near the Grocery Outlet due to law enforcement activity. Stay indoors and lock windows and doors if you live in the affected area shown in red below. Police were seen entering the Grocery Outlet. Don’t be curious and attempt to go outdoors. Be safe inside and police will release more info when they deem it appropriate.”

The Richmond Police Department SWAT Team responded with assistance from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, East Bay Regional Park District Police Department, and El Cerrito Police Department. The RPD Crisis Negotiations Team responded and established contact with the suspect in an attempt to bring this incident to a peaceful resolution. Chemical agents were also deployed in an effort to gain the suspect’s compliance.

The suspect eventually exited the residence and was taken into custody without further incident. According to ABC7 News, the suspect was a woman who “was taken into custody after an hourslong standoff.”

We are extremely grateful that our officer is in stable condition and expected to survive. We are also thankful that no residents or assisting personnel were injured despite the significant danger created by the suspect’s indiscriminate gunfire.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, East Bay Regional Park District Police Department, and El Cerrito Police Department for their immediate response and assistance. Their collaboration helped bring this dangerous incident to a peaceful resolution without further injury or loss of life.

Screenshot of a portion PORAC’s post on X Friday, Sept. 4, 2026.

In a post on X (Twitter) Friday morning, PORAC (Peace Officers Research Association of California) wrote, “Thankfully, the 20-year veteran is in stable condition and expected to survive. Please join PORAC in keeping this officer, their loved ones, and the Richmond Police Department family in your thoughts and prayers for a full and speedy recovery.”

ABC7 News further reported the officer was “a 20-year veteran of the department.”

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional information will be provided as investigators complete their work and further details become available for public release.

It was the second shooting of police officer in the county Thursday as a Pittsburg officer was shot by a detainee inside the Pittsburg Police Department earlier in the day. (See related article)

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Harshal R. Patil, M.D., Nivedha Rajan, M.D. and Jose Basora, M.D. have joined Springhill Medical Group. Photos: Springhill

Serving East Bay patients at offices in Pittsburg, Brentwood

Part of the Hill Physicians network

By Diane Barney, Director of Marketing and Communications, Hill Physicians Medical Group

The addition of three new physicians in the last year has rounded out the diverse multispecialty team at Springhill Medical Group, which has been serving patients in the East Bay since 1989, at medical offices in Pittsburg and Brentwood.

Nivedha Rajan, M.D., is the latest primary care physician to join the group. Dr. Rajan is board-certified in internal medicine and is accepting new patients, age 18 and up. She is skilled in managing acute and chronic conditions and coordinating multidisciplinary care.

She grew up in the East Bay and is pleased to serve patients from Contra Costa, Solano and southwestern Sacramento counties. She is fluent in English, as well as Telugu, Tamil and Kannada, primarily spoken in South India and across Southern Asia.

Dr. Rajan received her medical degree from Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences in Bangalore, India. She served her residency at St. Agnes Medical Center in Fresno.

“I’m happy to be back in the East Bay, providing care to patients close to their homes and my own,” said Dr. Rajan. “I strongly believe in patient-centered care, which means getting to know my patients and working closely with them as we decide how to best approach their treatment plans.”

Harshal R. Patil, M.D., is a cardiology specialist who joined the group in May. He is fluent in English, Hindi, Marathi and Gujarati.

Dr. Patil earned his medical degree in Government Medical College Dhule, Maharashtra, India and served his residency at St. Luke’s Hospital and Truman Medical Center, both in Kansas City. He makes his home in Walnut Creek. He completed fellowships in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology and advanced cardiovascular imaging, and preventive cardiology.

Jose Facundo Basora-Rovira, M.D., came on board nearly a year ago. He is board-certified in pulmonary and critical care. He is fluent in English and Spanish. He earned his medical degree from New York Medical College and completed a residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New Jersey.

Dr. Basora has extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of a wide range of conditions, including asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary infections and lung cancer. He makes his home in Walnut Creek.

With these additions, the team now includes three primary care physicians, one nurse practitioner, three pulmonary specialists, three cardiologists and one endocrinologist. They all offer patient appointments at both locations, as well as telehealth visits.

The variety of specialties is a real advantage for patients, explains Karthik Reddy, M.D., president of the Springhill Medical Group.

“This is especially beneficial for older patients, who often have multiple chronic conditions,” said Dr. Reddy. “Our primary care physicians can consult with colleagues just down the hall, which helps us get EKGs done quickly and address chronic care needs the same day. That level of efficiency and coordination makes a real difference for our patients.”

The practice was started 37 years ago by cardiology specialist Henry Gong, M.D., and internist and pulmonologist Gerald Del Rio, M.D., both who still work part time at the practice. Springhill Medical Group became part of the Hill Physicians network in 2008.

“We are delighted with the addition of these three professionals – all from the East Bay – who join our experienced team and allow us to continue to serve our growing community,” added Dr. Reddy.

Springhill Medical Group is located at 2220 Gladstone Drive, Suite 3 in Pittsburg and 2400 Balfour Road, Suite 306 in Brentwood.

To book an appointment to see Dr. Rajan, please call (925) 432-3318. For more information, including what insurance plans are accepted, visit Springhill Medical Group’s website at www.springhillmed.com.

By Sara Bellafronte, Assistant to the Pittsburg City Manager

In response to the officer-involved shooting inside the Pittsburg Police Department Thursday afternoon, Sept. 3, 2026, in which both an officer and an in-custody suspect were shot, City leaders swiftly issued statements regarding the attack. (See related article)

“My heart is with our Police department, the injured Officer and their family,” said Mayor Dionne Adams. “This is an upsetting moment for our community. As a lifelong Pittsburg resident, I have seen firsthand the progress our Police Department has made through community-centered policing and strengthening relationships with those they serve. Violence like this is deeply troubling and has no place in our community. I want to thank our officers for their bravery and quick response.”

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and the Pittsburg Police Investigations Division are actively investigating the incident, consistent with standard protocol. Because the investigation is active no additional information is being released.

“Our officers acted heroically today,” said Pittsburg Police Chief Phil Galer. “I am grateful to the Contra Costa County paramedics and fire fighters as well as the surrounding agencies who provided support to our Department in this time of crisis. I know I’m joined by the residents of Pittsburg in hoping for a full recovery for our Officer.”

“Our entire City staff is relieved to know our officer is in stable condition. I am thankful for the swift and skilled actions of our Police Department and other first responders to prevent this horrible incident from becoming an even worse tragedy,” said City Manager Darin Gale. “Pittsburg is a community that rejects violence and deeply respects the important work of our officers. Today’s attack is a reminder of the bravery and dangers our officers face every day. We are truly fortunate they have chosen to serve our community.”

Supervisor Scales-Preston Issues Statement

In addition, Contra Costa County District 5 Supervisor Shanelle Scales Preston issued a statement about the incident. She wrote, “I am heartbroken and outraged to learn that one of our Pittsburg police officers has been shot this afternoon. Pittsburg is my home, and violence against law enforcement officers anywhere, is unacceptable.”

“I’m asking the entire Pittsburg community to hold this officer, their family, and the entire department in their prayers right now,” she added.

Autoridades municipales emiten declaraciones sobre un tiroteo en el que participó un agente dentro de la comisaría

Esta misma tarde, el Departamento de Policía de Pittsburg emitió el siguiente comunicado:

El jueves 3 de septiembre, agentes de Pittsburg detuvieron a un hombre de 31 años. Fue trasladado a la comisaría para realizar los trámites de registro y detención. Durante dicho proceso, se produjo un altercado físico entre el sospechoso y un agente que se encontraba solo; en el transcurso del mismo, se disparó un arma de fuego, hiriendo tanto al agente como al sospechoso. El agente fue trasladado a un hospital local y su estado se reporta como grave pero estable. El sospechoso también fue trasladado a un hospital local y se encuentra en condición estable. La Fiscalía del Condado de Contra Costa y la División de Investigaciones de la Policía de Pittsburg se encuentran en el lugar y están investigando activamente el incidente.

Por el momento no hay más información disponible.

Los líderes de la ciudad emitieron rápidamente declaraciones sobre el ataque.

“Mis pensamientos están con nuestro Departamento de Policía, con el agente herido y con su familia”, declaró la alcaldesa Dionne Adams. “Es un momento angustioso para nuestra comunidad. Como residente de Pittsburg de toda la vida, he sido testigo directo de los avances que ha logrado nuestro Departamento de Policía mediante un modelo policial centrado en la comunidad y el fortalecimiento de los vínculos con las personas a las que sirven. Una violencia de este tipo es profundamente preocupante y no tiene cabida en nuestra comunidad. Quiero agradecer a nuestros agentes su valentía y su rápida respuesta”.

La Fiscalía del Condado de Contra Costa y la División de Investigaciones de la Policía de Pittsburg están investigando activamente el incidente, siguiendo el protocolo habitual. Dado que la investigación está en curso, no se facilitará más información por el momento.

“Nuestros agentes actuaron hoy de forma heroica”, afirmó el jefe de policía de Pittsburg, Phil Galer. “Agradezco la labor de los paramédicos y bomberos del condado de Contra Costa, así como de las agencias vecinas que brindaron apoyo a nuestro departamento en este momento de crisis. Sé que los residentes de Pittsburg comparten conmigo el deseo de que nuestro agente se recupere plenamente”.

“Todo el personal de la ciudad se siente aliviado al saber que nuestro agente se encuentra en condición estable. Agradezco la rápida y eficaz actuación de nuestro Departamento de Policía y de los demás equipos de emergencia para evitar que este terrible incidente se convirtiera en una tragedia aún mayor”, declaró el administrador de la ciudad, Darin Gale. “Pittsburg es una comunidad que rechaza la violencia y respeta profundamente la importante labor de nuestros agentes. El ataque de hoy nos recuerda la valentía y los peligros a los que se enfrentan nuestros agentes a diario. Somos verdaderamente afortunados de que hayan elegido servir a nuestra comunidad”.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Incident under investigation

La Policía de Pittsburg investiga un tiroteo en el que se vio involucrado un agente en la comisaría

By Sara Bellafronte, Assistant to the City Manager

On Thursday, September 3rd, 2026, Pittsburg Officers arrested a 31-year-old male. He was transported to the police department for booking. While in booking a physical altercation between the suspect and a solo officer occurred during which a firearm was discharged striking both the officer and suspect.

The officer was transported to a local hospital and is listed in serious but stable condition. The suspect was also transported to a local hospital and is listed in stable condition.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and Pittsburg Police Investigations Division are on scene and actively investigating the incident.

There is no additional information at this time.

La Policía de Pittsburg investiga un tiroteo en el que se vio involucrado un agente en la comisaría

El jueves 3 de septiembre, agentes de Pittsburg detuvieron a un hombre de 31 años. Fue trasladado a la comisaría para realizar los trámites de registro y detención. Durante dicho proceso, se produjo un altercado físico entre el sospechoso y un agente que se encontraba solo; en el transcurso del mismo, se disparó un arma de fuego, alcanzando tanto al agente como al sospechoso. El agente fue trasladado a un hospital local y su estado se reporta como grave pero estable. El sospechoso también fue trasladado a un hospital local y se encuentra en condición estable. La Fiscalía del Condado de Contra Costa y la División de Investigaciones de la Policía de Pittsburg se encuentran en el lugar y llevan a cabo una investigación activa del incidente.

Por el momento, no hay más información disponible.

The Powerhouse Ladies performing at Cloverfield will be (L-R) Ruby Lee Hill, Rebecca Roudman of Dirty Cello and Nineteenth Operator. Photos: Not Loud Concerts

Includes Ruby Lee Hill, Dirty Cello and Nineteenth Operator

By Sehar Kahn, Publicist, Not Loud Concerts

Hidden in the hills of El Sobrante, is a beautiful organic farm that grows rare fruits and amazing flowers, and the Not Loud Concerts team is going to hold another concert here on Thursday, Sept 10.

For this edition of the Not Loud concerts, we’ll be featuring the Powerhouse Ladies. This is 3 female-fronted bands, on stage at the same time, taking turns playing songs before performing together. One hour of amazing music.

The ladies featured will be the band Dirty Cello performing as a duo with exuberant blues and rock, Ruby Lee Hill – beautiful songs with an old-timey Western-flavor, and Nineteenth Operator from Davis, CA presenting sweet harmonies and amazing originals.

There will be chairs for everyone. Bring a light jacket.

Feel free to arrive early and have a picnic or stroll the wild gardens, and pick produce that you can buy at the farm stand.

Not Loud Concerts focus on creating an experience that is casual and fun for both the musicians and the audience. The concerts are never too long, never too expensive and of course never too loud.

Not Loud Concerts presents…Powerhouse Ladies at Cloverfield Organic Farm 501 La Paloma Road, El Sobrante

Sept 10 at 7 pm.  Tickets $20 at NotLoudConcerts.com

Information & Resource Fair and Free Fishing Event

To learn more about the Delta Veterans Group visit deltaveteransgroup.org or follow them on www.facebook.com/DeltaVeteransGroup.

One flown by helicopter to hospital

By Chris Bollinger, Community Engagement Officer, Brentwood Police Department

On Sunday, August 31, 2026, at approximately 4:09 pm, Brentwood Police officers responded to a vehicle collision at Fairview Ave and Regent Drive involving a sedan and an SUV. When officers arrived on scene, preliminary information revealed the sedan was traveling northbound on Fairview Ave when the SUV pulled into traffic from Regent Drive causing the collision. As a result of the collision, the SUV overturned and came to a rest on its roof.

The four adult occupants of the SUV were transported to local hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries. One passenger of the SUV was flown by helicopter to a hospital as a precaution. The adult driver and solo occupant of the sedan was not injured. Drugs and alcohol were not a factor in the collision.

The roadway was closed for approximately two hours to allow for accident investigation and scene clearance.

Dr. Carl A. Cohn. Photo: Alder Graduate School of Education

Former State Board of Education member to ensure district hires qualified teachers

By Diana Lambert, EdSource, republished with permission

Carl Cohn, a former superintendent and state Board of Education member, will serve in the role of special master to ensure West Contra Costa Unified hires qualified teachers for its classrooms.

In March, a two-year court battle between the school district and a public advocacy law firm ended with a ruling from the California First District Court of Appeal requiring the district to provide all children in the district with a qualified teacher as required by state law.

Specifically, the court ordered the school district to stop using 30- and 60-day substitutes to fill positions beyond the state authorized time limit, and to fill all teacher vacancies at Stege Elementary School, Helms Middle School and Kennedy High School.

The West Contra Costa Superior Court appointment on Aug. 27 means Cohn will make recommendations to West Contra Costa Unified on how to best comply with the court order, and will mediate and resolve disputes over its compliance

The case, Cleare v. West Contra Costa Unified School District, was the first time a school district had been sued under the Williams Settlement Legislation, a 2004 agreement requiring that all public school students have access to adequate textbooks, qualified teachers and safe, clean facilities.

The ruling overturns a 2024 decision by the Contra Costa County Superior Court that found in favor of the school district.

About Dr. Cohn

According to his bio on the Alder Graduate School of Education, “Dr. Cohn is professor emeritus at Claremont Graduate University. His 50-year career in education has included service as a Teacher, School Counselor, Central Office Administrator, Superintendent at both Long Beach and San Diego, and Federal Court Monitor in Los Angeles. In addition to Claremont, his higher education faculty service has included leadership preparation at Pittsburgh, CSULA, USC, Harvard, and George Washington University.

“He currently serves on the boards of the Spencer Foundation, the Center for Assessment, TeachingWorks at the University of Michigan, CTA’s Institute for Teaching, and St. Mary’s Academy.”

According to his LinkedIn profile, Cohn earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Urban Education and Leadership from UCLA in 1981, a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services from Chapman University in 1972 and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Philosophy from St. John’s College, Camarillo, CA in 1967.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Toni Baldazo, Community Engagement Officer, City of Pittsburg

Big things are happening in Pittsburg, and we would love for you to join us tomorrow as we kick off our weekly Pittsburg Farmers’ Market at the City Hall Lawn, starting Wednesday, September 2 from 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM.

The market will feature more than 20 vendors offering fresh produce, prepared foods, baked goods, coffee, flowers, local products and more. It’s another exciting opportunity to showcase the growth, activity and community connections happening throughout Pittsburg.

Organized by Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association, rain or shine, all year long, we are so excited to bring back our local farmers, artisans and business owners to this Farmers Market.

City Hall Lawn is located at 65 Civic Avenue.

For any questions, please contact info@communityfarmersadvocate.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”

By Jaime Coffee Director of Communications Office of Media Relations

SACRAMENTO — As Labor Day weekend approaches, the California Highway Patrol is urging motorists to plan ahead, make responsible choices and never drive impaired.

To help keep California’s roads safe, the CHP will conduct a Labor Day Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) from 6:01 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, through 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7. During the HEP, CHP officers statewide will focus on removing impaired drivers from the road and educating motorists about the dangers of driving under the influence.

The CHP’s HEP coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which runs Aug. 19 through Sept. 7.

“There is no excuse for driving impaired. If you choose to drink or use a substance that affects your ability to drive, make a plan and stay out of the driver’s seat. Your decision could be the difference between everyone getting home safely and a tragedy that can change lives forever.” – CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee

During last year’s Labor Day HEP, CHP officers made more than 1,200 impaired-driving arrests. During the same 78-hour reporting period, nearly 500 DUI-related crashes occurred statewide, resulting in more than 270 injuries and eight deaths, according to preliminary data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. These figures underscore the devastating consequences of impaired driving.

DUI Is More Than Just Alcohol

Impaired driving is not limited to alcohol. Cannabis, prescription medications, illegal drugs and some over-the-counter medications can impair a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle and make the split-second decisions required behind the wheel.

Driving impaired can cost someone their license, freedom or life — or take the life of someone else. The CHP urges motorists to think twice before driving impaired or getting into a vehicle with an impaired driver.

Arrive Safely, Make Responsible Choices

If you plan to drink, plan for a safe ride home before the celebration begins.

• Designate a sober driver, use public transportation or a rideshare service, call a taxi, or stay where you are for the night.
• If you are hosting a gathering where alcohol will be served, make sure your guests have a safe and sober way home.
• Always wear your seat belt. It remains one of your best defenses in a crash.

If you see a suspected impaired driver on the road, call 9-1-1. Your call could save a life.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.