Contra Costa Herald

Photos: mak-warép Ohlone Land Conservancy

Led by the mak-warép Ohlone Land Conservancy at the tuuštak Ecocultural Garden

By Kimberly Hawkins, Senior News and Media Manager/PIO, Cal State East Bay

On Saturday, June 6, the mak-warép Ohlone Land Conservancy, in partnership with Cal State East Bay, Concord Center, CAL FIRE, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District (CCRCD), will conduct a ceremonial cultural burn of less than one acre at the Cal State East Bay Concord Center.

This event continues the restoration of Indigenous-led fire practices in the East Bay, reaffirming cultural traditions and supporting ecological health on Ohlone homelands. The project is designed to reduce invasive grasses, improve soil health and restore native plants important for food, medicine and basketry.

100 Acres at the tuuštak Ecocultural Garden at Cal State East Bay in čupkan/Concord

According to the mak-warép Ohlone Land Conservancy website, “We restore and steward 100 acres of oak woodland, highland chaparrel and the Gallindo Creek riparian corridor at the base of our most sacred mountain, tuuštak—Mt. Diablo.

“In this beautiful place, mak-warép Ohlone Land Conservancy works in partnership with Cal State East Bay Concord and our dear friends from Terremoto Landscape to restore a landscape that teaches of the abundance of the East Bay while actively repairing former cattle-grazed landscape for the benefit of all those living on this land.

“Here, we implemented our first cultural burn in at least two generations, with seasonal burns to come every year, paired with constant monitoring of the soil for the benefit of the landscape to alleviate overgrowth that leads to wildfires and to encourage constant regeneration of the plants that do best here.

“’It’s a way of giving back to the land,’ Auntie Dottie, 95, told us while she was there for our first renewed burn in generations.”

What to Expect 

• Smoke may be visible near the CSU East Bay Concord Center (4700 Ygnacio Valley Road) between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., weather and air quality permitting.
• The invitation-only event begins with a private Ohlone ceremony, followed by a controlled cultural burnled by Ohlone firekeepers under cultural protocols.
• Fire personnel and equipment from CAL FIRE and Contra Costa County Firewill be on-site throughout the day.
• The project will only proceed on a permissive burn day, as determined by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD).

Safety Measures

• Public safety is the highest priority. The burn will be conducted under a strict, approved burn plan that considers fire behavior and weather conditions.
• Fire breaks, water supply and suppression equipment will be established on-site.
• Crews will remain until the fire perimeter is fully secured and declared out.
• The burn will not proceed if wind, humidity, or other conditions make it unsafe.

Air Quality Compliance 

This project qualifies as a ceremonial fire under BAAQMD Regulation 5. It is exempt from open burn notification and fees, with the only condition being that the burn will not proceed on a Mandatory Burn Ban (Spare the Air Alert) day.

Public Information 

For updates on the burn, please visit:

• CalState East Bay Concord Center website
• Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
• CAL Fire

About the mak-warép Ohlone Land Conservancy

The mak-warép Ohlone Land Conservancy works to reacquire, restore, and steward Ohlone ancestral lands through Indigenous-led ecological restoration, hyper-localized land management, and the practice and transmission of traditional culture. Our work strengthens Ohlone relationships to land, supports access to traditional foods, medicines, and basketry materials, and engages the public in understanding Ohlone history, culture, and place-based knowledge. For more information visit www.ohloneland.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Photo: CCCSO

By Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

At the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, we are dedicated to serving our diverse community with integrity, professionalism and accountability. Our mission – to work in partnership with the community to safeguard lives, rights and property through innovative and ethical law enforcement – guides everything we do.

We uphold core values of honor, courage, commitment, leadership and teamwork, and strive to conduct ourselves with the highest ethical standards in every interaction.

Our Commitment to the Community

To earn and maintain your trust, we aim to:

Provide accessible data about our policies, performance and community outcomes;

Engage openly with the public through accessible reports and dashboards;

Report on activities that affect community safety and wellbeing; and

Continuously evaluate and improve our practice based on community feedback and evidence-based standards.

We believe transparency is essential to public trust and to strengthening the partnership between the Sheriff’s Office and communities we proudly serve.

This portal is part of that commitment – your resource for understanding who we are, what we do and how we measure our performance.

The Community Transparency Portal:

-Provides accessible data about our policies, performance, and community outcomes.

-Engages openly with the public through accessible reports and dashboards.

-Reports on activities that affect community safety and wellbeing.

-Continuously evaluates and improves our practices based on community feedback and evidence-based standards.

The Community Transparency Portal is your resource for understanding who we are, what we do, and how we measure our performance.

https://transparencyportal.so.cccounty.us/

By Yelena Miakinina, Program Manager and Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County

The 2026 Far East Contra Costa Career Fair is happening on May 27 at the Brentwood Community Center, hosted by the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County (WDBCCC). The event will feature 40+ employers across healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, technology and construction, including Michael’s Transportation Service/MTSA, Sutter Delta Medical Center, People Ready Skilled Trades and Spherion Staffing.

This is an opportunity for job seekers to connect directly with hiring employers and learn about low-cost training options to advance your career!

In today’s digital-first economy, career fairs cut through the noise of faceless online applications, allowing job seekers and employers to make memorable first impressions. They provide a unique venue to fast-track networking and uncover hidden opportunities through face-to-face conversations with active recruiters.

Job seekers are encouraged to bring their resumes and come dressed for success!

Register for this event at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-far-east-contra-costa-career-fair-tickets-

Sponsored by City of Brentwood City Manager’s Office-Economic Development Division, Antioch Community Foundation and Marathon Petroleum Corporation.

The event will take place 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. The Brentwood Community Center is located at 35 Oak Street.

Details and registration are available HERE. Anyone requiring special assistance, call (925) 655-3800 before this event.

About the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County

The WDBCCC is a business-led board that builds public-private partnerships with education, economic development, labor, and community organizations to solve complex workforce challenges. Our work achieves equitable economic growth for Contra Costa County. We ensure a pipeline of diverse workforce talent is available to keep local companies competitive. Through our strategic connections and partnerships, we find innovative, sustainable solutions to solve complex workforce issues and leverage public-private resources to benefit the workforce and businesses alike. More at www.wdbccc.com/

Antioch Police investigate

By Brentwood Police Department

BRENTWOOD, CA – On Sunday, May 17,  2026, at approximately 11:40PM, a marked patrol vehicle operated by an Officer of the Brentwood Police Department was involved in a traffic collision at the intersection of Lone Tree Way and Jeffery Way.

Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and involved parties were evaluated following the collision. Nobody was seriously injured.

The circumstances surrounding the collision and cause remain under investigation by the Antioch Police Department.

No additional information is available at this time. Further updates will be provided as appropriate.

Anyone with any information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department at (925) 779-6900.

The victim’s pick-up truck was pulled out of the bay near Canal Blvd. in Richmond. Photo: Richmond PD

Pick-up truck driven into, extracted from bay

SFPD and Oakland PD Marine Units, Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, volunteer California Recovery Divers assist

By Richmond Police Department

At approximately 11:17 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, Richmond Police Department officers responded to reports of a possible deceased person in the water near the 1300 block of Canal Boulevard.

Upon arrival, officers located a deceased individual. Richmond Police Department detectives responded to the scene and investigators have determined that the incident previously being investigated as a suspicious death on Saturday is now believed to be a solo-vehicle fatal collision.

During the investigation, detectives utilized the department’s Flock Safety camera system and located video footage showing what appeared to be a vehicle entering the water near Canal Blvd. at approximately 1:00 a.m. on Saturday morning.

Based on this information, the Richmond Police Department requested assistance from the San Francisco Police Department Marine Unit, the Oakland Police Department Marine Unit, and the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team.

The San Francisco and Oakland Police Departments’ Marine Units with diver help locate the submerged vehicle. Photo: Richmond PD

All three agencies responded and using specialized sonar equipment and marine resources, responding personnel were able to locate a submerged vehicle. Dive teams, including members of the volunteer California Recovery Divers, then assisted in recovering the vehicle and confirmed there were no additional occupants inside.

At this time, the investigation indicates this was a solo-vehicle, fatal collision, and there is no evidence of foul play.

The Richmond Police Department extends its sincere condolences to the driver’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.

We also want to thank our allied agencies for their swift response and for providing the specialized marine and dive resources that were critical in locating and recovering the vehicle.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact Richmond Police Department Dispatch at (510) 233-1214.

Cobos Smith text to Lathan rescinding her endorsement on April 19, 2026, and Lathan’s campaign Facebook page post on May 19, 2026, showing Cobos Smith (in yellow circle) included. Source: Olga Cobos Smith

“This is literally the unilateral decision making that has frustrated me for months now.” – Antioch Trustee Olga Cobos Smith

By Allen D. Payton

In a post on her official Facebook page on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, Antioch School Board Area 4 Trustee Olga Cobos Smith complained about the use of her photo in a Facebook post promoting the campaign of her colleague, Board President and Area 2 Trustee Dr. Jag Lathan, who is running for Contra Costa County Superintendent of Public Instruction. The post of Lathan’s endorsements was shared on her campaign Facebook page, earlier that day, according to Cobos Smith but has since been removed.

It read, “Dr. Jag has built a coalition of educators, families, students, and elected officials across the State and County who care deeply about the education and wellness of our students and the educators that serve them. This multigenerational, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious rich coalition of leaders demonstrate her gift to bring people together for one purpose: our children.”

Screenshots of Cobos Smith’s Facebook post on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, which includes Lathan’s post from earlier in the day.

Her post also showed photos of 14 people, including Cobos Smith, Contra Costa DA Diana Becton and District 5 Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston.

In response, Cobos Smith shared screenshots of both Lathan’s post and text messages between the two and wrote, “Today I was notified of an image dated today (5/19/2026) circulating with my likeness on it promoting the campaign of Dr. Jag Lathan, AUSD Board Member, Area 2. I was deeply offended by the lack of respect it took to post my picture in campaign materials as I explicitly asked on April 19, 2026 for my image to be removed from all such materials. This is literally the unilateral decision making that has frustrated me for months now.”

Screenshot of Lathan’s response post on her official Facebook page on May 19, 2026.

Later in the day, Lathan responded in a post on her official Facebook page. It included a photo of Cobos Smith, Lathan and a man taken inside Cobos Smith’s bookstore in Antioch with Lathan holding her campaign sign. The candidate wrote, “I’m sorry to hear that you were upset by the image showing your support of my candidacy. You were one of the very first people to host an event for my campaign, and I have always appreciated your support and valued the relationship we have shared as colleagues. It was never my intention to cause harm or disrespect you.

“More importantly, I sincerely wish you healing, strength, and peace during this time, and I will continue to keep you in my prayers.

“I also believe that, as board members, our focus must remain on working together to continue improving our district and supporting the students, staff, and families we serve. Our students deserve nothing less.”

Screenshot of Lathan’s response on Cobos Smith’s official Facebook page on May 19, 2026.

That comment has since been removed. But Lathan then posted the same comment on Cobos Smith’s Facebook page below the post about the matter, and again included the photo inside Cobos Smith’s bookstore.

Screenshot of announcement of Cobos Smith’s endorsement of Lathan posted on the candidate’s campaign Facebook page on March 20, 2026.

Endorsement Announced March 20th, Rescinded April 19th

On March 20, Lathan announced Cobos Smith’s endorsement in a campaign Facebook post, which was still up as of Tuesday, May 19, 2026. That post reads, “We’re proud to share that Olga Cabos Smith, School Board Trustee for Antioch Unified School District, has endorsed Dr. Jag Lathan for Contra Costa County Superintendent.”

But on April 19th, Cobos Smith sent a text to Lathan writing, “Good morning. (Smiley face emoji) I have an ask: if my name, image, or likeness is on any of your campaign imagery please pull it. I am rescinding any endorsement of your campaign. I am now undecided.”

Cobos Smith Offers Reasons for Rescinding Endorsement

When reached for comment about the matter Cobos Smith said, “I didn’t want to make a spectacle of it. At first, I assumed it was something old. I was told it was posted a few hours ago.”

Asked why she rescinded her endorsement and if it’s due to the recent challenges on the Antioch School Board, the first term trustee said, “There are challenges with all of us. The leadership is obvious. I literally asked her, ‘could we please work as a team?’ As board president, she should be working to coalesce us as a team. I don’t feel like I’m getting the answers to my questions. We bring things up we want to discuss… Mary said it the other day, ‘I don’t know what I have to do to get these numbers out of you.’”

“If I can’t trust somebody’s leadership at this point, how can I endorse them for an even more intense leadership position?” Cobos Smith asked rhetorically. “I was not trying to put my thumb on the scale. I did not say I was endorsing Dana Eaton. But I have to say, I’ve watched some videos of him and I’m impressed.”

“This shows me the lack of respect for my boundaries and personhood,” she stated. “I shouldn’t have had to make a public statement.”

“You can’t even unify your five-member board. How are you going to unify the community?” Cobos Smith asked, again, rhetorically.

Lathan Does Not Answer Questions

Multiple efforts to reach Lathan were unsuccessful prior to publication time. She was asked if the endorsement announcement posted on her campaign Facebook page was a flier printed before April 19th, if she saw the text from Cobos Smith that day, if she was aware Cobos Smith’s original endorsement post was still up and why Lathan still used her photo a month after her colleague rescinded the endorsement.

She was also asked what she meant by, “I sincerely wish you healing, strength, and peace during this time.”

Lathan faces one opponent in the race, Brentwood Union School District Superintendent Dana Eaton. Whichever candidate gets a majority of votes in the June 2nd Primary will be elected.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Sentencing for 78-year-old Edwin Emmett Lickiss, Jr. of Alamo-based Foundation Financial Group scheduled for August 28, faces up to 30 years in prison, $500K in fines

By United States Attorney, Northern District of California

OAKLAND – Edwin Emmett Lickiss, Jr., pleaded guilty in federal court today to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering in connection with a decades-long Ponzi scheme.

Lickiss, 78, of Danville, Calif., admitted that from 1998 through September 2024, he defrauded more than 93 investors of at least $9.5 million.

United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian, FBI Special Agent in Charge Matthew Cobo, and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Oakland Field Office Special Agent in Charge Linda Nguyen made the announcement.

To induce investments, Lickiss falsely claimed that he would place victim funds into exclusive, safe, tax-free bonds, with some generating returns in excess of 20 percent.  Lickiss also issued fraudulent promissory notes on the letterhead of his former firm, Foundation Financial Group.

In addition, the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), On July 21, 2025, the SEC charged Lickiss, Jr., with selling fraudulent promissory note investments to approximately 80 investors as part of a Ponzi scheme that lasted over 25 years. According to the SEC’s complaint, Lickiss fraudulently offered and sold to investors approximately $12.7 million in promissory notes, which purported to pay interest rates of between 9 and 32 percent per annum.

In fact, Lickiss used subsequent victim funds to make payments to those who had invested earlier, consistent with a Ponzi scheme.  Lickiss also diverted victim funds for his own use, including cash withdrawals, home renovations, travel, and payments on vehicles, mortgages, and personal credit cards.

According to the IRS, on July 21, 2025, “A federal grand jury indicted Edwin Emmett Lickiss Jr., on one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering in connection with an alleged $9.5 million investment fraud scheme. Despite the suspension and loss of his broker’s license, Lickiss allegedly continued to solicit and obtain investments from victim investors until around September 2024. Lickiss was a financial advisor based in Danville and Alamo, Calif., who owned and operated Foundation Financial Group, a firm that provided investment services to investors in the Northern District of California, Idaho, and throughout the United States.”

Lickiss was released pending a sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for August 28, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Jon S. Tigar.  Lickiss faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the wire fraud count, and 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the money laundering count.  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 U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has also filed a civil enforcement action against Lickiss in the Northern District of California.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Wolinsky is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Lynette Dixon.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and IRS-CI.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the Atlanta Regional Office of the SEC for its assistance in the investigation.

Further Information:

Case No. 4:25-CR-00202-JST

Electronic court filings and further procedural and docket information are available at https://ecf.cand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. Judges’ calendars with schedules for upcoming court hearings can be viewed on the court’s website at www.cand.uscourts.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

During National Click It or Ticket campaign May 18–31

By Jaime Coffee, Director of Communications, CHP Office of Media Relations

SACRAMENTO— Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, bringing increased traffic on roads across California as families travel to destinations and gatherings.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is preparing for the holiday weekend by launching a Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) from Friday, May 22, at 6 p.m., through Monday, May 25, at 11:59 p.m. During this period, CHP officers will conduct targeted enforcement to identify reckless drivers and emphasize proper seat belt use for drivers and passengers.

While the national seatbelt usage rate remains above 90%, 2024 data shows that not wearing a seat belt continues to contribute to preventable deaths on California’s roads.

A seat belt can be the difference between walking away from a crash and never making it home.

From May 18–31, the California Highway Patrol will participate in the national Click It or Ticket campaign with increased seat belt enforcement. Officers will be stopping drivers and passengers who are not properly buckled up.

Too many lives are lost each year because someone chose not to wear a seat belt. In a crash, being ejected from a vehicle is often deadly, and airbags alone are not enough to protect you.

• Buckle up correctly every trip:
• Shoulder belt across your chest
• Lap belt low across your hips
• Never behind your back or under your arm

Learn more: www.nhtsa.gov/SeatBelts

————-

“Wearing a seat belt remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to save lives. Crashes are unpredictable, and taking a moment to buckle up before every trip can mean the difference between life and death.” Commissioner Sean Duryee

————-

CLICK IN. DRIVE SAFE

Whether traveling on highways or local streets, wearing a seat belt is essential to reaching your destination safely.

In a crash, seat belts can significantly reduce the risk of fatal injury by preventing vehicle occupants from being ejected. Preliminary data from 2024 and 2025 show that over 13,000 crashes statewide involved an unrestrained occupant, resulting in more than 1,300 fatalities, according to the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System.

During last year’s Memorial Day HEP, which covered the same 78-hour period from Friday, May 23, to Monday, May 27, 2025, CHP officers investigated 22 fatal crashes within its jurisdiction. Of the 21 vehicle occupants who died, nine were not wearing seat belts. During that period, CHP officers made more than 1,100 DUI arrests statewide.

The CHP’s Memorial Day HEP coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Click it or Ticket” initiative. The campaign highlights the lifesaving importance of seat belts and urges the public to take responsibility for their safety by buckling up on every trip.

SMALL PASSENGERS, BIG RESPONSIBILITY

Properly securing a child in the appropriate car seat or booster seat is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect them during a crash.

California law sets requirements for child passenger safety based on age, weight, and height. Choosing and properly using the correct car seat is essential for protecting young passengers traveling in a car.

The CHP’s Child Passenger Safety Program is dedicated to helping protect California’s youngest passengers through education, outreach and hands-on assistance for parents and caregivers. To connect with a car seat technician or have your car seat inspected, contact your local CHP office.

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

CSU East Bay President Cathy Sandeen. Photo: Cal State East Bay

CSU Chancellor Mildred García issues statement

By Amy Bentley-Smith & Warren Robak, Media Relations & Public Affairs, The California State University

On May 20, 2026, California State University, East Bay President Cathy Sandeen announced that she will step down from the presidency at the end of the 2026 calendar year. Sandeen is the university’s sixth president and has served in the role since 2021.

In her announcement, Sandeen wrote:

“Dear Cal State East Bay community, friends and supporters,

The end of this calendar year will mark my sixth year serving as your president, and my thirteenth year overall as a university president or chancellor. Those years have been filled with unforgettable moments, extraordinary people, and the profound privilege of serving students whose determination and dreams inspire me every day.

“As we reflect on the hope, pride, and joy that filled our recent commencement ceremonies, I want to share some deeply personal news with you. There is no easy way to say this because this community has meant so much to me, but after a great deal of reflection and consideration, I have made the decision to step down as president of Cal State East Bay at the end of 2026. This was not a decision I arrived at lightly.

“I joined Cal State East Bay in January 2021, in the depths of the Covid-19 pandemic, before vaccines were widely available. You welcomed me into this community (on Zoom, mostly!) and together we emerged from the pandemic united in our mission to serve local East Bay students. Over the years we have worked hard to adjust to declining enrollments and reduced state budget allocations all the while maintaining and even improving student success metrics, like graduation and retention rates and achieving the Seal of Excelencia.

“We brought the campus back to life while also retaining flexible learning options through online and hybrid programs. We enhanced the sense of belonging for all students through our various student success and support units. We opened two new buildings: the impressive CORE Library and the fully donor-funded Braddock Center. We created a College of Health. Our faculty developed new degrees and refined existing programs. The new BS in Civil Engineering and the online MS in Speech-Language Pathology, among others, come to mind.

“Our marketing teams elevated the awareness and reputation of the university and we all welcomed Perry the Peregrine Falcon as our new mascot. We built stronger partnerships with our surrounding community. The many new MOUs with our local school districts are a shining example. Enrollments have improved. Spirits have improved. We are on steady footing because at Cal State East Bay, when confronted by challenges, we take action.

“This clarity and focus, as reflected in our Future Directions strategic plan, caught the attention of MacKenzie Scott’s foundation culminating in a $50 million gift to our Educational Foundation last November.

“Between now and the end of December, our work will continue and I remain fully committed to building on current progress. We will check in on our Future Direction priorities as well as our planning for the upcoming WSCUC special visit. We will continue our efforts to increase enrollments and generate new non-state, non-tuition revenue streams. We will launch our brand new Staff Council, expanding shared governance to staff members. I am confident in our ability to maintain our positive momentum before “passing the baton” to the next leader.

“As a first-generation college graduate, born and raised in the East Bay—and a double CSU alum—it has been the honor of a lifetime to bring the experience I gained throughout my career right back home where I got my start. In my Commencement remarks this weekend, I shared what has been deeply true throughout my time here: it has been an extraordinary privilege to be part of our students’ educational journeys. Watching them grow, persevere, and achieve their dreams has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. It has also been a true gift to work alongside so many talented, compassionate, and dedicated people who care so deeply about our mission and each other. Together, we have changed lives in ways that ripple far beyond our campus.

“I look forward to working with purpose and determination from now until the end of December, because what we do matters immensely. No one creates life-changing opportunities for students, families, communities, and our region the way we do. This place will always hold a special place in my heart—I am Pioneer for life.

“With deepest gratitude to all of you,

Cathy Sandeen

President

——–

In response, CSU Chancellor Mildred García issued the following statement:

“Since joining Cal State East Bay in January 2021, President Sandeen has led with clarity, resilience and purpose, while positioning the university for long-term growth, regional impact and deeper community connection.

“Under her leadership, Cal State East Bay has strengthened enrollment, elevated its brand identity, revitalized campus pride and advanced a clearer sense of the university’s distinctive role in the East Bay region and beyond. President Sandeen has also strengthened the university’s academic mission and alignment with regional workforce needs through the creation of new academic programs and the expansion of pathways that prepare students for high-demand fields.

“During her tenure, the university also opened two new buildings and has seen consistent growth in sponsored programs and private giving, culminating in the landmark $50 million gift from MacKenzie Scott in November 2025 – one of the largest in CSU history.

“Guided by a deep commitment to student success, particularly those who are the first in their families to attend college, President Sandeen’s proactive and thoughtful engagement has fostered a more inclusive and equitable campus community and expanded meaningful connections across the East Bay region. This includes her instrumental role in re-energizing collaboration with the city of Hayward to foster a college-going culture in marginalized communities.

“President Sandeen will leave Cal State East Bay stronger, more connected to its community and better positioned for the future. On behalf of the entire California State University, I offer my deepest gratitude for her partnership, her integrity and her unwavering commitment to student success.”

The CSU will soon launch a national search for Sandeen’s successor. Under university policy, the chair of the CSU Board of Trustees and the chancellor will select a committee comprised of campus and community stakeholders to lead the search.

About Cal State East Bay

Cal State East Bay serves the East Bay through its Hayward campus and Concord center. The university was originally named the State College for Alameda County when it was officially established by the California State Assembly in 1957. The first academic year began in 1959. The university expanded its reach to Contra Costa County in 1992, opening a branch in Concord. The university changed its name to California State University, East Bay in 2005 to reflect its new regional service to Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

For nearly 66 years, Cal State East Bay has served the Bay Area as part of the California State University system, providing access to higher education for a diverse student body and advancing regional engagement through its academic programs and leadership. The university is a federally designated Asian American, Native American, Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI) and Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).  Cal State East Bay has been recognized from everything from its diversity and social mobility potential to its business school and online education. For more information visit www.csueastbay.edu.

About the California State University

The California State University is the nation’s largest four-year public​ ​university system, providing transformational opportunities for upward mobility to more than 470,000 students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. More than half of CSU students are from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds, and more than one-quarter of undergraduates are first-generation college students. Because the CSU’s 22 universities* provide a high-quality education at an incredible value, they are rated among the best in the nation for promoting social mobility in national college rankings from U.S. News & World Report, the Wall Street Journal and Washington Monthly. The CSU powers California and the nation, sending more than 123,000 career-ready graduates into the workforce each year. In fact, one in every 20 Americans holding a college degree earned it at the CSU. Connect with and learn more about the CSU in the CSU newsroom.

*Transition to 22 universities in progress (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Cal Maritime integrating)—​official fall 2026​.​

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Source: City of Pittsburg

Celebrating career of outgoing Chief Steve Albanase and welcoming appointed Chief Phil Galer

By Sara Bellafronte, Assistant to the City Manager, City of Pittsburg

The City is hosting Change of Command Ceremony celebrating the career of Chief Steve Albanese and welcoming the newly appointed Chief Phil Galer.  The event will take place May 21 at 3:00pm at the California Theatre in Pittsburg, 351 Railroad Avenue.

Earlier this month, the City of Pittsburg announced the appointment of Captain Galer as the next Chief of Police for the City of Pittsburg’s Police Department. This follows the announced retirement of Chief Albanese, who served the community and Department with distinction for nearly 30 years. The City thanks Chief Albanese for his service and leadership. He was appointed to the position in July 2022.

Following community engagement, Department input, and an internal recruitment and interview process involving law enforcement executives and the City’s Senior Executive Team, Captain Galer was selected as the next Chief of Police.

“I am confident that Captain Galer is the right person to lead the City of Pittsburg’s Police Department into the future,” said City Manager Darin Gale. “His 25 years of dedicated service, deep understanding of this community, and strong alignment with the Department’s values make him an exceptional leader. I am excited to appoint an internal candidate who is widely respected and committed to strengthening trust, transparency, and public safety.”

Captain Galer has served the Department for 25 years and is recognized for his professionalism, integrity, and commitment to service. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Studies, a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, and is a graduate of the California POST Command College.

“It is an honor of a lifetime to lead the men and women of the Pittsburg Police Department and continue to be a part of this community,” Captain Galer said. “I am committed to building upon the strong foundation laid by Chief Albanese and ensuring we remain responsive to the needs of our residents and businesses. I look forward to strengthening trust, transparency, and public safety alongside our dedicated staff, City leadership, and the entire Pittsburg community.”

In January, Chief Albanese announced his retirement as Chief of Police for the City of Pittsburg. His retirement marks the conclusion of a distinguished 29-year career in law enforcement, including the last three and a half years as the City’s 10th Chief of Police. A graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, Chief Albanese has completed extensive executive-level training in leadership, organizational management, and contemporary policing strategies. His tenure as Chief was defined by a commitment to accountability, professionalism, and strengthening relationships with the community and regional partners.

Throughout his career, Chief Albanese advanced through the ranks of the Pittsburg Police Department, serving in a broad range of leadership assignments and contributing to nearly every operational area of municipal policing. His professionalism, commitment to service, and deep institutional knowledge have been central to the department’s ongoing development, measurable crime reduction efforts, and long-term organizational stability.

“Serving as Police Chief has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Chief Albanese. “When I became Chief of Police, I committed to this community to continue to be responsive, to develop partnerships to reduce crime, and to provide fair and professional policing to all. I am extremely proud of the work of our officers and the entire police department. We have made excellent strides in providing professional police services, increasing our outreach and community engagement, and reducing crime to a five-year low. I want to thank the men and women of the Pittsburg Police Department for their hard work and commitment to make Pittsburg a community to be proud of.”

“Chief Albanese’s leadership has had a lasting and positive impact on our Police Department and the City of Pittsburg,” said City Manager Darin Gale. “His dedication to community partnerships, modern policing practices, and staff development has positioned the department for long-term success. I look forward to working with Chief Albanese over the next few months and appreciate his continued support as we prepare for this transition.”

The City will begin the process of selecting the next Chief of Police in the coming months. Chief Albanese will continue to work closely with City leadership to support a smooth transition and assist in planning for the department’s future leadership.

The City of Pittsburg invites the community to congratulate Captain Phil Galer on his appointment as Chief of Police.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.