Contra Costa Herald

The Proposed 2026 County ULL renewal map shows areas of contractions and expansions. Source: Contra Costa County

Would allow for expansion near Byron Airport, contractions elsewhere

Won’t affect ULL’s of the 19 cities

By Allen D. Payton

On Tuesday’s Primary Election ballot in Contra Costa County is Measure A, the 2026 Voter-Approved Contra Costa County Urban Limit Line also referred to as the Urban Limit Line and Land Preservation Plan Amendment Measure. Voters are asked whether to extend the County’s current Urban Limit Line (ULL) for 25 more years, as well as expand and contract it, placing a net of almost 9,500 more acres outside the line.

The ballot language reads, “Shall the measure amending the Contra Costa County General Plan and the County’s 65/35 Land Preservation Plan Ordinance to continue protections to the County’s non-urban, agricultural, and open space areas by extending the term of the County’s Urban Limit Line through December 31, 2051; adopting an updated Urban Limit Line map; requiring voter approval, except under limited circumstances, to expand the Urban Limit Line by more than 30 acres; and retaining the 65/35 Land Preservation Standard, be adopted?”

The county’s first ULL was voter-approved in 1990 and was renewed in 2006 which lasted 20 years.

Each of the 19 cities have their own voter-approved ULL, which supersede the County’s ULL, in order to receive local street maintenance funds from Measure J, the county’s half-cent sales tax for transportation. So, Measure A will not affect each city’s ULL only land in the unincorporated portions of the county.

Will Extend County ULL by 25 Years, Allow Expansion Near Byron Airport, Contractions Elsewhere

According to the County Counsel’s Impartial Analysis of the measure, “In 2004, voters approved Measure J-2004, which extended a local transportation sales tax (Measure C-1988) by 25 years and allowed the County to receive a share of those sale tax proceeds provided the County had a voter-approved ULL.

“In 2006, voters approved Measure L-2006, which extended the term of the ULL to December 31, 2026. In order (for the County) to continue to be eligible to receive transportation sales tax proceeds after 2026, the ULL must be extended beyond 2026. This measure would extend the County’s ULL for 25 years, through December 31, 2051.

In addition, “the measure would amend the County’s 2045 General Plan and the 65/35 Ordinance to accomplish the following: (1) extend the term of the 65/35 Ordinance from December 31, 2026, through December 31, 2051; (2) require four-fifths vote of the County Board of Supervisors and voter approval to expand the ULL by more than 30 acres (except under limited circumstances); (3) provide for periodic reviews of the ULL by the Board of Supervisors and a required review involving an evaluation of housing and job needs; (4) update and expand the criteria for moving land outside the ULL; (5) incorporate a revised ULL map that among other things delineates an area of future potential expansion near the Byron Airport; and (6) retain the 65/35 land preservation standard and protections for the County’s prime agricultural land. This measure will become effective immediately if approved by a majority of the voters voting on the measure.”

The proposed County ULL would include contractions totaling 11,098 acres and expansion of 1,603 acres for net 9,495 more acres placed outside the Urban Limit Line. (See map). However, the acreage does not include the Byron Airport Potential ULL Expansion Area.

Yes on A Campaign’s Main Argument

The main argument of the Yes on Measure A campaign, paid for by Save Mount Diablo and supported by nine other organizations, is “The Urban Limit Line helps prevent traffic from getting worse. The more people have to drive, and the more cars on the road, the worse traffic gets. This election, say YES to protecting our open space and agriculture, safety from wildfire, limiting traffic, and encouraging housing where it makes sense.”

No on A Campaign’s Main Argument

The main argument of the No on Measure A campaign, paid for by the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association is that “Measure A removes an additional 9,460 acres — equivalent to 14.78 square miles — from any possible urban housing use through 2051. That is larger than 10 of the 19 cities in Contra Costa County. Calling this a routine renewal misleads voters about what is actually on the ballot.”

The campaign also claims, “When Contra Costa restricts its land supply, families don’t disappear. They move — and commute back.”

Analysis: Growth is inevitable and acts much like a balloon, when it is restricted in one area, growth expands elsewhere. Such as in the Central Valley which feeds not only our state, but nation and world, and where land is cheaper and unfortunately, farmers can make more money selling to developers than farming. The result has been commuters driving further to work and blowing more polluting smoke out of their tailpipes, defeating the goals of the environmentalists, which doesn’t make sense.

At the same time, there’s plenty of room inside the current ULL’s of the cities for more housing growth to occur, especially in East County. Plus, the measure includes a potential expansion near the Byron Airport where commercial and/or mixed-used development could occur, as the long-planned, four-lane Route 239 between Brentwood and Tracy are built, the runway is potentially extended, a fixed base operation and fuel farm are built there, and a possible transit stop located there, as well.

Read more information on the websites for both the Yes on Measure A and No on Measure A campaigns.

See Full Text of 2026 CCC ULL Measure.

By Richmond Police Department

The Richmond Police Department has arrested a suspect in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred on May 29, 2026, in the 200 block of West Nevin Avenue.

At approximately 6:27 p.m., officers responded to reports of shots fired and located an adult victim suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by responding officers, the victim tragically succumbed to their injuries at the scene.

Through rapid investigative work, officers quickly identified a possible suspect and associated vehicle. Investigators utilized Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology to track the suspect vehicle as it traveled from Richmond into Concord.

With the assistance of the Concord Police Department, the suspect was located and taken into custody without incident later that evening. The suspect has been booked on charges of murder (PC 187).

The Richmond Police Department is grateful for the assistance provided by the Concord Police Department and is pleased that Flock ALPR technology served as a critical investigative tool, helping investigators identify and arrest a homicide suspect within approximately eight hours of the shooting.

This case highlights the value of technology, strong investigative work, and regional law enforcement partnerships in helping bring violent offenders into custody quickly.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances and motive surrounding this incident.

We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Richmond Police Department Investigations Bureau at (510) 621-1288.

The suspect’s name, age and other details have been requested. Please check back later for any updates.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

File photo: Lafayette PD

Parents “admonished…they could be cited for child endangerment”

By Lafayette Police Department

On Thursday, May 28, 2026, a Lafayette PD Officer attempted to stop and educate juveniles recklessly riding e-motorcycles (not street-legal) in the downtown area. In two different incidents, the juveniles refused to stop and sped away doing wheelies. Due to the public safety concerns, no pursuit was initiated. After reviewing the incident and speaking with witnesses, the officer identified all three juveniles. The officer later met with the juveniles and their parents to discuss their riding behavior and to educate all parties that e-motorcycles are not street legal. The officer cited all three juveniles for CVC 12500(a) – Unlicensed Driver. The parents were admonished that if their child is caught riding these again, they could be cited for child endangerment.

Here are two recent incidents highlighting the danger of these electric motorcycles:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaBKm_cTRYE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qQKL_NE5h0

Remember: Unregistered electric motorcycles are not street legal.

Learn How to Choose an Electric Bike at https://www.rei.com/…/exper…/how-to-choose-an-ebike.html

Source: Pleasant Hill PD

Electric Bike vs. Electric Motorcycle (CA law)

Class 1 E-Bike: pedal assist only, no throttle, max 20 mph

Class 2 E-Bike: pedal assist plus throttle, max 20 mph

Class 3 E-Bike: pedal assist only, max 28 mph (helmets required, no riders under 16)

Maximum 750 Watts.

Electric Motorcycle: Anything exceeding these specs (no pedals, higher speeds) requires registration, insurance, and a motorcycle license for road use.

Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV): Models such as Sur-Ron and Talaria electric motorcycles are designed only for off-road use.

By CHP Golden Gate

RICHMOND, Calif. — A victim was injured in a freeway shooting late Monday evening in Richmond following a road rage incident on Interstate 80 (I-80).

On May 25, at approximately 7:33 p.m., officers assigned to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Oakland Area office were dispatched to a freeway shooting that occurred on eastbound I-80, west of Hilltop Drive.

Responding officers contacted the victim at a secondary location after he exited the freeway to wait for emergency responders. The victim suffered a gunshot wound to his right shoulder and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The CHP’s Golden Gate Division Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene and opened an investigation. All lanes of eastbound I-80 at El Portal Drive were temporarily closed to allow officers to process the scene. After speaking with the victim and witnesses, it was determined that the shooting occurred following a road rage incident. Detectives are actively working to identify suspect(s) in this incident, and anyone with information is asked to call the CHP Investigative Tipline at (707) 917-4491.

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

Longest continuous, non-motorized relay in world history will have stops in Walnut Creek, Antioch July 6-8

Interested individuals or teams can participate

By Dave Whitson, ADT 250 Relay Director, American Discovery Trail Society

FRONT ROYAL, VA – In 2026, the American Discovery Trail Society (ADTS) celebrates the outdoors and 250 years of our independence with the American Discovery 250 Relay— a 6,800-mile (11,000 km) journey along the entire American Discovery Trail from California to Delaware, traversing through hundreds of cities, towns, villages and hamlets, starting in July and ending around Thanksgiving. This event will be the longest continuous, non-motorized relay in world history. The ADTS invites all to join in the celebration by participating for a day or more in a relay, attending one of over 100 local events, or sharing your story of personal growth and adventure. Together, we commemorate America’s past and unify our country.

Source: ADR250

Specialized Batons

Participants will carry a specialized baton displaying the header and carrying a copy of the Declaration of Independence. There will be three batons to choose from – each engraved with the three founding principles in the document: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. There will be three different colors assigned to each baton as well – red, gold and blue.

Source: ADR250

We have provided an informational webinar presenting an overview of the event which you can link to HERE.

Interested participants or teams are asked to register for free at discoverytrail.org/america-250-relay.  Runners, cyclists, hikers, wheelchair users and horseback riders are all encouraged to take part. We also encourage interest from those who wish to help with logistics, welcoming events or sponsorships.

The ADTS is making the turn-by-turn route instructions and GPS tracks free to the public during the 2026 year as part of the celebrations thanks to a generous donation from Indiana Trails.

Source: ADR250

DATES HAVE BEEN SET!

California dates are from July 1st-15th with stops in Walnut Creek and Antioch on July 6th and 7th, leaving on the 8th. The California segment will begin at Limantour Beach in Marin County where we’ll gather for the American Discovery 250 Relay kick-off, cross the Golden Gate Bridge, end with a final leg from Tahoe City on the Tahoe Rim Trail into Nevada on July 15th.

Contra Costa County Segments

• Monday 07/06/2026 — UC Berkeley, CA at 8:00 a.m. run and walk to Heather Farms Walnut Creek, CA — 28.3 miles We’ll meet on the corner of Bancroft and College Ave, right on the edge of the UC Berkeley campus. The Telegraph Channing Garage is a nearby parking option. Estimated arrival time: 5pm
• Tuesday 07/07/2026 — Heather Farms Walnut Creek, CA at 8:30 a.m. run and walk to Antioch Community Park, CA — 36.6 miles The day begins with a special event–a breakfast hosted by the City of Walnut Creek, in collaboration with Save Mount Diablo. Free food! (We’re going to need it.) We’ll aim to hit the road around 9am. Lunch-time gathering in Clayton, hosted by the City of Clayton. Details to follow. Estimated arrival time: 7pm.
• Wednesday 07/08/2026 — Antioch Community Park, CA at 8:30 a.m. bike to Sacramento – William Land Park, CA — 69.4 miles We depart from Antioch / Worth Shaw Community Park. The City of Oakley will offer a refreshment stop for participants at Antioch/Oakley Regional Shoreline around 9:30am. A support vehicle will be accessible in Oakley (7.5 miles), Isleton (30 miles), Locke (39.6 miles), and Clarksburg (55 miles), and also on-call for road-side support. Water will be available in the vehicle to top off bottles, and it will also be possible for participants to have some of their own supplies transported. Estimated arrival time: 4pm.

The entire relay calendar is now available to review here: discoverytrail.org/adt-relay-calendar.

Source: ADR250

Many Sections of the Trail are Multi-Modal and ADA Accessible

On many days we can have hikers, runners, bicyclers, and others. Thus, a 70-mile “bike” day will certainly include bicyclists who go the full distance, but there also can be people who meet up at the starting point in the morning and walk for a mile or more, or there may be walkers who gather at sites where the bikers stop for lunch or at the end of the day. Also some days listed as “hike” can include families or others who wish to ride their bikes.

There are some days when certain modes are not practical or allowed, such as no bicycles in wilderness areas. Thus, the sign-up form asks the date, the mode of transit, and the desired starting and ending points. Note that the relay will split in Denver, so in September and October we are running two relays at the same time, one through the south-central region and through the north-central region. We unite in late October in Cincinnati.

Source: ADR250

About the American Discovery Trail

The American Discovery Trail is the nation’s first non-motorized coast-to-coast trail established in the USA in 1990. Since then, hundreds have taken the challenge to walk, bike, wheelchair or horseback the entire trail (or sections thereof) with life-changing results.

It runs for 6,800 miles through 15 states and Washington, D.C. The route incorporates numerous local, state and national trails, with most of them designed for walking, hiking, and running and for bicycle and equestrian use. It connects scores of scenic and historic trails, backcountry roads, national parks and forests plus thousands of state and local properties of historic, cultural and natural significance. Users can experience their local environment, or the 23 ecosystems the trail passes through – deserts, mountains, forests, waterfronts, and plains. You can learn more about the ADT by visiting www.discoverytrail.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Crews conduct paving work on Highway 4 at Marsh Creek Road in Eastern Contra Costa County. Photo: Caltrans

From 7:30 PM to 5:00 AM

By DeNise Harding, PIO, Caltrans Contra Costa County

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY — Due to unexpected rain over the past two nights in the Brentwood area, Caltrans Construction has unfortunately lost two days from the paving schedule. As a result, Caltrans has revised the schedule for the full closure needed for ongoing paving on State Route 4 (SR-4), spanning from Hillcrest Avenue to Byron Highway. The extended closure will now occur nightly between Balfour Road and Marsh Creek Road along SR-4, beginning May 31, 2026, through June 1, 2026, from 7:30 PM until 5:00 AM each night.

Full Closure of Marsh Creek Road (SR-4) is tentatively set to return Tuesday, June 1, 2026. Access during these times will be limited to local residents, business owners, and their employees. Please note: all scheduled work is weather dependent and may change.

SR-4 Balfour Road to Marsh Creek Detour Information May 31-June 1:

Westbound SR-4 Travelers:

Traffic from Byron and Discovery Bay to Antioch/Martinez : Turn right on Walnut Blvd , continue Walnut Blvd, turn left on Balfour Rd., continue, Balfour Rd., turn right on Balfour Rd on to WB SR-4 on ramp and merge WB SR-4.

Traffic from Livermore and Byron to Antioch/ Martinez: Turn right on Walnut Blvd, continue Walnut Blvd, turn left on Balfour Rd., continue Balfour Rd., turn right on Balfour Rd. WB SR-4 on ramp and merge WB SR-4.

Eastbound SR-4 Travelers:

Traffic from Antioch/Martinez to Discovery Bay/ Byron : Take EB SR-4 Balfour Rd. Exit, turn left on Balfour Rd., continue Balfour Rd., Turn Right on Walnut Blvd, Turn Left on Marsh Creek (SR-4).

Traffic from Antioch/Martinez to Livermore: Take EB SR-4 Balfour Rd. Exit, turn left on Balfour Rd., continue Balfour Rd., Turn Right on Walnut Blvd, continue Walnut Blvd, turn left on Vasco Road.

Source: Caltrans

WHAT TO EXPECT

Drivers should note that Marsh Creek Road (SR-4) will be fully closed overnight, beginning again on June 1, 2026. The closure will take place every Sunday through Thursday night from 7:30 PM to 5:00 AM. To search for current District 4 lane closure information, please click here. This project is tentatively scheduled to be complete by Summer 2027.

State Route 4 Marsh Creek Road Detour Returns June 2, 2026:

• Westbound SR-4 Travelers: Detour begins at Byron Highway left on Brentwood Boulevard, left on Balfour Road, right on to westbound SR-4.

Source: Caltrans

• Eastbound SR-4 Travelers: Detour begins at Vasco Road; left on Walnut Boulevard, right on Payne Ave, left on Sellers Ave, right on Brentwood Boulevard, continue on Byron Hwy to eastbound SR-4.

Source: Caltrans

Changeable message signs (CMS) will be posted throughout the corridor to assist drivers. Please follow posted signs and detour routes during these closure periods.

Motorists are advised to expect delays and allow extra travel time. For 24/7 traffic updates, follow 511.org on Twitter. For real-time traffic, visit Caltrans QuickMap.

Source: Eaton campaign

Brentwood Union School District Superintendent will apply his student-centered approach countywide

“We have a moral responsibility to make sure our children’s education is better than the one that we received,” – Dr. Dana Eaton

By Lisa Tucker

BRENTWOOD – In January, Dana Eaton launched his candidacy for Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools.  This is an open seat.

“Students and learning are at the center of my work as superintendent of schools for the Brentwood Union School District and in my previous roles as a teacher and principal,” said Eaton.  “I have consistently championed early literacy, student mental health, supporting the whole child, and school safety as foundational priorities, and will continue to do so as Contra Costa Superintendent of Schools.”

Dr. Eaton is serving his 13th year as superintendent of schools for the Brentwood Union School District and his 17th year as a superintendent overall.  According to his LinkedIn profile, he previously worked as Superintendent for the Jefferson School District in Tracy from 2009 to 2013. Eaton has a nearly 30-year career in education including as a teacher and principal.

He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies from San Francisco State University, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Mary’s College of California and a Doctor of Education – EdD degree in Educational Leadership from the University of La Verne.

Dr. Dana Eaton with his wife, Renee and their children, James and Emily. Source: Eaton campaign.

Eaton currently serves on the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team State Governing Board, the state’s school finance oversight organization; the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence Superintendent Advisory Panel, the state’s support provider to school districts in need of academic assistance; and, is state president of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Superintendency Council, where he advocates on behalf of students, teachers, and educational leaders at the state and federal level.

“This experience has prepared me to help districts maintain sound fiscal practices and improve their Local Contral and Accountability Plans (LCAPs) to provide outstanding educational opportunities to every student,” said Eaton.

Current Contra Costa Superintendent of Schools, Lynn Mackey, is retiring and will not run for re-election. She has endorsed Eaton, stating “Dana is a highly experienced, well-respected superintendent here in Contra Costa County.  He is deeply committed to public education, understands the role of the County Office, and brings steady, student-centered leadership.”

During a campaign fundraiser on April 7th, the candidate said, “I really believe in the power of public education. At the same time, I think we’re in a time when we are at risk for our children and our children’s children having an inferior education. I think that as adults who have benefited from a public education that we have a moral responsibility to make sure our children’s education is better than the one that we received. And that’s why I’m running for County Superintendent of Schools.”

Dr. Dana Eaton speaks during a campaign fundraiser at McCauley Estate Vineyards in Brentwood on April 7, 2026. Photos by Allen D. Payton

In recognition of Eaton’s leadership, he was named ACSA Superintendent of the Year for Alameda and Contra Costa Counties in both 2016 and 2023.  He was also named Brentwood Citizen of the Year in 2019 by the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce.

“As Superintendent, I will work to attract and support high-quality teachers and prioritize student success and learning whether in general education, special education, or alternative settings,” said Eaton.

Eaton comes from a long line of educators. His grandparents, mother, sister and wife, Renee, all served their communities as teachers. Eaton lives in Brentwood with his family.

The primary election is in June in which he faces one opponent. Whoever receives a majority of the vote wins and will begin their term in December.

For more information about Dr. Eaton and his campaign visit www.eatonforschools.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Gun recovered

By Brentwood Police Department

On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at approximately 5:25PM, Officers responded to reports of a large fight involving juveniles inside the Brentwood City Hall Parking Garage in downtown. During the incident, callers reported a possible firearm, an assault, and theft of personal property; however, no shots were fired.

As officers arrived, multiple involved subjects fled the area on foot. Officers quickly saturated the area and detained several juveniles after multiple foot pursuits. During the investigation, officers recovered a replica Glock style firearm from one juvenile.

Officers later learned that one juvenile involved in the altercation sustained injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

Two juveniles were booked into Juvenile Hall, while others were released to their parents pending further proceedings.

We appreciate the quick response from officers and the great work by our dispatchers who helped bring the incident under control safely. No officers were injured during this investigation.

The involved parties, including the victim and suspects, have all been identified and are believed to know each other. At this time, the incident is considered isolated, with no indication of any ongoing risk to the community.

We understand incidents like this can be concerning for students, parents, and community members who may witness or hear about them. The Brentwood Police Department encourages anyone who observes suspicious activity or has information related to public safety concerns to report it immediately by calling 911 or our non-emergency line at (925) 809-7911.

Source: CCTA

CCTA introduces Smart Signals Project in Danville

At approximately 365 intersections countywide

By Lindy Johnson, Director of External Affairs & Mike Blasky, Communications, Contra Costa Transportation Authority

At a groundbreaking event in Danville on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) marked the advancement of its Countywide Smart Signals project, a countywide effort to modernize approximately 365 intersections and give local agencies better real-time tools to improve safety, reduce unnecessary stops, and help traffic move more smoothly on some of the county’s most important corridors.

The project spans all 19 cities and towns, along with unincorporated Contra Costa County, and focuses on major Routes of Regional Significance where upgraded equipment can strengthen coordination and improve day-to-day traffic operations across jurisdictions.

A special thank you to CCTA Senior Engineer Andy Dillard, whose work and leadership helped move this project from concept to construction. His experience, including his earlier work with the Town of Danville, has been instrumental in shaping a project that started with local needs and is now growing into a countywide system upgrade.

Smart Signals Key Features. Source: CCTA

Key Features of the Smart Signals include:

1. Traffic Signal Synchronization

Makes traffic lights work together so drivers spend less time in traffic, reducing travel times and delays while enhancing safety.

2. Video/Radar Vehicle, Pedestrian, and Bicycle Detection

Uses sensors to locate approaching vehicles, people, and bikers, and automatically adjust traffic lights for safer crossings. Provides real-time traffic data so cities can spot issues, improve timing, and keep roads safe.

3. Emergency Vehicle Preemption

Gives green lights to fire trucks, police cars, and ambulances so they can reach emergencies more quickly.

4. Transit Signal Priority

Helps buses move through traffic more smoothly to stay on schedule.

5. High-Speed Network

Connects signals through high-speed links so they can share information instantly.

6. Remote-View Sensors

Lets engineers see what’s happening at intersections and respond faster to problems.

7. Battery Back-up Systems

Keep traffic signals up and running during power outages.

“The Countywide Smart Signals project is about bringing our traffic signal system up to a modern standard and giving our cities and towns better tools to keep people moving safely and efficiently,” said Tim Haile, Executive Director of CCTA. “These upgrades will help intersections work better together, support safer crossings for people walking and biking, and create the connected foundation we need for better traffic management over time.”

Upgrades to traffic signals could include signal synchronization, vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle detection, emergency vehicle preemption, transit signal priority, high-speed network connections, remote-view sensors, and battery backup systems, depending on local jurisdiction needs. Initial upgrades will begin in communities such as Danville and Concord, with additional countywide work to follow.

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (2nd from left) and Contra Costa County District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen (front center) are joined by Danville Town Councilwoman Renee Morgan (left), Councilman Mark Belotz (rear), Mayor Newell Arnerich and Councilwoman Karen Stepper during the Smart Signals event on May 27, 2026. Photo: Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

“This is exactly the kind of countywide investment that delivers local value,” said Candace Andersen, Supervisor, District 2, Contra Costa County. “For residents, it means smarter coordination, safer intersections, and better support for emergency response and transit. For our local jurisdictions, it means modern tools and stronger connections along the corridors that matter most.”

“We are proud to host this groundbreaking in Danville and help launch an effort that will benefit communities across Contra Costa County,” said Newell Arnerich, Mayor of Danville. “Danville residents experience every day how important signal timing and traffic operations are to safety and quality of life. Projects like Countywide Smart Signals will help our communities manage traffic more effectively while improving conditions for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and first responders.”

“Modern, connected transportation infrastructure is essential to keeping our communities safe and moving. I’m proud to have secured more than $7 million in federal funds to ensure our community has cutting-edge technology to reduce commutes and ensure safety. Contra Costa is leading the nation in investments like Countywide Smart Signals to help improve mobility, reduce delay, and strengthen the transportation networks commuters rely on every day,” said Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, who represents California’s 10th Congressional District. “Today’s Contra Costa Transportation Authority’s Smart Signals project groundbreaking was many years in the making! I have been a proud champion of Smart Signals both here in Contra Costa and back on Capitol Hill where I have secured millions of federal dollars to bring this technology to our community. Thanks to this new project, CCTA will modernize traffic signals at more than 350 intersections throughout Contra Costa, implementing state-of-the-art Smart Signals technology to improve traffic flow and roadway safety to get CA-10 residents to and from home safely and quickly.”

CCTA says the project is designed to deliver three core benefits: safer travel, smoother trips, and better tools for cities and towns. Over time, the connected system is intended to support a broader countywide view of traffic conditions that can help agencies coordinate during major events and emergency situations. The project is funded at a total of $30.8 million through Measure J, local city contributions, as well as federal and state contributions.

We’re excited to see this work move forward and grateful to all of our city, county, regional, state, federal, and transit partners helping bring smarter infrastructure to Contra Costa County.

Residents can learn more, view the interactive project map, and download the project factsheet at ccta.ca.gov/projects/countywide-smart-signals.

CCTA also has a short educational video that explains the project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX-Uh-Uuwo4

About the Contra Costa Transportation Authority

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority is a public agency formed by Contra Costa voters to manage countywide transportation sales tax revenue and to implement voter-approved projects and programs. CCTA is responsible for planning, funding, and delivering critical transportation infrastructure and services to keep Contra Costa County and the Bay Area moving.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

One of the four retail theft suspects arrested on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Photos: Pleasant Hill PD

Two adults from Concord; 17- and 18-year-olds from Oakland

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

On Tuesday evening, May 26, 2026, our Officers worked another successful Theft Supersession detail in the Crossroads Shopping Center off Monument Blvd. and Buskirk Avenue. While working directly with Loss Prevention for the major retailers throughout the shopping center, a number of individuals were arrested, and several other thefts were thwarted. As a result of their proactive work, the following people were arrested for numerous theft and narcotics related charges:

– Lloyd Canamore (18), Oakland

– 17-year-old juvenile, Oakland

– Annemarie Melena (30), Concord

– Joshua Daniel Almond (43), Concord

According to localcrimenews.com, Melena had previously been arrested in 2018 by Woodland CHP for DUI alcohol/drugs.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, as of May 27th at 7:36 PM, Almond was out of custody on his own recognizance.

As the summer begins to kick into high gear, plan to see our Officers working a few more of these details in the coming weeks!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.