Contra Costa Herald

Graphics source: CAL FIRE

By California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection 

Sacramento, CA —As California continues to strengthen emergency preparedness and public safety communications, CAL FIRE and local government emergency response agencies are announcing the availability of the AwareCA mobile application, providing Californians with another tool to stay informed and connected during emergencies.

“We know the public wants fast, accurate, mobile-first information directly from the agencies managing incidents on the ground,” said CAL FIRE Director/Fire Chief Joe Tyler. “We have always provided timely and accurate information to the public during emergencies, and now with AwareCA, CAL FIRE can provide the public this information in near real time, where they want it, their mobile device.”

AwareCA addresses the growing public demand for fast, accurate, reliable, and authoritative emergency information while reducing confusion caused by fragmented alerts, unofficial reports, rumors, and misinformation.

Developed through a collaborative process between CAL FIRE, Intterra, and local emergency response agencies, AwareCA was designed to support millions of users while ensuring agencies retain ownership of their data and maintain a single source of truth for public information. The app is designed to keep communities informed throughout all phases of an incident by providing:

• Near real-time incident updates
• Interactive emergency maps
• Warning and order evacuation zones
• Shelter and assistance locations
• Hazard information
• Road closures
• Push notifications and location-aware alerts

AwareCA will support a wide range of emergencies and incidents across California, including wildfires, floods, earthquakes, severe weather situations, hazardous materials incidents, and other large-scale emergencies.

Source: CAL FIRE

All features of AwareCA are free for the user, including but not limited to:

• Adding locations of interest with notification distances
• Choosing different maps based on needs and preferences
• Selecting layers to control which hazards get displayed
• Viewing the map to quickly find incidents and emergency information
• Following incidents and sharing critical information with contacts
• Receiving alerts about fast-moving incidents directly from agencies
• Following response assets such as aircraft
• Viewing Caltrans traffic cameras and ALERTCalifornia wildfire cameras

During fast-moving emergencies, information can change quickly. AwareCA is designed to help Californians stay connected to updates from the agencies responsible for managing incidents, reducing reliance on unofficial sources and making it easier to find relevant information in one place.

Residents are encouraged to download the app and enable notifications for areas where they live, work, travel or have loved ones. AwareCA is now available for download on mobile devices in the App Store and Google Play.

For more information, visit Aware.ca.gov. 

Source: Caltrans

By Caltrans

The Caltrans QuickMap is a free mobile app from the California Department of Transportation that delivers real‑time traffic, road, and safety information directly from Caltrans, helping drivers plan trips, avoid delays, and stay informed on the road App Store.

What the app offers

The QuickMap app layers multiple live data sources onto a map, including App Store+1:

• Freeway speeds and congestion (color‑coded lines; green = normal, red = slow)
• Live traffic cameras and snapshots
• Lane closures and CHP incidents
• Chain controls and snow plows
• Changeable message signs (CMS) content
• Border wait times
• Safety roadside rest areas and Park & Ride lots
• Commercial vehicle info: weigh stations, escape ramps, overweight corridors, and California Truck Network routes

Key features

• Auto‑refresh: Updates data every 3 minutes (adjustable in settings) App Store
• Manual refresh: Available via the refresh button on the map
• Geotargeted notifications: Optional push alerts for road closures near your location, even when the app is closed (requires background location; may impact battery life) App Store
• Layer controls: Toggle on/off different data layers via the app’s menu QuickMap

How it works

The app uses Caltrans data plus other sources (e.g., Google Maps Traffic Layer, Automated Vehicle Location, cellular data) to provide speed and condition information QuickMap. Clicking a map marker shows detailed info in a pop‑up.

Access and support

• iOS: Download on the App Store App Store
• Web: QuickMap portal QuickMap
• Support: Email quickmap@dot.ca.gov for questions or issues App Store

Tip: Enable geotargeted notifications if you want alerts for closures near you, but be aware of the battery impact App Store. This makes QuickMap a useful “know before you go” tool for both urban and rural California travel.

Anual 2026 Exposición

By Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

Save the Date! Please join us for our 2026 Annual Contra Costa Fire Open House!

Learn about the Fire District’s programs, meet your firefighters, enjoy live demonstrations, food and drinks, and educational booths.

Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Location: 2945 Treat Blvd., Concord

For more information about Con Fire visit www.cccfpd.org.

For Bores 1, 2, and 3 Rehabilitation and Ventilation Upgrade

10 PM–4:30 AM

By Caltrans

Caltrans is rehabilitating the Caldecott Tunnel Bores 1, 2 and 3 on State Route 24 between Orinda and Oakland to preserve the structural integrity of the tunnel, improve ventilation performance and firefighting operational response, and extend its service life.

The project rehabilitation scope includes, removing, and repairing cracks in the concrete, addressing rust and fixing water damage in tunnel walls and ceilings. Construction will also make improvements to the electrical and lighting systems within the tunnel. The fire safety aspect of the project includes installing new jet fans for tunnel ventilation and sprinkler system as fire suppression.

The $267 million project is made possible through federal and state funding, Gov. Newsom announced in late August.

Because the older tunnels are considered historical, the project required a Memorandum of Understanding between Caltrans and the California State Historic Preservation Officer regarding the “Programmatic Agreement among the Federal Highway Administration, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the California State Historic Preservation Officer, the United States Army Corps of Engineers’ Sacramento District, San Francisco District and Los Angeles District, and the California Department of Transportation regarding compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act as it pertains to the administration of the Federal-Aid Highway Program in California.” It also required consultation with Native American Tribes in the Bay Area.

Closures

The bores will be closed from 10 PM to 4:30 AM on the following days beginning Monday night:

• EB Bore #2 Oct. 5 & 12
• EB Bore #1 Oct. 6 & 13
• WB Bore #3 Oct. 7

At least one bore in each direction will remain OPEN.

Photo: Caltrans

Purpose and Need

The purpose of this project is to preserve the structural integrity of the tunnel, improve ventilation performance and firefighting operational response, and extend its service life. The project is needed because Headquarters Structure Maintenance and Investigation (SM&I) and District 4 identified deficiencies during inspection and concluded that the three bores required upgrades. If not addressed, the deficiencies would trigger more frequent maintenance and lead to more extensive repairs in the future. An independent consultant, WSP, was tasked by the Division of Engineering Services (DES) and District 4 to perform a risk analysis exploring the ventilation capacities of the Complex Tunnel/Tubes within the State of California to address smoke from vehicle fires of current commercial vehicles. The risk analysis concluded that Caldecott Tunnel Bores 1, 2, and 3 are of the top risk priority in the State and recommended ventilation upgrades.

Project Details

• Draft Environmental Document (DED): January 6, 2025
• Project Approval and Environmental Document (PA&ED): June 27, 2025
• Plans, Specifications, and Estimate (PS&E): June 30, 2026
• Ready to List (RTL): June 30, 2026
• CTC Funding Allocation: August 21, 2026
• Construction Award: September 2026
• Construction Start: Fall 2026
• Construction End: Fall 2029 (Tentative)
• Project Funding: SB1 SHOPP, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)

More details at Caldecott Tunnel Bores 1, 2, and 3 Rehabilitation and Ventilation Upgrade | Caltrans.

Sign up for Caldecott Tunnel updates at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/…/CaldecottTunnel

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Source: Caltrans

Includes funds for 3-bore Caldecott Tunnel ventilation systems rehabilitation and upgrade project, adding 2 lanes to Hwy 237 in Sonoma County

By Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom announced on August 28, 2026, $2.7 billion in funding for more than 150 new projects designed to improve travel times, expand travel options beyond driving, and strengthen the state’s transportation infrastructure assets against severe weather and other climate-driven threats.

From stronger infrastructure to expanded transit access, the investments advance the Governor’s Build More, Faster — For All agenda while helping California prepare for a changing climate and keep people and goods moving.

California is building a transportation system ready for the future — one that can withstand extreme weather, give people more ways to get where they need to go, and keep our economy moving.  While Donald Trump is taking America’s transportation future backward, we are moving forward by creating jobs, modernizing infrastructure and building a more resilient California for generations to come.

– Governor Gavin Newsom

The projects build on California’s unprecedented state and federal transportation investments, including funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Joe Biden, which continues to deliver projects, jobs and upgrades in communities across the state.

Since 2019, the Newsom administration has allocated more than $81.1 billion to transportation projects across California, supporting the creation of more than 800,000 jobs.

“These investments fuel the state’s mission to deliver a transportation system that is evolving and continuing to serve all Californians, regardless of their travel mode,” said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. “The action taken supports Governor Newsom’s vision to improve the state’s infrastructure and further prepare and equip us against the current and future effects of climate change.”

Build more, Faster — For All

This latest $2.7 billion transportation investment brings California Transportation Commission (CTC) allocations under the Newsom administration to approximately $81.1 billion to date. Of the combined total, nearly $1.6 billion is funded by President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) and another $542 million from California’s Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.

“This slate of projects builds on our goals to create and maintain a safer transportation network that addresses current needs and also prioritizes long-term objectives,” said Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy.

“These investments support a transportation system that meets the diverse needs of communities throughout California,” said California Transportation Commission Chair Clarissa Falcon. “By improving safety, strengthening resilience, and expanding transportation options, these projects will deliver lasting benefits for Californians.”

Notable project investments

• Caldecott Tunnel in Orinda – $267 million to rehabilitate and upgrade the ventilation systems of three of the four bores that make up the tunnel. The project replaces the tunnel’s structural pavement, upgrades drainage and underdrain systems, and improves electrical systems to sustainable LED lighting. Construction begins Oct. 5th. Read more about the improvements to Bores One, Two and Three, here.

State Route 37: Sears Point to Mare Island Improvement Project map. Source: Caltrans

• State Route 37 Project – $63 million to add two new High Occupancy Vehicle lanes to State Route 37 in Sonoma County between Sears Point and Mare Island to improve traffic flow during peak travel times. Phase 1 of the Sears Point-to-Mare Island Improvement Project will include upgrades to the Sears Point interchange between highways 37 and 121 in Sonoma County; a roughly one-mile extension of the eastbound Highway 37 merge lane; and replacement of the existing 60-foot-long bridge over Tolay Creek with a higher, 375-foot-long span that will promote better tidal flow between San Pablo Bay and the historic Sonoma Baylands north of the highway. Later phases of the Sears Point-to-Mare Island improvements will include the addition of another travel lane in each direction as well as work to restore critical marshlands that protect the route from rising waters. Schedule: Environmental Phase Completed February 8, 2023; Complete Design – Summer 2026; Begin Construction – Spring 2027; and End Construction – Fall 2029. Read more about the Highway 37 improvement projects, here and here.

• Safe Route to School – $1.8 million to install warning beacons, signs and ADA ramps at several uncontrolled multi-lane crosswalks for a new Safe Route to School project in the community of Oildale in east Bakersfield.
• 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure improvements – $2.45 million to add infrastructure improvements, and safety upgrades to four transit stations in Los Angeles County in time for the 2028 Summer Olympics. Improvements to the 7th Street/Metro Center, Norwalk, Union Station, and Harbor Gateway stations include new wayfinding, lighting, security, passenger amenities and landscaping.
• Wildlife Crossing in Dunsmuir – $76.5 million to install a wildlife crossing and fencing along Interstate 5 near Dunsmuir in Shasta County. The project will also upgrade pavement, guardrails, signs and drainage systems.
• Eel River Fish Passage – $33.5 million for three projects to improve fish passage by removing current barriers, replacing culverts with concrete bridge structures, and reducing sediment loads on the South Fork of the Eel River near State Route 1 in Humboldt County.

California has invested approximately $21.5 billion in infrastructure projects since IIJA’s passage, creating nearly 280,000 jobs. Those dollars are leveraged along with SB 1, which invests an estimated $5 billion annually, split between state and local investments. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of funds, including projects that are partially funded by SB 1.

California’s transportation leadership

Under Governor Newsom, California has built one of the most ambitious transportation agendas in the nation — making historic investments in roads, bridges, rail and transit while accelerating the transition to cleaner, safer and more resilient transportation.

• California State Transportation Agency oversees more than $12 billion in annual transportation funding across eight state agencies — delivering roads, bridges, rail, transit, and zero-emission infrastructure to every corner of the state.
• California Transportation Commission allocates an additional $10 billion annually for transportation projects. The Commission works with local, regional, and state partners to direct funding where it can have the greatest impact, supporting projects that improve mobility, strengthen the economy, reduce congestion, and make the transportation system more resilient to climate change and extreme weather.
• California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) designs, builds, and maintains California’s transportation system, including more than 50,000 miles of highway. Recently, Caltrans launched Traffic Mobility Insights, an AI-powered platform that unifies seven statewide traffic systems, refreshes highway bottleneck detection every 25 minutes, and can generate emergency evacuation routes in minutes during wildfires or earthquakes.
• California’s High-Speed Rail Authority is advancing daily with 171 miles currently under design and construction from Merced to Bakersfield, more than 90 miles of guideway complete, and 463 miles of the 494-mile San Francisco to Los Angeles/Anaheim system fully environmentally cleared and construction-ready. The project has created nearly 19,200 good-paying construction jobs, most filled by Central Valley residents, and generated nearly $27 billion in economic impact statewide. Up to 1,700 workers report to high-speed rail construction sites every day.

California is also making zero-emission vehicles more accessible to consumers. In January, the state surpassed 2.5 million cumulative zero-emission vehicle sales, far exceeding its original goal of 1.5 million ZEVs by 2025. And now, California is putting money directly in the pockets of consumers: Governor Newsom recently launched $3,500 instant discounts for Californians purchasing their first new zero-emission vehicle, with the discount applied immediately at participating dealers.

California is extending that transformation across every mode of transportation. Last September, San Bernardino County made history by welcoming the first hydrogen-powered passenger train into revenue service in North America. In May, Governor Newsom launched a $1 billion rebate program for electric medium- and heavy-duty trucks, and in April 2025, announced $500 million for 1,000 clean school buses statewide. Demand for zero-emission bus and truck incentives has more than doubled year-over-year.

Governor Newsom’s Build More, Faster — For All infrastructure agenda has driven historic investments in transportation that will benefit all Californians for decades to come. More than 29,000 California infrastructure projects are tracked at build.ca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Children’s “Stampede” and community food drive will open a day of live music, family activities and fall festivities in Downtown

By Miranda de la O, Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce

Pleasant Hill’s youngest residents will lead the way into a new community tradition on Saturday, October 10, when the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce presents the inaugural Pleasant Hill Harvest Festival on Crescent Drive in Downtown Pleasant Hill.

Before the festival opens at noon, children from local preschools, Transitional Kindergarten programs and families throughout the community will gather for the first Pleasant Hill Stampede, a food-drive procession that will officially open the new fall festival.

Staging begins at 10:45 a.m. at the Plaza near Jack’s Restaurant. At 11:15 a.m., participating children will make their way down Crescent Drive to the Community Stage beneath the Pleasant Hill Arch, where they will help kick off the day’s festivities.

The Stampede is not a race. Children are encouraged to dress for the occasion with cowboy hats, cow ears, bandanas and other western or harvest-inspired attire as they parade through Downtown Pleasant Hill.

Participation comes with one important requirement: a donation of non-perishable food benefiting the Food Pantry at Hillcrest Congregational Church.

Local schools are being encouraged to collect food in the weeks leading up to the event and arrive at the Stampede with their collective donations, turning the opening celebration into a community-wide food drive. Families may register through participating schools or directly through the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce.

“Harvest has always been about celebrating what we have and sharing it with others,” said Jeremy, Executive Director of the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce. “There is something very special about having our youngest residents begin this new tradition by giving back to their own community. My hope is that years from now, some of these children will remember participating in the very first Stampede and eventually return with children of their own.”

At noon, the Pleasant Hill Harvest Festival officially opens along Crescent Drive, with free admission and activities continuing until 9 p.m.

The day will feature live entertainment, a pumpkin patch and pumpkin decorating competition, petting zoo, face painting, balloon artists, midway games, rock climbing, artisan vendors, seasonal displays, and beer and wine. Select activities and beverages will require separately purchased tickets.

Local schools and community performers are expected to open the entertainment schedule, with final participants still being confirmed. The afternoon and evening will feature live performances by Spinout, FirePeach and Zebop!

Downtown Pleasant Hill restaurants and merchants will also be part of the festival experience. Rather than separating the event from the surrounding business district, the Chamber has designed the festival to encourage attendees to eat, shop and explore throughout Downtown Pleasant Hill.

“The Harvest Festival gives us an opportunity to bring the community together while putting local businesses at the center of the experience,” said Alex Khodadad, Chairman of the Board of the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce. “We want to create something that feels distinctly Pleasant Hill and that families will look forward to year after year. This October is the beginning of that tradition.”

The Harvest Festival draws inspiration from Pleasant Hill’s agricultural past, when orchards, farms and harvest seasons were part of the landscape. The Chamber developed the event as a contemporary celebration of that history, bringing the idea of the harvest into today’s Downtown through food, music, family activities, local businesses and community giving.

For its inaugural year, the festival will be concentrated along Crescent Drive, creating a walkable event connecting the Community Stage, family activities, artisan vendors, restaurants, merchants and gathering spaces.

The Chamber intends the Pleasant Hill Harvest Festival and Stampede to become annual traditions, with the children of the community ceremonially opening the festival each year.

Event Information

Pleasant Hill Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Crescent Drive, Downtown Pleasant Hill
Festival: Noon–9 p.m.
Admission: Free; tickets required for select activities and beverages. www.pleasanthillchamber.com/harvest-festival/

Pleasant Hill Stampede
Staging: 10:45 a.m., Plaza near Jack’s Restaurant
Stampede begins: 11:15 a.m.
Participation requires a non-perishable food donation benefiting the Food Pantry at Hillcrest Congregational Church.

For Stampede registration, activity and beverage ticket information, festival updates and additional information are available through the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce visit PleasantHillChamber.com/harvest-festival.

About the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce

The Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce supports and advocates for the local business community while creating opportunities for businesses, residents and community organizations to connect. Through advocacy, partnerships, business programs and community events, the Chamber works to strengthen Pleasant Hill’s local economy and community.

Pinole Police participate in Pink Patch Project, public can, too

By Pinole Police Department

Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, public safety employees proudly wear pink patches on their regular duty uniforms, sparking conversations within the community.

The Pinole Police Department is proud to support the Pink Patch Project in raising awareness and supporting individuals and families affected by breast cancer.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you can purchase a Pinole Pink Patch for just $10. All proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Please contact coupinolepolicedepartment@pinole.gov for purchase or if you have any questions.

About the Pink Patch Project

The roots of the Pink Patch Project can be traced to the Seal Beach California Police Department, who wore pink patches on their uniform shirts during “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” in 2013. In 2015, the Irwindale California Police Department took the idea a step further and sold their patches to the community, raising over $20,000 for City of Hope. In 2016, then IPD Chief Anthony Miranda took the idea to the Los Angeles Police Chiefs Association and 25 local agencies came on board. Since then, the program has expanded to several hundred partner agencies throughout the world and includes partners from police, sheriff, fire, EMS, and federal departments worldwide.

For more information visit Pink Patch Project: Uniting for Breast Cancer Awareness or Pink Patch Project on Facebook.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pinole Police Department Community Outreach Officer Jennifer Witschi with K9 Therapy Dog Milo at his retirement party on Sept. 15, 2026. Source: San Pablo PD

Celebrate retirement of K-9 Therapy Dog Milo

See the CitizenRIMS Crime Map

By Pinole Police Department

September 2026 – Monthly Performance Report

Our monthly statistics provide a snapshot of our officers’ efforts. Consider a ride-along for a more in-depth look.

The Pinole Police Department’s CitizenRIMS Crime Map showing All Activity in September 2026. The plus symbol indicates multiple incidents at the same location.

There were 1,517 calls for service in September, 411 traffic stops, 169 traffic citations issued, 109 stops of pedestrians or suspicious vehicles, 139 reports taken and 55 arrests.

Source: San Pablo PD

In addition, the Department celebrated the retirement of one of its most beloved officers, K-9 Therapy Dog Milo, as he concludes nearly a decade of dedicated service.

On Tuesday, Sept. 15th we celebrated the remarkable legacy of a dog who made Pinole a little safer, a little kinder, and a lot more connected.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Video screenshots source: San Pablo PD

See video of pursuit

By San Pablo Police

When the red and blue lights come on and your getaway vehicle is smaller than a child’s bicycle … you may want to reconsider the plan.

Our contestant decided to turn the night into the “Tour de San Pablo”, followed by a bonus round of “Hide-and-seek.”

Unfortunately for him… our officers were pretty good at both.

Bike: abandoned

Cardio: attempted

Hiding spot: discovered

**GAME OVER**

Ride home: upgraded

Pro Tip: If your escape plan involves a pocket bike, a foot chase, and hoping nobody checks your hiding spot… it might be time for a new plan.

Another episode of “Felony Friday,” brought to you by your friends at SPPD.

See video of pursuit on Facebook or Instagram.

By El Cerrito Police Department

October is Pedestrian Safety Month and the El Cerrito Police Department is increasing its focus on pedestrian safety enforcement to help keep everyone safe on our streets.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “At some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian. In 2024, 7,080 pedestrians were killed and more than 71,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide. NHTSA raises awareness of the dangers to pedestrians and provides safety tips for pedestrians and drivers”

• 71,635 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes in 2024, a 5% increase from 68,241 pedestrians injured in 2023.
• On average, a pedestrian died every 74 minutes and one was injured every 7 minutes in traffic crashes in 2024.
• 18% of all traffic deaths in 2024 were pedestrians, and 3% of all people injured in traffic crashes were pedestrians.
• 17% of the children 14 and younger killed in traffic crashes in 2024 were pedestrians.
• 69% of the pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2024 were males.
• Alcohol use was reported in 43% of all fatal pedestrian crashes in 2024, with a blood alcohol concentration of .01 for the driver and/or the pedestrian.
• In 2024, more pedestrian fatalities occurred in urban areas (84%) than in rural areas (16%).
• 73% of the pedestrian fatalities occurred at locations that were not intersections, 18% occurred at intersections, and the remaining 9% occurred at other locations in 2024.
• More pedestrian fatalities occurred in the dark (76%) than in daylight (20%), dusk (2%), and dawn (2%) in 2024.
• 90% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in single-vehicle crashes in 2024.
• 1 out of every 4 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2024 (24%) was struck by a hit-and-run driver.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Most pedestrian deaths (60% in 2021) occur on high-capacity urban roads that typically have posted speed limits of 45-55 miles per hour.”

Drivers:

– Slow down and watch for pedestrians, especially near intersections and crosswalks.

– Put your phone away and avoid distractions.

Pedestrians:

– Look both ways before crossing and watch for turning vehicles.

– Stay alert and avoid distractions, including cell phones and headphones.

Slow down. Stay alert. Look out for one another!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.