Contra Costa Herald

Will cost Master Developer $44.6 million plus interest

Additional community engagement expected to start early 2027

By Colleen Awad, Community Relations Manager, City of Concord

Concord, CA – The City of Concord is happy to announce that the U.S. Navy has approved the Term Sheet for the Concord Community Reuse Project at the former Concord Naval Weapons Station.

The Term Sheet is the financial agreement between the City and the U.S. Navy regarding the price and payment terms for approximately 2,422 acres of property at the former Concord Naval Weapons Station to facilitate the property’s redevelopment as part of the Base Reuse Project. The project’s master developer, Brookfield, supports the Term Sheet.

The City of Concord is the federally recognized local redevelopment authority (LRA) for the Former Naval Weapons Station Concord (NWS Concord).

The total cost to the Master Developer will be $44.6 million. According to the Term Sheet, the LRA shall pay, or cause Master Developer to pay, the Navy a Deposit of $4,600,000 at the time of the closing of the Initial Transfer. Guaranteed Deferred Payments will begin 36 months after the date of the Initial Transfer at which time the LRA shall pay, or cause Master Developer to pay, the Navy no less than $40,000,000 in equal Guaranteed Deferred Payments $10,000,000 annually over four years plus, interest accrued from the Initial Transfer date at a rate equal to the 10-year United States Treasury Bond rate, as of the date of Initial Transfer, plus 150 basis points. Guaranteed Deferred Payments plus accrued interest will be due on the anniversary date of the closing of the Initial Transfer.

“I am proud the Base Reuse Project has reached this important milestone. The U.S. Navy has proven to be a tremendous partner in moving the community’s vision forward. This approval moves the Project into an important next phase, and our dedicated staff will continue working diligently to advance the Specific Plan,” said Director of Economic Development and Base Reuse, Guy Bjerke, who is retiring on September 30, 2026, after 11 years serving in his current role.

See Fully-Executed_NWS-Concord-EDC_Term-Sheet_23SEP2026.

The next phase of the project includes preparing and considering the Specific Plan and additional entitlement documents required to guide future development. The Specific Plan will bring the adopted Area Plan to life by designing the layout, uses, and features of development, implementing the Area Plan’s standards and policies. Brookfield will be leading the development of the Specific Plan. Both the City and Brookfield are hiring consultants to support this work, which will start this winter, with additional community engagement expected to start in early 2027.

To learn more about the Concord Community Reuse Project and follow its progress, visit the project website at www.concordreuseproject.org.

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El Departamento de Policía de Pittsburg invita a la comunidad a “Palabras con la Policía”

By Toni Baldazo, Community Engagement Officer, City of Pittsburg

The Pittsburg Police Department invites community members to join officers for Palabras con la Policía on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The event will be held on the City Hall Lawn at 65 Civic Avenue.

Palabras con la Policía, which means “words with the police” is a community focused event designed to bring Pittsburg residents and officers together in an informal and welcoming setting. Community members are encouraged to stop by, meet the officers who serve their neighborhoods, ask questions, learn about available community resources, and, as the event name says, have a conversation. This event is multilingual, catering especially to Spanish speakers as part of the Pittsburg Police Department’s continued commitment to building strong relationships with the Pittsburg community through open communication and positive interactions outside of traditional calls for service.

“Some of the most valuable conversations we have with our community happen outside of an emergency or a call for service,” said Pittsburg Police Chief Phil Galer. “Palabras con la Policía gives our officers and community members an opportunity to get to know one another, ask questions, share information, and continue building the relationships that help make Pittsburg a stronger community.”

Light refreshments will be provided at this free event, and no registration is required. Residents of all ages are encouraged to attend.

For additional information, contact Officer Salazar at (925) 252-4248 or ssalazar@pittsburgca.gov. Additional information is also available through the Pittsburg Police Department social media platforms.

El Departamento de Policía de Pittsburg invita a la comunidad a “Palabras con la Policía”

El Departamento de Policía de Pittsburg invita a la comunidad a participar en Palabras con la Policía el miércoles 30 de septiembre de 2026, de 4:30 p. m. a 6:30 p. m. El evento se llevará a cabo en el jardín del Ayuntamiento, ubicado en 65 Civic Avenue.

Palabras con la Policía es un evento comunitario que reúne a los residentes de Pittsburg y a los agentes en un ambiente informal y acogedor. Se invita a los asistentes a conocer a los agentes que prestan servicio en sus vecindarios, hacer preguntas, informarse sobre los recursos disponibles para la comunidad y, como indica el nombre del evento,

conversar. El evento será multilingüe, con especial atención a las personas que hablan español. Forma parte del compromiso continuo del Departamento de Policía de Pittsburg de fortalecer sus vínculos con la comunidad mediante la comunicación abierta y las interacciones positivas fuera de las llamadas de servicio.

“Algunas de las conversaciones más valiosas que tenemos con nuestra comunidad ocurren fuera de una emergencia o una llamada de servicio”, dijo Phil Galer, jefe de la Policía de Pittsburg. “Palabras con la Policía brinda a nuestros agentes y a los miembros de la comunidad la oportunidad de conocerse, hacer preguntas, compartir información y seguir construyendo las relaciones que hacen de Pittsburg una comunidad más unida”.

Se ofrecerán refrigerios ligeros. El evento es gratuito y no requiere inscripción. Se invita a asistir a residentes de todas las edades.

Para obtener más información, comuníquese con el agente Salazar al (925) 252-4248 o a ssalazar@pittsburgca.gov. También encontrará información en las redes sociales del Departamento de Policía de Pittsburg.

 

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Claim “defenders of the unaffordable status quo are resorting to scare tactics to distract from the costly delays driving up California’s cost of living”

By Yes on 45

Sacramento, CA — A new ad from the No on 45 campaign are intentionally misrepresenting Proposition 45, relying on blatant lies that are easily refuted by the plain language of the ballot measure.

Prop 45 streamlines approvals for eight defined categories of essential projects Californians need to lower costs and improve our quality of life: housing, water infrastructure, clean energy, transportation, hospitals and health care facilities, schools, broadband, and wildfire prevention.

Data centers, warehouses, and other heavy industrial projects are not included in any of the measure’s eight essential project categories. Yet the No on 45 campaign is attempting to deceive voters into believing they are. Here are the facts:

• Data Centers are NOT Included in Prop 45: There isn’t a single reference to data centers in the proposed ballot measure nor the Legislative Analyst’s Office analysis. Opponents instead try to shoehorn them into the measure’s definition of “essential broadband Internet access projects” as evidence, but that language is borrowed almost verbatim from existing California law defines broadband Internet access as a “mass-market retail service” provided to customers. (Gov. Code § 53167(a)) Simply put, broadband Internet access is a service provided to customers, not a facility that merely uses or relies on the Internet. The fact that a data center — or any other facility — uses Internet access doesn’t make it a broadband Internet access provider any more than a hospital becomes an electric utility because it uses the power grid.

Rachelle Chong, a former Commissioner of both the Federal Communications Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission, reviewed the measure and concluded unequivocally that “Proposition 45 does not cover a conventional data center merely because the data center is connected to, uses, stores information from, or helps support the Internet. That distinction is both technologically sensible and consistent with the language regulators have used for broadband Internet access for more than fifteen years.”

Her conclusion is shared by the Data Center Coalition, the industry’s own trade group, and by other outside experts who have reviewed the measure and definitively concluded data centers are not included.

• “Industrial Warehouses” are NOT included in Prop 45: No on 45’s claims about industrial development are just as misleading. Industrial warehouses are not among Prop 45’s eight categories of essential projects, and the measure expressly excludes heavy industrial, extractive, port, refinery and hazardous-materials uses. Section 21028(y)(2) of Prop 45 clearly states: “nonresidential uses shall not include any heavy industrial, extractive, port, refinery, or hazardous materials uses or designations.”

“Prop 45 opponents are lying to voters, plain and simple,” said Amelia Matier of the Yes on 45 campaign. “They know Californians are fed up with an unaffordable status quo that makes it too slow and too expensive to build the basics, driving up our cost of living. Instead of defending years of costly delays, they’re resorting to scare tactics about projects that aren’t even included in Prop 45. The measure is right there in black and white: Prop 45 streamlines essential projects like housing, water, clean energy, hospitals, schools and wildfire prevention so we can build faster, lower costs and improve our quality of life.”

Prop 45 streamlines approvals for housing, water infrastructure, clean energy, transportation, hospitals and health care facilities, schools, broadband, and wildfire prevention. It sets clear, enforceable timelines and greater accountability so California can build faster and more affordably while maintaining strong environmental, labor, and tribal cultural resource protections and preserving local decision-making.

California’s affordability crisis is tied directly to how long and how much it costs to build essential projects. Years of unnecessary delays drive up the cost of housing, energy, water, transportation and other essentials, costs ultimately passed on to families, ratepayers and taxpayers. Experts estimate Prop 45 could cut costly delays by 2 to 10+ years, lowering costs, getting critical projects built sooner, and improving quality of life for Californians.

BACKGROUND: Prop 45, the Building an Affordable California Act, modernizes California’s project approval and permitting process for essential projects — including housing, water infrastructure, clean energy, transportation infrastructure, hospitals and health care facilities, schools, broadband, and wildfire prevention projects — by establishing clear timelines, improving accountability, and reducing unnecessary delays, while preserving strong environmental, labor, and tribal cultural resource protections. Prop 45 is supported by a broad and growing coalition of 160+ organizations, including affordable housing advocates, civil rights leaders, clean energy builders, water providers, agricultural groups, and business organizations statewide. Learn more at YESonProp45.com 

See videos about Prop 45 by the League of Women Voters of Marin and Sonoma Counties and about CEQA by the Association of Corporate Counsel, San Diego.

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Retired U.S. Army Lt. General Eric Wendt is a former Commander of NATO Special Operations Headquarters and served 30 years as a Special Forces Green Beret

Class of ’82 CVHS grad

By Allen D. Payton

Former Clayton resident, retired U.S. Army Lt. General Eric Wendt has been confirmed as the next U.S. Ambassador to Albania. He was nominated by President Trump on April 13, 2026, “to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Albania” and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on August 7th as part of a package of appointments on a 51-to-47 party-line vote. Both Senators from California, Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, voted against all the appointments.

According to balkanweb.com, the process will conclude with the signature of President Trump, “which is the final step in formalizing his appointment.” According to the September Report of the Ambassadorial Assignments Overseas Office of Presidential Appointments Wendt took his oath of office on August 19th.

According to albeu.com, “The United States Embassy in Albania has responded following the confirmation of retired Lieutenant General Eric Wendt’s appointment as the next U.S. ambassador to the country. In an official statement, the U.S. diplomatic mission announced that Wendt is expected to arrive in Tirana to take up his post as the highest-ranking U.S. representative in Albania.”

In an Aug. 8th post on X, the U.S. Embassy Tirana wrote, “Confirmed! Congratulations to Lieutenant General (ret.) Eric Wendt on his new role to [sic] as the next U.S. Ambassador to Albania! We can’t wait to welcome Ambassador-designate Wendt to Tirana, where he will champion President Trump’s vision for shared security, a stronger NATO, and fair deals for U.S. businesses.”

According to an Aug. 8th report by Atlantiku.com, which publishes news for the Albanian-American community, “Wendt…is expected to assume his duties in Tirana shortly after submitting credentials to the Albanian President,” Bajram Begaj.

That report continues, “In testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in May, Wendt described Albania as a strong U.S. partner and NATO ally and highlighted the importance of the two countries’ cooperation on security and regional stability…Wendt said his priorities would include strengthening security cooperation, supporting Albania’s fight against corruption and transnational organized crime, expanding cybersecurity cooperation and promoting stronger economic and commercial ties between the United States and Albania.”

Albania is a country of more than 2.3 million people according to the 2026 Census and is located in Southeast Europe east of Italy across the Adriatic Sea. It is bordered by Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Greece.

According to a State Department Spokesperson, “President Trump is assembling an America First diplomatic A-team across his administration. We look forward to Ambassador Wendt advancing U.S.-Albanian relations.”

About Wendt

Born in Berkeley on October 7, 1964, the soon to be 62-year-old Eric Patrick Went grew up in Clayton, CA. According to an August 2021 report by the Concord-Clayton Pioneer following his “joint service retirement ceremony overlooking Monterey Bay on Aug. 19,” that year, he “graduated from Clayton Valley High School in 1982. Wendt was the longest serving active-duty Special Forces branched Green Beret of any rank still on active duty as of his retirement date. At three stars, he retired at the highest rank achieved by any Special Forces branched/career-long Green Beret since the group’s creation in 1952.”

The Pioneer also reported, “Wendt is the son of Pete and Pat Wendt. He married the former Katherine Laurie of San Jose, and they have two grown children, Emma and Alden.”

“I am thankful to have been a soldier for over 34 years and to have served alongside incredible men and women from all the American services and many different American agencies, as well as troopers and civilian government employees from many other countries,” Wendt said.

“I will always be thankful for all of my brothers in the Green Berets,” he added, noting that several of them flew to Monterey from around the world to attend the ceremony.

See video of Wendt’s comments and responses to Senators’ questions during the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing.

According to the U.S. State Department’s website, the Certificate of Competency for Retired Lt. General Eric Wendt was presented in a report to the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, on April 22, 2026. “Certificates of Competency must be presented to the…Committee for presidential nominees to be Chief of Mission that demonstrate the competence of a nominee to perform the duties of the position in which he or she is to serve.”

According to the report, at that time, Wendt worked “as a Professor of Practice teaching Command and Leadership at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS). When still in uniformed service as a three-star general, he was stationed in Europe and served as the Commander for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Special Operations Headquarters. He commanded all Special Operations Forces apportioned to NATO (to include Albanian special operations units) and worked in Albania with Defense leaders and troopers. Previously, he served for a year in Afghanistan as a Regional Deputy Commander, which included oversight of troopers from Albania.

During over 34 years of active duty, he held multiple senior command positions and led organizations with up to thousands of military, civilian, and interagency personnel. He worked for the U.S. Department of State for two years as an integral part of U.S. Embassy Jerusalem where he led an eight-country coalition as the U.S. Security Coordinator, Israel-Palestinian Authority and reported directly to the Secretary of State. His considerable leadership experience, proven ability to manage complex multinational and interagency organizations, and his regional expertise throughout Europe make Lt. General (Ret.) Wendt well-qualified to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Albania.

Lt. General (Ret.) Wendt earned a B.A. degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an M.A. degree from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California. He speaks Arabic and Korean. He is a recipient of numerous awards and honors including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal (with one oak leaf cluster), the Bronze Star Medal (with two oak leaf clusters), and the U.S. Department of State Superior Honor Award.”

According to his Faculty Page on the Naval Postgraduate School website, Wendt’s “final assignment on active duty was as the fifth Commander of NATO Special Operations Forces Command (NATO Allied SOFCOM) before retiring from uniformed military service in 2021.  As a General Officer he served as the sole Deputy Commanding General (for both Operations and Support) for the 13,500 multinational troops from 17 countries in Regional Command-North in Afghanistan; as a Sub-Unified Theater Special Operations Commander (TSOC Commander), as the Commanding General of the JFK Special Warfare Center and School; as the Chief of Staff for the United States INDOPACOM; he also led an eight-country coalition as the three-star United States Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority, working in multiple countries throughout the Middle East in that assignment.

“LTG (Ret.) Wendt commanded multiple separate organizations for 13 years at tactical, operational and strategic levels while participating in numerous peacetime training and combat operations throughout the globe. He also served as the Principal Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense.  LTG (Ret.) Wendt received his bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara and received his master’s degree in 1995 from the Naval Postgraduate School (he was in the third class of what today is the Defense Analysis program). Ten years later, he successfully completed a yearlong academic fellowship in the Naval Postgraduate School’s Department of Defense Analysis. In 2018 he was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus of the Naval Postgraduate School.

“Since retiring from uniformed service in 2021, LTG (Ret.) Wendt worked from 2022-2025 as one of two DOD Senior Mentors in Korea.  He has published multiple military professional journal articles and taught as a Professor of Practice. LTG (Ret.) Wendt had significant guests who are strategic leaders from military, business, interagency, international and other fields speak with his Command and Leadership courses, and he serves as the moderator when these guest speakers provide their “Fireside Chats” to the entire assembled Naval Postgraduate School student body.

“In 2023 he was inducted into the US Army ROTC National Hall of Fame, and in 2023 was also one of four inducted into the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC) Hall of Fame.”

According to NATO Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe 2019 report, “A Change of Command ceremony took place for the NATO Special Operations Headquarters (NSHQ) at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) on Thursday, November 7, 2019. Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Tod D. Wolters presided over the event which saw Vice Admiral Colin J. Kilrain hand over command of the NSHQ to Lieutenant General Eric P. Wendt.”

According to his Wikipedia page, “As a general officer, Wendt previously served as the United States Security Coordinator for the Israel-Palestinian Authority from November 2017 to October 2019, with prior general officer terms as the chief of staff of the United States Pacific Command from May 2015 to September 2016, as the commanding general of the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School from 2014 to 2015, as the commander of Special Operations Command Korea from 2012 to 2014, and as the deputy commander of Regional Command North of the International Security Assistance Force from 2011 to 2012 in Afghanistan.”

President Trump had previously nominated Wendt “to be United States ambassador to Qatar on September 22, 2020, but his confirmation hearing was not scheduled before the 116th Congress permanently adjourned on January 3, 2021, so his nomination was returned without action.”

According to Albanian news website, Pamfleti.net, “The US Embassy in Tirana has been without a full-time ambassador for about three years, following the departure of Ambassador Yuri Kim (of Guam) in 2023. During this period, the mission has been led by chargé d’affaires and temporary representatives.” According to the Embassy’s website, the Ambassador prior to Kim, from 2015-2018, was Donald Lu, who, like Wendt, is also from California.

According to the U.S. Foreign Service Association’s Tracker of Current U.S. Ambassadors, as of Sept. 1st, Wendt is listed as the Ambassador to Albania and there are 196 positions of which 99 are vacant. However, nothing on the Embassy’s website confirms he has arrived in Tirana, yet.

According to The Notable People Project, “Wendt retired from active duty on March 1, 2021, concluding over 34 years of military service. His retirement ceremony marked the end of a career that took him from infantry platoons to the highest echelons of NATO command. His legacy is that of a soldier-diplomat who consistently operated at the intersection of special operations, international policy, and alliance management.

“In retirement, Wendt continues to contribute to national security discourse. His insights, drawn from decades of hands-on leadership in complex geopolitical environments, are sought after for strategic consulting and advisory roles. He remains a respected voice on issues of special operations, counterterrorism, and international security cooperation.

Leadership Style and Personality

“Eric Wendt is characterized by a leadership style that is both cerebral and grounded. Colleagues and subordinates describe him as a thoughtful, quiet professional who leads with a calm and measured confidence. He is not given to outbursts or flashy displays of authority, instead preferring to exercise influence through meticulous preparation, strategic vision, and a genuine engagement with the mission and his team.

“His interpersonal approach is built on respect and a deep appreciation for the expertise of those around him. Fluent in Arabic and Korean, Wendt’s language skills symbolize a broader commitment to understanding partners and adversaries on their own terms. This cultural and linguistic competency allowed him to build trust and achieve objectives in highly sensitive international environments where mere presence is insufficient.

Philosophy or Worldview

“Wendt’s operational philosophy is deeply informed by the Special Forces mantra of ‘by, with, and through.’ He believes in the paramount importance of enabling partner nations to secure themselves, rather than imposing solutions from the outside. This approach emphasizes long-term relationship building, capacity development, and respect for sovereignty as the sustainable path to stability.

“He views special operations not as an isolated instrument of power, but as a fully integrated element of broader national strategy. His career reflects a conviction that military force, particularly special operations, must be coupled with diplomatic engagement and a deep understanding of political and social contexts to be truly effective and legitimate.

Impact and Legacy

“Eric Wendt’s legacy is that of a pivotal figure in the modern evolution of U.S. and NATO special operations. He played a central role in shifting the focus of special forces from direct action missions to the more complex, long-term tasks of building partner capacity and strengthening alliances. His commands in Korea, at the Special Warfare Center, and at NATO headquarters directly shaped the forces and doctrine that address contemporary hybrid threats.

“His tenure as U.S. Security Coordinator in Jerusalem and his nomination for ambassador to Qatar underscore the increasing reliance on senior military officers with his profile for critical diplomatic-security roles. Wendt demonstrated how deep regional expertise, linguistic skill, and strategic patience are indispensable assets in 21st-century statecraft, blurring the traditional lines between military and diplomatic functions.

Personal Characteristics

“Beyond his professional duties, Wendt is known as an avid reader and a lifelong learner, with intellectual curiosity that extends beyond military theory into history, culture, and global affairs. This personal dedication to continuous learning underpinned his ability to quickly grasp the nuances of every complex assignment he undertook.

“He maintains a strong commitment to physical fitness and the warrior ethos, values instilled through his Special Forces career. Even in high-level staff and diplomatic roles, he embodied the Green Beret ideal of the ‘quiet professional,’ valuing substance over self-promotion and finding satisfaction in the successful execution of the mission and the growth of his teams.”

Ongoing Demonstrations

Wendt can expect to be greeted by one of the on-going demonstrations in Albania. According to a Demonstration Alert issued by the Embassy on September 8, 2026, “Nightly demonstrations continue in Tirana, with protesters gathering in Skanderbeg Square.  Additional protests may occur in the coming days, and potentially in other cities.

“Protests and large gatherings can begin peacefully but escalate quickly without warning, disrupting traffic and services, and sometimes turning violent.  Protests may also expand to nearby areas, including government buildings.  Embassy Tirana personnel have been advised to avoid demonstrations, particularly near government institutions.

“Enhanced police presence, road closures, detours, and traffic disruptions can be expected in the hours leading up to and during the protests.”

Interview Efforts Unsuccessful to Date

Efforts to reach Wendt for an interview were unsuccessful prior to publication time. Drew Bailey, Press Officer for the U.S. Department of State responded Tuesday, Sept. 15th, to the request and if he has yet to arrive in Albania writing, “Ambassador-Designate Wendt has not arrived in Tirana yet, so the Embassy has not been arranging interviews. They have noted your interest however and will follow-up in the future if the Ambassador wishes to participate in an interview.”

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

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By CHP Contra Costa

CONCORD, Calif. – A motorcyclist was pronounced deceased Monday afternoon following a three-vehicle crash on westbound State Route 4 (SR-4) in Concord. He has been identified by Contra Costa Sheriff-Coroner’s Office spokesman Jimmy Lee as Michael Scott Rigsby, 47 years old from Brentwood.

On Sept. 21 at 3:06 p.m., officers from the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Contra Costa Area responded to a three-vehicle crash on westbound SR-4, just east of Port Chicago Highway.

A preliminary investigation indicates an adult male motorcyclist, a white Volkswagen Jetta, and a brown Toyota Tundra were traveling westbound on SR-4 when, for reasons still under investigation, the Jetta collided with the motorcycle. The motorcyclist was ejected and subsequently struck by the Tundra. The motorcyclist sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Jetta was occupied by an adult female driver. The Tundra was occupied by an adult male driver and a juvenile female passenger seated in the front passenger seat. No other injuries were reported.

The occupants of the Jetta and Tundra were wearing seatbelts, and the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Officers do not suspect alcohol or drugs to be a factor in this crash at this time.

The two right lanes of westbound SR-4 east of Port Chicago Highway were closed at approximately 3:25 p.m., while officers investigated the crash and processed the scene. All lanes reopened at approximately 6:35 p.m.

According to CHP Contra Costa PIO Dan Gilmore

The crash remains under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the crash or the events leading up to it is asked to contact the CHP’s Contra Costa Area office in Martinez at (925) 387-1900 or email 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service and Security.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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City of Pleasant Hill, District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson to partner on event

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County

(Pleasant Hill, CA) – Contra Costa County is bringing its services directly to the community with the annual Contra Costa County Block Party on Tuesday, September 29, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at the Pleasant Hill Library, 2 Monticello Avenue, Pleasant Hill.

Contra Costa residents can stop by to take care of County business, connect with local government, get help with important tasks—and enjoy an evening of food, fun and community.

District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson and the City of Pleasant Hill are partnering with the County to host this free, family-friendly event and make it easier for residents to access services outside regular business hours.

“The County Block Party is about meeting people where they are and bringing County services directly into the community,” Vice Chair Ken Carlson said. “By bringing resources together in one welcoming place, we’re making it easier for residents to access the support they need and feel connected to their community.”

Residents can register to vote, obtain copies of vital records and apply for programs such as Veterans Benefits, CalFresh and Medi-Cal. County staff will also answer questions, connect residents with resources and help them navigate County services.

“We’re proud to partner with Supervisor Carlson and Contra Costa County to bring this important event to Pleasant Hill,” said Pleasant Hill Mayor Zac Shess. “The Block Party reflects our shared commitment to accessible services, stronger connections between residents and local government, and a vibrant community.”

County departments — including the Public Defender’s Office, Clerk-Recorder-Elections, Employment & Human Services Department, Public Works and Contra Costa Health — will join the City of Pleasant Hill to provide services, resources and information. Residents can also enjoy food, entertainment and activities for all ages.

Since launching in 2017, the County Block Party has brought County services and staff into communities across the County, rotating locations each year to make government more accessible and strengthen connections with residents. This year marks the event’s seventh year.

Come for the services. Stay for the food, fun and community.

For more information, visit here: Contra Costa County Block Party.

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Help county food recovery organization earn up to $200,000 grant

By Trish Heaney, Communication & Marketing Manager for White Pony Express

Concord, Calif. – White Pony Express (WPE), the food recovery organization serving Contra Costa County, has been named a Western Region finalist for the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards®, with the opportunity to earn up to $200,000 in grant funding to help end hunger in our community. White Pony Express was nominated by the Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Walnut Creek at North Main and Chick-fil-A The Willows.

White Pony Express is already a Shared Table® partner with both restaurants, regularly receiving donated surplus food to help prepare meals for neighbors facing hunger — a partnership that made this nomination a natural fit.

The award is decided by public vote. Chick-fil-A One® App users can cast their vote for White Pony Express in the Western Region now through September 30. To vote:

• Sign in to your Chick-fil-A One® account (or create one) in the Chick-fil-A App
• Select “For You” at the bottom of the screen and look for the True Inspiration Awards card
• Tap “Vote Now”
• Select Western Region
• Cast your vote for White Pony Express
• Bring proof of your vote to the Chick-fil-A Walnut Creek at North Main or The Willows for a free medium fries.

“Every vote is a chance to put more good food into motion and deliver it with love to neighbors who need it,” said Eve Birge, CEO of White Pony Express. “This award would help us say yes to more than 70 organizations that are in line for our services. It would mean more children, families, and seniors sharing in our community’s abundance.”

White Pony Express currently provides the equivalent of 13,000 fresh, healthy meals each day—free of charge—to more than 140 schools, shelters, senior centers, and community organizations across Contra Costa County. With more than 70 organizations waiting for service, the award would help WPE recover more good food, reach more neighbors, and respond to a level of need that continues to outpace available resources.

The need is growing. Food insecurity among low-income adults has risen sharply across the Bay Area, including in Contra Costa County, according to the California Health Interview Survey. A win would help White Pony Express increase deliveries and reach some of the more than 70 nonprofit organizations on the waitlist. Community members are encouraged to vote and share the opportunity before voting closes on September 30.

How can I vote for the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards?

Vote in the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards until Sept. 30

From September 1 through September 30, 2026, Chick-fil-A One^® Members can place their vote for the True Inspiration Awards^® within the Chick-fil-A^® App. To help select the award winners, follow the instructions below:

1. Sign in to your Chick-fil-A One® account (or create one) in the Chick-fil-A App.
2. Select “For You” at the bottom of the screen.
3. Click the “Vote Now” button.
4. Select your geographical region.
5. Read about this year’s regional finalists and cast your vote.

Please note, customers must use the Chick-fil-A App and a Chick-fil-A One Account to place a vote.

The 2027 True Inspiration Awards grant winners will be announced in early 2027. For more information, visit here.

About White Pony Express

Founded in 2013 by Dr. Carol Weyland Conner, White Pony Express is a volunteer-powered 501(c)(3) nonprofit built on a simple truth: hunger is not a scarcity problem; it is a distribution problem. Every day, WPE recovers fresh food and essential goods from local businesses and delivers them—free of charge—to more than 140 nonprofit partners. Its work is powered by a small staff and more than 2,000 volunteers, united by the idea that we are one human family, and love only gives its best. Fore more information visit https://whiteponyexpress.org.

About the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards

The Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards were established in 2015 to honor the legacy of Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy. The program supports organizations dedicated to caring for people, caring through food, caring for communities, and caring for our planet. Grants range from $30,000 to $200,000.

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Smoke may waft into West County but don’t call 911

By Pinole Police Department & Ryan Forbes, Bay Area District, CA State Parks

After pausing of the September 8th prescribed burn at Angel Island State Park, California State Parks, in partnership with CAL FIRE and the Marin County Fire Department, plan to continue the prescribed burn as early as Wednesday, Sept. 23 to Thursday, Sept. 24. Burn dates will depend on wildfire activity, resource availability, weather conditions, predicted smoke movement and fuel moisture.

Community members should refrain from calling 911 to report smoke from Angel Island to avoid overwhelming emergency dispatchers.

After the Sept. 8th burn, following further evaluation of conditions and discussions with the Bay Area Air District, all project partners agreed to cancel further burn operations for the week.

Prescribed burns conducted in State Parks promote habitat improvement and reduce fuel loads that have accumulated in the absence of historically frequent, low-intensity fires. All burning is dependent upon wildfire activity, resource availability, weather conditions, predicted smoke movement and fuel moisture. If conditions are not conducive, the burn will be rescheduled.

Trail Closures at Angel Island State Park: Ida Trail, Sunset Trail, the fire road and Perimeter Road may be closed on and immediately following burn days.

State Parks started the prescribed burn on Angel Island on Sept. 8 but did not finish the planned 260-acre burn following discussions with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. These prescribed burns at Angel Island are specifically aimed at reducing fuel loads in grasslands and coastal scrub on the island and are supported by Proposition 4 (2024 Climate Bond). State Parks uses prescribed fire on a rotational basis as a healthy component of the ecosystem. Prescribed burns help reduce dangerous fuel loads throughout wildland areas.

The previous Angel Island burn accomplished several key objectives outlined in the plan.

“We were able to burn 62 acres on the island with the fuels reduction that we’ve accomplished, reducing the chance of a catastrophic fire on the island,” said Division Chief Sean Jerry, CAL FIRE Sonoma Lake Napa Unit.

Angel Island is the largest island in San Francisco Bay at one square mile and is visible from many surrounding Bay Area communities. Many Bay Area residents are likely to see smoke from the burns from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on burn days, and some smoke may also be visible up to three days following ignitions.

Prescribed burns are planned and coordinated with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to minimize smoke impacts on surrounding communities. All burning depends on weather and air conditions that are favorable for smoke dispersal. If conditions are not conducive, the burn will be rescheduled.

“We work closely with the Air Quality Management District, and we really look for those small windows that have the greatest ability to disperse the smoke in the least impactful manner,” said Division Chief Graham Groneman, Marin County Fire Department.

“As always, we will be doing this with our neighbors and communities in mind,” said Senior Environmental Scientist Naftali Moed, California State Parks.

Angel Island State Park will remain open during burn days. However, some trails and roads near the burn area, including portions of the Ida Trail, Sunset Trail, and the park’s fire and perimeter roads, will be closed for one to three days during and immediately after the burn. Access to the summit of Mt. Livermore will not be permitted on some burn days as well.

State Parks asks that visitors adhere to posted closure signage and any directions from park staff or fire personnel. Please use extreme caution when recreating near prescribed fire operations due to fire personnel and equipment in the area. In the unlikely event you smell smoke, officials urge you to take precautions and use common sense to reduce any harmful health effects by limiting time spent in smoky areas.

California State Parks Bay Area District Prescribed Fire Program

The lands encompassed within the Bay Area District of California State Parks include a diverse variety of unique ecosystems, many of which have evolved with and been shaped by fire over millennia. California State Parks has employed prescribed burning as a tool to help steward a number of parks across the State Park System since the 1970s. State Parks first began conducting prescribed burns in Bay Area District park units in the early 1980s, with prescribed pile and broadcast burning having taken place in a number of parks intermittently since then. State Parks staff from across the Bay Area District work closely with CAL FIRE, the Marin County Fire Department and a variety of partners to make sure all prescribed fire work is conducted safely in a manner that furthers State Park’s mission to preserve California’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources.

To stay up to date on the status of this burn, please check the Angel Island State Park webpage, Facebook / Instagram, and the Watch Duty App.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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Muti-agency effort assists Alameda County Sheriff’s Office

By Hercules Police Department

Hercules Police Department officers recently assisted the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office with the arrest of two wanted suspects.

Upon locating the suspects in a vehicle at the Dylan Apartment Complex on John Muir Parkway, officers observed that both suspects were asleep and that one had a pistol resting on his lap.

Recognizing the potential for a dangerous and rapidly evolving situation, officers developed and implemented a tactical plan centered on time, distance, communication, and de-escalation. Through patience, coordination and sound police tactics, the situation was resolved safely, and both suspects were taken into custody without further incident.

This operation was a strong example of the importance of interagency cooperation and teamwork. We extend our sincere appreciation to our allied agency partners who assisted:

• Vallejo Police Department — K-9
• Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office
• San Pablo Police Department — SWAT
• Pinole Police Department
• Pittsburg Police Department

The hard work, professionalism, and dedication of frontline law enforcement officers can never be overstated. Kudos to every officer and deputy who worked together to bring this incident to a safe resolution.

Efforts have been made to reach the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office and Hercules Police Department for more details, including the names of the suspects and what they were wanted for, as no police activity is shown on the department’s CitizenRims crime map for that location since August 1st, nor are addresses included in the list of arrests dating back to Aug. 28th. Please check back later for any updates.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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Family-owned grocer expands from Antioch

Will bring fresh food and new activity to a neighborhood shopping center that has lacked a supermarket for nearly seven years.

By Toni Baldazo, Community Engagement Officer, City of Pittsburg

PITTSBURG, CA – Cielo Supermarket opened its new Pittsburg location in the Highlands Square Shopping Center on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, with a public ribbon cutting event hosted by the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce, returning a full-service grocery store to a site that has been vacant since 2019.

The family-owned supermarket occupies approximately 25,000 square feet of the former 58,000-square-foot anchor space, which was previously home to Raley’s and later Food Source. The new store will offer fresh produce, a full-service meat department, deli, bakery, juice bar, tortillería, and a taqueria with indoor seating.

“For several years, residents have consistently shared that they wanted a grocery store back in this neighborhood,” said Pittsburg Mayor Dionne Adams. “The City and property owner continued working to find the right fit, and we are pleased to welcome a family-owned business willing to invest in Pittsburg. Cielo’s opening will bring fresh food options, new activity and greater convenience to the community. This is a meaningful win for the neighborhood and our entire city.”

Food Source closed in 2019, leaving the large anchor space without a tenant. In the years that followed, the City and property owner Sierra Pacific Properties continued working to recruit another grocery operator. Community members added their voices through sustained advocacy, including a rally organized to show grocery chains the demand and support waiting for them in Pittsburg.

Those efforts gained momentum when discussions with Cielo began in 2024. In October 2025, the Pittsburg City Council unanimously approved a targeted $120,000 economic development incentive to help move the project forward. The package included a $77,500 building permit fee credit and a performance-based rebate equal to 50% of the City’s quarterly sales-tax receipts from the store, capped at $42,500.

Cielo Supermarket is owned and operated by the Gomez-Ayala family, which has more than 30 years of experience serving Contra Costa County’s grocery customers. Hector and Fabiola Gomez founded Cielo in 2021, opening the company’s first location in Antioch that year. The Pittsburg store will be Cielo’s second location, and its flagship.

“We have heard from Pittsburg residents how much they have missed having a grocery store in this location, and our family is honored to be part of bringing it back,” said Fabiola Gomez, co-founder of Cielo Supermarket. “We are grateful for the welcome we have received from the community, the City and Sierra Pacific Properties. Our team can’t wait to open the doors, meet our new neighbors, and serve Pittsburg with fresh food, authentic flavors and the family atmosphere that defines Cielo.”

The opening of Cielo Supermarket will be the second full-service grocery store to open in Pittsburg in the past 14 months, following on the heels of Sprouts Farmer’s Market, which opened in June 2025.

See video of grand opening and ribbon cutting.

Cielo Supermarket’s Pittsburg location is open at 1375 Buchanan Road. Additional information about Cielo is available at www.cielosupermarket.com or visit www.facebook.com/cielosupermarket.

 

 

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