Violated temporary restrictions at Rams vs. Niners contest on Nov. 9, 2025; faces one year in prison and $100K fine
No Drone Zones this week in S.F., at Levi’s Stadium for Super Bowl LX & related events; violators face up to $75K fine, more
By Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Lo, PIO, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California
SAN JOSE – A San Francisco man was charged in a federal criminal complaint for flying a drone within restricted airspace surrounding Levi’s Stadium during a National Football League (NFL) game in violation of a temporary flight restriction (TFR) imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
According to the criminal complaint and court documents filed today, Junwei Guo, 27, operated a drone within the airspace surrounding Levi’s Stadium on Nov. 9, 2025, during a game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams. As court documents describe, the FAA has issued a TFR that prohibits all aircraft, including drones, from operating within a three nautical mile radius of any stadium with a seating capacity of 30,000 or more people during, among other events, regular or post-season NFL games. The “stadium TFR” classifies the airspace defined in the restriction as “National Defense Airspace” and remains in effect for a specified time period before, during, and after the qualifying event.
The complaint alleges that Guo flew the drone as high as approximately 2,300 feet above ground level, an altitude that raises significant concerns for public safety and the potential disruption air traffic control in the area. Guo allegedly did not register the drone with the FAA, obtain a remote pilot’s certificate with the FAA, obtain FAA authorization to fly the drone in national defense airspace, or comply with the requirements of the FAA’s recreational use exception.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.
Defendant is scheduled to appear in federal court in San Jose on Feb. 27, 2026, for an initial appearance.
A complaint merely alleges that a crime has been committed, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine for the charged violation of national defense airspace under 49 U.S.C. § 46307. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina Liu is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Natachiana Burney. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, the Federal Air Marshal Service, and the Santa Clara Police Department.
No Drone Zone for Super Bowl LX Week
The FAA, in coordination with the FBI, has established a “No Drone Zone” for Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Feb. 8, 2026, with additional drone restrictions surrounding Levi’s Stadium and in downtown San Francisco during the days leading up to the event. Areas include the Moscone Center, The Pearl, The Ferry Building, Grace Cathedral and the Palace of Fine Arts.
Drone operators who enter restricted airspace without authorization may face fines of up to $75,000, drone confiscation and federal criminal charges, with the FBI identifying operators, seizing drones, and supporting prosecution
For more information, please visit: https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-and-fbi-announce-strict-no-drone-zones-super-bowl-lx.
Further Information:
Case No. 26-cr-70083-MAG
Electronic court filings and further procedural and docket information are available at https://ecf.cand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. Judges’ calendars with schedules for upcoming court hearings can be viewed on the court’s website at www.cand.uscourts.gov.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Source: City of San Pablo
$150,000 two-year agreement with Irvine-based consultant
The City of San Pablo is proud to announce the adoption of its new Marketing and Branding Program for Economic Development and Housing, a strategic initiative designed to strengthen the city’s identity, attract investment, and foster community engagement.
In partnership with Irvine-based marketing, technology and public affairs firm, Tripepi Smith & Associates, the City has developed a comprehensive economic corridor brand system that reflects San Pablo’s unique position in the Bay Area, its relative affordability and its business-friendly environment. This effort supports reinvestment, business attraction, and placemaking, key priorities outlined in the City Council’s Economic Development Strategy.
Residents and merchants will soon see the new branding come to life across the city, including street pole banners in commercial districts and other public and private spaces. The program introduces a family of corridor-level sub-brands, enabling the City to communicate more effectively about distinct areas and opportunities while building confidence among investors and strengthening resident engagement. With the new brand statement of: “Growing Forward, Grounded in Community”, city staff, partners and business community can lean into San Pablo’s sense of place that is shaped by diverse cultures, strengthened by community pride, that is positioned at the heart of the Bay Area.
During their meeting on March 3, 2025, the City Council adopted a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a consulting services agreement with Tripepi Smith & Associates in an amount not to exceed $150,000 over two years. It passed on a 4-0 vote with Councilmember Abel Pineda absent.
“Tripepi Smith collaborated closely with City staff and community stakeholders to understand San Pablo, where we are today and where we are trying to go,” said Kieron Slaughter, Economic Development & Housing Manager. “The result is a clear, functional brand system that supports one of the City Council’s priorities and implements a key action from our Economic Development Strategy. This gives us a stronger platform to attract investment, support local businesses, and communicate our vision in a more coordinated way.”
The branding initiative included a robust discovery phase, ensuring that key messaging and logos are adaptable for multiple uses from business outreach to community-building communications. The resulting Branding Toolkit provides staff with practical tools for outreach, marketing, and partnership conversations, positioning San Pablo as a city that is thoughtful, prepared, and open to opportunity.
“San Pablo’s new branding program reflects our commitment to reinvestment, community pride, and a thriving local economy. By embracing a unified identity rooted in our diverse culture and strategic Bay Area location, we’re strengthening our ability to attract investment, support local businesses, and ‘grow forward’ together,” stated San Pablo Mayor Elizabeth Pabon-Alvarado.
As of February 2026, Tripepi Smith is working with the City on an implementation plan and communication materials to roll out the new brand system citywide.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Photo source: Office of Supervisor John Gioia
Anuncian un programa de subvenciones de 1 millón de dólares para mejorar la equidad en West Contra Costa
Application Deadline: February 27, 2026
Las solicitudes de subvención vencen en febrero 27, 2026
WHAT: Up to $50,000 grants for local nonprofits to improve equity in West Contra Costa County
WHEN: Applications open from February 1 through February 27, 2026
WHY: Support innovative and impactful work to reduce health and economic disparities in West County
By Contra Costa County District 1 Supervisor John Gioia
I’m pleased to announce the opening of a Community Impact Fund Grant Program for Supervisorial District One. This program provides $1 million to support important projects that advance equity and reduce health and economic disparities in West Contra Costa County.
Grant amounts will be up to $50,000 each!
This grant program was established by the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors in June 2025, allocating $5 million countywide, with $1 million designated for each Supervisorial District. The goal is to invest in initiatives that strengthen community well-being and create long-term benefits for residents.
Our community shaped this grant program through ideas and priorities expressed at several Townhall meetings we held throughout West County. These funds will be used to improve health, housing, education, economic and environmental needs to achieve greater equity and reduce disparities.
Together, we’re building a stronger and more resilient future for all residents.
Nonprofit community-based groups are invited to apply for grant funds. Applications must be completed and submitted by Friday, February 27. Grant awards will be made by the end of March 2026.
This Grant Program was shaped by robust community input, including five town halls and a focus group, engaging over 275 residents, youth, organizational leaders, and advocates across District 1 in West Contra Costa County. These sessions provided a roadmap for equitable investments, emphasizing health, education, housing, economic and environmental improvements. Residents also called for transparency, local control, and sustainability.
To see the final report from the community Townhalls, please click here.
For more information on this grant program and how to apply, click here.
Español
QUÉ: Un millón de dólares en subvenciones para organizaciones sin fines de lucro locales con el fin de mejorar la equidad en el condado de West Contra Costa.
CUÁNDO: Las solicitudes estarán abiertas del 1 al 27 de febrero de 2026.
POR QUÉ: Para apoyar iniciativas innovadoras y de gran impacto que reduzcan las desigualdades en salud y economía en el oeste del condado.
Me complace anunciar la apertura del Programa de Subvenciones del Fondo de Impacto Comunitario para el Distrito Uno. Este programa destina 1 millón de dólares a apoyar proyectos importantes que promuevan la equidad y reduzcan las desigualdades sanitarias y económicas en el oeste del condado de Contra Costa.
¡El monto de las subvenciones será de hasta $50,000 cada una!
Este programa de subvenciones fue establecido por la Junta de Supervisores de Contra Costa en junio de 2025, asignando $5 millones para todo el condado, con $1 millón destinado a cada distrito supervisorial. El objetivo es invertir en iniciativas que fortalezcan el bienestar de la comunidad y generen beneficios a largo plazo para los residentes.
Nuestra comunidad dio forma a este programa de subvenciones a través de las ideas y prioridades expresadas en varias reuniones comunitarias que celebramos en todo el oeste del condado. Estos fondos se utilizarán para mejorar la salud, la vivienda, la educación, la economía y el medio ambiente, con el fin de lograr una mayor equidad y reducir las desigualdades.
Juntos, estamos construyendo un futuro más sólido y resiliente para todos los residentes.
Se invita a las organizaciones comunitarias sin fines de lucro a solicitar fondos de subvención. Las solicitudes deben completarse y presentarse a más tardar el viernes 27 de febrero. La adjudicación de las subvenciones se realizará a finales de marzo de 2026.
Este programa de subvenciones se diseñó con una sólida participación de la comunidad, incluyendo cinco asambleas públicas y un grupo focal, en los que participaron más de 275 residentes, jóvenes, líderes de organizaciones y activistas del Distrito 1 del condado de West Contra Costa. Estas sesiones proporcionaron una hoja de ruta para inversiones equitativas, haciendo hincapié en la salud, la educación, la vivienda y las mejoras económicas y ambientales. Los residentes también solicitaron transparencia, control local y sostenibilidad.
Para consultar el informe final de las reuniones comunitarias, haga clic aquí.
Para obtener más información sobre este programa de subvenciones y cómo solicitarlo, haga clic aquí.
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Benefits AC Transit, BART in Contra Costa County
Provides “fiscal bridge” until revenue from possible 5-county sales tax increase measure on November ballot kicks in
By Rebecca Long, Director, Legislation & Public Affairs and John Goodwin, Assistant Director of Communications, Metropolitan Transportation Commission
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 30, 2026… The Office of Governor Newsom, the California Department of Finance and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) on Friday reached an agreement on a $590 million loan for Bay Area transit agencies that will avert major service cuts at AC Transit, BART, Caltrain and SF Muni during the 2026-27 fiscal year that begins July 1. Negotiated in close coordination with the affected transit agencies — which together face a projected deficit of more than $800 million in the next fiscal year — the new agreement will sustain operations used by hundreds of thousands of daily transit riders across the region.
“California is following through in our support for Bay Area transit and the riders who rely on it every day,” said Gov. Newsom. “This agreement between my Administration and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission provides essential short-term financing to support Bay Area transit operations while the region works together on long-term funding solutions. Public transit is essential to our economy and to communities across California, and through continued partnership with regional and local agencies, we are delivering a more stable and reliable system – now and for the future.”
A regional funding measure authorized by the Legislature last year via state Senate Bill 63, authored by senators Scott Wiener of San Francisco and Jesse Arreguín of Berkeley, may appear on the November 2026 ballot in Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. If the measure qualifies for the ballot and is approved by voters, it would establish a temporary 14-year sales tax to support transit operations. But these funds would not begin flowing until around July 1, 2027. The state loan provides a fiscal bridge until the sales tax dollars potentially could be available. (See related articles here and here)
“Today is a huge win for Bay Area transit and for both transit riders and drivers,” said Sen. Wiener. “For the past year, we’ve worked hard to craft a bridge loan to ensure BART, Muni, Caltrain and AC Transit are not forced to enact massive service cuts — potentially going into a death spiral — as we build toward a regional revenue measure to stabilize and strengthen these systems for the long run. I’m proud of our work with regional stakeholders and the Governor to make this loan a reality. Public transportation is part of the Bay Area’s lifeblood, and we must do everything in our power to strengthen it and protect it from service cuts. So many Bay Area residents rely on transit to get to work, school, or family, and service cuts would also explode traffic congestion. We must not let this happen, and we won’t let it happen.”
Today’s agreement authorizes the loan to be funded no later than July 1, 2026, using money awarded but not yet allocated for Bay Area projects by the California Transportation Commission through the state Transit Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP). Because many transit capital projects have long construction timelines and the TIRCP is continuously replenished, the loan is structured to uphold the state’s commitments to awarded projects while minimizing risk to project schedules.
“MTC greatly appreciates the time and energy the Department of Finance and the Governor’s office put into this loan negotiation,” said Commission Chair Sue Noack, who represents Contra Costa County and also serves as mayor of Pleasant Hill. “It was critical to reach agreement on funding that would avert major service cuts this year while also protecting the Bay Area’s priority capital projects and this agreement does just that.”
Consistent with state Senate Bill 105 enacted last fall, the loan agreement includes a clearly defined repayment structure, a guaranteed revenue source to secure the loan and an agreed-upon interest rate:
- 12-year repayment term, with interest-only payments during the first two years.
- Repayment secured by the “revenue-based” portion of State Transit Assistance (STA) that goes directly to the transit agencies.
- Variable interest rate tied to the state’s Surplus Money Investment Fund, ensuring the state is fully repaid at the same rate it would have earned had the funds remained in state accounts.
BART General Manager Bob Powers noted that his agency, “is currently developing detailed budget plans for two funding scenarios to close our projected $376 million operating deficit for Fiscal Year 2027 through either new revenue and efficiencies or through service reductions, station closures, fare increases, layoffs, and across-the-board internal cuts. A state loan gives us reassurance money will be available to continue to deliver the best service possible for the Bay Area. We are thankful to Governor Newsom and the Department of Finance for finding a path to fund transit operations during such an unprecedented scenario brought on by the pandemic and remote work. We also thank the Bay Area Legislative Caucus for their supportive efforts and look forward to working with the Legislature on early action to include the loan within the state budget.”
“This bridge loan will help us maintain Muni service for one crucial year for everyone who depends on transit to get where they need to go,” said Julie Kirschbaum, Director of Transportation at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, which operates Muni. “We thank the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for its leadership and the Governor and the Department of Finance for their collaboration. We are deeply appreciative of the tireless efforts of Mayor Daniel Lurie, State Senator Scott Wiener, State Senator Jesse Arreguín, the Bay Area Legislative Caucus, the Board of Supervisors and the transit advocates who kept this loan alive last year. With this key agreement completed, securing the additional funding we need to address our ongoing deficit is the critical priority.”
“San Francisco’s recovery is essential to the success of our region and our state,” noted Mayor Daniel Lurie. “Our city cannot continue its comeback without a safe, reliable transit system. This agreement is a major step forward towards securing the bridge loan needed to sustain our comeback and ensure transit systems can continue serving the families, seniors, students, and workers who rely on them every day. We’re already delivering greater accountability and efficiency for Muni, and ridership is continuing to climb toward pre-pandemic levels. I’m grateful to our partners at MTC and Governor Newsom for finalizing the agreement and prioritizing our city and our region’s recovery.”
Caltrain General Manager Michelle Bouchard made a similar point, “We are so grateful to the Governor, our delegation members, and our state and regional partners for stepping in and supporting public transit in the Bay Area at this critical time. This loan will allow us to preserve the service that made Caltrain the fastest growing transit agency in the U.S.”
“For 65 years, AC Transit’s north star has been delivering safe, reliable, and affordable bus service to the East Bay,” said Salvador Llamas, AC Transit General Manager and CEO. “That legacy was put at risk by unprecedented pandemic-related budget shortfalls. This state loan safeguards existing service levels and brings immediate relief to the more than 3 million riders each month who were at risk of losing some of the service they rely upon for the essentials of life. We thank Governor Newsom and our local and state partners for making this possible, and while long-term funding challenges remain, today we celebrate a critical win for our riders and communities.”
Senate Bill 63 co-author Jesse Arreguín also sounded a note of thanks, “I am grateful to the Governor and my legislative colleagues for supporting Bay Area transit with this loan. This agreement is a huge win to keep our transit agencies running and ensure that the Bay Area can continue as a major economic engine, while not compromising critical transit projects. At a time when we are at risk of significant service cuts that would grind the region to a halt, this additional funding will provide a vital lifeline to the Bay Area’s major transit agencies and provide fiscal stability as we move forward on a broader regional self-help measure this year.”
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Will speak about efforts to impeach Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, other matters
By Mairead Glowacki, Communications Director, Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier
Walnut Creek, CA – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D, CA-10) announced he will host a town hall in Pleasant Hill on Saturday, February 7th from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. PT. At this event, the Congressman will speak to his efforts to rein in illegal actions by the Trump Administration, including his support for impeaching Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and his work in Congress to lower costs for American families. He will also take questions from constituents.
Town Hall in Pleasant Hill
Saturday, February 7th
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Pleasant Hill, CA
The event is RSVP only and capacity is limited. To reserve your spot and receive the address of the event, or to request special accommodations, visit https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660.
This will be Congressman DeSaulnier’s 257th town hall and mobile district office hour since first serving Congress in January 2015. The 10th Congressional District currently includes most of Contra Costa County.
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Toxic: Death Cap Mushroom (Amanita phalloides) (left) and Western Destroying Angel Mushroom (Amanita ocreata) (right). Photos: CA Dept of Public Health
Un residente del condado Contra Costa murió después de consumir hongos silvestres
By Contra Costa Health
Contra Costa Health confirms a county resident has died after eating wild mushrooms. Some toxic mushrooms closely resemble edible ones. Do not eat wild mushrooms unless you are absolutely certain of their identification and have expert experience. If you may have eaten a poisonous mushroom, seek medical care immediately or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
More info: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/…/EIS/Poisonous-Mushrooms.aspx
Contra Costa Health confirmó que un residente del condado murió después de consumir hongos silvestres. Algunos hongos tóxicos pueden parecer comestibles. No coma hongos silvestres a menos que esté absolutamente seguro de su identificación y tenga experiencia experta. Si cree que ha comido un hongo venenoso, busque atención médica de inmediato o llame al Centro de Control de Envenenamientos al 1-800-222-1222.
Más información: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/…/EIS/Poisonous-Mushrooms.aspx
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Photo: BART
Systemwide property crime down 43%, auto thefts decrease by half, robberies by 60%; aggravated assaults up 12%
Smaller decreases in Contra Costa County
By San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District
Crime on BART plummeted in 2025, a testament to the hard work of the BART Police Department and the effectiveness of BART’s investment in initiatives and infrastructure that both increase safety and enhance the customer experience.
Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report
Overall crime on BART dropped 41% in 2025 compared to the previous year, with violent crime down 31% and property crime down 43%, according to the December 2025 Chief’s Monthly Report. Additional highlights include auto thefts decreasing by half year over year and robberies decreasing by 60%. The only crime category to see an increase was aggravated assaults which were up 12% over 2024.
In Contra Costa County violent crime was down 24.6% from 61 incidents to 46 and property crime decreased 34.3% from 443 incidents to 291. The only category that increased was burglary structural with 50% more incidents from six to nine.
Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report
This substantial decrease in crimes in the system comes as ridership continues to grow steadily, with BART serving nearly 5 million more trips in 2025 than 2024, a year that also saw ridership growth in addition to a drop in crime.
“Safety is about more than enforcement. It’s about presence, partnership, and creating an environment where all riders feel comfortable using BART,” said BART Police Chief Kevin Franklin. “BART PD is committed to deterring criminal activity, responding quickly when help is needed, and ensuring riders feel safe throughout their journeys. These numbers demonstrate the impact of officers who are engaged and focused on building trust with the communities BART serves.”
Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report
“Riders are witnessing firsthand the improvements to safety, cleanliness, and customer experience that define the New BART,” said BART General Manager Bob Powers. “We’ve combined infrastructure upgrades, such as improved fare gates and station lighting, with additional safety presence and customer-centered service to make BART a comfortable experience for everyone who rides. I want to thank BART PD for their tireless commitment to serving the public.”
BART PD boosted the visible safety presence in the system by doubling officer presence systemwide and ensuring police are riding trains more. This approach is strengthened by BART’s ongoing use of unarmed Crisis Intervention Specialists, Transit Ambassadors, Fare Inspectors, and Community Service Officers.
Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report
Safety efforts were also bolstered by the installation of 715 new fare gates at all 50 stations, a project completed in August 2025, four months ahead of schedule. The taller, stronger fare gates are improving the station environment and deterring fare evasion and unwanted behavior. The number of riders who say they’ve witnessed someone not paying has dropped 59% in the last year.
BART also maintains a network of 4,000+ surveillance cameras, minimizing response time and holding suspects accountable, and continues to install LED lighting on platforms and in parking facilities to eliminate dark corners. Efforts such as these not only improve safety, but the entirety of the BART experience by making the system more welcoming and comfortable.
Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report
In 2025, BART PD continued its robust officer recruitment campaign with a $15,000 hiring bonus ($5,000 upon hire and $10,000 upon completion of the Field Training Program) for laterals and academy graduates and a robust outreach strategy, including a dedicated JoinBARTPD.com recruitment site and the recent launch of a BART PD Instagram to reach potential recruits where they are.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Photo: Stand Together Contra Costa
To expand access to justice countywide
By Brian Nash, PIO, Contra Costa Public Defender’s Office
MARTINEZ, CA — Stand Together Contra Costa (STCC), a program of the Contra Costa Public Defender’s Office (CCPD), will unveil a new Mobile Legal Clinic at a press conference at 1026 Escobar in Martinez, California on Thursday, January 29 at 11:00 am. This marks a major step forward in bringing trusted legal advice directly to communities across Contra Costa County.
The Mobile Legal Clinic is designed to remove barriers that often prevent people from accessing legal help — including transportation challenges, work schedules, childcare responsibilities, language access, and fear of state violence by federal immigration agents. Staffed by CCPD attorneys and support staff, the clinic will provide free legal guidance on immigration legal issues, navigating the legal system, and culturally responsive assistance. It will also provide navigation to other holistic services such as public benefits, housing support, clean slate, and more — helping residents address concerns early, before problems escalate into crises.
“This mobile legal clinic reflects a simple but powerful idea: justice works best when it’s accessible,” said Ali Saidi, a Deputy Public Defender in the CCPD and the Director of Stand Together Contra Costa. “By showing up directly in neighborhoods across the county, we’re removing barriers, building trust, and making sure people know they’re not alone when legal issues arise.”
The office is planning upcoming mobile legal clinic deployments throughout all five Contra Costa County supervisorial districts beginning in early February, with dates, times, and locations to be announced soon through Contra Costa Public Defender and Stand Together Contra Costa channels.
A Countywide Effort
“Our commitment to serving community members in Contra Costa County goes beyond our vigorous advocacy inside of the courtroom,” added CCPD Public Defender Ellen McDonnell. “Access to justice means making sure every community member — no matter their income, background, or neighborhood — understands their legal rights and is able to find help when and where they need it.”
The Mobile Legal Clinic was made possible through collaboration across county departments and community partners, reflecting a shared commitment to expanding access to justice.
“This initiative demonstrates what’s possible when county leaders and departments work together with the community,” Saidi continued. “We’re grateful to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and community partners for making this possible and want to particularly thank Supervisor Ken Carlson — whose support and leadership helped turn this idea into a critical service that will have real impact for families across the county.”
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824,000 students across 1,970 Golden State schools participate in events and activities to raise awareness of education options
By Lauren Forte, Manager of Communications, National School Choice Awareness Foundation
SACRAMENTO– More than 1,970 California schools will host special events this week—all designed to help parents learn more about the K–12 education options available for their children. The events are planned to coincide with National School Choice Week (schoolchoiceweek.com), which runs from January 25–31, 2026.
Events will include open houses, parent information sessions, award ceremonies, service projects, and skill-building contests—each aimed at celebrating students and teachers while helping families discover the many learning opportunities in their communities. To raise statewide awareness, Oakland Enrolls will host a charter school fair at Lazear Charter School in Oakland (1/31/26), and La Unión de Padres will host a school fair at the Santa Ana Zoo in Santa Ana (1/31/26).
National School Choice Week is organized by the nonprofit National School Choice Awareness Foundation and shines a positive spotlight on the benefits of choice and opportunity in K–12 education.
“California offers some education options, particularly public charter, magnet, and online schools, but barriers like limited open enrollment and restrictions on public charter growth continue to curtail options for families,” said Noelle Delaney, the California-based Chief Operating Officer of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation. “As school choice becomes the new normal across the country, our goal is to make sure California parents have timely, accurate, and jargon-free information—so they can understand their options and feel confident navigating them.”
Parents in the Golden State can select traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, homeschooling and microschooling and mix-and-match learning for their kids.
“California families are actively exploring their education options and looking for learning environments that fit their children’s needs,” said Kimi Kean, CEO of Oakland Enrolls. “We are committed to helping families navigate those choices and feel informed and supported throughout the process.”
To learn more about education options available to families in California, visit the National School Choice Awareness Foundation’s California School Choice website at https://schoolchoiceweek.com/california.
The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We show parents how K–12 school choice can change their children’s lives, and then guide them through the process of finding schools that best meet their children’s needs. Our three charitable programs––National School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares––raise equal awareness of the public, charter, magnet, private, online, home, and nontraditional education options available for families. We are nonpolitical and do not advocate for or against legislation at any level of government.
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San Francisco, CA – With the Super Bowl less than two weeks away and thousands of fans expected to visit the Bay Area, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is reminding consumers that preparation is just as important as excitement when attending an event of this size.
“Events of this scale bring a lot of excitement, but they also bring higher prices and increased risk for consumers,” said Alma Galvan, spokesperson for the Better Business Bureau. “Planning ahead, buying tickets from trusted sources, and understanding travel and lodging costs can help fans avoid unnecessary stress and financial loss.”
Protect yourself before you buy
Tickets for the Super Bowl are among the most sought-after and most expensive in sports. Unfortunately, that demand also attracts scammers.
The BBB encourages fans to:
- Purchase tickets only from official sources or reputable resale platforms
- Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, especially those found on social media
- Avoid sellers who request payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or peer-to-peer apps with no buyer protection
- Use a credit card whenever possible, as this can add an extra layer of protection
Consumers should also take time to research sellers, read refund policies carefully, and confirm ticket delivery methods before completing a purchase.
Travel and transportation
The Bay Area is preparing for a significant surge in travel related to this sporting event. Airports, highways, and public transportation systems will all experience increased traffic.
The BBB advises travelers to:
- Arrive early at airports and allow extra time for security and delays
- Consider multiple airport options, including San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland
- Plan transportation to and from the stadium in advance, including public transit and rideshare options
Hotel accommodations
The BBB is also reminding travelers to budget carefully for lodging. Hotel prices across the region have increased dramatically for Super Bowl weekend.
BBB recommends that travelers:
- Book lodging as early as possible to avoid higher prices and limited availability
- Compare pricing across nearby cities
- Review cancellation policies and additional fees carefully before confirming reservations
- Verify websites before making any purchases
- Confirm reservation numbers and confirmation emails before traveling to the Bay Area
A final reminder to fans
The Super Bowl will be an unforgettable moment for all those in attendance. With smart planning, fans can enjoy the event and all that the Bay Area has to offer without unnecessary stress or financial loss.
Consumers who encounter suspicious ticket sellers or misleading travel offers are encouraged to report them to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
ABOUT BBB
The Better Business Bureau has empowered people to find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust for more than 110 years. In 2024, people turned to BBB.org more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 5.5 million businesses, and 725,000 times for BBB charity reports on 12,000 local and national charities. The International Association of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for the local, independent BBBs in the United States and Canada.
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Violated temporary restrictions at Rams vs. Niners contest on Nov. 9, 2025; faces one year in prison and $100K fine
No Drone Zones this week in S.F., at Levi’s Stadium for Super Bowl LX & related events; violators face up to $75K fine, more
By Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Lo, PIO, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California
SAN JOSE – A San Francisco man was charged in a federal criminal complaint for flying a drone within restricted airspace surrounding Levi’s Stadium during a National Football League (NFL) game in violation of a temporary flight restriction (TFR) imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
According to the criminal complaint and court documents filed today, Junwei Guo, 27, operated a drone within the airspace surrounding Levi’s Stadium on Nov. 9, 2025, during a game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams. As court documents describe, the FAA has issued a TFR that prohibits all aircraft, including drones, from operating within a three nautical mile radius of any stadium with a seating capacity of 30,000 or more people during, among other events, regular or post-season NFL games. The “stadium TFR” classifies the airspace defined in the restriction as “National Defense Airspace” and remains in effect for a specified time period before, during, and after the qualifying event.
The complaint alleges that Guo flew the drone as high as approximately 2,300 feet above ground level, an altitude that raises significant concerns for public safety and the potential disruption air traffic control in the area. Guo allegedly did not register the drone with the FAA, obtain a remote pilot’s certificate with the FAA, obtain FAA authorization to fly the drone in national defense airspace, or comply with the requirements of the FAA’s recreational use exception.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.
Defendant is scheduled to appear in federal court in San Jose on Feb. 27, 2026, for an initial appearance.
A complaint merely alleges that a crime has been committed, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine for the charged violation of national defense airspace under 49 U.S.C. § 46307. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina Liu is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Natachiana Burney. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, the Federal Air Marshal Service, and the Santa Clara Police Department.
No Drone Zone for Super Bowl LX Week
The FAA, in coordination with the FBI, has established a “No Drone Zone” for Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Feb. 8, 2026, with additional drone restrictions surrounding Levi’s Stadium and in downtown San Francisco during the days leading up to the event. Areas include the Moscone Center, The Pearl, The Ferry Building, Grace Cathedral and the Palace of Fine Arts.
Drone operators who enter restricted airspace without authorization may face fines of up to $75,000, drone confiscation and federal criminal charges, with the FBI identifying operators, seizing drones, and supporting prosecution
For more information, please visit: https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-and-fbi-announce-strict-no-drone-zones-super-bowl-lx.
Further Information:
Case No. 26-cr-70083-MAG
Electronic court filings and further procedural and docket information are available at https://ecf.cand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. Judges’ calendars with schedules for upcoming court hearings can be viewed on the court’s website at www.cand.uscourts.gov.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreSource: City of San Pablo
$150,000 two-year agreement with Irvine-based consultant
The City of San Pablo is proud to announce the adoption of its new Marketing and Branding Program for Economic Development and Housing, a strategic initiative designed to strengthen the city’s identity, attract investment, and foster community engagement.
In partnership with Irvine-based marketing, technology and public affairs firm, Tripepi Smith & Associates, the City has developed a comprehensive economic corridor brand system that reflects San Pablo’s unique position in the Bay Area, its relative affordability and its business-friendly environment. This effort supports reinvestment, business attraction, and placemaking, key priorities outlined in the City Council’s Economic Development Strategy.
Residents and merchants will soon see the new branding come to life across the city, including street pole banners in commercial districts and other public and private spaces. The program introduces a family of corridor-level sub-brands, enabling the City to communicate more effectively about distinct areas and opportunities while building confidence among investors and strengthening resident engagement. With the new brand statement of: “Growing Forward, Grounded in Community”, city staff, partners and business community can lean into San Pablo’s sense of place that is shaped by diverse cultures, strengthened by community pride, that is positioned at the heart of the Bay Area.
During their meeting on March 3, 2025, the City Council adopted a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a consulting services agreement with Tripepi Smith & Associates in an amount not to exceed $150,000 over two years. It passed on a 4-0 vote with Councilmember Abel Pineda absent.
“Tripepi Smith collaborated closely with City staff and community stakeholders to understand San Pablo, where we are today and where we are trying to go,” said Kieron Slaughter, Economic Development & Housing Manager. “The result is a clear, functional brand system that supports one of the City Council’s priorities and implements a key action from our Economic Development Strategy. This gives us a stronger platform to attract investment, support local businesses, and communicate our vision in a more coordinated way.”
The branding initiative included a robust discovery phase, ensuring that key messaging and logos are adaptable for multiple uses from business outreach to community-building communications. The resulting Branding Toolkit provides staff with practical tools for outreach, marketing, and partnership conversations, positioning San Pablo as a city that is thoughtful, prepared, and open to opportunity.
“San Pablo’s new branding program reflects our commitment to reinvestment, community pride, and a thriving local economy. By embracing a unified identity rooted in our diverse culture and strategic Bay Area location, we’re strengthening our ability to attract investment, support local businesses, and ‘grow forward’ together,” stated San Pablo Mayor Elizabeth Pabon-Alvarado.
As of February 2026, Tripepi Smith is working with the City on an implementation plan and communication materials to roll out the new brand system citywide.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MorePhoto source: Office of Supervisor John Gioia
Anuncian un programa de subvenciones de 1 millón de dólares para mejorar la equidad en West Contra Costa
Application Deadline: February 27, 2026
Las solicitudes de subvención vencen en febrero 27, 2026
WHAT: Up to $50,000 grants for local nonprofits to improve equity in West Contra Costa County
WHEN: Applications open from February 1 through February 27, 2026
WHY: Support innovative and impactful work to reduce health and economic disparities in West County
By Contra Costa County District 1 Supervisor John Gioia
I’m pleased to announce the opening of a Community Impact Fund Grant Program for Supervisorial District One. This program provides $1 million to support important projects that advance equity and reduce health and economic disparities in West Contra Costa County.
Grant amounts will be up to $50,000 each!
This grant program was established by the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors in June 2025, allocating $5 million countywide, with $1 million designated for each Supervisorial District. The goal is to invest in initiatives that strengthen community well-being and create long-term benefits for residents.
Our community shaped this grant program through ideas and priorities expressed at several Townhall meetings we held throughout West County. These funds will be used to improve health, housing, education, economic and environmental needs to achieve greater equity and reduce disparities.
Together, we’re building a stronger and more resilient future for all residents.
Nonprofit community-based groups are invited to apply for grant funds. Applications must be completed and submitted by Friday, February 27. Grant awards will be made by the end of March 2026.
This Grant Program was shaped by robust community input, including five town halls and a focus group, engaging over 275 residents, youth, organizational leaders, and advocates across District 1 in West Contra Costa County. These sessions provided a roadmap for equitable investments, emphasizing health, education, housing, economic and environmental improvements. Residents also called for transparency, local control, and sustainability.
To see the final report from the community Townhalls, please click here.
For more information on this grant program and how to apply, click here.
Español
QUÉ: Un millón de dólares en subvenciones para organizaciones sin fines de lucro locales con el fin de mejorar la equidad en el condado de West Contra Costa.
CUÁNDO: Las solicitudes estarán abiertas del 1 al 27 de febrero de 2026.
POR QUÉ: Para apoyar iniciativas innovadoras y de gran impacto que reduzcan las desigualdades en salud y economía en el oeste del condado.
Me complace anunciar la apertura del Programa de Subvenciones del Fondo de Impacto Comunitario para el Distrito Uno. Este programa destina 1 millón de dólares a apoyar proyectos importantes que promuevan la equidad y reduzcan las desigualdades sanitarias y económicas en el oeste del condado de Contra Costa.
¡El monto de las subvenciones será de hasta $50,000 cada una!
Este programa de subvenciones fue establecido por la Junta de Supervisores de Contra Costa en junio de 2025, asignando $5 millones para todo el condado, con $1 millón destinado a cada distrito supervisorial. El objetivo es invertir en iniciativas que fortalezcan el bienestar de la comunidad y generen beneficios a largo plazo para los residentes.
Nuestra comunidad dio forma a este programa de subvenciones a través de las ideas y prioridades expresadas en varias reuniones comunitarias que celebramos en todo el oeste del condado. Estos fondos se utilizarán para mejorar la salud, la vivienda, la educación, la economía y el medio ambiente, con el fin de lograr una mayor equidad y reducir las desigualdades.
Juntos, estamos construyendo un futuro más sólido y resiliente para todos los residentes.
Se invita a las organizaciones comunitarias sin fines de lucro a solicitar fondos de subvención. Las solicitudes deben completarse y presentarse a más tardar el viernes 27 de febrero. La adjudicación de las subvenciones se realizará a finales de marzo de 2026.
Este programa de subvenciones se diseñó con una sólida participación de la comunidad, incluyendo cinco asambleas públicas y un grupo focal, en los que participaron más de 275 residentes, jóvenes, líderes de organizaciones y activistas del Distrito 1 del condado de West Contra Costa. Estas sesiones proporcionaron una hoja de ruta para inversiones equitativas, haciendo hincapié en la salud, la educación, la vivienda y las mejoras económicas y ambientales. Los residentes también solicitaron transparencia, control local y sostenibilidad.
Para consultar el informe final de las reuniones comunitarias, haga clic aquí.
Para obtener más información sobre este programa de subvenciones y cómo solicitarlo, haga clic aquí.
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Benefits AC Transit, BART in Contra Costa County
Provides “fiscal bridge” until revenue from possible 5-county sales tax increase measure on November ballot kicks in
By Rebecca Long, Director, Legislation & Public Affairs and John Goodwin, Assistant Director of Communications, Metropolitan Transportation Commission
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 30, 2026… The Office of Governor Newsom, the California Department of Finance and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) on Friday reached an agreement on a $590 million loan for Bay Area transit agencies that will avert major service cuts at AC Transit, BART, Caltrain and SF Muni during the 2026-27 fiscal year that begins July 1. Negotiated in close coordination with the affected transit agencies — which together face a projected deficit of more than $800 million in the next fiscal year — the new agreement will sustain operations used by hundreds of thousands of daily transit riders across the region.
“California is following through in our support for Bay Area transit and the riders who rely on it every day,” said Gov. Newsom. “This agreement between my Administration and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission provides essential short-term financing to support Bay Area transit operations while the region works together on long-term funding solutions. Public transit is essential to our economy and to communities across California, and through continued partnership with regional and local agencies, we are delivering a more stable and reliable system – now and for the future.”
A regional funding measure authorized by the Legislature last year via state Senate Bill 63, authored by senators Scott Wiener of San Francisco and Jesse Arreguín of Berkeley, may appear on the November 2026 ballot in Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. If the measure qualifies for the ballot and is approved by voters, it would establish a temporary 14-year sales tax to support transit operations. But these funds would not begin flowing until around July 1, 2027. The state loan provides a fiscal bridge until the sales tax dollars potentially could be available. (See related articles here and here)
“Today is a huge win for Bay Area transit and for both transit riders and drivers,” said Sen. Wiener. “For the past year, we’ve worked hard to craft a bridge loan to ensure BART, Muni, Caltrain and AC Transit are not forced to enact massive service cuts — potentially going into a death spiral — as we build toward a regional revenue measure to stabilize and strengthen these systems for the long run. I’m proud of our work with regional stakeholders and the Governor to make this loan a reality. Public transportation is part of the Bay Area’s lifeblood, and we must do everything in our power to strengthen it and protect it from service cuts. So many Bay Area residents rely on transit to get to work, school, or family, and service cuts would also explode traffic congestion. We must not let this happen, and we won’t let it happen.”
Today’s agreement authorizes the loan to be funded no later than July 1, 2026, using money awarded but not yet allocated for Bay Area projects by the California Transportation Commission through the state Transit Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP). Because many transit capital projects have long construction timelines and the TIRCP is continuously replenished, the loan is structured to uphold the state’s commitments to awarded projects while minimizing risk to project schedules.
“MTC greatly appreciates the time and energy the Department of Finance and the Governor’s office put into this loan negotiation,” said Commission Chair Sue Noack, who represents Contra Costa County and also serves as mayor of Pleasant Hill. “It was critical to reach agreement on funding that would avert major service cuts this year while also protecting the Bay Area’s priority capital projects and this agreement does just that.”
Consistent with state Senate Bill 105 enacted last fall, the loan agreement includes a clearly defined repayment structure, a guaranteed revenue source to secure the loan and an agreed-upon interest rate:
- 12-year repayment term, with interest-only payments during the first two years.
- Repayment secured by the “revenue-based” portion of State Transit Assistance (STA) that goes directly to the transit agencies.
- Variable interest rate tied to the state’s Surplus Money Investment Fund, ensuring the state is fully repaid at the same rate it would have earned had the funds remained in state accounts.
BART General Manager Bob Powers noted that his agency, “is currently developing detailed budget plans for two funding scenarios to close our projected $376 million operating deficit for Fiscal Year 2027 through either new revenue and efficiencies or through service reductions, station closures, fare increases, layoffs, and across-the-board internal cuts. A state loan gives us reassurance money will be available to continue to deliver the best service possible for the Bay Area. We are thankful to Governor Newsom and the Department of Finance for finding a path to fund transit operations during such an unprecedented scenario brought on by the pandemic and remote work. We also thank the Bay Area Legislative Caucus for their supportive efforts and look forward to working with the Legislature on early action to include the loan within the state budget.”
“This bridge loan will help us maintain Muni service for one crucial year for everyone who depends on transit to get where they need to go,” said Julie Kirschbaum, Director of Transportation at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, which operates Muni. “We thank the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for its leadership and the Governor and the Department of Finance for their collaboration. We are deeply appreciative of the tireless efforts of Mayor Daniel Lurie, State Senator Scott Wiener, State Senator Jesse Arreguín, the Bay Area Legislative Caucus, the Board of Supervisors and the transit advocates who kept this loan alive last year. With this key agreement completed, securing the additional funding we need to address our ongoing deficit is the critical priority.”
“San Francisco’s recovery is essential to the success of our region and our state,” noted Mayor Daniel Lurie. “Our city cannot continue its comeback without a safe, reliable transit system. This agreement is a major step forward towards securing the bridge loan needed to sustain our comeback and ensure transit systems can continue serving the families, seniors, students, and workers who rely on them every day. We’re already delivering greater accountability and efficiency for Muni, and ridership is continuing to climb toward pre-pandemic levels. I’m grateful to our partners at MTC and Governor Newsom for finalizing the agreement and prioritizing our city and our region’s recovery.”
Caltrain General Manager Michelle Bouchard made a similar point, “We are so grateful to the Governor, our delegation members, and our state and regional partners for stepping in and supporting public transit in the Bay Area at this critical time. This loan will allow us to preserve the service that made Caltrain the fastest growing transit agency in the U.S.”
“For 65 years, AC Transit’s north star has been delivering safe, reliable, and affordable bus service to the East Bay,” said Salvador Llamas, AC Transit General Manager and CEO. “That legacy was put at risk by unprecedented pandemic-related budget shortfalls. This state loan safeguards existing service levels and brings immediate relief to the more than 3 million riders each month who were at risk of losing some of the service they rely upon for the essentials of life. We thank Governor Newsom and our local and state partners for making this possible, and while long-term funding challenges remain, today we celebrate a critical win for our riders and communities.”
Senate Bill 63 co-author Jesse Arreguín also sounded a note of thanks, “I am grateful to the Governor and my legislative colleagues for supporting Bay Area transit with this loan. This agreement is a huge win to keep our transit agencies running and ensure that the Bay Area can continue as a major economic engine, while not compromising critical transit projects. At a time when we are at risk of significant service cuts that would grind the region to a halt, this additional funding will provide a vital lifeline to the Bay Area’s major transit agencies and provide fiscal stability as we move forward on a broader regional self-help measure this year.”
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Will speak about efforts to impeach Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, other matters
By Mairead Glowacki, Communications Director, Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier
Walnut Creek, CA – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D, CA-10) announced he will host a town hall in Pleasant Hill on Saturday, February 7th from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. PT. At this event, the Congressman will speak to his efforts to rein in illegal actions by the Trump Administration, including his support for impeaching Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and his work in Congress to lower costs for American families. He will also take questions from constituents.
Town Hall in Pleasant Hill
Saturday, February 7th
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Pleasant Hill, CA
The event is RSVP only and capacity is limited. To reserve your spot and receive the address of the event, or to request special accommodations, visit https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660.
This will be Congressman DeSaulnier’s 257th town hall and mobile district office hour since first serving Congress in January 2015. The 10th Congressional District currently includes most of Contra Costa County.
Read MoreToxic: Death Cap Mushroom (Amanita phalloides) (left) and Western Destroying Angel Mushroom (Amanita ocreata) (right). Photos: CA Dept of Public Health
Un residente del condado Contra Costa murió después de consumir hongos silvestres
By Contra Costa Health
Contra Costa Health confirms a county resident has died after eating wild mushrooms. Some toxic mushrooms closely resemble edible ones. Do not eat wild mushrooms unless you are absolutely certain of their identification and have expert experience. If you may have eaten a poisonous mushroom, seek medical care immediately or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
More info: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/…/EIS/Poisonous-Mushrooms.aspx
Contra Costa Health confirmó que un residente del condado murió después de consumir hongos silvestres. Algunos hongos tóxicos pueden parecer comestibles. No coma hongos silvestres a menos que esté absolutamente seguro de su identificación y tenga experiencia experta. Si cree que ha comido un hongo venenoso, busque atención médica de inmediato o llame al Centro de Control de Envenenamientos al 1-800-222-1222.
Más información: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/…/EIS/Poisonous-Mushrooms.aspx
Read MorePhoto: BART
Systemwide property crime down 43%, auto thefts decrease by half, robberies by 60%; aggravated assaults up 12%
Smaller decreases in Contra Costa County
By San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District
Crime on BART plummeted in 2025, a testament to the hard work of the BART Police Department and the effectiveness of BART’s investment in initiatives and infrastructure that both increase safety and enhance the customer experience.
Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report
Overall crime on BART dropped 41% in 2025 compared to the previous year, with violent crime down 31% and property crime down 43%, according to the December 2025 Chief’s Monthly Report. Additional highlights include auto thefts decreasing by half year over year and robberies decreasing by 60%. The only crime category to see an increase was aggravated assaults which were up 12% over 2024.
In Contra Costa County violent crime was down 24.6% from 61 incidents to 46 and property crime decreased 34.3% from 443 incidents to 291. The only category that increased was burglary structural with 50% more incidents from six to nine.
Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report
This substantial decrease in crimes in the system comes as ridership continues to grow steadily, with BART serving nearly 5 million more trips in 2025 than 2024, a year that also saw ridership growth in addition to a drop in crime.
“Safety is about more than enforcement. It’s about presence, partnership, and creating an environment where all riders feel comfortable using BART,” said BART Police Chief Kevin Franklin. “BART PD is committed to deterring criminal activity, responding quickly when help is needed, and ensuring riders feel safe throughout their journeys. These numbers demonstrate the impact of officers who are engaged and focused on building trust with the communities BART serves.”
Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report
“Riders are witnessing firsthand the improvements to safety, cleanliness, and customer experience that define the New BART,” said BART General Manager Bob Powers. “We’ve combined infrastructure upgrades, such as improved fare gates and station lighting, with additional safety presence and customer-centered service to make BART a comfortable experience for everyone who rides. I want to thank BART PD for their tireless commitment to serving the public.”
BART PD boosted the visible safety presence in the system by doubling officer presence systemwide and ensuring police are riding trains more. This approach is strengthened by BART’s ongoing use of unarmed Crisis Intervention Specialists, Transit Ambassadors, Fare Inspectors, and Community Service Officers.
Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report
Safety efforts were also bolstered by the installation of 715 new fare gates at all 50 stations, a project completed in August 2025, four months ahead of schedule. The taller, stronger fare gates are improving the station environment and deterring fare evasion and unwanted behavior. The number of riders who say they’ve witnessed someone not paying has dropped 59% in the last year.
BART also maintains a network of 4,000+ surveillance cameras, minimizing response time and holding suspects accountable, and continues to install LED lighting on platforms and in parking facilities to eliminate dark corners. Efforts such as these not only improve safety, but the entirety of the BART experience by making the system more welcoming and comfortable.
Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report
In 2025, BART PD continued its robust officer recruitment campaign with a $15,000 hiring bonus ($5,000 upon hire and $10,000 upon completion of the Field Training Program) for laterals and academy graduates and a robust outreach strategy, including a dedicated JoinBARTPD.com recruitment site and the recent launch of a BART PD Instagram to reach potential recruits where they are.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Photo: Stand Together Contra Costa
To expand access to justice countywide
By Brian Nash, PIO, Contra Costa Public Defender’s Office
MARTINEZ, CA — Stand Together Contra Costa (STCC), a program of the Contra Costa Public Defender’s Office (CCPD), will unveil a new Mobile Legal Clinic at a press conference at 1026 Escobar in Martinez, California on Thursday, January 29 at 11:00 am. This marks a major step forward in bringing trusted legal advice directly to communities across Contra Costa County.
The Mobile Legal Clinic is designed to remove barriers that often prevent people from accessing legal help — including transportation challenges, work schedules, childcare responsibilities, language access, and fear of state violence by federal immigration agents. Staffed by CCPD attorneys and support staff, the clinic will provide free legal guidance on immigration legal issues, navigating the legal system, and culturally responsive assistance. It will also provide navigation to other holistic services such as public benefits, housing support, clean slate, and more — helping residents address concerns early, before problems escalate into crises.
“This mobile legal clinic reflects a simple but powerful idea: justice works best when it’s accessible,” said Ali Saidi, a Deputy Public Defender in the CCPD and the Director of Stand Together Contra Costa. “By showing up directly in neighborhoods across the county, we’re removing barriers, building trust, and making sure people know they’re not alone when legal issues arise.”
The office is planning upcoming mobile legal clinic deployments throughout all five Contra Costa County supervisorial districts beginning in early February, with dates, times, and locations to be announced soon through Contra Costa Public Defender and Stand Together Contra Costa channels.
A Countywide Effort
“Our commitment to serving community members in Contra Costa County goes beyond our vigorous advocacy inside of the courtroom,” added CCPD Public Defender Ellen McDonnell. “Access to justice means making sure every community member — no matter their income, background, or neighborhood — understands their legal rights and is able to find help when and where they need it.”
The Mobile Legal Clinic was made possible through collaboration across county departments and community partners, reflecting a shared commitment to expanding access to justice.
“This initiative demonstrates what’s possible when county leaders and departments work together with the community,” Saidi continued. “We’re grateful to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and community partners for making this possible and want to particularly thank Supervisor Ken Carlson — whose support and leadership helped turn this idea into a critical service that will have real impact for families across the county.”
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824,000 students across 1,970 Golden State schools participate in events and activities to raise awareness of education options
By Lauren Forte, Manager of Communications, National School Choice Awareness Foundation
SACRAMENTO– More than 1,970 California schools will host special events this week—all designed to help parents learn more about the K–12 education options available for their children. The events are planned to coincide with National School Choice Week (schoolchoiceweek.com), which runs from January 25–31, 2026.
Events will include open houses, parent information sessions, award ceremonies, service projects, and skill-building contests—each aimed at celebrating students and teachers while helping families discover the many learning opportunities in their communities. To raise statewide awareness, Oakland Enrolls will host a charter school fair at Lazear Charter School in Oakland (1/31/26), and La Unión de Padres will host a school fair at the Santa Ana Zoo in Santa Ana (1/31/26).
National School Choice Week is organized by the nonprofit National School Choice Awareness Foundation and shines a positive spotlight on the benefits of choice and opportunity in K–12 education.
“California offers some education options, particularly public charter, magnet, and online schools, but barriers like limited open enrollment and restrictions on public charter growth continue to curtail options for families,” said Noelle Delaney, the California-based Chief Operating Officer of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation. “As school choice becomes the new normal across the country, our goal is to make sure California parents have timely, accurate, and jargon-free information—so they can understand their options and feel confident navigating them.”
Parents in the Golden State can select traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, homeschooling and microschooling and mix-and-match learning for their kids.
“California families are actively exploring their education options and looking for learning environments that fit their children’s needs,” said Kimi Kean, CEO of Oakland Enrolls. “We are committed to helping families navigate those choices and feel informed and supported throughout the process.”
To learn more about education options available to families in California, visit the National School Choice Awareness Foundation’s California School Choice website at https://schoolchoiceweek.com/california.
The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We show parents how K–12 school choice can change their children’s lives, and then guide them through the process of finding schools that best meet their children’s needs. Our three charitable programs––National School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares––raise equal awareness of the public, charter, magnet, private, online, home, and nontraditional education options available for families. We are nonpolitical and do not advocate for or against legislation at any level of government.
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San Francisco, CA – With the Super Bowl less than two weeks away and thousands of fans expected to visit the Bay Area, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is reminding consumers that preparation is just as important as excitement when attending an event of this size.
“Events of this scale bring a lot of excitement, but they also bring higher prices and increased risk for consumers,” said Alma Galvan, spokesperson for the Better Business Bureau. “Planning ahead, buying tickets from trusted sources, and understanding travel and lodging costs can help fans avoid unnecessary stress and financial loss.”
Protect yourself before you buy
Tickets for the Super Bowl are among the most sought-after and most expensive in sports. Unfortunately, that demand also attracts scammers.
The BBB encourages fans to:
- Purchase tickets only from official sources or reputable resale platforms
- Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, especially those found on social media
- Avoid sellers who request payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or peer-to-peer apps with no buyer protection
- Use a credit card whenever possible, as this can add an extra layer of protection
Consumers should also take time to research sellers, read refund policies carefully, and confirm ticket delivery methods before completing a purchase.
Travel and transportation
The Bay Area is preparing for a significant surge in travel related to this sporting event. Airports, highways, and public transportation systems will all experience increased traffic.
The BBB advises travelers to:
- Arrive early at airports and allow extra time for security and delays
- Consider multiple airport options, including San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland
- Plan transportation to and from the stadium in advance, including public transit and rideshare options
Hotel accommodations
The BBB is also reminding travelers to budget carefully for lodging. Hotel prices across the region have increased dramatically for Super Bowl weekend.
BBB recommends that travelers:
- Book lodging as early as possible to avoid higher prices and limited availability
- Compare pricing across nearby cities
- Review cancellation policies and additional fees carefully before confirming reservations
- Verify websites before making any purchases
- Confirm reservation numbers and confirmation emails before traveling to the Bay Area
A final reminder to fans
The Super Bowl will be an unforgettable moment for all those in attendance. With smart planning, fans can enjoy the event and all that the Bay Area has to offer without unnecessary stress or financial loss.
Consumers who encounter suspicious ticket sellers or misleading travel offers are encouraged to report them to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
ABOUT BBB
The Better Business Bureau has empowered people to find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust for more than 110 years. In 2024, people turned to BBB.org more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 5.5 million businesses, and 725,000 times for BBB charity reports on 12,000 local and national charities. The International Association of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for the local, independent BBBs in the United States and Canada.
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