Contra Costa Herald

Sponsorship opportunities available.

By Jermaine Worley

It’s time to lace up and hit the hardwood! Chosen Sports is teaming up with the City of Brentwood for the Brentwood 3-on-3 Tournament, and we want you on the court.

Whether you’re looking to prove you’ve still got that jumper or you want to give your kids a weekend they won’t forget, this tournament is all about honoring fathers and strengthening our community.

CALLING ALL BALLERS

Don’t miss out on your chance to compete for cash prizes and bragging rights.

• When: June 13 – 14
• Where: Liberty High School
• Who: Ages 10 to Adult (Youth + Adult Divisions)
• The Perks: 3 games guaranteed, Live DJ, Dunk Contest, and a Free Chick-fil-A Dinner for the first 50 dads!

ATTENTION LOCAL BUSINESSES

Want to get your brand in front of the community? We have three tiers of sponsorship designed to help you make an impact:

• Team Sponsor ($500): Full team registration + your name on the reversible jerseys.
• Father’s Day Gift Sponsor ($1,000): Direct brand association with our raffle and honoring local dads.
• Event T-Shirt Sponsor ($2,500): Maximum exposure with your logo on every single tournament shirt (players + staff).

HOW TO JOIN

Scan the QR code in the images above to register or head to www.chosensportsleagues.org.

Questions? Give us a shout at 925-529-5194.

Let’s make this Father’s Day Month legendary. See you at Liberty High!

Red cherries. Photo by Olivia Watson. Source: The Fruit Guys

By Erin Mittelstaedt, The Fruit Guys

It’s Sunday morning, and I’m sitting on the hard cement steps that serve as bleachers for my nine-year-old son’s baseball game. As I pull my coat over my sweatshirt to protect myself from the windy, gray San Francisco weather, a dad on our baseball team turns and holds out a Tupperware container. “Want a cherry?” he asks.

He’s offering lovely, huge, dark-red cherries. “We picked them yesterday,” he shares, “I think we got like 60 pounds. We go out to Brentwood every year and have been going since I was a kid.” I take a cherry, thank him for sharing his haul, and admire the cherry’s size. It’s massive—at least an 8-row fruit!

How to Measure Cherry Size: A Quick Guide

Fruit nerd moment: When we talk about cherry sizes, we use rows as the metric. The term comes from the number of cherries that fit in a row across a standard box, which historically was about 10.5 inches wide. “10 1/2-row” cherries are roughly an inch in diameter. An 8-row fruit is about as big as a cherry gets. The smallest cherries we usually see are 12-row or 13-row. The smaller the number, the larger the cherry, because it takes fewer cherries to spread across the row. I’ve always thought that’s funny.

Of course, these days we don’t actually have to pack cherries into a box to learn how big they are. Farmers and fruit buyers (like our team at The FruitGuys) use handy sizing cards to figure out a cherry’s size, no box needed. The cards have holes cut into them for the common cherry sizes, so all you have to do is compare each hole to the size of the fruit.

Stone fruit galette. Photo: The Fruit Guys

Fruit Nerds, Unite!

As I enjoy my cherry and its health benefits, I overhear the dad sharing his fruit with another family. He tells them that this year, the pickings were slim due to late rains, and two years ago, it was much more bountiful. Then he shares that these are Coral cherries. Similar to the Bing cherry, the Coral is harvested earlier in the season. It has a little less acid and is very sweet. I can’t help smiling to myself over how excited he is to share this fruit (and his experience picking it) with our baseball families.

I love finding other fruit nerds. But more than that, I love noticing again and again how food connects people. I’d never really talked to this dad before, but that morning, we ended up swapping cherry-picking stories and debating what to do with so many cherries. (I think cherries are best eaten fresh or sweetened, preserved, and dangling in a Manhattan—but that’s just me.)

A Quick Update on Cherry Season

Cherry season is in full swing in Northern California, and many of our clients on the West Coast have already gotten fresh cherries in their fruit mix deliveries. The season will start a little later on the East Coast and in the Midwest. Sadly, some parts of the East Coast may have slim pickings due to that late-season frost I mentioned last week. You can learn more about these sweet little stone fruits in our writer Lex’s recent blog post about the difference between red and black cherries. And a warning if you do go cherry picking: Those buckets can fill up fast, so be prepared to share lots of cherries with friends.

Pick cherries in Eastern Contra Costa County during the U-Pick season. Learn more at Brentwood’s Harvest Time celebrates 50th anniversary.

Welcome to the Chief Banana newsletter—weekly letters from the desk of Erin Mittelstaedt, The FruitGuys’ CEO. Find more Chief Banana newsletters on our blog, and if you like what you read (or just want fun fruit facts and exclusive offers), sign up to get Chief Banana in your inbox every week.

Multiple Bay Area transit agencies would benefit from the five-county sales tax measure. Photo: MTC. Map source: Connect Bay Area

Connect Bay Area far surpasses the 186,000 signatures required to qualify BART, regional transit funding measure 

By Jeff Cretan, West Advisors

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA — The Connect Bay Area campaign today announced it has submitted more than 305,000 signatures to qualify a regional transit funding measure for the November ballot — blowing past the 186,000 valid signatures required.

The success of this effort is built on one of the largest grassroots transit organizing efforts the region has ever seen and major support from business and labor organizations.

The Connect Bay Area five-county sales tax measure would provide long-term operational funding for major Bay Area transit agencies, while supporting projects to strengthen and connect transit systems across the region. It will protect major transit agencies like BART from devastating service cuts and help VTA grow to better serve residents, workers, and businesses.

Connect Bay Area also strengthens accountability for transit agencies. SB 63 – the legislation authored by Senators Scott Wiener and Jesse Arreguin that enabled Connect Bay Area – set strong accountability requirements to take effect before the measure even gets on the ballot. The measure requires independent financial reviews and continued efficiency improvements from transit agencies.

Unprecedented Grassroots, Labor, and Business Support

The Connect Bay Area Campaign has grown in support over the last several months with more than 80 elected officials and more than 90 labor groups and advocacy organizations signing on in support. Major businesses from across the region have helped to fundraise over $5.5 million so far to get the measure on the ballot and prepare for the November election.

Since launching in January, Connect Bay Area has mobilized more than 1,000 volunteers and advocates across Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties. Supporters gathered signatures at transit stations, farmers markets, community events, neighborhood meetings, and major public gatherings throughout the Bay Area.

The overwhelming signature total reflects the broad support for transit and the awareness of urgency surrounding the future of Bay Area public transit.

Without sustainable transit funding, the Bay Area could face catastrophic service reductions:

• BART: Up to 15 station closures, elimination of two lines, and service cuts of up to 70%
• Caltrain: Hourly train service, no weekend service, and weekday shutdowns after 9 p.m.
• Muni: At least 20 bus routes eliminated and service reductions of 30% or more
• AC Transit: Service cuts of at least 16%

The more than 300,000 signatures – which were the result of both a paid effort and an advocate-led grassroots effort – will now be officially counted and validated by the Departments of Elections for each of the five counties over the next few weeks before the measure can officially be placed on the ballot.

“We’re blown away by the over 1,000 Bay Area volunteers, transit advocates, and labor partners who  contributed to getting transit funding on the November ballot,” said Lian Chang, co-lead of the Connect Bay Area grassroots signature gathering effort. “This is the largest grassroots signature-gathering effort in the history of the Bay Area and represents thousands of hours spent by people from all backgrounds and all corners of our five-county region to protect this thing—transit—that matters to millions of Bay Area residents. Everyday more voters are getting on board to support our economy, social justice, the environment and reducing congestion. And we’re just getting started.”

“This is a resounding statement by Bay Area voters that they believe in the value of our regional transit systems and how important they are to keeping our region moving,” said Libby Schaaf, President and CEO of the Bay Area Council. “Now we must turn our attention to November and protecting the many billions of dollars we’ve invested over many decades to build these systems while also making them more efficient, cost-effective, safe and convenient for the millions of commuters who rely on them.”

“Public transit is a cornerstone of our economy and an essential public good that keeps our region affordable for residents,” said Congressman Kevin Mullin. “Connect Bay Area will protect the public transportation service we all rely on while ensuring strong accountability so every dollar delivers reliable, safe transit.”

“The Bay Area’s public transit is a core pillar of our region’s ability to usher in a climate-smart, affordable, and just future,” said Amanda Brown-Stevens, Executive Director of the Greenbelt Alliance. “Greenbelt Alliance is excited to be a part of this grassroots coalition to help protect and enhance our public transportation and reduce pollution.

About Connect Bay Area

The Connect Bay Area campaign will bring a five-county sales tax to the ballot in November 2026 through a citizen signature gathering effort. The rate will be set at 0.5%, with the exception that San Francisco will be set at a 1% rate to provide additional support for Muni. This measure will provide long-term operations funding for major Bay Area transit agencies and support regional projects to strengthen transit throughout the Bay Area.

The Connect Bay Area measure will support the future of public transportation in the Bay Area:

• Protect and improve service on BART, Muni, Caltrain, SamTrans, VTA, and AC Transit
• Prevent catastrophic service cuts that could devastate the Bay Area
• Keep traffic and emissions down, preventing gridlock and protecting climate progress;
• Support the Bay Area’s economy, ensuring that downtown recovery and regional mobility remain strong.

Connect Bay Area has strong accountability and oversight provisions, including dependent financial reviews for every transit operator, regional coordination mandates to ensure systems work better together, and a citizen oversight committee to monitor spending and performance. A recent independent study required by Connect Bay Area found the agencies had saved $1 billion in operational efficiencies and set new actions for the agencies to take to further improve efficiency and service.

The Connect Bay Area Transit Committee is comprised of labor, business, and transit advocates, including Bay Area Council, SEIU 1021, ATU 1555, SPUR, and SAMCEDA, alongside an advocacy council of more than 20 organizations representing transit, housing, environmental, equity, and senior and disability groups.

For more information about the Connect Bay Area campaign or to get involved, visit https://connectbayarea.com/

Congressman John Garamendi. Official photo

Will invest in roads, bridges, transit, rail transportation and highway and motor carrier safety programs over five years

By Cameron Niven, Communications Director, Office of Congressman John Garamendi

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, May 22, 2026, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, secured critical wins for California in the bipartisan Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for America’s 250th Act (BUILD America 250 Act) (H.R.8870). This five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill will invest in America’s roads, bridges, transit, rail transportation and highway and motor carrier safety programs.

“America’s economy is nothing without our infrastructure,” said Rep. Garamendi. “I’m proud to have secured essential provisions in the BUILD America 250 Act that will improve the lives of my constituents as much as the roads they drive, the bridges they cross and the trains they ride. This bipartisan bill will restore our aging bridges and repair crumbling roads to build out safe, accessible transit and bike infrastructure.”

The total funding authorization in the bill is about $580 billion over FY2027–FY2031 and will replace the expiring Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding approved in 2021.

“No legislation of this scope is perfect, and while I am disappointed it does not include all my amendments, I am committed to building on the work that has been done and I am glad that this Committee was able to come to an agreement that will benefit Californians,” Garamendi continued.

The BUILD America 250 Act includes several key provisions authored by Congressman Garamendi:

The “Transportation Emergency Relief Extension Act” with Senator Padilla, Senator Cornyn and the late Congressman LaMalfa (H.R.4847)

• Extends deadline for construction obligation for highway projects funded through the Emergency Relief Program from two to four years. This will ensure state and local governments have adequate time to fully utilize federal funds awarded to repair roads damaged by disasters

Key provisions from his “Transportation Emergency Relief Funds Availability Act” (H.R.3193)

• Extends the obligation deadline for Emergency Relief Program funds for public transportation projects from two to five years. This will afford state and local governments the time and certainty needed to complete these projects efficiently and responsibly.

Key provisions from his “Expedited Federal Permitting for California Act” (H.R.4908)

• Permanently extends the program that allows states that have assumed the responsibility for environmental reviews to make approvals for projects under state laws rather than the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This commonsense reform will simply let certain federally funded transportation projects make use of existing state permitting processes without the need for a redundant, less stringent federal environmental review.

Key provisions from his “Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act” with Congressman Bost (H.R.4170)

• Requires USDOT to carry out a study on best practices for addressing corrosion on weathering steel bridges, as well as the frequency and method of inspecting corrosion on steel bridges. Corrosion costs the United States billions of dollars every year while putting public safety at risk. The persistent corrosion of our roads and bridges needs to be addressed with the urgency this issue demands.

Key provisions from his “Airport TIFIA Certainty Act” (H.R.6168), with Congressman Hurd

• Reauthorizes the TIFIA credit assistance program and preserves the 15% allowance for airports. This ensures low-interest federal financing remains available for critical airport projects. Sacramento Airport recently received a $36.1 million TIFIA loan to deliver critical infrastructure upgrades for California travelers.

An overview of the major provisions in the BUILD America 250 Act is included below:

Investing in Safe, Reliable, Accessible, and Affordable Transit

The nation’s transit systems provide a safe, affordable and environmentally friendly means of travel for millions of Americans. Transit agencies are modernizing service to meet the needs of communities post-pandemic; making investments in safer and more reliable systems; and working to ensure accessibility for all. The BUILD America 250 Act continues the federal government’s partnership in these efforts through robust funding, new worker protections, and streamlining provisions to deliver transit projects faster.

Keeping the Focus on Safety

The BUILD America 250 Act seeks to build on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s focus on safety by investing in state and local safety projects, addressing the safety of all road users, and insisting on evidence-based strategies to save lives. This bill:

• Guarantees $3.75 billion in funding for the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program which provides local communities with competitive federal funding for safety action plans and demonstration projects. More than 75 percent of the country is covered by a SS4A safety plan; five more years of funding will ensure many more communities can turn their safety vision into a reality.
• Protects the 10 percent Transportation Alternatives program (TAP) set aside (the main source of formula funding for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure) within the Surface Transportation Block Grant program. Retains a requirement that states invest a significant portion of TAP funds based on population, ensuring small and under-served communities maintain access to these dollars.
• Allows local communities to use Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) dollars as the local match for TAP. This provision, which comes from the Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act, will help

Safe Integration of Autonomous Commercial Motor Vehicles

The BUILD America 250 Act creates the nation’s first-ever regulatory framework for autonomous commercial motor vehicles, harnessing the benefits of innovation without sacrificing safety, jobs, or accountability on our roads.

This legislation directs the Secretary to establish a performance-based safety standard that manufacturers and operators of commercial vehicles equipped with automated driving systems (ADS) must meet in order to operate in interstate commerce.

To ensure this standard is nuanced, rigorous and pro-safety, the bill convenes a broad panel of more than 13 critical stakeholders––including safety organizations, labor unions, industry groups and academic experts––to set the safety standard’s requirements and adapt current Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, ensuring ADS-equipped commercial vehicles are subject to the same safety and performance standards as any other commercial vehicle.

Taken together, this framework is built on three fundamental pillars: Safety, Qualified, and Robust Work Force, and Accountability.

Supporting Local Communities

The BUILD America 250 Act provides nearly $83 billion over five years in Highway Trust Fund highway and multimodal funding to local communities. The bill continues several competitive grant programs for local governments to directly apply for funds; provides Metropolitan Planning organizations with a path to become direct recipients of federal planning funds; and improves the flow of funds to communities of all sizes.

Garamendi represents California’s 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives which includes a majority of Solano County and portions of Contra Costa County.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Marine Unit Officers assist boaters in the Delta. Photos: CCCSO

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

Memorial Day weekend marks the traditional start of boating season on the Delta. The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff is urging all boaters to stay safe while enjoying the water.

“Many boating accidents can be avoided by planning ahead,” said Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston. “80% of boating fatalities could have been prevented by wearing a life jacket. Fol-lowing the law and these tips could help you stay safe on the water.”

California Boater Card Required – Anyone who operates a motorized vessel must carry a California Boater Card. Learn more at californiaboatercard.com.

Engine Cut-off Switch – Last year, California law required the use of an engine cut-off switch—also known as a kill switch or lanyard—on ves-sels under 26 feet. This safety device must be worn by the operator when at the helm and operating above 5 mph or dis-placement speeds. This law is designed to prevent runaway boat incidents in the event the operator is thrown from the helm, adding another layer of safety to California waterways.

Life Jackets Save Lives – All vessels, including stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), must carry a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board. Life jackets must be the correct size for the intended wearer and children under 13 must wear a life jacket at all times aboard a vessel, unless in a fully enclosed cabin. Everyone is strongly encouraged to wear a life jacket at all times on the water.

Boating Under the Influence (B.U.I.) – Operating a vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and dangerous. Boaters arrested for B.U.I. face similar consequences to D.U.I. drivers, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail.

Safe Navigation Practices – Always operate at safe speeds, especially in narrow channels or areas with limited visibility. Stay to the right side of the waterway. In crossing situations, the vessel to the right has the right of way.

Ski Flags and Observers – While engaged in towing activities, an observer who holds the ski flag, at the minimum age of 12 years old, must display the ski flag when required: a downed skier in the water, a skier in the water preparing to ski, a line is in the water extended from the vessel, and a ski or similar equipment is in the water in the vicinity of the vessel.

Blue Light Law – Boaters must slow to a no-wake speed when approaching/being approached by any law enforcement or emergency vessel displaying an illuminated blue light, whether the patrol vessel is moving or stationary.

Emergency Preparedness – Carry an emergency kit that includes a flashlight, warm clothing, a cell phone, VHF radio, and navigational charts. Before heading out, file a float plan. Learn how to create a float plan at: https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/floating-plan.php

Carbon Monoxide Awareness – Be cautious of carbon monoxide buildup, especially when sitting on the swim platform or near the boat’s transom while the engine is running.

Youth Operation Rules – Children ages 12–15 may operate boats with motors over 15 horse-power or sailboats over 30 feet only if directly supervised by an adult (18+) who holds a California Boater Card.

Throwables Required – Boats 16 feet and longer must carry a U.S. Coast Guard-approved throwable flotation device, such as a life ring or square cushion, which must be easily accessible.

Additional Resources – The ABC’s of Boating safety handbook is available at most boating retailers. Visit dbw.ca.gov for more boating laws, safety tips, and California Boater Card information. For questions or non-emergency assistance, contact the Marine Services Unit at (925) 427-8507.

In emergencies, Dial 911 or call Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at (925) 646-2441.

By City of San Ramon

Let’s go fly a kite!  at the 37th Annual San Ramon Art & Wind Festival, the best festival in the East Bay. The Art & Wind Festival is scheduled for Sunday and Monday, May 24-25, 2026, in San Ramon’s Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd. from 11am to 6pm both days.

This annual event features fine arts, crafts and specialty food vendors, three entertainment stages headlining international music, party bands and variety entertainers, children’s shows, two festival food courts, family amusement zones, professional choreographed kite flying demonstrations, helicopter landing, free kite making workshop, puppet shows and much more.

The Art and Wind Festival is a family, bike and pet-friendly FREE outdoor event!

For individuals with additional sensory needs, check out the Sensory Zone at City Hall for a quiet break from the festival without having to leave.

For more information visit ArtandWind.com.

By Mike Arata

A report on the 2026-27 budget, by a Contra Costa County public information officer, is essentially a tax-promotion advertisement for Measure B’s intended 0.625% sales-tax increase.  It omits essential facts, to the potential benefit of the County’s already overpaid administrative staff and its 15 highly compensated employee unions.  Consider the following:

1. The County’s tentative $7.248 Billion budget for 2026-2027, were it to remain unchanged at the July 1 start of new Fiscal Year 26-27, would still be a massive 60.7% higher than FY20-21’s $4.51 Billion. (See p. 8 at link.)  November 2020 was when the County passed Measure X, itself a 0.500% sales tax increase. The Bay Area’s CPI inflation rate, meanwhile, has totaled 18.4% since Measure X’s passage (358.6 /302.9 = 1.184). The County’s spending increase since the end of 2020 is 3.3 x the inflation rate.
2. Measure B, on the June 2nd ballot, would add another 0.625% in new sales taxes, raising every part of the County above the statutory 2% limit on LOCAL sales-tax rates, over and above the existing statewide 7.250% rate.  7.250% + 2.000% = an effective statutory-limit total of 9.250%.  If Measure B passes, sales-tax rates in the County will instead range from 9.375% to 10.875%.   An additional 0.500% transit sales-tax measure is upcoming on the November ballot.
3. In bypassing the relevant statute, all the County’s tax promoters had to do was to get an on-call legislator to include Contra Costa County in an existing, illegitimate Los Angeles bypass bill (AB1768), say shazam(!) — and poof!  No more 2% limit on any local sales-tax rates here.  (Actually, Measure X itself took local rates in six Contra Costa municipal jurisdictions above 2%.)
4. As is, the County’s 2026 own union-member employment head count is up 4% over 2025(slide 10) — 10,308 vs. 9,913.  And 9 of the County’s 15 union contracts expire 4 weeks after Election Day.  That’s a clue for the likely real purpose of Measure B.
5. As of 2024 (last year available), 4,781 County employees were already above $150,000 in salary plus benefit compensation.  3,056 of those exceeded $200,000.  1,045 of those exceeded $300,000.  278 of those exceeded $400,000, with 78 above $500,000.  How many executive-level employees does the County need?  How many should we pay for?
6. Measure X presented an urgent, COVID-time focus on healthcare and “life-saving services.”  Now, allegedly, “lives will be lost” without Measure B (pages 33-34 of 86 in Voter Guide).  In fact, Measure X’s millions have been used for multiple other purposes.  And Measure B’s authorizing ordinance, like Measure X’s, again exposes this new tax as “solely for general governmental purposes and not for specific purposes.” County politicians and administrators could spend Measure B’s millions on whatever they consider “governmental” — as they’ve already been doing in Measure X’s first 5 of 20 years.  Measure B could facilitate or directly bankroll the next round of employee enrichments.
7. Measure X, the template for Measure B, was supposed to collect $81 Million annually in additional new sales-tax revenues.  Instead, it’s taken in over $120 Million annually (page 11 of 16), and Measure X has another 15 years to run.  Meanwhile, Measure X has accumulated $263 Million in unspent funds (same page).  Those dollars, rather than more new sales-tax revenue, could and should be dedicated to any healthcare deficiency that actually develops.
8. And speaking of excess funds, the County has a General Fund balance of $1.21 Billion, of which the unassigned portion is $585 Million. Both figures are more that 4 times the County’s own announced standardfor reserves on hand (pages 18 and 56 of 269).
9. County supervisors tried to get away with an alleged $307 million ANNUAL healthcare budget deficiency, (e.g. hereand here) until I and others pointed to figures stated by their own financial advisory firm (itself holding an $8 Million contract).  That reality was a potentially CUMULATIVE $307 Million by FY28-29, not an annual one.  Their chief financial advisor then returned with a new slide showing larger potential amounts in FY29-30 and FY30-31 — in a new presidential administration and 2 new Congresses from now.  As stated in ballot arguments, Measure B is at best premature.
10. Due to some funding restoration already announced, the new budget deficiency projected in an updated County slide was a cumulative $219 Million by FY28-29 (though minutes of the Board of Supervisors’ meeting presented the amount as $239 Million).  Even that is speculative; and again, Measure X could cover that amount if needed, under its originally announced purposes.  And to begin with, much of the funding problem derives from withdrawal by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services of “federal Medicaid dollars to cover health care for individuals who are in the country illegally” (as “a backdoor pathway to subsidize open borders”).
11. The County’s Measure B propagandists claim elsewhere that “It exempts food, housing, and medical care, so most of the money from this tax will come from corporate or large luxury purchases.”   But as the East Bay Times said (among many other factors in opposing Measure B itself), “State data indicates that the average person in the county currently pays at least $1,050 a year in sales tax.”  Food/grocery exemptions?  Not for prepared foods, soft drinks, beer and wine, ice, many convenience grocery store items, etc. — and not for restaurant bills.  Housing exemptions?  Not for materials used to build and maintain houses.  Exemptions for medical care?  Not for over-the-counter medicines.
12. Rather than voting to continue engorging the already vastly over-funded and overcompensated County spending apparatus and apparatchiks:  attentive and fair-minded voters will vote NO on Measure B — thereby to leave taxpayers, especially those already struggling with affordability problems, with more of their own money to spend for items THEY see as needs.

Regarding the County’s self-serving Measure B scheme — and its dishonest 2020 predecessor, Measure X:  the response now should be “Fool us once, shame on them. Fool us twice, shame on us!”

More information:  StopMeasureB.com

Arata is an Executive Board member of the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association.

Fourth arrest since 2018; also arrested by U.S. Marshalls, alleged to be hit man for organized crime 

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – On May 18, 2026, a Contra Costa County jury convicted a Hayward man of attempted murder with premeditation, shooting at an occupied vehicle, reckless evasion, and being a felon in possession of a firearm — along with firearm enhancements for personally using a firearm.

The convicted man, 26-year-old Tanginoa Pahulu Tangi, (born 12/31/1999) attacked a victim in Oakley on August 27, 2025. Evidence at trial showed that Tangi drove from Alameda County to Oakley and waited approximately three hours outside the victim’s home. When the victim arrived, Tangi approached the vehicle and fired 17 shots at close range. The victim survived. Tangi then fled the scene and disposed of the firearm. Minutes later, a Contra Costa County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to pull Tangi over, but Tangi refused to yield, leading officers on an 11-mile high-speed chase before law enforcement apprehended him.

The District Attorney’s Community Violence Reduction Unit prosecuted the case. District Attorney Diana Becton said, “This conviction reflects the outstanding work of our entire team, and we are grateful to everyone who helped bring justice for the victim in this case.”

Tangi’s violent conduct extends beyond the United States. Authorities in New Zealand currently want him for the murder of a courier in Auckland.

His sentencing hearing for the Contra Costa County offenses is scheduled for June 29, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Department 4 of the Richard E. Arnason Justice Center in Pittsburg.

Case No. 04-25-01632 | The People of the State of California v. Tanginoa Pahulu Tangi

According to localcrimenews.com, Tangi is Asian Pacific Islander and has been previously arrested three other times in 2018 and 2020 for burglary, robbery and use of a deadly and/or dangerous weapon.

Arrested by U.S. Marshalls for New Zealand Murder as Hit Man

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, he is six-foot, one-inches tall, 225 pounds, and is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility. Tangi was also arrested on Sept. 5, 2025, by U.S. Marshalls for the New Zealand case.

According to the Kaniva Tonga news source in New Zealand, Tonga Independent and Helm.news, Tangi is accused of being sent from California to New Zealand in 2024 to commit murder, leading to the death of an Auckland courier and he now, faces extradition. “Police say a United States national (Tangi) alleged to have acted as a contracted ‘hitman’ in the killing of Auckland courier driver Tuipulotu Kokohu Vi.”

“New Zealand Police alleged the 26‑year‑old flew into the country in August 2024, carried out the fatal shooting, and then fled back to the US before investigators were able to identify him. New Zealand police say he is also the subject of an extradition request relating to the Auckland killing.”

Tangi “is accused of traveling from California to New Zealand in 2024 at the direction of a U.S.-based organized crime group to carry out a murder. He is charged in New Zealand with the fatal shooting of 59-year-old Auckland courier Tuipulotu Vi, who was found dead in his van; police believe Vi was not the intended target. After the incident, Tangi returned to the U.S., where he was arrested in August 2025 following a separate shooting attempt. Extradition to New Zealand is pending, with three others now charged in connection with the case. The investigation remains active, and suppression orders have been lifted, allowing further details to be reported.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Photos: mak-warép Ohlone Land Conservancy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to Expect 

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

Safety Measures

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

Air Quality Compliance 

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

Public Information 

For updates on the burn, please visit:

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

About the mak-warép Ohlone Land Conservancy

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

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Photo: CCCSO

By Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

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

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

Our Commitment to the Community

To earn and maintain your trust, we aim to:

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

Engage openly with the public through accessible reports and dashboards;

Report on activities that affect community safety and wellbeing; and

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

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

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

The Community Transparency Portal:

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

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

-Reports on activities that affect community safety and wellbeing.

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

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

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