Pinole Police participate in Pink Patch Project, public can, too
By Pinole Police Department
Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, public safety employees proudly wear pink patches on their regular duty uniforms, sparking conversations within the community.
The Pinole Police Department is proud to support the Pink Patch Project in raising awareness and supporting individuals and families affected by breast cancer.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you can purchase a Pinole Pink Patch for just $10. All proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Please contact coupinolepolicedepartment@pinole.gov for purchase or if you have any questions.
About the Pink Patch Project
The roots of the Pink Patch Project can be traced to the Seal Beach California Police Department, who wore pink patches on their uniform shirts during “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” in 2013. In 2015, the Irwindale California Police Department took the idea a step further and sold their patches to the community, raising over $20,000 for City of Hope. In 2016, then IPD Chief Anthony Miranda took the idea to the Los Angeles Police Chiefs Association and 25 local agencies came on board. Since then, the program has expanded to several hundred partner agencies throughout the world and includes partners from police, sheriff, fire, EMS, and federal departments worldwide.
For more information visit Pink Patch Project: Uniting for Breast Cancer Awareness or Pink Patch Project on Facebook.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Pinole Police Department Community Outreach Officer Jennifer Witschi with K9 Therapy Dog Milo at his retirement party on Sept. 15, 2026. Source: San Pablo PD
Celebrate retirement of K-9 Therapy Dog Milo
See the CitizenRIMS Crime Map
By Pinole Police Department
September 2026 – Monthly Performance Report
Our monthly statistics provide a snapshot of our officers’ efforts. Consider a ride-along for a more in-depth look.
The Pinole Police Department’s CitizenRIMS Crime Map showing All Activity in September 2026. The plus symbol indicates multiple incidents at the same location.
There were 1,517 calls for service in September, 411 traffic stops, 169 traffic citations issued, 109 stops of pedestrians or suspicious vehicles, 139 reports taken and 55 arrests.
Source: San Pablo PD
In addition, the Department celebrated the retirement of one of its most beloved officers, K-9 Therapy Dog Milo, as he concludes nearly a decade of dedicated service.
On Tuesday, Sept. 15th we celebrated the remarkable legacy of a dog who made Pinole a little safer, a little kinder, and a lot more connected.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Video screenshots source: San Pablo PD
See video of pursuit
By San Pablo Police
When the red and blue lights come on and your getaway vehicle is smaller than a child’s bicycle … you may want to reconsider the plan.
Our contestant decided to turn the night into the “Tour de San Pablo”, followed by a bonus round of “Hide-and-seek.”
Unfortunately for him… our officers were pretty good at both.
Bike: abandoned
Cardio: attempted
Hiding spot: discovered
**GAME OVER**
Ride home: upgraded
Pro Tip: If your escape plan involves a pocket bike, a foot chase, and hoping nobody checks your hiding spot… it might be time for a new plan.
Another episode of “Felony Friday,” brought to you by your friends at SPPD.
See video of pursuit on Facebook or Instagram.
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By El Cerrito Police Department
October is Pedestrian Safety Month and the El Cerrito Police Department is increasing its focus on pedestrian safety enforcement to help keep everyone safe on our streets.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “At some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian. In 2024, 7,080 pedestrians were killed and more than 71,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide. NHTSA raises awareness of the dangers to pedestrians and provides safety tips for pedestrians and drivers”
- 71,635 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes in 2024, a 5% increase from 68,241 pedestrians injured in 2023.
- On average, a pedestrian died every 74 minutes and one was injured every 7 minutes in traffic crashes in 2024.
- 18% of all traffic deaths in 2024 were pedestrians, and 3% of all people injured in traffic crashes were pedestrians.
- 17% of the children 14 and younger killed in traffic crashes in 2024 were pedestrians.
- 69% of the pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2024 were males.
- Alcohol use was reported in 43% of all fatal pedestrian crashes in 2024, with a blood alcohol concentration of .01 for the driver and/or the pedestrian.
- In 2024, more pedestrian fatalities occurred in urban areas (84%) than in rural areas (16%).
- 73% of the pedestrian fatalities occurred at locations that were not intersections, 18% occurred at intersections, and the remaining 9% occurred at other locations in 2024.
- More pedestrian fatalities occurred in the dark (76%) than in daylight (20%), dusk (2%), and dawn (2%) in 2024.
- 90% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in single-vehicle crashes in 2024.
- 1 out of every 4 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2024 (24%) was struck by a hit-and-run driver.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Most pedestrian deaths (60% in 2021) occur on high-capacity urban roads that typically have posted speed limits of 45-55 miles per hour.”
Drivers:
– Slow down and watch for pedestrians, especially near intersections and crosswalks.
– Put your phone away and avoid distractions.
Pedestrians:
– Look both ways before crossing and watch for turning vehicles.
– Stay alert and avoid distractions, including cell phones and headphones.
Slow down. Stay alert. Look out for one another!
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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By San Pablo Police Department
The San Pablo Police Department announces they have been awarded a $68,118 grant from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to reduce alcohol-related harm in their community.
“This is important to San Pablo in order to increase protection for youth and to address crime at problem locations,” said San Pablo Police Chief Brian Bubar.
The grant is one of nearly 50 awarded in California to local law enforcement agencies through ABC’s Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) program.
These grants strengthen local law enforcement efforts by combining theirs with ABC agents who have expertise in alcoholic beverage laws to help reduce alcohol-related harm within their community.
“Our Alcohol Policing Partnership program can improve the quality of life in neighborhoods,” said ABC Acting Director Frank Robles. “The communities where the grant program’s resources have been invested have seen a real difference.”
The APP program was created in 1995 to strengthen partnerships between ABC and local law enforcement agencies. The program is designed to keep alcohol away from minors and prevent harm to the community.
The funds will be used to help prevent alcoholic beverage sales to minors and obviously intoxicated patrons, illegal solicitations of alcohol, and other criminal activities such as the sale and possession of illegal drugs.
About the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
The mission of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is to provide the highest level of service and public safety to the people of the State through licensing, education, and enforcement.
The San Pablo Police Department is proud to partner with ABC to educate licensees and enforce alcohol laws that keep alcohol away from minors and reduce harm at problem locations. This grant allows SPPD and ABC agents to work together to protect youth and improve neighborhood quality of life.
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Source: City of Clayton
To learn about City finances, Landscape and Maintenance District
After council placed one-percent sales tax, landscape maintenance assessment measures on November ballot
By City of Clayton
The City of Clayton invites residents to “Come participate in our next Town Hall! This Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Hoyer Hall, come learn more about the City. Join City leaders for an open and informative Town Hall Meeting to learn more about the future of our community.”
The City’s Financial Picture: An update on City revenues, expenses, financial challenges, and long-term fiscal sustainability.
The Landscape Maintenance District: Learn about LMD funding, the services it supports, and what renewal means for Clayton’s landscaping, trails, open space, weed abatement, and community appearance.
Measure M – 1% Local Sales Tax Measure
In June, the Clayton City Council voted unanimously to place a one percent (1%) local sales tax measure on the November ballot as Measure M.
The language reads, “CITY OF CLAYTON SALES TAX MEASURE. To provide local funding to maintain City of Clayton programs, services, and facilities, including: police services, traffic enforcement and road safety, road and sidewalk improvements, enhance library and recreation opportunities, park maintenance, recruitment and retention of city employees and other city services, shall the City of Clayton levy a 1% sales tax until ended by voters generating approximately $1,000,000 annually, subject to public review, the annual audit and all funds benefitting Clayton?”
Measure N – Renewal of the Landscape and Maintenance District
On July 7, the Council voted unanimously to also place on the November ballot a renewal of the Landscape and Maintenance District as Measure N. The language reads: “CITYWIDE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE EXTENSION AND ALTERATION OF RATE OF EXISTING SPECIAL TAX. Shall the measure to fund on-going trail system operations and maintenance, roadway landscaping, open space weed abatement, and related services of the Clayton Community Facility District No. 2007-1 (Citywide Landscape Maintenance) by extending the special tax for ten years and amending its rate and method of apportionment of the special tax to $354.54/year per residential and $354.54/acre per non-residential parcels, for FYs 2027-2037, including annual inflationary adjustments to the special tax rates not to exceed 3% per year, and subject to continued citizen’s committee oversight, be approved?”
In City Manager Kris Loftus’ August Newsletter he wrote, “Like many California communities, Clayton faces rising costs, aging infrastructure, increasing service demands, and limited revenue growth. These challenges require responsible financial decisions and careful stewardship of public resources. Our focus remains on maintaining essential services, investing in infrastructure, and ensuring the City’s long-term financial sustainability.”
Hoyer Hall is located at 6125 Clayton Road.
More details on the City’s website at Calendar • Town Hall.
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Rescued produce sorted at White Pony Express before delivery to community partners in Contra Costa County. Source: WPE
Guest Commentary
By Tyler McCarthy, Outreach Associate, White Pony Express
On Friday afternoon, for a student who eats breakfast and lunch at school, the dismissal bell does more than end the school day. It starts a 68-hour clock. The last dependable school meal of the week has just been served. The next one won’t arrive until Monday morning.
We hear from our school partners what those hours can mean. As one parent liaison put it: “My thinking was that if I can give them a meal for Saturday, then they only have to get through Sunday. That lessens the need.”
California has done something remarkable. In 2022–23, it became the first state in the nation to guarantee every public school student access to free breakfast and lunch, regardless of family income. Nearly 3.5 billion school meals have been served since the program began.
It works. And at a time when changes to federal nutrition programs are putting additional pressure on some California families, it’s an achievement we must protect.
But hunger doesn’t follow a school calendar.
California’s universal meals program feeds children during the school day. Children still need to eat Friday night, Saturday, Sunday, holidays and school breaks. California has also embraced summer grocery benefits for eligible families, another important piece of the solution. But summer assistance does not solve the gap that arrives every week between Friday afternoon and Monday morning.
For a family already choosing between rent, utilities, transportation, and groceries, those aren’t simply gaps in a schedule. They can be the days the refrigerator runs empty. That’s where White Pony Express makes an enormous difference.
Every day, White Pony Express drivers collect surplus food from grocers, farms, wholesalers, and restaurants – high-quality food that is perfectly good but has nowhere to go. We sort it for quality the same day and deliver it, free of charge, to neighbors throughout Contra Costa County. Of the 135,000 people White Pony Express serves each year, nearly one-third – about 40,300 – are children.
Photo: WPE
Our School Pantry Program brings fresh groceries directly into 23 school communities where 80 percent or more of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Families shop at no cost, with no forms and no questions asked.
One pantry coordinator remembers a young mother raising three children alone after losing her husband. She came to the pantry for groceries, including peanut butter and chicken.
“She doesn’t have money to buy much,” the coordinator told us, “but she told me it’s a blessing to have White Pony Express helping us.”
Since the School Pantry Program began in 2015, White Pony Express has delivered more than three million pounds of food to school communities – the equivalent of roughly 2.5 million meals.
The model works because it connects two resources that already exist: good food that would otherwise go unused and trusted neighborhood schools where families already gather.
It also demonstrates something larger. Public programs and community organizations do not have to compete with one another. They can complete one another.
Photos: WPE
California has shown what is possible when we make a public commitment to feed children at school and then build a system capable of doing it at an extraordinary scale. Now we need to look just as honestly at the hours the school cafeteria cannot cover.
More than two million California children still lack reliable access to healthy food. For them, the problem doesn’t begin Monday morning. It begins Friday afternoon, when the bell rings. And that is a gap communities like ours can – and must – close.
To volunteer, donate food, or support the School Pantry Program, visit whiteponyexpress.org.
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Screenshot from the Brentwood PD CitizenRIMS Crime map. Source: Brentwood PD.
At brewhouse that issued statement they’re “heartbroken by the incident”
Suspect charged with attempted murder, faces up to 9 years in state prison
By Chris Bollinger, Community Engagement Officer, Brentwood Police Department
On Friday, October 2, 2026, at approximately 7:58PM, Brentwood officers were dispatched to the 2000 block of Elkins Way for a report of a stabbing. The address is the location of Four Leg Brewing which issued a statement about the incident Saturday morning.
When officers arrived, they quickly located the suspect, an adult male, 53 years old out of Tallahassee, Florida still on scene. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. They also located an adult male victim with several stab wounds to his lower torso. Officers immediately began to provide medical aid to the victim until medical personnel arrived on scene. The victim was then transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
The male, who is being treated, is expected to survive. All evidence indicates this was an isolated incident.
This investigation is ongoing and we will not be releasing any further information at this time. If you have any additional information regarding this incident, you can call the Brentwood Police Department Dispatch line at (925) 809-7911.
Four Legs Brewing Issues Statement
Statement by Four Legs Brewing posted on their Facebook page Saturday morning, Oct. 3, 2026.
In a post on their Facebook page Saturday morning, Oct. 3rd, Four Legs Brewing issued the following statement: “Our Four Leggs family is heartbroken by the incident that took place here last night. Our thoughts are with the victim and his loved ones, and we wish him a full and speedy recovery. Brentwood Police have confirmed that this was an isolated incident and that the involved is in custody.
“Our staff is safe, but understandably shaken by what happened. We are incredibly grateful to Brentwood PD for their quick response and to the brave patrons who stepped in to help prevent further harm.
“To everyone who has reached out, checked in on our team, and shown us much love and support, thank you. In difficult moments like these, we are reminded of how much our community means to us. Four Legs has always been about bringing people together, building friendships, and creating a place where everyone feels welcome. We are truly grateful for the kindness and support surrounding us.
“Please take care of one another and always lead with kindness.
“With love, The Four Legs Family.”
The brewhouse also changed their hours for Saturday in a later Facebook post which reads, “Due to the incident that occurred last night we are open today 12pm-6pm. Thank you for understanding” and “We apologize for any inconveniences this may cause, but thank you for your understanding.”
The department’s CitizenRIMS Crime map shows the incident is listed as an assault and felony second degree attempted murder. However, the website’s list of arrests has not yet been updated since Thursday, Oct. 1st and the website’s Media Bulletins have not been updated since Sept. 29th.
The suspect is charged with 664/187(A) PC, attempted second-degree murder which is punishable by 5, 7 or 9 years in state prison, and 417(A)(1) PC, described as, “Every person who, except in self-defense, in the presence of any other person, draws or exhibits any deadly weapon whatsoever, other than a firearm, in a rude, angry, or threatening manner, or who in any manner, unlawfully uses a deadly weapon other than a firearm in any fight or quarrel is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not less than 30 days.” Case Number: 2604025 Incident Number: 2610020104
Bollinger was asked for information about the victim and reiterated, “He is a male.” But that is all he could share at this time, pending notification of family.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Prevents former ICE agents with history of misconduct from becoming law enforcement officers in California
Claims participating in ICE operations during Trump’s 2nd term “demonstrates an immorality”
Could be challenged in court, deemed unconstitutional
By Allen D. Payton
On Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law AB 1627, the Misconduct Ends Law-enforcement Trust Act of 2026 (MELT ICE) by Assemblywoman Anamarie Ávila Farías (D-Martinez), which disqualifies officers employed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from being employed as a peace officer in California, if they “engaged in serious misconduct that would have resulted in their certification being revoked…if employed as a peace officer in this state.”
The Assemblywoman represents portions of Contra Costa County in the State Assembly’s 15th District.
While the law makes clear that existing police hiring rules covering serious misconduct by former law enforcement officers now, also apply to officers involved in immigration enforcement, it applies even if the ICE officer was not found guilty of misconduct in their current or previous position.
However, the soon to be new law could be challenged in court because of possible violation of federal labor law and deemed unconstitutional in part due to the “immorality” clause. That clause reads, “Participating in the operations of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on or after January 20, 2025, demonstrates an immorality that California cannot afford to have in its ranks of peace officer.”
On August 30th, the bill passed the state Senate on 29 to 10 party-line vote, and the Assembly by 57 to 16 also on a party-line vote. It was enrolled and presented to the Governor on Sept. 9th at 1 p.m.
Part of Package of Federal Immigration Enforcement Related Bills Signed by Governor
According to a press release from the governor’s office that day, “Governor Newsom signed 21 bills earlier today cementing California’s longstanding efforts to support immigrant communities and reflecting on the state’s response to an intensified federal immigration enforcement environment.”
“Newsom…signed a package of bills related to federal immigration enforcement in California to expand oversight of federal immigration enforcement in California.
“This action builds on years of work by Governor Newsom and the Legislature to support (illegal) immigrant families, protect communities and the economy from reckless immigration actions, strengthen transparency and oversight of detention facilities, and ensure that state resources are focused on public safety and the needs of Californians.
The governor’s office claims the package of bills, “Prohibits ICE officers who have committed serious misconduct on the job from becoming peace officers or public employees in California.”
Included in the bills was AB 1627 by Ávila Farías, described as “Public employment: disqualifications”, and known as the MELT ICE Act.
Legislative Counsel’s Digest of AB 1627
According to the Legislative Counsel’s Digest, “Existing (state) law specifies circumstances that disqualify a person from holding office or being employed as a peace officer, including, among other things, any person previously employed in law enforcement in any state or United States territory or by the federal government whose name is listed in any of specified indexes whose certification as a law enforcement officer in that jurisdiction was revoked for misconduct or who, while employed as a law enforcement officer, engaged in serious misconduct that would have resulted in their certification being revoked by the commission if employed as a peace officer in this state.
“This bill would specify that, for purposes of the disqualification circumstances described above, the terms ‘employed in law enforcement’ and ‘law enforcement officer’ include a law enforcement officer employed in any state or United States territory or by the federal government who engages in immigration enforcement, as provided.”
Bill Text Claims Participating in ICE Operations During Trump’s Second Term “Demonstrates an Immorality”
According to the Bill Text in, “SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
“(a) Beginning in 2025, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have terrorized California residents, United States citizens and noncitizens alike, through untargeted arrests and brutality based on nothing more than a person’s racial appearance, language spoken, means of earning a living, or exercise of First Amendment-protected expression.
“(b) Beginning in 2025, the United States Department of Homeland Security has recruited peace officers to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement with the promise of being unrestrained in the manner in which officers engage with civilians or by the laws of the State of California.
“(c) Participating in the operations of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on or after January 20, 2025, demonstrates an immorality that California cannot afford to have in its ranks of peace officers whose duties include interacting with the public.”
Further according to the Bill Text, “…except as provided in subparagraph (B), any person previously employed as a sworn law enforcement officer or individual contractor, and personally engaged in immigration enforcement,” is “disqualified from holding office as a peace officer or being employed as a peace officer of the state, county, city, city and county, or other political subdivision, whether with or without compensation, and is disqualified from any office or employment by the state, county, city, city and county, or other political subdivision, whether with or without compensation, which confers upon the holder or employee the powers and duties of a peace officer.”
Subparagraph B (ii) reads, “‘Immigration enforcement’ includes any and all efforts to investigate, enforce, or assist in the investigation or enforcement of any federal civil immigration law, and also includes any and all efforts to investigate, enforce, or assist in the investigation or enforcement of any federal criminal immigration law that penalizes a person’s presence in, entry, or reentry to, or employment in, the United States.”
However, the bill “does not prohibit or restrict any governmental entity or official from sending to, or receiving from, federal immigration authorities information regarding the citizenship or immigration status, lawful or unlawful, of an individual, or from requesting from federal immigration authorities immigration status information, lawful or unlawful, of any individual, or from maintaining or exchanging that information with any other federal, state, or local governmental entity.” That means existing law enforcement officers can cooperate with ICE within limits of California’s sanctuary state laws.
Assemblywoman Ávila Farías speaks about her bill, AB1627 on the Assembly Floor On May 27, 2026. Video screenshot source: CalMatters
Ávila Farías Comments About Bill, Signing by Governor
A press release issued earlier this year, after the State Assembly passed her bill, reads, “On the Assembly Floor, Assemblymember Ávila Farías emphasized that ICE enforcement has created fear across California—impacting both citizens and immigrants alike—and legislation is needed to proactively safeguard our communities and critical spaces.”
She is further quoted in a FOX11 Los Angeles report as saying in a statement, “California’s peace officers…must be guardians of constitutional rights, not participants in their erosion.” and “argued that participating in ICE operations during this period ‘demonstrates an immorality that California cannot afford to have in its ranks.’”
In her brief speech on the Assembly Floor on May 27th, Avila Farias said, “Communities are safer when we are policed by people who are committed to protecting the public rather than kidnapping them.”
During a presentation before the Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety in April, she said, “Frankly, I don’t want my kids or anyone else’s counting on people who flaunt the rule of the law.” Ávila Farías also claimed, “this bill, does not have any legal issues, and challenges, because we’re simply doing a modest expansion of existing law in a way to protect our community members and holding the highest regard of what our law enforcement professionals. It also is not honing into the individuals that are doing their jobs to the letter of the law. This is protecting vulnerable community populations…”
She repeated her remarks before the state Senate Standing Committee on Public Safety in June saying, “AB 1627 ensures that immigration enforcement personnel are disqualified from becoming a peace officer in California if they have committed misconduct in their prior roles. This bill is about restoring public trust and holding federal law enforcement to the same standards as any other peace officer in California.”
About the governor signing her bill Ávila Farías said, “Our kids deserve role models in uniform, not individuals tied to fear and intimidation. AB 1627 is about accountability, integrity, and reducing harm before it happens. With the signing of the MELT ICE Act of 2026, California sends a clear message: Federal agents who have disregarded constitutional rights are not to be entrusted with peace enforcement roles in our state. Thank you, Governor Newsom, for your commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting our communities.”
Ávila Farías’ office issued a press release about the bill’s signing.
“Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed my bill to prevent former ICE employees with documented histories of misconduct from becoming peace officers in California.
“AB 1627, the Misconduct Ends Law-Enforcement Trust Act of 2026, started with people in my community speaking up. One year ago, at a No Kings Rally in Concord, our community came together and spoke out about the fear many immigrant families were experiencing. That community activism helped inspire this legislation, and I am proud that their voices helped lead to meaningful change.
“AB 1627 was not written overnight. It was the result of many conversations, a lot of listening, and working with people who care deeply about public safety and accountability.
“At the heart of this bill is a simple principle: if someone has a documented history of misconduct, they should not be able to leave one agency and simply put on another uniform without accountability.
“I am honored and humbled to have played a part in creating one more barrier to prevent individuals who have abused their authority from becoming peace officers in California. This is about protecting public trust and making sure the people entrusted with a badge are held to a high standard.
“I want to thank Governor Newsom, my legislative colleagues, the community partners who stood with me, and the law-enforcement professionals who worked with us throughout this process. “This is what people power looks like. A community raised its voice, we listened, we worked together, and we turned that vision into law.
“AB 1627 takes effect January 1, 2027.”
Opposed by Statewide Police Organization
According to a report on MSN.com, “The Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) has voiced opposition to the bill. ‘This bill is unnecessary, duplicative and it jeopardizes qualified immunity for California employees,’ stated David Mastagni on behalf of PORAC.
The report further claims, “Critics argue the measure represents ‘guilty by association’ and could worsen existing staffing shortages in California’s police departments and schools. According to data from PORAC, law enforcement agencies throughout California have lost over 3,300 sworn officers since 2020, with an average of 10% of policing roles remaining unfilled.”
Could Be Challenged in Court, Deemed Unconstitutional
However, the new law could be ruled unconstitutional if challenged in court as questions have arisen whether the state can legally enforce a lifetime ban on a specific class of former federal employees without violating federal labor protections or constitutional due process.
According to a report by iHeart Radio in February, “Legal experts question whether California can legally enforce a lifetime ban on a specific class of federal employees without violating federal labor protections or constitutional due process rights.”
Inclusion of the “immorality” clause could give further basis for a court challenge.
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Photo: City of Concord
At Senior Center
By Colleen Awad, Community Relations Manager, City of Concord
Concord, CA — The City of Concord is proud to present the 11th Annual Health Expo, a free community event, on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Concord Senior Center (2727 Parkside Circle). This free event brings together local organizations, healthcare providers, and community resources to help seniors, families, and caregivers connect with information and services that support healthy living and well-being. No reservations are required.
While we offer health and wellness resources for all ages, many focus on seniors and caregivers, including information on Medicare, transportation, assisted living, nutrition, fitness, and more. The event will also feature free haircuts, along with opportunities to speak directly with local healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, and community partners.
Whether you are looking for resources for yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply interested in learning more about healthy aging and wellness, the Health Expo provides an opportunity to discover local services and connect with organizations serving the Concord community.
The Health Expo reflects the City of Concord’s commitment to providing accessible resources and creating opportunities for residents to stay informed, connected, and engaged in their health and well-being.
For more information about the Health Expo, please visit www.cityofconcord.org/SCEvents, call 925-671-3320, or email concordsc@cityofconcord.org.
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Pinole Police participate in Pink Patch Project, public can, too
By Pinole Police Department
Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, public safety employees proudly wear pink patches on their regular duty uniforms, sparking conversations within the community.
The Pinole Police Department is proud to support the Pink Patch Project in raising awareness and supporting individuals and families affected by breast cancer.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you can purchase a Pinole Pink Patch for just $10. All proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Please contact coupinolepolicedepartment@pinole.gov for purchase or if you have any questions.
About the Pink Patch Project
The roots of the Pink Patch Project can be traced to the Seal Beach California Police Department, who wore pink patches on their uniform shirts during “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” in 2013. In 2015, the Irwindale California Police Department took the idea a step further and sold their patches to the community, raising over $20,000 for City of Hope. In 2016, then IPD Chief Anthony Miranda took the idea to the Los Angeles Police Chiefs Association and 25 local agencies came on board. Since then, the program has expanded to several hundred partner agencies throughout the world and includes partners from police, sheriff, fire, EMS, and federal departments worldwide.
For more information visit Pink Patch Project: Uniting for Breast Cancer Awareness or Pink Patch Project on Facebook.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MorePinole Police Department Community Outreach Officer Jennifer Witschi with K9 Therapy Dog Milo at his retirement party on Sept. 15, 2026. Source: San Pablo PD
Celebrate retirement of K-9 Therapy Dog Milo
See the CitizenRIMS Crime Map
By Pinole Police Department
September 2026 – Monthly Performance Report
Our monthly statistics provide a snapshot of our officers’ efforts. Consider a ride-along for a more in-depth look.
The Pinole Police Department’s CitizenRIMS Crime Map showing All Activity in September 2026. The plus symbol indicates multiple incidents at the same location.
There were 1,517 calls for service in September, 411 traffic stops, 169 traffic citations issued, 109 stops of pedestrians or suspicious vehicles, 139 reports taken and 55 arrests.
Source: San Pablo PD
In addition, the Department celebrated the retirement of one of its most beloved officers, K-9 Therapy Dog Milo, as he concludes nearly a decade of dedicated service.
On Tuesday, Sept. 15th we celebrated the remarkable legacy of a dog who made Pinole a little safer, a little kinder, and a lot more connected.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreVideo screenshots source: San Pablo PD
See video of pursuit
By San Pablo Police
When the red and blue lights come on and your getaway vehicle is smaller than a child’s bicycle … you may want to reconsider the plan.
Our contestant decided to turn the night into the “Tour de San Pablo”, followed by a bonus round of “Hide-and-seek.”
Unfortunately for him… our officers were pretty good at both.
Bike: abandoned
Cardio: attempted
Hiding spot: discovered
**GAME OVER**
Ride home: upgraded
Pro Tip: If your escape plan involves a pocket bike, a foot chase, and hoping nobody checks your hiding spot… it might be time for a new plan.
Another episode of “Felony Friday,” brought to you by your friends at SPPD.
See video of pursuit on Facebook or Instagram.
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By El Cerrito Police Department
October is Pedestrian Safety Month and the El Cerrito Police Department is increasing its focus on pedestrian safety enforcement to help keep everyone safe on our streets.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “At some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian. In 2024, 7,080 pedestrians were killed and more than 71,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide. NHTSA raises awareness of the dangers to pedestrians and provides safety tips for pedestrians and drivers”
- 71,635 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes in 2024, a 5% increase from 68,241 pedestrians injured in 2023.
- On average, a pedestrian died every 74 minutes and one was injured every 7 minutes in traffic crashes in 2024.
- 18% of all traffic deaths in 2024 were pedestrians, and 3% of all people injured in traffic crashes were pedestrians.
- 17% of the children 14 and younger killed in traffic crashes in 2024 were pedestrians.
- 69% of the pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2024 were males.
- Alcohol use was reported in 43% of all fatal pedestrian crashes in 2024, with a blood alcohol concentration of .01 for the driver and/or the pedestrian.
- In 2024, more pedestrian fatalities occurred in urban areas (84%) than in rural areas (16%).
- 73% of the pedestrian fatalities occurred at locations that were not intersections, 18% occurred at intersections, and the remaining 9% occurred at other locations in 2024.
- More pedestrian fatalities occurred in the dark (76%) than in daylight (20%), dusk (2%), and dawn (2%) in 2024.
- 90% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in single-vehicle crashes in 2024.
- 1 out of every 4 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2024 (24%) was struck by a hit-and-run driver.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Most pedestrian deaths (60% in 2021) occur on high-capacity urban roads that typically have posted speed limits of 45-55 miles per hour.”
Drivers:
– Slow down and watch for pedestrians, especially near intersections and crosswalks.
– Put your phone away and avoid distractions.
Pedestrians:
– Look both ways before crossing and watch for turning vehicles.
– Stay alert and avoid distractions, including cell phones and headphones.
Slow down. Stay alert. Look out for one another!
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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By San Pablo Police Department
The San Pablo Police Department announces they have been awarded a $68,118 grant from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to reduce alcohol-related harm in their community.
“This is important to San Pablo in order to increase protection for youth and to address crime at problem locations,” said San Pablo Police Chief Brian Bubar.
The grant is one of nearly 50 awarded in California to local law enforcement agencies through ABC’s Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) program.
These grants strengthen local law enforcement efforts by combining theirs with ABC agents who have expertise in alcoholic beverage laws to help reduce alcohol-related harm within their community.
“Our Alcohol Policing Partnership program can improve the quality of life in neighborhoods,” said ABC Acting Director Frank Robles. “The communities where the grant program’s resources have been invested have seen a real difference.”
The APP program was created in 1995 to strengthen partnerships between ABC and local law enforcement agencies. The program is designed to keep alcohol away from minors and prevent harm to the community.
The funds will be used to help prevent alcoholic beverage sales to minors and obviously intoxicated patrons, illegal solicitations of alcohol, and other criminal activities such as the sale and possession of illegal drugs.
About the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
The mission of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is to provide the highest level of service and public safety to the people of the State through licensing, education, and enforcement.
The San Pablo Police Department is proud to partner with ABC to educate licensees and enforce alcohol laws that keep alcohol away from minors and reduce harm at problem locations. This grant allows SPPD and ABC agents to work together to protect youth and improve neighborhood quality of life.
Read MoreSource: City of Clayton
To learn about City finances, Landscape and Maintenance District
After council placed one-percent sales tax, landscape maintenance assessment measures on November ballot
By City of Clayton
The City of Clayton invites residents to “Come participate in our next Town Hall! This Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Hoyer Hall, come learn more about the City. Join City leaders for an open and informative Town Hall Meeting to learn more about the future of our community.”
The City’s Financial Picture: An update on City revenues, expenses, financial challenges, and long-term fiscal sustainability.
The Landscape Maintenance District: Learn about LMD funding, the services it supports, and what renewal means for Clayton’s landscaping, trails, open space, weed abatement, and community appearance.
Measure M – 1% Local Sales Tax Measure
In June, the Clayton City Council voted unanimously to place a one percent (1%) local sales tax measure on the November ballot as Measure M.
The language reads, “CITY OF CLAYTON SALES TAX MEASURE. To provide local funding to maintain City of Clayton programs, services, and facilities, including: police services, traffic enforcement and road safety, road and sidewalk improvements, enhance library and recreation opportunities, park maintenance, recruitment and retention of city employees and other city services, shall the City of Clayton levy a 1% sales tax until ended by voters generating approximately $1,000,000 annually, subject to public review, the annual audit and all funds benefitting Clayton?”
Measure N – Renewal of the Landscape and Maintenance District
On July 7, the Council voted unanimously to also place on the November ballot a renewal of the Landscape and Maintenance District as Measure N. The language reads: “CITYWIDE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE EXTENSION AND ALTERATION OF RATE OF EXISTING SPECIAL TAX. Shall the measure to fund on-going trail system operations and maintenance, roadway landscaping, open space weed abatement, and related services of the Clayton Community Facility District No. 2007-1 (Citywide Landscape Maintenance) by extending the special tax for ten years and amending its rate and method of apportionment of the special tax to $354.54/year per residential and $354.54/acre per non-residential parcels, for FYs 2027-2037, including annual inflationary adjustments to the special tax rates not to exceed 3% per year, and subject to continued citizen’s committee oversight, be approved?”
In City Manager Kris Loftus’ August Newsletter he wrote, “Like many California communities, Clayton faces rising costs, aging infrastructure, increasing service demands, and limited revenue growth. These challenges require responsible financial decisions and careful stewardship of public resources. Our focus remains on maintaining essential services, investing in infrastructure, and ensuring the City’s long-term financial sustainability.”
Hoyer Hall is located at 6125 Clayton Road.
More details on the City’s website at Calendar • Town Hall.
Read MoreRescued produce sorted at White Pony Express before delivery to community partners in Contra Costa County. Source: WPE
Guest Commentary
By Tyler McCarthy, Outreach Associate, White Pony Express
On Friday afternoon, for a student who eats breakfast and lunch at school, the dismissal bell does more than end the school day. It starts a 68-hour clock. The last dependable school meal of the week has just been served. The next one won’t arrive until Monday morning.
We hear from our school partners what those hours can mean. As one parent liaison put it: “My thinking was that if I can give them a meal for Saturday, then they only have to get through Sunday. That lessens the need.”
California has done something remarkable. In 2022–23, it became the first state in the nation to guarantee every public school student access to free breakfast and lunch, regardless of family income. Nearly 3.5 billion school meals have been served since the program began.
It works. And at a time when changes to federal nutrition programs are putting additional pressure on some California families, it’s an achievement we must protect.
But hunger doesn’t follow a school calendar.
California’s universal meals program feeds children during the school day. Children still need to eat Friday night, Saturday, Sunday, holidays and school breaks. California has also embraced summer grocery benefits for eligible families, another important piece of the solution. But summer assistance does not solve the gap that arrives every week between Friday afternoon and Monday morning.
For a family already choosing between rent, utilities, transportation, and groceries, those aren’t simply gaps in a schedule. They can be the days the refrigerator runs empty. That’s where White Pony Express makes an enormous difference.
Every day, White Pony Express drivers collect surplus food from grocers, farms, wholesalers, and restaurants – high-quality food that is perfectly good but has nowhere to go. We sort it for quality the same day and deliver it, free of charge, to neighbors throughout Contra Costa County. Of the 135,000 people White Pony Express serves each year, nearly one-third – about 40,300 – are children.
Photo: WPE
Our School Pantry Program brings fresh groceries directly into 23 school communities where 80 percent or more of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Families shop at no cost, with no forms and no questions asked.
One pantry coordinator remembers a young mother raising three children alone after losing her husband. She came to the pantry for groceries, including peanut butter and chicken.
“She doesn’t have money to buy much,” the coordinator told us, “but she told me it’s a blessing to have White Pony Express helping us.”
Since the School Pantry Program began in 2015, White Pony Express has delivered more than three million pounds of food to school communities – the equivalent of roughly 2.5 million meals.
The model works because it connects two resources that already exist: good food that would otherwise go unused and trusted neighborhood schools where families already gather.
It also demonstrates something larger. Public programs and community organizations do not have to compete with one another. They can complete one another.
Photos: WPE
California has shown what is possible when we make a public commitment to feed children at school and then build a system capable of doing it at an extraordinary scale. Now we need to look just as honestly at the hours the school cafeteria cannot cover.
More than two million California children still lack reliable access to healthy food. For them, the problem doesn’t begin Monday morning. It begins Friday afternoon, when the bell rings. And that is a gap communities like ours can – and must – close.
To volunteer, donate food, or support the School Pantry Program, visit whiteponyexpress.org.
Read MoreScreenshot from the Brentwood PD CitizenRIMS Crime map. Source: Brentwood PD.
At brewhouse that issued statement they’re “heartbroken by the incident”
Suspect charged with attempted murder, faces up to 9 years in state prison
By Chris Bollinger, Community Engagement Officer, Brentwood Police Department
On Friday, October 2, 2026, at approximately 7:58PM, Brentwood officers were dispatched to the 2000 block of Elkins Way for a report of a stabbing. The address is the location of Four Leg Brewing which issued a statement about the incident Saturday morning.
When officers arrived, they quickly located the suspect, an adult male, 53 years old out of Tallahassee, Florida still on scene. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. They also located an adult male victim with several stab wounds to his lower torso. Officers immediately began to provide medical aid to the victim until medical personnel arrived on scene. The victim was then transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
The male, who is being treated, is expected to survive. All evidence indicates this was an isolated incident.
This investigation is ongoing and we will not be releasing any further information at this time. If you have any additional information regarding this incident, you can call the Brentwood Police Department Dispatch line at (925) 809-7911.
Four Legs Brewing Issues Statement
Statement by Four Legs Brewing posted on their Facebook page Saturday morning, Oct. 3, 2026.
In a post on their Facebook page Saturday morning, Oct. 3rd, Four Legs Brewing issued the following statement: “Our Four Leggs family is heartbroken by the incident that took place here last night. Our thoughts are with the victim and his loved ones, and we wish him a full and speedy recovery. Brentwood Police have confirmed that this was an isolated incident and that the involved is in custody.
“Our staff is safe, but understandably shaken by what happened. We are incredibly grateful to Brentwood PD for their quick response and to the brave patrons who stepped in to help prevent further harm.
“To everyone who has reached out, checked in on our team, and shown us much love and support, thank you. In difficult moments like these, we are reminded of how much our community means to us. Four Legs has always been about bringing people together, building friendships, and creating a place where everyone feels welcome. We are truly grateful for the kindness and support surrounding us.
“Please take care of one another and always lead with kindness.
“With love, The Four Legs Family.”
The brewhouse also changed their hours for Saturday in a later Facebook post which reads, “Due to the incident that occurred last night we are open today 12pm-6pm. Thank you for understanding” and “We apologize for any inconveniences this may cause, but thank you for your understanding.”
The department’s CitizenRIMS Crime map shows the incident is listed as an assault and felony second degree attempted murder. However, the website’s list of arrests has not yet been updated since Thursday, Oct. 1st and the website’s Media Bulletins have not been updated since Sept. 29th.
The suspect is charged with 664/187(A) PC, attempted second-degree murder which is punishable by 5, 7 or 9 years in state prison, and 417(A)(1) PC, described as, “Every person who, except in self-defense, in the presence of any other person, draws or exhibits any deadly weapon whatsoever, other than a firearm, in a rude, angry, or threatening manner, or who in any manner, unlawfully uses a deadly weapon other than a firearm in any fight or quarrel is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not less than 30 days.” Case Number: 2604025 Incident Number: 2610020104
Bollinger was asked for information about the victim and reiterated, “He is a male.” But that is all he could share at this time, pending notification of family.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Prevents former ICE agents with history of misconduct from becoming law enforcement officers in California
Claims participating in ICE operations during Trump’s 2nd term “demonstrates an immorality”
Could be challenged in court, deemed unconstitutional
By Allen D. Payton
On Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law AB 1627, the Misconduct Ends Law-enforcement Trust Act of 2026 (MELT ICE) by Assemblywoman Anamarie Ávila Farías (D-Martinez), which disqualifies officers employed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from being employed as a peace officer in California, if they “engaged in serious misconduct that would have resulted in their certification being revoked…if employed as a peace officer in this state.”
The Assemblywoman represents portions of Contra Costa County in the State Assembly’s 15th District.
While the law makes clear that existing police hiring rules covering serious misconduct by former law enforcement officers now, also apply to officers involved in immigration enforcement, it applies even if the ICE officer was not found guilty of misconduct in their current or previous position.
However, the soon to be new law could be challenged in court because of possible violation of federal labor law and deemed unconstitutional in part due to the “immorality” clause. That clause reads, “Participating in the operations of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on or after January 20, 2025, demonstrates an immorality that California cannot afford to have in its ranks of peace officer.”
On August 30th, the bill passed the state Senate on 29 to 10 party-line vote, and the Assembly by 57 to 16 also on a party-line vote. It was enrolled and presented to the Governor on Sept. 9th at 1 p.m.
Part of Package of Federal Immigration Enforcement Related Bills Signed by Governor
According to a press release from the governor’s office that day, “Governor Newsom signed 21 bills earlier today cementing California’s longstanding efforts to support immigrant communities and reflecting on the state’s response to an intensified federal immigration enforcement environment.”
“Newsom…signed a package of bills related to federal immigration enforcement in California to expand oversight of federal immigration enforcement in California.
“This action builds on years of work by Governor Newsom and the Legislature to support (illegal) immigrant families, protect communities and the economy from reckless immigration actions, strengthen transparency and oversight of detention facilities, and ensure that state resources are focused on public safety and the needs of Californians.
The governor’s office claims the package of bills, “Prohibits ICE officers who have committed serious misconduct on the job from becoming peace officers or public employees in California.”
Included in the bills was AB 1627 by Ávila Farías, described as “Public employment: disqualifications”, and known as the MELT ICE Act.
Legislative Counsel’s Digest of AB 1627
According to the Legislative Counsel’s Digest, “Existing (state) law specifies circumstances that disqualify a person from holding office or being employed as a peace officer, including, among other things, any person previously employed in law enforcement in any state or United States territory or by the federal government whose name is listed in any of specified indexes whose certification as a law enforcement officer in that jurisdiction was revoked for misconduct or who, while employed as a law enforcement officer, engaged in serious misconduct that would have resulted in their certification being revoked by the commission if employed as a peace officer in this state.
“This bill would specify that, for purposes of the disqualification circumstances described above, the terms ‘employed in law enforcement’ and ‘law enforcement officer’ include a law enforcement officer employed in any state or United States territory or by the federal government who engages in immigration enforcement, as provided.”
Bill Text Claims Participating in ICE Operations During Trump’s Second Term “Demonstrates an Immorality”
According to the Bill Text in, “SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
“(a) Beginning in 2025, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have terrorized California residents, United States citizens and noncitizens alike, through untargeted arrests and brutality based on nothing more than a person’s racial appearance, language spoken, means of earning a living, or exercise of First Amendment-protected expression.
“(b) Beginning in 2025, the United States Department of Homeland Security has recruited peace officers to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement with the promise of being unrestrained in the manner in which officers engage with civilians or by the laws of the State of California.
“(c) Participating in the operations of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on or after January 20, 2025, demonstrates an immorality that California cannot afford to have in its ranks of peace officers whose duties include interacting with the public.”
Further according to the Bill Text, “…except as provided in subparagraph (B), any person previously employed as a sworn law enforcement officer or individual contractor, and personally engaged in immigration enforcement,” is “disqualified from holding office as a peace officer or being employed as a peace officer of the state, county, city, city and county, or other political subdivision, whether with or without compensation, and is disqualified from any office or employment by the state, county, city, city and county, or other political subdivision, whether with or without compensation, which confers upon the holder or employee the powers and duties of a peace officer.”
Subparagraph B (ii) reads, “‘Immigration enforcement’ includes any and all efforts to investigate, enforce, or assist in the investigation or enforcement of any federal civil immigration law, and also includes any and all efforts to investigate, enforce, or assist in the investigation or enforcement of any federal criminal immigration law that penalizes a person’s presence in, entry, or reentry to, or employment in, the United States.”
However, the bill “does not prohibit or restrict any governmental entity or official from sending to, or receiving from, federal immigration authorities information regarding the citizenship or immigration status, lawful or unlawful, of an individual, or from requesting from federal immigration authorities immigration status information, lawful or unlawful, of any individual, or from maintaining or exchanging that information with any other federal, state, or local governmental entity.” That means existing law enforcement officers can cooperate with ICE within limits of California’s sanctuary state laws.
Assemblywoman Ávila Farías speaks about her bill, AB1627 on the Assembly Floor On May 27, 2026. Video screenshot source: CalMatters
Ávila Farías Comments About Bill, Signing by Governor
A press release issued earlier this year, after the State Assembly passed her bill, reads, “On the Assembly Floor, Assemblymember Ávila Farías emphasized that ICE enforcement has created fear across California—impacting both citizens and immigrants alike—and legislation is needed to proactively safeguard our communities and critical spaces.”
She is further quoted in a FOX11 Los Angeles report as saying in a statement, “California’s peace officers…must be guardians of constitutional rights, not participants in their erosion.” and “argued that participating in ICE operations during this period ‘demonstrates an immorality that California cannot afford to have in its ranks.’”
In her brief speech on the Assembly Floor on May 27th, Avila Farias said, “Communities are safer when we are policed by people who are committed to protecting the public rather than kidnapping them.”
During a presentation before the Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety in April, she said, “Frankly, I don’t want my kids or anyone else’s counting on people who flaunt the rule of the law.” Ávila Farías also claimed, “this bill, does not have any legal issues, and challenges, because we’re simply doing a modest expansion of existing law in a way to protect our community members and holding the highest regard of what our law enforcement professionals. It also is not honing into the individuals that are doing their jobs to the letter of the law. This is protecting vulnerable community populations…”
She repeated her remarks before the state Senate Standing Committee on Public Safety in June saying, “AB 1627 ensures that immigration enforcement personnel are disqualified from becoming a peace officer in California if they have committed misconduct in their prior roles. This bill is about restoring public trust and holding federal law enforcement to the same standards as any other peace officer in California.”
About the governor signing her bill Ávila Farías said, “Our kids deserve role models in uniform, not individuals tied to fear and intimidation. AB 1627 is about accountability, integrity, and reducing harm before it happens. With the signing of the MELT ICE Act of 2026, California sends a clear message: Federal agents who have disregarded constitutional rights are not to be entrusted with peace enforcement roles in our state. Thank you, Governor Newsom, for your commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting our communities.”
Ávila Farías’ office issued a press release about the bill’s signing.
“Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed my bill to prevent former ICE employees with documented histories of misconduct from becoming peace officers in California.
“AB 1627, the Misconduct Ends Law-Enforcement Trust Act of 2026, started with people in my community speaking up. One year ago, at a No Kings Rally in Concord, our community came together and spoke out about the fear many immigrant families were experiencing. That community activism helped inspire this legislation, and I am proud that their voices helped lead to meaningful change.
“AB 1627 was not written overnight. It was the result of many conversations, a lot of listening, and working with people who care deeply about public safety and accountability.
“At the heart of this bill is a simple principle: if someone has a documented history of misconduct, they should not be able to leave one agency and simply put on another uniform without accountability.
“I am honored and humbled to have played a part in creating one more barrier to prevent individuals who have abused their authority from becoming peace officers in California. This is about protecting public trust and making sure the people entrusted with a badge are held to a high standard.
“I want to thank Governor Newsom, my legislative colleagues, the community partners who stood with me, and the law-enforcement professionals who worked with us throughout this process. “This is what people power looks like. A community raised its voice, we listened, we worked together, and we turned that vision into law.
“AB 1627 takes effect January 1, 2027.”
Opposed by Statewide Police Organization
According to a report on MSN.com, “The Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) has voiced opposition to the bill. ‘This bill is unnecessary, duplicative and it jeopardizes qualified immunity for California employees,’ stated David Mastagni on behalf of PORAC.
The report further claims, “Critics argue the measure represents ‘guilty by association’ and could worsen existing staffing shortages in California’s police departments and schools. According to data from PORAC, law enforcement agencies throughout California have lost over 3,300 sworn officers since 2020, with an average of 10% of policing roles remaining unfilled.”
Could Be Challenged in Court, Deemed Unconstitutional
However, the new law could be ruled unconstitutional if challenged in court as questions have arisen whether the state can legally enforce a lifetime ban on a specific class of former federal employees without violating federal labor protections or constitutional due process.
According to a report by iHeart Radio in February, “Legal experts question whether California can legally enforce a lifetime ban on a specific class of federal employees without violating federal labor protections or constitutional due process rights.”
Inclusion of the “immorality” clause could give further basis for a court challenge.
Read MorePhoto: City of Concord
At Senior Center
By Colleen Awad, Community Relations Manager, City of Concord
Concord, CA — The City of Concord is proud to present the 11th Annual Health Expo, a free community event, on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Concord Senior Center (2727 Parkside Circle). This free event brings together local organizations, healthcare providers, and community resources to help seniors, families, and caregivers connect with information and services that support healthy living and well-being. No reservations are required.
While we offer health and wellness resources for all ages, many focus on seniors and caregivers, including information on Medicare, transportation, assisted living, nutrition, fitness, and more. The event will also feature free haircuts, along with opportunities to speak directly with local healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, and community partners.
Whether you are looking for resources for yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply interested in learning more about healthy aging and wellness, the Health Expo provides an opportunity to discover local services and connect with organizations serving the Concord community.
The Health Expo reflects the City of Concord’s commitment to providing accessible resources and creating opportunities for residents to stay informed, connected, and engaged in their health and well-being.
For more information about the Health Expo, please visit www.cityofconcord.org/SCEvents, call 925-671-3320, or email concordsc@cityofconcord.org.
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