Contra Costa Herald

Possible exposure in Walnut Creek Dec. 17-19, 23, 24 or Lafayette Dec. 21

By Contra Costa Health

Contra Costa Health (CCH) is notifying the public of a confirmed case of measles in the county, identified on Dec. 24, 2025. The individual was contagious in public between Dec. 17 and Dec. 24, and people may have been exposed at the locations listed below.

Locations of potential measles exposure:

• Dec. 17 or Dec. 19: Anthropologie, 1149 South Main St., Walnut Creek
• Dec. 18: Macy’s, 1320 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek; ALO, 1292 Broadway Plaza, Suite 1106, Walnut Creek; Apple Store, 1200 South Main St., Walnut Creek
• Dec. 21: STAT Med, 3799 Mount Diablo Blvd. #100, Lafayette
• Dec. 23-24: Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek Emergency Department, 1425 South Main St., Walnut Creek

People who were at these locations during the dates listed above may be at risk of developing measles, especially if unvaccinated, pregnant or immunocompromised. Measles can develop seven to 21 days after exposure. If you were at these locations during these times, you should confirm with your healthcare provider that you have been fully vaccinated against measles or have had measles infection in the past.

If symptoms develop, stay home and call your healthcare provider immediately before seeking care so they are prepared to take care of you. Those who have been symptom free for more than 21 days after being exposed are no longer at risk for developing measles.

A large majority of Contra Costa County residents are fully vaccinated against measles and have lifetime protection against infection. CCH encourages all eligible unvaccinated residents to get immunized against measles with two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine to ensure their protection.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can linger in the air or on surfaces for over an hour after the contagious individual leaves an area. This makes it even easier to spread to those who do not have protection. Also, a person can spread the virus to others even before they develop symptoms.   Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash that spreads over the body.
Although the risk of contracting measles is low for those who are fully vaccinated, members of the public should be aware of the situation and watch for symptoms.

CCH is conducting contact tracing and notifying local healthcare providers to be vigilant for possible measles cases. CCH continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates if more information becomes available.

More information about measles can be found on our website.

Human trafficking suspect Mario Anthony Godinez of Richmond and the agencies that assisted in his arrest Dec. 31, 2025. Photo: Porterville PD

Human trafficker behind bars; committed felony while released on bail

Contra Costa Sheriff’s & DA’s Offices, Richmond & Benicia PD’s assist in operation

By Porterville Police Department

Incident: Meeting with a minor for the purpose of committing a lewd or sexual act, Kidnapping, Committing a Felony While Released on Bail

The Porterville Police Department is investigating a human trafficking case that resulted in the arrest of a Richmond man following a multi-agency operation.

On December 29, 2025, a female victim reported being contacted by an adult male through the social media platform Snapchat. Investigators identified the suspect as Mario Anthony Godinez (20, born 7/1/2005) of Richmond, California. Detectives determined Godinez arranged to meet the victim in Porterville, CA and subsequently transported her to his residence in Richmond, where she remained for several days before being returned to Porterville.

During the investigation, detectives learned Godinez had previously been arrested on multiple human trafficking-related charges and was on court-ordered supervision at the time of this incident.

On December 31, 2025, detectives served an arrest warrant and search warrant at Godinez’s residence in the 3400 block of Richmond Parkway in Richmond, California. The operation was conducted with assistance from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, Richmond Police Department and Benicia Police Department. Godinez was taken into custody without incident.

Godinez was booked into the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office South County Detention Facility and is being held without bail. The case has been forwarded to the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office for review.

Evidence recovered during the search indicates there may be additional victims of Human Trafficking connected to this investigation.

According to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, Godinez is Black and his next court date is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 5 at 1:30 P.M.

According to recentlybooked.com, he is five-feet, eight inches tall, 140-pounds and was also arrested on May 26, 2025, in Solano County on a Benicia felony case.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Det. Madrigal or Sgt. Stark with the Porterville Police Department at (559) 782-7400, through the department’s Facebook or Instagram pages, or submit information anonymously.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Concord Police Department

CONCORD, CA – This morning, at approximately 7:00 a.m., Concord Police Department officers responded to a 911 call reporting a family disturbance in the 3900 block of Walnut Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located two individuals who were deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. A third individual at the residence was detained and subsequently arrested in connection with the incident.

There are no outstanding suspects and there is no active threat to the community. CPD detectives responded and the investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact CPD Major Crimes Unit Detective Luciano at (925) 603-5831.

Coworker of victim killed the day before

By Peggy ChouSan, PIO, Pablo Police Department

San Pablo, CA – On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at approximately 5:29 p.m., while addressing an unrelated call for service in the parking lot of the San Pablo Police Department, SPPD officers were approached by an adult male subject who attempted to make contact with officers. Due to a language barrier, communication was limited. Following a brief interaction, the male subject walked away, and the officer resumed addressing the original call for service.

Shortly thereafter, officers heard a single gunshot near the Police Department parking lot. Officers immediately responded and located the male subject suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officers rendered life-saving aid, and the male was transported to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition.

During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the male subject (44-year-old, San Pablo resident) is a person-of-interest in a homicide investigation which occurred in the City of Richmond on December 29, 2025. Following the shooting incident on 12/30/2025, Richmond PD Detectives responded to the San Pablo Police Department to process the scene and assume their investigation.

This incident remains an active investigation, and limited further information is available at this time. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the San Pablo Police Department at (510) 215-3150.

Victim’s coworker shoots himself in San Pablo following day

By Lt. Donald Patchin, Richmond Police Department

Richmond, CA — On December 29, 2025, at approximately 1:43 p.m., Richmond Police Department (RPD) officers responded to assist the Richmond Fire Department (RFD) at a business located in the 3400 block of Klose Way, Hilltop Mall area, for what was initially reported as a medical call.

The victim, who had been alone, was discovered unconscious by coworkers with an apparent head injury. This prompted a call for medical assistance. Upon arrival, RFD personnel determined the victim’s injuries did not appear to be accidental and requested police respond. Emergency medical personnel immediately rendered first aid and life-saving measures; however, the victim succumbed to their injuries at the scene.

A preliminary investigation revealed evidence leading officers to believe the victim may have been shot. Richmond Police Department Homicide Detectives responded and assumed the investigation. Through diligent investigative efforts, detectives identified a person of interest in this homicide.

The person of interest, who is not being identified at this time, is a coworker of the victim and a resident of San Pablo. Detectives obtained a warrant for the individual’s arrest and were actively attempting to locate him.

On the evening of 12/30/25, the person of interest, an adult male, arrived at the San Pablo Police Department and attempted to make contact with SPPD officers before walking away. Shortly thereafter, SPPD officers heard a single gunshot and located the subject nearby, suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Please refer to the press release issued by the San Pablo Police Department for additional information regarding that incident.

This homicide investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact Homicide Detective Marecek at (510) 621-1835. RICHMOND POLICE CASE 25-12467

Both 36 years old

By Peggy ChouSan, PIO, Pablo Police Department

On Monday, December 29, 2025, at approximately 9:07 p.m., San Pablo Police officers responded to the 1400 block of Rumrill Boulevard regarding reports of a shooting.

Upon arrival, officers located two adult male victims suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Despite life-saving efforts, one victim, a 36-year-old Richmond resident, succumbed to his injuries. The second victim, also a 36-year-old Richmond resident, remains in critical condition. The identities of the victims are being withheld pending further notification.

San Pablo Police Department Detectives responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. This incident is being investigated as a homicide, and the investigation remains active. No additional details are available at this time. The suspect(s) remain outstanding.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the San Pablo Police Department Investigations Division at (510) 215-3150.

The rifle Morgan possessed prior to the shooting. Photo: Brentwood PD

Convicted felon

By Lt. Mark Louwerens, Brentwood Police Department

Brentwood, CA – The suspect in the fatal officer involved shooting that occurred on Christmas Eve has been identified as, Romaine Alexander Morgan, 43-year-old male from Stockton, CA.

Further investigation following the shooting revealed Morgan was a convicted felon, had an extensive history of convictions for weapons related charges, including two convictions for armed robbery where Morgan served prison time.

As previously reported, on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at around 10:55 p.m., Brentwood Officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle in the area of Balfour Road and Foothill Drive for suspicion of DUI.  Officers contacted the driver, a male in his 40’s, who was the only occupant in the vehicle.

While speaking to the driver, officers developed probable cause to search the vehicle. During the search, officers located a loaded, high-powered rifle inside the vehicle.  When officers attempted to arrest the driver, he physically resisted arrest, refused to follow verbal commands and ultimately grabbed the high-powered rifle.

An officer-involved shooting occurred in which one officer fired their weapon. Several officers rendered emergency medical aid until paramedics arrived on scene. However, the suspect succumbed to gunshot wounds at the scene.

No officers were seriously injured during this incident.

The attached photo depicts the rifle Morgan possessed prior to the shooting. The rifle had no serial number and given Morgan’s felony conviction status, he was a prohibited person from possessing any firearms.

According to localcrimenews.com, the six-foot, one-inch tall, 365-pound Morgan was Black and had been arrested four times including once by Sacramento County Sheriff’s Deputies in 2022 for prisoner possessing a weapon and three times by San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Deputies: in 2024 for battery on a spouse, cohabitant, former spouse and threats of violence; on March 6, 2025, for threats of violence; and again on Sept. 26, 2025, for drunk in public/release with no criminal charges after hold.

The vehicle Morgan was driving in this incident was registered to Morgan.

The investigation remains ongoing and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident protocol investigation continues. Body-worn camera and in-car camera footage will eventually be released in accordance with the law.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation, please contact the Brentwood Police Department at (925) 809-7911. Callers may remain anonymous.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Before family and loved ones, the 137 cadets took their oath and received their badges, officially joining one of the nation’s largest law enforcement agencies during the CHP’s final 2025 graduation on Dec. 5, 2025. Photos: CHP

Department posts major gains in applications, reduced vacancies and hiring 780 cadets as year comes to a close

By Jaime Coffee Director of Communications, Office of Media Relations, California Highway Patrol

SACRAMENTO — As we near the end of 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom joined the California Highway Patrol (CHP) today in celebrating the Department’s final graduating class of the year. The 137 new officers who were sworn in during a ceremony at the CHP Academy on Dec. 5th will be placed throughout the state to protect and serve communities. This marks a significant achievement for the CHP, which graduated 780 cadets in 2025 alone. The CHP continues its efforts to recruit highly qualified individuals to protect the state’s community safety.

“I’m proud to see the young women and men stepping up to keep our communities safe. As we close out the year, California continues to make real progress — strengthening protections across the state while staying focused on the needs of the people we serve.” – Governor Gavin Newsom

CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee’s inspection of a female cadet on Dec. 5, 2025.

“These cadets have been pushed to their limits and faced significant pressure, but despite all the hardships, they never gave up. Their determination to keep going, even when facing challenges, demonstrates their dedication to helping others and serving the people of California. The CHP proudly welcomes these new officers and looks forward to the remarkable achievements they will make throughout their decades of service.” – CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee

During their 26 weeks in the CHP Academy, cadets trained in vehicle code enforcement, crash and criminal investigations, emergency vehicle operations, and officer safety. The Academy’s curriculum also focuses on legal responsibilities, communication, ethics, and cultural awareness in order to prepare cadets to serve California’s diverse population. Earlier this week, the cadets took part in a 5-mile run as one of the last parts of their training. The new officers begin reporting to one of the CHP’s 102 Area offices across the state on December 15.

CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee inspects the class.

A Growing Force Protecting Californians

The CHP’s recruitment initiatives over the past few years — including the launch of the 2022 statewide “Join the CHP 1000” campaign and the “Cadets” web series — continue to drive strong interest in law enforcement careers.

Including today’s newly sworn members, the CHP has brought on more than 2,300 officers from January 2022 through December 2025.

From 2022 to 2024, applications increased by more than 52%.

The CHP is on track to receive more than 33,000 applications by the end of the year, continuing the upward trend.

• 2022: 16,077 applications
• 2023: 19,590 applications
• 2024: 25,477 applications

Assistant Commissioner for Staff Robin Johnson inspects the cadets.

Join the CHP Today

Enhancing public safety remains a top priority for the Governor, and in November 2024, California successfully achieved its multi-year CHP recruitment goal of 1,000 new officers.

The CHP continues to actively recruit dedicated individuals who are ready to make a difference in communities throughout California. A career with the CHP offers comprehensive training, competitive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

To learn more about joining the CHP, please visit CHPMadeForMore.com to take the first step towards a rewarding career in law enforcement.

See video of the graduation on Dec. 5, 2025.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Source: Setareh Law, LLC

Includes major regions such as the Bay Area, Stockton, Santa Rosa, Sacramento, Modesto, Madera, Fresno, Bakersfield, Ventura/Oxnard, Salinas, Los Angeles and San Diego

By Karla Fernandez, Public Relations, Market My Market

New Year’s Eve is consistently one of the deadliest nights of the year to be on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol-impaired driving accounts for about 37% of traffic deaths during the New Year’s holiday period, with fatal crashes peaking during late-night hours between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.

Nationwide, the National Safety Council projects more than 500 traffic fatalities during major holiday travel periods, and NHTSA reports that roughly one-third involve alcohol-impaired drivers – a risk that intensifies during overnight celebrations like New Year’s Eve.

To help reduce that risk, Setareh Law is offering free Uber rides (up to $20 each) across eligible California counties, giving people a safe way to get home on New Year’s Eve without getting behind the wheel.

This initiative is part of a broader community safety effort aimed at reducing impaired driving and helping more people get home safely during one of the busiest travel nights of the year.

Daniel Setareh, Founder of Setareh Law, explains, “New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, not tragedy. After fighting for justice for families who have been forever impacted by impaired drivers, we want to do our part to help prevent these accidents before they happen. If one free ride will keep someone safe, then this effort is worth every bit of it.”

Here’s How It Works (Step by Step):

Step 1: Request Your Voucher

Fill out the short form on the official campaign page to request your Uber voucher. Once approved, you’ll receive a unique Uber voucher link by email.

Step 2: Add Your Voucher to the Uber App

Click the link in your email and the voucher will automatically load into your Uber app.

Step 3: Take Your Free Ride (Dec 31–Jan 1)

Use the voucher anytime between:

5:00 PM on December 31 through 10:00 AM on January 1

Your ride must start or end in one of the eligible California counties.

Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify for the free ride, users must:

• Be 21 years or older
• Have an active Uber account
• Take the ride during the campaign window (Dec 31–Jan 1)
• Start or end the ride in an eligible California county
• Limit: one voucher per Uber account
• Offer is limited to the first 300 vouchers

The voucher covers one one-way ride up to $20 (tip not included).

Eligible California Counties

Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sacramento, Fresno, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Sonoma, Kern, Ventura, Monterey, and Madera, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego.

Only rides that start or end in an eligible county will qualify. The Uber app will automatically prevent the voucher from applying outside approved areas.

About Setareh Law

Setareh Law, APLC, is a California-based personal injury law firm dedicated to representing individuals and families harmed by negligence. Founded by attorney Daniel Setareh, the firm handles serious injury cases including car accidents, drunk-driving crashes, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death. With offices across California, Setareh Law is committed to providing hands-on legal representation, personalized client care, and strong advocacy both inside and outside the courtroom.

5,450 actions, 1,385 citations, 297 DUI arrests, 6 fatal crashes claim 8 lives during Christmas HEP

By Jaime Coffee, Director of Communications, Office of Media Relations, California Highway Patrol

SACRAMENTO — The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is ringing in 2026 by launching a New Year’s Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP). The CHP will boost patrols statewide from 6 p.m. Wednesday, December 31, to 11:59 p.m. Thursday, January 1.

While New Year’s is a time for celebration, the CHP encourages drivers to follow traffic laws, slow down, and always drive sober. Officers are prepared to stop reckless and impaired driving, which is one of the top preventable causes of crashes. During last year’s New Year’s HEP, the CHP reported 10 fatal crashes and 481 arrests statewide for driving under the influence. As you take the roads this week and celebrate the New Year, we want to remind everyone to make safety part of the plan: drive sober, slow down, stay focused & buckle up. Happy New Year from the California Highway Patrol!

“We’re entering a new year, but our message stays the same. Driving under the influence increases the risks on our roads, raises the chance of a crash, and puts lives in danger. We encourage everyone to do their part in keeping our roads safe by making responsible choices behind the wheel.” – Commissioner Sean Duryee

Driving while under the influence, whether from alcohol, drugs, or both, impairs judgment, decreases visibility and slows reaction times—key skills needed to drive safely. Before counting down to the new year, the CHP reminds everyone to plan ahead: designate a sober driver, use a ride-share service or public transportation and report drunk drivers by calling 9-1-1. Let’s start the new year safely.

Christmas HEP Results

During the 2025 Christmas Holiday Enforcement Period, which ran from 6 p.m. Wednesday, December 24, through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, December 25, CHP officers took 5,450 enforcement actions, issued 2,744 citations, and made 297 DUI arrests statewide. Speeding remains a concern: 1,385 citations, including 94 over 100 mph. 6 fatal crashes claimed eight lives. Slow down, buckle up, drive sober.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.