By Scott Alonso, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office and Kim McCarl, Contra Costa Health Services
The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office announces today a $4 million civil settlement with USS-UPI, Inc. to resolve allegations that USS-UPI violated multiple state environmental laws and regulations dating back 4 years. This case involved numerous violations related to the maintenance, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials and toxic waste. This case resolved by way of a stipulated final judgment entered in Contra Costa County Superior Court and requires a monetary payment of $4 million from USS-UPI, which is comprised of $1.75 million in civil penalties, $1 million dollars in environmental compliance expenditures, $250,000 for supplemental projects promoting training for California environmental agencies and funding to support the “Health Career Pathways Programs.” UPI-USS must also abide by an injunction and be subject to a suspended penalty of $1 million dollars to ensure future statutory compliance as well as pay $429,383.85 for reimbursement of investigative and enforcement costs.
“It is of vital importance to hold our companies responsible for the unlawful maintenance, storage and disposal of hazardous materials and waste,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “USS-UPI was cooperative throughout our investigation and this settlement was only reached after verification that USS-UPI had corrected the violations and created and implemented an environmental compliance framework.”
The investigation began with Contra Costa Health Services Hazardous Materials Programs inspectors auditing operations at the USS-UPI, Inc. steel plant facility at 900 Loveridge Road in Pittsburg, California. Inspectors with Contra Costa Health Services acted under their authority as the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) for Contra Costa County.
“Any business in our community not following the law must be held accountable. Fortunately, with this settlement, USS-UPI will need to adhere to strict oversight and penalties for these serious violations,” Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover. Supervisor Glover represents District 5, which includes the location of this steel plant.
The Contra Costa Health Services investigation found numerous violations that threatened the environment and safety, such as:
- Failure to maintain and operate the facility to minimize the possibility of fire explosions or unplanned release of hazardous waste
- Failure to remove accumulated oil and failure to correct visible discharges of oil from equipment
- Failure to submit a complete/correct Hazardous Materials Business Plan
- Failure to train employees in safety procedures in the event of a release of a hazardous material
- Failure to remove from service a tank system where there has been a leak
- Failure to obtain the proper permits
- Failure to maintain records of inspections and tests
- Failure to operate numerous aboveground petroleum storage tanks in accordance with the facility’s Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan
- Treatment or storage of a hazardous waste at an unauthorized location
- Failure to complete a written hazardous waste tank system assessment by a professional engineer
- Failure to use proper spill/overfill prevention controls and practices
- Illegal disposal of a hazardous waste
- Failure to provide employee hazardous waste training
- Failure to determine if wastes generated are a hazardous waste
- Failure to manage an Excluded Recyclable Material (ERM) waste stream in accordance with all applicable requirements
According to Matthew Kaufmann, Director of Hazardous Materials Programs for Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS), “From the evidence observed during the initial inspection in 2017, as well as subsequent follow-up inspections, we do not believe that there was or is an imminent threat to the public health of Contra Costa County residents.”
Hazardous materials and wastes that were improperly stored or disposed of at the facility included used oil, plating solutions, acidic and caustic solutions.
After USS-UPI, Inc. was notified about the alleged violations in 2017, the company took steps to cooperate and to dedicate additional resources towards environmental compliance.
“As part of its mission to care for and improve the health of all Contra Costa residents, with special attention to those most vulnerable to health problems, we take compliance with environmental laws and regulations very seriously,” CCHS Deputy Director Randy Sawyer said. “Community exposure to these chemicals, whether short term or long term, can and does have the potential to affect the health of residents of our county.”
The settlement was approved the Contra Costa Superior Court. Senior Deputy District Attorney Stacey Grassini prosecuted the case on behalf of the People.
Read MoreToday, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office is sharing important tips for consumers to avoid rental scams.
What is a rental scam?
Scammers will list properties for rent online (i.e., Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace) even though they do not own them or have authority to rent them out. The scammer will attempt to have a prospective renter wire transfer or demand cash payment for the lease and or deposit, by claiming they can rent it but are not available to show it now.
Different kinds of rental scams
- Knockoff listings: When searching for properties be on the lookout for listings that have been copied and pasted from a legitimate listing but then offered at a low price.
- Illegal sublets: A scammer has obtained access to a listed property and begins to show the unit as if the unit is their own property or have authority to rent out.
- Ghost rentals: Scammers will list properties that are not for rent or do not exist and try to lure a victim in with a promise of low rent and great amenities. Their goal is to get the victims money before they find out.
Identifying scams
- Scammers will request a wire transfer for a first month’s rent, security deposit, application fees or vacation rental fees if applicable as a wire transfer. Please note, a wire transfer is equivalent to handing over cash.
- The scammer will request funds prior to signing the lease or viewing the property with the excuse that the property is in high demand, adding an urgency to the transaction. The scammer will claim to have a list of other possible renters who are also interested in the property.
- Scammer will claim they are out of the country by alleging they have an agent or lawyer working on their behalf.
Tips to avoid rental scams
- Verify who owns the unit or building. To ensure that the person renting the unit is the legitimate owner or property manager, do an online search or visit the Contra Costa County Recorder’s office. The Contra Costa County Recorder’soffice is located at 555 Escobar St, Martinez CA 94553.
- Conduct an Internet search using a search engine such as Google or Bing by entering in the listed address, agent or alleged homeowners name, email and phone number. Be suspicious of images that may be generated from Multiple Listing Service (MLS). MLS is a service realtor’s frequently use to list properties for prospective buyers. Scammers will crop and adjust these photos for their own use in fraudulent their ads.
- Legitimate landlords will arrange a tour of the interior of the property without excuse or hesitation. Before any money is exchanged, the landlord will take in an application to do a background check.
- Landlords will usually accept a personal check, a cashier’s check or money order for the first month’s rent and security deposit.
- Never provide an advance payment, money is usually not exchanged until a legitimate lease is signed. Do not agree to pay anything in cash or via wire transfer.
- Be wary of giving your personal information until you verify the leasing party before any personal information is given.
- Ask detailed questions about the unit, application and move in dates/process. Scammers do not want to answer detailed questions because they are only after the initial deposit. In doing so they will end communication or ignore the questions or answers will contain strange grammar.
- If a deal is too good to be true, it usually is!
¿Qué es una estafa de alquiler?
Un estafador enumera propiedades para alquiler en línea (Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc.) aunque no sean dueños de la propiedad ni tengan autoridad para alquilarlas. El estafador intentará enganchar un posible inquilino en que realice una transferencia bancaria o exigir pago en efectivo para el arrendamiento o depósito, aportando que puede y tiene autoridad de alquilarlo, pero no está disponible para mostrarlo en este momento.
Diferentes tipos de estafas de alquiler
- Listados de imitación: Cuando busque propiedades, esté atento a los listados que se hayan copiado y pegado de un listado legítimo, pero que luego se ofrezcan a un precio bajo.
- Subarrendamientos ilegales:un estafador ha obtenido acceso a una propiedad que figura en la lista y comienza a mostrarla como si fuera su propia propiedad o tuviera autoridad para alquilarla.
- Alquilares Inexistentes: el estafador listara listados de las propiedades que no están para alquiler o que no existen y tratará de atraer a la víctima con la promesa de un alquiler bajo y comodidades increibles. El objetivo es de estafar la victima antes de que se enteren que el trato es fraudulento.
Como identificar estafas
Los estafadores solicitarán una transferencia bancaria para el primer mes de el alquiler, depósito de seguridad y otros cobros relacionados con el alquiler. Tenga en cuenta que una transferencia bancaria equivale a entregar dinero en efectivo.
El estafador solicitará fondos antes de firmar el contrato de arrendamiento o antes de poder ver la propiedad con la excusa de que la propiedad tiene gran demanda, agregando una urgencia en la transacción. El estafador afirmará tener una lista de otros posibles inquilinos que también están interesados en la propiedad.
El estafador afirmará que está fuera del país alegando que tiene un agente o abogado trabajando en su nombre.
Consejos para evitar estafas de alquiler
Verifique quién es el propietario de la unidad o el edificio. Para asegurarse de que la persona que alquila la unidad es el propietario legítimo o el administrador de la propiedad, realice una búsqueda en línea o visite las oficinas de registradores del condado. La oficina del registrador del condado de Contra Costa está ubicada en 555 Escobar St, Martinez CA 94553.
https://www.ccclerkrec.us/clerk/
Realice una búsqueda por internet utilizando búscador como Google o Bing ingresando la dirección, el correo electrónico, el número de teléfono y el supuesto agente o propietario de la casa que figuran en la lista. Sospeche de las imágenes que puedan generarse a partir de Multiple Listing Service (MLS). MLS es un servicio que agentes de bienes raíces utilizan con frecuencia para publicar propiedades para posibles compradores. Los estafadores recortan y ajustan estas fotos para su propio uso en sus anuncios fraudulentos.
Los propietarios legítimos organizara un recorrido por el interior de la propiedad sin excusa ni vacilación. Antes de que intercambie el dinero, un arrendador legitimo presentará una solicitud para realizar una verificación de antecedentes.
Los propietarios generalmente aceptarán un cheque personal, un cheque de caja o un giro postal por el primer meses de alquiler y depósito de seguridad.
Nunca proporcione un pago por adelantado, el dinero generalmente no se intercambia hasta que se firma un contrato de arrendamiento legítimo. No acepte pagar nada en efectivo o mediante transferencia bancaria.
Tenga cuidado de no dar su información personal a un estafador que pretende tener un contrato de arrendamiento legítimo, asegúrese de verificar la parte del arrendamiento antes de proporcionar cualquier información personal.
Haga preguntas detalladas sobre la unidad, la solicitud, las fechas de mudanza y el proceso de mudanza, etc. Los estafadores no quieren responder a preguntas detalladas porque están de tras del depósito inicial. Al hacerlo, terminarán la comunicación, ignorarán las preguntas o las respuestas contendrán gramática extraña.
Si un trato es demasiado bueno para ser verdad, ¡por lo general lo es!
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Also includes Counties of Alameda, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Sonoma, and the City of Berkeley; Napa and Solano Counties not included
With the COVID-19 Delta variant now infecting a small percentage of vaccinated people as well as many unvaccinated people, eight Bay Area health officers have issued health orders requiring masks indoors in public places.
The orders require all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings when indoors in public settings, with limited exceptions, starting at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, August 3rd.
Vaccines remain the most powerful tool in the fight against COVID-19, including the Delta variant. Nonetheless, the Delta variant is infecting a small percentage of the vaccinated in the Bay Area — who still remain strongly protected against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. In those instances of infection in a vaccinated person, a face covering prevents further spread. Bay Area health officials urge all unvaccinated residents 12 and older to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
“We must act now to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our community. If you are eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine and have not yet done so, please do not wait any longer,” said Dr. Chris Farnitano, health officer for Contra Costa. “During July the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in our county increased 400%. Four out of five of the COVID patients we see are not vaccinated, even though only one out of five Contra Costa adults are not vaccinated.”
These health orders aim to reduce community transmission of COVID-19 and protect everyone. Health officials are very concerned by the substantial levels of community transmission now found across the Bay Area, especially among unvaccinated people. In part, this is due to the widespread COVID-19 Delta variant, which is substantially more transmissible than previous forms of the virus. Recent information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also indicates that even fully vaccinated individuals can in some cases spread the Delta variant to others, and so indoor use of face coverings provides an important added layer of protection.
The new Health Orders require wearing a well-fitting mask indoors in public settings. Indoor settings, whether public or private, are higher risk for COVID-19 transmission, especially when you are with people you do not live with. Health officials also recommend that all employers make face coverings available to individuals entering their businesses, and businesses are required to implement the indoor face covering order.
Today’s Health Orders are consistent with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health, which recommend that fully vaccinated individuals wear masks while in indoor public settings. Bay Area Health Officers will continue to monitor data, including increasing vaccination throughout the region, to determine when the Orders can be adjusted or lifted.
For more information about COVID-19, and how to get a free vaccine near you, visit cchealth.org/coronavirus.
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By Allen Payton
There are 87 Bay Area athletes competing in the Tokyo Olympics and two are from Contra Costa County. They are rowing team member Kara Kohler of Clayton and water polo team member Maggie Steffens of Danville.
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Kara-Kohler-FB.jpg)
Kara Kohler in a June 13, 2021 photo from her Facebook page.
Kara Kohler
2012 Bronze medal winner in quadruple sculls, Kara Kohler, whose hometown is Clayton where she was also born, is competing in Women’s Rowing in the Single Sculls event this year. She placed first in her heat on Friday and second in her semifinal race Sunday morning. Her next race is scheduled for Thursday morning, July 29.
According to Team USA, the 6’2” 30-year-old Kohler was a competitive swimmer throughout high school, at Clayton Valley in Concord, including at the 2008 Janet Evans Grand Prix Swim Meet at USC and the 2008 Pacific Swimming North America Cup Challenge. But during her senior year of high school, she was encouraged by a family friend to look into rowing collegiately, which led her down the path to becoming a recruited walk-on at UC Berkeley.
Kohler was named the Pac-10 Conference Newcomer of the Year in 2010 and won Cal’s Most Promising Freshman Award. She was also a four-time All-American.
After switching to the single sculls in 2018, Kohler won the bronze medal at the 2019 World Championships. That year, she was also named USRowing’s Female Athlete of the Year. Her hobbies include adventures with her dog Luna, camping, swimming, road biking and cooking.
According to her profile page on Tokyo 2020 Olympics website, Kohler’s parents are her greatest influence, her hero is U.S. rower Jill Costello and her philosophy is, “Enjoy the process a little more because no one’s perfect from the start.”
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Maggie-Steffens-IG.jpg)
Maggie Steffens in action. Photo from her Instagram account.
Maggie Steffens
Steffens, who was born in San Ramon, is a two-time Gold medal winner at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. At the 2016 games in Rio, she was named MVP, and tied the Olympic record for most goals scored at 21. The 5’8” 28-year-old athlete is the USA Women’s Water Polo Team Captain for the second time.
According to Team USA, she is a 2012 graduate of Monte Vista High School. Her sister Jessica is also a two-time Olympic medalist in water polo, first in 2008 and then on the same 2012 team Maggie played on. Steffens is the daughter of Carlos and Peggy Steffens, has one brother, Charlie, and another sister, Teresa.
She aided Stanford University to three NCAA titles (2014, 2015 and 2017) and was named FINA World Player of the Year in 2012 and 2014.
Growing up, Steffens competed in soccer, swimming, basketball and gymnastics.
She is the co-founder of 6-8 Sports, Inc., a platform connecting data and technology for youth athlete development currently focused on the sport of water polo.
Her hobbies include hiking, kayaking and canoeing, writing, singing, dancing and reading. Steffens is also fluent in Spanish.
According to her website, “Maggie was named to the Women’s National Team in 2009 and has represented the United States at every major international championship competition held annually since.”
She was honored as the NCAA Tournament MVP and received multiple Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Player of the Year and Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches Player of the Year honors.
She’s also scholar athlete, having earned “an undergraduate degree in Science, Technology & Society in 2017 and a Masters of Science in Management, Science and Engineering in 2018.”
See Steffens’ interview on NBC Bay Area and read more about her on the Tokyo 2020 Olympics website.
Photo: Team USA.
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Shuts down westbound lanes for several hours; suspect flees scene
By CHP-Contra Costa
This evening at about 6:35pm, a freeway shooting occurred on State Route 4 westbound, just east of Port Chicago Highway in Concord. One victim succumbed to their injuries from gunshot wounds and another victim suffered moderate injuries due to gunshot wounds. The victims were in a black Toyota Camry. The unknown suspect vehicle fled the scene. As a result of the shooting, the victim vehicle crashed into the metal guard rail at the top of the Port Chicago offramp.
CHP has shut down all westbound lanes of HWY4 in the area for scene processing and collection of evidence. At this time, we do not have an estimated time of re-opening the freeway but expect it to be closed for at least a few hours. We will provide updates as soon as we can.
This is an ongoing investigation with Detectives assigned to CHP – Golden Gate Division Special Investigations Unit (SIU) who are actively investigating this shooting. Our detectives are requesting assistance from the public in gathering the details surrounding this incident. If you or anyone you know have any information that might be helpful, please call the CHP Investigative Tipline at 707-917-4491.
Read MoreA day for the recognition of Ivermectin – “Covid is treatable with ivermectin and can end the pandemic”
By British Ivermectin Recommendation Development Group
An international coalition of medical professionals together with journalists, musicians, artists and others, have established World Ivermectin Day this Saturday 24 July 2021, with the aim of sharing the evidence-based message that the cheap, safe and easily-distributed medicine ivermectin can remove the fear of the covid pandemic to lives and economies. (See North America video)
According to the National Institutes of Health, Ivermectin is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antiparasitic drug that is used to treat several neglected tropical diseases, including onchocerciasis, helminthiases, and scabies.
Reports from in vitro studies suggest that ivermectin acts by inhibiting the host importin alpha/beta-1 nuclear transport proteins, which are part of a key intracellular transport process that viruses hijack to enhance infection by suppressing the host’s antiviral response. In addition, ivermectin docking may interfere with the attachment of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein to the human cell membrane.
Some studies of ivermectin have also reported potential anti-inflammatory properties, which have been postulated to be beneficial in people with COVID-19.
Some observational cohorts and clinical trials have evaluated the use of ivermectin for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Data from some of these studies can be found here.
“We have an incredibly positive and uplifting message to share; Ivermectin treats and prevents covid and it is the key to unlocking the never-ending cycle of pandemic peaks and personal restrictions and will help restart economies.” states Dr. Tess Lawrie, UK-based founder of the Day and co-author of a recent peer-reviewed study that verified the efficacy of the medicine.
Created in just a few weeks by a team of volunteers, World Ivermectin Day features talks and discussions that will be available to millions online. The decentralized and grassroots nature of the day has inspired individuals to organize their own live meetings and activities across the globe from a growing list of countries including the UK, Canada, Kuala Lumpur and Japan.
The principle aim of the day is for people to encourage their own governments to join the 20 or so countries already deploying ivermectin and so help protect their nations’ health and do so at low cost.
Ahead of the day, the central website, worldivermectinday.org is filling up with written and filmed testimonials from people from all around the world; many of whom are celebrating their good health and even their lives thanks to ivermectin.
World Ivermectin Day has been endorsed by the British Ivermectin Recommendation Development (BIRD) Group and the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance (FLCCC) in the USA, key players in campaigning for ivermectin approval.
About BIRD
The British Ivermectin Recommendation Development Group (BIRD) is a truly grassroots initiative bringing together clinicians, health researchers and patient representatives from all around the world to advocate for the use of ivermectin against covid-19. (See BIRD Affiliates)
About FLCCC
The FLCCC Alliance was organized in March 2020 by a group of highly published, world renowned Critical Care physician/scholars – with the academic support of allied physicians from around the world – to research and develop lifesaving protocols for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in all stages of illness. Their MATH+ Hospital Treatment Protocol, introduced in March 2020, has saved thousands of patients who were critically ill with COVID-19. Now, the FLCCC’s new I-MASK+ Prophylaxis and Early At-Home Outpatient Treatment Protocol with Ivermectin has been released – and is a potential solution to the global pandemic.
The doctors and volunteers behind the event have designed the day to be organic, encouraging individuals and groups worldwide to organize their own activities to mark the day. There’s no financial interest in the medicine for any of them, but they are all resolutely unified by one aim – seeing ivermectin saving lives everywhere.
About Ivermectin
You may not be aware that Covid can be prevented and treated with a simple low-cost, generic tablet called Ivermectin.
On World Ivermectin Day we want you, and everyone on the planet to know this so we all can look forward to a healthier, happier future and not one of fear and uncertainty.
We are joined by health professionals, lawyers, musicians and artists and people of all backgrounds and nations to spread the amazing news about ivermectin.
Ivermectin, has a successful history stretching back to 1975 with 5 billion doses given and an impeccable safety record. Its inventors even won a Nobel Prize.
Ivermectin is not even the only generic treatment for covid, but leads a number of safe, widely available medicines that are being successfully used around the world to beat covid.
Sharing Good Health Worldwide
World Ivermectin Day is encouraging all nations who haven’t yet adopted ivermectin as part of their Covid treatment plan to take a serious review of the mountain of robust clinical evidence so they too can improve their people’s health and economies.
They are sharing the good news of how it is being successfully used by thousands of doctors in multiple countries as the way to prevent, treat and beat covid and end the pandemic. It is even effective against variants.
For more information visit WorldIvermectinDay.org. A citizen-driven day of celebration supported by our allies in the field and on the frontlines.
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreCondition improving for three others injured in early morning shooting
By Walnut Creek Police Department
Walnut Creek Police have made an arrest in connection with the homicide that took place in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 18. 22-year-old Jose Guillermo Casillas-Flores, of Brentwood, was arrested on Thursday during a traffic stop. A handgun and ammunition were taken following a search of his home. There are no additional outstanding suspects stemming from the death of Lutfi Abbushi. The 25-year-old victim was a resident of San Pablo.
Walnut Creek Police Department detectives are presented the case on Thursday for review with the District Attorney.
The incident occurred at approximately 01:37 am on SOS Drive near N. Main Street. Police received multiple 911 calls reporting shots fired. Officers arrived within two minutes to find four gunshot victims, with one deceased at the scene. The entire incident occurred on SOS Drive. (See related article)
At this time, the relationship between all involved parties is unknown. The identities of the involved subjects will not be released at this time due to the ongoing investigation. This was determined to be an isolated incident and there are no ongoing threats to the community. The condition of the other three victims is improving and none of their injuries are considered life threatening.
If anyone has information regarding this incident, please call Detective Coffin at 925-943-5844 x7656. Additional media inquiries may be directed to Lieutenant Holley Connors at connors@walnutcreekpd.com.
Read More![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Oil-in-Happy-Valley-1.jpg)
Extensive drilling occurred over a period of years in Happy Valley in order to locate oil. There were five more wells drilled in addition to the ones pictured here. Photos courtesy of Lafayette Historical Society.
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Oil-field-workers-Floods-300x257.jpg)
Four workmen are to the left on the Edward Flood ranch in 1901. The man seated is Alexander Flood, and the woman is Evelyne Flood Baker, his sister.
By Laura Torkelson
It bubbled up from the ground. Edward and Anne Flood came from near Dublin, Ireland with his mother and eight children. They bought a farm in Happy Valley in 1889. Edward loved to take visitors to a section of his farm where oil seeped to the surface. He would light a match, and poof – quite a show. Once he got too close and singed his beard and eyelashes! The oil was said to be so pure that it could be used to light lamps.
In the early 1900’s, one of the Flood relatives thought that perhaps money could be made from the oil. He got investors, issued shares, drilled an oil well and made extensive plans for more. Unfortunately, no money was made on the one well. As a child, Genevieve Gallagher, born to the Flood family in 1918, remembers getting a pair of shoes with “oil money”. No fortune, and the venture was abandoned. (The Flood name might be familiar because their decedent, Nancy Flood, taught at Springhill for many years.)
The oil was in the Los Arabis Drive area. That street, Timothy Lane, Rahara Drive, and Natasha Drive are all named for the Arabian horses that Dr. Leo Musser owned in the 1930s and 1940s. He reported that when it rained a lot, oily water covered his basement floor. Any Happy Valley residents still see oil? Let the Historical Society know. Come in and learn more amazing facts about Happy Valley.
Please consider becoming a member of the Lafayette Historical Society. It will help us keep our door open and lights on. To become a member or make a donation…https://lafayettehistory.org/contact-us/membership/ or follow us on our Facebook page.
Read More![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Career-criminal-arrested-knife-gun-071821-OakleyPD-1024x385.jpg)
The suspect’s knife and gun in the floor board of the stolen car he was in on Sunday, July 18, 2021. Photos: OakleyPD
Found sitting in stolen car from San Leandro, with stolen gun from Livermore, other stolen property and drugs
By Oakley Police Department
On Sunday, July 18, 2021 at approximately 3:45 PM, officers were dispatched to a business in the 5500 block of Bridgehead Road. The reporting party advised that there appeared to be an adult male looking into vehicles, the business has had a recent history of thefts from vehicles. Upon their arrival, they located the suspect, Paul Muscat (M; 34; Richmond) seated in a vehicle.
A records check revealed that the vehicle Muscat was seated in was stolen out of San Leandro. Officers ordered him out of the vehicle, and he became combative, arming himself with a knife. Muscat was also reaching around inside the vehicle in an apparent search for something. Officers deployed their TASERs at Muscat and were able to safely take him into custody. He was taken for medical treatment and eventually booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Career-criminal-arrested-drugs-gun-071821-OakleyPD-1024x459.jpg)
Drugs discovered in the stolen car the suspect was in and his gun on Sunday, July 18, 2021. Photos: OakleyPD
It was later discovered that the item Muscat was reaching for was a handgun, which had been reported stolen out of Livermore. Additionally, illegal narcotics, burglary tools, and stolen property were also located inside the vehicle. Muscat is a convicted felon with a two-decade history of violence, weapons violations, theft, and attempted murder. In addition to resisting arrest.
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By Walnut Creek Police Department
The Walnut Creek Police Department is investigating a homicide in the early hours of July 18, 2021. Police received multiple 911 calls reporting shots fired at approximately 01:37 AM on SOS Drive near N. Main Street. Officers arrived to find four gunshot victims, with one deceased at the scene. The other three victims were transported to a local hospital where they are receiving treatment. This is an active investigation. Details will be released as they are available.
If anyone has information regarding this incident, please call Detective Gerstner at 925-256-3578.
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