Following attempted police stop, car crash three arrested in Richmond with illegal guns Friday night
By Richmond Police Department
Friday night, Jan. 15, 2021, Central District Officer Fuller attempted to stop a car with stolen license plates. The driver refused to yield and shortly after, the car crashed into another vehicle in the intersection of Marina Way and Barrett Ave. Three suspects fled the vehicle and ran onto the Union Pacific train tracks. Officers searched the area and located all three subjects.
A search of the vehicle revealed five firearms, all fully loaded. Two of the guns were rifles and three were handguns with extended magazines. The two rifles were an AK-47 and AR-15 with high-capacity magazines.
All three suspects were either on parole or had outstanding warrants for their arrests.
It is a relief to have these firearms off the streets and we are extremely proud of our officers and their commitment to keeping our community safe.
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By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Kenneth-Jordan-Lightfoot-020119FB.jpg)
Kenneth Jordan Lightfoot. Posted on his Facebook page Feb. 1, 2019.
The suspect in the Tara Hills murder that took place on Sunday was arrested by deputy sheriffs on Friday, January 15, 2021. He is identified as 30-year-old Kenneth Jordan Lightfoot of Tara Hills, a neighborhood in West Contra Costa County.
On Sunday, January 10, 2021, at about 12:39 PM, Bay Station Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a report of shots fired at an apartment complex at San Pablo Avenue and Crestwood Drive in Tara Hills.
Deputies found a man who appeared to have suffered a gunshot wound in a vehicle. Deputies immediately began life-saving measures until the fire department and an ambulance arrived. The victim, later identified as 30-year-old Charles Johnson of San Francisco, was pronounced deceased at the scene. An autopsy revealed the cause of death to be multiple gunshot wounds.
Homicide detectives worked continuously on this case and identified Lightfoot as the suspect. They secured a warrant for his arrest.
On Friday, at about 2:39 PM, Bay Station Deputy Sheriffs were called to a report of shots fired at the same apartment complex where the murder took place. They detained a man who was confirmed to be Lightfoot. He was later interviewed by detectives.
At about 10 PM, Lightfoot was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on the following charges: murder and illegal discharge of a firearm. He is being held in lieu of $1,050,000 bail.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or through Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (925) 646-2441. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Read MoreThrough partnerships with New Day for Children and the National Beer Wholesalers Association, Markstein is making a difference to stop this growing crime against children
Help Stop Human Trafficking by reporting a tip or seek help by calling the National Hotline at 1-888-373-7888
By Rebecca Butler
ANTIOCH, Calif. – As part of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January, Markstein Sales Company (Markstein), a woman-owned and operated wholesale beverage distributor in Northern California, today appealed to business leaders around the country to join in its fight against slavery and human trafficking. As a long-time supporter and sponsor of the New Day for Children organization that provides funding to help American children who have been recovered from sex trafficking, Markstein has also now joined a nationwide campaign with the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) where beer distributors, who collectively visit more than 600,000 retail establishments across the country, can play a vital role in identifying and reporting suspicious activity often unseen by the typical public.
“Rapidly escalating profits, the internet, limited police resources, and unaware communities have created a perfect storm for the child sex trafficking industry here in the United States. It is the second fastest growing criminal industry in our country, and one that employs sophisticated business practices and is highly lucrative,” said Sharon Wood, Executive Director of New Day for Children. “Today, the U.S. Justice Department estimates that 300,000 children are at risk of being trafficked for sex in the United States. Through partnership with businesses, such as Markstein Sales Company, we can provide the funds and resources needed to transition many of these children to safe housing and therapeutic care, and help prevent it from happening to another one of our children.”
Human trafficking is a growing problem in the U.S., with more than 11,500 human trafficking cases reported in 2019 alone. California has consistently had the highest human trafficking rates in the United States with 1,507 cases reported in 2019. To help combat this, Markstein is installing signage on all of its 75 vehicles that are typically on the roads of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties 14 hours per day, six days per week. The goal of these signs is to raise awareness locally and to provide easy access to hotline information for people that suspect or know of human trafficking cases. Markstein is also providing personalized training, leveraged from both NBWA and New Day for Children, for all truck drivers and merchandisers so they know what to look out for on their daily routes and in the businesses they serve.
“While our work to end human trafficking began at the local level, this is a national problem that needs all business leaders to stand up and make a difference. I am calling on all companies to get involved locally with groups like New Day for Children and nationally with efforts like those sponsored by the NBWA,” said Laura Markstein, President of Markstein Sales Company. “Whether that involves a sign in a highly visible location or extra eyes and ears for identifying and reporting suspicious behavior, there are many companies such as beer distributors that are in a very public and unique position where they can make a significant difference to fight this cause.”
“Beer distributors have behind-the-scenes access to the prime locations where traffickers could be exploiting victims – from bars, restaurants, hotels, convenience stores, to package stores, sports arenas and grocery stores,” said Lauren Kane, Vice President of Communications, National Beer Wholesalers Association. “We commend the work Markstein Sales Company has already been doing locally with programs like New Day for Children. Combining this with their commitment to the NBWA Distributors Against Human Trafficking campaign, means they have the opportunity to significantly impact the fight against human trafficking. Beer distributors in other states have seen a 175% increase in calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline after they started educating their employees and putting signage on their trucks. We are confident Markstein’s efforts will bring similar life-changing results to California.
Call to Action
- If you are a beer distributor, join the campaign being spearheaded by the NBWA to build awareness and provide training to educate employees on recognizing and reporting the warning signs of human trafficking.
- If you are any other type of company that has vehicles, products or buildings that are constantly in the public eye, leverage your visibility to do your own campaign and encourage others in your industry to follow suit.
- Support and sponsor New Day for Children. This nationally recognized charity provides support and assistance to American girls, ages 10-18, who have been recovered from the despair of sex trafficking. Your financial support can provide safe housing, school, medical, mental health care, equine therapy, and much more.
- Take off the blinders. If you think this is not happening in your community, you are wrong. Every state, county, city, and town needs to help combat this nationwide crisis. This Markstein video outlines the problem and the ways companies and individuals can make a difference.
“I am proud to work for a company that provides the tools and training to turn an average workday into an opportunity to help in a big way,” said Dustin Miller, Commercial Driver, Markstein Sales Company. “As I go about my daily routes, I feel more empowered than ever before to play a part in preventing and stopping these horrible crimes against both children and adults.”
New Day for Children is a nationally recognized 501-(c)3 charity that provides support and assistance to American girls, ages 10-18, who have been recovered from the despair of sex trafficking. Your financial support provides safe housing, school, medical, mental health care, equine therapy and more. New Day for Children collaborates with quality programs for the children’s care. In this video you will see one such facility with New Day supported girls.
About Markstein Sales Company
Markstein Sales Company is a fourth-generation, woman-owned and operated wholesale beverage distributor based in Antioch, Calif. Founded in 1919 with just a horse, a wagon and six cases of beer, Markstein is now in its 101st year and distributing over four million cases annually to 1500 retailers in the Bay Area. The company’s portfolio is composed of multiple world-class beers including the Anheuser-Busch InBev and Constellation Brands family of beers, several high-quality craft beers and many others. Markstein is known for outstanding customer service, dedication to their employees and commitment to the community. The company continues to rank as best in class by retailers and is one of the top ten largest Woman Owned Businesses in the Bay Area. More information can be found at https://www.marksteinsalescompany.com.
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On January 20th, you can enjoy a fabulous Italian meal and support both Meals on Wheels Diablo Region and a local restaurant at the same time! Tips for Change is a generous program offered by Gianni’s Italian Bistro in San Ramon to help support local nonprofits.
Here’s how it works – MOW Diablo Region will receive all tips and 10% of sales on take-out orders, but meals must be preordered by Tuesday, January 19 at 6:00 PM. To place an order, go to www.giannissanramon.com or call 925-820-6969. For online orders, click the “order online” button, then click on deliver or pick-up (delivery is limited). Be sure to click on the appropriate date – Wednesday, Jan. 20th, then choose your menu items (wine and cocktails are also available for take-out) and your desired time for pick-up at Gianni’s Italian Bistro, 2065 San Ramon Valley Boulevard, San Ramon.
Meals on Wheels Diablo Region is the only meals on wheels that delivers both meals and services in the entire county. Since March, the agency has seen a 40% increase in clients needing delivered meals, but with the support of the community, no senior has missed a delivered meal or a needed life-improving service. Participating in Tips for Change is a win-win-win. It helps support a local restaurant, helps support Meals on Wheels Diablo Region and funds raised impacts the lives of vulnerable seniors.
Orders can be placed as early as today! Preorders must be in no later than Tuesday, January 19 at 6:00 PM for pick-up on Wednesday!
Read More![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Cmdr-Christopher-Descovich-USS-Sterett-DDG-104-Final-1024x474.jpg)
Commander Christopher Descovich, Executive Officer of the USS Sterett (DDG 104). Photos: USN and from the ship’s Facebook page.
By Allen Payton
U.S. Navy Commander Christopher Descovich, a native of Hercules, California, serves as executive officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104). Sterett is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce.
According to Defenceweb.com, on January 5, the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group left Somalia after assisting the US military withdrawal from the Horn of Africa nation.
The 38-year-old Descovich graduated from the California Maritime Academy in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Transportation and was commissioned through the Merchant Marine Reserve Program.
At sea he completed his Division Officer tours aboard USS Milius (DDG 69) as 1st Lieutenant and Fire Control Officer, then USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) serving as Weapons Officer then Combat Systems Officer.
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Navy-Cmdr.-Christopher-Descovich-1024x683.jpg)
Cmdr. Christopher Descovich fires an M240B machine gun from the USS Sterett (DDG 104) during a live fire exercise in the North Arabian Sea on Jan. 13, 2020. U.S. Navy photo 210113-N-NC885-2029 by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Drace Wilson
Ashore he served as Flag Aide to the President of the U.S. Naval War College, Branch Chief for Current Maritime Operations at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and post Department Head Detailer at Navy Personnel Command.
Commander Descovich holds a Master’s of Science degree in Systems Technology (JC4I) from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. His thesis was entitled Decreasing Variance in Response Time to Singular Incidents of Piracy in the Horn of Africa Area of Operation, and co-authored with then-Lt. Ryan J. O’Connell.
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/USS-Sterett-DDG-104-1024x356.jpg)
USS Sterett (DDG 104) – photo from the ship’s Facebook page.
His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various other campaign and unit awards.
According to the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance, in 2015 then-Lt. Commander Descovich was an Aegis BMD Ship-based Weapons and Combat Systems Operator on the USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) and was the Navy winner of the Pacific Theater Air and Missile Defender of the Year. Presented by then-U.S. Pacific Combatant Commander, Admiral Harry Harris, (now U.S. Ambassador to South Korea) the award was given to just ten recipients from the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines on their value in preserving the peace within the Pacific region.
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Cmdr.-Christopher-Descovich-points-to-a-target.jpg)
Cmdr. Descovich, points to a target during the live fire exercise in the North Arabian Sea on Jan. 13, 2020. U.S. Navy photo 210113-N-NC885-2034 by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Drace Wilson.
MC2 Ethan Carter, Navy Office of Community Outreach, Media Outreach Department contributed to this report.
Read MoreBy Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County Office of the District Attorney
Martinez, Calif. – Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton joined members of the DA’s Office Contra Costa Human Trafficking Taskforce on Monday to participate in the national “Wear Blue” initiative to promote Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
Images of staff members with the DA’s Office wearing blue will be shared on our office’s social media accounts with the Contra Costa County hashtag “ContraCostaWearsBlue.” Multiple agencies and individuals will be sharing images today with this hashtag to share solidarity with human trafficking victims.
A huge part of exploitation is convincing our trafficking victims that no one cares about them or what is happening to them. This helps to isolate victims and make them more reliant on an exploiter if they come to believe that the exploiter is “the only one” who cares.
“The DA’s Office wants to underscore we care about all our victims, have services and support right here in our community and will look to hold exploiters accountable,” said Becton.
If you or someone you know has information regarding any acts or suspicions of human trafficking, please call the Contra Costa County Human Trafficking tip line maintained by the Discrict Attorney’s Office: 925-957-8658.
Local resources include Community Violence Solutions 24-hour resources line (800-670-7273) and Contra Costa’s Family Justice Center (925) 521-6366). To report suspected exploitation of youth, call the CFS/Child Abuse Hotline at 1-877-881-1116.
Contra Costa County was awarded a federal grant in October 2018 to form a Human Trafficking Taskforce. The taskforce has state, federal and local law enforcement partners and prosecutors that collaborates with local community service providers to provide victims with culturally competent services and support while investigating and prosecuting cases involving sex trafficking, labor trafficking and related crimes of exploitation.
Read MoreBy Rachel Heggen, Community Relations & Development Specialist, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region
Meals on Wheels Diablo Region is pleased to announce that Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has awarded the organization a grant of $7,500 that will help combat food insecurity impacting vulnerable seniors. Seniors are the fastest growing segment of the population in the country and the county, and while food insecurity has been an ongoing problem it has become more pronounced since the pandemic.
“Since March, we have been delivering meals to 40% more seniors,” said MOW Diablo Region’s Executive Director, Caitlin Sly. “The problem of food insecurity will continue into the future, but with the help of PG&E we can continue to deliver more meals to more seniors. That will help them continue to remain at home with dignity.”
The awarding of this grant was made possible with the help of PG&E’s Tom Guarino, who recently passed away. He was a strong advocate for nonprofits and his work on their behalf has had a profound impact on the lives of so many individuals.
MOW Diablo Region, in addition to delivering meals, provides life-improving services, such as Fall Prevention, Care Management, Health & Wellness classes and Friendly Visitors, Callers and Helpers. Meals on Wheels Diablo Region is an independent nonprofit and is the only meals on wheels that delivers both meals and services in the entire county. If you know someone who needs a delivered meal or a wraparound service, or would like to find out how to become involved, visit www.mowdiabloregion.org.
Read MoreRaley’s non-profit sets new record with 43% increase in total year-over-year donations; $483,825 raised for Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano
By Kevin Buffalino, Public Relations & Partnerships Manager, Raley’s
Raley’s Food For Families Annual Holiday Drive raised over $3 million throughout the 2020 holiday season, the largest amount ever donated in the organization’s 35 years of hosting the event. The donations, which came from customers in-store and online between November 2 and December 31, will provide more than three million meals for those suffering from food insecurity in northern California and Nevada.
One of Raley’s 12 regional food bank partners is the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano, and $483,825.00 was raised for them during this year’s Annual Holiday Drive. The customers at the Raley’s and Nob Hill stores in Contra Costa County donated the following amounts to provide meals for their food insecure neighbors.
Raley’s
- Antioch – $17,932
- Brentwood – $23,100
- Oakley – $17,393
- San Pablo – $21,516
Nob Hill Foods
- Martinez – $26,025
- San Ramon – $17,662
- Walnut Creek – $25,431
“The generosity we have seen this past year within the communities we serve is incredible,” said Becca Whitman, Executive Director of Raley’s Food For Families. “It is no secret that 2020 was an especially difficult year, so we cannot thank our customers enough for their outpouring of support to help their neighbors in need during even the toughest of times. They are the ones who truly deserve the recognition.”
Raley’s Food For Families works every day to alleviate hunger locally by partnering with 12 regional food banks across the company’s footprint in northern California and Nevada. This year’s Annual Holiday Drive was especially important because these partners, which typically serve 1.4 million food insecure individuals each month, saw an increase of an average of 95% in those using their services in 2020.
Although this year’s Annual Holiday Drive has ended, Raley’s accepts donations year-round at check stand pin pads at all store locations and online to support Food For Families. Donations stay local to aid the communities in which they were made, and Raley’s covers all administrative costs for Food For Families, ensuring one hundred percent of donations benefit food bank partners and those in need.
To learn more about Raley’s Food For Families or to donate, visit raleys.com/foodforfamilies.
About Raley’s Food For Families
Raley’s Food For Families is a registered 501(c)3 organization providing food to Feeding America food banks and their network of partner agencies. The year-round program serves the communities of Northern California and Western Nevada through Raley’s, Bel Air Market, Nob Hill Foods and Food Source stores.
Raley’s Food For Families began as a holiday food drive in 1986 and was founded by Co-Chairman and Owner Joyce Raley Teel and CEO emeritus Charles Collings. In the past 35 years, the organization has raised over $42 million and 40 million pounds of fresh, wholesome food. With a long-standing commitment to local communities, Raley’s Food For Families continues to grow and thrive as an organization dedicated to health and happiness for those experiencing food insecurity. Raley’s covers 100% of the administrative costs for the non-profit, meaning 100% of donations go directly to the food bank partners.
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreStockton, CA (Jan. 13, 2021) – In response to Wednesday’s vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to impeach President Trump on claims of inciting a violent and deadly insurrection that took place at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, Congressman Jerry McNerney (D, CA-09) issued the following statement:
“Today, I voted to impeach President Trump for the second time to protect our nation and our democracy against a would-be tyrant. This is a moment that will define our nation for generations to come. One year ago, the House took up articles of impeachment against President Trump for abuse of power. The Republican-controlled Senate refused to seriously consider these charges and voted against impeaching the President. As a result, there were no repercussions for the President’s actions, which only served to further embolden him. He is a threat to our democracy, and yet Republicans in Congress have repeatedly excused and ignored his dangerous behavior and rhetoric.
“President Trump began his presidency speaking of American carnage, and as he ends his time in the White House, he has led his followers to lay siege at the seat of our government, directly inciting and provoking that carnage. In order to preserve our democracy, there must be consequences for sedition, and the rule of law must be upheld.”
McNerney represents the 9th Congressional District that includes portions of Contra Costa, San Joaquin and Sacramento Counties in the U.S. House of Representatives.
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