I share this letter with your readers and hope for three things as a result. One, that children who are physically abused at school report the teacher to their parents so that this teacher is somehow reprimanded and corrected by the school principal. Two, that school teachers find peaceful and rational ways to do classroom management. If they cannot do this, they should find another occupation. And three, that Education Departments at colleges and universities teach orderly, rational classroom management skills. This is not “discipline”. It is how to set up orderly procedures in one’s classroom so that the students know what to do, and want to do it.
This letter is an apology, a confession and also, will hopefully help young schoolchildren and teachers in Richmond public schools. Maybe some Richmond adults who knew me when I taught school there, will read this and remember.
In the late 1960s I taught fourth grade at a school in Richmond. It was the first job I had since getting my Teaching Credential at San Francisco State. My professional goal was to share my own excellent education with school children, so that they, too, would love learning.
I have since learned that some people are “natural” teachers in public school classes. I am not one of those people. I teach very well, in a one-on-one setting, such as pull-out remedial programs, or, as I later did for 20 years, as an independent music teacher entrepreneur. I have taught hundreds of music students, in a loving and fun way.
The school I taught at in Richmond was considered to be in a rough neighborhood. It was an all-Black school. Teachers were Blacks and Whites. I am White. Many of the teachers there had “trouble controlling” their class. My coursework at San Francisco State did not teach classroom management, which is what natural school teachers seem to know how to do.
The two “worst classes” at the school I taught at were a second-grade class, and my own fourth grade class.
I was terrified, every day. I loved the children when I knew them individually before, after and during lunch breaks at school. But when the whole class was together, I was emotionally unprepared.
Children at that school got into physical fights almost constantly at school. This was boys, and also girls, who fought. On the playground, if there was a fight, hundreds of students ran over to watch and cheer. In my classroom, fights started, too.
The teacher next door to my classroom was a young black man. His class was perfectly behaved. I wanted to know how he did that. His advice to me was, “Hit some kid who hasn’t done anything wrong. That shows the other kids you are not playing favorites.”
There was probably only one child in my class who “hadn’t done anything wrong.” He was a black child and had a physical disability. I hit him!
Less than two weeks later, a boy and a girl in my classroom — two of my favorite students — got into a fist fight — dashing each other across the classroom. I walked out the door and never went back to that school. I resigned.
For my entire life, I have carried tremendous guilt and sorrow about hitting that young boy. I had wished I knew how to find him, to confess my cruelty and try to do something to make amends to him. This, of course, was not possible for me to do, or perhaps I was just too immature to know how to figure that out at the time.
Marian Drake, Ed.M.
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Sacramento DA’s new book offers first insider account
Includes details from one of Contra Costa County’s darkest chapters
By Angelle Barbazon, Lead Publicist, Books Forward
SACRAMENTO – In “The People vs. the Golden State Killer” (Third State Books), Thien Ho, the current District Attorney of Sacramento County, delivers the first official account of the investigation, capture and prosecution of Joseph James DeAngelo, Jr., one of California’s and America’s most notorious serial predators. Known by many chilling names over the years, including the East Area Rapist, the Original Nightstalker, the Visalia Ransacker and finally the Golden State Killer, DeAngelo terrorized California communities for over a decade – and then disappeared without a trace for more than 30 years.
After more than 40 years of fear and unanswered questions, it was Thien who finally secured DeAngelo’s life sentence. Now, for the first time, Thien is pulling back the curtain in “The People vs. the Golden State Killer”. The book includes never-before-heard survivor testimony, chilling details of DeAngelo’s deception and behind-the-scenes insights from the investigators who refused to let him escape justice.
The book covers one of Contra Costa County’s darkest chapters. DeAngelo’s crimes included more than 120 burglaries, over 50 rapes and 13 murders across six counties, with Contra Costa residents among the victims he terrorized for decades. All the while, he lived in plain sight as a cop, a husband and even a neighbor, hiding in the very communities he stalked. (See related Herald articles here and here).
Joseph James DeAngelo, Jr. pleads guilty during his hearing on Monday, June 29, 2020. Screenshot of YouTube video. 2018 arrest photo. Source: Sacramento County Sheriff.
As the lead prosecutor on the case, Ho recounts the exhilarating and harrowing experience of bringing a cold-case killer to justice and putting him behind bars for life. Rather than focusing solely on the criminal and the crimes, Ho’s narrative centers the dedicated law-enforcement teams who never gave up their pursuit of the GSK; and the courageous survivors of his crimes who fought to heal and regain control of their lives. “The People vs. the Golden State Killer” includes hundreds of never-before-revealed details and firsthand insights. Unlike previous accounts, this is the first time the public hears directly from the lead prosecutor who helped close the case. The book also features the authorized voices of survivors who turned their trauma into powerful advocacy.
A portion of the book’s proceeds will benefit Phyllis’s Garden, a nonprofit that honors a GSK survivor and champions victims’ rights.
Ho also recounts his equally compelling personal story: a Vietnamese refugee whose family fled Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War, he arrived in the United States knowing no English. He rose from being an intern to being elected Sacramento County District Attorney in 2022, becoming one of only 10 Asian American district attorneys out of 2,400 nationwide. He brings both legal authority and emotional truth to a case that gripped the country and the world.
About the Author
Thien Ho is the author of “The People vs. The Golden State Killer.” He was elected District Attorney of Sacramento County in 2022 and took office in 2023. Over a 25-year legal career, he has prosecuted hundreds of high-profile sexual assault, gang, and homicide cases and served as supervisor of the Gang and Hate Crime Unit. In 2017, he received Prosecutor of the Year honors from both the National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Association and the Sacramento DA’s Office. He is best known for successfully prosecuting Joseph DeAngelo, a.k.a. the Golden State Killer.
What Others Are Saying
“Ho’s careful, well-written account chronicles [how] DeAngelo was brought to justice. . . . A disturbing real-world procedural about ‘the bogeyman who couldn’t be found—until we found him.’” – Kirkus Reviews
“A worthwhile account of a well-covered case . . . Most affecting are Ho’s interviews with DeAngelo’s surviving victims, who starkly recount their kidnappings and assaults. The autobiographical sections in which Ho discusses his path from Vietnamese war refugee to Northern California prosecutor are inspiring.” – Publishers Weekly
“Sacramento DA Thien Ho is a tenacious prosecutor who played a crucial role in putting the Golden State Killer in prison for life. ‘The People vs. the Golden State Killer’ is a riveting behind-the-scenes account about the investigation, capture, and prosecution of Joseph DeAngelo.” – Paul Holes, bestselling author of “Unmasked”
An Interview with Thien Ho
You explore Joseph DeAngelo’s backstory and early signs of violence. How did that psychological profile affect the way you viewed him?
His early behavior showed a clear escalation … voyeurism, theft, then rape and murder. It was a classic profile of a predator who felt entitled to power and control. Understanding that helped us anticipate his behavior and build a stronger case. But it also underscored how many warning signs were missed. That made our pursuit of justice all the more urgent. We could not change the past, but we could make sure he never hurt anyone again.
He led a split life – a police officer by day, predator by night. What did you learn about how he managed to keep that double identity hidden for so long, even from his family?
DeAngelo was meticulous. He compartmentalized his life with surgical precision. He was not impulsive, he planned, he stalked, he adapted. That is how he avoided capture for so long. It was chilling to realize that someone could commit such evil while maintaining the appearance of normalcy. But evil does not always look like a monster. Sometimes it looks like your neighbor.
DeAngelo’s behavior during the interrogation was chilling. He tried to fake insanity and even hurt himself after the arrest. At what point did you and your team stop seeing these actions as confusion or remorse, and start seeing them as strategy?
Very early on. We saw through the act. He whispered to himself in the interrogation room, trying to create this narrative of mental instability, but the timing and the manner were too deliberate. It was not remorse, it was manipulation. He had eluded capture for decades using deception. This was just another tactic. But this time, it did not work.
DeAngelo tried to appear weak and frail in court. How did that version of him compare to the man you knew he really was behind the scenes?
It was an act, a carefully staged performance. In reality, DeAngelo was calculating, manipulative, and far more aware than he pretended to be. I had seen the evidence, the way he moved, how he covered his tracks. He wanted the world to see a broken old man. But we knew better. The survivors knew better. And the truth won.
At one point, you made a rare promise to a survivor that you would get her justice. What made you make that promise, and did it stay with you during the case?
She had waited decades to be believed, and when she looked me in the eye and asked if this time would be different, I knew I could not let her down. I promised I would fight for her like she was my own family. That promise was with me every day of the case. It guided every decision, every argument, every late night. And when justice came, I thought of her first.
Unlike most books and documentaries that focus on the killer, your book centers the survivors and the people who brought him to justice. Why was that shift so important to you, and how did you approach telling such personal, painful stories with care?
Too often, the spotlight stays on the monster. I wanted to shift the focus to the heroes; the survivors, the investigators, and the prosecutors who never gave up. These are people who found the courage to speak, to remember, and to fight back. I approached their stories with the same care I brought to court … listen deeply, tell the truth, and honor their humanity. They are the soul of this case.
Hearing survivor impact statements must have been an incredibly powerful moment. Was there one that especially stayed with you?
Every single statement hit me hard, but one survivor, someone who had never spoken publicly before, looked DeAngelo in the eye and told him she was no longer afraid. That moment stuck with me. Her strength, after everything she endured, reminded me why we fight so hard for justice. It was not just about locking him up, it was about restoring power to those he tried to destroy.
Now that DeAngelo is behind bars for life, what can you share about his life in prison?
What I can say is this, DeAngelo lives in a prison cell, just as he once trapped his victims in fear. He is no longer in control. He no longer gets to hide behind a mask of normalcy. And he will never walk free again. That is the justice system doing its job, and it will do so until his last breath.
Are there any unanswered questions or unresolved pieces of this case that still weigh on you?
There are always questions that linger in a case like this. Some of DeAngelo’s crimes remain unconfirmed or unsolved, and I suspect there may be victims we still do not know about. We did everything in our power to connect the dots, but the passage of time erases evidence, and sadly, sometimes, voices. I carry the weight of what we could not prove alongside the pride of what we did.
After years of work, what did “justice” look like for you – not just legally, but personally and emotionally – when this case finally concluded?
Justice, for me, was not just a sentence; it was a sense of peace for the survivors who carried these scars for decades. Seeing DeAngelo wheeled into court, forced to hear the voices of the people he tried to silence, was powerful. But it was also deeply personal. I came to this country as a refugee fleeing violence. To now serve as the elected District Attorney and bring one of the nation’s most brutal serial predators to justice was full circle. It meant something bigger than any verdict.
What justice means to him
Bringing DeAngelo to justice was not only a legal victory. It was a personal, full-circle moment that symbolized hope and accountability.
“The People vs. The Golden State Killer”
Thien Ho | Nov. 11, 2025 | Third State Books | Nonfiction / True Crime
Hardcover | 979-8890130358 | $29.95
Available on Amazon.com at The People vs. the Golden State Killer: Ho, Thien
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Source: Santa Clara County DA’s Office
Including 7 traffickers in Contra Costa County; CCDA, Pittsburg PD participate
By Lt. Joshua Singleton, Task Force Commander, Human Trafficking Task Force, Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office
Days after the Super Bowl, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Task Force reported its own statistics: numbers that showed enhanced investigations resulted in the arrests of 29 traffickers and the recovery of 73 sex trafficking victims, including 10 minors. One of the victims, who was being trafficked in Oakland, was 12 years old.
Law enforcement operations were held throughout 11 Bay Area counties during the lead up to one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Similar enforcement is being prepared for the deluge of fans coming to see the 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament games at Levi’s Stadium between June 13 and July 1.
Santa Clara District Attorney Jeff Rosen said: “Beyond football, the Super Bowl was a triumph of Bay Area law enforcement planning, organization, cooperation, and safety. Human trafficking is not a game, it’s a tragedy. However, our team was very successful. Close to 70 agencies effectively discouraged traffickers from exploiting the game and victims. For traffickers that still came to the game from all over the world with bad intentions, many ended up behind bars.”
The HTTF helped organize the efforts of 67 law enforcement agencies from Sacramento to Monterey.
For two weeks before the big game, the Task Force set up a command center in Sunnyvale populated with more than 20 analysts from various agencies, such as the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, the DA’s Crime Strategies Unit, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, Pittsburg Police Department, federal agencies and partners from community-based organizations such as In Our Backyard, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The analysts worked on tips in real time and worked alongside agents in the field to do investigations and make arrests. Operations that often take weeks took minutes in the enhanced Human Trafficking Tactical Operations Center.
Launching almost 40 operations, investigators recovered 20 victims from San Mateo County alone. Seven traffickers were arrested in Contra Costa County; six in Monterey and Solano counties. In Santa Clara County, seven victims were recovered, two traffickers arrested and a firearm was seized.
View the In Our Backyard 2026 Super Bowl Report.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Sacramento, Calif. – The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) encourages seniors to be aware of real estate and mortgage fraud targeting older adults. Scammers increasingly target seniors with real estate and mortgage-related deception, exploiting their trust and financial vulnerability.
The following tips aim to help Californians safeguard themselves before harm is done, as well as how to report this type of fraud.
Fraud Avoidance Tips
- Be vigilant, diligent, and suspicious, and proceed very cautiously, when contacted by strangers.
- Use only licensed professionals when engaging the services of people or companies offering rental, home loan, foreclosure rescue, or other real estate services on your behalf. Check licensing at dre.ca.gov and dfpi.ca.gov.
- Never pay in cash, or wire cash to anyone, in connection with real estate transactions; Also, be certain to protect your personal information, such as social security number, so scammers cannot steal your identity.
- Never pay anyone for home loans or foreclosure relief services in advance of successfully completing the work you wanted them to do for you.
- Never sign an agreement for a real estate transaction (including a Rental) or a home loan that you cannot afford.
- Never sign a real estate (including Rental) or home loan agreement that you do not understand or have not read, or which contains blank spaces.
- Anyone (including scammers without an appropriate or legitimate California license) can advertise on television or radio, in newspapers, magazines or on the Internet.
- Just because someone looks professional, sounds like an expert, and/or gives you confidence in their real estate knowledge, does not mean that you can or should trust them.
- Never transfer or sign your home over to any third party or anyone else who claims that such a transfer can or will help you repair your credit or keep you in your home. Also, never sign a “power of attorney” giving rights to your property or money to any individual – or any company – you do not personally know and trust.
- Monitor and periodically check the title to your real estate holdings, just like you check your credit reports; and act immediately if you detect fraud.
- If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Current Types of Real Estate Fraud
Foreclosure Rescue Schemes
Scammers promise to save a homeowner’s property from foreclosure in exchange for fees or title transfer. Victims often lose both their homes and money when no real help is provided.
Unlicensed Prepaid Rental Listing Services Fraud
Scammers offer rental property lists for a fee without proper licensing. Victims often pay upfront but receive outdated or nonexistent listings, leaving them without a rental and no recourse.
Timeshare Resale and Rental Schemes
Fraudsters promise to sell or rent timeshares for a fee but either fail to deliver, exaggerate property value, or sell nonexistent interests, exploiting owners’ desire to liquidate or monetize their timeshare.
Online Rental Fraud
Scammers advertise fake rental properties online, often requesting deposits or personal information before disappearing, targeting people searching for homes or vacation rentals.
Unlicensed Property Managers
Individuals manage rental properties without the necessary real estate license, potentially leading to mismanagement, legal issues, or financial loss for property owners and tenants.
Real Property Recordation Fraud
Fraudsters forge or falsify deeds and record them against properties without the owner’s consent, potentially leading to disputes over property ownership.
Real Property Investment Schemes
Scammers promote high-return real estate investments that are either nonexistent or misrepresented, leading to financial losses for investors.
Reverse Mortgage Scams
Fraudulent schemes target seniors, offering reverse mortgages with misleading terms or fees, potentially leading to loss of home equity or foreclosure.
Vacant Land Scams
Scammers or bad actors posing as owners of vacant land and contact real estate agents for their assistance to sell a property they do not own.
How Consumers Can Report Suspected Fraud
If you believe you have been a victim of a mortgage crime or have a concern or complaint about a real estate salesperson or broker, you can file a complaint with DRE: https://dre.ca.gov/Consumers/FileComplaint.html
ABOUT DRE
The Department of Real Estate is the regulatory agency that enforces the Real Estate Law, Subdivided Lands Law, and Vacation Ownership and Timeshare Act. DRE oversees the licensure of approximately 434,000 licensees. The Department’s mission is to safeguard and promote the public interests in real estate matters through licensure, regulation, education, and enforcement. Consumer protection is its highest priority. For more information, visit: www.dre.ca.gov.
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54-year-old Raymond Edward Smith held on $1.385 million bail
Began as restraining order violation
By Allen D. Payton
An Oakley man charged with attempted murder for shooting at a Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputy during an hours-long stand-off last month, was transferred from a hospital to jail on Wednesday, Feb. 18th, according to CrimeVoice.com. Raymond Edward Smith, 54-years-old (born 12/6/1971), was arrested following a self-inflicted gunshot.
As previously reported, on Monday, January 12, 2026, at about 10:50 AM, a deputy sheriff was dispatched to a call regarding a violation of a restraining order. A deputy conducted a traffic enforcement stop after locating the suspect vehicle on the 4300 block of Gold Run Drive in Oakley. Almost immediately after the stop, the driver came out of the vehicle and fired several shots at the deputy. The deputy was not struck and was able to return gunfire.
The suspect fled on foot in the neighborhood. During the search for the suspect, the Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Oakley Police Department, California Highway Patrol, East Bay Regional Park Police, Brentwood Police Department, and Antioch Police Department. The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, Hostage Negotiation Team, Drone Unit and a police K-9 also responded. The suspect was found barricaded at his home in the 2700 block of Placer Drive in Oakley.
After several hours of attempting to communicate with the suspect, the SWAT team armored vehicle approached the residence. A gunshot was heard. The suspect apparently tried to take his own life. Medical personnel, who were on scene, immediately implemented life-saving measures. Smith was transported to a local hospital.
According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, one-inch tall, 200-pound Smith is Hispanic and being held in the Martinez Detention Facility and his bail was set at $1,385,000. UPDATE: However, according to Sheriff’s Office Director of Public Affairs Jimmy Lee, Smith is being held on no bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 26th at 1:30 p.m. in Martinez Superior Court Department 5.
Also, according to CrimeVoice.com, his “bond amount is a cumulative total and involves three other cases filed against Smith for prior unrelated offenses.
- $1.25 million for attempted murder of peace officer, and assault with a firearm
- $100,000 for violation of a domestic violence restraining order
- $25,000 for an outstanding warrant related to package thefts
- $10,000 for additional misdemeanor warrants
“One of Smith’s other pending cases involves second-degree burglary in Discovery Bay. Smith is
accused of stealing packages from porches last year in December.”
According to localcrimenews.com, Smith was also arrested in December 2013 by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department for assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily harm and in May 2024 by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department for Warrants or Holds Only.
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Contra Costa DA Diana Becton is joined by Deputy District Attorney Brian Tierney and Bay Area Air District General Counsel Alexander Crockett during a press conference on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. Photo courtesy of Supervisor John Gioia, Contra Costa County’s representative on the Air District Board.
For violations between 2020 and 2024, doesn’t include Feb. 2025 fire; will benefit multiple agencies
“We are committed to safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible operations and to being actively engaged locally.” – from MRC statement
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
Martinez, California – A joint prosecution by the Contra Costa District Attorney and Bay Area Air District has resulted in a $10 million penalty against Martinez Refining Company (MRC), along with compliance improvements at its Martinez refinery, and $600,000 in mitigation payments for supplemental environmental projects.
Judge Benjamin T. Reyes, II signed the final judgment on February 18th, 2026. The case involved a number of violations that occurred at MRC’s refinery located at 3495 Pacheco Boulevard in the City of Martinez and unincorporated Contra Costa County between early 2020 and late 2024, including offenses under the health and safety code, business and professions code, and fish and game code.
The complaint stemmed from violations over four years, including MRC’s 2022 Thanksgiving Day release of spent catalyst that covered parts of Martinez in a white ash-like substance. Other major violations included illegal flaring, fires, leaking tanks, public nuisance-level odors in downtown Martinez, and releases of “coke dust” — a powdery oil refining byproduct — spreading beyond the refinery’s fence line onto neighboring properties. The violations are described in 163 notices of violation issued by the Air District.
This enforcement action does not include the February 1, 2025, fire at the MRC refinery. The Air District is addressing that incident through a separate enforcement action. (See related articles here and here)
District Attorney Diana Becton said, “The residents of Martinez deserve to feel safe in their communities. This civil action holds the Martinez Refining Company accountable for numerous violations, enforces compliance with the law, and reinforces our office’s dedication to protecting public health and safety through all available legal means, including civil action.”
Distribution of $10 Million Penalty
The $10 million penalty will be distributed as follows:
- $6.35 million to the Air District, most of which will be reinvested in beneficial projects in Martinez and the surrounding areas that were impacted by these violations under the Air District’s Community Benefits Penalty Funds Policy
- $3.5 million to the District Attorney’s Office Environmental Unit for enforcement efforts
- $100,000 to Contra Costa Health Services
- $50,000 to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
In addition to the $10 million penalty, MRC will also pay $600,000 in mitigation payments to fund supplemental environmental projects. These payments include:
- $450,000 for air filtration systems in public schools near the Martinez Refinery Company
- $100,000 to the Certified Unified Program Agency for environmental regulator scholarships
- $50,000 to Contra Costa County Fish and Game’s Community Propagation Fund to enhance the county’s fish and wildlife resources
Moreover, the judgment requires MRC to change how it operates its catalytic cracking unit to keep key emissions control equipment operational during startup and shutdown operations. The company is also required to install enhanced emissions monitoring systems on various other pieces of equipment.
“This enforcement action reflects significant air quality violations and makes clear that compliance with air quality laws is mandatory,” said Alexander Crockett, the Air District’s general counsel. “The penalty the Air District is collecting through this action will support local and regional projects that improve air quality and public health under our Community Benefits Policy. Strong enforcement ensures accountability while directing resources back to the communities most affected by pollution.”
The attorneys prosecuting the case include Deputy District Attorney Bryan Tierney; Assistant District Attorney Stacey Grassini; and Air District Assistant Counsel Brian Case.
MRC Responds
Asked if MRC had a response, Dominic Aliano, Community & Government Relations Manager for MRC, shared the following: “Martinez Refining Company (MRC) is pleased to announce the settlement of the joint civil enforcement action initiated by the Contra Costa County District Attorney (District Attorney) and the Bay Area Air District (Air District) in November 2023 involving multiple agencies, including the Air District, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Contra Costa County Health. The parties agreed to the settlement without trial or adjudication of facts or law, and MRC has made no admission of liability to any of the underlying allegations and/or claims. The settlement resolves all notices of violations issued by the Air District against MRC from February 1, 2020, to February 1, 2025, including those related to the November 2022 catalyst release, and the July 11 and October 6, 2023, coke dust releases, for total civil penalties of $6.35 million. (See related articles here, here, here, here and here)
“MRC will separately pay civil penalties of $100,000 to Contra Costa Health Services and $50,000 to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife for other notices of violations. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office will receive $3.5 million for its involvement in the action.
“MRC recognizes that we must earn the right to operate in Martinez and that we have a responsibility to be involved in and to give back to the Martinez community. We are committed to safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible operations and to being actively engaged locally. In resolving these matters, MRC included provisions directly for the benefit of the Martinez community. As a result:
- MRC is providing $450,000 to fund high-performance air filtration systems projects at public schools in the vicinity of the refinery. Allocation of the funds will be prioritized based on proximity of the applicant schools to the refinery. The District Attorney and MRC will be providing further information on how public schools located in the City of Martinez can apply to receive the funds.
- MRC is providing $50,000 to fund the Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee Propagation Fund to enhance the county’s fish and wildlife resources in the local community.
- MRC is providing $100,000 to the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) Forum Environmental Protection Trust Fund for scholarships to attend and participate in the annual California Unified Program Annual Training Conference and other trainings to benefit Contra Costa County local CUPAs.
“We thank our employees for their hard work and dedication to safe and reliable operations. We also thank the District Attorney and Air District for working constructively with us to resolve these matters.
“We look forward to continuing to safely manufacture products that fuel the economy and help make modern life possible.”
City of Martinez responds to Martinez Refining Company violations, penalties
Martinez, CA — The City of Martinez acknowledges the recent announcement by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and the Bay Area Air District of a $10 million civil penalty assessment on the Martinez Refining Company (MRC), owned by PBF Energy and located in unincorporated Contra Costa County, for violations occurring between 2020 and 2024. In total, 163 notices of violation are addressed by this penalty, including the November 2022 spent catalyst release incident.
Mayor Brianne Zorn noted the significance of this development, stating, “This action is a meaningful first step in addressing the impacts our community has experienced. We appreciate that resources will soon begin to reach Martinez and help protect some of the most vulnerable members of our community, our children. We will continue to follow the process closely as grant funds are made available through the District’s Community Benefits Fund to improve the health and safety of Martinez and our neighbors.”
As outlined in the announcement, the Air District will receive $6.35 million and intends to allocate most of this amount toward community-focused grants under its Community Benefits Penalty Funds Policy, with the intention of funding projects beneficial to residents of Martinez and other affected communities. The grant process for these specific funds is not yet available for applications, and more information about the process and eligibility will be provided by the Air District as the grant process is finalized.
In addition to the $10 million penalty, MRC will also pay $600,000 in mitigation payments to fund supplemental environmental projects, including $450,000 towards air filtration improvements in schools located near the refinery. This initial investment will provide a necessary tangible benefit to students and school faculty within our affected community.
Moreover, the judgment requires MRC to change how it operates its catalytic cracking unit, and the company is also required to install enhanced emissions-monitoring systems on various other pieces of equipment.
This enforcement action does not address incidents that occurred in 2025, including the February 1, 2025 fire incident at MRC. Those matters remain under separate review by the appropriate regulatory agencies. The City will continue to monitor those processes and appreciates the ongoing commitment of the District Attorney’s Office and the Air District to advocate for our community’s health, safety, and wellbeing.
Information Resources:
Bay Area Air District Community Investments Office – https://www.baaqmd.gov/en/community-health/community-investments-office
About the Air District
The Bay Area Air District (formerly the Bay Area Air Quality Management District) is the regional agency responsible for protecting air quality and the global climate in the nine-county Bay Area. Connect with the Air District via Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and on their website at www.baaqmd.gov.
About Martinez Refinery Company
According to the company’s LinkedIn profile, the Martinez plant was built in 1915 and refines gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. As the first continuously running refinery in the United States, Martinez is considered the ‘birthplace of the modern refining process’. In 2020, Martinez became part of the PBF Energy Family of Refineries has 560 employees, 250 contract partners and is owned by New Jersey-based PBF Energy. According to the parent company’s website, it “is one of the largest independent petroleum refiners and suppliers of unbranded transportation fuels, heating oil, petrochemical feedstocks, lubricants and other petroleum products in the United States.” For more information visit https://martinezrefiningcompany.com.
Case No. C-26-00490 | The People of the State of California v. Martinez Refining Company, LLC
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CCWD Division 2 Director John Burgh will step down after 22 years on March 31, 2026. Photo: CCWD
After representing Central County communities for 22 years on Board
“CCWD is on a solid path investing in the next generation of water service with a collaborative Board and innovative staff.” – Director Burgh
By Nicola McCluney, Management Assistant, Public Affairs, Contra Costa Water District
Concord – During the Board meeting on February 18, Contra Costa Water District’s Board Director, John A. Burgh, announced that after 22 years representing the community on water issues, he will step down from the Board effective March 31, 2026.
Director Burgh was appointed to the Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) Board of Directors in 2004. He represents Division 2, which includes Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Port Costa and a portion of Concord. During his 22-year tenure, he served on the Public Information & Conservation, Operations & Engineering, Finance and Retirement & OPEB Joint Advisory Committees.
Director Burgh’s 42-year professional career, working as an engineer on water and wastewater projects throughout the world, gave him a unique perspective joining the CCWD Board. His technical expertise translated to thoughtful policy decisions ensuring CCWD makes sound investments in critical infrastructure to the benefit of all customers, including future generations. While serving on the CCWD Board, his highest priorities have been transparency in spending public dollars, regional collaboration and smart infrastructure investments based on the best available data.
“It has been my honor to represent my neighbors on the CCWD Board for 22 years,” said Burgh. “This Board operates at the highest level of transparency and accountability. I have learned so much from each of my colleagues and always appreciated the respectful discussions, especially when we had differing points of view.”
When asked about his decision to step down from the board, Burgh responded, “While a tough decision, CCWD is on a solid path investing in the next generation of water service with a collaborative Board and innovative staff. For my own personal reasons, this felt like the right time for me to step down and provide an opening for the next generation of water policy leaders.”
According to his bio on the CCWD website, Burgh is a retired engineer who has worked on water and wastewater projects throughout the world. He has a total of 42 years of experience in the administration, project management and design of public works projects.
For the last 30 years of his career, he worked for an environmental engineering consulting firm, where he retired as vice president.
Burgh holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree in management from the University of New Mexico. He is a registered civil engineer in California and an Air Force veteran.
He is a past President of the Contra Costa County Historical Society. A resident of Concord for over 35 years, he is a member of the Pleasant Hill Rotary Club and is a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels, delivering meals to shut-in senior citizens in the area.
Director Burgh’s last day is March 31, and the Board will need to decide to fill the vacancy for Division 2 by appointment or election.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Video screenshots including from a helicopter infrared camera and police body cam footage show Walnut Creek auto burglary suspects, fleeing car during police chase on the Hwy 13 onramp in Oakland, hunt and apprehension on Jan. 31, 2026. Source: Walnut Creek PD
Connected to other auto burglaries; ground and air assist from Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, CHP
By Walnut Creek Police Department
In the early morning hours of January 31, 2026, Walnut Creek Police officers responded to a report of a vehicle burglary in a residential neighborhood.
Shortly after the initial call, officers observed a vehicle leaving the area at a high rate of speed. A pursuit was initiated and continued until the vehicle became disabled on Highway 13 in Oakland. Several individuals fled from the vehicle as ground and air resources from Walnut Creek Police, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Highway Patrol assisted with a coordinated search of the area.
During the investigation, officers determined the group was connected to additional vehicle burglaries occurring within a similar timeframe.
In total, four suspects were located and taken into custody. One adult was arrested on multiple charges related to vehicle burglary, possession of stolen property, evading, conspiracy, and resisting. Additional involved individuals were identified and released to responsible parties in accordance with department policy.
See video of auto burglary, chase and arrests.
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Jarmaya Tillman of Antioch (left) and Allen Charles Benjamin Foster of Oakland (right) were arrested for bank robbery on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. Photos: CCC Sheriff’s Office
From Antioch and Oakland, each with history of arrests
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at about 1:01 PM, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office Valley Station deputy sheriffs responded to a report of a robbery at a bank on the 3100 block of Danville Boulevard in Alamo.
The suspect and vehicle descriptions were broadcast to area law enforcement agencies. Danville police were able to identify a license plate associated with the suspect vehicle and began searching for it.
Lafayette police officers also began searching for the suspect vehicle in the downtown area and witnessed an attempted robbery outside a bank on the 3600 block of Mt. Diablo Blvd. The suspect ran to a waiting vehicle, which fled toward Lafayette Circle. Lafayette police later located the unoccupied car parked on Lafayette Circle.
A replica firearm found in one of the suspects’ backpacks. Photo: CCC Sheriff’s Office
Lafayette police were able to detain two suspects near East Street and determine they were the suspects in the Lafayette attempted robbery and the Alamo robbery. A search of the suspect’s backpack found a replica Glock firearm. Another police department in the area is investigating a similar incident just prior to the Alamo robbery.
Jarmaya Tillman, 23-years-old from Antioch (born 4/13/2002) and 20-year-old Allen Charles Benjamin Foster of Oakland (born 3/28/2005), were arrested for robbery, attempted robbery and two counts of conspiracy.
Both suspects were booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.
Tillman is being held in lieu of $200,000 bail, while Foster’s bail is set at $150,000.
During the search for the suspects, Valley Station deputy sheriffs and Lafayette police were assisted by Danville PD, Orinda PD, Moraga PD and Concord PD.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Tillman is five-feet, 11-inches tall and 160-pounds and Foster is five-feet, 10-inches tall and 195-pounds.
According to localcrimenews.com, Tillman is Black and while an Oakland resident was arrested three times in 2020 and 2021 for burglary, with one arrest including charges for minor in possession of live ammunition and minor shall not be in possession of any concealed firearm.
Foster is Black and this is his ninth arrest since 2023 by five other agencies for crimes including multiple counts of vehicle theft, grand theft, robbery, receiving stolen property and gun charges.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Nationwide breakfast giveaway available exclusively to all Chick-fil-A One Members
(ATLANTA) – Chick-fil-A® is rolling out a nationwide giveaway guaranteed to make cold, winter mornings a little brighter. From now through Saturday, Feb. 28 during breakfast hours, Chick-fil-A One® Members can claim a FREE Chick-fil-A® Chicken Biscuit* through the Chick-fil-A App, no purchase necessary.
“We love finding ways to surprise and delight our guests, especially during this years’ ‘Newstalgia’ celebration in honor of 80 years,” said Khalilah Cooper, vice president of brand strategy, advertising & media. “What better way to celebrate than by giving a breakfast classic to our Chick-fil-A One® Members? It’s our small way of thanking guests for being part of our story, then and now.”
The Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit is a breakfast classic, featuring a boneless breast of chicken, seasoned to perfection, hand-breaded and served on a buttermilk biscuit baked fresh daily at each restaurant. The breakfast entreé debuted in 1986, coinciding with the launch of the brand’s first ever standalone restaurant.
For nearly four decades, Chick-fil-A has offered Guests a variety of delicious ways to start their morning. From the classic Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit to lighter options like the Egg White Grill and heartier favorites like the Hash Brown Scramble Burrito with Jalapeño Salsa, breakfast remains a favorite time of day for Guests of all ages.
Throughout 2026 Chick-fil-A is delivering a year of ‘Newstalgia’, celebrating its 80-year heritage of quality, service and care. The campaign serves up beloved classics and fresh new twists, fun Guest experiences and moments of surprise and delight, from the new Frosted Sodas and Floats to Classic Cups and all-new, retro packaging.
Guests can download the Chick-fil-A App through their phone’s App Store or by visiting
Chick-fil-A.com/one. For more on our menu and information about Chick-fil-A’s food, people and Guests across the country, visit chick-fil-a.com.
*The breakfast reward can be redeemed during breakfast hours, from restaurant open until 10:30 a.m., while supplies last, and is limited to one reward per person, per Chick-fil-A One® account.
About Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Chick-fil-A, Inc. is the third largest quick-service restaurant company in the United States, known for its freshly-prepared food, signature hospitality and unique franchise model. More than 200,000 Team Members are employed by local Owner-Operators in more than 3,000 restaurants across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom and Singapore.
Chick-fil-A local Owner-Operators live and work in the communities their restaurants serve, each supporting local efforts and making a positive impact. Chick-fil-A gives back through programs including the Chick-fil-A Shared Table® Program, True Inspiration Awards and Scholarships. The family-owned and privately held company got its start in 1946, founded by S. Truett Cathy. More information on Chick-fil-A is available at www.chick-fil-a.com and Chick-fil-A Press Room.
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I share this letter with your readers and hope for three things as a result. One, that children who are physically abused at school report the teacher to their parents so that this teacher is somehow reprimanded and corrected by the school principal. Two, that school teachers find peaceful and rational ways to do classroom management. If they cannot do this, they should find another occupation. And three, that Education Departments at colleges and universities teach orderly, rational classroom management skills. This is not “discipline”. It is how to set up orderly procedures in one’s classroom so that the students know what to do, and want to do it.
This letter is an apology, a confession and also, will hopefully help young schoolchildren and teachers in Richmond public schools. Maybe some Richmond adults who knew me when I taught school there, will read this and remember.
In the late 1960s I taught fourth grade at a school in Richmond. It was the first job I had since getting my Teaching Credential at San Francisco State. My professional goal was to share my own excellent education with school children, so that they, too, would love learning.
I have since learned that some people are “natural” teachers in public school classes. I am not one of those people. I teach very well, in a one-on-one setting, such as pull-out remedial programs, or, as I later did for 20 years, as an independent music teacher entrepreneur. I have taught hundreds of music students, in a loving and fun way.
The school I taught at in Richmond was considered to be in a rough neighborhood. It was an all-Black school. Teachers were Blacks and Whites. I am White. Many of the teachers there had “trouble controlling” their class. My coursework at San Francisco State did not teach classroom management, which is what natural school teachers seem to know how to do.
The two “worst classes” at the school I taught at were a second-grade class, and my own fourth grade class.
I was terrified, every day. I loved the children when I knew them individually before, after and during lunch breaks at school. But when the whole class was together, I was emotionally unprepared.
Children at that school got into physical fights almost constantly at school. This was boys, and also girls, who fought. On the playground, if there was a fight, hundreds of students ran over to watch and cheer. In my classroom, fights started, too.
The teacher next door to my classroom was a young black man. His class was perfectly behaved. I wanted to know how he did that. His advice to me was, “Hit some kid who hasn’t done anything wrong. That shows the other kids you are not playing favorites.”
There was probably only one child in my class who “hadn’t done anything wrong.” He was a black child and had a physical disability. I hit him!
Less than two weeks later, a boy and a girl in my classroom — two of my favorite students — got into a fist fight — dashing each other across the classroom. I walked out the door and never went back to that school. I resigned.
For my entire life, I have carried tremendous guilt and sorrow about hitting that young boy. I had wished I knew how to find him, to confess my cruelty and try to do something to make amends to him. This, of course, was not possible for me to do, or perhaps I was just too immature to know how to figure that out at the time.
Marian Drake, Ed.M.
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Sacramento DA’s new book offers first insider account
Includes details from one of Contra Costa County’s darkest chapters
By Angelle Barbazon, Lead Publicist, Books Forward
SACRAMENTO – In “The People vs. the Golden State Killer” (Third State Books), Thien Ho, the current District Attorney of Sacramento County, delivers the first official account of the investigation, capture and prosecution of Joseph James DeAngelo, Jr., one of California’s and America’s most notorious serial predators. Known by many chilling names over the years, including the East Area Rapist, the Original Nightstalker, the Visalia Ransacker and finally the Golden State Killer, DeAngelo terrorized California communities for over a decade – and then disappeared without a trace for more than 30 years.
After more than 40 years of fear and unanswered questions, it was Thien who finally secured DeAngelo’s life sentence. Now, for the first time, Thien is pulling back the curtain in “The People vs. the Golden State Killer”. The book includes never-before-heard survivor testimony, chilling details of DeAngelo’s deception and behind-the-scenes insights from the investigators who refused to let him escape justice.
The book covers one of Contra Costa County’s darkest chapters. DeAngelo’s crimes included more than 120 burglaries, over 50 rapes and 13 murders across six counties, with Contra Costa residents among the victims he terrorized for decades. All the while, he lived in plain sight as a cop, a husband and even a neighbor, hiding in the very communities he stalked. (See related Herald articles here and here).
Joseph James DeAngelo, Jr. pleads guilty during his hearing on Monday, June 29, 2020. Screenshot of YouTube video. 2018 arrest photo. Source: Sacramento County Sheriff.
As the lead prosecutor on the case, Ho recounts the exhilarating and harrowing experience of bringing a cold-case killer to justice and putting him behind bars for life. Rather than focusing solely on the criminal and the crimes, Ho’s narrative centers the dedicated law-enforcement teams who never gave up their pursuit of the GSK; and the courageous survivors of his crimes who fought to heal and regain control of their lives. “The People vs. the Golden State Killer” includes hundreds of never-before-revealed details and firsthand insights. Unlike previous accounts, this is the first time the public hears directly from the lead prosecutor who helped close the case. The book also features the authorized voices of survivors who turned their trauma into powerful advocacy.
A portion of the book’s proceeds will benefit Phyllis’s Garden, a nonprofit that honors a GSK survivor and champions victims’ rights.
Ho also recounts his equally compelling personal story: a Vietnamese refugee whose family fled Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War, he arrived in the United States knowing no English. He rose from being an intern to being elected Sacramento County District Attorney in 2022, becoming one of only 10 Asian American district attorneys out of 2,400 nationwide. He brings both legal authority and emotional truth to a case that gripped the country and the world.
About the Author
Thien Ho is the author of “The People vs. The Golden State Killer.” He was elected District Attorney of Sacramento County in 2022 and took office in 2023. Over a 25-year legal career, he has prosecuted hundreds of high-profile sexual assault, gang, and homicide cases and served as supervisor of the Gang and Hate Crime Unit. In 2017, he received Prosecutor of the Year honors from both the National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Association and the Sacramento DA’s Office. He is best known for successfully prosecuting Joseph DeAngelo, a.k.a. the Golden State Killer.
What Others Are Saying
“Ho’s careful, well-written account chronicles [how] DeAngelo was brought to justice. . . . A disturbing real-world procedural about ‘the bogeyman who couldn’t be found—until we found him.’” – Kirkus Reviews
“A worthwhile account of a well-covered case . . . Most affecting are Ho’s interviews with DeAngelo’s surviving victims, who starkly recount their kidnappings and assaults. The autobiographical sections in which Ho discusses his path from Vietnamese war refugee to Northern California prosecutor are inspiring.” – Publishers Weekly
“Sacramento DA Thien Ho is a tenacious prosecutor who played a crucial role in putting the Golden State Killer in prison for life. ‘The People vs. the Golden State Killer’ is a riveting behind-the-scenes account about the investigation, capture, and prosecution of Joseph DeAngelo.” – Paul Holes, bestselling author of “Unmasked”
An Interview with Thien Ho
You explore Joseph DeAngelo’s backstory and early signs of violence. How did that psychological profile affect the way you viewed him?
His early behavior showed a clear escalation … voyeurism, theft, then rape and murder. It was a classic profile of a predator who felt entitled to power and control. Understanding that helped us anticipate his behavior and build a stronger case. But it also underscored how many warning signs were missed. That made our pursuit of justice all the more urgent. We could not change the past, but we could make sure he never hurt anyone again.
He led a split life – a police officer by day, predator by night. What did you learn about how he managed to keep that double identity hidden for so long, even from his family?
DeAngelo was meticulous. He compartmentalized his life with surgical precision. He was not impulsive, he planned, he stalked, he adapted. That is how he avoided capture for so long. It was chilling to realize that someone could commit such evil while maintaining the appearance of normalcy. But evil does not always look like a monster. Sometimes it looks like your neighbor.
DeAngelo’s behavior during the interrogation was chilling. He tried to fake insanity and even hurt himself after the arrest. At what point did you and your team stop seeing these actions as confusion or remorse, and start seeing them as strategy?
Very early on. We saw through the act. He whispered to himself in the interrogation room, trying to create this narrative of mental instability, but the timing and the manner were too deliberate. It was not remorse, it was manipulation. He had eluded capture for decades using deception. This was just another tactic. But this time, it did not work.
DeAngelo tried to appear weak and frail in court. How did that version of him compare to the man you knew he really was behind the scenes?
It was an act, a carefully staged performance. In reality, DeAngelo was calculating, manipulative, and far more aware than he pretended to be. I had seen the evidence, the way he moved, how he covered his tracks. He wanted the world to see a broken old man. But we knew better. The survivors knew better. And the truth won.
At one point, you made a rare promise to a survivor that you would get her justice. What made you make that promise, and did it stay with you during the case?
She had waited decades to be believed, and when she looked me in the eye and asked if this time would be different, I knew I could not let her down. I promised I would fight for her like she was my own family. That promise was with me every day of the case. It guided every decision, every argument, every late night. And when justice came, I thought of her first.
Unlike most books and documentaries that focus on the killer, your book centers the survivors and the people who brought him to justice. Why was that shift so important to you, and how did you approach telling such personal, painful stories with care?
Too often, the spotlight stays on the monster. I wanted to shift the focus to the heroes; the survivors, the investigators, and the prosecutors who never gave up. These are people who found the courage to speak, to remember, and to fight back. I approached their stories with the same care I brought to court … listen deeply, tell the truth, and honor their humanity. They are the soul of this case.
Hearing survivor impact statements must have been an incredibly powerful moment. Was there one that especially stayed with you?
Every single statement hit me hard, but one survivor, someone who had never spoken publicly before, looked DeAngelo in the eye and told him she was no longer afraid. That moment stuck with me. Her strength, after everything she endured, reminded me why we fight so hard for justice. It was not just about locking him up, it was about restoring power to those he tried to destroy.
Now that DeAngelo is behind bars for life, what can you share about his life in prison?
What I can say is this, DeAngelo lives in a prison cell, just as he once trapped his victims in fear. He is no longer in control. He no longer gets to hide behind a mask of normalcy. And he will never walk free again. That is the justice system doing its job, and it will do so until his last breath.
Are there any unanswered questions or unresolved pieces of this case that still weigh on you?
There are always questions that linger in a case like this. Some of DeAngelo’s crimes remain unconfirmed or unsolved, and I suspect there may be victims we still do not know about. We did everything in our power to connect the dots, but the passage of time erases evidence, and sadly, sometimes, voices. I carry the weight of what we could not prove alongside the pride of what we did.
After years of work, what did “justice” look like for you – not just legally, but personally and emotionally – when this case finally concluded?
Justice, for me, was not just a sentence; it was a sense of peace for the survivors who carried these scars for decades. Seeing DeAngelo wheeled into court, forced to hear the voices of the people he tried to silence, was powerful. But it was also deeply personal. I came to this country as a refugee fleeing violence. To now serve as the elected District Attorney and bring one of the nation’s most brutal serial predators to justice was full circle. It meant something bigger than any verdict.
What justice means to him
Bringing DeAngelo to justice was not only a legal victory. It was a personal, full-circle moment that symbolized hope and accountability.
“The People vs. The Golden State Killer”
Thien Ho | Nov. 11, 2025 | Third State Books | Nonfiction / True Crime
Hardcover | 979-8890130358 | $29.95
Available on Amazon.com at The People vs. the Golden State Killer: Ho, Thien
Read MoreSource: Santa Clara County DA’s Office
Including 7 traffickers in Contra Costa County; CCDA, Pittsburg PD participate
By Lt. Joshua Singleton, Task Force Commander, Human Trafficking Task Force, Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office
Days after the Super Bowl, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Task Force reported its own statistics: numbers that showed enhanced investigations resulted in the arrests of 29 traffickers and the recovery of 73 sex trafficking victims, including 10 minors. One of the victims, who was being trafficked in Oakland, was 12 years old.
Law enforcement operations were held throughout 11 Bay Area counties during the lead up to one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Similar enforcement is being prepared for the deluge of fans coming to see the 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament games at Levi’s Stadium between June 13 and July 1.
Santa Clara District Attorney Jeff Rosen said: “Beyond football, the Super Bowl was a triumph of Bay Area law enforcement planning, organization, cooperation, and safety. Human trafficking is not a game, it’s a tragedy. However, our team was very successful. Close to 70 agencies effectively discouraged traffickers from exploiting the game and victims. For traffickers that still came to the game from all over the world with bad intentions, many ended up behind bars.”
The HTTF helped organize the efforts of 67 law enforcement agencies from Sacramento to Monterey.
For two weeks before the big game, the Task Force set up a command center in Sunnyvale populated with more than 20 analysts from various agencies, such as the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, the DA’s Crime Strategies Unit, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, Pittsburg Police Department, federal agencies and partners from community-based organizations such as In Our Backyard, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The analysts worked on tips in real time and worked alongside agents in the field to do investigations and make arrests. Operations that often take weeks took minutes in the enhanced Human Trafficking Tactical Operations Center.
Launching almost 40 operations, investigators recovered 20 victims from San Mateo County alone. Seven traffickers were arrested in Contra Costa County; six in Monterey and Solano counties. In Santa Clara County, seven victims were recovered, two traffickers arrested and a firearm was seized.
View the In Our Backyard 2026 Super Bowl Report.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Sacramento, Calif. – The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) encourages seniors to be aware of real estate and mortgage fraud targeting older adults. Scammers increasingly target seniors with real estate and mortgage-related deception, exploiting their trust and financial vulnerability.
The following tips aim to help Californians safeguard themselves before harm is done, as well as how to report this type of fraud.
Fraud Avoidance Tips
- Be vigilant, diligent, and suspicious, and proceed very cautiously, when contacted by strangers.
- Use only licensed professionals when engaging the services of people or companies offering rental, home loan, foreclosure rescue, or other real estate services on your behalf. Check licensing at dre.ca.gov and dfpi.ca.gov.
- Never pay in cash, or wire cash to anyone, in connection with real estate transactions; Also, be certain to protect your personal information, such as social security number, so scammers cannot steal your identity.
- Never pay anyone for home loans or foreclosure relief services in advance of successfully completing the work you wanted them to do for you.
- Never sign an agreement for a real estate transaction (including a Rental) or a home loan that you cannot afford.
- Never sign a real estate (including Rental) or home loan agreement that you do not understand or have not read, or which contains blank spaces.
- Anyone (including scammers without an appropriate or legitimate California license) can advertise on television or radio, in newspapers, magazines or on the Internet.
- Just because someone looks professional, sounds like an expert, and/or gives you confidence in their real estate knowledge, does not mean that you can or should trust them.
- Never transfer or sign your home over to any third party or anyone else who claims that such a transfer can or will help you repair your credit or keep you in your home. Also, never sign a “power of attorney” giving rights to your property or money to any individual – or any company – you do not personally know and trust.
- Monitor and periodically check the title to your real estate holdings, just like you check your credit reports; and act immediately if you detect fraud.
- If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Current Types of Real Estate Fraud
Foreclosure Rescue Schemes
Scammers promise to save a homeowner’s property from foreclosure in exchange for fees or title transfer. Victims often lose both their homes and money when no real help is provided.
Unlicensed Prepaid Rental Listing Services Fraud
Scammers offer rental property lists for a fee without proper licensing. Victims often pay upfront but receive outdated or nonexistent listings, leaving them without a rental and no recourse.
Timeshare Resale and Rental Schemes
Fraudsters promise to sell or rent timeshares for a fee but either fail to deliver, exaggerate property value, or sell nonexistent interests, exploiting owners’ desire to liquidate or monetize their timeshare.
Online Rental Fraud
Scammers advertise fake rental properties online, often requesting deposits or personal information before disappearing, targeting people searching for homes or vacation rentals.
Unlicensed Property Managers
Individuals manage rental properties without the necessary real estate license, potentially leading to mismanagement, legal issues, or financial loss for property owners and tenants.
Real Property Recordation Fraud
Fraudsters forge or falsify deeds and record them against properties without the owner’s consent, potentially leading to disputes over property ownership.
Real Property Investment Schemes
Scammers promote high-return real estate investments that are either nonexistent or misrepresented, leading to financial losses for investors.
Reverse Mortgage Scams
Fraudulent schemes target seniors, offering reverse mortgages with misleading terms or fees, potentially leading to loss of home equity or foreclosure.
Vacant Land Scams
Scammers or bad actors posing as owners of vacant land and contact real estate agents for their assistance to sell a property they do not own.
How Consumers Can Report Suspected Fraud
If you believe you have been a victim of a mortgage crime or have a concern or complaint about a real estate salesperson or broker, you can file a complaint with DRE: https://dre.ca.gov/Consumers/FileComplaint.html
ABOUT DRE
The Department of Real Estate is the regulatory agency that enforces the Real Estate Law, Subdivided Lands Law, and Vacation Ownership and Timeshare Act. DRE oversees the licensure of approximately 434,000 licensees. The Department’s mission is to safeguard and promote the public interests in real estate matters through licensure, regulation, education, and enforcement. Consumer protection is its highest priority. For more information, visit: www.dre.ca.gov.
Read More54-year-old Raymond Edward Smith held on $1.385 million bail
Began as restraining order violation
By Allen D. Payton
An Oakley man charged with attempted murder for shooting at a Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputy during an hours-long stand-off last month, was transferred from a hospital to jail on Wednesday, Feb. 18th, according to CrimeVoice.com. Raymond Edward Smith, 54-years-old (born 12/6/1971), was arrested following a self-inflicted gunshot.
As previously reported, on Monday, January 12, 2026, at about 10:50 AM, a deputy sheriff was dispatched to a call regarding a violation of a restraining order. A deputy conducted a traffic enforcement stop after locating the suspect vehicle on the 4300 block of Gold Run Drive in Oakley. Almost immediately after the stop, the driver came out of the vehicle and fired several shots at the deputy. The deputy was not struck and was able to return gunfire.
The suspect fled on foot in the neighborhood. During the search for the suspect, the Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Oakley Police Department, California Highway Patrol, East Bay Regional Park Police, Brentwood Police Department, and Antioch Police Department. The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, Hostage Negotiation Team, Drone Unit and a police K-9 also responded. The suspect was found barricaded at his home in the 2700 block of Placer Drive in Oakley.
After several hours of attempting to communicate with the suspect, the SWAT team armored vehicle approached the residence. A gunshot was heard. The suspect apparently tried to take his own life. Medical personnel, who were on scene, immediately implemented life-saving measures. Smith was transported to a local hospital.
According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, one-inch tall, 200-pound Smith is Hispanic and being held in the Martinez Detention Facility and his bail was set at $1,385,000. UPDATE: However, according to Sheriff’s Office Director of Public Affairs Jimmy Lee, Smith is being held on no bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 26th at 1:30 p.m. in Martinez Superior Court Department 5.
Also, according to CrimeVoice.com, his “bond amount is a cumulative total and involves three other cases filed against Smith for prior unrelated offenses.
- $1.25 million for attempted murder of peace officer, and assault with a firearm
- $100,000 for violation of a domestic violence restraining order
- $25,000 for an outstanding warrant related to package thefts
- $10,000 for additional misdemeanor warrants
“One of Smith’s other pending cases involves second-degree burglary in Discovery Bay. Smith is
accused of stealing packages from porches last year in December.”
According to localcrimenews.com, Smith was also arrested in December 2013 by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department for assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily harm and in May 2024 by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department for Warrants or Holds Only.
Read MoreContra Costa DA Diana Becton is joined by Deputy District Attorney Brian Tierney and Bay Area Air District General Counsel Alexander Crockett during a press conference on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. Photo courtesy of Supervisor John Gioia, Contra Costa County’s representative on the Air District Board.
For violations between 2020 and 2024, doesn’t include Feb. 2025 fire; will benefit multiple agencies
“We are committed to safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible operations and to being actively engaged locally.” – from MRC statement
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
Martinez, California – A joint prosecution by the Contra Costa District Attorney and Bay Area Air District has resulted in a $10 million penalty against Martinez Refining Company (MRC), along with compliance improvements at its Martinez refinery, and $600,000 in mitigation payments for supplemental environmental projects.
Judge Benjamin T. Reyes, II signed the final judgment on February 18th, 2026. The case involved a number of violations that occurred at MRC’s refinery located at 3495 Pacheco Boulevard in the City of Martinez and unincorporated Contra Costa County between early 2020 and late 2024, including offenses under the health and safety code, business and professions code, and fish and game code.
The complaint stemmed from violations over four years, including MRC’s 2022 Thanksgiving Day release of spent catalyst that covered parts of Martinez in a white ash-like substance. Other major violations included illegal flaring, fires, leaking tanks, public nuisance-level odors in downtown Martinez, and releases of “coke dust” — a powdery oil refining byproduct — spreading beyond the refinery’s fence line onto neighboring properties. The violations are described in 163 notices of violation issued by the Air District.
This enforcement action does not include the February 1, 2025, fire at the MRC refinery. The Air District is addressing that incident through a separate enforcement action. (See related articles here and here)
District Attorney Diana Becton said, “The residents of Martinez deserve to feel safe in their communities. This civil action holds the Martinez Refining Company accountable for numerous violations, enforces compliance with the law, and reinforces our office’s dedication to protecting public health and safety through all available legal means, including civil action.”
Distribution of $10 Million Penalty
The $10 million penalty will be distributed as follows:
- $6.35 million to the Air District, most of which will be reinvested in beneficial projects in Martinez and the surrounding areas that were impacted by these violations under the Air District’s Community Benefits Penalty Funds Policy
- $3.5 million to the District Attorney’s Office Environmental Unit for enforcement efforts
- $100,000 to Contra Costa Health Services
- $50,000 to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
In addition to the $10 million penalty, MRC will also pay $600,000 in mitigation payments to fund supplemental environmental projects. These payments include:
- $450,000 for air filtration systems in public schools near the Martinez Refinery Company
- $100,000 to the Certified Unified Program Agency for environmental regulator scholarships
- $50,000 to Contra Costa County Fish and Game’s Community Propagation Fund to enhance the county’s fish and wildlife resources
Moreover, the judgment requires MRC to change how it operates its catalytic cracking unit to keep key emissions control equipment operational during startup and shutdown operations. The company is also required to install enhanced emissions monitoring systems on various other pieces of equipment.
“This enforcement action reflects significant air quality violations and makes clear that compliance with air quality laws is mandatory,” said Alexander Crockett, the Air District’s general counsel. “The penalty the Air District is collecting through this action will support local and regional projects that improve air quality and public health under our Community Benefits Policy. Strong enforcement ensures accountability while directing resources back to the communities most affected by pollution.”
The attorneys prosecuting the case include Deputy District Attorney Bryan Tierney; Assistant District Attorney Stacey Grassini; and Air District Assistant Counsel Brian Case.
MRC Responds
Asked if MRC had a response, Dominic Aliano, Community & Government Relations Manager for MRC, shared the following: “Martinez Refining Company (MRC) is pleased to announce the settlement of the joint civil enforcement action initiated by the Contra Costa County District Attorney (District Attorney) and the Bay Area Air District (Air District) in November 2023 involving multiple agencies, including the Air District, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Contra Costa County Health. The parties agreed to the settlement without trial or adjudication of facts or law, and MRC has made no admission of liability to any of the underlying allegations and/or claims. The settlement resolves all notices of violations issued by the Air District against MRC from February 1, 2020, to February 1, 2025, including those related to the November 2022 catalyst release, and the July 11 and October 6, 2023, coke dust releases, for total civil penalties of $6.35 million. (See related articles here, here, here, here and here)
“MRC will separately pay civil penalties of $100,000 to Contra Costa Health Services and $50,000 to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife for other notices of violations. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office will receive $3.5 million for its involvement in the action.
“MRC recognizes that we must earn the right to operate in Martinez and that we have a responsibility to be involved in and to give back to the Martinez community. We are committed to safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible operations and to being actively engaged locally. In resolving these matters, MRC included provisions directly for the benefit of the Martinez community. As a result:
- MRC is providing $450,000 to fund high-performance air filtration systems projects at public schools in the vicinity of the refinery. Allocation of the funds will be prioritized based on proximity of the applicant schools to the refinery. The District Attorney and MRC will be providing further information on how public schools located in the City of Martinez can apply to receive the funds.
- MRC is providing $50,000 to fund the Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee Propagation Fund to enhance the county’s fish and wildlife resources in the local community.
- MRC is providing $100,000 to the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) Forum Environmental Protection Trust Fund for scholarships to attend and participate in the annual California Unified Program Annual Training Conference and other trainings to benefit Contra Costa County local CUPAs.
“We thank our employees for their hard work and dedication to safe and reliable operations. We also thank the District Attorney and Air District for working constructively with us to resolve these matters.
“We look forward to continuing to safely manufacture products that fuel the economy and help make modern life possible.”
City of Martinez responds to Martinez Refining Company violations, penalties
Martinez, CA — The City of Martinez acknowledges the recent announcement by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and the Bay Area Air District of a $10 million civil penalty assessment on the Martinez Refining Company (MRC), owned by PBF Energy and located in unincorporated Contra Costa County, for violations occurring between 2020 and 2024. In total, 163 notices of violation are addressed by this penalty, including the November 2022 spent catalyst release incident.
Mayor Brianne Zorn noted the significance of this development, stating, “This action is a meaningful first step in addressing the impacts our community has experienced. We appreciate that resources will soon begin to reach Martinez and help protect some of the most vulnerable members of our community, our children. We will continue to follow the process closely as grant funds are made available through the District’s Community Benefits Fund to improve the health and safety of Martinez and our neighbors.”
As outlined in the announcement, the Air District will receive $6.35 million and intends to allocate most of this amount toward community-focused grants under its Community Benefits Penalty Funds Policy, with the intention of funding projects beneficial to residents of Martinez and other affected communities. The grant process for these specific funds is not yet available for applications, and more information about the process and eligibility will be provided by the Air District as the grant process is finalized.
In addition to the $10 million penalty, MRC will also pay $600,000 in mitigation payments to fund supplemental environmental projects, including $450,000 towards air filtration improvements in schools located near the refinery. This initial investment will provide a necessary tangible benefit to students and school faculty within our affected community.
Moreover, the judgment requires MRC to change how it operates its catalytic cracking unit, and the company is also required to install enhanced emissions-monitoring systems on various other pieces of equipment.
This enforcement action does not address incidents that occurred in 2025, including the February 1, 2025 fire incident at MRC. Those matters remain under separate review by the appropriate regulatory agencies. The City will continue to monitor those processes and appreciates the ongoing commitment of the District Attorney’s Office and the Air District to advocate for our community’s health, safety, and wellbeing.
Information Resources:
Bay Area Air District Community Investments Office – https://www.baaqmd.gov/en/community-health/community-investments-office
About the Air District
The Bay Area Air District (formerly the Bay Area Air Quality Management District) is the regional agency responsible for protecting air quality and the global climate in the nine-county Bay Area. Connect with the Air District via Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and on their website at www.baaqmd.gov.
About Martinez Refinery Company
According to the company’s LinkedIn profile, the Martinez plant was built in 1915 and refines gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. As the first continuously running refinery in the United States, Martinez is considered the ‘birthplace of the modern refining process’. In 2020, Martinez became part of the PBF Energy Family of Refineries has 560 employees, 250 contract partners and is owned by New Jersey-based PBF Energy. According to the parent company’s website, it “is one of the largest independent petroleum refiners and suppliers of unbranded transportation fuels, heating oil, petrochemical feedstocks, lubricants and other petroleum products in the United States.” For more information visit https://martinezrefiningcompany.com.
Case No. C-26-00490 | The People of the State of California v. Martinez Refining Company, LLC
Read MoreCCWD Division 2 Director John Burgh will step down after 22 years on March 31, 2026. Photo: CCWD
After representing Central County communities for 22 years on Board
“CCWD is on a solid path investing in the next generation of water service with a collaborative Board and innovative staff.” – Director Burgh
By Nicola McCluney, Management Assistant, Public Affairs, Contra Costa Water District
Concord – During the Board meeting on February 18, Contra Costa Water District’s Board Director, John A. Burgh, announced that after 22 years representing the community on water issues, he will step down from the Board effective March 31, 2026.
Director Burgh was appointed to the Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) Board of Directors in 2004. He represents Division 2, which includes Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Port Costa and a portion of Concord. During his 22-year tenure, he served on the Public Information & Conservation, Operations & Engineering, Finance and Retirement & OPEB Joint Advisory Committees.
Director Burgh’s 42-year professional career, working as an engineer on water and wastewater projects throughout the world, gave him a unique perspective joining the CCWD Board. His technical expertise translated to thoughtful policy decisions ensuring CCWD makes sound investments in critical infrastructure to the benefit of all customers, including future generations. While serving on the CCWD Board, his highest priorities have been transparency in spending public dollars, regional collaboration and smart infrastructure investments based on the best available data.
“It has been my honor to represent my neighbors on the CCWD Board for 22 years,” said Burgh. “This Board operates at the highest level of transparency and accountability. I have learned so much from each of my colleagues and always appreciated the respectful discussions, especially when we had differing points of view.”
When asked about his decision to step down from the board, Burgh responded, “While a tough decision, CCWD is on a solid path investing in the next generation of water service with a collaborative Board and innovative staff. For my own personal reasons, this felt like the right time for me to step down and provide an opening for the next generation of water policy leaders.”
According to his bio on the CCWD website, Burgh is a retired engineer who has worked on water and wastewater projects throughout the world. He has a total of 42 years of experience in the administration, project management and design of public works projects.
For the last 30 years of his career, he worked for an environmental engineering consulting firm, where he retired as vice president.
Burgh holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree in management from the University of New Mexico. He is a registered civil engineer in California and an Air Force veteran.
He is a past President of the Contra Costa County Historical Society. A resident of Concord for over 35 years, he is a member of the Pleasant Hill Rotary Club and is a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels, delivering meals to shut-in senior citizens in the area.
Director Burgh’s last day is March 31, and the Board will need to decide to fill the vacancy for Division 2 by appointment or election.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreVideo screenshots including from a helicopter infrared camera and police body cam footage show Walnut Creek auto burglary suspects, fleeing car during police chase on the Hwy 13 onramp in Oakland, hunt and apprehension on Jan. 31, 2026. Source: Walnut Creek PD
Connected to other auto burglaries; ground and air assist from Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, CHP
By Walnut Creek Police Department
In the early morning hours of January 31, 2026, Walnut Creek Police officers responded to a report of a vehicle burglary in a residential neighborhood.
Shortly after the initial call, officers observed a vehicle leaving the area at a high rate of speed. A pursuit was initiated and continued until the vehicle became disabled on Highway 13 in Oakland. Several individuals fled from the vehicle as ground and air resources from Walnut Creek Police, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Highway Patrol assisted with a coordinated search of the area.
During the investigation, officers determined the group was connected to additional vehicle burglaries occurring within a similar timeframe.
In total, four suspects were located and taken into custody. One adult was arrested on multiple charges related to vehicle burglary, possession of stolen property, evading, conspiracy, and resisting. Additional involved individuals were identified and released to responsible parties in accordance with department policy.
See video of auto burglary, chase and arrests.
Read MoreJarmaya Tillman of Antioch (left) and Allen Charles Benjamin Foster of Oakland (right) were arrested for bank robbery on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. Photos: CCC Sheriff’s Office
From Antioch and Oakland, each with history of arrests
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at about 1:01 PM, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office Valley Station deputy sheriffs responded to a report of a robbery at a bank on the 3100 block of Danville Boulevard in Alamo.
The suspect and vehicle descriptions were broadcast to area law enforcement agencies. Danville police were able to identify a license plate associated with the suspect vehicle and began searching for it.
Lafayette police officers also began searching for the suspect vehicle in the downtown area and witnessed an attempted robbery outside a bank on the 3600 block of Mt. Diablo Blvd. The suspect ran to a waiting vehicle, which fled toward Lafayette Circle. Lafayette police later located the unoccupied car parked on Lafayette Circle.
A replica firearm found in one of the suspects’ backpacks. Photo: CCC Sheriff’s Office
Lafayette police were able to detain two suspects near East Street and determine they were the suspects in the Lafayette attempted robbery and the Alamo robbery. A search of the suspect’s backpack found a replica Glock firearm. Another police department in the area is investigating a similar incident just prior to the Alamo robbery.
Jarmaya Tillman, 23-years-old from Antioch (born 4/13/2002) and 20-year-old Allen Charles Benjamin Foster of Oakland (born 3/28/2005), were arrested for robbery, attempted robbery and two counts of conspiracy.
Both suspects were booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.
Tillman is being held in lieu of $200,000 bail, while Foster’s bail is set at $150,000.
During the search for the suspects, Valley Station deputy sheriffs and Lafayette police were assisted by Danville PD, Orinda PD, Moraga PD and Concord PD.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Tillman is five-feet, 11-inches tall and 160-pounds and Foster is five-feet, 10-inches tall and 195-pounds.
According to localcrimenews.com, Tillman is Black and while an Oakland resident was arrested three times in 2020 and 2021 for burglary, with one arrest including charges for minor in possession of live ammunition and minor shall not be in possession of any concealed firearm.
Foster is Black and this is his ninth arrest since 2023 by five other agencies for crimes including multiple counts of vehicle theft, grand theft, robbery, receiving stolen property and gun charges.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Nationwide breakfast giveaway available exclusively to all Chick-fil-A One Members
(ATLANTA) – Chick-fil-A® is rolling out a nationwide giveaway guaranteed to make cold, winter mornings a little brighter. From now through Saturday, Feb. 28 during breakfast hours, Chick-fil-A One® Members can claim a FREE Chick-fil-A® Chicken Biscuit* through the Chick-fil-A App, no purchase necessary.
“We love finding ways to surprise and delight our guests, especially during this years’ ‘Newstalgia’ celebration in honor of 80 years,” said Khalilah Cooper, vice president of brand strategy, advertising & media. “What better way to celebrate than by giving a breakfast classic to our Chick-fil-A One® Members? It’s our small way of thanking guests for being part of our story, then and now.”
The Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit is a breakfast classic, featuring a boneless breast of chicken, seasoned to perfection, hand-breaded and served on a buttermilk biscuit baked fresh daily at each restaurant. The breakfast entreé debuted in 1986, coinciding with the launch of the brand’s first ever standalone restaurant.
For nearly four decades, Chick-fil-A has offered Guests a variety of delicious ways to start their morning. From the classic Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit to lighter options like the Egg White Grill and heartier favorites like the Hash Brown Scramble Burrito with Jalapeño Salsa, breakfast remains a favorite time of day for Guests of all ages.
Throughout 2026 Chick-fil-A is delivering a year of ‘Newstalgia’, celebrating its 80-year heritage of quality, service and care. The campaign serves up beloved classics and fresh new twists, fun Guest experiences and moments of surprise and delight, from the new Frosted Sodas and Floats to Classic Cups and all-new, retro packaging.
Guests can download the Chick-fil-A App through their phone’s App Store or by visiting
Chick-fil-A.com/one. For more on our menu and information about Chick-fil-A’s food, people and Guests across the country, visit chick-fil-a.com.
*The breakfast reward can be redeemed during breakfast hours, from restaurant open until 10:30 a.m., while supplies last, and is limited to one reward per person, per Chick-fil-A One® account.
About Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Chick-fil-A, Inc. is the third largest quick-service restaurant company in the United States, known for its freshly-prepared food, signature hospitality and unique franchise model. More than 200,000 Team Members are employed by local Owner-Operators in more than 3,000 restaurants across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom and Singapore.
Chick-fil-A local Owner-Operators live and work in the communities their restaurants serve, each supporting local efforts and making a positive impact. Chick-fil-A gives back through programs including the Chick-fil-A Shared Table® Program, True Inspiration Awards and Scholarships. The family-owned and privately held company got its start in 1946, founded by S. Truett Cathy. More information on Chick-fil-A is available at www.chick-fil-a.com and Chick-fil-A Press Room.
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