Contra Costa Herald

For median barrier electrical work, final striping, lighting installations

Schedule: Ongoing through Fall 2025 – Weeknights: 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM

By DeNise Harding, External Affairs/PIO, Caltrans

Caltrans District 4 is continuing overnight maintenance and safety upgrades along Interstate 80 (I-80) between Buchanan Street in Albany and Highway 4 in Hercules. Work includes striping of On and Off ramps, electrical work, and lighting installations.

Closure Information

• Multiple lanes including on and off ramps will be closed in both directions of I-80 between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM, Monday through Friday.
• All closures are limited to overnight hours only.

Scheduled Work Details

• Striping (EB & WB on and off ramps): From Buchanan Street (Albany) to San Pablo Avenue (San Pablo).
• Electrical Work (EB & WB): From Richmond Parkway to State Route 4 (Hercules).

**All work is weather dependent and subject to change**

Changeable Message Signs (CMS) will provide advance notice for motorists traveling in the area. Drivers may experience minor delays and are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time. Be work zone alert, drive with caution through the work zone. For 24/7 traffic updates, follow 511.org on Twitter. For real-time traffic, visit Caltrans QuickMap.

Source: Plan Bay Area

Public comment through Dec. 18 on Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+, EIR for housing, transportation, economic development and the environment

East Bay Webinar Nov. 5

By Veronica Cummings, Principal Public Information Officer, Engagement & John Goodwin, Assistant Director of Communications, Metropolitan Transportation Commission 

After more than two years of public discussion, technical analyses and refinement, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) today released Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ and the Plan Bay Area 2050+ Draft Environmental Impact Report for public review and comment.

Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ charts a course for the future of the Bay Area over the next 25 years. Designed to guide growth and investment across the region’s nine counties and 101 cities, the latest plan aims to advance an integrated vision for a Bay Area that is affordable, connected, diverse, healthy and vibrant for all. The plan contains 35 strategies for public policies and investments that can be implemented to help the Bay Area build more homes, reduce commute times, and create vibrant downtowns and natural areas for everyone to enjoy. These strategies also aim to keep people safe from natural hazards, support a strong economy and provide stable housing.

Unique to this plan cycle is Transit 2050+, a parallel and first-of-its-kind planning effort conducted by MTC and ABAG in partnership with Bay Area transit agencies to re-envision the future of Bay Area public transit.

Plan Bay Area includes all nine Bay Area counties and 101 cities. Source: Plan Bay Area

MTC and ABAG have scheduled a series of webinars and public hearings for comment on Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ and associated supplemental reports, as well as on the Draft Environmental Impact Report for Plan Bay Area 2050+. All interested people, agencies and other organizations are encouraged to attend a webinar or public hearing, where they can ask questions and offer comments on these documents. Full event details are listed below:

• Webinar #1 — North Bay
  Wednesday, October 29, 2025
  12-1:30 p.m.
  Zoom link: https://bit.ly/northbaywebinar
• Webinar ID: 892 3077 8001
• Passcode: 256814
• 888-788-0099 US Toll Free

• Webinar #2 — West Bay
  Wednesday, October 29, 2025
  6-7:30 p.m.
  Zoom link: https://bit.ly/westbaywebinar
  Webinar ID: 831 4140 5598
  Passcode: 096944
  888-788-0099 US Toll Free

• Webinar #3 — South Bay
  Thursday, October 30, 2025
  6-7:30 p.m.
  Zoom link: https://bit.ly/southbaywebinar
  Webinar ID: 822 2561 7467
  Passcode: 356845
  888-788-0099 US Toll Free

• Webinar #4 — East Bay
  Wednesday, November 5, 2025
  6-7:30 p.m.
  Zoom link: https://bit.ly/eastbaywebinar
  Webinar ID: 869 8283 4999
  Passcode: 682098
  888-788-0099 US Toll Free

In addition to these webinars, MTC and ABAG will host three public hearings around the Bay Area to provide opportunities for all interested agencies, organizations and individuals to comment on the Draft Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Report. The full list of hearings is as follows:

• Public Hearing #1 — MTC Planning Committee and ABAG Administrative Committee
  Friday, November 14, 2025, at 9:40 a.m. or upon the conclusion of the Bay Area Infrastructure Financing Authority Network and Operations Committee, whichever is later.
  Bay Area Metro Center -or- Zoom
  Boardroom, 1st Floor
  375 Beale Street, San Francisco  Instructions to join by Zoom

• Public Hearing #2 — Fremont
  Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 6 p.m.
  Olive Hyde Art Center and Gallery -or- Zoom
  123 Washington Boulevard, Fremont
  Zoom link: https://bit.ly/drafthearing2
  Webinar ID: 875 7625 3306
  Passcode: 178983
  888 788 0099 US Toll Free

• Public Hearing #3 — Novato
  Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 6 p.m.
  Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn -or- Zoom
  215 Alameda del Prado, Novato
  Zoom link: https://bit.ly/drafthearing3
  Webinar ID: 898 0347 9624
• Passcode: 129009
• 888 788 0099 US Toll Free

Interested Bay Area residents, agencies and organizations also are encouraged to view and comment on the draft plan online at planbayarea.org/draftplan. Comments will be reviewed by officials from both ABAG and MTC as they consider the adoption of Final Plan Bay Area 2050+, slated for early 2026.

Written comments will be accepted via mail to MTC Public Information Office, Attn: Plan Bay Area -or- Draft EIR Comments, 375 Beale Street, Suite 800, San Francisco, CA, 94105; or via email (Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ inbox: info@planbayarea.org; Draft EIR inbox: eircomments@bayareametro.gov). Comments by phone can made at (415) 778-2292.

The comment period for all documents will close Dec. 18, 2025, at 5 p.m.

Questions? Visit planbayarea.org, email info@planbayarea.org or call (415) 778-6757.

Accessible Meetings

Do you need an interpreter or any other assistance to participate? Please call (415) 778-6757. For TDD or hearing impaired, call 711, California Relay Service, or (800) 735-2929 (TTY), (800) 735-2922 (voice) and ask to be relayed to (415) 778-6700. We require at least three working days’ notice to accommodate requests.

¿Necesita un intérprete u otra asistencia para participar? Por favor llámenos con tres días de anticipación al (415) 778-6757. Para telecomunicaciones para personas sordas y discapacitadas, favor de llamar al 711, el Servicio de Retransmisión de California (CRS) para TTY/VCO/HCO a Voz o para Voz a TTY/VCO/HCO al (800) 855-3000 y pedir que lo retrasmitan al (415) 778-6700.

您是否需要口譯或任何其他協助才能參加？請致電（415）778-6757。若需使用TDD或為聽障人士人士，請致電711，加州轉接服務，或（800）735-2929（TTY），（800）735-2922（語音），然後要求轉接至（415）778-6700。請至少提前三個工作日提出申請，以便我們能為您提供適當的口譯安排。

ABAG is the council of governments and the regional planning agency for the 101 cities and towns, and nine counties of the Bay Area. MTC is the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area.

Photo: City of Pinole

From Caltrans’ Clean CA initiative as a leader in California’s Zero Litter movement

By City of Pinole

The City of Pinole has officially earned the unique designation as an official “Clean California Community” from Caltrans’ Clean CA initiative. This makes Pinole one of 30 communities to earn the designation so far in the state.

This designation reflects the City of Pinole’s role as a leader in California’s Zero Litter movement to reduce litter and keep all parts of the state as clean, healthy and beautiful as possible. Proving its leadership over the last few years, Pinole rallied more than 250 volunteers and neighbors to implement an array of long-term, zero-litter policies in support of litter prevention, beautification, and environmental enhancement. As a result, over 3,000 pounds of trash and recyclables have been removed from the Pinole Creek watershed and surrounding areas.

Mayor Cameron Sasai stated: “We are proud that Pinole is among the first cities to earn the Clean California Designation — a direct result of our community’s collective efforts to keep our city clean. This designation is the start of a partnership with the State of California that opens the door to new resources that will expand beautification, tackle litter, and build a vibrant Pinole that we can all be proud of.”

The Clean California Community Designation Program is part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s $1.2 billion Clean California initiative, which was launched in 2021 by Caltrans to clean up, reclaim, transform, and beautify public spaces statewide. The program was developed in partnership with Caltrans, Keep America Beautiful and Keep California Beautiful.

To earn the Clean California designation, the City of Pinole completed at least 10 of 15 criteria to clean up and beautify Pinole, including Litter Assessment and Measurement, and Enforcement.  Earlier this year, Pinole enacted a new ordinance which eliminates single-use plastics in retail and food services, underscoring its commitment to protect the environment and the community’s health.

In recognition of their dedication to a cleaner community, Pinole will receive “Clean California Community” signage, educational resources, automatic membership with Keep California Beautiful, and statewide recognition.

The City of Pinole encourages other communities throughout California to join the program and continue to clean up and transform California. For more information about the program and to take the pledge, visit CleanCA.com/Designation.

For more upcoming cleanup events and activities from the City of Pinole, please visit Pinole.gov/calendar/.

Over $107 million for Contra Costa projects including $46.9 million on Hwy 4 improvements in East County, $42.4 billion on 680 in San Ramon Valley and $14.6 million on Caldecott Tunnel

By Edward Barrera, Division Chief, Caltrans Public Affairs

In August, the California Transportation Commission (CTC) approved $3 billion in allocations to enhance safety and mobility across the state highway system and expand multimodal travel, including bike lanes and pedestrian pathways. Guided by Governor Gavin Newsom’s Build More, Faster – For All infrastructure agenda, these improvements will make California communities safer, cleaner and increase access to active transportation options.

Of the $3 billion allocated, $663 million derives from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 and approximately $2 billion from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA). The funds will serve as a catalyst to increase the capacity of the state’s transportation system, rehabilitate aging roadways and improve travel times, while balancing community impacts and promoting environmental benefits.

The “…investments reflect California’s long-term commitment to safer roads, smarter traffic management and expanded transportation choices that get people where they need to go,” said Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy.

“The funds allocated…reflect the Commission’s commitment to investing taxpayer dollars strategically. These investments will improve the safety and reliability of the state’s transportation network and support a thriving economy by improving the movement of freight and reducing out-of-pocket expenses for all California,” said Darnell Grisby, Chair of the California Transportation Commission.

Projects in Contra Costa County approved by the Commission include:

• $46,900,000 on SR-4 in and near Antioch and Brentwood, from Hillcrest Avenue to Byron Highway, to rehabilitate pavement and drainage systems, upgrade facilities to ADA standards, install Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS), high-visibility crosswalks, bike loop detectors, and construct Class II bike lanes. This will extend pavement service life and improve ride quality.

•  $42,374,000 on I-680 in San Ramon and Danville, from Alcosta Boulevard to 0.1 mile north of Diablo Road, to rehabilitate pavement, upgrade guardrail, and upgrade facilities to ADA standards. This will extend pavement service life and improve ride quality.

• $14,584,000 on SR-24 in Orinda, at the Caldecott Tunnel, to rehabilitate and upgrade the ventilation system in Bores 1, 2, and 3. This will ensure structural integrity and prolong tunnel service life.

• $1,301,000 on SR-4 in Concord, 0.5 mile east of Port Chicago Highway, to reconstruct a failed slope embankment and repair a displaced down drain due to heavy rainfall in February and March 2025. Work includes installing Rock Slope Protection (RSP), and repairing the down drain, guardrail, and dike. This will enhance driver and pedestrian safety.

• • $1,275,000 on SR-4 near Pittsburg, 0.3 mile west of Bailey Road, to reconstruct a slope embankment and repair a displaced down drain due to heavy rainfall in February and March 2025. Work includes installing Rock Slope Protection (RSP). This will improve roadway safety.

• $999,000 on SR-24 in Lafayette, from 0.7 to 1.0 mile east of Acalanes Road, to rehabilitate pavement due to ponding and water seepage caused by heavy rainfall in February and March 2025, which led to cracking and settlement. This will extend pavement life and improve safety.

IIJA is a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure to improve the sustainability and resiliency of our country’s energy, water, broadband and transportation systems. The total funding for California is nearly $54 billion. This includes investments to upgrade the state’s roads, bridges, rail, public transit, airports, ports, waterways and the electric vehicle charging network.

SB 1 has invested approximately $5 billion annually toward transportation projects since its adoption. It provides funding split between the state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly, based on the availability of funds, including those partially funded by SB 1.

Visit build.ca.gov to learn more about transformative infrastructure projects happening in communities throughout the state.

Source: MTC. Photo credit: Noah Berger

Right side of upper deck to be used as highway shoulder Monday-Thursday

By John Goodwin, Assistant Director of Communications, Metropolitan Transportation Commission 

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) today announced that beginning next week, the bicycle/pedestrian path on the upper deck of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge will be closed from Sundays at 11 p.m. until Thursdays at 2 p.m., with the barrier moved to allow the space now occupied by the path to be used as a highway shoulder for westbound traffic. The first weekday on which the shoulder will be available will be Monday, Oct. 27.

The bicycle/pedestrian path will be open from 2 p.m. on Thursdays through 11 p.m. on Sundays as well as on select weekday holidays. These include Memorial Day; Independence Day, if observed on a Monday; Labor Day; Thanksgiving week from Wednesday afternoon through Sunday night; and the Christmas-to-New Year week.

On days when the bicycle/pedestrian path is closed, a free shuttle with a bicycle trailer will be provided from 6 a.m. through 8 p.m. On the Richmond side of the bridge, the shuttle pick-up and drop-off location is at the AC Transit bus turnaround on Tewksbury Avenue in the Point Richmond neighborhood. The San Rafael pick-up and drop-off location is at the Vista Point parking lot near the intersection of East Francisco Blvd. and Main Street. Signs alerting bicyclists and pedestrians to the new operating hours already are in place on approaches to the bridge from both Richmond and San Rafael.

BATA, which is directed by the same policy board as MTC, administers toll revenues from the Bay Area’s seven state-owned toll bridges. MTC is the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area.

Photo: LinkedIn

Council to vote on appointment of G. Harold Duffey on Oct. 28

By Melissa Ballesteros, Executive Assistant, Brentwood City Manager’s Office / City Council Office

BRENTWOOD, CA — Mayor Susannah Meyer today announced the selection of G. Harold Duffey for consideration as the next City Manager for the City of Brentwood. In this role, Mr. Duffey would lead Brentwood’s executive team and staff in advancing the City Council’s vision to honor Brentwood’s heritage while maintaining and enhancing the community’s exceptional quality of life. The proposed employment agreement for Mr. Duffey is scheduled for City Council consideration on October 28, 2025.

“We are very pleased to announce the anticipated appointment of Harold to lead our executive team,” said Meyer. “After a national search conducted by Peckham & McKenney, and a comprehensive background review, the Council selected Mr. Duffey to move forward in the process. His deep experience in budgeting, economic development, capital improvements, solid waste and emergency operations will support strong collaboration and trust. His commitment to mentoring staff aligns with Brentwood’s goal of fostering meaningful public service careers.”

With more than 30 years in California local government, Mr. Duffey has served in leadership roles in cities and counties—most recently as Assistant City Administrator in Oakland—and previously as City Manager in Grand Terrace, Compton and Oroville.

“I’m honored and excited to join the City of Brentwood,” said Duffey. “As a professional city manager, my role is to provide policy makers with the leadership and expertise necessary to advance, maintain, and expand the quality of life for our residents, local businesses, and stakeholders. I take seriously the responsibility of serving both the community and its employees—the City’s most valuable asset.”

Mr. Duffey holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Redlands and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from UC San Bernardino.

According to Duffey’s LinkedIn profile, he previously worked as the City of Oakland’s Director of Public Works and in the Yolo County Planning and Public Works Department. He has experience, “Leading organizations with over 300 employees and $170,000,000.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Photo: Brentwood on Ice Facebook page

Relocates from Brentwood

By Danielle Navarro, Oakley Assistant City Manager

Oakley, CA – The City of Oakley is thrilled to announce the launch of Oakley on Ice, a brand-new seasonal ice-skating experience coming to Downtown Oakley this holiday season! The rink will be open from November 21, 2025, through January 4, 2026, located in the parking lot directly behind the Mercantile Building at 3350 Main Street.

This magical new attraction is proudly brought to you by Got a Party Inc., in partnership with the City of Oakley. Together, we’re turning downtown into a sparkling winter wonderland, right in the heart of our hometown!

“Oakley on Ice is more than just an ice rink; it’s a celebration of community,” said Joshua McMurray, the City Manager. We are so excited that this event will take place in the center of our growing and thriving downtown. It’s a perfect opportunity for residents, visitors, and curious business owners and investors to experience the potential and energy in Oakley, where you can live, work, and play in the Heart of the Delta. We are proud to bring this first-of-its-kind seasonal attraction to our city, one that encourages families to make new memories, helps local businesses connect, and brings even more fun and excitement into our winter wonderland.”

“It’s a privilege to collaborate with the City of Oakley to make Oakley on Ice a reality” said Tom Gregory, owner of Got a Party Inc., “Our goal is to create a magical family-friendly experience that brings people together, supports local businesses, and makes downtown Oakley a true holiday destination.”

In addition to ice skating, the seasonal event will offer opportunities for local businesses and nonprofits to advertise and participate on-site, promoting community connections and economic activity.  Pre-sale tickets will also be available to help local groups raise funds for their organizations, a fun and festive way to give back this holiday season.

Oakley on Ice complements the City’s beloved Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, which takes place at Civic Center Plaza on Thursday, December 4, 2025. The Tree Lighting event will once again feature the best-lit, real tree in all of Contra Costa County, free admission, horse-drawn carriage rides, live performances and music, and a special visit from Santa Claus, all part of Oakley’s growing tradition of community celebration.

Carlos Ray Thomas was arrested by CHP on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. Photo: CHP-Golden Gate

Booked for multiple felony charges, including attempted murder

Three vehicles shot, victims uninjured

By CHP – Golden Gate

Oakland, Calif.—An Oakland man is in custody after shooting at vehicles on State Route 24 (SR-24) on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 9, 2025. 57-year-old Carlos Ray Thomas of Oakland was arrested by California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers after crashing on I-680 in Contra Costa County following the shooting.

On Thursday, October 9, at approximately 3:45 p.m., officers assigned to the CHP Oakland Area office were dispatched to a freeway shooting on eastbound SR-24, west of Old Tunnel Road. Responding officers learned that a victim’s vehicle had been struck by gunfire from a passing vehicle. The victim was uninjured and stopped near the scene. Two additional victims contacted CHP after arriving at their homes to report that their vehicles had also been struck by gunfire.

Following the shooting, multiple witnesses called 9-1-1 and provided dispatchers with a description of Thomas’ vehicle, which continued into Contra Costa County. Just after 4 p.m., Thomas crashed his vehicle in the center divide on southbound I-680 near Olympic Boulevard in Walnut Creek. Thomas exited the vehicle and was attempting to flee the scene on foot when multiple CHP units arrived and took him into custody without incident. A firearm was also recovered.

The CHP’s Golden Gate Division Special Investigations Unit responded to the scene and assumed primary investigative responsibility. At approximately 4:30 p.m., all eastbound lanes of SR-24 were diverted onto southbound SR-13 to allow investigators to process the scene. The lanes were reopened just after 7:00 p.m. Thomas was later booked into Santa Rita jail on multiple felony charges, including attempted murder and shooting from a vehicle.

According to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, Thomas is being held without bail and his next court appearance for an Attorney and Plea Hearing is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 17 at 9:00 AM in Dept. 112 of the Alameda County Superior Court Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse in Oakland.

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

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

AB 692 will prohibit ‘stay-or-pay’ contracts that trap nurses and other workers in exploitative debt arrangements with employers

By California Nurses Association

California Nurses Association (CNA), the largest union of registered nurses in the state of California, applauds Governor Gavin Newsom for taking action to protect workers from employers’ use of predatory debt contracts and signing Assembly Bill 692 (A.B. 692) into law on Monday, Oct. 13. A.B. 692 prohibits employers from requiring workers to pay a debt, fee, or penalty if the workers wants to leave their job, expressly making these kinds of exploitative workplace debt arrangements unlawful.

“California is taking a proactive step forward to support the thousands of nurses and nearly one in 12 workers who are in exploitative stay-or-pay contracts,” said Sandy Reding, RN and CNA president. “We are grateful for Assemblymember Kalra championing this bill and to Governor Newsom for stepping up with the labor movement to stand up to Trump’s assaults on worker protections. California leads the rest of the country by signing this bill into law.”

A.B. 692 was authored by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) and sponsored by CNA, as well as a broad coalition of co-sponsoring organizations, including the California Federation of Labor Unions, California Employment Lawyers Association, Protect Borrowers, and the American Economic Liberties Project.

“It has been an honor to work with CNA in abolishing exploitative stay-or-pay contracts and stopping employers from creating debt to trap and intimidate workers,” said Assemblymember Kalra. “I am grateful Governor Newsom signed A.B. 692, ensuring workers are not coerced into employment debt agreements and can be empowered to leave bad jobs.”

“Today, Governor Newsom signed an important bill to ban employer debt traps and protect nurses, actors, athletes and so many other workers. Employers use training repayment schemes to trap workers in jobs with low wages, unsafe conditions, and abusive managers,” said California Labor Federation President Lorena Gonzalez. “It doesn’t matter if you work in a hospital or play professional sports, no worker should have to pay an employer back if they leave a job. We are proud of California’s progress that will help workers level the playing field.”

A.B. 692 addresses the growing number of employers that are using debt as an exploitative tool to trap workers in jobs, often with low wages and substandard working conditions, and to bust unions. Sometimes called “stay-or-pay” contracts, employers coerce workers into predatory arrangements that require the worker to pay an alleged debt or other financial penalty to their employer if the worker leaves their job before a prescribed period of time–whether the worker is fired, laid off, or quits. With the threat of having to pay back a debt or fee to their employer, “stay-or-pay” contracts indenture workers to remain at a job and chills workers from seeking better wages or working conditions.

California Nurses Association/National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the nation with more than 100,000 members in more than 200 facilities throughout California and more than 225,000 RNs nationwide.

It’s festival time! Who’s ready to spin, soar, and scream this weekend?

The Walnut Festival lands October 16–19 with rides, games and all your fair food favorites!

Contra Costa Event Center (Fairgrounds) at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch.

Weather may affect hours — stay tuned for updates!

Fast, easy payments with self-service & contactless options!

The Walnut Festival has temporarily relocated to the fairgrounds while Heather Farms Park undergoes a large remodel. (See related article)

Paid advertisement.