Contra Costa Herald

One day after suspect released from custody on other charges

By Martinez Police Department

On Thursday, August 6, 2026, at approximately 5:09 pm, the Martinez Police Department received multiple 9-1-1 calls regarding a subject who was reportedly stabbed on Francis Court in front of a residence.

Officers responded and upon their arrival they located a 68-year-old male, identified as Todd Stewart, on the ground with injuries consistent with being stabbed. Fire and medical responded, but the subject was declared deceased at the scene.

Detectives from the Martinez Police Department Investigations Bureau responded to the scene along with crime scene investigators from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.

The suspect fled the scene in a Cadillac SUV vehicle pictured above.

He was later apprehended and identified as 36-year-old Marcos Eduardo Iriarte-Valdez (born 4/25/1990)

According to a Facebook post by Blue Lives Matter, Iriarte-Valdez is a “criminal released the day before” Stewart was killed. “Surveillance video shows 68-year-old Todd Stewart screaming for help as he is stabbed to death on his front lawn. The attack happened while Stewart was working in his open garage.

“Iriarte-Valdez…was already on pre-trial release for residential burglaries committed in Orinda in April. On August 4 he was taken back into custody for violating the terms of his home detention. The very next day a judge ordered him released on his own recognizance and referred him back to monitoring.”

“Authorities say the ankle monitor was not placed back on him until Friday morning, after Stewart had already been killed.”

According to an Aug. 12th FOXNews report, “The Department of Homeland Security told Fox News Digital it placed an immigration detainer on Iriarte-Valdez Sept. 23, 2025. The DHS said that Valdez was from Venezuela with citizenship in Spain.”  He “had a prior criminal record and was facing burglary charges stemming from at least two incidents elsewhere in Contra Costa County…when a judge…ordered him released.”

According to an Aug. 12th ABC7 Eyewitness News report, “Investigators say the video shows him wearing a tactical vest before putting on a mask.” Iriarte-Valdez “appeared in court Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to murder charges” and “now, the Department of Homeland Security [is] involved and has labeled the suspect a ‘criminal illegal alien’.”

According to the California Globe, “On August 8, 2026, ICE placed a detainer on him with the Contra Costa County Jail” and the judge “is Nichelle Holmes, a Contra Costa County Superior Court judge. Governor Gavin Newsom appointed her in March 2024.”

According to localcrimenews.com, he was also arrested on April 29, 2026, for burglary, receiving or concealing stolen property, aggravated trespass, trespassing by driving on private property and loitering, prowling, wandering upon the private property of another.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Iriarte-Valdez is listed as White and was booked on May 15th then released on his own recognizance on Aug. 5th at 7:03 PM.

Also, according to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, two-inch tall, 175-pound suspect is Hispanic and being held in the West Re-Entry Treatment and Housing facility in Richmond on no bail. He has another court appearance scheduled for Sept. 9th at 8:30 AM in Martinez Superior Court Dept. 5.

But according to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, the case returns to court September 1st at 8:30 am before Judge Michael Nieto in Richmond to set a preliminary hearing date.

The investigation is active and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Dominguez at (925) 372-3451 or at cdominguez1@cityofmartinez.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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Husband of former Brentwood councilwoman

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Johnny Earl Staton, Jr., a beloved Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Uncle, Friend, Singer, Songwriter and Businessman on August 4, 2026.

Born in Los Angeles, California on August 12, 1956, Johnny was the first child of Irene and Johnny Staton, Sr. From an early age, he developed a love for music and for people. He was a talented Singer and Songwriter, a highly motivated Businessman, and a man who dedicated himself to everything he believed in.

Johnny was known for being trustworthy, supportive, caring, loyal and highly respected. He was a true friend to many. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved talking with everyone he met, even complete strangers. Johnny’s warm personality and genuine interest in people allowed him to make friends wherever he went.

Johnny was proud of his service to this country. He proudly served in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He was also proud of his educational achievements. He graduated from San Bernadino Valley College and later attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Johnny enlisted in the U.S. Army on October 16, 1974, in Los Angeles. Shortly after entering active duty, he was stationed in Germany and assigned to C Battery, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Air Defense Artillery as part of the Cold War defense forces. During this period, Johnny faithfully served as Switchboard Operator, Lineman, and Material Supply Technician. He concluded his active-duty service on April 6, 1977, honorably separating at the rank of Specialist (E4).

Committed to continuing his service, Johnny joined the U.S. Army Reserve on March 4, 1978. He proudly served until his retirement on December 31, 1996, achieving the rank of Sergeant (E5). Throughout his reserve career, Johnny was a musician and vocalist for the Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 91st Army Division at Fort Baker in Marin County, California. He excelled as a percussionist for the marching band, concert band, stage band and jazz ensemble. His evaluations noted his exceptional technical skill, professionalism and the value he brought as both a musician and vocalist.

Beyond his musical contributions, Johnny served as a Training Noncommissioned Officer, mentoring fellow soldiers and earning the respect of active-duty counterparts. His dedication to duty was recognized through multiple Certificates of Achievement for going above and beyond in his responsibilities.

Johnny’s commitment to his country and to this mission of the Army was unparalleled.

His love of music was one of the great joys of his life. Johnny had the honor of performing the National Anthem for the United States Army, the San Francisco Giants and the Golden States Warriors. His voice, talent and passion for music touched many people and became an important part of his legacy.

Johnny was also a very active and dedicated member of numerous organizations in the Bay Area where he gave his time, energy and support to his community. He believed in staying involved, helping others and making a positive impact.

Johnny leaves behind a legacy of love, music, service, laughter and dedication. He was a man who could walk into a room and make a connection with almost anyone. His kindness, humor, loyalty and generous spirit will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

Above all, Johnny Staton loved the Lord and was a loving and devoted family man. He leaves behind and will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 29 years, Claudette. He is also survived by his son, David, his mother Irene, sisters: Tracy, Darlene, Candy, his brother Mark along with Aunts, Cousins, nieces, nephews, his Mother-in-law and the entire Barnes family, friends and colleagues who will forever cherish his memory.

Although his voice is now silent, the music he created, the lives he touched and the memories he gave us, will live on forever.

Rest peacefully Johnny. You were deeply loved, greatly respected and appreciated and you will always be remembered.

A private service will be held and Johnny will be interred at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA.

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Vote in Senate as early as Thursday

New language by Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee chaired by Senator Scott Wiener also exempts crimes against disabled victims and, in some cases, children under 14.

WARNING: Graphic content

By California Family Council

SACRAMENTO, CA — AB 2691, the Public Trust Protection Act, could be voted on the Senate floor as soon as tomorrow morning, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026. On August 4, the bill’s authors quietly rewrote its central definition. They did not fix the problem California Family Council (CFC) raised in June. They made it bigger, and harder to see.

Background

AB 2691, authored by Assemblywoman Dawn Addis (D-Dawn Addis), passed the Assembly floor 67 to 0. It would bar people convicted of felony sexual assault or human trafficking from holding public office, a policy CFC supports. On June 24, the Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee, chaired by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), added language exempting felony sodomy, oral copulation and sexual penetration when the victim is a minor age 14 to 17.

CFC Vice President Greg Burt testified against that exemption on June 30 and asked the committee to restore the bill to the form the Assembly passed unanimously. The committee advanced the bill anyway, 4 to 1, with only Senator Steven Choi (R-Irvine) voting no.

What Changed on August 4, and How California’s Sex Offender Registry Actually Works

The named exemption for ages 14 to 17 is gone from the bill text. In its place, Addis rewrote the bill to define “sexual assault” using California’s sex offender registration system, and only the most severe part of it.

California sorts every registerable sex offense into one of three tiers, based on how serious the offense is:

• Tier 1 requires registration for 10 years. It covers misdemeanor sex offenses and the least serious felony sex offenses.
• Tier 2requires registration for 20 years. It covers felony sex offenses that state law separately classifies as “serious” or “violent”, along with a short list of specifically named crimes.
• Tier 3 requires registration for life. It is reserved for the most serious sex crimes: forcible rape, forcible sodomy, aggravated sexual assault of a child, and similar offenses.

Under the bill the Assembly passed, a felony conviction under any of six penal code sections covering rape, sodomy, oral copulation, and sexual penetration disqualified a candidate, full stop. Under the August 4 rewrite, a conviction only disqualifies a candidate if it happens to fall into Tier 3 of the sex registry list. A conviction that falls into Tier 1 or Tier 2, no matter how serious the underlying crime actually was, no longer counts.

That single change does not narrow the original exemption. It widens it.

• Crimes against minors age 14 to 17 remain exempted. The specific carve-out is gone by name, but the conduct it covered, non-forcible sodomy, oral copulation, and sexual penetration of a 14-to-17-year-old, is a Tier 1 offense. It still falls outside the bill’s new definition.
• Sex crimes against disabled victims are now exempted. Non-forcible sodomy and sexual penetration of a victim who cannot legally consent because of a mental disorder or a developmental or physical disability are Tier 2 offenses and fall below the bill’s new threshold.
• Under certain circumstances, so do sex crimes against children under 10. A first-time, non-forcible conviction for molesting a child under 14, which includes children under 10, is a Tier 2 offense and no longer disqualifies a candidate under the bill’s new language, unless the act specifically involved intercourse, sodomy, oral copulation, or penetration, which remain covered under a separate, Tier 3 statute.

“We asked this Assemblywoman Addis in June to send this bill back to the form the Assembly passed unanimously. Instead, she took the exemption we objected to, deleted the sentence that named it, and buried the same result inside a much bigger loophole,” said CFC Vice President Burt. “Sex crimes against 14 to 17-year-olds are still exempted. Now sex crimes against people with disabilities are exempted too. And under the right circumstances, so is molesting a child under 14. This bill was supposed to keep sex offenders out of public office. As written, it tells some of them they’re still welcome to run.”

Call to Action

The Senate could vote on AB 2691 as early as tomorrow morning. California Family Council urges senators to vote no on the bill as currently written and urges Californians to contact their state senator today.

About California Family Council

California Family Council works to advance God’s design for life, family, and liberty through California’s Church, Capitol, and Culture. By advocating for policies that reinforce the sanctity of life, the strength of traditional marriages, and the essential freedoms of religion, CFC is dedicated to preserving California’s moral and social foundation.

APPENDIX: Affected Crimes, With Penal Code Citations

This list is limited to items independently confirmed against the text of Penal Code section 290, subdivisions (d)(1) through (d)(3), and Penal Code section 667.5(c). Additional items appear in supplemental research from a California State Senate office; those are not included here pending independent confirmation.

No Longer Disqualifying: Tier 1 Offenses (10-Year Registration)

Penal Code 286(b) — sodomy, non-forcible, victim under 18

Penal Code 287(b), or former 288a(b) — oral copulation, non-forcible, victim under 18

Penal Code 289(h) and (i) — sexual penetration by foreign object, non-forcible, victim under 18

Penal Code 289.5 — fleeing to California to avoid prosecution or custody for a registerable sex offense committed in another state (misdemeanor)

No Longer Disqualifying: Tier 2 Offenses (20-Year Registration)

Penal Code 285 — incest

Penal Code 286(g) — sodomy of a victim who cannot legally consent due to a mental disorder or a developmental or physical disability

Penal Code 286(c)(1) — sodomy of a victim under 14, where the offender is more than 10 years older, without force

Penal Code 288(a) — a lewd or lascivious act on a child under 14, first offense, without force. This is California’s basic child molestation statute.

Penal Code 288.3 — contacting a minor with intent to commit a felony, specifically when the underlying intent was to violate 286(b), 287(b), or 289(h)/(i)

Penal Code 289(b) — sexual penetration of a victim who cannot legally consent due to a mental disorder or a developmental or physical disability

Penal Code 647.6 — annoying or molesting a child, second or subsequent offense

Still Disqualifying: Tier 3 Offenses (Lifetime Registration)

Penal Code 236.1(c) — human trafficking of a minor for a commercial sex act

Penal Code 266h(b) — aggravated pimping of a minor

Penal Code 266i(b) — aggravated pandering of a minor

Penal Code 266j — procuring a child under 16 for a lewd act

Penal Code 269 — aggravated sexual assault of a child

Penal Code 286(c)(2) and (d) — forcible sodomy of a child under 14, including in concert

Penal Code 287(c) and (d), or former 288a — forcible oral copulation of a child under 14, including in concert

Penal Code 288(b) — a lewd act on a child under 14 committed by force

Penal Code 288(c) — a lewd act on a 14- or 15-year-old, where the offender is at least 10 years older

Penal Code 288.2 — sending harmful matter to a minor with intent to seduce, felony

Penal Code 288.3 — contacting a minor with intent to commit a felony, except when the intent was to violate 286(b), 287(b), or 289(h)/(i)

Penal Code 288.5 — continuous sexual abuse of a child

Penal Code 288.7 — sexual intercourse, sodomy, oral copulation, or sexual penetration with a child age 10 or younger

Penal Code 289(a) — forcible sexual penetration

Penal Code 653f(c) — soliciting another person to commit rape, sodomy, oral copulation, or a lewd act on a child

A felony sentenced to a mandatory life term under Penal Code 667.61 (“One Strike” law)

Designation as a habitual sex offender under Penal Code 667.71

A second, separately tried conviction under Penal Code 288(a)

Sources: California Penal Code section 290, subdivisions (d)(1) through (d)(3), and Penal Code section 667.5(c), both available at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.

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Faces lifetime of imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine

Multi-agency effort by DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Secretaría de Seguridad Pública Jalisco and the Instituto Nacional de Migración

Part of Homeland Security Task Force’s “Protecting the American People Against Invasion” initiative

By U.S. Attorney Northern District of California

OAKLAND – The government of Mexico recently deported Julio Cesar Palafox, a United States citizen, to the United States where he was arrested by the United States Marshals on a warrant to appear on charges stemming from his alleged involvement in the distribution of methamphetamine in the Bay Area.  U.S. Marshals Foreign Field Office (FFO) – Guadalajara coordinated the arrest with the Secretaría de Seguridad Pública (SSP) Jalisco and the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM).  Palafox appeared in court today in Oakland before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ajay S. Krishnan.

On July 11, 2024, a federal grand jury indicted Palafox, 34 (bon 9/27/1991), of Bay Point, CA, in connection with a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy.  The indictment charges Palafox with multiple counts of distribution of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A)(viii).  According to court documents, Palafox is a Mexico-based methamphetamine trafficker that during the period of the conspiracy was responsible for hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine entering the Northern District of California.

Palafox has been living in the town of Yahualica in the state of Jalisco, Mexico.  Palafox was transported back to the United States on July 24, 2026.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Anna Y. Park on July 28, 2026, in the Central District of California for an initial appearance and arraignment on the indictment and was ordered detained pending trial.  Palafox appeared today before Judge Krishnan for further proceedings in this district and will next appear before the Honorable Araceli Martinez-Olguin on August 17, 2026.

“Julio Palafox’s return to the United States from Mexico sends a clear message to drug traffickers everywhere that they can run, but they cannot hide. This was a complex operation, and we are grateful to the agencies whose hard work led to his capture. We remain firmly committed to protecting our communities from the scourge of illegal drugs and will pursue drug traffickers wherever they may be found,” said U.S. Attorney Craig Missakian.

“The trafficking of methamphetamine in the United States is an ever-present threat to public safety,” said HSI San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Jeff Brannigan. “Homeland Security Investigations, as part of the Homeland Security Task Force, will pursue smugglers and traffickers worldwide to protect our communities in the Bay Area and across the country.”

“This investigation is a testament to great teamwork. This coordinated action was a combination of increased focus on enforcement, intelligence, and domestic and international collaboration,” said Bob P. Beris, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA San Francisco Field Division.  “DEA is relentless in dismantling criminal operations responsible for trafficking poison in our communities with deadly synthetic drugs like methamphetamine. This is another example of a successful operation resulting in arrests and removal of significant amounts of meth. Every arrest we make represents lives saved and communities defended.”

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  If convicted, Defendant faces a maximum sentence of a lifetime of imprisonment, a fine of $10,000,000, a lifetime of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  However, any sentence following a conviction would be imposed by a court only after considerations of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF San Francisco comprises agents and officers from DEA and HSI, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maya Karwande and Kevin Yeh are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Sara Slattery and Andy Ding.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by DEA and HSI, with assistance from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and the Salinas Police Department.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, five-inch tall, 160-pound Palafox is Hispanic and is being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, he was previously arrested in 2016 by the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Substation Deputies in Los Angeles County for transporting a controlled substance.

Further Information:

Case No. 24-CR-00394-AMO

Electronic court filings and further procedural and docket information are available at https://ecf.cand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. Judges’ calendars with schedules for upcoming court hearings can be viewed on the court’s website at www.cand.uscourts.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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By Jess Jollett

On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the Contra Costa Immigrant Rights Alliance (CCIRA) is hosting a press event to urge the Board of Supervisors to pass a strong countywide ordinance creating the necessary barriers to prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agencies from pillaging and looting Contra Costa County resources.

For over a year, immigration attorneys, advocates, and community members have worked to propose language and advocate for a strong ordinance. Contra Costa is one of the few Bay Area counties without this protection. Neighboring counties of Alameda, San Mateo, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sonoma all have non-cooperation ordinances in effect. And the draft proposed by county counsel is insufficient to protect our residents and not in compliance with the recent guidance issued by the CA Attorney General.

Inspired by the Summer 2025 TRUTH Act and ICE’s expanding presence in Contra Costa, the Contra Costa Immigrant Rights Alliance, Lift Up Contra Costa, and its allies have been advocating for a non-cooperation ordinance that:

• Prohibits the usage of our county’s resources and funds for ICE operations.
• Calls for the creation of county-wide policies to protect county workers.
• Safeguards our county data from being raided by ICE agents.
• Ensures that county contractors do not comply or cooperate with ICE agents.
• Demands that the Sheriff Department report its contact with federal agencies.

Since January, over 50 people have died in ICE custody. We have also witnessed ICE’s rogue extrajudicial killings in Minnesota, Houston and Biddeford. Local ordinances are one answer to these deadly federal immigration enforcement tactics. These unprecedented times require brave leadership and action. We’re calling on the Board of Supervisors to do their duty and to stop delaying. Contra Costa deserves better.

What: Press Event Demanding the Passage of a Strong ICE Non-Cooperation Ordinance in Contra Costa County

Confirmed Speakers: 

Danny Espinoza, Director, Lift Up Contra Costa

Rev. Deborah Lee, Executive Director of Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity

Brandon Dawkins, VP of Organizing, SEIU 1021

Cameron Sasai, Mayor of the City of Pinole

Miosotti Tenecora, Staff Attorney, Immigrant Legal Resource Center

Betty Gabaldon, Concord Organizer Manager, East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy

Tony Bravo, Executive Director, United Latino Voices

Devin Williams, 3rd Vice President, East Contra Costa County NAACP Executive Committee and Vice Chairperson, Antioch Police Oversight Commission

Marifer Marina, Organizer, Monument Impact

Katie Ricklefs, Chair, Democratic Party of Contra Costa

Where: 1025 Escobar Street, Martinez

When: 9:30 am on Tuesday, August 11th

By law California is already a sanctuary state as, according to iceoutofca.org, “California has long enacted laws that restrict state and local law enforcement from cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in immigration enforcement actions. The most significant of these is the California Values Act (SB 54), which took effect on January 1, 2018,” which “protects the safety and wellbeing of all Californians by limiting use of state and local resources for mass deportations and ensures that important institutions such as schools, health facilities, and courthouses remain accessible to everyone. SB 54 remains legally binding state law, and states and localities continue to have the constitutional right to opt out of federal immigration enforcement.

In addition, the County complies with other state laws regarding law enforcement dealing with undocumented immigrants illegally residing in the U.S. They include:

• “TRUTH Act (AB 2792, 2017) – Requires local law enforcement to provide “Know Your Rights” information and copies of ICE holds, notifications, or transfer requests to individuals affected.
• “TRUST Act (AB 4, 2014) – Prohibits local jails from holding individuals beyond the time ICE requests, with some exceptions.”

As previously reported, the Board of Supervisors will hold its annual state TRUTH Act Community Forum to discuss civil immigration enforcement activities during their regular meeting at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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By Dr. Sharifa Akila Trinay Parr, CEO, Revision Publishing, LLC

On Saturday, August 22, 2026, RP Books is partnering with the City of Pittsburg, the Pittsburg Library, H.A.L.O. Angel Ears, It’s Time to Read and the Children’s Book Project to host Stories in the Square—a massive, free community book exchange and literacy celebration. Our goal is to transform John Buckley Square into an outdoor reading hub where every book can find a new reader!

We would love your help spreading the word to the community so they can join in, pick up some free books, or donate to the exchange.

Event Highlights:

• The Community Book Exchange: Attendees are encouraged to browse and take books home for free. The Children’s Book Project provided free books specifically for children (while supplies last).
• In-Store Family Activities: Inside RP Books, we will have a packed schedule of free activities, including:
  • A reading confidence session facilitated by H.A.L.O. Angel Ears (reading assistance dogs) at 11:00 AM.
  • A special Story Time at 12:00 PM with guest author/illustrator ZaRinah T. Perry, reading her book If Elephants Had Wings.
  • An interactive reading of Too Much Glue hosted by Simone Delk, director of It’s Time to Read, at 1:00 PM, followed by a hands-on art activity for kids.
• Outdoor Reading: Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic lunches to enjoy reading together in John Buckley Square.

How the Community Can Get Involved:

• Attend & Pick Up Books: The event is completely free and open to the public from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. No donations are required to come and take books home!
• Donate Books: We are inviting families, book clubs, and local organizations to bring new or gently used books to RP Books between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on the day of the event. For those bringing large donations (20+ books), we ask that they register their donation in advance here to help us prepare.

Event Details at a Glance:

• What: Stories in the Square – The Pittsburg Community Book Exchange hosted by RP Books
• When: Saturday, August 22 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Where: RP Books – 485 Railroad Avenue, Pittsburg, adjacent John Buckley Square
• Cost: Free

RP Books of Revision Publishing, LLC, is more than a bookstore; we are a community-focused cultural hub operating under Revision Publishing LLC in Old Town Pittsburg, CA. We are proud to carry forward the rich legacy of the former Railroad Book Depot, building upon its foundation to serve a new generation of readers and writers. We are black-owned, woman-owned and community-centered.

H.A.L.O. (Homeless Animals Lifeline Organization) Angel Ears Reading Education Assistance Dog (READ) teams volunteer in East Bay, CA county libraries and work with children to improve their reading confidence.

It’s Time To Read is a specialized reading program in Contra Costa County which guides children from TK through second grade on their journey to becoming confident, enthusiastic readers. Through personalized attention and proven techniques, we help young learners build the strong literacy foundations they need to succeed in school and beyond.

Children’s Book Project gives books or free to children from under-resourced communities who need them for literacy, learning and life and is committed to closing the opportunity gap and lifting up our community by raising readers and ultimately paving the way for lifelong learning and literacy.

The Contra Costa County Library Pittsburg branch is located at 80 Power Avenue, Pittsburg and is open Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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By Brentwood Police Department

Have you ever wanted to meet Brentwood’s Chief of Police, ask questions, or learn more about your Police Department?

Join us for Meet the Chief on Saturday, August 22, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Brentwood Police Department. He was appointed on July 6, 2026, after serving as Interim Chief of Police since September 2025.

This is a great opportunity to connect with Chief Walter O’Grodnick and members of the Brentwood Police Department in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Enjoy free hot dogs while learning more about your police department and the services we provide.

On display will be:

• Our new Traffic Unit vehicle
• Armored Rescue Vehicle (ARV) Mobile Command Center

Take a guided tour of the Brentwood Police Department and get a behind-the-scenes look at where our officers and professional staff work every day.

Whether you have questions, want to meet the officers who serve our community, or simply want to stop by and say hello, we’d love to see you there!

Saturday, August 22

11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Brentwood Police Department

9100 Brentwood Blvd.

We look forward to meeting you and spending the afternoon with our community!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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By Stefanie Sylvester, Annual Giving Coordinator & Hind Lalami, Leadership & Community Building Coordinator, Village Community Resource Center

BRENTWOOD, Calif. — The Village Community Resource Center (VCRC) will host its 2nd Annual Kermés on Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Cornerstone Fellowship Church in Brentwood. The family-friendly community festival is free, open to the public, and aligns with VCRC’s 30th anniversary milestone of serving East Contra Costa County.

Building on the success of its inaugural event, VCRC is partnering with Cornerstone Fellowship Church to expand this year’s market. The upgraded venue accommodates more local small business vendors, interactive entertainment, artisan goods, and diverse food options to deepen community impact.

“Every purchase at Kermés is an investment in our community,” said Hind Lalami, Leadership & Community Building Coordinator for VCRC. “When families shop with local vendors, they’re not only supporting small businesses—they’re helping create opportunities for children, families, and future community leaders right here in East Contra Costa County.”

Inspired by traditional cultural neighborhood fairs, the festival brings community members together for charitable purposes. Proceeds and awareness raised during the event support VCRC’s ongoing community-strengthening programs.

Event Information

• Event: 2nd Annual Kermés Festival
• Date: Sunday, August 23, 2026
• Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Location: Cornerstone Fellowship Church, 6641 Lone Tree Way, Brentwood
• Admission: Free and open to the public
• Website: www.vcrcbrentwoodca.org/Kermés

About Village Community Resource Center

Village Community Resource Center (VCRC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving East Contra Costa County since 1997 by empowering children, strengthening families, and building community through education, leadership development, wellness initiatives, and family support services. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, VCRC continues to cultivate a thriving village where every member of the community can succeed.

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Adopts AI-powered weapons detection at medical facilitis ahead of state law compliance deadline

By Kristen Aikey, JMG Public Relations

Toronto, ON –Xtract One Technologies (TSX: XTRA)(OTCQX: XTRAF)(FRA: 0PL) (“Xtract One” or the “Company”) announced recently multiple SmartGateway deployments across California healthcare facilities, reflecting growing demand from health systems across the state ahead of the March 2027 compliance deadline for California Assembly Bill 2975. Deployments are underway at Contra Costa Health in Martinez and Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital in Hollister, with expected completion by mid-August, in addition to the previous San Mateo Health deployment.

AB 2975 requires hospitals across California to implement enhanced security measures at high-traffic public entrances by March, 2027. The mandate reflects a broader recognition among healthcare administrators and state regulators that emergency departments and other public-facing hospital entrances require dedicated screening to protect staff and patients from weapons-related violence.

“California health systems are making real procurement decisions right now, and the facilities selecting Xtract One are doing so because the technology fits the environment,” said Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One. “SmartGateway was built for high patient and visitor volumes, diverse populations, and clinical staff who need to focus on care. What we’re seeing across Hazel Hawkins, Contra Costa Health, and San Mateo – and more broadly with healthcare systems in general – is that once an organization sees accurate, high-throughput detection running in a real hospital environment, expanding the solution across the facility becomes an obvious next step.”

Xtract One’s presence in California healthcare predates the AB 2975 mandate. San Mateo Medical Center deployed SmartGateway at its main campus in 2025 following extensive testing of available solutions, with plans to expand to all satellite clinics. The Contra Costa Health deployments build on that established footprint as health systems across the state accelerate their procurement timelines ahead of the March 2027 deadline.

Xtract One’s SmartGateway is designed specifically for high-throughput environments with lower volumes of personal belongings. The system identifies concealed guns and knives while allowing individuals to walk through at a natural pace without divesting personal items, distinguishing it from traditional walk-through metal detectors that alert broadly on any metal object. For healthcare environments where speed and accessibility are

Contra Costa Health, Martinez, CA

Contra Costa Health has also selected three SmartGateway systems for deployment across its main entrance, emergency department, and psychiatric entrance in the primary hospital facility. The deployment is driven by a clear security mandate of detecting and intercepting firearms and bladed weapons before they reach clinical environments. Contra Costa Health has prioritized detection accuracy above all other operational considerations, implementing a bag check protocol alongside SmartGateway screening at its main entrance to ensure the most thorough possible security posture across all three entry points.

To learn more, visit www.xtractone.com.

About Xtract One

Xtract One Technologies is a leading technology-driven provider of threat detection and security solutions leveraging AI to deliver seamless and secure experiences. The Company makes unobtrusive weapons and threat detection systems that are designed to assist facility operators in prioritizing- and delivering improved “Walk-right-In” experiences while enhancing safety. Xtract One’s innovative portfolio of AI-powered Gateway solutions excels at allowing facilities to discreetly screen and identify weapons and other threats at points of entry and exit without disrupting the flow of traffic. With solutions built to serve the unique market needs for schools, hospitals, arenas, stadiums, manufacturing, distribution, and other customers, Xtract One is recognized as a market leader delivering the highest security in combination with the best individual experience. For more information, visit www.xtractone.com or connect on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

About Contra Costa Health

Contra Costa Health is the integrated public health system serving Contra Costa County. The system operates a network of hospitals, clinics and public health programs serving hundreds of thousands of residents across the county, with a focus on accessible care for all community members regardless of ability to pay. For more information, visit www.cchealth.org.

About Threat Detection Systems

Xtract One solutions, when properly configured, deployed, and utilized, are designed to help enhance safety and reduce threats. Given the wide range of potential threats in today’s world, no threat detection system is 100% effective. Xtract One solutions should be utilized as one element in a multilayered approach to physical security.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance and customer contracts, are “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks detailed from time to time in the continuous disclosure filings made by the Company with securities regulations. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. The Company has no obligation to update any forward looking statement, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events, new information or for any other reason except as required by law

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Has history of arrests; released from custody Thursday back in custody Friday

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – An Oakland resident faces five felony charges for his role in an organized theft ring connected to a series of burglaries in Concord.

The charges stem from a series of burglaries that occurred in Concord between April and July 2026 located in the Ygnacio and Clayton Valley region. Concord Police found that an organized group of juveniles carried out around 37 burglaries in that area. Richmond Police arrested the juvenile suspects for vehicle theft in May, and a subsequent investigation revealed they were part of a fencing operation led by 37-year-old Wuillian Heriberto Cordova-Cubias. Fencing operations are a hallmark of organized theft rings, which buy stolen goods from thieves and resell them to the public.

On August 5th law enforcement officers from the Concord Police Department, Oakland Police Department, and U.S. Marshals Service executed a search warrant at Cordova-Cubias’s Oakland residence. When officers entered the home, they located numerous items of suspected stolen property, including at least 500 power tools.  (See related article)

After law enforcement referred the case for review, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office today filed a complaint in Superior Court against Cordova-Cubias. He faces the following charges:

• Receiving stolen property, including power tools, survey equipment, motor vehicles, and pipe inspection equipment
• Two counts of receiving stolen motor vehicles (a utility ATV and a forklift)
• Unlawful firearm activity
• Conspiracy to commit a crime with juvenile conspirators

All charges include enhancements that increase the potential penalties.

District Attorney Diana Becton said, “As organized theft offenses have increased, my office has responded by building an effective Organized Theft Unit that works closely with law enforcement to file strong cases we believe we can prove beyond a reasonable doubt in court. Concord Police Department’s thorough investigation into these burglaries and the fencing operation reflects the kind of collaboration that holds individuals accountable.”

Cordova-Cubias was in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility and will appear for arraignment in Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez on August 10th at 1:30 pm. According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, as of Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at 09:28 AM he had bonded out of custody. UPDATE: However, according to Asregadoo, he’s “not out of custody anymore. He was brought back in earlier today.”

According to localcrimenews.com, the five-foot, eight-inch tall, 240-pound Cordova-Cubias is Hispanic and has been arrested at least five other times for guns, drugs and violent crimes including battery and threats of violence, and receiving or concealing stolen property.

According to the Oakland Police, he was arrested in February 2020 “after a month-long investigation…charged…with possession of a firearm, possession of controlled substance, and possession of roughly 250 stolen power tools, worth an estimated $300,000. The suspect sold some of the items at flea markets in Oakland and San Jose.” (See video)

Case No. 01-26-04086 | The People of the State of California v. Wuillian Cordova-Cubias

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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