Contra Costa Herald

By Contra Costa CHP

ORINDA, Calif. – A two-vehicle crash early this morning has resulted in fatal injuries to one driver.

On March 14, 2025, at approximately 8:20 a.m., officers assigned to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Contra Costa Area office responded to a two-vehicle crash which occurred on Hwy 24 eastbound at Wilder Road in Orinda.

Our preliminary investigation indicates a blue Ford Flex, solely occupied by an adult male driver, was traveling eastbound on SR-24 at Wilder Road, when, for reasons still under investigation, it crashed into the rear of a red Toyota Corolla traveling in the same direction.

The adult male driver and sole occupant of the Toyota was uninjured. The driver of the Ford, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and was tragically pronounced deceased at the scene. It is still under investigation whether DUI was a factor in this crash.

All lanes of SR-24 eastbound were closed at approximately 8:44 a.m., for on-scene investigation, and were re-opened at approximately 11:34 a.m.

According to Officer Dan Gilmore, CHP-Contra Costa PIO, the deceased was 32 years old.

This crash remains under investigation. If anyone witnessed the incident or the events leading up to it, please contact the Contra Costa Area office in Martinez at (925) 646-4980 or email your contact information to 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov to be contacted by the investigating officer.

The Mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office Helicopter STARR3 water rescue

By Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office

On Saturday, March 1, 2025, at about 3 PM, Sheriff’s Office Marine Services Unit deputy sheriffs were dispatched to the Hercules shoreline for an overturned boat with a victim in the water. Sheriff’s Office helicopter STARR3 also responded to assist.

STARR3 arrived on scene and located a capsized boat about 200 feet off the shoreline with one person who was in distress. The helicopter landed nearby and set up for a water rescue. A STARR3 crew member was short-hauled to the victim where he performed a water rescue and brought the victim to paramedics waiting nearby.

STARR3 located another victim about 2 feet underwater. The STARR3 crew member performed a short-haul rescue of the second victim who was taken to paramedics.

Both victims were transported to nearby hospitals, where one was later pronounced deceased.

The Sheriff’s Office Marine Services Unit is investigating this incident. Anyone with any information is asked to call (925) 754-0718.

See video.

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Arrested again on March 12 for first-degree burglary by Concord PD

45-year-old Lacy Ball has some ‘splaining’ to do!

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

Great investigation by our Patrol Officers!

This past Friday night (March 7, 2025), our officers responded to a residential burglary in the Pleasant Valley neighborhood. Thanks to quick action and surveillance footage, they were able to identify the suspect as 45-year-old Lacy William Ball (born 8/1/79) of Pleasant Hill.

Ball was located in Pleasant Hill and arrested for burglary in the 1400 block of Contra Costa Blvd. Officers also recovered stolen property, which was returned to the victim.

A big thank you to our Patrol Officers and the watchful neighbors who helped bring this case to a swift resolution!

According to the Pleasant Hill PD website, the five-feet, 10-inch tall, 205-pound Ball is White with blonde hair and blue eyes and is unemployed.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, he is Hispanic, five-feet, nine inches tall, 170 pounds with blue eyes and grey hair, was arrested again by Concord Police on March 12 at 9:42 AM and is being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail. Ball faces two counts of first-degree burglary and his next court date is scheduled for 8:30 AM on April 17, 2025, in Superior Court in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, Ball was also arrested four previous times, twice for burglary in 2023 by Concord Police and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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By Carl Dameron, Vice President of Public Relations, Strategy Research Institute

The City of San Pablo took home three major awards at the 2025 APWA Project Awards Ceremony, hosted by the Northern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association, on February 20, 2025.

The Rumrill Blvd. Complete Streets Project won both the Small Cities Transportation Project of the Year award and the prestigious Project of the Year awards.

Additionally, the San Pablo Public Works Department received the Exceptional Performance in Sustainable Practices award, recognizing the City’s commitment to innovative, sustainable projects that benefit both the community and the environment.

“This is an acknowledgement of the City’s commitment to making San Pablo a wonderful community where to reside,” said Allan Panganiban, Public Works Director/City Engineer.

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Orey Douglas has history of over 20 arrests since 2014 including for murder, multiple gun and sex crimes

By Brentwood Police Department

Around 1:00 AM Sunday morning August 4th, 2024, Brentwood officers responded to an armed robbery at 50 Sand Creek Road. While officers were interviewing the victim, Oakley PD spotted the suspects’ vehicle in their jurisdiction and attempted a traffic stop. The driver fled at a high rate of speed, leading to a pursuit. The suspect vehicle eventually crashed into an embankment off Highway 160.

Brentwood officers arrived at the crash scene and confirmed that the vehicle matched the description of the suspects’ car. Both occupants were detained, and a loaded handgun, along with the stolen property from the victim, was found in the vehicle. The suspect, 28-year-old Orey Azniam Douglas of Antioch, was positively identified and placed under arrest. Douglas was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.

This quick and coordinated response not only led to the arrest of the suspect but also likely prevented further crimes.

According to a report by crimevoice.com, they robbed Los Mexicanos Market and the second suspect Sam Donte Gray, 38 (born 11-10-85), of Concord, remained at large until he was arrested on August 8. Douglas was charged with second-degree robbery and three firearms-related charges and was held in the West County Detention Facility on $160,000 bail pending his Oct. 7th court hearing.

On March 3rd, 2025, the suspects, Douglas and Gray, were found guilty of armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, along with numerous firearm charges and enhancements.

This case highlights the collective efforts of everyone involved, including patrol officers from both Brentwood PD and Oakley PD, along with our Detectives. Their dedication and teamwork played a critical role in this successful conviction while also ensuring the safety of our community.

According to localcrimenews.com, the six-feet, three-inch tall, 215-pound Douglas is Black and has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by multiple agencies including police departments in Antioch, Hayward, Fremont, BART, Oakland, San Jose, Vacaville, as well as Sheriff’s Departments in Contra Costa, Alameda and Solano counties, and Contra Costa CHP. Charges include murder, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, assault with any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, multiple gun crimes, sex with a minor and unlawfully causing a minor to engage in a commercial sex act by force, carjacking, vehicle theft, receiving stolen property, false imprisonment, threatening a witness, evading police and resisting arrest.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet, nine-inch tall, 217-pound Gray is Black and being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $140,0000 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 9, 2025, at 8:30 AM in Superior Court in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, he was arrested for conspiracy to commit a crime, robbery, assault with a firearm on a person, felony parole violation and addict in possession of a firearm. Gray was previously arrested on Sept. 8, 2023, by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department on order for a person’s removal from prison to appear in court.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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19-year-old, two 18-year-olds including one from Pittsburg with Dec. 2024 gun arrest; two held on $150,000 bail

Loaded firearm seized, stolen items recovered

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

A solid late-night arrest leads to a firearm recovery and three suspects in jail!

Early this morning officers were dispatched to a possible auto burglary in progress in the Camelback neighborhood. Immediately upon arriving to the area, they located a suspicious vehicle matching the description fleeing the area. Following a traffic stop, three suspects were detained and a large amount of suspected stolen items were recovered. During the contact, a loaded firearm was recovered from the vehicle as well.

Through this investigation, we were able to assist surrounding agencies with their investigations into similar auto burglaries, and property belonging to their victims was returned.

All three suspects were booked into Martinez Detention Facility for numerous charges including burglary and firearms charges. These cases will be sent to the District Attorney for filings.

Great work by our weekday night teams!!

According to the Pleasant Hill PD website, the suspects are 19-year-old Shawndell Torrybreon Hines who is Black, six-feet, one-inch tall and 184 pounds; 18-year-old Jabari Cleon James McKinney who is Black, five-feet, eight inches tall and 190 pounds; and Enrique Dexter Lafrades, who is also 18 years old and Black, is five-feet, 11-inches tall and 180 pounds.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Hines was born 8/27/2005, and is being held on $150,000 bail.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, McKinney was still in custody as of 8:18 AM Friday morning.

According to localcrimenews.com, Lafrades is from Pittsburg and was also arrested on Dec. 17, 2024, by Pittsburg Police for carrying a loaded firearm on a person or in a vehicle while in a public place. According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, he was born 6/25/2006, and is being held on $150,000 bail.

No additional information about Hines or McKinney could be found in online searches.

Case #25-00764

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

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Plan open recruitment process soon to fill permanent position

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO & Director Office of Communications & Media, Contra Costa County

(Martinez, CA) – On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors appointed Dr. Ori Tzvieli as interim director of health services while the County launches a search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer and Health Director for Contra Costa Health (CCH).

The appointment ensures continuity in the County’s health services and continued progress on key health initiatives.

Tzvieli joined CCH as a family medicine resident at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in 2000, launching a career in the county’s healthcare delivery system that has led to several leadership roles, including Medical Staff President, Ambulatory Care Medical Director and, most recently, Public Health Director and Health Officer for the county. Tzvieli received his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco, and a Master of Health Science from the University of California at Berkeley School of Public Health. Dr. Tzvieli will remain the county’s Health Officer while serving as interim CEO and Health Director for Contra Costa Health.

During his time with CCH, Tzvieli has championed collaborative efforts to address opioid addiction, has helped to lead the county’s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic, oversaw testing, vaccination, case investigation and contact tracing, laboratory functions, nursing and clinical services, communicable disease surveillance and prevention programs, and an array of work to improve community wellness, from senior nutrition programs to services supporting family, maternal and child health.

He replaces longtime CCH CEO and Health Director Anna M. Roth, who retired in February.

“Anna has been a transformative leader for Contra Costa Health, and while we will deeply miss her visionary leadership, we are confident in and excited about Ori’s expertise and dedication to continue the County’s mission,” said Board Chair and District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen. “This transition marks an important moment for the County, and we are committed to supporting a seamless leadership change while continuing to prioritize the well-being of our residents.”

During her tenure, Roth oversaw the growth of a $3 billion integrated health system serving more than one million residents. Under her guidance, the County expanded its safety-net services, strengthened behavioral and physical health integration, and launched innovative programs to address homelessness, environmental health, and emergency medical services.

The Board of Supervisors plans to conduct an open recruitment process soon to fill the position permanently.

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One-way traffic control for maintenance work.

Expect delays & follow flaggers.

Contra Costa County— Caltrans’ scheduled one-way traffic control on the Antioch John A. Nejedly Bridge (SR-160) to continue Monday March 17th from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Southbound SR-160 from the North End of the bridge to the Antioch Toll Plaza will be closed daily from from March 17-21, 2025. Traffic will be able to flow Southbound in the Northbound Lane when clear by flaggers holding traffic coming Northbound at the South End of the Bridge.
The closure will extend the entire length of the bridge.

A pilot car will be implemented and the speed will be restricted to 25 mph in the work zone.

Caltrans will turn on Changeable Message Signs (CMS) to notify the public ahead of time.
For real-time traffic, click on Caltrans QuickMap: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/

 

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Former Acting City Manager, Economic Development Director Kwame Reed was appointed to current position in January

By Allen D. Payton After less than two months in his position as Assistant City Manager, Kwame Reed is leaving the City of Antioch for a position with Contra Costa County. But no one will say what the job will be for the City’s former Economic Development Director, Acting City Manager and current Acting Economic Development Director. At the end of Tuesday night’s city council meeting during Staff Communications, City Manager Bessie M. Scott announced Reed’s departure. (See 5:59 mark of meeting video) “I want to acknowledge the assistant city manager who will not be here at the next council meeting as his last day is on the 21st,” she said. “And I want to congratulate him for his new position at the county and to acknowledge his contribution to my success in the short time that I’ve been here. He walked side by side with me having no manual, no onboarding plan, no even announcement that I was joining the City. But I just wanted to acknowledge his support and to congratulate him on these next steps.” She did not identify Reed’s new position. Scott previously announced on Jan. 23rd that she had appointed him to the position of Assistant City Manager. She said at that time, “Reed brings more than 29 years of leadership and operational experience across local and regional government agencies.” He had served as Antioch’s Acting City Manager from June 2023 until Scott was hired last October. Reed began his time with the City in 2018. Prior to that, he worked for the City of Brentwood as a Senior Policy Analyst from 2004 to 2018. Reed also served on the County’s Workforce Development Board to support the workforce and help bring greater recognition to East Contra Costa County. According to his bio on that organization’s website, “When he isn’t working or serving on the board, Reed, a husband and father of three, enjoys time with family and playing the role of “Dad Chauffeur,” with the family’s Giant Schnauzer, Abena, in tow.” In response to questions about Reed’s new position Scott said she would check. Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media Director Kristi Jourdan responded to an inquiry about it writing, “I haven’t heard anything” but will “try to track down some information.” When asked, District 3 County Supervisor Diane Burgis said, “That’s for Kwame to announce.” Efforts to reach Mayor Ron Bernal to learn what Reed’s new position will be were also unsuccessful and District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha said, “I’m not sure”. But District 3 Councilman Don Freitas said he remembers reading that it will be the Deputy Clerk-Recorder and congratulated County Clerk-Recorder Kristin Connelly during an event both were attending recently. Reed later responded, “Out of the respect I have for my colleagues and friends I am currently working with, I am going to request the County provide a statement closer to my last day. I do not think Antioch should make a statement about my departure.” However, it was announced to the County Clerk-Recorder’s Office staff that Reed will become the highest-level staff member in the department, answering directly to elected Connelly. His first day will be April 15. Asked to confirm that, Reed responded, “Yes that is my new role.” He will replace Tommy Gong who retired in February. The Clerk-Recorder’s Office oversees the Elections Division, handles real estate recordings, Fictitious Business Name filings and professional registrations, as well as issues birth, marriage and death certificates and marriage licenses. The vacancy in the City position will leave Antioch without an Assistant City Manager or Economic Development Director, and an Acting Police Chief, Acting Community Development Director and Acting Public Works Director/City Engineer. A nationwide search is currently being conducted to hire a permanent police chief. Read More

RSVP to attend

By Mairead Glowacki, Communications Director, Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced that he will host a town hall in Concord to discuss how he and his Democratic colleagues are fighting back in Congress against the actions of the Trump Administration, including efforts to gut Medicaid and Social Security, on Thursday, March 20th from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. PT.

At the town hall, Congressman DeSaulnier will share updates from Congress and information on early victories in the courts. He will also take questions from constituents.

Concord, CA – RSVP for Location
The event is RSVP only and capacity is limited. To reserve your spot or request special accommodations, visit https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660.

This will be Congressman DeSaulnier’s 226th town hall and mobile district office hour since coming to Congress in January 2015.

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