“As California’s chief elections officer…I must place the sanctity of these elections above partisan politics.” – Secretary of State Shirley Weber
Issues list of candidates including the former president
By Allen D. Payton
Sacramento, CA – California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. responded on Friday, Dec. 22 to the letter from California Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis requesting the removal of former President Donald Trump from California’s 2024 presidential primary ballot. (See related article)
In her letter, Weber reinforced that, because this is an issue of particular concern to the public, she is obligated to address it within legal parameters and in the best interests of all California voters.
“It is incumbent upon my office to ensure that any action undertaken regarding any candidate’s inclusion or omission from our ballots be grounded firmly in the laws and processes in place in California and our Constitution,” she wrote.
“As California’s chief elections officer, I am a steward of free and fair elections and the democratic process. I must place the sanctity of these elections above partisan politics,” Weber continued. “Removing a candidate from the ballot under Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment is not something my office takes lightly and is not as simple as the requirement be at least 35 years old to be president.”
“I am guided by my commitment to follow the rule of law,” she added.
While Trump is on the March 5 primary election ballot, Weber concluded her letter with, “My office will continue to assess all our options, including those that may arise as a result of any action taken by the United States Supreme Court or other changing circumstances.”
The full text of her response letter can be found here.
On Thursday, Dec. 28, Weber issued the Certified List of Candidates for the March 5, 2024 Presidential Primary Election which included Trump as one of the nine Republicans on the state’s primary ballot. The list also includes eight Democrats, with President Biden at the top of the alphabetical list. Finally, the list of presidential candidates includes three Peace and Freedom party candidates, with Cornel West the most well-known among them, as well as one candidate each from the American Independent Party, Green Party and Libertarian Party.
Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s name will not appear on the state’s presidential primary ballot. When asked why not, his campaign explained, “Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is running as an independent candidate for the presidency and therefore will not be participating in any primary elections, including the California March 5 Presidential Primary. As an Independent, he will be working towards securing a place on the ballot for the general election in November 2024 by collecting the necessary signatures and meeting state requirements.”
Read MoreRing in the New Year in San Francisco under fireworks.
We’ve made it to the last weekend of 2023, and it will be an event-FULL one! Dozens of New Year’s Eve celebrations are happening, along with a few “Noon Year’s Eve” events for the kids. Take in a live show, a musical performance, or dance until the clock hits 12 a.m. at the BARTable events below. BART will run special service this weekend with trains running as late as 1 a.m. on New Years Eve.
To view the list of BARTable partner events visit BARTable This Weekend: Dec 29-31 | BARTable,
Find more information about our special service here. Are you hosting an event near a BART station? Visit this page to learn about “what is BARTable.”
Use BART’s Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.
BARTable partners with local organizations located near BART stations to shine a light on the incredible diversity of businesses, restaurants and happenings that are easily accessible by transit. Our partners provide special deals and prizes for our weekly giveaways, which you can find on our Contest and Deals page. Interested in becoming a BARTable partner? Learn more here.
Read MoreWhile on probation for burglary and auto theft
By Brentwood Police Department
On Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2023, Brentwood Officers were called to the 7600 block of Brentwood Blvd., for a car burglary in progress. The reporting party, who was the owner of the car, witnessed someone breaking into his car and he was able to provide a description of the suspect to Dispatch.
When officers arrived, they located and detained 37-year-old Agustin Martinez of Brentwood in the immediate area. Officers determined the car showed signs of being tampered with and the victim identified Martinez as the suspect he saw breaking into his car.
Martinez, who is also on County Probation for burglary and vehicle theft, was placed under arrest and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.
Read MoreBy Richmond Police Department
On Christmas Eve, while most people were tucked in bed waiting to wake up and spend Christmas morning with family and friends, our officers were on patrol, ensuring our city streets remained safe.
At around 9:00 pm, officers conducted a vehicle stop for vehicle code violations in the 700 block of 23rd Street. After stopping, the driver immediately exited their vehicle and refused to follow officers’ directions. The driver ultimately attempted to flee from officers on foot, but after a short foot pursuit, officers were able to take the driver into custody. They found the driver to be in possession of a loaded “ghost gun” and additional magazines. A search of his vehicle resulted in another firearm, even more high-capacity pistol magazines, and marijuana being located.
Thankfully, officers were able to get this convicted felon into custody while recovering two illegal guns, all without any injuries. The driver was transported to the RPD jail, where he was booked for weapons violations. Unfortunately for this suspect, he spent his Christmas in jail with only coal in his stocking!
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UPDATE: 21-year-old Fairfield man on pre-trial release with history of arrests charged with attempted homicide, robbery and attempted carjacking; two Good Samaritans shot
By Allen D. Payton
On Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 27, 2023, Pinole Police Officers responded to and investigated a reported robbery with shots fired at the Chevron station at 2695 Pinole Valley Road. By 4:30 p.m. the suspect was detained, in-custody and a firearm recovered.
Police determined there was no continued threat to the public and officers concluded their investigation at the scene.
UPDATE: On Thursday, Dec. 28, Pinole Police Commander Matt Avery issued the following press release about the incident:
On December 27, 2023, at approximately 12:20 PM, Pinole Police dispatch received a 911 call from the Chevron, 2965 Pinole Valley Road, with a loud argument heard in the background, and then the call disconnected. While officers responded, several callers reported that a robbery had just occurred, and two subjects had been shot. The callers described the suspect and said the suspect fled north toward Jack in the Box
Officers arrived in the area, found the suspect on Pinole Valley Road under Interstate 80, and safely took him into custody. Additional officers responded to the Chevron and found two victims with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. Pinole Fire and AMR medics treated them as the scene and transported them to the hospital, where they were treated and later released.
Through interviews and reviewing video surveillance, officers determined that the suspect entered the convenience store and tried to make a purchase, but the transaction was declined. The suspect argued with the clerk and walked around the sales counter, where he tried to open the cash register but was unsuccessful. The suspect then ripped the register off the counter and the cables from the business telephone and exited the store.
The suspect attempted to carjack a vehicle in the Chevron lot, but the victim was able to get away. The suspect then walked over to a car parked at one of the pumps, broke out the passenger door window and stole a purse from the front seat. The suspect and victim struggled over the bag, and the suspect hit the victim several times, knocking her to the ground.
Two Good Samaritans saw the victim struggling with the suspect and intervened. The suspect then pulled out a firearm and fired multiple bullets at the Good Samaritans. Both sustained gunshot wounds but were able to retreat. The suspect fled on foot through the Jack in the Box lot and threw the firearm into the bushes. He attempted to carjack two additional vehicles as he ran and continued on foot north on Pinole Valley Road, where he was taken into custody by responding officers.
The firearm was later located and recovered with the assistance of a Concord Police Canine. The stolen purse and property belonging to the woman were recovered at the scene.
Our Criminal Investigation Division responded and assumed the investigation and is continuing to interview the victims and witnesses. The suspect, Demetrius Chafford, a 21-year-old male out of Fairfield, was found to be on pre-trial release for evading an officer and weapons violations out of Solano County.
Chafford was booked at the Martinez Detention Facility on multiple charged including two counts of attempted murder (Penal Code 664/187), two counts of assault with a deadly weapon (Penal Code 245(a)(2)), robbery (Penal Code 211), attempted robbery (Penal Code 664/211), three counts of attempted carjacking (Penal Code 664/215) and carrying a concealed firearm (Penal Coe 25850(a)).
This is an ongoing investigation and we ask anyone with information to contact Detective Dean at 510-724-1111.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Chafford is being held on $1.55 million bail.
According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating to 2021 by multiple agencies including Solano County Sheriff’s Department, Vallejo Police Department and for various crimes of assault with a firearm on a person, trespassing by driving on private property, carrying a concealed firearm – pistol / revolver / other firearm, carrying a loaded firearm when not the registered owner, manufacture / import / sale of large-capacity magazine, change/alter/remove/obliterate ID marks on a firearm, receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, assault with a deadly weapon – no firearm/likely great bodily injury of a peace officer or fireman, carrying a loaded firearm on a person or in a vehicle while in a public place, evasion – wanton disregard for safety, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, and large capacity magazine.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreBy Hercules Police Department
In order to promote public safety Hercules Police Department is planning on conducting a Sobriety/driver’s license checkpoint on December 29th, 2023 from 8:00PM to 1:00AM
The checkpoint location will be chosen based on the amount of traffic coming into the city, history of DUI related traffic collisions and arrests. The purpose of this checkpoint is to promote awareness by preventing drivers from driving under the influence of alcohol, or drugs and driving without a valid driver’s license.
Just a reminder although medicinal and recreational Marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of Marijuana is illegal
The Hercules Police Department encourages everyone to please order an Uber/Lyft/Taxi or to have a designated driver to help you get home after the holiday festivities. Remember to stay safe and stay sober. Don’t drink and drive and face $13,500 in fines and a suspended driver’s license
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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Police officers affected by fentanyl exposure taken to hospital
By Chief Denton Carlson, San Ramon Police Department
On Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, at approximately 11:00 am, San Ramon Police Department Officers responded to the parking lot of 2505 San Ramon Valley Blvd. in response to reports of an individual who appeared to be passed out inside a vehicle. While contacting the individual, suspected narcotics were observed, and the occupants were detained. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers located additional suspected narcotics and a loaded firearm without a serial number (ghost gun).
The two officers who were conducting the vehicle search began to feel the effects of what was suspected to be fentanyl in the suspect’s vehicle. Both officers were transported to the San Ramon Regional Medical Center for precautionary reasons due to their elevated heart rates, dizziness, and weakness. We are happy to report both officers were released after being observed for roughly four hours by medical personnel.
The two suspects, a 19-year-old male from Vacaville and a 27-year-old female from Cottonwood, were arrested for multiple charges, including possession of a loaded firearm without a serial number, possession of narcotics, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.
For a few hours, the parking lot surrounding the vehicle was closed to the public while San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District’s Hazardous Materials Response Team members decontaminated the vehicle and the surrounding area. The parking lot has been reopened, and we thank you for your patience while our public safety partners worked to ensure it was again safe for the San Ramon community.
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Nationwide, community art project, to raise awareness of gunfire, remember victims
Public invited to participate Jan. 12
By Lisa Dell’Anno
The Contra Costa Library system is showcasing the Soul Box Project, a nationwide, community art project, to raise awareness about the scale of gunfire in the U.S. The project displays thousands of Soul Boxes in public spaces to illustrate the number of victims of gun violence, defense, accidents and suicides.
Every day, Americans must confront the impact of gun violence in their communities. The statistics are mind-numbing: gunfire in 2022 alone killed over 44,000 people in the U.S. In an average year, 3,253 people die and 7,293 are wounded by guns in California. (state’s statistics: EveryStat.org)
Soul Boxes can bring solace to individuals and encourage sharing and healing within our community. A box-making gathering is scheduled to honor Martin Luther King, and to make boxes to honor lives lost to gunfire in Antioch and elsewhere. Anybody can make a Soul Box and have it included in the display.
The Antioch Library showcase installation will include over 1,000 origami Soul Boxes, hand-folded and personalized. Each 3-inch-by-3-inch Soul Box holds space for a gunfire victim with a name, an image or a message of protest or hope. Admission is free and open to the public.
WHEN: Showcase exhibit can be seen during Library open hours during the month of January.
MLK box-making gathering will be Sunday, January 14, 2:00 – 4:00 in the Library Community Room.
Visitors can fold a Soul Box and add it to the exhibit.
To make a Soul Box: download folding instructions and watch an instructional video.
WHERE: Antioch Library, 501 W. 18th Street, Antioch
Artist Leslie Lee, from Portland, Oregon, created the Soul Box Project after the mass shooting in Las Vegas in October 2017. It became a nationwide community art project designed to reveal the growing number of gunfire victims. The Project displays thousands of Soul Boxes in public spaces, illustrating the staggering number of victims of gunfire violence, defense, accidents and suicides. By raising awareness of the number of victims, the Project aims to empower people to choose actions regarding responsible gun use that reflect their values, priorities and beliefs. These actions may span a wide range – gun safety, education, legislation, mental health. Together those actions will help cause a shift in our nation’s culture.
The Project displayed 200,000 Soul Boxes on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in 2021. The exhibit, titled This Loss We Carry, vividly illustrated the staggering number of U.S. victims of gunfire violence, defense, accidents, and suicides in less than 3 years.
Portions of the D.C. exhibit are now being distributed – by request and free of charge – to any individual, group or organization who can use this dramatic visual to bolster their work to end gun violence. View a video clip about the Soul Box Project.
For more information visit SoulBoxProject.org.
Dell’Anno is a former leader of the Diablo Valley chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and now volunteers with The Soul Box Project.
Read MoreBy Oakley Police Department
Oakley Police Department seeks information on vehicle and person(s) Involved in back-to-back Christmas time UPS Store package burglaries
On Monday, December 25, 2023, at 3:45AM, a solo suspect arrived at the UPS store, located at 2063 Main Street, Oakley. The suspect arrived in a white lifted Ford Super Duty truck with a “super cab” (extended cab) body. The Ford truck additionally had aftermarket black wheels and the license plates had been removed. The suspect was wearing a bright orange shirt or vest, dark colored pants, gloves and a mask. The suspect was seen on surveillance footage going straight to the front door of the business and breaking into it. The suspect stole several packages from behind the counter area and left with them.
On Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at 4:05AM, a suspect wearing gloves and all dark clothing arrived to the UPS store and entered via the compromised front door. The suspect took additional packages from behind the counter and a small safe.
We are awaiting surveillance footage from the interior of the store and parking lot footage from the 26th, but we are able to share a couple of pictures of the truck that was used on the 25th. On that night, the truck left the UPS store by travelling westbound on Main Street and then turning northbound onto Bridgehead Road. We do not know where the truck went from that point, but we are seeking the assistance of the public to help us locate the truck and any information about the stolen packages and suspect. If additional surveillance photos are developed in this case, we will be sure to share them.
Please call us at (925) 625-8060 if you have any information regarding this case.
If you suspect your package has been stolen, please contact the UPS store manager at (925) 625-0221. You will receive information about your package and additional information on what to do about it.
Read MorePINOLE, CA – December, 2023 – On Monday, December 18th, dedicated volunteers from St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County (SVdP) gathered at St. Joseph’s Church in Pinole to spread holiday cheer in their community. Undeterred by the pouring rain, compassionate volunteers organized a heartwarming event to provide essential items and festive gifts to their neighbors in need for Christmas.
The day was a testament to the spirit of giving, as families were greeted with smiles and warmth while receiving personalized gifts and choosing from a selection of generously donated clothing items – including shirts, sweaters, jackets, and pants.
Tracey W. of Pinole, expressing her gratitude, said, “I’m just humbled. The volunteers at St. Vincent de Paul have been a part of my family since my daughter was born. One of the volunteers made her a quilt that I still have to this day. Their help means so much to me, and I’m just so thankful to have them in my life.”
Volunteers started their day at 9 A.M. in the St. Joseph rectory by wrapping and labeling gifts. Gifts were donated by the St. Joseph Parish members, local supporters, local businesses, and SVdP volunteers. Gift cards for groceries, stuffed animals for young children, Target gift cards for Christmas presents, and boxes of cookies were distributed to every family in attendance.
Vincentian Charisse Wan, an SVdP Vincentian volunteer, shared, “We have about 63 families we are able to help out of our Conference, (branch). It’s just wonderful to see how happy the families are during the Holidays.”
Thodias D., a single father of two young boys from Pinole, expressed his deep appreciation for the support provided by SVdP volunteers at St. Joseph’s Church.
“I just feel so blessed to be part of the SVdP family,” Thodias said. “They’ve helped me with food, clothing, just too much to name. I just feel so thankful.”
Families, arriving at St. Joseph’s in Pinole, had their gifts brought to their cars by SVdP volunteers. For those who preferred, an opportunity to find the right-sized clothing for their families was available inside the church. The event fostered a sense of friendship, camaraderie, and charity, creating a memorable day for those in need.
St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County has provided safety-net services in the county for over 59 years, serving 100,000 people annually and distributing over $1.9 million in direct financial assistance and over $3 million of in-kind aid. More than 700 SVdP volunteers and a small staff lead operations in Contra Costa including the SVdP Family Resource Center in Pittsburg, 28 branches, and 3 Thrift Stores. One of the largest charitable organizations in the world, St. Vincent de Paul is an international, nonprofit, Catholic lay organization of more than 900,000 men and women who voluntarily join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to the needy and suffering in 155 countries on five continents.
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