The USS Potomac on the San Francisco Bay and President Franklin D. Roosevelt aboard the boat. Source: USS Potomac Association
Historic Open House at Jack London Square Jan. 30
By Marci Bracco Cain, The Buzz PR and Jennifer Pettley, Executive Director, USS Potomac Association
Oakland, CA – Two historic milestones come together in a one-of-a-kind celebration on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, as the USS Potomac honors President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 143rd Birthday and commemorates the 30th Anniversary of its reopening to the public after a stunning 14-year restoration.
Held at Jack London Square in Oakland, this free, family-friendly open house invites attendees to explore history aboard FDR’s presidential yacht—famously known as the “Floating White House.” Featuring dockside tours, an inspiring keynote address, and interactive activities, this event is a can’t-miss opportunity to step into the legacy of one of America’s most transformative leaders.
Opportunities
1. A Presidential Milestone with Local Ties – Honor FDR’s enduring legacy as the 32nd President of the United States and his unique connection to the Bay Area through the USS Potomac.
2. A Tale of Redemption: The Potomac’s Restoration Journey – From a DEA drug bust and near-sinking to a $5 million restoration and revival, the USS Potomac’s dramatic rescue and preservation stand as a testament to the value of historical conservation.
3. Exclusive Free Tours of a National Treasure – The USS Potomac is the only site west of the Mississippi dedicated to FDR’s legacy. Dockside tours offer a rare chance to connect with this floating piece of history.
4. A Community Celebration with a Modern Twist – Engaging elements like vintage-themed activities, a trivia challenge, and a selfie station bring history to life for all ages.
Event Highlights
• Dockside Tours (10:00 AM–1:30 PM): Step aboard the USS Potomac and explore the historic presidential yacht that carried FDR through pivotal moments in history.
• Keynote Presentation (12:00 PM): Hear from Walter Abernathy, retired CEO of the Port of Oakland, as he shares the gripping story of how the USS Potomac was rescued from destruction, restored, and transformed into a community treasure.
• Birthday Celebration (1:00 PM): Enjoy a ceremonial cake cutting and coffee toast to honor FDR’s 143rd birthday.
• Interactive Elements:
o FDR Trivia Challenge: Test your knowledge for a chance to win prizes.
o Selfie Station: Snap photos with vintage props and share them using #FDRBirthdayBash.
o Era Attire Contest: Dress in 1930s–1940s fashion for a chance to win exclusive USS Potomac merchandise.
From Sunk to Celebrated
The USS Potomac’s history is as compelling as the man it served. Once a key presidential retreat, the yacht’s story took a dramatic turn when it was seized in a DEA drug sting, sank in San Francisco Bay, and was ultimately rescued by the Port of Oakland. This open house marks 30 years since its public reopening, celebrating its transformation into a cherished historical landmark and a must-see destination.
Community Engagement
• Free Swag Raffle: Visitors can sign up for the USS Potomac e-newsletter for a chance to win FDR-themed gifts like mugs, T-shirts, and posters.
• Historical Short Film: A 10-minute documentary shown in the museum will capture the fascinating story of the USS Potomac and its role in FDR’s presidency.
• Community Groups & Clubs: Partnerships with local historical societies, veterans’ organizations, and college history clubs will enhance the event and bring together diverse audiences.
Event Details
• Date: Thursday, January 30, 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Location: USS Potomac Museum & Yacht, 540 Water St, Jack London Square, Oakland
• Admission: Free and open to the public
About the USS Potomac
Built in 1934, the USS Potomac served as President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidential yacht until 1945. Known as the “Floating White House,” the vessel provided FDR with a sanctuary and a strategic meeting place during a transformative era in American history.
After a dramatic fall from grace—including its time as a Coast Guard cutter and a drug-running vessel—the yacht was rescued and meticulously restored. Operated today by the nonprofit USS Potomac Association, it offers educational programs, public cruises, and private charters, preserving a vital piece of America’s past.
For details on the 2025 season and booking, visit www.usspotomac.org.
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Matthew Muller mugshot, Dublin, California, June 9, 2015. Source: Wikipedia
For a previously unreported 2015 kidnapping for ransom at residence near San Ramon
Arizona kidnapping became focus of 2024 season of Netflix true crime series “American Nightmare”
By Ted Asregadoo, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has filed a three-count felony complaint against a convicted kidnapper and rapist whose crimes include a high-profile case featured in a documentary series.
Matthew Daniel Muller, 47, is currently serving a 40-year federal prison sentence in Tucson, Arizona, for the 2015 kidnapping and rape of Denise Huskins — a case that drew widespread media attention and became the focus of the 2024 season of American Nightmare, a Netflix true crime series.
According to his Wikipedia page, Muller is a former immigration attorney, and Marine veteran. He is known for carrying out the kidnapping in Vallejo, California, referred to in the media as the ”Gone Girl” kidnapping.
The new charges filed on Jan. 6, 2025, by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office stem from a previously unreported 2015 kidnapping for ransom at a residence in an unincorporated area of San Ramon. The crime came to light over the course of 2024 through correspondence between law enforcement and Muller, during which he confessed to multiple crimes in Northern California, including the 2015 incident in Contra Costa County.
After learning of Muller’s confession, detectives from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation, despite the lack of a reported crime in 2015. The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office joined the investigation on December 13th, 2024, which included a meeting with Muller.
In the spring of 2015, Muller unlawfully held two John Does and one Jane Doe for ransom, demanding that one of the captives withdraw tens of thousands of dollars from their bank account to secure the release of the others. After obtaining the money, Muller fled the residence.
Fearing retribution, the victims never reported the crime. To this day, they have chosen to remain anonymous.
The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office collaborated with the El Dorado and Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Offices to coordinate investigative efforts. These efforts resulted in three felony charges of kidnapping for ransom [PC 209(a)] filed in Contra Costa Superior Court.
“The trauma of crime can have lasting effects that some people endure for their entire lives – whether the crime is reported or not,” said Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton. “Muller committed serious offenses throughout Northern California, and my office will be resolute in seeking justice on behalf of the victims in Contra Costa County.”
Muller is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges at a future date in Contra Costa Superior Court.
The case is “The People of the State of California v. Muller, Matthew Daniel.”
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Giants pitchers Gary Lavelle in August 1980 and Bob Knepper in July 1980 and First Baseman Mike Ivie. Photos by SF Giants
By Matt Sieger
Depending on your spiritual bent, you may have been either thrilled or turned off by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy talking about his Christian faith in interviews on his way to the Super Bowl.
After engineering an amazing comeback to defeat the Detroit Lions for the NFC Championship, Purdy told reporters, “When I’m down 17 at the half, honestly, I’m just thinking, ‘Alright God, You’ve taken me here, and win or lose I’m going to glorify You.’ . . . Honestly, I think it’s just a testament to God and where He’s taken me in life.”
Some probably feel, as Beneatha Younger put it in Lorraine Hansberry’s play, A Raisin in the Sun, “I’m just tired of hearing about God all the time. What has He got to do with anything? . . . I just get so tired of Him getting the credit for things the human race achieves through its own effort. Now, there simply is no God. There’s only man. And it’s he who makes miracles.”
The media and the public are now accustomed to hearing athletes thank God for the abilities he has given them. But that wasn’t always the case. In baseball in the 1950 and 1960s it was extremely rare to hear such pronouncements from athletes. Then in the 1970s in San Francisco, one of the great culture clashes between religious athletes, the media and the fan base erupted over a group of born-again ballplayers on the Giants who became known as the God Squad.
Giants’ relief pitcher Gary Lavelle became a born-again Christian in the winter of 1976. When he returned to the club the next year, he gradually and quietly began to share his faith with his teammates when they showed an interest. Several, including Bob Knepper, Jack Clark, Rob Andrews and Randy Moffitt (brother of tennis great Billie Jean King) came to faith, and by the 1978 season there were eight or nine professing Christians on the team.
The Giants, who had suffered through several losing seasons, came to life that year and led the National League West for much of the season, only to fade in a September swoon and finish third. In post-game interviews, the players frequently thanked God for the ability he gave them, and the press raised no objection.
But when the Giants’ fortunes faded on the field in 1979, the media was quick to blame the born-again players, claiming their newfound faith had made them passive. The press derisively referred to them as the God Squad.
The cornerstone of that accusation was a quote attributed to pitcher Knepper, who supposedly told manager Dave Bristol it was “God’s will” when he yielded a home run that lost a game. Knepper and his Christian teammates have always denied the quote, as did Bristol. But the false story continued to hound them for years.
The media was merciless at times. San Francisco Chronicle columnist Glenn Dickey wrote, “It may be that the Giants will have to trade one or two of the most obvious born-agains on the club, to break up the clique. At the very least, their lockers should be separated in the clubhouse.”
Another prominent Chronicle sports columnist, Lowell Cohn, told me recently that he disagrees with Dickey on that score. However, Cohn, known for his biting satire, penned one of his most provocative pieces, “Can Satan Save the Giants?” in which he recommended that one of the Giants sell his soul to the devil since God didn’t seem to be helping the team too much!
Not only did the media blame the God Squad for losing, it also alleged that the Christian athletes caused division in the clubhouse and got two managers fired. These false claims spread to the national media, where prestigious columnists Peter Gammons of The Boston Globe and Dick Young of the New York Daily News repeated them. One of the more ridiculous accusations was that the Giants had two team buses to take players to the field, one for the God Squad and another for the others,
Mike Ivie, one of the God Squadders, returned to the club from a stint of mental exhaustion and sounded much like Purdy, who said his faith in God helped sustain him during his recovery from a torn ligament in the elbow of his throwing arm.
“He’ll put you through trials and tribulations and He’ll use every resource to help you find happiness in your heart,” said Ivie. “It would have been twice as hard for me to come back if I hadn’t believed in the Lord.”
Ivie and his teammates commonly made such pronouncements in a liberal San Francisco atmosphere and era that was not conducive to talk about faith. Cohn felt the tension and in his memoirs made this fascinating statement, “Until that day, I believed I was covering a baseball team. I was wrong. I had wandered into the middle of a deep religious debate, one that defined the Giants at that time.”
The God Squadders were spiritual pioneers who bore the brunt of attacks by the media. They paved the way for Brock Purdy and other Christian athletes to speak boldly about their faith.
Matt Sieger, now retired, is a formers sports reporter and columnist for The Vacaville Reporter. He is the author of The God Squad: The Born-Again San Francisco Giants of 1978. This article first appeared in The Vallejo Times-Herald and The Vacaville Reporter.
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Source: Contra Costa County
Point Buckler Island and area map. Source: John Muir Land Trust
29-acre island in Suisun Marsh to be permanently protected and restored as vital habitat
After years of legal battles, small island poised to become model of environmental stewardship
By Jay Dean, Creative Strategy Director, John Muir Land Trust & Blair Robertson, Information Officer, San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board
MARTINEZ, CA — John Muir Land Trust (JMLT,) announces the purchase of Point Buckler, a 29-acre island situated in Suisun Marsh, the largest contiguous, brackish marsh on the west coast of North America and a vital part of the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta estuary. This acquisition is the latest milestone in JMLT’s Bay Delta Campaign, an initiative to conserve land in an ecosystem that protects clean water and preserves essential habitat for 700 species of California fish and wildlife. More than 25 million state residents depend on the Delta for drinking water, and the system supplies water to millions of acres of farmland.
“Point Buckler is one of three islands that form the last points of passage for fish moving to and from the Pacific Ocean, Carquinez Strait and the Sacramento-San Joaquin River systems”
The Bay Delta’s biologically rich ecosystem serves as a migration corridor for salmon and other anadromous fish. Extensive environmental restoration is needed at Point Buckler to restore a vital passageway. An unauthorized levee constructed a decade ago blocks all tidal channels. The levee has killed marshland vegetation and prevents sensitive fish species from entering the channels to forage for food. JMLT is launching a multi-year campaign to raise additional funds needed to remove the levee and restore the island back to health.
“Point Buckler is one of three islands that form the last points of passage for fish moving to and from the Pacific Ocean, Carquinez Strait and the Sacramento-San Joaquin River systems,” said Linus Eukel, Executive Director of JMLT. “John Muir Land Trust and many conservation partners are working to protect and restore the Bay Delta after decades of harmful human activity. At Pacheco Marsh, JMLT is reversing a century of harsh industrial abuse. In May we’ll open it as a unique opportunity for nature lovers to experience a salt marsh ecosystem firsthand. Last month JMLT acquired Hoover Ranch, a 600-acre haven for native waterfowl and bird species that migrate along the Pacific Flyway. Acquiring Point Buckler is the latest accomplishment in JMLT’s decades-long commitment to protecting one of the most important ecosystems on the continent.”
“This is the best outcome we could have hoped for,” said Eileen White, Executive Officer for the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. “It is a win for all Californians that an organization with the qualifications and track record of John Muir Land Trust is now entrusted with the permanent protection and restoration of Point Buckler as critical wildlife habitat. A healthy Bay Delta region is essential to California’s fresh water quality and supply. Point Buckler is now in very good hands.”
JMLT purchased the Point Buckler property with a credit bid of $3.8 million on January 23rd at a public auction conducted by the Solano County Sheriff’s Office. A decade ago, the former owner constructed an unauthorized levee without permits or approvals from the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board and other agencies, resulting in an enforcement case to reverse negative impacts to wetlands considered among the most severe in the region. On December 11, 2024, the Superior Court of the State of California assigned credit rights in the case to JMLT.
“An opportunity to return to its natural state a place as ecologically important as Point Buckler is rare,” said Eukel. “Next steps for JMLT are developing detailed plans for restoration, fundraising for its implementation, and then getting to the work of removing the levee and thereby restoring the island’s tidal marsh ecosystem. This is vital to the health of California’s native fish populations that spawn in fresh water upriver and live adult lives in the ocean. The restoration will take years, but today the Bay Area conversation community is cheering its official start.”
After years of legal battles and environmental degradation, Point Buckler Island in Suisun Bay has been sold at auction to the John Muir Land Trust, a nonprofit environmental group that has committed to restoring the island’s wetlands and preserving its ecological significance.
Wednesday’s sale, overseen by the Solano County Sheriff, follows the former owners’ failure to comply with state judgments related to the unauthorized construction of a levee around the island in 2014 and 2015 that caused ecological harm to the Suisun Marsh. In 2016, the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (SFBRWQB) issued a cleanup and abatement order directing the owners to restore the tidal circulation and marsh habitat at Point Buckler Island and imposed a $2.8 million fine that reflected the extent of the environmentally harmful activities.
White described the sale as a turning point:
“The prolonged legal issues were unfortunate. Instead of being cooperative and following the requirements of an order designed to protect water quality and aquatic life, the owners of the island chose not to comply,” she said. “The sale of Point Buckler Island offers a new path forward, and we are confident that the nonprofit John Muir Land Trust will restore it into an example of responsible environmental stewardship.”
The island is a key component of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, one of the most biodiverse estuaries on the West Coast. Its restoration is expected to benefit endangered species, improve water quality and serve as a model for sustainable wetland management.
The island’s previous owners faced extensive fines and penalties — totaling millions of dollars — after refusing to remediate environmental violations that severely impacted the sensitive tidal ecosystem. Five years following the regional board’s enforcement actions, the California Court of Appeal affirmed the board’s orders and a related administrative order by the Bay Conservation and Development Commission that imposed substantial penalties as well as restoration and monitoring requirements.
The state administrative orders and ensuing appellate opinions are consistent with rulings issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California in a case brought by the federal government that also required the former owners to restore the island due to their violations of the federal Clean Water Act.
Since 2021, the former owners repeatedly refused to comply with the state judgments and had been in contempt of court since August 2022.
The new owner of the island is required to ensure its restoration in compliance with the state and federal orders. The John Muir Land Trust’s mission to preserve, protect and steward vital habitat for local wildlife is in alignment with the state and federal restoration obligations. The trust plans to implement a comprehensive restoration plan to rehabilitate the island’s wetlands and comply with the cleanup and abatement order. Known for its commitment to conservation and environmental education, the trust says it sees the project as an opportunity to restore critical habitats while raising awareness about the importance of preserving the Delta’s fragile ecosystems.
“This is a victory not just for the environment, but for everyone who values the health of California’s Delta,” said Linus Eukel, executive director of the trust. “We are honored to take on the responsibility of restoring Point Buckler Island and ensuring it fulfills its ecological potential.”
The sale marks the conclusion of a contentious chapter in the island’s history and signals a renewed focus on collaboration and conservation. Any proceeds from the sale will be used to offset the state’s enforcement costs and support environmental restoration efforts.
About JMLT’s Bay Delta Campaign
Few conservation priorities are as important as restoring and protecting the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. As a top strategic initiative for John Muir Land Trust (JMLT), the Bay Delta Campaign seeks to protect threatened places essential to the health of vital freshwater and marine ecosystems. The region is an environmental, economic, and cultural resource with almost no equal. Nearly half of California’s migrating waterfowl and shorebirds pass through the Bay Delta. Its salt marshes provide essential habitat for most fisheries species. This is the hub of California’s water supply, as it provides fresh water to millions of residents and to farms at the heart of the country’s food supply.
About John Muir Land Trust
Founded in 1989, John Muir Land Trust (JMLT) protects and cares for open space, ranches, farms, parkland and shoreline in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. In a generation, John Muir Land Trust has become one of the leading forces for conservation in northern California. With over 4,600 acres protected, many beautiful places in the East Bay are permanently preserved for recreation, wildlife habitat, and spectacular scenic views. JMLT believes that the vitality of our open spaces is essential to the health of our earth, air, water, native plants and animals — and all of us. jmlt.org. Learn about JMLT’s East Bay 2049 vision at East Bay 2049 – John Muir Land Trust.
About SFBRWQB
The mission of the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board is to preserve, enhance and restore the quality of California’s water resources for the protection of the environment, public health and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use for the benefit of present and future generations
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Alexis Gabe from her missing poster in 2022.
Insufficient evidence to prove suspect’s mother acted as accessory after the fact
No gunshot residue on Gabe’s clothing
Oakley, Antioch Police Departments investigated
By Ted Asregadoo, Public Information Officer to the Contra Costa County District Attorney
The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office reached a filing decision on an accessory after the fact charge in the case of the Alexis Gabe murder in 2022. Below is a press release and the complaint that was filed in 2022 against the suspect, Marshall Curtis Jones, III.
The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has concluded its investigation into whether the mother of Marshall Curtis Jones, III acted as an accessory after the fact in connection with the death of Alexis Gabe in January 2022. (See related article)
Since the May 26, 2022, charging of Marshall Curtis Jones with the first-degree murder of Alexis Gabe, and Jones’ subsequent death while law enforcement was serving him a warrant in Washington State on June 1st of the same year, the District Attorney’s Office remained committed to investigating all possible avenues of criminal liability. This commitment included evaluating whether any individual, including Jones’s mother, Alicia Coleman-Clark could bear criminal liability for actions taken after the crime.
Following a detailed meeting with Alexis Gabe’s family in December 2024, the District Attorney’s Office, along with the Oakley and Antioch Police Departments, pursued additional investigative leads. These efforts included:
1. Forensic Examination of Recovered Clothing: Additional forensic analysis of a shirt recovered with Alexis Gabe’s remains was conducted to determine the presence of gunshot residue (GSR). The results found no evidence of gunshot residue or any indication that the shirt had been penetrated by gunfire – which is consistent with prior forensic findings.
2. Investigation of a Second Plastic Bag: While a second plastic bag with Alexis’s remains was recovered by search and rescue personnel in Amador County, that second bag was not with the remains sent to California State University, Chico for forensic testing. While no identifiable DNA was found on the first recovered bag, law enforcement pursued the whereabouts of the second plastic bag. After an exhaustive effort by Antioch and Oakley Police to determine its whereabouts, law enforcement confirmed to the District Attorney’s Office the bag was never provided to any local law enforcement agency. As such, there is no second bag to test for the presence of a contributor’s DNA.
3. Re-interview of Alicia Coleman-Clark’s Former Boyfriend: Investigators conducted a follow-up interview with Ms. Coleman-Clark’s former boyfriend to clarify prior statements he made to law enforcement in 2022. He reiterated that a reference made by Coleman-Clark to something “cold” related to a soda can and not to Alexis Gabe’s remains. His account is consistent with his prior statements, and no evidence has been found to contradict his explanation regarding a cold soda can.
4. Search of Flight Purchase Records: Investigators obtained a warrant to search airline ticket purchase records for Marshall Jones’ flight to Seattle, Washington in February 2022 to determine whether Ms. Coleman-Clark had facilitated the purchase. The records obtained did not indicate any purchase activity involving Coleman-Clark. It appears the flight was arranged through a third-party vendor — and no further purchase details have been identified by law enforcement.
Legal Determination
The District Attorney’s Office determined that while some information raised suspicion about Alicia Coleman-Clark’s potential culpability as an accessory after the fact under Penal Code Section 32, there are plausible alternative explanations that point against her guilt under the same statute.
Therefore, after a thorough review of the totality of the evidence, the District Attorney’s Office has concluded there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the elements required to charge that Alicia Coleman-Clark acted as an accessory after the fact under Penal Code Section 32.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the Gabe family for the unimaginable loss of Alexis. Our office has worked tirelessly over the past three years to pursue every lead,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “While we have concluded our investigation into this matter, we remain committed to supporting the Gabe family.”
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Walnut Creek PD Bomb Squad, Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal team assist
By Pleasant Hill Police Department
On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at about 1:27 p.m., Pleasant Hill Police officers were called to a residence in the 1700 block of Shirley Drive, after a person reported finding a box containing antique unexploded military ordnance and immediately notified police.
The Walnut Creek Police Department’s Bomb Squad and personnel from the U.S. Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from Travis AFB responded to assess and assist in the safe removal and disposal of the materials. Con Fire personnel were also on site.
There was no threat to the general public.
As of 6:00 p.m. all explosives were removed, and the scene was cleared. There is no active criminal investigation associated with this matter.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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(L-R) New District 5 Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston joined District 3 Supervisor Ken Carlson, re-elected District 2 Supervisor and Board Chair Candace Andersen, re-elected District 3 Supervisor and Vice-Chair Diane Burgis, and District 1 Supervisor John Gioia. Photo: Contra Costa County
Scales-Preston first African American woman elected to the Board
Re-elected Andersen, Burgis elected Chair, Vice Chair
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors convened its annual reorganization meeting Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, at the County Administration Building, ushering in a new era of County leadership and milestones. District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen was sworn in as Chair, and District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis became Vice-Chair. Additionally, Shanelle Scales-Preston took the Oath of Office as the new District 5 Supervisor, becoming the first African American woman elected to the Board. Supervisor Andersen represents Danville, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, San Ramon and Walnut Creek, along with the unincorporated communities of Alamo, Blackhawk, Canyon, Diablo, Parkmead, Saranap and the Tassajara Valley. She was first elected to the Board in June 2012 and was most recently reelected in March 2024. Chair Andersen serves on 28 local and regional boards and commissions, addressing planning, land use, transportation, pensions, mental health, healthcare, reuse and recycling, economic development, and public safety. “Community safety, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring that all residents have a good quality of life are at the heart of my work. I am honored to serve as Chair and remain dedicated to ensuring County programs and services reflect our residents’ values and aspirations for a thriving future,” said Supervisor Andersen. Supervisor Burgis serves the 222,000 residents of District 3, which includes Antioch, Bethel Island, Brentwood, Byron, Discovery Bay, Knightsen, and Oakley. She was first elected to the Board in 2016 and most recently reelected in 2024. She serves on over 30 Board and regional committees, including as Chair of the Legislation Committee, Internal Operations Committee, and the Transportation, Water & Infrastructure Committee. As Chair of California’s Delta Protection Commission, she also represents the Commission on the State’s Delta Stewardship Council. “This year I want to continue enhancing public safety by strengthening fire protection and law enforcement coverage, ensuring our communities feel secure and supported,” Supervisor Burgis said. “Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home, and we are prioritizing addressing homelessness and the housing affordability crisis. I am also committed to bringing more services and jobs to East County, where our population is growing the fastest.” In a groundbreaking moment, Shanelle Scales-Preston was sworn in as District 5 Supervisor, becoming the first African American woman elected to the Board of Supervisors. Her district includes Alhambra Valley, Antioch (North), Bay Point, Briones, Clyde, Concord (North), Crockett, Hercules, Martinez, Mt. View, Pacheco, Pittsburg, Port Costa, Reliez Valley, Rodeo, Tormey and Vine Hill. She succeeds former Supervisor Federal D. Glover, who chose not to run for a seventh term. Scales-Preston was elected to the Pittsburg City Council in 2018 and served as Mayor in 2023. She is Chair of the Board for Marin Clean Energy (MCE), a local electricity provider. “This moment is about building bridges—bridges to equity, community safety, economic opportunity, and a brighter future for all,” said Supervisor Scales-Preston. “Together, we will strive to ensure that every voice is heard, every neighborhood thrives, and every family has the opportunity to succeed.” Supervisors Andersen and Burgis will lead the five-member elected body that sets the direction of County government and oversees its $5.9 billion budget to serve the 1.2 million residents of the diverse East Bay county with a “AAA” bond rating. For more information about Contra Costa County and its Board of Supervisors, visit: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/9970/Board-of-Supervisors. For more information about Supervisor Candace Andersen, visit her County webpage at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/4668/District-2-Supervisor-Candace-Andersen. For more information about Supervisor Diane Burgis, visit her County webpage at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6437/District-3-Supervisor-Diane-Burgis. For more information about Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston, visit her County webpage at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/781/District-5-Supervisor-Scales-Preston. Read More
Source: CCTA
Be entered to win a $100 gift card
By Mike Blasky, CCTA Communications
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is inviting residents to provide feedback on the future of transportation in the county through the Countywide Transportation Plan (CTP) survey. This plan will guide improvements for roads, public transit, bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and more. Your input is vital to creating a safer, more connected, and sustainable transportation system for everyone.
Take the Survey Today: [Countywide Transportation Plan – Survey]
Don’t miss your chance to help shape the way Contra Costa moves—every voice matters!
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If you’re interested in learning more about Proposition 36 and efforts to address organized retail theft, we invite you to join us at our next Town Hall Meeting:
Date: Thursday, January 30th, Location: Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak Street, Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
This is a great opportunity to engage with the Brentwood Police Department, learn about these critical topics, and ask questions.
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The USS Potomac on the San Francisco Bay and President Franklin D. Roosevelt aboard the boat. Source: USS Potomac Association
Historic Open House at Jack London Square Jan. 30
By Marci Bracco Cain, The Buzz PR and Jennifer Pettley, Executive Director, USS Potomac Association
Oakland, CA – Two historic milestones come together in a one-of-a-kind celebration on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, as the USS Potomac honors President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 143rd Birthday and commemorates the 30th Anniversary of its reopening to the public after a stunning 14-year restoration.
Held at Jack London Square in Oakland, this free, family-friendly open house invites attendees to explore history aboard FDR’s presidential yacht—famously known as the “Floating White House.” Featuring dockside tours, an inspiring keynote address, and interactive activities, this event is a can’t-miss opportunity to step into the legacy of one of America’s most transformative leaders.
Opportunities
1. A Presidential Milestone with Local Ties – Honor FDR’s enduring legacy as the 32nd President of the United States and his unique connection to the Bay Area through the USS Potomac.
2. A Tale of Redemption: The Potomac’s Restoration Journey – From a DEA drug bust and near-sinking to a $5 million restoration and revival, the USS Potomac’s dramatic rescue and preservation stand as a testament to the value of historical conservation.
3. Exclusive Free Tours of a National Treasure – The USS Potomac is the only site west of the Mississippi dedicated to FDR’s legacy. Dockside tours offer a rare chance to connect with this floating piece of history.
4. A Community Celebration with a Modern Twist – Engaging elements like vintage-themed activities, a trivia challenge, and a selfie station bring history to life for all ages.
Event Highlights
• Dockside Tours (10:00 AM–1:30 PM): Step aboard the USS Potomac and explore the historic presidential yacht that carried FDR through pivotal moments in history.
• Keynote Presentation (12:00 PM): Hear from Walter Abernathy, retired CEO of the Port of Oakland, as he shares the gripping story of how the USS Potomac was rescued from destruction, restored, and transformed into a community treasure.
• Birthday Celebration (1:00 PM): Enjoy a ceremonial cake cutting and coffee toast to honor FDR’s 143rd birthday.
• Interactive Elements:
o FDR Trivia Challenge: Test your knowledge for a chance to win prizes.
o Selfie Station: Snap photos with vintage props and share them using #FDRBirthdayBash.
o Era Attire Contest: Dress in 1930s–1940s fashion for a chance to win exclusive USS Potomac merchandise.
From Sunk to Celebrated
The USS Potomac’s history is as compelling as the man it served. Once a key presidential retreat, the yacht’s story took a dramatic turn when it was seized in a DEA drug sting, sank in San Francisco Bay, and was ultimately rescued by the Port of Oakland. This open house marks 30 years since its public reopening, celebrating its transformation into a cherished historical landmark and a must-see destination.
Community Engagement
• Free Swag Raffle: Visitors can sign up for the USS Potomac e-newsletter for a chance to win FDR-themed gifts like mugs, T-shirts, and posters.
• Historical Short Film: A 10-minute documentary shown in the museum will capture the fascinating story of the USS Potomac and its role in FDR’s presidency.
• Community Groups & Clubs: Partnerships with local historical societies, veterans’ organizations, and college history clubs will enhance the event and bring together diverse audiences.
Event Details
• Date: Thursday, January 30, 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Location: USS Potomac Museum & Yacht, 540 Water St, Jack London Square, Oakland
• Admission: Free and open to the public
About the USS Potomac
Built in 1934, the USS Potomac served as President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidential yacht until 1945. Known as the “Floating White House,” the vessel provided FDR with a sanctuary and a strategic meeting place during a transformative era in American history.
After a dramatic fall from grace—including its time as a Coast Guard cutter and a drug-running vessel—the yacht was rescued and meticulously restored. Operated today by the nonprofit USS Potomac Association, it offers educational programs, public cruises, and private charters, preserving a vital piece of America’s past.
For details on the 2025 season and booking, visit www.usspotomac.org.
Read MoreMatthew Muller mugshot, Dublin, California, June 9, 2015. Source: Wikipedia
For a previously unreported 2015 kidnapping for ransom at residence near San Ramon
Arizona kidnapping became focus of 2024 season of Netflix true crime series “American Nightmare”
By Ted Asregadoo, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has filed a three-count felony complaint against a convicted kidnapper and rapist whose crimes include a high-profile case featured in a documentary series.
Matthew Daniel Muller, 47, is currently serving a 40-year federal prison sentence in Tucson, Arizona, for the 2015 kidnapping and rape of Denise Huskins — a case that drew widespread media attention and became the focus of the 2024 season of American Nightmare, a Netflix true crime series.
According to his Wikipedia page, Muller is a former immigration attorney, and Marine veteran. He is known for carrying out the kidnapping in Vallejo, California, referred to in the media as the ”Gone Girl” kidnapping.
The new charges filed on Jan. 6, 2025, by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office stem from a previously unreported 2015 kidnapping for ransom at a residence in an unincorporated area of San Ramon. The crime came to light over the course of 2024 through correspondence between law enforcement and Muller, during which he confessed to multiple crimes in Northern California, including the 2015 incident in Contra Costa County.
After learning of Muller’s confession, detectives from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation, despite the lack of a reported crime in 2015. The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office joined the investigation on December 13th, 2024, which included a meeting with Muller.
In the spring of 2015, Muller unlawfully held two John Does and one Jane Doe for ransom, demanding that one of the captives withdraw tens of thousands of dollars from their bank account to secure the release of the others. After obtaining the money, Muller fled the residence.
Fearing retribution, the victims never reported the crime. To this day, they have chosen to remain anonymous.
The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office collaborated with the El Dorado and Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Offices to coordinate investigative efforts. These efforts resulted in three felony charges of kidnapping for ransom [PC 209(a)] filed in Contra Costa Superior Court.
“The trauma of crime can have lasting effects that some people endure for their entire lives – whether the crime is reported or not,” said Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton. “Muller committed serious offenses throughout Northern California, and my office will be resolute in seeking justice on behalf of the victims in Contra Costa County.”
Muller is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges at a future date in Contra Costa Superior Court.
The case is “The People of the State of California v. Muller, Matthew Daniel.”
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreGiants pitchers Gary Lavelle in August 1980 and Bob Knepper in July 1980 and First Baseman Mike Ivie. Photos by SF Giants
By Matt Sieger
Depending on your spiritual bent, you may have been either thrilled or turned off by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy talking about his Christian faith in interviews on his way to the Super Bowl.
After engineering an amazing comeback to defeat the Detroit Lions for the NFC Championship, Purdy told reporters, “When I’m down 17 at the half, honestly, I’m just thinking, ‘Alright God, You’ve taken me here, and win or lose I’m going to glorify You.’ . . . Honestly, I think it’s just a testament to God and where He’s taken me in life.”
Some probably feel, as Beneatha Younger put it in Lorraine Hansberry’s play, A Raisin in the Sun, “I’m just tired of hearing about God all the time. What has He got to do with anything? . . . I just get so tired of Him getting the credit for things the human race achieves through its own effort. Now, there simply is no God. There’s only man. And it’s he who makes miracles.”
The media and the public are now accustomed to hearing athletes thank God for the abilities he has given them. But that wasn’t always the case. In baseball in the 1950 and 1960s it was extremely rare to hear such pronouncements from athletes. Then in the 1970s in San Francisco, one of the great culture clashes between religious athletes, the media and the fan base erupted over a group of born-again ballplayers on the Giants who became known as the God Squad.
Giants’ relief pitcher Gary Lavelle became a born-again Christian in the winter of 1976. When he returned to the club the next year, he gradually and quietly began to share his faith with his teammates when they showed an interest. Several, including Bob Knepper, Jack Clark, Rob Andrews and Randy Moffitt (brother of tennis great Billie Jean King) came to faith, and by the 1978 season there were eight or nine professing Christians on the team.
The Giants, who had suffered through several losing seasons, came to life that year and led the National League West for much of the season, only to fade in a September swoon and finish third. In post-game interviews, the players frequently thanked God for the ability he gave them, and the press raised no objection.
But when the Giants’ fortunes faded on the field in 1979, the media was quick to blame the born-again players, claiming their newfound faith had made them passive. The press derisively referred to them as the God Squad.
The cornerstone of that accusation was a quote attributed to pitcher Knepper, who supposedly told manager Dave Bristol it was “God’s will” when he yielded a home run that lost a game. Knepper and his Christian teammates have always denied the quote, as did Bristol. But the false story continued to hound them for years.
The media was merciless at times. San Francisco Chronicle columnist Glenn Dickey wrote, “It may be that the Giants will have to trade one or two of the most obvious born-agains on the club, to break up the clique. At the very least, their lockers should be separated in the clubhouse.”
Another prominent Chronicle sports columnist, Lowell Cohn, told me recently that he disagrees with Dickey on that score. However, Cohn, known for his biting satire, penned one of his most provocative pieces, “Can Satan Save the Giants?” in which he recommended that one of the Giants sell his soul to the devil since God didn’t seem to be helping the team too much!
Not only did the media blame the God Squad for losing, it also alleged that the Christian athletes caused division in the clubhouse and got two managers fired. These false claims spread to the national media, where prestigious columnists Peter Gammons of The Boston Globe and Dick Young of the New York Daily News repeated them. One of the more ridiculous accusations was that the Giants had two team buses to take players to the field, one for the God Squad and another for the others,
Mike Ivie, one of the God Squadders, returned to the club from a stint of mental exhaustion and sounded much like Purdy, who said his faith in God helped sustain him during his recovery from a torn ligament in the elbow of his throwing arm.
“He’ll put you through trials and tribulations and He’ll use every resource to help you find happiness in your heart,” said Ivie. “It would have been twice as hard for me to come back if I hadn’t believed in the Lord.”
Ivie and his teammates commonly made such pronouncements in a liberal San Francisco atmosphere and era that was not conducive to talk about faith. Cohn felt the tension and in his memoirs made this fascinating statement, “Until that day, I believed I was covering a baseball team. I was wrong. I had wandered into the middle of a deep religious debate, one that defined the Giants at that time.”
The God Squadders were spiritual pioneers who bore the brunt of attacks by the media. They paved the way for Brock Purdy and other Christian athletes to speak boldly about their faith.
Matt Sieger, now retired, is a formers sports reporter and columnist for The Vacaville Reporter. He is the author of The God Squad: The Born-Again San Francisco Giants of 1978. This article first appeared in The Vallejo Times-Herald and The Vacaville Reporter.
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Source: Contra Costa County
Point Buckler Island and area map. Source: John Muir Land Trust
29-acre island in Suisun Marsh to be permanently protected and restored as vital habitat
After years of legal battles, small island poised to become model of environmental stewardship
By Jay Dean, Creative Strategy Director, John Muir Land Trust & Blair Robertson, Information Officer, San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board
MARTINEZ, CA — John Muir Land Trust (JMLT,) announces the purchase of Point Buckler, a 29-acre island situated in Suisun Marsh, the largest contiguous, brackish marsh on the west coast of North America and a vital part of the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta estuary. This acquisition is the latest milestone in JMLT’s Bay Delta Campaign, an initiative to conserve land in an ecosystem that protects clean water and preserves essential habitat for 700 species of California fish and wildlife. More than 25 million state residents depend on the Delta for drinking water, and the system supplies water to millions of acres of farmland.
“Point Buckler is one of three islands that form the last points of passage for fish moving to and from the Pacific Ocean, Carquinez Strait and the Sacramento-San Joaquin River systems”
The Bay Delta’s biologically rich ecosystem serves as a migration corridor for salmon and other anadromous fish. Extensive environmental restoration is needed at Point Buckler to restore a vital passageway. An unauthorized levee constructed a decade ago blocks all tidal channels. The levee has killed marshland vegetation and prevents sensitive fish species from entering the channels to forage for food. JMLT is launching a multi-year campaign to raise additional funds needed to remove the levee and restore the island back to health.
“Point Buckler is one of three islands that form the last points of passage for fish moving to and from the Pacific Ocean, Carquinez Strait and the Sacramento-San Joaquin River systems,” said Linus Eukel, Executive Director of JMLT. “John Muir Land Trust and many conservation partners are working to protect and restore the Bay Delta after decades of harmful human activity. At Pacheco Marsh, JMLT is reversing a century of harsh industrial abuse. In May we’ll open it as a unique opportunity for nature lovers to experience a salt marsh ecosystem firsthand. Last month JMLT acquired Hoover Ranch, a 600-acre haven for native waterfowl and bird species that migrate along the Pacific Flyway. Acquiring Point Buckler is the latest accomplishment in JMLT’s decades-long commitment to protecting one of the most important ecosystems on the continent.”
“This is the best outcome we could have hoped for,” said Eileen White, Executive Officer for the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. “It is a win for all Californians that an organization with the qualifications and track record of John Muir Land Trust is now entrusted with the permanent protection and restoration of Point Buckler as critical wildlife habitat. A healthy Bay Delta region is essential to California’s fresh water quality and supply. Point Buckler is now in very good hands.”
JMLT purchased the Point Buckler property with a credit bid of $3.8 million on January 23rd at a public auction conducted by the Solano County Sheriff’s Office. A decade ago, the former owner constructed an unauthorized levee without permits or approvals from the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board and other agencies, resulting in an enforcement case to reverse negative impacts to wetlands considered among the most severe in the region. On December 11, 2024, the Superior Court of the State of California assigned credit rights in the case to JMLT.
“An opportunity to return to its natural state a place as ecologically important as Point Buckler is rare,” said Eukel. “Next steps for JMLT are developing detailed plans for restoration, fundraising for its implementation, and then getting to the work of removing the levee and thereby restoring the island’s tidal marsh ecosystem. This is vital to the health of California’s native fish populations that spawn in fresh water upriver and live adult lives in the ocean. The restoration will take years, but today the Bay Area conversation community is cheering its official start.”
After years of legal battles and environmental degradation, Point Buckler Island in Suisun Bay has been sold at auction to the John Muir Land Trust, a nonprofit environmental group that has committed to restoring the island’s wetlands and preserving its ecological significance.
Wednesday’s sale, overseen by the Solano County Sheriff, follows the former owners’ failure to comply with state judgments related to the unauthorized construction of a levee around the island in 2014 and 2015 that caused ecological harm to the Suisun Marsh. In 2016, the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (SFBRWQB) issued a cleanup and abatement order directing the owners to restore the tidal circulation and marsh habitat at Point Buckler Island and imposed a $2.8 million fine that reflected the extent of the environmentally harmful activities.
White described the sale as a turning point:
“The prolonged legal issues were unfortunate. Instead of being cooperative and following the requirements of an order designed to protect water quality and aquatic life, the owners of the island chose not to comply,” she said. “The sale of Point Buckler Island offers a new path forward, and we are confident that the nonprofit John Muir Land Trust will restore it into an example of responsible environmental stewardship.”
The island is a key component of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, one of the most biodiverse estuaries on the West Coast. Its restoration is expected to benefit endangered species, improve water quality and serve as a model for sustainable wetland management.
The island’s previous owners faced extensive fines and penalties — totaling millions of dollars — after refusing to remediate environmental violations that severely impacted the sensitive tidal ecosystem. Five years following the regional board’s enforcement actions, the California Court of Appeal affirmed the board’s orders and a related administrative order by the Bay Conservation and Development Commission that imposed substantial penalties as well as restoration and monitoring requirements.
The state administrative orders and ensuing appellate opinions are consistent with rulings issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California in a case brought by the federal government that also required the former owners to restore the island due to their violations of the federal Clean Water Act.
Since 2021, the former owners repeatedly refused to comply with the state judgments and had been in contempt of court since August 2022.
The new owner of the island is required to ensure its restoration in compliance with the state and federal orders. The John Muir Land Trust’s mission to preserve, protect and steward vital habitat for local wildlife is in alignment with the state and federal restoration obligations. The trust plans to implement a comprehensive restoration plan to rehabilitate the island’s wetlands and comply with the cleanup and abatement order. Known for its commitment to conservation and environmental education, the trust says it sees the project as an opportunity to restore critical habitats while raising awareness about the importance of preserving the Delta’s fragile ecosystems.
“This is a victory not just for the environment, but for everyone who values the health of California’s Delta,” said Linus Eukel, executive director of the trust. “We are honored to take on the responsibility of restoring Point Buckler Island and ensuring it fulfills its ecological potential.”
The sale marks the conclusion of a contentious chapter in the island’s history and signals a renewed focus on collaboration and conservation. Any proceeds from the sale will be used to offset the state’s enforcement costs and support environmental restoration efforts.
About JMLT’s Bay Delta Campaign
Few conservation priorities are as important as restoring and protecting the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. As a top strategic initiative for John Muir Land Trust (JMLT), the Bay Delta Campaign seeks to protect threatened places essential to the health of vital freshwater and marine ecosystems. The region is an environmental, economic, and cultural resource with almost no equal. Nearly half of California’s migrating waterfowl and shorebirds pass through the Bay Delta. Its salt marshes provide essential habitat for most fisheries species. This is the hub of California’s water supply, as it provides fresh water to millions of residents and to farms at the heart of the country’s food supply.
About John Muir Land Trust
Founded in 1989, John Muir Land Trust (JMLT) protects and cares for open space, ranches, farms, parkland and shoreline in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. In a generation, John Muir Land Trust has become one of the leading forces for conservation in northern California. With over 4,600 acres protected, many beautiful places in the East Bay are permanently preserved for recreation, wildlife habitat, and spectacular scenic views. JMLT believes that the vitality of our open spaces is essential to the health of our earth, air, water, native plants and animals — and all of us. jmlt.org. Learn about JMLT’s East Bay 2049 vision at East Bay 2049 – John Muir Land Trust.
About SFBRWQB
The mission of the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board is to preserve, enhance and restore the quality of California’s water resources for the protection of the environment, public health and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use for the benefit of present and future generations
Read MoreAlexis Gabe from her missing poster in 2022.
Insufficient evidence to prove suspect’s mother acted as accessory after the fact
No gunshot residue on Gabe’s clothing
Oakley, Antioch Police Departments investigated
By Ted Asregadoo, Public Information Officer to the Contra Costa County District Attorney
The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office reached a filing decision on an accessory after the fact charge in the case of the Alexis Gabe murder in 2022. Below is a press release and the complaint that was filed in 2022 against the suspect, Marshall Curtis Jones, III.
The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has concluded its investigation into whether the mother of Marshall Curtis Jones, III acted as an accessory after the fact in connection with the death of Alexis Gabe in January 2022. (See related article)
Since the May 26, 2022, charging of Marshall Curtis Jones with the first-degree murder of Alexis Gabe, and Jones’ subsequent death while law enforcement was serving him a warrant in Washington State on June 1st of the same year, the District Attorney’s Office remained committed to investigating all possible avenues of criminal liability. This commitment included evaluating whether any individual, including Jones’s mother, Alicia Coleman-Clark could bear criminal liability for actions taken after the crime.
Following a detailed meeting with Alexis Gabe’s family in December 2024, the District Attorney’s Office, along with the Oakley and Antioch Police Departments, pursued additional investigative leads. These efforts included:
1. Forensic Examination of Recovered Clothing: Additional forensic analysis of a shirt recovered with Alexis Gabe’s remains was conducted to determine the presence of gunshot residue (GSR). The results found no evidence of gunshot residue or any indication that the shirt had been penetrated by gunfire – which is consistent with prior forensic findings.
2. Investigation of a Second Plastic Bag: While a second plastic bag with Alexis’s remains was recovered by search and rescue personnel in Amador County, that second bag was not with the remains sent to California State University, Chico for forensic testing. While no identifiable DNA was found on the first recovered bag, law enforcement pursued the whereabouts of the second plastic bag. After an exhaustive effort by Antioch and Oakley Police to determine its whereabouts, law enforcement confirmed to the District Attorney’s Office the bag was never provided to any local law enforcement agency. As such, there is no second bag to test for the presence of a contributor’s DNA.
3. Re-interview of Alicia Coleman-Clark’s Former Boyfriend: Investigators conducted a follow-up interview with Ms. Coleman-Clark’s former boyfriend to clarify prior statements he made to law enforcement in 2022. He reiterated that a reference made by Coleman-Clark to something “cold” related to a soda can and not to Alexis Gabe’s remains. His account is consistent with his prior statements, and no evidence has been found to contradict his explanation regarding a cold soda can.
4. Search of Flight Purchase Records: Investigators obtained a warrant to search airline ticket purchase records for Marshall Jones’ flight to Seattle, Washington in February 2022 to determine whether Ms. Coleman-Clark had facilitated the purchase. The records obtained did not indicate any purchase activity involving Coleman-Clark. It appears the flight was arranged through a third-party vendor — and no further purchase details have been identified by law enforcement.
Legal Determination
The District Attorney’s Office determined that while some information raised suspicion about Alicia Coleman-Clark’s potential culpability as an accessory after the fact under Penal Code Section 32, there are plausible alternative explanations that point against her guilt under the same statute.
Therefore, after a thorough review of the totality of the evidence, the District Attorney’s Office has concluded there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the elements required to charge that Alicia Coleman-Clark acted as an accessory after the fact under Penal Code Section 32.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the Gabe family for the unimaginable loss of Alexis. Our office has worked tirelessly over the past three years to pursue every lead,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “While we have concluded our investigation into this matter, we remain committed to supporting the Gabe family.”
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Walnut Creek PD Bomb Squad, Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal team assist
By Pleasant Hill Police Department
On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at about 1:27 p.m., Pleasant Hill Police officers were called to a residence in the 1700 block of Shirley Drive, after a person reported finding a box containing antique unexploded military ordnance and immediately notified police.
The Walnut Creek Police Department’s Bomb Squad and personnel from the U.S. Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from Travis AFB responded to assess and assist in the safe removal and disposal of the materials. Con Fire personnel were also on site.
There was no threat to the general public.
As of 6:00 p.m. all explosives were removed, and the scene was cleared. There is no active criminal investigation associated with this matter.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read More(L-R) New District 5 Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston joined District 3 Supervisor Ken Carlson, re-elected District 2 Supervisor and Board Chair Candace Andersen, re-elected District 3 Supervisor and Vice-Chair Diane Burgis, and District 1 Supervisor John Gioia. Photo: Contra Costa County
Scales-Preston first African American woman elected to the Board
Re-elected Andersen, Burgis elected Chair, Vice Chair
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors convened its annual reorganization meeting Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, at the County Administration Building, ushering in a new era of County leadership and milestones. District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen was sworn in as Chair, and District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis became Vice-Chair. Additionally, Shanelle Scales-Preston took the Oath of Office as the new District 5 Supervisor, becoming the first African American woman elected to the Board. Supervisor Andersen represents Danville, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, San Ramon and Walnut Creek, along with the unincorporated communities of Alamo, Blackhawk, Canyon, Diablo, Parkmead, Saranap and the Tassajara Valley. She was first elected to the Board in June 2012 and was most recently reelected in March 2024. Chair Andersen serves on 28 local and regional boards and commissions, addressing planning, land use, transportation, pensions, mental health, healthcare, reuse and recycling, economic development, and public safety. “Community safety, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring that all residents have a good quality of life are at the heart of my work. I am honored to serve as Chair and remain dedicated to ensuring County programs and services reflect our residents’ values and aspirations for a thriving future,” said Supervisor Andersen. Supervisor Burgis serves the 222,000 residents of District 3, which includes Antioch, Bethel Island, Brentwood, Byron, Discovery Bay, Knightsen, and Oakley. She was first elected to the Board in 2016 and most recently reelected in 2024. She serves on over 30 Board and regional committees, including as Chair of the Legislation Committee, Internal Operations Committee, and the Transportation, Water & Infrastructure Committee. As Chair of California’s Delta Protection Commission, she also represents the Commission on the State’s Delta Stewardship Council. “This year I want to continue enhancing public safety by strengthening fire protection and law enforcement coverage, ensuring our communities feel secure and supported,” Supervisor Burgis said. “Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home, and we are prioritizing addressing homelessness and the housing affordability crisis. I am also committed to bringing more services and jobs to East County, where our population is growing the fastest.” In a groundbreaking moment, Shanelle Scales-Preston was sworn in as District 5 Supervisor, becoming the first African American woman elected to the Board of Supervisors. Her district includes Alhambra Valley, Antioch (North), Bay Point, Briones, Clyde, Concord (North), Crockett, Hercules, Martinez, Mt. View, Pacheco, Pittsburg, Port Costa, Reliez Valley, Rodeo, Tormey and Vine Hill. She succeeds former Supervisor Federal D. Glover, who chose not to run for a seventh term. Scales-Preston was elected to the Pittsburg City Council in 2018 and served as Mayor in 2023. She is Chair of the Board for Marin Clean Energy (MCE), a local electricity provider. “This moment is about building bridges—bridges to equity, community safety, economic opportunity, and a brighter future for all,” said Supervisor Scales-Preston. “Together, we will strive to ensure that every voice is heard, every neighborhood thrives, and every family has the opportunity to succeed.” Supervisors Andersen and Burgis will lead the five-member elected body that sets the direction of County government and oversees its $5.9 billion budget to serve the 1.2 million residents of the diverse East Bay county with a “AAA” bond rating. For more information about Contra Costa County and its Board of Supervisors, visit: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/9970/Board-of-Supervisors. For more information about Supervisor Candace Andersen, visit her County webpage at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/4668/District-2-Supervisor-Candace-Andersen. For more information about Supervisor Diane Burgis, visit her County webpage at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6437/District-3-Supervisor-Diane-Burgis. For more information about Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston, visit her County webpage at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/781/District-5-Supervisor-Scales-Preston. Read MoreSource: CCTA
Be entered to win a $100 gift card
By Mike Blasky, CCTA Communications
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is inviting residents to provide feedback on the future of transportation in the county through the Countywide Transportation Plan (CTP) survey. This plan will guide improvements for roads, public transit, bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and more. Your input is vital to creating a safer, more connected, and sustainable transportation system for everyone.
Take the Survey Today: [Countywide Transportation Plan – Survey]
Don’t miss your chance to help shape the way Contra Costa moves—every voice matters!
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If you’re interested in learning more about Proposition 36 and efforts to address organized retail theft, we invite you to join us at our next Town Hall Meeting:
Date: Thursday, January 30th, Location: Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak Street, Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
This is a great opportunity to engage with the Brentwood Police Department, learn about these critical topics, and ask questions.
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