Found with billy club, dagger, lock picks
By San Ramon Police Department
While you were sleeping….your San Ramon Police Officers were keeping you and your property safe.
Last night, Friday, April 12, 2019, an Officer stopped a car that had paper license plates covering the actual California DMV license plates. The driver (28-year-old Manteca resident, Troy Payton – no relation to the Herald publisher) was arrested for an outstanding warrant held by San Joaquin County.
The officer also found a billy club, a dagger, lock picks, and a modified screwdriver under the driver’s seat of the car, which led to add to additional charges. Just another excellent example of the work your San Ramon Police Department Officers do every night to keep the San Ramon Community safe.
Read MoreOn April 11th, 2019 at 2:47 P.M., Concord Police officers responded to a reported stabbing of a fifteen-year-old juvenile subject on Salvio Street. Investigation revealed that the victim had been approached by three adult males, one of whom asked to use the victim’s cell phone. After the victim gave his phone to this adult, all three walked away, having not returned the phone to the victim. The victim followed the three adults to a nearby parking garage, begging for his phone to be returned. As the adults entered a stairwell in the parking garage with the victim still following, the adults battered and stabbed the victim, causing significant injuries that were later determined not to be life threatening. The adults also stole the victim’s shoes and personal belongings before fleeing the area. The victim contacted the Concord Police Department and was transported to a nearby hospital.
Within a few hours, all three suspects were located by CPD officers and positively identified by the victim. Most of the victim’s personal property was recovered. Each suspect was charged with kidnapping, robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and enhancements for participating in a street gang. All three suspects remain in county jail on nearly $300,000.00 bail.
As this investigation is ongoing, no additional information is being released at this time. CPD case #19-4869
Read MoreApparent suicide
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
This morning (April 13, 2019) at about 3:31 A.M., Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs responded to the women’s holding area in Intake and found that a female inmate had apparently hanged herself inside the bathroom.
Medical staff at the jail responded immediately and began life saving measures. The fire department and an ambulance also responded.
The inmate was later pronounced deceased at the scene. The release of her identity is pending notification of next of kin.
The investigation into this death is ongoing. Per the in custody fatal incident protocol, the investigation is being conducted by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Sheriff.
Read MoreWednesday night, April 10, 2019 at about 9:01 pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a solo vehicle collision with a pedestrian on HWY-4 eastbound, just west of Loveridge Road in Pittsburg. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, it was determined an adult male pedestrian (unknown identity and age) was struck by a vehicle within the #4 lane of the roadway and pronounced deceased. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of identity of the deceased male once he has been officially identified.
A solo male driver of a White Nissan sedan was traveling eastbound on HWY-4 and approaching Loveridge Road, when the pedestrian, that was reported walking in the center divide ran across the roadway and directly in the Nissan’s path. The driver of the Nissan was unable to avoid the pedestrian in the roadway and struck him. Unfortunately, the pedestrian did not survive and was pronounced deceased on scene. The driver of the Nissan remained on scene and was cooperative throughout the investigation.
It is unclear if drugs or alcohol are a factor in this collision as it pertains to the pedestrian and is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980.
Read MoreCongressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) will host a pair of town halls to engage in a “Conversation on Race” on Tuesday, April 23rd and Saturday, April 27th. These town halls are the latest in a series of discussions on race hosted by Congressman DeSaulnier and are intended to facilitate more understanding, healing, and progress to help us move forward as a nation.
“A Conversation on Race” Town Halls
Tuesday, April 23rd
Special Guest: Congresswoman Karen Bass (CA-37), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and first African American woman Speaker of the California Assembly
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Diablo Valley College Cafeteria
321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
RSVP: https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp
Saturday, April 27th
Hosted With: Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13)
12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Black Repertory Group Theater
3201 Adeline Street, Berkeley, CA 94703
RSVP: https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp
These events are open to the public, press, and photographers.
Please RSVP at https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or by calling 925-933-2660. To request ADA accommodations or for more information, please contact Congressman DeSaulnier’s Walnut Creek or Richmond office.
Congressman DeSaulnier launched his first town hall of this series on February 3, 2018 and information on it can be found here.
Read MoreBy Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
At approximately 9:50am, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff responded to a report of an armed robbery at a bank on the 14800 block of State Route 4 in Discovery Bay.
A witness at the location reported she saw two men run into the bank and run out shortly after, carrying what was thought to be a handgun and a backpack.
Deputy Sheriffs arrived at the location and confirmed that an armed robbery had occurred. The two suspects fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.
They were last seen running to a vehicle and leaving the area north on Bixler Road. The suspects are outstanding.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Office of the Sheriff at (925) 646-2441 or (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Read MoreMitchoff gets heat over Pleasant Hill Library closure during construction of new library
By Daniel Borsuk
At their meeting on Tuesday, Contra Costa County Supervisors approved on a 4-1 vote the ordinance that ties their base salaries to 60 percent of the salaries of superior court judges. Supervisor Candace Andersen cast the dissenting vote. The pay raise goes into effect for the period between July 2, 2019 and Dec. 31, 2019; then increases to 63 percent of judges’ salaries for 2020 and finally to 65 percent of judges’ salaries thereafter.
Supervisors will receive the same periodic increases as are as granted by the legislature to the judges as recommended by the Ad Hoc Citizen’s Committee.
Supervisors waived the reading of the ordinance and fixed their April 16 meeting for adoption of the ordinance. Two weeks ago, supervisors had voted 3-1 with Andersen opposing and Supervisor Diane Burgis absent due to recuperation from heart surgery.
In casting a negative vote again this week, Andersen said, “I still have my reservations. We still earn Bay Area salary, but this isn’t a full-time job. It’s more than a full-time job. I can leave my house at 8 a.m. and not return until 10 p.m.”
Consider Exempting Transportation Impact Fees for Accessory Dwelling Units
Supervisors can be expected to adopt a policy aimed at exempting the imposition of public transit fees on homeowners wanting to build accessory dwelling units to homes as a jab of slowing down the Bay Area’s runaway rising housing costs.
Supervisors on Tuesday instructed county Conservation & Development Department (CDD) officials to draft a policy that would halt the levying of transit impact fees on ADU applications in unincorporated Contra Costa County, a move that could lift a financial burden off the shoulders of homeowners wanting to add living units onto their homes. ADU transit impact fees are imposed taxes for public transit improvement or road construction to mitigate increased public transit patronage and automobile trips stemming from ADU construction.
Based on county data, since 2017, there’ve been 130 ADU’s approved, 42 interior conversions and 88 new footprint additions approved. County records also show 130 ADU permits were issued via administrative means such as variance or deviation from the standards. Total ADU tax revenues data collected during that two-year period was unavailable.
“Ultimately, however, the reduction and or elimination of traffic impact fees would unavoidably create a funding gap.” warned CDD Director John Kopchik in a memo to supervisors. “That gap cannot be filled using the fee program’s revenue and must be backfilled with other sources.”
So far there has been political posturing locally and out of Sacramento concerning the status of ADU transit fees, but housing affordability advocates have maintained ADU transit fee are part of the reason for the Bay Area’s housing unaffordability crisis.
Leading the charge on the ADU fee exemption conversation at the county level has been board chair John Gioia of Richmond who has been tuned into the ADU and tax exemption discussions at West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee level.
Gioia said by exempting the transit fees it would remove financial barrier on homeowners wanting to add onto their homes. In West County, the additional costs a homeowner pays on average per ADU is $10,000 the supervisor said.
Supervisor Candace Andersen of Danville praised the ADU transit fee exemption fee proposal saying” It’s a great way for families to stay together.”
CDD staff is expected to present a draft ordinance on the ADU tax exemption proposal sometime either in June or July.
Mitchoff Gets Heat Over Library Closure
The upcoming closure of the Pleasant Hill Public Library drew protests from upset community residents, some of whom accused Supervisor Karen Mitchoff of Pleasant Hill of playing into the hands of real estate interests by closing down the library too soon.
Besides the construction of a new library, the county in conjunction with the city of Pleasant Hill are making way for the construction of a housing development on county owned property long vacant nearby the library.
The outdated library will be demolished in late spring or early summer to clear the site for a new library that will eventually feature a café, a used book store and shelf space for 70,000 books. The new library will be completed in 2021 and according to Pleasant Hill residents like Dick Offerman that won’t help middle school students who rely on the library to study.
Mitchoff took issue with Offerman’s statement that the library’s closure would negatively impact middle school students.
“I’ve visited the library when middle school students are there and many of them are playing video games rather than studying,” she said.
Pat Morgan also of Pleasant Hill criticized supervisor Mitchoff for not doing enough in keeping the old library open.
“It’s unacceptable. This demonstrates real estate money interest. Greed. It’s shameful, “she said.
Consent Items Approved
Supervisors approved the Sheriff-Coroner’s request to purchase Automated License Plate Reader cameras in the Discovery Bay area for an amount not to exceed $283,000. The ALPR camera capabilities are not only for the detection of stolen vehicles, but also as an investigative tool for persons and property crimes.
They also approved and authorized the Sheriff-Coroner to execute a contract with the State of California, 23rd District Agricultural Association (Contra Costa County Fair Board), including all indemnification of the State of California, to pay the county an amount not to exceed $35,000 to provide law enforcement services at the County Fair for the period of May 15-19, 2019.
Approve the collection loss write-offs in the public housing program in the amount of $106,729.09 for the quarter ending March 31, 2019, which is up nearly double from the $50,381.06 in collection losses for the same quarter in 2018. The Bayo Vista housing development in Rodeo led with the most loss write-offs with $73,470.36 followed by the Vista del Camino housing development in San Pablo with $10,501.
Supervisors also approved new Housing Choice Voucher payment standards for the Housing Authority that goes into effect April 15. Studio to three-bedroom sized unit payments standards have been reduced between $19 to $101 while the four to seven-bedroom sized payment standards are being increased between $121 and $175.
Read MoreThe Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, in commemoration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), April 7-13, 2019, is raising awareness about crime victims’ issues and rights and introducing the community to the important resources and services available. On Tuesday the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors presented a proclamation in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The DA’s Office then hosted a recognition ceremony to honor the awardees of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
The awardees for this year’s recognition are as follows:
- Special Courage: Juliann Marlang
- Making a Difference: Sarah Alpert
- Above and Beyond: Jesse Gregory
- Victim Advocate: Sandra Guiterrez-Banales
- Support Staff: Laura Muro
- DA Investigations: Senior Inspector Rick Rivera
- Attorney: Deputy District Attorney Alison Chandler
- Law Enforcement: Detective Joseph Nunemaker
- Probation Officer: Nancy Kenoyer
During the week, the District Attorney’s Office is honoring champions in advocating for expanded support and services to communities affected by crime.
- Thursday, April 11, 6:30 p.m. vigils in two locations: 2151 Salvio Street, Concord (Family Justice Center) and 65 Civic Ave, Pittsburg (Pittsburg City Hall)
- Saturday, April 13, 5:30 p.m. Survivors Speak National Healing Vigil, 2621 Shane Drive, Richmond (Sojourner Truth Church)
This year’s theme – Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future. – encourages commemoration, honor, and respect toward the crime victim advocates, allied professionals, and selfless volunteers who have courageously worked for increased rights for crime victims. The theme also invites us to look toward a future of inclusive, accessible, and innovative resources and services for survivors.
For additional information about this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and how to assist victims in your community, please contact our office at 925-957-8650 or visit www.contracostada.org.
For additional ideas on how to support victims of crime, visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.gov.
Read MoreBy Pittsburg Police Department
Late Thursday evening, shortly after 9 P.M., Pittsburg officers responded to a residence on Hermosa Avenue in regards to a stabbing. When officers arrived, they found a man outside suffering from stab wounds to his upper body. The man was transported to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek where he later died due to multiple stab wounds to the upper body.
The Pittsburg Police Department Investigations Division and CSI Team responded to the scene and took over the investigation. Detectives quickly contacted witnesses to the incident and obtained a description of the suspect and a car that was seen driving away from the location. The car, a white four-door sedan, was later determined to have fled the area towards State Route 4. Detective utilized the city of Pittsburg’s surveillance camera system, along with the recently installed county-wide Freeway Security Network, to locate the sedan as it traveled eastbound on State Route 4. With the use of this surveillance system, detectives were able to obtain a license plate for the car.
Detectives later authored an Arrest and Search Warrant for a residence located in the town of Knightsen. The Pittsburg Police Department tactical team conducted the service of the warrant early this morning and took the suspect, identified as Jimmy Lee Biles, Jr. (48 years old), into custody. It is unknown at this time the relationship between Biles, Jr. and the victim.
This case remains an active investigation and no additional details are available at this time. The name of the victim is being withheld pending notifications. This is the City of Pittsburg’s third homicide of the year.
The Pittsburg Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance and asks anyone with additional information to please contact the Pittsburg Police Department Tip-Line at 925-252-4040.
Read MoreThe California Geological Survey (CGS) has released five official Seismic Hazard Zones maps affecting communities in Contra Costa and San Mateo counties. The maps identify areas with potential for earthquake-induced landslides and liquefaction, and come with certain requirements for landowners and local governments.
There are three maps covering parts of Contra Costa County, including all or portions of the communities of Antioch, Concord, Brentwood, Oakley, Pittsburg, and Bay Point.
There are two new maps impacting San Mateo County, including all or portions of the communities of Woodside, San Carlos, Belmont, Burlingame, Half Moon Bay, Hillsborough, Millbrae, Redwood City, San Bruno, San Carlos, Portola Valley, and Pacifica.
Earthquakes of magnitude 5.5 or greater can trigger landslides or liquefaction, a phenomenon in which soil temporarily acts like quicksand and loses its ability to support structures. While shaking does most of the damage in a large earthquake, both liquefaction and landslides caused significant damage during the 1989 Loma Prieta quake. The Seismic Hazards Mapping Act mandating the regulatory maps was passed the year after Loma Prieta.
The maps establish Earthquake Zones of Required Investigation. Now that these maps are official after a 6-month public comment period, the local building department must require — before permits are issued — that licensed geologists and engineers investigate sites proposed for development within a zone for evidence of liquefaction or landslide potential. If such evidence is found, design modifications must be made in the planning stage. Examples of these modifications include deep foundations in liquefaction zones or slope stabilization in landslide zones.
Property sellers and real estate agents must inform potential buyers if property they’re selling is in a Seismic Hazard Zone, as is the case when property is in a designated flood zone.
List of Official Maps and Reports released April 4, 2019
- Antioch North quadrangle, showing Seismic Hazard Zones only – Related: Seismic Hazard Zone Report 125
- Antioch South quadrangle, showing Seismic Hazard Zones only – Related: Seismic Hazard Zone Report 126
- Honker Bay quadrangle, showing Seismic Hazard Zones only – Related: Seismic Hazard Zone Report 127
- Montara Mountain quadrangle, showing Earthquake Fault Zones and Seismic Hazard Zones – Related: Seismic Hazard Zone Report 128
- Woodside quadrangle, showing Earthquake Fault Zones and Seismic Hazard Zones – Related: Seismic Hazard Zone Report 129
The index maps below show the general areas in Contra Costa and San Mateo counties affected by this release.
The maps are available as GeoPDF files, which can be viewed using Adobe Acrobat Reader; a GeoPDF file consists of multiple layers and gives the user greater flexibility in viewing and displaying the maps. The maps are also available as digital Geographic Information System (GIS) files. GIS files for both AP Earthquake Fault Zones and Seismic Hazard Zones released by CGS are considered Official Maps. To obtain these maps, reports and GIS data, visit the Regulatory Maps and Reports section of the CGS Information Warehouse. To view individual parcels affected by Seismic Hazard Zones and/or Earthquake Fault Zones, visit our Earthquake Hazards Zone Application (“EQ Zapp”).
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