Contra Costa Herald

Tommy Ray Vance (top left), Anthony Robert Mozingo (top right) and Sheldon Devin Ludd (bottom) arrested during ICAC Task Force operation. Photos: Brentwood PD

Two out of custody with no charges filed; multi-agency effort

By Brentwood Police Department

Earlier this month, the Brentwood Police Department hosted the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force for a multi-agency, week-long operation focused on identifying and apprehending individuals seeking to sexually exploit minors online.

This proactive operation brought together 12 law enforcement agencies and dedicated hundreds of investigative hours to targeting those intending to harm children. The results of the operation included:

• 3 arrests
• seizure of digital devices and firearms
• a safer community—which remains our ultimate goal

Arrested during the operation:

• 48-year-old Tommy Ray Vance of Brentwood (see details in related article)
• 29-year-old Anthony Robert Mozingo of Elk Grove
• 29-year-old Sheldon Devin Ludd of Sacramento

We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community. We extend our sincere appreciation to the following agencies for their collaboration and support:

Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, FBI, Oakley PD, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Antioch PD, Contra Costa County MCTF, Martinez PD, Walnut Creek PD, Homeland Security Investigations, Contra Costa Probation Department, and the United States Secret Service.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, as of April 14 Mozingo is out of custody with no charges filed and as of April 15, Ludd is also out of custody with no charges filed.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Tommy Vance was arrested with a cache of illegal firearms and ammunition. Photos: Brentwood PD

High school football referee

By Brentwood Police Department

As part of a recent week-long operation led by the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force—hosted by the Brentwood Police Department in collaboration with 11 additional agencies—significant progress was made in safeguarding children from online exploitation.

During the operation, Brentwood PD Detectives, working alongside a Martinez PD Detective, arrested 48-year-old Tommy Ray Vance of Brentwood (born 12/19/76) on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Vance had allegedly arranged to meet a minor for the purpose of engaging in lewd and lascivious acts.

Following his arrest, Detectives obtained a search warrant for Vance’s residence, which resulted in the recovery of over 15 illegally possessed firearms. Vance, a convicted felon, was taken into custody on charges including:

• Arranging a meeting with a minor for lewd purposes
• Contacting a minor for sex
• Prohibited person in possession of a firearm
• Possession of an assault weapon

(and other related charges)

Detectives also confirmed that Vance is a high school football referee.

We are releasing Vance’s photo in order to identify any potential victims. If you have any information or believe you may have had contact with him, please contact the Brentwood Police Department at 925-809-7911. Callers may remain anonymous.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the six-foot tall, 230-pound Vance is being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 5 at 8:30 AM in Superior Court, Martinez.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Source: Recall of District Attorney Diana Becton

Organizers can begin gathering signatures

By Allen D. Payton

The organizers for the effort to recall Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton announced on Friday the Contra Costa Elections office approved their petition. They can now begin gathering signatures following a press conference this Saturday, April 26.

“We are pleased to announce that our recall petition has received approval today, Friday, April 18, 2025. As stated in the email with the official letter we received, we need a total of 72,556 valid signatures. The reviewing body has 60 business days from the filing date to assess the petition and verify that the necessary number of voters have signed it. All completed petitions must be submitted by 5:00 PM on Thursday, September 25, 2025, which is 160 days from the notice date.

“If the petition meets the required standards, the elections official will certify the results to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors upon completing the review. The Board of Supervisors is required to order an election within 14 days following their meeting. Should the Board fail to issue this order within the specified timeframe, the Registrar of Voters will set the election date within 5 days.

“The election will take place no sooner than 88 days and no later than 125 days after the order is issued. However, it may also occur within 180 days of the order if it can be coordinated with a regularly scheduled election.

“The recall organizers have decided to hold a press conference and the first day of signing on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 5 PM. This event will take place at Alexis Gabe’s memorial bench located at 3231 Main St., Oakley, CA, just outside city hall. They believe it is important to celebrate this momentous occasion with the many supporters who have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to sign the petition.

“Please confirm your attendance. For any questions or further information, feel free to contact us via email at recalldianabecton@gmail.com or info@recalldianabecton.org. We look forward to seeing you there.

Sincerely,

The Recall District Attorney Diana Becton Team”

(See related articles here and here)

During multi-agency traffic enforcement in morning commute hours

28-year-old Dejon Brandy already out of custody with no charges filed

By Oakley Police Department

On April 15, 2025, Oakley PD’s Traffic Unit participated in a multi-agency traffic enforcement campaign on Highway 4 with officers from Antioch Police, Brentwood Police, Hercules Police, Pittsburg Police and Richmond Police Departments.

At 7:35AM Oakley Officer B. Jackson saw a GMC Yukon with no rear license plate on Westbound 4 approaching Bailey Road, Officer Jackson tried to stop the driver via his lights and siren, but the driver failed to yield; a pursuit was started. The Yukon’s driver fled on the shoulder of Highway 4 and took the Bailey Road offramp. The driver ran a red light at Bailey Road and Canal Road in Bay Point and collided with an occupied vehicle. The Yukon driver continued to flee towards Willow Pass Road where he went eastbound towards Pittsburg. The driver turned onto southbound Railroad Avenue and entered the eastbound lanes of Highway 4 going westbound. Pursuit of the driver came to an end there due to the dangers associated with wrong way driving.

The Yukon’s driver exited at Bailey Road going the wrong way. The driver was seen getting out of the SUV and running to a nearby Burger King. Several traffic enforcement campaign officers, along with  CHP – Contra Costa officers and Contra Costa Sheriff’s deputies, converged on the area and detained the driver, identified as Dejon Brandy (male, 28) of San Francisco. The occupants of the vehicle Brandy collided with were treated for injuries sustained from the collision. Officers determined the Yukon was stolen.

Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard said, “The officers participating in the multi-agency traffic enforcement campaign were primarily focusing on safety issues related to commute driving to ensure our local commuters exercise safe driving habits.

“This case goes to show crime, and criminals, exist everywhere (even when people are just trying to get to work to support their families) and it is a sad part of our everyday life. I am grateful to all of the officers who took part in this arrest, as they clearly removed a dangerous criminal from society and incarcerated him where he cannot steal from people or hurt innocent people just conducting daily life matters. I hope the people who were injured in this incident receive the care they need and make a full recovery.

Stay safe Oakley.”

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, as of  8:14 PM on Thursday, April 17, Brandy was out of custody with no charges filed.

According to localcrimenews.com Brandy was also arrested for receiving stolen property – motor vehicle theft in San Francisco on April 4, 2025.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Photo: Brentwood PD

Has history of arrests dating back to 2014

By Brentwood Police Department

On April 8, 2025, at approximately 2:30 AM, a Brentwood officer was patrolling the area of Lone Tree Way and Jeffrey Way when he observed a vehicle driving with expired registration.

The driver and passenger were identified as 48-year-old Michael G. Silence of Oregon and 35-year-old Amber Silence of Olivehurst. While speaking with the driver, another officer on scene noticed a gun case in the front passenger area of the vehicle.

A loaded firearm was located inside the vehicle, which was later confirmed to be stolen from another county.

Michael, a convicted felon, was arrested for being in possession of a stolen firearm and other related charges. Amber was also arrested for possession of drugs and additional related offenses. Both were transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.

This arrest highlights the vigilance and proactive efforts of our patrol officers, who continue working day and night to keep illegal firearms and drugs off our streets.

According to localcrimenews.com, Silence has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by the Sheriff’s Departments of Yuba and Shasta counties for crimes including gun, ammunition and drug possession.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Kenneth David McIsaac mugshot. Source: Lafayette PD

Kenneth McIsaac used replica gun to rob neighbors, hold captive for five hours until subdued

Referred to mental health treatment facility in 2023 but fled, rearrested

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

On March 27, 2025, a Contra Costa County jury convicted 34-year-old Kenneth David McIsaac (born 12/20/90) on multiple felony charges, related to a home invasion incident involving a Lafayette family.

The conviction stems from a September 24, 2022, incident in Lafayette. As a mother and her children returned from the community pool in their apartment complex, McIsaac, who was also a resident at the same complex, followed them into their unit, shut the door and announced he was there to rob them. He lifted his shirt to reveal what appeared to be a firearm, later found to be a replica.

The mother called for her husband, who entered the living room. McIsaac forced the family to sit on the floor, retrieved kitchen knives, and handed the mother duct tape to bind her husband and children before binding her himself. For over five hours, he held the family captive and threatened to kill the parents in front of the children.

Through will and determination, the husband was able to free himself from his bindings. When McIsaac returned to the living room, the husband fought back, ultimately subduing the intruder long enough for the rest of the family to escape and seek help.

In August 2023, McIsaac was referred to Mental Health Court for diversion — despite objections from the District Attorney’s Office. He was accepted and released to a treatment facility — but fled in October.

Law enforcement apprehended him on November 14th.

McIsaac was convicted by a jury on multiple felony charges, including:

• Two counts of kidnap to commit robbery
• Two counts of kidnapping for ransom
• Multiple counts of first-degree residential robbery
• Felony child abuse
• False imprisonment
• Criminal threats

Additionally, the jury found true enhancements for the use of a deadly weapon in 12 of the 13 charges.

District Attorney Diana Becton stated: “This verdict holds Kenneth McIsaac accountable for the harm he caused this family. His conviction sends a strong message that violent crimes of this nature will not be tolerated in Contra Costa County.”

McIsaac is scheduled to be sentenced on June 6th by Judge Mary Ann O’Malley in Martinez. He faces a potential life sentence.

According to localcrimenews.com, the six-foot, three-inch tall, 190-pound McIsaac was also arrested in October 2020 by Oakland Police for battery with serious Bodily injury and elder or dependent adult abuse.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, he is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail.

Case # 01-22-01678 | The People of the State of California vs. McIsaac, Kenneth David

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Reminder!! Get ready for that shred-it time of year! Tri Delta Transit in partnership with the City of Antioch, City of Oakley and others, brings you the annual drive-thru Shred-It Event on Thursday, April 24th in Oakley.

Get out those papers and remove all large binder clips, plastic ring binding, bindings, binders and heavy folders. Event starts at 9:00 AM and is first come, first served until the trucks are full!

BE READY TO DRIVE UP AND HELP OUT

This is a drive-up event where you will enter at the Cypress driveway, wait in line in your vehicle (turn off car if can), then drive up to the truck.

Helpers will indicate which truck you are to pull up to.

Once you stop where the helpers tell you, please exit your vehicle safely. Give the helpers your shredding or indicate where your shredding is and which ones they are. Once the helpers review the materials, they will dump them into a bin for shredding.

If you want to watch your shredding be shredded, please let the helper know. You will need to pull your car over, exit the vehicle and walk to the far side of the truck to watch with the Shred-It employee.

ALL BAGS AND BOXES the shredding is brought it, must be taken away with you.
Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to keep it and dispose of it.

Cars will not be allowed to line up until all safety cones and precautions are in place.

Event is first come, first serve until the trucks are full.

Keep in mind that this could be anytime after 9:00 am. If large loads come, the trucks will reach capacity quickly.

If the truck is full, you will be asked to take all shredding home with you.

All bags, boxes and containers that you bring your shredding in, MUST be taken back with you.

For more information visit Community Drive Thru Shred-It Event -Tri Delta Transit.

Featuring latest innovations in transportation technology  

San Ramon, Calif.- The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) will host the 10th annual Redefining Mobility Summit (RMS) in San Ramon on Tuesday, April 22. RMS, which started in 2015, has grown from a regional meeting to a global gathering of government, industry, and international (from Finland to Japan among others) transportation leaders. The day-long summit features interactive sessions and dynamic and virtual-reality demonstrations of how cutting-edge technology is paving the way for the future of transportation.

CCTA’s Executive Director, Tim Haile, will present awards to two Contra Costa County students who entered an art and design contest. The first-place winner designed an “ideal” intersection using the online gaming platform Roblox, and the second-place winner created a short film of how they use Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) daily.

Also in attendance will be Contra Costa County’s Teacher of the Year and Dr. Cristian Gaedicke, who will discuss how they use STEM education to inspire their students to imagine and design what’s next for transit.

The Summit will be held from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM at the Roundhouse at Bishop Ranch, 2600 Camino Ramon in San Ramon.

A welcome reception will be held Monday, April 21 at 6:00 p.m.

Agenda

8:00 AM – 8:45 AM Breakfast and Networking

8:45 AM – 9:00 AM Welcome

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Panel: Smart Cities, Smart Solutions

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM Student Showcase

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Panel: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM Art & Design Awards

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch and Demo Zone

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Panel: New Innovative Business Models

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM Coffee and Conversation Break

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Panel: The Next Frontier of Autonomous Mobility

4:00 PM – 4:30 PM Closing Remarks

Tickets are $395 per person plus fee to attend. To register and for more information visit The 10th Annual Redefining Mobility Summit, Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. Photo: Caltrans

Sunday, April 20 and Monday, April 21 from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m.

By Matt O’Donnell, PIO & Gia Whiteside, Associate Governmental Program Analys, California Dept of Transportation

Contra Costa County, Marin County — Caltrans is scheduled to close the bike lane in the Westbound direction of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge (I-580) on Sunday, April 20 and Monday, April 21 from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following mornings to perform sweeping and general maintenance.

Shuttle services will be provided at the Stenmark Drive Bridge entrance and at Vista Point in San Rafael for those impacted by the closure.

Speed limit signs will be posted as 40 mph in construction areas.

Caltrans will turn on Changeable Message Signs (CMS) to notify the public ahead of time.

For 24/7 traffic updates, please visit 511.org: https://x.com/511SFBay
For real-time information, visit Caltrans QuickMap: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov
Follow us on X: https://x.com/CaltransD4
Or call 1-800-472-7623, 1-800-427-ROAD for state highway conditions statewide.

Source: Kaiser Permanente and Newsweek.

Hospitals are recognized for providing safe, compassionate, exceptional care to parents and their newborns

By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

OAKLAND, CA – Newsweek magazine’s list of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2025 distinguishes 12 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals as among the best in the nation for providing high-quality care to parents and their babies.

The 12 hospitals to receive the prestigious honor include: Antioch, Fresno, Redwood City, Roseville, San Francisco, San Leandro, San Jose, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, South Sacramento, Vacaville, and Vallejo.

This is the sixth year Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals have been recognized by Newsweek for meeting rigorous standards for maternity care, such as low rates of elective early deliveries and following important safety protocols to protect new parents and their babies.

“We know the importance of giving babies a healthy start in life, and our labor and delivery teams are providing these new families with quality care as they embark on this exciting chapter in their lives,” said Mike Bowers, FACHE, interim president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our Northern California hospitals deliver comprehensive, culturally responsive maternity care in a nurturing environment.”

Last year, nearly 40,000 babies were delivered at Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals.

Exceptional care through the entire pregnancy

“We take great pride in the clinical excellence achieved by our physicians, midwives, nurses and entire teams and for the personalized care and support given to all our patients,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, chief executive officer and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “Kaiser Permanente Northern California recognizes the importance of providing safe, comprehensive maternity care for all parents and their babies before, during, and after birth.”

The national designation was awarded to only 444 hospitals in the United States with 66 of those in California. Kaiser Permanente has a total of 26 hospitals that received the elite designation in California, or more than 40% of hospitals recognized in the state.

Newsweek and Statista, one of the world’s leading statistics portals and industry-ranking provider, partnered on this prestigious list, given that maternity care provided from pregnancy through birth and into postpartum is key to the long-term health of newborns and their mothers.

Delivering great care to babies and their parents

Kaiser Permanente Northern California has a long-standing commitment toward excellence in maternal health and creating a positive maternity care experience for our patients and members.

Our comprehensive maternity care focuses on safe, high-quality care from prenatal to postpartum, including midwife services, prenatal classes, and support for breastfeeding and mental health.

Members are encouraged to focus on their health even before pregnancy. If a pregnant patient has a high-risk pregnancy or a chronic condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes, we tailor their care – including providing remote monitoring tools – to reduce risks, helping to keep mom and baby safe.

At Kaiser Permanente Northern California, we also partner with new parents to ensure they have the birthing experience they desire through a coordinated birthing plan that addresses everything from their delivery preferences to whether they want to breastfeed.

Support for mental and emotional health is another important component of maternity care at Kaiser Permanente. Regular screenings for prenatal and postpartum depression are part of every care plan, so we can connect those who are struggling with the care and support they need.