![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Tracey-W.-right-hugs-SVdP-Vincentian-Henrietta-1024x683.jpg)
Tracey W., (right) hugs SVdP Vincentian Henrietta, (left) thanking her for the gifts, food and clothing for her family. Photos: SVdP
PINOLE, CA – December, 2023 – On Monday, December 18th, dedicated volunteers from St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County (SVdP) gathered at St. Joseph’s Church in Pinole to spread holiday cheer in their community. Undeterred by the pouring rain, compassionate volunteers organized a heartwarming event to provide essential items and festive gifts to their neighbors in need for Christmas.
The day was a testament to the spirit of giving, as families were greeted with smiles and warmth while receiving personalized gifts and choosing from a selection of generously donated clothing items – including shirts, sweaters, jackets, and pants.
Tracey W. of Pinole, expressing her gratitude, said, “I’m just humbled. The volunteers at St. Vincent de Paul have been a part of my family since my daughter was born. One of the volunteers made her a quilt that I still have to this day. Their help means so much to me, and I’m just so thankful to have them in my life.”
Volunteers started their day at 9 A.M. in the St. Joseph rectory by wrapping and labeling gifts. Gifts were donated by the St. Joseph Parish members, local supporters, local businesses, and SVdP volunteers. Gift cards for groceries, stuffed animals for young children, Target gift cards for Christmas presents, and boxes of cookies were distributed to every family in attendance.
Vincentian Charisse Wan, an SVdP Vincentian volunteer, shared, “We have about 63 families we are able to help out of our Conference, (branch). It’s just wonderful to see how happy the families are during the Holidays.”
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Thodias-D-1024x682.jpg)
Thodias D. said he is incredibly thankful for the help the SVdP volunteers at St. Joseph provide his family.
Thodias D., a single father of two young boys from Pinole, expressed his deep appreciation for the support provided by SVdP volunteers at St. Joseph’s Church.
“I just feel so blessed to be part of the SVdP family,” Thodias said. “They’ve helped me with food, clothing, just too much to name. I just feel so thankful.”
Families, arriving at St. Joseph’s in Pinole, had their gifts brought to their cars by SVdP volunteers. For those who preferred, an opportunity to find the right-sized clothing for their families was available inside the church. The event fostered a sense of friendship, camaraderie, and charity, creating a memorable day for those in need.
St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County has provided safety-net services in the county for over 59 years, serving 100,000 people annually and distributing over $1.9 million in direct financial assistance and over $3 million of in-kind aid. More than 700 SVdP volunteers and a small staff lead operations in Contra Costa including the SVdP Family Resource Center in Pittsburg, 28 branches, and 3 Thrift Stores. One of the largest charitable organizations in the world, St. Vincent de Paul is an international, nonprofit, Catholic lay organization of more than 900,000 men and women who voluntarily join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to the needy and suffering in 155 countries on five continents.
Read MoreIs your loved one or patient on the path to recovery from an injury or illness, yet facing challenges in safely returning home after being discharged from a hospital or skilled nursing facility? TreVista is here to provide the support and care needed during this crucial healing phase.
🏡 Safe Haven for Recovery: TreVista offers a safe and secure environment, allowing your loved one or patient to focus on recovery without the worries of returning home prematurely. Our furnished guest rooms and comforting common spaces create a supportive atmosphere.
👩⚕️ Expert Care Around the Clock: Rest assured, our dedicated care staff, supervised by experienced nurses, is available 24/7 to provide the highest level of support. Your loved one’s or patient’s well-being is our top priority.
💪 Accelerate Recovery with Physical Therapy: TreVista is committed to facilitating your loved one’s or patient’s recovery journey. Take advantage of our supportive services while your focus remains on essential physical therapy, ensuring a stronger and safer return home.
🍽️ Nourishment for Healing: Delight in our delicious home-cooked meals, thoughtfully prepared to provide the nutrition needed for a speedy recovery. A healthy diet is integral to the healing process.
🌈 Tailored Services for Holistic Care: Our respite program offers additional services, including medication management and personal assistance, to address individual needs. We tailor our support to enhance the overall well-being of our residents.
📅 Flexible Admission for Your Convenience: TreVista understands the urgency of recovery. Our flexible admission process allows for a seamless transition, even on weekends. Your journey to healing starts when you need it.
🎁 Special Offer: Stay for 3 Weeks, Get The 4th Week Free! 🎁*
TreVista’s Respite Program is more than just a temporary stay; it’s a transformative experience leading to a stronger, safer return home. Contact us today to embark on this journey of recovery, where care and support redefine the path to wellness.
For details contact Tamsen Meierdierck, Senior Living Consultant – TreVista Antioch at (925) 470-3395.
TreVista Senior Living & Memory Care is located at 3950 Lone Tree Way in Antioch. To learn more visit trevistaseniorliving.com/trevista-at-antioch.
*Terms and conditions apply. Offer subject to availability.
Paid advertisement.
Read MoreWill hold Maximum Enforcement Period Friday, Dec. 29 – Monday night, Jan. 1, 2024
909 DUI arrests during Christmas weekend MEP
As we prepare to usher in a new year, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is ramping up efforts to help ensure the safety of all road users, while reducing the number of deadly crashes on the state’s roadways.
Beginning at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 29, the CHP will implement a statewide Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP), which will continue through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.
The CHP conducted a similar enforcement effort during the recent Christmas holiday. Tragically, 20 people were killed in crashes within CHP jurisdiction between 6:01 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 25. Additionally, CHP officers made more than 900 arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) – an average of one every five minutes.
“Our personnel work through the holidays to help ensure people arrive safely at their destinations,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “The goal is to maintain a safe environment on California’s roads, which is achievable when all motorists make responsible decisions behind the wheel.”
In addition to assisting drivers and looking for traffic violations, such as failure to wear a seat belt, speeding, and distracted driving, CHP officers will be paying close attention to people suspected of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. During the last New Year’s Day MEP, CHP officers made 570 DUI arrests statewide.
As we close out 2023, avoid becoming a statistic. Have a plan and designate a sober driver or use ride-share services, avoid distractions while driving, and always wear your seat belt. If you see or suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1 immediately. Be prepared to provide the dispatcher a description of the vehicle, the license plate number, location, and direction of travel. Your phone call may save someone’s life.
Christmas Weekend MEP Results
Over the past Christmas weekend, the CHP took decisive action to keep our roads safe! Here are the results from the maximum enforcement period:
CHP arrested 909 individuals for driving under the influence, a 42% increase from the year prior. Sadly, there were 19 fatal crashes resulting in 20 fatalities. Although this is a 23% decrease from last year, there is more work to be done to continue to reduce the mileage death rate.
Safety Reminder: Slow down, always designate a sober driver, and wear your seatbelt. These simple actions can save lives and prevent injuries.
Thank you to all who prioritize road safety. Stay safe!
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
Read MoreServices in Fairfield, Dixon Jan. 3, 2024
By Mike Gancasz, Chief of Police, Kensington
It is with deep regret and sadness that I inform you of the passing of former Kensington Police Sergeant Ricky Hull who passed away at his home in Fairfield this week.
Ricky Hull, a Fairfield native, joined the Kensington Police Force in October 1997 and served with dedication until his retirement in December 2020. Throughout his career, Ricky rose through the ranks, from Officer to Master Sergeant to Interim Chief.
His contributions to the Kensington Police Department were significant, and he will be remembered for his commitment to public service.
Ricky grew up in Fairfield and had an extended family in Richmond and West Oakland. His journey in law enforcement began in the city of Concord, where he initially worked as a civilian jailer. He attended the police academy in Pittsburg and eventually found a home in Kensington.
This news comes as a shock to all of us, and we extend our deepest condolences to Ricky’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. We will keep you informed about any memorial arrangements or services.
Please join us in remembering Ricky Hull and the positive impact he had on our community.
Flowers and cards can be sent to:
C. Hull
561 E. Tennessee Street
Fairfield, CA 94533
The Hull family requested donations in honor of Ricky can be sent to the Mount Calvary Baptist Church Scholarship Fund c/o Vallie Jean Hull. Flowers should be substituted for potted plants due to allergies.
The service information is:
Service: January 3, 2024, 10:00 AM, Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 1735 Enterprise Drive, Bldg #3, Fairfield.
Viewing: 9 o’clock to 9:50 AM
Internment immediately following service: Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon.
The family thanks the community for all the love and support they have provided.
Read More
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Hercules-traffic-stop-arrest-for-drugs-12-12-23-1024x768.jpg)
Drugs, cash and cell phones confiscated during traffic stop and arrest on Dec. 12, 2023. Photo: Hercules PD
By Hercules Police Department
On Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, at 11:12 AM an officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a sliver Infiniti G35 for multiple vehicle code violations. The driver immediately exited the Infiniti and attempted to walk away. The driver was ordered to remain seated in the vehicle. As the officer spoke to the driver, he began to make furtive movements in the vehicle by reaching toward his waistband and the driver’s side floorboard. The officer observed a large, clear plastic bag containing dozens of pills near the driver’s feet. The officer asked the driver to stop reaching around the vehicle, but the driver did not comply. The officer held the driver at gunpoint until other officers arrived on scene to detain the driver and passenger.
A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, and the officer located suspected marijuana, a suspected LSD sheet, suspected Percocet pills, suspected morphine laced with fentanyl, and suspected fentanyl. The driver was placed under arrest and booked into jail.
Read MoreMother and daughter last seen Sept. 6, 2023
By San Pablo Police Department
The San Pablo Police Department is investigating a case involving two missing persons, and is requesting our community’s assistance regarding information on their whereabouts.
40-year-old Tho Ngoc Ly and her mother, 74-year-old Que Thi Tran, were last seen at their residence in the 1900 block of Sutter Avenue on September 6th, 2023. Ly and Tran had reportedly traveled to the Southern California region following a family argument however, detectives have been unable to establish contact to confirm their well-being.
Ly is described as an Asian female adult, approximately 5 feet tall and 115 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Tran is described as an Asian female adult, approximately 5 feet tall and 120 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts, or how to establish contact with Ly and/or Tran, is encouraged to call the SPPD Investigations Division at 510-215-3150.
Read More
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Jared-Michael-Theobald-arrest-gun-12-18-23-PHPD-1024x513.jpg)
Jared Michael Theobald arrested and the gun tossed in the bushes on Dec. 18, 2023. Photos: Pleasant Hill PD
Driving stolen car, had felony warrant, meth and heroin, loaded gun with hollow point rounds
By Pleasant Hill Police Department
Nice catch by our graveyard officers!
Last night, Dec. 18, 2023, our officers responded to Kohl’s to assist loss prevention employees in deterring a couple of shoplifters. It was also determined that the suspects drove up in a stolen car. As our officers went to contact the male suspect, he took off running and tried to hide and disguise his appearance. Unfortunately for him, he was quickly located in a business pretending to order a pizza.
He was identified as Jared Michael Theobald of Vallejo, age 41. Theobald was discovered to have a felony warrant as well and was in possession of a substantial amount of methamphetamine and heroin. Officers scoured the area for a Nike bag Theobald was seen carrying earlier. It was eventually located dumped in a planter and contained a 9mm pistol loaded with hollow point rounds. Theobald was booked into county jail on multiple felonies. His female companion cooperated with officers and was eventually release from the scene.
We work closely with retail loss prevention, many times resulting in arrests for crimes that go beyond shoplifting. Good work by all involved!
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Theobald was transferred to another facility and according to the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, he is out of custody on general release as of Dec. 22.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read More
Suspect has history of arrests dating to 2017
By Walnut Creek Police Department
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Darrell-Lipston-FB-02-28-23-297x300.jpg)
Darrell Lipston in a photo posted on his Facebook page on Feb. 28, 2023.
On December 14th, 2023, Walnut Creek Police arrested 41-year-old Darrell Demone Lipston (born Dec. 2, 1982) for residential burglary, conspiracy, possession of stolen property and violation of probation after committing several burglaries in the 100 block of Pringle Avenue.
Patrol Officers (Patrol Team 5) immediately obtained leads and, with the assistance of the Investigations Bureau, conducted a probation search of Lipston’s residence in Pittsburg. The search revealed that Lipston was in possession of all the stolen property connected to these burglaries. WCPD arrested Lipston, transported him, and booked him at the Martinez Detention Facility. WCPD Patrol officers returned the stolen property to the grateful victims.
On December 18th, 2023, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed the following charges against Lipston for the burglaries:
PC 459: Residential Burglary (six counts), PC 487(a): Grand Theft (three counts) and PC 594(a): Vandalism (four counts).
The employees of the Walnut Creek Police Department are committed to ensuring the safety of our community through proactive enforcement of the law, the use of technology, and relentless investigation of crimes.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Lipston is being held on no bail and his next court hearing is scheduled for Jan. 4, 2024, at 8:30 a.m.
According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating back to January 2, 2017, by multiple agencies including Antioch PD, Concord PD, Walnut Creek PD and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department for receiving or concealing stolen property, burglary, possession of ammunition, possession of narcotic controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and receiving stolen property – motor vehicle.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreThe Brentwood Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Friday, December 29th from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on Balfour Road.
Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.
During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
The Brentwood Police Department is committed to keeping the traveling public safe.
Brentwood PD reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or ”operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Why do police announce checkpoints?
You’d think that a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint would work best if it had an element of surprise behind it. After all, if someone is driving under the influence and they come across a checkpoint they didn’t know about, they would have a much higher chance of being caught.
So in short here’s the answer as to why police agencies notify the public in advance of DUI/driver’s license checkpoints….it’s the law. The state Supreme Court has ruled that DUI/driver’s license checkpoints are legal but they mandated checkpoints be publicized ahead of time.
Once you are at a checkpoint, vehicle code section 2814.2(a) requires that all drivers stop and submit to these checkpoints.
The goal of these checkpoints is public safety and deterring drivers from driving under the influence. Hopefully that clarifies some questions we’ve had in the past.
Read More
By Lt. Rick Martin, Investigations Bureau, Antioch Police Department
On December 26, 2023, at approximately 2:45 a.m. Antioch Police Officers responded to Wilbur Avenue near the intersection of Apollo Court on a report of a vehicle on fire after having collided into a tree. Officers along with the Contra Costa County Fire Department arrived and were able to extinguish the fire, unfortunately the driver, a 28-year-old male from Oakley and his dog succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.
We are withholding the name of the decedent until proper family notifications have been made. It appears speed and alcohol were factors in this incident. No further information will be provided at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to call Lieutenant Rick Martin at (925) 779-6972 or the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441.
Read More