Contra Costa Herald

District seeks to highlight exemplary young alumni

By Ilana Israel Samuels, Director of Communications, Family and Community Engagement, San Ramon Unified School District

The San Ramon Unified School District, in partnership with the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation, is pleased to announce the second annual 30 Under 30 Alumni Recognition Campaign. Nominations are now open to highlight SRVUSD graduates who are 30 years old or younger and have made a positive impact in our community and beyond.

The 30 Under 30 Alumni Recognition Program will recognize SRVUSD alumni who:

• Graduated from a school or program in SRVUSD
• Are currently 30 years old or younger (in 2024)
• Are thriving in their endeavors since graduating from SRVUSD in one or more of the following ways:

1. They have made a significant impact on or contribution to the San Ramon Valley community; and/or
2. They have achieved their college and/or career goals; and/or
3. They have accomplished something else significant or impactful along their pathway since graduating.

Anyone can nominate alumni by filling out the 30 Under 30 application and submitting it by August 19, 2024. The winners will be announced in fall 2024, and honored and celebrated in a variety of ways. Winners from the 30 Under 30 honorees in 2023 can be viewed on the district’s 30 Under 30 web page and in the video.

Any questions from the community can be sent to communications@srvusd.net.

About San Ramon Valley Unified School District: Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD) is one of the highest-achieving school districts in California. With approximately 29,000 students, the district encompasses the communities of Alamo, Danville, San Ramon, and a small portion of Walnut Creek and Pleasanton.

SRVUSD has been recognized at state and national levels with many awards and achievements. The district is designated by AASA, The School Superintendents Association, as a Learning 2025 Lighthouse District because it serves as a model of positive change in public education and is committed to the whole child. Based on a foundation of academic excellence, SRVUSD’s work is guided by the district’s Strategic Directions, and broadening the definition of success so all students can thrive. The district maintains graduation rates above 96%. The Learner Profile outlines the competencies the district aspires for students to possess upon graduation, preparing students to be Critical Thinkers, Creative Contributors, Intentional Collaborators, Adaptable Learners, and Effective Communicators.

About the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation (SRVEF): The San Ramon Valley Education Foundation invests in education, supports parent organizations, and engages our community for the benefit of and in partnership with SRVUSD. The vision of the Major Gifts and Endowment Fund of the SRVEF is to provide a stable, local funding source that will enable the San Ramon Valley Unified School District to undertake long term and innovative educational programs to enhance the curriculum. Over the past years distributions from the Endowment Fund have helped fund significant programs that directly impact SRVUSD students. Learn more at www.srvef.org.

Ilana Israel Samuels  

She/Her/Hers

Director of Communications, Family and Community Engagement

Pinole Police building video shows Victor jumping over the counter and into the offices of the clerk. Screenshot source: Pinole PD

By Commander Matt Avery, Pinole Police Department

On Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at approximately 4:15 PM, a male subject entered the Pinole Public Safety Building (880 Tennent Avenue, Pinole) and walked around the reception area while a police employee assisted a citizen at the front counter. The subject used the drinking fountain and then attempted to open the locked lobby door leading to the police department’s inner office area. The subject then sat down and waited approximately two minutes until our staff member finished assisting the citizen.

When the citizen completed her business and left the area, the male subject approached the front counter, where our staff member greeted him. The subject responded by reaching out and ringing the counter bell several times. Within seconds, the subject grabbed our staff member by her right arm. The victim fought back, and the subject pulled her toward him, preventing her from escaping. The victim could break free from the subject’s grasp, and the subject climbed over the counter and through a window. The victim retreated into the main hallway, and the subject chased after her. The victim was able to enter the administrative office area with the assistance of another staff member. Officers in the department at the time heard the disturbance and quickly made their way toward the reception area. They confronted the subject in the main hallway and safely detained the subject. (See Facebook incident video)

The victim sustained minor injuries to her right arm caused by the subject when he grabbed and pulled her. The victim is expected to make a full recovery. The subject was arrested and identified as Chester Erwin Victor, Jr. (born 4/20/1959), a 65-year-old male from unincorporated San Pablo. He was booked at the Martinez Detention Facility on burglary (PC 460(b)), kidnapping (PC 207(A)), false imprisonment (PC 236), battery (PC 243(A), assault (PC 241(A)), and a warrant.

This is an ongoing investigation, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Pinole Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 510-724-1111.

According to localcrimenews.com, Victor was also arrested by Solano CHP in June 2017 for DUI.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff, he is five-feet, 11-inches tall, 200-pounds, Hispanic and being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $47,500 bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for June 26 is Superior Court.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Deadline: July 1

By Kensington Police Department

National Night Out is Tuesday, August 6th, 2024. If you’re interested in hosting a National Night Out Block Party on Tuesday, August 6th, please complete the host registration form. The host Registration Deadline is 5:00 pm July 1st. Please visit Kensington National Night Out 2024 to register: www.kensingtonfire.org/nationalnightout

By Hercules Police Department

Experience the Thrill of Real-Life Scenarios: Enroll in the Youth Police Academy Today! Get hands-on with live demonstrations and learn practical skills tailored specifically for youth. From navigating social media safety to understanding the law, our academy equips you with the knowledge and tools you need to succeed.

Plus, explore exciting career opportunities and bolster your college applications with this unique experience. Don’t miss out on this chance to connect with the humans behind the badge and ignite your passion for serving your community.

Sign up now and step into your future with confidence! To register click, here.

The gun, magazine and drugs confiscated from the known felon on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Photo: San Pablo PD

Officers in Action

By San Pablo Police Department

Wednesday night, June 12, 2024, Officer Troche was patrolling the city when he made a traffic stop on a vehicle whose driver is a known felon from previous contacts. The driver was found to have an outstanding warrant. Inside the vehicle Officer Troche located a loaded firearm along with a large amount of drugs.

The driver of the vehicle was booked into county jail on the warrant and felony charges.

That makes one more gun taken out of the hands of a convicted felon. Thanks Officer Troche!

The Lamorinda Safety Fair will be held Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 9:00am-4:00pm at the Lafayette Reservoir off Mt. Diablo Blvd. presented by Lafayette Police, East Bay Municipal Utilities District, Amateur Radio Communications and Lafayette CERT Foundation.

Meet your local first responders and see their equipment. Get up close to a police helicopter. Learn how to perform CPR. Learn how to use a fire extinguisher. Learn how to prepare for the next emergency / disaster. Meet your local HAM radio club (LARIG) and talk to HAM operators from around the globe using radio!

Shuttle service and additional parking will be available at the Lafayette Veteran’s Memorial Building at 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd. For more information call (925) 299-3282.

MARTINEZ, CA—State Assembly candidate Anamarie Avila Farias announced, Thursday, June 13, 2024, the endorsement of Contra Costa Assemblyman Tim Grayson for her campaign to represent Northern Contra Costa County in the State Legislature.

“Anamarie’s experience in our local communities, especially her service on the Martinez City Council and Contra Costa County Board of Education, has prepared her to be an effective voice for us in the Legislature,” said Assemblymember Grayson. “I’m looking forward to partnering with her as we fight for Contra Costa’s share of state resources and policies that help working families get ahead.”

“Tim Grayson’s a voice of reason and purpose in the Legislature,” said Anamarie. “I’ll bring a similar attitude to making state policies: Results over rhetoric, progress over politics.

“I really appreciate Assemblymember Grayson’s support and look forward to working with him.”

Avila Farias was the second-place finisher in the March Primary election but the top vote-getter in the field of three Democrats and faces off against the Republican candidate in November’s election. Democratic voters outnumber Republicans 52%-19% in District 15’s registration numbers. If elected, she would be the first Latina to serve Contra Costa in the State Legislature.

She has an extensive record serving her community and setting state policy. She currently serves as a Trustee of the Contra Costa County Board of Education and has consistently pushed for improved public education in Contra Costa schools. She also served on the Martinez City Council from 2012-2016.

Avila Farias is running to represent California State Assembly District 15. The district encompasses Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Clayton, Pittsburg, Bay Point, Antioch, Crockett portions of Brentwood and unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County.

To learn more about her campaign, visit anamarie4assembly.com.

Damage caused to a Pittsburg business, the suspect’s car caught on surveillance camera video and pellet guns confiscated by police. Photos: Pittsburg PD

Eight felony counts

By Pittsburg Police Department

Over the past few months, a series of vandalisms targeted multiple businesses on Garcia Avenue in Pittsburg. The vandals used a pellet gun to shoot at the glass windows of these establishments, resulting in significant financial losses amounting to thousands of dollars.

In response to these incidents, the property owner took proactive measures by installing surveillance cameras. These cameras successfully captured footage of the culprit in action, providing a vital lead for the investigative efforts of Detective Lefterov. Through diligent work spanning several weeks, Detective Lefterov gathered substantial evidence and successfully identified the individual responsible for the vandalism.

Subsequently, several search warrants were issued and executed, leading to the confiscation of a BB gun, an air rifle, numerous copper BBs, and suspected illicit substances. The suspect was apprehended and charged with eight counts of felony vandalism.

An April 15, 2024, photo shows the Montañez Elementary under construction. Photo: Brentwood Union School District

Released to parents pending criminal charges; school scheduled to open in fall

By Brentwood Police Department

On Sunday, June 9th, 2024, around 8:30PM, our Dispatch received a call from a security company regarding four juvenile males who had just vandalized the Isaac R. Montañez Elementary School site located on the 2300 block of Smith Road. The juveniles were still on site and when officers arrived, they attempted to flee on their bikes, however they were safely taken into custody.

The project manager for the site arrived on scene to assess the damage and discovered the four juveniles had discharged all of the fire extinguishers on the property causing an extensive amount of damage. The new school is scheduled to open in the fall for the 2024-25 school year.

Based on the nature of the crime and their ages (12 and 13 years old), the juveniles did not meet the criteria to be booked into Juvenile Hall and were released to their parents pending criminal charges and further investigation.

Source: U.S. Army

Community Update

By Concord Police Department

We have been receiving calls from community members regarding loudspeaker announcements heard from the area of the Concord Naval Weapons Station.

What’s going on?

Military Ocean Terminal Concord (MOTCO) will be conducting a U.S. Army led exercise from June 10-18. This exercise is being conducted with several units that will require travel throughout the local area. You will see an increase in uniformed service members during this time. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

No need to contact our Dispatch Center about the exercise as we are already aware. If you have an emergency to report, please dial 911. For non-emergencies, call 925-671-3333.

About MOTCO

MOTCO is Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command’s West Coast strategic ammunition port. MOTCO is the DOD’s primary ammunition seaport supporting the Pacific area of operation.

The Army’s presence at MOTCO dates back to 1997 when the Army’s 1302nd Major Port Command was relocated from Oakland Army Base, California, to MOTCO and became the 834th Transportation Battalion. MOTCO properties were transferred from the Navy to the Army in 2008 per the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommendations.

The 834th Transportation Battalion is the port manager at MOTCO and operates the three piers and an Army-owned rail system that connects with major public railway lines.

MOTCO receives ammunition by rail and highway; stages containers, railcars and trailers; and loads vessels with containers and break-bulk (loose items) ammunition. Rail lines, piers, holding pads, transfer facilities, staging areas, railcar class yards, barricaded railcar holding areas and Main Supply Routes are all operated in support of cargo receipt and movement.

MOTCO encompasses approximately 115 acres inland, 6,500 acres of tidal area which includes terminal piers, staging and transfer facilities, and 2,000 acres of offshore islands. While ammunition is the focus of most cargo movement into or out of MOTCO, the installation is capable of handling general cargo providing it is in conjunction with, or does not interfere with, ammunition.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.