Contra Costa Herald

One of three armed robbery suspects arrested on Wed., Sept. 17, 2025. Photo: Brentwood PD

Christian Sanchez & Jonathan Sanchez of Brentwood being held on $130K and $20K respectively; Ruben Carrion-Rojas of Knightsen also arrested

By Brentwood Police Department

On Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, around 7:45AM, Brentwood officers were called to the ARCO gas station located at the 6900 block of Brentwood Blvd. for an armed robbery with a knife that just occurred. The reporting party provided Dispatch with a detailed description of the suspects who were last seen walking in the immediate area.

As officers began circulating the area, one of our officers saw the suspects who attempted to flee, however they were ultimately taken into custody.

24-year-old Christian Sanchez of Brentwood (born 4/9/2001), 21-year-old Jonathan Sanchez of Brentwood (born 8/3/2004), and 29-year-old Ruben Carrion-Rojas of Knightsen, were all placed under arrest and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.

Thankfully, no one was injured as a result of this incident.

UPDATE 1: On Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against three defendants.

• Christian Sanchez was charged with Robbery and Assault with a Deadly Weapon

• Jonathan Sanchez was charged with Robbery

• Ruben Carrion Rojas was charged with Robbery

According to localcrimenews.com, Sanchez was also arrested by Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Deputies on August 9, 2024, for battery on a person. According to the Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet, 11-inch tall, 125-pound suspect is being held on $130,000 bail.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet, eight-inch tall, 180-pound Jonathan Sanchez is also being held on $20,000 bail.

UPDATE 2: According to the Sheriff’s Department, as of Saturday night, September 20, 2025, Carrion-Rojas had bonded out of custody. According to localcrimenews.com, he was also arrested on August 17, 2025, by San Jose Police for violating a court order to prevent domestic violence.

Thanks to the reporting party’s detailed description and the prompt response from officers, this case concluded successfully.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

October 16th-19th

The 89th Annual Walnut Festival is right around the corner!

Due to a large remodel of Heather Farm Park we’ve had to relocate for a few years while this is done, the festival has a NEW LOCATION! Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) at 1201 W 10th Street in Antioch.

This year’s festival will be held October 16th-19th.

Admission: $15/person

6yrs and younger, 65 years and older and Military with ID get in free
Parking: $10/car

All you can ride unlimited wristbands: $40/person – EVERYONE RIDING MUST HAVE A PAID WRISTBAND OR INDIVIDUAL TICKETS. WITHOUT ONE OF THESE YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO RIDE.

VENDOR APPLICATIONS ARE UP ON THE WEBSITE.

The Purpose of the Walnut Festival Association

​For the past 89 years, the non-profit Walnut Festival Association has attracted the most dedicated volunteers, from all walks of life, who join together to serve Contra Costa County by raising funds through community events. The money raised from these annual family entertainment events is donated back into the community to support recreational, charitable, and educational programs and facilities. The Walnut Festival Association events also provide a means for service and charitable groups to raise money to support their specific organizations.

It is the purpose of the Walnut Festival Association, a 501c non-profit corporation, to raise funds for distribution to educational, recreational, artistic, civic, and charitable causes.

1. To provide a vehicle for other non-profit organizations to raise funds for their redistribution throughout the year.
2. To produce quality events for the benefit of the residents of Walnut Creek and the surrounding areas, and to foster a sense of community involvement.

As Walnut Creek has grown, and suburban developments have replaced walnut groves, the Walnut Festival Association has maintained the tradition of producing fundraising events for the benefit of the community. Locations for the event have changed over the years from the center of town to Civic Park and finally, in 1976, to Heather Farm Park, where it has been held the third Thursday after the first Monday in September.

For more information visit www.Thewalnutfestival.org.

A San Pablo Police Officer with the armed felon’s gun Tuesday night, Sept. 16, 2025. Photo: San Pablo PD

By San Pablo Police Department

Tuesday night, Sept. 16, 2025, an alert citizen reported a suspicious vehicle circling the block and possibly casing vehicles. Officers arrived on scene and located the vehicle. As officers approached the vehicle, the driver got out of the vehicle and began to run away from officers.

Officers were able to detain the suspect and during a search of the vehicle they located a loaded handgun.

The driver is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing any firearms. The driver was arrested and booked into county jail.

We would like to thank our community for being vigilant.

One of two cars impounded following a street racing incident in early September. Photo: Danville PD

By Danville Police Department

Earlier this month, Danville Police officers observed two vehicles racing at nearly double the posted 30 MPH speed limit on San Ramon Valley Boulevard.

One driver was stopped at the scene, while the second vehicle was later identified through license plate reader technology and impounded for 30 days.

We remain committed to keeping our community safe and will take strong enforcement action against reckless driving and street racing.

85 DUI incidents in 2025 so far

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

Impaired driving continues to be a leading cause of preventable traffic collisions, injuries, and fatalities across the nation—and right here in our own community. Thus far in 2025, we have had 85 DUI incidents, fourteen alone in the month of August. This presents a serious and potentially fatal risk for everyone, including those driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

To combat this ongoing threat and to keep our roadways safe, Pleasant Hill PD will be directing a DUI Enforcement Operation this week. Officers will be deployed throughout the city focusing on identifying and removing impaired drivers from our roads.

The Pleasant Hill Police Department encourages everyone to:

Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Seek-out designated drivers, rideshare services, or public transportation

Report suspected drunk drivers by calling 9-1-1

Talk to friends and family about the risks of impaired driving

This operation is part of our ongoing commitment to reducing traffic injuries and deaths.

Photos: Walnut Creek PD

By Walnut Creek Police Department

Can you help us identify this mail theft suspect?

The Walnut Creek Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying the individual shown in these photos. He is suspected of stealing mail from multiple mailboxes in the area (Case #25-26672).

If you recognize him or have any information, please contact Officer Romero at bromero@walnutcreekpd.com

Prefer to stay anonymous? You can leave a tip by calling our tip line at 925-943-5865.

Thank you for helping keep our community safe!

By Concord Police Department

Last night, Tuesday, September 16, 2025, around 10:20 pm, Concord Police Department officers were dispatched to John Muir Concord Medical Center when three males arrived with gunshot wounds after being driven there by friends. CPD determined that a shooting had just occurred in the municipal parking garage on Salvio Street.

A suspect vehicle was quickly identified and the information shared with other law enforcement partners. Deputies from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office located the suspect vehicle driving in Bay Point where they conducted a traffic stop and detained the occupants.

The three shooting victims are all in stable condition and expected to survive. Concord Police Department detectives are still investigating the incident and trying to determine motives behind the shooting and if there are any other persons involved. Anyone with more information is encouraged to contact Concord Police Department Major Crimes Unit Detective Espino at (925) 671-3426.

The Golden Hills Art Ministry is excited to present 1 Peter: A Collection of Works

Tickets available until 9/20

Join Golden Hills Community Church Art Ministry on September 27, from 10 am – 1:00 pm, for 1 Peter: A Collection of Works, featuring original visual art, poetry, food art and music by GHCC artists.

Why does a work of art have value?

“Because a work of art is a work of creativity, and creativity has value because God is the Creator,” explained Francis A. Schaeffer, American theologian and pastor. The Golden Hills Art Ministry agrees and exists to glorify God through the creation and appreciation of art. So we invite you to join us at this year’s Art Exhibition to enjoy creations by artists from our church and inspired by our sermon series in 1 Peter.  Come behold art, hear artists’ insights about their creative process, and engage with others. This family-friendly event includes refreshments and the opportunity to participate in hands-on creativity in our new community art room.

Enjoy light refreshments and a Community Art Room for all ages.

The deadline to pre-order the art collection book has passed. A limited number of books will be available for purchase at the Exhibition for $25.

This family-friendly event includes refreshments and the opportunity to participate in hands-on creativity in our new community art room. All are welcome!

This is the last week to purchase tickets for the upcoming Art Exhibition and are available until Saturday, Sept. 20 at Art Exhibition 2025 | Golden Hills Community Church. Ticket sales are final and non-refundable but can be transferred to another person.

Adult Admission (age 18+) $10.00

Teen Admission (ages 13-17) $8.00

Youth Admission (ages 6-12) $5.00

Child Admission (ages 0-5) No charge.

Golden Hills Community Church is located at 2401 Shady Willow Lane in Brentwood. For more information visit www.goldenhills.org, email info@goldenhills.org or call 925-516-0653.

NCQA annual report card gives the HMO 4.5 out of 5 stars

The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), the national evaluator of health insurance plans, has once again recognized Contra Costa Health Plan (CCHP) as one of the highest rated health plans in the nation and among the best in California for patient experience and quality of care.

Among health maintenance organizations (HMOs) offering Medi-Cal, CCHP was one of the top three plans in California to be awarded 4.5 out of 5 stars, the highest level awarded this year, on NCQA’s annual report card.

CCHP was also one of just 14 Medicaid plans in the United States to receive 4.5 out of 5 stars, achieving exceptionally high marks among patients for treatment and preventative care including children and women’s care and cancer screening.

“Being recognized among the nation’s top health plans is a huge accomplishment for our staff, providers and partners,” said Supervisor Candace Andersen, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “This rating shows that our community trusts and values the care that we provide and encourages us to keep pushing towards our goal to deliver high-quality care and improve the health of our community.”

For over 50 years, Contra Costa Health has provided high-quality, affordable coverage through CCHP. CCHP was the nation’s first federally qualified, state-licensed, county-sponsored HMO.

“I’m so proud of the work this team has done to enable us to get this excellent rating and to serve the people of Contra Costa County,” Contra Costa Health CEO Dr Grant Colfax said. “We will continue to address community health priorities, and we look forward to what we can accomplish together in this next year.”

CCHP’s high marks and recognition by NCQA are a direct result of the exemplary care and patient support provided by Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Health Centers, community clinics in CCHP’s community provider network, and CCH’s Public Health and Behavioral Health divisions. Altogether, CCHP touches about 271,000 members, including 265,000 Medi-Cal enrollees.

Visit Contra Costa Health Plan to learn more about CCHP, including how to enroll if you need healthcare, or call 1-800-211-8040 weekdays.

About NCQA: NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA’s Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care. NCQA’s website (ncqa.org) contains information to help consumers, employers and others make informed health care choices. NCQA can also be found at Twitter/X @ncqa and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/ncqa.

The suspect was arrested with stolen checks and counterfeit postal keys. Photos: Brentwood PD

36-year-old Adam Lew also caught during traffic stop with drugs, has history of arrests since 2013; held on $95K bail

By Brentwood Police Department

On the morning of September 14th, one of our officers contacted 36-year-old Adam Alexander Lew (Pittsburg – born 7-21-1989) during a traffic stop. Lew did not have a valid driver’s license and our officers saw drug paraphernalia in the pocket of the driver’s door.

A search of Lew and of the vehicle revealed suspected narcotics, additional drug paraphernalia, counterfeit postal keys used to steal mail out of mailboxes, and stolen checks that were in the process of being forged. Further investigation revealed at least one of the checks was stolen in mid-August in the city of Folsom.

Lew was booked into jail on several charges including possession of stolen property, forgery, and identity theft. This case highlights the importance of collaboration between laws enforcement and the community in stopping crime.

According to localcrimenews.com, Lew has a history of arrest dating back to 2013 by multiple agencies, including Antioch, Clayton, Concord, Pittsburg, Walnut Creek and Folsom Police Departments and Contra Costa County and San Joaquin County Sheriffs’ Departments, for a variety of crimes. They include burglary, receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, forgery, check fraud, trespassing and drug possession.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 175-pound suspect is being held in the West County Detention Facility and is being held on $95,000 bail.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.