Contra Costa Herald

Keys recovered inside suspect’s car on May 5, 2024. Photos: Brentwood PD

While on felony probation for vehicle theft; has history of arrests dating to 2014 including 5 times this year

By Brentwood Police Department

On Sunday, May 5, 2024, around 4:00 PM, a Brentwood officer was patrolling the area of Lone Tree Way and Canada Valley Road, when he saw a car without a rear license plate. The officer did a traffic stop and contacted the driver, identified as 35-year-old Robert Edward Garcia of Antioch (born 6/27/88).

Garcia told the officer he did not have a driver’s license and he was also on felony probation for vehicle theft.

After searching Garcia’s car, the officer found several sets of keys belonging to different makes of cars, along with shaved keys, numerous tools, blades, cutting instruments, a car jack, a flipper device (which can be used to hack digital devices) and other tools.

Garcia was placed under arrest for being in possession of burglary tools, probation violation, as well as bringing drugs into the County jail.

This incident exemplifies the proactive efforts of our officers in detecting and addressing criminal behavior, contributing to the maintenance of public safety and the prevention of further criminal activity in the community.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, 220-pound Garcia is Hispanic and being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail for his latest arrest by Oakley PD on May 19, 2024, for possession of stolen property at the Best Western Hotel in Oakley. (See 14:13 PM incident). He is scheduled to be released on June 30, 2024.

According to localcrimenews.com, Garcia has a history of arrests by multiple agencies dating to 2014 including five times this year and three times last year.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Suspects in Brentwood retail beauty store theft on May 6, 2024. Photos: Brentwood PD

By Brentwood Police Department

CAN YOU ID? -Brentwood PD Case # 2402075

On May 6, 2024, the female suspects in these photos entered ULTA at the Streets of Brentwood and stole over $2,000 worth of fragrances and other products.

If you have any information regarding this investigation, please contact the Brentwood Police Department non-emergency line at 925-809-7911.

Merchandise recovered on April 30, 2024. Photo: Brentwood PD

While on felony probation for theft; has history of arrests dating to 2018

By Brentwood Police Department

On April 30, 2024 around 8:30PM at night, Brentwood officers were dispatched to Michael’s Arts and Crafts for a report of a known shoplifter who had just stolen approximately $1,400 worth of merchandise and walked out of the store.

When officers arrived, a Brentwood Sergeant saw the suspect in the immediate area, and the suspect, identified as 32-year-old Mathew Davis of Antioch, fled on a bicycle after dumping the stolen merchandise.

As the Sergeant attempted to contact Davis, Davis attempted to flee on his bicycle. Another officer in the area had parked his patrol car and while walking towards Davis, Davis subsequently ran into the parked patrol car while trying to flee on his bicycle.

Davis, who did not sustain any injuries, was safely taken into custody.

Davis, who is on felony probation for theft, also has a court order to stay away from Kohl’s.

Davis was arrested for shoplifting, felony probation violation, court order violation and other related charges.

According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating back to 2018 by multiple agencies for crimes including threats of violence, drug possession, drawing or exhibiting an imitation firearm in a threatening manner, resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer and trespassing.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Charges filed against suspected driver; two victims remain hospitalized

By Lt. Bruce Jower, Walnut Creek Police Department

A man is in custody today following an accident in Walnut Creek. Around 5:15 AM on Sunday, June 2, 2024, Walnut Creek Police Department received a call of a vehicle versus pedestrian accident in the area of Locust Street near Cole Avenue. When officers arrived on scene, they located the two people who had been struck by an SUV and sustained major injuries. They were transported to the hospital, where they are listed in critical condition.

The suspect vehicle involved in this collision was located by an officer, and the driver, Jose Chavez, 33 years old of Vallejo, was arrested. The regular Sunday Farmer’s Market held on Locust Street was closed for the day while the investigation continued, and residents were asked to avoid the area of Locust Street between Giammona Drive and Lacassie Avenue.

Case #: 24-15390

Charges:  CVC 23153(A)- DUI Alcohol: Causing serious bodily Injury- 2 counts

CVC 20001(A)- Hit and Run causing serious bodily injury or death- 2 counts

PC 12022.7(b)- Enhancement for inflicting great bodily injury or death during the Commission of a felony – 2 counts

On Wednesday, June 5, 2024, Walnut Creek Police presented the case from Sunday’s hit-and-run accident to the District Attorney’s office, and the DA filed significant charges against a 33-year-old man from Vallejo, Jose Chavez. Chavez is charged with two counts each of driving under the influence of alcohol and causing serious bodily injury, hit and run causing serious bodily injury or death, and an enhancement for inflicting great bodily injury or death during the commission of a felony. Chavez remains in the Contra Costa County Jail with bail set at $260,000.

The charges stem from an incident on Sunday, June 2, prior to the regular opening of the Farmers Market in downtown Walnut Creek. Around 5:15 that morning, Walnut Creek Police received a call of a vehicle versus pedestrian accident in the area of Locust Street near Cole Avenue. When officers arrived on scene, they located the two people who had been struck by an SUV and sustained major injuries. They were transported to the hospital, where they remain in critical condition.

This case continues to be under investigation, and the names of the victims are not being released at this time.

If you or someone you know has information about this case, please contact the Walnut Creek Police Department at 925-943-5844 or call the Anonymous Tip Line at 925-943-5865.

Students in Contra Costa County. Source: CCC Office of Education Facebook page

UPDATE: Contra Costa schools awarded almost $7.7 million in grants

By Emma Gallegos, EdSource.org

California has made good on a promise in the 2022 budget to invest in programs that simultaneously prepare students for both college and career.

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office announced Friday that the state has released $470 million to 302 school districts, charters and county offices of education to fund the Golden State Pathways program.

The program allows students to “advance seamlessly from high school to college and career and provides the workforce needed for economic growth.”

“It’s an incredibly historic investment for the state,” said Anne Stanton, president of the Linked Learning Alliance, a nonprofit that advocates giving youth opportunities to learn about careers.

Both the state and federal governments previously made big investments in preparing students for college or career at the K-12 level, but the Golden State Pathways program is different in that it challenges school districts, colleges, employers and other community groups to create “pathways” — or a focused series of courses — that prepare K-12 students for college and career at the same time. These pathways aim to prepare students for well-paying careers in fields such as health care, education and technology, while also ensuring that they take 12 college credits through dual enrollment courses and the A-G classes needed to apply to public four-year universities.

“By establishing career technical pathways that are also college preparatory, the Golden State Pathways Program provides a game-changing opportunity for California’s young people,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Thurmond said in a statement.

The Golden State Pathways are an important part of the new master plan for education — Newsom’s vision to transform career education in California — which is expected by the year’s end.

The state is distributing the vast majority of the funding — $422 million — to enable schools to implement their plans in partnership with higher education and other community partners. The remaining $48 million will assist those who still need grants for planning.

All sorts of schools throughout the state — rural and urban, large and small — benefited from the funding.

Schools in the rural Northern California counties of Tehama and Humboldt — whose K-12 enrollment is under 30,000 students — jointly received about $30 million to implement and plan pathways to help students stay on track for college and careers with livable wages.

“That’s a big deal to have that kind of influx going to that many small schools,” said Jim Southwick, assistant superintendent of the Tehama County Office of Education, which plans to expand career pathways in education, health care, construction, manufacturing and agriculture.

Schools in Tehama had previously begun to implement career pathways at the high school level in concert with local employers and Shasta College. However, many students struggled to complete the pathways because they were ill-prepared in middle school, Southwick said.

But one middle school pilot program did successfully introduce students to career education, he added, leading to an influx of funding through the Golden State Pathways that will expand the program to other middle schools.

Long Beach Unified, the fourth-largest district in the state, received about $12 million through the Golden State Pathways program. District spokesperson Elvia Cano said the funding will provide counseling and extra support for students navigating dual enrollment, Advanced Placement courses, college aid, externships and other work-based learning opportunities.

The district also plans to increase access to dual enrollment through partner Long Beach Community College and to create a new pathway in arts, media and entertainment at select high schools.

Advocates are celebrating the governor’s commitment to the program despite the uncertainty surrounding the budget this year.

Linda Collins, founder and executive director of Career Ladders Project, which supports redesigning community colleges to support students, said, “It’s an impressive commitment at a time that it’s desperately needed.”

Newsom said in a statement that this funding will help students even if they don’t go to college, saying it “will be a game-changer for thousands of students as the state invests in pathways to good-paying, high-need careers — including those that don’t require college degrees.”

UPDATE:

Antioch Unified Awarded Funding

A total of almost $7.7 million in Implementation and Planning Grants were awarded to schools in Contra Costa County.

Asked if the Antioch Unified School District has or will be receiving any of the funding, Acting Superintendent Dr. Rob Martinez shared, “While the District has not received formal notification as of yet from the California Department of Education, the information below has been listed on the CDE websites as reports of funding allocations.

The first link is for fund to districts as direct funding, which shows Antioch Unified School District receiving $522,500” for an Implementation Grant.

“There will also be an award to the Contra Costa County Consortium Grant which we opted to be part of which is listed at $1,775,000 (We anticipate that we will see a portion of those funds, to be determined by the consortium),” he added.

Other Contra Costa Districts, One School Also Awarded Grants

According to the CA Department of Education’s Implementation Grant Funding chart posted last month, the West Contra Costa Unified School District received the greatest amounts in the county with two grants for $2,680,000 and $2,050,000, respectively for a total of $4,730,000.  John Swett Unified School District also in West County was awarded  $465,100.

In addition, the Aspire Richmond California College Preparatory Academy qualified for $199,955 in funding for a Planning Grant,

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Source: Ledo for Assembly campaign

Sonia Ledo proudly announced today she is the only State Assembly candidate in District 15 who is dorsed by four local police associations and the Deputy District Attorneys Association in Contra Costa County.

Ledo secured endorsements from the Walnut Creek Police Association, Concord Police Association, Martinez Police Officers Association and BART Police Officers’ Association. The Contra Costa County Deputy District Attorneys Association also endorsed the Assembly candidate for her commitment to address low-level crime and keep dangerous criminals off the streets.

“As representatives of the Martinez Police Officers Association, we wholeheartedly endorse Sonia Ledo for the California State Assembly seat in District 15,” said Martinez POA Board President Sean Angoco. “Sonia Ledo’s unwavering support for law enforcement is unparalleled. Sonia’s commitment to addressing urgent issues such as public safety is deeply rooted in her understanding of the critical role law enforcement plays in safeguarding our communities.

We believe Sonia Ledo’s unwavering support for law enforcement, coupled with her fairness, transparency, and strong work ethic, make her the ideal candidate to represent us in the State Assembly. We urge you to join us in supporting Sonia Ledo on November 5th for a safer and brighter future for California.”

Concord Police Association Board President Paul Van Diver referred to Ledo as “a true champion for public safety and community well-being”. He believes Ledo is “an obvious and compelling choice for endorsement because her consistent dedication to upholding important values only solidifies her as an exceptional candidate.”

Shane Reiss, President of BART Police Officers’ Association said, “BART POA endorses Sonia Ledo because she’s the only candidate in this race that opposes Prop. 47 and she believes in enforcing laws and keeping dangerous criminals off the streets.”

“I am honored to have earned the endorsements of so many local law enforcement organizations within Assembly District 15”, Ledo said. “It says they believe in me to go to work on day one in Sacramento and address the failed policies of the last decade. Such failed state policies have made us less safe in our communities while shopping, enjoying public spaces, and even in our own homes. We need new direction in Sacramento and that’s what I will bring”, Ledo said.

Her plan for improving public safety is a comprehensive four-part approach that includes a focus on police, prosecutors, judges and rehabilitation.

Ledo will work for:

• Better recruitment, training and technology programs for our police departments;
• Tougher mandates for prosecution of criminals by our district attorneys;
• Stricter sentencing guidelines for our judges; and
• Mandated rehabilitation and transition services for first-time offenders and those who have served their time.

For more information, contact Sonia Ledo at info@SoniaLedo.com call 925-567-9988 or visit SoniaLedo.com.

Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) is offering a License Amnesty Program this June to help county residents protect their pets in advance of the 4th of July holiday. During the month of June, county residents who have overdue animal licenses, or who have never licensed their pets, will have all late and penalty fees waived. Pet owners who take advantage of the License Amnesty Program will also receive a free designer license tag equipped with 24/7 lost pet protection services, adding an additional layer of protection to ensure their pets find their way home if they ever become lost.

For free designer tag with 24/7 lost pet protection, use promo code CCASFREE during checkout.

For more details about this program, please click here.

Police seek suspect

By Lt. D. Bittner #3252, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On June 3, 2024, at approximately 6:00 PM, Antioch police officers responded to the 1100 block of Macaulay Street on the report of a shooting.

When officers arrived, they located a male near the sidewalk suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers immediately administered first-aid to the male, and he was ultimately transported to a local area hospital by paramedics where he was pronounced deceased. The male was later identified as 18-year-old Henry Granado II of Pittsburg.

The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time.

Any tips or other information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Adam Duffy at (925) 779-6884 or by email mailto:aduffy@antiochca.gov.

Source: SRVUSD

SRVUSD reinforces commitment to fostering partnerships of families of students with exceptional abilities to ensure every student thrives. 

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

Danville, CA – San Ramon Valley Unified School District believes that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, regardless of their abilities or challenges.

SRVUSD is a single-district Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) and operates a continuum of special education programs to meet the needs of students from birth to age 22. The SELPA has a Community Advisory Committee (CAC), with a purpose to improve and promote communication between schools, parents/caregivers, and public agencies to increase community awareness, facilitate parent education and support, and coordinate activities on behalf of children with exceptional needs. Annually, the CAC puts on the Bright Lights award program to recognize staff, students, and community members who go above and beyond (list of winners is below).

SRVUSD is unwavering in its commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment that embraces students with disabilities, ensuring they have equitable opportunities to thrive. By implementing comprehensive support systems, individualized learning plans, and accessible resources, the district strives to meet the diverse needs of every student.

“It is imperative that students with exceptional abilities have access to and receive an inclusive education experience,” said Dr. John Malloy, Superintendent, San Ramon Valley Unified School District. “Our special education programs and services are part of our Strategic Directions at SRVUSD and were created to foster empathy, understanding, and respect for diversity, and prepare all students for success.”

Bright Lights is an awards program established by San Ramon Valley Unified School District’s SELPA’s Community Advisory Committee (CAC) that celebrates this commitment to inclusive practices by recognizing staff, students, and community members who go above and beyond in support of our students with special needs. We were thrilled to celebrate these outstanding 2023-24 Bright Light Award winners on May 14, 2024, at a reception and at the Board of Education meeting:

Stephanie Huff– School Psychologist, Counseling Enriched Program at Monte Vista High

Stephanie Berman– Behavior Analyst, multiple sites

Kelly Crotti– Teacher, Walt Disney Elementary

Jenna Tooliatos– Resource Specialist, Los Cerros Middle School

Sushma Rathi– Teacher, Montair Elementary

Sarah Sanchez– Teacher, Infant Program at Hidden Hills Elementary

Simran Badwal– Teacher, San Ramon Valley High School

Angie Kojreka– Administrator

Ollie Frieson– Student Volunteer

Neil Chandran– Student and Community Partner

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.

Photo Credit Joey Kotfica. Source: MTC

Proposed $20 billion regional November bond measure seen as way to close the gap

By Kate Hartley, BAHFA & Justine Marcus, Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise Community Partners (Enterprise) and the Bay Area Housing Finance Authority (BAHFA) released the Bay Area Affordable Housing Pipeline 2024 Report, last month, which analyzes affordable housing projects in various stages of predevelopment and identifies solutions for moving them toward completion. The updated research reveals there are now 433 projects in various stages of predevelopment that would create more than 40,896 affordable homes across the nine-county Bay Area. These would account for nearly a quarter of the 180,000 affordable homes the state’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) Plan determined are needed in the Bay Area by 2031. (See related article)

Affordable housing developments typically are supported by a capital “stack” investment that includes a commercial mortgage; Low-Income Housing Tax Credits; tax-exempt bonds; and additional local, regional and state dollars that fill the gap between the cost of the development and the financing secured through debt and equity. The new report calculates that the hundreds of Bay Area projects now in the predevelopment pipeline need $9.7 billion in public funds to move forward, and that a $20 billion regional bond measure proposed for the ballot in Bay Area counties this fall would help close this gap.

“We’ve been stuck in an affordable housing crisis that has overwhelmed the region. The November ballot presents an opportunity to unlock thousands of affordable homes for Bay Area residents,” said Heather Hood, VP and Northern California Market Leader at Enterprise. “We expect voters to have a chance to end our housing crisis and deliver the dignified, healthy homes the Bay Area community needs and deserves.”

Source: Enterprise Community Partners

The predevelopment pipeline includes projects in all nine Bay Area counties. These include more than 10,000 units in both Alameda and Santa Clara counties, with another 8,400 affordable homes pending development in San Francisco and more than 3,000 units in both San Mateo and Sonoma counties. Project pipelines in other Bay Area counties range from over 300 affordable homes in Solano County to 1,173 units in Marin County; nearly 1,500 homes in Napa County; and over 2,500 units in Contra Costa County. Each Bay Area city, town or county currently is working on its own to meet the challenges of housing affordability and homelessness.

“The need for affordable housing transcends jurisdictional boundaries. BAHFA’s proposed bond measure would finally allow our Bay Area to take a regional approach to a regional problem,” said BAHFA Director Kate Hartley. “With significant new resources for every county, we can build at scale, deliver equitable solutions, and create a better way to deliver the affordable homes Bay Area residents need.

The updated Bay Area Housing Pipeline research brief was presented at today’s regularly scheduled meeting of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Bay Area Housing Finance Authority Oversight Committee.

About Enterprise Community Partners 

Enterprise is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. We support community development organizations on the ground, aggregate and invest capital for impact, advance housing policy at every level of government, and build and manage communities ourselves. Since 1982, we have invested $54 billion and created 873,000 homes across all 50 states – all to make home and community places of pride, power and belonging.

About the Bay Area Housing Finance Authority

Established by the state legislature in 2019, BAHFA’s mandate is to create regional solutions that meet the Bay Area’s affordable housing needs. It is the first regional housing finance authority in California. BAHFA works together with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG).