Contra Costa Herald

Source: Wanda Wallis for Assembly campaign

Campaigning to restore common sense, integrity, transparency to state government, on issues of parental control in education, public safety, reducing taxes and regulations on business.

My name is Wanda Wallis, I have been a Solano County and Suisun City resident for 20 years. I am a mother to one adult son, and I have been happily married for 20 years. As a businesswoman, I am running a grassroots campaign in my election for CA State Assembly District 11. It is time to bring back common sense, integrity and transparency. 

Families are the foundation of society and you, the parents, are the best advocates of your child’s education and wellbeing. Every parent has the right to make decisions about what is best for their child.  My opponent has authored, and voted for legislation, which would usurp parental authority and transfer it to teachers, “professionals,” elected and unelected bureaucrats (AB 957, AB 665, AB 1078). I will fight to support parents as the ultimate decision-making authority regarding the well-being of their children and oppose any bill that intrudes on those rights. 

Education such as reading, writing and math serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior in youth.  For young men and women who cannot read, perform basic math or write, joblessness is a future leading to crime as a way of survival. Instead of focusing on legislation that encourages basic reading, writing, and math, my opponent voted in support of willful defiance in the classroom. I will support legislation that encourages academic success, not disabling capable students due to others disruptive behavior. 

People deserve to be safe in their homes, businesses, and in the community. Soft on crime legislation, like Prop. 47 and no-cash bail policies, combined with the lack of prosecution has created a revolving door for criminals making our neighborhoods unsafe and endangering the lives of law enforcement officers and EMT’s. When thieves get off easy, more than likely, they will steal again and are emboldened to commit more crimes.  

My opponent is more concerned about the comfort of criminals than the safety of our communities. We have many laws already on the books to hold criminals accountable, but we lack enforcement. My opponent thinks there ought to be more laws, I think we ought to enforce the law. 

Smash and grab crimes are rampant in California. Lax enforcement policies and failure to prosecute criminals has created a crime sanctuary, a safe haven for criminal behavior.  

It’s time for a new voice in the California legislature and I am the new voice of the people. It is time for your voice to be heard and I will work for you to support families, safer communities, and promote economic policies that work for the working class of Solano and East Contra Costa Counties. 

I have not forgotten our vets, in many cases homeless and forgotten. My goal is to give them back their dignity. With housing and the benefits, they deserve. 

I am Wanda Wallis and I ask for your support in time, talent and treasure. Please contact my campaign to schedule meet and greets, speaking invitations, volunteer opportunities at wanda@votewanda.com and contribute at www.votewanda.com.  

Source: City of Pleasant Hill

As the City of Pleasant Hill transitions to a District-Based Election system, a new online tool will allow residents to know their voting district.

Following the request in early 2023 for the City to move from an at-large to a district-based system, the City Council held several meetings to determine a map that would split the City into separate districts, each with its own City Council representative.  On July 17, 2023, the City map was approved and will take effect in the November 2024 General Election.

To help residents know what district they are voting in and who their representative will be, the City has unveiled a new online tool for determining what district an address will be in. To use the tool, residents can go to www.pleasanthillca.org/mydistrict and type their address into the search bar.

Source: Working Lands Climate Corps

As part of President Biden’s American Climate Corps, USDA launches new program placing at least 100 young people in jobs across the country

Will also focus on equity and environmental justice

Webinars Feb. 15 & 20; deadline to apply is March 8

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 12, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces a new effort to train the next generation of conservation and climate leaders. As part of President Biden’s historic American Climate Corps initiative, the Working Lands Climate Corps will provide technical training and career pathway opportunities for young people, helping them deliver economic benefits through climate-smart agriculture solutions for farmers and ranchers across the country, now and in the future. The Working Lands Climate Corps, in its first cohort, will aim to create service opportunities for more than 100 young people. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is working in partnership with AmeriCorps, The Corps Network and the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) in this effort. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small made the announcement at the National Association of Conservation Districts annual meeting in San Diego. To date, more than 50,000 people have expressed interest in joining the American Climate Corps – and over the past several weeks, 2,200 people have participated in American Climate Corps listening sessions.

“As part of President Biden’s historic American Climate Corps initiative, USDA’s new Working Lands Climate Corps will train a new generation of Americans to help tackle climate change in rural communities across the country,” said Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small. “This program will provide a pathway to continue to build a workforce of people who understand these programs and their promise to support the delivery of billions of dollars in climate-smart agriculture funding made available through President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, putting them on a pathway into good paying careers at the US Department of Agriculture.”

“From the Heartland to the coasts, President Biden’s American Climate Corps is mobilizing the next generation of Americans to tackle the climate crisis while putting young people on pathways to good-paying careers,” said Ali Zaidi, President Biden’s National Climate Advisor. “USDA’s Working Lands Climate Corps demonstrates how the President’s historic initiative is on the frontlines of addressing some of the most urgent challenges facing our agricultural communities, ensuring that farmers and ranchers continue to play a central and growing role in developing innovative climate solutions. Through the President’s pathbreaking initiative, the Biden-Harris Administration will empower the next generation of climate-smart agriculture leaders while strengthening our commitment to working hand-in-hand with America’s rural and agricultural communities.”

“Born amid the Dust Bowl crisis of the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps revitalized farmlands across the nation. Today, farmers are facing new a threat — climate change and droughts,” claims Michael D. Smith, CEO, AmeriCorps. “With equity at its core, President Biden’s American Climate Corps is addressing this new crisis by training a new generation for good-paying jobs in climate resilience and clean energy. AmeriCorps is proud to partner with USDA, The Corps Network, and the National Association of Conservation Districts to launch the Working Lands Climate Corps — a new American Climate Corps program — which will mobilize Americans across the country to restore soil health, promote sustainable farming practices, and tackle the disproportionate impacts that climate change has on the farming industry and our food.”

“Managing and protecting our natural resources is a shared responsibility. The work NRCS does in collaboration with partners to improve the resilience of private lands is increasingly important as we see the mounting effects of climate change,” claims Mary Ellen Sprenkel, President and CEO of The Corps Network. “Engaging young adults in this work through a Corps model offers a way to expand the reach of NRCS, train future workers in climate-smart agriculture practices, and develop a new generation of climate and community leaders. The Corps Network is proud to work with the Biden Administration to stand up the Working Lands Climate Corps, a new initiative through the American Climate Corps that will help deliver on critical workforce and climate priorities. From four decades of experience working at the intersection of conservation, service, and workforce development, we know this initiative has the potential to have an important impact on our lands and in developing the climate-ready workforce we need.”

“Conservation Districts have a long history of partnership with the USDA and original Civilian Conservation Corps that dates back to the Dust Bowl era,” said National Association of Conservation Districts President Kim LaFleur. “The new Working Lands Conservation Corps allows us to renew and strengthen this partnership, while offering important conservation career developmental opportunities to young adults across the country. We are thrilled to provide training that will support the voluntary, locally led conservation delivery system and supplement ‘boots on ground’ training programs.”

The Working Lands Climate Corps is part of the American Climate Corps, a workforce training and service initiative that is working to ensure more young people have access to the skills-based training needed for good paying careers in the clean energy and climate resilience economy.

The Corps Network, National Association of Conservation Districts, AmeriCorps, and USDA will hold webinars on Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. ET and Feb. 20 at 11 a.m. ET to provide additional information for organizations interested in applying. To learn more, visit www.corpsnetwork.org/WLCC.

The request for proposals is available at www.corpsnetwork.org/WLCC. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 8, 2024, at 5 p.m. ET.

The National Association of Conservation Districts will be a core partner in supporting the program, organizing and structuring trainings for the members of the Working Lands Climate Corps. This will include mentorship opportunities, on-the-job training, and job experience needed to prepare Working Lands Climate Corps members for careers in climate-smart agriculture and conservation.

The Corps Network is also announcing an initial investment for the Working Lands Climate Corps from the Platform for Agriculture and Climate Transformation and will continue to leverage additional and critical philanthropic funds.

More Information about the Working Lands Climate Corps

Members will receive technical skills training, education awards and career pathway opportunities. They will conduct outreach and education around the availability of climate-smart agriculture assistance and support conservation technical assistance and resilient planning activities for working farms and ranches.

Through the first cohort of members, more than 100 young people will serve with state and local host organizations across the country, receiving on-the ground experience and training with partners and organizations who conduct programming to support the adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices and systems.

Eligible host organizations, who can apply through the request for proposal, may include organizations that operate at the state and local level in cooperation with NRCS to provide conservation assistance and other climate-smart agriculture programs, including outreach and education to reach new farmers and ranchers across the country.

Projects proposed by organizations based in the communities they serve, as well as those in partnership with existing Service and Conservation Corps or Soil Conservation Districts, are encouraged to apply.

The Corps Network will review applications and will award subgrants to selected organizations to host the first class of Working Lands Climate Corps members across the country, who will also be part of the first class of the American Climate Corps.

The National Association of Conservation Districts will organize, and structure trainings provided to all Working Lands Climate Corps members, including information on climate-smart agriculture practices, conservation and resilience planning, environmental justice, outreach with farmers and rural communities, leadership development, and more. Trainings will be provided through a variety of forums including meetings, online resources and support through host organizations.

More Information About the American Climate Corps and the USDA

President Biden launched the American Climate Corps to train young people in high-demand skills for jobs in the clean energy economy. The American Climate Corps will put a new generation of Americans to work conserving our lands and waters, bolstering community resilience, advancing environmental justice, deploying clean energy, implementing energy efficient technologies, and tackling climate change. American Climate Corps members will gain the skills necessary to access good-paying jobs that are aligned with high-quality employment opportunities after they complete their paid training or service program.

USDA is one of the seven agencies that signed a memorandum of understanding to shape the American Climate Corps, which will serve as a blueprint for the multiagency program. The memorandum of understanding lays out the mission, goals, priorities, and next steps for implementing the American Climate Corps.

The American Climate Corps will also focus on equity and environmental justice – prioritizing communities traditionally left behind, including through outreach and climate-smart agriculture assistance, leveraging the talents of all members of our society and prioritizing projects that help meet the Administration’s Justice40 goal. The American Climate Corps also delivers on the President’s America the Beautiful Initiative by training the next generation of land and waters stewards.

Recent listening sessions highlighted the demand for American Climate Corps opportunities from young people across the country, including in climate-smart agriculture.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, promoting competition and fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across USDA by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of the Nation. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

Source: Joybound

Beloved animal rescue organization celebrates the human-animal bond this Valentine’s Day and beyond; also hosting community adopt-a-thon Feb. 17

WALNUT CREEK, CA: After 32 years as the Animal Rescue Foundation, one of Contra Costa County’s longest-serving animal rescue and adoption nonprofits got a new name and makeover today. Animal Rescue Foundation will now be known as Joybound People & Pets.

“If you’ve ever seen a dog give a happy wag or a cat lovingly nuzzle up to its person, you’ve seen Joybound in action,” said CEO Susan Lee Vick. “The name Joybound reflects our longstanding commitment to forming and supporting strong human-animal bonds to bring greater health and happiness to dogs, cats, and their human families.”

At a ceremony on the Walnut Creek campus starting at 11am this morning, animal guests will receive the “red carpet” treatment before an audience of devoted volunteers, staff, and supporters. Walnut Creek Mayor Loella Haskew will read a proclamation and State Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan will present a resolution to commemorate the name change. Other officials in attendance to usher in the next era for this beloved community organization include State Assemblymember Tim Grayson, Walnut Creek City Councilmembers Kevin Wilk and Cindy Silva, and representatives from the offices of State Senator Steve Glazer, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, and Contra Costa County Supervisor Ken Carlson.

“Anyone with a pet can tell you they are like family,” said State Senator Steve Glazer. “I congratulate Joybound on this milestone and look forward to hearing more stories about how pet adoptions are enriching so many more lives.”

The celebration will continue on Saturday, February 17, with an “Unleash the Love” Adopt-a-thon and Celebration, featuring adorable animals from more than a dozen Northern California rescue and adoption groups. This family-friendly event will offer free microchipping for the first 100 pets (whether adopted at the event or already a member of a family), therapy animals on hand to spread love, food trucks, music, face painting, free ice cream, and other giveaways.

Joybound People and Pets, previously known as the Animal Rescue Foundation, was founded in 1991. Joybound’s many programs support people and pets through the life of their relationship. Services include training and veterinary care, food and supply assistance, therapy and service-animal programs, and rich learning resources for all pet families.

“The shared emotional experience of the human-animal bond continues long after the act of rescue,” said 14-year volunteer Carol Ross. “Ultimately our work is to help pets and people form and sustain joyful lifelong relationships.”

As Joybound, the organization plans to expand its services forging and supporting human-animal bonds beyond Contra Costa County and the Bay Area. In addition, Joybound will be introducing pet-related vocational training programs for people interested in careers such as pet grooming, dog training, and veterinary nursing.

About Joybound

We are Joybound People & Pets Alliance, formerly ARF, a privately-funded, 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Walnut Creek, California. With dog and cat rescue and adoption at the heart of its mission, Joybound forms, supports, elevates, and celebrates the human-animal bond through services such as training and veterinary care, food and supply assistance, therapy and service-animal programs, and rich learning resources for all pet families. We serve our community through programs for children, seniors, Veterans, and animal guardians who need a helping hand to keep their pets in safe, healthy, forever homes. Joybound’s goal is for every adoption story to become a lasting tale of friendship, love, and mutual happiness.

Graphic source: OTS

$202.7K from Office of Traffic Safety

Contra Costa Health (CCH) announced today that it has received a $202,692 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program. This grant will allow CCH to promote safe practices for pedestrians and bicyclists and provide education about the importance of sharing the road.

Local data show an increase of nearly 30% in fatal crashes involving pedestrians over the past 10 years in Contra Costa County, and that pedestrians and bicyclists are 2.4 times more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a traffic crash compared to drivers. The OTS grant funds multiple efforts to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

“Everyone deserves a safe environment to travel, regardless of how people get to places,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “The safety of people walking and biking on our roads is a high priority. Education plays a pivotal role in creating a strong road safety culture that prioritizes traffic safety, especially for our most vulnerable road users.”

Grant funds will support a variety of activities focused on bicycle and pedestrian safety:

• Support for local jurisdictions to include public health in road safety plans and address the community conditions that create unsafe environments for non-motorized road users.
• Local bicycle and pedestrian safety campaigns.
• Community bicycle and walk “audits” of streets with high rates of pedestrian or bicyclist fatalities and serious injury crashes.
• Bicycle training courses that teach youth on how to stay safe on the road.
• Community events that promote bicyclist and pedestrian visibility and the importance of sharing the road, slowing down, and staying alert to bicyclists and pedestrians while driving.

Area Goals for the OTS program include:

• Reduce the total number of pedestrians killed.
• Reduce the total number of pedestrians injured.
• Reduce the number of pedestrians killed under the age of 15.
• Reduce the number of pedestrians injured under the age of 15.
• Reduce the number of pedestrians killed over the age of 65.
• Reduce the number of pedestrians injured over the age of 65.
• Reduce the total number of bicyclists killed in traffic related crashes.
• Reduce the total number of bicyclists injured in traffic related crashes.
• Reduce the number of bicyclists killed in traffic related crashes under the age of 15.
• Reduce the number of bicyclists injured in traffic related crashes under the age of 15.
• Increase bicycle helmet compliance for children aged 5 to 18.

The grant program will run through September 2024.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Casa Abierta sobre el Borrador del Plan General del Condado y el Plan de Acción Climática

At El Cerrito City Hall

By District 1 Supervisor John Gioia

I invite you to join us for an upcoming open house to learn about the Draft Contra Costa County General Plan and Draft Climate Action Plan Update!

When: Wednesday, February 21 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Where: El Cerrito City Hall Lobby, 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito

Learn about proposed land use policies for the unincorporated areas of West County – Kensington, East Richmond Heights, El Sobrante, North Richmond, Rollngwood, Montalvin Manor/Bayview and Tara Hills; and provide input.

Click on my video explaining the importance of participating in the General Plan!

The Draft Contra Costa County General Plan and Draft Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2024 Update are part of the Envision Contra Costa 2040, the County’s plan to address land use, transportation, housing, climate change, environmental justice and other important issues over the next 20 years. They update is available for public review at envisioncontracosta2040.org. (See related article)

Community feedback has been the driving force behind our planning efforts. Now, we invite you to explore our work and ensure it reflects our collective vision for Contra Costa County’s future.

We’ll be taking questions, providing answers, and encouraging you to share feedback in-person or through our online commenting tool.

View the event flyer here.

Thank you, and we hope to see you there!

En Español

¡Lo invito a unirse a nosotros en una próxima jornada de puertas abiertas para conocer el borrador del Plan General del Condado de Contra Costa y el borrador de la actualización del Plan de Acción Climática!

Cuándo: Miércoles 21 de febrero de 5:00 a 7:00 p.m.

Dónde: Vestíbulo del Ayuntamiento de El Cerrito, 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito

Conozca las políticas de uso de suelo propuestas para las áreas no incorporadas del oeste del condado: Kensington, East Richmond Heights, El Sobrante, North Richmond, Rollngwood, Montalvin Manor/Bayview, Tara Hills; y proporcionar información.

El borrador del Plan General del Condado de Contra Costa y el borrador del Plan de Acción Climática (CAP) 2024 están disponibles para revisión pública en envisioncontracosta2040.org

Los comentarios de la comunidad han sido la fuerza impulsora detrás de nuestros esfuerzos de planificación. Ahora, lo invitamos a explorar nuestro trabajo y asegurarnos de que refleje nuestra visión colectiva para el futuro del condado de Contra Costa.

Responderemos preguntas, brindaremos respuestas y lo alentaremos a compartir sus comentarios en persona o a través de nuestra herramienta de comentarios en línea.

Vea el folleto del evento aquí.

¡Gracias y esperamos verte allí!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Drugs and gun confiscated from San Francisco man during arrest by Oakley Police on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. Photo: Oakley PD.

Antioch 20-year-old had fake ID’s; SF 46-year-old has history of arrests dating to 2015

By Chief Paul Beard

On Friday February 9, 2024, at 2:11PM Oakley Police Special Services Team Officers T. Burton and F. Williams were conducting a follow-up investigation in Antioch looking for a 2015 Dodge Charger Hellcat (black satin wrap over original dark gray paint) that had been stolen during the night from the 800 block of Stickney Way in Oakley. During this investigation our officers observed a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed and running two red lights. Officers Burton and Williams tried to stop the vehicle, but it continued to drive at a high rate of speed in an attempt to flee from our officers. The vehicle pulled into an apartment complex located at 2747 Winding Lane, Antioch and the driver fled from the vehicle and ran away. Officers Burton and Williams caught up to the suspect after a short foot chase and took him into custody.

The suspect, identified as Andrew David Early (20, Antioch) also had two fake forms of identification on him. Early was booked into jail for fleeing from officers, resisting officers and forgery.

Also on Friday, Officer C. Johnson was on patrol when he located a black Chevrolet Silverado that was wanted by the San Francisco Police Department for its involvement in a pursuit. Officer Johnson stopped the Silverado At Main Street and Bridgehead Road. Officer Johnson identified one of the occupants of the Silverado as Irie Lee Louis Benson, Jr. (46, San Francisco). During the investigation Benson was found to be in possession of a backpack containing a Glock pistol with a fully loaded 17 round magazine and a live round in the chamber, Benson was found to be in unlawful possession of this firearm. Also found in the backpack was approximately a combined half pound of methamphetamine, crack cocaine and cocaine powder packaged in multiple separate baggies with scales. Benson was placed under arrest and booked into jail for:

• Unlawful weapon
• Loaded and concealed weapon
• Armed while being in possession of dangerous drugs and controlled substances
• Dangerous drugs
• Possession of controlled substance
• Possession of dangerous drugs and controlled substances for sales

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, Early is out of custody on bond as of Saturday, Feb. 10. According to localcrimenews.com, Benson has a history of arrests dating back to 2015 by the San Francisco County Sheriff’s Department, Stockton CHP, San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department and Vacaville PD for shoplifting, drug possession, possession of cocaine base for sale, possession of ammunition, evading a peace officer and wanton disregard for safety, resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant and vandalism – property damage.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, he is also bonded out of custody on Feb. 10.

“Both of these cases are indicative of how egregious and felonious driving behaviors are very often indicative of involvements in deeper crimes. While that does not ring true 100% of the time it is a trend we have been seeing for the past few years with the relaxed laws and soft legislation that do not serve to hold offenders properly accountable. One of the best ways to prevent future crimes from occurring has always been to identify criminals and incarcerate them and then properly sentence them so they are severely hampered in re-offending or victimizing others. Officers Burton, Williams and Johnson stayed true to their duty and identified criminals and took them into custody. Due to their efforts they prevented, at least in some small measure, future crimes of identity theft, sales of drugs and possible gun violence from occurring. I am proud of the work that was done and I applaud each officer who was involved in these cases.

Stay safe Oakley!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Source: Richmond PD

For armed robberies, stolen vehicles, gun charges, more

By Richmond Police Department

PATROL ACTIVITY REPORT – WEEKLY OVERVIEW:

JANUARY 29 – FEBRUARY 4, 2024

Below is an overview of significant service activity provided by RPD patrol officers during their scheduled shifts. Please note that activity shared in these segments are provided only as an overview, and do not reflect the entirety of service calls and reports taken throughout each shift.

1/29 – ARMED ROBBERY

Officers responded to the area of 17th & Chanslor Ave for report of an armed robbery. Officers learned the victim was walking when he was approached by two suspects holding a firearm. The suspects searched the victim’s pockets and fled with the victim’s wallet. During the course of their investigation officers were able to locate and arrest the two suspects. #0973

1/30 – RECKLESS DRIVING

Officers observed a vehicle driving recklessly in the 700 block of Florida Ave. An enforcement stop was conducted, the driver was cited, and the vehicle was impounded. #1023

1/31 – STOLEN VEHICLE – RECOVERY

Officers responded to a Flock notification for a stolen vehicle. A records check confirmed the vehicle to be reported stolen. Officers located the vehicle and observed the driver and solo occupant exit the vehicle before being taken into custody. #1068

2/1 – ROBBERY

Officers responded to the 900 block of 23rd St for a report of a robbery. The victim was entering his vehicle when approached by 6 suspects demanding money. The victim was physically assaulted and pepper sprayed. The suspects fled with the victim’s wallet and cellphone prior to officers’ arrival. #1113

2/2 – NEGLIGENT DISCHARGE OF A FIREARM

Officers responded to the 2800 block of Esmond for a ShotSpotter activation. Officers found numerous casings at the scene. No victims were located and no property appeared to have been struck. #1115

2/2 – NEGLIGENT DISCHARGE OF A FIREARM/ CARRY CONCEALED WEAPON

Officers responded to the 600 block of Portola Ave for a ShotSpotter Activation. Officers found numerous casings at the scene. No victims were located and no property appeared to have been struck. Officers conducted an enforcement stop on the suspect vehicle and located a firearm and expended casings inside the vehicle. The suspect was arrested without incident. #1117

2/2 – STOLEN VEHICLE – RECOVERY

Officers responded to a flock notification for a stolen vehicle. A records check confirmed the vehicle to be reported stolen. Officers lost sight of the vehicle and shortly after located the vehicle unoccupied. Officers established a perimeter, and the suspect was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit. #1136

2/2 – ROBBERY

Officers responded to the area of 23rd St & Maricopa Ave for a report of a robbery. The victim was walking when he was physically assaulted by 3 suspects. The suspects fled with the victim’s backpack prior to Officers’ arrival. #1143

2/2 – HOME INVASION ROBBERY

Officers responded to the 300 block of Hawk Ridge Dr. for a report of a suspicious event. Upon arrival, Officer located a vehicle matching the description given by the reporting party. Officers attempted to conduct an enforcement stop but the vehicle failed to yield, leading officers on a pursuit. Shortly after, the vehicle came to a stop and the four occupants’ foot bailed. Officer were able to detain the driver. A search of the vehicle yielded burglary tools #1153

2/4 – ARMED ROBBERY

Officers responded to the 4300 block of Wall Ave for a report of a robbery. The victims reported they were exiting their vehicle when they were approached by the suspect holding a firearm. The suspect fled with the victim’s purse prior to officers’ arrival. #1195

By CHP – Contra Costa

Sunday morning, Feb. 11, 2024, at approximately 7:36am, CHP Contra Costa responded to a two-vehicle crash on southbound Hwy 242, south of Clayton Road. Our preliminary investigation indicates a BMW SUV, with one occupant, and a Ford sedan, with one occupant, were traveling southbound on Hwy 242. The vehicles collided and the driver of the Ford sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the BMW was not injured.

The victim was identified by the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office as Cassandra Spain, age 62 from Santa Rosa.

This crash is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed it or the events leading up to it, please contact CHP Contra Costa in Martinez, (925) 646-4980 or email your contact information to 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov to be contacted by the investigating officer.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Shoplifting arrest in the Lone Tree Plaza in Brentwood Monday night, Feb. 12, 2024. Photo: Brentwood PD

Has history of arrests dating to 2013

By Brentwood Police Department

Last night, Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, around 8:30pm, one of our Swing Shift Officers was conducting extra patrol within the Lone Tree Plaza off of Lone Tree Way when he witnessed a shoplifting in progress at one of our local department stores.

Our Officer witnessed the suspect, 41-year-old Virginia Lee Mobley out of Pittsburg, run to an awaiting vehicle, placing a large amount of clothes into the backseat of the vehicle, and get into the passenger seat. A traffic stop was conducted and both occupants within the vehicle were detained for a theft investigation.

Mobley was found to be on felony probation for a previous burglary conviction, and our Officer confirmed Mobley stole close to $650 worth of clothing. Mobley was booked into jail for shoplifting and for violating her terms of probation.

According to localcrimenews.com, the suspect has a history of arrests dating back to 2013 by Antioch PD, Pittsburg PD and the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department for crimes including petty theft, driving without a license, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to appear and receiving stolen property – vehicle.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, nine-inch, 280-lb. Mobley is being held on no bail at the West County Detention Facility in Richmond.

Talk about being at the right place at the right time! We also strongly encourage our residents to call our Non-Emergency Dispatch at 925-809-7911 if they see anything suspicious. Together we can keep our shopping centers safe for everyone.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.