Contra Costa Herald

The City of Concord invites residents and visitors to kick off the holiday season at its Annual Gift & Craft Fair, returning Saturday, December 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle.

This long-standing community favorite brings together over 70 local artisans and crafters, offering a wonderful variety of handmade gifts and one-of-a-kind creations. From custom jewelry and cozy knitwear to festive décor and holiday treats, shoppers are sure to find something special for everyone on their list.

Admission is free, and all are welcome. Whether you’re searching for a unique gift for a loved one or a special treat for yourself, the Gift & Craft Fair has something for everyone!

Event Details:

Admission: Free and open to the public

For more information, please contact the Concord Senior Center at (925) 671-3017.

The California State Bar issued a Cease and Desist Notice to Shannon O. Murphy for the unauthorized practice of law. Photo source: Yelp

Says “no one” at his company “practices law” and is a “victim of assault, harassment and slander by The State Bar”

Previously sued Antioch PD, IRS Taxpayer Advocate, U.S. District Court Eastern District of California Office of the Clerk and O’Reilly Auto Parts who labeled him a “vexatious litigant”

By Allen D. Payton

In a post on their X account on Nov. 25, 2025, the State Bar of California announced, “In September, the State Bar of California issued the (below) Cease and Desist Notices for the unauthorized practice of law in Contra Costa, Marin, Orange, Sacramento and San Bernardino Counties. Included in the list of Nonattorney Actions was Shannon O. Murphy, Sr., dba Sheetmetal and Associates and Counsel Legal Advisory Division (C-LAD) of Antioch: UPL Cease and Desist Notice sent 09/25/2025.

Source: The State Bar of California

However, according to his LinkedIn profile, Murphy is Chief Executive Officer at paralegal company at Sheetmetal and Associates in Pittsburg and according to Yelp, his office is located in the Marina Heights Apartments at 2 Marina Blvd. in Pittsburg.

The description on Yelp reads, “Sheetmetal & Associates the coordinate ‘INLC.’ is enable invented by Mr. Shannon Murphy Esq. Sr.; CEO. We at Sheetmetal & Associates, strive to support the legal business community, public, commercial industry, with there / their at Superior Courts of California legal form(s), correspond variety court’s clerk appointment. We also assist, to advocate, there for IN PRO SE. / IN PRO PER. participations court case, the proceedings. We provide service of documents to court clerk, for filing(s; minimal “FILING” suggest, as attorneys welcome.

The Yelp post continues, “History – Established in 2006. Sheetmetal & Associates (A Legal Company), began it’s address to public legal concern, 2006, after attending, at owner Shannon Murphy Sr. a Superior Court small claims case, Alameda, Ca. Since then, Richmond, Ca. and Pittsburg, Ca., Sheetmetal & Associates has based our home.”

Multiple Lawsuits Filed

According to Justia, in 2023 he sued the Antioch Police Department for civil rights violations, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California and last year, Murphy sued that court’s Office of the Clerk. According to Trellis, in 2021, he sued O’Reilly Auto Parts who, in response, filed a motion to declare Murphy a vexatious litigant. Also, in 2021, according to casemine.com, he sued the I.R.S. Taxpayer Advocate.

State Bar UPL Complaints

According to the State Bar, “Complaints of the unauthorized practice of law (UPL) are reviewed by the State Bar’s Office of Chief Trial Counsel (OCTC).

Complaints from outside parties and matters that the State Bar initiates itself that allege UPL by a nonattorney are then investigated by the State Bar’s dedicated UPL team.

Where the investigation uncovers an isolated instance of UPL, OCTC sends a “Cease and Desist” (CND) letter. Recent CND letters appear in this section. The CND letter serves as a warning and puts the respondent on notice that certain services/actions may violate the law and constitute the unauthorized practice of law.

Complaints raising repeated or multiple violations do not receive a CND letter but may result in the State Bar taking action in Superior Court to obtain an order to shut down the unlawful law practice.

Murphy Responds, Claims He’s “Victim of Assault, Harassment and Slander by The State Bar”

In response to a voicemail message left for Murphy, he responded via email on Sunday, Nov. 30 with the following statement:

Dear Sirs, Allen, Others, Antioch Herald Agents,

I am here comply mine jurisdiction, as I still remain, owner and operator of the sole proprietorship, legal
advisory and document company, name Sheetmetal & Associates, an INLC., originate Pt. Richmond, Ca.
I do answer your phone call message, Mr. Allen T. [sic], left for me yesterday, 11/29/2025, respectively you say you wish to provide me chance to here [sic] my side, of the rudely placed “Cease Business” by State Bar, inappropriate concerns law…”

Please do find, review, the attached array of legal documents included, that to explain more about how, my “legal company”, has been continuously victim of assault, harassment and slander by The State Bar Of California, over 10 years; Sirs, ladies and gentlemen, Sheetmetal & Associates, an INLC., is by U.S. law, authorized to operate as does, perform it’s own representation attends courts in at U.S., Sheetmetal & Associates, an INLC., is not a corporation, although, a sole proprietorship has advantage, options,
“represent itself”, instead of having to find, hire corporate ttorney jurisdiction, only, since would be of corporation.

Sirs, besides that way, we at Sheetmetal & Associates, an INLC., as I have repeatedly informed the rude, choice of State Bar officials who have continue theirs of ignorance to just understanding, and by any evidence is concern, that “no one of Sheetmetal & Associates, an INLC. practices law”; “We do not, and have not, “ever”, represent anyone, for that to be theirs attorney, lawyer, at any jurisdiction, court of law”.

…”Please sirs, take that check to the bank, cash it, and bring me back my change!”. For yours cordial, information, people, agents available, Antioch Herald,…”Sheetmetal & Associates, an INLC., has already warned, and provide notice to State Bar, that they are apt become, and soon, defendants at court of law,
we will soon apply a class-action lawsuit against the State Bar”, cause of action includes, 1) Assault, with intent commit serious illness, or even murder, 2) Tort Negligence, 3) Injury, Illness, 4) Harassment, 5) Defamation of Character, and possibly other.

Note, Antioch Herald, that Sheetmetal & Associates, is currently seeking a better professional attorney, and is announcing public, that there is apply now a $5,000 reward for to anyone who has knowledge of a preferred, good, class act professional attorney, “who can resume Sheetmetal & Associates’, actions to courts”.

Thanks For The Opportunity Much Love,

Shannon O. Murphy Esq. Sr.

Sheetmetal & Associates, an INLC., CEO.

———

Murphy also provided copies of several legal documents which can be seen, below.

Complaints about the unauthorized practice of law? Let the State Bar know here. Visit the California State Bar’s website to view Cease and Desist Notices by county: www.calbar.ca.gov/Public/Discipline/Nonattorney-Actions.”

Claims life of 41-year-old Castro Valley woman

Suspect held on $300,000 bail

By Ashley Moore, San Ramon Police Department

On November 29, 2025, at approximately 3:23 p.m., San Ramon Police officers responded to a two-vehicle collision on Crow Canyon Road involving a Ford Bronco and a Tesla Model 3.

A 41-year-old Castro Valley woman in the Ford Bronco sustained fatal injuries in the collision. The driver was taken to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, treated, and released.

Preliminary investigation indicates the collision was caused by the driver of the Tesla Model 3, Badal Devendra Dholaria, a 27-year-old Pleasanton resident, (born 9/1/1998) who is suspected of driving under the influence. Dholaria was taken into custody at the scene and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence.

We are not releasing the victim’s name out of respect for the family’s privacy. Our heartfelt condolences go out to those affected by this tragic incident.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has additional information is urged to contact the San Ramon Police Department at 925-973-2779.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, three-inch tall, 120-pound Dholaria is now being held in the West County Detention Facility on $300,000 bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, he was also arrested by Concord Police on Nov 16, 2025, for resisting, obstructing or delaying and evading a peace officer.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Navidad en el Parque

By Colleen Awad, Community Relations Manager, City of Concord

The City of Concord will kick off the holiday season with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Mayor’s Sing-Along, a free community event, on Friday, December 5, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Todos Santos Plaza.

The Christmas Tree Lighting & Mayor’s Sing-Along is a family-favorite event that features a number of traditional holiday festivities, including an official tree-lighting, real reindeer, a holiday music sing-along, crafts, shopping at Santa’s Village, and photos with Santa.

Enjoy a night filled with live performances, including Concord High School’s The Honeytones and The Evergreens, Concord Salvation Army Band, Westwood Elementary Chorus Club, Queen of All Saints Children’s Choir with special guest Mayor Carlyn Obringer on the piano, D’Ann’s Dance Academy, Queen of All Saints cheer Team, and fan-favorite The 925 Band.

New this year, the City of Concord has partnered with KultureCity to make the event Sensory Inclusive! KultureCity will be providing a pop-up sensory room. These resources are designed to help individuals of all ages and abilities with sensory needs feel more comfortable and supported during the event.

The City of Concord thanks its sponsors: Realm Real Estate, Concord Police Association, The Todos Santos Business Association, and The Makers Boulevard.

The Christmas Tree Lighting & Mayor’s Sing-Along will be live-streamed on the City of Concord’s TV channel (Comcast channel 28, Astound channels 29 and 1026, and U-verse channel 99) and the City’s YouTube channel, with the official tree lighting scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Holiday Sip N’ Stroll with Visit Concord

In addition to the City’s event, Visit Concord will be hosting a “Sip ‘n’ Stroll” through downtown Concord restaurants and establishments with treats and drinks for guests ages 21+. Tickets are $20 per person and include food and beverage samples from participating businesses. Learn more and purchase tickets here.

Source: 4CD

DVC teams win all four prizes in The 4CD Business Pitch Competition

By Jennifer Ortega, Director of Communications and Community Relations, Contra Costa Community College District

PLEASANT HILL, CA  — Student entrepreneurs from across the Contra Costa Community College District (4CD), including Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College and Los Medanos College, recently showcased their creativity, talent and business acumen at The 4CD Business Pitch Competition, held at Diablo Valley College’s Pleasant Hill campus.

Ten finalist teams presented their business ideas to a panel of local leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. The teams were selected to pitch from a competitive pool of 24 applicants, each demonstrating originality, clarity, and potential for real-world impact.

First Place winner Anya Gupta of WellPulse and Second Place winner of Leftoverly, with DVC Dean of Business Charlie Shi. Photos by Brandy Howard.

At the conclusion of the event, four standout student teams were awarded cash prizes:

• First Place ($1,000): WellPulse – 100% anonymous wellness survey platform
• Second Place ($500): Leftoverly – Platform for restaurants to sell surplus meals
• Third Place ($250): Scholarise – Platform for tracking scholarships, internships, coursework for university transfer
• People’s Choice (Audience Vote, $50): Garydian Angel – Voice-activated wristband providing calm family safety

All of the winning teams were from DVC.

Third Place winners of Scholarise (left) and People’s Choice winner of Garydian Angel (right) with DVC Dean of Business Charlie Shi. Photos by Brandy Howard

Anya Gupta, the founder of the winning pitch for WellPulse said, “It’s truly an honor to win first place in this competition. I’ve been working on this project for more than two years, and to see it grow from a small idea into something making an impact on student mental health is incredible. What started here at Diablo Valley College has already reached the county level and even BART, and I really believe it can go global. This win reminds me that change can start with one person and one small idea — and I’m excited to keep building from here.”

“This competition truly highlights the entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and determination of our students at DVC, and our sister colleges CCC, and LMC,” said Charlie Shi, Dean of Business, Computer Science, and Culinary Arts, and Community Education at DVC. “Their ideas reflect the potential of community college entrepreneurs to create generational wealth and shape the future of our regional economy.”

The event, held on Nov. 21, 2025, was made possible through sponsorships from the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) and Sunvalley Shopping Center in Concord.

Judges for the final competition included Kim Trupiano, Mayor of Clayton; Ruby Grover, business leader from Sunvalley Shopping Center; Nayab Siddiqui, COO, ZAYNA Ventures; and Dan Siegel, a local entrepreneur. Entries were evaluated on writing quality, slide design, clarity of the concept, and any demonstrated traction or early validation.

Students from all three colleges were invited to submit applications earlier this month, with the finalists selected on Nov. 9. Their presentations captivated an audience of peers, faculty, staff, and community members, demonstrating the depth of entrepreneurial talent within the 4CD community.

For more information on the competition and business programs across the district visit:

https://www.dvc.edu/news/4cd-business-pitch-competition-turns-ideas-opportunities

DVC Business Entrepreneurship

https://www.dvc.edu/academics/explore-our-programs/business-entrepreneurship

CCC Business & Accounting

https://www.contracosta.edu/academics/departments/business/

LMC Business

https://www.losmedanos.edu/business/

For more information about future pitch competitions or entrepreneurship programs across 4CD, please contact: Brandy Howard, Director of Marketing at bhoward@dvc.edu or (925) 969-2048. For more information about 4CD visit www.4cd.edu.

Source: USPS

As USPS underscores readiness to deliver and meet holiday mail and shipping needs during their 250th year

Postal Service encourages public to follow online holiday hub for all shipping information

Get a letter from Santa with the North Pole postmark!

CALIFORNIA — The United States Postal Service’s busiest holiday season is in full swing as its real-time Holiday Mail Counter goes live online, and Postal Service leaders say they are ready to deliver for every American’s holiday mailing and shipping needs.

The Postal Service has made continued investments in network transformation and modernization, boosting the strong and reliable service customers have come to expect throughout the organization’s 250 years of service to the nation. As it expands its role as the nation’s end-to-end carrier of choice, the Postal Service’s improvements in infrastructure, technology, and shipping standards are core components of holiday readiness in California and across the nation.

The holiday season is the busiest time of year for the Postal Service and one of the most critical opportunities to serve communities in California. Throughout its 250 years of service, the organization has evolved from horseback and steamships to the Next Generation Delivery Vehicles serving communities today. Thanks to investments made in California and across the country, and the dedication of the USPS workforce, the Postal Service is prepared to deliver this holiday season reliably, quickly, and affordably.

Source: USPS

“The Postal Service plans throughout the year to deliver the nation’s mail and packages during the high-volume holiday season and we are well prepared and ready to deliver for the American public,” said Postmaster General and CEO David Steiner. “For the past several years, the Postal Service has been gaining market share in our package business, which reflects the strong value and excellent portfolio of the shipping options we provide. We expect to see a continuation of this trend in the coming holiday period and to continue winning a larger share of the nation’s shipping business.”

The Postal Service has opened hundreds of expanded facilities with new state-of-the-art sorting machines, bringing the Postal Service total to 614 packaging sorting machines across the country. These investments have resulted in a daily processing capacity of approximately 88 million packages – up from 60 million last holiday season. The Postal Service also plans to hire 14,000 temporary employees to support the holiday season, complement the full-time workforce, and ensure the Postal Service can handle the extra holiday volume across the country.

The Postal Service remains the most affordable way to send mail and packages. This holiday season, customers can expect their mail and packages to be delivered, on average, in less than three days. For shipping within the same regional service areas, holiday customers can expect a 2–3-day turnaround.

Local hours at all post offices are available at USPS.com.

The Postal Service has also launched a live holiday counter, keeping tally of how many mail pieces and packages have been accepted into the network this holiday season.

For holiday related information – including how to order free Postal Service shipping supplies – and to see the Holiday Mail Counter visit usps.com/holidaynews.

Source: USPS

Letters from Santa

Yes, there is a Santa Claus and the Postal Service^TM can help you prove it when Santa replies to your child’s letter — complete with the North Pole Postmark! Create the excitement of Christmas, letter writing, stamps and penmanship. For detailed instructions and more information visit Greetings from the North Pole – Letters from Santa.

About USPS – Delivering Since 1775

The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to more than 170 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Delivering since 1775 and overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is celebrating its 250th year of service to customers amidst a network modernization plan aimed at restoring long-term financial sustainability, improving service, and maintaining the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Learn more about the history of the USPS at 250th Anniversary | USPS.

Toys for Tots – Help Us Brighten the Holidays!

By Danville Police Department

The Danville Police Department is proud to partner once again with the Marine Corps Reserve for this year’s Fill the Cruiser Toys For Tots toy drive!

As you’re out shopping this season, please consider purchasing a new, unwrapped toy to help bring joy to a child in need. All toys collected will be donated to children within Contra Costa County.

You can find us collecting donations at Marshall’s at Fostoria Way and Camino Ramon on Friday, December 5th and 12th from 12-5 PM, or you may drop off toys at the Danville Police Department through December 15th.

Thank you for helping make the holidays brighter for families in our community!

At two shopping centers

By Lt. Drew Olson, Walnut Creek Police Department

On November 25, 2025, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Walnut Creek Police Officers responded to a commercial alarm at the San Miguel Shopping Center on Newell Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple businesses had been burglarized.

While investigating the initial scene, officers were dispatched to a second alarm at the Countrywood Shopping Center at Bancroft Road and Treat Blvd. There, they located additional businesses that also showed signs of forced entry.

In total, nine businesses were identified as victims of burglary.

Walnut Creek Police Department detectives are actively investigating these incidents and following up on leads.

If you have any information about this case, please contact the Walnut Creek Police Department at (925) 943-5844 or the Anonymous Tip Line at (925) 943-5865.

Social media photo of juveniles with BB gun in public in Richmond. Source: Richmond PD

By Richmond Police Department

We are aware of videos circulating on social media involving Richmond Police officers detaining a group of juveniles at gunpoint this afternoon.

Officers responded after a community member reported seeing the group brandish what appeared to be a firearm, as shown in the photo. The juveniles were passing the firearm around and examining it. Given the information provided and the realistic appearance of the object, officers conducted a high-risk detention to ensure everyone’s safety.

Upon investigation, officers determined the item was a BB gun, not a real firearm. The juveniles were released after the scene was made safe.

This incident serves as an important reminder: BB guns and replica firearms can easily be mistaken for real weapons, especially during fast-moving situations. Brandishing or carrying them in public can place community members—and the individuals holding them—at serious risk. We are glad this incident was resolved without anyone being injured, but it underscores an important message — leave your BB guns or replica firearms at home!

Please speak with your children and teens about the dangers associated with replica or BB guns. Public safety is a shared responsibility, and we appreciate the community’s vigilance and understanding.