Tho Ngoc Ly and Que Thi Tran. Source: San Pablo PD
Mother and daughter last seen Sept. 6, 2023
By San Pablo Police Department
The San Pablo Police Department is investigating a case involving two missing persons, and is requesting our community’s assistance regarding information on their whereabouts.
40-year-old Tho Ngoc Ly and her mother, 74-year-old Que Thi Tran, were last seen at their residence in the 1900 block of Sutter Avenue on September 6th, 2023. Ly and Tran had reportedly traveled to the Southern California region following a family argument however, detectives have been unable to establish contact to confirm their well-being.
Ly is described as an Asian female adult, approximately 5 feet tall and 115 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Tran is described as an Asian female adult, approximately 5 feet tall and 120 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts, or how to establish contact with Ly and/or Tran, is encouraged to call the SPPD Investigations Division at 510-215-3150.
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Jared Michael Theobald arrested and the gun tossed in the bushes on Dec. 18, 2023. Photos: Pleasant Hill PD
Driving stolen car, had felony warrant, meth and heroin, loaded gun with hollow point rounds
By Pleasant Hill Police Department
Nice catch by our graveyard officers!
Last night, Dec. 18, 2023, our officers responded to Kohl’s to assist loss prevention employees in deterring a couple of shoplifters. It was also determined that the suspects drove up in a stolen car. As our officers went to contact the male suspect, he took off running and tried to hide and disguise his appearance. Unfortunately for him, he was quickly located in a business pretending to order a pizza.
He was identified as Jared Michael Theobald of Vallejo, age 41. Theobald was discovered to have a felony warrant as well and was in possession of a substantial amount of methamphetamine and heroin. Officers scoured the area for a Nike bag Theobald was seen carrying earlier. It was eventually located dumped in a planter and contained a 9mm pistol loaded with hollow point rounds. Theobald was booked into county jail on multiple felonies. His female companion cooperated with officers and was eventually release from the scene.
We work closely with retail loss prevention, many times resulting in arrests for crimes that go beyond shoplifting. Good work by all involved!
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Theobald was transferred to another facility and according to the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, he is out of custody on general release as of Dec. 22.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Source: Walnut Creek PD
Suspect has history of arrests dating to 2017
By Walnut Creek Police Department
Darrell Lipston in a photo posted on his Facebook page on Feb. 28, 2023.
On December 14th, 2023, Walnut Creek Police arrested 41-year-old Darrell Demone Lipston (born Dec. 2, 1982) for residential burglary, conspiracy, possession of stolen property and violation of probation after committing several burglaries in the 100 block of Pringle Avenue.
Patrol Officers (Patrol Team 5) immediately obtained leads and, with the assistance of the Investigations Bureau, conducted a probation search of Lipston’s residence in Pittsburg. The search revealed that Lipston was in possession of all the stolen property connected to these burglaries. WCPD arrested Lipston, transported him, and booked him at the Martinez Detention Facility. WCPD Patrol officers returned the stolen property to the grateful victims.
On December 18th, 2023, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed the following charges against Lipston for the burglaries:
PC 459: Residential Burglary (six counts), PC 487(a): Grand Theft (three counts) and PC 594(a): Vandalism (four counts).
The employees of the Walnut Creek Police Department are committed to ensuring the safety of our community through proactive enforcement of the law, the use of technology, and relentless investigation of crimes.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Lipston is being held on no bail and his next court hearing is scheduled for Jan. 4, 2024, at 8:30 a.m.
According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating back to January 2, 2017, by multiple agencies including Antioch PD, Concord PD, Walnut Creek PD and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department for receiving or concealing stolen property, burglary, possession of ammunition, possession of narcotic controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and receiving stolen property – motor vehicle.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Source: Brentwood PD
The Brentwood Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Friday, December 29th from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on Balfour Road.
Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.
During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
The Brentwood Police Department is committed to keeping the traveling public safe.
Brentwood PD reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or ”operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Why do police announce checkpoints?
You’d think that a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint would work best if it had an element of surprise behind it. After all, if someone is driving under the influence and they come across a checkpoint they didn’t know about, they would have a much higher chance of being caught.
So in short here’s the answer as to why police agencies notify the public in advance of DUI/driver’s license checkpoints….it’s the law. The state Supreme Court has ruled that DUI/driver’s license checkpoints are legal but they mandated checkpoints be publicized ahead of time.
Once you are at a checkpoint, vehicle code section 2814.2(a) requires that all drivers stop and submit to these checkpoints.
The goal of these checkpoints is public safety and deterring drivers from driving under the influence. Hopefully that clarifies some questions we’ve had in the past.
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By Lt. Rick Martin, Investigations Bureau, Antioch Police Department
On December 26, 2023, at approximately 2:45 a.m. Antioch Police Officers responded to Wilbur Avenue near the intersection of Apollo Court on a report of a vehicle on fire after having collided into a tree. Officers along with the Contra Costa County Fire Department arrived and were able to extinguish the fire, unfortunately the driver, a 28-year-old male from Oakley and his dog succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.
We are withholding the name of the decedent until proper family notifications have been made. It appears speed and alcohol were factors in this incident. No further information will be provided at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to call Lieutenant Rick Martin at (925) 779-6972 or the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441.
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Glydways podcars and station rendering. Source: Glydways
By Marc Joffe
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) has announced plans to install a new type of transit system in a suburban area 45 miles northeast of San Francisco. The system, created by transportation startup Glydways, offers some compelling efficiencies, but its application in a relatively low‐density area does not appear to be cost‐effective. As such, CCTA’s plan merits a hard look from both local and federal taxpayers who will be obliged to fund it.
Glydways’ system uses small driverless vehicles (with a capacity of up to four passengers) on a narrow, dedicated guideway. Because the vehicles use rubber tires, there is no need to install rail tracks. Vehicles are available on demand, typically within two to five minutes of being summoned on the Glydways app.
The Glydways solution addresses several criticisms of traditional rail transit projects, which involve large (often empty) vehicles operating on fixed schedules piloted by operators entitled to generous pension benefits. Projects of this type, including New York’s Second Avenue Subway and BART’s Silicon Valley extension, not only cost billions to build but they are also expensive to operate.
As such, Glydways offers much needed innovation in public transportation, perhaps because it is looking at the challenge from a startup lens. Formed in 2019, the company has raised over $70 million from a group of investors that includes Bill Gates and Vinod Khosla. Their solution is an interesting attempt to apply ideas pioneered by Uber and Waymo to the requirements of public transit.
But innovation alone is no assurance that government will use taxpayer money effectively. Incentives also have a role to play. When companies simply sell products and services to a public agency, they do not have a strong motive to economize. Indeed, they often benefit from cost overruns.
But the CCTA project promises to resolve this incentive problem by using the public‐private‐partnership (or P3) model. The P3 charged with delivering the East Contra Costa County Dynamic Personal Micro Transit (DPMT) project includes Glydways and four other companies, along with CCTA and the local public sector bus operator.
Under a P3, companies are supposed to take some ownership of the project. If a P3 truly transfers risk to the corporate partners, their interests better align with those of the taxpayer. In a transportation context, risk transfer means that private sector players should be required to absorb construction cost overruns, excess operational costs, and lower‐than‐expected fare revenues. But from the CCTA press release, it is not clear what risk Glydways and the other companies will be expected to shoulder.
And the risks are substantial. Because this is a system that has yet to be tried in a real‐world setting, a lot can go wrong with the vehicles and the dispatching technology. The unattended vehicles will be especially vulnerable to vandalism, which, unfortunately, is common in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Further, the cost and ridership projections for DPMT do not look promising. A 2021 presentation listed an annual ridership estimate of seven million, which works out to about 20,000 rides per weekday. The same presentation provided a capital cost estimate of $451 million. That seems like a lot of money to transport not too many people, and this is before operating costs are considered.
Further, if these numbers were re‐estimated in 2024, they will probably look worse. General inflation has pushed up costs for all construction projects. Meanwhile, ridership on the connecting mass transit line (known as eBART) is running about half of 2019 levels. Since the ridership model for DPMT appears to be based on 2019 transit utilization rates, it is likely that a new model based on post‐COVID transit use would project more modest ridership.
Potential utilization for DPMT is limited by the area’s relatively low population density. The four cities that would be served by the new transit system average about 4000 people per square mile, compared to over 7500 in Oakland and 17,700 in San Francisco.
Applying a new transit solution to this area sounds intriguing, but the relatively limited number of potential users may be more economically served by a new multi‐use trail with shared e‑scooter and e‑bike stations.
This column first appeared on the CATO Institute website.
A resident of Walnut Creek, CA Joffe is a Federalism and State Policy Analyst with the CATO Institute.
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Photos: Hercules PD
By Hercules Police Department
On Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, at approximately 12:03 PM officers received a Flock camera notification of a stolen gray Hyundai Sonata in area of Willow Avenue at Sycamore Avenue. An officer observed the Hyundai turning right onto San Pablo Ave from Sycamore Ave. The officer attempted to initiate a traffic enforcement stop and notified other officers in the area on the radio.
Another officer that was on an unrelated traffic enforcement stop John Muir Parkway at San Pablo Ave. observed the Hyundai begin to accelerate away at a high rate of speed. The officer had an opportunity to deploy stop sticks successfully deflating three tires.
Officers trailed the Hyundai eastbound on State Route 4 for community safety purposes. The Hyundai was not able to evade the officers effectively due to the tires being deflated completely. As the trailing progressed on State Route 4 the integrity of the Hyundai’s rims failed causing the vehicle to drive erratically and slower. An officer began a traffic break to help slow down other vehicles on the highway. The driver lost control and spun-out facing west on State Route 4. The driver attempted to continue evading again and drove directly toward a patrol vehicle that was stopped with the officer inside. The Hyundai struck the officer’s vehicle. The officers were able to safely arrest the driver.
The driver and officer sustained no injuries. The driver was then medically cleared at the hospital and later transported to juvenile hall. The Hyundai was towed.
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Timmy Hudson in a photo posted on his Facebook page on Dec. 2, 2023. and photo of his car that was taken prior to the incident. Car photo source: Oakley PD
Police seek assistance in locating suspect’s car; out of custody
By Oakley Police Department
On Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, shortly after midnight, Oakley police officers were dispatched to the area of Bridgehead Road and Main Street to investigate a male lying in the roadway. Our officers arrived and located an adult male victim lying in the road next to a bicycle. Officers rendered aid and summoned Emergency Medical Services. It was determined the victim was riding his bicycle home after getting off work and the victim was struck by a vehicle, unfortunately the victim succumbed to his injuries.
Oakley traffic investigators have reviewed several forms of digital media in the area and determined the vehicle involved in the collision fled the scene and did not stop to check on the victim. Traffic investigators have determined that vehicle to be a silver 2015 Toyota Camry, CA license plate # 8ERS961. The registered owner of the vehicle, Timmy Lee Hudson (55, Oakley), has been taken into custody in connection with this case, but he has not been forthcoming on where his vehicle is. Investigators have been actively attempting to locate Hudson’s vehicle but have been unable to do so up to this point.
Our efforts have included making contact with family members, searching his home and checking with auto body repair shops. Hudson is known to frequent the Oakland area as well as Oakley. The vehicle is believed to have sustained front end and windshield damage. It is possible the license plates are no longer attached to the vehicle at this point. We have checked local auto body shops, but we also realize there are dozens of auto body shops outside of our immediate area.
We are seeking the assistance of the public and we will do everything possible to be respectful of anonymity. If you have any information regarding this case or the whereabouts of Hudson’s vehicle, please contact Traffic Investigator Palmer at 925-625-8831 or Oakley PD Dispatch at 925-625-8060. We are additionally asking anybody associated with an auto body repair business to be on the lookout for a vehicle like Hudson’s in their shop.
For reference we have attached a photo of Hudson’s vehicle that was taken prior to this incident.
According to Hudson’s Facebook page, he works as a dishwasher at Drake’s Dealership and in maintenance at Groge M Martin Co., which is believed to be George M. Martin Company, in Emeryville, and claims to be a “loving father and husband.” According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, he is booked on Thursday, Dec. 21 and out of custody on bond as of Friday, Dec. 22.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Screenshot of dashcam video shows the carjacking suspects with their hands up being stopped on Balfour Road just west of John Muir Parkway on Dec. 15, 2023. Source: Brentwood Police
Weapon possibly used in crime confiscated; third arrest this year for one of the teens
By Brentwood Police Department
On Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, a Brentwood Officer was patrolling the area of Balfour Road and West County Club Drive when he was alerted to a vehicle that had just committed a carjacking in the City of Hayward.
The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the car, however the car attempted to flee from the officer. Fortunately, all occupants from the vehicle were safely detained at Balfour Road and John Muir Parkway.
The driver, identified as 21-year-old Zane Malakai Vincent of Brentwood, was placed under arrest. A weapon believed to be used in the commission of the crime was located. Hayward PD later responded to complete their investigation and the other two occupants, 18-year-old Christian Grajales of Hayward and 19-year-old Wilberth Yair MartinezHerrera of Newark, were identified as the suspects involved in the carjacking. (See dashcam video)
Crime has no borders and luckily, the officer was proactive in preventing the potential for additional crime in our city.
According to localcrimenews.com, Vincent was arrested for receiving stolen property – motor vehicle. According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, he bonded out on Dec. 16.
Also, according to localcrimenews.com, in addition to carjacking, Grajales was arrested for committing a felony while released on bail or own recognizance, conspiracy to commit a crime, assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily harm and false imprisonment by violence.
It was his third arrest, this year as Grajales was arrested the day before by Newark Police for robbery and resisting, obstructing and/or delaying a peace officer. He was also arrested by Hayward Police on July 24, for exhibiting a deadly weapon other than a firearm. According to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, he is in custody at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin.
According to localcrimenews.com, MartinezHerrera was arrested for driving without a license, hit-and-run resulting in property damage, DUI and being a minor driving with a Blood Alcohol Content of .05% or more.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Gabriel Stewart. Source: GoFundMe
GoFundMe account established to support mother of Freedom High grad, Los Medanos College student; police seek suspect
By Allen D. Payton
The Contra Costa Coroner has identified the pizza delivery driver who was shot and killed in his car in front of his Oakley home on Wednesday night, Dec. 20, 2023 as Gabriel Stewart. (See related article)
Police still seek the suspect in the homicide.
A GoFundMe account was established on Friday by Court Russ to support Stewart’s mother and offers details about the young man’s life:
“This fundraiser is being organized to support Carol Stewart, during this overwhelmingly difficult time, following the tragic death of her only son, Gabriel, who was just 24 years young. It is my hope and intention that we can collectively provide monetary support so Gabriel’s mother and family can focus their time and attention on their grieving process, under these extremely difficult circumstances.
Words cannot express the tremendous depth of heartache that Gabe’s mother and family are enduring. Just last weekend they gathered for their annual gingerbread house decorating contest and holiday festivities, and now – when they should be preparing for Christmas together- his family is instead planning a funeral and grieving the loss of their son/brother/uncle.
================================
To give some insight to the young man that Gabe was and the things that brought him joy in life, his family shared the following…
“He was Gabe to us….he loved his family, was a devoted son, brother and uncle. He was a wonderful friend. There are no words to describe how much he loved his mom and siblings.
Gabe was funny and had a competitive spirit, infectious laugh and loved to hang with friends and family. He had a large group of friends who he played basketball with and went to the movies & played video games with. (He loved playing Apex Legends and Madden on X-box!)
He loved the 49ers, especially Nick Bosa, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle and Deebo Samuel. He was also a devoted fan of Russell Westbrook, following his career and whatever basketball team he played for.
Gabe was really into Jujutsu Kaisen and would get so excited every Thursday when a new episode would come out, watching it first and then running to tell his sister about it.
He was also a HUGE fan of Naruto and just finished re-watching the whole series, and loved, loved, loved Naruto!!
He loved riding his bike around town, discovering new places and going on vacation.
Gabe graduated from Freedom High School and was in his final semester at Los Medanos College before transferring to Cal State East Bay. He was employed as a delivery driver with Dominoes for the past 4+ years as he worked his way through college.
Gabe loved music, loved cats & hated spiders! He had a sweet tooth and loved chocolate!
We miss him immensely.”
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Please keep Gabriel’s family in your prayers. If it is on your heart to do so, please contribute any amount that you are able. Your consideration is appreciated more than words can possibly express.
On behalf of the Stewart family, thank you for reading, sharing and words of support.
—————-
As of Saturday morning, Dec. 23, $4,983 had been contributed toward the effort’s $10,000 goal.
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Tho Ngoc Ly and Que Thi Tran. Source: San Pablo PD
Mother and daughter last seen Sept. 6, 2023
By San Pablo Police Department
The San Pablo Police Department is investigating a case involving two missing persons, and is requesting our community’s assistance regarding information on their whereabouts.
40-year-old Tho Ngoc Ly and her mother, 74-year-old Que Thi Tran, were last seen at their residence in the 1900 block of Sutter Avenue on September 6th, 2023. Ly and Tran had reportedly traveled to the Southern California region following a family argument however, detectives have been unable to establish contact to confirm their well-being.
Ly is described as an Asian female adult, approximately 5 feet tall and 115 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Tran is described as an Asian female adult, approximately 5 feet tall and 120 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts, or how to establish contact with Ly and/or Tran, is encouraged to call the SPPD Investigations Division at 510-215-3150.
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Jared Michael Theobald arrested and the gun tossed in the bushes on Dec. 18, 2023. Photos: Pleasant Hill PD
Driving stolen car, had felony warrant, meth and heroin, loaded gun with hollow point rounds
By Pleasant Hill Police Department
Nice catch by our graveyard officers!
Last night, Dec. 18, 2023, our officers responded to Kohl’s to assist loss prevention employees in deterring a couple of shoplifters. It was also determined that the suspects drove up in a stolen car. As our officers went to contact the male suspect, he took off running and tried to hide and disguise his appearance. Unfortunately for him, he was quickly located in a business pretending to order a pizza.
He was identified as Jared Michael Theobald of Vallejo, age 41. Theobald was discovered to have a felony warrant as well and was in possession of a substantial amount of methamphetamine and heroin. Officers scoured the area for a Nike bag Theobald was seen carrying earlier. It was eventually located dumped in a planter and contained a 9mm pistol loaded with hollow point rounds. Theobald was booked into county jail on multiple felonies. His female companion cooperated with officers and was eventually release from the scene.
We work closely with retail loss prevention, many times resulting in arrests for crimes that go beyond shoplifting. Good work by all involved!
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Theobald was transferred to another facility and according to the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, he is out of custody on general release as of Dec. 22.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Source: Walnut Creek PD
Suspect has history of arrests dating to 2017
By Walnut Creek Police Department
Darrell Lipston in a photo posted on his Facebook page on Feb. 28, 2023.
On December 14th, 2023, Walnut Creek Police arrested 41-year-old Darrell Demone Lipston (born Dec. 2, 1982) for residential burglary, conspiracy, possession of stolen property and violation of probation after committing several burglaries in the 100 block of Pringle Avenue.
Patrol Officers (Patrol Team 5) immediately obtained leads and, with the assistance of the Investigations Bureau, conducted a probation search of Lipston’s residence in Pittsburg. The search revealed that Lipston was in possession of all the stolen property connected to these burglaries. WCPD arrested Lipston, transported him, and booked him at the Martinez Detention Facility. WCPD Patrol officers returned the stolen property to the grateful victims.
On December 18th, 2023, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed the following charges against Lipston for the burglaries:
PC 459: Residential Burglary (six counts), PC 487(a): Grand Theft (three counts) and PC 594(a): Vandalism (four counts).
The employees of the Walnut Creek Police Department are committed to ensuring the safety of our community through proactive enforcement of the law, the use of technology, and relentless investigation of crimes.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Lipston is being held on no bail and his next court hearing is scheduled for Jan. 4, 2024, at 8:30 a.m.
According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating back to January 2, 2017, by multiple agencies including Antioch PD, Concord PD, Walnut Creek PD and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department for receiving or concealing stolen property, burglary, possession of ammunition, possession of narcotic controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and receiving stolen property – motor vehicle.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreSource: Brentwood PD
The Brentwood Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Friday, December 29th from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on Balfour Road.
Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.
During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
The Brentwood Police Department is committed to keeping the traveling public safe.
Brentwood PD reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or ”operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Why do police announce checkpoints?
You’d think that a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint would work best if it had an element of surprise behind it. After all, if someone is driving under the influence and they come across a checkpoint they didn’t know about, they would have a much higher chance of being caught.
So in short here’s the answer as to why police agencies notify the public in advance of DUI/driver’s license checkpoints….it’s the law. The state Supreme Court has ruled that DUI/driver’s license checkpoints are legal but they mandated checkpoints be publicized ahead of time.
Once you are at a checkpoint, vehicle code section 2814.2(a) requires that all drivers stop and submit to these checkpoints.
The goal of these checkpoints is public safety and deterring drivers from driving under the influence. Hopefully that clarifies some questions we’ve had in the past.
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By Lt. Rick Martin, Investigations Bureau, Antioch Police Department
On December 26, 2023, at approximately 2:45 a.m. Antioch Police Officers responded to Wilbur Avenue near the intersection of Apollo Court on a report of a vehicle on fire after having collided into a tree. Officers along with the Contra Costa County Fire Department arrived and were able to extinguish the fire, unfortunately the driver, a 28-year-old male from Oakley and his dog succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.
We are withholding the name of the decedent until proper family notifications have been made. It appears speed and alcohol were factors in this incident. No further information will be provided at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to call Lieutenant Rick Martin at (925) 779-6972 or the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441.
Read MoreGlydways podcars and station rendering. Source: Glydways
By Marc Joffe
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) has announced plans to install a new type of transit system in a suburban area 45 miles northeast of San Francisco. The system, created by transportation startup Glydways, offers some compelling efficiencies, but its application in a relatively low‐density area does not appear to be cost‐effective. As such, CCTA’s plan merits a hard look from both local and federal taxpayers who will be obliged to fund it.
Glydways’ system uses small driverless vehicles (with a capacity of up to four passengers) on a narrow, dedicated guideway. Because the vehicles use rubber tires, there is no need to install rail tracks. Vehicles are available on demand, typically within two to five minutes of being summoned on the Glydways app.
The Glydways solution addresses several criticisms of traditional rail transit projects, which involve large (often empty) vehicles operating on fixed schedules piloted by operators entitled to generous pension benefits. Projects of this type, including New York’s Second Avenue Subway and BART’s Silicon Valley extension, not only cost billions to build but they are also expensive to operate.
As such, Glydways offers much needed innovation in public transportation, perhaps because it is looking at the challenge from a startup lens. Formed in 2019, the company has raised over $70 million from a group of investors that includes Bill Gates and Vinod Khosla. Their solution is an interesting attempt to apply ideas pioneered by Uber and Waymo to the requirements of public transit.
But innovation alone is no assurance that government will use taxpayer money effectively. Incentives also have a role to play. When companies simply sell products and services to a public agency, they do not have a strong motive to economize. Indeed, they often benefit from cost overruns.
But the CCTA project promises to resolve this incentive problem by using the public‐private‐partnership (or P3) model. The P3 charged with delivering the East Contra Costa County Dynamic Personal Micro Transit (DPMT) project includes Glydways and four other companies, along with CCTA and the local public sector bus operator.
Under a P3, companies are supposed to take some ownership of the project. If a P3 truly transfers risk to the corporate partners, their interests better align with those of the taxpayer. In a transportation context, risk transfer means that private sector players should be required to absorb construction cost overruns, excess operational costs, and lower‐than‐expected fare revenues. But from the CCTA press release, it is not clear what risk Glydways and the other companies will be expected to shoulder.
And the risks are substantial. Because this is a system that has yet to be tried in a real‐world setting, a lot can go wrong with the vehicles and the dispatching technology. The unattended vehicles will be especially vulnerable to vandalism, which, unfortunately, is common in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Further, the cost and ridership projections for DPMT do not look promising. A 2021 presentation listed an annual ridership estimate of seven million, which works out to about 20,000 rides per weekday. The same presentation provided a capital cost estimate of $451 million. That seems like a lot of money to transport not too many people, and this is before operating costs are considered.
Further, if these numbers were re‐estimated in 2024, they will probably look worse. General inflation has pushed up costs for all construction projects. Meanwhile, ridership on the connecting mass transit line (known as eBART) is running about half of 2019 levels. Since the ridership model for DPMT appears to be based on 2019 transit utilization rates, it is likely that a new model based on post‐COVID transit use would project more modest ridership.
Potential utilization for DPMT is limited by the area’s relatively low population density. The four cities that would be served by the new transit system average about 4000 people per square mile, compared to over 7500 in Oakland and 17,700 in San Francisco.
Applying a new transit solution to this area sounds intriguing, but the relatively limited number of potential users may be more economically served by a new multi‐use trail with shared e‑scooter and e‑bike stations.
This column first appeared on the CATO Institute website.
A resident of Walnut Creek, CA Joffe is a Federalism and State Policy Analyst with the CATO Institute.
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Photos: Hercules PD
By Hercules Police Department
On Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, at approximately 12:03 PM officers received a Flock camera notification of a stolen gray Hyundai Sonata in area of Willow Avenue at Sycamore Avenue. An officer observed the Hyundai turning right onto San Pablo Ave from Sycamore Ave. The officer attempted to initiate a traffic enforcement stop and notified other officers in the area on the radio.
Another officer that was on an unrelated traffic enforcement stop John Muir Parkway at San Pablo Ave. observed the Hyundai begin to accelerate away at a high rate of speed. The officer had an opportunity to deploy stop sticks successfully deflating three tires.
Officers trailed the Hyundai eastbound on State Route 4 for community safety purposes. The Hyundai was not able to evade the officers effectively due to the tires being deflated completely. As the trailing progressed on State Route 4 the integrity of the Hyundai’s rims failed causing the vehicle to drive erratically and slower. An officer began a traffic break to help slow down other vehicles on the highway. The driver lost control and spun-out facing west on State Route 4. The driver attempted to continue evading again and drove directly toward a patrol vehicle that was stopped with the officer inside. The Hyundai struck the officer’s vehicle. The officers were able to safely arrest the driver.
The driver and officer sustained no injuries. The driver was then medically cleared at the hospital and later transported to juvenile hall. The Hyundai was towed.
Read MoreTimmy Hudson in a photo posted on his Facebook page on Dec. 2, 2023. and photo of his car that was taken prior to the incident. Car photo source: Oakley PD
Police seek assistance in locating suspect’s car; out of custody
By Oakley Police Department
On Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, shortly after midnight, Oakley police officers were dispatched to the area of Bridgehead Road and Main Street to investigate a male lying in the roadway. Our officers arrived and located an adult male victim lying in the road next to a bicycle. Officers rendered aid and summoned Emergency Medical Services. It was determined the victim was riding his bicycle home after getting off work and the victim was struck by a vehicle, unfortunately the victim succumbed to his injuries.
Oakley traffic investigators have reviewed several forms of digital media in the area and determined the vehicle involved in the collision fled the scene and did not stop to check on the victim. Traffic investigators have determined that vehicle to be a silver 2015 Toyota Camry, CA license plate # 8ERS961. The registered owner of the vehicle, Timmy Lee Hudson (55, Oakley), has been taken into custody in connection with this case, but he has not been forthcoming on where his vehicle is. Investigators have been actively attempting to locate Hudson’s vehicle but have been unable to do so up to this point.
Our efforts have included making contact with family members, searching his home and checking with auto body repair shops. Hudson is known to frequent the Oakland area as well as Oakley. The vehicle is believed to have sustained front end and windshield damage. It is possible the license plates are no longer attached to the vehicle at this point. We have checked local auto body shops, but we also realize there are dozens of auto body shops outside of our immediate area.
We are seeking the assistance of the public and we will do everything possible to be respectful of anonymity. If you have any information regarding this case or the whereabouts of Hudson’s vehicle, please contact Traffic Investigator Palmer at 925-625-8831 or Oakley PD Dispatch at 925-625-8060. We are additionally asking anybody associated with an auto body repair business to be on the lookout for a vehicle like Hudson’s in their shop.
For reference we have attached a photo of Hudson’s vehicle that was taken prior to this incident.
According to Hudson’s Facebook page, he works as a dishwasher at Drake’s Dealership and in maintenance at Groge M Martin Co., which is believed to be George M. Martin Company, in Emeryville, and claims to be a “loving father and husband.” According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, he is booked on Thursday, Dec. 21 and out of custody on bond as of Friday, Dec. 22.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreScreenshot of dashcam video shows the carjacking suspects with their hands up being stopped on Balfour Road just west of John Muir Parkway on Dec. 15, 2023. Source: Brentwood Police
Weapon possibly used in crime confiscated; third arrest this year for one of the teens
By Brentwood Police Department
On Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, a Brentwood Officer was patrolling the area of Balfour Road and West County Club Drive when he was alerted to a vehicle that had just committed a carjacking in the City of Hayward.
The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the car, however the car attempted to flee from the officer. Fortunately, all occupants from the vehicle were safely detained at Balfour Road and John Muir Parkway.
The driver, identified as 21-year-old Zane Malakai Vincent of Brentwood, was placed under arrest. A weapon believed to be used in the commission of the crime was located. Hayward PD later responded to complete their investigation and the other two occupants, 18-year-old Christian Grajales of Hayward and 19-year-old Wilberth Yair MartinezHerrera of Newark, were identified as the suspects involved in the carjacking. (See dashcam video)
Crime has no borders and luckily, the officer was proactive in preventing the potential for additional crime in our city.
According to localcrimenews.com, Vincent was arrested for receiving stolen property – motor vehicle. According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, he bonded out on Dec. 16.
Also, according to localcrimenews.com, in addition to carjacking, Grajales was arrested for committing a felony while released on bail or own recognizance, conspiracy to commit a crime, assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily harm and false imprisonment by violence.
It was his third arrest, this year as Grajales was arrested the day before by Newark Police for robbery and resisting, obstructing and/or delaying a peace officer. He was also arrested by Hayward Police on July 24, for exhibiting a deadly weapon other than a firearm. According to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, he is in custody at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin.
According to localcrimenews.com, MartinezHerrera was arrested for driving without a license, hit-and-run resulting in property damage, DUI and being a minor driving with a Blood Alcohol Content of .05% or more.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreGabriel Stewart. Source: GoFundMe
GoFundMe account established to support mother of Freedom High grad, Los Medanos College student; police seek suspect
By Allen D. Payton
The Contra Costa Coroner has identified the pizza delivery driver who was shot and killed in his car in front of his Oakley home on Wednesday night, Dec. 20, 2023 as Gabriel Stewart. (See related article)
Police still seek the suspect in the homicide.
A GoFundMe account was established on Friday by Court Russ to support Stewart’s mother and offers details about the young man’s life:
“This fundraiser is being organized to support Carol Stewart, during this overwhelmingly difficult time, following the tragic death of her only son, Gabriel, who was just 24 years young. It is my hope and intention that we can collectively provide monetary support so Gabriel’s mother and family can focus their time and attention on their grieving process, under these extremely difficult circumstances.
Words cannot express the tremendous depth of heartache that Gabe’s mother and family are enduring. Just last weekend they gathered for their annual gingerbread house decorating contest and holiday festivities, and now – when they should be preparing for Christmas together- his family is instead planning a funeral and grieving the loss of their son/brother/uncle.
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To give some insight to the young man that Gabe was and the things that brought him joy in life, his family shared the following…
“He was Gabe to us….he loved his family, was a devoted son, brother and uncle. He was a wonderful friend. There are no words to describe how much he loved his mom and siblings.
Gabe was funny and had a competitive spirit, infectious laugh and loved to hang with friends and family. He had a large group of friends who he played basketball with and went to the movies & played video games with. (He loved playing Apex Legends and Madden on X-box!)
He loved the 49ers, especially Nick Bosa, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle and Deebo Samuel. He was also a devoted fan of Russell Westbrook, following his career and whatever basketball team he played for.
Gabe was really into Jujutsu Kaisen and would get so excited every Thursday when a new episode would come out, watching it first and then running to tell his sister about it.
He was also a HUGE fan of Naruto and just finished re-watching the whole series, and loved, loved, loved Naruto!!
He loved riding his bike around town, discovering new places and going on vacation.
Gabe graduated from Freedom High School and was in his final semester at Los Medanos College before transferring to Cal State East Bay. He was employed as a delivery driver with Dominoes for the past 4+ years as he worked his way through college.
Gabe loved music, loved cats & hated spiders! He had a sweet tooth and loved chocolate!
We miss him immensely.”
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Please keep Gabriel’s family in your prayers. If it is on your heart to do so, please contribute any amount that you are able. Your consideration is appreciated more than words can possibly express.
On behalf of the Stewart family, thank you for reading, sharing and words of support.
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As of Saturday morning, Dec. 23, $4,983 had been contributed toward the effort’s $10,000 goal.
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