Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Bay Area veterans resource and fishing event on Sept. 11 in Antioch

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Stand Up on the Delta by local non-profit connects U.S. veterans with community and critical services like housing and jobs 

By Ella Sogomonian

Antioch, CA – Delta Veterans Group continues its mission to serve those who served our country. The local non-profit is inviting U.S. veterans on Friday, Sept.11 to the VFW Post 6435 in Antioch for the inaugural “Stand Up on the Delta”. This one-day event (video here) connects vets with medical treatment, housing, jobs, as well as mental health and drug counseling. In addition to these critical services, the event builds a sense of camaraderie for veterans who have a hard time creating a sense of community after they end their military service. DVG partners with East Bay Regional parks to take vets and their families fishing on the Delta shores. They will provide  a backpack, collapsible fishing pole, tackle and lunch will be catered. Competitions, such as farthest cast, will also take place. There is a 50 veteran limit for the fishing experience.

“As a vet myself I understand how critical it is to extend a helping hand and create a welcoming space,” said J.R. Wilson, Founder of Delta Veterans Group. “Veterans serve their country and community so we give them a new mission to serve the community and these events bring them together to make that happen.”

Since 2015, the non-profit has helped more than thousands of veterans by finding permanent housing, serving over 23,000 meals, providing half-a-million-dollars in dental care, and sleeping bags.

Who: U.S. military veterans and their families

What: Stand Up on the Delta resource event

When: Friday, Sept. 11 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Where: TWO LOCATIONS: Resource fair at VFW Post 6435, 815 Fulton Shipyard Road Antioch, CA 94509 & fishing experience at Antioch/Oakley Regional Shoreline Pier at Bridgehead Road at Wilbur Avenue in Antioch, CA 94509

Contact on-site: JR Wilson at (925) 222-7596

68 San Ramon Valley students named semifinalists in 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program

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72nd annual competition for seniors entering college next fall; Finalists announced next spring

By San Ramon Valley Unified School District Office of Communications, Family and Community Engagement

Danville, CA (Sept. 9, 2026) – San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD) is proud to announce that 68 of its high school seniors have been named Semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. These outstanding students represent the academic excellence and dedication of SRVUSD students and school communities. Semifinalists now have the opportunity to advance to Finalist standing and compete for National Merit Scholarships to be awarded in spring 2027.

On September 9, 2026, officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) announced the names of more than 16,000 Semifinalists in the 72nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. SRVUSD’s 68 Semifinalists are among the highest-scoring students in California, representing the top 1% of the state’s senior students.

Students qualified for the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program through the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which SRVUSD offers to all juniors, in fall 2025. To advance to Finalist standing, Semifinalists must fulfill several additional requirements. National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from the Finalist group in spring 2027.

“Being named a National Merit Semifinalist is an outstanding accomplishment and a testament to the determination of these 68 students,” said Superintendent CJ Cammack. “We are incredibly proud of their achievement and the way they continue to challenge themselves to pursue excellence. We also applaud the teachers, families and school communities who encourage and support our students every step of the way. Congratulations to all of our Semifinalists.”

The program is conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) whose mission is to recognize and honor the academically talented students of the United States. NMSC accomplishes its mission by conducting nationwide academic scholarship programs. The enduring goals of NMSC’s scholarship programs are:

  • To promote a wider and deeper respect for learning in general and for exceptionally talented individuals in particular
  • To shine a spotlight on brilliant students and encourage the pursuit of academic excellence at all levels of education
  • To stimulate increased support from individuals and organizations that wish to sponsor scholarships for outstanding scholastic talent

For more information on the National Merit Program, visit their website.

About San Ramon Valley Unified School District: Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD) is one of the highest-achieving school districts in California. With approximately 28,500 students, the district encompasses the communities of Alamo, Danville, San Ramon, and a small portion of Walnut Creek and Pleasanton.

SRVUSD has been recognized at state and national levels with many awards and achievements and is designated as a Learning 2025 Lighthouse District by AASA, the School Superintendents Association. Based on a foundation of academic excellence, the district’s work is guided by its Strategic Directions and Learner Profile. SRVUSD is committed to preparing students for their future by providing a strong academic foundation, supporting their well-being, and equipping them with the skills and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Female suspect ID’d in attempted murder of Richmond cop

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The suspect’s two firearms confiscated by police and multiple bullet holes in the door and wall outside the home where the shooting occurred. Photos: Richmond PD

Fired over 30 rounds, charged with four felonies including murder, held on $950k bail; officer recovering

By The Richmond Police Department

The Richmond Police Department is providing additional information regarding the recent attempted murder of one of our police officers during a call for service involving our partners with A3 (Contra Costa County Behavior Health Crisis Response Team).

As previously reported, at approximately 6:41 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, Contra Costa Health’s A3 Crisis Response was contacted regarding a request to conduct a mental health check on an individual in the 2200 block of Key Boulevard. A3 is Contra Costa County’s behavioral health crisis response program. When circumstances present a potential safety concern, A3 may request assistance from law enforcement. Due to the nature of the call, A3 requested that Richmond Police officers accompany them to the location.

During this extremely dangerous incident, the suspect, 39-year-old Jasmine Nicole Robinson (born
6/19/1987), fired in excess of 30 rounds from a Romarm/Cugir Draco-C rifle. Our officer was struck by gunfire shortly after arriving at the scene. We are incredibly fortunate that our officer survived and is continuing to recover from their injuries.

We are also grateful that our A3 partners, neighboring residents, and other responding personnel were not injured as numerous rounds were fired from the residence, which included striking a Richmond Police patrol vehicle.

The significant threat posed by the suspect required a large-scale tactical response, including armored rescue vehicles and specialized resources from allied law enforcement agencies. These resources were critical in allowing personnel to safely respond to an exceptionally dangerous and unpredictable situation and ultimately take the suspect into custody.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our allied law enforcement partners who responded without hesitation to assist the Richmond Police Department. Their professionalism, teamwork, and willingness to place themselves in harm’s way were instrumental in bringing this incident to a safe conclusion.

We are thankful that despite the extraordinary level of gunfire and danger presented during this incident, our officer survived, our A3 partners were unharmed, and no members of our community were injured.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, six-inch tall, 150-pound Robinson is non-Hispanic, also listed as Black, and is being held in the West Re-Entry Treatment and Housing facility in Richmond on $950,000 bail. She is charged with four felonies including murder, assault committed with a high-risk firearm, kidnapping and maliciously and willfully firing a gun at an inhabited dwelling house, occupied building, occupied motor vehicle, occupied aircraft, inhabited housecar, or inhabited camper.

According to MyLife, Robinson currently lives in Vallejo and previously lived in Richmond at two different addresses on the street where last week’s incident occurred, and one other.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Father writes about children’s East County schools interdistrict transfer process

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After Contra Costa County Board of Education denies appeal

By Phillip Balistreri

The speech I wrote out for my children’s interdistrict transfer appeal hearing on 09/08/2026 provides all the details.

“Good morning. My name is Phillip William Balistreri, and I am the father of Emerald Marie Balistreri and Sierra Rose Balistreri. My reason for being here today is to respectfully request that the board approve our appeal of the interdistrict transfer denial Byron Union School District has issued, so that my children can remain at the school they are currently attending, Vintage Parkway Elementary School in the Oakley Union School District.

For economic reasons, my family and I moved from Oakley, to Discovery Bay over the summer. These cities are less than 15 minutes away from each other, and my wife and I chose Discovery Bay because it was close enough to continue sending our children to Vintage Parkway. The staff at Vintage Parkway told us they would love for Emerald and Sierra to continue coming to their school and informed us how to get the process going to make it happen. We thought submitting the transfer form through Byron would be more of a formality, as our children were already enrolled in Oakley and had been assigned their classes. To our surprise, the Byron Union School “District denied our request under Education Code § 48307(b), which, to my understanding, has to do with average daily attendance and school funding.

“After we learned of this decision, it was huge let down, as my wife received the email while she was in the middle of back-to-school night with our children, meeting their new teachers at Vintage Parkway. Byron also contacted the Oakley School District and told them to unenroll our children from Vintage Parkway immediately so they could start their new classes at Point of Timber Elementary School, a school neither of the girls have ever been to.

“After my wife and I did some research, we respectfully asked Oakley Union if our children could continue at Vintage Parkway under Education Code § 46603, which allows the girls to attend Vintage on a temporary basis until the appeal is settled. Oakley Union graciously accepted our request, and our children have been attending their scheduled classes at Vintage Parkway for the time being, and they have been loving the school year so far.

Emerald is eight years old and is currently in third grade. She is a very bright young girl with a lot of ambition for someone her age. When she grows up, she says she’s going to be a rocket scientist, but she’s also going to study giant snails in Papua New Guinea, and she’s going to be an animal doctor. My wife and I have informed her that if this is her goal, her performance in school is very important. Despite our advice, in the past it was difficult getting her to adapt to a classroom setting, but the staff at Vintage Parkway created an environment where she could thrive, and she is thriving now.

“She is currently enrolled in leadership, and in an extracurricular garden club at Vintage Parkway with a science field trip to Big Break planned in October, which she is very excited for. She has excellent scores in reading and math now, where before it was a struggle to get her to focus on her work without getting emotional or overwhelmed. She is also a very popular girl, with many friends at Vintage Parkway. It would be detrimental for her current success to remove her from the school she has always attended, and this isn’t just my opinion. There have been many studies done that show that removing a child from their school and placing them in another consistently shows dips in English and math scores, and added stress that my daughter just doesn’t need.

“Sierra is five years old and is currently attending kindergarten. She also did preschool in the Oakley Union School District and transitional kindergarten at Vintage Parkway. Her new kindergarten teacher just so happens to be the same kindergarten teacher my daughter Emerald had when she was five years old, and Emerald helps Sierra get to her class every morning. Sierra is also a very bright girl who is very athletic. She loves the monkey bars and prides herself on being the best at them in the whole school. She loves to boast about how she gives monkey bar lessons at recess and is teaching the other kids how to get better. So far she has been magnificent in school and has gotten awards for her kindness and understanding. Sierra loves her school and all of the friends she has in her class, and is looking forward to her fieldtrip to the Smith’s Family farm Pumpkin Patch with her whole class. She was also extremely excited to find out she had the same class as her best friend, Luna. Sierra is an inspiration to her class and a warm light who would be missed if she were to stop attending Vintage Parkway.

“We understand Byron has funding and enrollment limits, and these concerns are not weightless. But we are asking you to let two students who are already placed, already succeeding, and already attending Vintage Parkway stay there. Oakley Union has already demonstrated their willingness to host our children, and keeping them in their current school is the best choice for their educational success. Please keep this in your considerations when making your decision today. I appreciate you taking the time to hear me, and I would gladly take any of your questions now. Thank you very much.”

“After I spoke, Byron Union was allowed to present its side. The superintendent got on a soapbox about how transfers like our family’s request damage small districts. She said she had approved about 80 transfers like this, that she cares about children, and that this was where she was going to make a stand. She also said that if the board approved my appeal that day, she would have me come back every single year because she would deny our application again the next year.

“The county board ate it up. They were sympathetic to the district’s funding argument and treated my daughters’ educational needs as an afterthought, and even that is giving them to much credit because there wasn’t a single mention of my children’s educational needs made outside of my own arguments. They completely ignored it. When the board asked if I would be willing to come back every year and do this again, I said, ‘For lack of a better word, I would describe that as petty. But I am not here representing a district. I am here representing my daughters. They are what matter to me, and if I had to come back here every year to do what is best for them, I would.’

In hindsight I thought: why am I the one expected to respect the rules, while this superintendent is openly saying she would not respect the board’s decision and would keep fighting my children attending the only school they have ever known?

‘The very next day — today, September 9, 2026 — my girls were ripped out of their school. Oakley told us they are no longer allowed at Vintage Parkway because of the board’s decision. ‘Enroll in Byron or educate them somewhere else,’ T Amaral from Oakely Union School District said. It is no longer Oakley’s concern. Right in the middle of their classes, with field trips scheduled and a life at Vintage Parkway already underway, it was taken from them so Byron could protect its count.

“Oakley had agreed to keep them during the appeal under Education Code 46603 because they were already enrolled and assigned there, but their tune completely changed after the hearing. According to the board, it was the first time that code had been used in one of these hearings; some members had to have it explained to them in the room. Byron and the Contra Costa County Board of Education did not like that. Byron’s superintendent said the rule needs to be revised. They are very attached to the rules until the rules would let two young girls keep attending the only school they have known. The board made a point of saying they do not make the rules, they only enforce them. Then they ignored what 46603 had already shown: Oakley was willing, and the girls were already there.

“The board dismissed my daughters’ educational needs in favor of a funding concern that was never shown, in any detail, to harm Byron’s schools. Continuity is listed in their own appeal criteria (AR 5117.1 G6). Their written decision cites only G14: we failed to meet any listed criteria. They never explained why continuity did not count.

“That is the system. Funding and politics first. Two small girls who just wanted to stay in the school that already wanted them don’t matter at all. I will not put my children in a system that works that way. We are homeschooling. I am sending this because the public should see how these decisions are actually made.

“If Byron’s superintendent wants to stand on the soapbox that interdistrict transfers damage small districts, then I am standing on the soapbox that putting funding ahead of kids damages small children. As I left the meeting I stopped, turned around, and asked if I could say one last thing. I told them the reason California’s schools are at the bottom is because of this right here. Then I left the room heartbroken for my girls.”

Attached is the board’s final letter. IDT Appeal_Final Decision-Balistreri

Board’s Decision, No Further Appeal, Only Court Action

“Thank you for taking the time to read this.”

In a letter to Balistreri, his wife, Jennifer Burns, Byron Union School District Superintendent Crystal Castañeda and Oakley Union Elementary School District Superintendent Jeff Palmquist, Matt Wayne, Assistant Superintendent, Student Programs in the Contra Costa County Office of Education wrote, “An Interdistrict Attendance Transfer Appeal was heard by the Contra Costa County Board of Education at a meeting on September 8, 2026. Action on the appeal was as follows:

Action: Denied

Basis of Decision: AR 5117.1 – G14: Failure to qualify for any of the listed criteria shall result in denial of the appeal.”

According to district staff, videos of interdistrict transfer appeals meetings are not video recorded as they are conducted in Closed Session.

When asked if there is another level to appeal the Board’s decision Balistreri said, “The only appeal grounds we have going forward is legal action if there was some kind of discrimination. From everything I’ve found, they are well within their rights to deny this. I just think it’s wrong to rip my kids out of their schools when it’s funding concerns. That’s all they care about at the end of the day. They don’t care about the kids, their education or what they’re going through. That was not brought up once in the meeting other than in my speech and comments.”

“For the future people need to look at this and redesignate their priorities,” he added.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

CHP targets Bay Bridge approach for stepped-up enforcement campaign

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Photos: (Left) MTC (Right) Credit John Huseby, Caltrans

Carpools allowed in bus lane only during weekday peak periods

By Cindy Ramirez, CHP, Bart Ney, Caltrans and John Goodwin, Bay Area Toll Authority

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 9, 2026. . . The California Highway Patrol, in partnership with Caltrans and the Bay Area Toll Authority, this month will resume concentrated enforcement of the laws governing the westbound approach to the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. This includes strict enforcement of vehicle-type and vehicle-occupancy laws in the bus/carpool lane that bypasses the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge toll plaza at the far-right side of the roadway.

This lane — which can be accessed by traffic approaching the bridge from Interstate 80, Interstate 880 or West Grand Avenue — may be used by buses, motorcycles or carpools with three or more occupants during the weekday commute periods of 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Only buses may lawfully use the lane at other times, including all day on Saturdays and Sundays. Drivers cited for improper use of the bus/carpool lane outside weekday commute hours are subject to a fine of $490 or more.

“The signs at access points to the lane are clear and unambiguous. They read ‘Buses Only,’” noted Lt. Ed Clarke of the CHP’s Oakland Area. “But many drivers have not consistently followed the rule in recent years.” The CHP, Caltrans and BATA agree that focused enforcement will help address ongoing violations, improve compliance with the posted restrictions, and ensure the lane remains available for its intended use.

Acting Caltrans District 4 Director and BATA Commissioner Doanh Nguyen reminds drivers that the toll booths at the Bay Bridge and other state-owned toll bridges will soon be a thing of the past. “The transition to open-road tolling already is underway, with the new system set to debut next year at the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. The comprehensive reconfiguration of the approaches to every state-owned toll bridge will improve safety and efficiency by allowing drivers to pay their tolls without having to slow down to squeeze past the obsolete toll booths.”

BATA administers all toll revenues from the region’s seven state-owned toll bridges. Caltrans owns and operates the state highway system, including state-owned toll bridges such as the Bay Bridge.

La Policía de Caminos de California (CHP) se enfoca en el acceso al puente Bay Bridge para una campaña de reforzar el control

Los vehículos compartidos solo pueden circular por el carril de autobuses durante las horas pico de los días laborables

SAN FRANCISCO, 9 de septiembre de 2026. . . La Policía de Caminos de California (CHP), en colaboración con Caltrans y la Autoridad de Peajes del Área de la Bahía, reanudará este mes la aplicación intensiva de las leyes que rigen el acceso en dirección oeste al puente San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. Esto incluye la aplicación estricta de las leyes sobre el tipo y la ocupación de vehículos en el carril para autobuses y vehículos compartidos que evita la plaza de cobro del puente San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge por el lado extremo derecho de la carretera.

Este carril — al que pueden acceder los vehículos que se acercan al puente desde la Interestatal 80, la Interestatal 880 o West Grand Avenue — puede ser utilizado por autobuses, motocicletas o vehículos compartidos con tres o más ocupantes durante días laborables en los horarios pico de 5 a.m. a 10 a.m. y 3 p.m. a 7 p.m. Solo los autobuses pueden utilizar el carril en otros momentos legalmente, incluyendo todo el día los sábados y domingos. Los conductores

que reciban una infracción por el uso indebido del carril para autobuses y vehículos compartidos fuera de los horarios pico de los días laborables están sujetos a una multa de $490 o más.

“Las señales en los puntos de acceso al carril son claras e inequívocas. Dicen ‘Solo autobuses’,” señaló el teniente Ed Clarke del Área de Oakland de la CHP. “Sin embargo, muchos conductores han omitido cumplir la norma de forma consistente en los últimos años.” La CHP, Caltrans y la BATA coinciden en que una aplicación rigurosa de la ley ayudará a abordar las infracciones continuas, mejorará el cumplimiento de las restricciones establecidas y garantizará que el carril siga disponible para el uso previsto.

El director interino del Distrito 4 de Caltrans y comisionado de la BATA, Doanh Nguyen, recuerda a los conductores que las casetas de cobro en el puente de la Bahía y otros puentes de cuota de propiedad estatal pronto pasarán a ser historia. “La transición al sistema de cobro de cuotas en carretera abierta ya está en marcha, y está previsto que el nuevo sistema entre en funcionamiento el próximo año en el puente Richmond-San Rafael. La reconfiguración integral de los accesos a todos los puentes de cuota de propiedad estatal mejorará la seguridad y la eficiencia, al permitir que los conductores paguen sus cuotas sin tener que reducir la velocidad para pasar por las casetas de cobro obsoletas.”

BATA administra los ingresos de peajes de los siete puentes de peaje de propiedad estatal en la región. Caltrans es propietario y opera el sistema de carreteras estatales, incluyendo los puentes de cuota de propiedad estatal como el puente Bay Bridge.

CHP 針對海灣大橋引道展開強化執法行動

共乘車輛僅在工作日高峰時段才允許使用公車道

舊金山，2026年9月9日—加州公路巡警（CHP）將聯合加州交通局（Caltrans）

和灣區收費管理局（BATA），於本月恢復對舊金山-奧克蘭海灣大橋（San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge）西向引道相關交通法規的集中執法。執法重點包括加強監管位於最右側、可繞過海灣大橋收費站的公車／共乘專用車道，以確保使用該車道的車輛類型及載客人數符合規定。

該車道可供從 80 號州際公路、880 號州際公路或 West Grand Avenue 駛向大橋的車輛進入。在工作日通勤時段的上午 5 點至 10 點及下午 3 點至 7 點，公車、摩托車或載有三人及以上的共乘車輛可以使用該車道。在其他時段（包括週六和週日全天），僅公車可合法使用該車道。在工作日通勤時段以外違規使用該公車／共乘車道，將面臨 490 美元或以上罰款。

「車道入口處的標誌清晰明確，上面寫著『僅限公車』（Buses Only），」CHP 奧克蘭分局的 Ed Clarke 中尉指出，「但近年來，許多駕駛者並未始終遵守這項規定。」CHP、Caltrans 和 BATA 一致認為，開展集中執法有助於解決持續發生的違規行為，提高駕駛者對現場標示限制的遵守程度，並確保該車道維持其原定用途。

Caltrans 第 4 區代理局長兼 BATA 委員 Doanh Nguyen 提醒駕駛者，海灣大橋及其他州屬收費橋樑的收費亭即將成為歷史。「向開放式道路收費（open-road tolling）系統轉型的工作已經展開，新系統預計將於明年在Richmond-San Rafael大橋上率先啟用。對所有州屬收費橋樑引道進行全面重新規劃與改造，將讓駕駛者無須減速、穿越老舊的收費亭即可繳納通行費，從而提升道路安全與通行效率。」

BATA負責管理本地區七座州屬收費大橋的所有通行費收入。Caltrans負責擁有和營運州級公路系統，其中包括海灣大橋等州屬收費大橋。

 

RESTORE launches Fall fundraising season to expand life-changing safe homes in Contra Costa County

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Faith-based organization aims to raise $175,000 for a 5th transitional home following milestone growth

By Mike Sisler Executive Director, RESTORE

CONCORD, CA — RESTORE (Restore Hope Dignity Life), a faith-based organization dedicated to life transformation through transitional housing and comprehensive support services, today announced the launch of its Fall fundraising season. The seasonal campaign fuels RESTORE’s ongoing doubling expansion plan, building on last year’s milestone addition of a fourth home to its network. At the conclusion of this Fall’s events, RESTORE aims to raise $150,000 to open a fifth home.

RESTORE’s holistic model integrates stable housing with personalized spiritual care and family reunification support, empowering residents to overcome hardship and achieve lasting recovery. Expanding its housing capacity allows RESTORE to double the number of men, women, and children it serves, directly meeting a vital need for compassionate, faith-based support in Contra Costa County.

“These events are transformative for the audience, the staff, and the residents, as all three groups experience the impact our safe homes and Christ-centered recovery programs have,” said Mike Sisler, Executive Director of RESTORE. “We sincerely invite all to attend.”

Event attendees will experience approximately 20 powerful mixed-media testimonials—featuring live personal stories, video presentations, and silent reading materials—that showcase the profound, real-world impact RESTORE has on individuals and families rebuilding their lives.

Fall Event Schedule

  • Community Presbyterian Church, Danville, CA: September 11, 2026
  • New Life Church, Concord, CA: October 2, 2026
  • Hillside Covenant Church, Walnut Creek, CA: November 6, 2026

To learn more about RESTORE, attend an upcoming fundraiser, or support the expansion plan, visit www.restore1.org or email Christine Thatcher at christinethatcher@restore1.org.

About RESTORE

Founded in Contra Costa County, RESTORE provides holistic, home-based programs to help individuals recover in all areas of life as they break free from addictions, re-story their lives, and reunify families. RESTORE’s mission is to provide men, women, and their children with safe homes and Christ-centered, 12-step recovery programs to restore hope, dignity, and life in them and the broader community. As a nonprofit, RESTORE operates through the generous support of individuals, partner churches, business donors, and grants.

Meet Scoot™! Safeway NorCal’s furry new Ambassador for Savings and Goodwill

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Source: Safeway

Lovable new mascot will bring fun, fresh ideas and a helping hand to Safeway shoppers, stores and community events

By Kent Streeb, Director of Public Affairs & Communications, Safeway Northern California Division

PLEASANTON, Calif. – There’s a fuzzy new face zipping through Safeway aisles that shoppers will soon be seeing often. Safeway Northern California Market introduced Scoot™, the market’s lovable new mascot and goodwill ambassador. Fun, furry and always ready to help, Scoot will guide shoppers toward great savings, fresh finds and family-friendly fun at Safeway stores and community events throughout Northern California, Northern Nevada and Hawaii.

With bright red fur, a leafy green sprout, signature Safeway visor, and red sneakers, Scoot is easy to spot and hard to forget. Scoot loves kids, people and lending a helping hand. Scoot will appear at community events, support hunger-relief initiatives, champion charitable causes and create memorable experiences for children and families. Whether Scoot is pointing shoppers toward a can’t-miss deal, sharing a healthy fresh dinner idea, or greeting families at a neighborhood celebration, Scoot’s mission is simple: make shopping more helpful, more rewarding and a whole lot more fun.

“Scoot may be new, but what Scoot represents has been a part of Safeway for generations: helping people save money, serving neighborhoods and making quality, fresh food and products easier to find,” said Kelly Mullin, Regional President of Marketing and Merchandising for Albertsons Companies California Region. “Scoot brings that spirit to life in a joyful new way. We believe Scoot will quickly become a familiar and beloved friend to children, families and shoppers throughout the communities we serve.”

Your Shortcut to Savings & Fresh Finds

Scoot will serve as a friendly guide at Safeway, helping shoppers discover:

  • Special savings and featured promotions
  • Peak-season produce and fresh food favorites
  • Freshest dinner ideas
  • New products and unexpected finds
  • Opportunities to support local communities and important causes

Shoppers will encounter Scoot in Safeway advertising, on social media, at pop-ins to stores, and at special events.  Scoot will help point customers toward featured offers, digital coupons and some of Safeway’s biggest deals.

Showing Up for the Community

Like Safeway, Scoot’s role will extend well beyond the grocery aisle. In 2025, Safeway in Northern California donated $55 million in food and financial support to charitable organizations serving local communities. From food drives and charitable campaigns, to store celebrations and family events, Scoot will bring energy, smiles and a spirit of service to community appearances that will reinforce Safeway’s longstanding commitment to supporting local organizations and helping our neighbors in need. To celebrate Scoot’s arrival, Safeway will donate $5,000 to a local nonprofit.

Follow Scoot’s Adventures

Follow Scoot on Instagram and TikTok at @safewaysscoot for savings tips, fresh discoveries, community appearances and behind-the-scenes fun.

ScootTM word and design trademarks are owned by subsidiaries of Albertsons Companies, Inc.

About Safeway

Safeway is one of the most well-recognized grocery retail brands with a long-standing reputation for quality and service, proudly serving Northern California since 1926. Today, the company operates over 283 stores across Northern California, Nevada and Hawaii, under various banners, including Andronico’s, Safeway, and Pak N’ Save.

Antioch man charged with human, sex trafficking following years-long investigation

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DA Investigators searching for additional victims in multi-state case

Held on $600k bail, has history of arrests

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, CA – Investigators with the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office are asking the public for help identifying and contacting victims in a years-long human trafficking investigation.

Raymond Jamar Brooks, 32, of Antioch, (born 5/28/1994) is being held at the Martinez Detention Facility on $600,000 bail, facing multiple charges related to human trafficking. The investigation into Brooks’ alleged offenses found that he engaged in commercial sex acts with minors and adult woman through force, fraud, coercion and other means associated with sex trafficking.

The investigation has already identified several victims, whose accounts have uncovered evidence of trafficking activity spanning multiple states. To protect their privacy and safety, their identities are being withheld as the investigation continues.

Anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Brooks, or who has additional information about his alleged involvement in sex trafficking in California or elsewhere, is urged to contact Senior Inspector Ann Shiraishi of the Contra Costa County Major Crimes Task Force at (925) 917-6857 or ann.shiraishi@contracostada.org.

Those who wish to remain anonymous may call the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Tip Line at *69 (925) 957-8658 to leave a tip for law enforcement. Confidential support and resources are also available through Community Violence Solutions at 1 (800) 670-7273.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, eight-inch tall Brooks is non-Hispanic but also listed as Black, he was booked into custody on July 22, 2026, at 8:17 p.m.  and his next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 11 at 8:30 a.m. in Dep’t. 5 in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, Brooks has a history of arrests dating back to 2017, including on April 7 this year by Antioch Police for disobeying a domestic relations court order. He was also arrested in 2020 by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies for receiving stolen property – motor vehicle and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, and by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for procuring another person for purpose of prostitution in 2019 and for pimping in 2017.

Asregadoo was asked where Brooks was arrested and by what agency.

As co-chair of the Contra Costa Human Trafficking Task Force, the District Attorney’s Office is committed to a trauma-informed, victim-centered approach in its work with survivors of human trafficking and all other victims of crime. Any victim who comes forward in response to this request will be offered supportive services and resources.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pittsburg Police Chief Galer ID’s officer, Oakley man in shooting inside police station

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Issues Critical Incident Update explains what transpired

“Officer Sanchez had been ambushed, beaten and shot. He still did not stop fighting.” – Chief Galer who admits another “officer failed to locate firearm concealed in the suspect’s clothing.”

Suspect has arrest record

Actualización sobre incidente crítico: Un mensaje del Jefe de Policía Phil Galer

By Sara Bellafronte, Assistant to the Pittsburg City Manager

The following message was issued today, Tuesday, September 8, 2026, by Pittsburg Police Chief Phil Galer regarding last Thursday’s officer-involved shooting inside the Pittsburg Police station. (See related article)

“On Thursday, September 3, at approximately 3:45 PM Officer Jimmy Sanchez, a four-and-a-half-year veteran of the police department, was violently attacked and shot while fighting for his life inside the Pittsburg Police Department booking facility.

Our preliminary investigation determined that officers arrested 31-year-old Michael Arthur-Sanchez Gardner Martin (born 12/25/94) for driving a stolen vehicle and outstanding felony warrants. He was searched at the time of his arrest and again after being transported to our booking facility. During both searches, the same officer failed to locate a firearm concealed in the suspect’s clothing.

That was a serious failure. We acknowledge it, and it will be thoroughly examined through an administrative investigation. We will determine how it happened and take immediate corrective action to prevent it from happening again.

But that failure cannot be allowed to obscure what happened next.

Based on our preliminary investigation and available evidence, after being placed in a holding cell, the suspect concealed the firearm inside a toilet. A few hours later while awaiting transport to county jail, he retrieved it and hid it beneath a jail blanket draped over his shoulders.

Officer Jimmy Sanchez, who was not the arresting or searching officer, later entered the booking facility.  At this time the suspect asked him for water and told him he was not feeling well. Officer Sanchez brought him water and approached the cell to check on his welfare.

The suspect responded to that act of compassion by attacking him.

Without warning, he punched Officer Sanchez in the face, threw the blanket over his head and repeatedly struck him in the head with the firearm. The suspect then succeeded in firing a single round. Preliminary evidence indicates that round first passed through the suspect’s own thigh before striking Officer Sanchez in the lower abdomen below his body armor. Based on the evidence currently available, both gunshot wounds resulted from the single round fired by the suspect.

Officer Sanchez had been ambushed, beaten and shot. He still did not stop fighting.

His actions prevented the suspect from firing another round and gave responding officers the time they needed to enter the facility, disarm the suspect and end the attack. Those officers responded without hesitation and demonstrated extraordinary courage, discipline and restraint.

They then provided immediate medical aid to both Officer Sanchez and the suspect.

I want to make one very clear distinction. While the firearm should have never been allowed to make it into our booking facility, it was Martin who knowingly concealed, retrieved and then utilized that firearm to ambush, violently assault and ultimately try to take the life of one of our officers. That distinction matters and I do not want legitimate criticism of a failure of a young officer’s search to overshadow that fact.

Officer Sanchez did not survive because Martin stopped his attack or decided to change course. Officer Sanchez survived because he refused to give up. He survived because he fought through a brutal attack, a gunshot wound, and because he and his fellow officers physically ripped a gun away from Martin’s hands.

That is the story I do not want to get lost as we move forward through this traumatic incident.

As it relates to medical status. The suspect was treated at a local hospital and subsequently booked the same day into county jail on multiple felony charges including attempted murder of a police officer. Officer Sanchez underwent surgery for his injuries and is recovering with family and the department by his side. A third assisting officer was treated for minor injuries and is recovering.

I want to thank our community, elected officials and City staff for the extraordinary support they have shown Officer Sanchez, his family and our department. I also want to thank the first responders and medical personnel who cared for him, and the Pittsburg police officers who responded that day with courage, decisive action, professionalism and restraint.

In closing, several media stories have reported details of this incident citing “police sources.” I want to be clear these sources were not authorized Pittsburg Police informational releases. I have intentionally delayed this official release until our detectives and investigators from the Contra County District Attorney’s Office have had an opportunity to collect and review critical evidence and interview all applicable witnesses. This is still an active investigation and I do not plan on releasing any further information at this time. Our focus will remain on supporting our officers, their family and ensuring the integrity of this investigation as it moves forward through the criminal justice system.”

Phil Galer, Chief of Police, Pittsburg Police Department

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office In-Custody Details, the five-foot, eight-inch tall, 220-pound Martin is Hispanic and being h eld in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail, although it’s been set at $472,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 16 at 8:30 a.m. in Martinez Superior Court Dept. 5.

According to localcrimenews.com, Martin is an Oakley resident and July 1, 2025, he was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance with a firearm, possession of drug paraphernalia, addict/felon/etc. in possession of firearm, carrying a loaded firearm on person or in vehicle while in public place, carry a concealed weapon in a vehicle and possession/etc. of a firearm without an identifying mark.

According to court records, a Request for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order was filed against Martin by Vanessa Ponce on Nov. 23, 2022. But during a hearing on Dec. 15th that year, it was dismissed.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Actualización sobre incidente crítico: Un mensaje del Jefe de Policía Phil Galer

Por Sara Bellafronte, Asistente del Administrador de la Ciudad Pittsburg

El jueves 3 de septiembre, aproximadamente a las 3:45 p. m., el oficial Jimmy Sanchez —veterano con cuatro años y medio de servicio en el departamento de policía— fue atacado violentamente y recibió un disparo mientras luchaba por su vida dentro de las instalaciones de procesamiento de detenidos del Departamento de Policía de Pittsburg.

Nuestra investigación preliminar determinó que los oficiales arrestaron a Michael Sanchez Gardner Martin, de 31 años, por conducir un vehículo robado y por tener órdenes de arresto pendientes por delitos graves. Fue registrado en el momento de su detención y nuevamente tras ser trasladado a nuestras instalaciones de procesamiento. En ambos registros, el mismo oficial no logró detectar un arma de fuego oculta entre las ropas del sospechoso.

Esa fue una falla grave. Lo reconocemos, y el asunto será examinado minuciosamente mediante una investigación administrativa. Determinaremos cómo sucedió y tomaremos medidas correctivas inmediatas para evitar que vuelva a ocurrir.

Sin embargo, no podemos permitir que esa falla opaque lo que sucedió después.

Según nuestra investigación preliminar y las pruebas disponibles, tras ser colocado en una celda de detención, el sospechoso ocultó el arma de fuego dentro de un inodoro. Unas horas más tarde, mientras esperaba el traslado a la cárcel del condado, la recuperó y la escondió bajo una manta de la cárcel que llevaba sobre los hombros.

El oficial Jimmy Sanchez, quien no había participado en el arresto ni en los registros previos, entró posteriormente en el área de procesamiento. En ese momento, el sospechoso le pidió agua y le dijo que no se sentía bien. El oficial Sanchez le llevó agua y se acercó a la celda para verificar su estado.

El sospechoso respondió a ese acto de compasión atacándolo.

Sin previo aviso, golpeó al oficial Sanchez en el rostro, le arrojó la manta sobre la cabeza y lo golpeó repetidamente en la cabeza con el arma de fuego. Luego, el sospechoso logró disparar una sola vez. Las pruebas preliminares indican que la bala atravesó primero el muslo del propio sospechoso antes de impactar al oficial Sanchez en la parte baja del abdomen, por debajo de su chaleco antibalas. Según la evidencia disponible actualmente, ambas heridas de bala fueron causadas por el único disparo efectuado por el sospechoso.

El oficial Sánchez fue víctima de una emboscada, golpeado y baleado. Aun así, no dejó de luchar.

Sus acciones impidieron que el sospechoso disparara otra vez y dieron a los oficiales que acudieron al lugar el tiempo necesario para entrar en las instalaciones, desarmar al sospechoso y poner fin al ataque. Dichos oficiales intervinieron sin vacilar y demostraron un valor, una disciplina y una contención extraordinarios.

Acto seguido, brindaron asistencia médica inmediata tanto al oficial Sánchez como al sospechoso.

Quiero hacer una distinción muy clara. Si bien nunca se debió haber permitido que el arma de fuego llegara a nuestras instalaciones de registro, fue Martin quien, a sabiendas, ocultó, sacó y utilizó dicha arma para tender una emboscada, agredir violentamente y, finalmente, intentar quitarle la vida a uno de nuestros oficiales. Esa distinción es importante, y no quiero que las críticas legítimas sobre el fallo en el registro realizado por un oficial joven eclipsen ese hecho.

El oficial Sánchez no sobrevivió porque Martin detuviera su ataque o decidiera cambiar de actitud. El oficial Sánchez sobrevivió porque se negó a rendirse. Sobrevivió porque luchó para superar un ataque brutal y una herida de bala, y porque él y sus compañeros lograron arrebatarle físicamente el arma de las manos a Martin.

Esa es la historia que no quiero que se pierda mientras avanzamos tras este traumático incidente.

En cuanto al estado médico: el sospechoso fue atendido en un hospital local y, ese mismo día, ingresado en la cárcel del condado bajo múltiples cargos graves, incluido el intento de asesinato de un agente de policía. El oficial Sánchez fue sometido a una cirugía por sus heridas y se está recuperando acompañado por su familia y miembros del departamento. Un tercer oficial que prestó apoyo fue atendido por lesiones leves y se encuentra en proceso de recuperación.

Quiero agradecer a nuestra comunidad, a los funcionarios electos y al personal municipal por el extraordinario apoyo que han brindado al oficial Sánchez, a su familia y a nuestro departamento. También deseo expresar mi gratitud a los equipos de emergencia y al personal médico que lo atendieron, así como a los oficiales de policía de Pittsburg que intervinieron aquel día con valentía, decisión, profesionalismo y contención.

Para finalizar, diversos medios de comunicación han difundido detalles de este incidente citando “fuentes policiales”. Quiero aclarar que dichas fuentes no emitieron comunicados oficiales autorizados por la Policía de Pittsburg. He retrasado deliberadamente este comunicado oficial hasta que nuestros detectives y los investigadores de la Fiscalía del Condado de Contra Costa tuvieran la oportunidad de recopilar y examinar pruebas cruciales, así como de entrevistar a todos los testigos pertinentes. La investigación sigue en curso y no tengo previsto facilitar más información por el momento. Seguiremos centrados en apoyar a nuestros agentes y a sus familias, así como en garantizar la integridad de esta investigación a medida que avanza a través del sistema de justicia penal.

Phil Galer, Jefe de Policía, Departamento de Policía de Pittsburg

24th Annual MRC-MEF Run for Education in Martinez Sept. 27

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During “Run for Education Week” beginning Monday, September 21

Help us cross the $2 million mark!

By Martinez Education Foundation

Get ready to run, walk or roll through Downtown Martinez on Sunday, September 27, for the 24th Annual MRC-MEF Run for Education! This community event brings people together to raise money for the Martinez Education Foundation (MEF) and directly supports Martinez Unified School District (MUSD) schools. The Alhambra High School Marching Band and Color Guard kick off the morning with music and school spirit for hundreds of students, educators, families and community members. This year’s Run features a logo designed by Alhambra High student Nayelie Rodrigez, which will appear on participant t-shirts.

Since 2003, the Run for Education has raised more than $1.9 million to support programs and resources for MUSD students such as technology, reading, science, art, math, and music. With this year’s event, organizers expect the Run’s cumulative fundraising total to surpass $2 million for local education. Among the many grant recipients, Alhambra High School received calculators for their Science Department. Biology and AP Environmental Science Teacher, Emily Ferrairo says, “The calculators are used all the time in our classrooms, especially in chemistry, physics, and AP Environmental Science classes. The grant eased my teaching duties because now students don’t have to use their Chromebooks to calculate problems and can use the calculator which removes the barrier of students trying to plug it all into their computer. Students are very thankful for the calculators and ask to use them all the time!”

Photo: MEF

John Swett Elementary teacher, Katie Page, says her grant has made a positive impact on her students’ music experience, “I have more instruments and a whole set up for school concerts. I am so grateful! My students love the new drums and Ukuleles, and I am loving my new keyboard for whole class instruction.”

What’s been termed “Run for Education Week” starts on Monday, September 21 with the MRC-MEF Fairways Fore! Futures Golf Tournament. MRC underwrites the cost of the Run and Golf Tournament. The total amount of money raised for MEF will be revealed on Race Day by Refinery Manager, Bevan Lewis, who says, “Our refinery is proud to have supported education in Martinez for decades. The Run for Education is a special tradition, and we’re grateful to our Contract Partners for their generous sponsorship of the Run and golf tournament. Supporting education is one of the most important investments we make in our community.”

MEF President and Race Director, Jack Funk points out, “Every year I am overwhelmed with the joy and support that the Martinez community has for its schools and students.  Our lead sponsor, The Martinez Refining Company, has taken that support to a whole new level with direct corporate donations to the Martinez Education Foundation and its extremely productive solicitation of the many businesses who donate to MEF through our Golf event as well as the Run itself.  We have tremendous gratitude to our sponsors but also to the hundreds of participants and volunteers that make this the wonderful community event that it has become.”

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to have fun and support Martinez Unified schools.

MRC-MEF Run for Education – Sunday, September 27, 2026

  • Start Time: 8:30 a.m. at Ward Street near Estudillo Street
  • Registration: Online https://www.martinezedfoundation.org/run-for-education/or in-person on event day
  • MUSD Students: Run free! (Discount is applied on the registration page automatically based on the entered date of birth.)
  • Volunteers Needed: Sign up at ca_mccauley@comcast.net
  • Student Volunteers: Sign up here.
  • Participants and spectators are encouraged to share their experience using #mrcmefrun.

Thank you to our sponsors and community partners who support the Run:

Emerald Sponsors, $5,000+

Air Liquide, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Brand Safway, Cust-O-Fab, Global Scaffolding, Harder Mechanical, HPC Industrial Services, KAP Project Services, North Coast Carpenters, Nooter, Roux Associates, Schultz Industrial Services, Stronghold Companies, UA Local 342, USA DeBusk, Worley

Diamond Circle Sponsors $2,500+

Evergreen
Platinum Sponsors $1,000+

Delta Tech, EUV Tech, Mangan, Nuvision Credit Union, Overaa, Shell Western States Credit Union, Worley

Gold Sponsors $500+

1st Northern California Credit, Travis Clauson

In kind donations provided by: Bill’s Ace Hardware, Martinez Police Department, Martinez Public Works, Martinez CERT, Martinez Unified School District.

For more information about the Martinez Education Foundation visit www.martinezedfoundation.org.