Contra Costa Herald

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

City of Clayton to hold first of two Town Hall meetings Aug. 26

By Leave a Comment

Source: City of Clayton

Learn about finances, Landscape and Maintenance District

After council placed one-percent sales tax, landscape maintenance assessment measures on November ballot

By City of Clayton

We have a couple of Town Hall meetings coming soon. On August 26 and October 7 (both are Wednesdays), join us from 6-8 pm to learn more about the City of Clayton’s financial picture and the Landscape and Maintenance District.

In June, the Clayton City Council voted unanimously to place a one percent (1%) local sales tax measure on the November ballot as Measure M.

The language reads, “CITY OF CLAYTON SALES TAX MEASURE. To provide local funding to maintain City of Clayton programs, services, and facilities, including: police services, traffic enforcement and road safety, road and sidewalk improvements, enhance library and recreation opportunities, park maintenance, recruitment and retention of city employees and other city services, shall the City of Clayton levy a 1% sales tax until ended by voters generating approximately $1,000,000 annually, subject to public review, the annual audit and all funds benefitting Clayton?”

On July 7, the Council voted unanimously to also place on the November ballot a renewal of the Landscape and Maintenance District as Measure N. The language reads: “CITYWIDE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE EXTENSION AND ALTERATION OF RATE OF EXISTING SPECIAL TAX. Shall the measure to fund on-going trail system operations and maintenance, roadway landscaping, open space weed abatement, and related services of the Clayton Community Facility District No. 2007-1 (Citywide Landscape Maintenance) by extending the special tax for ten years and amending its rate and method of apportionment of the special tax to $354.54/year per residential and $354.54/acre per non-residential parcels, for FYs 2027-2037, including annual inflationary adjustments to the special tax rates not to exceed 3% per year, and subject to continued citizen’s committee oversight, be approved?”

In City Manager Kris Loftus’ August Newsletter he wrote, “Like many California communities, Clayton faces rising costs, aging infrastructure, increasing service demands, and limited revenue growth. These challenges require responsible financial decisions and careful stewardship of public resources. Our focus remains on maintaining essential services, investing in infrastructure, and ensuring the City’s long-term financial sustainability.”

To learn more before the meeting, check out the City Manager’s Newsletters on our website – https://www.claytonca.gov/317/City-Manager-Newsletter.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Only one challenger in Martinez council races

By Leave a Comment

Martinez incumbent District 1 Councilman Jay Howard will face challenger Nakenya Allen in the November election. Photos: City of Martinez and Allen for Council campaign website.

Mayor, one councilmember face no opposition

By City of Martinez

The nomination period for the November 2026 City election has officially closed. The following candidates have qualified:

Mayor: Brianne Zorn (incumbent)

District 1: Jay Howard (incumbent) and Nakenya Allen

District 4: Debbie McKillop (incumbent)

With the Mayor and District 4 seats uncontested, the City Council will discuss election options for these two offices at the next City Council meeting. The Council may either appoint the nominated candidates in lieu of holding an election, or have the election proceed as scheduled, in accordance with California Elections Code Section 10229. Savings associated with appointment rather than an election for these two seats are between $55,000 – $80,000 of City funds. The District 1 race will continue as planned on November 3, 2026, regardless of how the Mayor and District 4 seats are handled.

Community members are encouraged to attend and share feedback at the meeting on Wednesday, August 19th at 7:00 pm.

Martinz Mayor Brianne Zorn and District 4 Councilwoman Debbie McKillip face no opposition for re-election. Photos: City of Martinez

About the Incumbents and Challenger

According to her bio on the City’s website, Zorn is currently serving in her first term as mayor and “was elected to the Martinez City Council as Councilmember for District 3 in November 2020, and as Mayor in November 2022.”

According to her bio, McKillop is currently serving in her third term and “was elected to the Martinez City Council in 2014 and served as Vice Mayor in 2017, 2021, and 2024.”

According to his official bio, Howard is running for re-elect and “was elected Councilmember in November 2022. He is the third generation of his family to be born and raised in the Alhambra Valley. Since 2014, Jay has been the Superintendent for G Swanson Construction. He is very active in the community where he serves as a board member for the Nor Cal Carpenters Regional Council, Union Local 152, Loaves and Fishes, the Historical Society, and serves as a delegate to the Carpenter’s Regional Council (spanning 46 counties). Jay lives in Martinez with his lovely wife and two children. When he has some downtime, he is an avid hiker and enjoys extreme skiing.”

According to her campaign website, Allen says about herself, “I am a longtime Martinez resident, community organizer, proud mother, and dedicated advocate for a safer, more inclusive city. I hold a degree in Veterinary Technology and loved the time I spent working in animal hospitals and shelters, rescuing and rehoming pets. When I became a mother to a son who is medically sensitive with severe special needs, my priorities shifted profoundly. I now focus on his health and well-being, while working to build a community where every resident is valued, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive. In my rare moments of free time, I enjoy practicing Muay Thai and making my own holistic hair products.”

Allen is Vice President and District 5 Ambassador for the Contra Costa County Commission for Women and Girls, a member of the County’s Family and Children’s Trust (FACT) Committee, and a member of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) of Contra Costa County.

The election is Nov. 3rd.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

S.F., Oakland men arrested for San Ramon armed robbery following pursuit, crash

By Leave a Comment

At apartment complex; held on $240K and $315K bail for this and other crimes, both have history of arrests

By Lt. Mike Pistello, San Ramon Police Department

On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at approximately 6:49 p.m., officers from the San Ramon Police Department responded to an armed robbery at the Cobblestone Apartments, located in the 3900 block of Crow Canyon Road.

The victim reported that two male suspects, both armed with handguns, assaulted him and took items of value from his person. The victim sustained minor injuries, and the suspects fled the area in a silver sedan.

Using FLOCK technology, the suspect vehicle was identified as a 2015 Hyundai Sonata bearing California license plate 7HCL742. The vehicle information was disseminated to local law enforcement agencies.

The Hyundai was subsequently located by officers from the Oakland Police Department, resulting in a vehicle pursuit. The pursuit ended when the suspect vehicle crashed in the City of Oakland. Both suspects fled on foot but were apprehended by officers. They were identified as 22-year-old Isiah Sinclair Burns, Jr. of San Francisco and 27-year-old Joseph Vashonhenri Broussard of Oakland. During a search of the suspect vehicle, officers located a loaded firearm.

Burns and Broussard were subsequently booked into Santa Rita Jail by Oakland PD in relation to crimes committed within their jurisdiction.

San Ramon detectives responded to Oakland to process the vehicle for evidence. Ramey warrants were subsequently obtained for both suspects in connection with the armed robbery that occurred within San Ramon’s jurisdiction.

The San Ramon Police Department would like to thank the Oakland Police Department and California Highway Patrol for their assistance in this investigation.

According to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 198-pound Burns is Black, being held on $240,000 bail for this and other crimes and is scheduled to appear at the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse in Oakland on Friday, Aug. 21 at 9:00 p.m. in Dept. 112 for arraignment.

According to localcrimenews.com, this is his fifth arrest since 2023 by San Francisco Police and Sheriff’s Departments for multiple firearms charges and other crimes including conspiracy to commit a crime and resisting, obstructing or delaying a Peace Officer.

According to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, eight-inch tall, 180-pound Broussard is Black, being held on $315,000 bail for this and other crimes and is also scheduled to appear at the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse on Friday, Aug. 21 at 9:00 p.m. in Dept. 112 for arraignment.

According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of five arrests dating back to 2017 by S.F. Police and Sheriff’s Departments for multiple firearms charges, plus burglary, hit-and-run resulting in injury and resisting, obstructing or delaying a Peace Officer.

This incident remains under active investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information that may assist investigators is asked to contact the San Ramon Police Department Investigations Division at (925) 973-2700.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Relative of victims arrested for murder, arson in Richmond double fatality fire

By Leave a Comment

Richmond resident Sergio Rivera-Vega was arrested for murder and arson. Graphic & photo source: Richmond PD

Claims lives of 47-year-old man, 5-year-old boy

32-year-old being held on $2.5 million bail

By Lt. Joseph England, PIO, Richmond Police Department

Richmond, CA – On August 18, 2026, at approximately 8:16 p.m., Richmond Police Department officers responded to the 200 block of 15th Street to assist the Richmond Fire Department with a residential structure fire.

At approximately 8:47 p.m., while emergency personnel remained at the scene, Richmond Police dispatch was notified by the Richmond Fire Department of a second residential structure fire approximately two houses away from the original fire.

Richmond Fire personnel immediately responded to the second residence, where firefighters located four victims inside the home: a 47-year-old man, a 33-year-old woman, a 5-year-old boy, and a 2-year-old girl.

Emergency personnel immediately began providing medical aid. Tragically, the 47-year-old man succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The remaining three victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, the 5-year-old boy later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The 33-year-old woman and the 2-year-old girl remain hospitalized in critical condition.

The second fire was immediately considered suspicious because it occurred only two houses away from the first fire and began within a short period of time while emergency personnel were still responding to the first incident.

Due to the suspicious circumstances, detectives from the Richmond Police Department’s Homicide Unit responded to the scene and immediately began investigating. Detectives conducted interviews, collected evidence, and worked closely with fire investigators to process the scene.

During the investigation, detectives identified 32-year-old Sergio Ivan Rivera-Vega (born 8/02/1994) as the suspect in the second fire. Rivera-Vega is a relative of the four victims and resided at the home.

While detectives were conducting their investigation, Rivera-Vega was located near the scene and taken into custody without incident. He was subsequently booked into the Richmond Police Department jail on charges of murder and arson causing great bodily injury.

This unimaginable tragedy has taken the lives of a man and a young child while leaving a woman and another young child fighting for their lives. The Richmond Police Department and Richmond Fire Department extend their deepest condolences to the victims, their loved ones, and everyone affected by this devastating incident.

The Richmond Police Department is committed to conducting a thorough and comprehensive investigation. Detectives will continue working closely with the Richmond Fire Department and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to ensure that all available evidence is examined, the full circumstances surrounding this incident are established, and justice is pursued for the victims and their family.

Arrested: Sergio Rivera-Vega, 32 yrs, Richmond Resident

Charges: Two Counts of PC 187(A) – Murder and Two Counts of PC 451(A) – Arson Causing Great Bodily Injury

Bail: $2,500,000.00

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, four-inch tall, 140-pound Rivera-Vega whose race is listed as unknown, is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Police confiscate “imitation weapon” brought by student to Liberty High in Brentwood

By Leave a Comment

Police responded to Liberty High School Wednesday morning, Aug. 19, 2026. Photo source: Liberty High School Facebook

By Brentwood Police Department

The Brentwood Police Department is aware of a report involving a possible weapon at Liberty High School today, Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

School administrators immediately notified law enforcement, and officers responded to investigate. The item involved was determined to be an imitation weapon and was confiscated. The investigation determined there was no active threat to students, staff or the campus, and the matter was resolved without disruption to the school day.

We appreciate the students, staff, and community members who promptly report safety concerns. Reports of possible threats are taken seriously and investigated in coordination with our school partners.

Because this incident involves a student, no additional information will be released at this time.

The Brentwood Police Department remains committed to working with our schools to help maintain a safe and secure learning environment.

Caltrans: East County Hwy 4 overnight paving and roadway work continues Wednesday night

By Leave a Comment

Source: Caltrans

Paving project tentatively scheduled to be completed by Summer 2027.

By DeNise Harding, PIO, Contra Costa County, Caltrans

Contra Costa County Caltrans crews continue making progress on State Route 4 tonight, Wednesday, August 19 through Thursday with paving, drainage, electrical and guardrail work scheduled throughout the corridor.

For the safety of the motoring public and our crews, Caltrans Construction has adjusted its schedule to allow crews to continue various operations along State Route 4 (SR-4). Overnight full closures, including lane and ramp closures, on westbound and eastbound SR-4 between SR-160 and Byron Highway will continue tonight and Sunday through Thursday nights, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., as construction progresses. Motorists are advised to plan ahead, allow additional travel time, prepare to merge, and slow for the cone zone. All work is weather dependent and subject to change. For current Caltrans District 4 lane closure information click here.

Full Closure SR-4 — Balfour Road to Byron Highway through 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

  • Full closures of the conventional highway sections of SR-4 between Balfour Road and Byron Highway through Marsh Creek Road – for paving operations
  • Full Closures will continue through August 2026 throughout this corridor

Eastbound SR-4 — Hillcrest Avenue to SR-160 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.

  • Alternating closures of lanes #3 and #4
  • Hillcrest Avenue on-ramp to eastbound SR-4 — CLOSED for drainage improvements

Westbound SR-4 Ramp Closures 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

  • Sand Creek Road on-ramp to westbound SR-4 — CLOSED for guardrail work
  • Balfour Road on-ramp to westbound SR-4 — CLOSED for guardrail work
  • Balfour Road off-ramp from westbound SR-4 — CLOSED for electrical work

Eastbound SR-4 Balfour Road Off-Ramp 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.

  • Balfour Road off-ramp from eastbound SR-4 — CLOSED for electrical work

Please note complete closures, as well as lane and ramp closures, will continue along SR-4 Sunday through Thursday nights as construction progresses. The westbound SR-4 closures are expected to reopen by 5:00 a.m., while the eastbound SR-4 to closures are expected to reopen by 8:00 a.m.

Traveling through the SR-4 corridor tonight? Plan ahead and expect delays. Please follow posted detours, allow extra travel time and slow down when approaching crews and equipment. Your attention behind the wheel helps everyone working along the highway get home safely.

Check QuickMap.dot.ca.gov before you head out.

State Route 4 Detour Information for Full Closure

  • Eastbound SR-4 from Antioch, Pittsburg, and Martinez towards Discovery and Stockton: The detour begins at Balfour Road. Take the Balfour Road exit, turn left on Balfour Road, turn right onto Brentwood Boulevard or continue Balfour Road, then turn right into Byron, follow SR-4.
  • Westbound SR-4 from Discovery Bay and Stockton towards Martinez / Antioch/Oakland: The detour begins at the Byron, turn left onto Brentwood Boulevard, turn left into Balfour Road or continue Byron Highway, turn left into Balfour Road, continue Balfour Road, turn right onto the westbound SR-4 on-ramp, and continue on SR-4.
  • Westbound Vasco Road towards Martinez/Antioch/Oakland: The detour begins at Walnut Boulevard. Turn right on to Walnut Boulevard, turn left onto Balfour Road, continue Balfour Road, turn right onto the west-bound SR-4 on-ramp, and continue to SR-4.
  • Eastbound from Martinez/ Antioch Oakland to Livermore: The detour begins at Balfour exit. Left on Balfour Road, continue Balfour Road, take left turn into Walnut Boulevard, turn left Vasco Road, continue Vasco Road.

All work is weather dependent and subject to change.

This paving project is tentatively scheduled to be completed by Summer 2027.

Drivers may experience minor delays and are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time. For 24/7 traffic updates, follow 511.org on Twitter. For real-time traffic, visit Caltrans QuickMap at Quickmap.dot.ca.gov. To view more D4 Projects, visit: Caltrans D4 Traffic Advisory Publications.

Caltrans thanks the public for their patience and cooperation during these necessary closures and improvements. Your understanding helps keep our crew members and roadways safe for everyone.

 

CHP Contra Costa to deploy Motorcycle Safety Enforcement on I-80, elsewhere Aug. 20

By Leave a Comment

Photo: CHP Contra Costa

Entitled “Get Educated and Ride Safe” (GEARS) VIII – countywide through Sept. 30

141 crashes, 29 major injuries, 5 fatalities involving motorcycles in Contra Costa in 2025

By Officer Daniel Gilmore, PIO, CHP Contra Costa Area

CONTRA COSTA, Calif. – In an effort to reduce the number of motorcycle crashes, California Highway Patrol (CHP) Contra Costa Area will deploy additional officers August 20, 2026, on Interstate 80, and unincorporated roadways in Contra Costa County. Officers will look for violations by both motorcycle riders and drivers that make roads dangerous for other traffic, including unsafe speed, following too closely, unsafe lane changes, and improper turning.

Motorcycle-involved crashes continue to be a major concern for the CHP Contra Costa Area. From January 2025 through December 2025, provisional statistical data revealed there were 141 crashes involving motorcycles within our jurisdiction. Of those crashes, 29 involved major injuries, and five resulted in fatalities.

Funding for these operations is provided by a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Titled “Get Educated and Ride Safe (GEARS) VIII, the grant funding assists the CHP in reducing deadly and serious injury crashes involving motorcycles. The CHP Contra Costa Area will continue to deploy additional enforcement efforts through September 30, 2026.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Public Information Officer D. Gilmore, at (925) 586-1879.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service and Security.

BBB warns Bay Area consumers about BG Wealth Sharing and DSJ Exchange investment operation

By 1 Comment

Adults age 65 and older lost almost $70,000

By Alma Galvan, Regional Marketing & Communications Director, Better Business Bureau San Francisco Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers about an alleged cryptocurrency investment operation involving BG Wealth Sharing LTD and the DSJ Exchange platform.

Since May 2026 BBB has received several Scam Tracker reports from local Bay Area consumers who reported losing a combined $69,706.60. All reports were submitted by adults age 65 or older from Alameda and San Francisco counties.

According to the reports, consumers were introduced to the opportunity through relatives, friends, or local recruiters. Four consumers reported attending presentations at a Denny’s restaurant in Hayward, where participants were shown how to open and fund accounts and use trading “signals” or codes on the DSJ Exchange platform.

Consumers reported initially depositing between $2,000 and $5,000 through cash or cryptocurrency. Some said they gave cash to another participant or intermediary who converted it to cryptocurrency and funded their DSJ account.

The consumers described seeing their account balances increase as they copied and pasted trading codes provided through an online group. Some reported being promised daily returns, bonuses, or additional trading signals for recruiting new participants.

When consumers attempted to withdraw their earnings, however, they reported that withdrawals were frozen or unavailable. Several said they were instructed to pay an additional “tax” equal to 12% of the total balance displayed in their account before their funds could be released.

One consumer reported that a $5,000 initial deposit appeared to grow to more than $24,600. The consumer was then instructed to pay nearly $3,000 more before attempting a withdrawal. The consumer refused to pay and reported being unable to access the displayed balance.

“Consumers should never have to send additional money or cryptocurrency to pay a supposed tax before withdrawing their own funds,” said Alma Galvan, Regional Marketing and Communications Director for BBB SF Bay Area. “A growing balance displayed on an investment platform does not necessarily mean that the money exists or can be withdrawn. Be especially cautious when an opportunity relies on recruiting friends and family or promises unusually consistent returns.”

The reports received by BBB are consistent with concerns raised by securities regulators in several states. The Texas State Securities Board issued an emergency cease-and-desist order involving BG Wealth Sharing and DSJ Exchange, alleging an operation that used recruitment incentives, misleading account dashboards, withdrawal restrictions, and demands for an additional 12% “exit tax” or “compliance fee.”

The State of Hawaii also issued a preliminary cease-and-desist order alleging that BG Wealth Sharing and certain promoters solicited and offered unregistered securities. Securities regulators in Utah and Washington have issued investor warnings regarding BG Wealth Sharing and DSJ Exchange.

BBB cautions that this warning concerns BG Wealth Sharing LTD and the DSJ Exchange platform described in the reports and regulatory actions. It should not be confused with unrelated businesses that use similar names.

BBB recommends the following precautions:

  • Verify the investment and seller are properly registered.
  • Be skeptical of guaranteed or unusually consistent returns.
  • Research opportunities independently, even when recommended by someone you trust.
  • Avoid investments that reward recruitment.
  • Never give cash to someone to invest on your behalf.
  • Do not pay additional taxes or fees to withdraw funds.
  • Be cautious of unfamiliar platforms; displayed profits may be fabricated.

Consumers who believe they have lost money should immediately stop sending funds and contact their bank, cryptocurrency exchange, or payment provider. Preserve screenshots, messages, transaction records, wallet addresses, receipts, and information about anyone involved. BBB encourages consumers to submit scram reports to:

Victims should also be alert for recovery scams. Individuals claiming that they can hack a blockchain, retrieve cryptocurrency, or recover lost funds in exchange for an upfront payment may be attempting to victimize them a second time.

ABOUT BBB: Better Business Bureau‘s mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust by setting standards for ethical business behavior, encouraging and supporting best practices, celebrating marketplace role models, calling out and addressing substandard marketplace behavior, and creating a community of trustworthy businesses and charities.

 

CHP recovers over $1 million in stolen goods during National Organized Retail Crime Blitz

By Leave a Comment

A suspect is arrested in the Bay Area after attempting to steal multiple items and Organized Retail Crime Blitz statistics. Photos & source: CHP

By Jaime Coffee, Director of Communications Office of Media Relations, CHP

SACRAMENTO — The California Highway Patrol (CHP) continues to make steady progress in dismantling organized retail crime networks throughout the state. Recently, the CHP joined more than 100 law enforcement agencies for a National Organized Retail Crime Blitz, helping recover $1.05 million in stolen goods. Building on last year’s success, this event reaffirms the CHP’s commitment to holding retail theft suspects accountable.

From August 1 through 9, the CHP Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) saturated communities and led coordinated enforcement operations at several businesses, shopping centers and retail stores statewide. Officers proactively identified and apprehended offenders suspected of organized retail theft.

“The impacts of retail theft on businesses and communities are long-lasting. The CHP will continue to dedicate resources to catching perpetrators and holding accountable those who take from businesses and victimize communities.” – CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee

As a result of the CHP’s statewide efforts, officers arrested 97 suspects, including eight on felony charges, and recovered more than 8,500 stolen items valued at approximately $1.05 million.

“The proactive operations conducted during the blitz are a snapshot of the work the Organized Retail Crime Task Force is committed to doing every day,” added Commissioner Duryee. “We will continue to do our part year-round to identify problematic areas, reduce retail theft and make California a safer place to work, live and visit.”

Numerous stolen sneakers recovered during coordinated enforcement efforts in San Diego. A suspect is arrested by the CHP Border Division during the ORC Blitz.

Yearly Progress Snapshot

Looking at the broader picture, the blitz builds on years of steady enforcement. Since the ORCTF’s inception in 2019, the CHP has been involved in more than 4,700 investigations, resulting in more than 5,300 arrests and the recovery of more than 1.6 million stolen items valued at more than $76.6 million as of July 30.

In the first seven months of 2026, the CHP made nearly 350 retail theft arrests, investigated more than 280 incidents, and assisted partner agencies with more than 80 investigations, recovering an estimated $6.7 million in stolen goods.

Organized retail crime affects more than businesses. It can impact employees, consumers and the communities where these businesses operate. The CHP will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to disrupt organized retail crime and protect California’s communities.

Officers arrest a retail theft suspect during a series of proactive blitz operations in Roseville, Lodi and Stockton.

Organized Retail Theft Program

In response to AB 1065, the CHP, in consultation with the DOJ, developed a task force concept to work with allied agencies to combat organized retail theft. The CHP encourages victims of organized retail crime to use the tip link resource located on this page to report qualifying incident(s)

Beginning in 2019, Assembly Bill (AB) 1065 required the Department of the California Highway Patrol (CHP), until July 1, 2021, to coordinate with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to convene a regional property crimes task force to identify geographic areas experiencing increased levels of property crimes and assist local law enforcement with resources, such as personnel and equipment.  The recent passage of Assembly Bill 331 will extend the operation of the regional property crimes task force until January 1, 2026.

As reported by the National Retail Federation, organized retail theft accounts for nearly $30 billion in economic loss per year.  This loss is carried by retailers on several levels but is ultimately passed on to consumers through price inflation to offset economic loss.  While the problem is most commonly associated with shoplifting, it extends well beyond into associated organized criminal activity.  Commercial burglary, vehicle burglary, identity theft, credit card fraud, forgery, and fencing (selling or distribution of) stolen property are part of a bigger picture that finance ongoing criminal operations.

A trunk full of stolen items was recovered and multiple stolen items recovered from a Target as a result of proactive operations throughout Bakersfield and Turlock.

In response to AB 1065, the CHP, in consultation with the DOJ, developed a task force concept to work with allied agencies to combat organized retail theft.  Three regional task forces, known as Organized Retail Crime Task Forces (ORCTF), were established by the CHP in five field Divisions with the greatest need for immediate action:  Golden Gate Division (encompassing the greater Bay Area), Southern Division (encompassing the greater Los Angeles region), Border Division (encompassing Orange and San Diego counties), Valley Division (encompassing the greater Sacramento area and surrounding counties), and Central Division (encompassing the San Joaquin Valley).

The CHP encourages victims of organized retail crime to report qualifying incident(s) which are covered under California Penal Code Section 490.4, Organized Retail Theft.

Click here to report organized retail theft

Click here for more information on the CHP’s Organized Retail Theft Program.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service and Security.

Pittsburg Police Department promotes three to new leadership positions

By Leave a Comment

New Pittsburg Police Department Captain Will Hatcher, Lieutenant Cory Smith and Sergeant Jerry Sanchez. Photos: Pittsburg PD

By Toni Baldazo, City of Pittsburg Community Engagement Officer

This week was an exciting week for the Pittsburg Police Department as Chief Phil Galer held an oath of office ceremony recognizing three well-deserved promotions. Please join us in congratulating Captain Will Hatcher, Lieutenant Cory Smith and Sergeant Jerry Sanchez, Jr.

Captain Will Hatcher

Captain William Hatcher began his career with the Pittsburg Police Department more than two decades ago. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2013 and served several key leadership assignments, including SWAT Team Leader and supervisor of the Street Team, Narcotics Unit, and Investigations Division. In 2021, he was promoted to Lieutenant, serving as a Watch Commander, SWAT Commander, and overseeing both the Administrative Services and Investigations divisions.

Captain Hatcher is a graduate of the Sherman Block Leadership Institute and California POST Command College and holds two master’s degrees in criminal justice and public safety leadership. In January 2027, he will represent the Pittsburg Police Department at the FBI National Academy.

Throughout his career, Captain Hatcher has remained committed to serving the Pittsburg community and the men and women of the Department. As he begins his new role as Captain, he looks forward to continuing to lead with integrity, developing, and investing in others, and contributing to the Department’s continued progress and a safer, stronger Pittsburg.

Pittsburg Police Chief Phil Galer administers the oath of office to the three department leaders on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026. Photo: Pittsburg PD

Lieutenant Cory Smith

Cory Smith began his career in public service nearly 25 years ago, serving four years on active duty with the United States Air Force, including overseas deployments in support of combat operations. Following his military service, Cory pursued a career in law enforcement and was sworn in as a Pittsburg Police Officer in 2006.

During his 20 years with the Pittsburg Police Department, Cory has served numerous specialized assignments, including Field Training Officer, Honor Guard member, Perimeter Response Team member, Tactical Medic, SWAT Operator, and Motor Officer. In 2021, Cory promoted to Sergeant, serving as a Patrol Supervisor, SWAT Team Leader, and supervisor of the Special Investigations Unit. He later joined Professional Standards as the Hiring and Training Sergeant, FTO Coordinator, and Department Training Coordinator, where he focused on developing personnel, strengthening recruitment and training, and improving Department operations.

Throughout his career, Cory has remained committed to developing others, strengthening the Pittsburg Police Department, and serving the community. As he promotes to Lieutenant, he looks forward to continuing that commitment and leading with the values that have guided him throughout his career: trust, accountability, and investing in people.

Pittsburg Police Chief Phil Galer (send from left) is joined by newly promoted department leaders, Sgt. Jerry Sanchez, Lt. Cory Smith and Captain Will Hatcher after being sworn in. Photo: Pittsburg PD

Sergeant Jerry Sanchez

Jerry Sanchez joined the Pittsburg Police Department in August 2021, bringing eight years of law enforcement experience and a strong personal connection to the Pittsburg community. Since joining the Department, Jerry has served as a Field Training Officer, Traffic Officer, Fatal Collision Investigator, SWAT Team member, and Marine Patrol Team member.

Prior to joining Pittsburg PD, Jerry began his law enforcement career with the Oakland Police Department in 2013. During this time, Jerry served as a Motor Officer, EVOC instructor, Patrol Rifle Officer, Field Training Officer, Traffic Investigator, and SWAT Team member.

Jerry has twice been elected President of the Pittsburg Police Officers’ Association, reflecting the trust and confidence of his peers. As he promotes to Sergeant, Jerry looks forward to using his experience to mentor and develop officers, support those he leads, and continue commitment of service to the Pittsburg community.

A post on the Department’s Facebook page on Monday, Aug. 17th reads, “Today was a proud day for the Pittsburg Police Department as Chief Phil Galer held a promotional swearing-in ceremony recognizing three well-deserved promotions. Each of these leaders has demonstrated dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to serving our Department and the Pittsburg community. Congratulations on your well-earned promotions! We look forward to your continued leadership and service to our Pittsburg community!

The Pittsburg Police Department has no greater honor than to keep our citizens safe and to serve our community. We pledge to continue our partnership with the community, build valued relationships based on mutual respect and open dialog through professionalism, excellence and trust. For more information visit Police Department | City of Pittsburg.