Contra Costa Herald

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

37 arrests in Richmond during week of Jan. 29 – Feb. 4, 2024

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Source: Richmond PD

For armed robberies, stolen vehicles, gun charges, more

By Richmond Police Department

PATROL ACTIVITY REPORT – WEEKLY OVERVIEW:

JANUARY 29 – FEBRUARY 4, 2024

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

1/29 – ARMED ROBBERY

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

1/30 – RECKLESS DRIVING

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

1/31 – STOLEN VEHICLE – RECOVERY

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

2/1 – ROBBERY

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

2/2 – NEGLIGENT DISCHARGE OF A FIREARM

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

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

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

2/2 – STOLEN VEHICLE – RECOVERY

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

2/2 – ROBBERY

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

2/2 – HOME INVASION ROBBERY

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

2/4 – ARMED ROBBERY

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

 

Victim in Sunday fatal crash on Hwy 242 in Concord identified

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By CHP – Contra Costa

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

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

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

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Pittsburg woman arrested for shoplifting in Brentwood

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

Has history of arrests dating to 2013

By Brentwood Police Department

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

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

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

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

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

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

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

California State Parks releases Strategic Plan to further strengthen system, recreational programs

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Source: CA State Parks

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) has developed a five-year strategic plan to help shape the future direction of the state park system and the many recreational and conservation programs that serve California’s communities.

Named Path Forward, the strategic plan aligns with Governor Gavin Newsom’s Equity Executive Order N-16-22, 30X30 and Outdoor Access for All initiatives and will guide State Parks in strengthening operations to focus on key priorities and directing energy and resources toward meeting the goals and objectives. The themes, goals, and objectives in the plan are based on the foundational elements of access, inclusivity, and equity to provide optimal public service, strengthen partnership development, and empower the department’s workforce.

“The Path Forward strategic plan is about resilience and focusing on how we prepare the department for the century ahead,” stated State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “California needs these natural and cultural resources for everyone’s wellbeing. State Parks leadership, employees, and partners are committed to caring for your California. This is where you live.”

An employee workgroup composed of more than 100 frontline staff, managers, and supervisors representing all field regions, headquarters, and all program areas, was assembled to develop the Path Forward Plan. The vision, themes, goals, objectives, and core values were created and refined over several virtual meetings and reviewed by a partner and stakeholder advisory committee, employees, commissions, and executive staff along the way.

The input and perspective of stakeholders and partners helped to inform the final version of the plan and to ensure that the future of State Parks reflects the diverse experiences and priorities represented in the State of California.

Two factors set Path Forward apart from previous change efforts. Department staff from all levels developed the plan with input from partners, rather than an executive team taking a top-down approach. The second factor will begin in winter 2024 and involves an actionable implementation plan led by a committee made up of key leaders representing all program areas. The implementation plan includes interdisciplinary teams to carry out and manage projects tied to the goals and objectives of the plan. These teams will use a designated project management tool to develop specific plans, timelines, and evaluation metrics to achieve each goal. The teams will provide regular progress and status updates.

By using this strategic plan as a guide, a course of action has been developed to support State Parks in meeting challenges. The plan will also create new strategies for institutional growth and optimization.

With 280 park units, California’s State Park System is a world-class network of incomparable lands, waters, and features vitally important to the well-being of the state’s environment, economy, and people. State Parks manages these precious natural and cultural resources while providing hundreds of recreational and conservation programs and services for millions of Californians and visitors from all over the world.

The Path Forward Plan is available in English and is translatable to several other languages at parks.ca.gov/PathForward.

Pet Food Express launches The Big Fix campaign to support spay, neuter initiatives

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SnugArooz Bix Fix Friends dog and cat toys for the Pet Food Express campaign. Source: Pet Food Express

Sale of exclusive toys from SnugArooz benefits nonprofit clinics throughout California including Animal Rescue Foundation in Contra Costa County to impact animal overpopulation

Pet Food Express, a trusted California pet retailer and advocate for animal welfare, is excited to launch The Big Fix at https://www.petfood.express/bigfix. The new campaign is aimed at impacting animal overpopulation and the overcrowding of animal rescue organizations, as well as bringing awareness to the need for essential spay and neuter services for California’s pets. Available for purchase now online and in stores, customers can get exclusive, limited-edition toys from SnugArooz, known as Big Fix Friends (BFFs), where 50% of the retail price will go directly to 10 nonprofit, public-facing, low-cost, or sliding-scale spay and neuter clinic programs.

“Every year, too many animals suffer due to overpopulation, leading to strained resources and, in some cases, homelessness. The Big Fix is our response to this pressing issue,” Denyelle Bruno, CEO of Pet Food Express stated. “We’re committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of pets and their families.”

The Big Fix nonprofit partners include, Animal Rescue Foundation, Berkeley Humane, Napa Humane, Peninsula Humane Society, Pasadena Humane, Sacramento SPCA, San Francisco SPCA, Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority, Spay Neuter Imperative Project and Valley Humane Society.

“Spay and neuter is the most effective way to fight pet overpopulation and decrease the number of unaltered, homeless, and unwanted pets,” said Lisa Van Buskirk, Senior Vice President at Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, During the last 70 years, we have seen that altering animals has been instrumental in decreasing the number of incoming animals, thereby reducing our euthanasia rate by 99% in San Mateo County.”

The limited-edition Big Fix Friends dog and cat toys retail for $9.99 and $5.99, respectively. For dogs, Fang Cuddlearms features a squeaky body and long, stretchy arms. For cats, Spike Hugface entertains with a catnip and crinkle middle. The Big Fix will continue until all toys are sold out or until the end of the calendar year 2024, whichever comes first.

Spaying and neutering play a crucial role in combating pet overpopulation, reducing the number of homeless and unwanted animals, as well as producing positive effects on pet behavior, health, and longevity.

For more information on Pet Food Express’ Community Programs or to find out how to become an adoption partner, please visit www.petfood.express.

ABOUT PET FOOD EXPRESS

Pet Food Express is California’s trusted pet expert dedicated to helping pets live longer, healthier lives. With a reimagined experience delivered by animal-loving team members, Pet Food Express sells a variety of high quality products that they trust to give their own pets, puts pets above profits, and leads the way as a committed partner to 275+ non-profit animal rescue and shelter organizations annually. Shop and learn more at www.petfood.express. Get social on Facebook and Instagram.

24 arrested, 6 stolen cars and items recovered in San Pablo

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Two stolen cars and items recovered, and fake gun discovered in one of the vehicles by San Pablo Police. Photos: SPPD

By San Pablo Police Department

Teamwork Makes The Dream Work

It was another busy week for officers in San Pablo, as they remained proactive protecting the city. This tremendous effort resulted in 24 arrests and the recovery of six stolen cars! A few snippets for those of you who are curious…

The other day, officers found bad guy driving a stolen car through town. The driver was arrested, and he was found to have thousands of dollars, a cash drawer, gloves, a mask, a fake pistol, bolt cutters and gift cards to FBI Burger in Novato. We decided to call our friends at Novato Police to help put the puzzle pieces together, and sure enough, found out a couple of businesses in Marin County had been recently broken into!

Earlier last week, a few guys tried to steal beer from a local liquor store without paying. When the clerk tried to stop them, they threatened him with a knife and tried to stab him. Thanks to the quick response of our officers, all three men were located and arrested.

On Friday, Feb. 9, officers found another bad guy in a stolen car parked at Nations, which was just stolen from El Cerrito. The thief tried to run but he was quickly apprehended with the help of our four-legged friend, K-9 Riddik. The owner was reunited with her Prius.

To wrap it all up, on Saturday, officers stopped a car wanted by Dixon Police for organized retail theft. Lo and behold, a bunch of stolen loot was located, and the crooks were identified, one of which had a warrant. Needless to say, their getaway vehicle was towed.

This would not have been possible without the partnership and support of our community and fellow law enforcement friends!

 

During election season Save Mt. Diablo sends mailer showing 10-month-old votes by Pittsburg councilmembers

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Mailer from Save Mount Diablo shows how the five Pittsburg councilmembers voted on the Faria housing development last year. Source: Save Mount Diablo

Two running for county supervisor on March 5th ballot; org leader says they have no position in race

By Allen D. Payton

A week before the ballots for the March 5th primary election began arriving in mailboxes, a mailer from Save Mount Diablo (SMD) was sent to all households in Pittsburg asking for public support of their effort to get the council members to reverse their vote last April for Discovery Builders’ hillside housing development. Known as the Faria project, the project includes 1,500 homes on 341 acres with 265 acres of open space on the south side of the city which borders the new Thurgood Marshall Regional Park in Concord.

The mailer reads, “On April 17, 2023, the Pittsburg City Council approved a Master Plan for the Faria/Southwest Hills Annexation Project.” It shows photos of and “aye” votes by then Mayor Shanelle Preston-Scales, Councilmember Jelani Killings, who are both running for county supervisor in the March 5th primary election, as well as Councilmembers Dionne Adams and Angelica Lopez. But the leader of SMD claims they have no position in the race for supervisor. The mailer also shows then-Vice Mayor Juan Antonio Banales who voted to abstain.

In addition, the mailer claims, the “plan…was opposed by thousands of residents, environmentalists and the city Planning Commission, which recommended against the plan.”

Faria project General Plan Land Use map, adopted 4-17-23 (bottom) versus map of the previously adopted General Plan Land Use. Source: City of Pittsburg

Read mailer, here: Save-the-Ridge-Pittsburg-2024 mailer

It’s part of the organization’s campaign, including an online petition, to keep the homes from being built along the ridgeline. The effort has also included a successful lawsuit filed by SMD in May 2021. On February 10, 2022, a Contra Costa County Superior Court judge sided with SMD. Discovery Builders then appealed the decision but lost again when the court ruled in favor of SMD on April 4, 2022 rejecting all of the developer’s arguments. (See related articles here, here and here)

SMD refers to the Faria project as a Seeno development because Discovery Builders is owned and operated by Albert Seeno, III.

On the organization’s website, SMD wrote, “We stopped Faria for two years, but now it’s back” and asks the public to “Save the Ridge!” The organization says, “We’re not opposed to all development; we just think the Pittsburg City Council and the developer should move it off the ridgetop.” SMD claims the project “would also betray the voters who approved Measure P in 2005 and placed the entire site in the protective hillside zoning. Now Seeno wants to change the zoning to bulldoze the steep hills for massive subdivisions. Because the site is almost entirely over 30 percent slope, with substantial parts at 50 to 70 percent slope, Seeno’s proposed new zoning will allow up to 25 times as many houses as the current Measure P zoning that the voters approved.”

Save Mount Diablo’s Save the Ridge 2024 mailer to Pittsburg residents, side 1. Source: SMD

However, according to the City staff report for the agenda item 13 for the April 2023 meeting, “the current General Plan allows for up to 478 acres of residential use and 129 acres of open space.” It also reads, “The proposed amendments would not change the existing maximum development potential (1,500 single family units), but rather would focus the development to the center of the site within the valley area.”

The effort’s webpage further reads, “Thee Pittsburg City Council should SAVE THE RIDGE for everyone and ensure public access to the new regional park for Pittsburg residents.

Save the ridge to keep our area a beautiful and desirable place to live, work, and visit!

Join us and sign our Save Pittsburg Hills/Save Mount Diablo petition urging the Pittsburg City Council to SAVE THE RIDGE and require the Seeno/Discovery Builders Faria development to be relocated off the top of Pittsburg’s ridge.”

Save Mount Diablo’s Save the Ridge 2024 mailer to Pittsburg residents, side 2. Source: SMD

SMD Asked If Attempting to Impact the Election

Questions were sent to SMD’s Executive Director Ted Clement asking when the effort began and why the mailer was sent during election season. He was further asked if it was timed to impact the election of Killings and Scales-Preston in their campaigns for county supervisor.

Clement responded, “We’ve been working to protect the Los Medanos ridge between Concord and Pittsburg for years. That effort is ongoing. We’re working to educate as many people as possible. We don’t have a position on the county supervisor campaigns.”

He was again asked if the mailer was sent to all homes in Pittsburg and if not, how many were mailed. But he did not respond.

Efforts to reach Killings and Preston-Scales asking if they had any comments about the mailer and their votes for the project were unsuccessful, as were efforts to reach Albert Seeno, III or anyone at Discovery Builders for comment.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District mourns death of facility maintenance employee

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Santiago Jacobo was a facility maintenance employee for the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District. Photo source: GoFundMe.

“Santiago (Jacobo) was an all-around good guy and everyone on our team enjoyed working with him” – co-worker

By Jennifer Thoits, Marketing, Communications & Events Manager, City of Pleasant Hill

The Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District (PHRPD) mourns the tragic homicide of Santiago Jacobo, 37, a PHRPD employee who was found deceased on Saturday morning at approximately 4:50 a.m., February 10, 2024, in the main parking lot of Pleasant Hill Park. The park was closed temporarily while police conducted their initial investigation and cleared the area and surrounding buildings. Pleasant Hill Park re-opened Saturday at midday. (See related article)

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by Santiago Jacobo’s death,” said PHRPD General Manager, Michelle Lacy. “PHRPD has been in existence for over 70 years and nothing like this has ever happened before. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife, two children and extended family.”

Jacobo began working for PHRPD in October 2019 and was a dedicated member of PHRPD’s facilities maintenance custodial crew who cleaned and kept the buildings in top shape for the community. Santiago worked weekend and evening shifts as a secondary job to support his family.

“Santiago was an all-around good guy and everyone on our team enjoyed working with him,” said PHRPD Lead Custodian and co-worker, Jose Martinez. “He was dependable, a hard worker and had a great “can-do” attitude. He will be missed.”

Michelle Lacy, General Manager made the announcement to staff early Monday morning and provided therapy and mental health resources for all employees to help cope with sudden loss and traumatic events. Lacy will also meet with staff to identify additional safety protocols that may be necessary to mitigate future risk.

“Our number one priority is the health, safety and well-being of our staff and the public”, said Michelle Lacy. PHRPD is working closely with the Pleasant Hill Police Department on this active homicide investigation. The suspect in this case is currently unknown. If anyone has any information related to this case, please contact the Pleasant Hill Police Department at (925) 288-4630.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by Jacobo’s sister-in-law to support his wife, Mikaela and their two children.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Public Meeting: Federal review of MTC’s role in the Bay Area Feb. 27

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Source: MTC

Every four years, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) must certify that each metropolitan planning organization (MPO) serving a transportation management area (TMA) — a designation by DOT of an urbanized area with a population over 200,000 as defined by the Bureau of the Census or smaller urbanized areas on request by the Governor and MPO — is carrying out the metropolitan planning process in adherence with federal statutes and regulations. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) conduct a review of the metropolitan planning process within each TMA and jointly issue this certification on behalf of the DOT Secretary, in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 5303(k).

The FHWA and the FTA are hosting a public meeting as part of MTC’s certification review. This public meeting is an opportunity for Bay Area residents to directly address FHWA and FTA officials concerning your views on the transportation planning process in the San Francisco–Oakland metropolitan area. Participants can attend in person or via Zoom or submit written comments.

The meeting is scheduled for:

Tuesday, February 27, 2024, from 4:30–5:30 p.m.Bay Area Metro Center, Yerba Buena Conference Room, First Floor375  Beale Street, San Francisco, CA 94105Participate on ZoomWebinar ID: 863 1915 0671iPhone One-Tap:

+13462487799,,86319150671# US (Houston)+12532158782,,86319150671# US (Tacoma)

Join by Telephone (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):

+1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)833 548 0282 US Toll Free877 853 5247 US Toll Free

Detailed instructions on participating via Zoom are available at:mtc.ca.gov/how-provide-public-comment-board-meeting-zoomMembers of the public participating by Zoom wishing to speak should use the “raise hand” feature or dial *9. When called upon, unmute yourself or dial *6. In order to get the full Zoom experience, please make sure your application is up to date.

This public meeting  is part of a review that will assess compliance with federal regulations pertaining to the transportation planning process conducted by MTC, the California Department of Transportation, transit operators and local jurisdictions in the San Francisco–Oakland metropolitan area.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, written comments may be submitted via email to Cert.Review@dot.gov.Written comments also can be mailed to:

Federal Highway Administration, California Division650 Capitol Mall, Suite 4-100Sacramento, CA 95814-4708OrFederal Transit Administration, Region  IX90 Seventh Street, Suite 15-300San Francisco, CA 94103-6701

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Winners of first Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition winners announced

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Competition founder Maya Hammerman with second place winner Ronen Jain, third place winner Archit Kundu and first place winner Fatimah Hussain holding their ceremonial checks, as the other finalists look on following the Finalist Pitch Event on Tues., Feb. 6, 2024. Source: Contra Costa Shark Tank

Three winners receive $1,750 in prizes at Finalist Pitch Event

By Maya Hammerman, Founder, Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition

Three winners were declared in the first Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition. The competition, open to all Contra Costa County students in grades Kindergarten through 12th grade, is a fun way to promote youth entrepreneurship.

“The Finalist Pitch Event was a wonderful culmination of over a year of planning to bring the competition to life,” explains high school junior Maya Hammerman, the competition founder and one of the judges. “The ten finalists did an incredible job presenting their businesses to the judges and community members at the sold-out event. They have inspired many young people in our county to explore entrepreneurship.”

First Place

The first-place prize of $1,000 was awarded to Fatimah Hussain, a senior at Dougherty Valley High School, for her business Workout Wizard. “From the moment I got the finalist letter to the day I presented on the Contra Costa Shark Tank’s stage, the entrepreneurship journey has been extremely rewarding,” said Hussain. “To win the first-place prize is a dream come true, and I hope to continue inspiring fellow youth entrepreneurs to follow their passions and never give up. The best time to build a business is now, so what are you waiting for?”

Second Place

The second-place prize of $500 was awarded to Ronen Jain, a sophomore at Monte Vista High School, for his business ElderSafe. “I’m beyond thrilled to be one of the winners of this competition after the countless hours I’ve spent perfecting my app,” said Jain. “It was super exciting to get direct feedback from the judges and attendees about my business and how they would use it.”

Third Place

The third-place prize of $250 was awarded to Archit Kundu, a 5th grade student at Bella Vista Elementary School, for his business Experimental Kids. “Contra Costa Shark Tank is a great opportunity and winning third place gives me the confidence to take this business to the next level and make STEM learning fun for all the kids (5- 12 years old),” said Kundu. “Also, it was a learning experience to present my views in front of such great judges and such a large audience.”

Learn more about all the finalists, here and here.

See video of the Finalist Pitch Event. For more video and photos from the event visit www.contracostasharktank.org.

Follow on Instagram to stay updated on future competitions.

Sponsors for the competition include Chevron, Visa, PG&E, Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, Girls Crushing It, and Campolindo Parents Club.