Contra Costa Herald

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

Antioch Police Department concludes 3-year National Public Safety Partnership

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Focused on gun violence, modernizing technology, increased community collaboration mark key gains

By Antioch Police Department

The Antioch Police Department (APD) announced on Oct. 10, 2025, (but released to the public on Nov. 26), the successful conclusion of its three-year partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance through the National Public Safety Partnership (PSP). The initiative supported APD with evidence-based strategies, federal expertise, and no-cost training and technical assistance to reduce violent crime while deepening collaboration between officers and the community.

First announced in Oct. 2021, the City of Antioch was one of 10 new cities selected nationwide to participate in the program. To be considered for selection, a site must have sustained levels of violence that far exceed the national average and demonstrate a commitment to reducing crime and enhancing community engagement.

“PSP gave us a roadmap to modernize how we fight violent crime through strategy and technology, and how we show up for our community. We built transparent, data-informed practices, strengthened our approach to investigating shootings, and expanded real-time feedback so residents’ voices shape our work. The result is a team approach—officers and neighbors working side by side to make Antioch a safer place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Chief Joe Vigil.

“This partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice helped Antioch invest in what works—open data and accountability, smarter technology, and meaningful community engagement,” said City Manager Bessie Scott. “We’re proud of the progress APD has made and equally proud that residents are true partners in public safety. I believe these are long-lasting improvements that will continue to build trust and deliver safer neighborhoods across our city,”

APD’s PSP work centered on three pillars: violence reduction, community engagement and enhanced crime analysis.

KEY RESULTS

  1. Reducing Violence: A more precise roadmap for investigating shootings and preventing retaliation.  Technology upgrades: Deploying ShotSpotter gunfire detection across nearly four square miles; expanding Flock safety cameras with regional data-sharing; rolling out new body-worn cameras, updated tasers, and an Internal Affairs tracking system. Training modernization: Scenario-based, high-pressure simulations and de-escalation training to improve decision-making and outcomes. Stronger coordination: Quarterly collaboration with federal, state, and regional partners—including ATF, U.S. Marshals, and district attorneys—to align enforcement and prevention strategies.
  2. Community Engagement: Strengthening relationships, trust, and collaboration Open data and transparency: Launched a public open data portal to improve transparency and access to information. Real-time feedback: Implemented SPIDR Tech to gather real-time feedback after officer–community interactions, helping APD listen and respond to resident concerns. Community Survey: Developing a citywide community survey (with planned academic partnership) to ensure police services reflect community needs and values. Academic partnerships: established research partners to support research and evaluation of the new Stolen Vehicle initiative.
  3. Enhancing Crime Analysis: Making crime data actionable at the operational level. Expanded crime mapping and analysis to identify and address trends; weekly briefings now share real-time data and emerging patterns with all officers. Proactive deployment: Using data to position resources to address developing crime patterns.  A more robust Crime Analysis Unit: Producing strategic and tactical products for patrol and investigations; integrating non-traditional city data (e.g., public health and EMS map layers).  Capacity and skills: Hiring underway for an additional analyst; expanded training and networking via the International Association of Crime Analysts, regional groups, and BJA’s Analysis Toolkit.  Embedding analysts: CAU participation in investigation and patrol briefings ensures data drives deployment and case strategy.

About the National Public Safety Partnership

The National Public Safety Partnership (PSP) is a U.S. Department of Justice program coordinated by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). It provides intensive, customized training to communities facing serious challenges related to violent crime. PSP helps local law enforcement and prosecutors build capacity to reduce violent crime through data-driven strategies, federal partnerships, and community engagement. The program does not provide direct funding but leverages federal expertise and resources to support sustainable public safety improvements in participating cities.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Search warrant for possession of child porn leads to arrest, hazardous materials response in Antioch

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Walnut Creek PD Bomb Squad, Con Fire respond

By Lt. Drew Olson, Walnut Creek Police Department

This morning, Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Walnut Creek Police Detectives, in coordination with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, served a search warrant at a residence in the 1600 block of Lipton Street in Antioch as part of an ongoing investigation.

One individual was arrested on suspicion of possession of child pornography.

During the search, detectives discovered suspected illegal fireworks. The WCPD Bomb Squad was requested to respond for safe collection and assessment. Upon arrival, bomb technicians identified materials requiring further evaluation, prompting a response from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District’s Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) team.

Antioch Police posted a warning to Avoid the Area on social media with the message, “Avoid the area of Lipton Street at Trembath Lane due to an active hazmat response. Earlier this morning, a neighboring agency investigating in the area located items of concern. Out of an abundance of caution, the bomb squad was notified, and they are currently on scene. At this time, we do not believe there is any threat to the public.”

Both the WCPD Bomb Squad and CFD Hazmat have since cleared the scene. There is no ongoing threat to public safety. No further details are being released at this time due to the active nature of the investigation.

Case #: 25-36520

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

E-Bikes vs. E-Motorcycles: Why the differences matter

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Source: Pleasant Hill PD

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

E-Bikes can achieve speeds of 20 mph – 28 mph, depending on their classification. Riders of any age can legally ride a Class 1 and Class 2 e-bike in Contra Costa County, but all riders under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet. Class 3 e-bike riders are required by law to be at least 16-years of age, and helmets are required for ALL Class 3 riders, regardless of age.

E-Motorcycles are, in essence, the same as a standard motorcycle in terms of speed, regulations and the law surrounding their usage. E-motorcycle riders are required by law to have a drivers license with a motorcycle endorsement, as well as motorist insurance. In addition, e-motorcycles must be registered with the CA DMV and have a license plate affixed. Given this, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to ride on an e-motorcycle, and those over 16 years old will need to be in possession of the correct license, insurance and registration requirements.

For both e-bicycles and e-motorcycles, riders must educate themselves on the rules of the road, including but not limited to adhering to the speed limit, obeying street signage (including stop lights), yielding to pedestrians, and refraining from using these devices in areas where prohibited. Failure to adhere to the rules and laws surrounding the use of e-bikes and e-motorcycles may result in citation, arrest and /or the confiscation of the device.

Know the differences. Know the law. Ride responsibly.

Maya Cinemas begins annual drive to raise funds for local food banks

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Get 2 movie passes for each donation of $10 or more – Nov. 26-Dec. 23

BREA, CA 11/25/25 – Maya Cinemas, known for developing movie theatres in underserved communities with state-of-the-art presentation, first-class amenities and community involvement, is offering 2 free movies passes for every $10 donation to a local food bank. Beginning on November 26th and running through December 23rd, movie-goers can donate at any Maya Cinema and receive 2 free movie passes (valid 1/1/26 – 2/28/26) for every $10 they donate. Donations are made through the Maya Community Foundation and 100% of proceeds go directly to the food banks supported.

Donations can be made in-theatre at any of Maya’s six locations:

Pittsburg – 4085 Century Boulevard, Pittsburg, CA 94565

Bakersfield – 1000 California Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93304

Delano – 401 Woollomes Avenue, Delano, CA 93215

Fresno – 3090 East Campus Pointe Drive, Fresno, CA 93710

North Las Vegas – 2195 North Las Vegas Blvd., North Las Vegas, NV 89030

Salinas – 153 Main Street, Salinas, CA 93901

“We are thrilled to bring this fundraiser back again. This year, more than ever, our community food banks need funding support. Maya Cinemas is a proud part of the community and happy to have the resources to implement a program like this.” said Greg Heckmann, Director of Marketing at Maya Cinemas.

ABOUT MAYA CINEMAS

Maya Cinemas was chartered in 2000 with a mission to develop, build, own and operate modern, first-run, multi-plex movie theaters in underserved, family oriented, Latino-dominant communities.  Maya Cinemas offers first-run Hollywood movies and unique content through its Canal Maya program in high-end theaters focused on quality of design, state-of-the-art film presentation technology, and providing first-rate entertainment with superior customer service.  The Maya Community Foundation is dedicated to the development and enrichment of the lives of people in the community in which Maya Cinemas serve.

For more information visit www.mayacinemas.com and for showtimes in Pittsburg visit www.mayacinemas.com/location/individual/500.

Rep. DeSaulnier to host Town Hall on improving transportation, education in San Ramon Dec. 6

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By Mairead Glowacki, Communications Director, Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

Walnut Creek, CA – Today, Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced that he will host a town hall in San Ramon to discuss improving transportation and education in the East Bay on Saturday, December 6th from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT.

As a senior member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Education and Workforce, Congressman DeSaulnier will provide updates on his work to improve quality of life in the East Bay by reducing commute times and supporting families, students, and public education. He will also take questions from constituents.

“Two of the issues that impact people’s lives most are transportation and education,” DeSaulnier said. “I’ll highlight my work as a senior member of @EdWorkforceDems and @TransportDems and how I’m working to reduce commutes, make transportation safer, and invest in quality public education to make life better for our whole community.”

Town Hall on Improving Transportation and Education in the East Bay

Saturday, December 6th

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT

Live Oak Elementary School

5151 Sherwood Way, San Ramon

The event is open to the public and press. To RSVP or request special accommodations, visit https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660. Please note that space is limited.

This will be Congressman DeSaulnier’s 253rd town hall and mobile district office hour since coming to Congress in January 2015.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Skip the malls, Hit the trails: Enjoy free park day on Green Friday Nov. 28

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Photo: EBRPD

Enjoy a free, family-friendly adventure in the East Bay Regional Parks

Includes Volunteer Planting Opportunity at Contra Loma and Hike at Black Diamond Mines in Antioch

By Jen Vanya, Public Information Specialist, Public Affairs, EBRPD

For more than a decade, the East Bay Regional Park District has encouraged the community to embrace Green Friday—the day after Thanksgiving—as an opportunity to get outside, enjoy fresh air, and reconnect with nature in the East Bay Regional Parks.

“Green Friday is a healthy and meaningful way to spend the day after Thanksgiving,” said Jessica Sloan, the Park District’s volunteer program supervisor. “It’s a chance to enjoy time with family and friends in the outdoors or give back by participating in one of our volunteer clean-up projects. However you choose to spend it, the day is all about celebrating and caring for our natural spaces.”

On Green Friday, November 28, all Park District entrance and park use fees are waived, including parking, boat launching, and fishing, as well as entrance to Ardenwood Historic Farm. Fees are still in effect for state fishing licenses, watercraft inspections, and concessionaires, such as the Tilden Merry-Go-Round.

Green Friday is part of the #OptOutside movement to promote health-focused alternatives to Black Friday shopping.

Green Friday activities in Regional Parks include:

  • Volunteer Planting Opportunity, 9 a.m. at Contra Loma in Antioch (registration requested)
  • Green Friday Hike, 9 a.m. at Black Diamond Mines in Antioch
  • Green Friday Hike Amongst the Trees, 9 a.m. at Reinhardt Redwood in Oakland
  • Green Friday Gratitude Hike, 10 a.m. at Sunol Wilderness in Sunol
  • Green Friday Hike, 10:30 a.m. at Coyote Hills in Fremont

For more information about these and additional activities, visit www.ebparks.org/green-friday.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Martinez woman arrested, charged for stabbing daughter to death

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36-year-old Brittney Kazee suspected of killing 19-year-old Shaniyah Kazee

Held on $2 million bail

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

Martinez, California – A Martinez woman has been charged with murder after stabbing her daughter, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office announced today, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025.

36-year-old Brittney Evanna Kazee (born 6/10/1989) faces one felony count of murder [PC 187(a)] with a deadly

weapon enhancement for using a knife in the commission of the offense [PC 12022(b)(1)].

Kazee was arrested on November 18, 2025, by Martinez Police after officers responded to a report of an altercation between two females at an apartment complex on the 100 block of Fig Tree Lane around 1:40 p.m.

One of the females, identified as 19-year-old Shaniyah Kazee, was found unconscious with a wound to her stomach area when officers arrived. She was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

Brittney Kazee is set to be arraigned on charges on November 24th at 1:30 pm in Martinez. She currently remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, two-inch tall, 152-pound suspect is listed as Black and being held on $2 million bail.

More details of the incident are provided in a KRON 4 News report.

Case No. 01-25-04149 | The People of the State of California v. Brittney Evanna Kazee

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Oakley on Ice Grand Opening Nov. 22

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Opens today, Friday, Nov. 21

By City of Oakley

It’s opening day for Oakley on Ice, our brand-new seasonal ice-skating experience located in the parking lot directly behind the Mercantile Building at 3350 Main Street.
This magical new attraction is proudly brought to you by Got a Party Inc., in partnership with the City of Oakley. Together, we’ve turning downtown into a sparkling winter wonderland, right in the heart of Oakley!

The Grand Opening will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 4:45 p.m. and will feature a performance by the San Francisco Ice Theatre.

Oakley on Ice is located at 3350 Main Street, behind the Mercantile Building. More information: https://oakleyonice.com/.

Pleasant Hill Holiday Theft Suppression begins! 16 people arrested for retail theft

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Four of the 16 individuals arrested for retail theft in Pleasant Hill. Photos: Pleasant Hill PD

7 adults from Concord, 2 from San Pablo, 1 each from Brentwood, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Richmond & Vallejo and 2 juvies from Berkeley

Many have histories of arrest, some as many as 10 to 21 times

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

As we’ve entered the holiday shopping season, we continued our special theft suppression enforcement efforts with local retailers throughout the city. Officers worked together with loss prevention to arrest 16 people in two evening operations occurring within the last week. Those who qualified under new laws have had formal charges filed by the District Attorney’s Office related to these operations. All other cases will be sent to the district attorney for review. Two juvenile arrests (residents of Berkeley) were not included below.

Many have histories of arrest, some as many as 10, 17 and 21 times.

Stolen items, a knife and tools used in the retail thefts seized by police during the operation. Photos: Pleasant Hill PD

Juis Lara 37 – Brentwood – According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of nine arrests since 2018 for drugs, burglary and more.

Margarita Bravo 38 –Concord

Rosalinda Leach 37 – Concord – According to localcrimenews.com, she has a history of 11 arrests since 2021 for vehicle theft, hit-and-run, grand theft, using stolen ID’s, check fraud, drugs and more.

Jose Navarro 46 – Concord

Johan Omar-Matchusa 25 – Concord

Alexis Pellette 34 – Concord – According to localcrimenews.com, an Alexis Coquette Pellette was previously arrested three times, once for assault and twice for assault with a deadly weapon.

Clara Sanchez 35 –Concord

Maria Rogel 35 – Concord

Christina Mendivil 47 – Pittsburg – According to localcrimenews.com, she has a history of 10 arrests since 2014 for child cruelty, vehicle theft, petty theft, receiving stolen property, drugs and more.

Daniel Garcia-Vasquez 28 – Pleasant Hill – According to localcrimenews.com, he was previously arrested in 2022 for possession of burglar’s tools and drugs.

Stacie Gaskins 47 – Richmond – According to localcrimenews.com, she has a history of 20 arrests since 2015 for vehicle theft, grand theft, burglary, robbery, shoplifting, theft, petty theft, forgery, forged driver’s license or ID, using stolen ID, driving without a license, trespassing, drugs and more.

Devoreah Allen 27 – San Pablo

Kendra Timmons 57 – San Pablo – According to localcrimenews.com, she has a history of 17 arrests since 2013 for robbery, burglary, grand theft, shoplifting, carrying a loaded firearm, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, addict in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of tear gas, forgery, using stolen ID, check fraud, drugs and more.

Jade Hill 20 – Vallejo

These holiday theft-suppression operations will continue throughout the holiday season. Would be grinches beware, we will be on high alert to protect our retail partners and community members.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

State Office of Traffic Safety awards $60,000 grant to the Oakley Police Department

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For traffic enforcement program to increase road safety

By Danielle Navarro, Oakley Assistant City Manager

Oakley, Calif. – The Oakley Police Department announced today that it has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its ongoing enforcement and education programs to help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on our roads. The grant program runs through September 2026.

“We are grateful to receive this grant, which will strengthen our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety,” said Oakley Police Department Sergeant Steve Soares. “Through a combination of education and enforcement efforts, our goal is to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes, and make our roads safer for everyone.”

The grant will provide additional programs and resources, including:

  • DUI checkpoints and patrols focused on stopping suspected impaired drivers.
  • High-visibility distracted driving enforcement operations targeting drivers in violation of California’s hands-free cell phone law.
  • Enforcement operations focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk.
  • Enforcement operations focused on top violations that cause crashes: speeding, failure to yield, stop sign and/or red-light running, and improper turning or lane changes.
  • Community presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding and bicycle and pedestrian safety.
  • Collaborative enforcement efforts with neighboring agencies.
  • Officer training and/or recertification: Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).

“Through focused traffic enforcement and education, we’re working toward a future where everyone will be safe on California roads,” said OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty. “By encouraging people to prioritize safety in their daily choices, we are creating a strong road safety culture together.”

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.