Contra Costa Herald

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

CA Earthquake Brace + Bolt grant application deadline Oct. 17th

By Leave a Comment

Brace your existing cripple walls (if you have them). If you have cripple walls, they carry the weight of your house. If they collapse during an earthquake, so will your home. Bracing your cripple walls strengthens them and may prevent your house from toppling. Strap your water heater. Properly strapping the water heater reduces the likelihood of water and fire damage that could result if your water heater is detached from water and gas lines. Bolt your home to its foundation. Most earthquake damage actually occurs when unsecured buildings slide off of their foundation. Bolting your home down helps prevent sliding. Photos: CRMP

Extension for grants of $3,000 to $7,000 aligns with California Great ShakeOut to boost earthquake preparedness awareness; now includes non-owner-occupied homes; more than $20 million available

Sacramento, CA – The California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP) today announced that it is extending the registration period for its Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) grant program to October 17, 2025, adding more than two weeks to the original October 1 deadline. The extension ensures that the program’s closing date now coincides with the California Great ShakeOut drill on October 16, when millions of Californians will be focused on earthquake preparedness.

Source: State of California

The program, which first opened this registration period on August 20, offers critical funding support for seismic retrofits that bolt houses to their foundations and brace crawl space walls—proven methods to reduce the risk of earthquake damage. With eligibility covering more than 1,100 ZIP Codes statewide, including 303 added earlier this year, the extension provides even more Californians with the opportunity to apply for up to $3,000 in grant funding. In fact, for the first time, CRMP has expanded EBB eligibility to include non-owner-occupied homes, allowing landlords to apply for this retrofit grant opportunity for their investment properties.

“Extending the deadline helps meet the high demand for earthquake retrofit assistance while drawing attention to the importance of preparedness as millions of Californians take part in the Great ShakeOut on October 16,” said Janiele Maffei, Chief Mitigation Officer of the California Earthquake Authority (CEA). “This extra time gives homeowners and rental property owners another chance to apply, choose a contractor, and begin strengthening their homes. Each retrofit improves safety not just for families but for entire communities.”

More than $20 million is available in this registration period to offset retrofit costs. Since the program’s launch in 2013, more than 33,500 California homeowners have received assistance through EBB.

Qualified income eligible households may also be eligible for supplemental grants of up to $7,000, which can cover as much as 100% of retrofit costs.

“Every retrofit makes California stronger and more resilient,” said Tom Welsh, CEO of the California Earthquake Authority. “By aligning with the Great ShakeOut, this extension ensures that more families are reminded of the simple but powerful steps they can take to protect their homes before the next big quake.”

The EBB grant program is administered by CRMP, a Joint Powers Authority between CEA and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).

Interested property owners can learn more and register at EarthquakeBraceBolt.com. The updated registration period runs through October 17, 2025.

About Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB)

Established by the California Residential Mitigation Program, EBB offers up to $3,000 to help California homeowners retrofit their house to reduce potential damage from earthquakes. A residential seismic retrofit makes a house more resistant to earthquake activity, such as ground shaking and soil failure, by bolting the house to its foundation and adding bracing around the perimeter of the crawl space. For more information, please visit EarthquakeBraceBolt.com.

About the California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP)

CRMP was established in 2011 to help Californians strengthen their homes against damage from earthquakes. CRMP is a joint powers authority created by the California Earthquake Authority and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. For more information, please visit CRMP.org.

Largest CHP graduating class in nearly 16 years adds strength to ranks

By Leave a Comment

New CHP Officers were sworn in during a ceremony on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. Photo: CHP

146 among 600 CHP officers sworn in so far in 2025 as the Department continues statewide push to enhance public safety.

By Jaime Coffee Director of Communications Office of Media Relations

SACRAMENTO—In the largest graduation since December 2009, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, proudly welcomed 146 new officers, underscoring the Department’s enduring commitment to public safety and public service in California.

After 26 weeks of rigorous training at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento, these newly sworn officers are prepared to carry forward the CHP’s mission of Safety, Service, and Security, which not only strengthens the Department today but also builds a stronger foundation for the generations of officers to come.

“Today’s graduates embody the heart of service and sacrifice that defines our profession. These men and women have chosen the path of dedication to others, and we are proud to welcome them into the ranks of law enforcement as they begin their journey to protect and serve California’s communities with integrity and compassion.”  – Commissioner Sean Duryee

These new officers will now report to one of the CHP’s 102 Area offices across California to start their law enforcement careers, protecting and serving communities throughout the state’s 58 counties.

The graduates bring a broad range of skills and experiences to the Department, reflecting their diverse backgrounds. Among them are former college athletes, military veterans, and correctional officers, as well as others with prior public safety experience.

During academy training, cadets receive instruction in traffic enforcement, crash investigation, defensive tactics, firearms, emergency vehicle operations and community policing. The curriculum also focuses on legal responsibilities, communication, ethics and cultural awareness to prepare cadets to serve California’s diverse population.

New CHP Officers are pinned with their badges on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. Photo: CHP

Following Friday’s graduation ceremony, nearly 300 cadets remain at the CHP’s live-in training facility, and an additional 160 cadets are set to start instruction on October 13 as part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to enhance public safety across the state.

See video of ceremony.

The CHP continues to actively recruit dedicated individuals who are ready to make a difference in communities throughout California. A career with the CHP offers comprehensive training, competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

To learn more about joining the CHP, please visit www.CHPMadeForMore.com to take the first step towards a rewarding career in law enforcement.

The CHP provides the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to everyone in California.

 

Park District completes 667-acre Fuels Reduction Project in East Bay Hills

By 1 Comment

As part of fuels reduction work a tree is removed then burned in a low-emission Tigercat 6050 carbonator machine, resulting in biochar used to enrich soil in the East Bay parks. Photos: EBRPD

Invested $12.5 million in Park District, state and federal funds

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

The East Bay Regional Park District is pleased to announce the completion of the Climate Change Impacts Wildland Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project at Anthony Chabot Regional Park. For the past three years, the Park District has been working to thin and remove hazardous trees and brush on 667 acres at Anthony Chabot to reduce fire intensity and help prevent catastrophic wildfires. (See related article)

This groundbreaking effort, the first of its kind in California, included large-scale eucalyptus removal and the use of a climate-friendly carbonizer to dispose of debris. The carbonizer produces low emissions and creates biochar, which has been used throughout the Park District to improve soil health and water retention.

In fall 2020, Park District staff noticed an increase in dead and dying trees compared with past years. The Park District began assessing die-off districtwide and found that it affected several parks. In some areas, half of the trees were either dead or showing signs they would die within a year. The condition was caused by extreme drought and climate change.

Fire fuels reduction efforts in the East Bay parks. Photos: EBRPD

“Sudden tree die-off was an emergency for the Park District,” said Park District Assistant Fire Chief Khari Helae. “We immediately saw the need to ramp up fuels reduction to mitigate the threat of potential wildfires. We can’t prevent all ignitions, but we can lower the intensity of fires by reducing fire fuels.”

“The Anthony Chabot project tackled mostly dead and dying eucalyptus, a notoriously flammable and difficult-to-handle tree. Thinning and removing eucalyptus is essential to slowing wildfires and giving firefighters time to stop them before they become out of control. Dead standing trees burn hotter and faster and can cast embers long distances, igniting new, potentially dangerous fires,” Helae added.

The 667-acre project began in 2022 with a pilot project on 80 acres near the former shooting range in Anthony Chabot Regional Park, using the climate-friendly carbonizer for biomass removal. The pilot project assessed the feasibility of using a carbonizer to remove biomass. With additional permitting, the project expanded to 445 acres and then 667 acres.

Funding sources

The project was funded through a combination of federal and state funds. The project received $7.5 million in state funding secured by former state Sen. Nancy Skinner (now serving as California Energy Commissioner) and former state Sen. Bob Wieckowski, $1.5 million in federal funding secured by U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), $1 million in grant funding from the California Coastal Conservancy, and $2.5 million from the Park District.

“We thank our federal and state partners for their leadership, support, and funding for wildfire fuels reduction work in the East Bay,” said Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “Fuels reduction work helps reduce wildfire risks and is critical to protecting the community and natural resources.”

“The Park District has a deep understanding of the dangers and destruction wildfires can bring after experiencing the 1991 Oakland Hills Firestorm, which claimed 25 lives and destroyed 3,469 homes,” Landreth added.

Ongoing Wildfire Protection Efforts

Hazardous fuels reduction efforts continue districtwide, with large projects planned or underway at Tilden, Claremont Canyon, and Anthony Chabot Regional Parks, as well as Leona Canyon Open Space Regional Preserve. A 16-person fuels crew works year-round on vegetation management projects, along with goat, sheep, and cattle grazing covering 86,800 acres annually.

The Park District’s wildfire protection work includes prioritizing vegetation management, operating a professionally trained full-time and on-call department, and maintaining specialized wildland firefighting equipment, which includes two helicopters capable of dropping water on wildfires.

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.

West County: Eastbound Hwy 4, Richmond-San Rafael Bridge closures Oct. 7-10 & 13

By Leave a Comment

Detour map for eastbound Highway 4 in West County and Richmond-San Rafael for closures this week and next. Source: Caltrans

By Denise Harding, PIO & Nathaniel Fowler, Health & Safety Specialist, Caltrans

Caltrans will implement a full closure of eastbound State Route 4 (SR-4) between San Pablo Avenue in Hercules in Western Contra Costa County and Cummings Skyway, beginning Tuesday, October 7 through Friday, October 10, nightly and on Monday, October 13, 2025, nightly from 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM. On-ramps along eastbound SR-4 during this time, will be closed include San Pablo Avenue, Willow Avenue and Franklin Canyon Road. The closures are necessary to allow paving crews to complete work in the Cummings Skyway area. Westbound SR-4 traffic is not expected to be affected.

Detour Plan for EB SR-4 Traffic from I-80 to Cummings Skyway

  1. Continue EB 80 to Cummings Skyway Exit
  2. Exit on Cummings Skyway road;
  3. Right on Cummings Skyway road;
  4. Right on EB Hwy 4 Onramp

Detour Plan for EB SR-4 Traffic from Willow Avenue to Cummings Skyway

  1. Continue West on Willow Ave.;
  2. Right on Sycamore Ave.;
  3. Right on San Pablo Ave.;
  4. 80 to Cummings Skyway Exit;
  5. Exit on Cummings Skyway road;
  6. Right on Cummings Skyway road;
  7. Right on EB Hwy 4 Onramp

Richmond–San Rafael Bridge (I-580) Nighttime Lane Closures – Oct 7–10, 9PM–5AM (EB) & Oct 9–10, 8PM–5AM (WB) Maintenance work between Toll Plaza & Marin end.

Caltrans will be closing lanes on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge (I-580), nightly starting Tuesday, October 7th through Friday, October 10th westbound 8:00 PM until 5:00 AM and eastbound 9:00 PM until 5:00 AM, the following morning due to maintenance. The lane closures will begin from the Toll Plaza to the west end of the bridge in Marin County. One lane will remain OPEN at all times. Expect delays & drive safely.  Detours in place – expect delays.

Closure Details:

  • Eastbound – Left Shoulder and Lane #2 will be closed Tuesday, Oct. 7th-10th, 9 PM to 5 AM.
  • Westbound – Lane #2 will be Closed Thursday, Oct. 9th & 10th, 8PM to 5AM

Traffic Control Measures:

Changeable Message Signs (CMS) will alert drivers of closure. Motorists should expect minor delays, reduce speed and plan extra travel time.

Please note this information is tentative and subject to change depending on weather conditions and construction progress. Please follow posted signs and detour routes during the closure periods. Motorists are advised to expect delays and allow extra time. For 24/7 traffic updates, follow 511.org on Twitter/X. For real-time traffic, visit Caltrans QuickMap.

Caltrans worker killed on Highway 4 in Contra Costa County

By 2 Comments

39-year-old Mahdi Khorram mourned

By Edward Barrera, Division Chief, Public Affairs, Caltrans Headquarters

Madhi Khorram of Caltrans District 4. Photo: California Department of Transportation

Sacramento – Caltrans is mourning the death of Mahdi Khorram, a department employee who was killed while working on Highway 4 in Contra Costa County.

At approximately 1:30 a.m. on Sept. 18, 2025, Mahdi, 39, died after being struck by an asphalt truck in a construction zone.

“Mahdi was more than a colleague — he was a valued member of our Caltrans family. His tragic death is a devastating loss to his family, friends and for all his colleagues. I extend my heartfelt prayers and deepest sympathy to his loved ones and all who knew and worked with him”

Dina El-Tawansy, Caltrans Director

Based in Concord, Mahdi began at Caltrans in 2023 and was a transportation engineer – construction inspector. He is survived by his wife and three-year-old child.

In Mahdi’s honor, flags were lowered to half-staff at the State Capitol, Capitol Annex Swing Space and all Caltrans buildings.

To honor Mahdi’s memory and support his family, the California Transportation Foundation has established a memorial fund. If you wish to contribute, please visit the Mahdi Khorram Memorial Fund.

Since 1921, 195 Caltrans workers have lost their lives on the job.

7 arrested in Concord mall smash and grab burglary, one with assault weapon

By Leave a Comment

A glass entry door to the Sun Valley Mall in Concord was broken through in the attempted smash and grab burglary and gun seized from one of the suspects on Sunday morning, Oct. 5, 2025. Photos: Concord PD

4 following early Sunday morning police pursuit, collision

18-year-old from Richmond, 6 juveniles

By Concord Police Department

On Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, at 3:52am, Concord PD Dispatchers received a call from Sun Valley Shopping Center Security regarding a burglary in progress. A large group of suspects had forced entry through glass doors. Officers quickly arrived at the mall and located the suspects exiting.

Four suspects entered a vehicle and fled, leading officers on a short pursuit. The driver lost control, was involved in a solo vehicle collision and then fled on foot. The three he left behind in the car were immediately taken into custody. There were no injuries as a result of the vehicle collision.

The driver was located a short distance away, hiding in bushes and taken into custody. The other three subjects that had been left behind at the mall were also immediately taken into custody. One of them was found to be in possession of a firearm with modifications that made it an assault weapon.

There are no outstanding suspects, and all are facing an extensive list of charges. The six male juveniles, all from San Pablo and Richmond, were booked at the Contra Costa County Juvenile Hall. Marcos Ramirez-Castro, 18, from Richmond, was booked at the Martinez Detention Facility.

Spark Conference 2025 at Bethesda Community Church in Antioch Oct. 30 – Nov. 2

By Leave a Comment

This year’s theme: “Ignite Passion for God”

The Spark Conference 2025, hosted by Bethesda Community Church, will be held Thursday, October 30 to Sunday, November 2. The exciting and spiritually impactful event will take place at 2400 Sycamore Drive, Suite 5 in Antioch.

Hosted by Bishop Dr. Johnson Ejomah and featuring Guest Speaker Prophet Kofi Yeboah of Canada, this life-transforming gathering is more than just an event; it is a God-ordained movement designed to ignite passion, purpose and power within the body of Christ. Through vibrant worship, dynamic teaching and Spirit-led impartation, we believe this conference will set hearts ablaze for the Lord and stir a deeper hunger for spiritual awakening in our region and beyond.

Our theme this year is: “Ignite Passion for God” (2 Timothy 1:6; Leviticus 6:12–13; Acts 2:3-4), calling on believers to never let the altar fire go out.

For more information about the Spark Conference or Bethesda Community Church call (925) 405-2124 or email bcc178@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/Bishopbcc.org.

Paid advertisement.

CA Secretary of State announces mistake in special Prop 50 election Voter Information Guide Map, correction mailing

By 1 Comment

Under Proposition 50, five Republican-held congressional districts would shift to become more Democratic, based on presidential election results from 2024. Source: Ballotpedia

“Will cost taxpayers millions of dollars” more

Sacramento, CA – The California Office of the Secretary of State announced on Monday that a correction notice will be mailed to voter households in response to the discovery of a map labeling error in the official 2025 Voter Information Guide (VIG).

On page 11 of the guide, a proposed congressional district contained in the map provided by the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) was inadvertently labeled as District 22 instead of District 27. A separate map provided by the LAO on page 15 included the correct identification of District 27.

To ensure voters receive accurate information, a correction postcard will be mailed to all voter households who received the guide with the typo. The “https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/“ website has also been updated to reflect the corrected map.

“Accuracy in voter information is essential to maintaining public trust in California’s elections.” said Weber.  “We are taking swift, transparent action to ensure voters receive correct information. This mislabeling does not affect proposed districts, ballots, or the election process; it is solely a labeling error. Every eligible Californian can have full confidence that their vote will be counted and their representation is secure.”

According to a report by the L.A. Times, “There are 23 million registered voters in California, but it’s unclear if the postcards will be mailed to each registered voter or to households of registered voters. Even if the corrective notices are mailed to voter households rather than individual voters, the postage alone is likely to be millions of dollars, in addition to the cost of printing the postcards. The special election, which the legislature called for in August, was already expected to cost taxpayers $284 million.”

“When politicians force the Secretary of State to rush an election, mistakes are bound to happen,” said Amy Thoma, a spokesperson for one of the campaigns opposing the effort. “It’s unfortunate that this one will cost taxpayers millions of dollars.”

The election is Tuesday, Nov. 4. (See more information at Pros and Cons of Proposition 50 events Sept 30, Oct 2 & 9).

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood man, Antioch juvenile arrested for Aug. 25th Brentwood robbery

By Leave a Comment

Police seek three other suspects

By Allen D. Payton

On Monday, Sept. 22 Brentwood Police arrested Ty William Duggins, age 19, (born 3/13/2006) of Rodeo for a robbery of an individual of a cell phone and jewelry, that occurred on August 25 in the city. According to Lt.  Mike Aguiar, he is one of five suspects wanted in the crime, including a juvenile from Antioch who was also arrested. But the police do not have the identities of the other three.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot tall, 250-pound Duggins is Hispanic (although he’s also listed as White), is charged with assault with a deadly weapon, criminal conspiracy and robbery.

He is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $150,000 bail and is next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 7 at 8:30 AM in Dept. 4 of the Contra Costa Delta Superior Court in Pittsburg.

According to localcrimenews.com, Duggins was also arrested the day before by American Canyon Police in Napa County on an outstanding warrant and for resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer.

The incident is still under investigation.

Oakland woman charged as accessory after the fact in Walnut Creek double murder

By 1 Comment

In romantic relationship with alleged killer; also charged with first-degree residential burglary, destroying evidence

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

Martinez, California – The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has filed two felony charges and one misdemeanor charge against an Oakland woman in connection with the September 18th murders of two women in Walnut Creek.

45-year-old Yan Wang (born 7/22/1980) will be arraigned at 1:30 pm on September 30th in Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez. She faces two felony and one misdemeanor charges related to the murders of Linlin Guo and Beimin Cheng.

The primary suspect, Howard Wang, was charged with the unlawful killing of both women on September 22nd. Howard Wang was married to Linlin Guo but was in a romantic relationship with Yan Wang at the time of the murders. Howard Wang is scheduled for arraignment on October 3rd in Martinez and faces life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted.

Yan Wang, who has no familial relation to Howard Wang, faces the following charges:

  • PC 32 (Felony) – Accessory After the Fact: Yan Wang allegedly aided Howard Wang with knowledge following the murders and with intent to help him avoid arrest, trial, conviction, and punishment for killing his wife, Linlin Guo, and her mother, Beimin Cheng.
  • PC 459 (Felony) – First Degree Residential Burglary: On or about September 19th, Yan Wang allegedly entered the residence owned by Howard Wang and Linlin Guo with intent to commit larceny.
  • PC 135 (Misdemeanor) – Destroying Evidence: On September 18th, Yan Wang allegedly destroyed cellphones to prevent evidence from being produced.

“This case serves as a sobering reminder of domestic violence’s far-reaching consequences,” said Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton. “Our office will pursue justice with the seriousness and urgency this tragedy demands.”

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, seven-inch tall, 105-pound Yan Wang is being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail.

Case No. 01-25-03240 | The People of the State of California v. Yan Wang

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.