Contra Costa Herald

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

Walnut Creek Police Department’s K9 Rollo to get donation of body armor

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Walnut Creek Police K9 Rollo. Photo: WCPD

By Walnut Creek Police Department

K9 Rollo will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Rollo’s vest was sponsored by Buddy the Basset and Friends of Scottsville, VA and will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Buddy the Basset – A friend to all”. Delivery is expected within ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,513 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old, actively employed, and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

17th Annual Martinez Beaver Festival June 13

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Free Wildlife Fest, Jazz, Parades

By Heidi Perryman

The Martinez Beaver Festival is turning 17!

Where else can you see a giant beaver skull, a 1500-gallon aquarium on wheels, an 18- piece  jazz band, a children’s parade, live displays of raptors, bees, and bats, and an award winning chalk artist all while learning the story firsthand of the rodent that made one forgotten city famous? Only one place and that’s the Martinez beaver Festival. Returning for its 17th time the festival is free, family fun where you can learn all about beavers, citizen science, urban wildlife, community involvement, and how to combat drought, fires and global warming one beaver at a time.

There are many more beaver festivals now around the country and many more books and films to explain why beavers matter, but this is the one that inspired them all. Come see for yourself why beavers are Worth A Dam.

Where: Susana Park – Estudillo and Susana Streets in Martinez

When: June 13, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Hosted by: Worth A Dam

Learn about the history of the beavers in Martinez, more information and see photos of the beavers by visiting www.martinezbeavers.org.

Rodeo returns to the Contra Costa Fair with Bulls & Broncs Friday, May 15

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By Allen D. Payton

After more than 20 years, the rodeo returns to the Contra Costa County Fair, this year, with Bulls and Broncs beginning 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026.

The Silver Bridge Rodeo Company brings the spirit of the West to life with world-class bull riding and broncs events that showcase the grit, skill, and courage of rodeo’s toughest athletes. From thunderous eight-second rides to airborne broncs and charging bulls!

General Admission is $19.00. Does not include Fair admission.

Rodeo Event Tickets sold separately online through Saffire Ticket by clicking, HERE.

For more information about the 2026 Contra Costa County Fair visit www.contracostafair.com.

Free dog adoptions at Contra Costa Animal Services

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Source: CC Animal Services

$25 licensing fee may apply

We’ve had many dogs waiting weeks — even months — and they need help NOW. We urgently need our community to step up. If you’ve ever thought about fostering or adopting, now is the time. Even short-term fostering can save lives and make a huge difference!

Please share this post. If you can’t foster or adopt, sharing helps these dogs reach the people who can.

View available pets: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/2424/Available-Animals

Learn about our Dog Foster Program (we provide all supplies): https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/7846/Dog-Foster-Program

Adoptions are free, but a $25 licensing fee may apply. Stop by Tuesday–Saturday from 10am–5pm (open until 7pm on Wednesdays). We’re located at 4800 Imhoff Place in Martinez.

 

Police seek suspects in Brentwood veterinarian hospital burglary

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By Brentwood Police Department

On Saturday, December 6, 2025, at around 8:09 a.m., Brentwood officers were dispatched to a veterinarian hospital located on the 1200 block of Central Blvd. for a report of the business possibly being burglarized.

When officers arrived on scene they observed one of the glass doors to the business had been shattered. Officers checked the business and did not locate any suspects inside.

During the initial investigation, it was determined, based on surveillance footage, that on December 6, 2025, shortly after 6:00 a.m., two suspects broke the glass door to gain access to the business. While in the business the suspects, both wearing masks attempted to gain access to the cash register but were unsuccessful. The suspects then took specially made bags containing urns with pet ashes. The two suspects then exited the business a few minutes later through the same broken glass door and left the area by unknown means.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with any information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact the Brentwood Police Department at 925-809-7911. Callers may remain anonymous.

Concord PD’s K9 Rico finds hidden firearm after foot pursuit

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Concord Police K9 Rico with the confiscated gun and magazine. Photo: Concord PD

By Concord Police Department

Recently, officers from a neighboring agency pursued a suspect who was believed to be armed. After the suspect was safely taken into custody, officers requested assistance from our K9 team to search the area for any discarded evidence.

K9 Rico, who is specially trained in locating firearms, tracked the suspect’s path and located a loaded handgun with an extended magazine hidden between some tires near where the suspect was arrested.

Great work by K9 Rico and his handler for helping ensure our community stays safe!

Martinez Animal Hospital to pay $20,000 to settle EEOC retaliation charge

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Hospital conciliates allegations that it fired employee for objecting to religious concepts in mandatory training

Commission staff refuse to share the religious content included

By Office of Communications & Legislative Affairs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

MARTINEZ, Calif. – Martinez Animal Hospital has agreed to provide $20,000 to a former employee following an investigation by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency announced on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

According to the EEOC’s investigation, the hospital subjected an employee to mandatory training which he objected to because it incorporated religious content contrary to his beliefs; he also requested to be excused from any future trainings with similar content. The EEOC investigation concluded he was terminated within days.

Such alleged conduct violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits retaliation by an employer because a worker engaged in protected activity, such as making a request for a religious accommodation.

“I expressed my concerns to management over training I was required to attend and was soon fired,” said the worker. “I’m very glad the EEOC defended my right to speak up and ask for a religious accommodation, such as an exemption from religious-based content that made me uncomfortable.”

“We commend Martinez Animal Hospital for their commitment to preventing any future retaliation,” said Carlos Rocha, federal investigator and director of the EEOC’s Oakland Local Office. “This case should serve as a reminder for employers to train supervisors and representatives to recognize what may constitute protected activity under federal EEO laws and how to respond in a way that does not interfere with workers’ rights.”

Following the investigation, the parties engaged in the EEOC’s pre-litigation conciliation process, resulting in a settlement requiring the hospital to provide back pay and compensatory damages; revise its non-discrimination policies and procedures; conduct training for all employees, managers and human resources personnel; post a notice concerning equal employment opportunity rights in English and Spanish; track all accommodation requests; and report to the agency for two years.

For more information on retaliation generally, please visit https://www.eeoc.gov/retaliation, and for guidance on retaliation in the context of religious accommodation, please see section 12–V, part B., in EEOC’s Guidance on Religious Discrimination.

The EEOC’s San Francisco District has jurisdiction over Northern Nevada, Northern California, Washington, Alaska, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.

The EEOC is the sole federal agency authorized to investigate and litigate against businesses and other private sector employers for violations of federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. For public sector employers, the EEOC shares jurisdiction with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division; the EEOC is responsible for investigating charges against state and local government employers before referring them to DOJ for potential litigation. The EEOC also is responsible for coordinating the federal government’s employment antidiscrimination effort. More information about the EEOC is available at www.eeoc.gov. Stay connected with the latest EEOC news by subscribing to our email updates.

Multiple efforts to reach Rocha and District Director Christopher Green asking what was the religious content in the training and for any documents from the investigation that can be shared were unsuccessful prior to publication time.

8/11/24 UPDATE: Later, an EEOC spokesperson responded, “We have no comment beyond the release.”

A federal Freedom of Information Act request was then submitted for any and all documents related to the case and the religious content included in the training.

Please check back later for any additional updates.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

CHP unleashes six new K-9 teams to fight crime, five trained to detect fentanyl

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Six CHP Officers with t their K-9 units during Thursday’s graduation. Source: CHP

SACRAMENTO – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) graduated six newly trained K-9 teams today, Thursday, May 22, 2025, at its West Sacramento K-9 training facility, marking a significant step in bolstering public safety across the state.

After months of intensive training, five Belgian Malinois and one German Shepherd join their human partners on a mission to detect narcotics, explosives, and criminal suspects. This graduating class is the first to include canines trained to detect the scent of fentanyl from the beginning of their instruction—a proactive move to combat California’s opioid and fentanyl crisis.

“These new K-9 teams have demonstrated incredible dedication and skill throughout their training,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “They’re not just protecting our communities—they’re enhancing our department’s ability to fight crime and save lives.

The new teams represent various regions across the state, with officers from the CHP’s Coastal, Golden Gate, Valley, Border, and Inland field divisions. These handlers bring between six and 17 years of departmental experience, ensuring seasoned leadership behind each K-9.

A CHP K-9 Team is congratulated during the graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Video screenshot source: CHP

The class includes:

  • Three Patrol and Narcotics Detection Canine (PNDC) teams
  • One Patrol and Explosives Detection Canine (PEDC) team
  • Two Narcotics Detection Canine (NDC) teams

The PNDC teams completed at least 440 hours of criminal apprehension and narcotics detection training, while the PEDC team completed 600 hours focused on criminal apprehension and explosives detection. The NDC teams completed a minimum of 240 hours of training. All teams adhered to the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) guidelines and will continue to train at least eight hours each week to maintain peak readiness.

The CHP’s K-9 program now includes 50 active teams statewide:

  • 34 PNDC teams
  • Nine PEDC teams
  • Five Explosives Detection K-9 teams
  • Two Narcotics Detection K-9 teams

In 2024 alone, CHP K-9s helped seize nearly 823 pounds of fentanyl, showcasing their critical role in the fight against illegal drugs.

The CHP invites dedicated law enforcement professionals to explore a career as a

K-9 handler. Learn more and apply at www.CHPMadeForMore.com to become part of an elite team serving and protecting California—four paws at a time.

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

 

“Let’s Go Country” at the 2025 Contra Costa County Fair in Antioch May 15-18

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Miss Contra Costa County Fair to be chosen Thursday, May 17

Discounted Presale Tickets & Carnival Unlimited Ride Wristband pass on sale now

Fair Hours: 12:00 Noon-9:30pm Daily. (Gates Close at 9pm)

Midway of Fun Carnival Hours: Noon-10pm Daily except Saturday, Noon-11pm (Carnival will remain open after Fair Gates Close)

SPECIAL DAYS

Dollar Day – Thursday, May 15 at Noon – $1 Admission until 5pm Buy 1 Carnival Ride Wristband get 1 FREE until 6pm (Riders must be present at time of wristband purchase)

Senior Day – Friday, May 16 – $1 Admission for Seniors 62+.

Military & Law Enforcement Day – Saturday, May 17 – Military/Law Enforcement and their families with active ID will receive FREE Admission.

Fiesta Day – Sunday, May 18 – Hispanic Themed Stage and Grounds Entertainment.

See complete schedule of daily events.

SPECIAL EVENT

Miss Contra Costa County Fair Queen Pageant at 5PM – Estrella Pavilion Stage – Come watch and support these local girls competing for the title of Miss Contra Costa County Fair.

DAILY ATTRACTIONS

Barnyard Bash – Get ready to go Hog-Wild with this interactive music and dance, audience participation Hoe-Down stage show. Daily Performance 1:30pm, 3:30pm, & 5:30pm.

BC Characters – Keep your eye pealed for these fun and furry characters.

Camel Rides – Feeling a little adventurous, here is your chance to take a ride on a camel.

Chicken Rider – Be on the lookout for the Chicken Rider and his chicken, Salt & Pepper.

Cowgirl Tricks – Cowgirl Tricks is a tongue-in-cheek vaudeville-style comedic bonanza of trick roping, whip cracking, music, magic, audience participation and lots of kooky cowgirl shenanigans. Performing daily on the Estrella Pavilion State, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm, May 15 – 17.

Daily Parade – 5PM on the Midway

Fables of the West – Look out for these two just horsing around.

Little Rascals Kids Club – FREE interactive, hands-on kid’s activity zone, where parents can relax and let their kids be kids in this fun activity area.

Paradise Roller Skating Academy – Demonstrations Watch as some of these skaters show you their amazing Roller-Skating talents. Demonstrations Thursday, May 15th at 6pm, and Saturday, May 17th at 2pm in Paradise Skate Roller Rink.

Petting Zoo – Here is your opportunity to get up close and personable with all kinds of fun furry creatures.

Pony Rides – Be a Cowboy or Cowgirl and ride the ponies.

Roaming Railroad – Take a ride on this Fun Little Train.

Sarah Nep Cheese Carver – Watch as Sarah turns a block of cheese into a fabulous work of art. Daily demonstrations from 1pm to 6pm in the Arts Pavilion.

Wiener Dog Stampede – Come out and support local contestants and their Wiener Dogs compete for Grand Champion in the Wiener Dog Stampede. Saturday May 17th at 3pm.

Wooden Creations – Chainsaw Carving Demonstrations – Watch these chainsaw artists work their magic and turn a log into a work of art. Fairgoers will have the opportunity to purchase Chainsaw Carvings. Daily Demonstrations 2pm, 4pm, & 6pm.

Xtreme Sports Zone – A thrill for everyone young and old. Bungee, Rock Wall, Water Balls and more.

EXHIBITS

Agriculture Pavilion

Arts Pavilion

Fur & Feathers Pavilion

Livestock Pavilion (Closed Sunday, May 18th)

Home Arts, Fine Arts, Photography, Agriculture Exhibits, Floriculture, Horticulture, Ag Mechanics, Industrial Technology & Science. – Take a look at what the talented local community artists have created, from youth home arts to adult fine art and photography, as well as agriculture and horticulture exhibits and displays.

LIVESTOCK COMPETITIONS & AUCTIONS – Livestock Show Ring

Daily Goat Show followed by All Other Breeding Goat Show – 5:00PM

Boer Goat Show followed by Sheep Show – Friday, May 16, 4PM

Swine Show – Saturday, May 17, 8AM

Small Stock Master Showmanship – Saturday, May 17, 4PM

Large Livestock Showmanship – Saturday, May 17, 7PM

Junior Livestock Auction – Sunday, May 18, 9AM

LIVE MUSIC – Headliners

Gotcha Country is the band that can keep you “Boot Scootin” all night long! Daily shows are at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm – PG&E Midway Stage.

You Should Be Dancing – A Tribute to the Bee Gees – The San Francisco Bay Area’s premiere Bee Gees Tribute band. Experience non-stop dancing, soaring falsettos, and the most beautiful ballads of all time. Friday 7:30pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.

Patton Leatha – Making Music that moves your mind body and Soul. Saturday 5:30pm & 7pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.

Night Owls – Top 40 Cover Band, based out of San Francisco Saturday 8:30pm & 10pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.

Sunday Hispanic Themed Entertainment to include: DJ Winners, Banda Katana, El Rifle, Komando De La Siera

MIDWAY OF FUN CARNIVAL

Brass Ring Amusements Midway of Fun is a family owned and operated carnival business which has served the California fair circuit since 1991. From the Ferris Wheel to the Zipper and the Merry Go Round to the Viper there is something for all ages to enjoy at the Midway of Fun Carnival. Don’t forget to try your luck at one of the fun carnival games.

ANTIOCH SPEEDWAY – Saturday Night Races

Get your adrenalin pumping as you prepare for racing action, Saturday, May 17th. Watch IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Pacific Coast Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks & Figure 8. Gates open at 4pm. Racing starts at 5:30pm. Separate Ticket required for Races, visit www.antiochspeedway.com for details.

Tickets & More Info

Ticket Prices: Kids 5 and under FREE Youth 6 – 12, $9 at the Fair, $7 presale

Seniors 62 & Over, $9 at the Fair, $7 presale

Adults, $14 at the Fair, $10 presale

Youth Season Pass – $25

Adult Season Pass – $35

Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristbands at the Fair $40, presale $35 Daily

Parking – $10

Season Parking Pass Livestock Lot – $35

Livestock Exhibitor Carnival Wristband – $99

To buy tickets and for more information visit contracostafair.com or call (925) 757-4400.

Chaperone Policy

The safety of our guests is of the utmost importance to the Fair. To improve this safety the Contra Costa County Fair Board of Directors adopted and implemented a Chaperone Policy for the 2024 Fair and will continue the policy for the 2025 Fair.

All youth under the age of eighteen (18) are required to be accompanied by a parent/guardian (adult – age 25+) to be admitted into the Contra Costa County Fair. Any person entering may be asked to show a valid California Driver License or Identification Card or other government-issued ID. Each adult can only chaperone 4 youths at a time. Groups larger than 4 youths require an additional chaperone for every 4 youths. The chaperone (parent/adult) are required to remain on the facility with the youth during their time at the Fair. The youth must provide a telephone number of the attending parent/adult to a Fair Security representative upon request. Any and all misbehaving youth will be held and released to their chaperone (parent/adult). Any youth under the age of eighteen (18) not accompanied by an adult will not be admitted.

Location

The 2025 Contra Costa County Fair at the Contra Costa Event Park, 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch. Parking off L Street and O Street entrances.

Source: CCCFair

Source: CCCFair