Contra Costa Herald

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

MTC announces Connect Bay Area half-cent sales tax transit measure qualifies for Nov. 2026 election

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Photos: MTC

Will appear on Bay Area ballots across five counties including Contra Costa

By Jeff Cretan, West Advisors

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA — The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) has announced that the Connect Bay Area regional transit funding measure has officially qualified for the November 2026 ballot after elections officials confirmed the campaign submitted enough valid signatures across Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.

The announcement follows the Connect Bay Area campaign’s submission of more than 305,000 signatures in May, far exceeding the 186,000 valid signatures required to qualify the measure. The MTC’s official certification sent on June 30 declared that the registrars of voters across the five counties each conducted their individual county counts and submitted the results to the MTC and the total submitted far exceeded the qualification threshold.

The measure if adopted would increase the sales tax in Contra Costa, Alameda San Mateo and Santa Clara counties by a half cent and one cent in San Francisco County for 14 years. As previously reported, the measure would generate approximately $980 million annually across the five counties.

The success of this effort was built on one of the largest grassroots transit organizing efforts the region has ever seen and unprecedented support from business, labor, and community organizations across the Bay Area.

The Connect Bay Area five-county sales tax measure would provide long-term operational funding for major Bay Area transit agencies while supporting projects to strengthen and better connect transit systems across the region. It will protect major transit agencies like BART, Muni, Caltrain and AC Transit from devastating service cuts, help VTA grow to better serve residents, workers, and businesses, and provide direct support to counties for transit improvements.

Connect Bay Area also strengthens accountability for transit agencies. SB 63 – the legislation authored by Senators Scott Wiener and Jesse Arreguín that enabled Connect Bay Area – requires independent financial reviews, continued efficiency improvements, and stronger regional coordination before the measure even appears on the ballot.

The five counties that would be included in the tax measure vote. Source: Connect Bay Area

Unprecedented Grassroots, Labor and Business Support

The Connect Bay Area campaign has grown in support over the last several months with more than 80 elected officials and more than 90 labor, business, and advocacy organizations signing on in support. Major businesses from across the region helped raise more than $5.5 million to qualify the measure and prepare for the November election.

Since launching in January, Connect Bay Area mobilized more than 1,000 volunteers and advocates across Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties. Supporters gathered signatures at transit stations, farmers markets, community events, neighborhood meetings, and major public gatherings throughout the Bay Area.

The overwhelming signature total that led to the measure’s qualification for the ballot reflects broad public support for transit and growing awareness of the urgency surrounding the future of Bay Area public transportation.

Without sustainable transit funding, the Bay Area could face catastrophic service reductions:

  • BART: Up to 15 station closures, elimination of two lines, and service cuts of up to 70%
  • Caltrain: Hourly train service, no weekend service, and weekday shutdowns after 9 p.m.
  • Muni: At least 20 bus routes eliminated and service reductions of 30% or more
  • AC Transit: Service cuts of at least 16%

The campaign will now turn its full attention toward the November election, building on the unprecedented coalition of volunteers, businesses, labor organizations, transit riders, and community advocates who helped qualify the measure.

About Connect Bay Area

The Connect Bay Area campaign is a five-county Regional Transit Measure on the November 2026 ballot. The measure would establish a 0.5% sales tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties and a 1% sales tax in San Francisco to provide additional support for Muni. It would provide long-term operational funding for major Bay Area transit agencies while supporting regional projects that strengthen transit throughout the region.

The Regional Transit Measure will:

  • Protect and improve service on BART, Muni, Caltrain, SamTrans, VTA, and AC Transit.
  • Prevent catastrophic transit service cuts across the Bay Area.
  • Reduce traffic congestion and emissions while supporting California’s climate goals.
  • Support the Bay Area economy by strengthening downtown recovery and regional mobility.

The measure includes strong accountability and oversight provisions, including independent financial reviews for every transit operator, regional coordination requirements to ensure systems work better together, and a citizen oversight committee to monitor spending and performance. A recent independent study required under SB 63 found Bay Area transit agencies have already achieved approximately $1 billion in operational efficiencies while identifying additional opportunities to improve service and reduce costs.

The Connect Bay Area Transit Committee is comprised of labor, business, and transit advocates, including Bay Area Council, SEIU 1021, ATU 1555, South Bay Labor Council, SPUR, and SAMCEDA, alongside an advocacy council of more than 20 organizations representing transit, housing, environmental, equity, senior, and disability organizations.

For more information about the Connect Bay Area campaign or to get involved, visit connectbayarea.com.

MTC/ABAG award $8 million for environmental and community projects

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McNeil Park Project. Source: City of San Pablo

$500K for San Pablo park

Grants support Plan Bay Area goals

By Metropolitan Transportation Commission

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission in June awarded $8 million to 16 Bay Area projects through the Priority Conservation Area (PCA) Grant Program. These grants support the goals of Plan Bay Area, the region’s long-range plan for housing, the economy, transportation, and the environment.

The PCA Grant Program is a key tool used by MTC and ABAG to protect and enhance natural and agricultural lands, expand public access to open space, and invest in climate resilience and community-driven environmental stewardship. The 2026 awardees reflect a diverse mix of planning, restoration, acquisition, and access projects across all nine Bay Area counties.

These 16 projects were awarded after a multi-step application and evaluation process that initially received over 50 proposals requesting nearly $36 million in funding.

  • McNeil Park (City of San Pablo) – $500,000 to transform a vacant school site into a multi-benefit community park with recreation amenities, green infrastructure, and inclusive design features.
  • Wooden Bridge Replacement Feasibility Study (City of Alameda) – $500,000 to plan replacement of a critical Bay Trail connection threatened by sea level rise and aging infrastructure, serving over 1,000 daily users.
  • Restoring Connections: Deep East Oakland Community Stewardship, Creeks, & Shoreline Access (Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation) – $450,000 to advance community-led stewardship, outdoor learning, and improved shoreline access in urban neighborhoods.
  • Canal Boatyard Urban Park Connection (City of San Rafael) – $800,000 to plan a new shoreline park and pedestrian bridge in the Canal neighborhood, improving access to open space in an Equity Priority Community.
  • Resilient Suscol Creek: Climate-Ready Habitat Planning (Napa County RCD) – $440,000 to develop restoration designs to improve climate resilience and ecological function across approximately 100 acres of habitat.
  • Twin Peaks Promenade – Bay Area Ridge Trail Connection & Habitat Restoration (San Francisco Recreation & Park Department) – $500,000 to convert a former roadway into a multi-use trail with habitat restoration and improved Ridge Trail connectivity.
  • Fire & Flora: Resilient Foothills Initiative (Grassroots Ecology) – $210,000 to reduce wildfire risks and restore native plant communities while training volunteers and workforce participants.
  • Bay Trail SFO Gap Closure Project – Phase 1 (San Mateo County Transportation Authority) – $600,000 to advance design and environmental review for a 2.5-mile segment closing a major gap in the Bay Trail.
  • Highway 17 Wildlife & Ridge Trail Crossings and Connections (Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District) – $750,000 to reconnect wildlife habitat and close a critical gap in the Ridge Trail with new crossings and trail construction.
  • North Coyote Valley Wildlife & Trails Study (Peninsula Open Space Trust) – $250,000 to evaluate trail alignments that balance recreation access with wildlife connectivity in a regionally significant corridor.
  • Santa Clara Valley Agricultural Outreach & Awareness Campaign (UC Cooperative Extension) – $200,000 to build public support for agricultural land conservation through storytelling, education, and community engagement.
  • Farm to Market Phase 4 (Solano County Department of Resource Management) – $800,000 to improve multimodal access to agricultural areas, supporting local farms and active transportation options.
  • South Fork Gualala River Acquisition (Western Rivers Conservancy with Kashia Band of Pomo Indians) – $750,000 to protect 298 acres of river corridor and redwood forest, supporting habitat restoration and Tribal cultural uses.
  • Petaluma River Park (Petaluma River Park Foundation) – $550,000 to advance design and construction of a new riverfront park featuring habitat restoration and expanded recreational access.
  • Osprey Hill Ranch (Sonoma Land Trust) – $450,000 to plan a public trail network across a 365-acre coastal property while protecting sensitive natural and cultural resources.
  • Improving Habitat Quality and Bike/Ped Connectivity on PCA Creeks (City of Sonoma with Sonoma Ecology Center) – $250,000 to enhance creek ecosystems while improving regional trail safety and connectivity.

The PCA Grant Program—funded through the One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) program and administered by the San Francisco Estuary Partnership—has supported more than 85 projects and invested over $46 million in conservation and access improvements across the region since its inception in 2013.

 

100 Years Strong: Safeway celebrates a Century serving Northern California

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Oldest Safeway in California operating continuously at same location since 1954, 2020 Market Street in San Francisco. Photos: Safeway

Marks commitment to community, innovation and fresh food with weeklong promotions – Centennial Shuffle Week: June 24–30

Donating $100K to Nor Cal nonprofits

Win prizes in the 100th Anniversary Celebration Promotion Sweepstakes

By Kent Streeb, Director of Public Affairs & Communications, Safeway Northern California Division

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway is proudly celebrating 100 years of serving Northern California communities, marking a milestone that began in 1926 and continues today. Through 262 stores spanning Northern California, Safeway acts as a community hub — a place where neighbors connect, families shop, and communities come together — just as it did a century ago.

“Safeway is woven into the fabric of neighborhoods, bringing generations of families together around the table to share in the joy of food,” said Kelly Mullin, President of Safeway’s Northern California Division. “We have evolved alongside the communities we serve while remaining grounded in our commitment to fresh, locally sourced produce, quality products, and the friendliest shopping experience. Reaching this 100-year milestone is a remarkable achievement attributable to the incredible loyalty of our customers.”

A lasting symbol of Safeway NorCal’s legacy is its oldest store still in continuous operation, located at 2020 Market Street in San Francisco. The store first opened its doors in 1954 and has served the community at its current site for 72 years, reflecting Safeway’s deep and enduring roots in Northern California’s neighborhoods.

Centennial Shuffle Week: June 24–30

To celebrate its 100th year, Safeway is kicking off the “Centennial Shuffle,” inviting customers in the region to experience a week of fun and interactive in-store activities. At 8am, 10am, noon, 4pm and 6pm daily, when prompted, shoppers can find and line up at a Centennial Shuffle logo and number on store floors for a chance to win prizes ranging from grocery credits to giveaways, including two new SUVs! Additional activities include customer appreciation moments, tastings, discounts and surprises across stores.

100th Anniversary Celebration Promotion Sweepstakes

We’re celebrating 100 years in a special way! Shop, earn 4x Points & redeem Points for a chance to win in the 100 Year Sweepstakes. Redeem points for a chance to win one of two Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vehicles, a Monterey Bay Weekend Excursion for Two and one of 100 $500 Gift Cards.

Points that have been earned prior to the Promotion Period that began on April 29, 2026, will be eligible also. Points for Point Entries (defined below) must be redeemed by 11:59 PM MT on August 25, 2026.

Earn 1 Point for every $1 you spend on groceries. Earn 2 Points for every $1 you spend on gift cards. Earn 1 Point for every $1 you spend on qualifying pharmacy purchases.

See more, here. See Official Sweepstakes Rules.

$100K to Area Nonprofits

To mark 100 years of helping our communities fight hunger, the Safeway Foundation is donating $100,000 total — $25,000 each — to four of Northern California’s oldest hunger relief organizations: Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County (1972), F.I.S.H. of the Santa Rosa Area (1972), Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano (1975), and Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (1976).

Safeway Firsts and Innovation

Since 1926, Safeway has pioneered innovations that have improved the shopping experience and helped shape the grocery industry:

  • 1926: Merger of Skaggs United and Sam Seelig Stores leads Skaggs outlets in Northern California to operate under the Safeway banner
  • 1926: Safeway name derives from stores only accepting cash, instead of credit, as the “safe way” to shop with fiscal prudence
  • 1929: Launches Lucerne, one of the industry’s earliest private-label brands
  • 1940: Begins sourcing produce directly from local growers to deliver fresher products faster
  • 1940: Introduces parking lots at stores, one of the first grocers to do so.
  • 1950s: Pioneers the modern checkstand, improving convenience and efficiency
  • 1971: Introduces nutrition labeling ahead of federal requirements
  • 2001: Launches home delivery, paving the way for today’s online shopping

Safeway Across Northern California & Northern Nevada 

Safeway proudly serves communities at locations in the following counties:

Contra Costa, 28, Alameda, 33, Amador, 1, Butte, 4, Churchill, 1, Del Norte, 1, El Dorado, 8, Fresno, 4, Humboldt, 4, Lake, 2, Lassen, 1, Madera, 1, Marin, 9, Mendocino, 3, Mineral, 1, Monterey, 9, Napa, 3, Nevada County, CA, 3, Northern Nevada, 9, Pershing, 1, Placer, 12, Plumas, 1, Sacramento, 17, San Benito, 1, San Francisco, 15 (including longest continuously operating store at 2020 Market Street), San Joaquin, 7, San Mateo, 20, Santa Clara, 39, Santa Cruz, 7, Shasta, 4, Solano, 7, Sonoma, 15, Stanislaus, 2, Tehama, 1, Tuolumne, 1, Yolo, 2.

About Safeway

Safeway is one of the most well-recognized grocery retail brands with a long-standing reputation for quality and service, proudly serving Northern California since 1926. Today, the company operates over 285 stores across Northern California, Nevada, and Hawaii, under four banners, including Andronico’s, Safeway, Pak N’ Save, and Vons. In 2025, the

Safeway Northern California Division donated more than $55 million in food and financial support to charitable organizations in the communities it serves. Safeway Northern California is a division of Albertsons Companies.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Bay Area transit tax effort submits over 305,000 signatures for November ballot measure

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Multiple Bay Area transit agencies would benefit from the five-county sales tax measure. Photo: MTC. Map source: Connect Bay Area

Connect Bay Area far surpasses the 186,000 signatures required to qualify BART, regional transit funding measure 

By Jeff Cretan, West Advisors

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA — The Connect Bay Area campaign today announced it has submitted more than 305,000 signatures to qualify a regional transit funding measure for the November ballot — blowing past the 186,000 valid signatures required.

The success of this effort is built on one of the largest grassroots transit organizing efforts the region has ever seen and major support from business and labor organizations.

The Connect Bay Area five-county sales tax measure would provide long-term operational funding for major Bay Area transit agencies, while supporting projects to strengthen and connect transit systems across the region. It will protect major transit agencies like BART from devastating service cuts and help VTA grow to better serve residents, workers, and businesses.

Connect Bay Area also strengthens accountability for transit agencies. SB 63 – the legislation authored by Senators Scott Wiener and Jesse Arreguin that enabled Connect Bay Area – set strong accountability requirements to take effect before the measure even gets on the ballot. The measure requires independent financial reviews and continued efficiency improvements from transit agencies.

Unprecedented Grassroots, Labor, and Business Support

The Connect Bay Area Campaign has grown in support over the last several months with more than 80 elected officials and more than 90 labor groups and advocacy organizations signing on in support. Major businesses from across the region have helped to fundraise over $5.5 million so far to get the measure on the ballot and prepare for the November election.

Since launching in January, Connect Bay Area has mobilized more than 1,000 volunteers and advocates across Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties. Supporters gathered signatures at transit stations, farmers markets, community events, neighborhood meetings, and major public gatherings throughout the Bay Area.

The overwhelming signature total reflects the broad support for transit and the awareness of urgency surrounding the future of Bay Area public transit.

Without sustainable transit funding, the Bay Area could face catastrophic service reductions:

  • BART: Up to 15 station closures, elimination of two lines, and service cuts of up to 70%
  • Caltrain: Hourly train service, no weekend service, and weekday shutdowns after 9 p.m.
  • Muni: At least 20 bus routes eliminated and service reductions of 30% or more
  • AC Transit: Service cuts of at least 16%

The more than 300,000 signatures – which were the result of both a paid effort and an advocate-led grassroots effort – will now be officially counted and validated by the Departments of Elections for each of the five counties over the next few weeks before the measure can officially be placed on the ballot.

“We’re blown away by the over 1,000 Bay Area volunteers, transit advocates, and labor partners who  contributed to getting transit funding on the November ballot,” said Lian Chang, co-lead of the Connect Bay Area grassroots signature gathering effort. “This is the largest grassroots signature-gathering effort in the history of the Bay Area and represents thousands of hours spent by people from all backgrounds and all corners of our five-county region to protect this thing—transit—that matters to millions of Bay Area residents. Everyday more voters are getting on board to support our economy, social justice, the environment and reducing congestion. And we’re just getting started.”

“This is a resounding statement by Bay Area voters that they believe in the value of our regional transit systems and how important they are to keeping our region moving,” said Libby Schaaf, President and CEO of the Bay Area Council. “Now we must turn our attention to November and protecting the many billions of dollars we’ve invested over many decades to build these systems while also making them more efficient, cost-effective, safe and convenient for the millions of commuters who rely on them.”

“Public transit is a cornerstone of our economy and an essential public good that keeps our region affordable for residents,” said Congressman Kevin Mullin. “Connect Bay Area will protect the public transportation service we all rely on while ensuring strong accountability so every dollar delivers reliable, safe transit.”

“The Bay Area’s public transit is a core pillar of our region’s ability to usher in a climate-smart, affordable, and just future,” said Amanda Brown-Stevens, Executive Director of the Greenbelt Alliance. “Greenbelt Alliance is excited to be a part of this grassroots coalition to help protect and enhance our public transportation and reduce pollution.

About Connect Bay Area

The Connect Bay Area campaign will bring a five-county sales tax to the ballot in November 2026 through a citizen signature gathering effort. The rate will be set at 0.5%, with the exception that San Francisco will be set at a 1% rate to provide additional support for Muni. This measure will provide long-term operations funding for major Bay Area transit agencies and support regional projects to strengthen transit throughout the Bay Area.

The Connect Bay Area measure will support the future of public transportation in the Bay Area:

  • Protect and improve service on BART, Muni, Caltrain, SamTrans, VTA, and AC Transit
  • Prevent catastrophic service cuts that could devastate the Bay Area
  • Keep traffic and emissions down, preventing gridlock and protecting climate progress;
  • Support the Bay Area’s economy, ensuring that downtown recovery and regional mobility remain strong.

Connect Bay Area has strong accountability and oversight provisions, including dependent financial reviews for every transit operator, regional coordination mandates to ensure systems work better together, and a citizen oversight committee to monitor spending and performance. A recent independent study required by Connect Bay Area found the agencies had saved $1 billion in operational efficiencies and set new actions for the agencies to take to further improve efficiency and service.

The Connect Bay Area Transit Committee is comprised of labor, business, and transit advocates, including Bay Area Council, SEIU 1021, ATU 1555, SPUR, and SAMCEDA, alongside an advocacy council of more than 20 organizations representing transit, housing, environmental, equity, and senior and disability groups.

For more information about the Connect Bay Area campaign or to get involved, visit https://connectbayarea.com/

 

Transit tax ballot measure volunteer signature gathering effort collects 4th of 186,000 goal

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Multiple Bay Area transit agencies would benefit from the five-county sales tax measure. Photo: MTC. Graphics source: Connect Bay Area

Paid effort also working before June 6th deadline in 5 Bay Area counties

By Allen D. Payton

On Wednesday, April 22nd, volunteer transit advocates celebrated gathering 46,300 signatures for the regional transit sales tax funding measure to qualify it for the November ballot.

“’As of today, we’ve surpassed 46,300,’ wrote advocate Cyrus Hall in a celebratory email, according to a report by StreetsBlog SF. The goal was that by now they would ‘collect 45,000 grassroots signatures for Connect Bay Area by today.’”

While the effort must gather a total of the required 186,000 valid signatures of registered voters in the five Bay Area counties of  Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara by June 6, the Connect Bay Area has raised more than $3 million to fund the paid-for effort.

“Insiders told Streetsblog that the larger, paid signature-gathering campaign is also on track, although its exact tabulations are a guarded secret,” the report added.

As previously reported, the proposed half-cent sales tax increase in four of the counties and one cent in San Francisco will last for 14 year duration and would generate about $1 billion per year.

Revenue from the tax measure will benefit multiple transit agencies in the region including Tri Delta Transit, County Connection and WestCat, as well as AC Transit and BART which serve Contra Costa County residents.

Following is a county-by-county breakdown of the County Specific Dollars. It does not include money going to BART, Muni, AC Transit and Caltrain, or to regional improvements that aren’t designated by county, such as coordinated fare programs and accessibility improvements:

County Agencies:

  • Contra Costa Transportation Authority (2.5%, $26.51M)
  • Alameda County Transportation Commission (1%, $10.26M)
  • San Mateo County Transit District (4.7%, $50M)
  • Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (25.1%, $264.07M)

Small Operators:

  • Contra Costa County small operators (1.5%, $15.75M)
  • Alameda County small operators (0.5%, $5.25M)
  • SF Bay Ferry (0.7%, $7M)
  • Golden Gate Transit (0.1%, $1M)

Without new and sustainable operations funding, the BART Board could shut down two of its five lines, close as many as 15 stations, and reduce service from 4,500 trains per week to just 500, with trains running only hourly and no weekend service. (See related article AH) related article CCH)

Martinez man convicted of two related murders in Solano County

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Committed second murder of man who paid his bail for the first murder

Fled to Mexico; multi-agency effort

Faces mandatory life without parole

By Solano County District Attorney’s Office

On April 21, 2026, in Department 23 of the Solano County Superior Court, before the Honorable John Ellis presiding, a Solano County jury found Defendant Richard Raymond Klein, age 55 of Martinez, guilty as charged: Two counts of First-Degree Murder in violation of Penal Code Section 187(a) and two counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The jury further found the following enhancements to be TRUE: Use of a Firearm Causing Death, Committing Murder While Out of Custody on Own Recognizance, and Multiple Murder Special Circumstance

The conviction followed a seven-week trial that detailed a 2022 killing and a subsequent fatal shooting tied to a key witness who paid for Klein’s bail following his first murder arrest.

In early 2022, Defendant was engaged in an ongoing dispute with Anthony Raymond Fuimaono (“Manny”) over the theft of narcotics. On April 21, 2022, Anthony Siu Fuimaono, Manny’s father, was together with friends playing dice outside a home in Fairfield when Defendant Klein showed up there. An argument ensued and suddenly Defendant Klein pulled out a gun and shot and killed Anthony Siu Fuimaono who was unarmed. After committing the murder, Defendant Klein fled to Tracy, California. There, he stayed with a friend and associate, Matthew Muller (“Mr. Muller”), and had him discard his .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun that was used in the murder.

On May 5, 2022, Defendant Klein was arrested for the murder of Anthony Siu Fuimaono. In July 2022, Defendant Klein learned that Mr. Muller was talking to mutual associates about still being in possession of the murder weapon that killed Anthony Siu Fuimaono, and heard that he was scheming to steal property from his garage. While in custody, Klein conspired with two associates during recorded jail calls to set Mr. Muller’s home in Suisun City on fire. On July 18, 2022, Mr. Muller’s home burnt down and Klein’s associates were convicted at trial.

On October 28, 2022, at the conclusion of a preliminary hearing, Defendant Klein was held to answer for the murder of Anthony Siu Fuimaono. He was scheduled to return to court for a Bail Hearing and Arraignment on the information on November 14, 2022. On November 9, 2022, Defendant Klein spoke to Mr. Muller. In that recorded jail call, Mr. Muller offered to pay Mr. Klein’s $450,000 bail money with the assurance that Mr. Klein would not come after him if released. On November 14, 2022, the Court released Defendant Klein from custody on pre-trial services over the People’s strenuous objection. At the prosecutor’s request, Defendant was required to wear a GPS ankle monitor.

On December 15, 2022, Defendant Klein and an associate drove to Mr. Muller’s new home in Suisun City, CA. Defendant parked his car and got out with a firearm and confronted Mr. Muller, who was sitting in the driver’s seat of a car parked in front of his house. A gunfight ensued and Klein shot and fatally wounded Mr. Muller. Klein cut off his ankle monitor and fled to Rosarita, Mexico.

Due to the diligent response of local, state, and federal law enforcement, Defendant Klein was apprehended in Mexico on January 7, 2023. Defendant was brought back to Solano County where he faced additional charges for the murder of Matthew Muller.

During the seven-week jury trial, Deputy District Attorney Barry Shapiro called over 40 witnesses to the stand to testify. He put on several key pieces of evidence including DNA, ballistics, GPS, surveillance recordings and recorded jail conversations. After hearing voluminous testimony, the jury deliberated and found Defendant Klein Guilty. The defendant is scheduled to return to court on June 26, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Department 23, for Judgment and Sentencing. Defendant faces a mandatory sentence of Life Without the Possibility of Parole.

Deputy District Attorney Barry Shapiro prosecuted the case, with the assistance of District Attorney Investigator Jason Thompson, Supervising Victim Advocate Jeff Lelea, and Clerical Supervisor Carlos Noriega.

Our office would like to extend our appreciation and say thank you to our law enforcement partners, specifically, Fairfield Police Department, Suisun Police Department, California Highway Patrol, California Department of Justice, Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, Solano County Major Crimes Task Force and the U.S. Marshall’s Office, for their hard work and vigilance in this case. This was a multi-jurisdictional investigation that led to the apprehension, arrest, prosecution, and conviction of Defendant Richard Klein.

According to localcrimenews.com, the 280-pound Klein was also arrested in 2020 by Contra Costa CHP for an illegal speed contest. According to the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, he was born on March 20, 1971.

Case: People v. Richard Klein, F23-00728

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pittsburg Olympic gold medalist Eddie Hart to be inducted into Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame

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Olympic gold medalist Eddie Hart of Pittsburg will be inducted in the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame on May 14. Photo: BASHOF

Joins Class of 2026 including Brandon Crawford, Missy Franklin, Jesse Sapolu and Coach Jack Clark

Enshrinement Dinner in San Francisco May 14, 2026

By Anne Cribbs, President & CEO, Bay Area Sports Organizing Committee

The Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame (BASHOF) Class of 2026 Enshrinement Dinner, presented in part by KNBR 680 AM, will be held on Thursday, May 14 at the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero in San Francisco. The terrific Class of 2026 inductees include, Eddie Hart (Track & Field), Brandon Crawford (Baseball), Missy Franklin (Swimming) and Jesse Sapolu (Football) and Coach Jack Clark (Rugby).

A portion of the proceeds from the dinner will benefit Special Olympics Northern California.

“The 2026 class of the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame features five extremely worthy individuals who have made a tremendous impact in their sport and in our region,” said Mario Alioto, Board Chair of BASHOF. “It’s a distinguished group that features Super Bowl and World Series Champions, Olympic Gold medalists, and NCAA National Champions and we are thrilled for them to take their rightful place among the other legends enshrined in the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.”

Source: BASHOF

Eddie Hart: A native of Pittsburg, CA, he is an Olympic gold medalist, Olympic Trials champion, two-time world record holder and Olympic record holder.

According to his bio on the BASHOP website, Olympic gold medalist and “World’s Fastest Human”, Hart is renowned for both his athletic excellence and his lifelong dedication to serving East Bay youth. The favorite to win the 100-meter gold medal at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games, Hart had equaled the world record of 9.9 seconds at the U.S. Olympic Trials. Despite being disqualified from his signature event due to an unfortunate coaching scheduling error, he displayed remarkable resilience and character by returning to anchor the U.S. Men’s 4×100-meter relay team, securing Olympic gold in world-record time.

Hart won state titles in the 100- and 200-yard events at Contra Costa College and later captured NCAA titles in the 100-yard dash and 4×110-yard relay while competing for the University of California, Berkeley. Ranked among the top 10 U.S. sprinters five times between 1970 and 1979, he was inducted into the UC Berkeley Hall of Fame in 1988 and will enter the Bob Hayes Hall of Fame later this year.

Hart’s rise began at Pittsburg High and Contra Costa College, where he won the 100-and 200-yard dashes at the California Junior College State Meet. He later transferred to the University of California, Berkeley, where he captured NCAA titles in the 100-yard dash and the 4×110-Yard relay in 1970. His achievements alongside teammate Isaac Curtis remain a historic chapter in Cal track and field history After retiring from open competition, Hart returned to the sport in the master’s division, winning world championships in both the 100 and 200 meters.

His world record in the 100 meters stood for 14 years.

Born in Martinez and raised in Pittsburg, California, Hart co-founded the Eddie Hart All In One Foundation in 2003 with his wife Gwen and son Eddie Jr., mentoring disadvantaged youth through sports, music, and education. In 2024, he was honored as a Hometown Hero by the City of Pittsburg. Eddie and Gwen have been married for fifty-two years. He is the proud father of Paris and Eddie, Jr., and the grandfather of Eddie III, James and Bella.

His autobiography about his experience at the 1972 Olympics, co-authored by former Bay Area sports reporter Dave Newhouse, is entitled Disqualified.

Brandon Crawford: 2x San Francisco Giants World Series Champion (2012, 2014); 3x MLB All-Star (2015, 2018, 2021); 4x Gold Glove (2015, 2016, 2017, 2021); 2015 Silver Slugger Award; 2x Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award winner (2012 and 2016); 2017 World Baseball Classic Gold Medal; 2016 Willie Mac Award; Bay Area native played more games at shortstop than any player in Giants history and the seventh-most games played for the franchise overall; 6th player in MLB history to hit a grand slam in his first MLB game (2011), and the first shortstop to hit a grand slam in an MLB postseason game (2014)

Missy Franklin: 28x medal winner in swimming including 5x Olympic Gold, one Olympic bronze; 11x Gold at the World Championships; USA Swimming and FINA Swimmer of the Year (2011, 2012); At University of California, Berkeley, captured 2015 NCAA Women’s Division I Swimming and Diving Team Championship; 7x individual NCAA champion; 2015 Collegiate Woman of the Year and Honda Sports Award as the nation’s top female swimmer; Inducted International Swimming Hall of Fame (2023)

Jesse Sapolu: 4x Super Bowl Champion with the San Francisco 49ers (1984, 1988, 1989, 1994); 2x Pro Bowl selection; NFL All Pro at center and guard (1994, 1995); 13 NFL seasons with San Francisco; 10th all-time in games played for the 49ers; 2nd in franchise history with 22 playoff games; Ed Block Courage Award (1997); Bobb McKittrick Award (1991, 1996); California Sports Hall of Fame (2025)

Jack Clark: Currently in his 43rd season as head coach of men’s rugby at University of California, Berkeley; Has led Cal to 30 National Championships (25x National 15s Championships, 5x National 7s Championships) and produced 157 All-Americans; Head coach of the USA National Team (1993-99) and GM from 1993-2003; Craig Sweeney Award recipient for major contributions to the sport in 2001; 2014 inductee U.S. Rugby Hall of Fame; 2016 Glenn T. Seaborg Award recipient and member of the Cal Athletics Hall of Fame.

Tickets for the dinner are $375 per person or $5,500 for a table of 10 and available at Purchase Tickets – Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.

For information on details for the 2026 BASHOF dinner and induction ceremony, please visit bashof.org.

About BASHOF

The Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 1979 by Lou Spadia, former president of the San Francisco 49ers. Spadia had long dreamed of a Hall of Fame to honor the Bay Area’s athletic legends which simultaneously raised funds to help kids play sports.

The Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame, which is supported by its Champions Circle sponsors including Bay FC, the Golden State Warriors, San Francisco 49ers, San Francisco Giants and San Jose Sharks, has previously enshrined more than 200 outstanding athletes and individuals and donated more than $4 million to youth organizations in our local Bay Area communities.

About Special Olympics Northern California

Special Olympics Northern California (SONC) enriches the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities through sports, health, leadership and inclusive school programs. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offers free year-round programming in 44 counties across Northern California, empowering athletes to be their best both on and off the field. More information is available at SONC.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

First Annual Bay Rideout event by Najee Harris’ Da Bigger Picture Foundation March 8

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Co-founded by NFL running back Najee Harris and his mother, Tianna Hicks, Da Bigger Picture Foundation is a reflection of family, perseverance and giving back. What started as a vision between mother and son has grown into a mission focused on service, youth empowerment and creating real impact where it’s needed most.

Donations fuel every foundation program — from Get Fitted to youth camps, fun events like the Bay Rideout and community drives.

Da Bigger Picture Foundation – Where Confidence Meets Opportunity! Creating access and opportunity for youth through community programs, school partnerships and events that build confidence. For more information or to donate visit https://dabiggerpicture.com

Super Bowl anti-human trafficking operations net 29 traffickers, recovery of 73 victims

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Source: Santa Clara County DA’s Office

Including 7 traffickers in Contra Costa County; CCDA, Pittsburg PD participate

By Lt. Joshua Singleton, Task Force Commander, Human Trafficking Task Force, Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office                 

Days after the Super Bowl, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Task Force reported its own statistics: numbers that showed enhanced investigations resulted in the arrests of 29 traffickers and the recovery of 73 sex trafficking victims, including 10 minors. One of the victims, who was being trafficked in Oakland, was 12 years old.

Law enforcement operations were held throughout 11 Bay Area counties during the lead up to one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Similar enforcement is being prepared for the deluge of fans coming to see the 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament games at Levi’s Stadium between June 13 and July 1.

Santa Clara District Attorney Jeff Rosen said: “Beyond football, the Super Bowl was a triumph of Bay Area law enforcement planning, organization, cooperation, and safety. Human trafficking is not a game, it’s a tragedy. However, our team was very successful. Close to 70 agencies effectively discouraged traffickers from exploiting the game and victims. For traffickers that still came to the game from all over the world with bad intentions, many ended up behind bars.”

The HTTF helped organize the efforts of 67 law enforcement agencies from Sacramento to Monterey.

For two weeks before the big game, the Task Force set up a command center in Sunnyvale populated with more than 20 analysts from various agencies, such as the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, the DA’s Crime Strategies Unit, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, Pittsburg Police Department, federal agencies and partners from community-based organizations such as In Our Backyard, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The analysts worked on tips in real time and worked alongside agents in the field to do investigations and make arrests. Operations that often take weeks took minutes in the enhanced Human Trafficking Tactical Operations Center.

Launching almost 40 operations, investigators recovered 20 victims from San Mateo County alone. Seven traffickers were arrested in Contra Costa County; six in Monterey and Solano counties. In Santa Clara County, seven victims were recovered, two traffickers arrested and a firearm was seized.

View the In Our Backyard 2026 Super Bowl Report.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Transit riders enjoy Make A Friend (On Transit) Day in the Bay

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Riders at the Antioch (left & center) and Concord BART Stations (right) make friends on transit Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. Photos left & center by Tri Delta Transit and right by Transbay Coalition

Morning and evening riders participated in a game to make personal connections while riding transit

By Transbay Coalition

Yesterday, Wednesday, February 11th, was International Make A Friend Day, and transit advocates were helping people throughout the region to make a friend on transit.  Morning and evening riders participated in a game across Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara, San Mateo and San Francisco counties to make personal connections while riding transit.

Early that morning hundreds of Bay Area residents participated in Make a Friend (On Transit) Day and wore name tags as they went about their regular BART, Caltrain, ferry and bus trips to celebrate the day and build camaraderie in the Bay.

“It’s good for us all to remember the old saying that strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet.” said Carter Lavin, Transbay Coalition Co-Founder. “Transit is a shared public resource, connects us all, and is an integral part of our community. Make A Friend (On Transit) Day may be simple and a bit silly, but we hope it can bring a little more joy and connection.”

Between 7:30 and 9am at 10 BART stations, five Caltrain stations and one ferry terminal across the region, transit advocates across the region passed out materials at all corners of the Bay from Antioch to San Jose, San Francisco to Dublin/Pleasanton, Redwood City to Oakland. Despite a drizzly morning, transit riders wearing name tags with, “Hi my name is _____, ask me about ______” got to know one another while chatting about a range of topics including Bad Bunny, 3D printing, R&B, dancing, hobbits, and much more. A nice reminder that making a new friend can be as simple as getting to know your fellow transit rider.

“Make a Friend Day reminds us that friendship is a powerful bond that connects us all. Let public transit be that bridge; a simple hello to a fellow passenger today has the potential to brighten someone’s world,” says Tri Delta Transit CEO Rashidi Barnes.

In the evening, Transbay Coalition hosted free events at five locations around the Bay for people to gather and have another opportunity for folks to make some new friends.

“Make A Friend on Transit Day is a great reminder that our buses and stations are shared community spaces,” said Bill Churchill, General Manager of County Connection. “A simple hello can go a long way.”

Tri Delta Transit, County Connection and LAVTA Wheels helped  with nametag distribution at Antioch, Concord and Dublin/Pleasanton BART stations– which are also bus hubs served by the agencies. BART, Caltrain and SF Bay Ferry promoted the events on social media.

“SF Bay Ferry loves to welcome enthusiastic riders onboard our vessels. We hope that Make a Friend on Transit Day is an opportunity for passengers to connect about their favorite experiences on the ferry,” shared Teo Saragi, SF Bay Ferry spokesperson.

About Transbay Coalition

The Transbay Coalition is a grassroots public transportation advocacy group championing bold near-term solutions to the Bay Area’s regional transportation crisis. Founded to campaign for dedicated bus-only lanes on the Bay Bridge and its approaches, we’re striving to create an equitable and efficient public transit system and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our Mission and Vision is to build an equitable, seamless, and successful transportation network in the Bay Area by building a broad-based, ongoing, grassroots movement to advocate for equitable, sustainable public transportation.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.