Contra Costa Herald

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

Walnut Creek company forms strategic partnership to advance technology-driven athlete development

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Source: COPA Innovation Labs

COPA Innovation Laboratories, another Mark Hall venture, joins forces with Shoot 360

By COPA Innovation Laboratories

Walnut Creek, CA – Shoot 360, the leader in technology-powered basketball training, and COPA Innovation Laboratories, a sports innovation company operating at the intersection of athlete development, technology and human performance, today announced a strategic partnership designed to advance technology-driven athlete development and support the continued growth of both organizations.

As part of the partnership, COPA Innovation Laboratories, together with its investment subsidiary COPA Venture Capital, led a $7 million growth funding round in Shoot 360. The partnership of the two Walnut Creek-based companies brings together complementary expertise in sports technology, athlete assessment, performance analytics, franchising and business growth.

Founded in 2012 by Craig Moody, Shoot 360 combines immersive, technology-powered basketball training with performance-tracking software. The company has grown to more than 65 locations across the U.S. and internationally, including a location in Walnut Creek’s Shadelands, with a significant pipeline in development and partnerships with several NBA teams.

Source: Shoot 360

COPA Innovation Laboratories develops and operates a portfolio of sports, wellness and technology businesses, including COPA Soccer Training Centers, including a location in Walnut Creek at the Shadelands Sports Mall, and COPA Venture Capital. Its platforms combine objective athlete assessment, sports science, performance data, technology and real-world training environments to support athlete development.

“From day one, our mission has been to change the way kids and athletes experience the game. Shoot 360 makes training feel as engaging as the sports and video games they already love,” said Craig Moody, Founder and President of Shoot 360. “This investment gives us the resources to bring that experience to more communities, accelerate our technology, and give more athletes the ability to understand their progress in real time. COPA understands both the science of athlete development and the business of scaling it, making them an ideal partner for our next chapter.”

The COPA Soccer Training Center at the Shadelands Sports Mall in Walnut Creek. Photo source: CBC Steel Buildings.

“What makes this partnership exciting is the complementary expertise each organization brings,” said Mark Hall, CEO and Founder of COPA Innovation Laboratories. “COPA has invested heavily in athlete assessment, performance data, and development, while Shoot 360 has built an impressive technology platform and proven franchise model. By bringing those strengths together, we see an opportunity to accelerate innovation, strengthen both platforms, and ultimately create better experiences for athletes.”

As youth sports increasingly embrace technology-driven training and measurable athlete development, Shoot 360 and COPA Innovation Laboratories will explore collaboration across technology, athlete assessment, performance analytics, franchising, and business expansion, while leveraging COPA’s broader sports and real estate ecosystem, including with COPA affiliate, National SportsMall Realty, to support future growth.

About Shoot 360

Shoot 360 is the world’s premier high-tech basketball training, competition, and entertainment platform. Combining machine vision, real-time analytics, and immersive gamification, Shoot 360 transforms how players train, compete, and connect. With more than 65 franchise locations across North America, Europe, Asia, and a rapidly growing global presence, Shoot 360 is reimagining the future of the game. To learn more about Shoot 360, visit www.shoot360.com. To learn more about franchise opportunities, visit https://shoot360franchise.com/.

About COPA Innovation Laboratories

COPA Innovation Laboratories is a sports innovation company building, operating, and investing in businesses at the intersection of sports, technology, and human performance. Through its portfolio of companies, COPA Innovation Laboratories combines expertise in athlete assessment, performance data and analytics, sports technology, training, business development, and investment to create and scale innovative platforms that advance athlete development. COPA Innovation Laboratories is a business founded and owned by California based entrepreneur, Mark D. Hall, and is affiliated with other Hall owned business ventures including Hall Equities Group, ZMC Hotels, and National SportsMall Realty among others. To learn more, visit www.copainnovationlabs.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Nékter San Marcos Juice Bar to celebrate Grand Opening in Pittsburg Sept. 19

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Enter to win 4 Weeks of FREE Nékter

By Riley Garner, The Zest Lab, on behalf of Nékter

Pittsburg, CA – Nékter Juice Bar is celebrating its new Pittsburg location with a Grand Opening Celebration on September 19 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at 2261 W. Leland Road in Pittsburg, CA. The celebration will begin with an official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 11:00 AM, welcoming the community to experience Nékter’s fresh, handcrafted menu and commitment to healthy living.

Guests are invited to enjoy exclusive Grand Opening offers, enter to win wellness-focused prizes, and connect with local businesses and community members dedicated to helping Pittsburg live healthier, happier lives.

To celebrate the Grand Opening, guests can receive a FREE Protein Waffle with a $25 purchase and enter for the chance to win 4 Weeks of FREE Nékter – one smoothie per week for four weeks.

Nékter San Marco offers a variety of products. Sources: Nékter website and video screenshots, Nékter San Marco Instagram

The celebration will also showcase artwork created by local students as part of Nékter’s Student Art Challenge. Participating students will have their artwork displayed during the Grand Opening and receive a FREE Mini Iconic Smoothie when they attend the event.

Beyond the giveaways, the celebration is an opportunity for Nékter to connect with local businesses, community leaders, and residents around a shared commitment to health and wellness.

“After being part of this community for the past 12 years, opening a Nékter Juice Bar here feels incredibly special to us. We’ve had the privilege of getting to know so many people in this community, and we’re excited to bring something new that we hope will become a part of their everyday lives. We look forward to creating a welcoming place where people can enjoy fresh, healthy food and drinks, connect with friends and family, and feel at home. Most importantly, we’re grateful for the continued support of this community and excited for what’s ahead,” said Hena and Farukh Munir, owners of Nékter San Marco Juice Bar.

Nékter Sweet & Savory Waffles. Source: Nékter website

The new Pittsburg location will offer dine-in seating, free Wi-Fi, and online ordering through the Nékter app, providing a welcoming space for guests looking to incorporate more wellness into their daily routine.

Community members are encouraged to attend the Grand Opening celebration, meet the owners, experience Nékter’s menu, and help welcome one of Pittsburg’s newest local businesses.

For more information about the Grand Opening, visit https://locations.nekterjuicebar.com/ll/us/ca/pittsburg/2261-w-leland-rd/ or follow @NekterSanMarco and @NekterJuiceBar on social media.

About Nékter Juice Bar

Founded in 2010, Nékter Juice Bar is a leading lifestyle brand celebrated for its unwavering dedication to providing clean, fresh and truly healthy superfood smoothies, açaí bowls, cold-pressed juices, cleanses, and nourishing snacks, including its new line of protein waffles. The brand quickly emerged as a trailblazer in menu transparency and ingredient integrity, catering to America’s growing demand for plant-based and wholesome food options that align with diverse lifestyles and dietary needs.

At Nékter, “healthy” is not just a promise—it’s an experience that tastes great, is easily accessible, and inspires anyone seeking to add more wellness into their lives. Guests don’t just taste the difference—they love the way they feel knowing they’re enjoying food just as nature intended—but blended! For more information, visit www.NekterJuiceBar.com or follow @NekterJuiceBar on Instagram, Facebook and X, and @NekterJuiceBarOfficial on TikTok.

Meet Scoot™! Safeway NorCal’s furry new Ambassador for Savings and Goodwill

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Source: Safeway

Lovable new mascot will bring fun, fresh ideas and a helping hand to Safeway shoppers, stores and community events

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

PLEASANTON, Calif. – There’s a fuzzy new face zipping through Safeway aisles that shoppers will soon be seeing often. Safeway Northern California Market introduced Scoot™, the market’s lovable new mascot and goodwill ambassador. Fun, furry and always ready to help, Scoot will guide shoppers toward great savings, fresh finds and family-friendly fun at Safeway stores and community events throughout Northern California, Northern Nevada and Hawaii.

With bright red fur, a leafy green sprout, signature Safeway visor, and red sneakers, Scoot is easy to spot and hard to forget. Scoot loves kids, people and lending a helping hand. Scoot will appear at community events, support hunger-relief initiatives, champion charitable causes and create memorable experiences for children and families. Whether Scoot is pointing shoppers toward a can’t-miss deal, sharing a healthy fresh dinner idea, or greeting families at a neighborhood celebration, Scoot’s mission is simple: make shopping more helpful, more rewarding and a whole lot more fun.

“Scoot may be new, but what Scoot represents has been a part of Safeway for generations: helping people save money, serving neighborhoods and making quality, fresh food and products easier to find,” said Kelly Mullin, Regional President of Marketing and Merchandising for Albertsons Companies California Region. “Scoot brings that spirit to life in a joyful new way. We believe Scoot will quickly become a familiar and beloved friend to children, families and shoppers throughout the communities we serve.”

Your Shortcut to Savings & Fresh Finds

Scoot will serve as a friendly guide at Safeway, helping shoppers discover:

  • Special savings and featured promotions
  • Peak-season produce and fresh food favorites
  • Freshest dinner ideas
  • New products and unexpected finds
  • Opportunities to support local communities and important causes

Shoppers will encounter Scoot in Safeway advertising, on social media, at pop-ins to stores, and at special events.  Scoot will help point customers toward featured offers, digital coupons and some of Safeway’s biggest deals.

Showing Up for the Community

Like Safeway, Scoot’s role will extend well beyond the grocery aisle. In 2025, Safeway in Northern California donated $55 million in food and financial support to charitable organizations serving local communities. From food drives and charitable campaigns, to store celebrations and family events, Scoot will bring energy, smiles and a spirit of service to community appearances that will reinforce Safeway’s longstanding commitment to supporting local organizations and helping our neighbors in need. To celebrate Scoot’s arrival, Safeway will donate $5,000 to a local nonprofit.

Follow Scoot’s Adventures

Follow Scoot on Instagram and TikTok at @safewaysscoot for savings tips, fresh discoveries, community appearances and behind-the-scenes fun.

ScootTM word and design trademarks are owned by subsidiaries of Albertsons Companies, Inc.

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 283 stores across Northern California, Nevada and Hawaii, under various banners, including Andronico’s, Safeway, and Pak N’ Save.

24th Annual MRC-MEF Run for Education in Martinez Sept. 27

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During “Run for Education Week” beginning Monday, September 21

Help us cross the $2 million mark!

By Martinez Education Foundation

Get ready to run, walk or roll through Downtown Martinez on Sunday, September 27, for the 24th Annual MRC-MEF Run for Education! This community event brings people together to raise money for the Martinez Education Foundation (MEF) and directly supports Martinez Unified School District (MUSD) schools. The Alhambra High School Marching Band and Color Guard kick off the morning with music and school spirit for hundreds of students, educators, families and community members. This year’s Run features a logo designed by Alhambra High student Nayelie Rodrigez, which will appear on participant t-shirts.

Since 2003, the Run for Education has raised more than $1.9 million to support programs and resources for MUSD students such as technology, reading, science, art, math, and music. With this year’s event, organizers expect the Run’s cumulative fundraising total to surpass $2 million for local education. Among the many grant recipients, Alhambra High School received calculators for their Science Department. Biology and AP Environmental Science Teacher, Emily Ferrairo says, “The calculators are used all the time in our classrooms, especially in chemistry, physics, and AP Environmental Science classes. The grant eased my teaching duties because now students don’t have to use their Chromebooks to calculate problems and can use the calculator which removes the barrier of students trying to plug it all into their computer. Students are very thankful for the calculators and ask to use them all the time!”

Photo: MEF

John Swett Elementary teacher, Katie Page, says her grant has made a positive impact on her students’ music experience, “I have more instruments and a whole set up for school concerts. I am so grateful! My students love the new drums and Ukuleles, and I am loving my new keyboard for whole class instruction.”

What’s been termed “Run for Education Week” starts on Monday, September 21 with the MRC-MEF Fairways Fore! Futures Golf Tournament. MRC underwrites the cost of the Run and Golf Tournament. The total amount of money raised for MEF will be revealed on Race Day by Refinery Manager, Bevan Lewis, who says, “Our refinery is proud to have supported education in Martinez for decades. The Run for Education is a special tradition, and we’re grateful to our Contract Partners for their generous sponsorship of the Run and golf tournament. Supporting education is one of the most important investments we make in our community.”

MEF President and Race Director, Jack Funk points out, “Every year I am overwhelmed with the joy and support that the Martinez community has for its schools and students.  Our lead sponsor, The Martinez Refining Company, has taken that support to a whole new level with direct corporate donations to the Martinez Education Foundation and its extremely productive solicitation of the many businesses who donate to MEF through our Golf event as well as the Run itself.  We have tremendous gratitude to our sponsors but also to the hundreds of participants and volunteers that make this the wonderful community event that it has become.”

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to have fun and support Martinez Unified schools.

MRC-MEF Run for Education – Sunday, September 27, 2026

  • Start Time: 8:30 a.m. at Ward Street near Estudillo Street
  • Registration: Online https://www.martinezedfoundation.org/run-for-education/or in-person on event day
  • MUSD Students: Run free! (Discount is applied on the registration page automatically based on the entered date of birth.)
  • Volunteers Needed: Sign up at ca_mccauley@comcast.net
  • Student Volunteers: Sign up here.
  • Participants and spectators are encouraged to share their experience using #mrcmefrun.

Thank you to our sponsors and community partners who support the Run:

Emerald Sponsors, $5,000+

Air Liquide, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Brand Safway, Cust-O-Fab, Global Scaffolding, Harder Mechanical, HPC Industrial Services, KAP Project Services, North Coast Carpenters, Nooter, Roux Associates, Schultz Industrial Services, Stronghold Companies, UA Local 342, USA DeBusk, Worley

Diamond Circle Sponsors $2,500+

Evergreen
Platinum Sponsors $1,000+

Delta Tech, EUV Tech, Mangan, Nuvision Credit Union, Overaa, Shell Western States Credit Union, Worley

Gold Sponsors $500+

1st Northern California Credit, Travis Clauson

In kind donations provided by: Bill’s Ace Hardware, Martinez Police Department, Martinez Public Works, Martinez CERT, Martinez Unified School District.

For more information about the Martinez Education Foundation visit www.martinezedfoundation.org.

Weekly farmers market returns to Pittsburg Sept. 2

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By Toni Baldazo, Community Engagement Officer, City of Pittsburg

Big things are happening in Pittsburg, and we would love for you to join us tomorrow as we kick off our weekly Pittsburg Farmers’ Market at the City Hall Lawn, starting Wednesday, September 2 from 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM.

The market will feature more than 20 vendors offering fresh produce, prepared foods, baked goods, coffee, flowers, local products and more. It’s another exciting opportunity to showcase the growth, activity and community connections happening throughout Pittsburg.

Organized by Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association, rain or shine, all year long, we are so excited to bring back our local farmers, artisans and business owners to this Farmers Market.

City Hall Lawn is located at 65 Civic Avenue.

For any questions, please contact info@communityfarmersadvocate.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

BBB warns Bay Area consumers about BG Wealth Sharing and DSJ Exchange investment operation

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Adults age 65 and older lost almost $70,000

By Alma Galvan, Regional Marketing & Communications Director, Better Business Bureau San Francisco Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers about an alleged cryptocurrency investment operation involving BG Wealth Sharing LTD and the DSJ Exchange platform.

Since May 2026 BBB has received several Scam Tracker reports from local Bay Area consumers who reported losing a combined $69,706.60. All reports were submitted by adults age 65 or older from Alameda and San Francisco counties.

According to the reports, consumers were introduced to the opportunity through relatives, friends, or local recruiters. Four consumers reported attending presentations at a Denny’s restaurant in Hayward, where participants were shown how to open and fund accounts and use trading “signals” or codes on the DSJ Exchange platform.

Consumers reported initially depositing between $2,000 and $5,000 through cash or cryptocurrency. Some said they gave cash to another participant or intermediary who converted it to cryptocurrency and funded their DSJ account.

The consumers described seeing their account balances increase as they copied and pasted trading codes provided through an online group. Some reported being promised daily returns, bonuses, or additional trading signals for recruiting new participants.

When consumers attempted to withdraw their earnings, however, they reported that withdrawals were frozen or unavailable. Several said they were instructed to pay an additional “tax” equal to 12% of the total balance displayed in their account before their funds could be released.

One consumer reported that a $5,000 initial deposit appeared to grow to more than $24,600. The consumer was then instructed to pay nearly $3,000 more before attempting a withdrawal. The consumer refused to pay and reported being unable to access the displayed balance.

“Consumers should never have to send additional money or cryptocurrency to pay a supposed tax before withdrawing their own funds,” said Alma Galvan, Regional Marketing and Communications Director for BBB SF Bay Area. “A growing balance displayed on an investment platform does not necessarily mean that the money exists or can be withdrawn. Be especially cautious when an opportunity relies on recruiting friends and family or promises unusually consistent returns.”

The reports received by BBB are consistent with concerns raised by securities regulators in several states. The Texas State Securities Board issued an emergency cease-and-desist order involving BG Wealth Sharing and DSJ Exchange, alleging an operation that used recruitment incentives, misleading account dashboards, withdrawal restrictions, and demands for an additional 12% “exit tax” or “compliance fee.”

The State of Hawaii also issued a preliminary cease-and-desist order alleging that BG Wealth Sharing and certain promoters solicited and offered unregistered securities. Securities regulators in Utah and Washington have issued investor warnings regarding BG Wealth Sharing and DSJ Exchange.

BBB cautions that this warning concerns BG Wealth Sharing LTD and the DSJ Exchange platform described in the reports and regulatory actions. It should not be confused with unrelated businesses that use similar names.

BBB recommends the following precautions:

  • Verify the investment and seller are properly registered.
  • Be skeptical of guaranteed or unusually consistent returns.
  • Research opportunities independently, even when recommended by someone you trust.
  • Avoid investments that reward recruitment.
  • Never give cash to someone to invest on your behalf.
  • Do not pay additional taxes or fees to withdraw funds.
  • Be cautious of unfamiliar platforms; displayed profits may be fabricated.

Consumers who believe they have lost money should immediately stop sending funds and contact their bank, cryptocurrency exchange, or payment provider. Preserve screenshots, messages, transaction records, wallet addresses, receipts, and information about anyone involved. BBB encourages consumers to submit scram reports to:

Victims should also be alert for recovery scams. Individuals claiming that they can hack a blockchain, retrieve cryptocurrency, or recover lost funds in exchange for an upfront payment may be attempting to victimize them a second time.

ABOUT BBB: Better Business Bureau‘s mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust by setting standards for ethical business behavior, encouraging and supporting best practices, celebrating marketplace role models, calling out and addressing substandard marketplace behavior, and creating a community of trustworthy businesses and charities.

 

Former Pleasant Hill Tourism district V.P. faces felony grand theft embezzlement, bribery charges

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Viola Ncube. Source: LinkedIn

Following $55,000 loss, year-long investigation; worked remotely

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

After a year-long criminal investigation, felony charges have been filed against a former employee for the Pleasant Hill Tourism Improvement District, known as Visit Pleasant Hill, in connection with an embezzlement and bribery scheme.

In July 2025, the City of Pleasant Hill received a report from a contracted company regarding possible fraud involving former Tourism Improvement District Vice President of Sales and Marketing Sibongile Viola Ncube. The Pleasant Hill Police Department subsequently began an investigation.

The Pleasant Hill Police Department determined that Ncube overcharged invoices and bills paid by the Tourism Improvement District (PHTID) and received unauthorized monetary kickbacks. The fraudulent activity occurred between September 2022 and July 2025 and resulted in an estimated loss of approximately $55,000.

The Pleasant Hill Police Department requested assistance from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, including a forensic review of bank statements and related financial records. Following its review, on July 24, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed two felony charges against Ncube, 641.3(a) PC – Commercial Bribery and 508 PC – Grand Theft Embezzlement.

Ncube is scheduled to be arraigned in court later this month.

The PHTID was formed by the City Council in January 2017. According to the Visit Pleasant Hill 2024-25 Annual Report the District assesses all lodging businesses available for public occupancy located within the boundaries of the City of Pleasant Hill. According to the organization’s LinkedIn profile, it is the “Destination marketing organization advancing Pleasant Hill’s visitor economy,” which, according to their Facebook page, “provides official visitor information and promotes local businesses, experiences, and events in Pleasant Hill, CA.”

According to her LinkedIn profile, Ncube worked in the position with Visit Pleasant Hill remotely from May 2023 to August 2025, after starting as Director of Sales & Marketing from April 2020 to April 2023. She has since worked remotely on a contract as Director – AI, Sales & Marketing for Aspire Hospitality from Aug. to Oct. 2025 and now works as Director of Sales & Marketing Omni Hotels & Resorts, full-time since Oct. 2025.

She earned a MBA in Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management from Oxford Brookes University in 2003 and an Associate’s degree in Hospitality, Restaurant & Tourism Management from City St George’s, University of London in 2000. Ncube also earned a credential in Advanced AI in Marketing from the Digital Marketing Institute in 2025 and a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Certified Professional from Destinations International Issued in 2022.

Her Facebook page shows Ncube’s last post was in June 2025. It also shows she lives in Los Angeles, is the Founder and CEO of My Black Beauty Box and The Black Book Consultant, still works for Visit Pleasant Hill, and references the Bible verse Isaiah 55:5.

According to an undated report by Black Meetings & Tourism, “Viola has held VP and Director roles specializing in the luxury hotel brands, holding key positions such as Regional Sales Manager with Accor Hotels (3200 hotels), then moving to Director of Sales with the prestigious hotel group Red Carnations (16 global hotels) before joining US based L.E. Hotels (400+hotels) as Director of Business Development – EMEA. Viola then joined the luxury Pineapple Hotels firm as Director of Corporate Sales before being head-hunted in 2011 to set-up Global Hospitality Services for a private investor, a hotel sales & marketing representation company, where she held the position of Vice President.

“Viola Ncube founded The Black Book Consultant in 2017, a boutique full-service management, sales & marketing consulting agency specializing in a curated selection of luxury hotels and DMO’s worldwide. The Black Book Consultant has since acquired several contracts within its first few years of operation, including managing the $300 million dollar opening of Svart.no and Melody Maker Cancun. Viola is currently contracted as VP of Sales & Marketing with Stay Pleasant Hill, the tourism district for the city of Pleasant Hill, CA.

“In 2012, Viola founded iROCK! UK, a social enterprise, an empowerment program, mentoring women into employment & business enterprise.”

The Pleasant Hill Police Department extends its appreciation to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for its thorough forensic review and assistance throughout the investigation.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Stories in the Square – The Pittsburg Community Book Exchange Aug. 22

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By Dr. Sharifa Akila Trinay Parr, CEO, Revision Publishing, LLC

On Saturday, August 22, 2026, RP Books is partnering with the City of Pittsburg, the Pittsburg Library, H.A.L.O. Angel Ears, It’s Time to Read and the Children’s Book Project to host Stories in the Square—a massive, free community book exchange and literacy celebration. Our goal is to transform John Buckley Square into an outdoor reading hub where every book can find a new reader!

We would love your help spreading the word to the community so they can join in, pick up some free books, or donate to the exchange.

Event Highlights:

  • The Community Book Exchange: Attendees are encouraged to browse and take books home for free. The Children’s Book Project provided free books specifically for children (while supplies last).
  • In-Store Family Activities: Inside RP Books, we will have a packed schedule of free activities, including:
    • A reading confidence session facilitated by H.A.L.O. Angel Ears (reading assistance dogs) at 11:00 AM.
    • A special Story Time at 12:00 PM with guest author/illustrator ZaRinah T. Perry, reading her book If Elephants Had Wings.
    • An interactive reading of Too Much Glue hosted by Simone Delk, director of It’s Time to Read, at 1:00 PM, followed by a hands-on art activity for kids.
  • Outdoor Reading: Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic lunches to enjoy reading together in John Buckley Square.

How the Community Can Get Involved:

  • Attend & Pick Up Books: The event is completely free and open to the public from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. No donations are required to come and take books home!
  • Donate Books: We are inviting families, book clubs, and local organizations to bring new or gently used books to RP Books between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on the day of the event. For those bringing large donations (20+ books), we ask that they register their donation in advance here to help us prepare.

Event Details at a Glance:

  • What: Stories in the Square – The Pittsburg Community Book Exchange hosted by RP Books
  • When: Saturday, August 22 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Where: RP Books – 485 Railroad Avenue, Pittsburg, adjacent John Buckley Square
  • Cost: Free

RP Books of Revision Publishing, LLC, is more than a bookstore; we are a community-focused cultural hub operating under Revision Publishing LLC in Old Town Pittsburg, CA. We are proud to carry forward the rich legacy of the former Railroad Book Depot, building upon its foundation to serve a new generation of readers and writers. We are black-owned, woman-owned and community-centered.

H.A.L.O. (Homeless Animals Lifeline Organization) Angel Ears Reading Education Assistance Dog (READ) teams volunteer in East Bay, CA county libraries and work with children to improve their reading confidence.

It’s Time To Read is a specialized reading program in Contra Costa County which guides children from TK through second grade on their journey to becoming confident, enthusiastic readers. Through personalized attention and proven techniques, we help young learners build the strong literacy foundations they need to succeed in school and beyond.

Children’s Book Project gives books or free to children from under-resourced communities who need them for literacy, learning and life and is committed to closing the opportunity gap and lifting up our community by raising readers and ultimately paving the way for lifelong learning and literacy.

The Contra Costa County Library Pittsburg branch is located at 80 Power Avenue, Pittsburg and is open Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa businesses receive support from Alameda County Board of Supervisors for ultra-light rail freight and transit system, underground utility “SuperGrid”

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Renderings source: CyberTran International, Inc.

Richmond’s CyberTran International, Inc., EarthGrid, UC Berkeley’s PATH, San Ramon’s Manex announce major achievement signaling new era of freight rail innovation and development, East Bay job creation

Richmond, CA – The Alameda County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, officially and unanimously adopted a resolution in support of moving freight through the county using Richmond-based CyberTran International’s Ultra-Light Rail Freight and Transit (ULRF&T) system. The ULRF&T system is planned to operate from Oakland to the Central Valley via underground tunnels, and create a next-generation SuperGrid for underground utilities.

The development partnership includes CyberTran International, Richmond-based EarthGrid, U.C. Berkeley Partners in Advanced Transportation Technology (PATH), located at the Richmond Field Station, and the San Ramon-based Corporation for Manufacturing Excellence (Manex).

“Adoption…demonstrates…support for continued exploration and development of the Ultra-Light Rail Freight and Transit system, associated underground infrastructure improvements, and the establishment of advanced manufacturing and Inland Port facilities that could provide long-term transportation, environmental, and economic benefits to the East Bay region.” – Supervisor Nate Miley

Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley has been a leading advocate for this effort. According to his staff report for the agenda item, #46, “The proposed ULRF&T system is intended to provide a lower-cost, zero-carbon alternative to conventional freight and transit rail systems while reducing truck traffic along the heavily congested Interstate 580 corridor. EarthGrid’s proposed underground SuperGrid technology would provide tunnel infrastructure capable of supporting both freight transportation and modernized utility corridors, while PATH contributes expertise in autonomous vehicle technology. MANEX would assist CyberTran in establishing a manufacturing facility within Alameda County, creating local jobs and supporting advanced manufacturing in the East Bay. As part of this initiative, CyberTran and its partners are also proposing the development of an Inland Port in eastern Alameda County to facilitate the movement of goods between the Port of Oakland and California’s Central Valley.”

“Adoption of the attached resolution demonstrates the County’s support for continued exploration and development of the Ultra-Light Rail Freight and Transit system, associated underground infrastructure improvements, and the establishment of advanced manufacturing and Inland Port facilities that could provide long-term transportation, environmental, and economic benefits to the East Bay region,” the staff report concludes.

Miley made the motion to adopt the resolution, Board President David Haubert seconded the motion, and it passed on a vote of 5-0. (See AlCo BOS CyberTran Resolution 071426)

“Automobiles have evolved, aviation has evolved, aerospace has evolved, it’s time for rail to evolve. Plus, roving blackouts and wildfires along with tomorrow’s energy and water needs dictate that it’s time to upgrade our outdated utility grid,” said Dexter Vizinau, CEO of CyberTran International.

Key Highlights of the Resolution

  • The initiative seeks to establish a Public Private Partnership Pilot Project.
  • The project will focus on developing and deploying an innovative autonomous rail system designed to efficiently transport freight, reduce costs, and decrease travel times compared to traditional trucking methods.
  • The County’s resolution also supports UC Berkeley PATH’s work to research, develop, and implement an autonomous ULRF&T system.
  • EarthGrid’s plasma boring technology is endorsed for tunnel construction, which will form a SuperGrid for utilities and facilitate the ULRF&T transit network.
  • Manex is supported in creating a CyberTran factory in Alameda County to manufacture and distribute ULRF&T systems globally.
  • This initiative is expected to reduce traffic congestion, particularly along the Highway 580 Corridor.
  • Thousands of well-paying jobs are anticipated for Alameda County residents because of the project.
  • By lessening truck traffic and congestion, the county aims to reduce negative environmental impacts.

Commitment to East Bay Community

The companies and organizations involved have a long history of fostering innovation and supporting skilled individuals, organizations, and businesses. Their strong ties to Alameda and Contra Costa County demonstrate their dedication to quality, creativity and integrity. (See related articles here, here and here)

(See 2:01:30 mark of Board meeting video)

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Note: The publisher of the Herald has a financial interest in CyberTran International, Inc.

Two juveniles arrested for June robbery inside Sun Valley mall near Macy’s

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By Concord Police Department

As previously reported, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at approximately 3:12 p.m., Concord Police Department officers responded to a report of a robbery at Sunvalley Shopping Center.

The incident occurred inside the mall near Macy’s Women’s store. Two masked male suspects approached the victim and grabbed his necklaces. A physical struggle occurred, and the suspects fled from the mall with the victim’s necklaces.

The victim sustained minor injuries as a result of the confrontation.

July 2, 2026 – Two suspects were identified in this case and arrested by the Concord Police Department. The suspects were juveniles and as such their names are not being released at this time.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed felony charges against the two juveniles.

This incident is not related to the recent press release regarding the jewelry store robbery inside Sun Valley mall on June 28.