Contra Costa Herald

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

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.

Two arrested for stealing sunglasses worth $45K from San Ramon store

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Stolen sunglasses recovered from thieves on June 11, 2026. Photos: San Ramon PD

By San Ramon Police Department

On Thursday June 11, 2026, San Ramon Police officers arrested two suspects following a retail theft at City Center that resulted in the recovery of more than $45,000 in stolen merchandise.

Emptied out sunglass cases inside store. Photos: San Ramon PD

A suspect entered a local business, filled a garbage bag with high-end sunglasses, and then fled the store. A Corporal assigned to our Organized Retail Theft Suppression Team, who was patrolling the area at the time, quickly located the suspect, who attempted to evade capture on foot before getting into a waiting vehicle.

Working together, patrol officers stopped the vehicle and safely took both suspects into custody. All stolen merchandise was recovered and returned to the business.

This case is a great example of the impact proactive patrols and teamwork can have on crime in our community. Because officers were already in the area and responded quickly, a significant theft was solved within minutes, stolen property was recovered, and those responsible were taken into custody.

Outstanding work by the officers involved!

In addition, following is a brief summary of the arrests made by officers from the San Ramon Police Department from in their police log for the week of June 4-11, 2026.

06/06/2026

  • A 44-year-old male was arrested for criminal conspiracy, shoplifting, petty theft with priors, and violating probation.
  • A 43-year-old female was arrested for criminal conspiracy, shoplifting, petty theft with priors, and violating probation.
  • A 33-year-old male was arrested for unlawful possession or use of tear gas, possession of a controlled substance, violating probation, violating parole, smuggling a controlled substance into jail, and pursuant to an arrest warrant.

06/07/2026

  • A 26-year-old female was arrested for shoplifting.
  • A 25-year-old male was arrested for violating a domestic violence court order.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Con Fire crews clean up hazardous materials leak in Concord

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Photos: Con Fire

By Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

On Monday, June 15, 2026, shortly before 11:40 a.m., Contra Costa Fire responded to a hazardous materials alarm at a facility in Concord. Facility personnel reported a fluorine leak alarm had activated inside the building, prompting an immediate evacuation of employees.

The first arriving crews confirmed the building was evacuated, secured the area and initiated hazardous materials operations.

Firefighters developed an entry plan and assembled a hazardous materials team to investigate the source of the leak. Firefighters entered the building wearing specialized protective equipment and conducted air monitoring throughout the facility. Operations were conducted to isolate the leak and safely shut down the affected valve.

Following mitigation efforts, a second entry team conducted additional monitoring throughout the building. Air monitoring confirmed all readings had returned to zero, indicating the leak had been successfully controlled and the atmosphere was safe.

As part of the operation, firefighters completed decontamination procedures before exiting the incident. Decon is the process of removing or neutralizing potentially hazardous substances from personnel and equipment before they leave the operational area. Crews utilized a Tiger Paw decontamination system and paper indicator testing to verify that no contamination remained on personnel or equipment.

No injuries were reported.

See more photos, here.

Pittsburg data center issue to return to City Council agenda

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By Toni Baldazo, Community Engagement Officer, City of Pittsburg

The City Council appreciates the members of the public who attended and participated in last night’s City Council meeting. The community’s engagement, questions and feedback are valued and play an important role in shaping our community’s future.

At the direction of the Mayor and the Pittsburg City Council, a workshop on development of data centers will be placed on an upcoming regular meeting of the City Council to allow for additional public engagement. The direction follows the June 15, 2026, meeting, where residents shared their perspectives on the development of data centers in Pittsburg.

The item will be discussed at an upcoming City Council meeting and will provide an opportunity for public participation and City Council direction. Consistent with California’s open-meeting law, that agenda will be posted publicly on bulletin boards at City Hall, 65 Civic Avenue, the Pittsburg Library, 80 Power Avenue, and on the City’s website, www.pittsburgca.gov. Pursuant to City practices, the agenda will be posted and emailed to all who have requested email notice of City Council agendas 10 days in advance of the meeting date so that residents have adequate notice and an opportunity to review the item, plan to attend, and offer public comment in advance of the meeting. In addition to this required posting the City will announce the meeting on each of its social media platforms.

We encourage residents to stay involved and to sign up to receive notifications about City projects and initiatives to remain engaged in the process. Sign up for the City’s enews here: pittsburgca.gov/government/enews-sign-up.

The City of Pittsburg remains committed to transparent, accessible processes and will continue to keep the community informed at every step.

Four arrested during Pleasant Hill retail theft suppression

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One of the four retail theft suspects arrested on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Photos: Pleasant Hill PD

Two adults from Concord; 17- and 18-year-olds from Oakland

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

On Tuesday evening, May 26, 2026, our Officers worked another successful Theft Supersession detail in the Crossroads Shopping Center off Monument Blvd. and Buskirk Avenue. While working directly with Loss Prevention for the major retailers throughout the shopping center, a number of individuals were arrested, and several other thefts were thwarted. As a result of their proactive work, the following people were arrested for numerous theft and narcotics related charges:

– Lloyd Canamore (18), Oakland

– 17-year-old juvenile, Oakland

– Annemarie Melena (30), Concord

– Joshua Daniel Almond (43), Concord

According to localcrimenews.com, Melena had previously been arrested in 2018 by Woodland CHP for DUI alcohol/drugs.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, as of May 27th at 7:36 PM, Almond was out of custody on his own recognizance.

As the summer begins to kick into high gear, plan to see our Officers working a few more of these details in the coming weeks!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood’s Harvest Time celebrates 50th anniversary

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Photo: Harvest Time

In the U-Pick Capital of the Bay Area and World!

By Harvest Time

Since 1976, Harvest Time in Brentwood has connected families and visitors to the U-Pick Capital of the Bay Area, and now, of the World! This year we celebrate 50 years of supporting local farms, farm stands, and agritourism across East Contra Costa County.

Fifty Years of Roots and Resilience: Celebrating a Half-Century of Harvest Time in Brentwood

For five decades, the spirit of Brentwood has been defined by more than just our borders; it has been defined by our soil. As Harvest Time in Brentwood marks its 50th anniversary, we find ourselves looking back with immense pride and looking forward with even greater excitement.

What started as a shared vision to protect our agricultural heritage has blossomed into a legacy that defines our city’s soul. We are honored to serve as the bridge between our hardworking farmers and the community, ensuring that our local farms don’t just survive—they thrive. It is because of this enduring partnership that Brentwood is recognized globally as the “U-Pick Capital of the World.” We also champion our farms through the annual Farm Trail Map to help visitors discover, support, and return to our local growers, season after season. And through our social media channels, we share the unique farm experiences that make this region special, shining a light on the people, places, and traditions that continue to make our region stand out.

Photo: Harvest Time

The Heartbeat of Our Fields: A Century of Legacy

When you look across a cherry orchard or a field of summer corn, you aren’t just seeing crops; you are seeing the tireless dedication of local families. While Harvest Time is celebrating 50 years of service, the families behind these farms represent a legacy that stretches back over a century. Many of these families were stewards of this land long before Brentwood was even incorporated as a city, and their roots run deeper than the oldest trees in our valley.

The impact of these multi-generational families stretches far beyond the fence line of the farm:

Investing in our Future: They are the quiet benefactors of our schools, ensuring our children have the resources they need to grow alongside our crops.

Empowering our Youth: From sponsoring local sports teams to providing first jobs for our teenagers, our farmers invest in the character of the next generation.

Building the Community: They serve on our city boards, support our local small businesses, and have been the bedrock of our civic life since the very beginning.

These families have shaped the very identity of Brentwood. Their commitment to the land and each other is the reason so many people choose to move here. People come for the beauty, but they stay because of the values—the unique sense of place that only a deep-rooted agricultural community can provide.

Photo: Harvest Time

A Legacy We Share With You

Whether you are a neighbor who has lived here for forty years or a visitor traveling from across the globe to experience the magic of a Brentwood harvest, you are part of our story. To our residents: Thank you for your fierce pride and for choosing to shop local. You understand that when you support a Brentwood farm, you are supporting a neighbor’s dream.

To our visitors: Thank you for making Brentwood a destination. Your appreciation for the “U-Pick” experience helps ensure that this land remains green and productive for the next fifty years and beyond.

As we celebrate this golden milestone, Harvest Time remains committed to our mission. We are proud of where we’ve been, we are inspired by the families who lead us, and we are more ready than ever for the growth to come.

Here’s to 50 years of Harvest Time, and over a century of farming excellence.

Photo: Harvest Time

About Harvest Time

Harvest Time is a Non-Profit Organization, Mutual Benefit organized under the laws of the State of California, that is dedicated to educating the general public and “foodies” about farming and its products while improving Agri-tourism education in the Brentwood, California Region of East Contra Costa County. Each year, we produce an educational farm trail map that directs you to more than 65+ growers who sell direct to the consumer!

For more information visit https://harvestforyou.com/harvest-time-50th-anniversary/ or www.facebook.com/HarvestForYou/.

See the U-Pick farms’ Interactive Map – Harvest Time in Brentwood.

Source: Harvest Time

U-Pick Capital

U-Pick Capital, proudly presented by Harvest Time in Brentwood! We invite you to discover the incredible U-Pick experiences that make Brentwood the ultimate destination for fresh produce and cherished traditions.

Experience the vibrant tradition of Harvest Time in Brentwood, the U-Pick Capital that captivates hearts year-round! With over 65 farms offering a delightful array of U-Pick options, it is no wonder we’ve captivated the hearts of visitors near and far.

Join us as we share the magic of Brentwood with visitors seeking the freshest produce, vibrant farm experiences, and the abundance of our harvest. U-Pick isn’t just an experience; it’s a cherished tradition that farmers and visitors anticipate year after year.

For more information visit upickcapital.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Martinez Chamber of Commerce to host 40th Anniversary ceremonial ribbon cutting for Contra Costa Cinema May 13

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Top Gun movie to be shown at retro rate during its 40th anniversary

By Rachael Baber, Martinez Chamber of Commerce

Martinez, CA —The Martinez Chamber of Commerce, alongside local dignitaries, business leaders, and community members, will host a ceremonial ribbon cutting celebrating the 40th anniversary of Contra Costa Cinema, a longtime cornerstone of entertainment in Martinez.

The celebration will take place on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Contra Costa Cinema in Martinez.

Event Schedule

  • 5:30 PM – Anniversary celebration begins
  • 6:00 PM – Ceremonial ribbon cutting
  • 6:30 PM – Special screening of Top Gun 40th Anniversary presentation

To commemorate both the theater’s 40th anniversary and the 40th anniversary of the iconic 1986 film Top Gun, all Top Gun screenings that evening will be offered at a special retro admission price of $3.75. Tickets are available to purchase now. Guests can also enjoy classic concession pricing inspired by 1986, including:

  • Large Popcorn — $3.25
  • Large Beverage — $2.75

The event will feature a red-carpet entrance experience, a step-and-repeat backdrop for photos and testimonials, commemorative promotions, and community festivities honoring four decades of cinematic history in Contra Costa County.

Source: Contra Costa Cinema

Originally opened on June 27, 1986, as the Contra Costa Cinemas under Festival Enterprises Theatres, the theater has served generations of moviegoers through several ownership transitions, including operations by Mann Theatres, Signature Theatres, and Cinema West Theatres. Signature Theatres operated the venue until 2001, while Cinema West later expanded the complex from five screens to ten screens with upgraded stadium seating.

Notably, Top Gun was one of the original five films showing when the theater first opened in 1986, making the anniversary screening especially meaningful for longtime moviegoers and the Martinez community.

In December 2021, the theater became independently operated and today continues serving the community as Contra Costa Cinema under owner Kyle Conner, who also owns the Alameda Theatre & Cineplex. Conner has worked in the movie theater industry since the age of 15 and remains committed to preserving the community cinema experience.

“This anniversary is more than a celebration of a theater — it’s a celebration of community memories spanning four decades,” said Joe Fitzpatrick, General Manager of Contra Costa Cinema. “We’re excited to partner with the Martinez Chamber of Commerce to honor the theater’s legacy while creating new memories for movie fans of all ages.”

The Martinez Chamber of Commerce recognizes Contra Costa Cinema as an enduring part of the local business community and cultural landscape, continuing to bring entertainment, connection, and economic vitality to the city of Martinez.

Promotional support for the anniversary celebration will include social media campaigns across TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, website and newsletter promotions, on-screen advertising, poster displays, menu board promotions, point-of-sale messaging, exterior marquee advertising, and outreach to regional news media.

The event is open to the public.

Initiative signature gathering begins for Senior Housing Transit Village near Walnut Creek BART

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Ygnacio Center is the location for the proposed Hall Equities Group’s Walnut Creek Senior Housing Transit Village with mixed-use retail project. Map source: Ygnacio Center CBRE Properties.

Initiative would update zoning to permit delivery of over 200 units and mixed-use retail

Learn more during community meeting 27th

By Adam Alberti, Singer Media

Walnut Creek, CA – Hall Equities Group, a Walnut Creek-based real estate investment company, today announced they’ve launched a signature gathering effort to qualify an initiative for the November 2026 ballot to allow for development of much needed senior housing and community-serving retail to Downtown Walnut Creek.

The Walnut Creek Senior Housing Transit Village Initiative aims to update zoning in Downtown Walnut Creek to facilitate delivery of over 200 units of senior housing and mixed-use retail to a 2.4-acre site located at the northeast corner of North California Boulevard and Ygnacio Valley Road, across the street from the Walnut Creek BART station.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to help address the clear and growing need for senior housing in Walnut Creek,” said Mark Hall, Chairman of the Hall Equities Group Board. “This initiative reflects our community’s evolving needs by giving seniors the option to remain close to friends, family, healthcare and cultural opportunities, while creating an accessible mixed-use center that serves both seniors and the broader Walnut Creek community.”

The initiative prioritizes high-quality senior housing near BART, enabling residents to easily access regional destinations, connect to the Downtown Trolley system and walk to shopping, dining, entertainment and everyday services. By concentrating housing near public transit, the proposal supports mobility, independence, health and wellness for seniors while reducing vehicle traffic.

The initiative also paves the way for a vibrant, mixed-use center that supports community-serving shopping, dining, entertainment and other convenient services. The center will serve senior residents, downtown visitors, nearby businesses and future development proposed by the city, adding valuable evening and weekend activity that strengthens the local economy.

The Walnut Creek Senior Housing Transit Village aligns with the city’s goals to create a range of housing opportunities for seniors, mixed-use development, healthy community design and growth near transit, all while supporting a diverse downtown economy.

Signature gathering is now underway to place the initiative on the November 2026 ballot.

When asked for renderings of the project, Haley Murphy of Singer Associates, which is running the campaign responded, “The Proponents are still in the signature gathering process and developing plans for the site, so there are not yet renderings to share. The current 2.4-acre site is zoned for ‘office-only’, so the campaign committee is planning to go to the voters directly to establish a new zoning district called ‘Mixed Use – Residential Senior & Commercial,’ to allow for senior housing and retail to be built.”

She was also asked for the specific location and if it will be a conversion of existing space at the Ygnacio Center Office Complex which Hall Equities Group acquired last year or in an existing landscaped area on Northern California Blvd. Murphy shared that the location is the landscaped area “but also includes the office buildings on the corner.”

Asked why they chose the initiative process instead of submitting the project through the normal city approval process Murphy responded, “The initiative process allows us to ask the voters directly, which we are doing. The voters get to decide directly if they agree with the concept. If they do, we will prepare and submit a project application that will follow the normal City approval process for the site considering the base zoning.  We think this will be a more certain, efficient and quicker process.”

Community Meetings April 27

To learn more about the Walnut Creek Senior Housing Transit Village Initiative visit www.wcseniorhousing.com or attend a community meeting.

DATE: Monday, April 27, 2026

TIME: 10 AM–12 PM

LOCATION: Rossmoor – Hillside Clubhouse (Diablo Room) – Located at 3400 Golden Rain Road, Walnut Creek

The events are drop-in. Light bites and refreshments will be provided.

About Hall Equities Group

Hall Equities Group (HEG) is a private, full-service real estate investment, development, and property management company representing the interests of select private investors and company-sponsored group investment entities. Hall Equities Group is a portfolio company of Walnut Creek, California based entrepreneur, Mark D. Hall, who also owns and operates affiliated company’s including, ZMC Hotels, National SportsMall Realty and COPA Innovation Laboratories.

The company was founded by Hall’s father, former Walnut Creek City Councilman Merle Hall in 1962 as a real estate brokerage business. He then renamed it to Merle D. Hall Company in 1976 and refocused on investment brokerage and property management for private investors. Mark joined Merle in 1986 and purchased 50% of the company’s stock and assumed control of operations in 1992. In 1999 Mark acquired the remaining 50% ownership of the company and renamed it to Hall Equities Group.

Ad paid for by Friends of Walnut Creek Senior Housing; Ad committee’s top funder Hall Equities Group and Affiliated Entities

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Walgreens ordered to pay $6 million for business code violations including expired food, drugs

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

Martinez, California – Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton and other District Attorneys in the State of California reached a settlement with Walgreen Co. for $6,000,000 for violations related to expired baby food, drugs, and overcharging customers.

The civil case and settlement centered on the company violating state law by charging their customers more than the lowest price posted or advertised price. The allegations that the company was in violation of these laws were based on inspections of scanners. Moreover, the civil lawsuit led to a resolution that Walgreens failed to comply with laws that prohibit the selling or offering to sell over-the-counter drugs, infant formula, and baby food products beyond the expiration date.

The court ordered Walgreen Co. to pay $5.4 million in civil penalties and $600,000 to reimburse state district attorney offices for the cost of investigations, attorneys’ fees, and other costs associated with enforcement. Contra Costa County will receive $612,000 of the civil settlement and $10,000 to cover the costs.

Walgreen Co. will also implement a three-year program to promote pricing accuracy and the removal of expired products from its store shelves. This program requires store managers to conduct monthly checks of all aisles and shelves of medication, baby food, and formula, and remove any expired items. Managers must also conduct weekly store walks and remove signage displaying inaccurate sales tag information and post signs informing customers of Walgreens’ Price Promise Guarantee. The Price Promise Guarantee means that if a customer notices a scanned price is higher than the advertised price, the customer will be charged the lower price.

District Attorney Diana Becton said, “Customers should have confidence that companies that sell food and formula to infants and children are doing so by being scrupulous about the safety of the products in their stores. The same goes for medications that are sold beyond their expiration dates. The work of my office and those of other district attorney offices in the state shows that when we work together to enforce laws, we not only ensure compliance – we’re also restoring trust and safety in our communities.”

Case No. 1-13-CV-239110 | The People of the State of California v. Walgreen Co., an Illinois Corporation

Eight public works projects in Contra Costa County, BART receive awards

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The Bollinger Canyon Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing Project received three awards. Source: ACEC California

Iron Horse Trail Overcrossing in San Ramon named 2026 APWA Project of the Year, two more awards

County Public Works receives three project awards

By Allen D. Payton

Eight public works projects in Contra Costa County and BART received awards from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Northern California Chapter and American Council of Engineering Companies of California (ACEC).

APWA Nor Cal Chapter Awards

The Iron Horse Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing at Bollinger Canyon Road was named the 2026 Project of the Year Winner by the APWA Northern California Chapter. Other winners honored at the 2026 Project Awards Luncheon in Vallejo on March 5th include:

BART for the Next Generation Faire Gates;

Central Contra Costa Sanitary District for the Phase 1 Stream and Aeration Blower Systems Renovations;

City of Antioch for its Brackish Water Desalination Plant (see below);

City of Pleasant Hill for the Contra Costa Blvd. Complete Streets Improvements Projects;

City of Richmond for the Ferry to Bridge to Greenway project;

Contra Costa County Public Works for three projects including the County Administration Building B, Saranap Trash Capture Installation and the Wildcat Canyon Road Slope Failure Repair.

A total of 25 projects were nominated and 15 received an award. All winners will be moving on to the APWA National at Public Works Expo 2026 in Houston, TX in August for consideration.

The APWA Northern California Chapter is a dynamic and engaged community of professionals dedicated to advancing the goals and mission of our association at the local level. The chapter is an integral part of the larger APWA network, representing a vibrant community of professionals in Northern California. We are committed to fostering professional growth, facilitating meaningful connections, and promoting excellence within the industry.

Source: City of San Ramon

Bollinger Canyon Road Overcrossing Project Also Wins League of California Cities Award

The Bollinger Canyon Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing Project also received the 2026 Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project Award from the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), League of California Cities (Cal Cities), and County Engineers Association of California (CEAC). It is the highest award presented annually at the California League of Cities Public Works Officers Institute Spring Conference.

“Counties and cities across California lead in delivering sustainable and enduring transportation projects,” said Johannes Hoevertsz, President of CEAC and Sonoma County Public Infrastructure Director. “By applying innovative approaches, local governments are strengthening mobility while protecting the long-term performance of their streets and roads.”

Source: CA League of Cities

This year’s overall winner, the City of San Ramon, is recognized for its Iron Horse Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing at Bollinger Canyon Road, a transformative project that enhances safety and access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Overall Winner:
Iron Horse Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing at Bollinger Canyon Road, City of San Ramon

The $29M Iron Horse Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing at Bollinger Canyon Road is a 340-foot, cable-stayed bridge that provides a safe, grade-separated crossing over one of San Ramon’s busiest corridors.  Anchored by 900 feet of MSE wall approaches, it eliminates a previously signaled crossing and completes a link in the 30-mile regional Iron Horse Trail system. The project integrated context-sensitive landscaping with over 7,000 native and drought-tolerant plants and 80 trees along with community gathering spaces enhanced by architectural lighting.

“This project represents years of thoughtful planning and hard work from our Engineering team to improve safety and accessibility across one of the city’s busiest roadways,” a Facebook post on Thursday, March 12th reads. “Congratulations to our Engineering team for their dedication and hard work in bringing this important project to life!”

The overcrossing officially opened to the public on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

During the ACEC California awards ceremony on Feb. 19, 2026. Photo: ACEC California

ACEC California Awards

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority and City of San Ramon received an Honor Award from ACEC California, one of eight in the San Francisco Region, for the Iron Horse Trail Overcrossing at Bollinger Canyon Road. The project was submitted by the Oakland office of COWI North America, Inc., of the ACEC California Bay Bridge Chapter.

According to ACEC California, COWI was contracted by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority for the overcrossing project — a striking new pedestrian and cyclist bridge that provides a safe crossing across the busiest arterial corridor in the city and uninterrupted connectivity along the Iron Horse Trail. The City of San Ramon is the owner.

As Prime Consultant and Engineer of Record, COWI led the design, engineering, and design support during construction for the $21.6 million project. The result is a 340-foot, six-span cable-stayed bridge with 570 feet of retaining wall approaches, a central V-shaped steel pylon, and architecturally integrated lighting and railing systems.

The overcrossing enhances safety and connectivity for tens of thousands of San Ramon residents and trail users along the region’s most popular trail. While the project utilized its full budget, COWI’s innovative design and accelerated construction strategies generated substantial indirect savings by minimizing traffic disruption, shortening construction duration, and reducing environmental and community impacts.

“This bridge is a celebration of safe, sustainable design and community placemaking,” said Matt Baughman, Associate Project Director at COWI. “From concept to completion, COWI’s team worked closely with our client and stakeholders to deliver a truly iconic project.”

Source: City of Antioch

There were two other local ACEC California winners including the City of Antioch which received a Merit Award for its Brackish Water Desalination Plant, submitted for consideration by Carollo Engineers’ Walnut Creek office of the East Bay Chapter. The plant was inaugurated on September 15, 2025. According to the City of Antioch, this facility strengthens Antioch’s water supply by using a combination of existing and new infrastructure to increase reliability and provide greater operational flexibility. This facility is a landmark investment in the City’s future, ensuring a more resilient water supply for the community.

The City of Martinez received a Commendation Award from ACEC California for the Alhambra Avenue Downtown Improvements, submitted by LCC Engineering & Surveying, Inc. of Martinez, also of the ACEC California East Bay Chapter.

According to LCC, the company was hired by the City of Martinez in Winter of 2022 to provide land survey and civil design services for this Complete Street Improvement Project which included one mile of mill and fills, base-failure repairs, crack-sealing and micro-surfacing, re-striping to include Class 2 buffered bike lanes, new ADA compliant curb ramps and crosswalks.  The project was a federally funded project which triggered extensive environmental studies due to the proximity to significant historical buildings.  LCC teamed with HDR for the extensive environmental studies required.  However, LCC performed all of the right of way and utility coordination to obtain the Right of Way Certification for the Project. Construction was completed in spring 2025.

LCC has provided civil engineering and land surveying services to the City of Martinez since the firm was established in 1954.

The ACEC California’s annual Engineering Excellence Awards competition recognizes outstanding achievements in engineering and land surveying projects completed by California firms. Entries are accepted into one of 12 project categories: studies, research and consulting engineering services; building/technology systems; structural systems; surveying and mapping technology; environmental; waste and storm water; water resources; transportation; special projects; small projects; energy; and industrial and manufacturing processes and facilities.

Projects were recognized for demonstrating an exceptional degree of innovation, complexity, achievement, and value. Twenty projects earned the prestigious Honor Award distinction, twenty-seven were recognized with Merit Awards, and fifteen Commendation Awards were granted.

“We are proud to recognize these ACEC California firms for delivering an exceptional degree of value and technical excellence to our communities,” said Tyler Munzing, Executive Director of ACEC California. “Quality infrastructure—from dependable drinking water to safe, efficient roadways and structurally sound public spaces—is essential to our state’s success. These award-winning projects showcase how our engineering and land surveying firms are passionately building a more resilient and connected California.”

The awards were announced at the Engineering Excellence Awards Banquet at the Disneyland Hotel on February 19, 2026. Themed “Dream Builders: Engineering the Magic of Tomorrow”, the conference highlighted how engineers and land surveyors can influence the future through innovation, imagination and impact. The annual celebration was also a fundraiser for the ACEC California Scholarship Foundation 501(c)3, which provides scholarship awards to graduate and undergraduate students who are recognized for their notable and outstanding academic achievements.

Learn more about the awards:

2026 Projects of the Year Award – APWA Northern California Chapter

2026 Engineering Excellence Award Winners – American Council of Engineering Companies of California