Contra Costa Herald

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

Oakley on Ice Grand Opening Nov. 22

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Opens today, Friday, Nov. 21

By City of Oakley

It’s opening day for Oakley on Ice, our brand-new seasonal ice-skating experience located in the parking lot directly behind the Mercantile Building at 3350 Main Street.
This magical new attraction is proudly brought to you by Got a Party Inc., in partnership with the City of Oakley. Together, we’ve turning downtown into a sparkling winter wonderland, right in the heart of Oakley!

The Grand Opening will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 4:45 p.m. and will feature a performance by the San Francisco Ice Theatre.

Oakley on Ice is located at 3350 Main Street, behind the Mercantile Building. More information: https://oakleyonice.com/.

Pleasant Hill Holiday Theft Suppression begins! 16 people arrested for retail theft

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Four of the 16 individuals arrested for retail theft in Pleasant Hill. Photos: Pleasant Hill PD

7 adults from Concord, 2 from San Pablo, 1 each from Brentwood, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Richmond & Vallejo and 2 juvies from Berkeley

Many have histories of arrest, some as many as 10 to 21 times

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

As we’ve entered the holiday shopping season, we continued our special theft suppression enforcement efforts with local retailers throughout the city. Officers worked together with loss prevention to arrest 16 people in two evening operations occurring within the last week. Those who qualified under new laws have had formal charges filed by the District Attorney’s Office related to these operations. All other cases will be sent to the district attorney for review. Two juvenile arrests (residents of Berkeley) were not included below.

Many have histories of arrest, some as many as 10, 17 and 21 times.

Stolen items, a knife and tools used in the retail thefts seized by police during the operation. Photos: Pleasant Hill PD

Juis Lara 37 – Brentwood – According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of nine arrests since 2018 for drugs, burglary and more.

Margarita Bravo 38 –Concord

Rosalinda Leach 37 – Concord – According to localcrimenews.com, she has a history of 11 arrests since 2021 for vehicle theft, hit-and-run, grand theft, using stolen ID’s, check fraud, drugs and more.

Jose Navarro 46 – Concord

Johan Omar-Matchusa 25 – Concord

Alexis Pellette 34 – Concord – According to localcrimenews.com, an Alexis Coquette Pellette was previously arrested three times, once for assault and twice for assault with a deadly weapon.

Clara Sanchez 35 –Concord

Maria Rogel 35 – Concord

Christina Mendivil 47 – Pittsburg – According to localcrimenews.com, she has a history of 10 arrests since 2014 for child cruelty, vehicle theft, petty theft, receiving stolen property, drugs and more.

Daniel Garcia-Vasquez 28 – Pleasant Hill – According to localcrimenews.com, he was previously arrested in 2022 for possession of burglar’s tools and drugs.

Stacie Gaskins 47 – Richmond – According to localcrimenews.com, she has a history of 20 arrests since 2015 for vehicle theft, grand theft, burglary, robbery, shoplifting, theft, petty theft, forgery, forged driver’s license or ID, using stolen ID, driving without a license, trespassing, drugs and more.

Devoreah Allen 27 – San Pablo

Kendra Timmons 57 – San Pablo – According to localcrimenews.com, she has a history of 17 arrests since 2013 for robbery, burglary, grand theft, shoplifting, carrying a loaded firearm, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, addict in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of tear gas, forgery, using stolen ID, check fraud, drugs and more.

Jade Hill 20 – Vallejo

These holiday theft-suppression operations will continue throughout the holiday season. Would be grinches beware, we will be on high alert to protect our retail partners and community members.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

13 County DA’s reach multi-million-dollar environmental settlement with pesticide companies

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

Martinez, California – Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton and other California district attorneys have reached a $3.15 million settlement with Clark Pest Control of Stockton, Orkin Services of California, and Crane Pest Control.

The settlement resolves allegations that the companies violated state laws by disposing pesticides and hazardous waste into trash bins destined for landfills not authorized to accept such materials. The settlement also resolves the allegations that the companies discarded customer records containing private information.

“The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is dedicated to ensuring companies are held accountable for conduct that endangers the environment and our citizens,” said DA Becton.

The investigation, led by Contra Costa and San Mateo County District Attorneys, was initiated in 2021. From March 2021 through February 2022, investigators statewide conducted undercover inspections of 40 dumpsters at 22 separate Clark and Orkin facilities. These inspections uncovered thousands of unlawfully disposed items including pesticide containers with liquids, powders, foams, baits, pellets, and aerosol sprays, plus hazardous batteries, e-waste, hand sanitizers, adhesives, and cleaning solutions. Inspectors also found thousands of privacy law violations: customer records that were not shredded — or rendered unreadable — and dumped in regular trash, including service orders, contracts, invoices, and route reports containing personal information.

After prosecutors notified Clark and Orkin of the violations, the companies cooperated fully and promptly updated their policies and procedures to ensure proper waste management and protect customer privacy in California.

Under the stipulated final judgment, Clark, Orkin, and Crane will pay a total of $3.15 million consisting of:

  • $2,017,000 in civil penalties.
  • $400,000 in Supplemental Environmental Projects.
  • $333,000 in investigative costs.
  • $400,000 in credit for Supplemental Environmental Compliance Measures.

The judgment also requires the companies to comply with a permanent injunction mandating significant operational reforms for a period of no less than five years, including:

  • Retention of a third-party auditor to conduct dumpster audits at a minimum of 10% of its facilities each year for five years.
  • Report the findings of the dumpster audits to the prosecutors.
  • Require that all facility employees complete a training program that ensures compliance with applicable pesticide waste and hazardous waste management and maintain proof of the training for three years.
  • Devote a minimum of two thousand hours per year for each year in which the judgment remains in effect to enhanced environmental compliance measures, including compliance reviews of waste accumulation areas, oversight of waste minimization efforts by company technicians, and oversight of enhanced hazardous waste compliance management.

Joining Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton and San Mateo District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe in this lawsuit are the District Attorneys of Alameda, Santa Clara, Monterey, San Joaquin, Solano, Sonoma, Yolo, Orange, Riverside, San Diego and Ventura counties.

Case No. C25-03346 | The People of the State of California v. Clark Pest Control of Stockton, Inc., a California corporation, Crane Pest Control, a California corporation, and Orkin Services of California, Inc., a Delaware corporation

45-year-old felon arrested for Brentwood business burglary

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Mario Delgado of Brentwood was on felony probation, has a history of arrests, held on $50K bail

By Brentwood Police Department

On Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, at approximately 2:30 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 8800 block of Brentwood Blvd. in response to an alarm call at a local business.

Upon arrival, officers discovered an open door but did not locate anyone inside the premises. Officers reviewed the business’s video surveillance footage, which showed a male suspect inside the business stealing items.

A short time later, a Brentwood Sergeant located the suspect, identified as 45-year-old Mario Raphael Delgado of Brentwood (born 4/18/1980), a short distance from the burglarized business. Delgado was found to have an outstanding felony warrant and was on felony probation at the time of arrest.

Delgado was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking on charges related to the burglary and the outstanding warrant.

The Brentwood Police Department remains committed to protecting local businesses. Had it not been for the video surveillance and the quick response by officers, the suspect may not have been arrested.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, five-feet, eight inches tall, 175-pound Delgado is Hispanic, but also listed as white, and being held in the West County Detention Facility on $50,000 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 15 at 8:30 AM in Superior Court in Pittsburg.

According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating back to 2015 by multiple agencies including Fremont PD, and the Sheriff’s Departments of Tulare, Fresno, El Dorado and Contra Costa counties for crimes including carjacking, vandalism, DUI, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, addict in possession of firearm, carrying a concealed firearm – pistol, revolver, other, carrying a loaded firearm when not the registered owner, purchasing or receiving a firearm knowing that he is prohibited by restraining order or injunction and intoxicated in public.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Quick response leads to 4 arrests at Concord shopping center

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The stolen merchandise recovered (center and four suspects. Photos: Concord PD

Juveniles suspected of stealing $3,400 in merchandise; Pleasant Hill PD assists

By Concord Police Department

On Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, officers responded to a report of four subjects running toward the exit after stealing merchandise from a local store. When officers arrived, the suspects fled in different directions—but our officers quickly pursued and apprehended all four juvenile suspects. All four were booked and then transported to Juvenile Hall.

All stolen merchandise—valued at approximately $3,400—was recovered. Detectives are investigating whether these individuals are connected to other recent high-value thefts from the same store over the past two weeks.

A big thank you to Pleasant Hill PD for their assistance!

Thanks to the quick response and teamwork, another theft was stopped, and our community remains a little safer.

Oakley on Ice comes to downtown Nov. 21-Jan 4

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Photo: Brentwood on Ice Facebook page

Relocates from Brentwood

By Danielle Navarro, Oakley Assistant City Manager

Oakley, CA – The City of Oakley is thrilled to announce the launch of Oakley on Ice, a brand-new seasonal ice-skating experience coming to Downtown Oakley this holiday season! The rink will be open from November 21, 2025, through January 4, 2026, located in the parking lot directly behind the Mercantile Building at 3350 Main Street.

This magical new attraction is proudly brought to you by Got a Party Inc., in partnership with the City of Oakley. Together, we’re turning downtown into a sparkling winter wonderland, right in the heart of our hometown!

“Oakley on Ice is more than just an ice rink; it’s a celebration of community,” said Joshua McMurray, the City Manager. We are so excited that this event will take place in the center of our growing and thriving downtown. It’s a perfect opportunity for residents, visitors, and curious business owners and investors to experience the potential and energy in Oakley, where you can live, work, and play in the Heart of the Delta. We are proud to bring this first-of-its-kind seasonal attraction to our city, one that encourages families to make new memories, helps local businesses connect, and brings even more fun and excitement into our winter wonderland.”

“It’s a privilege to collaborate with the City of Oakley to make Oakley on Ice a reality” said Tom Gregory, owner of Got a Party Inc., “Our goal is to create a magical family-friendly experience that brings people together, supports local businesses, and makes downtown Oakley a true holiday destination.”

In addition to ice skating, the seasonal event will offer opportunities for local businesses and nonprofits to advertise and participate on-site, promoting community connections and economic activity.  Pre-sale tickets will also be available to help local groups raise funds for their organizations, a fun and festive way to give back this holiday season.

Oakley on Ice complements the City’s beloved Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, which takes place at Civic Center Plaza on Thursday, December 4, 2025. The Tree Lighting event will once again feature the best-lit, real tree in all of Contra Costa County, free admission, horse-drawn carriage rides, live performances and music, and a special visit from Santa Claus, all part of Oakley’s growing tradition of community celebration.

CA credit unions mobilize relief for federal employees during government shutdown

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By Karla Davis, Vice President of Communications and Marketing, California’s Credit Unions

Ontario, CA (Oct. 9, 2025): California’s Credit Unions today announced a broad package of financial relief options for employees of the federal government impacted by the government shutdown.

Credit unions are not-for-profit cooperative financial institutions that offer services like checking and savings accounts, auto loans, debit and credit cards, low-cost or free financial counseling, and much more.

How Federal Employees Can Get Help Today

According to Congressional Research Services, over 155,000 federal employees work in California. This does not include the thousands of employees who work for federal contractors and may also be impacted.

During the shutdown, credit unions throughout California are offering various support services, which may include:

  • Loan Relief: Loan payment deferrals and temporary hardship modifications.
  • Emergency Assistance: Short-term, low- or no-interest loans to cover essential expenses.
  • Fee Waivers: Waiving late fees, overdraft fees, and penalties.
  • Financial Counseling: Access to financial wellness counselors to provide budgeting and debt management guidance.
  • Online Resources: Tools and information on our website to help with everyday expenses such as food, utilities, housing and healthcare.

“Credit unions are financial institutions focused on their mission of ‘people helping people.’ This includes times of need and emergencies, such as the government shutdown,” said Stephanie Cuevas, Senior Vice President of Federal Advocacy for California’s Credit Unions. “Credit unions are moving quickly to offer support to federal workers — from TSA agents to air traffic controllers, service members, and more. The goal is to support families during these times of uncertainty while the shutdown is resolved in Washington, D.C.”

Contact, Ask, and Explore

Federal employees can get help today by:

  • Contacting a credit union. Those reaching out should mention shutdown-related assistance. You can find a local credit union here.
  • Asking about eligibility. Every credit union has its own unique method to serving the community. Be sure to ask about how you can receive support.
  • Exploring options. The credit union will want to tailor financial solutions to your needs and circumstances.

California’s Credit Unions

Headquartered in Ontario, CA, California’s Credit Unions exists to help credit unions change people’s lives by supporting their operations, guidance, strategy, and philosophy. Our trade association helps local credit unions in California serve more than 14.4 million members. Credit unions are for people, not profit.

Poppy Bank to hold Grand Opening ribbon cutting of Danville Branch Oct. 15

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The new Danville Branch of Poppy Bank at 680 Hartz Avenue. Photo: Poppy Bank

4th branch in Contra Costa County

The new branch of Poppy Bank in Danville will celebrate its Grand Opening with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.

About Poppy Bank

Since opening their first branch in January 2005, Poppy Bank has grown to $7 Billion in assets with 26 branches across the San Francisco Bay Area, including Walnut Creek Downtown and Rossmoor, and San Ramon in Contra Costa County, as well as in the Roseville-Sacramento Area, Greater Los Angeles, Orange County and Greater San Diego Areas. They also have ATM’s in Concord and Antioch.

The bank also has lenders in Northern and Southern California, as well as in Nevada, Arizona and Texas. Their commitment to providing the best products and services has propelled their success and garnered national recognition of their performance. Poppy Bank is 5-star rated by BauerFinancial, the nation’s leading independent bank and credit union rating firm and is recognized as one of the strongest financial institutions in the country. Poppy Bank has also been ranked as one of the best-performing banks in the nation by the ICBA. The Bank is governed by a strong team of Executive Officers and a dedicated Board of Directors formed entirely by accomplished business leaders. They exist to meet the banking needs of their clients and to make a positive difference in the communities we serve.

Poppy Bank specializes in business lending including commercial loans and lines of credit, commercial real estate, construction and SBA/USDA loans. They have built a reputation of responding quickly to loan requests, turning applications around expeditiously and efficiently closing loans through a streamlined, hassle-free process. In addition, they offer a full array of personal and business banking products and services including deposit products, cash management services and ACH processing.

With Corporate Offices in Santa Rosa, they are the 19-time winner of Best Places to Work and have been named the Best Business Bank in the North Bay by NorthBay biz magazine.

Stop in and see them today at any one of their convenient locations, open an account online or contact them to learn more about how Poppy Bank is the solution for all of your banking needs.

For more information about Poppy Bank visit www.poppy.bank

To attend the Grand Opening and ribbon cutting RSVP: Branch Manager Andres Pinopena at apinopena@poppy.bank. The Danville Branch is located at 680 Hartz Avenue.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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

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

4 following early Sunday morning police pursuit, collision

18-year-old from Richmond, 6 juveniles

By Concord Police Department

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

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

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

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

Four more arrests made in San Ramon jewelry store smash and grab armed robbery

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Surveillance video footage shows about 20 masked suspects entered Heller’s Jewelers in San Ramon for the smash and grab armed robbery on Monday. Source: Unlimited L’s (@unlimited_ls) / X

Out of 23 suspects who stole over $1 million of merchandise; all from Oakland, one was arrested twice before in September

By Allen D. Payton

Four more arrests have been made in the smash and grab armed robbery of a San Ramon jewelry store on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025. San Ramon Police Chief Denton Carlson said the seven suspects in custody range in ages from 17 to 31. According to Lt. Leysy Pelayo of the SRPD Investigations Division they are Jacques Samuel, 18, Deandre Demisse, Jr., 19, and Jahkeal McGlothin, 18 and an unnamed 17-year-old juvenile. All four are from Oakland. They are among 23 suspects who stole over $1 million of merchandise.

As previously reported, three men have been charged by the Contra Costa DA’s Office with orchestrating the heist, Michael Lamont Ray, Jr., 31 and Ira Raheem Austin, 19, of San Francisco, and Jimmy Mack Ray, 27, of Vallejo.  Michael Ray is being held on $300K bail, Jimmy Ray with a history of arrests dating back to 2017 is being held on no bail and Austin bonded out of custody as of Wednesday, Sept. 24.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office McGlothin is Black and was out of custody as of Wednesday night, Sept. 24 with no charges filed and Demisse was released from custody on Thursday with no charges filed.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, nine-inch tall, 215-pound Samuel (born 7/16/2007) is Black and being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail. He currently has no scheduled court date. According to localcrimenews.com, Samuel is from San Francisco and was previously arrested by S.F.P.D. twice on Sept. 9, 2025, for kidnapping, grand theft, carrying a loaded firearm on a person or in a vehicle while in a public place, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, removing, destroying or  damaging a wireless communication device to prevent summoning assistance or law enforcement, evasion with wanton disregard for safety and driving without a license. He was also arrested that same day for carrying a loaded firearm with intent to commit a felony and again, for evasion with wanton disregard for safety.