Contra Costa Herald

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

BAC Community Bank CEO appointed to bankers’ association Safety and Soundness Committee

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Dante Tosetti, CEO, BAC Community Bank.

Dante Tosetti will represent California’s Central Valley and San Francisco Bay Area

Has branches in Concord, Brentwood and Antioch

By Josef Britschgi, Marketing & Communications Administrator, BAC Community Bank

Stockton, CA – The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) has announced the appointment of Dante Tosetti, CEO of BAC Community Bank, to its Safety and Soundness Committee. Tosetti will help shape national policy positions and advocate for the vital role community banks play in strengthening local economies.

Tosetti’s appointment ensures that the voices of community banks, businesses, and residents across California’s Central Valley and San Francisco Bay Area are represented in national discussions on banking policy and regulation.

“Community banks are the heartbeat of Main Street, driving local economies and forging lasting relationships with consumers and small businesses,” said Tosetti. “I’m honored to represent the Central Valley and Bay Area as I contribute to ICBA’s mission — ensuring community banks have a strong voice in policy discussions and access to tools that strengthen their service to local communities.”

In this leadership role, Tosetti will:

  • Advocate for community banking interests at the national level.
  • Promote ICBA’s policy positions and programming.
  • Serve as a bridge between California’s community banks and ICBA leadership in Washington, D.C.

“Dante brings invaluable insight and dedication to the table, reinforcing the importance of community banks in fostering economic stability and opportunity,” said ICBA Chairman Jack Hopkins, president and CEO of CorTrust Bank in Sioux Falls, S.D. “We appreciate Dante’s leadership and look forward to working together to champion policies that empower community banks and the communities they serve.”

About BAC Community Bank

BAC Community Bank is celebrating 60 years of award-winning local banking and operates branch offices throughout San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and eastern Contra Costa counties. Established in 1965, BAC is one of California’s oldest state-chartered banks.

Centrally headquartered in Stockton, California, BAC is continuously recognized for its strength and banking excellence in the communities it serves.

BAC Community Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Equal Opportunity Employer. Member FDIC. More information is available online at www.bankbac.com.

About ICBA

The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation’s community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation.

As local and trusted sources of credit, America’s community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers’ financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at www.icba.org.

Tri Delta Transit to host annual community Shred-It Event in Oakley April 24

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Reminder!! Get ready for that shred-it time of year! Tri Delta Transit in partnership with the City of Antioch, City of Oakley and others, brings you the annual drive-thru Shred-It Event on Thursday, April 24th in Oakley.

Get out those papers and remove all large binder clips, plastic ring binding, bindings, binders and heavy folders. Event starts at 9:00 AM and is first come, first served until the trucks are full!

BE READY TO DRIVE UP AND HELP OUT

This is a drive-up event where you will enter at the Cypress driveway, wait in line in your vehicle (turn off car if can), then drive up to the truck.

Helpers will indicate which truck you are to pull up to.

Once you stop where the helpers tell you, please exit your vehicle safely. Give the helpers your shredding or indicate where your shredding is and which ones they are. Once the helpers review the materials, they will dump them into a bin for shredding.

If you want to watch your shredding be shredded, please let the helper know. You will need to pull your car over, exit the vehicle and walk to the far side of the truck to watch with the Shred-It employee.

ALL BAGS AND BOXES the shredding is brought it, must be taken away with you.
Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to keep it and dispose of it.

Cars will not be allowed to line up until all safety cones and precautions are in place.

Event is first come, first serve until the trucks are full.

Keep in mind that this could be anytime after 9:00 am. If large loads come, the trucks will reach capacity quickly.

If the truck is full, you will be asked to take all shredding home with you.

All bags, boxes and containers that you bring your shredding in, MUST be taken back with you.

For more information visit Community Drive Thru Shred-It Event -Tri Delta Transit.

 

4 Pleasant Hill convenience store robbery suspects arrested in Antioch following police chase, crash

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The suspects crashed their stolen getaway car into a fence. Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies and other emergency personnel with one of the suspects in the back of a Sheriff’s vehicle on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Photos by and courtesy of Mike Burkholder, ContraCosta.news

3 males, 1 female fled in stolen vehicle; police helicopter, Antioch & Pittsburg PD, CCC Sheriff’s Office assist

See 4/1/25 Update: Suspects identified; all four are from Antioch, one was arrested for similar charges in December and January

By Allen D. Payton

According to Pleasant Hill Police Lt. Jason Kleven, on Thursday, March 27, 2025, “The Pleasant Hill Police Department responded to a report of a possible robbery in progress at the 7-Eleven store parking lot located at 601 Patterson Blvd. Two delivery truck drivers were making a scheduled delivery when several suspects stole multiple cartons of cigarettes from the truck’s cargo area. No weapons or injuries were reported during the theft.

The suspects fled the scene in a stolen vehicle. Pleasant Hill Police Detectives later located the vehicle traveling on Highway 4 near Concord. With the help of a police helicopter, the vehicle led authorities to the city of Antioch, where the vehicle stopped near Fremont Elementary School. Four suspects then fled on foot from the vehicle.

With the support of Antioch Police, Pittsburg Police, the Sheriff’s Office, and the helicopter, officers set up a perimeter. All four adult suspects were apprehended and arrested.

The investigation remains active, and authorities are asking anyone with information that may assist in the investigation to contact the Pleasant Hill Police Investigations Bureau at (925) 288-4630.

According to a press release by Lt. Joe Njoroge of the Antioch Police Field Services Bureau, “At approximately 2:57 p.m., APD Dispatch received a report about a suspect vehicle involved in a previous incident in Pleasant Hill. APD was requested to assist in locating the vehicle, which was quickly found in the area.

While driving near the intersection of F Street and W. 13th, the suspect vehicle collided with a fence. The suspects then fled the scene on foot. Pleasant Hill PD arrived shortly after, and with the assistance of the Contra Costa Office of the Sheriff and APD, all suspects were apprehended.”

Njoroge later said the four suspects included three males and one female.

Antioch Police issued a Community Alert on Facebook Thursday afternoon that they were “working in the area of Antioch Middle School and the surrounding area of F Street from W. 13th to W. 18th. Expect heavy police presence in the area. If you see anything suspicious, please call 911 or (925) 778-2441 immediately.”

Later APD provided an update, writing, “We have now cleared the area. Thank you for your patience and cooperation. There is no danger to the community, and the subjects we were looking for have been arrested. Stay safe, and as always, report any suspicious activity to 911 or (925) 778-2441.

4/1/25 UPDATE: According to Pleasant Hill Police, the four suspects were 20-year-old Robert Lee Crawford (born 12/9/04), a six-foot tall, 165-pound Black male from Antioch, 19-year-old Robert Samule Garcia-Scrape of Antioch (born 7/22/05), a five-foot, 11-inch tall, 200-pound White male with blond hair, 21-year-old Jailen Emani Scales of Antioch (born 2/3/04), a six-foot tall, 200-pound Black male and 24-year-old Marieilacqua Bartholomew, a five-foot, one-inch tall, 130-pound Black female, also from Antioch. 

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Crawford is being held in the West County Detention Center on no bail; Garcia-Scrape is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail and his next court appearance is on April 15 at 1:30 p.m. in Department 03, Superior Court, Mt. Diablo; and Scales is also being held in the West County Detention Center on no bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, Scales was arrested last year, on Dec. 6th by San Francisco Police for burglary, conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor, carrying a loaded firearm on a person or in a vehicle while in a public place, receiving or concealing stolen property, and resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer. He was arrested again on Jan. 15, this year by Fremont PD for robbery, carrying a loaded firearm and with intent to commit a felony, carrying a concealed weapon with a large capacity magazine, receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, and elder or dependent adult abuse.

No additional information could be found through online searches for Bartholomew. However, according to Pleasant Hill Police Lt. Jason Kleven, she is also still in custody. 

Contra Costa DA, four others reach settlement with telecommunications provider over environmental violations

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Company provides services in Concord

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

Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton announces, in conjunction with five other District Attorneys in California, a $1.275 million settlement with WaveDivision Holdings, LLC — which operates under the brand name “Astound Broadband” within California – over environmental violations. Concord is the only city in Contra Costa County in which Astound provides internet, television and phone services.

WaveDivision Holdings, which provides telecommunication services including cable and internet, was jointly investigated by five District Attorneys’ Offices and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Waste inspections at Astound facilities in Contra Costa, San Francisco, Yolo and Placer counties revealed the unlawful disposal of hazardous waste generated by WaveDivision Holdings including electronic equipment, silicone gels, sealants and batteries. The hazardous waste was improperly being directed to municipal landfills instead of authorized hazardous waste disposal facilities.

Hazardous waste can cause serious harm to the environment and the public if not properly disposed. For example, splitters and power taps found in the inspections contained lead as well as lithium and alkaline batteries were recovered.

“Businesses must be held accountable for conduct that harms the environment,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “WaveDivision Holdings cooperated with the investigation and has since implemented training programs to properly manage and dispose of hazardous waste, ensuring future compliance.”

Under the settlement agreement, WaveDivision will pay:
• $875,000 in civil penalties
• $300,000 for reimbursement of investigative costs
• $100,000 for Supplemental Environmental Projects

Additionally, the company is subject to an injunction requiring strict compliance with hazardous waste laws and implementation of compliance measures to prevent future violations.

The complaint was filed in Contra Costa Superior Court on March 18, 2025, by Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe, San Luis Obispo District Attorney Dan Dow, Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig, and Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire. Judge Danielle K. Douglas signed the order on the same day the complaint was filed.

Case No. C25-00758 | The People of the State of California v. WaveDivision Holdings, LLC

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Travis Credit Union Foundation extends financial coaching grants applications

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Program will empower a Northern California nonprofit with up to $39,000 in grant funding

By Michelle Sabolich, AVP, Corporate Communications, Travis Credit Union

Travis Credit Union Foundation announces the application deadline has been extended for its 2025 Financial Coaching Grants program until March 31. This initiative is an opportunity for one Northern California nonprofit organization to access $30,000 in unrestricted funding and up to $9,000 to train its staff to become financial coaches. Those interested in applying can start here.

“Our hope is that through this grant, we can create a ripple effect of positive financial behaviors that will benefit not only the individuals directly involved but the broader community,” said Damian Alarcon, president of Travis Credit Union Foundation. “Financial stability is a cornerstone of a thriving community, and we are committed to making a lasting impact.”

Eligibility requirements are:
• Organizations benefiting people in Napa, Solano, Yolo, Contra Costa and Merced counties.
• Organizations classified as public charities.
• Organizations with the ability to reach diverse communities, including those that are unbanked/underserved.
• Organizations that do not discriminate by race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or military status.
• Organizations with the capacity to allocate time and resources for two staff members to become financial coaches (self-study) and provide 10 or more one-hour financial coaching sessions to beneficiaries each month.
• Organizations that are willing to promote their participation in the Financial Coaching Grant Program and acknowledge funding received from Travis Credit Union Foundation in traditional and social media.

Those who apply and are selected as coaches will undergo comprehensive, three- to five-month long, self-study training through the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) and/or Financial Counseling for Empowerment Program (FICEP). Upon completing the course, coaches will be equipped to address a wide range of financial topics, from summarizing saving principles to educating community members about credit reports, credit scores and the wise use of tax refunds.

The TCU Foundation is committed to supporting nonprofits throughout the grant’s lifetime, ensuring that financial wellness outcomes are achieved. The foundation will monitor financial coaching goals, metrics and outcomes related to reduced debt, increased savings and established and/or improved credit scores. Renewal preferences are given to nonprofits with a demonstrated record of coaching more beneficiaries.

The grant application will close on March 31 at 11:59 p.m. PDT.

About Travis Credit Union Foundation
The Travis Credit Union Foundation supports financial education and wellness initiatives and is the philanthropic arm of Travis Credit Union. The Foundation is committed to making a positive impact in the communities it serves through financial education, charitable giving, and community support. Travis Credit Union generously funds the administrative costs of the Travis Credit Union Foundation, allowing for 100% of funds raised to go back to the community. To learn more about the Travis Credit Union Foundation’s mission and how to participate in all it’s doing to build financial wellness in the communities it serves, visit tcufund.org.

The Foundation is organized and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). Tax ID #82-4159040

 

New Costco store to open March 7th in the Innovation Center at Brentwood

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Ribbon cutting at 7:30 a.m, opens at 8:00 a.m.; police warn of traffic delays
Part of a planned Town Center Development in Eastern Contra Costa County

By Darin Gale, Assistant City Manager, City of Brentwood

The City of Brentwood in Contra Costa County, will celebrate the grand opening of a new Costco Wholesale warehouse store Friday, March 7th at 7:30 a.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The store will officially open at 8:00 a.m. in the Lone Tree Plaza at 5151 Heidorn Ranch Road off Lone Tree Way.

The retailer with stores across the nation and Bay Area has eyed the City of Brentwood for some time. This new store will represent one of the City’s largest sales tax generators. It will also serve as the first commercial development to break ground and open in the City’s highly anticipated Innovation Center; a 260-acre town center development strategically situated along Highway 4 between Lone Tree Way and Sand Creek Road.

Mayor Susannah Meyer shared the following as it relates to Costco’s effect on the city, “The arrival of Costco in Brentwood marks a significant milestone for the development of the Innovation Center at Brentwood. Costco is creating hundreds of good-paying jobs, boost our local economy, and generate millions in tax revenue to fund local improvements and community services, including public safety, road maintenance, and many other City services.

After breaking ground on July 23, 2024, Costco’s new store provides well over 150,000 local residents of both Brentwood and our surrounding East Contra Costa County neighbors reduced travel times to Costco, decreasing traffic congestion and improving air quality. This store will also serve as a catalyst to attract new national retailers to the remaining four-acre site adjacent to the store and continue to strengthen Brentwood’s role as a leader in the East Contra Costa County shopping experience. The new store will also help foster a planned mixed-use development just south, along Heidorn Ranch Road as part of the Innovation Center.

City Manager Tim Ogden stated, “Brentwood is excited to have Costco make a home here and offer great jobs for so many. The additional revenue to the City will continue to help maintain the high quality of life residents enjoy. Costco will also be a catalyst for more commercial development to follow in our Innovation Center @ Brentwood master planned community.”

Antioch Police warned of traffic delays in a Facebook post on Tuesday, March 4 writing, “We’re anticipating traffic delays due to the grand opening of Costco. If you’re heading to Costco, they recommend using the Sand Creek exit for easier access. Please plan ahead and allow extra travel time. Thank you for your patience!”

The City’s Economic Development staff are pro-actively seeking a developer(s) to acquire and assemble approximately 25 acres just south of Costco and adjacent to both a pedestrian and bicycle trail and the future Brentwood BART Station, which will create a new town center. The town center will consist of townhomes and apartments with upwards of 100,000 square feet of retail and office development in a Main Street format. To learn more about this mixed-use development opportunity, please contact the City’s Economic Development Team at https://www.brentwoodca.gov/business/economic-development.

For more information on the Costco development, please contact Darin Gale, Assistant City Manager at dgale@brentwoodca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Police seek suspects in smash-and-grab robbery at Orinda consignment shop

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Photo: Hilton House Facebook page.

Pepper sprayed employee, customers

By Orinda Police Department

On Saturday, March 1, 2025, at about 11:44 AM, Orinda police officers were dispatched to a report of a robbery at a business in the first block of Orinda Way. Several male suspects entered a store and pepper-sprayed an employee and some customers. They fled after stealing multiple items. Police checked the area and notified other law enforcement agencies. The suspects were not located. The victims were treated at the scene.

According to a KTVU FOX 2 news report, five suspects entered the store with hammers, breaking glass display cases and robbed the Hilton House Consign & Design in Orinda and pepper sprayed one employee and some customers.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Orinda Police Department at (925) 254-6820. Tips could be email to: orindatip@cityoforinda.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Vallejo man charged by Contra Costa DA for stealing $25,000 of LEGOs

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Photos: Target.com and Waymarking.com

From Walnut Creek, San Ramon Target stores

Has history of arrests dating to 2014

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

A Vallejo man has been charged by the Contra Costa County District Attorney with multiple counts of second-degree commercial burglary and grand theft for stealing nearly $25,000 worth of merchandise from Target.

32-year-old Michael Ivory Fletcher (born 7/10/92) is currently in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility, awaiting a preliminary hearing on a 12-count felony complaint filed in court on February 20th.

His bail has been set at $467,500.

Fletcher’s offenses go beyond Contra Costa County. He is suspected of thefts in Solano, Alameda, San Joaquin, Sonoma, and Santa Clara Counties.

The thefts at Target stores in Walnut Creek and San Ramon occurred between August 15th, 2024, and February 15th, 2025. Fletcher’s actions followed a similar method of entering a store alone, filling up a shopping cart of LEGO products, and exiting with the stolen merchandise in a matter of minutes. Before fleeing from a store, he would load the stolen items in a vehicle parked in a disabled parking space.

District Attorney Diana Becton said, “The effective investigative efforts of the Walnut Creek and San Ramon police departments were crucial in bringing this case forward. We are committed to holding this individual accountable. Moreover, these brazen retail thefts demonstrate the necessity of reporting these crimes to law enforcement. Collaborative efforts are essential to ensuring the safety of our communities and businesses.”

Case No. 01-25-00704 | The People of the State of California v. Fletcher, Michael Ivory

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, 10-inch, 165 lb. Fletcher is Black, and as of March 5, he is being held in the West County Detention Facility. His next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, March 11 at 8:30 AM in Superior Court in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, he was arrested on Feb. 15, 2025, by Walnut Creek Police for felony committed while released on bail or own recognizance, revocation of probation, conspiracy to commit a crime, burglary, grand theft and organized retail theft. 01-25-00704 – MIFletcher Charging Document

In addition, Fletcher has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by multiple agencies including Oakland, Emeryville, Albany and Vallejo PD’s, Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara, Solano and San Joaquin counties Sheriff’s Departments and Castro Valley CHP for multiple gun-related and drug-related crimes, grand theft, burglary, organized retail theft, battery on a spouse, ex-spouse or co-habitant, and resisting arrest.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Scales-Preston calls for oversight of refinery following fire

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Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston.

Contra Costa Supervisor releases update to community

By David Fraser, Chief of Staff, Office of Supervisor Shanelle Scales Preston

MARTINEZ – Since Saturday’s fire at the Martinez Refining Company, District 5 Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston has been on the ground and in meetings with refinery representatives, Martinez Mayor Brianne Zorn, Contra Costa Health officials, first responders, and members of the community.

Today, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, Scales-Preston released the following statement:

“I understand the frustration, fear, and anger experienced by Martinez residents in the wake of Saturday’s fire at the Martinez Refining Company. This is the third major incident since PBF Energy purchased the refinery in 2020 and many more spills and releases have occurred since then. This is not acceptable, and I am working to get answers for our community.

“Currently, the County, and other regulatory agencies, will conduct an independent investigation into what caused the fire, what violations may have occurred, what potential environmental hazards linger, and what are necessary improvements needed to ensure public and worker safety and health. In addition, I am requesting a Full Facility Audit under the provisions of the County’s Industrial Safety Ordinance.

“This independent oversight is necessary if we are to have confidence in the management and operation of the refinery.”

Scales-Preston represents District 5 on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, which includes Martinez.

Contra Costa Health lifts Martinez Health Advisory following refinery fire

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Martinez Refining Company refinery fire on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. Photo source: Bay Area Air Quality Management District

Contra Costa Health (CCH) has lifted a public health advisory today at 3:00 p.m. following confirmation that the fire at Martinez Refining Company (MRC) is out. Residents in the affected area can now resume normal activities and should open doors and windows to air out buildings and homes. (See related article)

CCH was first notified of the event when MRC, owned by PBF Energy, reported the fire through the county’s Community Warning System (CWS) at 1:49 p.m. on Saturday, February 1. CCH’s Hazardous Materials Program has continued to monitor air quality since Saturday.

In addition to a 72-hour report, due to the County later today, and subsequent 30-day reports, MRC will be required to perform a Root Cause Analysis, which is an investigation aimed at identifying how the incident happened and what can be done to prevent future similar incidents from occurring.

CCH is investigating the cause of the incident, in accordance with state requirements and the county’s Industrial Safety Ordinance and will explore all options available under the regulatory authority provided through the state as a Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) to ensure safety issues are all addressed.