Contra Costa Herald

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

New Contra Costa Youth Stabilization Unit opening for children, teens experiencing psychiatric emergencies  

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At Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez

By Contra Costa Health

Children and adolescents having psychiatric emergencies will have their own standalone 24/7 behavioral health crisis stabilization space in Contra Costa County starting Monday, June 24.

The new Contra Costa Youth Stabilization Unit will serve people ages 6-17 for the first 24 hours of a diagnosed psychiatric emergency when they are considered a danger to themselves or others.

Until now, youth in the county experiencing psychiatric emergencies were treated alongside adults in the Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) unit at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center. Children and teens will now be able to receive developmentally appropriate emergency psychiatric care in a dedicated space designed for pediatric patients that is separate from the adult PES.

“This is a huge step forward for mental healthcare for youth in our community,” said Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Chair Federal Glover. “Having a dedicated standalone space for children and adolescents will provide our kids with a more safe, secure and therapeutic environment to help them heal.”

The Youth Stabilization Unit, located at 25 Allen Street next to the Miller Wellness Center, will be able to serve up to eight minors at a time. In 2023, there were 1,072 admissions for pediatric psychiatric patients at the PES unit. The majority of those admitted were adolescents and young teens who presented with depression and suicidal ideation or intent.

Contra Costa Health has contracted with Pacific Clinics to staff the new unit. Care teams will include psychiatrists, registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, licensed psychiatric technicians, clinicians and crisis intervention specialists. Services will include crisis intervention, mental health assessment, medication assistance, therapy, alcohol and drug screening, case management and peer support.

The program is designed to provide a calming and welcoming environment to support mental wellness. The goal is to stabilize the unit’s patients and connect them with mental health services without requiring inpatient hospitalization, although, when clinically appropriate, inpatient care may still be recommended.

Many children and adolescents suffering mental health crises are either hospitalized or arrested, which can be even further destabilizing. Having a team of mental health professionals available to provide crisis stabilization at the new facility will help divert youth from unnecessary encounters with law enforcement or visits to hospital emergency rooms.

“The new Crisis Stabilization Unit will give youth experiencing a behavioral health crisis compassionate care tailored to their needs,” said Suzanne Tavano, Behavioral Health director for Contra Costa Health. “It is going to be a tremendous resource for our community.”

“Our team’s primary goals are to provide support and safety to these young individuals in a time of crisis,” said Mary Sheppard, regional executive director for Pacific Clinics. “We will be a therapeutic, landing spot for them and aim to instill in them the belief that there is hope beyond this moment.”

 

Army exercises at Military Ocean Terminal Concord have neighbors questioning

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Source: U.S. Army

Community Update

By Concord Police Department

We have been receiving calls from community members regarding loudspeaker announcements heard from the area of the Concord Naval Weapons Station.

What’s going on?

Military Ocean Terminal Concord (MOTCO) will be conducting a U.S. Army led exercise from June 10-18. This exercise is being conducted with several units that will require travel throughout the local area. You will see an increase in uniformed service members during this time. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

No need to contact our Dispatch Center about the exercise as we are already aware. If you have an emergency to report, please dial 911. For non-emergencies, call 925-671-3333.

About MOTCO

MOTCO is Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command’s West Coast strategic ammunition port. MOTCO is the DOD’s primary ammunition seaport supporting the Pacific area of operation.

The Army’s presence at MOTCO dates back to 1997 when the Army’s 1302nd Major Port Command was relocated from Oakland Army Base, California, to MOTCO and became the 834th Transportation Battalion. MOTCO properties were transferred from the Navy to the Army in 2008 per the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommendations.

The 834th Transportation Battalion is the port manager at MOTCO and operates the three piers and an Army-owned rail system that connects with major public railway lines.

MOTCO receives ammunition by rail and highway; stages containers, railcars and trailers; and loads vessels with containers and break-bulk (loose items) ammunition. Rail lines, piers, holding pads, transfer facilities, staging areas, railcar class yards, barricaded railcar holding areas and Main Supply Routes are all operated in support of cargo receipt and movement.

MOTCO encompasses approximately 115 acres inland, 6,500 acres of tidal area which includes terminal piers, staging and transfer facilities, and 2,000 acres of offshore islands. While ammunition is the focus of most cargo movement into or out of MOTCO, the installation is capable of handling general cargo providing it is in conjunction with, or does not interfere with, ammunition.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Concord: Traffic delays from construction on Walnut Creek Desilt Project begin Monday

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Walnut Creek Desilt Project work area map. Source: CCC Public Works

For 3 ½ months on the portion of the creek that runs through northern section of Concord

By Kelly Kalfsbeek, Community & Media Relations Coordinator, PIO, Contra Costa County Public Works

Contra Costa County Public Works will begin construction of the Walnut Creek Desilt Project on Monday, June 17, 2024, through Thursday, October 31, 2024, barring unforeseen circumstances. Work will take place between 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), weather permitting.

Drivers should expect delays of 5-15 minutes at Meridian Park Boulevard and Willow Way, Via de Mercados to Concord Avenue, and Waterworld Parkway to Willow Pass Road and should consider alternate routes during construction. Message boards will alert drivers about the work. Traffic control will be used. Restrictions will be in place to minimize impacts during commute hours.

The work consists of removing approximately 115,000 cubic yards of silt in the Walnut Creek Channel to restore creek flow capacity. Funding for this project is provided by Flood Control Zone 3B Funds. For more information visit: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/8658/Walnut-Creek-Desilt

About Contra Costa County Public Works Department:

Contra Costa County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) maintains over 660 miles of roads, 150 miles of streams, channels, and other drainage and over 150 County buildings throughout Contra Costa County. CCCPWD provides services such as Parks and Recreation, Sandbag Distribution and Flood Control throughout unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County.  CCCPWD operates two airports, Buchanan Field Airport in Concord, and Byron Airport in Byron. For more information about CCCPWD, please visit us at: www.cccpublicworks.org

Major injury hit-and-run crash on I-680 southbound near Pleasant Hill Sunday

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The hit-and-run suspect’s car and victim’s dog who was released to family members. Photos by CHP-Contra Costa

Public’s help needed ID’ing, finding suspect

By CHP – Contra Costa

On Sunday, June 9th, at approximately 2:07pm, CHP Contra Costa was advised of a two-vehicle crash on I-680 southbound south of Willow Pass Road. An unknown male adult driver of a dark gray Acura TL was reported traveling on I-680 southbound, south of Willow Pass Road, at a high rate of speed. While weaving recklessly in and out of lanes, the driver lost control of the Acura and crashed into a black BMW 320i. The BMW was driven by a female adult and occupied with one canine passenger.

The driver of the BMW sustained major injuries during the crash and was transported to the hospital where she is expected to recover from her injuries. The BMW’s canine passenger was unharmed in the crash and was taken to a local animal shelter before being released to family members.

After the crash, the driver of the Acura was last seen fleeing the area on foot, heading south towards the Homewood Suites located at 650 Ellinwood Way in Pleasant Hill.

Upon initial investigation it was determined the driver of the BMW was properly seat-belted. It is unknown whether the driver of the Acura was seat-belted during the crash, and it is unknown if the crash is DUI related.

This crash is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed the crash, the events leading up to, or has information/dash-cam footage of the crash/suspect, please contact CHP Contra Costa in Martinez, (925) 646-4980 or email your contact information to 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov to be contacted by the investigating officer.

Stolen vehicle search leads to Walnut Creek man arrested on firearm, drug charges in Pleasant Hill

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Drone footage shows stolen vehicle in which a gun and drugs were discovered on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. Photos: Pleasant Hill PD

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

On Wednesday night, June 5, 2024, patrol officers located a stolen vehicle in the parking lot of the Crossroads Shopping Center. After a few minutes of surveillance with the help of our Drone Team, two subjects were contacted attempting to leave in the vehicle.

During a search of the vehicle, a loaded firearm and narcotics were discovered. Ultimately, 54-year-old Phillip Nimrod Wilson, Jr. of Walnut Creek, was arrested and booked into county jail on numerous firearm and narcotics charges. The stolen vehicle was recovered and will be returned to its owner!

As the summer kicks off in the next couple of weeks, expect to see more active patrols and arrests throughout our local shopping centers!

According to recentlybooked.com, the six-foot, two-inch, 205-pound Wilson is Black and was also arrested in Dec. 2022 for possession of a controlled substance and unlawful paraphernalia.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, as of Friday night, June 7, he was out of custody without any charges filed.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Concord: Pedestrian walking on Hwy 242 fatally struck by car

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By CHP – Contra Costa

Early this morning, Sunday, June 9, 2024, at approximately 5:22am, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a vehicle vs. pedestrian crash on Hwy 242 southbound, south of Clayton Road. At the time of the crash, a burgundy Tesla Model 3, was traveling on Hwy 242 southbound, south of Clayton Road in the #1 lane when it struck a pedestrian in the roadway. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene and the driver of the Tesla was not injured.

This crash is still under investigation.  If anyone witnessed the incident, or the events leading up to it, please contact CHP Contra Costa in Martinez, (925) 646-4980 or email your contact information to 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov to be contacted by the investigating officer.

Vallejo man charged in injury hit and run DUI in Walnut Creek

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

Martinez, California – A Vallejo man faces multiple charges stemming from a collision that injured two people at the Walnut Creek Farmers Market.

The incident occurred around 5:17 am on Sunday, June 2nd, on Locust Street in Walnut Creek, between Cole and Lacassie Avenues. This section of the street is typically closed on Sundays for a Farmers Market. While vendors were setting up, 33-year-old Jose Manuel Chavez (born 8/31/90) struck two female victims with his vehicle, causing serious injuries to both women. After the collision, Chavez fled the scene.

Walnut Creek Police responded quickly to emergency calls and located Chavez’s damaged vehicle entering I-680 at Lawrence Way. Officers pulled him over on Buskirk Avenue, near the Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre BART station, by 5:20 am and arrested him shortly after. (See related article)

On June 5th, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed charges against Chavez in Superior Court. He faces three felony charges, some with enhancements, and one misdemeanor. The complaint includes two felony counts of driving under the influence (DUI) causing injury to both victims [VC 23153(a)]. These charges include enhancements related to injuries sustained by both victims. Chavez is also charged with felony hit and run resulting in serious injury [VC 20001(b)(2)] and a misdemeanor for driving without a valid license after a DUI offense [VC 14601.5(a)].

Chavez was arraigned today, Thursday, June 6, at 1:35 pm in Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez. He remains in custody at the West County Detention Facility in Richmond.

Case No. 01-24-02263 | The People of the State of California v. Chavez, Jose Manuel

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, six-foot, 230-pound Chavez is being held on no bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for June 17, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. in Superior Court.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Vallejo man arrested for major injury hit and run collision in Walnut Creek Sunday

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Charges filed against suspected driver; two victims remain hospitalized

By Lt. Bruce Jower, Walnut Creek Police Department

A man is in custody today following an accident in Walnut Creek. Around 5:15 AM on Sunday, June 2, 2024, Walnut Creek Police Department received a call of a vehicle versus pedestrian accident in the area of Locust Street near Cole Avenue. When officers arrived on scene, they located the two people who had been struck by an SUV and sustained major injuries. They were transported to the hospital, where they are listed in critical condition.

The suspect vehicle involved in this collision was located by an officer, and the driver, Jose Chavez, 33 years old of Vallejo, was arrested. The regular Sunday Farmer’s Market held on Locust Street was closed for the day while the investigation continued, and residents were asked to avoid the area of Locust Street between Giammona Drive and Lacassie Avenue.

Case #: 24-15390

Charges:  CVC 23153(A)- DUI Alcohol: Causing serious bodily Injury- 2 counts

CVC 20001(A)- Hit and Run causing serious bodily injury or death- 2 counts

PC 12022.7(b)- Enhancement for inflicting great bodily injury or death during the Commission of a felony – 2 counts

On Wednesday, June 5, 2024, Walnut Creek Police presented the case from Sunday’s hit-and-run accident to the District Attorney’s office, and the DA filed significant charges against a 33-year-old man from Vallejo, Jose Chavez. Chavez is charged with two counts each of driving under the influence of alcohol and causing serious bodily injury, hit and run causing serious bodily injury or death, and an enhancement for inflicting great bodily injury or death during the commission of a felony. Chavez remains in the Contra Costa County Jail with bail set at $260,000.

The charges stem from an incident on Sunday, June 2, prior to the regular opening of the Farmers Market in downtown Walnut Creek. Around 5:15 that morning, Walnut Creek Police received a call of a vehicle versus pedestrian accident in the area of Locust Street near Cole Avenue. When officers arrived on scene, they located the two people who had been struck by an SUV and sustained major injuries. They were transported to the hospital, where they remain in critical condition.

This case continues to be under investigation, and the names of the victims are not being released at this time.

If you or someone you know has information about this case, please contact the Walnut Creek Police Department at 925-943-5844 or call the Anonymous Tip Line at 925-943-5865.

Three arrested in February love-triangle stabbing death of Pleasant Hill parks employee

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TOP: Jazmin Ruiz (left), Vanessa Vera-Aguilar (center), and Pablo Gutierrez-Morales (right) are accused in the fatal stabbing of their coworker. (Booking photos: Pleasant Hill PD) BOTTOM: Arrest of Ruiz. (Photo: Pleasant Hill PD). Santiago Jacobo. Source: GoFundMe

Concord man, being held on immigration warrant, 2 Antioch women – one, an ex-girlfriend – suspected of killing Pittsburg resident Santiago Jacobo; all former co-workers

GoFundMe account for victim’s family surpasses goal

By Captain Matt Kristic, Pleasant Hill Police Department

Crime/Incident: Homicide – Penal Code 187

Date/Time Reported: February 10, 2024

Location: Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill

Victim: Santiago Jacobo, 37-year-old resident of Pittsburg, CA

Suspects: Suspect #1 Pablo Gutierrez-Morales, 31-year-old resident of Concord, CA (In-custody)

Suspect #2 Vanessa Vera-Aguilar, 24-year-old resident of Antioch, CA (In-custody)

Suspect #3 Jazmin Ruiz, 25-year-old resident of Antioch, CA (In-custody)

Case Number: 24-411

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On Friday, May 31, 2024, Pleasant Hill Police Investigators arrested three people in connection with the February 10, 2024, stabbing death of park employee Santiago Jacobo of Pittsburg.

Pablo Jose Gutierrez-Morales, 31 of Concord; Vanessa Vera-Aguilar, 24 of Antioch and Jazmin Ruiz, 25 of Antioch have been booked into the Contra Costa County Jail in Martinez under the charges of Murder and Conspiracy to Commit Murder.

During a three month-long investigation, Pleasant Hill Police detectives obtained evidence indicating the victim and suspects knew each other as they all worked together at The Watermark at San Ramon, an assisted living facility.

The evidence shows that the arrested suspects planned, coordinated, and carried out the attack on Jacobo on the night of February 10, 2024, after Jacobo had finished his shift working as a custodian at Pleasant Hill Park. (See related article)

Detectives determined that prior to Jacobo’s murder, he had been in a relationship with suspect Vera-Aguilar while another suspect, Gutierrez-Morales, was pursuing a new relationship with her.

Police detectives are asking anyone with information regarding Jacobo’s death and the involved suspects to contact the Pleasant Hill Police Investigations Bureau at (925) 288-4630.

Our thoughts and condolences remain with the Jacobo family.

The Pleasant Hill Police Department would like to thank the San Ramon Police Department for their assistance. We would also like to thank the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Parks District for their ongoing assistance throughout this homicide investigation.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, 10-inch tall, 180-pound Gutierrez-Morales (born 5/8/1993) is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility without bail and his arrest type is listed as Immigration. The five-foot tall, 105-pound Ruiz is being held in the West County Detention Facility on a no bail Ramey Warrant. No information about Vera-Aguilar was available in an online search from the Contra Contra Sheriff’s Office. However, according to her Facebook page, she attended Deer Valley High School and left in 2018. Efforts to reach Vera-Aguilar and Captain Kristic for additional details were unsuccessful prior to publication time.

UPDATE: When asked to explain why Vera-Aguilar is not listed as in custody, Captain Kristic later said, “All three are in custody being held on no-bail. Vera-Aguilar is also being held in the West County Detention Center. The Aquarius system the Sheriff’s Office uses was having trouble updating, today.”

Regarding Gutierrez-Morales’ arrest being listed as Immigration, he said, “An external document was sent to MDF from ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcement). But all three suspects were booked on charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.”

“The suspects’ photos are being released due to the violent felonies associated with this case,” Kristic added.

A GoFundMe account for Jacobo, set up by his sister-in-law Maria Jacobo on behalf of his wife, Alejandra Jacobo, has raised $42,109 as of Saturday, June 1st, surpassing the goal of $35,000. According to the account, “He leaves behind a wife and 2 kids, son Santiago and daughter Mikaela. It feels so unreal how his life was taken in such a violent and cowardly way. Santiago was a kind hardworking man and will be missed by many loved ones.” The donations are intended “to cover funeral costs or any expenses Alejandra and her kids may have during this hard time.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Bay Area serial bank robber from Antioch sentenced to more than five years in prison

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Brandon Elder arrested for a Brentwood bank robbery on Jan. 26, 2022. (Photo: Brentwood PD) and his Facebook photo posted on Oct. 3, 2021.

Defendant robbed a bank only 19 days after release from custody for previous bank robbery

Brandon Elder has history of arrests dating to 2016 including 5 times in 2021 and 3 times in 2022

By U.S. Attorney, Northern District of California

SAN FRANCISCO – Brandon John Elder was sentenced to 63 months in prison for bank robbery, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), San Francisco Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp. The sentence was handed down by the Hon. James Donato, United States District Judge.

Elder, 29 (born 2/14/1995), of Antioch, pleaded guilty to the charge on December 14, 2023. According to court filings, Elder walked into a bank in the Marina District of San Francisco on September 20, 2022, wearing a black hoodie, black facemask, and blue gloves. He approached the teller window, stated “this is a robbery,” and demanded “50s” and “100s.” The teller handed over $10,000 in cash to Elder, who ran out of the bank and back to his getaway car in a nearby parking garage. Elder was arrested two days later in Pleasant Hill, Calif., while shoplifting a PlayStation from a Target with $7,867 cash in his pocket. A grand jury indicted Elder on November 1, 2022, charging him with one count of bank robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2113(a). Elder pleaded guilty to the charge without a written plea agreement.

Elder committed this bank robbery while still on post-release community supervision. He had been released from state custody only 19 days earlier after serving a custodial sentence related to the robbery of a bank he committed on January 26, 2022, in Brentwood, Calif. In addition, Elder already had been convicted of 11 other thefts in state court, including a violent incident during which he slashed a loss prevention officer with a box cutter. (See related article)

“Repeat offenders like Brandon Elder should not be allowed to continue terrorizing the community,” said United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey. “Enough is enough. This Office will ensure that criminals like Mr. Elder face serious repercussions for their actions.”

“Elder used threats and intimidation to terrorize the employees of the bank he robbed,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp. “His complete disregard for the law demanded justice, and justice he received with this sentence. The FBI will not waver when it comes to preserving the peace of our community by taking dangerous criminals off the streets.”

In addition to sentencing Elder to prison, Judge Donato ordered the defendant to serve a year of supervised release to begin after his prison term is completed. The defendant was immediately remanded into custody.

Assistant U.S. Attorney George Hageman is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Lakisha Holliman. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.

According to localcrimenews.com, Elder was also arrested five times in 2021 and three times in 2022 by multiple agencies including Vallejo PD, Dublin PD, San Francisco PD, Antioch PD, Pleasant Hill PD and BART Police for crimes including driving with a suspended license, drug possession including for sale, vehicle theft, receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, evading an officer including wanton disregard for safety, resisting arrest, failure to appear, smoking on BART and burglary. (See related article)

In addition, Elder was also arrested twice in 2016, first on Feb. 1st at 4:30 p.m. by Antioch Police on an outstanding felony warrant then again on August 19, 2016 by Antioch Police and at that time was a known gang member, who had two felony warrants for his arrest. Several APD officers went to Elder’s residence in the 200 block of Rossi Avenue where he was contacted in his bedroom. Elder was arrested and sent to county jail.

According to his Facebook page, Elder is from Oakland, lives in Antioch and is single, went to John Swet High School in Crockett and works at Safeway. His last post was on Nov. 8, 2021, while at the DMV in San Francisco.

According to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, seven-inch tall, 135-pound Elder, who is white and has green eyes and brown hair, is being held in the Santa Rita Jail on no bail.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.