Contra Costa Herald

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

Robbery by two masked men inside Sunvalley Shopping Center under investigation

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Police seek suspects

By Concord Police Department

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

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

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

Concord Police officers are reviewing surveillance footage from the area to help identify the suspects and determine whether any suspect vehicles were involved.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. No further information is being released at this time.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Concord Police Department Major Crimes Unit at 925-671-3030 or via our Anonymous Tip Line at (925) 603-5836.

Con Fire celebrates opening of Regional Fire Communications Center

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District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson and Fire Chief Aaron McAlister (right) are joined by Con Fire personnel to cut the ribbon to officially open the new Regional Fire Communications Center on Friday, June 19, 2026. Photo by Lauren Ono, Con Fire

$26 million facility in Concord staffed and operated around the clock

By Lauren Ono, PIO, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

CONCORD, CA- The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) proudly celebrated the grand opening of the Contra Costa Regional Fire Communications Center (CCRFCC) on Friday, June 19, 2026. It is a state-of-the-art emergency communications facility that serves as the critical link between the public and emergency responders throughout Contra Costa County.

“Before firefighters arrive on scene and before a paramedic begins treatment, an emergency dispatcher is already helping those in need,” said Contra Costa County Board Chair Diane Burgis, District 3 Supervisor. “The opening of this communications center represents an investment in public safety for Contra Costa County. It ensures the highly skilled professionals who answer our calls for help have the tools, technology, and resources they need most, when every second counts.”

Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the CCRFCC is located at 2210 Willow Pass Road in Concord and staffed by extensively trained emergency dispatchers who serve as the first point of contact during emergencies. In addition to answering 911 calls, dispatchers gather critical information, provide pre-arrival medical and safety instructions to the caller, coordinate the deployment of resources, and support emergency personnel throughout an incident from initial dispatch to final resolution.

The approximately $26 million facility was designed to enhance operational reliability, improve coordination, and provide the advanced technological infrastructure necessary to support the County’s growing public safety needs. The facility includes 16 dispatch positions, dedicated training and conference room space, enhanced site security, and on-site dormitories to support 24/7 operations.

“This facility is more than a communications center,” Fire Chief Aaron McAlister said. “It is the foundation of our emergency response system. By investing in modern technology, resilient infrastructure, and our personnel, we are strengthening our ability to serve the communities in Contra Costa County for decades to come.”

Photos: Con Fire

Technology & Innovation

  • Upgraded radio, telephone, and IT systems support 24/7 operations.
  • Software tools track unit status, location, and incidents to optimize coverage in real time.
  • iPads are now deployed on all fire apparatus for real-time communication and incident management.
  • The CCRFCC has integrated EMS personnel into dispatch operations via the Alliance ambulance transport program.

In a Facebook post on Friday, June 26, District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson who was in attendance for the ribbon cutting wrote, “I was honored to stand with Fire Chief Aaron McAlister, members of the Communications Staff, and firefighters to celebrate the opening of the new Contra Costa Regional Fire Communications Center (CCRFCC) in Pleasant Hill. The CCRFCC is a state-of-the-art emergency communications facility that serves as the critical link between the public and emergency responders throughout the County. The facility was designed to enhance operational reliability, improve coordination, and provide the advanced technological infrastructure necessary to support the County’s growing public safety needs.”

The communications center serves as the primary dispatch point for fire and emergency medical services for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, the El Cerrito/Kensington Fire Department, the Crockett-Carquinez Fire District, and the Moraga-Orinda Fire District, and provides EMS dispatching for the Richmond Fire Department. It serves the cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Oakley, Orinda, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, San Pablo, Walnut Creek and the Town of Moraga.

In 2025, the CCRFCC dispatchers answered 253,294 calls and dispatched over 133,300 incidents.

For more information about the Regional Fire Communications Center visit Communications / Information Systems | Contra Costa County FPD, CA and for more information about Con Fire visit www.cccfpd.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

American Discovery 250 Relay to stop in Walnut Creek, Clayton, Antioch and Oakley July 6-8

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Source: American Discovery Trail

Longest continuous, non-motorized coast-to-coast relay in world history begins July 1st in California

By Dave Whitson, Director, 250 Relay, American Discovery Trail Society

Starting next Wednesday, July 1st, the American Discovery Trail Society (ADTS) celebrates the outdoors and 250 years of our independence with the American Discovery 250 Relay— a 6,800-mile (11,000 km) journey along the entire American Discovery Trail from California to Delaware. This event will be the longest continuous, non-motorized relay in world history. Participants will carry specialized batons carrying a replica of the Declaration of Independence. (See related article)

Source: American Discovery Trail

The FIRST WEEK highlights are as follows:

  • Wednesday, July 1st: Relay begins at Point Reyes National Seashore at Limantour Beach. Members of the 1980-81 HikaNation event will be on hand to help start the relay. This event inspired the establishment of the American Discovery Trail, and details can be found in the attachment, below. The relay will start at 8:30 AM PT.
  • Saturday, July 4th: The Relay crosses the Golden Gate Bridge. A July 4th party hosted by Pier 39 takes place from 11AM to NOON.
  • Monday, July 6th UC Berkeley, CA to Heather Farms Walnut Creek, CA. Start time: 8AM
  • Tuesday, July 7th: Heather Farms Walnut Creek, CA to Antioch Community Park, CA. Start time: 8:30AM
  • Tuesday, July 7th: City of Clayton Welcome. Noon to 1PM. Contact Chris Karney, chrisk@claytonca.govor 925-943-2680.
  • Wednesday, July 8th: Antioch Community Park, CA to Sacramento – William Land Park, CA. Start time: 7:30AM
  • Wednesday, July 8th: City of Oakley Welcome.Time TBA. Contact Troy Faulk, Faulk@ci.oakley.ca.us or 925-625-7038.
  • Wednesday, July 8th: Yolo County Welcome. Noon to 1PM. Contact Terry Selk, terry@visityolo.comor 530-297-1900

MAP OF FIRST WEEK:

Source: American Discovery Trail

For a complete calendar, please visit: discoverytrail.org/adt-relay-calendar.

Interested participants or teams are asked to register for FREE at discoverytrail.org/america-250-relay.  Runners, cyclists, hikers, wheelchair users and horseback riders are all encouraged to take part. We also encourage interest from those who wish to help with logistics, welcoming events or sponsorships.

Source: American Discovery Trail

About the American Discovery Trail

The American Discovery Trail is the nation’s first non-motorized coast-to-coast trail. It runs for 6,800 miles through 15 states and Washington, D.C. The route incorporates numerous local, state, and national trails, with most of them designed for walking, hiking, and running and for bicycle and equestrian use. It connects scores of scenic and historic trails, backcountry roads, national parks and forests plus thousands of state and local properties of historic, cultural and natural significance. Users can experience their local environment, or the 23 ecosystems the trail passes through – deserts, mountains, forests, waterfronts, and plains. You can learn more about the ADT by visiting www.discoverytrail.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Justice Served: Convicted suspect in 2023 Pleasant Hill murder sentenced to 50 years to life

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Andre Barocio, Jr. Photo source: Pleasant Hill PD

Andre Barocio, Jr. of Hercules killed Concord man then fled to Mexico; has history of arrests

Accomplice from Antioch previously arrested

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

On Thursday, June 25, 2026, Andre Aaron Barocio, Jr. of Hercules was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for the murder of 37-year-old Oscar Laredo-Arellano.

As previously reported, on April 3, 2023, Pleasant Hill Police officers responded to a report of a shooting in the parking lot outside Farrington’s Bar at 1938 Contra Costa Blvd. Officers located Laredo-Arellano deceased from a gunshot wound. The subsequent investigation determined he had been shot following an argument, and Barocio, Jr. was identified as the suspect. In May 2023, Pleasant Hill Police detectives, working in partnership with federal law enforcement agencies and Mexican state police, located Barocio, Jr. in Mexico. He was arrested and extradited to the United States to face justice.

On April 8, 2026, a jury found Barocio Jr. guilty of first-degree murder. Yesterday, he was sentenced to 50 years to life in state prison.

As previously reported, according to locacrimenews.com, Barocio has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by Pittsburg, Concord, U.C. Berkeley, Walnut Creek and West Covina Police Departments, as well as Contra Costa CHP and Alameda County Sheriff’s Department including for DUI, possession of ammunition, driving with suspended license and speeding over 100 MPH, and drug possession.

In addition, Angelo Martinez Delacruz of Antioch (born 5/31/90) was identified as a suspect in the shooting. In April 2023 he was arrested in Douglas County, Nevada. Upon extradition, police booked him into the Martinez Detention Facility for assault with a firearm. (See related article)

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Barocio, Jr. is five-feet, eight-inches tall and 260-pounds.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences remain with Oscar’s mother, family, and loved ones. We are grateful to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for their outstanding work in prosecuting this case and for their continued support of Oscar’s family throughout this process.

This sentence reflects the dedication and collaboration of all those involved in bringing justice to the victim and his family.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa Sheriff, DA investigate in custody death of 40-year-old Walnut Creek man at Martinez Detention Facility

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By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

On Thursday, June 25, 2026, at about 9:06 AM, a deputy sheriff at Martinez Detention Facility intake discovered a male inmate unresponsive in a room.

Health Services medical staff at MDF were immediately requested to respond. Deputies began life-saving measures until medical staff took over. The fire department and an ambulance also responded to MDF. The inmate was later pronounced deceased by paramedics.

The inmate is identified as 40-year-old Patrick Robert Smith who was White. He was arrested by Walnut Creek PD and booked into MDF on June 24, 2026, at about 10:00 AM. Smith was booked on narcotics charges.

According to the Walnut Creek Police Department, Smith was arrested at 8:45 AM in the 1800 Block of North Main Street.

The county-wide law enforcement involved fatal incident protocol was invoked and this incident is being investigated by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and the Contra Costa D.A.’s Office.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Eric Young named 2025 Walnut Creek Police Officer of the Year

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Officer Eric Young (with plaque) is joined by his wife and children to receive his honor as the 2025 Walnut Creek Police Department’s Officer of the Year by Chief Ryan Hibbs, Captain Jeff Slater (left) and Captain Holley Connors (right). All photos by Walnut Creek PD

Officer Greggmar Swift is Rookie of the Year

More recognized during 2025 Honors and Awards Ceremony

By Lt. Drew Olson, PIO, Walnut Creek Police Department

The Walnut Creek Police Department recently celebrated and honored the hard work and dedication of our team at our 2025 Honors and Awards Ceremony. This annual event recognizes the outstanding achievements, bravery, and professionalism demonstrated by our team members. We were also able to recognize community members for the important contributions they made to keeping our community safe.

Officer Greggmar Swift (second from left), honored as the 2025 Walnut Creek Police Department’s Rookie of the Year, was joined by his wife and children, Chief Ryan Hibbs (left) and Captain Jeff Slater, Captain Holley Connors (right).

  • Officer of the Year: Officer Eric Young
  • Rookie of the Year: Officer Greggmar Swift
  • Professional Staff Member of the Year: Crime Prevention Specialist Kira Raman
  • Dispatcher of the Year: Dispatcher Hunter Edge
  • Reserve Officer of the Year: Reserve Officer Tim Mahoney

Crime Prevention Specialist Kira Raman is honored as the Walnut Creek Police Department’s 2025 Professional Staff Member of the Year by Chief Ryan Hibbs (left) and Captains Jeff Slater and Holley Connors.

Congratulations to all of our award recipients and honorees!

The Walnut Creek Police Department’s 2025 Reserve Officer of the Year Tim Mahoney was honored by Chief Ryan Hibbs (left) and Captains Jeff Slater and Holley Connors.

In addition, Officers Jake Chaney, Shane Blatz, Brian Romero, Adam Cullen and  Eric Young, were recognized with the Firearms Interdiction Award.

Firearms Interdiction Award recipients Officers Jake Chaney, Shane Blatz, Brian Romero, Adam Cullen and Eric Young are joined by Chief Ryan Hibbs (left) and Captains Jeff Slater and Holley Connors (right).

We are proud of our team and their dedication to the community of Walnut Creek!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Partners in Purpose: Community Is Stronger Than Cancer Day event in Walnut Creek June 26

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By Alexandra Rubin, Director of Communications, Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area

On Friday, June 26, 2026, Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area in Walnut Creek celebrates the national Partners in Purpose: Community Is Stronger Than Cancer Day. We offer support at no cost for people impacted by cancer, online and in person, and would love to host you for quick interviews and visuals.

Please join us to celebrate ‘Community is Stronger Than Cancer Day’ on Friday, June 26th at 4pm!

Community Is Stronger Than Cancer Day raises awareness of the free support, resources and care provided by Cancer Support Community, Gilda’s Club locations, and healthcare partners for everyone impacted by cancer.

The BACC Mobile Resource Van will be onsite providing boutique appointments throughout the day. (Appointment required, please call CSC at 925.933.0107 for availability).

Our partners, Brady Thomas Photography, HerbNJoy and Comfort Keepers, will also be joining us to share helpful resources and information with attendees.

Why this matters:

  • Cancer support close to home. People impacted by cancer in northern California can access no cost emotional support, navigation, education, healthy lifestyle programs, and social connection online and in person.
  • Inequities and need. Many in our community still face barriers to care. We are working to close the gap through partnerships, navigation, and culturally responsive programs.

Event details:

When: Friday, June 26, 4-6 PM

Where: 3276 McNutt Avenue, Walnut Creek, CA 94597

Who: CEO Lucinda Bazile, community partners, program participants

For more information about Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area visit https://cancersupport.net.

Concord Police Department to hold DUI Checkpoint June 19, 2026

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By Provisional Sgt. Lee Lawrence, Concord Police Department

Concord, Calif. – Concord Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint June 19, 2026, from 7:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M. The DUI Checkpoint will occur on westbound Willow Pass Road between Mount Diablo Street and Galindo Street.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on the history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The Concord Police Department is committed to keeping the traveling public safe.

“The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Lt. Scott Smith said. “We are looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is dangerous and puts others on the road at risk.”

Concord Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Pleasant Hill Police make 92 arrests in May

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Source: Pleasant Hill PD

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

It’s June and you know what that means – it’s time to provide you with a look at some of the police activity that took place in our city in May 2026.

We’ll continue sharing this information monthly on social media, but for a more extensive look at our crime stats, please visit our website – https://www.phillca.gov/1384/Crime-Statistics.

Walnut Creek Police Department’s K9 Rollo to get donation of body armor

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Walnut Creek Police K9 Rollo. Photo: WCPD

By Walnut Creek Police Department

K9 Rollo will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Rollo’s vest was sponsored by Buddy the Basset and Friends of Scottsville, VA and will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Buddy the Basset – A friend to all”. Delivery is expected within ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,513 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old, actively employed, and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.