Contra Costa Herald

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

Supervisor Carlson announces $1 million in District IV Community Impact Fund grants

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25 organizations benefit on Giving Tuesday

By Victor Benedict Tiglao, Communications Associate, Office of Supervisor Ken Carlson

PLEASANT HILL, CA (December 2, 2025) – Contra Costa County Supervisor Ken Carlson announced 25 local organizations selected to receive the District IV Community Impact Fund, following a review of more than 100 applications totaling $6.5 million in requests. Carlson noted his office spent over 160 hours evaluating proposals to ensure funds reached organizations making the greatest impact.

“I am proud to announce the 25 organizations selected to receive the District IV Community Impact Fund grants,” said Carlson. “These grants reflect the strength and resilience of our community. By investing in local nonprofits, we are ensuring that families, students, and residents across District IV have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.”

The Mt. Diablo Education Foundation highlighted how the grant will benefit students:

“This program has pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me find my voice. Having access to this program has opened doors I never knew existed and brought me places I never thought I’d go.” – Gabrielle, 12th Grade student at Ygnacio Valley High School

The Cancer Support Community (CSC) also shared how funding will expand services:

“I never thought I’d be diagnosed with cancer, but after treatments and surgeries my life was turned upside down. Finding the Cancer Support Community gave me strength, and for seven years I’ve relied on their programs. This grant will make in‑person support even more accessible for people like me.”– Daryl, CSC participant and Pleasant Hill resident

Other awardees include: 18 Reasons, Assistance League of Diablo Valley, Care Parent Network, Child Advocates of Contra Costa County, Choice in Aging, Clayton Pride, CoCo Kids, Community Violence Solutions, Contra Costa County Historical Society, Contra Costa Humane Society, Contra Costa Senior Legal Services, Empowered Aging, First Tee – Contra Costa, GANAS Community Organization, Hope Solutions, Joybound and Trinity Center, Meals on Wheels Contra Costa, Mental Health Connections, Monument First 5, The Network of Care, St. Vincent de Paul – St. Agnes, United Latino Voices of Contra Costa County, and Winter Nights Family Shelter.

“This Giving Tuesday, I encourage our residents to stand with these 25 organizations. Each one is doing extraordinary work. Your support amplifies the Community Impact Fund and helps these programs grow stronger, reaching more neighbors across Contra Costa County.”

First elected in 2022, Supervisor Carlson represents District IV on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, which includes the cities of Concord, Pleasant Hill, Clayton, and parts of Walnut Creek.

Concord Senior Center to host Annual Gift & Craft Fair Dec. 6

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The City of Concord invites residents and visitors to kick off the holiday season at its Annual Gift & Craft Fair, returning Saturday, December 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle.

This long-standing community favorite brings together over 70 local artisans and crafters, offering a wonderful variety of handmade gifts and one-of-a-kind creations. From custom jewelry and cozy knitwear to festive décor and holiday treats, shoppers are sure to find something special for everyone on their list.

Admission is free, and all are welcome. Whether you’re searching for a unique gift for a loved one or a special treat for yourself, the Gift & Craft Fair has something for everyone!

Event Details:

Admission: Free and open to the public

For more information, please contact the Concord Senior Center at (925) 671-3017.

Concord to Host Annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Mayor’s Sing-Along Dec. 5

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By Colleen Awad, Community Relations Manager, City of Concord

The City of Concord will kick off the holiday season with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Mayor’s Sing-Along, a free community event, on Friday, December 5, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Todos Santos Plaza.

The Christmas Tree Lighting & Mayor’s Sing-Along is a family-favorite event that features a number of traditional holiday festivities, including an official tree-lighting, real reindeer, a holiday music sing-along, crafts, shopping at Santa’s Village, and photos with Santa.

Enjoy a night filled with live performances, including Concord High School’s The Honeytones and The Evergreens, Concord Salvation Army Band, Westwood Elementary Chorus Club, Queen of All Saints Children’s Choir with special guest Mayor Carlyn Obringer on the piano, D’Ann’s Dance Academy, Queen of All Saints cheer Team, and fan-favorite The 925 Band.

New this year, the City of Concord has partnered with KultureCity to make the event Sensory Inclusive! KultureCity will be providing a pop-up sensory room. These resources are designed to help individuals of all ages and abilities with sensory needs feel more comfortable and supported during the event.

The City of Concord thanks its sponsors: Realm Real Estate, Concord Police Association, The Todos Santos Business Association, and The Makers Boulevard.

The Christmas Tree Lighting & Mayor’s Sing-Along will be live-streamed on the City of Concord’s TV channel (Comcast channel 28, Astound channels 29 and 1026, and U-verse channel 99) and the City’s YouTube channel, with the official tree lighting scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Holiday Sip N’ Stroll with Visit Concord

In addition to the City’s event, Visit Concord will be hosting a “Sip ‘n’ Stroll” through downtown Concord restaurants and establishments with treats and drinks for guests ages 21+. Tickets are $20 per person and include food and beverage samples from participating businesses. Learn more and purchase tickets here.

Series of 9 Walnut Creek business burglaries under investigation

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At two shopping centers

By Lt. Drew Olson, Walnut Creek Police Department

On November 25, 2025, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Walnut Creek Police Officers responded to a commercial alarm at the San Miguel Shopping Center on Newell Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple businesses had been burglarized.

While investigating the initial scene, officers were dispatched to a second alarm at the Countrywood Shopping Center at Bancroft Road and Treat Blvd. There, they located additional businesses that also showed signs of forced entry.

In total, nine businesses were identified as victims of burglary.

Walnut Creek Police Department detectives are actively investigating these incidents and following up on leads.

If you have any information about this case, please contact the Walnut Creek Police Department at (925) 943-5844 or the Anonymous Tip Line at (925) 943-5865.

Concord Police to hold Toy Drive Collection Saturday, Nov. 29

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By Concord Police Department

Help Us Bring Holiday Magic to Local Kids!

We’re hosting our Concord Police Department Toy Drive Collection and we’d love your support!

Target – 560 Contra Costa Blvd., Pleasant Hill

Saturday, November 29

7:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Join us in making the holidays brighter for local families.

Come on out — we’ll see you there!

Martinez woman arrested, charged for stabbing daughter to death

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36-year-old Brittney Kazee suspected of killing 19-year-old Shaniyah Kazee

Held on $2 million bail

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

Martinez, California – A Martinez woman has been charged with murder after stabbing her daughter, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office announced today, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025.

36-year-old Brittney Evanna Kazee (born 6/10/1989) faces one felony count of murder [PC 187(a)] with a deadly

weapon enhancement for using a knife in the commission of the offense [PC 12022(b)(1)].

Kazee was arrested on November 18, 2025, by Martinez Police after officers responded to a report of an altercation between two females at an apartment complex on the 100 block of Fig Tree Lane around 1:40 p.m.

One of the females, identified as 19-year-old Shaniyah Kazee, was found unconscious with a wound to her stomach area when officers arrived. She was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

Brittney Kazee is set to be arraigned on charges on November 24th at 1:30 pm in Martinez. She currently remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, two-inch tall, 152-pound suspect is listed as Black and being held on $2 million bail.

More details of the incident are provided in a KRON 4 News report.

Case No. 01-25-04149 | The People of the State of California v. Brittney Evanna Kazee

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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.

Oakland couple arrested for Walnut Creek carjacking, armed robberies in Antioch, Pittsburg, El Sobrante

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One of the two suspects arrested for carjacking and armed robberies. Photo source: Walnut Creek PD

Antioch, Pittsburg, Oakland PD’s, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office assist

Both of history of arrests: Julio Villalobos held on no bail, Britney Zuniga held on $850,000 bail

By Walnut Creek Police Department

On October 20, 2025, at approximately 2:20 pm, a victim called WCPD dispatch to report that his work vehicle had just been stolen. The victim described two suspects driving a grey Dodge Challenger. A short time later, an armed carjacking was reported at 1805 Ygnacio Valley Blvd. with the same vehicle and suspect description. At the time of the call, no suspects were taken into custody.

It was quickly learned that these suspects had committed three additional armed robberies in the City of Pittsburg, the City of Antioch, and the City of El Sobrante. With the collaborative help of Antioch PD, Pittsburg PD and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, and the Oakland Police Department, Julio Angel Villalobos, a 21-year-old (born 11/4/2004) and Britney Ashanti Zuniga, a 23-year-old (born 9/6/2002), both residents of Oakland, were safely taken into custody. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s office filed 11 felony counts for Villalobos and seven felony counts for Zuniga.

Thanks to our partners in law enforcement for their assistance in the successful arrest and filing of charges against these violent criminals.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, nine-inch tall, 185-pound Villalobos is being held in the Matinez Detention Facility on no bail and has a court appearance on Dec. 9, at 8:30 a.m. in Superior Court in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, he was previously arrested six times, all in 2023, by Alameda County Sheriff’s Department and Oakland PD for crimes including burglary, vandalism of $5,000 or more and attempting to or escaping from jail, prison or an industrial road camp, court jurisdiction of child for parental neglect, receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, vehicle theft, possession of ammunition, carrying a loaded firearm on person or in vehicle while in a public place, carry a concealed pistol, revolver or other firearm on a person, possession or control of firearm before age 30 when person has been a ward of the juvenile court, trespassing, vehicle robbery and carjacking.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, three-inch tall, 130-pound Zuniga is in the West County Detention Facility on $850,000 bail and has a court appearance on Nov. 21 at 8:30 a.m. in Superior Court in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, Zuniga was previously arrested three times by San Jose and Oakland PD’s, for crimes including assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily harm and threats of violence.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Concord Police implement Drone as First Responder (DFR) Program

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Photos: Concord PD

Deployed from strategically placed launch sites across the city

By Concord Police Department

Since 2021, the Concord Police Department has successfully used drone technology to enhance community safety, assist officers in the field and provide real-time support during critical incidents.

Now, we’re taking the next step forward in public safety with the Drone as First Responder (DFR) Program — a groundbreaking initiative that helps officers respond faster, smarter, and safer.

From strategically placed launch sites across the city, trained pilots can deploy drones within seconds of certain 911 calls. These drones stream live aerial video, giving officers the information they need to make quick, informed decisions — leading to faster response times and safer outcomes for our community.

Each flight operates under strict FAA regulations and department policies to ensure transparency, accountability, and privacy protection.

Over the next several weeks, Concord PD will begin implementing the DFR program, preparing for full deployment in the near future.

The DFR program represents the next chapter in our ongoing commitment to innovation and community safety — because keeping Concord safe is our top priority.

Concord PD’s K9 Rico finds hidden firearm after foot pursuit

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Concord Police K9 Rico with the confiscated gun and magazine. Photo: Concord PD

By Concord Police Department

Recently, officers from a neighboring agency pursued a suspect who was believed to be armed. After the suspect was safely taken into custody, officers requested assistance from our K9 team to search the area for any discarded evidence.

K9 Rico, who is specially trained in locating firearms, tracked the suspect’s path and located a loaded handgun with an extended magazine hidden between some tires near where the suspect was arrested.

Great work by K9 Rico and his handler for helping ensure our community stays safe!