Contra Costa Herald

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

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.

Con Fire crews clean up hazardous materials leak in Concord

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Photos: Con Fire

By Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

On Monday, June 15, 2026, shortly before 11:40 a.m., Contra Costa Fire responded to a hazardous materials alarm at a facility in Concord. Facility personnel reported a fluorine leak alarm had activated inside the building, prompting an immediate evacuation of employees.

The first arriving crews confirmed the building was evacuated, secured the area and initiated hazardous materials operations.

Firefighters developed an entry plan and assembled a hazardous materials team to investigate the source of the leak. Firefighters entered the building wearing specialized protective equipment and conducted air monitoring throughout the facility. Operations were conducted to isolate the leak and safely shut down the affected valve.

Following mitigation efforts, a second entry team conducted additional monitoring throughout the building. Air monitoring confirmed all readings had returned to zero, indicating the leak had been successfully controlled and the atmosphere was safe.

As part of the operation, firefighters completed decontamination procedures before exiting the incident. Decon is the process of removing or neutralizing potentially hazardous substances from personnel and equipment before they leave the operational area. Crews utilized a Tiger Paw decontamination system and paper indicator testing to verify that no contamination remained on personnel or equipment.

No injuries were reported.

See more photos, here.

Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office temporary per-diem Deputy arrested

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

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff recently discovered criminal conduct involving an employee at its Property Services Unit office in Concord.

Detectives launched an investigation into the conduct. During the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for the employee’s residence and as well as an arrest warrant.

This afternoon, detectives arrested the employee who was involved in thefts from the Property Services Unit.

He is identified as 62-year-old Kevin Ray Lee of Martinez. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on four felony charges: burglary, receiving stolen property, embezzlement and possession of an assault weapon. He is being held in lieu of $160,000 bail.

Lee joined the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office in May 1990 as a Deputy Sheriff and later became a Temporary Deputy Sheriff (Per-Diem) in 2012 and was assigned to the Property Services Unit.

In light of this incident, the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office will request the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training to conduct an independent audit of the Property Services Unit.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Lee is Asian/Pacific Islander and bonded out of custody as of June 17th at 2:18 AM.

“All Sheriff’s Office employees are held to the highest standards and any employee who is involved in criminal conduct will be held accountable,” said Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston. “This matter was taken seriously, and a thorough investigation was immediately launched once we learned about it.”

17th Annual Martinez Beaver Festival June 13

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Free Wildlife Fest, Jazz, Parades

By Heidi Perryman

The Martinez Beaver Festival is turning 17!

Where else can you see a giant beaver skull, a 1500-gallon aquarium on wheels, an 18- piece  jazz band, a children’s parade, live displays of raptors, bees, and bats, and an award winning chalk artist all while learning the story firsthand of the rodent that made one forgotten city famous? Only one place and that’s the Martinez beaver Festival. Returning for its 17th time the festival is free, family fun where you can learn all about beavers, citizen science, urban wildlife, community involvement, and how to combat drought, fires and global warming one beaver at a time.

There are many more beaver festivals now around the country and many more books and films to explain why beavers matter, but this is the one that inspired them all. Come see for yourself why beavers are Worth A Dam.

Where: Susana Park – Estudillo and Susana Streets in Martinez

When: June 13, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Hosted by: Worth A Dam

Learn about the history of the beavers in Martinez, more information and see photos of the beavers by visiting www.martinezbeavers.org.

Martinez World War II Army veteran celebrates 110th birthday

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World War II Army veteran Al Taubman is wheeled past staff of the VA’s Martinez Outpatient Clinic and Community Living Center and celebrated on the way to his 110th birthday party, June 2, 2026. Photo by Quentin Rucker, Visual Information Officer, VA Northern California Health Care System

Served with General Patton

By Allen D. Payton

World War II Army veteran Al Taubman, a resident of the Martinez Outpatient Clinic and Community Living Center at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Martinez, celebrated his 110th birthday on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by fellow veterans, family, friends, residents and staff.

According to local veterans’ leader, J.R. Wilson, “Al served our nation in North Africa, Italy and across Europe during World War II as the Army advanced through history. A proud Brooklyn native with a true fighting spirit, he represents the very best of what we celebrate as Americans — duty, sacrifice, resilience and honor.”

World War II Army veteran Al Taubman celebrates with friends, family, fellow veterans and VA staff on his 110th birthday party June 2, 2026. Photo courtesy of J.R. Wilson.

According to Tom McNell who, along with Darlyn Phillips, helped organize the event, Taubman served with General George Patton.

A post on the VA Northern California Health Care System’s Facebook page reads, “VA Northern California was honored to celebrate a true American Hero—Al Taubman, US Army WWII Veteran—on his 110th birthday at the Martinez CLC Clinic. With gratitude and admiration, we recognized Al’s remarkable life and service. Thank you, Al, for your courage and dedication to our country. Happy 110th Birthday!”

Following a parade of military flags by fellow Martinez VA residents, a flyover was provided by the Coast Guard during the party. Photos courtesy of J.R. Wilson. Inset by Quentin Rucker, Visual Information Officer, VA Northern California Health Care System

During the celebration, Taubman’s fellow Martinez VA residents held a parade of military flags, a big band performance by Alive Music Orchestra, the Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco provided a flyover of one of their helicopters during the event and the Martinez VA had speakers representing each branch of the U.S. military including:

Len Augustine, U.S. Air Force, Col Retired – 28 years of service. Pilot with 5,000 hours, 700 in Vietnam flying C 123 Provider Aircraft.  He was also a Squadron, Group and Wing Commander. Last job as 89th Military Airlift Wing Commander at Andrews AFB;

Derrick Sheldon, U.S. Marine Corps, SSgt.  Retired – Associate Chief of the East Bay. A super musician performing his art at exclusive venues;

Michael Mitchell (“Just Mitch works…” as he puts it.)  Chief Petty Officer, Retired. U.S. Navy – 22 years of active duty, 36 total years for USN, former Director of Law and Security/Chief of Police for Navy Region North West;

J.R. Wilson, U.S. Army Airborne Qualified soldier, 3rd Special Forces Group (A) – Served his country in North Carolina and Camp Hovey, South Korea, President Delta Veterans Group, Commander VFW Post 6435, National Interim Legislative Committee-Disabled American Veterans; and

Captain Kent Reinhold from the U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area.

Wilson shared about his and his son’s experience at the celebration. In a post on Facebook later that day he wrote, “Today was one of those moments as a father that I will never forget.

“My son, John Ryan Wilson, and I had the incredible honor of speaking at the 110th Birthday Celebration for WWII U.S. Army Veteran Al Taubman at the VA Martinez Outpatient Clinic.

Organizer Darlyn Phillips helps John Ryan Wilson as he speaks then stands with his father, JR Wilson, who also spoke and the Alive Music Orchestra performed big band sounds during the birthday celebration. Photos (L&C) courtesy of J.R. Wilson, (R) by Quentin Rucker, Visual Information Officer, VA Northern California Health Care System

“As a fellow U.S. Army Veteran, it was deeply meaningful for me to stand before Al and recognize his lifetime of service. But what touched my heart the most was watching my 8-year-old son speak to him with such respect and admiration. John Ryan talked about the math of generations, the years between them, and how amazing it is that Al has lived through so much American history as our nation approaches its 250th birthday this July 4th.

“Seeing a young boy and a Greatest Generation hero sharing smiles and stories reminded me exactly why we must continue to preserve the legacy of our Veterans.

“Happy 110th Birthday, Al Taubman. Your service to this nation will never be forgotten.”

See more photos of his birthday celebration on the VA Northern California Health Care System’s Facebook page.

 

Suspect in fatal Richmond shooting arrested in Concord

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By Richmond Police Department

The Richmond Police Department has arrested a suspect in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred on May 29, 2026, in the 200 block of West Nevin Avenue.

At approximately 6:27 p.m., officers responded to reports of shots fired and located an adult victim suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by responding officers, the victim tragically succumbed to their injuries at the scene.

Through rapid investigative work, officers quickly identified a possible suspect and associated vehicle. Investigators utilized Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology to track the suspect vehicle as it traveled from Richmond into Concord.

With the assistance of the Concord Police Department, the suspect was located and taken into custody without incident later that evening. The suspect has been booked on charges of murder (PC 187).

The Richmond Police Department is grateful for the assistance provided by the Concord Police Department and is pleased that Flock ALPR technology served as a critical investigative tool, helping investigators identify and arrest a homicide suspect within approximately eight hours of the shooting.

This case highlights the value of technology, strong investigative work, and regional law enforcement partnerships in helping bring violent offenders into custody quickly.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances and motive surrounding this incident.

We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Richmond Police Department Investigations Bureau at (510) 621-1288.

The suspect’s name, age and other details have been requested. Please check back later for any updates.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.