Contra Costa Herald

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

Suspect wanted for multiple bank robberies in Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Concord arrested in Novato

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Bank surveillance camera photo (left) and mugshots of William Mulligan. Photos courtesy of PHPD

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

On Jan. 25, 2021, a subject entered the Bank of America in Pleasant Hill and attempted to rob the teller by passing a note demanding money. When the teller refused, the subject left and was not immediately apprehended.

He went on to rob two other banks in Walnut Creek and Concord that day. Through a coordinated investigation with several other agencies around the Bay Area, William Mulligan was identified and eventually arrested by Novato PD.

He will be tried at the federal level. Great job by all the agencies involved to make this arrest!

Pleasant Hill T-Mobile store burglars caught while driving away

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Pleasant Hill Police Officers pull over the suspects in the car as they were fleeing the T-Mobile store. Photo: PHPD

Second Pleasant Hill cell phone store robbed this month

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

Earlier this week, our graveyard team was dispatched to an alarm at T-Mobile (552 Contra Costa Blvd). Several officers went directly to the business and found the back door had been cut off and the business burglarized. Another officer stopped a suspicious vehicle leaving the area of the business and it turned out the occupants of the car were the burglars!

This is the second cell phone store in Pleasant Hill to be robbed, this month. Another was hit on Sunday morning, Feb. 7 and the suspects were arrested. (See related article)

That’s team work! We work together as a unit to resolve conflicts, solve crimes, apprehend suspects, and manage dangerous situations. #teamwork

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Cancer Support Community SF Bay Area awarded grant from Stanford to address impact of cancer on underserved populations

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By Alexandra Rubin, Director of Communications

Walnut Creek-based Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area (CSC) is honored to be awarded a Community Partnership Seed Grant from the Stanford Cancer Institute.

CSC staff, along with CSC board member and Stanford physician, Anjali Sibley, MD, MPH, will conduct a qualitative needs assessment identifying the psychosocial needs of Black cancer patients and their families and barriers to accessing services.

“We are so grateful to the Stanford Cancer Institute for their generosity in making this important work possible,” says Dr. Sibley.

Rob Tufel, MSW, MPH, Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Support Community said, “This project is just part of CSC’s efforts to better meet the needs of cancer patients in underserved communities. Racial health disparities have long been known, but it’s time for everyone working in the cancer community to redouble our efforts to reduce cancer inequities for people of color facing cancer.”

CSC also opened a satellite center in Eastern Contra Costa County last year as part of their ongoing efforts to provide support directly to cancer patients and their families in underserved communities.

The ultimate goal of this project is to use the results to develop programs that better meet the needs of Black cancer patients and their families. This information will also be shared with the community and the CSC network of 39 affiliates across the United States as part of CSC’s efforts to address racial inequities in supportive cancer care.

About Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area

Cancer Support Community provides comprehensive, integrative care – including counseling, support groups, nutrition training, exercise classes, emergency financial assistance, and patient education programs – for people with cancer, their caregivers, and their families. Our evidence-based services enable cancer patients to partner with their medical teams to manage their treatment and recovery most effectively, increase their chances for survival, reduce their chances of recurrence, and provide for the highest possible quality of life. All CSC services are always provided free of charge and are being offered virtually during the pandemic. With services provided at our Walnut Creek center, in local medical centers throughout the Bay Area, and now in Antioch, we serve more than 2,200 people annually. Visit www.cancersupport.net for more information.

San Pablo woman dies in crash on Highway 4 in Martinez Thursday night

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By CHP – Contra Costa

Last night at about 9:19pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a solo vehicle crash on Hwy-4 westbound, at the Alhambra Avenue off ramp. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, it was determined that a solo 2007 black Toyota Camry had been driven off the roadway and collided into heavy brush and trees at the Alhambra Avenue off ramp. The adult female passenger was ejected from the Toyota and suffered major injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The driver, a 21-year-old female from San Pablo, was also ejected and suffered fatal injuries and tragically was pronounced deceased by medical personnel on scene. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroners’ Office will be handling the release of her identity.

It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs were a factor in this collision, but it is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it and have not spoken yet with CHP, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980.

 

Contra Costa County Clerk’s office to officiate weddings on Valentine’s Day 2021

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By Dawn Kruger, Civic Outreach and Engagement Specialist

Photo: CCC Clerk

The Contra Costa County Clerk’s Office will officiate wedding ceremonies on Valentine’s Day – the most romantic day of the year.  Valentine’s Day is celebrated on Sunday, February 14th.  Twenty-one ceremonies will be performed at the Contra Costa County Clerk’s office, located at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.

“Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday this year and despite the many limitations posed by the pandemic, we are thrilled to offer safe, socially-distant appointments for couples to exchange nuptials on this special and popular day that symbolizes never-ending love,” Assistant Clerk-Recorder Barbara Dunmore said. “Not surprisingly, the appointments filled to capacity very quickly.”

Typically, the County Clerk’s Office officiates Valentine’s Day ceremonies as part of the Destination Wedding program in a picturesque or historic location. The pandemic has caused this program to be put on hold for the near future.  It is not likely to resume until the shelter order is lifted.

As with all ceremony appointments offered throughout the pandemic, the Clerk-Recorder’s Office takes precautions to keep our constituents and our staff safe.  Strict COVID-19 protocols will be in place and ceremonies will be conducted with a glass barrier between the couple and the officiant.  Only the couple getting married will be permitted in our lobby.

All appointments for the Sunday ceremonies have been filled, and the County Clerk’s Office does not accept walk-in appointments.

Before the ceremony, couples must obtain a marriage license at the main office in Martinez. The civil marriage ceremony fee is $60. Couples can obtain a public marriage license for $86 or a confidential marriage license for $90.

The County Clerk’s Office continues to conduct wedding ceremonies during the week.  Couples interested in having their ceremony at the Martinez office must make an appointment.  For information about marriage license and ceremony services, go to https://www.ccclerkrec.us/ or call the office at 925-335-7900.

Two arrested for burglary of Pleasant Hill cell phone store, drugs and more Sunday night

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The suspects’ car and tools. Photos: PHPD

Drugs found in the suspects’ car. Photo: PHPD

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

Early Sunday morning, Feb. 7, 2021, officers had their hands full after responding to an alarm at a local cell phone store. When officers arrived, they discovered suspects had sawed the door off its hinges in order to enter the business. Lurking nearby was the vehicle shown above, and the two occupants were determined to be involved in the burglary.

After a thorough investigation, those two occupants were arrested for the burglary as well as multiple other charges including drug possession, possession of burglary tools, and conspiracy.

The suspects were transported to Martinez Detention Facility and the case will be sent to the District Attorney for charges.

Five arrested for human trafficking, 3 rescued in Contra Costa during 7th Annual statewide Operation Reclaim & Rebuild

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450 arrests, 39 rescues by more than 100 state, federal and local agencies and tax forces

By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Office of the District Attorney, Contra Costa County

Contra Costa victim service providers and law enforcement agencies participated in the 7th Annual statewide “Operation Reclaim & Rebuild” enforcement event organized by the Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Taskforce. This operation focuses on rescuing victims of sex trafficking, identifying and arresting their abusers, and disrupting demand for these vulnerable victims. This is the third straight year that Contra Costa has participated in the operation, since organizing its own Human Trafficking Taskforce. (See press conference video.)

“Our collective goal to end human trafficking and exploitation locally and statewide is evidenced in our unified regional and state-wide approach to combat these heinous crimes. The trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable victims will not be tolerated in Contra Costa or California,” said Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton.

Participating agencies made five arrests and rescued three victims in enforcement action occurring in East and Central Contra Costa County. Statewide, a total of 450 arrests and 39 rescues were made by more than 100 state, federal and local agencies and taskforces.

Contra Costa law service and service provider agencies included:

  • Contra Costa Human Trafficking Taskforce
  • Pittsburg Police Department
  • Brentwood Police Department
  • Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
  • Walnut Creek Police Department
  • Richmond Police Department
  • San Pablo Police Department
  • California Highway Patrol
  • Contra Costa County Probation Department
  • Community Violence Solutions
  • Victim-Witness Assistance Program, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

Contra Costa’s Human Trafficking Taskforce brings together local, state and federal law enforcement and prosecution partners who enhance collaboration with victim service partners in order to investigate and prosecute all forms of trafficking our community in a trauma-informed manner while connecting survivors to culturally-competent services and support.

To report suspected trafficking, call the Human Trafficking Tip Line and leave a message: 925-957-8658

To get help, call Community Violence Solutions 24-hour crisis hotline: 1-800-670-7273

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

 

Sheriff’s Office STARR 3 helicopter rescues hiker in Walnut Creek Saturday

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By Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department

On Saturday, January 23, 2021, at about 3:15 PM, STARR 3 was requested for an outside assist by Contra Costa Fire Protection District for a hiker in distress in the Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area in Walnut Creek.

STARR 3 located the hiker on a single-track trail running up a steep ridge. He was about half a mile from the nearest road which prevented any rescue by vehicle.

STARR 3 conducted a long-line short haul rescue. Pilot J. Meyers lowered Tactical Flight Officer Deputy Sheriff M. Ireland to the location. The hiker was short hauled to an awaiting ambulance for treatment.

Sailor from Walnut Creek serves aboard the USS Ralph Johnson

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Walnut Creek native checks the ship’s current heading on the bridge aboard USS Ralph Johnson. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Anthony Collier

By MC2 Ethan Carter, Navy Office of Community Outreach, Media Outreach Department

PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 07, 2020)  – Lt. j.g. Valerie Sandoval, from Walnut Creek, Calif., assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), checks the ship’s current heading on the bridge. Ralph Johnson is underway in the Third Fleet area of operations.

Bay Area scores $407 million in state transportation funds for 11 projects

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I680/SR4-Interchange. Photo: CCTA

Region receives 20 percent of statewide awards, $18 million for Contra Costa project

Bay Area highway, transit and goods-movement projects this week earned more than $400 million in new funding as the California Transportation Commission (CTC) finalized a new round of awards through a trio of competitive statewide programs established by the Senate Bill 1 transportation investment package signed into law in 2017.

MTC will work with Caltrans, BART and county transportation agencies to deliver 11 crucial projects around the Bay Area, which together earned about 20 percent of the total $2.046 billion awarded by the CTC through the Solutions for Congested Corridors, Trade Corridor Enhancement and Local Partnership programs.

“SB 1 money is essential to keeping the California economy moving, not just through the current crisis, but into the post-pandemic future,” said MTC Chairman and Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty. “The Bay Area’s success in the stiff competition for these dollars reflects the clear need to modernize our freeways, transit systems and freight corridors to maintain the Bay Area’s position as an engine for economic growth throughout the state.”

Among the allocations approved through the Trade Corridor Enhancement Program are:

  • $18 million for the final design of further improvements to the Interstate 680/State Route 4 Interchange in Contra Costa County.
  • $123 million to complete a $275 million funding package for construction to begin in 2021 on 18 miles of Express Lanes along Interstate 80 through the heart of Solano County, providing travelers a reliable trip through this vital artery connecting the Bay Area to Sacramento. The express lanes will also support express buses in the corridor and encourage carpooling as an alternative to single-occupant vehicles.
  • $55 million to complete a $101 million funding package for transforming the outdated two-lane connector between U.S. 101 and State Route 25 in southern Santa Clara Countyto a new four-lane connector with shoulders and bike lanes. The project, set to begin construction in 2022, will improve traffic flow and decrease backups on U.S. 101.
  • $24 million to complete final design for a new Cordelia Truck Scales facility along westbound I-80 in Solano County.

SB 1 funds awarded through the Local Partnership Program include:

  • $25 million to complete the Interstate 680 Southbound Express Lanes project in Alameda County.
  • $25 million for improvements to the U.S. 101/De La Cruz/Trimble interchange just north of the Mineta San Jose International Airport in Santa Clara County.
  • $9 million for San Francisco’s Mission/Geneva Safety Improvements project.
  • $3 million to Sonoma Countyfor the Windsor River Road/Windsor Road Intersection Improvements and Pathway project.

The largest of the CTC’s new allocations to Bay Area projects through the Solutions for Congested Corridors program is $60 million to enable BART to begin construction next year on its $1 billion Train Control Modernization Project, part of the agency’s Transbay Core Capacity Program to increase the number of trains able to travel through the Transbay Tube between San Francisco and Oakland.

The CTC allocated $40 million through the Solutions for Congested Corridors program to close the final gap (known as segment B7) in the long-running US-101 Marin-Sonoma Narrows project by constructing a carpool lane between Novato and Petaluma. The SB1 dollars will supplement over $90 million from other sources and allow for construction on this final segment to begin as early as 2021.

The CTC’s third Bay Area allocation through the Solutions for Congested Corridors program is $25 million to complete a $64 million funding package and begin construction next year of a double roundabout at the Soscol Junction of State Routes 29 and 221 south of Napa. The improvements will relieve a traffic bottleneck that has long bedeviled residents, workers and tourists to Napa’s famous wine region, and will also deliver important safety and active transportation benefits to the area.

Related: California Transportation Commission (CTC), Gasoline — Taxation, Senate Bill 1 (SB 1)