Contra Costa Herald

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

Driver of stolen car dies in Highway 4 rollover crash near Martinez, Friday morning

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Driver was traveling over 100 MPH.

By CHP – Contra Costa

Friday morning at approximately 1:35 AM, Contra Costa CHP was advised of an overturned solo vehicle collision on HWY-4 westbound, east of Franklin Canyon road. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, the male driver (John Doe at this time as he has not yet been identified) had been ejected from a silver Volvo and was lying in the roadway. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency personnel. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of identity once known of the deceased male driver.

While at the scene and conducting the investigation, a registration/vehicle check was conducted on the Volvo and it was determined that it had been recently stolen from a residence in Martinez just prior to the time of the collision. In the initial investigation, it appears that the driver of the Volvo was traveling on HWY-4 westbound at a high rate of speed, in excess of 100 MPH. The driver veered into the center dirt median and collided with the center metal guardrail, causing the Volvo to spin out of control. It then hurled back across the lanes of traffic, overturned, and came to rest on the right shoulder. The driver was ejected through the closed sunroof and landed in the roadway, where he was located and pronounced deceased.

This incident is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez at (925) 646-4980.

Pittsburg man arrested in assault with a deadly weapon incident Saturday in Pacheco

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Charged with kidnapping, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, making criminal threats, and probation violation; at least the third time suspect was arrested in Contra Costa County

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

On Saturday, April 11, 2020, at about 8:29 PM, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff received reports of a stabbing at the 5800 block of Pacheco Boulevard in Pacheco.

Deputy Sheriffs arrived finding two stabbing victims. The suspect, who apparently used scissors, fled the scene. The fire department and an ambulance responded to the location. One of the victims was treated on scene, while the other was transported to a local hospital as a precaution.

Deputies, assisted by Pleasant Hill PD and the California Highway Patrol, set up a perimeter and began looking for the suspect. At about 9:55 PM, Deputies located him hiding nearby. He was taken into custody without incident.

The suspect is identified as 35-year-old Alonso Villa-Garcia of Pittsburg. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on the following charges: kidnapping, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, making criminal threats, and probation violation. He is being held in lieu of $315,000 bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, Villa-Garcia was also arrested by Sheriff’s Deputies on May 8, 2019 on multiple charges, including: Possession of Controlled Substance, Possess Control Substance Paraphernalia, Revocation Of Probation, Possession Of Burglar’s Tools, Receiving Stolen Property – Motor Vehicle, Take Vehicle W/O Owner’s Consent, Warrants Or Holds Only and Possession Of Ammunition. He had been previously arrested on Sept. 6, 2018 by Concord Police also for Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession Of Burglar’s Tools and for Take Vehicle W/O Owner’s Consent.

The investigation into the motive and relationship between the suspect and victims is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

DUI driver crashes through Walnut Creek area home Saturday evening

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Photo by CHP Contra Costa.

By CHP – Contra Costa

On Saturday evening at approximately 5:30 pm, this happened. You know the saying, “a picture paints a thousand words?” that would apply here. (We’ll stick with this, but you can caption it any way you’d like)

A 68-year-old male driver from Walnut Creek crashed his Dodge Ram pickup truck into this house at 956 Hawthorne Drive in an unincorporated area of Walnut Creek. He also struck the parked vehicle in the driveway before driving into the house. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, thankfully no one was inside the house and nobody else was injured other than the driver, who sustained only minor injuries. And would you believe he was arrested on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence/DUI.

We are thankful this did not turn out worse and produce severe injuries. Impaired driving is 100% preventable, 100% of the time, there are no excuses. Plan ahead, designate a sober driver, and make smart choices.

Antioch woman killed by heavy object through car window on Hwy 242 in Concord Friday night

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By CHP – Contra Costa

Last night, April 10, 2020, at approximately 9:32 pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a solo vehicle collision on SR-242 northbound at SR-4. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, a 63-year-old female passenger of the vehicle was unconscious and unresponsive. Life-saving procedures were attempted but unsuccessful and tragically the female passenger was declared deceased at the scene. The 20-year-old driver and two children in the backseat, 11- and 13-year-old girls, all family from Antioch, were not injured.

The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of identity of the deceased female.

Upon further investigation at the scene, it was determined that this was not a collision. While the 20-year-old male driver was proceeding northbound on SR-242 and approaching SR-4 in a grey 2004 Volkswagen Jetta, it was determined that a heavy object (“brick”) came crashing through a window of the vehicle and struck the 63-year-old female passenger seated in the right front seat. The male driver realized the woman was injured and pulled off the freeway and called 911. Tragically the female passenger died at the scene. At this point, it is unknown where the “brick” came from and/or how it ended up in the Volkswagen.

The cause of this incident is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this incident, the events leading up to it, or saw anyone within the immediate area, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez at (925) 646-4980.

Coronavirus outbreak at senior care home in Pleasant Hill, 16 test positive, 3 hospitalized

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Carlton Senior Living facility in downtown Pleasant Hill. Video screenshot from their website.

By Allen Payton

According to the Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) at the Carlton Senior Living facility in downtown Pleasant Hill, 5 residents and 11 staff have tested positive with COVID-19 as of Wednesday morning, April 8.

On Tuesday, CCHS staff investigated the COVID-19 outbreak at the care home and tested symptomatic people at the site. They were evaluating the feasibility of testing everyone who lives and works there.

Three residents were hospitalized as a result.

Clayton, Brentwood Realtors® named 2019 award winners by Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.

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By Michelle Watson, Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.

Weichert Realtors® – America First Team and HH and Associates are proud to announce their 2019 Office Award Winners. The agents were honored by the national franchise organization, Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., based on achieving specified production requirements in gross commission income or units earned in 2019. These Weichert® affiliated agents earned their recognition from among associates in 40 states at the year’s end.

The Weichert – America First Team 2019 Award Winners – Jill Totton, Larry Hansohn, Linda Miller, Michael Arnone, Karen Holmberg and Astrid Jarquin.

America First Team – Clayton

Jill Totton – Sales Achievement; Larry Hansohn – Sales Achievement; Linda Miller – Sales Achievement; Michael Arnone – Sales Achievement; Karen Holmberg – Sales Achievement; and Astrid Jarquin – Sales Achievement.

Weichert – HH & Associates 2019 Award Winners Delia Colmenares, Jessica Enos, Ronald J. Enos, Emil Geddes, Mandy Kay Myhand-Teputepu and Naomi Longoria.

HH and Associates – Brentwood

Delia Colmenares – President’s Club (Gold); Jessica Enos – Executive Club; Ronald J. Enos – Executive Club; Emil Geddes – Sales Achievement; Mandy Kay Myhand-Teputepu – Sales Achievement; and Naomi Longoria – Sales Achievement.

“Our affiliates accomplished so much last year,” said Bill Scavone, president and chief operating officer of Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. “We are extremely fortunate to have such knowledgeable, dedicated and tireless Realtors.”

Weichert Realtors® – America First Team is an independently owned and operated Weichert affiliated office and located at 1520 Kirker Pass Road, Suite A in Clayton. For more information about Weichert Realtors® – America First Team, please contact Broker/Owner Julie Rogers at 925-672-9091, email jrogers@weichert.com or visit their Weichert website.

Weichert Realtors® – HH and Associates is owned by Broker Maggie Hurtado and Dave Hansen.

“No words can express the gratitude I feel towards our agents. With combined experience and knowledge, I couldn’t ask for a better team,” Hurtado said. “As we continue to serve the families and community we live in I’m very proud to say we not only offer buying and selling homes, land and commercial, I can honestly say we do it with integrity and always put our clients, first.”

“This special award-winning group is the reason we’re not just about real estate, we’re a family,” she added.

Weichert Realtors® – HH and Associates is an independently owned and operated Weichert affiliated office and located at 9000 Brentwood Blvd., Suite C in Brentwood. For more information please contact Maggie Hurtado or Dave Hansen at (925) 634-4611, email MargaretHurtado@sbcglobal.net or DHansen@HHandAssociates.com, or visit their Weichert website.

About Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.

Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. has grown steadily since Jim Weichert, president, chairman and CEO of Weichert Companies, launched the company’s franchise division in 2001. The affiliate division was created to offer a business model for franchisee ownership candidates described as “a clearly defined operating system for marketing and managing a real estate business.”

Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. announced its first affiliate in 2002, was ranked as one of the top traditional residential real estate franchises in Entrepreneur’s 2020 Franchise 500 and was identified in 2020 by Franchise Business Review as one of the top U.S. franchises for owner satisfaction. Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. has offices serving over 350 markets in 40 states. For more information about Weichert, visit Weichert.com or for information on franchise opportunities visit WeichertFranchise.com. Each Weichert® franchised office is independently owned and operated.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Cancer Support Community reschedules 6th Annual Hope Walk due to COVID-19 shelter in place

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New Date is October 17, 2020

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

WALNUT CREEK, April 6, 2020 – Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area (CSC) has announced that their 6th annual Hope Walk, originally scheduled for May 16, has been rescheduled to October 17. The fun event, which is a major fundraiser for the organization, draws over 1,000 registered walkers and more than 70 exhibitors to Heather Farm Park each year.

“The Hope Walk is a way for our members, supporters, and the whole community to come out and celebrate the great work that Cancer Support Community does, which is helping people live longer and live better when faced with cancer,” said CSC’s Development Director and the event’s manager, Carol Louisell. “And, it’s just a really great time for families to get out and get some exercise along with music, entertainment, and a thousand friends!”

While the Hope Walk has had to be postponed due to the shelter-in-place order, CSC has been able to continue bringing support, hope, and healing to cancer patients and their caregivers without interruption. CSC started providing virtual support groups the same day the order was announced, on Monday, March 16. By the next week, CSC not only had very strong participation in support groups and individual counseling sessions – with their therapists and facilitators working from their homes – but also had moved many movement classes and some workshops online.

“This is exactly what our mission is,” said James Bouquin, CSC’s Chief Executive Officer. “We help people deal with the unexpected, dramatic crisis of cancer every day. It’s one of the most isolating of diseases, creating anxiety and fear. We are proud and profoundly grateful that we can continue to be a source of hope, community, and relief for our members.”

People can register for the walk and make donations at http://www.hopewalkbayarea.net/. All registrations for the May date will be transferred to the new date.

CSC’s gala, “An Evening of Hope and Healing,” is still scheduled for September 19. For information on either of these events, please contact Carol Louisell at clouisell@cancersupport.net.

About Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area

Celebrating 30 years in the East Bay, Cancer Support Community provides comprehensive, integrative care—including counseling, support groups, nutrition training, exercise classes, 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. We never turn anyone away, and all of our services are always provided free of charge. 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.

DUI driver crashes off Highway 4 in Martinez Sunday afternoon

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Photo by Martinez Police Department.

By CHP – Contra Costa

Today at about 4:50pm, Contra Costa CHP units were advised of a solo vehicle collision off the roadway on Hwy-4 westbound just east of Pine Street in Martinez. Upon CHP and emergency personnel arrival, a solo white Toyota Corolla had crashed completely off Hwy-4, overturned and landed on its roof and into a fire hydrant on Arnold Drive (north of Hwy-4).

The 26-year-old male driver of the Toyota suffered major injuries. He was also suspected of driving under the influence.

The driver, Michael Moore from Martinez, was transported to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek for his injuries. While at the hospital, Moore was investigated and arrested for DUI. Due to his injuries, he was admitted to the hospital and will remain there for an unknown amount of time.

There is no reason to drive impaired and risk injuries to yourself or others. There are many responsible choices available to get home safely. Please utilize them and never drive impaired.

 

Alhambra High School in Martinez to be used as alternative county care site

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Alhambra High School. Photo: www.alhambrahigh.org.

Another possible site at former Los Medanos Hospital in Pittsburg

Joint Statement from Contra Costa Health Services and Martinez Unified School District Regarding Local COVID-19 Preparations

We want to thank our community for its support and vigilance as we respond to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). We know this is a difficult time for many and we appreciate the sacrifices being made by everyone in Contra Costa County to protect the community. By staying home and practicing social distancing, Contra Costa residents are helping “flatten the curve” so our hospital systems aren’t overwhelmed, and people can get the care they need when they need it.

Nonetheless, we can’t stop preparing for the surge of people with COVID-19 we are likely to see over the coming weeks. Contra Costa County currently has 131 confirmed cases.

Pittsburg Health Center. From practicelink.com.

Contra Costa County has been exploring and preparing “alternate care sites,” facilities to care for people with less complicated medical needs. These alternate care sites could provide community members a safe place to receive care. We are preparing Pittsburg Health Center to possibly serve as an alternate care site, including identifying staff and bringing in necessary equipment and supplies.

Contra Costa County recently requested supplies from the federal government to help establish an alternative care site at Alhambra High School in Martinez. We expect the shipment of beds, medical equipment and other supplies to arrive within the next few days. The proximity of the high school to Contra Costa County Regional Medical Center is important to our ability to run the site efficiently.

Contra Costa County is working to identify shelters for people who are unhoused. We have identified a number of hotel rooms and other resources throughout Contra Costa County that will be used in this way.

We are still figuring out the details of how these alternate care sites will operate. We are likely to identify additional sites in the coming days. Our hope is that we won’t ever have to use these sites because of the protective actions we’ve taken, like the stay-at-home order, that will stem the tide. As we hope for the best, we still must prepare for the worst.

Statement from Superintendent CJ Cammack,

Martinez Unified School District Martinez Unified has just been officially notified by federal, state, and local agencies that part of Alhambra High School is being considered to create additional spaces for providing care. As you all know and understand, in any emergency situation, schools are regularly used by agencies such as the Red Cross and other temporary emergency services. Given the immediate proximity to Contra Costa County Regional Medical Center (County Hospital), it is understandable that AHS would be a location identified for this purpose. Both as a district and as a community, we have a legal obligation as well as a moral and ethical obligation, to provide the highest level of cooperation during this time.

As we support the care of patients in our community, I remain committed to ensuring the health and safety needs of our students and staff of AHS. Please know that prior to any student and/or staff use of AHS facilities the entire school campus will undergo a comprehensive cleaning process to ensure the entire campus is cleaned, disinfected, sanitized, and properly prepped for safe and secure use by students and staff. Just as I am committed to doing our collective part to support our county and the overall COVID19 response, I am equally committed to ensuring the AHS campus will be a safe place for all staff and students, prior to reopening for any school-related functions.

If anything highlights the importance of our collective actions to stay home and the magnitude of our current health crisis related to COVID19, it is this development. We must continue to work together, in ways we might not have ever imagined to be part of the solution. I have been so proud of the resiliency and grit our staff, students, and community, have shown over the last few weeks. Throughout Martinez, the AHS Bulldogs represent the courage of our students, the commitment and professionalism of our staff, and the passion of our community. I am confident these pillars of Alhambra High School will be evident for community members and medical staff during these challenging times. Together, as a community, we will welcome these guests with grace, compassion, and empathy.

DUI driver from Pittsburg arrested for death of Oakland passenger in fatal Clayton car accident Tuesday morning

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By Clayton Police Department

At approximately 9:36 am Tuesday morning, March 24, 2020 we received the report of a vehicle accident in the 5400 block of Clayton Road (Clayton Road near Duncan Drive), in the city of Clayton. Officers responded and found that a solo vehicle had crashed into an unoccupied, parked work truck. The truck belonged to a private utility company. The suspect/driver, a 26–year–old female from Pittsburg, was transported to the hospital with minor injuries and the 24–year–old male passenger from Oakland was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The female driver was determined to be under the influence of alcohol, and was booked into county jail after being released from the hospital. The investigation is ongoing.