Contra Costa Herald

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

Fatal crash on 680 in Walnut Creek takes life of Hayward man early Friday morning

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By CHP – Contra Costa

Early this morning, at approximately 1:59 a.m., Contra Costa CHP was advised of a two-vehicle collision on I-680 southbound, just north of Treat Blvd in Walnut Creek. Upon emergency personnel and CHP arrival, it was determined a Nissan Sentra had collided with a dump truck, then subsequently rolled, collided with the concrete center wall, and sustained major damage.

Tragically the solo male driver of the Nissan (43 years old from Hayward) was pronounced deceased at the scene. The solo adult male driver of the dump truck was not injured. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office will be handling the release of identity of the deceased male.
Our preliminary investigation indicates that the driver of the Nissan was traveling southbound on I-680 and for unknown reasons veered across the lanes (from right to left) and collided into the back of the dump truck. Then due to the impact, the Nissan rolled and collided into the concrete center wall and sustained major damage, partially trapping the driver inside. Once the Fire Department and emergency personnel arrived, the driver was extricated from the Nissan but unfortunately pronounced deceased on scene.

Through the investigation on scene, it appeared that the driver was not wearing his seatbelt. The solo male driver of the dump truck was not injured and remained on scene during the investigation.

Although alcohol bottles were located in the Nissan, it is unknown at this time if alcohol and/or drugs are a factor in this collision as it is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this collision or the Nissan on I-680 prior to this crash, please contact Contra Costa CHP at (925) 646-4980. Thank you.

Car strikes pedestrian in Clayton Saturday night causing traumatic injuries

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By Sergeant Jason Shaw, Clayton Police Department

On Saturday, September 21st, at approximately 8:31 pm, Clayton Officers were dispatched to the area of Clayton Rd and Lydia Lane for a report of a vehicle versus pedestrian traffic collision. Officers arrived on scene within two minutes.

The pedestrian suffered traumatic injuries and was transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries. The driver remained on scene and was cooperative with the investigation. It does not appear that intoxication played a factor in this collision. The investigation is on-going.

Anyone that witnessed the collision is asked to please call Sergeant Jason Shaw at 925-673-7350.

Rep. DeSaulnier announces reinstatement of Deferred Action possibly benefits Concord resident

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Screenshot of C-SPAN coverage of Isabel Bueso testifying before a Congressional Oversight and Reform Committee on Sept. 11, 2019.

Policy reversal signals that Isabel Bueso and other families will likely remain in the United States

Washington, DC – On Thursday, Sept. 19, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) issued the following statement after learning that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will reinstate deferred action. The announcement signals that his constituent, Concord resident Isabel Bueso, and other families impacted by the initial decision to end the program will likely be allowed remain in the United States. (See related article)

“In a major victory, the Trump Administration will apparently reverse course and resume the deferred action program, allowing hundreds of deserving immigrants like Isabel Bueso to stay in the United States to receive life-saving medical care. We will continue to press the Administration for answers and assurances that this program is safe from future targeting and pursue our private bill to keep Isabel and her family in the United States permanently, but in the meantime, we breathe a sigh of relief. While I am dismayed that my colleagues and I had to step in to get the Administration to do what is right, I am grateful for the leadership of Chairman Jamie Raskin, Chairman Elijah Cummings, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, and the countless others who fought alongside me.”

Since Isabel Bueso and her family were denied deferred action, Congressman DeSaulnier has been actively working to save Isabel and her family from deportation. DeSaulnier has been actively working to save Isabel by:

  • Introducing a private bill (H.R. 4225) that would allow Isabel and her family to remain in the United States to continue to receive treatment for her rare, life-threatening disease.
  • Calling for an Oversight and Reform Committee hearing on the policy change. The hearing was held on Wednesday, September 11th, at which Isabel Bueso testified.
  • Sending a letter with Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) petitioning the Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Kevin McAleenan, to re-review the cases of the Bueso family.
  • Co-leading an effort with Immigration and Citizenship Subcommittee Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Representatives Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Judy Chu (D-CA), Lou Correa (D-CA), and Senators Edward Markey (D-MA) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and over 100 other lawmakers to DHS, ICE, and USCIS in demanding answers on USCIS’s decision to end consideration of non-military deferred action requests, including medical deferred action.

Contra Costa Animal Services offering discounted adoptions in Back to School Special until Sept 30

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Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) is offering reduced cost adoptions for dogs and cats between now and September 30th to help find forever homes for the hundreds of animals at the County’s shelters. During this period, the adoption fee for dogs over 25lbs and black cats/kittens, or partially black cats/kittens, will be reduced to $20. Interested adopters can take advantage of this adoption promotion by visiting CCAS’ Martinez and Pinole adoption centers to meet animals and adopt their new family member.

“Typical adoption costs range from $86-$264 at CCAS, depending on the animal, which makes this promotion a huge incentive for potential adopters,” says CCAS spokesperson, Steve Burdo. “Our hope is that the community will take advantage of this great opportunity and help us find forever homes for the animals in our care.”

The reduced cost adoption fee includes the cost of adoption, spay/neuter surgery, microchip and vaccinations. The discounted adoption fee does not include licensing or any refundable deposits that may be required for spay/neuter surgery.

To view animals available for adoption, visit www.ccasd.org.

CCAS Adoption Locations

Martinez Adoption Center – 4800 Imhoff Pl., Martinez, CA 94553

Pinole Adoption Center – 910 San Pablo Ave., Pinole, CA 94564

For more information, contact Contra Costa County Animal Services’ Media and Community Relations Manager Steve Burdo at 925-393-6836, or by email at steve.burdo@asd.cccounty.us.

Walnut Creek tennis player Katie Volynets plays “really well” in first round of U.S. Open against eventual champion Bianca Andreescu

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September 3, 2019 – Katie Volynets in victorious action against Carole Monnet in a junior girls’ match at the 2019 US Open. (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/USTA)

Katie Volynets. Photo courtesy of USTA.

The “up-and-coming player” also makes it to second round of U.S. Open Junior Championship

By Allen Payton

In the first round of the U.S. Open Tennis Championships, local tennis standout, Katie Volynets of Walnut Creek, faced the eventual champion, Bianca Andreescu of Ontario, Canada, on Wednesday, August 27 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York City. She lost the match 2-6, 4-6 but according to Andreescu played “really well”. (See video highlights of their match, here.)

Andreescu went on to beat six-time U.S. Open Women’s Singles Champion, Serena Williams in the finals on Saturday, Sept. 7 to win the tournament.

Volynets received a wild card into the women’s draw after winning the Billie Jean King USTA National Championships Girls’ 18s singles title earlier, last month. (See related Herald article)

On Tuesday, Sept. 4, Volynets was also able to advance to the second round of the US Open Junior Championships, after defeating Carole Monnet of France, 6-1, 6-3. She failed to advance in that tournament losing the match to No. 4 seed Maria Camila Osorio Serrano of Colombia 6-4, 6-4, who faces American qualifier Alexandra Yepifanova of Florida, in the championship, later today, Sunday, Sept. 8.

Screenshot of Katie Volynets in the first set of her Round 1 match against Bianca Andreescu at the US Open on Tuesday, Aug. 27.

In her match against Andreescu, which lasted 1 hour and 29 minutes, Volynets held her own on many, multiple volley points, forcing the ultimate champion to work hard, running back and forth across the court. Volynets was up 4-3 in the second set, but, Andreescu rallied to bring it to deuce point and then won the game, breaking Volynets’ serve and tying the set at 4-4. She went on to win the next two games against Volynets, securing her victory.

According to the Sporting News, Andreescu had to overcome “32 unforced errors – twice as many as the American Volynets – to win in straight sets.” Another Sporting News article claimed “it was hardly a walk in the park for Andreescu. The Canadian had to overcome some early jitters and sloppy play to claim victory in her first-ever match in the main draw at Flushing Meadows.”

“Committing 16 unforced errors in the opening set, Andreescu gave Volynets plenty of opportunity to stick around in the early goings of a match-up that pitted the 15th-seeded Canuck against the World No. 473 from Walnut Creek, Calif. Fortunately for Andreescu, Volynets’ inexperience shone through and the Mississauga, Ont., native was able to successfully convert three break points en route to a 6-2 first-set win that was more impressive on the scoreboard than the court.”

According to that same article, Andreescu “was visibly frustrated at times, especially with 17-year-old Volynets growing in confidence with each passing point. The young American matched her more fancied opponent for most of the second frame, with both women holding serve through the first eight games without giving up a single break point opportunity.”

To see the complete stats of their match, click here and here.

Screenshot of Katie Volynets congratulating Bianca Andreescu following their first round match.

In a post-match press conference, the 2019 champion had very positive things to say about Volynets.

“It’s my first round, first match of the tournament, so maybe I was a bit rusty at the beginning,” Andreescu said. “I’m also playing someone younger than me, so, that’s not the best scenario. I’m usually the young one. But, it’s nice to see these up-and-coming players play on big stages like this.”

Andreescu is 19 and Volynets, who started playing tennis when she was just five, is 17.

“Katie, my opponent, she was playing really well. She was getting to a lot of balls. She’s an incredible fighter,” Andreescu continued. “That’s what I told her after the match and I’m sure it’s going to get her places.”

“There were long rallies. I was a little bit nervous coming into the match, too. So, I think, maybe that kind of showed,” she said.

When asked by a reporter to “take a moment and talk more about” Katie, Andreescu responded, “I think she has a very bright future. If she works hard and keeps improving her game, I think she can be very dangerous to a lot of the players. She moves really well. She doesn’t show any negative emotion, which is very impressive. Yeah, I think she can do very big things.”

“Because she gets to so many balls, I wanted to hit the right ball at the right time,” she added about playing Volynets.

“Ever heard of a better tennis name?” a reporter asked.

“Oh, volley nets. Oh, yeah. I never even, like put two and two together. Yeah, that’s crazy, Andreescu responded with a laugh. “She has a very nice name. Very ironic.”

DeSaulnier introduces private bill to protect Concord woman receiving medical treatment, and family from deportation

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Rep. Mark DeSaulnier with Isabel Bueso. Photo from Facebook.

Washington, DC – Today, Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) announced the introduction of a private bill (H.R. 4225) to allow Maria Isabel Bueso, a resident of Concord, California, to remain in the United States to continue to receive treatment for her rare, life-threatening disease. Following a Trump Administration change, Isabel and her family face deportation. Yesterday, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said it will re-open deferred action cases that received denials like Isabel’s but, did not say whether it would reverse the policy change that led to the cancellation of deferred action.

“A few weeks ago, families were blindsided when they received notification from USCIS that they were being forced to leave the country within 33 days. Re-opening cases is no guarantee they will be allowed to stay, and it is not a permanent solution. These families need and deserve decisive action,” said DeSaulnier. “I am introducing legislation that would provide Isabel and her family with permanent resident status so they can remain in the United States without fear of removal. The Bueso family has followed every rule – they came here legally, paid their taxes, and Isabel’s participation in groundbreaking clinical trials has given hope to Americans with rare diseases. I will do everything in my power to help Isabel and her family remain here.”

“While I am thrilled that my deferred action status is being reconsidered, I was born with MPS 6; so, neither my condition nor my critical need for lifelong, weekly treatment will change in another two years’ time,” said Isabel Bueso. “We need to work together to find a more permanent solution that gives families like mine the guarantee that our lives won’t continue to be threatened. Congressman DeSaulnier and Senator Feinstein’s bill to give my family permanent status is part of that solution,” said Isabel.

“We are encouraged to hear that the administration is willing to reconsider our medical deferred action case,” the Bueso family stated. “We see this as a first step in revisiting our status as U.S. residents and will be working with lawmakers to find a more permanent solution that guarantees Isabel’s life is never put at risk again. Our hearts go out to all of the families involved in this sudden policy change and we won’t rest until they also have continued access to the life-saving medical care they deserve. Thank you to everyone who supported our family during this time – our hearts are overflowing with gratitude,” the Bueso family concluded.

Isabel came to the United States legally from Guatemala to receive treatment for Maroteaux-Lamy Syndrome, also known as Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VI. Her participation in drug trials helped identify an effective, life-saving treatment, which the drug manufacturer says Isabel cannot receive in her home country of Guatemala. Isabel and her family have lawfully resided in the East Bay since then, where she recently graduated summa cum laude from Cal State Easy Bay. Before her treatment was discovered, Isabel’s life expectancy was seven years old. She is now 24.

In a comment with a video posted on his Congressional Facebook page on Saturday, DeSaulnier wrote, “We have a sociopath in the White House who acts more like a mobster than the President. Our office is working hard to #SaveIsabel and stand up for immigrants with medical conditions that the #Trump Administration has targeted.”

In addition to introducing a private bill, Congressman DeSaulnier was joined by Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) in sending a letter petitioning the Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Kevin McAleenan, to re-review the cases of the Bueso family. He also co-led an effort with Immigration and Citizenship Subcommittee Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Representatives Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Judy Chu (D-CA), Lou Correa (D-CA), and Senators Edward Markey (D-MA) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) to DHS, ICE, and USCIS demanding answers on USCIS’s decision to end consideration of non-military deferred action requests, including medical deferred action. In the letter, which was joined by over 100 additional lawmakers, he called on the agencies to reverse this decision and turn over any documents discussing the policy change by September 13, 2019.

Walnut Creek man indicted by Contra Costa Grand Jury for child porn possession

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William Cashell arrest photo. Courtesy of Johnson County, KS Sheriff.

William “Will” Cashell. Photo from his Facebook page.

Martinez, Calif. – Yesterday, Tues., August 27, 2019, a grand jury indictment was unsealed against defendant William Cashell, a 44-year-old resident of Walnut Creek, California and Johnson County, Kansas. He was indicted for two counts of possession of child pornography.

Cashell appeared in Martinez, California for an arraignment in Department 263 before the Honorable David Flynn. Cashell pleaded not guilty to the charges alleged in the indictment. Cashell remains out of custody on his own recognizance. Deputy District Attorney Scott Prosser is the prosecutor assigned to the case on behalf of the People. DDA Prosser is with our Sexual Assault Unit.

On May 2, 2019, investigators from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force served a warrant at Cashell’s residence after it was discovered he was storing child pornography in his e-mail account. Investigators also located child pornography on a smartphone belonging to Cashell. Cashell was initially charged in a criminal complaint on June 11, 2019 and remained at large until July 20, 2019 when was arrested in Johnson County, Kansas and extradited back to Contra Costa County.

The Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is managed by the San Jose Police Department. In Contra Costa County, detectives and investigators from the Walnut Creek, Concord and Moraga Police Departments, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Contra Costa County Probation Department and Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office participate in the task force along with Special Agents from the United States Department of Homeland Security and the United States Secret Service.

Parents are encouraged to discuss online safety with their children and can visit the website www.kidsmartz.org for further information. If you believe your school or community organization would benefit from a smartphone and social media awareness presentation, please contact the District Attorney’s Office at DA-Commentary-Feedback@contracostada.org.

Case information: People v. Cashell Docket Number 05-191603-0

Concord man found guilty of first degree residential burglary

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By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa District Attorney

Last week, defendant Curtis Hill, a 59-year-old Concord resident, was convicted, by a Contra Costa County jury, of first degree residential burglary. On August 16, 2019, the jury returned findings that the Defendant had been convicted of three prior strike offenses – two prior residential robberies and a residential burglary. In his prior residential robbery conviction, he committed great bodily injury on a person over the age of 60.

The charges stem from the evening of August 3, 2018, when Hill entered the victim’s Concord home. He selected jewelry from a bedroom in the home and then fled the scene. Later that same evening, he was arrested by the Concord Police Department.

Hill has a long history of theft, violence, and disorderly conduct in the downtown Concord area. His behavior has made him a longstanding nuisance and danger to the residents of Concord and law enforcement in the area.

This conviction constitutes a third strike for the defendant. He is next in court on September 27, 2019, to set a sentencing before Judge Christopher Bowen.

Deputy District Attorney Chris Sansoe prosecuted the case on behalf of the People. DDA Sansoe is assigned to our Office’s Victims of Violent Crime Unit. The trial lasted 14 days in Department 40 before Judge Bowen.

Case information: People v. Curtis Lee Hill, Docket Number 05-181909-3

Walnut Creek man sentenced to over two years in prison for mail theft conspiracy targeting San Francisco apartment complex

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Tyler Goforth with his girlfriend and co-defendant, Jesslyn Felix in a photo posted on his Facebook page Oct. 3, 2017.

Girlfriend and co-defendant who also pleaded guilty, to be sentenced in September

By United States Attorneys Office, Northern District of California

Tyler Goforth was sentenced to 27 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution for his role in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud stemming from a mail theft scheme, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and United States Postal Inspection Service Inspector in Charge Rafael Nuñez.  The Honorable Maxine M. Chesney, U.S. District Judge, handed down the sentence.

Goforth, 35, of Walnut Creek, Calif., pleaded guilty to the charge on May 29, 2019.  According to his plea agreement, Goforth admitted that he and his co-defendant, Jesslyn Felix, 35, also of Walnut Creek, traveled repeatedly to the Beacon Apartment Complex, a large apartment building in San Francisco, to steal mail from Beacon residents.  The defendants visited the Beacon more than a dozen times between August 2017 and February 2018.  Goforth and Felix entered one of the mailrooms at the Beacon, forced open mailboxes, and then stole mail.  They then used personal information and documents found in the stolen mail to steal money from Beacon residents, which they spent for personal gain.  Specifically, Goforth and Felix activated credit and debit cards in the victims’ names, stole checks and gift cards, accessed bank accounts belonging to Beacon residents, and stole photo identifications which they then used to carry out their scheme to steal money.  In total, Goforth and Felix stole mail from more than 80 residents of the Beacon and stole more than $40,000 from them.

A federal grand jury indicted Goforth and Felix on January 15, 2019.  The 14-count indictment charged each defendant with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349; five counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1343; six counts of theft of mail, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1708; one count of aggravated identity theft, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1028A; and one count of possession with intent to use or transfer five or more documents or authentication features, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1028(a)(3).  Goforth and Felix both pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge on May 29, 2019.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Chesney ordered Goforth to serve a three-year period of supervised release to begin at the completion of the prison term.  Goforth has been in custody since May 6, 2019.

Judge Chesney scheduled Felix’s sentencing for September 18, 2019.  Like Goforth, if Felix complies with the plea agreement, the remaining counts pending against her will be dismissed at sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross Weingarten is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Marina Ponomarchuk. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service.