Contra Costa Herald

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

CHP targets Bay Bridge approach for stepped-up enforcement campaign

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Photos: (Left) MTC (Right) Credit John Huseby, Caltrans

Carpools allowed in bus lane only during weekday peak periods

By Cindy Ramirez, CHP, Bart Ney, Caltrans and John Goodwin, Bay Area Toll Authority

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 9, 2026. . . The California Highway Patrol, in partnership with Caltrans and the Bay Area Toll Authority, this month will resume concentrated enforcement of the laws governing the westbound approach to the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. This includes strict enforcement of vehicle-type and vehicle-occupancy laws in the bus/carpool lane that bypasses the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge toll plaza at the far-right side of the roadway.

This lane — which can be accessed by traffic approaching the bridge from Interstate 80, Interstate 880 or West Grand Avenue — may be used by buses, motorcycles or carpools with three or more occupants during the weekday commute periods of 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Only buses may lawfully use the lane at other times, including all day on Saturdays and Sundays. Drivers cited for improper use of the bus/carpool lane outside weekday commute hours are subject to a fine of $490 or more.

“The signs at access points to the lane are clear and unambiguous. They read ‘Buses Only,’” noted Lt. Ed Clarke of the CHP’s Oakland Area. “But many drivers have not consistently followed the rule in recent years.” The CHP, Caltrans and BATA agree that focused enforcement will help address ongoing violations, improve compliance with the posted restrictions, and ensure the lane remains available for its intended use.

Acting Caltrans District 4 Director and BATA Commissioner Doanh Nguyen reminds drivers that the toll booths at the Bay Bridge and other state-owned toll bridges will soon be a thing of the past. “The transition to open-road tolling already is underway, with the new system set to debut next year at the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. The comprehensive reconfiguration of the approaches to every state-owned toll bridge will improve safety and efficiency by allowing drivers to pay their tolls without having to slow down to squeeze past the obsolete toll booths.”

BATA administers all toll revenues from the region’s seven state-owned toll bridges. Caltrans owns and operates the state highway system, including state-owned toll bridges such as the Bay Bridge.

La Policía de Caminos de California (CHP) se enfoca en el acceso al puente Bay Bridge para una campaña de reforzar el control

Los vehículos compartidos solo pueden circular por el carril de autobuses durante las horas pico de los días laborables

SAN FRANCISCO, 9 de septiembre de 2026. . . La Policía de Caminos de California (CHP), en colaboración con Caltrans y la Autoridad de Peajes del Área de la Bahía, reanudará este mes la aplicación intensiva de las leyes que rigen el acceso en dirección oeste al puente San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. Esto incluye la aplicación estricta de las leyes sobre el tipo y la ocupación de vehículos en el carril para autobuses y vehículos compartidos que evita la plaza de cobro del puente San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge por el lado extremo derecho de la carretera.

Este carril — al que pueden acceder los vehículos que se acercan al puente desde la Interestatal 80, la Interestatal 880 o West Grand Avenue — puede ser utilizado por autobuses, motocicletas o vehículos compartidos con tres o más ocupantes durante días laborables en los horarios pico de 5 a.m. a 10 a.m. y 3 p.m. a 7 p.m. Solo los autobuses pueden utilizar el carril en otros momentos legalmente, incluyendo todo el día los sábados y domingos. Los conductores

que reciban una infracción por el uso indebido del carril para autobuses y vehículos compartidos fuera de los horarios pico de los días laborables están sujetos a una multa de $490 o más.

“Las señales en los puntos de acceso al carril son claras e inequívocas. Dicen ‘Solo autobuses’,” señaló el teniente Ed Clarke del Área de Oakland de la CHP. “Sin embargo, muchos conductores han omitido cumplir la norma de forma consistente en los últimos años.” La CHP, Caltrans y la BATA coinciden en que una aplicación rigurosa de la ley ayudará a abordar las infracciones continuas, mejorará el cumplimiento de las restricciones establecidas y garantizará que el carril siga disponible para el uso previsto.

El director interino del Distrito 4 de Caltrans y comisionado de la BATA, Doanh Nguyen, recuerda a los conductores que las casetas de cobro en el puente de la Bahía y otros puentes de cuota de propiedad estatal pronto pasarán a ser historia. “La transición al sistema de cobro de cuotas en carretera abierta ya está en marcha, y está previsto que el nuevo sistema entre en funcionamiento el próximo año en el puente Richmond-San Rafael. La reconfiguración integral de los accesos a todos los puentes de cuota de propiedad estatal mejorará la seguridad y la eficiencia, al permitir que los conductores paguen sus cuotas sin tener que reducir la velocidad para pasar por las casetas de cobro obsoletas.”

BATA administra los ingresos de peajes de los siete puentes de peaje de propiedad estatal en la región. Caltrans es propietario y opera el sistema de carreteras estatales, incluyendo los puentes de cuota de propiedad estatal como el puente Bay Bridge.

CHP 針對海灣大橋引道展開強化執法行動

共乘車輛僅在工作日高峰時段才允許使用公車道

舊金山，2026年9月9日—加州公路巡警（CHP）將聯合加州交通局（Caltrans）

和灣區收費管理局（BATA），於本月恢復對舊金山-奧克蘭海灣大橋（San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge）西向引道相關交通法規的集中執法。執法重點包括加強監管位於最右側、可繞過海灣大橋收費站的公車／共乘專用車道，以確保使用該車道的車輛類型及載客人數符合規定。

該車道可供從 80 號州際公路、880 號州際公路或 West Grand Avenue 駛向大橋的車輛進入。在工作日通勤時段的上午 5 點至 10 點及下午 3 點至 7 點，公車、摩托車或載有三人及以上的共乘車輛可以使用該車道。在其他時段（包括週六和週日全天），僅公車可合法使用該車道。在工作日通勤時段以外違規使用該公車／共乘車道，將面臨 490 美元或以上罰款。

「車道入口處的標誌清晰明確，上面寫著『僅限公車』（Buses Only），」CHP 奧克蘭分局的 Ed Clarke 中尉指出，「但近年來，許多駕駛者並未始終遵守這項規定。」CHP、Caltrans 和 BATA 一致認為，開展集中執法有助於解決持續發生的違規行為，提高駕駛者對現場標示限制的遵守程度，並確保該車道維持其原定用途。

Caltrans 第 4 區代理局長兼 BATA 委員 Doanh Nguyen 提醒駕駛者，海灣大橋及其他州屬收費橋樑的收費亭即將成為歷史。「向開放式道路收費（open-road tolling）系統轉型的工作已經展開，新系統預計將於明年在Richmond-San Rafael大橋上率先啟用。對所有州屬收費橋樑引道進行全面重新規劃與改造，將讓駕駛者無須減速、穿越老舊的收費亭即可繳納通行費，從而提升道路安全與通行效率。」

BATA負責管理本地區七座州屬收費大橋的所有通行費收入。Caltrans負責擁有和營運州級公路系統，其中包括海灣大橋等州屬收費大橋。

 

CHP targets impaired drivers during Labor Day Weekend Holiday Enforcement Period Sept. 4-7

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“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”

By Jaime Coffee Director of Communications Office of Media Relations

SACRAMENTO — As Labor Day weekend approaches, the California Highway Patrol is urging motorists to plan ahead, make responsible choices and never drive impaired.

To help keep California’s roads safe, the CHP will conduct a Labor Day Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) from 6:01 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, through 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7. During the HEP, CHP officers statewide will focus on removing impaired drivers from the road and educating motorists about the dangers of driving under the influence.

The CHP’s HEP coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which runs Aug. 19 through Sept. 7.

“There is no excuse for driving impaired. If you choose to drink or use a substance that affects your ability to drive, make a plan and stay out of the driver’s seat. Your decision could be the difference between everyone getting home safely and a tragedy that can change lives forever.” – CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee

During last year’s Labor Day HEP, CHP officers made more than 1,200 impaired-driving arrests. During the same 78-hour reporting period, nearly 500 DUI-related crashes occurred statewide, resulting in more than 270 injuries and eight deaths, according to preliminary data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. These figures underscore the devastating consequences of impaired driving.

DUI Is More Than Just Alcohol

Impaired driving is not limited to alcohol. Cannabis, prescription medications, illegal drugs and some over-the-counter medications can impair a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle and make the split-second decisions required behind the wheel.

Driving impaired can cost someone their license, freedom or life — or take the life of someone else. The CHP urges motorists to think twice before driving impaired or getting into a vehicle with an impaired driver.

Arrive Safely, Make Responsible Choices

If you plan to drink, plan for a safe ride home before the celebration begins.

  • Designate a sober driver, use public transportation or a rideshare service, call a taxi, or stay where you are for the night.
  • If you are hosting a gathering where alcohol will be served, make sure your guests have a safe and sober way home.
  • Always wear your seat belt. It remains one of your best defenses in a crash.

If you see a suspected impaired driver on the road, call 9-1-1. Your call could save a life.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

 

CHP Contra Costa to deploy Motorcycle Safety Enforcement on I-80, elsewhere Aug. 20

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Photo: CHP Contra Costa

Entitled “Get Educated and Ride Safe” (GEARS) VIII – countywide through Sept. 30

141 crashes, 29 major injuries, 5 fatalities involving motorcycles in Contra Costa in 2025

By Officer Daniel Gilmore, PIO, CHP Contra Costa Area

CONTRA COSTA, Calif. – In an effort to reduce the number of motorcycle crashes, California Highway Patrol (CHP) Contra Costa Area will deploy additional officers August 20, 2026, on Interstate 80, and unincorporated roadways in Contra Costa County. Officers will look for violations by both motorcycle riders and drivers that make roads dangerous for other traffic, including unsafe speed, following too closely, unsafe lane changes, and improper turning.

Motorcycle-involved crashes continue to be a major concern for the CHP Contra Costa Area. From January 2025 through December 2025, provisional statistical data revealed there were 141 crashes involving motorcycles within our jurisdiction. Of those crashes, 29 involved major injuries, and five resulted in fatalities.

Funding for these operations is provided by a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Titled “Get Educated and Ride Safe (GEARS) VIII, the grant funding assists the CHP in reducing deadly and serious injury crashes involving motorcycles. The CHP Contra Costa Area will continue to deploy additional enforcement efforts through September 30, 2026.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Public Information Officer D. Gilmore, at (925) 586-1879.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service and Security.

CHP recovers over $1 million in stolen goods during National Organized Retail Crime Blitz

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A suspect is arrested in the Bay Area after attempting to steal multiple items and Organized Retail Crime Blitz statistics. Photos & source: CHP

By Jaime Coffee, Director of Communications Office of Media Relations, CHP

SACRAMENTO — The California Highway Patrol (CHP) continues to make steady progress in dismantling organized retail crime networks throughout the state. Recently, the CHP joined more than 100 law enforcement agencies for a National Organized Retail Crime Blitz, helping recover $1.05 million in stolen goods. Building on last year’s success, this event reaffirms the CHP’s commitment to holding retail theft suspects accountable.

From August 1 through 9, the CHP Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) saturated communities and led coordinated enforcement operations at several businesses, shopping centers and retail stores statewide. Officers proactively identified and apprehended offenders suspected of organized retail theft.

“The impacts of retail theft on businesses and communities are long-lasting. The CHP will continue to dedicate resources to catching perpetrators and holding accountable those who take from businesses and victimize communities.” – CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee

As a result of the CHP’s statewide efforts, officers arrested 97 suspects, including eight on felony charges, and recovered more than 8,500 stolen items valued at approximately $1.05 million.

“The proactive operations conducted during the blitz are a snapshot of the work the Organized Retail Crime Task Force is committed to doing every day,” added Commissioner Duryee. “We will continue to do our part year-round to identify problematic areas, reduce retail theft and make California a safer place to work, live and visit.”

Numerous stolen sneakers recovered during coordinated enforcement efforts in San Diego. A suspect is arrested by the CHP Border Division during the ORC Blitz.

Yearly Progress Snapshot

Looking at the broader picture, the blitz builds on years of steady enforcement. Since the ORCTF’s inception in 2019, the CHP has been involved in more than 4,700 investigations, resulting in more than 5,300 arrests and the recovery of more than 1.6 million stolen items valued at more than $76.6 million as of July 30.

In the first seven months of 2026, the CHP made nearly 350 retail theft arrests, investigated more than 280 incidents, and assisted partner agencies with more than 80 investigations, recovering an estimated $6.7 million in stolen goods.

Organized retail crime affects more than businesses. It can impact employees, consumers and the communities where these businesses operate. The CHP will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to disrupt organized retail crime and protect California’s communities.

Officers arrest a retail theft suspect during a series of proactive blitz operations in Roseville, Lodi and Stockton.

Organized Retail Theft Program

In response to AB 1065, the CHP, in consultation with the DOJ, developed a task force concept to work with allied agencies to combat organized retail theft. The CHP encourages victims of organized retail crime to use the tip link resource located on this page to report qualifying incident(s)

Beginning in 2019, Assembly Bill (AB) 1065 required the Department of the California Highway Patrol (CHP), until July 1, 2021, to coordinate with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to convene a regional property crimes task force to identify geographic areas experiencing increased levels of property crimes and assist local law enforcement with resources, such as personnel and equipment.  The recent passage of Assembly Bill 331 will extend the operation of the regional property crimes task force until January 1, 2026.

As reported by the National Retail Federation, organized retail theft accounts for nearly $30 billion in economic loss per year.  This loss is carried by retailers on several levels but is ultimately passed on to consumers through price inflation to offset economic loss.  While the problem is most commonly associated with shoplifting, it extends well beyond into associated organized criminal activity.  Commercial burglary, vehicle burglary, identity theft, credit card fraud, forgery, and fencing (selling or distribution of) stolen property are part of a bigger picture that finance ongoing criminal operations.

A trunk full of stolen items was recovered and multiple stolen items recovered from a Target as a result of proactive operations throughout Bakersfield and Turlock.

In response to AB 1065, the CHP, in consultation with the DOJ, developed a task force concept to work with allied agencies to combat organized retail theft.  Three regional task forces, known as Organized Retail Crime Task Forces (ORCTF), were established by the CHP in five field Divisions with the greatest need for immediate action:  Golden Gate Division (encompassing the greater Bay Area), Southern Division (encompassing the greater Los Angeles region), Border Division (encompassing Orange and San Diego counties), Valley Division (encompassing the greater Sacramento area and surrounding counties), and Central Division (encompassing the San Joaquin Valley).

The CHP encourages victims of organized retail crime to report qualifying incident(s) which are covered under California Penal Code Section 490.4, Organized Retail Theft.

Click here to report organized retail theft

Click here for more information on the CHP’s Organized Retail Theft Program.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service and Security.

July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month

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Photo: NHTSA

By CHP – Golden Gate Division

Every year, thousands of vehicles are stolen across California. July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a motor vehicle was stolen every 48 seconds in the United States in 2025.

Use common sense when parking and exiting your vehicle:

  • Take your vehicle’s key; do not leave it in or on your vehicle.
  • Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
  • Park in well-lit areas if possible.
  • Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially if they can be seen from outside the vehicle.

Thieves want vehicle parts and valuable items, too.

Radios and wheel covers aren’t the only popular stolen vehicle parts thieves take. They want whatever sells, from the mandated labeled parts to those that aren’t. Some of the most popular items stolen from vehicles include air bags, GPS units, cell phones, iPads, laptops, and purses. Parts like doors, engines and transmissions are stripped and sold.

While thefts declined last year, prevention starts with simple habits:

  • Keep valuables out of sight.
  • Lock your doors and roll up all windows.
  • Park in well-lit, visible areas.
  • Install a GPS tracker or recovery system
  • Use anti-theft tools
  • (steering wheel locks, alarms)
  • Always turn off your car and take your keys.

NEVER leave it running unattended.

A few seconds of prevention can save you the time, expense, and frustration of having your vehicle stolen.

Help protect your vehicle and don’t make it an easy target.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

CHP urges drivers to ‘slow their roll’ during Independence Day weekend Holiday Enforcement Period July 2-5

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Speeding continues to endanger lives on California roadways, making it a priority for the California Highway Patrol in its efforts to make roads safer.

By Jaime Coffee, CHP Director of Communications Office of Media Relations 

SACRAMENTO— The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is reminding motorists to slow down and drive responsibly as they head out for Independence Day celebrations statewide. To address unsafe driving and keep California’s roads safe, the CHP will conduct a Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) from July 2 at 6 p.m. to July 5 at 11:59 p.m., with an emphasis on combating speeding.

During last year’s 78-hour Independence Day HEP, CHP officers responded to more than 850 speed-related crashes. Tragically, at least seven of those collisions resulted in the loss of life, and nearly 400 crashes resulted in injuries to those involved. In addition, CHP officers made 1,311 arrests for driving under the influence – an average of one DUI arrest every three and a half minutes.

“Reckless driving and speeding continue to endanger lives on California’s roadways,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “As families and friends travel this holiday weekend, we urge everyone to slow down, be considerate of others and make responsible choices behind the wheel. Getting there safely is what matters most.”

Higher Speeds, Greater Consequences

Speeding is dangerous – it slows reaction time, increases stopping distance and crash severity, and can lead to serious, even fatal, consequences. According to the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, an average of more than 115,000 collisions in California each year are attributed to speed. The data also shows that speeding contributes to about 600 traffic-related deaths statewide each year.

During this Independence Day HEP, the CHP will continue using 100 low-profile, specially marked patrol vehicles to target dangerous driving behaviors on California’s highways. These vehicles blend into traffic, allowing officers to identify reckless drivers before taking enforcement action. Since their deployment last year, CHP officers operating these vehicles have issued over 59,000 speed-related citations statewide.

Pilot Program Targets Speeds

In December 2025, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the CHP launched a pilot program to swiftly take action against drivers caught traveling more than 100 mph, aiming to reduce potentially deadly crashes. The FAST (Forwarded Actions for Speeding Tickets) program automatically refers drivers to the DMV for review – independent of any court proceedings – to determine whether immediate action, such as license suspension or revocation, is warranted.

According to the DMV, the CHP submitted more than 3,200 FAST referrals between January and May 2026 for drivers engaging in speeding and high-risk driving behavior. The DMV responded with more than 3,000 suspension and re-examination actions, 94.3% of which were upheld after administrative review and hearings, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in identifying drivers who pose a significant risk to public safety.

Simple Steps to Help Save Lives

To help prevent crashes and save lives this Independence Day weekend, the CHP encourages everyone to take the following safety precautions:

  • Plan ahead and designate a sober driver before celebrations begin.
  • Use a rideshare service, taxi or public transportation if you have been drinking.
  • Host responsibly and ensure guests have a safe way home.
  • Never drive under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or other impairing substances.
  • Always wear your seat belt; it remains one of the most effective ways to reduce injuries and save lives in a crash.
  • If someone is about to drive impaired, speak up, take the keys, and help them get home safely.
  • Help remove a dangerous driver from the road by dialing 9-1-1.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service and Security.

June 29 – July 4 is Tire Safety Week

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Source: USTMA

Annual safety campaign launches “Full Circle,” a new platform demonstrating how safe tires keep American life moving

By Kim Kleine & Roland Buaben, USTMA

National Tire Safety Week (NTSW) is an annual initiative organized by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) to educate motorists about proper tire care, maintenance, and safety, emphasizing that tires are the only part of a vehicle that touches the road and are critical for safe driving.

The USTMA, representing manufacturers that produce tires in the United States, today launched National Tire Safety Week 2026, an annual weeklong public education campaign reminding drivers that tires play a critical role in vehicle safety and should be checked regularly as part of routine maintenance. Running June 29 through July 4, this year’s campaign carries the theme “Driving Safety, Full Circle” and kicks off a new USTMA storytelling platform, dedicated to the everyday value of tires to American life.

“Every drive home, every family road trip, every race to an emergency by a first responder happens on tires,” said Anne Forristall Luke, USTMA president and CEO. “Proper tire maintenance plays a critical role in safety on the road, and we must all do our part to protect the people and moments we value most. National Tire Safety Week is our reminder that caring for our tires is simple and essential, and that behind every safe mile is an industry working to make mobility safer, smarter and more dependable.”

This week serves as a reminder that proper tire care and routine maintenance can help reduce the risk of crashes and keep everyone safe on the road.

Take a few minutes to inspect your tires before your next drive.

Source: USTMA

TIRE SAFETY WEEK CHECKLIST:

  1. CHECK TREAD DEPTH

Use the penny test. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread is too low. Replace your tires.

  1. CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

Check at least once a month when tires are cold. Proper inflation improves safety, handling, and fuel efficiency.

  1. INSPECT FOR DAMAGE

Look for cuts, bulges, cracks, blisters, or foreign objects. Damaged tires can fail without warning.

  1. CHECK FOR UNEVEN WEAR

Uneven wear could be a sign of alignment or suspension issues. Get it checked.

  1. BE WEATHER READY

Worn tires are more likely to hydroplane. Good tread helps you grip the road, especially in wet conditions.

Source: USTMA

Putting You in the Driver’s Seat

This year, USTMA is telling that story through Full Circle Moments, a series of short, safety-themed videos capturing the ordinary scenes in American life made possible by tires. The series opens with a newborn’s first ride home from the hospital, and highlights the crucial role of tires through five everyday moments:

  • A newborn’s first ride home: a smooth ride when it matters most. Watch 
  • A parent teaching a teenager to drive: reliability when it matters most. Watch

A family road trip: durability when it matters most. Watch

  • Driving through a downpour: traction when it matters most. Watch 
  • A sudden stop: stopping power when it matters most. Watch

The full series is available throughout the week on USTMA’s National Tire Safety Week landing page and across the Association’s social channels.

The campaign also gives drivers a simple way to act. USTMA and its members encourage motorists to remember their “P.A.R.T.” – Pressure, Alignment, Rotation, and Tread, and to check all four at least once a month and before long summer trips. A few minutes in the driveway can prevent problems on the highway.

Source: USTMA

The Bigger Story Behind Every Tire 

National Tire Safety Week also marks the public debut of Full Circle, a new storytelling platform that highlights the ways in which American life and commerce are unthinkable without tires. Organized around five pillars – safety, sustainability, innovation, economic impact and advocacy – Full Circle shares proof-based stories of an industry committed to dependable mobility and continuous progress, from tires that get families home safely every day to the work underway to give every tire a productive second life. Explore the platform at www.ustires.org/fullcircle.

“Tires are essential to nearly every part of modern life, yet they’re easy to take for granted,” said Luke. “Full Circle embodies the depth of our industry’s commitment to the communities we serve. It’s a story of an industry committed to continuous progress with safety at the forefront, and we’re proud to keep driving it forward.”

National Tire Safety Week is an industry-led initiative supported by USTMA members: Bridgestone Americas, Inc.; Continental Tire the Americas, LLC; Giti Tire (USA) Ltd.; The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company; Hankook Tire America Corp.; Kumho Tire U.S.A., Inc.; Michelin North America, Inc.; Nokian Tyres, Inc.; Pirelli Tire LLC; Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc.; and Yokohama Tire Corporation.

Source: USTMA

About USTMA

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association is the national trade association for tire manufacturers that produce tires in the U.S. Our 11 member companies operate 55 tire-related manufacturing facilities in 16 states. U.S. tire manufacturing has an annual economic footprint of $259.5 billion and is responsible for more than 329,527 U.S. jobs in manufacturing, distribution and retailing. The industry supports more than 606,477 additional U.S. jobs in supplier and induced activities, totaling more than 936,004 jobs nationwide. USTMA advances a sustainable tire manufacturing industry through thought leadership and a commitment to science based public policy advocacy. Our member company tires make mobility possible. USTMA members are committed to continuous improvement of the performance of our products, worker and consumer safety and environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.USTires.org and follow us on Twitter/X @USTires.

CHP – Golden Gate and Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

CHP Officers arrest wrong-way Pittsburg driver following sideshow near Hercules

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22-year-old stopped by head-on crash with patrol vehicle injuring two passengers

By CHP Contra Costa

California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers stopped a wrong-way driver following an illegal sideshow late Thursday night, preventing what could have been a deadly crash.

On June 26, at approximately 11:35 p.m., CHP Contra Costa Area officers received reports of sideshow activity near Franklin Canyon Road and State Route 4 (Hwy 4) in unincorporated Contra Costa County near Hercules.

As officers responded, a silver Infiniti sedan involved in the sideshow fled the area and entered westbound SR-4 by driving the wrong way. A CHP patrol unit already on Hwy 4 immediately began a traffic break to slow traffic and protect motorists from the approaching vehicle.

Moments later, officers spotted the Infiniti, with its lights turned off, driving the wrong way on the westbound shoulder of Hwy 4 east of McEwen Road.

Without hesitation, the officers positioned their patrol vehicle in the path of the wrong-way driver to shield the public from the oncoming vehicle. The Infiniti continued toward the patrol vehicle and crashed head-on into it. After the crash, the driver ran from the vehicle, but officers quickly detained him. Two adult female passengers were also detained.

The two passengers suffered suspected minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital, where they are expected to recover. One CHP officer was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital and later released. After receiving medical clearance, the driver was arrested and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

The driver, Seth Antonio Edwards, 22, of Pittsburg, faces charges including driving the wrong way on a freeway while fleeing, resisting arrest, participating in a speed contest and driving without a valid driver’license.

The officers’ quick and courageous actions prevented what could have been a far more serious tragedy.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Edwards is Black and bonded out of custody on Saturday, June 27th at 3:06 PM.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

East County Vehicle Theft Suppression operation results in six arrests, four illegal firearms seized, more

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12 law enforcement agencies participated in the operation on May 21, 2026. Photos: Antioch PD

Multi-agency effort in Antioch, Pittsburg, Oakley

By Antioch Police Department

On Thursday, May 21, 2026, the Antioch Police Department hosted a Vehicle Theft Suppression and Enforcement Team (VSET) operation involving the cities of Antioch, Pittsburg and Oakley. The operation brought together 65 officers from 12 law enforcement agencies across Contra Costa County, including the CHP Contra Costa and Contra Costa County Probation Department.

As a result of the coordinated enforcement effort, officers conducted 112 enforcement stops, leading to:

  • 6 felony arrests
  • Recovery of 4 illegal firearms
  • 22 citations issued
  • Arrest of three subjects following a pursuit of a vehicle wanted in connection with felony charges
  • Recovery of an occupied stolen vehicle and the arrest of its occupant
  • Recovery of 5 abandoned stolen vehicles
  • 9 vehicles impounded

In addition to enforcement activities, officers partnered with Contra Costa County Probation to conduct probation searches at 11 locations and worked alongside CHP on a business inspection.

This operation highlights the effectiveness of regional collaboration in addressing crime, enhancing public safety, and improving the quality of life throughout our communities. We thank all participating agencies for their commitment and teamwork in making this operation a success.

One of two Lafayette shoplifters arrested following pursuit, crash

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Suspects drive wrong way; assistance from multiple agencies includes two helicopters, Sheriff’s K-9

43-year-old from Oakland has history of arrests

By Lafayette Police Department

On Tuesday afternoon, June 2, 2026, at about 2:13, Lafayette police officers responded to a business on the 3500 block of Mt. Diablo Blvd. for a report of two shoplifters who stole items and then fled in a silver-colored Honda.

On Pleasant Hill Road, the suspect vehicle drove past a Lafayette Police officer who attempted to stop the car. The Honda fled leading the officer on a pursuit which the officer terminated and pulled over when the suspect vehicle drove north in the southbound lanes.

The officer later came upon a collision involving the Honda and another vehicle a short distance away. The suspects fled on foot.

Officers from the Orinda Police Department and deputy sheriffs from Valley Station responded to set up a perimeter and help search for the suspects. Helicopters from the California Highway Patrol and East Bay Regional Park District Police also provided assistance.

Pleasant Hill Road was closed at Springhill Road and Green Valley Drive.

A Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office police K-9 located one suspect who was taken into custody and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. Another suspect remains outstanding. The two occupants in the car that was struck by the suspect vehicle were taken to a local hospital as a precaution.

According to a report on X (Twitter) by Henry K. Lee of KTVU FOX 2, the business is the BevMo and William Ware, age 43, was arrested.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 210-pound William Pierr Ware, born 9/26/1982 is Black and being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, he lives in Oakland and has a history of arrests dating back to 2021 by multiple agencies for crimes including grand theft, organized retail theft, burglary, receiving stolen property, evading with wanton disregard for safety and resisting, obstructing and/or delaying a peace officer.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Lafayette Police Department at (925) 284-5010. Tips can be emailed to: 94549tip@gmail.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.