Contra Costa Herald

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

2023 Annual Report: Serious crime in Lafayette remains low

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Report cover and 2023 Lafayette Police Department staff. Photo: Lafayette PD

“Overall, crime remains low in Lafayette, a testament to the collective efforts of our community. However, there are still categories of crimes that the Police Department, in partnership with our residents, continues to strive to reduce.” – Chief Benjamin Alldritt

By Lafayette Police Department

The most recent crime report for 2023 from the Lafayette Police Department has been presented to the Lafayette City Council. The report shows that the rate of violent crime in Lafayette remains low, with only 13 reported Part 1 violent crimes in 2023. This equals 51.2 violent crimes per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 380.7 violent crimes per 100,000 and the California average of 494.6 violent crimes per 100,000 in 2022.

“Overall, crime remains low in Lafayette, a testament to the collective efforts of our community. However, there are still categories of crimes that the Police Department, in partnership with our residents, continues to strive to reduce,” said Lafayette Police Chief Benjamin Alldritt.

In 2023, the Lafayette Police received 12,007 calls for service, filed 1,168 police reports, made 302 arrests, and issued 1,022 traffic citations.

Lafayette Police Department Total Annual Calls for Service 2014-23. Source: Lafayette PD

Part I Crimes include two categories: Crimes against Persons and property crimes.  Crimes against Persons are murder, rape, aggravated assault, robbery, and human trafficking.  Property Crimes are burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson.

“Crimes against Persons are our top priority because they have the most significant impact on the victim. The Lafayette Police Department is committed to dedicating all necessary resources to investigate these crimes and bring the suspects to justice,” said Chief Alldritt.

Overall, Part 1 crimes decreased from 456 in 2013 to 277 in 2023. This represents a 39% decrease in these types of crime over the last decade.

“Proactive policing and an alert community keep crime low in Lafayette,” he continued. “If people see something, they say something. Residents quickly report, respond, and actively watch out for their friends, family, and neighbors. We appreciate that our community members continue to call in and report crimes and remain aware of their surroundings”.

10–Year Comparison of Part 1 Uniform Crime Reporting in Lafayette, CA. Source: Lafayette PD

“The professional staff are force multipliers for the Police Department,” said Chief Alldritt. “They run the administrative office, manage the City’s emergency preparedness activities and fleet maintenance, carry out crime scene investigations, parking enforcement, vacation house checks, emergency traffic control, and other programs such as “Slow Down Lafayette.”

The City of Lafayette takes a multi-departmental approach to reduce accidents in Lafayette by using the “Three E’s” of traffic safety: Enforcement, Engineering, and Education. The Police Traffic Unit meets regularly with the City’s Transportation Planner to identify problem areas where engineering solutions may have a calming effect on traffic, resulting in fewer accidents and less need for enforcement. The Traffic Unit reviews collision rates and locations, along with citizen complaints, when considering areas for enforcement efforts.   

  • Acquired two low-profile radar measurement devices, two temporary speed display signs, two speed display trailers, and two LIDAR devices to assist with speed enforcement.
  • Analyzed over 1.3 million data points on vehicle speeds
  • Reduced the number of speeders by 20%–25% in areas where display signs and traffic enforcement are used. Provided educational materials on crosswalk safety, school bus safety, e-bikes, and various weather and other traffic-related notices.
  • The Lamorinda Residents Guide to Wildfire Preparedness and Evacuation was updated and mailed out to all Lamorinda residents in 2022.
  • The Police Department encouragesresidents to sign up for the County’s Community Warning System (CWS)
  • The ALERT California wildfire program maintains a network of cameras to detect, alert, and monitor wildfires. Lafayette Police Department Emergency Services Manager John Cornell handled the installation of multiple wildfire cameras throughout Contra Costa County, which included training for multiple local fire and police departments.

Lafayette Police Department Emergency Services Manager John Cornell handled the installation of multiple wildfire cameras and coordinated camera locations and training with other agencies. Source: Lafayette PD

The city also operates an information and emergency radio station, available on AM 1670 or streaming via the city’s app, My Lafayette, for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play – Android Store.

 “I am proud of the men and women who serve the City of Lafayette with pride and dedication,” says Chief Alldritt. “The entire Police Department and our City staff and leaders are focused on providing the highest level of service possible to our residents, businesses, and visitors. From responding to calls for service, to investigations, traffic enforcement, emergency preparedness, and the myriad other things my staff do daily in service of the community.”

You can also download the slide deck of the May 28, 2024, presentation and watch a recording of the presentation to the City Council on May 28, 2024, on the City’s YouTube channel.

About The City of Lafayette

Lafayette is a charming small community located in Contra Costa County, 30 miles from The City of Oakland. It’s known for its beautiful green hills, excellent schools, and miles of hiking trails, making it an attractive place to live. The City has a population of more than 25,000 highly educated residents, with 75.2% of them holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, 73.6% of the homes in Lafayette are owner-occupied. The median home value is $1,914,700, while the median household income is $219,250. The total area of the city is 15.22 square miles.

San Pablo man arrested for attacking employee inside Pinole police building

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Pinole Police building video shows Victor jumping over the counter and into the offices of the clerk. Screenshot source: Pinole PD

By Commander Matt Avery, Pinole Police Department

On Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at approximately 4:15 PM, a male subject entered the Pinole Public Safety Building (880 Tennent Avenue, Pinole) and walked around the reception area while a police employee assisted a citizen at the front counter. The subject used the drinking fountain and then attempted to open the locked lobby door leading to the police department’s inner office area. The subject then sat down and waited approximately two minutes until our staff member finished assisting the citizen.

When the citizen completed her business and left the area, the male subject approached the front counter, where our staff member greeted him. The subject responded by reaching out and ringing the counter bell several times. Within seconds, the subject grabbed our staff member by her right arm. The victim fought back, and the subject pulled her toward him, preventing her from escaping. The victim could break free from the subject’s grasp, and the subject climbed over the counter and through a window. The victim retreated into the main hallway, and the subject chased after her. The victim was able to enter the administrative office area with the assistance of another staff member. Officers in the department at the time heard the disturbance and quickly made their way toward the reception area. They confronted the subject in the main hallway and safely detained the subject. (See Facebook incident video)

The victim sustained minor injuries to her right arm caused by the subject when he grabbed and pulled her. The victim is expected to make a full recovery. The subject was arrested and identified as Chester Erwin Victor, Jr. (born 4/20/1959), a 65-year-old male from unincorporated San Pablo. He was booked at the Martinez Detention Facility on burglary (PC 460(b)), kidnapping (PC 207(A)), false imprisonment (PC 236), battery (PC 243(A), assault (PC 241(A)), and a warrant.

This is an ongoing investigation, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Pinole Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 510-724-1111.

According to localcrimenews.com, Victor was also arrested by Solano CHP in June 2017 for DUI.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff, he is five-feet, 11-inches tall, 200-pounds, Hispanic and being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $47,500 bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for June 26 is Superior Court.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Loaded gun, drugs confiscated from known felon during San Pablo traffic stop

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The gun, magazine and drugs confiscated from the known felon on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Photo: San Pablo PD

Officers in Action

By San Pablo Police Department

Wednesday night, June 12, 2024, Officer Troche was patrolling the city when he made a traffic stop on a vehicle whose driver is a known felon from previous contacts. The driver was found to have an outstanding warrant. Inside the vehicle Officer Troche located a loaded firearm along with a large amount of drugs.

The driver of the vehicle was booked into county jail on the warrant and felony charges.

That makes one more gun taken out of the hands of a convicted felon. Thanks Officer Troche!

 

Vandal caught for using pellet guns that caused damage to Pittsburg businesses

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Damage caused to a Pittsburg business, the suspect’s car caught on surveillance camera video and pellet guns confiscated by police. Photos: Pittsburg PD

Eight felony counts

By Pittsburg Police Department

Over the past few months, a series of vandalisms targeted multiple businesses on Garcia Avenue in Pittsburg. The vandals used a pellet gun to shoot at the glass windows of these establishments, resulting in significant financial losses amounting to thousands of dollars.

In response to these incidents, the property owner took proactive measures by installing surveillance cameras. These cameras successfully captured footage of the culprit in action, providing a vital lead for the investigative efforts of Detective Lefterov. Through diligent work spanning several weeks, Detective Lefterov gathered substantial evidence and successfully identified the individual responsible for the vandalism.

Subsequently, several search warrants were issued and executed, leading to the confiscation of a BB gun, an air rifle, numerous copper BBs, and suspected illicit substances. The suspect was apprehended and charged with eight counts of felony vandalism.

Four juveniles cause extensive damage at new Brentwood school

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An April 15, 2024, photo shows the Montañez Elementary under construction. Photo: Brentwood Union School District

Released to parents pending criminal charges; school scheduled to open in fall

By Brentwood Police Department

On Sunday, June 9th, 2024, around 8:30PM, our Dispatch received a call from a security company regarding four juvenile males who had just vandalized the Isaac R. Montañez Elementary School site located on the 2300 block of Smith Road. The juveniles were still on site and when officers arrived, they attempted to flee on their bikes, however they were safely taken into custody.

The project manager for the site arrived on scene to assess the damage and discovered the four juveniles had discharged all of the fire extinguishers on the property causing an extensive amount of damage. The new school is scheduled to open in the fall for the 2024-25 school year.

Based on the nature of the crime and their ages (12 and 13 years old), the juveniles did not meet the criteria to be booked into Juvenile Hall and were released to their parents pending criminal charges and further investigation.

Wilson’s Constitutional amendment defining, banning forced prison, jail labor as slavery in California passes State Senate committee

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Source: ACLU & GHRC

ACA 8 “would prohibit the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation or any local entity operating a jail facility from punishing any incarcerated person for refusing a work assignment.”

Senate Public Safety Committee approves, moves to Senate Elections Committee

Would go to voters in November

By Edgar Guerra, Communications Director, Office of Assemblywoman Lori Wilson

SACRAMENTO, CA – The End Slavery in California Act (ACA 8), authored by Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson (D-11) has made significant progress by passing out of the Senate Public Safety Committee. This crucial step brings California closer to abolishing the practice of forced labor for incarcerated workers and removing the last vestiges of slavery from the state constitution.

The Constitutional Amendment was introduced in February 2023 and passed by the Assembly last September. According to the Legislative Counsel’s Digest, “The California Constitution prohibits slavery and prohibits involuntary servitude, except as punishment to a crime.

This measure would instead prohibit slavery in any form, including forced labor compelled by the use or threat of physical or legal coercion. form. This measure would prohibit the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation or any local entity operating a jail facility from punishing any incarcerated person for refusing a work assignment. The measure would also clarify that its provisions do not prohibit the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation or any local entity operating a jail facility from awarding an incarcerated person credit towards their sentence for voluntarily accepting a work assignment.”

Wilson, who represents portions of Eastern Contra Costa County, emphasized the urgency of advancing this historic measure, stating, “The passage of ACA 8 out of the Senate Public Safety Committee marks a critical moment in our pursuit of justice and human dignity. We must urgently move this bill through the Senate Elections and Appropriations Committees, and onto the Senate and Assembly floors, so we can get it to the voters. Californians deserve the opportunity to abolish slavery once and for all.”

According to a November 2023 L.A. Times article about “The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s (CDCR) proposal…for eliminating all unpaid work assignments and reducing hours for most prison workers from full-time jobs to half-time.”

“Approximately 40% of California’s 96,000 prisoners have jobs while they serve out their sentences, according to the department spokesperson, doing laundry and janitorial work, as well as clerking and construction. Their wages generally range from 8 cents an hour to 37 cents an hour, depending on the skill level required for the job. The proposal calls for doubling the wage range, from 16 cents an hour to 74 cents an hour,” according to the Times’ report. “Prison officials argue that higher wages will have several benefits, including making it easier for inmates to pay back the money they owe for damage from their crimes” and “Fifty-five percent of inmates’ wages go toward restitution costs, according to the Department of Corrections.”

According to the CDCR’s Restitution Responsibilities, Information for Adult Offenders, “Restitution means ‘paying back’…State law requires judges to order restitution in every criminal case,” and “may cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the cost of repairing damaged property.”

There are two types of restitution. “Restitution fines usually range from $200 to $10,000” and are determined by the judge. “Direct orders are specifically for victim losses because of the crime(s) committed against them” and the judge also determines the amount to be paid.

The ACA 8 Coalition, echoed the same sentiment as Wilson: “We are fighting to give people long-overdue humanity. Californians should be able to say how they feel about the forced labor of incarcerated people and our state’s continued use of slavery/involuntary servitude as a means to exploit human beings in 2024. The ACA 8 Coalition is determined to give voters the opportunity to add their voice to this movement. We must end slavery. No excuses, no exceptions.”

In May, the ACLU California Action announced, ACA 8 Coalition, made up of more than 30 organizations across the state, had secured the endorsement of the California Democratic Party. The organization wrote in a press release, “On Sunday, May 19, the California Democratic Party endorsed the End Slavery in California Act by Assemblywoman Lori Wilson (ACA 8). This historic legislation will give incarcerated workers the dignity and autonomy to prioritize education, vocation or rehabilitative programming over forced exploitation. ACA 8 places a constitutional amendment before the voters in November to remove the last vestiges of slavery from our state constitution.”

The press release further reads, “After the legislature passes ACA 8, voters can remove the “exception clause” that allows prison officials to force incarcerated people to labor and punish workers for calling off sick, taking a day to grieve, or declining a work assignment that does not serve their rehabilitation needs.”

According to a June 2022 report by the ACLU entitled, Captive Labor: Exploitation of Incarcerated Workers, “From the moment they enter the prison gates, incarcerated people lose the right to refuse to work. This is because the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which protects against slavery and involuntary servitude, explicitly excludes from its reach those held in confinement due to a criminal conviction. The roots of modern prison labor can be found in the ratification of this exception clause at the end of the Civil War, which disproportionately encouraged the criminalization and effective re-enslavement of Black people during the Jim Crow era, with impacts that persist to this day.

Today, more than 76 percent of incarcerated workers surveyed by the Bureau of Justice Statistics say that they are required to work or face additional punishment such as solitary confinement, denial of opportunities to reduce their sentence, and loss of family visitation. They have no right to choose what type of work they do and are subject to arbitrary, discriminatory, and punitive decisions by the prison administrators who select their work assignments.”

Following its passage in the Senate Public Safety Committee, ACA 8 now moves to the Senate Elections Committee. Upon approval there, it will proceed to the Senate Appropriations Committee, and subsequently, to the Senate and Assembly floors for a final vote.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Elder Abuse Signs and Legal Remedies virtual workshop June 14

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June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month; June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Deadline to register: June 13 at 8:30 AM

By Susan Kim, Executive Director, Family Justice Center

Did you know…One in ten Americans aged 60 or older experiences some form of elder abuse? Elders who have been abused are 300% more likely to die than their peers.

Emily Milstein , Staff Attorney for Contra Costa Senior Legal Services, will provide training on Elder Abuse Signs and Legal Remedies during a virtual workshop training on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 10:00-11:30 AM.

The Contra Costa Elder Abuse Prevention Project (EAPP) prevents and combats elder abuse through an active community network that raises awareness and coordinates services.

Visit cocoelderjustice.org for more information about EAPP.

To register for the training click, here.

Pittsburg man found with drug pipe, fake gun, tear gas in car arrested

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The fake gun confiscated from the suspect on June 5, 2024. Photo by Brentwood PD

Near Antioch Target store

By Brentwood Police Department

REAL OR FAKE?

Last Wednesday, June 5, 2024, around 1:45 in the morning, a Brentwood officer was patrolling Lone Tree Way when they observed a parked car near the Target parking lot. Given that the businesses were closed, and it was very early in the morning, the officer conducted a suspicious vehicle stop and contacted the owner, identified as 57-year-old Louis Gonzalez from Pittsburg.

Gonzalez informed the officer that he had a drug pipe. Upon searching his car, the officer found an imitation gun, drug paraphernalia, and unlawful possession of tear gas.

Gonzalez was placed under arrest, and the imitation gun and tear gas were confiscated.

This incident highlights the dangers and challenges posed by imitation firearms. These replicas can easily be mistaken for real weapons, potentially leading to dangerous situations for both law enforcement and the public.

Major injury hit-and-run crash on I-680 southbound near Pleasant Hill Sunday

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The hit-and-run suspect’s car and victim’s dog who was released to family members. Photos by CHP-Contra Costa

Public’s help needed ID’ing, finding suspect

By CHP – Contra Costa

On Sunday, June 9th, at approximately 2:07pm, CHP Contra Costa was advised of a two-vehicle crash on I-680 southbound south of Willow Pass Road. An unknown male adult driver of a dark gray Acura TL was reported traveling on I-680 southbound, south of Willow Pass Road, at a high rate of speed. While weaving recklessly in and out of lanes, the driver lost control of the Acura and crashed into a black BMW 320i. The BMW was driven by a female adult and occupied with one canine passenger.

The driver of the BMW sustained major injuries during the crash and was transported to the hospital where she is expected to recover from her injuries. The BMW’s canine passenger was unharmed in the crash and was taken to a local animal shelter before being released to family members.

After the crash, the driver of the Acura was last seen fleeing the area on foot, heading south towards the Homewood Suites located at 650 Ellinwood Way in Pleasant Hill.

Upon initial investigation it was determined the driver of the BMW was properly seat-belted. It is unknown whether the driver of the Acura was seat-belted during the crash, and it is unknown if the crash is DUI related.

This crash is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed the crash, the events leading up to, or has information/dash-cam footage of the crash/suspect, please contact CHP Contra Costa in Martinez, (925) 646-4980 or email your contact information to 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov to be contacted by the investigating officer.

Initiative to repeal Prop 47 soft-on-crime measure qualifies for Nov. ballot

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Photos: Californians for Safer Communities

Allows felony charges and increases sentences for certain theft and drug crimes, including fentanyl

Sacramento, CA – California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. announced that an initiative became eligible for the November 5, 2024, General Election ballot on June 10, 2024.

In order to become eligible for the ballot, the initiative needed 546,651 valid petition signatures, which is equal to five percent of the total votes cast for governor in the November 2022 General Election.

A measure can become eligible via random sampling of petition signatures if the sampling projects that the number of valid signatures is greater than 110 percent of the required number. The initiative needed at least 601,317 projected valid signatures to become eligible by random sampling, and it has exceeded that threshold today.

On June 27, 2024, the Secretary of State will certify the initiative as qualified for the November 5, 2024, General Election ballot, unless it is withdrawn by the proponent prior to certification pursuant to Elections Code section 9604(b).

While the proponents of the initiative, Californians for Safer Communities labeled it The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act. But Attorney General Rob Bonta’s official title and summary of the measure is as follows: ALLOWS FELONY CHARGES AND INCREASES SENTENCES FOR CERTAIN DRUG AND THEFT CRIMES. INITIATIVE STATUTE.

– Allows felony charges for possessing certain drugs, including fentanyl, and for thefts under $950—both currently chargeable only as misdemeanors—with two prior drug or two prior theft convictions, as applicable. Defendants who plead guilty to felony drug possession and complete treatment can have charges dismissed.

– Increases sentences for other specified drug and theft crimes.

– Increased prison sentences may reduce savings that currently fund mental health and drug treatment programs, K-12 schools, and crime victims; any remaining savings may be used for new felony treatment program.

Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Increased state criminal justice system costs potentially in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually, primarily due to an increase in the state prison population. Some of these costs could be offset by reductions in state spending on local mental health and substance use services, truancy and dropout prevention, and victim services due to requirements in current law. Increased local criminal justice system costs potentially in the tens of millions of dollars annually, primarily due to increased court-related workload and a net increase in the number of people in county jail and under county community supervision. (23-0017A1)

According to Ballotpedia.com, the political action committee supporting the measure, Californians to Reduce Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft, has raised over $7.2 million to support the effort. Of that amount $2.5 million was contributed by Walmart, $1.0 million from Home Depot, $500,000 from Target, $300,000 each from 7-Eleven and California Correctional Peace Officers Association Truth in American Government Fund.

The Secretary of State’s tracking number for this measure is 1959 and the Attorney General’s tracking number is 23-0017A1.

The proponent of the measure is Thomas W. Hiltachk of the Bell, McAndrews & Hiltachk law firm. They can be reached at (916) 442-7757. The address for the proponent is 455 Capitol Mall, Suite 600, Sacramento, CA 95814.

For more information about how an initiative qualifies for the ballot in California, visit https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-measures/how-qualify-initiative/

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.