Contra Costa Herald

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

Contra Costa resident dies from eating wild mushrooms

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Toxic: Death Cap Mushroom (Amanita phalloides) (left) and Western Destroying Angel Mushroom (Amanita ocreata) (right). Photos: CA Dept of Public Health

Un residente del condado Contra Costa murió después de consumir hongos silvestres

By Contra Costa Health

Contra Costa Health confirms a county resident has died after eating wild mushrooms. Some toxic mushrooms closely resemble edible ones. Do not eat wild mushrooms unless you are absolutely certain of their identification and have expert experience. If you may have eaten a poisonous mushroom, seek medical care immediately or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

More info: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/…/EIS/Poisonous-Mushrooms.aspx

Contra Costa Health confirmó que un residente del condado murió después de consumir hongos silvestres. Algunos hongos tóxicos pueden parecer comestibles. No coma hongos silvestres a menos que esté absolutamente seguro de su identificación y tenga experiencia experta. Si cree que ha comido un hongo venenoso, busque atención médica de inmediato o llame al Centro de Control de Envenenamientos al 1-800-222-1222.

Más información: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/…/EIS/Poisonous-Mushrooms.aspx

Crime on BART drops 41% in 2025

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Photo: BART

Systemwide property crime down 43%, auto thefts decrease by half, robberies by 60%; aggravated assaults up 12%

Smaller decreases in Contra Costa County

By San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District

Crime on BART plummeted in 2025, a testament to the hard work of the BART Police Department and the effectiveness of BART’s investment in initiatives and infrastructure that both increase safety and enhance the customer experience.

Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report

Overall crime on BART dropped 41% in 2025 compared to the previous year, with violent crime down 31% and property crime down 43%, according to the December 2025 Chief’s Monthly Report. Additional highlights include auto thefts decreasing by half year over year and robberies decreasing by 60%. The only crime category to see an increase was aggravated assaults which were up 12% over 2024.

In Contra Costa County violent crime was down 24.6% from 61 incidents to 46 and property crime decreased 34.3% from 443 incidents to 291. The only category that increased was burglary structural with 50% more incidents from six to nine.

Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report

This substantial decrease in crimes in the system comes as ridership continues to grow steadily, with BART serving nearly 5 million more trips in 2025 than 2024, a year that also saw  ridership growth in addition to a drop in crime.

“Safety is about more than enforcement. It’s about presence, partnership, and creating an environment where all riders feel comfortable using BART,” said BART Police Chief Kevin Franklin. “BART PD is committed to deterring criminal activity, responding quickly when help is needed, and ensuring riders feel safe throughout their journeys. These numbers demonstrate the impact of officers who are engaged and focused on building trust with the communities BART serves.”

Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report

“Riders are witnessing firsthand the improvements to safety, cleanliness, and customer experience that define the New BART,” said BART General Manager Bob Powers. “We’ve combined infrastructure upgrades, such as improved fare gates and station lighting, with additional safety presence and customer-centered service to make BART a comfortable experience for everyone who rides. I want to thank BART PD for their tireless commitment to serving the public.”

BART PD boosted the visible safety presence in the system by doubling officer presence systemwide and ensuring police are riding trains more. This approach is strengthened by BART’s ongoing use of unarmed Crisis Intervention Specialists, Transit Ambassadors, Fare Inspectors, and Community Service Officers.

Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report

Safety efforts were also bolstered by the installation of 715 new fare gates at all 50 stations, a project completed in August 2025, four months ahead of schedule. The taller, stronger fare gates are improving the station environment and deterring fare evasion and unwanted behavior. The number of riders who say they’ve witnessed someone not paying has dropped 59% in the last year.

BART also maintains a network of 4,000+ surveillance cameras, minimizing response time and holding suspects accountable, and continues to install LED lighting on platforms and in parking facilities to eliminate dark corners. Efforts such as these not only improve safety, but the entirety of the BART experience by making the system more welcoming and comfortable.

Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report

In 2025, BART PD continued its robust officer recruitment campaign with a $15,000 hiring bonus ($5,000 upon hire and $10,000 upon completion of the Field Training Program) for laterals and academy graduates and a robust outreach strategy, including a dedicated JoinBARTPD.com recruitment site and the recent launch of a  BART PD Instagram to reach potential recruits where they are.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Contra Costa Public Defender’s Office and Stand Together Contra Costa launch mobile legal clinic

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Photo: Stand Together Contra Costa

To expand access to justice countywide

By Brian Nash, PIO, Contra Costa Public Defender’s Office

MARTINEZ, CA — Stand Together Contra Costa (STCC), a program of the Contra Costa Public Defender’s Office (CCPD), will unveil a new Mobile Legal Clinic at a press conference at 1026 Escobar in Martinez, California on Thursday, January 29 at 11:00 am. This marks a major step forward in bringing trusted legal advice directly to communities across Contra Costa County.

The Mobile Legal Clinic is designed to remove barriers that often prevent people from accessing legal help — including transportation challenges, work schedules, childcare responsibilities, language access, and fear of state violence by federal immigration agents. Staffed by CCPD attorneys and support staff, the clinic will provide free legal guidance on immigration legal issues, navigating the legal system, and culturally responsive assistance. It will also provide navigation to other holistic services such as public benefits, housing support, clean slate, and more — helping residents address concerns early, before problems escalate into crises.

“This mobile legal clinic reflects a simple but powerful idea: justice works best when it’s accessible,” said Ali Saidi, a Deputy Public Defender in the CCPD and the Director of Stand Together Contra Costa. “By showing up directly in neighborhoods across the county, we’re removing barriers, building trust, and making sure people know they’re not alone when legal issues arise.”

The office is planning upcoming mobile legal clinic deployments throughout all five Contra Costa County supervisorial districts beginning in early February, with dates, times, and locations to be announced soon through Contra Costa Public Defender and Stand Together Contra Costa channels.

A Countywide Effort

“Our commitment to serving community members in Contra Costa County goes beyond our vigorous advocacy inside of the courtroom,” added CCPD Public Defender Ellen McDonnell. “Access to justice means making sure every community member — no matter their income, background, or neighborhood — understands their legal rights and is able to find help when and where they need it.”

The Mobile Legal Clinic was made possible through collaboration across county departments and community partners, reflecting a shared commitment to expanding access to justice.

“This initiative demonstrates what’s possible when county leaders and departments work together with the community,” Saidi continued. “We’re grateful to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and community partners for making this possible and want to particularly thank Supervisor Ken Carlson — whose support and leadership helped turn this idea into a critical service that will have real impact for families across the county.”

 

California families focus on future of learning during National School Choice Week

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824,000 students across 1,970 Golden State schools participate in events and activities to raise awareness of education options

By Lauren Forte, Manager of Communications, National School Choice Awareness Foundation

SACRAMENTO– More than 1,970 California schools will host special events this week—all designed to help parents learn more about the K–12 education options available for their children. The events are planned to coincide with National School Choice Week (schoolchoiceweek.com), which runs from January 25–31, 2026.

Events will include open houses, parent information sessions, award ceremonies, service projects, and skill-building contests—each aimed at celebrating students and teachers while helping families discover the many learning opportunities in their communities. To raise statewide awareness, Oakland Enrolls will host a charter school fair at Lazear Charter School in Oakland (1/31/26), and La Unión de Padres will host a school fair at the Santa Ana Zoo in Santa Ana (1/31/26).

National School Choice Week is organized by the nonprofit National School Choice Awareness Foundation and shines a positive spotlight on the benefits of choice and opportunity in K–12 education.

“California offers some education options, particularly public charter, magnet, and online schools, but barriers like limited open enrollment and restrictions on public charter growth continue to curtail options for families,” said Noelle Delaney, the California-based Chief Operating Officer of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation. “As school choice becomes the new normal across the country, our goal is to make sure California parents have timely, accurate, and jargon-free information—so they can understand their options and feel confident navigating them.”

Parents in the Golden State can select traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, homeschooling and microschooling and mix-and-match learning for their kids.

“California families are actively exploring their education options and looking for learning environments that fit their children’s needs,” said Kimi Kean, CEO of Oakland Enrolls. “We are committed to helping families navigate those choices and feel informed and supported throughout the process.”

To learn more about education options available to families in California, visit the National School Choice Awareness Foundation’s California School Choice website at https://schoolchoiceweek.com/california.

The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We show parents how K–12 school choice can change their children’s lives, and then guide them through the process of finding schools that best meet their children’s needs. Our three charitable programs––National School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares––raise equal awareness of the public, charter, magnet, private, online, home, and nontraditional education options available for families. We are nonpolitical and do not advocate for or against legislation at any level of government.

Better Business Bureau cautions fans about Super Bowl ticket scams, travel costs

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San Francisco, CA – With the Super Bowl less than two weeks away and thousands of fans expected to visit the Bay Area, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is reminding consumers that preparation is just as important as excitement when attending an event of this size.

“Events of this scale bring a lot of excitement, but they also bring higher prices and increased risk for consumers,” said Alma Galvan, spokesperson for the Better Business Bureau. “Planning ahead, buying tickets from trusted sources, and understanding travel and lodging costs can help fans avoid unnecessary stress and financial loss.”

Protect yourself before you buy

Tickets for the Super Bowl are among the most sought-after and most expensive in sports. Unfortunately, that demand also attracts scammers.

The BBB encourages fans to:

  • Purchase tickets only from official sources or reputable resale platforms
  • Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, especially those found on social media
  • Avoid sellers who request payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or peer-to-peer apps with no buyer protection
  • Use a credit card whenever possible, as this can add an extra layer of protection

Consumers should also take time to research sellers, read refund policies carefully, and confirm ticket delivery methods before completing a purchase.

Travel and transportation

The Bay Area is preparing for a significant surge in travel related to this sporting event. Airports, highways, and public transportation systems will all experience increased traffic.

The BBB advises travelers to:

  • Arrive early at airports and allow extra time for security and delays
  • Consider multiple airport options, including San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland
  • Plan transportation to and from the stadium in advance, including public transit and rideshare options

Hotel accommodations

The BBB is also reminding travelers to budget carefully for lodging. Hotel prices across the region have increased dramatically for Super Bowl weekend.

BBB recommends that travelers:

  • Book lodging as early as possible to avoid higher prices and limited availability
  • Compare pricing across nearby cities
  • Review cancellation policies and additional fees carefully before confirming reservations
  • Verify websites before making any purchases
  • Confirm reservation numbers and confirmation emails before traveling to the Bay Area

A final reminder to fans

The Super Bowl will be an unforgettable moment for all those in attendance. With smart planning, fans can enjoy the event and all that the Bay Area has to offer without unnecessary stress or financial loss.

Consumers who encounter suspicious ticket sellers or misleading travel offers are encouraged to report them to BBB.org/ScamTracker.

ABOUT BBB

The Better Business Bureau has empowered people to find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust for more than 110 years. In 2024, people turned to BBB.org more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 5.5 million businesses, and 725,000 times for BBB charity reports on 12,000 local and national charities. The International Association of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for the local, independent BBBs in the United States and Canada.

I rent, why should I get insurance?

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By Patrick McCarran, Real Estate Broker

It is a common misconception that the landlord’s or owner’s policy will cover the tenant’s possessions but that is false. A basic renter’s insurance policy is usually just a few hundred dollars a YEAR.

Perhaps you are in bed sleeping soundly and a rusty pipe bursts, drenching everything in dirty water or you turn away from the stove for just a brief moment, only to come back to a grease fire? You take your family to the movies only to come back to find your home ransacked and empty. This is a tragedy that does not have to happen. In the event of calamities such as these and more the owner’s policy will only cover the owner’s property. If you are the tenant you may have lost everything including the roof over your head in an instant. The renter’s policy may be used to replace your belongings and often pay for temporary housing or loss of use.  Coverage is also provided for personal liability protection and medical payments to others.

But wait there is more, remember when we talked about that fire, what if the bathtub or sink overflowed. Would you be responsible? If there is bodily injury or property damage to someone else, you may responsible through negligence if any of these incidents are deemed your fault.

Can someone sue for damage caused by your negligence if there’s nothing to take? Yes. We live in California, where anyone can and often will sue anyone for anything and everything. You might not have anything to take today, but the person holding that judgement will sit on it, renew it as necessary, and pounce when there’s finally something to collect. Is that the shadow you want to live under?

And don’t forget about other nearby homes and their insurance companies that are going to look at your assets, and your future earnings to recoup their loss.

How does the thought of giving half your paycheck to the other residents of the building for the next fifty years sound simply because you didn’t have California renters’ insurance liability coverage?

Some Basic Tips

  • Shop around for homeowner’s insurance.   Compare prices, service, and coverage.
  • Provide complete and accurate information to your agent or broker when requesting a quote or completing an insurance application.
  • Read before signing.  Make certain the policy reflects the limits and deductibles, coverage purchased, keep a copy of all signed documents in a safe place with other vital records.
  • Ask the broker or agent to explain any wording you find confusing.
  • Keep an inventory of personal property, listing all of the items you own, the dates purchased, and the price. If possible, take pictures of important and valuable items.  You may want to videotape your home and possessions as well.  Keep these records in a safe place away from home, preferably in a safe-deposit box, the cloud, or a relative’s house.  And remember to update periodically.
  • A Home Inventory Guide is available on the internet or drop me an email.
  • Remember that most policies cover replacement cost not current value so just because your furniture may have seen better days does not mean its worthless.
  • If you have anything of unique values such as an antique furniture or collector items tell you agent you may need a rider for additional coverage

You won’t know until you get a quote so get peace of mind — and full protection — call your insurance company today!

Patrick McCarran is a local Realtor and Broker He can be contact by phone or text at (925) 899-5536, pmccarran@yahoo.com or www.CallPatrick.com. Each office independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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DUI driver arrested after crashing into downtown Lafayette building

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Damage was sustained by both the vehicle of the DUI driver who was arrested and the vacant building he crashed into in downtown Lafayette, early Saturday morning, Jan. 24, 2026. Photos: Lafayette PD

By Lafayette Police Department

Early Saturday morning, January 24, 2026, at approximately 20 minutes after midnight, Lafayette PD Officers were dispatched to a vehicle that had crashed into a vacant building at the intersection of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Moraga Road. Officers arrived on scene, contacted the driver, and subsequently arrested him for driving under the influence.

This incident is a reminder to plan ahead and use a designated driver or a rideshare if you’ve been drinking.

If you see something, say something. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies, or (925) 284-5010 for non-emergencies.

Efforts to obtain additional information and the name of the driver were unsuccessful prior to publication time. Please check later for any updates to this report.

Los Medanos College seeks nominations for annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards

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The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spent time in Contra Costa County. George Gordon (far left), then-President of the Community College District Board, and an unidentified man, welcomed Dr. King to Contra Costa College in San Pablo in February 1964 for an on-campus speech. Board President Gordon and Dr. King on stage before his speech. (Right) Photos courtesy of Scott Gordon

Deadline: Feb. 1; Awards Celebration: Feb. 26

By Juliet V. Casey, Director of Marketing, Los Medanos College

Los Medanos College (LMC) is pleased to announce its call for nominees, recognizing community civil rights and social justice champions, and students whose activism sets them apart as emerging leaders. Use this form (or visit www.losmedanos.edu/mlk) to submit a nomination. The nomination deadline is February 1, 2026.

Award recipients will be honored at LMC’s 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Celebration at 11 a.m. on Feb. 26, 2026, in the Student Union Conference Center of the Pittsburg Campus, 2700 E. Leland Road.

Award Categories:

Emerging Leadership Award

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Emerging Leadership Award recognizes an LMC student or alumnus who embodies the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and, who within the past year, has made a significant difference on the LMC campus or in the local community through advocacy and social justice. Emerging leaders in our community exemplify the principles of Dr. King and affect social change. Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

Visionary Leadership Award

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visionary Leadership Award recognizes a member of the East Contra Costa County community who demonstrates the qualities of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Visionary Leadership Award honors individuals who embody Dr. King’s strengths as a transformational, servant leader. Dr. King inspired others to shape the future articulated in his vision. He focused on the well-being, growth, and empowerment of others and the community he served. Dr. King said, “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable … Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”

Beloved Community Award

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Beloved Community Award is presented to a local resident who has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to service and who best represents the core values modeled by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Beloved Community Award is inspired by the term popularized by Dr. King – a global vision in which, as noted by The King Center: all people can share in the wealth of the earth; poverty, hunger, and homelessness will not be tolerated; racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry, and prejudice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood; and love and trust will triumph over fear and hatred. At the heart of the quest for the Beloved Community is agape love, which Dr. King described as “understanding, redeeming goodwill for all” – a love “seeking to preserve and create community.”

See video about the awards.

According to Martinez resident, Scott Gordon, whose father, George Gordon was President of the Contra Costa Community College Board in 1964, that February, Dr. King visited the county for a speech at Contra Costa College in San Pablo.

About LMC

LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office Forensic Services Division receives state grant to help keep roads safe

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Photo: CCC Sheriff’s Office

$170,000 for Crime Lab

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

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Forensic Services Division (FSD), a nationally accredited crime laboratory, has been awarded a competitive one-year grant of $170,000 to help keep our roadways safe from impaired drivers. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The FSD will use the funding to support the testing program for detecting alcohol and drugs in driving under the influence (DUI) cases. New equipment will be purchased to enhance the analysis of alcohol and other volatile substances in DUI cases. Supplies will also be purchased to support comprehensive analysis and enable detection of illegal, prescription, and over-the-counter drugs commonly found in DUI cases. Funding for the pro-grams runs through September 2026.

“This grant will improve testing capabilities, analysis, and turnaround times at the Forensic Services Division,” said Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston. “Having rapid results will benefit county law enforcement agencies and prosecutors and improve public safety.”

Meet new Walnut Creek Police Chief Hibbs Feb. 4

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New Walnut Creek Chief of Police Ryan Hibbs was sworn in Jan. 13, 2026. Photo: WCPD

By Walnut Creek Police Department

The City of Walnut Creek is inviting residents to a “meet and greet” opportunity with new Chief Ryan Hibbs. The free event will be held on Wednesday, February 4, in the Rotunda at the Lesher Center for the Arts. Residents are welcome to drop by any time between 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

The event is sponsored by the City of Walnut Creek.

On January 13, 2026, the Walnut Creek Police Department proudly recognized nine well-earned promotions during an oath of office ceremony in the Council Chambers!

What a great day for our team!

Police Chief Ryan Hibbs and department leaders were officially sworn in to their new positions during a ceremony inside the Council Chambers Jan. 13, 2026. Photo: WCPD

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding individuals on their achievements:

  • Chief Ryan Hibbs
  • Captain Jeff Slater
  • Captain Holley Connors
  • Lieutenant Guy Ezard
  • Lieutenant Mike Watson
  • Lieutenant Andrew Ha
  • Sergeant Melinda Lomprey
  • Sergeant Nick Olson
  • Sergeant Rich Lopez

Thank you for your dedication to keeping Walnut Creek safe and for serving with integrity and professionalism. Congratulations!

About Chief Hibbs

Hibbs, a 23-year police veteran who has been with the Walnut Creek Police Department for 16 years, was selected in October 2025 by City Manager Dan Buckshi to serve as the City’s new Chief of Police. Earlier this month, Mayor Kevin Wilk announced that Hibbs had stepped into his new role which occurred on Dec. 31.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to be selected as the next Police Chief for the Walnut Creek Police Department. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Chief Jamie Knox for his nearly five years of dedicated service to both the department and our community,” said Hibbs. “I am committed to upholding our department’s tradition of integrity and community partnership, strengthening trust with the residents, and supporting the women and men who keep Walnut Creek a safe, welcoming and vibrant place for everyone.”

He previously served as Captain of the Administration Services Division, overseeing Professional Standards, Investigations, Dispatch, Records and Department Administration.

Hibbs holds a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice from National University, an Administrative of Justice degree from Lassen Community College, and is completing a graduate degree at California State University, Dominguez Hill.  He is a graduate of the Drucker Executive Leadership Institute and the Peace Officer Standards and Training Executive Development Course and is an active member of several professional law enforcement organizations.

Replaces Retired Chief Jamie Knox

Retired Chief Jamie Knox. Photo: WCPD

Former Chief Jamie Knox, who retired at the end of 2025, led the Walnut Creek Police Department since 2021, capping a distinguished 30-year law enforcement career that began in Roseville in 1995. He previously held leadership roles in Novato and San Leandro and holds degrees in Emergency Management and Organizational Leadership, along with FBI National Academy credentials

As Chief, he oversaw historically low crime rates, expanded staffing, and spearheaded a recruitment campaign that brought in 68 new hires. He prioritized combating organized retail theft through targeted operations and regional partnerships, and championed initiatives like the 30×30 campaign for women in policing, Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology deployment, and revitalization of the Police Cadet Program.

His tenure also emphasized community engagement, officer wellness through the Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) program, and modernization efforts including drone deployment and updated branding.

“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together,” Knox said, and that he was “grateful for the dedication of the men and women of this department and the support of our community.”

Thank you, Chief Knox for your leadership, dedication, and the example you have set! We wish you the best in your well-deserved retirement!

““I’m always happy when we can promote from within. Ryan…will be a strong leader as we go forward following Chief Knox’s retirement,” Buckshi said in October. “I am thankful to Chief Knox for his many contributions and leadership, and I look forward to working with Capt. Hibbs in his new role.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.