Contra Costa Herald

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

Following chase Concord Police arrest wanted felon with help of Pittsburg Police K9 and Sheriff’s helicopter

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Wanted felon arrested with the help of Pittsburg Police K9 Kyra who was rewarded for her efforts. Photos by CPD and PPD.

By Concord Police Department

On Saturday night, Jan. 25 our Special Enforcement Team located a subject wanted on a felony warrant in the 3000 block of Willow Pass Road As we set up to try and take him into custody the male, identified as Kevin Villatoro, decided to try and make a run for it out a back window. Unfortunately for him we were ready for that.

Mr. Villatoro ran though a residential area off Euclid Drive where he tried to hide himself. Again, we had a plan for that too!

With help from Contra Costa Sheriff helicopter Starr 3 and Pittsburg Police Department K9 “Kyra”, Mr. Villatoro was quickly located hiding behind a house. He chose to ignore multiple commands from officers and was ultimately apprehended by K9 Kyra. Mr. Villatoro was treated for his injuries and later booked into county jail on multiple felony charges.

As a thank you to K9 Kyra one of our officers Venmo’d her handler to treat her to some In-N-Out. Kyra’s eyes tell the ending to this story.

According to the Pittsburg Police Department, “Officer Oreja and K9 Kyra were requested by the Concord Police Department to help locate a violent, possibly armed, wanted felon believed to be hiding within an established perimeter. Once on scene, Officer Oreja and K9 Kyra began searching yards with the assistance of STARR 3 (helicopter) overhead. STARR 3 advised they had a heat source coming from a backyard which Officers were about to enter. K9 Kyra searched the yard and apprehended the hiding, motionless, suspect making it safe for Officers to enter and take him into custody.

This is another great example of why Police K9’s are such a useful tool in our day to day job. Concord PD bought Kyra a cheeseburger for a job well done! Scroll right to see how happy she was to eat her treat.” #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #winforthegoodguys #youcanrunbutyoucanthide #PPD #k9unit #workingdog #CPD #Police

 

Three Contra Costa County Library branches to host and stream local candidate forums

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The Contra Costa County Library is hosting two candidate forums in advance of the March primary. Voters attending the forums can hear directly from the candidates about their experience and positions on relevant issues. The forums will stream live on Facebook and re-air on Contra Costa Television (CCTV).

The Hercules Library will host a forum for the Board of Supervisors District V race on Tuesday, February 4 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. East County residents interested in watching the District V forum can attend a viewing party at the Pittsburg Library from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the library community room.

The Brentwood Library will host a forum at the Brentwood Community Center on Thursday, February 6 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Candidates for the Board of Supervisors District III seat will take part in the moderated forum.

County residents unable to attend the forums can watch live on the Contra Costa County Library Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ccclib/. The forums will also be archived on the Library’s YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/theccclib.
All forums will re-air on Contra Costa Television (CCTV). CCTV is available on Comcast channel 27, AT&T U-Verse channel 99 or Astound channel 32. For a full schedule, visit ccclib.org.

The Library is partnering with the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley and the West County League of Women Voters, Contra Costa County Elections Department and Contra Costa Television (CCTV).

For more information, contact Rich Hall at rhall@ccclib.org, (925) 608-7770.

Oakley breaks ground on exciting Logistics Center to create 2,800 new jobs

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Oakley and county officials join representatives of NorthPoint Development for the ceremonial ground breaking at the Contra Costa Logistics Center on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020. Photos and graphic by City of Oakley.

One of the most exciting developments in Oakley history is underway. The City of Oakley broke ground on Tuesday, Jan. 28 for the Contra Costa Logistics Center, a two‐million‐square‐foot project from Kansas City‐based NorthPoint Development.

Contra Costa Logistics Center site plan.

The light industrial, warehouse, distribution, e‐commerce fulfillment, and light manufacturing space will be located on the former site of the DuPont Chemical Plant at 6000 Bridgehead Road.

The City has planned for development at the site since 2002 and it is now becoming a reality. Once completed, the campus is expected to generate 2,800 full and part time jobs and bring in $388,400 annually to the City’s General Fund as well as a contribution of $420,000 per year in revenue to the East Contra Costa County Fire Protection District once compete.

NorthPoint Development has similar light manufacturing and distribution properties in 21 states with a client portfolio that includes Ford, Amazon, and Adidas.

“This is a large‐scale economic driver,” said Josh McMurray, the City of Oakley’s Community Development Director. “This is a catalyst not only for Oakley, but for the region. The amount of jobs and benefit to the county as a whole are just great.”

Plans call for five buildings to be constructed on 143 acres along the southwest portion of the site, with the additional 232 acres remaining natural.

Contra Costa Logistics Center area map.

Construction is underway following this week’s groundbreaking and a tenant for one full building has already been secured. NorthPoint hopes to finish the full buildout within four years.

As part of the project, NorthPoint Development will also complete roadway improvements on nearby streets including the intersections of Wilbur Avenue and Bridgehead Road and Bridgehead Road and Neroly Road, as well as alterations on Main Street at Empire Avenue and on Big Break Road at Main Street.

“We are thrilled to be starting construction this month on the Contra Costa Logistics Center in Oakley,” said Jed Momot, NorthPoint Development’s Chief Strategy Officer. “We believe the central location of Oakley being able to reach the population within the Bay Area and Northern California as well as the surplus of qualified labor will attract logistics, manufacturing, and e‐commerce businesses to locate within the park.

Momot went on to say that two buildings have planned construction starting this month, with the three other buildings to follow. He added that the project offers many unique characteristics such as rail service situated on the BNSF line and direct access onto Hwy 160 to Hwy 4.

Oakley Mayor Kevin Romick said that this new development will create a vital, long awaited economic hub in Oakley.

“Since Oakley’s incorporation as a city 20 years ago, this property has been considered a key to job growth and a potential hub of industry,” said Mayor Romick. “To see this project come to fruition is so gratifying and exciting for the entire Oakley community.”

Teen shot in face in Oakley Thursday afternoon, police seek shooter

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By Oakley Police Department

This afternoon, OPD Officers were dispatched to the report of an individual who had been shot at the intersection of Main Street and Hill Avenue.  As officers responded to the scene, Gehringer Elementary School was placed into lockdown as a precautionary measure.

Witnesses reported the suspect fled the area in a dark-colored sedan immediately after the shooting.

Upon arrival, officers learned that two individuals had been involved in a physical fight when a third individual approached the pair, drew a firearm, and fired a single shot striking one of the individuals.  OPD Officers arrived and provided first aid, along with a crew from the East Contra Costa Fire District and AMR.

According to Battalion Chief Jeffrey Burris, East Contra Costa Fire sent 10 personnel to the scene. E153 and AMR Medic 52 arrived on scene to find an eighteen year old male down in the street with a gun shot wound to the face.

Because of the severity of the injury, the victim was transported by air ambulance, CON Air-2 to the John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek.

Once the scene was safe, the elementary school was taken off of lockdown and students were released with officers present.

OPD Investigators are currently processing the crime scene and interviewing witnesses to the shooting event.

OPD Investigators are seeking assistance from members of the public regarding this incident. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact our tip line at OPD@ci.oakley.ca.us.

According to Oakley Police Sergeant Grubaugh this is the latest information they have.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Discovery Bay pilot convicted of making false statements to FAA

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Nicholas King Beyer from his Facebook page.

Lied about medical condition

SAN FRANCISCO – Nicholas King Beyer was convicted in United States District Court today of making false statements to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on pilot medical certification forms, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division, Special Agent in Charge James Wahleithner; and U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General Regional Acting Special Agent in Charge Susan Ocampo.  The verdict was handed down today following a half-day bench trial before the Honorable Charles R. Breyer, U.S. District Judge.

Judge Breyer found Beyer, 34, of Discovery Bay, Calif., guilty on two counts of making false statements to the FAA, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2), and two counts of falsifying, concealing, or covering up material facts by trick, scheme, or device, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(1).

According to his Facebook page, Beyer is a flight instructor at SkyView Aviation, LLC, worked at USS Harry S. Truman, is a former ABH at United States Navy and former Navy firefighter at NALF Fentress, studies at ATP Flight School and at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and attended Liberty High School in Brentwood, CA.

Evidence at trial showed that Beyer made false statements on applications for an airman medical certificate, FAA Form 8500-8, which he submitted to the FAA in 2016, and again in 2018.  The FAA’s airman medical certificate process is the mechanism by which the FAA evaluates whether pilots are mentally and physically fit to fly.  The evidence showed that Beyer falsely stated on both of his Form 8500-8s that he had never been diagnosed with, did not have, and had never had a mental disorder of any sort; when in fact Beyer had been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in 2016.  The evidence also showed that Beyer falsely stated on the forms that he was only receiving disability benefits for knee and back injuries from the VA, when he was also receiving disability benefits for Major Depressive Disorder.

A federal grand jury indicted Beyer on August 23, 2018, charging him with two counts of making false statements to the FAA, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2), and two counts of falsifying, concealing, or covering up material facts by trick, scheme, or device, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(1).  Judge Breyer convicted Beyer on all four counts.

Judge Breyer scheduled the defendant’s sentencing hearing for April 22, 2020.

Beyer faces maximum statutory penalties of five (5) years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000, plus restitution for each violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2) and each violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(1).  However, any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Shepard and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Ward are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Hector Lopez.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Two Oakley Police Officers injured subduing man standing in middle of road Saturday evening

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By Allen Payton

About 5:40 p.m. officers were dispatched to a welfare check for a man standing in the middle of the road holding two suitcases in his hands, causing traffic to drive around him, according to Oakley Police Sergeant Rick Grubaugh.

When the officers arrived, “the subject immediately punched one officer in the face a couple of times,” he stated. “That turned into a 700-foot chase on Delta Road, which ended at Elvis (Lane). The first officer had tazed the suspect and the second officer tazed him a second time.”

A couple other officers arrived on the scene, Sgt. Grubaugh continued.

“We believe, due to a mental health condition, the man put up a struggle before officers were able to bring him into custody,” he said. “Delta Road was closed, and it took about 30 minutes to clear the scene.”

According to a witness, who lives in Knightsen and was on his way home at the time, about 10 police cars and multiple ambulances were on the scene and Delta Road was closed between Brentwood Blvd. and Sellers Road.

“Both the suspect and the officers were treated at the scene,” Grubaugh shared. “Then both officers were transported to John Muir Walnut Creek. The suspect was seen at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez and then booked at the county jail.”

“Farewell to Mondo” concert at Campos Family Vineyards, Friday night

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Mondo Live Music has become a huge part of our Campos Family Vineyards Family and he definitely will be missed! Join us on January 17th as we give Mondo Mariscal a Campos Family Vineyard Farewell.

Get tickets here: Farewell to MONDO – Wine Down Friday

A portion of ticket sales proceeds will be donated to Mondo to bless his family in the move.

Campos Family Vineyards is located at 3501 Byer Road in Byron, CA. For more information visit www.camposfamilyvineyards.com or call (925) 308-7963.

Kiwanis Club of Brentwood energized by new president Alan Iannaccone

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Alan Iannaccone (center) with his family and Kiwanis Club members following his installation as the Brentwood Club’s new president on Friday, Jan. 10, 2020. Photos courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Brentwood.

Alan Iannaccone given oath of office as club president for 2020 by Angel Luevano as Argentina Dávila-Luévano looks on.

By Argentina Dávila-Luévano, Immediate Past Lt. Gov, Division 26

The Kiwanis Club of Brentwood has a new, dynamic and superb leader in President Alan Iannaccone. Alan represents the future of Kiwanis to bring invigorating and energetic Professionalism into its member ranks.

He was installed for the 2020 year during a ceremony on Friday, January 10 and received special recognition from U.S. Congressman Jerry McNerney and State Assembly Member Jim Frazier.

Alan works as a Station Design Engineer and earned a bachelor degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Portland, Oregon. Alan attended Holy Rosary Catholic School in Antioch and De La Salle High School. Among his many achievements, Alan was head coach of Springwood Swim Club and enjoys his hobbies in Golf, Hiking, and Water Polo. Alan brings ten years of community service to the Club.

He is the son of Brentwood chiropractor Dr. Alan and Elizabeth Iannacone of Brentwood and grandson of Monte and Lucia Albers, also of Brentwood.

Alan (center) with members of the Key Club, the service program of Kiwanis International for high school students.

Alan is already planning our Kiwanis Brentwood Club’s first Golf Tournament and Restaurant Tour. Come and Join us in welcoming Alan Iannaccone as the new president of the Kiwanis Club of Brentwood.

Our club meets once a month on the second Tuesday of the month from 6:30-8:00 p.m at Jalisco Restaurant in Brentwood.

Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time.

Kiwanis is for men and women who want personal involvement in the leadership and improvement of their communities.

Our club is a snapshot of the community and made up of individuals who are unified in their belief that children and their community’s benefit from the efforts of a proficient group of caring and involved people.

Pittsburg Police arrest shooting suspects following chase into Antioch Friday morning

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Pittsburg shooting suspects flee overturned vehicle. Photo: Pittsburg PD

Antioch Police Officers assisted

By Pittsburg PD

Early Friday morning, graveyard Officers were dispatched to the report of shots fired in the area of Gladstone Drive at Loveridge Road. Officers were circulating the area when a witness pointed out a vehicle that was traveling at a high rate of speed through the neighborhood and was related. Officers attempted to initiate a traffic enforcement stop, at which time the vehicle fled from Officers and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit continued into the city of Antioch where the vehicle collided into the curb and flipped over.

Both suspects (see photo) fled on foot but were subsequently taken into custody after a brief search. A search of the vehicle was conducted, and several shell casings and live rounds were located. Both suspects were placed under arrest for several charges. Thank you @antiochpdca for the assist!