Home Games played at Antioch Community Center in Prewett Park, 4703 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. Tickets at: www.brownpapertickets.com/cccds/3689712 Learn more at www.cccdeltastars.com.
Public menorah lightings in East County celebrate Chanuka
Rabbi Peretz Goldshmid of Chabad of the Delta with community supporters Art Solomon, Alice and Marty Bauman celebrate Chanukah with the lighting of the menorah in Brentwood on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019. Photo courtesy of Rabbi Goldshmid.
Attendees sing at the Brentwood menorah lighting. Photo by Betty Estes.
The light of Chanukah has illuminated Eastern Contra Costa County. We are excited to have added Giant Menorahs to City Center of Oakley, Waldie Plaza in Antioch and of course at Brentwood City Hall.
The joy and festivities of Chanukah were celebrated at Brentwood City Hall on Sunday, Dec. 22. There was a large crowd in attendance at the Chabad of the Delta’s Grand Menorah Lighting at City Hall.
Chanukah, a joyous holiday also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the Jews’ triumph over Greek oppression nearly 2,200 years ago and the subsequent rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem.
Following the traditional Chanukah greeting of ‘Happy Chanukah’, Rabbi Peretz Goldshmid said the blessing and lit the giant menorah – the nine-branch candelabrum that Jews light each night of Chanukah.
Chanukah, whose dates are set by the Jewish calendar, lasts for eight days, this year corresponding to Dec. 22-Dec. 30.
The Chanukah celebration in Brentwood before the menora lighting. Photo by Allen Payton.
After lighting the first flame to mark the first night, the Rabbi continued with his inspirational message. “Each night that we add an extra flame, is a reminder that of the need to increase acts of kindness and warmth to make the world a brighter place.” Goldshmid then continued in his usual eloquent style, “When we bring more light and warmness and kindness into the world eight consecutive nights, it is a very special energy.
People joined in singing traditional Chanukah tunes with musical accompaniment.
The crowd partook in traditional Chanukah cuisine, consisting of delicious doughnuts and hot fried potato latkes.
Rabbi Peretz Goldshmid of Chabad of the Delta (center) is flanked by city employees James Plueger and Joe of the Public Works Department for the menorah lighting on Sat., Dec. 21, 2019. Photo courtesy of Rabbi Goldschmid.
“It’s a family tradition to enjoy Chanukah,” remarked Kayla, who attended with her young daughter Debra. “The crafts, games and awesome fire show ensure this tradition.”
Chanukah, which stems from the Hebrew word for dedication, celebrated the miracle of the oil that had the volume to last one day but instead lasted eight. So too, with the immense dedication of Rabbi Peretz and Mrs. Mashie Goldshmid, Chabad of the Delta is experiencing its’ own little miracle. What was once a dormant Jewish community is now flourishing – the local Jewish community is experiencing tremendous growth. New classes, prayer services and Jewish Kids Club are all up and running.
The menorah at Oakley City Hall. Photo courtesy of Rabbi Goldshmid.
Of the Antioch menorah lighting, Peretz said “Thank you James Pflueger, Joe, Darrel, Laurie Schwartz and the City of Antioch, California for making the menorah go up. The name Antioch originates from Antiochus of the Chanukah story.”
The annual Jewish festival commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean Jews regained control of Jerusalem after overthrowing King Antiochus IV Epiphenes of the Seleucid empire.
For more information call the office 925-420- 4999, visit www.JewishDelta.com or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ChabadDelta/.
This successful event was sponsored by Chabad of the Delta and made possible by generous donations from community members and Hadassah George in memory of her parents Avraham and Miriam Vareed who lived their lives with the message of Chanukah, spreading light and Jewish pride even in the toughest of times.
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
Sheriff’s Office investigates shooting death of robbery suspect by store clerk in Bay Point
Screenshot of surveillance video of store clerk being pistol whipped by robbery suspect at Kam’s Market in Bay Point on Sun., Dec. 22. Source: KTVU Fox 2 News
Seek possible second suspect
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
On Sunday, December 22, 2019, at about 11:04 PM, Muir Station Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a market on the 200 block of Port Chicago Highway in Bay Point for a report of an assault with a deadly weapon and shooting. (See KTVU news report and store surveillance video – WARNING: contains violence)
Deputies found a clerk inside the store suffering from a head injury. A man was located on the ground near the store at the intersection of Lynbrook Street and Desanie Way. The man suffered from a gunshot wound and was later pronounced deceased at the scene. He is not being identified pending next of kin notification.
Forensic Services Division Crime Lab and Homicide Detectives responded to the scene. Detectives say the man struck the clerk in the head with a gun during a robbery at the market. During the attack, the clerk shot the man. The clerk was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
A second unknown suspect may also be involved.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Pittsburg man, associate charged with selling fake oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl
By U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California, Department of Justice
SAN FRANCISCO – Jose Ricardo Loza and Randy Lee Walker were charged in a criminal complaint with distributing fentanyl and heroin, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Postal Inspector in Charge Rafael E. Nuñez, United States Postal Inspection Service.
An affidavit filed in the case by an agent of the United States Postal Inspection Service alleges that Loza sold blue counterfeit oxycodone pills that were laced with Fentanyl. According to the affidavit, Loza sold to a third party 50 Fentanyl-laced pills on August 22, 2019, when at the auto body shop where he works in Pittsburg, Calif. Loza allegedly did not initially have enough pills to sell, so he texted Walker, who arrived with more Fentanyl-laced pills. The affidavit alleges that during the transaction, Loza warned the customer to be careful when taking these pills because he (Loza) gave the same pills to a mutual friend who overdosed and died. According to the affidavit, a laboratory test verified that a sample of the pills Loza sold contained fentanyl.
In addition, the affidavit alleges that on November 22, 2019, Loza sold 500 more counterfeit pills to an undercover officer and then told the officer that he had 10,000 more of the same pills for sale. Further, the affidavit alleges Loza sold two ounces of heroin on September 10, 2019.
Loza and Walker are charged with distribution of controlled substances, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C).
Loza and Walker were arrested on December 12, 2019. At the time of Loza’s arrest, law enforcement agents found more than 2,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills hidden in hollowed out compartments of his furniture.
Defendants Loza and Walker made their initial appearances Friday morning, Dec. 13 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas S. Hixson. Both defendants currently are in custody. Walker’s next court appearance was scheduled for Monday, December 16, 2019, for appointment of counsel. Loza’s next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, December 18, 2019, for a hearing to address detention issues.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison. A term of supervised release, fines, forfeitures, and restitution also may be ordered, however, any sentence following conviction would 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.
The complaint contains allegations only and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross Weingarten is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Linda Love. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Man shot, killed by masked gunmen inside Pittsburg home Saturday morning
By Pittsburg Police Department
Early Saturday morning, just after midnight, Pittsburg Officers responded to the report of a shooting at a residence in the 200 block of Havenwood Circle. Upon arrival, officers located a 34-year-old male resident suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso. Officers provided aid to the man until medical personnel arrived. The man, identified by his fiance as Rafael Lopez, later died from his injuries.
Pittsburg Police Department Detectives and Crime Scene Personnel responded to the residence to conduct the investigation. From initial information, officers learned that two masked gunmen entered the residence and engaged in an altercation with the man and other people inside the residence. During this, the two suspects shot the victim and fled the residence in a gray or silver import sedan. Investigators are working to confirm information the man and the suspects knew each other, and this incident was the result of a disagreement that had occurred.
Detectives are currently contacting witnesses and obtaining additional statements. Additional information is not available at this time.
The Pittsburg Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance and asks anyone with additional information to please contact the Pittsburg Police Department Tip-Line at 925-252-4040.
This is the city’s seventh murder in 2019.
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
Operation Omega Red ends with 15 gang members and associates sentenced to over 165 years in state prison
Crimes solved by Concord Police, FBI include Highway 4 shooting murders in 2015 and 2016
By Scott Alonzo, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County District Attorney
Operation Omega Red, put together by Concord Police Department, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and all of our partner agencies, resulted in the arrest and successful prosecution of 15 gang members and their associates.
Since the arrests took place in August of 2016, the cases against the Norteño gang members and their associates have resulted in 15 individuals being convicted of felony offenses, most of those being serious or violent strike felonies. The most dangerous individuals, such as Thomas “Lil T” Leon and Armando “Mando” Amaro, received 35-year sentences in prison each. Other violent offenders such as Jesse “Manos” Loyola were sentenced to 25 years in prison. In all, over 165 years of custody time resulted from the Omega Red prosecutions.
“We focused our efforts on the violence drivers – the individuals who were committing the most serious acts of violence and putting the community in the greatest danger,” said Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton. These violence drivers include Thomas “Lil T” Leon, Armando “Mando” Amaro and Jesse “Manos” Loyola.
Today, the last two defendants in the Omega Red case, Jesse “Manos” Loyola and Armando “Mando” Amaro pleaded no contest to attempted murder with firearm use and committing the crimes for the benefit of the Norteño gang.
Between July of 2015 and June of 2016, there were 11 shootings between Norteños and Sureños in the Central and Eastern parts of Contra Costa County. Seven of these shootings resulted in homicides. Four of those murders occurred on Highway 4, two occurred in Concord and one took place in Bay Point. Concord Police and other law enforcement agencies believed these shootings were related to an ongoing gang war between Norteños and Sureños in the Central and Eastern parts of Contra Costa County.
In mid-May of 2016, the Concord Police Department, in conjunction with the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and their Law Enforcement partners began a strategic investigation targeting the most violent Norteño gang members suspected of participating in the shootings. The investigation lasted just under three months. It resulted in the arrest of over twenty individuals; eighteen of these individuals were later prosecuted for crimes ranging from conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, drug sales, witness retaliation and firearms crimes.
From the date of the initial arrests in this case in August of 2016, there has been one murder on Highway 4, which was not gang related, and there has only been one gang related murder in the City of Concord.
“This drastic reduction from seven gang driven homicides in under one year to only one in the last three years is a testament to the effectiveness of this kind of targeted law enforcement action and the power of police partnerships across the county,” asserted Concord Police Chief Guy Swanger.
Brentwood woman wanted by police for running car into Antioch barber shop owner
Ruby Delgadillo is wanted by police for running her car into barber shop owner Brian Martin on Wednesday. Photo of Delgadillo by APD. Photo of Martin from his Facebook page.
Unhappy with son’s haircut
By Lieutenant Powell Meads #3917, Antioch Police Field Services
On December 4, 2019 at approximately 3:45 PM, the Antioch Police Department began receiving calls reporting a vehicle collision at Delta Barber Shop at 1631 A Street. It was reported that a vehicle had struck a pedestrian and continued through the glass storefront. APD Officers arrived on scene and located the victim, 63-year-old Antioch resident Brian Martin, the owner. Martin was suffering from major injuries and was transported to a local area hospital for treatment.
After interviewing the victim and several witnesses on scene, officers were able to determine this was an intentional act. Based on the victim and witness accounts, this incident started as an argument over a haircut the victim provided to the responsible’s child.
According to a GoFundMe account set up by Heidi Martin, to help with his medical bills, “the woman became agitated and began using vulgarity. Brian asked her to leave. She violently kicked at the glass door several times before exiting the shop and continuing her rant. A few minutes later, Brian went outside to snap a picture of her license plate due to her behavior.”
As the argument continued, the responsible got into her vehicle and intentionally drove at the victim, hitting him and pushing him through the glass storefront. The responsible fled the scene with her son, in their vehicle, and have not been located.
The responsible in this case was positively identified as 28-year-old Ruby Delgadillo of Brentwood. The vehicle used in the assault was a 2006 Toyota Prius, blue, with California license plate 8LHB387.
Anyone with information on this case or on the whereabouts of Delgadillo is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925)778-2441. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.
On his Facebook page, Brian posted the following message Wednesday night, “From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU all for your kind words, prayers and well wishes.” Then earlier, today he posted, “Out of surgery and all went well.” Finally, Thursday evening, Heidi posted, “Please please let Brian rest. He feels obligated to respond out of politeness but he needs to rest and sleep. He is out of surgery and out of recovery and in really good spirits. But he’s only had 15 minutes of sleep and they really want him to rest. Thank you.”
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
Seaman from Pittsburg serving aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt
PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec 3, 2019) Seaman Isaiah Peralta, from Pittsburg, Calif., holds the phone and distance line on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during a replenishment-at-sea Dec. 3, 2019. Theodore Roosevelt is underway conducting routine training in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Airman D.J. Schwartz)
Body found in Pittsburg park identified as Brentwood man missing since Oct. 8
By Allen Payton
According to family members on Friday night and confirmed by the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, Saturday afternoon, the body found by a hiker in John Henry Johnson Park in Pittsburg on Thursday, Nov. 7 is that of Kyle Beard of Brentwood, who has been missing since October 8. (See related article)
Family members and friends distributed flyers in English and Spanish on Facebook and through local media about Beard, also known as Kyle Young, who was last seen near Railroad Avenue and Buchanan in Pittsburg, not far from the park.
On Saturday morning, a family member informed the Herald that a “detective went to his mom’s house last night”.
No other information was provided by the Sheriff’s Office. Please check back later for any updates to this report.
Body found by hiker at park in Pittsburg, Sheriff’s Deputies investigate
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
On Thursday, November 7, 2019, at about 5:12 PM, Muir Station Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a report of a found body in a remote part of John Henry Johnson Park in Pittsburg.
The body was discovered by a hiker. It appeared the remains had been at the location for some time.
The Coroner’s Division took custody of the body and is trying to identify the man. An autopsy will be scheduled to find the cause of death.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
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