Contra Costa Herald

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

Nékter San Marco Juice Bar to celebrate Grand Opening in Pittsburg Sept. 19

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Enter to win 4 Weeks of FREE Nékter

By Riley Garner, The Zest Lab, on behalf of Nékter

Pittsburg, CA – Nékter Juice Bar is celebrating its new Pittsburg location with a Grand Opening Celebration on September 19 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at 2261 W. Leland Road in Pittsburg, CA. The celebration will begin with an official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 11:00 AM, welcoming the community to experience Nékter’s fresh, handcrafted menu and commitment to healthy living.

Guests are invited to enjoy exclusive Grand Opening offers, enter to win wellness-focused prizes, and connect with local businesses and community members dedicated to helping Pittsburg live healthier, happier lives.

To celebrate the Grand Opening, guests can receive a FREE Protein Waffle with a $25 purchase and enter for the chance to win 4 Weeks of FREE Nékter – one smoothie per week for four weeks.

Nékter San Marco offers a variety of products. Sources: Nékter website and video screenshots, Nékter San Marco Instagram

The celebration will also showcase artwork created by local students as part of Nékter’s Student Art Challenge. Participating students will have their artwork displayed during the Grand Opening and receive a FREE Mini Iconic Smoothie when they attend the event.

Beyond the giveaways, the celebration is an opportunity for Nékter to connect with local businesses, community leaders, and residents around a shared commitment to health and wellness.

“After being part of this community for the past 12 years, opening a Nékter Juice Bar here feels incredibly special to us. We’ve had the privilege of getting to know so many people in this community, and we’re excited to bring something new that we hope will become a part of their everyday lives. We look forward to creating a welcoming place where people can enjoy fresh, healthy food and drinks, connect with friends and family, and feel at home. Most importantly, we’re grateful for the continued support of this community and excited for what’s ahead,” said Hena and Farukh Munir, owners of Nékter San Marco Juice Bar.

Nékter Sweet & Savory Waffles. Source: Nékter website

The new Pittsburg location will offer dine-in seating, free Wi-Fi, and online ordering through the Nékter app, providing a welcoming space for guests looking to incorporate more wellness into their daily routine.

Community members are encouraged to attend the Grand Opening celebration, meet the owners, experience Nékter’s menu, and help welcome one of Pittsburg’s newest local businesses.

For more information about the Grand Opening, visit https://locations.nekterjuicebar.com/ll/us/ca/pittsburg/2261-w-leland-rd/ or follow @NekterSanMarco and @NekterJuiceBar on social media.

About Nékter Juice Bar

Founded in 2010, Nékter Juice Bar is a leading lifestyle brand celebrated for its unwavering dedication to providing clean, fresh and truly healthy superfood smoothies, açaí bowls, cold-pressed juices, cleanses, and nourishing snacks, including its new line of protein waffles. The brand quickly emerged as a trailblazer in menu transparency and ingredient integrity, catering to America’s growing demand for plant-based and wholesome food options that align with diverse lifestyles and dietary needs.

At Nékter, “healthy” is not just a promise—it’s an experience that tastes great, is easily accessible, and inspires anyone seeking to add more wellness into their lives. Guests don’t just taste the difference—they love the way they feel knowing they’re enjoying food just as nature intended—but blended! For more information, visit www.NekterJuiceBar.com or follow @NekterJuiceBar on Instagram, Facebook and X, and @NekterJuiceBarOfficial on TikTok.

Bay Area veterans resource and fishing event on Sept. 11 in Antioch

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Stand Up on the Delta by local non-profit connects U.S. veterans with community and critical services like housing and jobs 

By Ella Sogomonian

Antioch, CA – Delta Veterans Group continues its mission to serve those who served our country. The local non-profit is inviting U.S. veterans on Friday, Sept.11 to the VFW Post 6435 in Antioch for the inaugural “Stand Up on the Delta”. This one-day event (video here) connects vets with medical treatment, housing, jobs, as well as mental health and drug counseling. In addition to these critical services, the event builds a sense of camaraderie for veterans who have a hard time creating a sense of community after they end their military service. DVG partners with East Bay Regional parks to take vets and their families fishing on the Delta shores. They will provide  a backpack, collapsible fishing pole, tackle and lunch will be catered. Competitions, such as farthest cast, will also take place. There is a 50 veteran limit for the fishing experience.

“As a vet myself I understand how critical it is to extend a helping hand and create a welcoming space,” said J.R. Wilson, Founder of Delta Veterans Group. “Veterans serve their country and community so we give them a new mission to serve the community and these events bring them together to make that happen.”

Since 2015, the non-profit has helped more than thousands of veterans by finding permanent housing, serving over 23,000 meals, providing half-a-million-dollars in dental care, and sleeping bags.

Who: U.S. military veterans and their families

What: Stand Up on the Delta resource event

When: Friday, Sept. 11 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Where: TWO LOCATIONS: Resource fair at VFW Post 6435, 815 Fulton Shipyard Road Antioch, CA 94509 & fishing experience at Antioch/Oakley Regional Shoreline Pier at Bridgehead Road at Wilbur Avenue in Antioch, CA 94509

Contact on-site: JR Wilson at (925) 222-7596

Father writes about children’s East County schools interdistrict transfer process

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After Contra Costa County Board of Education denies appeal

By Phillip Balistreri

The speech I wrote out for my children’s interdistrict transfer appeal hearing on 09/08/2026 provides all the details.

“Good morning. My name is Phillip William Balistreri, and I am the father of Emerald Marie Balistreri and Sierra Rose Balistreri. My reason for being here today is to respectfully request that the board approve our appeal of the interdistrict transfer denial Byron Union School District has issued, so that my children can remain at the school they are currently attending, Vintage Parkway Elementary School in the Oakley Union School District.

For economic reasons, my family and I moved from Oakley, to Discovery Bay over the summer. These cities are less than 15 minutes away from each other, and my wife and I chose Discovery Bay because it was close enough to continue sending our children to Vintage Parkway. The staff at Vintage Parkway told us they would love for Emerald and Sierra to continue coming to their school and informed us how to get the process going to make it happen. We thought submitting the transfer form through Byron would be more of a formality, as our children were already enrolled in Oakley and had been assigned their classes. To our surprise, the Byron Union School “District denied our request under Education Code § 48307(b), which, to my understanding, has to do with average daily attendance and school funding.

“After we learned of this decision, it was huge let down, as my wife received the email while she was in the middle of back-to-school night with our children, meeting their new teachers at Vintage Parkway. Byron also contacted the Oakley School District and told them to unenroll our children from Vintage Parkway immediately so they could start their new classes at Point of Timber Elementary School, a school neither of the girls have ever been to.

“After my wife and I did some research, we respectfully asked Oakley Union if our children could continue at Vintage Parkway under Education Code § 46603, which allows the girls to attend Vintage on a temporary basis until the appeal is settled. Oakley Union graciously accepted our request, and our children have been attending their scheduled classes at Vintage Parkway for the time being, and they have been loving the school year so far.

Emerald is eight years old and is currently in third grade. She is a very bright young girl with a lot of ambition for someone her age. When she grows up, she says she’s going to be a rocket scientist, but she’s also going to study giant snails in Papua New Guinea, and she’s going to be an animal doctor. My wife and I have informed her that if this is her goal, her performance in school is very important. Despite our advice, in the past it was difficult getting her to adapt to a classroom setting, but the staff at Vintage Parkway created an environment where she could thrive, and she is thriving now.

“She is currently enrolled in leadership, and in an extracurricular garden club at Vintage Parkway with a science field trip to Big Break planned in October, which she is very excited for. She has excellent scores in reading and math now, where before it was a struggle to get her to focus on her work without getting emotional or overwhelmed. She is also a very popular girl, with many friends at Vintage Parkway. It would be detrimental for her current success to remove her from the school she has always attended, and this isn’t just my opinion. There have been many studies done that show that removing a child from their school and placing them in another consistently shows dips in English and math scores, and added stress that my daughter just doesn’t need.

“Sierra is five years old and is currently attending kindergarten. She also did preschool in the Oakley Union School District and transitional kindergarten at Vintage Parkway. Her new kindergarten teacher just so happens to be the same kindergarten teacher my daughter Emerald had when she was five years old, and Emerald helps Sierra get to her class every morning. Sierra is also a very bright girl who is very athletic. She loves the monkey bars and prides herself on being the best at them in the whole school. She loves to boast about how she gives monkey bar lessons at recess and is teaching the other kids how to get better. So far she has been magnificent in school and has gotten awards for her kindness and understanding. Sierra loves her school and all of the friends she has in her class, and is looking forward to her fieldtrip to the Smith’s Family farm Pumpkin Patch with her whole class. She was also extremely excited to find out she had the same class as her best friend, Luna. Sierra is an inspiration to her class and a warm light who would be missed if she were to stop attending Vintage Parkway.

“We understand Byron has funding and enrollment limits, and these concerns are not weightless. But we are asking you to let two students who are already placed, already succeeding, and already attending Vintage Parkway stay there. Oakley Union has already demonstrated their willingness to host our children, and keeping them in their current school is the best choice for their educational success. Please keep this in your considerations when making your decision today. I appreciate you taking the time to hear me, and I would gladly take any of your questions now. Thank you very much.”

“After I spoke, Byron Union was allowed to present its side. The superintendent got on a soapbox about how transfers like our family’s request damage small districts. She said she had approved about 80 transfers like this, that she cares about children, and that this was where she was going to make a stand. She also said that if the board approved my appeal that day, she would have me come back every single year because she would deny our application again the next year.

“The county board ate it up. They were sympathetic to the district’s funding argument and treated my daughters’ educational needs as an afterthought, and even that is giving them to much credit because there wasn’t a single mention of my children’s educational needs made outside of my own arguments. They completely ignored it. When the board asked if I would be willing to come back every year and do this again, I said, ‘For lack of a better word, I would describe that as petty. But I am not here representing a district. I am here representing my daughters. They are what matter to me, and if I had to come back here every year to do what is best for them, I would.’

In hindsight I thought: why am I the one expected to respect the rules, while this superintendent is openly saying she would not respect the board’s decision and would keep fighting my children attending the only school they have ever known?

‘The very next day — today, September 9, 2026 — my girls were ripped out of their school. Oakley told us they are no longer allowed at Vintage Parkway because of the board’s decision. ‘Enroll in Byron or educate them somewhere else,’ T Amaral from Oakely Union School District said. It is no longer Oakley’s concern. Right in the middle of their classes, with field trips scheduled and a life at Vintage Parkway already underway, it was taken from them so Byron could protect its count.

“Oakley had agreed to keep them during the appeal under Education Code 46603 because they were already enrolled and assigned there, but their tune completely changed after the hearing. According to the board, it was the first time that code had been used in one of these hearings; some members had to have it explained to them in the room. Byron and the Contra Costa County Board of Education did not like that. Byron’s superintendent said the rule needs to be revised. They are very attached to the rules until the rules would let two young girls keep attending the only school they have known. The board made a point of saying they do not make the rules, they only enforce them. Then they ignored what 46603 had already shown: Oakley was willing, and the girls were already there.

“The board dismissed my daughters’ educational needs in favor of a funding concern that was never shown, in any detail, to harm Byron’s schools. Continuity is listed in their own appeal criteria (AR 5117.1 G6). Their written decision cites only G14: we failed to meet any listed criteria. They never explained why continuity did not count.

“That is the system. Funding and politics first. Two small girls who just wanted to stay in the school that already wanted them don’t matter at all. I will not put my children in a system that works that way. We are homeschooling. I am sending this because the public should see how these decisions are actually made.

“If Byron’s superintendent wants to stand on the soapbox that interdistrict transfers damage small districts, then I am standing on the soapbox that putting funding ahead of kids damages small children. As I left the meeting I stopped, turned around, and asked if I could say one last thing. I told them the reason California’s schools are at the bottom is because of this right here. Then I left the room heartbroken for my girls.”

Attached is the board’s final letter. IDT Appeal_Final Decision-Balistreri

Board’s Decision, No Further Appeal, Only Court Action

“Thank you for taking the time to read this.”

In a letter to Balistreri, his wife, Jennifer Burns, Byron Union School District Superintendent Crystal Castañeda and Oakley Union Elementary School District Superintendent Jeff Palmquist, Matt Wayne, Assistant Superintendent, Student Programs in the Contra Costa County Office of Education wrote, “An Interdistrict Attendance Transfer Appeal was heard by the Contra Costa County Board of Education at a meeting on September 8, 2026. Action on the appeal was as follows:

Action: Denied

Basis of Decision: AR 5117.1 – G14: Failure to qualify for any of the listed criteria shall result in denial of the appeal.”

According to district staff, videos of interdistrict transfer appeals meetings are not video recorded as they are conducted in Closed Session.

When asked if there is another level to appeal the Board’s decision Balistreri said, “The only appeal grounds we have going forward is legal action if there was some kind of discrimination. From everything I’ve found, they are well within their rights to deny this. I just think it’s wrong to rip my kids out of their schools when it’s funding concerns. That’s all they care about at the end of the day. They don’t care about the kids, their education or what they’re going through. That was not brought up once in the meeting other than in my speech and comments.”

“For the future people need to look at this and redesignate their priorities,” he added.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch man charged with human, sex trafficking following years-long investigation

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DA Investigators searching for additional victims in multi-state case

Held on $600k bail, has history of arrests

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, CA – Investigators with the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office are asking the public for help identifying and contacting victims in a years-long human trafficking investigation.

Raymond Jamar Brooks, 32, of Antioch, (born 5/28/1994) is being held at the Martinez Detention Facility on $600,000 bail, facing multiple charges related to human trafficking. The investigation into Brooks’ alleged offenses found that he engaged in commercial sex acts with minors and adult woman through force, fraud, coercion and other means associated with sex trafficking.

The investigation has already identified several victims, whose accounts have uncovered evidence of trafficking activity spanning multiple states. To protect their privacy and safety, their identities are being withheld as the investigation continues.

Anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Brooks, or who has additional information about his alleged involvement in sex trafficking in California or elsewhere, is urged to contact Senior Inspector Ann Shiraishi of the Contra Costa County Major Crimes Task Force at (925) 917-6857 or ann.shiraishi@contracostada.org.

Those who wish to remain anonymous may call the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Tip Line at *69 (925) 957-8658 to leave a tip for law enforcement. Confidential support and resources are also available through Community Violence Solutions at 1 (800) 670-7273.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, eight-inch tall Brooks is non-Hispanic but also listed as Black, he was booked into custody on July 22, 2026, at 8:17 p.m.  and his next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 11 at 8:30 a.m. in Dep’t. 5 in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, Brooks has a history of arrests dating back to 2017, including on April 7 this year by Antioch Police for disobeying a domestic relations court order. He was also arrested in 2020 by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies for receiving stolen property – motor vehicle and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, and by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for procuring another person for purpose of prostitution in 2019 and for pimping in 2017.

Asregadoo was asked where Brooks was arrested and by what agency. He responded, “Brooks was arrested in Antioch on April 9, 2026, by the Contra Costa County Probation Department for a probation violation. The Contra Costa DA’s Office leads the investigation in this case, since it runs the Human Trafficking Task Force in partnership with local police, the FBI, and community groups.

“Brooks’s next court date is 9/11/26 at 8:30 am in Department 29 (Judge Glenn Kim) at the A.F. Bray Courts Building in Martinez. This is a setting date, where the judge, prosecutor and defense attorney schedule future court dates. It’s typically a brief, administrative hearing.”

As co-chair of the Contra Costa Human Trafficking Task Force, the District Attorney’s Office is committed to a trauma-informed, victim-centered approach in its work with survivors of human trafficking and all other victims of crime. Any victim who comes forward in response to this request will be offered supportive services and resources.

UPDATE 1: According to records of the Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa, Brooks had an Arraignment on Complaint Hearing/ Minute Order on July 21st before Judge David E. Goldstein at which he was presented with the charges and pled not guilty to each of them.

001 PC266h(a)-F: PIMPING AND SOLICITING FOR PROSTITUTE 0002529265 Not Guilty
002 PC236.1(b)-F: HUMAN TRAFFICKING 0002532647 Not Guilty
003 PC266h(a)-F: PIMPING AND SOLICITING FOR PROSTITUTE 0002532648 Not Guilty
004 PC266i(a)(2)-F: PANDERING BY ENCOURAGING 0002532649 Not Guilty
005 PC266i(a)(2)-F: PANDERING BY ENCOURAGING 0002532650 Not Guilty
006 PC266h(a)-F: PIMPING AND SOLICITING FOR PROSTITUTE 0002532659 Not Guilty
007 PC266i(a)(2)-F: PANDERING BY ENCOURAGING 0002532651 Not Guilty
008 PC266i(a)(2)-F: PANDERING BY ENCOURAGING 0002532652 Not Guilty
009 PC236.1(b)-F: HUMAN TRAFFICKING 0002529266 Not Guilty
010 PC266i(a)(2)-F: PANDERING BY ENCOURAGING 0002529264 Not Guilty

His court hearing on Friday, Sept. 11th, before Judge H. Glenn Kim, was held “To Set Hearing/ Minute Order” and for a “Criminal Protective Order”. Brooks is represented by private Lead Attorney Vincent R. Maher and has also retained Sarah Shafer.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, as of Saturday, Sept. 12th, Brooks is now being held in the West County Detention Facility and his next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 12 at 8:30 a.m. in Martinez, Department 5.

Please check back later for any additional updates to this report.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pittsburg Police Chief Galer ID’s officer, Oakley man in shooting inside police station

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Issues Critical Incident Update explains what transpired

“Officer Sanchez had been ambushed, beaten and shot. He still did not stop fighting.” – Chief Galer who admits another “officer failed to locate firearm concealed in the suspect’s clothing.”

Suspect has arrest record

Actualización sobre incidente crítico: Un mensaje del Jefe de Policía Phil Galer

By Sara Bellafronte, Assistant to the Pittsburg City Manager

The following message was issued today, Tuesday, September 8, 2026, by Pittsburg Police Chief Phil Galer regarding last Thursday’s officer-involved shooting inside the Pittsburg Police station. (See related article)

“On Thursday, September 3, at approximately 3:45 PM Officer Jimmy Sanchez, a four-and-a-half-year veteran of the police department, was violently attacked and shot while fighting for his life inside the Pittsburg Police Department booking facility.

Our preliminary investigation determined that officers arrested 31-year-old Michael Arthur-Sanchez Gardner Martin (born 12/25/94) for driving a stolen vehicle and outstanding felony warrants. He was searched at the time of his arrest and again after being transported to our booking facility. During both searches, the same officer failed to locate a firearm concealed in the suspect’s clothing.

That was a serious failure. We acknowledge it, and it will be thoroughly examined through an administrative investigation. We will determine how it happened and take immediate corrective action to prevent it from happening again.

But that failure cannot be allowed to obscure what happened next.

Based on our preliminary investigation and available evidence, after being placed in a holding cell, the suspect concealed the firearm inside a toilet. A few hours later while awaiting transport to county jail, he retrieved it and hid it beneath a jail blanket draped over his shoulders.

Officer Jimmy Sanchez, who was not the arresting or searching officer, later entered the booking facility.  At this time the suspect asked him for water and told him he was not feeling well. Officer Sanchez brought him water and approached the cell to check on his welfare.

The suspect responded to that act of compassion by attacking him.

Without warning, he punched Officer Sanchez in the face, threw the blanket over his head and repeatedly struck him in the head with the firearm. The suspect then succeeded in firing a single round. Preliminary evidence indicates that round first passed through the suspect’s own thigh before striking Officer Sanchez in the lower abdomen below his body armor. Based on the evidence currently available, both gunshot wounds resulted from the single round fired by the suspect.

Officer Sanchez had been ambushed, beaten and shot. He still did not stop fighting.

His actions prevented the suspect from firing another round and gave responding officers the time they needed to enter the facility, disarm the suspect and end the attack. Those officers responded without hesitation and demonstrated extraordinary courage, discipline and restraint.

They then provided immediate medical aid to both Officer Sanchez and the suspect.

I want to make one very clear distinction. While the firearm should have never been allowed to make it into our booking facility, it was Martin who knowingly concealed, retrieved and then utilized that firearm to ambush, violently assault and ultimately try to take the life of one of our officers. That distinction matters and I do not want legitimate criticism of a failure of a young officer’s search to overshadow that fact.

Officer Sanchez did not survive because Martin stopped his attack or decided to change course. Officer Sanchez survived because he refused to give up. He survived because he fought through a brutal attack, a gunshot wound, and because he and his fellow officers physically ripped a gun away from Martin’s hands.

That is the story I do not want to get lost as we move forward through this traumatic incident.

As it relates to medical status. The suspect was treated at a local hospital and subsequently booked the same day into county jail on multiple felony charges including attempted murder of a police officer. Officer Sanchez underwent surgery for his injuries and is recovering with family and the department by his side. A third assisting officer was treated for minor injuries and is recovering.

I want to thank our community, elected officials and City staff for the extraordinary support they have shown Officer Sanchez, his family and our department. I also want to thank the first responders and medical personnel who cared for him, and the Pittsburg police officers who responded that day with courage, decisive action, professionalism and restraint.

In closing, several media stories have reported details of this incident citing “police sources.” I want to be clear these sources were not authorized Pittsburg Police informational releases. I have intentionally delayed this official release until our detectives and investigators from the Contra County District Attorney’s Office have had an opportunity to collect and review critical evidence and interview all applicable witnesses. This is still an active investigation and I do not plan on releasing any further information at this time. Our focus will remain on supporting our officers, their family and ensuring the integrity of this investigation as it moves forward through the criminal justice system.”

Phil Galer, Chief of Police, Pittsburg Police Department

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office In-Custody Details, the five-foot, eight-inch tall, 220-pound Martin is Hispanic and being h eld in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail, although it’s been set at $472,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 16 at 8:30 a.m. in Martinez Superior Court Dept. 5.

According to localcrimenews.com, Martin is an Oakley resident and July 1, 2025, he was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance with a firearm, possession of drug paraphernalia, addict/felon/etc. in possession of firearm, carrying a loaded firearm on person or in vehicle while in public place, carry a concealed weapon in a vehicle and possession/etc. of a firearm without an identifying mark.

According to court records, a Request for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order was filed against Martin by Vanessa Ponce on Nov. 23, 2022. But during a hearing on Dec. 15th that year, it was dismissed.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Actualización sobre incidente crítico: Un mensaje del Jefe de Policía Phil Galer

Por Sara Bellafronte, Asistente del Administrador de la Ciudad Pittsburg

El jueves 3 de septiembre, aproximadamente a las 3:45 p. m., el oficial Jimmy Sanchez —veterano con cuatro años y medio de servicio en el departamento de policía— fue atacado violentamente y recibió un disparo mientras luchaba por su vida dentro de las instalaciones de procesamiento de detenidos del Departamento de Policía de Pittsburg.

Nuestra investigación preliminar determinó que los oficiales arrestaron a Michael Sanchez Gardner Martin, de 31 años, por conducir un vehículo robado y por tener órdenes de arresto pendientes por delitos graves. Fue registrado en el momento de su detención y nuevamente tras ser trasladado a nuestras instalaciones de procesamiento. En ambos registros, el mismo oficial no logró detectar un arma de fuego oculta entre las ropas del sospechoso.

Esa fue una falla grave. Lo reconocemos, y el asunto será examinado minuciosamente mediante una investigación administrativa. Determinaremos cómo sucedió y tomaremos medidas correctivas inmediatas para evitar que vuelva a ocurrir.

Sin embargo, no podemos permitir que esa falla opaque lo que sucedió después.

Según nuestra investigación preliminar y las pruebas disponibles, tras ser colocado en una celda de detención, el sospechoso ocultó el arma de fuego dentro de un inodoro. Unas horas más tarde, mientras esperaba el traslado a la cárcel del condado, la recuperó y la escondió bajo una manta de la cárcel que llevaba sobre los hombros.

El oficial Jimmy Sanchez, quien no había participado en el arresto ni en los registros previos, entró posteriormente en el área de procesamiento. En ese momento, el sospechoso le pidió agua y le dijo que no se sentía bien. El oficial Sanchez le llevó agua y se acercó a la celda para verificar su estado.

El sospechoso respondió a ese acto de compasión atacándolo.

Sin previo aviso, golpeó al oficial Sanchez en el rostro, le arrojó la manta sobre la cabeza y lo golpeó repetidamente en la cabeza con el arma de fuego. Luego, el sospechoso logró disparar una sola vez. Las pruebas preliminares indican que la bala atravesó primero el muslo del propio sospechoso antes de impactar al oficial Sanchez en la parte baja del abdomen, por debajo de su chaleco antibalas. Según la evidencia disponible actualmente, ambas heridas de bala fueron causadas por el único disparo efectuado por el sospechoso.

El oficial Sánchez fue víctima de una emboscada, golpeado y baleado. Aun así, no dejó de luchar.

Sus acciones impidieron que el sospechoso disparara otra vez y dieron a los oficiales que acudieron al lugar el tiempo necesario para entrar en las instalaciones, desarmar al sospechoso y poner fin al ataque. Dichos oficiales intervinieron sin vacilar y demostraron un valor, una disciplina y una contención extraordinarios.

Acto seguido, brindaron asistencia médica inmediata tanto al oficial Sánchez como al sospechoso.

Quiero hacer una distinción muy clara. Si bien nunca se debió haber permitido que el arma de fuego llegara a nuestras instalaciones de registro, fue Martin quien, a sabiendas, ocultó, sacó y utilizó dicha arma para tender una emboscada, agredir violentamente y, finalmente, intentar quitarle la vida a uno de nuestros oficiales. Esa distinción es importante, y no quiero que las críticas legítimas sobre el fallo en el registro realizado por un oficial joven eclipsen ese hecho.

El oficial Sánchez no sobrevivió porque Martin detuviera su ataque o decidiera cambiar de actitud. El oficial Sánchez sobrevivió porque se negó a rendirse. Sobrevivió porque luchó para superar un ataque brutal y una herida de bala, y porque él y sus compañeros lograron arrebatarle físicamente el arma de las manos a Martin.

Esa es la historia que no quiero que se pierda mientras avanzamos tras este traumático incidente.

En cuanto al estado médico: el sospechoso fue atendido en un hospital local y, ese mismo día, ingresado en la cárcel del condado bajo múltiples cargos graves, incluido el intento de asesinato de un agente de policía. El oficial Sánchez fue sometido a una cirugía por sus heridas y se está recuperando acompañado por su familia y miembros del departamento. Un tercer oficial que prestó apoyo fue atendido por lesiones leves y se encuentra en proceso de recuperación.

Quiero agradecer a nuestra comunidad, a los funcionarios electos y al personal municipal por el extraordinario apoyo que han brindado al oficial Sánchez, a su familia y a nuestro departamento. También deseo expresar mi gratitud a los equipos de emergencia y al personal médico que lo atendieron, así como a los oficiales de policía de Pittsburg que intervinieron aquel día con valentía, decisión, profesionalismo y contención.

Para finalizar, diversos medios de comunicación han difundido detalles de este incidente citando “fuentes policiales”. Quiero aclarar que dichas fuentes no emitieron comunicados oficiales autorizados por la Policía de Pittsburg. He retrasado deliberadamente este comunicado oficial hasta que nuestros detectives y los investigadores de la Fiscalía del Condado de Contra Costa tuvieran la oportunidad de recopilar y examinar pruebas cruciales, así como de entrevistar a todos los testigos pertinentes. La investigación sigue en curso y no tengo previsto facilitar más información por el momento. Seguiremos centrados en apoyar a nuestros agentes y a sus familias, así como en garantizar la integridad de esta investigación a medida que avanza a través del sistema de justicia penal.

Phil Galer, Jefe de Policía, Departamento de Policía de Pittsburg

56-year-old woman dies in fatal solo vehicle collision in Brentwood

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By Chris Bollinger, Community Engagement Officer, Brentwood Police Department

This morning, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, at approximately 6:16 am, Brentwood Police officers responded to the area of Sand Creek Road and Shady Willow Lane regarding a collision involving a vehicle and an agricultural tractor.

Officers and medical personnel arrived on scene and located a 56-year-old female driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. Despite lifesaving efforts, she was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The cause of the collision remains under investigation. At this time, it is unknown weather drugs or alcohol were a factor in the collision.

The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Brentwood Police Department at (925) 809-7911.

Three physicians join team at Springhill Medical Group

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Harshal R. Patil, M.D., Nivedha Rajan, M.D. and Jose Basora, M.D. have joined Springhill Medical Group. Photos: Springhill

Serving East Bay patients at offices in Pittsburg, Brentwood

Part of the Hill Physicians network

By Diane Barney, Director of Marketing and Communications, Hill Physicians Medical Group

The addition of three new physicians in the last year has rounded out the diverse multispecialty team at Springhill Medical Group, which has been serving patients in the East Bay since 1989, at medical offices in Pittsburg and Brentwood.

Nivedha Rajan, M.D., is the latest primary care physician to join the group. Dr. Rajan is board-certified in internal medicine and is accepting new patients, age 18 and up. She is skilled in managing acute and chronic conditions and coordinating multidisciplinary care.

She grew up in the East Bay and is pleased to serve patients from Contra Costa, Solano and southwestern Sacramento counties. She is fluent in English, as well as Telugu, Tamil and Kannada, primarily spoken in South India and across Southern Asia.

Dr. Rajan received her medical degree from Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences in Bangalore, India. She served her residency at St. Agnes Medical Center in Fresno.

“I’m happy to be back in the East Bay, providing care to patients close to their homes and my own,” said Dr. Rajan. “I strongly believe in patient-centered care, which means getting to know my patients and working closely with them as we decide how to best approach their treatment plans.”

Harshal R. Patil, M.D., is a cardiology specialist who joined the group in May. He is fluent in English, Hindi, Marathi and Gujarati.

Dr. Patil earned his medical degree in Government Medical College Dhule, Maharashtra, India and served his residency at St. Luke’s Hospital and Truman Medical Center, both in Kansas City. He makes his home in Walnut Creek. He completed fellowships in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology and advanced cardiovascular imaging, and preventive cardiology.

Jose Facundo Basora-Rovira, M.D., came on board nearly a year ago. He is board-certified in pulmonary and critical care. He is fluent in English and Spanish. He earned his medical degree from New York Medical College and completed a residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New Jersey.

Dr. Basora has extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of a wide range of conditions, including asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary infections and lung cancer. He makes his home in Walnut Creek.

With these additions, the team now includes three primary care physicians, one nurse practitioner, three pulmonary specialists, three cardiologists and one endocrinologist. They all offer patient appointments at both locations, as well as telehealth visits.

The variety of specialties is a real advantage for patients, explains Karthik Reddy, M.D., president of the Springhill Medical Group.

“This is especially beneficial for older patients, who often have multiple chronic conditions,” said Dr. Reddy. “Our primary care physicians can consult with colleagues just down the hall, which helps us get EKGs done quickly and address chronic care needs the same day. That level of efficiency and coordination makes a real difference for our patients.”

The practice was started 37 years ago by cardiology specialist Henry Gong, M.D., and internist and pulmonologist Gerald Del Rio, M.D., both who still work part time at the practice. Springhill Medical Group became part of the Hill Physicians network in 2008.

“We are delighted with the addition of these three professionals – all from the East Bay – who join our experienced team and allow us to continue to serve our growing community,” added Dr. Reddy.

Springhill Medical Group is located at 2220 Gladstone Drive, Suite 3 in Pittsburg and 2400 Balfour Road, Suite 306 in Brentwood.

To book an appointment to see Dr. Rajan, please call (925) 432-3318. For more information, including what insurance plans are accepted, visit Springhill Medical Group’s website at www.springhillmed.com.

Pittsburg leaders issue statements on officer-involved shooting inside police station

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By Sara Bellafronte, Assistant to the Pittsburg City Manager

In response to the officer-involved shooting inside the Pittsburg Police Department Thursday afternoon, Sept. 3, 2026, in which both an officer and an in-custody suspect were shot, City leaders swiftly issued statements regarding the attack. (See related article)

“My heart is with our Police department, the injured Officer and their family,” said Mayor Dionne Adams. “This is an upsetting moment for our community. As a lifelong Pittsburg resident, I have seen firsthand the progress our Police Department has made through community-centered policing and strengthening relationships with those they serve. Violence like this is deeply troubling and has no place in our community. I want to thank our officers for their bravery and quick response.”

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and the Pittsburg Police Investigations Division are actively investigating the incident, consistent with standard protocol. Because the investigation is active no additional information is being released.

“Our officers acted heroically today,” said Pittsburg Police Chief Phil Galer. “I am grateful to the Contra Costa County paramedics and fire fighters as well as the surrounding agencies who provided support to our Department in this time of crisis. I know I’m joined by the residents of Pittsburg in hoping for a full recovery for our Officer.”

“Our entire City staff is relieved to know our officer is in stable condition. I am thankful for the swift and skilled actions of our Police Department and other first responders to prevent this horrible incident from becoming an even worse tragedy,” said City Manager Darin Gale. “Pittsburg is a community that rejects violence and deeply respects the important work of our officers. Today’s attack is a reminder of the bravery and dangers our officers face every day. We are truly fortunate they have chosen to serve our community.”

Supervisor Scales-Preston Issues Statement

In addition, Contra Costa County District 5 Supervisor Shanelle Scales Preston issued a statement about the incident. She wrote, “I am heartbroken and outraged to learn that one of our Pittsburg police officers has been shot this afternoon. Pittsburg is my home, and violence against law enforcement officers anywhere, is unacceptable.”

“I’m asking the entire Pittsburg community to hold this officer, their family, and the entire department in their prayers right now,” she added.

Autoridades municipales emiten declaraciones sobre un tiroteo en el que participó un agente dentro de la comisaría

Esta misma tarde, el Departamento de Policía de Pittsburg emitió el siguiente comunicado:

El jueves 3 de septiembre, agentes de Pittsburg detuvieron a un hombre de 31 años. Fue trasladado a la comisaría para realizar los trámites de registro y detención. Durante dicho proceso, se produjo un altercado físico entre el sospechoso y un agente que se encontraba solo; en el transcurso del mismo, se disparó un arma de fuego, hiriendo tanto al agente como al sospechoso. El agente fue trasladado a un hospital local y su estado se reporta como grave pero estable. El sospechoso también fue trasladado a un hospital local y se encuentra en condición estable. La Fiscalía del Condado de Contra Costa y la División de Investigaciones de la Policía de Pittsburg se encuentran en el lugar y están investigando activamente el incidente.

Por el momento no hay más información disponible.

Los líderes de la ciudad emitieron rápidamente declaraciones sobre el ataque.

“Mis pensamientos están con nuestro Departamento de Policía, con el agente herido y con su familia”, declaró la alcaldesa Dionne Adams. “Es un momento angustioso para nuestra comunidad. Como residente de Pittsburg de toda la vida, he sido testigo directo de los avances que ha logrado nuestro Departamento de Policía mediante un modelo policial centrado en la comunidad y el fortalecimiento de los vínculos con las personas a las que sirven. Una violencia de este tipo es profundamente preocupante y no tiene cabida en nuestra comunidad. Quiero agradecer a nuestros agentes su valentía y su rápida respuesta”.

La Fiscalía del Condado de Contra Costa y la División de Investigaciones de la Policía de Pittsburg están investigando activamente el incidente, siguiendo el protocolo habitual. Dado que la investigación está en curso, no se facilitará más información por el momento.

“Nuestros agentes actuaron hoy de forma heroica”, afirmó el jefe de policía de Pittsburg, Phil Galer. “Agradezco la labor de los paramédicos y bomberos del condado de Contra Costa, así como de las agencias vecinas que brindaron apoyo a nuestro departamento en este momento de crisis. Sé que los residentes de Pittsburg comparten conmigo el deseo de que nuestro agente se recupere plenamente”.

“Todo el personal de la ciudad se siente aliviado al saber que nuestro agente se encuentra en condición estable. Agradezco la rápida y eficaz actuación de nuestro Departamento de Policía y de los demás equipos de emergencia para evitar que este terrible incidente se convirtiera en una tragedia aún mayor”, declaró el administrador de la ciudad, Darin Gale. “Pittsburg es una comunidad que rechaza la violencia y respeta profundamente la importante labor de nuestros agentes. El ataque de hoy nos recuerda la valentía y los peligros a los que se enfrentan nuestros agentes a diario. Somos verdaderamente afortunados de que hayan elegido servir a nuestra comunidad”.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Pittsburg cop, detainee shot inside Police Department

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Incident under investigation

La Policía de Pittsburg investiga un tiroteo en el que se vio involucrado un agente en la comisaría

By Sara Bellafronte, Assistant to the City Manager

On Thursday, September 3rd, 2026, Pittsburg Officers arrested a 31-year-old male. He was transported to the police department for booking. While in booking a physical altercation between the suspect and a solo officer occurred during which a firearm was discharged striking both the officer and suspect.

The officer was transported to a local hospital and is listed in serious but stable condition. The suspect was also transported to a local hospital and is listed in stable condition.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and Pittsburg Police Investigations Division are on scene and actively investigating the incident.

There is no additional information at this time.

La Policía de Pittsburg investiga un tiroteo en el que se vio involucrado un agente en la comisaría

El jueves 3 de septiembre, agentes de Pittsburg detuvieron a un hombre de 31 años. Fue trasladado a la comisaría para realizar los trámites de registro y detención. Durante dicho proceso, se produjo un altercado físico entre el sospechoso y un agente que se encontraba solo; en el transcurso del mismo, se disparó un arma de fuego, alcanzando tanto al agente como al sospechoso. El agente fue trasladado a un hospital local y su estado se reporta como grave pero estable. El sospechoso también fue trasladado a un hospital local y se encuentra en condición estable. La Fiscalía del Condado de Contra Costa y la División de Investigaciones de la Policía de Pittsburg se encuentran en el lugar y llevan a cabo una investigación activa del incidente.

Por el momento, no hay más información disponible.

SUV rolls over in Brentwood collision that injures four

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One flown by helicopter to hospital

By Chris Bollinger, Community Engagement Officer, Brentwood Police Department

On Sunday, August 31, 2026, at approximately 4:09 pm, Brentwood Police officers responded to a vehicle collision at Fairview Ave and Regent Drive involving a sedan and an SUV. When officers arrived on scene, preliminary information revealed the sedan was traveling northbound on Fairview Ave when the SUV pulled into traffic from Regent Drive causing the collision. As a result of the collision, the SUV overturned and came to a rest on its roof.

The four adult occupants of the SUV were transported to local hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries. One passenger of the SUV was flown by helicopter to a hospital as a precaution. The adult driver and solo occupant of the sedan was not injured. Drugs and alcohol were not a factor in the collision.

The roadway was closed for approximately two hours to allow for accident investigation and scene clearance.