Contra Costa Herald

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

Brentwood car stop leads to drug bust of Berkeley man

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Gun, drugs, cell phones and cash found with the suspect on Sunday, June 2, 2024.Photo: Brentwood PD

By Brentwood Police Department

This past Sunday, June 2, 2024, around 11:30PM, a Brentwood PD Sergeant was patrolling Highway 4 near Lone Tree Way, when he observed a vehicle with expired registration. The driver, identified as 56-year-old Gerald Bernard Smith of Berkeley, had a suspended Driver’s License for DUI and an open container of alcohol in the car.

Upon searching the car, officers located a loaded firearm, and a variety individually packaged drugs, a digital scale, and a large amount of cash indicating that Smith was in possession of these drugs for sale.

Smith, a convicted felon, was placed under arrest for a variety of charges including being a felon in possession of a gun, possession of drugs for sale and several other related charges.

Smith was placed under arrest and transported to the County Jail for booking.

According to localcrimenews.com, Smith was also arrested in 2012 for possession of marijuana or hashish for sale, selling or furnishing marijuana or hashish while having a prior prison term.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Smith is Black, out of custody as of Thursday morning, June 5th and no charges have been filed against him.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Police investigate vandalism of Brentwood church

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Message spray painted on building

By Lindzie Laughridge, Community Engagement Officer, Brentwood Police Department

Brentwood, CA- On June 6th, 2024, around 07:00AM, officers were dispatched to the 1800 block of Highland Way for a church that had been vandalized. When officers arrived, they found that the church had been spray painted with, “Avenge al Aqsa, LDS invest in genocide ur tithes takes lives, free congo sudan invest in, divest invest from exxon meta apple jp morgan amazon google.” Officers also located two broken windows to the church.

Preliminary evidence suggests that the incident occurred overnight and in addition, no entry was made inside the building.

This incident is still under investigation, and we ask anyone from the public with information to contact our non-emergency line at 925-809-7911. Callers may remain anonymous.

Brentwood car stop leads to arrest of Antioch man with lots of keys

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Keys recovered inside suspect’s car on May 5, 2024. Photos: Brentwood PD

While on felony probation for vehicle theft; has history of arrests dating to 2014 including 5 times this year

By Brentwood Police Department

On Sunday, May 5, 2024, around 4:00 PM, a Brentwood officer was patrolling the area of Lone Tree Way and Canada Valley Road, when he saw a car without a rear license plate. The officer did a traffic stop and contacted the driver, identified as 35-year-old Robert Edward Garcia of Antioch (born 6/27/88).

Garcia told the officer he did not have a driver’s license and he was also on felony probation for vehicle theft.

After searching Garcia’s car, the officer found several sets of keys belonging to different makes of cars, along with shaved keys, numerous tools, blades, cutting instruments, a car jack, a flipper device (which can be used to hack digital devices) and other tools.

Garcia was placed under arrest for being in possession of burglary tools, probation violation, as well as bringing drugs into the County jail.

This incident exemplifies the proactive efforts of our officers in detecting and addressing criminal behavior, contributing to the maintenance of public safety and the prevention of further criminal activity in the community.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, 220-pound Garcia is Hispanic and being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail for his latest arrest by Oakley PD on May 19, 2024, for possession of stolen property at the Best Western Hotel in Oakley. (See 14:13 PM incident). He is scheduled to be released on June 30, 2024.

According to localcrimenews.com, Garcia has a history of arrests by multiple agencies dating to 2014 including five times this year and three times last year.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Police ask help IDing suspects in May Brentwood beauty store theft

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Suspects in Brentwood retail beauty store theft on May 6, 2024. Photos: Brentwood PD

By Brentwood Police Department

CAN YOU ID? -Brentwood PD Case # 2402075

On May 6, 2024, the female suspects in these photos entered ULTA at the Streets of Brentwood and stole over $2,000 worth of fragrances and other products.

If you have any information regarding this investigation, please contact the Brentwood Police Department non-emergency line at 925-809-7911.

 

Antioch man arrested for shoplifting in Brentwood

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Merchandise recovered on April 30, 2024. Photo: Brentwood PD

While on felony probation for theft; has history of arrests dating to 2018

By Brentwood Police Department

On April 30, 2024 around 8:30PM at night, Brentwood officers were dispatched to Michael’s Arts and Crafts for a report of a known shoplifter who had just stolen approximately $1,400 worth of merchandise and walked out of the store.

When officers arrived, a Brentwood Sergeant saw the suspect in the immediate area, and the suspect, identified as 32-year-old Mathew Davis of Antioch, fled on a bicycle after dumping the stolen merchandise.

As the Sergeant attempted to contact Davis, Davis attempted to flee on his bicycle. Another officer in the area had parked his patrol car and while walking towards Davis, Davis subsequently ran into the parked patrol car while trying to flee on his bicycle.

Davis, who did not sustain any injuries, was safely taken into custody.

Davis, who is on felony probation for theft, also has a court order to stay away from Kohl’s.

Davis was arrested for shoplifting, felony probation violation, court order violation and other related charges.

According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating back to 2018 by multiple agencies for crimes including threats of violence, drug possession, drawing or exhibiting an imitation firearm in a threatening manner, resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer and trespassing.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Pittsburg 18-year-old shot, killed in Antioch Monday evening

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Police seek suspect

By Lt. D. Bittner #3252, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On June 3, 2024, at approximately 6:00 PM, Antioch police officers responded to the 1100 block of Macaulay Street on the report of a shooting.

When officers arrived, they located a male near the sidewalk suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers immediately administered first-aid to the male, and he was ultimately transported to a local area hospital by paramedics where he was pronounced deceased. The male was later identified as 18-year-old Henry Granado II of Pittsburg.

The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time.

Any tips or other information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Adam Duffy at (925) 779-6884 or by email mailto:aduffy@antiochca.gov.

Three arrested in February love-triangle stabbing death of Pleasant Hill parks employee

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TOP: Jazmin Ruiz (left), Vanessa Vera-Aguilar (center), and Pablo Gutierrez-Morales (right) are accused in the fatal stabbing of their coworker. (Booking photos: Pleasant Hill PD) BOTTOM: Arrest of Ruiz. (Photo: Pleasant Hill PD). Santiago Jacobo. Source: GoFundMe

Concord man, being held on immigration warrant, 2 Antioch women – one, an ex-girlfriend – suspected of killing Pittsburg resident Santiago Jacobo; all former co-workers

GoFundMe account for victim’s family surpasses goal

By Captain Matt Kristic, Pleasant Hill Police Department

Crime/Incident: Homicide – Penal Code 187

Date/Time Reported: February 10, 2024

Location: Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill

Victim: Santiago Jacobo, 37-year-old resident of Pittsburg, CA

Suspects: Suspect #1 Pablo Gutierrez-Morales, 31-year-old resident of Concord, CA (In-custody)

Suspect #2 Vanessa Vera-Aguilar, 24-year-old resident of Antioch, CA (In-custody)

Suspect #3 Jazmin Ruiz, 25-year-old resident of Antioch, CA (In-custody)

Case Number: 24-411

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On Friday, May 31, 2024, Pleasant Hill Police Investigators arrested three people in connection with the February 10, 2024, stabbing death of park employee Santiago Jacobo of Pittsburg.

Pablo Jose Gutierrez-Morales, 31 of Concord; Vanessa Vera-Aguilar, 24 of Antioch and Jazmin Ruiz, 25 of Antioch have been booked into the Contra Costa County Jail in Martinez under the charges of Murder and Conspiracy to Commit Murder.

During a three month-long investigation, Pleasant Hill Police detectives obtained evidence indicating the victim and suspects knew each other as they all worked together at The Watermark at San Ramon, an assisted living facility.

The evidence shows that the arrested suspects planned, coordinated, and carried out the attack on Jacobo on the night of February 10, 2024, after Jacobo had finished his shift working as a custodian at Pleasant Hill Park. (See related article)

Detectives determined that prior to Jacobo’s murder, he had been in a relationship with suspect Vera-Aguilar while another suspect, Gutierrez-Morales, was pursuing a new relationship with her.

Police detectives are asking anyone with information regarding Jacobo’s death and the involved suspects to contact the Pleasant Hill Police Investigations Bureau at (925) 288-4630.

Our thoughts and condolences remain with the Jacobo family.

The Pleasant Hill Police Department would like to thank the San Ramon Police Department for their assistance. We would also like to thank the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Parks District for their ongoing assistance throughout this homicide investigation.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, 10-inch tall, 180-pound Gutierrez-Morales (born 5/8/1993) is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility without bail and his arrest type is listed as Immigration. The five-foot tall, 105-pound Ruiz is being held in the West County Detention Facility on a no bail Ramey Warrant. No information about Vera-Aguilar was available in an online search from the Contra Contra Sheriff’s Office. However, according to her Facebook page, she attended Deer Valley High School and left in 2018. Efforts to reach Vera-Aguilar and Captain Kristic for additional details were unsuccessful prior to publication time.

UPDATE: When asked to explain why Vera-Aguilar is not listed as in custody, Captain Kristic later said, “All three are in custody being held on no-bail. Vera-Aguilar is also being held in the West County Detention Center. The Aquarius system the Sheriff’s Office uses was having trouble updating, today.”

Regarding Gutierrez-Morales’ arrest being listed as Immigration, he said, “An external document was sent to MDF from ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcement). But all three suspects were booked on charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.”

“The suspects’ photos are being released due to the violent felonies associated with this case,” Kristic added.

A GoFundMe account for Jacobo, set up by his sister-in-law Maria Jacobo on behalf of his wife, Alejandra Jacobo, has raised $42,109 as of Saturday, June 1st, surpassing the goal of $35,000. According to the account, “He leaves behind a wife and 2 kids, son Santiago and daughter Mikaela. It feels so unreal how his life was taken in such a violent and cowardly way. Santiago was a kind hardworking man and will be missed by many loved ones.” The donations are intended “to cover funeral costs or any expenses Alejandra and her kids may have during this hard time.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Kona Ice brings one-of-a-kind experience to residents in Brentwood, East County

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Source: Kona Ice

Mobile franchise expands in Contra Costa, giving back to community, schools and organizations

By Cia Abulencia, PR Associate, All Points Public Relations

BRENTWOOD, Calif.  – Bringing tropical tunes and cups of shaved ice everywhere it stops, Kona Ice is expanding in California. Introducing its distinctive blend of entertainment, frozen treats and FUN-draising, the Kona Ice experience is unlike any other in the area. Serving up good vibes in a cool ride, Kona Ice is now cruisin’ through Contra Costa County.

“I’m thrilled to bring Kona’s refreshing shaved ice to the community. Beyond satisfying sweet cravings, we’re dedicated to supporting local schools and athletic groups through our ongoing fundraising efforts,” said Jordan Sabella, owner of Kona Ice of Brentwood. “The enthusiasm we’ve received for our new business reflects our commitment to being a positive presence in the community.”

Kona Ice’s escape from the ordinary begins as tropical calypso music fills the air at each event and group gathering. Thanks to Kona’s customizable self-service system, everyone continues the fun with overflowing cups of shaved ice and choosing from 10 of the most popular flavors on the truck’s Flavorwave™. Guests also have the option to choose from the additional 20-plus flavors and 500 different combinations offered.

“With a background rooted in both sales and engineering, I understand the intricate dynamics of business and the importance of forging meaningful connections,” said Sabella. “My mission with Kona Ice is to spread joy and make a tangible difference. I aspire to expand our reach with additional trucks, ideally covering Brentwood, Oakley, Antioch and Pittsburg.”

Dedicated to making a difference in local areas, Kona Ice continues to be committed to philanthropy in the communities it serves, raising $180 million in total donations nationwide since 2007. Jordan Sabella is continuing the world’s largest food truck franchise’s tradition of donating thousands of dollars each year to local school groups, teams, and community organizations. Sabella pledges to give back a percentage of the proceeds from each event he hosts.

“I’ve had the privilege of witnessing countless inspiring stories within our franchise system. Jordan embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and community engagement that defines our brand,” said Tony Lamb, founder and president of Florence, Kentucky-based Kona Ice. “His dedication to spreading joy and making a difference through Kona Ice of Brentwood is a testament to the values we hold dear. With his background in Sales and Engineering, coupled with a passion for helping others, Jordan will continue to thrive, bringing smiles and support to his community with every shaved ice served.”

Beyond fundraisers, popular spots for the food truck franchise include stops throughout Brentwood at fairs, festivals and high school events.

To learn more about Kona Ice of Brentwood and to book your next event, contact Jordan Sabella by email at jsabella@kona-ice.com or by phone at (510) 423-8604.

About Kona Ice

Founded in 2007 by Tony Lamb, Kona Ice launched its first Kona Entertainment Vehicle (KEV) in Florence, Kentucky, offering a unique combination of cleanliness, friendliness, and a one-of-a-kind experience, featuring the opportunity to create your very own shaved ice on the self-serve Flavorwave™, while enjoying the soothing sights and sounds from the tropics, all while giving back to each community Kona Ice serves. Since its inception, Kona Ice has given back more than $180 million to neighborhood schools, organizations and teams. Today, Kona Ice has grown to more than 2,800 mobile units that serve 49 states across the country.

Kona Ice has been named to Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500® list for 11 consecutive years, earning a spot on the Franchise 500® Hall of Fame, and most recently being named #1 in the “Frozen Desserts” and “Ice Cream” categories. In addition, Kona was named to the Franchise Business Review Top 200 list in the overall “Top 50” and “Enterprise” categories. Other accolades include being named a “Top 100 Most Innovative Franchise” by Franchise Business Review and a “Top Franchise for Veterans.” The brand has earned many other nationwide, industry and local awards. For more on Kona Ice, visit the brand’s online Newsroom and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news.

For more information about booking Kona Ice for a fundraiser or event, visit www.kona-ice.com. To learn more about available franchise opportunities, visit www.ownakona.com or call (800) KONAICE.

 

Free food distribution at Golden Hills Community Church in Brentwood Saturday, June 8

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The food distribution is a joint effort of the Golden Hills Community Church Serving & Engaging Neighbors Together, (SENT) ministry and Team Jesus Outreach Ministries.

Free hot meals are also served at the Community Outreach Center at 525 E. 18th Street in Antioch Monday through Friday. Doors open at 5:00 pm. Our desire is that no one in our community suffer from hunger or malnutrition. Each night we serve a wholesome, home-cooked hot meal to satisfy our appetite. However, we also realize there is a spiritual hunger that God wants to fulfill in each one of us and we have a brief worship service designed to help us connect with the Lord each evening. Everyone is welcome to join regardless of their faith background. For more information visit Community Outreach Center.

Golden Hills Community Church is located at 2401 Shady Willow Lane in Brentwood. For more information about the church and its ministries visit www.goldenhills.org.

Oakley, Antioch mayors visit China to strengthen global partnerships, promote sustainable development

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Dr. Pamela Tin, Saratoga Vice Mayor Marilyn Librers, Alex Fang, Nicholas Kwan, East Palo Alto Mayor Antonio Lopez, Victor Wang, James Chau, Saratoga Mayor Yan Zhao, Oakley Mayor Anissa Williams, Alan Wong, San Carlos Mayor John Dugan, Betty Chan, Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe. Photo by CSUEF

Met with the China-United States Exchange Foundation, an NGO closely collaborating with the Chinese government

Paid for by Palo Alto-based nonprofit

By Danielle Navarro, Assistant City Manager, City of Oakley

Oakley, CA – Mayor Anissa Williams has successfully concluded a productive visit to Chongqing, China, aimed at fostering international cooperation and exploring new opportunities for economic and sustainable development. During the trip, the mayor attended several key meetings and events, reinforcing the city’s commitment to global partnerships, educational opportunities, and green city initiatives.

She was one of five mayors and one vice mayor from the Bay Area who participated in a global meeting of city leaders on May 22 and 23. They included Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe of Antioch, Antonio Lopez of East Palo Alto, John Dugan of San Carlos, Yan Zhao of Saratoga and Vice Mayor Marilyn Librers of Morgan Hill on her 38th visit to China. During Monday’s annual Antioch Memorial Day Ceremony, Hernandez-Thorpe pointed out that unlike him, the mayors in China whom they met with were appointed by the Chinese Communist Party. Then, during the Antioch City Council meeting Tuesday night, May 28, 2024, he said, “I was very proud to be the mayor and represent this city, absolutely proud. You sometimes forget how great this city is.” Hernandez-Thorpe then added he will present his remarks about the trip in a different way.

The elected officials were welcomed to Hong Kong on May 20, 2024. CUSEF’s President James Chau, Governor Alan Wong, and Governor Alex Fang who was raised between Hong Kong and Silicon Valley, met with the mayors. The delegation was organized by Victor Wang, founder and chairman of China Silicon Valley, a Palo Alto-based nonprofit founded in 2012, which paid for the trip. The organization was formed to improve business cooperation, create jobs, increase economic activity, facilitate investment and international trade and promote communications between China and the larger Silicon Valley region.

Reflecting the shared nature of the San Francisco Bay and the Greater Bay, the meetings centered on the hopes and concerns of the 95 million people living in both areas, including issues relating to economic growth, technology, and investment, as well as education, housing, and environmental resources.

Meetings and Collaborations

Williams and the others in the delegation met with the China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF), an NGO closely collaborating with the Chinese government to enhance bilateral relations. The discussions focused on mutual cooperation and the benefits of cultural and economic exchanges between the two countries. In a strategic meeting with Invest HK, a government entity promoting investment in Hong Kong, the mayor explored avenues for facilitating business relationships between Hong Kong enterprises and the US. The discussions highlighted opportunities for businesses in the food and beverage, fashion, and logistics sectors to establish a footprint in the US, enhancing cross-country economic ties. Mayor Williams also engaged with various businesses from China, with a special focus on startups and green technology seeking expansion into the U.S. market, emphasizing Oakley’s welcoming environment for international investments and its strategic advantages as a business hub.

“We are delighted to welcome the mayors to Hong Kong, the first stop on their visit to China,” said CUSEF’s Chau after the delegation’s arrival. “Silicon Valley drives the world’s fifth largest economy and accelerates California’s reputation for knowledge, learning, and research. Today was an opportunity to exchange ideas and align values with the elected representatives of a dynamic and globally renowned community. CUSEF works with everyone who cares about the U.S. and China, and their proven track record for advancing the human condition.”

Industry Matchmaking and Sustainable Development

The mayor participated in an industry matchmaking event designed to link top industries in Chongqing with city leaders from around the world. This event featured representatives from various global cities, fostering an exchange of innovative ideas and best practices for future development projects, particularly in green city development. During the visit, Mayor Williams delivered a speech highlighting the unique opportunities that Oakley offers and stressed the importance of maintaining our delta lifestyle while building resilient and inclusive cities. She quoted, “As long as you are an official in a place, you need to create benefits for that place and its people,” a guiding principle she has followed during her term.

Strengthening Sister City Relationships

The importance of establishing sister city relationships with China was emphasized by Secretary Blinken, who noted that the two countries share the world’s largest economies. This visit to Chongqing marks a significant step in deepening Oakley’s international partnerships and advancing our agenda for sustainable and inclusive growth. Should we enter a sister city relationship, our youth will have incredible opportunities for participating in both cultural and educational exchanges.

The outcomes of this trip are expected to yield long-term benefits, fostering economic development, educational growth, and a deeper understanding of the cultures of our two countries.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.