Contra Costa Herald

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

In-custody death of Oakley man at Contra Costa jail under investigation

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Charged with attempted murder of Sheriff’s Deputy; was held on $1.385 million bail

Fatal incident protocol  invoked

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office

The county-wide law enforcement involved fatal incident protocol has been invoked for an in-custody death.

On May 4, 2026, deputy sheriffs found an inmate who attempted suicide in his cell at the Martinez Detention Facility. He was transported to a local hospital where he has remained since. The inmate was pronounced deceased at the hospital today at about 11:34 AM.

He is identified as 54-year-old Raymond Smith of Oakley. Smith was arrested by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on January 13, 2026, on the following charges: attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, illegal possession of a firearm (prohibited person), felon in possession of a firearm, and criminal contempt of court.

As previously reported by the Herald, Smith was charged with attempted murder of Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputy following a shootout during a traffic stop on Jan. 12, 2026. The deputy was not struck. The suspect fled on foot in the Oakley neighborhood and Smith was found barricaded at his home.

After several hours of attempting to communicate with the suspect, the SWAT team armored vehicle approached the residence. A gunshot was heard. The suspect apparently tried to take his own life. Medical personnel, who were on scene, immediately implemented life-saving measures. The suspect was taken to a local hospital.

Per the protocol, this is being investigated by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and the Contra Costa D.A.’s Office. Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office 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.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

LMC Mustangs Baseball team wins thriller in Skyline Regional playoff opener

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Mustangs’ catcher Chris Olson congratulates pitcher Kyoungseo Min in the come from behind win with a 7-4 victory over the West Vikings in the opening game of the 3C2A Baseball Playoffs at the Skyline Regional in San Bruno, CA on Friday, May 1, 2026. Photo: Professor B Media

By Professor B Media

San Bruno, CA —The Los Medanos Mustangs won with a come-from-behind thriller in the opener of the 2026 California Community College Athletic Association (3C2A) playoffs at the Skyline Regional, Friday afternoon, May 1, 2026, on the campus of Skyline Community College, with a 7-4 win over the West Valley College Vikings from the Coast South Conference.

The Vikings led 4-1 through the first four innings before chipping away at the Vikings’  lead when by scoring a run in the 6th inning to slice the Vikings lead to 4-2 the outfielder Carlos Garcia hit a game-tying two run homer to tie the game at 4-4 then the Mustangs scored three more times to make the final 7-4 as the Mustangs overcame a 4-1 deficit to score six unanswered runs while Mustangs reliever Kyoungseo Min pitched 3 ⅔  no-hit scoreless innings giving up no runs, no hits, walked two with a strikeout to get the win in relief.

Leading the way for the Mustangs Carlos Garcia who went 2 for 5 with the big two-run homer to tie the game in the 7th inning while Nate Liddcoat went  2 for 2 at the plate with a pair of runs scored while third baseman Antonio Moriera went 1 for 4 at the plate with a pair of runs scored and Zack Madrigal went 1 for 3 at the plate scoring a pair of runs and a RBI.

Source: 3C2A

With the win Mustangs improves their record to (27-13) while West Valley falls to (27-13-1) as the Mustangs have now won 11 of their last 13 games. (See game details and game video)

The Mustangs (1-0) will now advance into the winner’s bracket as they will face either West  or Skyline from the loser’s bracket in game 3 of the Skyline Regional as the Vikings (28-13-1) upset the top-seeded host Skyline (30-12) Trojans 22-7 meaning the Mustangs are trying to remain in the winners bracket in game four Saturday afternoon as the Mustangs are now only one win away from to earn a berth and advance to the  Championship Final of the Skyline Regional.

For the latest of the 3C2A Baseball Championships please go to cccaasports.org/bsb/composite and for the latest on Mustangs Athletic please go to losmedanos.edu/baseball

Sutter East Bay expands primary care in Brentwood with new care center

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Pictured left to right: Dr. Rob Nordgren; Genea Wilson; Dr. Derek Johnson; Claire Alaura, Deputy Chief of Staff of Contra Costa from County Supervisor Diane Burgis’ office; and Dr. Arzou Ahsan as they prepare to cut the ribbon on the expansion at the Brentwood Care Center. Photos: Sutter Health

By Pooja Nerkar

An important milestone for Sutter East Bay Medical Group and Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation was marked on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, by the opening of Suite 100 at Sutter’s Brentwood Care Center, expanding access to primary care for patients across the East Bay.

The expanded care center brings pediatrics, family medicine and internal medicine together in one location, increasing access to coordinated care close to home. Since opening, the clinic has welcomed more than 900 patients, reflecting strong community demand.

“Today is about growth, but more importantly, it’s about access,” said Genea Wilson, CEO of Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation, during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “It reflects our ongoing commitment to bring high-quality, comprehensive care closer to the communities we serve.”

Pictured left to right: Dr. Richard Singer; Claire Alaura; Genea Wilson; Dr. Susan Adham; and Sandra Zarich, N.P. with the Certificate of Recognition from the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors.

Primary Care as the Foundation of Health

The expanded care center supports patients through prevention, early intervention and long-term care.

“Primary care is where health journeys begin,” said Dr. Rob Nordgren, chief medical officer for Sutter’s Greater San Francisco and East Bay Division. “It’s where families build long-term relationships, where preventive care happens and where chronic conditions are managed.”

Members of the Sutter East Bay Medical Group Primary Care department celebrate the new facility’s ribbon cutting on April 29, 2026.

Meeting growing demand with expanded access

As one of the fastest-growing cities in the Bay Area, the City of Brentwood continues to see rising demand for care. This expansion reflects long-term planning to ensure access keeps pace with community needs.

“This ribbon cutting reflects our long-term commitment to expanding access to care in the East Bay,” said Dr. Arzou Ahsan, president and CEO of Sutter East Bay Medical Group. “It represents thoughtful growth that follows community need and brings care closer to where people live.”

Expanded space and additional clinicians allow Brentwood Care Center to better serve a growing population. Many of the clinic’s original clinicians have remained with the clinic, supporting continuity of care and long-standing relationships with patients as the team has grown.

“With the addition of 11 new exam rooms, we’ve been able to expand services across primary care as well as OB/GYN, surgery, gastroenterology, cardiology and podiatry at the clinic,” said Dr. Derek Johnson, a family medicine physician who has practiced at the clinic since it opened in 2005. “The added space has increased OB/GYN presence on site and brought additional physicians to Brentwood who previously practiced only in Antioch, improving convenience for our patients.”

The clinic now includes 13 clinicians across family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics, serving patients in Brentwood, Discovery Bay, Oakley and surrounding communities. Growth in Antioch, now home to nine clinicians across the same specialties, further strengthens a connected East Bay primary care network.

Pictured left to right: Britney Gomes, Michelle Aragon, Dr. Brenda Chuksorji, Dr. Hardeep Saini, Sutter Health mascot River, Sandra Zarich, N.P., Dr. Jessica Tsai, Dr. Susan Adham, and Dr. Fatima Syed at the Brentwood farmer’s market.

A celebration rooted in the community

The care center’s impact extends beyond the clinic walls, with outreach and community engagement helping build trust and connect with patients.

On April 11, a few weeks before the ribbon cutting, primary care clinicians from the Brentwood and Antioch care centers hosted an outreach booth at the Brentwood farmers market, engaging with more than 350 community members.

“Having primary care in one place allows us to better support families at every stage of life,” said Dr. Susan Adham, a pediatrician with Sutter East Bay Medical Group. “This expansion means patients can access care closer to home from clinicians who are invested in the community’s long-term health.”

Wilson noted that additional growth is already underway across the East Bay, including investment in land at the Streets of Brentwood, as Sutter continues to expand services to meet future demand.

Antioch woman serves aboard recovery ship for Artemis II astronauts

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U.S. Navy First Division Officer Ensign Emma Crandell (official photo) serves aboard the Amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) as it steams through the Pacific Ocean, April 8, 2026. John P. Murtha was underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations supporting NASA’s Artemis II mission, retrieving the crew and spacecraft following their return to Earth and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. NASA’s Artemis II mission sent four astronauts on a flight around the moon in the Orion space capsule, marking the first time humans journeyed to deep space in over 50 years. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Elyssia Rodriguez) The Orion space capsule Integrity inside the flooded well deck of the ship. Photo by Emma Crandell

First Division Officer Ensign Emma Crandell watched completion of historic space mission

“It was crazy to see water fill our deck and the capsule slowly pull into our ship. I thought, ‘Wow! That’s the Integrity right there.”

By Allen D. Payton

Emma Crandell of Antioch, serves as a First Division Officer Ensign aboard the USS John P. Murtha, which was chosen as the recovery ship for the Orion spacecraft and its crew upon their return from the historic Artemis II mission on Friday, April 10, 2026, which she witnessed. Crandell is the daughter of Jeff and Marie Crandell of Antioch.

Before she graduated from Deer Valley High School in 2021, Crandell was presented with a $200,000 Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship. She was selected through a rigorous process from among thousands of students across the state and nation.

Then-Petty Officer Byung Jung, of the Antioch U.S. Navy Recruiting Station, said the scholarship would “pave the way for Emma to get commissioned as an Officer in the Navy.” (See related article)

Emma took her scholarship and attended then, graduated from the University of San Diego, Class of 2025 with a Political Science major. Out of the entire naval fleet, she chose to serve aboard the John P. Murtha as a First Division Officer with the rank of Ensign.

U.S. Navy Ensign Emma Crandell with the Artemis II Orion space capsule Integrity following splashdown and recovery in April 2026. Photo courtesy of Emma Crandell

About the Recovery Mission

About the Artemis II recovery mission Crandell said, “Our ship was off the coast of San Diego and I was, actually on the bridge after being on-watch” which means she “was helping drive the ship, navigating it safely and served as the Conning Officer” as she had the ‘Conn’ “right before splashdown.”

“So, I could just observe it. I heard the sonic boom. We were up there with a lot of NASA contractors, most of the ship was top side and we just watched,” Crandell shared.

Asked about the recovering process she explained. “We had a team of small boats that went out with a team of Navy divers to medically assess the astronauts. When they were cleared, the helicopters flew in to do an air evacuation with assistance from the divers. It was a low and slow process. We were up until the wee hours of the morning.”

“We had to approach the capsule. There was a lengthier process to tow it into our well deck,” Crandell stated. “They rigged up the capsule to a piece of machinery that essentially pulled it into the dock.”

Asked if she witnessed that process, as well Crandell said, “I was on station the entire time as a safety observer.”

“It was crazy to see water fill our deck and the capsule slowly pull into our ship,” she stated. “I thought, ‘Wow! That’s the Integrity right there in our ship.’”

The Artemis program is the overarching name for multiple missions, Orion is the type of capsule, and the astronauts named this one, Integrity.

Asked why her ship was selected for the operation Crandell said, “Our main mission is to conduct amphibious warfare, so, we are built to extract amphibious vehicles and we’re a transport ship. I can’t speak specifically why the Murtha, but the back of our ship opens up to the ocean. We can ballast down to let the ocean in and extract the capsule. I don’t know why they chose us but I’m grateful that they did.”

“I’ve only been on board a few months. I’m pretty new to the ship,” she continued. “This was my first major mission, for sure.”

Her Basic Training was in ROTC during college. “I did intermittent summer trainings, but there wasn’t any boot camp,” she explained.

After college she remained in San Diego and went to work on the John P. Murtha which is stationed there.

Asked about her experience in the Navy, Crandell stated, “It’s been amazing so far. It’s opened up opportunities and I’ve got to do a lot of exciting things.”

Like meeting one of the four Artemis II astronauts.

“I got to meet Christina Koch briefly, the morning they were flying out,” Crandell stated. “After landing on the flight deck in the helicopters the astronauts stayed overnight on our ship.”

Asked why she wanted to join the Navy Crandell said, “It was a cool purpose behind it. A sense of leadership and ownership and getting to do cool stuff with amazing people.”

That’s her favorite thing about the Navy, “The people.”

U.S. Navy Ensign Emma Crandell dressed in her “civvies” was joined by her parents Marie and Jeff Crandell to see the Artemis II mission Orion space capsule Integrity on board the John P. Murtha in April 2026. Photo courtesy of Emma Crandell.

Although she hasn’t been home since she joined the John P. Murtha, her parents visited her last week.

“I invited them to come down and see the Orion capsule while it was on the ship,” Crandell explained.

Her mother, Marie, said about Emma’s experience, “Definitely huge Forrest Gump moments for her. Her dad and I are still shaking our heads. We’re still trying to wrap our heads around all the cool stuff she did.”

Marie shared about a People Magazine article entitled, Little green alien spotted at Artemis II crew’s splashdown following high-stakes mission around the moon, which shows a photo of the bridge of the John P. Murtha and Emma standing right next to “an inflatable green alien peeking out and appearing to wave along with the crew.”

Asked about her favorite subject in high school Crandell said, “Mock Trial was the best.”

In 2020, as a student in Deer Valley High’s Law and Justice Academy and a member of the school’s Mock Trial Team that made it to the third round of the county competition, she won a prosecution witness award.

That helped lead her to now doing legal work in the Navy.

Asked about her daily activities and future plans Crandell said, “A normal day for me is doing some administrative paperwork for my division, doing some legal paperwork. I also work as one of the Command legal officers. I try to spend time with my sailors getting to know them better. Then working on my qualifications to be a Surface Warfare Officer. It means I’m qualified to essentially drive the ship.”

Asked if it means she’d have the ‘Conn’ in that position Crandell shared, “I could have the ‘Conn’ but I would have the ‘Deck’ which is a stronger position and takes longer to obtain.”

Amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) steams through the Pacific Ocean, April 8, 2026. John P. Murtha is underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations supporting NASA’s Artemis II mission, retrieving the crew and spacecraft following their return to Earth and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. NASA’s Artemis II mission sent four astronauts on a flight around the moon in the Orion space capsule, marking the first time humans journeyed to deep space in over 50 years. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Elyssia Rodriguez)

About the John P. Murtha

According to Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jomark Almazan,  the ship is named in honor of the late and long-serving Pennsylvania Congressman John P. Murtha and is a San Antonio Class Amphibious Transport Dock currently operated by the United States Navy. The USS John P. Murtha has been in active service for 10 years.

“It is a fitting tribute to Congressman Murtha, who dedicated his life to serving our nation, that the ship bearing his name will be integral to this historic moment in space exploration,” said Capt. Erik Kenny, commanding officer of John P. Murtha. “He was a champion for our military and a visionary. We are honored to carry on his legacy by supporting NASA and the Artemis II mission.”

A former Marine Corps officer, Murtha was the first Vietnam War veteran elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. (Source: Wikipedia)

The San Antonio class amphibious transport docks feature a large floodable well deck, advanced flight deck, and extensive command facilities. They can transport nearly 800 Marines along with vehicles, landing craft, and helicopters for effective ship-to-shore movement.

The Artemis II mission was the first crewed flight of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft, sending four astronauts on an approximately 10-day journey that took them beyond the Moon. This mission marks humanity’s first crewed voyage to the vicinity of the Moon in over 50 years.

Upon completion of their mission, the Orion capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean west of San Diego, where John P. Murtha and its crew recovered the astronauts and the spacecraft.

The U.S. Navy’s amphibious transport dock has unique advantages, including a well deck, helicopter pad, onboard medical facilities, and communication capabilities needed to support the mission. The platform gave NASA the ability to recover the Orion space capsule and collect critical data to help ensure it’s ready to recover the astronauts and capsule during future Artemis missions.

MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 provided imagery support for NASA by tracking the Orion space capsule as it traveled through Earth’s atmosphere. After splashdown, HSC-23 helicopters recovered the astronauts once they emerged from the capsule and brought them to the ship for assessment and then transported them to shore.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1 provided Navy divers to recover and transport the Orion space capsule from the ocean to the ship’s well deck. Navy divers are experts in mobile diving, salvage, towing and open water, small boat operations. In addition to the Navy divers, EODGRU-1 supported the recovery mission with a dive medical team which assessed and assisted the astronauts following their exit from the capsule.

Artemis II is NASA’s first crewed mission in a series of missions around and to the lunar surface where crew can build and test systems needed to prepare for the challenge of future missions to Mars. The mission launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, April 1, with four astronauts onboard, three from the U.S. and one from Canada.

For official imagery and video, please visit https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/Artemis.

Pittsburg Olympic gold medalist Eddie Hart to be inducted into Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame

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Olympic gold medalist Eddie Hart of Pittsburg will be inducted in the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame on May 14. Photo: BASHOF

Joins Class of 2026 including Brandon Crawford, Missy Franklin, Jesse Sapolu and Coach Jack Clark

Enshrinement Dinner in San Francisco May 14, 2026

By Anne Cribbs, President & CEO, Bay Area Sports Organizing Committee

The Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame (BASHOF) Class of 2026 Enshrinement Dinner, presented in part by KNBR 680 AM, will be held on Thursday, May 14 at the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero in San Francisco. The terrific Class of 2026 inductees include, Eddie Hart (Track & Field), Brandon Crawford (Baseball), Missy Franklin (Swimming) and Jesse Sapolu (Football) and Coach Jack Clark (Rugby).

A portion of the proceeds from the dinner will benefit Special Olympics Northern California.

“The 2026 class of the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame features five extremely worthy individuals who have made a tremendous impact in their sport and in our region,” said Mario Alioto, Board Chair of BASHOF. “It’s a distinguished group that features Super Bowl and World Series Champions, Olympic Gold medalists, and NCAA National Champions and we are thrilled for them to take their rightful place among the other legends enshrined in the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.”

Source: BASHOF

Eddie Hart: A native of Pittsburg, CA, he is an Olympic gold medalist, Olympic Trials champion, two-time world record holder and Olympic record holder.

According to his bio on the BASHOP website, Olympic gold medalist and “World’s Fastest Human”, Hart is renowned for both his athletic excellence and his lifelong dedication to serving East Bay youth. The favorite to win the 100-meter gold medal at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games, Hart had equaled the world record of 9.9 seconds at the U.S. Olympic Trials. Despite being disqualified from his signature event due to an unfortunate coaching scheduling error, he displayed remarkable resilience and character by returning to anchor the U.S. Men’s 4×100-meter relay team, securing Olympic gold in world-record time.

Hart won state titles in the 100- and 200-yard events at Contra Costa College and later captured NCAA titles in the 100-yard dash and 4×110-yard relay while competing for the University of California, Berkeley. Ranked among the top 10 U.S. sprinters five times between 1970 and 1979, he was inducted into the UC Berkeley Hall of Fame in 1988 and will enter the Bob Hayes Hall of Fame later this year.

Hart’s rise began at Pittsburg High and Contra Costa College, where he won the 100-and 200-yard dashes at the California Junior College State Meet. He later transferred to the University of California, Berkeley, where he captured NCAA titles in the 100-yard dash and the 4×110-Yard relay in 1970. His achievements alongside teammate Isaac Curtis remain a historic chapter in Cal track and field history After retiring from open competition, Hart returned to the sport in the master’s division, winning world championships in both the 100 and 200 meters.

His world record in the 100 meters stood for 14 years.

Born in Martinez and raised in Pittsburg, California, Hart co-founded the Eddie Hart All In One Foundation in 2003 with his wife Gwen and son Eddie Jr., mentoring disadvantaged youth through sports, music, and education. In 2024, he was honored as a Hometown Hero by the City of Pittsburg. Eddie and Gwen have been married for fifty-two years. He is the proud father of Paris and Eddie, Jr., and the grandfather of Eddie III, James and Bella.

His autobiography about his experience at the 1972 Olympics, co-authored by former Bay Area sports reporter Dave Newhouse, is entitled Disqualified.

Brandon Crawford: 2x San Francisco Giants World Series Champion (2012, 2014); 3x MLB All-Star (2015, 2018, 2021); 4x Gold Glove (2015, 2016, 2017, 2021); 2015 Silver Slugger Award; 2x Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award winner (2012 and 2016); 2017 World Baseball Classic Gold Medal; 2016 Willie Mac Award; Bay Area native played more games at shortstop than any player in Giants history and the seventh-most games played for the franchise overall; 6th player in MLB history to hit a grand slam in his first MLB game (2011), and the first shortstop to hit a grand slam in an MLB postseason game (2014)

Missy Franklin: 28x medal winner in swimming including 5x Olympic Gold, one Olympic bronze; 11x Gold at the World Championships; USA Swimming and FINA Swimmer of the Year (2011, 2012); At University of California, Berkeley, captured 2015 NCAA Women’s Division I Swimming and Diving Team Championship; 7x individual NCAA champion; 2015 Collegiate Woman of the Year and Honda Sports Award as the nation’s top female swimmer; Inducted International Swimming Hall of Fame (2023)

Jesse Sapolu: 4x Super Bowl Champion with the San Francisco 49ers (1984, 1988, 1989, 1994); 2x Pro Bowl selection; NFL All Pro at center and guard (1994, 1995); 13 NFL seasons with San Francisco; 10th all-time in games played for the 49ers; 2nd in franchise history with 22 playoff games; Ed Block Courage Award (1997); Bobb McKittrick Award (1991, 1996); California Sports Hall of Fame (2025)

Jack Clark: Currently in his 43rd season as head coach of men’s rugby at University of California, Berkeley; Has led Cal to 30 National Championships (25x National 15s Championships, 5x National 7s Championships) and produced 157 All-Americans; Head coach of the USA National Team (1993-99) and GM from 1993-2003; Craig Sweeney Award recipient for major contributions to the sport in 2001; 2014 inductee U.S. Rugby Hall of Fame; 2016 Glenn T. Seaborg Award recipient and member of the Cal Athletics Hall of Fame.

Tickets for the dinner are $375 per person or $5,500 for a table of 10 and available at Purchase Tickets – Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.

For information on details for the 2026 BASHOF dinner and induction ceremony, please visit bashof.org.

About BASHOF

The Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 1979 by Lou Spadia, former president of the San Francisco 49ers. Spadia had long dreamed of a Hall of Fame to honor the Bay Area’s athletic legends which simultaneously raised funds to help kids play sports.

The Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame, which is supported by its Champions Circle sponsors including Bay FC, the Golden State Warriors, San Francisco 49ers, San Francisco Giants and San Jose Sharks, has previously enshrined more than 200 outstanding athletes and individuals and donated more than $4 million to youth organizations in our local Bay Area communities.

About Special Olympics Northern California

Special Olympics Northern California (SONC) enriches the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities through sports, health, leadership and inclusive school programs. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offers free year-round programming in 44 counties across Northern California, empowering athletes to be their best both on and off the field. More information is available at SONC.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pittsburg Police announce 2025 Officer, Staff Member of the Year

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Pittsburg Police Corporal Daniel Marchut and Community Service Specialist Maraea Melander. Photos: Pittsburg PD

By Pittsburg Police Department

The Pittsburg Police Department invites you to join us in congratulating our 2025 awardees for Officer of the Year and Professional Staff Member of the Year. It is our pleasure to introduce recipients Corporal Daniel Marchut and Community Service Specialist Maraea Melander.

Each year, the Pittsburg Police Department recognizes both an Officer of the Year and a Professional Staff Member of the Year for their outstanding service and dedication.

Officer of the Year: Corporal Daniel Marchut

Corporal Marchut joined the department in 2018 and was promoted in 2024. Serving as a SWAT team member and Field Training Officer, he has distinguished himself through exceptional leadership, mentorship, and dedication to developing future officers. His professionalism continues to strengthen the department.

Professional Staff of the Year: Maraea Melander

Maraea Melander joined the department in January 2025 as a Community Service Specialist. She is recognized for her positive attitude, professionalism, and strong communication skills. Her reliability and commitment to service make her a valued member of the team.

Congratulations to both of our outstanding 2025 honorees!

Brentwood man arrested on felony weapons charges

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34-year-old Briscoe Treshan Tyee Allen already out of custody with no charges filed

By Allen D. Payton

According to the Brentwood Police Department’s CitizenRIMS, 34-year-old Briscoe Treshan Tyee Allen of Brentwood was arrested on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 10:10 AM on multiple weapons charges.

The six-foot, two-inch tall, 200-pound suspect is Black and was arrested in the 5900 Block of Lone Tree Way.

He was charged with 30605(a) Pc: Illegally possessing an assault weapon (F), 25400(a)(1) Pc: Carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle (F), 25850(a) Pc: Carrying a loaded firearm in public under specific circumstances (F), 23920(a) Pc: Possession, etc. of a firearm without identifying markings (M), and 14601.2(a) Vc: Driving with a license suspended for DUI. The Case Number is 2601239.

According to localcrimenews.com, Allen was previously arrested, twice in 2018, first by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies for DUI drugs and alcohol and  resisting, obstructing, delaying a Peace Officer and later that year by L.A. County Temple Sheriff’s Substation Deputies for possession of a controlled substance for sale.

Expired tags lead to big consequences in Brentwood for young Stockton man

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The stolen Glock and magazine, and mushrooms, marijuana and hash oil gummies confiscated by police. Photos: Brentwood PD

Arrested with almost 1,000 grams of drugs, stolen gun; already out of custody with no charges filed

By Brentwood Police Department

What started as a simple traffic stop near Lone Tree Way and Highway 4 at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, quickly turned into much more…

Officers spotted a vehicle with registration expired for over a year. A traffic stop was conducted, and officers contacted the driver, Elijah Emmanuel Santalucia, a 21-year-old male out of Stockton.

Due to the expired registration, the vehicle was towed—but that’s when things really took a turn.

During an inventory search, officers located a stolen Glock 9mm firearm hidden under the driver’s seat. The firearm had been reported stolen out of Richmond back in November 2022.

And that wasn’t all…

Officers also recovered:

  • Over 400 grams of mushrooms
  • 185 grams of marijuana
  • Over 400 grams of hash oil gummies

Needless to say, the driver was taken into custody for multiple firearm and narcotics-related offenses and later booked at the Martinez Detention Facility.

According to the Brentwood Police CitizenRIMS, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 175-pound Santalucia is Black. The Case Number is 2601090 and the charges included 25850(a) Pc: Carry Loaded Firearm In Public Under Specific Circumstances (Felony), 25400(a)(1) Pc: Carry Concealed Weapon In Vehicle (F), 496(a) Pc: Receive/etc Known Stolen Property (F), 11378 Hs: Possess Controlled Substance For Sale (F), 11357(b) Hs: Possess Marijuana Over 1 Oz/28.5 Grams (Misdemeanor).

According to localcrimenews.com, he was previously arrested by San Mateo County Sheriff’s Deputies in 2023 for shoplifting of less than $950.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, as of March 18th, Santalucia is out of custody with no charges filed.

Sometimes it’s the small violations that lead to big discoveries. Great work by our officers, staying proactive and keeping our community safe!

East Bay Anza 250 Symposium at Los Medanos College April 11

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Learn about the Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition in Contra Costa County and throughout California as the Declaration of Independence was being signed

By LeighAnn Davis, Executive Director, Contra Costa County Historical Society

As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, land managers, historians, educators and civic leaders across the East Bay formed the East Bay Anza 250 Symposium committee dedicated to exploring a parallel milestone: the 250th anniversary of the Juan Bautista de Anza expedition. This journey profoundly shaped California’s history and continues to influence our communities today.

Anza Expedition Map. Source: National Park Service

According to the National Park Service, the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail covers over 1,200 miles through the homelands of 70+ Tribal communities including in Contra Costa County. It follows the historic route of the 1775-76 Spanish colonizing expedition from Sonora, Mexico to San Francisco, CA. Whether urban or rural, the trail offers adventure, diverse cultural perspectives and an opportunity to experience history.

Painting by David Rickman. Courtesy of U.S. National Park Service

On June 27, 1776, as the Declaration of Independence was being signed in Philadelphia, the colonists of the Anza expedition arrived at their destination in what would become San Francisco. Both of these events would dramatically shape the cultural and political landscapes of the United States. In 2025 and 2026, the Anza Trail invites communities along the historic path of the 1775-76 colonizing expedition to commemorate the complicated and evermore fascinating history of the paths and events that make up this National Historic Trail.

Third leg of the expedition from Mission San Gabriel to Monterey including campsites 99, 100 and 101 in Contra Costa County. Map created by Emanuel Delgado. Source: National Park Service

Campsites and Trail in Contra Costa County

A map of the Third Leg of the Anza Expedition shows three campsites in Contra Costa County with the Arroyo del Puerto Dulce campsite 99 in Rodeo, the Arroyo de Santa Ana del Flugino campsite 100 in Concord and the San Ricardo campsite 101 along the Antioch/Oakley border.

According to the Juan Bautista de Anza Historic Trail website, “On April 1st (1776) the group camped at a small stream. Today, the campsite is at the conjunction of Parker and San Pablo Avenues and Rodeo Creek. A commemorative marker from the 1976 reenactment is on Parker Road between 4th and 6th Streets in front of the post office in the town of Rodeo.”

The Anza Expedition campsite 99 historic marker in Rodeo, campsite 100 historic marker in Concord and campsite 101 historic marker at the Antioch/Oakley Regional Shoreline. Photos by Andrew Ruppenstein. Source: The Historical Marker Database HMdb.org

According to The Historical Marker Data Base, a marker designating campsite 100 in Concord is located on Grant Street south of Olivera Road. The marker designating campsite 101 is located in the Antioch/Oakley Regional Shoreline park at the end of Bridgehead Road.

The East Bay Park District’s Delta de Anza Regional Trail is named to commemorate the route taken during de Anza’s expedition into the Delta region of today’s East Contra Costa County. The paved, multi-use hiking, bicycling and equestrian trail currently spans over 15 miles of the planned 25-mile length. When completed, it will generally follow the East Bay Municipal Utility District’s corridor and the Contra Costa Water District’s canal.

This trail connects communities in central and eastern Contra Costa County and provides access to regional and community parks, many schools and Los Medanos College. It intersects Antioch’s Mokulumne Trail and the Marsh Creek Regional Trail in Oakley. It connects the cities and communities of Concord, Bay Point, Pittsburg, Antioch and Oakley and provides access to Contra Loma Regional Park and Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve through Antioch’s Worth Shaw Community Park. See driving map of Anza Historic Trail

Symposium

The East Bay Anza 250 Symposium will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, 9AM-4PM and is a collaborative gathering that explores the expedition’s impact on the East Bay, honors Indigenous legacies, and fosters dialogue about how this history informs our present.

The symposium will include:

  • Live Performances
  • Keynote Speakers
  • Panel Discussions that Dive into the History, Teaching, and Environmental Impacts of the Expedition.
  • An Exhibit Hall Filled with Cultural Exhibitions and Displays

Symposium registration is $30 for General Admission and $20 for students and seniors.

Lunch is included in your registration fee if reserved before April 1st, 2026.

To register, please visit the Eventbrite site for Grassroots Poetry using the QR code.

Keynote Speakers: Our speaker series brings together a vibrant tapestry of voices to explore the multifaceted legacy of the Anza Expedition. By pairing the scholarly insights of local historians and naturalists with the deeply personal narratives of expedition descendants, we aim to provide an inclusive history that honors the trail’s complex past.

Panel Discussions: Join our interdisciplinary panels, featuring local historians, expert naturalists, and descendants of the expedition, for a compelling look at the impact of Anza 250 years later. These sessions bring together diverse voices to explore the environmental, cultural, and personal history of the trail, offering a unique, in-depth, and engaging perspective on this historic journey.

Exhibit Hall: Our Exhibit Hall is a testament to the power of community partnership. The exhibit hall is a collaborative space showcasing exhibits and information from local historical societies and land management agencies. Connect with local experts in this dedicated space for a deeper, context-rich understanding of the historical and cultural significance of the Anza Trail.

Event Information:

The Event is Saturday, April 11th, 2026, from 9AM until 4PM with a lunch break at noon.

An optional walk will take place along the trail that intersects with the LMC campus at 8AM.

All members of the community are invited to join us and enjoy the speakers, poets, and music guests!

About our location:

The Los Medanos College Student Union is located on the campus at 2700 East Leland Road, Pittsburg.

We encourage all symposium attendees to consider alternate ways to get to campus. You can bike, walk, carpool or take public transportation. If you plan to arrive by car, parking is free on the day of the event. More information about how to get to campus here: LMC Transportation and Parking Information

Thank you to all our partners for your support:

  • Grassroots Poetry
  • Independent Arts and Media
  • Los Medanos College Honors Program
  • National Park Service
  • Anza Trail Foundation
  • Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy
  • Contra Costa County Historical Society
  • Museum of the San Ramon Valley

For more information contact Dwayne Eubanks, Chair East Bay Anza 250 Symposium at EastBayAnza@gmail.com.

This event is brought to you by Grassroots Poetry and Los Medanos Honors Program and fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts Media, a 501(c)3 organization.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

LMC refocuses César Chávez awards to La Fuerza del Pueblo: Farmworkers’ Movement Legacy Awards

By Leave a Comment

Artwork by The Herald.

In response to allegations against the late farm workers’ union leader

By Juliet V. Casey Geary, Director of Marketing & Media Design, Los Medanos College

Greetings from Los Medanos College,

In light of recent news concerning César Chávez and allegations of abuse of women and minors, Los Medanos College (LMC) is reorienting the awards that honored his legacy to focus instead on the collective work and values that are being recognized to strengthen community, social justice, labor rights and leadership. Since 1995, LMC has honored generations of activists, service providers, educators, students and more. We are proud of that tradition and will continue to honor the leaders born out of East Contra Costa County’s agricultural community. This year we will offer La Fuerza del Pueblo: Farmworkers’ Movement Legacy Awards.

Honorees will receive recognition at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026, in the Student Union Conference Center, 2700 E. Leland Road in Pittsburg. This event recognizes community members who stand as models of service, activism and non-violent social change. This year’s award categories include:

Exemplary Community Service

For long-standing commitment to service to others, sacrifice, helping the most needy, determination, non-violence, acceptance of all people, respect for life and the environment, celebrating community, knowledge, and innovation.

East County Educator Award

For demonstrating a commitment to student success and equity, particularly for students of color and those from low-income families.

La Fuerza del Pueblo Spirit Award

For emerging/student leader(s) who embodies the spirit of the movement, and who within the past year, made a significant impact on the local community in the areas of advocacy and social justice.

Legacy Award Values

  • Service to Others: Empowering individuals by engendering self-determination, self-sufficiency and self-help, rather than charity.
  • Sacrifice: Recognizing the obligation every individual has to contribute to their community, despite having to endure great hardship.
  • Help the Most Needy: Supporting efforts to reach those in need, those dispossessed, and those most forgotten individuals.
  • Determination: Instilling an attitude that through steadfast commitment, patience, and optimism, people can overcome great adversity.
  • Non-violence: Achieving social and economic justice and equality through bold and courageous action.
  • Tolerance: Promoting and supporting ethnic and cultural diversity as a means toward informing and strengthening communities.
  • Respect for Life: Holding land, people, and all other forms of life in the highest regard.
  • Celebrating Community: Sharing expressions of cultural identity through art, song and dance.
  • Knowledge: Pursuing self-directed learning, the development of critical thinking, and constructive problem-solving.
  • Innovation: Creating strategies and tactics to resolve problems and situations that often seem insurmountable.

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

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.