Contra Costa Herald

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

Three vehicle fatal crash on Vasco Road Monday morning

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Two drivers in head-on crash die at the scene

By CHP – Contra Costa

This morning, Monday, July 10, 2023, at approximately 6:37 am, CHP Contra Costa responded to a three-vehicle crash on Vasco Road south of Walnut Boulevard.

Our preliminary investigation indicates a silver Honda Fit, with one occupant, and a silver Nissan Altima, with one occupant, were traveling southbound on Vasco Road while a grey Acura Integra, with one occupant, was traveling northbound on Vasco Road. The Nissan collided into the rear of the Honda then traveled into the northbound lane and collided head on with the Acura.

The driver of the Nissan and the driver of the Acura were pronounced deceased on scene. The driver of the Honda sustained suspected minor injuries and was transported to the hospital.

This crash is still under investigation, if anyone witnessed it or the events leading up to it, please contact CHP Contra Costa in Martinez, (925) 646-4980 or email 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov.

 

Antioch man fatally struck by vehicle while walking in Walnut Creek Monday

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By Lt. Holley Connors, Walnut Creek Police Department

On July 3rd, at 1:21 p.m., a 911 caller reported a vehicle collided with a pedestrian on Ygnacio Valley Road, east of the intersection at Lennon Lane. Officers arrived and found a male pedestrian conscious, but with significant injuries. Preliminary details indicated the driver’s vehicle drifted to the right, hopped the curb, and struck the pedestrian who was doing maintenance work at that location. The driver of the vehicle was uninjured.

Officers and AMR personnel provided medical aid to the pedestrian before he was transported to the hospital. Unfortunately, the pedestrian later succumbed to his injuries. The driver remained on scene and cooperated with responding officers.

According to Bay City News, the victim was identified by the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office as Cornelio Tovar Sanchez, age 54 of Antioch.

The cause of this accident is under investigation. If you have any information about this case, please contact Walnut Creek PD Dispatch at 925-935-6400.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Traffic Advisory: Hwy 4 nighttime closure in Brentwood this weekend

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Nighttime construction on the Mokelumne Trail Overcrossing will occur this weekend. Photo: CCTA

Between Lone Tree Way and Sand Creek Road Saturday, July 8 through Sunday, July 9, 2023

For Mokelumne Trail Overcrossing construction

By Ivan Ramirez, Contra Costa Transportation Authority

BRENTWOOD, CA – In partnership with the City of Brentwood, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is constructing the Mokelumne Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing to provide safe access to cyclists and pedestrians for commuting and recreational travel, reconnecting two sides of the trail that were separated by the expansion of State Route 4.

This overnight closure will facilitate the removing of the temporary structure that was used to support the bridge and will impact State Route 4 in the eastbound direction. CCTA and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) have scheduled the closure during the early morning hours in order to minimize impacts to the motoring public.

In order to ensure crew and public safety during the planned construction work, a temporary nighttime freeway closure in the eastbound direction of State Route 4 will occur between Saturday, July 8 and Sunday, July 9, 2023 on the following schedule (weather permitting):

Eastbound Highway 4 will be closed between Lone Tree Way and Sand Creek Road from 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 8 until 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 9, 2023.

DetoursDetours will be in place to reroute drivers around the closure and are planned as follows:

Eastbound traffic will be directed to exit at Lone Tree Way, go eastbound to Shady Willow Lane, then southbound on Shady Willow Lane to Sand Creek Road, before proceeding westbound on Sand Creek Road to the eastbound State Route 4 on-ramp.

Future Freeway Closures

Additional overnight closures will be needed over the course of the next several weeks (weather dependent) to facilitate ­­­­construction work­­­­­­­­ of the future Mokelumne Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing. Additional information regarding dates and detours will be provided once the schedule is confirmed. This project is anticipated to be complete in late summer or early fall of 2023.About the Contra Costa Transportation Authority

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is a public agency formed by Contra Costa voters in 1988 to manage the county’s transportation sales tax program and oversee countywide transportation planning efforts. With a staff of twenty people managing a multi-billion-dollar suite of projects and programs, CCTA is responsible for planning, funding and delivering critical transportation infrastructure projects and programs that connect our communities, foster a strong economy, increase sustainability, and safely and efficiently get people where they need to go. CCTA also serves as the county’s designated Congestion Management Agency, responsible for putting programs in place to keep traffic levels manageable. More information about CCTA is available at ccta.net.

 

Pittsburg Jazz, Blues, and Funk Festival August 19-20

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The Jazz, Blues, and Funk Festival is BACK!

Join us at the Pittsburg Civic Center for the Jazz, Blues, Funk Festival the weekend of August 19-20. The Festival is a two-day event that will feature a variety of artists, food, beer, and wine.

Tickets are on sale now with the option for VIP, General admission, and Two-day Passes.

Buy your tickets now: www.pittsburgtickets.com

Grand Opening of new Chabad Jewish Center in Brentwood July 16

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By Mashie Goldshmid, Program Director, Chabad of the Delta

With gratitude to G-d, we are excited to share that Chabad has just leased a new space to serve as the Jewish Center of East Contra Costa. The grand opening celebration will take place on Sunday, July 16 at 9:30am, inviting families and friends to join in the festivities.

The grand opening event promises an exciting lineup of activities for attendees of all ages. Live music performances, engaging kids’ entertainment, and a delectable dairy buffet are among the highlights that will contribute to the festive atmosphere. The celebration embodies the spirit of growth and community, inviting everyone to participate and rejoice together.

The new Chabad Jewish Center symbolizes a space where the East Contra Costa Jewish community can thrive collectively, creating an environment that encourages unity and embraces Jewish traditions. To RSVP visit JewishDelta.com/GrandOpening

Martinez to celebrate Independence Day with flag raising ceremony, parade, fireworks!

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The #CityofMartinez invites you to enjoy its Independence Day celebrations tomorrow, July 4!

Flag Raising Ceremony: 9 AM at the Veterans Memorial Building

Fourth of July Parade: 10 AM on Main Street

Martinez Fireworks Show: 9 PM at the Martinez Marina

Learn more about Martinez’s Fourth of July festivities by visiting: https://bit.ly/3xTGkVC

En Español

¡La #CiudadDeMartinez te invita a disfrutar de sus celebraciones del Día de la Independencia mañana, 4 de julio!

Ceremonia de izamiento de la bandera: 9 AM en el Veteran’s Memorial Building

Desfile del Cuatro de Julio: 10 AM en Main Street

Espectáculo de fuegos artificiales Martínez: 9 PM en la Marina Martinez

Obtenga más información sobre las festividades del Cuatro de Julio de Martinez visitando: https://bit.ly/3xTGkVC

 

Golobic wins Sprint Car Challenge Race at Antioch Speedway

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Shane Golobic takes his spot on top of the Sprint Car Challenge podium with Justin Sanders pictured on the right and Chase Johnson on the left. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Pittsburg’s Baugh wins Hobby Stock Main Event

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…July 1…Shane Golobic of Fremont won the 35 lap Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. This was the return of the Sprint Car Challenge Tour to the Speedway for the first time in several seasons. Among the many accomplishments for Golobic is a win in a World of Outlaws race at Antioch Speedway back in 2013.

Shane Golobic #17w drove the Matt Wood owned sprinter to victory in the Sprint Car Challenge race. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Justin Sanders of Aromas set the early pace ahead of Penngrove’s Chase Johnson and Golobic. Following a yellow flag on Lap 5, Johnson put the moves on Sanders to take the lead. Golobic slipped past Sanders for second on the 10th lap with a yellow flag waving on Lap 15. Johnson continued to lead Golobic on the restart. Following a yellow flag on Lap 22, Golobic started pressuring Johnson for the lead on the restart. A yellow flag waved a lap later. This time around, however, Golobic managed to get a good restart and slipped past Johnson for the lead. Golobic led through one more yellow flag in the final 10 laps to bring home the victory. Johnson settled for second ahead of Sanders, series point leader Justyn Cox of Sacramento and Tanner Carrick of Lincoln.

Jared Baugh #07 picked up his first win of the season in the Hobby Stock division. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Jared Baugh of Pittsburg won the 25 lap Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event. This was his first win of the year after Kenneth Robles had driven his car to a win a few weeks earlier.

Aidan Ponciano of Oakley set the early pace ahead of point leader Grayson Baca of Brentwood and Jewell Crandall of Antioch. A yellow flag waved for Trent Golden of Pittsburg in Turn 4 on Lap 8. The restart saw Ponciano leading with Baugh charging into second. Baugh began pressuring Ponciano before making a low pass in Turn 4 of the 15th lap to take the lead. The 17th lap saw both second place Ponciano and third place Baca head for the pits as a yellow flag flew moments later. Baugh led the restart as Kevin Brown of Oakley started challenging Crandall for second. Crandall maintained her spot, and Brown surrendered third to Ken Johns of Antioch on Lap 23. Baugh brought it home a happy winner with Crandall a career best second. Johns beat Brown back to the line for third as James Graessle of Antioch ended up fifth.

Racing continues next Saturday night with the Eighth Annual Hetrick Memorial race. Purse money was just announced with the IMCA Modifieds racing for $1,250 to win, the IMCA Sport Modifieds receiving $1,000 to win and the IMCA Stock Cars competing for $500 for the victory. With the Wingless Spec Sprints also on the card, this will be a show you won’t want to miss. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Antioch Speedway Race Results – Saturday, July 1, 2023

Sprint Car Challenge

FT-Dominic Scelzi 13.048. Heat Winners (10 laps)-Kaleb Montgomery, Chase Johnson, Justin Sanders, Mitchell Faccinto. Trophy Dash (6 laps)-Justin Sanders. Main Event (35 laps)-Shane Golobic, Chase Johnson, Justin Sanders, Justyn Cox, Tanner Carrick, Kaleb Montgomery, Sean Becker, Dylan Bloomfield, Chance Grasty, Brad Bumgarner.

Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Grayson Baca, Aidan Ponciano. Main Event (25 laps)-Jared Baugh, Jewell Crandall, Ken Johns, Kevin Brown, James Graessle, Aidan Ponciano, Grayson Baca, Jess Paladino, Colten Haney, Trent Golden.

Fan Appreciation Night August 5

Plan to join us for Fan Appreciation Night on August 5th, which is going to be just $5 admission for everybody. The night will include giveaways and all kinds of fun stuff. Hall of Fame racer Ron Brown instigated this, and it’s going to be a good night for the track.

Driver, three other drunk men arrested in felony hit and run collision in Oakley early Sunday

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By Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard

On Sunday, July 2, 2023 at 12:09AM Oakley police officers were dispatched to the intersection of Main Street at Charles Way for a traffic collision where a Toyota truck was completely rolled over. Our officers quickly arrived on scene and contacted the victims who were out of the vehicle and suffering injuries. Our officers started investigating the collision and determined a black sedan struck the victim vehicle and fled the location, which at face value is a violation of the California Vehicle Code, but when injuries are involved, these actions are classified as a felony offense. Our officers located the black sedan on nearby Babbe Street parked at the intersection of Martin Street. Our officers found three local men (aged 43, 43 & 28) near the vehicle and determined all three were associated with the vehicle and all three were intoxicated.

These three men were uncooperative with our investigation, but nonetheless our officers were able to determine they were not the driver of the black sedan and we continued to seek out the actual driver. The three men we were dealing with were all arrested for public intoxication and transported to the police department. While dealing with the three public intoxication suspects our officers were alerted the actual driver may have been walking on Main Street. Our officers responded to the area and located Jesus Leon-Lopez (55, local) and took him into custody before interviewing him and booking him into the main jail for felony hit and run.

“This investigation, and arrest, underscores the types of issues that never need to really rise to the level of criminal culpability. The largest issue facing the suspect in this case may very well be the mere fact he decided to not stop, as per the law, and cooperate with law-enforcement after a traffic collision with quite an egregious aftermath – to include injuries. When accidents happen, please just do the right thing, it will make your life much easier even when you are already going through a negative experience. Stay safe Oakley!”

Brentwood to celebrate Independence Day with parades, Carnique, music, drone show

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By City of Brentwood

Join us for an unforgettable celebration as we kick off festivities with our Brentwood Classic July 4th Parade at 9:30 AM on Tuesday, July 4th! Splash at the Aquatic Complex at noon. Cool off at the Community Center or take a refreshing swim at the Liberty Pool. Enjoy food and live entertainment. Finally, be awed by the breathtaking drone show at 9:05 PM. It’ll be an incredible day of festivities for the whole family!

CHILDREN’S PARADE 9:30 AM

The Children’s Parade will begin at 9:30 AM, followed immediately by the main parade. Pre-registration is not required for the Children’s Parade. Children may dress up and use bicycles, roller skates, non-motorized scooters, wagons, strollers, and small battery-motorized play vehicles. The line begins at 1st and Birch Streets.

MAIN PARADE

The main parade will begin immediately following the Children’s Parade, traveling from the corner of 1st and Birch Street, turning right on Oak Street, and ending in front of the Community Center.

CARNIQUE 4:00 – 9:00 PM

At 4 PM, head downtown for the Brentwood Lions’ Club iconic Carnique presented by the City of Brentwood. Enjoy carnival games, delicious food, and a concert in the park.

The Brentwood Lion’s Club Carnique, presented by the City of Brentwood. Carnique was a combination BBQ/Carnival hosted by the Brentwood Lions Club for 35 years beginning in the late 1950’s. As we celebrate Brentwood’s 75th Anniversary, the Lions Club has generously allowed us to bring back this event to mark this important occasion.

CARNIVAL GAMES 4:00 – 7:00PM

18 classic carnival games for all ages will be located along Oak Street, between 1st and 2nd Streets. Tickets are $0.50 each or purchase an unlimited play wristband for $20. In the spirit of the original Carnique event which focused on fundraising, all proceeds from carnival game ticket sales will be donated to the non-profit groups volunteering to run the games.

FOOD VENDORS 4:00 – 9:00 PM

A wide assortment of food will be available for sale including BBQ, seafood, carnival favorites, desserts and international flavors to represent Brentwood’s diverse backgrounds. Portions of food sales will be donated to the Brentwood Lions Club and the Parks and Recreation Youth Scholarship Fund. Tables and chairs will be available along Oak Street in front of City Park.

COMMUNITY CENTER 4:00 – 9:00 PM

The Community Center will be open for those who want to cool off, learn about activities and facilities, buy a limited-edition retro Brentwood shirt or hat, or check out the Community Highlights videos in the Main Hall.

RECREATION SWIM AT LIBERTY POOL

4:00 – 7:00 PM Come take a dip in the new Jack W. Ferrill Aquatic Center at Liberty High School. Swimming at the Liberty High School pool was a popular activity during the original Carnique event, and it remains a favorite way for many Brentwood residents to cool off, even today.

CONCERTS IN THE PARK 7:00 – 9:00 PM

Get ready to rock in City Park! RagDolls will take the stage bringing Aerosmith’s iconic sound, energy, and stage presence.

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT DRONE SHOW 9:05 PM

Presented by the Downtown Brentwood Coalition, this one-of-a-kind experience will wrap up an incredible day of celebrating Independence Day in Brentwood. Several great viewing locations include City Park, downtown streets and the Liberty High School Football Field.

STREET CLOSURES FOR TUESDAY, 4TH OF JULY

Please be advised that during the upcoming 4th of July celebration, certain streets in the downtown area will be closed to vehicular traffic starting at 6:00 AM on July 4, 2023. Parking restrictions will be enforced.

Please anticipate traffic delays when heading downtown. We encourage residents to use alternative transportation options such as carpooling, walking, or biking.