Contra Costa Herald

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

Two-vehicle fatal crash on Hwy 4 near Bay Point Friday night

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By CHP – Contra Costa

Last night (6/30/23) around 8:16pm, CHP Contra Costa was advised of a two-vehicle crash on eastbound SR-4, west of Bailey Road. A GMC pickup, with two occupants, and a Volkswagen Sedan, with one occupant, were traveling eastbound on Hwy 4. Our preliminary investigation indicates the GMC collided into the Volkswagen which caused the GMC to leave the roadway and overturn. During the crash sequence, both occupants of the GMC were ejected from the vehicle.

Emergency personnel arrived on scene to render aid. Both occupants of the GMC were transported to the hospital and were later pronounced deceased. The driver of the Volkswagen was not injured.

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 councilwoman running for State Assembly

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Source: Wilson for Assembly campaign.

Second attempt at higher office, seeks to succeed Tim Grayson as part of effort to elect an equal number of women to the state legislature

By Allen D. Payton

On June 1st, Antioch District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson announced her campaign for State Assembly in District 15 which includes portions of Central and Eastern Contra Costa County. Current incumbent, Tim Grayson (D-Concord), is expected to run for the State Senate seat currently held by Steve Glazer who is termed out at the end of 2024. Although California state legislators can now serve a total of 12 years with a combination of time in each house, Glazer won a special election in 2011 to replace Mark DeSaulnier who was elected to Congress in 2015, midway through his term. If Glazer were re-elected for a third term, he would end up serving over 13 years.

First elected to the city council in 2012 then re-elected in 2016 for four-year terms, following the formation of council districts Wilson was re-elected again in 2020 for a two-year term garnering over 55% of the vote against two other candidates. This past year she was re-elected for another four-year term, but the support in her district had dropped to less than 37% in a field of four candidates, including fellow Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock. (See related article)

This is Democrat Wilson’s second run for higher office which included a failed attempt for District 3 County Supervisor in 2016 in which she placed fifth out of six candidates in the primary. (See related article)

The following press release was issued by her campaign:

Four-term Councilmember Monica Wilson announces her candidacy for State Assembly (AD15). Current Assemblymember Tim Grayson is widely expected to run for the Senate seat being vacated by Steve Glazer.

For the past two decades, Monica has served the people of Contra Costa County as a community organizer, high-profile advocate to end human trafficking, and leader in the fight for safe neighborhoods and healthy families.

“I am ready to take my results-oriented leadership to Sacramento – where I can do even more to maintain and improve the quality of life for our Contra Costa County communities and all Californians,” said Wilson. “Too many families are getting priced out due to skyrocketing cost of living and expensive housing. And creating effective solutions to homelessness is not only a regional, but statewide crisis. I have a proven track record of tackling today’s tough problems to provide the leadership every Californian needs.”

“These are all issues I have experienced myself,” she continued. “As your Assemblymember, I’ll fight to address pocketbook issues for the well-being of every Contra Costa County family and residents throughout the Golden State.”

Wilson announced her Assembly candidacy with endorsements from State Board of Equalization Member Sally Lieber, women and human rights advocate Christine Pelosi (Former Speaker of the House and Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi’s daughter) and local leaders including Concord Vice Mayor Edi Birsan and Brentwood Councilmember Jovita Mendoza.

“Monica has led efforts to protect our clean air and water for future generations,” said Board of Equalization Member Lieber. “Monica will lead the fight in Sacramento to make real progress toward the governor’s goal of dramatically cutting carbon pollution to reduce the risk of drought and wildfire.”

“It is more important than ever to elect women with proven track records of results to be our state policymakers. I am thrilled Councilmember Monica Wilson has answered the calls to run,” said Susannah Delano, Executive Director of Close the Gap California, (which is working for “gender parity in the state legislature by 2028”).

15th Assembly District map. Source: Wilson for Assembly campaign.

Assembly District 15 includes the cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, a portion of Walnut Creek and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point and Pacheco.

ABOUT MONICA: Antioch Councilmember Monica Wilson champions police reform and safe neighborhoods; solutions to homelessness; expansion of mental health response teams; and bans on new liquor stores. Monica is a regional and statewide leader in the fight against human trafficking, serving as a program manager for a Bay Area nonprofit battling exploitation – and also worked closely with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s office to create the County’s Human Trafficking Task Force.

REGIONAL LEADERSHIP & EXPERIENCE:

  • Serving 4th term on Antioch City Council; first African American woman elected
  • Vice Chair, Northern California Democratic Party Women’s Caucus; former Vice Chair, Democratic Party of Contra Costa County
  • Board Member, Tri Delta Transit
  • Staff Advisor, FemDems; Outreach Coordinator, Grateful Garment Project
  • Program Manager, Human Trafficking nonprofit Love Never Fails
  • Staff Member, Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County
  • San José – Evergreen Community College District and Mills College professional positions in Workforce Institute and Student Life divisions

———————-

Wilson is also one of five board members for the Celebrate Antioch Foundation which serves as the fiscal agent for her East Contra Costa Women’s Leadership Initiative.

Issues

According to the Priorities page on her campaign website, Wilson’s platform includes the issues of Cost of Living, Affordable Housing and Homelessness, Safe Neighborhoods and Schools and Climate Change.

Accomplishments

Wilson’s main accomplishment as a member of the Antioch City Council was last year’s approval of the pilot program for a mental health response team to assist the police department, which is expected to begin operating this year. In addition, she championed a moratorium on gas and oil drilling in the city, and rejection of the franchise agreement renewal for the natural gas pipeline that runs through the city. That has resulted in an ongoing lawsuit by the operator of the pipeline. The councilwoman is now pushing for a moratorium on new gas stations in the city.

For the past two-and-a-half years Wilson has been the least controversial member of the council majority that has approved rental housing protections, a homeless motel for transitional housing, reversal of a $750,000 grant for six police officers to serve as School Resource Officers on Antioch middle and high school campuses, multiple cannabis dispensaries and businesses, a ban on the sale of certain tobacco products and the sale or transfer of tobacco retail businesses including to other family members, a gerrymandered council district map, hiring their own part-time secretaries, as well as the hiring of the current city manager, who she later voted to place on paid administrative leave pending at least two investigations.

According to her LinkedIn page, Wilson has held a total of six jobs since 2009. She is unmarried and has no children.

For more information about Wilson’s campaign visit www.MonicaforAssembly.com.

 

Richmond woman arrested for Oakley gym locker room robbery

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Stole wallets, cell phones, debit cards and cash; tried to buy $5,000 worth of merchandise

By Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard

On June 26, 2023 at 4:58PM Oakley Police Officers were dispatched to the Diamond Hills Gym, located at 1510 Neroly Road, on the report of multiple thefts that had just occurred. Upon arrival our officers learned a woman used a fake name to gain entry into the gym and then proceeded to physically break into multiple lockers in the women’s locker room. Approximately 5-6 patrons reported being victims of the thefts and items such as: wallets, cell phones, debit cards, and cash were reported as being stolen. Our officers interviewed victims, witnesses, and obtained video surveillance of the suspect. Some of the victims were alerted by their bank institutions, their credit cards were already being used at the Nordstrom store, in Concord at the Sun Valley Mall.

Officer Hurtado responded to the Nordstrom store to continue his investigation and obtain additional video surveillance. Officer Hurtado learned the suspect had left the store by the time he arrived. Officer Hurtado continued his investigation by talking to security and store employees when he saw a woman walk back into the store.

Officer Hurtado recognized the woman from the Diamond Hills Gym surveillance, and also from the Nordstrom store surveillance. Officer Hurtado approached the woman and promptly arrested her for the crimes, the woman continued her nefarious ways by providing a false name to Officer Hurtado.

Officer Hurtado was ultimately able to identify the woman as Andrania Yancy (37, Richmond). It was further determined, Yancy attempted to purchase over $5,000 worth of merchandise using six different stolen credit cards, all of which were denied. Yancy was arrested for grand theft, false impersonation of another, identification theft, and an outstanding warrant.

“I would like to thank everybody who brought this criminal matter to our attention. Because of quick reporting by witnesses and victims our officers were able to get an early jump on their investigation and they were able to develop information even as another related crime was taking place in another jurisdiction. At the time of this crime we had additional resources available to us in the form of a fully staffed swing shift team. This fully staffed team is the direct result of a commitment by the Oakley City Council and City Management to listen to Oakley residents and business owners to fund appropriate law-enforcement services. This commitment is not only leading to safer streets, but it has also resulted in the recruitment of some of the best law-enforcement candidates in the industry, such as Officer Hurtado, and I am grateful for all of them. Stay safe Oakley.”

According to information from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Yancy bonded out and is no longer in custody as of Wednesday afternoon, June 28.

According to localcrimenews.com Yancy has a history of arrests for various criminal activity dating back to 2014 including for grand theft, burglary, forgery in multiple cities and counties.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Female suspect wanted for Brentwood, Antioch bank, credit union robberies

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Photos by Brentwood PD.

By Brentwood Police Department

On June 26, 2023 at around 1:58 p.m., Brentwood PD officers responded to the 5600 block of Lone Tree Way to investigate a silent hold up alarm at the Patelco Credit Union. Upon officer’s arrival, it was determined what appears to be a Hispanic female adult passed a note to the bank teller demanding money. The suspect then fled the bank on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.

At around 3:53 p.m., Antioch PD officers responded to the 2700 block of Lone Tree Way to investigate another silent hold up alarm at the Travis Credit Union. Upon their arrival, it was determined what appears to be the same female suspect passed a note to the bank teller again demanding money. The suspect fled the bank with an undisclosed amount of money. Antioch PD Officers believe the suspect may have fled in a gray four-door Honda or Nissan with tinted windows. Thankfully, nobody was physically injured in either robbery.

Our agencies have since confirmed the same female suspect committed the pair of robberies; however, wore different clothing during each incident. The suspect was described to officers as a Hispanic female, early to mid-twenties, between approximately 5 feet 3 inches to 5 feet 5 inches tall, with brown hair. Do not approach the suspect if she is seen.

If you have any information about the suspect or the suspect vehicle, please contact Brentwood PD Detective Agostinho at 925-809-7870 or the Antioch Police Department Investigations Division at 925-779-6926. Callers can remain anonymous.

 

Community Outreach Musical Summer Gathering in the Park at county fairgrounds Aug. 6

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Come out and join us for a day of school supply giveaways, community unity with music and dance. Resource operations will also share information.

Sunday, August 6, 2023 3 – 6 p.m.

Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch

To reserve your free school supplies, please contact B.C.C. Ministries at (925) 350-0188 or bcc1781 @gmail.com.

Raids of 20 East County homes net over $15.3 million in illegal weed

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Illegal weed seized and red tagged house in Antioch on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. Top photos by CA Dept of Cannabis Control. Bottom photo by Antioch resident who chose to remain anonymous.

By Moorea Warren, Information Officer, California Department of Cannabis Control

Thanks to the continued dedication and collaboration of the Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF) 20 East Bay illegal indoor cannabis cultivators were shut down on June 20, and a total estimated value of over $15.3 million of illegal cannabis was seized.

An investigation spanning several weeks culminated in the operation led by the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). There were 20 search warrants served by four units of officers and local and state partners, including the Department of Fish & Wildlife, the Department of Tax and Fee Administration, the California National Guard, and local law enforcement – five in Antioch, three in Brentwood, two in Discovery Bay and ten in Pittsburg, resulting in the seizures of:

  • 742 pounds of cannabis flower estimated valued of $1,244,762
  • 17,121 cannabis plants estimated valued of $14,124,825
  • 7 firearms (including 1 assault rifle)
  • $24,197 in cash

Several of the locations were red-tagged for safety and code violations.

One dead, 3 injured in 3-vehicle head-on crash on Vasco Road in Byron Wednesday

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Photo courtesy of Gayle John.

By Allen D. Payton

According to CHP-Contra Costa, “This afternoon (6/21/23) at approximately 1:57pm, CHP Contra Costa responded to a three-vehicle crash on Vasco Road south of Camino Diablo.

Our preliminary investigation indicates a Dodge Ram, with two occupants, was traveling southbound on Vasco Road while a Toyota Tacoma, with one occupant, and a Chevrolet Express, with one occupant, was traveling northbound on Vasco Road. The Dodge and the Toyota collided head on, due to the Dodge crossing into the northbound lane. The Dodge began to overturn in the southbound lanes and the Chevrolet collided with the Dodge.

The driver of the Toyota was pronounced deceased on scene. The driver of the Dodge sustained major injuries, the passenger of the Dodge sustained minor injuries and the driver of the Chevrolet sustained minor injuries.”

According to Con Fire PIO Steve Hill, “we responded to reports of a head-on collision between a pickup and a van on Vasco Road just south of Byron this afternoon at 2:00 p.m. On scene, we found a head-on between two pickups and a third vehicle, a small service van, that had gotten involved in the mix-up between the first two vehicles.”

One victim was dead at the scene and there were three injured. Two victims needed extrication, which we accomplished. Two were seriously injured and transported by air ambulance to John Muir Walnut Creek, a third injured party was transported by ground to Kaiser Antioch.

Vasco Road was closed for a couple of hours by CHP as we used it not only to respond to the accident scene but also to land the two air ambulances for transport to hospital. We cleared around 4:00 p.m. after remaining on scene to help with the cleanup. I do not know when Vasco Road was reopened by CHP. I do not have any further information on the three injured parties.”

According to an ABC7 Bay Area News report, “Two people had to be extricated from the vehicles; one at 2:30 p.m. and the other at 2:47 p.m. The victims were transported to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, including a 31-year-old man and a 40-year-old.”

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.

As of publication time it was not known if Vasco Road had been reopened.

 

 

Free Annie, Jr. musical in Antioch June 23 & 24

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Starring Antioch youth

Presented by Aspire Youth Engagement Programs, Inc. Visual & Performing Arts Academy and City of Antioch

Come watch Annie, Jr., the exciting musical based on the popular Tony-winning musical Annie. Follow the journey of a young orphan, Annie as she determines to find her parents!

This exciting show, free to the public, features Antioch scholars from Kindergarten through 12th grade, mounting the stage in dance, song and theater performances.

With over 18 years of experience with providing impactful youth services programs throughout Northern California, Pittsburg-based Aspire Youth Engagement Programs, Inc. continue to excel as leaders in the industry, keeping our pulse to the ever-changing needs of today’s youth, while creating relevant and fresh programs that make a difference.  Aspire Programs among others include:

  • City of Antioch (January 2022-present)
  1. “Annie, Jr.” our upcoming production coming on Friday and Saturday, June 23rd and 24th at the Nick Rodriguez Community Theater at 213 F Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. This production, free to the public features scholars, Kinder-12th grade from the city of Antioch, mounting the stage in Dance, Song and Theater performances.
  2. Musical Production – “The Wiz Jr.” – City of Antioch (2022)
  3. Painting & Spoken Word (Middle School/High School scholars – City of Antioch – Summer 2022)
  4. Basketball Summer Camp (13- to 17-year-old boys) June 20th – July 15th, 2023 (38 scholars)
  • After School Programs which includes Dance, Theatre and Voice/Choir (Pittsburg Unified School District ‘PUSD’ – 2018-present)
  • Bay Point – Dance Classes (1st-8th Grade), Ambrose Community Center (March-June 2023)
  • Visual & Performing Arts Academy
  1. Annual Holiday Musical Production “Joy – The Urban Nutcracker – (88 Scholars from Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley and Pittsburg). Performed at Pittsburg Creative Arts Building, Big Theater, December 10, 2022;
  • STEM & STEAM Programs (PUSD, April 2020; April 2021; April,2022 (virtual)
  • Girl’s Leadership Program (Social Etiquette, Fashion, Future Leaders)

OUR MISSION

Aspire Youth Engagement Programs are designed to help Kinder – 12th grade scholars discover and develop their true potential focusing on key areas of growth – academically, emotionally and through leadership development – to become their best within the community.

THE COMMUNITY BENEFITS OF VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

The performing arts are intrinsically valuable for the beauty and fulfillment they bring, but researchers have observed that it also brings other benefits such as Empathy, Academic Performance, and Self Esteem. Performing onstage is frightening for newcomers, which is why students feel an immense confidence boost after they practice hard, work together, and successfully stage a play for friends, the community and family. The kids in our programs practice teamwork, gain confidence, learn leadership and build a skill set not only for a theater stage, but for the real world.

Former Antioch cop charged with assault for July 2022 traffic stop incident

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Former Antioch Police Officer Matthew Nutt in June 2019 after he was hired, and screenshot of him striking the detainee with his knee while forcing him into the back of a police vehicle, from Officer Dustin Dibble’s body cam video footage on July 1, 2022. Source: APD

Hired in June 2019, Matthew Nutt was terminated this year; APD provides body cam footage

By Lt. Michael Mellone, Community Engagement, Antioch Police Department

As has been previously reported, former Antioch Police Officer Matthew Nutt was terminated from his employment as the result of an internal investigation into his use of force against an individual during a traffic stop on July 1, 2022. During the incident, Mr. Nutt learned the driver of a vehicle stopped for not displaying license plates had an outstanding felony warrant for shooting at an inhabited dwelling or occupied vehicle and conspiracy. Upon placing the individual under arrest, he refused to sit in the back of a police vehicle and displayed physical resistance. Mr. Nutt used force against the arrestee, consisting of a series of punches and kicks, along with knee and elbow strikes.

Mr. Nutt’s application of force triggered an automatic review of his body-worn camera footage. The reviewing supervisor had concerns about what was depicted in the video and believed Mr. Nutt may have violated Antioch Police policies governing use of force. The supervisor communicated his concerns through official channels, and an internal review was initiated. Mr. Nutt was placed into an assignment with no direct public contact.

Video screenshot from Officer Dustin Dibble’s body cam footage of former Officer Nutt’s fist striking the detainee in the torso while forcing him into the back of a police vehicle on July 1, 2022. Source: APD

After a thorough investigation, Mr. Nutt was sustained on four (4) use of force policy violations, including using unreasonable force, failure to de-escalate, and failure to use alternative tactics. Chief Steven Ford reviewed the findings of the investigation and terminated Mr. Nutt from his employment with the Antioch Police Department on April 21, 2023.

Members of the Antioch Police Department Professional Standards Unit initiated a criminal investigation into the matter and presented their findings to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. On June 13, 2023, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office charged Mr. Nutt with one misdemeanor count of assault by a public officer.

Chief Steven A. Ford released the following statement regarding this incident:

“Police officers are entrusted with the authority to use reasonable force to protect the public and themselves in the lawful performance of their duties. This requires close supervision and evaluation to maintain public legitimacy and preserve the sanctity of human life. The Antioch Police Department is committed to accountability and full transparency – my hope is our community will see the actions of our personnel to investigate and bring this matter to my attention as an expression of their commitment to accountability and the core tenets of their oath. This unfortunate incident is not reflective of the women and men who serve our community – please join me in continuing to offer our support of their hard work.”

Video screenshot from Officer Dustin Dibble’s body cam footage of former Officer Nutt forcing the detainee into the back of a police vehicle on July 1, 2022. Source: APD

Mr. Nutt was hired in June 2019 and employed with the Antioch Police Department for four years and had two years of prior experience with the Los Angeles Police Department. (See related article)

In the interest of transparency – and in accordance with State Law – we are releasing the following documents and evidence:

(WARNING – violence and profanity)

Internal Investigation Report – https://antioch.nextrequest.com/documents/21707013

Former Officer Nutt Body Cam Video #1

Former Officer Nutt Body Cam Video #2 (labeled #6)

Officer Dustin Dibble Body Cam Video (labeled #4) – This video shows Nutt punching and kicking the detainee.

Sergeant Josh Evans Body Cam Video (labeled #5)

Redactions have been made to these items in accordance with State Laws governing release of certain privileged and/or protected information.

The Antioch Police Department trains officers and has several policies on use of force, de-escalation, and alternative tactics, which can be reviewed on our transparency website: https://www.antiochca.gov/police/sb-978-policy-manual-training-materials

The Antioch Police Department recently joined a Trust Building Campaign https://www.theiacp.org/iacp-trust-building-campaign with 25-key policy enhancements we have pledged to implement within a 36-month period. We have also begun a process to seek accreditation of our Police Department and Dispatch Center, which includes regular audits of our policies and practices by an internationally recognized organization.