Contra Costa Herald

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

Highway 4 lanes in Brentwood to be closed for completion of trail overcrossing March 24-29

By Leave a Comment

Late night, early morning, one-direction at a time, except Saturday night

Caltrans is scheduled to install the Mokelumne Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing span over State Route 4 (“SR4”) in Brentwood beginning Friday night, March 24 through early Wednesday morning, March 29, 2023. Expect State Route 4 closures between Sand Creek Road and Lone Tree Way.

Weather permitting, Caltrans will be closing the highway one-direction at a time as described below:

March 24th:  Eastbound SR4 closure from midnight Friday until 6:00 a.m. Saturday.

March 25th:  No closure on Saturday night.

March 26th:  Westbound SR4 closure on Sunday from 1:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.

March 26th-27th:  Westbound SR4 closure on Sunday from 11:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. Monday.

March 27th:  Eastbound SR4 closure on Monday from 11:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. Tuesday.

March 28th:  Eastbound or westbound SR4 closure on Tuesday from 11:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. Wednesday, if needed to complete any remaining work.

Detour Route:

Westbound traffic will exit Sand Creek Road and proceed eastbound on Sand Creek Road to Shady Willow Lane, proceed northbound on Shady Willow Lane to Lone Tree Way, and proceed westbound on Lone Tree Way to the westbound SR4 on-ramp.

Eastbound traffic will exit Lone Tree Way, proceed eastbound on Lone Tree Way to Shady Willow Lane, proceed southbound on Shady Willow Lane to Sand Creek Road, and proceed westbound on Sand Creek Road to the eastbound SR4 on-ramp.

Funding for the $13 million project is provided through Measure J taxpayer dollars from the county’s half-cent sales tax for transportation, the State Route 4 Bypass Authority, and bridge toll funds. The overcrossing is expected to be completed early this year.

For updates and detailed information, please visit https://brentwood.info/SR4_Closure. To learn more about the project visit Mokelumne Trail Bicycle/Pedestrian Overcrossing.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

After rainouts, flooding, 63rd championship racing season opener set for Saturday at Antioch Speedway

By Leave a Comment

Shannon Newton wasn’t planning to chase points and ended up winning his second Wingless Spec Sprint championship. Photo by Katrina Kniss

2022 Champions honored at banquet were Nick DeCarlo (IMCA Modifieds), Fred Ryland (IMCA Sport Modifieds), Travis Dutra (IMCA Stock Cars), Misty Welborn (Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks), Shannon Newton (Wingless Spec Sprints), Jim Freethy (Super Stocks), Danny Wagner (Delta Dwarf Cars) and Tom Brown (Print Club Mini Stocks)

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing News

Antioch, CA…This Saturday night, March 25, 2023, Antioch Speedway has a loaded program as the 63rd season of championship auto racing is set to begin. Weather permitting, the trifecta of IMCA, Modifieds, Sport Modifieds and Stock Cars, will be joined by the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks, Delta Dwarf Cars and United States Auto Club Western States Midgets. Wet weather leading up to Saturday could postpone things again.

Antioch, like much of the state, has seen more rain this winter than has been seen in several years. The rain hit the track so hard that you could have had a fishing contest on the flooded racing surface back in February. With water pumps and a diligently working track crew, the track is expected to be ready on Saturday as long as the weather allows the six-division show to happen.

Back in February, the track did manage to make an awards banquet happen to celebrate last season. This has not been a given for the track in recent years. Due to COVID-19, the track couldn’t even have fans in the grandstands in 2020 when they held races, and the banquet was a non-starter. The banquet was set to happen early in 2022, which would celebrate the previous season, but COVID-19 regulations kept the gathering from happening again.

However, last year was the first season since 2019 in which fans were able to attend every race. There were no restrictions in place. A last minute effort was put together for the banquet, which took place at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in February. With some sponsorship and teamwork from throughout the racing community, champions in eight divisions were crowned in February.

Fred Ryland added his third IMCA Sport Modified track championship trophy to his mantle. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Drivers earning the big trophies included Nick DeCarlo (IMCA Modifieds), Fred Ryland (IMCA Sport Modifieds), Travis Dutra (IMCA Stock Cars), Misty Welborn (Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks), Shannon Newton (Wingless Spec Sprints), Jim Freethy (Super Stocks), Danny Wagner (Delta Dwarf Cars) and Tom Brown (Print Club Mini Stocks).

The Top 10 drivers in each division were honored along with Most Improved Driver and Rookie of The Year awards in all classes, plus special awards. Track Photographer Katrina Kniss also had some special awards for the Top 3 drivers in each class.

The gala event was nearly at capacity, and the interesting part was something was attempted that had never been done before. This was a free to attend event for the racing community, which also included a spaghetti meal and beverages. A live band ended the night on a positive note.

Drivers were speaking of their enthusiasm coming into the new season, It’s a clean slate. That means a new opportunity for drivers to run for points in the popular IMCA divisions, which always garner lots of attention from the fans. The Hobby Stocks were noteworthy last year in bringing the biggest car count week in and week out. If the five regular divisions on the schedule aren’t enough, there’s a special attraction on Saturday.

Promoter Chad Chadwick and Race Director Chris Bennett worked diligently to give the fans several special events of interest, and more open wheel racing will be a part of it. For the first time ever, the United States Auto Club Western States Miidgets will compete at Antioch Speedway, and this is just their first visit of the year. These fast wingless open wheel cars have been a popular form of racing in California since the 1930s.

Later on this year, the fans will be treated to NARC Winged 410 Sprint Cars, Sprint Car Challenge Tour Winged 360 Sprint Cars and Hunt Wingless Spec Sprints, among the many special events that will be a part of things in the weeks ahead.

The track’s website has the schedule listed along with other vital information, and it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the social media pages.

The IMCA Modifieds are the longest continuously tenured division currently in the lineup, having had championship seasons every year since 1990. DeCarlo enjoyed his second Antioch championship last year. The Sport Modifieds have a slightly bigger car count and will have intense competition this year, while the Stock Cars continue to gain more competitors among their ranks. They are poised to have a breakout season. Add in all the other elements, and Saturday night is a must-see event for racing enthusiasts.

The gates will open at 4:00 with the first race starting at 6:00.

Adult tickets are $20, Senior/Military $15, Kids (5-12) $15 and kids five and under free.

For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com for check out the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions Facebook page.

 

Pittsburg man charged with vehicular manslaughter in hit-and-run death of teen girl

By Leave a Comment

Pittsburg Detectives Gutierrez and Elmore and arrest of Roberto Matthew Sainez, Jr. Photos: Pittsburg PD

Driver’s fiancé also arrested for being accessory, destroying evidence

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

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has filed a four-count complaint against a 34-year-old Pittsburg man for his role in a hit-and-run collision that took the life of a 17-year-old female pedestrian, Brooke Jeffrey.

Roberto Matthew Sainez, Jr. was arraigned in Superior Court in Martinez Friday, on vehicular manslaughter, a hit and run that resulted in the death of another person, destroying evidence, and driving with a suspended or revoked license for a DUI conviction. The manslaughter charge comes with an enhancement of fleeing the scene after committing the offense.

The incident occurred around 7:15 pm on March 7th, 2023, near Black Diamond High School in Pittsburg. Pittsburg Police received a call about a pedestrian who appeared unconscious and likely hit by a vehicle. When police arrived on the scene at Stoneman Avenue near Briarcliff Drive, they found the teen lying in the center of the road. Police and medical personnel administered life-saving measures. However, the teen was pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital.

Pittsburg Police initiated an investigation of the incident — which led them to Mr. Sainez as a suspect. He was arrested on March 15th and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. During

the arraignment, Deputy District Attorney Jeff Kolko noted that Sainez not only fled the scene after striking the teen with his vehicle, but also took action to cover up the evidence. A family member of the victim also spoke in court asking Judge Nancy Davis Stark to consider the lack of

remorse in Sainez’s actions. After hearing from the victim’s family member and Mr. Kolko’s request to increase Sainez’s bail, the judge increased the bail amount from $200,000 to $1,000,000.

Case No. 04-23-00363 | The People of the State of California vs. Sainez, Roberto Matthew

Driver’s 30-year-old Fiancé Also Arrested

According to a Pittsburg Police press release on Thursday, March 16, The District Attorney’s Office filed the following charges in relation to the fatal hit-and-run crash of 17-year-old Brooke Jeffrey:

Sainez, Roberto Jr.

PC 192(c)(1) – Vehicular Manslaughter; enhancement of CVC 20001(c) – Fleeing Scene of a Crime

CVC 20001(b)(2) – Hit and Run Resulting in Death

PC 135 – Destruction of Evidence

CVC 14601.2(a) – Suspended License for DUI

Bail: $200,000

Today, Pittsburg PD investigators arrested 34-year-old Roberto Sainez from Pittsburg for the hit-and-run collision that killed a teenage girl. Sainez’ fiancé, 30-year-old Vanessa Landeros, was also arrested.

Sainez was booked on the following charges:

  • PC 192(c) – Vehicular Manslaughter
  • PC 135 – Destroying or Concealing Evidence
  • CVC 20001 Felony Hit & Run
  • CVC 20003 Hit & Run resulting in a death
  • CVC 14601.2 – Suspended License for DUI
  • CVC 14601.4 – Driving on a suspended or revoked license and causing bodily injury
  • CVC 14601.5 – Driving on a Suspended License due to DUI

Landeros was booked on the following charges:

  • PC 32 – Accessory after the fact
  • PC 135 – Destroying or Concealing Evidence

The two were arrested in the 3000 block of Gladstone Drive in Pittsburg where investigators were serving a search warrant.

On March 7th, Pittsburg police officers responded to Stoneman Avenue and Briarcliff Drive where a 17-year-old pedestrian was fatally struck by a vehicle, which then fled the area. From the onset, this case was handled with an all-hands-on deck approach and investigators worked diligently, following all investigative leads that led to these arrests. This included reviewing of countless hours of video surveillance, which aided in the identification of the suspect vehicle and ultimately the suspects. Investigators served several search warrants in this case to include two Pittsburg residences, a Pittsburg business, and a property in Sonoma County which also led to the recovery of the vehicle involved in the collision.

We are extremely proud of the swift and hard work our detectives, fatal traffic investigators and evidence technician put into this case to provide the family closure and justice. Please understand that there are times, particularly in sensitive cases, where we cannot issue information prematurely to protect the integrity of the investigation.

We would like to thank our community for their cooperation in this investigation. In the coming days, investigators will be presenting this case to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office for the filing of formal charges. This is still an active investigation. Anyone who has additional information related to this case should contact Detective Gutierrez at 925-252-4095 or Detective Elmore at 925-252-4875.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Brentwood college student, Pittsburg native and Antioch High grad in running for scholarship

By Leave a Comment

One of seven Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s 459 semifinalists from Contra Costa County for highly competitive undergraduate transfer scholarships

Other college scholarship programs offered for middle, high school students

By Julia Florence

Lansdowne, Virginia – On March 9, 2023, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation announced 459 semifinalists for the highly competitive Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. Brentwood resident Ryan Mattson, in his last semester at Sacramento City College, was selected as the only representative of the Los Rios Community College District to be named a semifinalist.

The native who grew up in Pittsburg, CA and is a 2006 graduate of Antioch High School is one of seven semifinalists in Contra Costa County. The six other community college students named semifinalists are Eliette Bustos Barocio and Hosna Ramzi from Los Medanos College and Ivan Hernandez, Jessica Kim, Karla Morales De Leon and Mayari Lanz Amezcua from Diablo Valley College.

The Foundation awards community college students who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability, leadership, service and a determination to complete their bachelor’s degrees at top four-year institutions.

“I was accepted into Columbia University in New York City and await confirmation or denial from Stanford, Yale and UC Berkeley,” Mattson shared.

He plans to study political science and history but has not finalized his major at Columbia.

Mattson has worked in the trades, specifically automotive repair and maintenance at Winter Chevrolet in Pittsburg and has a 15-year-old son who attends Liberty High in Brentwood.

“I believe the reason for my singularity comes from students not being informed of this scholarship opportunity,” he said. “If the community knew age did not matter and scholarships were available to the determined, I believe our community would garner not only the nation’s best minds but also the most driven individuals.”

This year’s semifinalists were chosen from a pool of more than 1,700 applicants and attend 215 community colleges in 38 states. Some of the latest research from the American Talent Initiative estimates that roughly 50,000 high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds could transfer to four-year colleges each year but don’t, often due to cost. The Cooke Transfer Scholarship is designed to create a clear pathway to a four-year degree by offering up to $55,000 per year along with academic advising and access to a network of peers.

“By lifting the financial burden of pursuing a four-year degree off their shoulders, our goal is to help students take full advantage of a four-year college experience without taking on student debt,” said Seppy Basili, Executive Director of the Cooke Foundation. “This year’s selected semifinalists reflect the deep bench of talent across our community colleges today, and we’re looking forward to getting to know them better in our final application review process.”

The Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship offers unparalleled support to community college students. In addition to the generous financial support, selected Cooke Transfer Scholars will receive educational advising from the Foundation’s Deans of Scholar Support to guide them through the process of transitioning to a four-year school and preparing for their future endeavors. They will also have access to opportunities for internships, study abroad, graduate school funding, and the incomparable connection to a robust network of more than 3,000 fellow Cooke Scholars and Alumni.

According to the foundation’s website, scholarship recipients earned a 3.92 average community college GPA, 70% participated in an honors program or pursued honors coursework and 67% held a leadership role in a club or activity. They will be announced in April.

A list of this year’s Cooke Transfer Scholar semifinalists, their respective community colleges, and hometowns can be viewed here. To learn more about the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, visit the website here.

Named for and Funded by Canadian-American Businessman

According to Wikipedia, “Jack Kent Cooke was a Canadian-American businessman in broadcasting and professional sports. Starting in sales, Cooke was very successful, eventually becoming a partner in a network of radio stations and newspapers in Canada. Cooke moved to the United States and built a business empire in broadcasting and professional sports franchises. Cooke was the owner of the Washington Redskins (NFL), the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), the Los Angeles Kings (NHL), the Los Angeles Wolves (United Soccer) and Toronto Maple Leafs (IL minor league baseball team). He also developed The Forum in Inglewood, California, and FedExField (named Jack Kent Cooke Stadium when it opened, months after his death) near Landover, Maryland.”

According to the foundation’s website, Cooke was born in Canada in 1912. “As a young man, he was an athlete and musician, with a love for ice hockey, the saxophone, and the clarinet. He dreamed of pursuing a formal education, but that dream was cut short when he left high school during the Great Depression to work full time to help support his family. Nonetheless, Mr. Cooke believed education was a life-long pursuit. He was a passionate student his entire life and was knowledgeable in fields as diverse as literature, music, sports, and architecture. When he died in 1997, Mr. Cooke left the bulk of his fortune to establish the Cooke Foundation and provide remarkable students with the chance to soar.”

More Scholarship Programs for Middle, High School Students

The foundation also offers three other scholarship opportunities. The Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program is the largest undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities. The high school seniors will receive up to $55,000 per year for up to four years to complete a bachelor’s degree. They will also be eligible to apply for the Cooke Graduate Scholarship after graduating with their bachelor’s degree, which is worth up to $150,000.

The Cooke College Scholarship Program is available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities.

This year’s 45 recipients entered the Cooke Young Scholars Program as 8th graders in 2019. As a cohort, they have attended two residential summer programs together. During the summer before 8th grade, Young Scholars spent three weeks at the University of Pennsylvania exploring social and political issues through project-based service-learning and academic study. This past summer, Scholars took part in an inquiry‐based enrichment experience at the University of Connecticut, participating in experiential research projects.

The Cooke Young Scholars Program is a selective five-year, pre-college scholarship for high-performing 7th grade students with financial need. It provides comprehensive academic and college advising, as well as financial support for school, Cooke-sponsored summer programs, internships, and other learning enrichment opportunities.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report. 

Pittsburg teen shot arrested for stolen car, Wednesday shooting in Oakley

By 1 Comment

Following “illegal narcotics deal gone bad”

Police search for shooter

By Oakley Police Department

On March 15, 2023, at approximately 10:12PM, Oakley police officers responded to the 1000 block of Quail Valley Run for the report of three males fighting inside a vehicle and gunshots being heard. Oakley Officers started towards the area, and they were advised one person fled from the vehicle after the gunshots and the vehicle was driven away too. Oakley Police Officers found the vehicle at the intersection of Laurel Road and Teton Road. As the officers started making contact with the occupants, they learned the vehicle was stolen out of Oakley on March 11, 2023. Officers quickly contacted the occupants and found the driver was a young adult male and he was shot in the upper chest. Officers also contacted a juvenile male in the front passenger seat. Our officers provided medical care to the driver and had paramedics respond.

Our officers began their investigation and they found both the driver and the passenger to be completely uncooperative with them. The driver was transported to a local hospital for advanced care and our detectives were called in. the stolen vehicle was seized as evidence, along with many personal effects of the driver and the passenger. Our investigation led to the recovery of the firearm that was used in this shooting.

Our investigation has so far revealed this incident appears to be an illegal narcotics deal gone bad. We are still actively working on identifying the person who fled on foot, who at this point is only known to be a male wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt.

The driver of the stolen vehicle, and the person who was shot, is identified as Nickolas Durham (18, Pittsburg). Durham was released from the local hospital into the custody of the Oakley Police Department, and we have arrested and booked him for:

  • Possession of a stolen vehicle

The juvenile passenger in the vehicle was arrested and booked for:

  • Possession of a firearm
  • Assault with a deadly weapon

“This is the second major incident that occurred on Quail Valley Run in the span of just one day. At this point there is no evidence to suggest the two incidents are related in any way. Even though my detectives are still trying to identify the third party in this incident we have recovered the gun that was used, and we have taken two suspects into custody. I do not believe this incident still represents a threat to public safety due to the recovery of the gun and the arrests,” said Police Chief Paul Beard. “I do however acknowledge the good and hardworking residents of the Quail Valley Run area may be uneasy due to all of the recent activity. I want all of those residents to know I have issued an expectation to my officers to bolster patrols in that area for the next few days. I am also imploring everybody to call us if they see anything suspicious or out of place. The Oakley Police Department will always work hard to ensure the safety of our residents and our business owners. The more we know, or find out about, only helps us to do the best job we can do.”

 

Oakley teen arrested for Feb. shooting, Saturday carjacking, shooting in Antioch

By 1 Comment

Mother also arrested as accomplice for Oakley crime

By Oakley Police Department

On February 19, 2023, at approximately 8:35PM, Oakley police officers responded to 4501 Main Street (AMPM – ARCO gas Station) for the report of a black male adult wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, shooting at a vehicle fleeing the location. Oakley Officers arrived on scene, contacted witnesses, and reviewed security footage. Based on the video footage, officers were able to identify a victim in the shooting and made contact. A bullet hole was located in the victim’s vehicle. No injuries were sustained or reported from this incident.

Information was obtained which suggested the incident occurred due to both victim and suspect looking at each other. An altercation took place, and the suspect pulled a firearm. The victim ran to their vehicle and tried to flee the scene. The suspect ran after the victim vehicle while firing several rounds from a handgun. The suspect entered a vehicle with other individuals and left the scene.

Oakley Detectives conducted follow up, reviewed surveillance video, and were able to identify the shooter as Jacari McKinney (18, Oakley). Additionally, Oakley Detectives were able to identify the driver of the suspect vehicle as Marika Brown (45, Oakley), who is also the mother of McKinney.

During the course of this investigation Oakley Detectives contacted Antioch Police Department Detectives to exchange information. Both agencies were able to confirm McKinney as a suspect in cases from both cities. On 03/15/2023, the Antioch Police Department SWAT team conducted a search warrant operation in the City of Oakley. This operation was the result of the joint investigation of both the Antioch Police Department and the Oakley Police Department and Oakley personnel assisted in the operation. As a result of this police action both McKinney and Brown were taken into custody without incident. They were formally booked at the Martinez Detention Facility.

The Oakley Police Department is charging McKinney with:

  • Attempted murder- FELONY
  • Assault with a deadly weapon, involving firearm- FELONY
  • Shooting into an occupied vehicle- FELONY

The Oakley Police Department is charging Brown with:

  • Accessory after the fact (of McKinney’s crimes)- FELONY

“The joint cooperation of my Department and the Antioch Police Department epitomizes what should be the spirit of police agencies across America. I can personally attest the investigative units of Oakley PD and Antioch PD worked cooperatively together during this investigation and shared the common goal of removing a dangerous person from free society to hold him accountable and to prevent him from committing additional acts of violence against innocent persons. They have succeeded in this goal. I am grateful the actions of our joint teams of officers have prevented further violence and I appreciate all of their efforts,” said Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard. “It has come to my attention McKinney was on juvenile probation for another firearms related offense and he was being monitored via an ankle monitor for a period of time. Just days before he committed his crimes in Oakley his ankle monitor was lawfully removed. Mr. McKinney has clearly established a pattern of very violent tendencies and I am calling for the maximum level of accountability to be applied against him for the sake of society as whole.”

If you have any information regarding the Oakley shooting on February 19, 2023, or any other incident involving the suspects in this case, please contact the Oakey Police Department (925) 229-2079

In addition, according to Antioch Police PIO Ashley Crandell, McKinney was wanted for another shooting and carjacking, last Saturday, in that city

On March 11, 2023, at 11:24 am, the Antioch Police Department Communications Center received multiple emergency calls reporting a person shot at the Twin Creeks Apartments a 1111 James Donlon Blvd. Responding officers located an adult male victim with at least one gunshot wound, who was transported to a local hospital in serious but stable condition. Officers learned the victim’s vehicle was carjacked by the suspect immediately after the shooting.

Detective Gragg and the other members of the Antioch Police Department’s Violent Crime Investigation’s Unit worked tirelessly on this case and through investigation learned the suspect was also the suspect in a shooting investigation in Oakley. The Antioch Police Department and Oakley Police Department worked in collaboration to identify the suspect and take him into custody.

On March 15, 2023, at approximately 5:00 am, the Antioch Police Department’s Investigation’s Bureau and SWAT team, with the assistance of the Oakley Police Department served a search and arrest warrant in the 1200 block of Quail Valley Run in Oakley, related to this case.

The suspect, 18-year-old, Oakley resident Jacari McKinney, was taken into custody and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility for carjacking and assault with a deadly weapon for our investigation. The members of the Antioch Police Department want to thank the Oakley Police Department for their assistance in this operation. We would also like to thank the residents on Quail Valley Run for their patience and assistance while this warrant was executed.

Antioch Police Chief Steven Ford issued the following statement regarding the joint arrest and SWAT operation with the Oakley Police Department this morning: “We are grateful for the close collaboration we have with our neighboring agencies in East County – including the Oakley Police Department. Oakley detectives immediately began working with ours to identify and solve these senseless crimes in our respective communities, which is a partnership we enjoy that transcends city borders. We came together to affect a swift arrest, which was conducted with the precision and skill of our tactical unit.

I would like to specifically thank the officers and detectives of the Oakley Police Department for their hard work and partnership with our team. To my officers and detectives – thank you for the many hours spent seeking justice for the victims of these horrific incidents. You are truly the best of the best and I am honored to have you on the team.”

Through this investigation, Detective Gragg worked with the Brentwood Police Department, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, and Contra Costa County Probation as well. The members of the Antioch Police Department want to recognize these agencies for their assistance.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

College cheerleader from Oakley named NAIA All-America Second Team

By Leave a Comment

Source: Xavier University of Louisiana

Freedom High grad Tia Barrett, a junior at Xavier University of Louisiana honored in competitive cheer Monday

NEW ORLEANS — The NAIA announced Monday its 2023 All-Americans in competitive cheer, and Xavier University of Louisiana was the only school with more than one on the 12-member first team.

XULA’s three first-team All-Americans are sophomores Gabrielle Brightmon, Syre Baker and Kelsey White. XULA’s Tia Barrett, a junior, was chosen to the second team, and freshman teammates Kendall Baggett and Laila Terry earned honorable mention.

Barrett is from Oakley, Calif., and a graduate of Freedom High School. Brightmon is from Katy, Texas, and a graduate of International Leadership of Texas High School. Baker is from Los Angeles and a graduate of Middle College High School. White is from Baton Rouge, La., and a graduate of Zachary High School. Baggett is from Allen, Texas, and a graduate of Allen High School. Terry is from Waldorf, Md., and a graduate of North Point High School.

Brightmon, Baker, White and Barrett are XULA’s first NAIA All-Americans in this sport.

The Gold placed sixth Saturday at NAIA nationals in Ypsilanti, Mich., and XULA, a fourth-year program, produced its third consecutive top-six finish in this event. XULA was the 2022 NAIA national champion. XULA entered 2023 nationals No. 1 in the NAIA in average points per competition for the third consecutive season — this time that the average was 95.90, an improvement from 94.86 in 2022 and 89.15 in 2021.

XULA produced the top two final scores in its history in February — 98.6 Feb. 9 in a dual against Concordia (Mich.) and 97.72 Feb. 11 in winning its NAIA unaffiliated group qualifier.

XULA has one more meet this season: the National Cheerleaders Association national meet April 5-9 at Daytona Beach, Fla.

Following shooting investigation Long Beach man shot by Brentwood cop Sunday night

By Leave a Comment

Female victim held hostage by suspect

By Brentwood Police Department

On March 12, 2023 at around 9:00 p.m., Brentwood Officers were investigating an unrelated incident in the area of Brentwood Blvd. and Sycamore Ave. when they were approached by an individual reporting a possible hostage situation at the Brentwood Garden Apartments, located in the 160 block of Sycamore Avenue. This individual reported an adult female victim was being held against her will by a known male suspect armed with a handgun.

Several officers responded to the apartment complex and heard gunshots. As officers approached the suspect and victim situated in a breezeway between several apartments, the suspect fired multiple shots in the direction of the officers. Fearing for their lives and the safety of the victim, at least one officer returned fire striking the suspect, a 30-year-old from Long Beach. Both the suspect and victim were transported to area hospitals for treatment of injuries sustained as a result of the shooting, both are expected to survive. No officers or innocent bystanders were injured during the shooting, however, the suspects errant rounds struck unoccupied vehicles in the parking lot. A loaded firearm and expended shell casings were recovered from the scene.

Preliminary information suggests this was an isolated incident with no threat to public safety and there are no outstanding suspects. When the suspect is medically cleared from the hospital, he will be booked at the Martinez Detention Facility on several felonies, including attempted murder on a peace officer.

Contra Costa County District Attorney investigators are conducting a parallel investigation per county protocol.

Anyone with information related to this shooting, who has not already been interviewed by law enforcement is asked to contact Detective Agostinho at 925-809-7870.

This investigation is ongoing and no additional information is being released at this time.

 

Chabad of the Delta celebrates Purim 2023 with Mexican fiesta

By Leave a Comment

Children enjoy Mariachi music at the “Purim in Mexico” fiesta on March 7, 2023. Photos by Chabad of the Delta.

Commemorates deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman’s plot to destroy them and Queen Esther’s actions to save her people

By Mashie Goldschmid

On Tuesday, March 7th marked Purim a festive holiday for the Jewish people. It was a fun fiesta as a happy throng of the Brentwood Jewish community of all ages gathered with Chabad of the Delta to celebrate Purim! The theme was Purim in Mexico, and everyone had a blast, eating traditional three-cornered Hamantaschen cookies, and a Mexican feast. The sound of the mariachi band transported us right to Mexico.

The kids enjoyed lots of activities and prizes.

Rabbi Peretz Goldshmid (2nd from right) and attendees celebrate Purim during a Mexican fiesta on March 7, 2023.

Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in Ancient Persia from Haman’s plot to destroy every Jew. It is celebrated by reading the Scroll of Esther (known as the Megillah), gifts of food, charity, feasting and merriment.

As we all know, joy is best when it is shared. To that end, a dedicated group of volunteers packaged and delivered beautifully wrapped Share the Joy packages to many Jewish homes in the area. Thank you to our wonderful volunteers.

For more photos and to learn more about Chabad of the Delta visit: JewishDelta.com.

DA’s Office reaches plea agreement with four defendants in 2021 Brentwood shooting death

By Leave a Comment

Father and son sentenced to 12 years in state prison

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

This week, two defendants charged with the murder of 48-year-old Justin David Silva of Brentwood have entered into a plea agreement with the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office.

45-year-old Dennis Lindsay will serve 12 years and four months in state prison for killing Justin Silva and residential burglary. His son, 21- year-old Nathan Rampone-Lindsay, will serve the same term for manslaughter and preventing a witness from filing a police report. Judge Mary Ann O’Malley will sentence both defendants on April 14th at 8:30 am in Martinez. The plea agreement reflects enhancements which add to their prison terms.

Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Tompkins said after the agreement was reached, “Justin Silva’s surviving family and loved ones can now begin the process of healing and recovery from his senseless murder. The relationships between the parties, as well as complex issues of self-defense and defense of others, created a significant legal challenge in a jury trial that Justin’s family recognized. While nothing can bring Justin Silva back to his family and friends, justice has been served on his behalf.”

On August 24th, 2021, around 4:15 in the afternoon Brentwood Police responded to reports of shots fired on Brentwood Boulevard near Sellers Avenue. When authorities arrived, they found Silva dead from multiple gunshot wounds. Dennis Lindsay and 50-year-old Daniel Marmino were also shot with non-life-threatening injuries to their leg and arms. (See related article)

During the police investigation, it was revealed Silva was living in an outbuilding on the property owned by a Lindsay family member — where he was employed doing carpentry work.

The living and employment relationship between Silva and the Lindsay family members became acrimonious. Silva was sent an eviction letter to leave the property by September 1st. However, on August 24th, Lindsay, Rampone-Lindsay, and Marmino went to Silva’s home armed with an automatic pistol with an extended magazine, a flare gun, bear spray, and a knife. Dennis and Marmino then tore down a wooden side wall of Silva’s home and entered the residence with their weapons drawn — with Nathan entering behind them. Upon their entry, Silva opened fire on the men with his firearms — shooting Dennis and Marmino. Nathan returned fire with 30 rounds from the automatic pistol, striking Silva 20 times. Silva died at the scene.

Marmino, and a fourth defendant – 74-year-old Roger Lindsay – were also charged but entered pleas in 2022 for their roles in the incident. Roger Lindsay pled to being an accessory to the crime, and Daniel Marmino entered a plea of assault with force likely to cause great bodily harm.

Both men are scheduled to be sentenced on March 27th at 8:30 am in Martinez.

04002026128 | The People of the State of California vs. Lindsay, Dennis Victor, Rampone-

Lindsay, Nathan, Lindsay, Roger Curtis, and Marmino, Daniel Vincent