Contra Costa Herald

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

Man arrested in Pittsburg with “ghost gun” Wed. night, arrested again Thurs. night with “ghost gun” parts

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Ghost gun parts and other items confiscated from the suspect during his second arrest in two nights on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022. Photo: Pittsburg PD

K-9 officer assists in the arrest detecting the odor of ammunition, explosives; police, DA asked why suspect was released

2/14/22 UPDATE: DA claims Pittsburg PD has offered no report of arrest night before, won’t respond to “multiple inquiries”

By Pittsburg Police Department

Last night, Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022, one of our proactive graveyard officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop for CVC (vehicle code) violations on Railroad Avenue. Upon contacting the driver, he was recognized as being previously arrested the night before for being in possession of a “ghost gun”.

K9 Kyra responded to the traffic stop to assist, which resulted in her alerting on the trunk of the vehicle (smelling/locating/detecting the odor of ammunition/explosives). A search of the vehicle was ultimately conducted, which resulted in officers locating 1 pound of marijuana, as well a large capacity magazine and ammunition. The driver was placed under arrest for the on-view charges.

However, officers weren’t done just yet. A search warrant was later authorized and served at the arrestee’s residence by multiple swing shift and graveyard officers. Upon searching the residence, multiple firearm manufacturing kits, high-capacity magazines, heroin, an assault rifle, and miscellaneous “ghost gun” parts were found. The driver had several additional felony charges added to his booking sheet and was transported to county jail.

Our officers are notorious for going the extra mile to making our city a safer place to be, along with our 4-legged furry partners.

A call was made to Pittsburg PD Investigations and an email was sent Saturday to Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton asking why the man was back out on the street to commit more crimes on Thursday following his arrest the night before.

2/14/22 UPDATE: DA’s Office Responds, Claims Can’t Get Response from Pittsburg PD

In response on Monday, Feb. 14, Simon O’Connell, Contra Costa County Chief Assistant District Attorney wrote in an email, “The suspect was booked in custody just after midnight Thursday 2/10 following a probable cause arrest by the Pittsburg Police Department. Today, Monday 2/14 the Pittsburg Police Department presented that arrest to the District Attorney’s Office for filing review and prosecution.

O’Connell further offered that, “generally speaking with regard to pre-filing custody or release, the District Attorney is not party to the decision by an officer book or release a suspect who is arrested on probable cause.  The decision to arrest or cite release is that of the arresting agency. If a judge approves the probable cause, the arresting agency will then present the case for any in custody filing. The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for filing criminal charges when submitted for prosecutorial review.  Once charges are filed, the arraignment court judge will review the bail set at filing along with Probation Department’s recommendation regarding continued custody.”

As of Tuesday, Feb. 15 Pittsburg PD has not yet responded to the call from the Herald about the arrest the night before and why the suspect was released.

Please check back for any additional updates to this report.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pittsburg Police arrest Antioch man, Sacramento woman in September 2021 homicide of two women

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Another Antioch man is wanted; victims were Pittsburg and San Leandro residents

By Pittsburg Police Department

Early Sunday morning, September 19, 2021, shortly before 6:30 A.M., Pittsburg Police Officers responded to the 7-11 store at 4600 Century Boulevard regarding a shooting. As officers arrived, they located a car parked in front of the business with two women inside. Both women were suffering from gunshot wounds to the upper torso. Unfortunately, 23-year-old San Leandro resident Courtnee Allen and 21-year-old Pittsburg resident Angelique Abercrombie died due to their injuries.

Initially, there was limited information for detectives to work with or identify the responsible in this case. Over the past few months, members of the Investigations Division, including the Pittsburg Police Department VICE Team, worked diligently to identify several subjects involved. After completing numerous interviews and working through a vast amount of evidence, detectives identified 28-year-old Lonnie Stewart of Antioch, 22-year-old Destiny Boyd of Sacramento, and 20-year-old Jordan Pierre Crear of Antioch as being involved in the incident. Crear was identified as the subject who shot and killed Courtney and Angelique. Detectives are continuing to determine the motive for the shooting.

Last week detectives presented the case to the Contra Costa County District Attorney for review. The DA charged all three subjects for Murder with enhancements. Boyd was arrested late last week in Elk Grove and is currently in custody on $3,000,000 bail. Wednesday, Crear was located and arrested at his home in Antioch and remains in custody with a $7,000,000 bail. A $3,000,000 warrant is issued for Stewart, and detectives are working to locate him.

The Pittsburg Police Department would like to thank our citizens and business community for their support during this investigation.

Contra Costa Supervisors to act on affordable housing, election campaign funding ordinances Tuesday

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Will celebrate Inaugural Asian and Pacific Islander Lunar New Year, honor City of Antioch’s Sesquicentennial

By Daniel Borsuk

An ordinance concerning Contra Costa County’s affordable housing status and other proposed ordinances designed to boost election campaign funding for Supervisors and Non-supervisor candidates along with an Inaugural celebration recognizing the Asian and Pacific Islander New Year will be some of the Agenda Items the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors will either take action on or pay tribute to at a meeting on Tuesday, February 1.

The Supervisors will meet remotely, starting at 9:00 a.m.  Proceedings will be televised on Comcast Cable twenty-seven, ATT/U-Verse Channel 99 and WAVE Channel 32 and can be seen live online at www.contracosta.ca.gov.

Public Hearing on Inclusionary Housing Ordinance

Supervisors will hold a hearing to determine if the county’s Inclusionary Housing Ordinance is “Consistent with the State’s definition of low-income household and qualifying income units and exempt community care facilities from the County’s Affordable Housing Requirements,” according to the report from the Contra Costa County Conservation and Development.

In effect since 2006, the proposed ordinance would align the County’s Ordinance with changes in the state’s definition of extended low, very low-, low- and moderate-income households and their respective qualifying income limits.

The proposed ordinance would exempt Community Care Facilities from the County’s Affordable Housing Requirements.

Election Campaign Ordinance

Supervisors will consider an Election Campaign Ordinance for Supervisorial and Non-supervisoral candidates increasing individual donations from $1,675 to $2,500.  The County’s Election Campaign Ordinance was first adopted in 1984 and was last revised in 2005.

The Election Campaign Ordinance also applies to other County Elected Positions such as Recorder-elections, Treasurer, Assessor, District Attorney, and Sheriff-Coroner.

A few weeks ago, when Supervisors first reviewed this ordinance, they had briefly studied the idea of raising donations to $5,000, the state limit, but decided to not go that route.

Inaugural Asian and Pacific Islander New Year Celebration

The Board of Supervisors will conduct their inaugural Asian and Pacific Islander New Year Celebration with Susan Kim, executive director of the Contra Costa Family Justice Center, and Professor Kent Wong, Director of the University of California Los Angeles Labor Center, as speakers.   The multi-cultural ceremony will feature dance, music, food, and unique customs of many of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities represented in Contra Costa County including Nepalese, Filipino, Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, Tai, and Indian communities.

“We want to recognize one of the most important celebrations for our Asian and Pacific Islander communities and dismiss monolithic stereotypes by featuring the diversity in our Asian communities,” said Board Chair, Supervisor Karen Mitchoff. “Contra Costa County will make history on the first day of this year’s Lunar New Year, February 1st, with the inaugural event as we honor and celebrate the many different Asian and Pacific Islander cultures and traditions. As an important and integral part of our County family, we celebrate the new year with you, and wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year!”

The Asian and Pacific Islander New Year Celebration will be shown at www.contracostaca.gov/6068 or www.contracostatv.org. The community can watch on Contra Costa Television (CCTV) Channels; COMCAST Cable 27.

Rodeo Senior Housing Project  

Supervisors will hold a hearing on a proposal to permit Conservation and Development Director John Kopchick to sign a Development and Loan Agreement between the County and La Loma Rodeo EAU LLC for the sale of county owned property at 710 Willow Ave. in Rodeo.

The Rodeo development calls for the construction of a PA 67-unit affordable unit senior housing project with community space. The developers will receive from the county a $4,450,000 loan from the Housing Succession Low Moderate-Income Funds for construction of the building. The County would sell the County-owned property to La Loma Rodeo for $980,000.

Will honor City of Antioch’s Sesquicentennial – 150th Anniversary

District 3 Supervisor Dianne Burgis who represents portions of Antioch, will present her resolution for adoption that recognizes the City of Antioch’s Sesquicentennial or 150th Anniversary of Incorporation. Antioch was founded as Smith’s Landing in 1849 when the twin Smith brothers purchased land from John Marsh, owner of Rancho Los Medano, who had constructed a landing on the San Joaquin River. Following the death of Reverend Joseph Horton Smith in 1850, the residents, under the leadership of Rev. William Wiggins Smith, gathered during the July 4, 1851 picnic and renamed the town Antioch after the biblical city in Syria where the followers of Christ were first called Christians.  The City of Antioch was incorporated on February 6, 1872, becoming Contra Costa County’s original city. (See related article)

 

“So You Want to Run for Office” East County campaign school in Antioch Wednesday

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East County residents interested in running for office this year, will have the opportunity to learn from County Elections staff, Fair Political Practices Commission, local elected officials and campaign professionals during a campaign school Wednesday night, Jan. 2.

Date:         02/02/2022

Time:           6:00 – 9:00pm

Location:     Antioch Community Center at Prewett Family Park, 4703 Lone Tree Way, Antioch

Program:

Welcome:    Helen Nolan, Assistant Registrar

Moderator:  Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis

Presentations:

  1. Filing for Office Speakers: 6:10 – 6:30pm
  • Contra Costa Elections Supervisor, Rosa Mena
  • Brentwood City Clerk, Margaret Wimberly
  1. Campaign Financial Disclosures Speakers: 6:35– 7:00pm
  • Contra Costa Elections Specialist, Olga Hernandez
  • NetFile, Tom Diebert
  • FPPC, Chloe Hackert (Via Zoom)
  1. Changes for Future Elections: 7:05 – 7:15
  • Contra Costa County Assistant Registrar, Helen Nolan
  1. Bay Area Trust in Elections: 7:15 -7:25
  • Contra Costa County Deputy Clerk-Recorder-Registrar, Tommy Gong

Break:  7:25 – 7:35

  1. Communicating the Message Speakers: 7:40 – 8:15pm
  • Consultant, Allen Payton, Del Rey Advertising & Marketing Agency
  • Voters Edge, Shawn Gilbert
  • Social Media, Jenna Valle-Riestra (Via Zoom)
  1. Encouraging Future Leaders Speakers: 8:20 – 8:55pm
  • Contra Costa College Governing Board Trustee, District 5, Fernando Sandoval
  • Contra Costa County Office of Education, District 5, Annette Lewis
  • City of Pittsburg City Council Vice Mayor, Shanelle Scales
  • City of Brentwood Councilwoman, Susannah Meyer

We would like to make sure that we are clear about a couple of details of the event:

  • The purpose of the event is for residents to learn about the specifics of how to run for office, there will not be any campaigning or candidacy promotion at this event.
  • This is the final of three events that we have held (Lafayette, Richmond, and Antioch) and all events are the same format and information with a few different panelists.

While everything points to the latest trends in Coronavirus transmission rates being in decline, we understand that the Omicron strain of the virus is still a big factor, and our county continues to have specific rules in place with regard to indoor venues and events. We want to make sure that all of our participants and panelists understand all of the current rules in place, and that we provide all options for everyone to participate fully.

Please note that as of December 29, 2021, the current mask mandate requires all people in Contra Costa, regardless of vaccination status to mask in public indoor settings. (For our panelists, you will be requested to keep your mask on while speaking). We will also be taking precautions with the seating to assure that our panelists and participants are socially distanced.

Please self-monitor and if you have any of the following symptoms, please do not attend this event in person:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

While we feel that we are providing a safe in-person event given all the protocols in place, we understand that some people may not feel comfortable attending in-person.  If you are not comfortable attending this event in-person, please join us via Zoom:

Topic: Antioch Candidate Workshop

Time: Feb 2, 2022 06:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87938930334?pwd=cklnZXFwN3V6R1dUdm1ZVkNhVFlsQT09

Meeting ID: 879 3893 0334

Passcode: 550253

One tap mobile

+16699009128,,87938930334#,,,,*550253# US (San Jose)

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we continue to navigate the pandemic and attempt to make this event as accessible as possible.  https://us02web.zoom.us/account/report

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact either one of us prior to the event:

Dawn Kruger, Civic Outreach/Engagement Specialist

Dawn.Kruger@cr.cccounty.us

925-335-7805

Karen Tedford, Civic Engagement Aide

Karen.tedford@cr.cccounty.us

925-335-7863

Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department

We will see you soon!

Oakley woman missing under suspicious circumstances since Thursday

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Alexis Gabe – Missing fliers have been posted throughout East County. Source: Oakley PD

Last seen in Antioch, fliers posted throughout community

By Oakley Police Department

The Oakley Police Department received a call of a missing person, under suspicious circumstances, on January 27, 2022. The missing person is identified as Alexis Gabe, 24, of Oakley. She was last seen on Benttree Way in Antioch.

Gabe is described as an Asian female, 5’7”, 170 pounds and last known to be wearing a white tank top, silver/black hooded sweatshirt, black pants and green/white shoes.

Oakley Police patrol personnel and detectives began immediate efforts to locate Gabe. The Oakley Police Department has been in contact with Gabe’s family and have spoken to key people who were last known to be with her. The efforts to locate Gabe are continuing as detectives analyze evidence and patrol personnel continue to field tips and conduct physical searches for Gabe.

Posters of Gabe have been posted throughout East County over the past two days.

Please report any credible sightings of Gabe, or any information that will lead to her discovery by calling the Oakley Police Department at 925-625-8060.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch man arrested for Brentwood bank robbery

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Brandon Elder arrest on Jan. 26, 2022. Photo: Brentwood PD

Bail set at $150,000

By Brentwood Police Department

1/27/22 UPDATE: The The suspect in the bank robbery that occurred at Tri Counties Bank in Brentwood on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at approximately 1:30 p.m.has been identified as Brandon Elder, 26-year-old Antioch resident.

Following the preliminary investigation, Elder was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility for robbery, felony reckless evading, and several outstanding arrest warrants. In addition to the arrest warrants, Elder remains in-custody with bail set in the amount of $150,000.

On Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Brentwood officers responded to a reported robbery at the Tri Counties Bank located at 2400 Sand Creek Road. The suspect, described as a white male, in his 20’s early 30’s, wearing all dark clothing and a dark facemask, gave the bank teller a demand note before leaving in a vehicle with an undisclosed amount of money. No weapon was seen during the robbery and nobody was injured.

A Brentwood officer in the immediate area located and pursued the suspect vehicle westbound on Highway 4 at Lone Tree Way. The vehicle pursuit continued into Antioch where the suspect abandoned the vehicle in the 2100 block of Peppertree Way without injuring others. The suspect fled on foot, but after an extensive search was taken into custody.

This investigation is ongoing and no additional information is being released at this time. Special thanks to Antioch PD staff for their assistance.

There is no threat to public safety.

Anyone with additional information related to this robbery investigation who has not already been interviewed is asked to contact Detective Agostinho at 925-809-7870. Callers may remain anonymous.

 

Nomination papers for candidates in April 5 special election for Assembly District 11 available Tuesday

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The current map of State Assembly District 11. Source: Statewide Data Base

Due to vacancy created by Jim Frazier’s resignation; winner will serve out remainder of term through December

By Dawn Kruger, Civic Outreach/Engagement Specialist, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department

The April 5th, 2022, special state election gets into full swing on Tuesday, January 25th as nomination papers will be made available for candidates running for the current California State Assembly District 11 office. The current district includes Antioch, Oakley, Brentwood, Discovery Bay, Bethel Island, Byron and Knightsen in Contra Costa County.

The special election is to fill the vacancy created by former Assemblyman Jim Frazier who announced his resignation, last month, effective Dec. 31. On Jan. 7, the day Gov. Newsom issued a proclamation calling for the special election.

If one candidate receives a majority of the votes (50% + 1), no special general election will be held. The winner will serve out the remainder of the two-year term through early December. If a special general election is needed it will be held June 7, the same day as the regular primary election and the candidate with the most votes in that election wins.

A separate election will be held during the June primary and November general elections for the new Assembly District 11, which now only includes Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay, Bethel Island, Byron and Knightsen in Contra Costa County.

The nomination period runs through 5:00 p.m. Thursday, February 10, 2022.  Papers for the special California Assembly District 11 election are available at the Contra Costa Elections Office, 555 Escobar Street, Martinez.

For further information on this special election and key dates, go to https://www.cocovote.us/april-5-2022-special-primary-election-assembly-district-11/.

“This special election was just announced by the governor earlier this month and we don’t want our constituents to be surprised,” said Deborah Cooper, Contra Costa Registrar of Voters. “If you are considering running for office, the Contra Costa County Elections Office provides a candidate manual with comprehensive information about the process and we are available to assist you.”

The Contra Costa Elections Division is offering appointments to interested candidates on weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Filing documents and information will be provided to interested constituents at their appointment.

The process takes 20 minutes. Due to the current surge in the pandemic/Covid-19, we are asking constituents to schedule an appointment through email at candidate.services@vote.cccounty.us or by calling us at 925-335-7800.

All visitors will be asked to check-in at the Elections lobby and will be required to wear a mask and observe social distancing guidelines.

For more information, visit www.cocovote.us or call (925) 335-7800.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

After 16 years in Congress McNerney won’t seek reelection clearing path for Rep. Harder to run in new CA-9

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Rep. McNerney official photo. Map of new California Congressional District 9. Source: www.wedrawthelinesca.org/final_maps

Newly redrawn 9th District viewed as more favorable for a Republican to win; three candidates in San Joaquin County pull papers to run for open seat; Congressman Harder from neighboring district announces candidacy, deletes Dec. tweet announcing run in CA-13

By Allen Payton

Eight-term Democratic Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) issued the following statement announcing he will not run for re-election in 2022, making him the Democrat in the House of Representatives to make a similar announcement.

“Today I am announcing that I will not seek reelection in California’s newly created 9th Congressional District.

I am honored that the citizens of California’s 9th Congressional District chose me as their representative in the past five elections, and that those in California’s previous 11th Congressional District gave me the privilege of representing them for three terms.

I am very proud of the many accomplishments that my staff and I have achieved in Congress, including the creation of a major veteran’s health center facility in San Joaquin County, providing outstanding help for constituents with federal agencies, and securing major investments in infrastructure and public safety, broadband, education, childcare, and health care access. I have always fought tirelessly for those in need, and I will continue to do so.

I am grateful for the love and support of my family, who have been by my side throughout this journey. I could not have done this without them.

I will keep working for the people of my district throughout the remainder of my term and look forward to new opportunities to continue to serve.”

The current California 9th Congressional District map from 2011-21 which includes portions of Antioch. Source: Office of Congressman McNerney

Republicans Respond

Both the current and new 9th District maps encompass most of San Joaquin County, which added Tracy, Manteca and Ripon, and portions of Eastern Contra Costa County. That part of the district has shrunk to just include Discovery Bay and Byron, and no longer includes Brentwood, Oakley, Bethel Island, Knightsen and portions of Antioch. The new district is considered to be more favorable for a Republican to win.

National Republican Congressional Committee Spokeswoman Torunn Sinclair responded to McNerney’s announcement writing, “No one wants to run as a House Democrat. Jerry McNerney is making the smart decision to quit instead of watching Democrats lose their majority.”

“Any Democrat who runs in this district is vulnerable because their Party is responsible for higher prices, increased crime and the highest unemployment rate in the country,” she added.

According to Ballotpedia.org, McNerney is the 28th Democrat in the House to not seek re-election. So far, 13 Republicans have also announced they’re not running for re-election, this year.

McNerney’s Election History

The 70-year-old McNerney was first elected in 2006 defeating Pombo by 53 to 46%. In 2010, McNerney narrowly defeated David Harmer by 48 to 46.9% with a third-party candidate receiving 5.1% of the vote. Following redistricting in 2011, McNerney moved from Pleasanton to Stockton to run in the newly drawn district and ran in the new 9th District in 2012 defeating Ricky Gill by a margin of 55.6% to 44.4% of the vote.

Rep. Harder’s Twitter announcement on Dec. 22, 2021.

Four Candidates So Far, Filing Process Began Jan. 3

According to the Contra Costa Elections Division no candidate has pulled papers to run in the 9th District. But according to the San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters office, three people have pulled papers to run which include progressive Democrat Harpreet Singh Chima, San Francisco resident Karena Apple Feng, and Republican Khalid “Jeffrey” Jafri, an unsuccessful candidate for State Assembly in 2012 and 2020.

Congressman Josh Harder, a Democrat who represents the current CA-10 district, announced on his Twitter feed Tuesday morning that he’s running in the CA-9 congressional district. He had previously announcing last month he was running in neighboring district CA-13 in his “hometown” of Turlock, which is split between districts CA-5 and -13 and located over 20 miles outside of CA-9. But that tweet was deleted as of Tuesday morning. (See all CA congressional district maps)

Rep. Harder’s Twitter announcement on Jan. 18, 2022.

The Signatures In-Lieu of the Filing Fee Period began on Jan. 3 and ends Feb. 9. Each signature reduces the amount of filing fee candidates are required to pay to get on the ballot. That is followed by the Candidate Nomination Period which runs from Feb. 14 to March 11. But that will be extended another five days until March 16 since the incumbent is not running.

The Primary Election is on Tuesday, June 7. The top two candidates in the race will face each other in the General Election in November.

Community Crab Feed to support the East County Diehards on road to Cooperstown for Allstar Baseball Tournament

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BRENTWOOD — The East County Diehards Baseball Club is hosting a Crab Feed on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at the Veterans Hall, located at 757 1st Street in Brentwood.  Doors will open at 6PM.  Tickets are limited, so get yours today!

The Crab Feed will include several delicious options, including crab, tri-tip steak, and side dishes. A silent auction, games, and raffle drawings will also be part of the festivities.  Proceeds will support the Diehards 12U road to Cooperstown Allstar game, in July of 2022.

“The East County Diehards baseball club has a history of hosting great events,” said James Joachim, team manager, Diehards 12U.  “This will, no doubt, be a very fun event, with great food and friends.  Furthermore, this crab feed is for a great cause, supporting youth sports.”

To purchase tickets to the Crab Feed you can scan the QR Code found on the Diehards Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DieHards12U.

The East County Diehards 501c charitable organization was established in 2012 in Oakley, CA.  They offer competitive travel softball and baseball for boys and girls throughout Contra Costa County.

To learn more about the Diehards organization, you can visit: https://eastcountydiehards.org.