Contra Costa Herald

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

Contra Costa Aviation Advisory Committee Byron Airport Neighbor position opening

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Photo: Contra Costa County

Deadline to apply: Nov. 17

By Kelly Kalfsbeek, Community & Media Relations Coordinator, PIO, Contra Costa County Public Works Department

Contra Costa County (County) is accepting applications for a vacant Airport Neighbor position on the Aviation Advisory Committee (AAC). This position is designated for someone who works or resides in Byron, Brentwood, Knightsen or Discovery Bay. Upon appointment by the Board of Supervisors, the new appointee would serve a term expiring on February 28, 2027.

The AAC serves as an advisory group to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors (Board) to provide advice and recommendations to the Board on aviation matters related to Contra Costa County Airports.  The AAC typically meets every other month at either Buchanan Field or Byron Airport.

Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000 or at:  https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/3418/Appointed-Bodies-Committees-Commissions.  Applications should be submitted online or returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar Street, 1st Floor, Martinez, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025.  Applicants should plan to be available for public/Zoom interviews, currently scheduled for Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Buchanan Field Airport, 181 John Glenn Drive, Suite 100, Training Room, Concord, at the Airport Committee meeting.

CONTACT: Greg Baer at (844) 359-8687, or email at airport.team@airport.cccounty.us.

About Contra Costa County Public Works Department:

The Contra County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) is responsible for the maintenance and operation of over 650 miles of roads, 79 miles of streams and channels, and over 150 County buildings. CCCPWD services include parks and recreation, sandbag distribution, flood control, road and facilities maintenance, and storm water management. CCCPWD operates two airports, Buchanan Field Airport in Concord, and Byron Airport in Byron. For more information about CCCPWD, please visit us at: www.cccpublicworks.org

Richmond Police honor officer who passed suddenly while off duty

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Source: Richmond PD

By Richmond Police Department

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of RPD Motor Officer Jonathan Platzner. Officer Platzner died unexpectedly after suffering a medical emergency this morning while off duty.

Officer Platzner had been a dedicated member of the Richmond Police Department since 2012. Throughout his years of service, he demonstrated professionalism, compassion and a steadfast commitment to the safety of our community. His loss is deeply felt by his fellow officers, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

We extend our deepest condolences to Officer Platzner’s family, loved ones and colleagues during this difficult time. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as we grieve the loss of a dedicated public servant and friend.

A procession by Richmond Police and Fire Departments personnel was held in Antioch, Friday afternoon, Sept. 26, 2025, as Platzner’s body was transported from Sutter Delta Medical Center. Antioch Police and CHP Officers assisted by blocking traffic on Lone Tree Way to Highway 4.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

From Pittsburg to the sea: A sailor’s path to a Navy warship

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USS Boxer (Photo & crest source: Facebook) and Chief Petty Officer Glyndale Cabrera. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin Tang, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

Chief Petty Officer Glyndale Cabrera, a Hercules High grad, serves as aviation ordnanceman aboard amphibious assault ship USS Boxer

By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist John Osborne, Navy Office of Community Outreach

SAN DIEGO – U.S. Navy sailors serve and protect from around the globe, and every sailor got their start somewhere. Chief Petty Officer Glyndale Cabrera, a native of Pittsburg, California, serves aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer, currently operating out of San Diego, California.

Cabrera graduated from Hercules High School in 2008.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Pittsburg.

“Growing up, I learned from my father that I cannot let anyone change me,” Cabrera said. “He also told me to be respectful and to recognize there is a time and a place for everything.”

Cabrera joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Cabrera serves as an aviation ordnanceman.

“I joined the Navy because I was tired of my hometown and I wanted to see and experience different things and finish up my college,” Cabrera said.

Source: U.S. Navy

Boxer, the sixth and current ship to be named for the original British gunbrig captured by the USS Enterprise in 1813, plays a crucial role in projecting power and maintaining presence for naval forces. It serves as the cornerstone of amphibious operations, capable of carrying Marines, their equipment, and aircraft to execute a wide range of missions, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to full-scale amphibious assaults. This ship enables forces to rapidly deploy and sustain operations in littoral (near-shore) environments, providing a versatile platform for achieving strategic objectives across the globe.

Resembling a small aircraft carrier, Boxer’s crew is made up of approximately 1,200 officers and enlisted personnel and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines.

INDIAN OCEAN (Aug. 18, 2011) The amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) transits the Indian Ocean. Boxer is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility during a western Pacific deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Trevor Welsh/Released)

Cabrera has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishments have been getting selected for chief petty officer and proving wrong the people who said I couldn’t do something,” Cabrera said. “We always hear a lot of ‘no’s,’ but I have been able to turn a lot of those into yeses through hard work and patience.”

Cabrera serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“At this point in my career, serving in the Navy means I can do anything I put my mind to,” Cabrera said. “I have a 13-year-old daughter, and it’s important she understands that.”

Cabrera is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my parents, Glynda and Ramon, and my brother, Ryndell Cabrera, for always being there for me,” Cabrera added. “They have always been so supportive. I also want to thank my daughter, Analisa, who has made me a better person and always puts a smile on my face.”

Source: USS Boxer Facebook page

U.S. Navy Celebrating 250th Birthday

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/

Join the conversation with our social media: Facebook.com/NavyOutreach and Instagram: @Navy.Outreach

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Firearm recovered at Brentwood middle school campus

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Photo: Brentwood Union School District

Concealed in student’s backpack

By Lindzie Laughridge, Community Engagement Officer, City of Brentwood

BRENTWOOD, CA- This morning, September 23rd, 2025, at approximately 8:15AM, Adams Middle School staff were alerted to a report of a student on campus who was in possession of a firearm concealed in their backpack. The Brentwood Police Department was immediately contacted and our School Resource Officer responded to the incident.

Upon further investigation, the firearm was determined to be real, and the student was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to Juvenile Hall for booking.

We are working closely with Adams Middle School, the District, and the involved parents, to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident.

Our top priority is the safety of students, staff, and the community. We take any report of a weapon on campus extremely seriously and are thankful for the students who reported their concerns, along with the swift response from school staff.

Based on our investigation, this is an isolated incident.

Anyone with any information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact the Brentwood Police Department at 925-809-7911.

Brentwood man sentenced to over 8 years in prison for receipt of child sex abuse materials, possession of unregistered rifle

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44-year-old Michael Lee Patterson was one of 7 arrested during 15-agency Operation Spring Clean in May 2023, including men from Oakley, San Ramon, another from Brentwood

Will also face 10 years of supervised release, ordered to pay restitution

By U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California

OAKLAND – Michael Lee Patterson was sentenced on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, to 103 months in federal prison for receipt of child pornography and possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle.  U.S. District Judge Haywood S. Gilliam, Jr. handed down the sentence.

As previously reported, Patterson, 44, of Brentwood, was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 18, 2024. He pleaded guilty on May 21, 2025, to both counts. According to the plea agreement, Patterson attempted to meet an individual whom he believed to be a 13-year-old girl to perform sexual acts on her.  After his arrest the week of May 31, 2023, Patterson was found to be in possession of over 600 videos and 1,000 images containing depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  Law enforcement also found Patterson in possession of a short-barreled rifle, which he had not registered with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required by law.

Patterson was one of seven men arrested while the Brentwood Police Department hosted the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force for an operation targeting adults who were seeking to meet minors for sex with the goal of identifying victims of child sexual abuse. A total of 15 law enforcement agencies participated in “Operation Spring Cleaning,” which encompassed over 1,200 law enforcement work hours throughout the week. The ICAC Task Force seized approximately 40 illegal firearms and 39 electronic devices, executed eight (search warrants, and impounded five vehicles.

United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian, U.S. Secret Service (USSS) San Francisco Field Office Special Agent in Charge Shawn Bradstreet, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Topper made the announcement.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Gilliam also sentenced Patterson to a 10-year period of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution. The defendant was immediately remanded into custody to begin serving his sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonah P. Ross is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Claudia Hyslop.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the USSS, ATF, Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Brentwood, Concord and Walnut Creek Police Departments, and the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Bay Point, Concord men arrested, charged with attempted murder for shooting of 3 in Concord parking garage

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31-year-old Justino Lopez-Perez held on $2.3 million bail, 23-year-old Erickson Melendez arrested last year for violent crimes held on $750K bail; third suspect also arrested

By Concord Police Department

As previously reported, on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, shortly after 10:20 PM, three gunshot wound victims arrived at John Muir Medical Center in Concord and reported they were shot while in a parking garage in the 2000 block of Salvio Street in downtown Concord. Patrol officers responded and descriptions of the suspects and their vehicle were developed. These descriptions were shared with area law enforcement agencies. Just over an hour later, deputies from the Contra Costa County, Office of the Sheriff located the suspect vehicle. From that stop, two occupants were detained and arrested. Detectives from the Investigations Division were called to take over the investigation and continue following up on leads throughout the night and the next day.

On Wednesday, at about 6:30 PM, a third suspect was arrested in relation to the shooting. During the arrest and subsequent search, evidence related to the shooting was found. On Thursday, the Contra Costa County, District Attorney’s Office filed charges related to the shooting.

The following two men were charged with the shooting: Justino Lopez-Perez (31 years old, resident of Bay Point, born 11/16/1993) was charged with 664/187 PC- Attempted murder, 182(a)(1) PC- Conspiracy, 26100(c) PC- Discharge a firearm from a vehicle, 245(b) PC-Assault with a firearm, and use of a firearm enhancements. Erickson Adoni Melendez (23 years old, resident of Concord, born 6/2/2002) was charged with 182(a)(1) PC – Conspiracy and 26100(c) PC- Discharge a firearm from a vehicle.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet, eight-inch tall, 143-pound Lopez-Perez is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $2.3 million bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 1:35 p.m. in Dept. 5, Superior Court in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, Melendez was also arrested on Sept. 15, 2024, by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies for kidnapping, battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse and assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury. According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet, 10-inch tall, 175-pound suspect is also being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $750,000 bail. He has the same court appearance date, time and location as Lopez-Perez.

We would like to thank the deputies from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, staff at John Muir Hospital, and community members who supported and assisted in this investigation. The three men who were shot were treated at area hospitals and are expected to survive. If you have any information about this incident, please contact Detective Enrique Espino at (925) 671-3426.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa DA Becton issues statement on Antioch, Pittsburg police corruption cases

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On September 18th, 2025, a federal jury in Oakland, CA found a former Antioch police officer guilty of conspiracy against rights, marking another step toward accountability in a painful chapter for Antioch and Pittsburg. (See related article) (See related article)

This case is part of a broader investigation that began in 2021 into misconduct by several officers entrusted to protect the public, including actions that fall under the broad category of crimes involving moral turpitude.

When a law is broken—especially by those sworn to enforce it—it is not just a legal violation, but an offense against the entire community. That is why in every criminal case, the District Attorney represents The People of the State of California. The harm caused by these individuals was felt by the public at large, and it is our duty and responsibility to pursue justice on behalf of all those affected.

I am grateful to our federal partners, our state and local investigators, and prosecutors who worked tirelessly on these cases on behalf of the residents of Antioch and Pittsburg. Thanks to these combined efforts, both cities have begun to rebuild trust and take meaningful steps toward restoring integrity in their public institutions. These efforts are crucial to ensuring safer, more just communities for all. Our office remains firmly committed to that mission.

Diana Becton

District Attorney, Contra Costa County

13th Heart of Oakley Festival Saturday, Sept. 20

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Music, dance, food, vendor booths and more!

By City of Oakley Recreation Department

We are excited to celebrate our 13th Heart of Oakley Festival happening on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11AM to 4PM in Civic Center Plaza and on Main Street from Vintage Parkway to Norcross!

Heart of Oakley Festival is an annual open-air market that brings local makers, food trucks, non-profits, families, and community members together. Join us as we highlight local businesses and community members during this exciting event!

This year Project 4 Band takes the stage with local dance groups throughout the day. The beer garden will be operated by local non-profit East County All Star Fundraising. Additionally, we will have a FREE trackless train, a mechanical bull, and an inflatable mini golf game for families to enjoy. Join us as we highlight local businesses and community members during this exciting event!

Check out our stage schedule:

10:50am: Studio 55 Ukulele

11:05am: Jabris Rucker Children’s Dance

11:20am: Project 4 Band

12:05pm: Brentwood Blaze Cheer

12:20pm: Step 2 This Dance

12:35pm: Project 4 Band

1:30pm: Stepz Dance Fitness Studio

1:45pm: East County Performing Arts

2:00pm: Project 4 Band

3:00pm: Ballet Folklorico Jaracue

3:15pm: Hiphop-Natyam Dance Academy

3:30pm: Freedom High School Band

Wondering where to park for Heart of Oakley tomorrow?
Parking Lot #1 – Oakley Mercantile Lot
Parking Lot #2 – Oakley Elementary School Lot

2024 Brentwood armed robbery suspects face 13-, 7-year prison sentences

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Following the crash of the suspects’ car, Orey Douglas was arrested, and a gun was recovered on August 4, 2024. Photos: Brentwood PD

28-year-old Orey Douglas of Antioch and 38-year-old Sam Gray of Oakley

Douglas has a history of arrests since 2014 for murder, corporal injury, assault, sex with a minor, vehicle theft, false imprisonment, more

By Brentwood Police Department

On August 4th, 2024, Brentwood officers responded to an armed robbery that occurred at 50 Sand Creek Road. The victim reported being robbed at gunpoint by two suspects, identified as 28-year-old Orey Azniam Douglas of Antioch and 38-year-old Sam Donte Gray of Oakley (born 11-10-85). After both suspects were identified they were placed under arrest and charges were filed.

As previously reported, they robbed Los Mexicanos Market, Douglas was arrested that night and Gray remained at large until he was arrested on August 8, 2024. Douglas was charged with second-degree robbery and three firearms-related charges.

On March 3, 2025, the suspectswere found guilty of armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, along with numerous firearm charges and enhancements.

As of early this month, Gray will serve a 13-year prison sentence and Douglas will serve a 7-year prison sentence.

According to localcrimenews.com, the six-feet, three-inch tall, 215-pound Douglas is Black and has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by multiple agencies including police departments in Antioch, Hayward, Fremont, BART, Oakland, San Jose, Vacaville, as well as Sheriff’s Departments in Contra Costa, Alameda and Solano counties, and Contra Costa CHP. Charges include murder, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, assault with any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, multiple gun crimes, sex with a minor and unlawfully causing a minor to engage in a commercial sex act by force, carjacking, vehicle theft, receiving stolen property, false imprisonment, threatening a witness, evading police and resisting arrest.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet, nine-inch tall, 217-pound Gray is Black and was held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $140,0000 bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, he was arrested for conspiracy to commit a crime, robbery, assault with a firearm on a person, felony parole violation and addict in possession of a firearm. Gray was previously arrested on Sept. 8, 2023, by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department on order for a person’s removal from prison to appear in court.

This case was a collaborative effort with our officers, Detectives, along with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. We are pleased this investigation has resulted in sentencing, and we commend the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in bringing this case forward.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.