Contra Costa Herald

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

Brentwood Planning Commission symbolically opposing but can’t stop under construction East County Service Center

By Leave a Comment

The East County Service Center under construction in a photo taken Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, at 3:44 PM. Source CC County

18 and 20 years after six votes of approval by council, commission

Contra Costa administrator’s office, fire chief oppose resolution of non-compliance on Tuesday’s agenda

“The proposed resolution relies on factual inaccuracies and faulty analysis in determining that the project is inconsistent with the five identified policies.” – Eric Angstadt, Chief Assistant County Administrator

“…regardless of the Planning Commission’s determination, the County can still proceed with the project as proposed.” – Brentwood City staff report for agenda item

By Allen D. Payton

The long-planned and approved East County Service Center (ECSC) in Brentwood is the first of three regional service centers to be constructed as directed in the County’s Capital Facilities Master Plan, which was adopted by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors in September 2022. Yet, although it received six votes of approval by the Commission and City Council in 2006 and 2008 and has been under construction since spring, the Brentwood Planning Commission is set to vote on a resolution Tuesday night that claims “the project…does not substantially conform to the General Plan.”

But their own City staff says the project “can still proceed…as proposed.”

Item F.1. on the Commission’s agenda reads, “General Plan conformance review for the East County Service Center project, including Contra Costa County’s recent acquisition of a 5.06-acre parcel to include within the scope of the project, located south of Technology Way and west of Brentwood Boulevard. Title/Recommendation Adopt Resolution No. 26-013 finding the East County Service Center project, including Contra Costa County’s recent acquisition of a 5.06-acre parcel to include within the scope of the project, does not substantially conform to the General Plan.”

That is a result of the Commission’s vote during their meeting on Aug. 18, 2026. Even though, “Staff brought this item forward to the Planning Commission…with a recommendation to adopt a resolution determining that the East County Service Center project conforms to the General Plan,” based on six previous votes of the Commission and Brentwood City Council, the Commission instead directed staff to bring back the item to do just the opposite. Yet, the commissioners understood their vote to be “largely symbolic”.

According to the minutes of that meeting on a motion by Vice Chairperson Rod Flohr and seconded by Commissioner Jeremy Jones, the Commission voted 4-1 to direct staff to bring back a resolution finding that the East County Service Center project does not substantially conform to the General Plan or the Brentwood Boulevard Specific Plan, including inconsistencies related to circulation, land use, and noise.” Flohr and Jones were joined by Chairperson Kristopher Brand, who is a candidate in this year’s District 2 Council race, and Commissioner Anita Roberts. Only Commissioner Gerald Johnson, a 2024 candidate for mayor and former Brentwood Chamber of Commerce president, voted against the motion.

An aerial rendering of the East County Service Center. Source: CC County

Zoning

According to the City staff report for Tuesday’s agenda item (see page 23), the seven parcels owned by the County are designated BP (Business Park) and BBSP (Mixed-Use COIR) in the City’s General Plan. They are zoned Zoning – PD-42 (Subarea F) and BBSP (Mixed-Use COIR) and the Surrounding Land Sses are North – Technology Way, across which is a shell light industrial building under construction and two vacant parcels East – Jack in the Box and Brentwood Boulevard, across which is the Sunset Plaza commercial development South – vacant parcel currently included in pending residential development application known as Emblem West – Business Center Drive, across which is the Coppergate townhomes and The Silvergate apartments.

Votes of Approval

Also, according to the staff report, there have been six votes of approval including four by the Commission and two by the Council, “since 2006, as follows:

  • On February 21, 2006, the Planning Commission approved Design Review No. 05-15 and Minor Subdivision No. 351-06 for two shell commercial condominium buildings to be located on the six parcels along Technology Way;
  • On March 28, 2006, the City Council approved Rezone No. 05-12 establishing development standards for the six parcels along Technology Way;
  • On March 18, 2008, the Planning Commission approved one-year time extensions for Design Review No. 05-15 and Minor Subdivision No. 351-06;
  • On May 19, 2009, the Planning Commission approved a two-year time extension for Design Review No. 05-15 and a one-year time extension for Minor Subdivision No. 351-06;
  • On December 21, 2010, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 10 064 confirming that Contra Costa County’s acquisition of six parcels located along Technology Way for the future development of the “East County Government Center” project conformed to the General Plan; and
  • On March 27, 2012, the City Council adopted the Brentwood Boulevard Specific Plan, which incorporated the parcel with frontage along Brentwood Boulevard Specific Plan.

Claims of Non-Conformance

But the four commissioners claimed, “the project did not conform to the General Plan for the following reasons:

  • Inconsistency with Action LU 3b: “Concentrate major office uses along State Route 4 near the Lone Tree Way, Balfour Road, and Marsh Creek Road interchanges.” The project would be a regional facility and a major office use that should be near State Route 4.
  • Inconsistency with Policy SA 3-5, which requires the City to ensure that all areas are accessible to emergency response providers. The building is proposed to be 50 feet tall and there is inadequate evidence in the record to demonstrate appropriate fire apparatus availability.
  • Inconsistency with Policy LU I-4, which requires new development to occur in a logical and orderly manner focusing growth on infill locations. This project proposes a regional facility in mostly undeveloped area.
  • Inconsistency with Policy LU 1-5, which encourages new development to be contiguous to existing development. This project proposes a regional facility in a mostly undeveloped area.
  • Inconsistency with Policy LU 3-5, which requires the City to actively promote the Brentwood Boulevard Specific Plan. The Brentwood Boulevard Specific Plan’s COIR zoning designation assumes that 70% of the area will be High Density Residential uses, and this project does not propose any residential uses.

Rendering source: CC County

Background

It’s been 15 years in the process since the Board of Supervisors approved purchasing the 2.83-acre site along Technology Way for $1.3 million in January 2011. The County bought the two parcels where the building is under construction, when barely anything else was nearby, other than Los Medanos College was leasing a building there, near their former Technology Center on Sand Creek Road, which is why it was called Technology Way. It was also purchased before the Highway 4 bypass/extension was built between Lone Tree Way and Balfour Road.

The County bought the third parcel within the last year to allow for sufficient parking. Then the County added a third story which increased the costs but the cost per square foot decreased.

According to the project website, “The planned three-story, 117,000 square foot building, estimated to cost $155 million, will house up to 440 employees, bringing equitable access to essential services closer to the residents of East County. It will house nine County departments: Employment and Human Services, Health Services, Veterans Services, Clerk-Records Elections, Public Defender, District Attorney, Probation, Board of Supervisors, District III Office and Department of Information Technology.”

The County’s plans conform with the City’s General Plan. But the Planning Commission requested for it to come back even though it’s already under construction, with the walls having been erected and the second floor going up.

Construction on the building started in spring after the Phase 2 construction contract was awarded to Webcor on March 3, and the County officially broke ground on the site on March 31. It’s supposed to be completed by December 2027. According to the County’s Public Works Department in a post on their Facebook page last week, “Progress continues on the East County Service Center (ECSC) in Brentwood. This three-story, 117,000-square-foot facility will house multiple County departments providing services for East County residents.” The project’s webpage provides a current schedule of Construction Activities between Aug. 24 and Oct. 2.

County Responds Prior to Planning Commission Meeting

Ahead of Tuesday’s meeting, the County’s PIO, Kristi Jourdan wrote, “County planning staff, and previously Brentwood’s own planning staff, have already determined the project aligns with the City’s General Plan. The resolution being considered is based on several factual inaccuracies and misinterpretations of both planning practice and case law. Confire has also confirmed that emergency access to the building is fully supported.”

She also shared copies of an email dated Friday, Sept. 11 from Con Fire Chief Aaron McAlister to Chief Assistant County Administrator Eric Angstadt and a letter dated today, Monday, Sept. 14, from Angstadt to the Brentwood Planning Commission.

County Letter to Commission Claims Resolution Based on “Factual Inaccuracies…Faulty Analysis”

September 14, 2026

To the Brentwood City Planning Commission:

“The Planning Commission will consider, at its September 15, 2026 meeting, proposed Resolution No. 26-013 regarding the general plan conformity of the East County Service Center.  The Planning Commission should reject the proposed resolution.  Proposed Resolution No. 26-013 is factually incorrect, ignores relevant case law regarding general plan conformity, and, if adopted by the Planning Commission, would represent a failure of their duty to render unbiased opinions based on the City of Brentwood’s adopted plans and ordinances.

“In California, common professional planning practice supports, and relevant case law has repeatedly held, that a project need not be consistent with all General Plan policies to be considered in conformity with the General Plan.  A project conforms to the general plan “if, considering all its aspects, it will further the objectives and policies of the general plan and not obstruct their attainment.”  (Napa Citizens for Honest Government v. Napa County Bd. of Supervisors (2001) 91 Cal. App. 4th 342, 378.)  “A given project need not be in perfect conformity with each and every general plan policy.”  (Id.)  “The question is not whether there is a direct conflict between some mandatory provision of a general plan and some aspect of a project, but whether the project is compatible with, and does not frustrate, the general plan’s goals and policies.”  (Id.)

“In this instance, the professional planning staff of the City of Brentwood has twice found that development of the East County Service Center at its proposed location conforms with the City’s General Plan.  First, on December 21, 2010, City planning staff recommended and this same Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 10-064, determining that the County’s purchase of the original 6 parcels composing the project site for the stated purpose of developing an East County government center conforms with the City’s General Plan.  Second, on August 18, 2026, City planning staff again recommended a resolution determining that the proposed project conforms with the City’s General Plan.  The Planning Commission instead now considers a resolution of non-conformity based on their contention that the project is inconsistent with five policies, out of at least 365 polices maintained in the General Plan.  Even assuming that the project is inconsistent with the five identified policies, which the County disputes as detailed below, this represents only 1.37% of the General Plan policies.  The proposed determination of general plan non-conformity is contrived, inconsistent with professional planning practice and case law, and not supported by past City actions or evidence in the record.

“The proposed resolution relies on factual inaccuracies and faulty analysis in determining that the project is inconsistent with the five identified policies.

  1. Action LU 3b – Concentrate major office uses along State Route 4.

The proposed project does not frustrate this policy.  Developing the project at its proposed location does not prevent, or even hinder, the City from concentrating major offices near State Route 4.  For major office uses actually under the City’s jurisdictional purview, the City is free to incentivize, authorize, prohibit, or take any other action within its land use authority to effectuate this policy.  Moreover, other elements of the General Plan, including the Brentwood Boulevard Specific Plan designation of COIR which applies to the project site, explicitly permit the proposed office use.

  1. Policy SA 3-5 – Ensure all areas are accessible to emergency response providers.

The proposed resolution relies on a contrived rationale to question whether appropriate fire apparatus is available to serve the project.  The attached email from ConFire Chief Aaron McAlister confirms that a ladder truck is stationed at Fire station 92, 201 John Muir Parkway, that is capable of reaching all floors of the proposed building.  This project, as with all County building projects, are reviewed and approved by ConFire to ensure that appropriate fire protection facilities, apparatus, and personnel are available to serve the proposed building before construction begins.  Finally, as the Planning Commission is aware, ConFire has made a concerted effort to expand the fire facility network in East County and has several pending fire station projects in Brentwood.  Any actual concerns that the Planning Commission may have with respect to fire protection readiness in Brentwood can be addressed through the prompt and collaborative processing of those projects.

  1. Policy LU I-4 – New development to occur in logical and orderly manner focusing on infill locations.

The proposed resolution relies on a factual inaccuracy that the project site is “in a mostly undeveloped area.”  The project is located on an undeveloped PARCEL surrounded on three contiguous sides by development, including housing to the west and commercial developments to the north and east.  Only the parcel to the south of the project site is undeveloped, but, as the City is aware, that parcel is currently in option for housing development.

  1. Policy LU 1-5 – Encourage new development to be contiguous to existing development.

Again, the proposed resolution relies on a factual inaccuracy that the project location is “in a mostly undeveloped area.”  As described above, the project site is contiguous on three sides with existing development.  Moreover, within 450 feet to the north of the project site is an existing approximately 38,000 square foot office building, and within 700 feet is a nine-building office complex totaling around 140,000 square feet of office use.  Not only is the site contiguous with existing development, but it is also proximate to other major office developments.

  1. Policy LU 3-5 – Actively promote the Brentwood Boulevard Specific Plan.

The proposed resolution misapplies the Brentwood Boulevard Specific Plan’s (BBSP) COIR designation by stating that it “assumes that 70% of the area will be High Density Residential uses, and this project does not propose any residential uses.”  This point is developed from the misreading of a footnote buried in a table on page 89 in the appendix of the BBSP.  That language does not appear in the text of BBSP at all and would not be considered a policy statement or action item.  Nevertheless, even if applicable, the language does not mean that the project is inconsistent with the BBSP.  The COIR district includes 108 acres.  The project site is 5 acres, or 4.63% of the COIR acreage, and does not prevent development of High Density Residential uses as assumed in the BBSP.  And, as discussed above, the BBSP COIR designation explicitly permits the proposed office use.

In conclusion, as has been extensively documented and detailed, the proposed resolution is contrary to the facts and contrary to the law.  I encourage any planning commissioner with questions or who are unclear on the details provided in this letter to contact me prior to taking action to approve the resolution on the Planning Commission’s agenda.

Sincerely,

Eric Angstadt, Chief Assistant County Administrator, Contra Costa County

Cc: Supervisor Diane Burgis, District 3, Monica Nino, County Administrator

Contra Costa Letter to Brentwood PC 091526 mtg

Rendering source: CC County

Fire Chief’s Email Assures Assistant County AdministratorService Can Be Provided to New Building

In an email last Friday, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Chief Aaron McAlister informed Angstadt that the District “reviewed the East County Service Center” and “has approved the structure.”

From: Aaron McAlister
Sent: Friday, September 11, 2026 1:30 PM
To: Eric Angstadt
Cc: TDutt; Nichols Sam (both of Con Fire)
Subject: East County Service Center

Dear Mr. Angstadt,

Regarding CONFIRE capabilities in East Contra Costa County, the Fire District deploys various units, including engines, ladder trucks, water tenders, wildland engines, and rescue units.  Following the annexation of East Contra Costa Fire, which became effective July 1, 2023, Contra Costa Fire implemented several enhancements.  First, paramedic service was introduced.  Initially, in a rolling implementation, within 6 months, all units in Brentwood, Oakley, and Discovery Bay had a paramedic and Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipment.  In April 2024, CON Fire deployed Truck 92 as a second resource, joining Engine 92, to Fire Station 92 at 201 John Muir Parkway, which is Brentwood’s only operating fire station today.  Before April 2024, Oakey and Brentwood had no ladder truck service, and those communities depended on mutual aid from Antioch.

Truck 92 in Brentwood is a 102-foot tractor-drawn aerial ladder used for rescue at multi-story buildings.  It is also equipped with an aerial water way for firefighting operations from the ladder and a full complement of EMS gear, rope rescue, ventilation equipment, and extrication equipment.  CON Fire ladder trucks are staffed with 4 personnel: a Captain, an Engineer, and two firefighters.  One of those four members is a paramedic.  A schematic drawing of our ladder truck is attached.

Fire Station 92 is 3.5 miles from the East County Service Center.  When Fire Station 90 is constructed and Lone Tree and Shady Willow, the Fire District intention is to relocate truck 92 to this new station when it will become truck 90.  Future Station 90 is 2.7 miles from the East County Service Center.  When Station 94 opens in January 2027, Station 94 will be located 1.0 mile from the East County Service Center.

CON Fire reviewed the East County Service Center under our normal plan review, development, and pre-fire engineering process.  CON Fire has approved the structure, which includes ladder truck access, engine access, water supply, and modern fire protection systems such as fire alarms and fire sprinklers.

Please feel free to contact me if I can clarify our capabilities.

Sincerely,

Aaron J. McAlister, Fire Chief, XCC Operational Area Coordinator, Contra Costa County Fire Prot. District

Con Fire Chief ltr to Brentwood PC 091526

Issue Part of Recall Effort Against Supervisor Burgis

The issue is part of an effort to recall District 3 County Supervisor Diane Burgis, which began earlier this year. The effort’s website claims, “The County advanced plans for the East County Community Service Center despite concerns that the proposed project did not comply with Brentwood’s city ordinances. Critics also objected to the County’s decision not to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Brentwood to ensure the project would be built in compliance with local ordinances. She used our tax dollars to go over budget by 25 million without any public notice.”

Then, in a blog post on that website which doesn’t identify the author, someone wrote, “The questions are how the project grew, what it costs, how the environmental review was handled and how much meaningful input Brentwood residents had before decisions were made,” and provides details for the complaints above, including traffic, plus, “impact on downtown Brentwood.”

Source: The Press

Media Survey Shows Majority Public Support for Project

A survey conducted by The Press beginning Aug 20, 2026, and Updated Aug 30, 2026, asked, “Are you excited for the East County Service Center to come to Brentwood? Earlier this year, the Board of Supervisors broke ground on the county-funded East County Service Center off of Technology Way in Brentwood. While the county has called the project one that will bring jobs to Brentwood and reduce travel time for local residents in need of county services, city leaders have been skeptical of it, citing concerns over traffic and other factors. Are you excited for the project to open in late 2027?”

The results show 56.8% responded “Yes”, 38.5% of respondents said, “No” and 4.7% were undecided.

The conclusion of the Brentwood City staff report to the Planning Commission on the item for Tuesday’s meeting agenda. Screenshot source: City of Brentwood

City Staff Says Project Can Proceed

Under the Environmental Determination for the agenda item, City staff wrote, “The City’s General Plan conformance review of the County’s acquisition of real property, as well as the location, purpose, and extent of the East County Service Center project, does not trigger review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as the review is advisory and nonbinding, and the City has no discretion in how the project is conducted. The request is only for review of the acquisition’s conformance to the General Plan, and regardless of the Planning Commission’s determination, the County can still proceed with the project as proposed.”

Meeting Details

The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. inside the City Council Chambers at 150 City Park Way and can also be viewed and the public can participate by making comments via Zoom.

To learn more about the East County Service Center project, visit www.contracosta.ca.gov/eastcountyservicecenter

Help shape Clayton’s Emergency Operations Plan Aug. 27

By Leave a Comment

In-person or online

By City of Clayton

The City of Clayton is updating its Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) — the official roadmap that guides how we prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies like wildfires, floods, earthquakes, and more.

Join us for an informative Community Engagement Meeting as we kick off this important (and lengthy) update process.

Thursday, August 27 at 7:00 PM

In-Person: Hoyer Hall (Clayton Community Library), 6125 Clayton Road

Virtual: Join via Zoom — find the link on the City’s calendar at www.claytonca.gov or at www.claytonca.gov/239/Police

What we’ll cover:

  • What is an Emergency Operations Plan?
  • The planning process & timelines
  • How you can engage and share feedback

The City of Clayton’s EOP was last revised in 2012. This important undertaking will bring our emergency preparedness framework in line with current best practices, ensuring the City is ready to respond effectively to a wide range of emergencies and disasters. The process involves close coordination with local, county, and state agencies, as well as community stakeholders, to create a plan that reflects the needs and resources of our entire community.

The City Council has approved a contract with Brenna Howell Emergency Management (Brenna Howell Emergency Management) to serve as the City’s consultant throughout this effort. Over the coming months, the update will include opportunities for community engagement, staff training exercises, and a thorough review of hazards, resources, and response procedures. This methodical approach is expected to conclude by the first quarter of 2027. We look forward to this important process and to delivering an updated, robust resource that will help keep our City and community safe and prepared for years to come.

Download the City of Clayton Emergency Operations Plan 2012 (PDF)

Learn more at Emergency Preparedness | Clayton, CA.

Your voice matters. Come learn about the process and help us build a stronger, more prepared Clayton.

We hope to see you there — in person or online!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Relative of victims arrested for murder, arson in Richmond double fatality fire

By 1 Comment

Richmond resident Sergio Rivera-Vega was arrested for murder and arson. Graphic & photo source: Richmond PD

Claims lives of 47-year-old man, 5-year-old boy

32-year-old being held on $2.5 million bail

By Lt. Joseph England, PIO, Richmond Police Department

Richmond, CA – On August 18, 2026, at approximately 8:16 p.m., Richmond Police Department officers responded to the 200 block of 15th Street to assist the Richmond Fire Department with a residential structure fire.

At approximately 8:47 p.m., while emergency personnel remained at the scene, Richmond Police dispatch was notified by the Richmond Fire Department of a second residential structure fire approximately two houses away from the original fire.

Richmond Fire personnel immediately responded to the second residence, where firefighters located four victims inside the home: a 47-year-old man, a 33-year-old woman, a 5-year-old boy, and a 2-year-old girl.

Emergency personnel immediately began providing medical aid. Tragically, the 47-year-old man succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The remaining three victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, the 5-year-old boy later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The 33-year-old woman and the 2-year-old girl remain hospitalized in critical condition.

The second fire was immediately considered suspicious because it occurred only two houses away from the first fire and began within a short period of time while emergency personnel were still responding to the first incident.

Due to the suspicious circumstances, detectives from the Richmond Police Department’s Homicide Unit responded to the scene and immediately began investigating. Detectives conducted interviews, collected evidence, and worked closely with fire investigators to process the scene.

During the investigation, detectives identified 32-year-old Sergio Ivan Rivera-Vega (born 8/02/1994) as the suspect in the second fire. Rivera-Vega is a relative of the four victims and resided at the home.

While detectives were conducting their investigation, Rivera-Vega was located near the scene and taken into custody without incident. He was subsequently booked into the Richmond Police Department jail on charges of murder and arson causing great bodily injury.

This unimaginable tragedy has taken the lives of a man and a young child while leaving a woman and another young child fighting for their lives. The Richmond Police Department and Richmond Fire Department extend their deepest condolences to the victims, their loved ones, and everyone affected by this devastating incident.

The Richmond Police Department is committed to conducting a thorough and comprehensive investigation. Detectives will continue working closely with the Richmond Fire Department and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to ensure that all available evidence is examined, the full circumstances surrounding this incident are established, and justice is pursued for the victims and their family.

Arrested: Sergio Rivera-Vega, 32 yrs, Richmond Resident

Charges: Two Counts of PC 187(A) – Murder and Two Counts of PC 451(A) – Arson Causing Great Bodily Injury

Bail: $2,500,000.00

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, four-inch tall, 140-pound Rivera-Vega whose race is listed as unknown, is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

City of Martinez to conduct virtual wildfire evacuation drill July 11

By Leave a Comment

By Eve Kearney, Martinez City Manager’s Office

The City of Martinez is continuing to take proactive steps to enhance community safety by hosting a virtual evacuation drill, on July 11, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. This exercise will simulate the evacuation and response to a wildfire emergency.

A virtual evacuation drill is an ideal opportunity for residents to review and practice their personal and family safety plan in the event of an evacuation and ensure they are registered to receive emergency alerts.
The emergency scenario for the Unified Command exercise will be a wildland fire burning into the urban interface on the west edge of the City, north of SR-4. The virtual evacuation and emergency scenario will focus on five evacuation zones: MAR-001, MAR-002, and MAR-003.  These zones were chosen due to actual wildfire risk and wildland-urban interface (WUI).

What to Expect During the Drill

The drill will begin at 9:00 am. Live mock messages will be sent to all registered Martinez Alerts users. Messages will be clearly marked as drill-related. Residents in the three evacuation zones will receive additional messages during the drill.

There are up to three ways residents can participate in the Virtual Evacuation Drill.

  1. Ensure expected mock messaging from Martinez Alerts is received.
  2. Residents may practice preparing to evacuate from their residence, including a list of suggestions on our website.
  3. Residents may safely leave their residence and use their identified evacuation route.

The Importance of Evacuation Drills

The City as a whole benefits from this drill, extending beyond the target neighborhoods. It serves as an instructive example for emergency response across the entire City and offers an educational and preparation opportunity for all residents. Additionally, Martinez’s first responders will use this

Drill to conduct a Unified Command exercise, practicing multi‑agency coordination as well as response and management of an emergency scenario.

For more information, visit the evacuation drill webpage at cityofmartinez.org/july11.

For day-of messaging options during the exercise, please sign up for the Martinez Alerts e-notification system at www.martinezalerts.com.

Con Fire celebrates opening of Regional Fire Communications Center

By Leave a Comment

District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson and Fire Chief Aaron McAlister (right) are joined by Con Fire personnel to cut the ribbon to officially open the new Regional Fire Communications Center on Friday, June 19, 2026. Photo by Lauren Ono, Con Fire

$26 million facility in Concord staffed and operated around the clock

By Lauren Ono, PIO, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

CONCORD, CA- The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) proudly celebrated the grand opening of the Contra Costa Regional Fire Communications Center (CCRFCC) on Friday, June 19, 2026. It is a state-of-the-art emergency communications facility that serves as the critical link between the public and emergency responders throughout Contra Costa County.

“Before firefighters arrive on scene and before a paramedic begins treatment, an emergency dispatcher is already helping those in need,” said Contra Costa County Board Chair Diane Burgis, District 3 Supervisor. “The opening of this communications center represents an investment in public safety for Contra Costa County. It ensures the highly skilled professionals who answer our calls for help have the tools, technology, and resources they need most, when every second counts.”

Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the CCRFCC is located at 2210 Willow Pass Road in Concord and staffed by extensively trained emergency dispatchers who serve as the first point of contact during emergencies. In addition to answering 911 calls, dispatchers gather critical information, provide pre-arrival medical and safety instructions to the caller, coordinate the deployment of resources, and support emergency personnel throughout an incident from initial dispatch to final resolution.

The approximately $26 million facility was designed to enhance operational reliability, improve coordination, and provide the advanced technological infrastructure necessary to support the County’s growing public safety needs. The facility includes 16 dispatch positions, dedicated training and conference room space, enhanced site security, and on-site dormitories to support 24/7 operations.

“This facility is more than a communications center,” Fire Chief Aaron McAlister said. “It is the foundation of our emergency response system. By investing in modern technology, resilient infrastructure, and our personnel, we are strengthening our ability to serve the communities in Contra Costa County for decades to come.”

Photos: Con Fire

Technology & Innovation

  • Upgraded radio, telephone, and IT systems support 24/7 operations.
  • Software tools track unit status, location, and incidents to optimize coverage in real time.
  • iPads are now deployed on all fire apparatus for real-time communication and incident management.
  • The CCRFCC has integrated EMS personnel into dispatch operations via the Alliance ambulance transport program.

In a Facebook post on Friday, June 26, District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson who was in attendance for the ribbon cutting wrote, “I was honored to stand with Fire Chief Aaron McAlister, members of the Communications Staff, and firefighters to celebrate the opening of the new Contra Costa Regional Fire Communications Center (CCRFCC) in Pleasant Hill. The CCRFCC is a state-of-the-art emergency communications facility that serves as the critical link between the public and emergency responders throughout the County. The facility was designed to enhance operational reliability, improve coordination, and provide the advanced technological infrastructure necessary to support the County’s growing public safety needs.”

The communications center serves as the primary dispatch point for fire and emergency medical services for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, the El Cerrito/Kensington Fire Department, the Crockett-Carquinez Fire District, and the Moraga-Orinda Fire District, and provides EMS dispatching for the Richmond Fire Department. It serves the cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Oakley, Orinda, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, San Pablo, Walnut Creek and the Town of Moraga.

In 2025, the CCRFCC dispatchers answered 253,294 calls and dispatched over 133,300 incidents.

For more information about the Regional Fire Communications Center visit Communications / Information Systems | Contra Costa County FPD, CA and for more information about Con Fire visit www.cccfpd.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Con Fire crews clean up hazardous materials leak in Concord

By Leave a Comment

Photos: Con Fire

By Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

On Monday, June 15, 2026, shortly before 11:40 a.m., Contra Costa Fire responded to a hazardous materials alarm at a facility in Concord. Facility personnel reported a fluorine leak alarm had activated inside the building, prompting an immediate evacuation of employees.

The first arriving crews confirmed the building was evacuated, secured the area and initiated hazardous materials operations.

Firefighters developed an entry plan and assembled a hazardous materials team to investigate the source of the leak. Firefighters entered the building wearing specialized protective equipment and conducted air monitoring throughout the facility. Operations were conducted to isolate the leak and safely shut down the affected valve.

Following mitigation efforts, a second entry team conducted additional monitoring throughout the building. Air monitoring confirmed all readings had returned to zero, indicating the leak had been successfully controlled and the atmosphere was safe.

As part of the operation, firefighters completed decontamination procedures before exiting the incident. Decon is the process of removing or neutralizing potentially hazardous substances from personnel and equipment before they leave the operational area. Crews utilized a Tiger Paw decontamination system and paper indicator testing to verify that no contamination remained on personnel or equipment.

No injuries were reported.

See more photos, here.

Ceremonial Indigenous-led cultural burn at Cal State East Bay Concord June 6

By Leave a Comment

Photos: mak-warép Ohlone Land Conservancy

Led by the mak-warép Ohlone Land Conservancy at the tuuštak Ecocultural Garden

By Kimberly Hawkins, Senior News and Media Manager/PIO, Cal State East Bay

On Saturday, June 6, the mak-warép Ohlone Land Conservancy, in partnership with Cal State East Bay, Concord Center, CAL FIRE, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District (CCRCD), will conduct a ceremonial cultural burn of less than one acre at the Cal State East Bay Concord Center.

This event continues the restoration of Indigenous-led fire practices in the East Bay, reaffirming cultural traditions and supporting ecological health on Ohlone homelands. The project is designed to reduce invasive grasses, improve soil health and restore native plants important for food, medicine and basketry.

100 Acres at the tuuštak Ecocultural Garden at Cal State East Bay in čupkan/Concord

According to the mak-warép Ohlone Land Conservancy website, “We restore and steward 100 acres of oak woodland, highland chaparrel and the Gallindo Creek riparian corridor at the base of our most sacred mountain, tuuštak—Mt. Diablo.

“In this beautiful place, mak-warép Ohlone Land Conservancy works in partnership with Cal State East Bay Concord and our dear friends from Terremoto Landscape to restore a landscape that teaches of the abundance of the East Bay while actively repairing former cattle-grazed landscape for the benefit of all those living on this land.

“Here, we implemented our first cultural burn in at least two generations, with seasonal burns to come every year, paired with constant monitoring of the soil for the benefit of the landscape to alleviate overgrowth that leads to wildfires and to encourage constant regeneration of the plants that do best here.

“’It’s a way of giving back to the land,’ Auntie Dottie, 95, told us while she was there for our first renewed burn in generations.”

What to Expect 

  • Smoke may be visible near the CSU East Bay Concord Center (4700 Ygnacio Valley Road) between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., weather and air quality permitting.
  • The invitation-only event begins with a private Ohlone ceremony, followed by a controlled cultural burnled by Ohlone firekeepers under cultural protocols.
  • Fire personnel and equipment from CAL FIRE and Contra Costa County Firewill be on-site throughout the day.
  • The project will only proceed on a permissive burn day, as determined by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD).

Safety Measures

  • Public safety is the highest priority. The burn will be conducted under a strict, approved burn plan that considers fire behavior and weather conditions.
  • Fire breaks, water supply and suppression equipment will be established on-site.
  • Crews will remain until the fire perimeter is fully secured and declared out.
  • The burn will not proceed if wind, humidity, or other conditions make it unsafe.

Air Quality Compliance 

This project qualifies as a ceremonial fire under BAAQMD Regulation 5. It is exempt from open burn notification and fees, with the only condition being that the burn will not proceed on a Mandatory Burn Ban (Spare the Air Alert) day.

Public Information 

For updates on the burn, please visit:

About the mak-warép Ohlone Land Conservancy

The mak-warép Ohlone Land Conservancy works to reacquire, restore, and steward Ohlone ancestral lands through Indigenous-led ecological restoration, hyper-localized land management, and the practice and transmission of traditional culture. Our work strengthens Ohlone relationships to land, supports access to traditional foods, medicines, and basketry materials, and engages the public in understanding Ohlone history, culture, and place-based knowledge. For more information visit www.ohloneland.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa Board of Supervisors appoints Deputy Fire Chief Aaron McAlister to lead Con Fire

By Leave a Comment

The Board of Supervisors appointed Deputy Fire Chief of Administration Aaron McAlister as the new Chief for Con Fire, today. Photo: Con Fire

Former Fire Chief for City of Dixon started in new position, today

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media and Lauren Ono, Con Fire PIO

(Martinez, CA) – On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors appointed Aaron McAlister as Fire Chief of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire). He started in his new position immediately.

McAlister has served with Con Fire since 2016 and most recently served as Deputy Fire Chief of Administration, overseeing Communications/Fire Dispatch, Information Systems, Support Services, Finance, and Human Resources. Prior to that, he served as Assistant Fire Chief and played a key role in strengthening the District’s operational readiness, facilities, staffing, and regional coordination.

During his tenure, McAlister helped lead major district advancements, including the annexation of the East Contra Costa and Rodeo-Hercules fire districts and the service contract with the City of Pinole. He also supported the expansion of firefighting resources, staffing, facilities, and emergency services, while advancing wildfire mitigation efforts and helping establish more than 40 Firewise communities.

“Chief McAlister has demonstrated strong leadership, operational expertise, and a deep commitment to public safety throughout his career with Con Fire,” said Board Chair Diane Burgis. “Through a highly competitive selection process, he distinguished himself as the top choice to lead the District. His experience and vision will help ensure Contra Costa County continues to deliver the high level of fire protection and emergency services our residents depend on every day.”

Before joining Con Fire, McAlister served as Fire Chief for the City of Dixon.

McAlister replaces Chief Lewis Broschard, who retired in March after more than 30 years in the fire service, including 18 years with Con Fire. Broschard briefly returned in an interim capacity to support leadership continuity during the transition.

“I am honored by the Board’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Fire Chief,” said McAlister. “Con Fire’s firefighters, dispatchers, fire prevention staff, support staff, professional staff, and leadership team are among the very best in the fire service. I look forward to building on our strong foundation and continuing our mission of protecting lives, property, and the environment throughout Contra Costa County.”

McAlister holds a Master of Arts in Homeland Security from the Center for Homeland Defense and Security at the Naval Postgraduate School and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento. He is a Certified Fire Chief through the California State Fire Marshal and holds a Chief Fire Officer credential from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

The cost of this position for the remainder of the fiscal year is approximately $79,324 with the total ongoing cost projected at $634,595 annually. Funding for this position is included in the District operating budget.

Contra Costa Fire provides fire protection and emergency medical services to more than 790,000 residents across 13 cities and 11 unincorporated communities throughout Contra Costa County.

Pscyhe! He’s baaack! Fire Chief Lewis Broschard reinstated to lead Con Fire

By Leave a Comment

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Fire Chief Lewis Broschard as back on an interim basis after retiring last month. Photo: Con Fire

But just temporarily

By Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media

(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) has reinstated Fire Chief Lewis Broschard to serve as Fire Chief on an interim basis until a permanent appointment is made.

Chief Broschard retired in March after more than 18 years of distinguished service, marked by strong leadership and a deep commitment to public safety and the residents of Contra Costa County.

During his tenure, the District achieved significant advancements, including the annexation of the East Contra Costa and Rodeo-Hercules fire districts and a service contract with the City of Pinole. He also led the expansion of firefighting resources, staffing, facilities, and emergency services, while strengthening wildfire mitigation efforts and supporting the creation of more than 40 Firewise communities.

“Chief Broschard’s return ensures experienced leadership and continuity while the District conducts a search for its next permanent Fire Chief,” said Board Chair Diane Burgis, District 3 Supervisor.