Contra Costa Herald

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

Help shape Clayton’s Emergency Operations Plan Aug. 27

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Oakley man dies, three boys in stolen car injured in crash following police pursuit from Antioch

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A Con Fire firefighter extinguishes the fire on of three cars involved in the fatal crash at the intersection of O’Hara Avenue and Laurel Road in Oakley on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Photo courtesy of ContraCosta.news

By Oakley Police Department

On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at approximately 10:24 AM an Oakley police officer was in the area of Main Street and Bridgehead Road. The Oakley officer knew the Antioch Police Department had been pursuing a gray Honda sedan east bound on 18th Street towards Oakley. The gray Honda had been reported as stolen vehicle to the Oakland Police Department on February 22, 2026. At the time the vehicle was stolen, it was reported that a firearm had been left in it.

The Antioch Police Department stopped pursuing the vehicle prior to it leaving the city limits and advised neighboring agencies the car was headed east bound. The Oakley officer remained in the area to keep an eye out for it. The Oakley officer saw the gray Honda enter Oakley at speeds of 80 MPH. The Oakley officer initiated a pursuit of the stolen Honda. The pursuit down Main Street passed the major intersections of Live Oak Avenue, Big Break Road, Empire Avenue, Teakwood Avenue, and Vintage Parkway. The driver of the stolen Honda drove in excessive speeds during the entire pursuit. The driver of the stolen Honda turned right onto south bound O’Hara Avenue.

An Oakley sergeant determined the pursuit should be terminated, and within just a few seconds of the decision to terminate the pursuit, the driver of the stolen Honda collided with another vehicle at the intersection of O’Hara Avenue and Laurel Road. The violent collision resulted in the death of the adult male driver (50, Oakley) of the other vehicle. The collision also resulted in the ejection of one of the occupants of the stolen Honda, a juvenile male. It was further determined the stolen Honda contained two additional juvenile males. All three juveniles who were in the stolen Honda were hospitalized with major injuries. Due to the fact all occupants of the stolen Honda were juveniles, we will not be identifying them.

A second vehicle was also struck by the stolen Honda incidental to the major collision.

The Oakley Police Department is conducting a parallel investigation with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and the California Highway Patrol as per the Contra Costa County Law Enforcement Fatal Incident Protocol.

This incident is still under active investigation. We will update the public with appropriate information as it becomes available.

This is a tragic incident; the City of Oakley extends its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of the driver who lost his life in this senseless incident.