Contra Costa Herald

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

“The Legend of Valentine” tells surprising story of tyranny, turmoil behind the day 

By Leave a Comment

“A complex and ambitious adventure for lovers of ancient historical romance.” —Kirkus Reviews

By Wes Seeley, PR by the Book

Valentine’s Day celebrations generally include chocolates, flowers, and perhaps a candlelit dinner. But in The Legend of Valentine, screenwriter, director, and author Sheldon Collins draws back the curtain on the world’s most romantic holiday and recreates a dark history born from rebellion, forbidden weddings and a love so fierce it defied an empire.​

Set in Rome, 268 AD, in an age of tyranny and turmoil, an eternal love story ignites a revolution. Valentine, a once-fearsome warrior reborn from the brink of death, sheds his violent past for a new destiny inspired by his blind lover, Agatha. Amidst the ruthless rule of a merciless emperor, Valentine undertakes a clandestine mission: to unite lovers in secret ceremonies, defying imperial decrees that threaten to obliterate the Christian faith. As Valentine’s covert acts of defiance grow bolder, he challenges the tyrannical order, planting the seeds for a celebration of love that will echo through the ages.

The Legend of Valentine is an epic tale of love, war, faith, and rebellion. This gripping saga looks beyond the candy hearts and greeting cards to find the roots and meaning of the holiday – a world where love defies all odds, heroes rise from the shadows, and the undying spirit of hope shines through the darkest times.

Discover the man behind the myth, witness the birth of a legend, and experience a love story so profound it promises to live forever.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sheldon Collins is a distinguished storyteller whose career began in Hollywood as a screenwriter and director. His films, celebrated for their compelling narratives and rich character development, have been featured on premium television and at numerous film festivals—earning critical acclaim and a host of awards. The Legend of Valentine marks Collins’s debut novel. The multi-cast audiobook edition, which he co-directed, was the winner of two 2026 Society of Voice Arts and Sciences Voice Arts Awards.

Educated at UC Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and holding a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from the prestigious American Film Institute, Collins brings a unique blend of narrative expertise and directorial acumen to his literary endeavors.

For more information, visit https://prbythebook.com/experts/sheldon-collins and https://sheldoncollins.com/about.

Amazon link:  www.amazon.com/Legend-Valentine-Ancient-Historical-Revolution/dp/B0DPTDX66T/

The Legend of Valentine

Publisher: Hutchinson & Collins Publishing

Pub Date: 2025

ISBN: 9798991362405 (HC), 9798991362412 (PB), 9798991362443 (Ebook), 9798991362429 (Audiobook)

Available from Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, bookshop.org

Get married on Valentine’s Day at the Contra Costa Clerk’s Office Saturday, Feb. 14

By Leave a Comment

Couples being married by Assistant Clerk Recorder and Deputy Commissioner of Marriages Elizabeth Gutierrez (left) and by a Deputy Commissioner of Marriages (right) at the Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder’s Office with stained glass windows in the background. Photos: CCC Clerk-Recorder’s Office

By Dawn Kruger, Community and Media Relations Coordinator, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department 

The Contra Costa County Clerk’s Office will be open to perform in-office wedding ceremonies on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, 2026.  All 47 ceremony appointments have been reserved at this time due to the popularity of our Valentine’s Day Event.

“We know there is high demand for weddings on Valentine’s Day and we are grateful to our employees for being willing to work on a Saturday to create this opportunity for dozens of couples,” said Kristin B. Connelly, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder and Commissioner of Marriages. “Last year our team performed 52 Valentine’s Day ceremonies at our office on a Friday and this year we have already booked all 47 appointments for this special Saturday event.”

Typically, the County Clerk’s Office officiates Valentine’s Day ceremonies as part of the Destination Weddings program in a picturesque or historic location. Because Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday this year, the staff will open the office for wedding services only to provide a memorable experience for couples wanting to get married on this sentimental day.

A marriage license must be obtained before a ceremony can be performed. Couples may purchase a marriage license the same day, prior to their Valentine’s Day ceremony at the County Clerk-Recorder’s office at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez. The fee for a public marriage license is $95, while a confidential license is $100. The Marriage Ceremony fee is $75. Couples who only wish to purchase a marriage license are invited to come to the office as this is one of our wedding services.

For more information about this event or other Clerk’s Office services, please visit http://www.contracostavote.gov or call 925-335-7900.

Law firm offers free New Year’s Eve Uber rides across California

By Leave a Comment

Source: Setareh Law, LLC

Includes major regions such as the Bay Area, Stockton, Santa Rosa, Sacramento, Modesto, Madera, Fresno, Bakersfield, Ventura/Oxnard, Salinas, Los Angeles and San Diego

By Karla Fernandez, Public Relations, Market My Market

New Year’s Eve is consistently one of the deadliest nights of the year to be on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol-impaired driving accounts for about 37% of traffic deaths during the New Year’s holiday period, with fatal crashes peaking during late-night hours between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.

Nationwide, the National Safety Council projects more than 500 traffic fatalities during major holiday travel periods, and NHTSA reports that roughly one-third involve alcohol-impaired drivers – a risk that intensifies during overnight celebrations like New Year’s Eve.

To help reduce that risk, Setareh Law is offering free Uber rides (up to $20 each) across eligible California counties, giving people a safe way to get home on New Year’s Eve without getting behind the wheel.

This initiative is part of a broader community safety effort aimed at reducing impaired driving and helping more people get home safely during one of the busiest travel nights of the year.

Daniel Setareh, Founder of Setareh Law, explains, “New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, not tragedy. After fighting for justice for families who have been forever impacted by impaired drivers, we want to do our part to help prevent these accidents before they happen. If one free ride will keep someone safe, then this effort is worth every bit of it.”

Here’s How It Works (Step by Step):

Step 1: Request Your Voucher

Fill out the short form on the official campaign page to request your Uber voucher. Once approved, you’ll receive a unique Uber voucher link by email.

Step 2: Add Your Voucher to the Uber App

Click the link in your email and the voucher will automatically load into your Uber app.

Step 3: Take Your Free Ride (Dec 31–Jan 1)

Use the voucher anytime between:

5:00 PM on December 31 through 10:00 AM on January 1

Your ride must start or end in one of the eligible California counties.

Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify for the free ride, users must:

  • Be 21 years or older
  • Have an active Uber account
  • Take the ride during the campaign window (Dec 31–Jan 1)
  • Start or end the ride in an eligible California county
  • Limit: one voucher per Uber account
  • Offer is limited to the first 300 vouchers

The voucher covers one one-way ride up to $20 (tip not included).

Eligible California Counties

Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sacramento, Fresno, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Sonoma, Kern, Ventura, Monterey, and Madera, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego.

Only rides that start or end in an eligible county will qualify. The Uber app will automatically prevent the voucher from applying outside approved areas.

About Setareh Law

Setareh Law, APLC, is a California-based personal injury law firm dedicated to representing individuals and families harmed by negligence. Founded by attorney Daniel Setareh, the firm handles serious injury cases including car accidents, drunk-driving crashes, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death. With offices across California, Setareh Law is committed to providing hands-on legal representation, personalized client care, and strong advocacy both inside and outside the courtroom.

 

Say goodbye to 2025 and ring in 2026 safely during CHP Holiday Enforcement Period

By Leave a Comment

5,450 actions, 1,385 citations, 297 DUI arrests, 6 fatal crashes claim 8 lives during Christmas HEP

By Jaime Coffee, Director of Communications, Office of Media Relations, California Highway Patrol

SACRAMENTO — The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is ringing in 2026 by launching a New Year’s Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP). The CHP will boost patrols statewide from 6 p.m. Wednesday, December 31, to 11:59 p.m. Thursday, January 1.

While New Year’s is a time for celebration, the CHP encourages drivers to follow traffic laws, slow down, and always drive sober. Officers are prepared to stop reckless and impaired driving, which is one of the top preventable causes of crashes. During last year’s New Year’s HEP, the CHP reported 10 fatal crashes and 481 arrests statewide for driving under the influence. As you take the roads this week and celebrate the New Year, we want to remind everyone to make safety part of the plan: drive sober, slow down, stay focused & buckle up. Happy New Year from the California Highway Patrol!

“We’re entering a new year, but our message stays the same. Driving under the influence increases the risks on our roads, raises the chance of a crash, and puts lives in danger. We encourage everyone to do their part in keeping our roads safe by making responsible choices behind the wheel.” – Commissioner Sean Duryee

Driving while under the influence, whether from alcohol, drugs, or both, impairs judgment, decreases visibility and slows reaction times—key skills needed to drive safely. Before counting down to the new year, the CHP reminds everyone to plan ahead: designate a sober driver, use a ride-share service or public transportation and report drunk drivers by calling 9-1-1. Let’s start the new year safely.

Christmas HEP Results

During the 2025 Christmas Holiday Enforcement Period, which ran from 6 p.m. Wednesday, December 24, through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, December 25, CHP officers took 5,450 enforcement actions, issued 2,744 citations, and made 297 DUI arrests statewide. Speeding remains a concern: 1,385 citations, including 94 over 100 mph. 6 fatal crashes claimed eight lives. Slow down, buckle up, drive sober.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Hark! the herald angels sing “Glory to the new born King”

By Leave a Comment

The Greatest News Ever Given

The lyrics in the old Christmas carol pretty much sum up the story of Christmas: “Hark! the herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the newborn king! Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.’” Because that’s how it’s described in the book of Luke, chapter 2 in the Bible and that’s the kind of angels they were who announced the greatest news ever given.

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby [Bethlehem], keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’” Luke 2:8-14

As we celebrate Christmas, today, exchanging and opening presents, eating wonderful homemade food and watching classic Christmas movies, let’s remember what this holiday is really all about – celebrating the birthday of Jesus, the Christ.

He was, in the slang of speaker Ken Poure, “God in a bod.” He came down from Heaven, made himself lower than the angels and took on the body of a human being, was born as a baby – not into earthly wealth or power, but to a holy, yet imperfect young, virgin woman and a carpenter, to whom she was engaged, and in a stable with domesticated animals looking on, then growing into adulthood, so he could be one of us.

Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah, who the prophet Isaiah proclaimed 700 years before His birth, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.”

However, He was not a political messiah as many sought in that day, to lead a revolt and rescue them from the rule of the Roman Empire, but rather a spiritual, eternal messiah whose kingdom will never end. What’s more important and lasting, something political or spiritual? Obviously, spiritual.

As a human, Jesus was able to communicate with us, show us how to live and love, and share with us God’s message of salvation, which He provided. Instead of the yearly sacrifice of the unblemished lamb, whose blood merely covered over the sins of the people, the unblemished, perfect Christ provided us the once-and-for-all sacrifice, eliminating our sin and defeating the power of death – ultimate, spiritual, eternal death – for those who choose to follow Him and accept Him as their Lord and Savior. He is our bridge to God the Father, who reached down into human history to offer us a way to have a relationship with Him, that had been broken off by the sin of Adam and Eve.

So, today, this Christmas day, I encourage you to read the story of the birth of Jesus, the Christ in Luke, chapter two. Then find a Bible-believing church to attend today to seek out others who understand and have experienced the true meaning of Christmas, found in Jesus, who came to give us hope; salvation from the degradation of sin in our lives – because we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God – the opportunity to have an abundant life, not just one of empty pursuit of pleasure and acquiring things; peace in our hearts; and to be with Him for eternity. Because unlike any other spiritual leader in history Jesus is the only way to God, as he proclaimed “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

And that is the way to have a truly, Merry Christmas!

Allen D. Payton, Publisher

Here are the words to the song that memorializes the most important herald that has ever been – the announcement by the angels of the birth of the Savior of the world, Jesus the Christ, the long-prophesied messiah, born in Bethlehem some 2000 years ago.  He was born to bridge the gap between humans and God, due to the sin in their lives, which breaks our fellowship and relationship with Him. This year, you can know the true meaning of Christmas by opening your heart to the message and reason for the season, the birth, perfect life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Learn more by clicking here.

The word hark means listen, and a herald is an official messenger bringing news. That’s why the songwriter referred to them as herald angels, because that’s the type of angels they were, announcing the good news of Jesus’ birth.  Enjoy the lyrics and song of “Hark the herald angels sing.”

Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

To hear it sung, click here. 


"Hark the herald angels sing” Christmas Carol was written by Charles Wesley, brother of John Wesley founder
of the Methodist church, in 1739. A somber man, he requested slow and solemn music for his lyrics and thus
“Hark the herald angels sing” was sung to a different tune initially. Over a hundred years later Felix
Mendelssohn (1809-1847) composed a cantata in 1840 to commemorate Johann Gutenberg's invention of the
printing press. English musician William H. Cummings adapted Mendelssohn’s music to fit the lyrics of
“Hark the herald angels sing” already written by Wesley.

CHP launches Christmas Holiday Enforcement Period Dec. 24 & 25

By Leave a Comment

‘Tis the season to also slow down!

By Jaime Coffee Director of Communications Office of Media Relations, California Highway Patrol

SACRAMENTO — The California Highway Patrol (CHP) encourages the public to “brake” the habit of speeding this holiday season. The CHP will launch a Christmas Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) starting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24, and ending at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, December 25.

During last year’s 30-hour holiday enforcement effort for Christmas, CHP officers arrested over 300 impaired drivers in just 30 hours, issued 2,251 speeding tickets – including 132 to motorists going over 100 mph. Tragically, during that same time period, at least 17 people lost their lives in crashes across the state.

Every celebration starts with a smart choice. Always designate a sober driver before the festivities begin. If you plan to drink, plan your ride—use a rideshare, public transportation or call a trusted friend. Make this holiday season unforgettable for all the right reasons.

“Every instance of speeding or reckless driving carries the potential for life-changing consequences. Our officers see the destruction these choices can cause, and we urge every driver to slow down, stay alert, and make decisions that protect themselves and others. No destination is worth risking a life.”  – CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee

Removing dangerous drivers from California’s roads remains a top priority for the CHP. To support this goal, the CHP and the Department of Motor Vehicles recently launched Forwarded Actions for Speeding Tickets, or FAST, a pilot program that speeds up the process of removing drivers who exceed 100 mph from the roads. FAST automatically sends these citations to the DMV’s Driver Safety Branch, which can suspend or revoke a license. The CHP has also deployed 100 low-profile, specially marked patrol vehicles that have issued nearly 33,000 speed-related citations since May.

These steps, along with the upcoming Christmas HEP, send a clear message to drivers: slow down or face being stopped. Every decision behind the wheel matters, and obeying the speed limit can make the difference between arriving safely or not at all.

Additionally, winter weather can present significant challenges for motorists, particularly as storms impact roadways across the state. Rain, snow, and debris can quickly change driving conditions, reducing visibility and traction and increasing the risk of collisions.

To help everyone get home safely for the holidays, the CHP urges drivers to slow down, allow extra following distance, and remain alert for hazards such as standing water, rockslides, mud, or icy pavement.

Before traveling, check the weather and road conditions, ensure vehicles are properly equipped, and adjust driving behavior accordingly. Patience and preparedness are critical, as arriving safely is always more important than arriving on time.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

 

Con Fire and Firefighters Association to host Santa’s Firehouse Toy Drive Dec. 19-21

By Leave a Comment

Four locations

By Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

THIS WEEKEND!

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and the United Professional Firefighters Association of Contra Costa County Local 1230 are partnering to collect new, unwrapped toys for children in our communities!

Celebrate the season with Santa at one of his four stops across the county! Donate a toy, enjoy cookies and cocoa, and meet your local firefighters!

Fire Station 10- 2955 Treat Blvd., Concord
Friday, December 19, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Fire Station 82- 196 Bluerock Drive, Antioch
Saturday, December 20, 10:00 AM – Noon

Fire Station 92- 201 John Muir Parkway, Brentwood
Saturday, December 20, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Fire Station 76- 1680 Refugio Valley Road, Hercules
Sunday, December 21, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

For more information about Con Fire visit www.cccfpd.org.

2nd Grand Community Chanukah Festival in Clayton Dec. 21

By Leave a Comment

Includes Grand Menorah Lighting

By Chabad of Concord

We are excited to announce the 2nd Grand Community Chanukah Festival in Clayton!
We are thankful to have an incredible lineup of entertainment, officials, crafts, and Chanukah excitement that you won’t want to miss.

Chabad of Concord and The City of Clayton have joined forces to bring you a Grand Menorah Lighting & LED juggling show event that promises to be unforgettable! So, get ready to celebrate with us as a community and show your Jewish pride and unity!

Sunday, Dec 21, 4:00 PM

At The Grove – 6110 Center Street in Clayton

  • Celebrate Jewish pride and unity this Chanukah with local dignitaries, leaders, and community!
  • Enjoy latkes, “The Best Sufganiyot”, hot chocolate & More
  • Live Show
  • Music videos
  • Crafts
  • Raffles
  • More

Raffle ticket provided with RSVP.

Chanukah is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods. The Hebrew word Chanukah means “dedication,” and is thus named because it celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple. Chanukah begins on the eve of Kislev 25 and continues for eight days.

Looking forward to a grand time celebrating together!

Free admission- Please RSVP Jewishconcord.com/Clayton.

Special thanks ABL Health Care, Simcha Sisters, the City of Clayton and PJ Library for your partnership!

Chanuka Celebration and 7th annual Grand Community Menorah Lighting in Concord Dec. 18

By Leave a Comment

By Chabad of Concord

We are thrilled to announce that the 7th annual Grand Community Menorah Lighting is finally here!

This year, we are thankful to have an incredible lineup of entertainment, officials, crafts and Chanukah excitement that you won’t want to miss.

Chabad of Concord and The Veranda have joined forces to bring you a grand Menorah lighting event that promises to be unforgettable! So, get ready to celebrate with us as a community and show your Jewish pride and unity!

Thursday, December 18, 4:30 PM

At The Veranda – 2025 Diamond Blvd., Concord

  • Celebrate Jewish pride and unity this Chanukah with local dignitaries, leaders, and community!
  • Enjoy Chanukah treats
  • Live Performance by the award-winning Goofball
  • Music videos
  • Crafts
  • Raffle

Raffle ticket provided with RSVP.

Chanukah is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods. The Hebrew word Chanukah means “dedication,” and is thus named because it celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple. Chanukah begins on the eve of Kislev 25 and continues for eight days.

Looking forward to a grand time celebrating together!

Free admission- Please RSVP Jewishconcord.com/grand.

Special thanks ABL Health Care & Simcha Sisters for your sponsorship!

For more information visit www.jewishconcord.com or www.facebook.com/chabadofconcord.