Contra Costa Herald

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

Report shows no ongoing public health risk from Martinez Refinery petroleum coke dust release

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Source: Martinez Refining Company

By Contra Costa Health

Laboratory analysis shows that samples of coke dust collected by Contra Costa Health (CCH) following last Tuesday’s hazardous materials release at Martinez Refining Company (MRC) did not contain high levels of toxic metals, indicating the dust does not pose an increased, long-term risk to public health. (See related article)

CCH’s Hazardous Materials Program sent samples of the sooty substance for laboratory analysis after it collected on cars, garbage cans and other surfaces in neighborhoods around the refinery soon after notification of the release on July 11. The laboratory report is available here.

MRC reported the release at about 10:20 a.m. on Tuesday by activating the county’s Community Warning System at Level 1, the lowest-level alert, used for hazardous materials releases when there are no expected off-site health consequences.

MRC reported the material was coke dust, a black, sooty or powdery residue created during petroleum refining that primarily contains carbon and is chemically similar to charcoal. The material was released about 8:30 a.m. for approximately one minute, according to MRC.

CCH and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District are investigating the incident to determine whether the release violated regulatory law.

CCH is also investigating whether MRC properly followed the county’s emergency notification policy and properly used the Community Warning System, as required by law.

Coke dust can be safely washed off surfaces with soap and water. The primary health concern regarding the release of coke dust is irritation of throat, lungs and the respiratory system while the release was occurring and the material was in the air, particularly for people with respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Anyone who believes they have symptoms or health concerns due to breathing material released during the July 11 incident should contact their healthcare provider.

CCH expects to learn more about the contributing causes of the incident, actions immediately taken, and proposed actions to prevent a similar incident from occurring. The first incident report from MRC to CCH, required by the county’s notification policy, will be available at cchealth.org on Monday. 

 

San Ramon celebrates 40th Anniversary of cityhood with swim and movie night, concert, gala

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The City of San Ramon is excited to be celebrating its 40th Anniversary!

In 1983, San Ramon voters decided overwhelmingly to incorporate as a city. Officially incorporated on July 1, 1983, the community assumed leadership over development, police, parks, and other services. A new library, community center, and parks were quickly in the planning stages.

The City will be celebrating throughout the year with commemorative giveaways, special events, and more!

For upcoming events and announcements, sign up for email updates here.

40th Anniversary Celebrations

Dive-In Movie: Top Gun: Maverick

Friday, August 4

San Ramon Olympic Pool (9900 Broadmoor Drive)
Rec Swim at 7 p.m.
Movie at 8:15 p.m.
Admission: $1/person
Act#18880

More Information

40th Anniversary Celebration Concert in the Park: Fast Times Dance Party

Sunday, August 6 at 5:30 p.m.

Central Park Amphitheater (12501 Alcosta Blvd)
FREE for All Ages!

40th Anniversary Gala

Friday, August 25

City Hall Rotunda (7000 Bollinger Canyon Road) and San Ramon Community Center (12501 Alcosta Blvd)

 

Walnut Creek man arrested for attempted catalytic converter theft Friday morning

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Brian Dodds arrested for attempted catalytic converter theft Friday morning July 14, 2023. Photos: Walnut Creek PD

Burglary tools, firearms seized; has history of arrests

By Walnut Creek Police Department

Early Friday morning  (3:48 am to be exact) July 14, 2023, an alert WC citizen reported a catalytic converter theft in progress in the 2700 block of Larkey Lane. The citizen reported they were seeing someone underneath a parked car with a flashlight and could hear loud grinding noises as well. Your graveyard Team-4 was able to get there in time to detain the responsible, Brian Phillip Dodds (41, Walnut Creek, DOB 9-2-81).

Dodds was arrested for the attempted theft in addition to multiple other charges ranging from burglary tools to felon in possession of firearms. He was booked at the Martinez Detention Facility.

Guns and burglary tools seized Friday morning, July 14, 2023. Photos: WCPD

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office Dodds is now in the West County Detention Facility on no bail.

According to localcrimenews.com Dodds has a history of arrests dating to 2019 by Walnut Creek PD, Pleasant Hill PD, Concord PD and Martinez PD for firearms violations, receiving stolen property, burglary, trespassing, ammunition and drug possession and on Jan. 18, 2023 for receiving stolen property – motor vehicle.

WCPD values our community and stakeholders who consistently aid in the fight against crime. We can’t do our job without you!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

During investigation police shoot, kill Richmond man, arrest second man, seize multiple firearms

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Video screenshot of body-worn camera shows a Richmond Police officer shooting a suspect inside a home on June 28, 2023. Source: Richmond PD

DA files felony charges for assault with a deadly weapon, brandishing a firearm, illegally possessing firearm

By Richmond Police Department

On June 28, 2023, officers from the Richmond Police Department were involved in an officer-involved shooting in the 1200 block of Sanderling Island, Richmond, CA. This press release provides additional information on the incidents preceding the shooting and what occurred during the shooting.

On June 18, 2023, at 8:47 pm, officers responded to a report of a subject brandishing a firearm from a vehicle at pedestrians in the 900 block of West Cutting Blvd. in Point Richmond. The victims provided a description of the suspect, his vehicle, and the firearm that was brandished. The suspect fled before officers arrived and was not identified at that time.

On June 26, 2023, at 1:32 am, officers responded to another report of a subject brandishing a firearm at pedestrians in the 100 block of Washington Avenue. During this incident, the suspect discharged the firearm. One of the victims in this incident identified Jose Jamir Martinez, a 63-year-old resident of Richmond (born 10/22/59), as the suspect.

Seized handguns and rifles on June 28, 2023. Photos: Richmond PD

Detectives conducted a follow-up investigation and developed probable cause to arrest Jose Martinez for brandishing a firearm, discharging a firearm in a negligent manner, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Officers also identified Jose Martinez as the suspect in the brandishing incident on June 18, 2023.

On June 28, 2023, at 4:09 am, officers located Jose Martinez on I-580 near Regatta Blvd. Officers stopped his vehicle and took him into custody. He admitted to possessing a firearm, and a firearm was located in his vehicle.

Martinez has numerous prior felony arrests which would prohibit him from legally possessing a firearm. He admitted to detectives that he lived at a residence in the 1200 block of Sanderling Island. He also admitted to possessing additional firearms that he stored in his bedroom.

Detectives authored and were granted a search warrant to retrieve the additional firearms and evidence from his residence.

On June 28, 2023, at 9:08 am detectives arrived at the residence in the 1200 block of Sanderling Island to serve the warrant. Officers approached the residence and knocked on the door making numerous announcements identifying themselves as police officers while demanding entry into the residence. Officers continued to make numerous announcements prior to entering the residence, utilizing a key that was provided by Jose Martinez.

Officers then slowly and methodically searched the interior of the two-story residence for occupants. During this time, officers continued to announce they were from the police department while demanding that any occupants show themselves.

Grenade, bullets and AR pistol seized on June 28, 2023. Photos: Richmond PD

Officers approached a closed bedroom door, which they opened while they announced themselves as being “Richmond Police”. As officers opened the door, officers located Kevin McDonald seated on a bed, armed with an AR-15-style pistol. McDonald raised his weapon toward officers, at which time an officer-involved shooting occurred.

Officers provided medical aid to McDonald, who was pronounced deceased, by responding medical personnel. McDonald was a 66-year-old Richmond resident who had prior felony convictions that prohibited him from possessing firearms.

A subsequent search of the residence resulted in detectives locating a total of 53 firearms, including 23 pistols, 8 revolvers, 20 rifles, and two shotguns. A live hand grenade along with a large quantity of ammunition was seized. Materials to manufacture illegal firearms were also seized.

On June 30, 2023, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed felony charges against Jose Martinez for nine felonies. These charges include assault with a deadly weapon, brandishing a firearm, and illegally possessing a firearm. Jose Martinez remains in custody on these charges.

This officer-involved shooting is being investigated as part of a joint investigation by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office and the Richmond Police Department.

Video footage from one of the officer’s body worn cameras can be viewed here. WARNING: Graphic, violent content.

 

Oakland man re-arrested, charged for murder in February 2021 Concord shooting

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U.S. Marshals assist; held on $2 million bail

By Concord Police Department Major Crimes Unit Investigations Division

On February 28th, 2021, 26-year-old Robert Franklin Currier was found deceased, as a result of gunshot wounds, in the roadway on Concord Avenue near Meridian Park Blvd. Evidence and witnesses were located at the scene; however, the suspects had fled the area. Detectives identified the suspect vehicle and subsequently arrested Viliami Edwardal Ofanoa on March 3, 2021 related to the murder. Ofanoa was released from custody pending further investigation.

Throughout this ongoing investigation, the Concord Police Major Crimes Detectives worked closely with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. A detailed analysis of phone records, DNA evidence, and license plate reader data were used to establish probable cause to re-arrest Ofanoa for the murder of Robert Currier.

In June 2023, Concord Police served the arrest warrant for Ofanoa (of Oakland, now age 37, DOB 06/21/86) with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service and the Contra Costa County Safe Streets Task Force. The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed charges against Ofanoa and he is being held on $2,000,000 bail for the crime of murder, as well as an enhancement for use of a firearm.

According to locacrimenews.com, Ofanoa was arrested by Oakland Police on August 9, 2021 for being an addict in possession of firearm, possession of ammunition and for carrying a loaded firearm on person or in vehicle while in a public place.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office Ofanoa has a hearing scheduled for August 10, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. in Contra Costa Superior Court.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Antioch teen dies from shootout during attempted robbery of Antioch man in Brentwood Friday night

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Walnut Creek man also involved, arrested; victim who shot back not yet arrested

By Captain Walter O’Grodnick, Brentwood Police Department

On Friday, July 14, 2023 around 7:45 PM Brentwood Police officers were dispatched to the 800 block of Marjoram Drive for a shooting that just occurred. A preliminary investigation suggests two males exchanged gunfire, both were hit by gunfire and transported to local hospitals for treatment, one of which sustained serious injuries.

Others were detained on-scene as part of the investigation. This was an isolated incident with no apparent threat to public safety and the motive for the shooting is still under investigation.

While a group of people were leaving a home on Chili Court in Brentwood, two suspects, a 17-year-old male resident of Antioch, and a 20-year-old male resident of Walnut Creek attempted to rob a 21-year-old male resident of Antioch, while all three were armed. All three exchanged gunfire on Marjoram Drive, striking the 17-year-old suspect and 21-year-old victim. The 20-year-old suspect was not injured. Three firearms were recovered at the scene.

The 21-year-old victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The 17-year-old was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. The teen later succumbed to his injuries.

The 20-year-old from Walnut Creek has been arrested but not the 21-year-old from Antioch, yet.

All names are being withheld at this time and there remains no threat to public safety. The investigation is ongoing and no additional information is being released at this time. Anyone with information related to this shooting is asked to contact Detective Inerbichler or Detective Goold at 925-809-7911. Callers may remain anonymous.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Two Antioch men shot, one killed in Pittsburg, drive to police station Friday

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Con Fire and Pittsburg Police personnel investigate the fatal shooting in the Pittsburg City Hall parking lot Friday, July 14, 2023. Photos by Ronn Carter. Redacted by the Herald.

24-year-old killed, 21-year-old suffering from multiple gunshot wounds transported to local hospital is in serious, but stable, condition.

By Pittsburg Police Department

On July 14, 2023, at 5:12pm Pittsburg Police officers responded to the 2100 block of Crestview Lane after dispatch received a call of gunshots heard in the area. As officers were responding, a vehicle entered the Pittsburg Police Department parking lot and the driver summoned officers to his car. The officers stopped and found the driver and one passenger inside the vehicle, both suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Officers rendered medical aid to the two men until paramedics arrived. Unfortunately, the passenger, a 24-year-old male of Antioch, did not survive. UPDATE: He was later identified as Trevon Richardson.

The driver, a 21-year-old male of Antioch, was transported to a local hospital where he was listed in serious, but stable, condition.

As these officers were tending to the victims in the police department parking lot, more officers responded to the area of Crestview Lane in Pittsburg where the original caller heard gunshots. This is where officers located evidence of a shooting. Detectives were called in and are actively working leads.

Due to this being an active investigation, the identities of the victims are being withheld and there will be no further information released at this time.

We ask anyone who has information related to this case to please contact Dispatch at 925-646-2441, or Detective Gutierrez at 925-252-4095

 

Rocketship Education issues 2022-23 annual report of activities in California

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By Maricela Guerrero, Executive Director, Rocketship California

As community schools, we deeply engage our families in their student’s academic life and build our school community around our families. Our Care Corps is an expansion of Rocketship’s community schools model, allowing us to support the whole child and families inside and outside of the classroom. Our full-time Care Corps coordinators help our families navigate support systems and get the assistance they need by overcoming language barriers, red tape, and lack of internet access to connect them to vital services that are too often cumbersome and complicated. Care Corps coordinators are fully dedicated to helping families meet their basic needs so their children can thrive in school.

Rocketship Education operates the Delta Prep TK-5th school in Antioch, Futuro Academy TK-5th in Concord in Contra Costa County, and 11 other schools in California, three in Tennessee, one in Texas with a second opening this fall, two in Wisconsin and three in Washington, D.C.

We’re so proud to have once again holistically served thousands of families through Care Corps in the 2022-2023 school year. This past year:

Partnering with the Healthy Kids Foundation and K-12 Health East Bay, we provided free health screenings for 5,655 students across the Bay Area and partnered with Vision to Learn to give free eyeglasses to 618 Rocketship students.

We partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank to feed our families – distributing almost 11,000 food kits to families in San Jose and the East Bay.

We partnered with City Team Ministries to offer a pop-up closet for our families at Rocketship Brilliant Minds, helping clothe over 200 households.

We also partnered with Bay Area Urban Barber College to give over 500 Rocketeers and their siblings free school supplies and haircuts.

Partnering with the State of California and the Santa Clara County Department of Health, we hosted a vaccination clinic and community resource fair for our San Jose families.

And last, but not least, our very own Ms. Elena organized a Rocketship folklorico group of 80 students that performed for the community at the Vietnamese Association in San Jose every Wednesday.

Thank you for your continued support of our Rocketeers. Our Care Corps team is excited to continue this important work the next academic year.

For more information visit www.rocketshipschools.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Excessive Heat Watch for interior Bay Area this weekend

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Source: NWS Bay Area

By National Weather Service Bay Area

Excessive Heat Watch for the interior Bay Area and Central Coast, from Friday into Sunday, July 15-17, 2023. High temperatures will range from the 90s to the mid-100s.

IMPACTS: Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS: The combination of warm nights and hot days will be most prevalent, Saturday and Sunday. In addition to the heat, individuals should be mindful of the elevated fire danger over the weekend, especially inland and at higher elevations where there will be little overnight relief from the marine layer.

Be prepared to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

Stay hydrated!

For more information visit National Weather Service Bay Area.

Contra Costa Health responding to coke dust release at Martinez Refining Company

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Source: Martinez Refining Company

Contra Costa Health’s (CCH) Hazardous Materials program is investigating a hazardous materials release from the Martinez Refining Company (MRC) Tuesday morning.

MRC reported through the Community Warning System (CWS) that the released material was coke dust, a byproduct of the petroleum refining process.

The release left the material on the ground, parked cars, and other surfaces in the surrounding neighborhoods. CCH’s Hazardous Materials team is working to assess potential health impacts.

Wipe samples are being taken and will be sent to a lab for analysis. Results are expected by the end of the week. CCH will provide updates after the results are reviewed.

Coke dust is black and looks like soot. Use soap and water to clean impacted outdoor surfaces.

MRC notified CCH of the release around 10:20 a.m. through the CWS. MRC reported the release took place around 8:30 a.m. and lasted approximately one minute.

“We are very concerned about the delayed notification to the Community Warning System. We are once again responding to a refinery incident and trying to determine the health impacts,” said Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover. “We understand this is an ongoing concern for our community and timely notification is critical.”

CCH requested a 72-hour report about the incident, which will be posted to cchealth.org.