Contra Costa Herald

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

Walnut Creek man in Friday Brentwood shootout ID’d, arrested for attempted murder, robbery, more

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Bail set at $2,575,000; 17-year-old Antioch suspect died from his injuries; victim is 21-year-old Antioch man

By Brentwood Police Department

The surviving suspect in Friday night’s shooting that occurred in the 800 block of Marjoram Drive in Brentwood at approximately 7:45 P.M. was identified as Antonio Barajas, a 20-year-old Walnut Creek resident. Barajas (born 12/29/2002) was booked at the Martinez Detention Facility, Saturday morning (7/15/23) for the following:

  1. Attempted Murder
  2. Attempted Robbery
  3. Conspiracy
  4. Assault w/ a Deadly Weapon
  5. False Imprisonment
  6. Discharging a firearm at an occupied vehicle
  7. Carrying a loaded firearm in public

As previously reported, Barajas was not injured but the 21-year-old victim from Antioch was. The 17-year-old suspect from Antioch was transported to an area hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries.

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.

Oakley’s Ryan wraps up two-win weekend at Antioch Speedway

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Jason Ryan, Jr. #52 regained the point lead with his third IMCA Sport Modified win. Photo by Katrina Kniss

DeCarlo of Martinez, Baugh of Pittsburg also winners

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…July 15…Jason Ryan, Jr. of Oakley won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. This was his third win of the season as he regained the point lead from Kenny Shrader of Pacheco. Ryan also won the Main Event at Watsonville a night earlier.

With a front row start, rookie Billy Garner bolted into the lead when the green flag flew, pursued by his father Mark Garner, both of Antioch. Ryan settled into third very quickly and took up pursuit of Mark Garner. Ryan and the elder Garner went side by side for several laps before a low pass in Turn 4 of the 11th lap gained Ryan second as Garner pushed too high.

Billy Garner continued to lead the way until an inside pass in Turn 4 of the 14th lap gained Ryan the lead. Mark Garner passed his son for second before a yellow flag waved on Lap 18. Ryan maintained his cool on the restart and held off Mark Garner for the victory. Billy Garner impressed with a third-place finish, followed by Kelly Campanile of Oakley and Trevor Clymens, of Brentwood.

Terry DeCarlo, Jr. looked impressive in winning the IMCA Stock Car feature. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Terry DeCarlo, Jr. of Martinez won the 20 lap IMCA Stock Car Main Event. A week earlier he led the first half for the race before being passed. This time around, he gained the lead when brother Nick DeCarlo had mechanical issues on the ninth lap.

Nick DeCarlo of Martinez took the early lead over Terry DeCarlo Jr and Kenneth Robles of Rio Vista. They ran that way until Nick DeCarlo fell off the pace as they went down the front straightaway on ninth lap, surrendering the lead to his brother. Kenneth Robles held second ahead of father, Jason Robles of Rio Vista.

However, Jason also fell out, leaving Kenneth Robles to battle Mitch Enos of Manteca and point leader Troy Foulger of Oakley in a good race for second. Foulger made a Turn 2 move around Enos on Lap 18 for third. As Terry DeCarlo Jr sped to a straightaway advantage in victory. Foulger tried to get underneath Kenneth Robles exiting Turn 4, but Robles held him off at the line for second. Enos ended up fourth ahead of Jason Robles.

Jared Baugh #07 won his second-straight Hobby Stock Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Jared Baugh of Pittsburg won his second-straight Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event. Point leader Grayson Baca of Brentwood set the pace on the opening up, but a yellow flag waved for debris on the track. Baca surrendered the lead to Baugh on the restart with James Thomson of Pittsburg settling into second on the third lap. Aidan Ponciano got past Baca for third on Lap 6 and led Baca around Thomson for second and third on the eighth lap.

They ran that way until Colten Haney of Brentwood spun in Turn 4, collecting Ken Johns of Antioch on Lap 16. Baugh continued to lead the way with Ponciano in close pursuit in second. However, Baugh would prevail at the checkered flag. Reigning champion Misty Welborn of Castro Valley made a late surge for third ahead of Baca as San Pablo’s Bobby Motts Jr beat James Graessle of Antioch back to the line in a drag race for fifth.

Tom Davis #75 gained the Mini Stock point lead with his fifth feature triumph. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Tom Davis of Los Molinos won his fifth-straight 20 lap Print Club Mini Stock Main Event and took the point lead from Tom Brown of Santa Rosa in the process. Brown was a Main Event scratch.

Wyatt Lakin of Diamond Springs set the early pace ahead of Davis, but Davis went low in Turn 3 of the third lap to grab the lead. An inside move on the back stretch of the fifth lap gained Tony Quinones second. Davis set a rapid pace during the final 10 laps and won by a straightaway ahead of Quinones. Lakin ended up settling for third, followed Austin Struthers and Thomas Jensen, both of Placerville.

Don McLeister #7 won his third 600 Micro Sprint Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Don McLeister of Stockton won the 15 lap 600 Micro Sprint Main Event. This was his third win in as many races. He wasted little time charging into the lead from his pole position start as Ryan Holden of Lodi took up close pursuit. The first two positions never changed as McLeister picked up the win ahead of Holden. Devin McLeister of Stockton ran third until pulling off on Lap 8, giving the position to eventual third place finisher Swen Johnson of Marysville. Devin McLeuster settled for fourth ahead of Charlie Kight of Antioch.

Racing resumes next Saturday night with the Wingless Spec Sprints and Xtreme Late Models back in action along with the Delta Dwarf Cars, Super Stocks and Hardtops. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Antioch Speedway Race Results – July 15, 2023

IMCA Sport Modifieds 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Trevor Clymens, Jason Ryan Jr. Main Event (20 laps)-Jason Ryan Jr, Mark Garner, Billy Garner, Kelly Campanile, Trevor Clymens, Tom Fraser, Kenny Shrader, Raymond Lindeman, KC Carpenter, Al Johnson.

Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Grayson Baca, Jared Baugh, Aidan Ponciano. Main Event (20 laps)-Jared Baugh, Aidan Ponciano, Misty Welborn, Grayson Baca, Bobby Motts Jr, James Graessle, James Thomson, Colten Haney, Ken Johns, Gavin Griffiths.

IMCA Stock Cars

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Mitch Enos, Kenneth Robles. Main Event (20 laps)-Terry DeCarlo Jr, Kenneth Robles, Troy Foulger, Mitch Enos, Jason Robles, Nick DeCarlo, Dan Gondeman, Scott Foster.

Print Club Mini Stocks 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Tony Quinones, Tom Davis. Main Event (20 laps)-Tom Davis, Tony Quinones, Wyatt Lakin, Austin Struthers, Thomas Jensen, Logan Lakin, David Carson, Tom Carse, Tom Brown DNS, Dana Gardner DNS.

600 Micro Sprints

Heat Winner (8 laps)-Don McCleister. Main Event (15 laps)-Don McLeister, Ryan Holden, Sven Johnson, Devin McLeister, Charlie Kight, Ryan Dotson DNS, Devin Baxter DNS.

 

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.