Contra Costa Herald

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

Park District completes 667-acre Fuels Reduction Project in East Bay Hills

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As part of fuels reduction work a tree is removed then burned in a low-emission Tigercat 6050 carbonator machine, resulting in biochar used to enrich soil in the East Bay parks. Photos: EBRPD

Invested $12.5 million in Park District, state and federal funds

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

The East Bay Regional Park District is pleased to announce the completion of the Climate Change Impacts Wildland Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project at Anthony Chabot Regional Park. For the past three years, the Park District has been working to thin and remove hazardous trees and brush on 667 acres at Anthony Chabot to reduce fire intensity and help prevent catastrophic wildfires. (See related article)

This groundbreaking effort, the first of its kind in California, included large-scale eucalyptus removal and the use of a climate-friendly carbonizer to dispose of debris. The carbonizer produces low emissions and creates biochar, which has been used throughout the Park District to improve soil health and water retention.

In fall 2020, Park District staff noticed an increase in dead and dying trees compared with past years. The Park District began assessing die-off districtwide and found that it affected several parks. In some areas, half of the trees were either dead or showing signs they would die within a year. The condition was caused by extreme drought and climate change.

Fire fuels reduction efforts in the East Bay parks. Photos: EBRPD

“Sudden tree die-off was an emergency for the Park District,” said Park District Assistant Fire Chief Khari Helae. “We immediately saw the need to ramp up fuels reduction to mitigate the threat of potential wildfires. We can’t prevent all ignitions, but we can lower the intensity of fires by reducing fire fuels.”

“The Anthony Chabot project tackled mostly dead and dying eucalyptus, a notoriously flammable and difficult-to-handle tree. Thinning and removing eucalyptus is essential to slowing wildfires and giving firefighters time to stop them before they become out of control. Dead standing trees burn hotter and faster and can cast embers long distances, igniting new, potentially dangerous fires,” Helae added.

The 667-acre project began in 2022 with a pilot project on 80 acres near the former shooting range in Anthony Chabot Regional Park, using the climate-friendly carbonizer for biomass removal. The pilot project assessed the feasibility of using a carbonizer to remove biomass. With additional permitting, the project expanded to 445 acres and then 667 acres.

Funding sources

The project was funded through a combination of federal and state funds. The project received $7.5 million in state funding secured by former state Sen. Nancy Skinner (now serving as California Energy Commissioner) and former state Sen. Bob Wieckowski, $1.5 million in federal funding secured by U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), $1 million in grant funding from the California Coastal Conservancy, and $2.5 million from the Park District.

“We thank our federal and state partners for their leadership, support, and funding for wildfire fuels reduction work in the East Bay,” said Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “Fuels reduction work helps reduce wildfire risks and is critical to protecting the community and natural resources.”

“The Park District has a deep understanding of the dangers and destruction wildfires can bring after experiencing the 1991 Oakland Hills Firestorm, which claimed 25 lives and destroyed 3,469 homes,” Landreth added.

Ongoing Wildfire Protection Efforts

Hazardous fuels reduction efforts continue districtwide, with large projects planned or underway at Tilden, Claremont Canyon, and Anthony Chabot Regional Parks, as well as Leona Canyon Open Space Regional Preserve. A 16-person fuels crew works year-round on vegetation management projects, along with goat, sheep, and cattle grazing covering 86,800 acres annually.

The Park District’s wildfire protection work includes prioritizing vegetation management, operating a professionally trained full-time and on-call department, and maintaining specialized wildland firefighting equipment, which includes two helicopters capable of dropping water on wildfires.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

West County: Eastbound Hwy 4, Richmond-San Rafael Bridge closures Oct. 7-10 & 13

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Detour map for eastbound Highway 4 in West County and Richmond-San Rafael for closures this week and next. Source: Caltrans

By Denise Harding, PIO & Nathaniel Fowler, Health & Safety Specialist, Caltrans

Caltrans will implement a full closure of eastbound State Route 4 (SR-4) between San Pablo Avenue in Hercules in Western Contra Costa County and Cummings Skyway, beginning Tuesday, October 7 through Friday, October 10, nightly and on Monday, October 13, 2025, nightly from 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM. On-ramps along eastbound SR-4 during this time, will be closed include San Pablo Avenue, Willow Avenue and Franklin Canyon Road. The closures are necessary to allow paving crews to complete work in the Cummings Skyway area. Westbound SR-4 traffic is not expected to be affected.

Detour Plan for EB SR-4 Traffic from I-80 to Cummings Skyway

  1. Continue EB 80 to Cummings Skyway Exit
  2. Exit on Cummings Skyway road;
  3. Right on Cummings Skyway road;
  4. Right on EB Hwy 4 Onramp

Detour Plan for EB SR-4 Traffic from Willow Avenue to Cummings Skyway

  1. Continue West on Willow Ave.;
  2. Right on Sycamore Ave.;
  3. Right on San Pablo Ave.;
  4. 80 to Cummings Skyway Exit;
  5. Exit on Cummings Skyway road;
  6. Right on Cummings Skyway road;
  7. Right on EB Hwy 4 Onramp

Richmond–San Rafael Bridge (I-580) Nighttime Lane Closures – Oct 7–10, 9PM–5AM (EB) & Oct 9–10, 8PM–5AM (WB) Maintenance work between Toll Plaza & Marin end.

Caltrans will be closing lanes on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge (I-580), nightly starting Tuesday, October 7th through Friday, October 10th westbound 8:00 PM until 5:00 AM and eastbound 9:00 PM until 5:00 AM, the following morning due to maintenance. The lane closures will begin from the Toll Plaza to the west end of the bridge in Marin County. One lane will remain OPEN at all times. Expect delays & drive safely.  Detours in place – expect delays.

Closure Details:

  • Eastbound – Left Shoulder and Lane #2 will be closed Tuesday, Oct. 7th-10th, 9 PM to 5 AM.
  • Westbound – Lane #2 will be Closed Thursday, Oct. 9th & 10th, 8PM to 5AM

Traffic Control Measures:

Changeable Message Signs (CMS) will alert drivers of closure. Motorists should expect minor delays, reduce speed and plan extra travel time.

Please note this information is tentative and subject to change depending on weather conditions and construction progress. Please follow posted signs and detour routes during the closure periods. Motorists are advised to expect delays and allow extra time. For 24/7 traffic updates, follow 511.org on Twitter/X. For real-time traffic, visit Caltrans QuickMap.

Caltrans worker killed on Highway 4 in Contra Costa County

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39-year-old Mahdi Khorram mourned

By Edward Barrera, Division Chief, Public Affairs, Caltrans Headquarters

Madhi Khorram of Caltrans District 4. Photo: California Department of Transportation

Sacramento – Caltrans is mourning the death of Mahdi Khorram, a department employee who was killed while working on Highway 4 in Contra Costa County.

At approximately 1:30 a.m. on Sept. 18, 2025, Mahdi, 39, died after being struck by an asphalt truck in a construction zone.

“Mahdi was more than a colleague — he was a valued member of our Caltrans family. His tragic death is a devastating loss to his family, friends and for all his colleagues. I extend my heartfelt prayers and deepest sympathy to his loved ones and all who knew and worked with him”

Dina El-Tawansy, Caltrans Director

Based in Concord, Mahdi began at Caltrans in 2023 and was a transportation engineer – construction inspector. He is survived by his wife and three-year-old child.

In Mahdi’s honor, flags were lowered to half-staff at the State Capitol, Capitol Annex Swing Space and all Caltrans buildings.

To honor Mahdi’s memory and support his family, the California Transportation Foundation has established a memorial fund. If you wish to contribute, please visit the Mahdi Khorram Memorial Fund.

Since 1921, 195 Caltrans workers have lost their lives on the job.

7 arrested in Concord mall smash and grab burglary, one with assault weapon

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A glass entry door to the Sun Valley Mall in Concord was broken through in the attempted smash and grab burglary and gun seized from one of the suspects on Sunday morning, Oct. 5, 2025. Photos: Concord PD

4 following early Sunday morning police pursuit, collision

18-year-old from Richmond, 6 juveniles

By Concord Police Department

On Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, at 3:52am, Concord PD Dispatchers received a call from Sun Valley Shopping Center Security regarding a burglary in progress. A large group of suspects had forced entry through glass doors. Officers quickly arrived at the mall and located the suspects exiting.

Four suspects entered a vehicle and fled, leading officers on a short pursuit. The driver lost control, was involved in a solo vehicle collision and then fled on foot. The three he left behind in the car were immediately taken into custody. There were no injuries as a result of the vehicle collision.

The driver was located a short distance away, hiding in bushes and taken into custody. The other three subjects that had been left behind at the mall were also immediately taken into custody. One of them was found to be in possession of a firearm with modifications that made it an assault weapon.

There are no outstanding suspects, and all are facing an extensive list of charges. The six male juveniles, all from San Pablo and Richmond, were booked at the Contra Costa County Juvenile Hall. Marcos Ramirez-Castro, 18, from Richmond, was booked at the Martinez Detention Facility.

CA Secretary of State announces mistake in special Prop 50 election Voter Information Guide Map, correction mailing

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Under Proposition 50, five Republican-held congressional districts would shift to become more Democratic, based on presidential election results from 2024. Source: Ballotpedia

“Will cost taxpayers millions of dollars” more

Sacramento, CA – The California Office of the Secretary of State announced on Monday that a correction notice will be mailed to voter households in response to the discovery of a map labeling error in the official 2025 Voter Information Guide (VIG).

On page 11 of the guide, a proposed congressional district contained in the map provided by the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) was inadvertently labeled as District 22 instead of District 27. A separate map provided by the LAO on page 15 included the correct identification of District 27.

To ensure voters receive accurate information, a correction postcard will be mailed to all voter households who received the guide with the typo. The “https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/“ website has also been updated to reflect the corrected map.

“Accuracy in voter information is essential to maintaining public trust in California’s elections.” said Weber.  “We are taking swift, transparent action to ensure voters receive correct information. This mislabeling does not affect proposed districts, ballots, or the election process; it is solely a labeling error. Every eligible Californian can have full confidence that their vote will be counted and their representation is secure.”

According to a report by the L.A. Times, “There are 23 million registered voters in California, but it’s unclear if the postcards will be mailed to each registered voter or to households of registered voters. Even if the corrective notices are mailed to voter households rather than individual voters, the postage alone is likely to be millions of dollars, in addition to the cost of printing the postcards. The special election, which the legislature called for in August, was already expected to cost taxpayers $284 million.”

“When politicians force the Secretary of State to rush an election, mistakes are bound to happen,” said Amy Thoma, a spokesperson for one of the campaigns opposing the effort. “It’s unfortunate that this one will cost taxpayers millions of dollars.”

The election is Tuesday, Nov. 4. (See more information at Pros and Cons of Proposition 50 events Sept 30, Oct 2 & 9).

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood man, Antioch juvenile arrested for Aug. 25th Brentwood robbery

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Police seek three other suspects

By Allen D. Payton

On Monday, Sept. 22 Brentwood Police arrested Ty William Duggins, age 19, (born 3/13/2006) of Rodeo for a robbery of an individual of a cell phone and jewelry, that occurred on August 25 in the city. According to Lt.  Mike Aguiar, he is one of five suspects wanted in the crime, including a juvenile from Antioch who was also arrested. But the police do not have the identities of the other three.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot tall, 250-pound Duggins is Hispanic (although he’s also listed as White), is charged with assault with a deadly weapon, criminal conspiracy and robbery.

He is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $150,000 bail and is next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 7 at 8:30 AM in Dept. 4 of the Contra Costa Delta Superior Court in Pittsburg.

According to localcrimenews.com, Duggins was also arrested the day before by American Canyon Police in Napa County on an outstanding warrant and for resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer.

The incident is still under investigation.

Oakland woman charged as accessory after the fact in Walnut Creek double murder

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In romantic relationship with alleged killer; also charged with first-degree residential burglary, destroying evidence

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has filed two felony charges and one misdemeanor charge against an Oakland woman in connection with the September 18th murders of two women in Walnut Creek.

45-year-old Yan Wang (born 7/22/1980) will be arraigned at 1:30 pm on September 30th in Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez. She faces two felony and one misdemeanor charges related to the murders of Linlin Guo and Beimin Cheng.

The primary suspect, Howard Wang, was charged with the unlawful killing of both women on September 22nd. Howard Wang was married to Linlin Guo but was in a romantic relationship with Yan Wang at the time of the murders. Howard Wang is scheduled for arraignment on October 3rd in Martinez and faces life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted.

Yan Wang, who has no familial relation to Howard Wang, faces the following charges:

  • PC 32 (Felony) – Accessory After the Fact: Yan Wang allegedly aided Howard Wang with knowledge following the murders and with intent to help him avoid arrest, trial, conviction, and punishment for killing his wife, Linlin Guo, and her mother, Beimin Cheng.
  • PC 459 (Felony) – First Degree Residential Burglary: On or about September 19th, Yan Wang allegedly entered the residence owned by Howard Wang and Linlin Guo with intent to commit larceny.
  • PC 135 (Misdemeanor) – Destroying Evidence: On September 18th, Yan Wang allegedly destroyed cellphones to prevent evidence from being produced.

“This case serves as a sobering reminder of domestic violence’s far-reaching consequences,” said Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton. “Our office will pursue justice with the seriousness and urgency this tragedy demands.”

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, seven-inch tall, 105-pound Yan Wang is being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail.

Case No. 01-25-03240 | The People of the State of California v. Yan Wang

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Vasco Road U.S. “Flag Barn” dismantled, façade transferred to City of Brentwood for future display

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The landmark U.S. “Flag Barn” on Vasco Road near Byron was dismantled on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. Photos: EBRPD

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

Today, the East Bay Regional Park District removed the flag barn façade at Vasco Hills Regional Preserve and transferred it to the City of Brentwood for future display at the Brentwood Municipal Services Center or in a city park.

Park staff have evaluated the structure multiple times and determined that the structure was unsafe, in disrepair, and at risk of collapse, especially given the upcoming fall and winter seasons. The Park District acquired the land where the barn is located in 2010 in partnership with the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy for habitat preservation. It was determined at that time that the barn was beyond repair. Additionally, repairs and construction are also prohibited by a conservation easement established when the property was purchased.

The Park District has been working with the City of Brentwood over the past year to preserve the flag façade, which has become a landmark for drivers on Vasco Road. The Flag Barn was painted in 2001 as a symbol of American patriotism in the time period following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

“This project reflects the strength of community partnership. The Flag Barn façade has deep meaning for many residents, and we are proud to work with the City of Brentwood to preserve this piece of local history,” says Max Korten, Deputy General Manager at the Park District.

The Park District is funding the dismantling and transportation of the Flag Barn façade to the City of Brentwood. Lumber not associated with the façade will be reused by the Park District.

U.S. “Flag Barn” on Vasco Road near Byron before dismantling on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. Photos: (L) City of Brentwood. (R) EBRPD

According to the City of Brentwood, “Today…staff joined the East Bay Regional Park District on Vasco Road as the dismantling of the historic ‘Flag Barn’ began. To ensure the American flag panels were not lost, staff stepped in with specialized tools and equipment to carefully remove and preserve the barn’s siding.

With support from CWG Hauling, the preserved panels were delivered to the City of Brentwood for storage until future restoration can be considered.

This careful process was done to protect an important piece of Brentwood’s history and community pride. The City will explore future reconstruction or display plans in coordination with community partners and stakeholders.”

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Four more arrests made in San Ramon jewelry store smash and grab armed robbery

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Surveillance video footage shows about 20 masked suspects entered Heller’s Jewelers in San Ramon for the smash and grab armed robbery on Monday. Source: Unlimited L’s (@unlimited_ls) / X

Out of 23 suspects who stole over $1 million of merchandise; all from Oakland, one was arrested twice before in September

By Allen D. Payton

Four more arrests have been made in the smash and grab armed robbery of a San Ramon jewelry store on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025. San Ramon Police Chief Denton Carlson said the seven suspects in custody range in ages from 17 to 31. According to Lt. Leysy Pelayo of the SRPD Investigations Division they are Jacques Samuel, 18, Deandre Demisse, Jr., 19, and Jahkeal McGlothin, 18 and an unnamed 17-year-old juvenile. All four are from Oakland. They are among 23 suspects who stole over $1 million of merchandise.

As previously reported, three men have been charged by the Contra Costa DA’s Office with orchestrating the heist, Michael Lamont Ray, Jr., 31 and Ira Raheem Austin, 19, of San Francisco, and Jimmy Mack Ray, 27, of Vallejo.  Michael Ray is being held on $300K bail, Jimmy Ray with a history of arrests dating back to 2017 is being held on no bail and Austin bonded out of custody as of Wednesday, Sept. 24.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office McGlothin is Black and was out of custody as of Wednesday night, Sept. 24 with no charges filed and Demisse was released from custody on Thursday with no charges filed.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, nine-inch tall, 215-pound Samuel (born 7/16/2007) is Black and being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail. He currently has no scheduled court date. According to localcrimenews.com, Samuel is from San Francisco and was previously arrested by S.F.P.D. twice on Sept. 9, 2025, for kidnapping, grand theft, carrying a loaded firearm on a person or in a vehicle while in a public place, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, removing, destroying or  damaging a wireless communication device to prevent summoning assistance or law enforcement, evasion with wanton disregard for safety and driving without a license. He was also arrested that same day for carrying a loaded firearm with intent to commit a felony and again, for evasion with wanton disregard for safety.

Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s health plans rated among highest in nation for exceptional care and service

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Includes Medicare and commercial health plans according to NCQA

By Elissa Harrington, Sr. Media Relations & PR Rep, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

OAKLAND, Calif. – Based on national assessments of overall patient experience and clinical quality, Kaiser Permanente Northern California is once again recognized as having the highest-rated health plans in California and among the highest in the nation.

Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare and commercial health plans in Northern California each received 5 out of 5 stars – the highest rating possible, according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) 2025 Health Plan Ratings. This is the 10th ratings period that Kaiser Permanente Northern California has received this designation.

Nationally, only 11 health plans are rated 5 stars. NCQA also ranks Kaiser Permanente Northern California health plans as best in the state for treatment outcomes and prevention efforts.

“These national ratings speak to the high-quality care Kaiser Permanente Northern California provides to its members and patients every day and our efforts to improve health care outcomes,” said Mike Bowers, FACHE, interim president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our focus on treatment, prevention, and an overall exceptional patient care experience is why our health plans are recognized as best in the state and among the top health plans nationally.”

For 2025, NCQA rated nearly 1,000 plans – commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid – for quality and service nationwide. All of Kaiser Permanente’s commercial and Medicare plans received the highest rating, or were tied for the highest rating, in all the geographic regions we serve. Kaiser Permanente had more 5-star or 4.5-star plans than any other health care organization for the tenth ratings cycle in a row.

“Our highly-skilled clinicians are consistently delivering world-class, high-value care to our patients,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “We continue to be recognized as a national leader because of our commitment to driving better health results through innovation, evidence-based treatments, and patient-centered care.”

NCQA is a national, private not-for-profit organization that surveys health plans for performance in a wide range of clinical service measures including consumer experience,  prevention, population health, and treatment.

NCQA primarily used the 2024 Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set, or HEDIS®, to establish its ratings. HEDIS is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care.

The 2025 ratings and methodology are posted on the NCQA’s website at https://reportcards.ncqa.org/health-plans.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve nearly 12.6 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.