Contra Costa Herald

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

Police seek public’s help to ID Walnut Creek mail theft suspect

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Photos: Walnut Creek PD

By Walnut Creek Police Department

Can you help us identify this mail theft suspect?

The Walnut Creek Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying the individual shown in these photos. He is suspected of stealing mail from multiple mailboxes in the area (Case #25-26672).

If you recognize him or have any information, please contact Officer Romero at bromero@walnutcreekpd.com

Prefer to stay anonymous? You can leave a tip by calling our tip line at 925-943-5865.

Thank you for helping keep our community safe!

Police investigate shooting of three males in Concord city garage

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By Concord Police Department

Last night, Tuesday, September 16, 2025, around 10:20 pm, Concord Police Department officers were dispatched to John Muir Concord Medical Center when three males arrived with gunshot wounds after being driven there by friends. CPD determined that a shooting had just occurred in the municipal parking garage on Salvio Street.

A suspect vehicle was quickly identified and the information shared with other law enforcement partners. Deputies from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office located the suspect vehicle driving in Bay Point where they conducted a traffic stop and detained the occupants.

The three shooting victims are all in stable condition and expected to survive. Concord Police Department detectives are still investigating the incident and trying to determine motives behind the shooting and if there are any other persons involved. Anyone with more information is encouraged to contact Concord Police Department Major Crimes Unit Detective Espino at (925) 671-3426.

Contra Costa Health Plan achieves high rating for patient care 

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NCQA annual report card gives the HMO 4.5 out of 5 stars

The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), the national evaluator of health insurance plans, has once again recognized Contra Costa Health Plan (CCHP) as one of the highest rated health plans in the nation and among the best in California for patient experience and quality of care.

Among health maintenance organizations (HMOs) offering Medi-Cal, CCHP was one of the top three plans in California to be awarded 4.5 out of 5 stars, the highest level awarded this year, on NCQA’s annual report card.

CCHP was also one of just 14 Medicaid plans in the United States to receive 4.5 out of 5 stars, achieving exceptionally high marks among patients for treatment and preventative care including children and women’s care and cancer screening.

“Being recognized among the nation’s top health plans is a huge accomplishment for our staff, providers and partners,” said Supervisor Candace Andersen, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “This rating shows that our community trusts and values the care that we provide and encourages us to keep pushing towards our goal to deliver high-quality care and improve the health of our community.”

For over 50 years, Contra Costa Health has provided high-quality, affordable coverage through CCHP. CCHP was the nation’s first federally qualified, state-licensed, county-sponsored HMO.

“I’m so proud of the work this team has done to enable us to get this excellent rating and to serve the people of Contra Costa County,” Contra Costa Health CEO Dr Grant Colfax said. “We will continue to address community health priorities, and we look forward to what we can accomplish together in this next year.”

CCHP’s high marks and recognition by NCQA are a direct result of the exemplary care and patient support provided by Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Health Centers, community clinics in CCHP’s community provider network, and CCH’s Public Health and Behavioral Health divisions. Altogether, CCHP touches about 271,000 members, including 265,000 Medi-Cal enrollees.

Visit Contra Costa Health Plan to learn more about CCHP, including how to enroll if you need healthcare, or call 1-800-211-8040 weekdays.

About NCQA: NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA’s Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care. NCQA’s website (ncqa.org) contains information to help consumers, employers and others make informed health care choices. NCQA can also be found at Twitter/X @ncqa and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/ncqa.

Mail, check theft suspect from Pittsburg arrested in Brentwood

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The suspect was arrested with stolen checks and counterfeit postal keys. Photos: Brentwood PD

36-year-old Adam Lew also caught during traffic stop with drugs, has history of arrests since 2013; held on $95K bail

By Brentwood Police Department

On the morning of September 14th, one of our officers contacted 36-year-old Adam Alexander Lew (Pittsburg – born 7-21-1989) during a traffic stop. Lew did not have a valid driver’s license and our officers saw drug paraphernalia in the pocket of the driver’s door.

A search of Lew and of the vehicle revealed suspected narcotics, additional drug paraphernalia, counterfeit postal keys used to steal mail out of mailboxes, and stolen checks that were in the process of being forged. Further investigation revealed at least one of the checks was stolen in mid-August in the city of Folsom.

Lew was booked into jail on several charges including possession of stolen property, forgery, and identity theft. This case highlights the importance of collaboration between laws enforcement and the community in stopping crime.

According to localcrimenews.com, Lew has a history of arrest dating back to 2013 by multiple agencies, including Antioch, Clayton, Concord, Pittsburg, Walnut Creek and Folsom Police Departments and Contra Costa County and San Joaquin County Sheriffs’ Departments, for a variety of crimes. They include burglary, receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, forgery, check fraud, trespassing and drug possession.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 175-pound suspect is being held in the West County Detention Facility and is being held on $95,000 bail.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood man arrested for shooting woman in Antioch Sept. 5

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47-year-old Silvio Roberto Belini Jr. knows 44-year-old Brentwood victim; released from hospital with serious injuries

By Lt. Bill Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Friday, September 5, 2025, at approximately 1:29 PM, Antioch Police Dispatch received multiple reports of a shooting in the 3500 block of Lone Tree Way. Upon arrival, officers located a 44-year-old female victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was stabilized at the scene by paramedics before she was transported to an area hospital for treatment. She is currently in stable condition and is expected to survive. (See related article)

On Wednesday, September 17, Antioch Police Department detectives arrested the suspect, 47-year-old Silvio Roberto Belini, Jr. of Brentwood, without incident for this shooting. Antioch Police detectives also executed a search warrant at an undisclosed address in Brentwood in connection with this shooting. Evidence from the home was collected.

Asked about the victim, Lt. Whitaker said, “She had surgery and was discharged from the hospital about a week later. She still has serious injuries.”

Asked if the two know each other and if it was a marital issue, he said, “They do know each other but we’re not releasing any other information. It’s still under investigation.”

This information is made available by the Investigation Bureau. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Becerra at (925) 779-6937 or Antioch Police Dispatch at (925) 778-2441. Anonymous tips or information about this – or any other incident – can be sent via text to 274637 (CRIMES) with the keyword ANTIOCH.

No additional information about Belini could be found in online search. Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

West County: Contra Costa DA reaches settlement with C&H Sugar Company, Inc. for 2022 air emission violations

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Crockett-based company will pay $500K in penalties & costs

By Ted Asregadoo, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton announced Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, a settlement with C&H Sugar Company Inc. for odor violations in 2022.

The emissions violations by C&H Sugar occurred on various dates between September 8th and October 14th, 2022, at a wastewater treatment plant the company jointly owns at Dowrelio Drive in the unincorporated community of Crockett.

Operational disruptions at the wastewater treatment plant generated excessive sewage odors that adversely affected Crockett residents. The problem was exacerbated by unusually high temperatures in the area during those periods.

Following an investigation by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), the case was referred to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for enforcement action.

“Working with BAAQMD during this process produced a compliance framework to help prevent future public nuisances,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “C&H Sugar was cooperative throughout the process and agreed to specific enhanced compliance measures.”

The judgment provides for $400,000 in civil penalties, $100,000 in costs and C&H Sugar will implement the following compliance measures: purchase and install a backup generator, replacement of existing diffuser heads in all three reactors, upgrade the “Blowers” including replacement or refurbishment of the motors, complete comprehensive internal audit of operations and establish 24-hour toll-free community hotline.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office works closely with environmental regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with air quality standards and protect public health throughout the county.

Case No. C25-02616 | The People of the State of California v. C&H Sugar Company, Inc.

West County: Sideshow spectator dies after fall from I-80 on-ramp

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A Saturday night sideshow in Crockett ends in death of 16-year-old male spectator. Video screenshot source: KTVU FOX 2

16-year-old boy fell 75 feet

By CHP – Contra Costa

CROCKETT, Calif. – On Saturday, September 13th, 2025, at approximately, 3:26 a.m., officers assigned to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Contra Costa Area office received a call of sideshow activity involving over 100 vehicles blocking the intersection of Pomona Street and Merchant Street, near the Interstate 80 (I-80) westbound on-ramp / off-ramp for Pomona Street.

Officers from CHP and Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene to assist. Shortly after arriving, CHP received reports of a spectator who climbed over the concrete safety barrier at an elevated portion of the Pomona Street on-ramp to I-80 westbound and fell approximately 75 feet to the ground below.

UPDATE: Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs for the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, later identified the decedent as Jose Cuevas, 16 years old, out of Harbor City, CA.

Officers then responded to the secondary location directly under the Pomona Street on-ramp to I-80 westbound to assist.

Our preliminary investigation indicates a 16-year-old male climbed over the on-ramp’s concrete safety barrier and accidentally fell to the ground below. The fall resulted in fatal injuries to the juvenile, and tragically, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

This incident remains under investigation. If anyone witnessed the incident or the events leading up to it, please contact CHP’s Contra Costa Area office in Martinez at (925) 646-4980 or email your contact information to 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov to be contacted by the investigating officer.

When asked, CHP – Contra Costa PIO Dan Gilmore said the victim’s city of residence was not available. Please check back later for details from the Contra Costa Coroner’s Office.

See video and more details in report by KTVU FOX 2.

The Mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Air Force flyover during Community Day at Stand Down on the Delta Saturday, Sept. 13

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U.S. Air Force pilots assigned to the 560th Flying Training Squadron fly T-38 Talons in formation for the 45th Freedom Flyer Reunion over Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, March 22, 2018. The Freedom Flyer Reunion is an annual celebration recognizing the incredible service of Air Force Prisoners of War during the Vietnam War, their honorable return, and their connection with the 12th Flying Training Wing during Operation Homecoming. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman James R. Crow)

Tours of Coast Guard ship at the Smith’s Landing dock Sunday, Sept. 14

Local high school students to perform, volunteer

By Allen D. Payton

A unit from Beale Air Force Base near Sacramento has volunteered to support this year’s Stand Down on the Delta with a flyover of two T-38 fighter jets from the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron on Saturday, September 13. Pilots who fly the U-2 jets at the base train on the T-38’s.

The flyover will occur during Opening Ceremonies Saturday morning beginning at 10:00 A.M. at which the Deer Valley High Divine Voices will perform the National Anthem.

The four pilots from the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron participating in the flyover will be Lt. Colonel “Mako” Willard, Major “Dice” Dodds, Major “Merle” Paegelow and Captain “Blitz” Alexander.

On Friday, as veterans arrive to the Contra Costa Event Center (fairgrounds) the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West will perform.

Then on Sunday from 10:00 AM to Noon, tours will be offered on a Coast Guard ship at the Smith’s Landing dock at the foot of L Street..

Local High School Students Volunteer

This year members from the Heritage High School Air Force Junior ROTC and Antioch High Army Junior ROTC members will be volunteering during the weekend events.

De La Salle High School students are participating in a competition in which they’re working on a sock drive for veterans. That’s one of the items So far, they have collected 1,900 pairs but the effort continues until Thursday. The school has also donated 150 sweatshirts to be distributed during the weekend.

Stand Down on the Delta, presented by Delta Veterans Group, will again be held at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds), located at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch. For more information click, here.

#AFFlyover

Happy Bear-thday, California! Celebrate 175 years of Statehood Sept. 6 & 9

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At the CA Museum, State Library and 175th Birthday Block Party in front of the State Capitol in Sacramento

By California Department of Parks and Recreation

As America nears the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, California is approaching its own significant milestone – 175 years of shaping the future. The State is hosting three events, one on Saturday, September 6 and two on Tuesday, September 9, all in Sacramento.

California Museum’s Statehood Celebration, Sept.  6

12PM-4PM

California Museum

1020 O Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Celebrate California’s 175th birthday with a free, fun-filled day at the California Museum! Explore rare historic artifacts—including the original 1849 California Constitution—enjoy live music, dance performances, hands-on crafts, a film screening.

Don’t miss this one-day-only event packed with family-friendly activities and special moments honoring the Golden State’s rick multicultural history. This event is free thanks to the success of our Big Day of Giving campaign­— thank you for your support!

Featuring:

  • Chance to see both the English and Spanish versions of the original 1849 California Constitution, displayed in partnership with the California State Archives
  • Access to all current exhibitions at the California Museum, including a limited-time display of historic documents and artifacts highlighting select signers of the 1849 Constitution, courtesy of the California State Archives and California State Library
  • A presentation by Professor Damien Bacich: “California’s Spanish-Mexican Roots: Life Before and After Statehood“
  • Live music by Los Californios and Renegade Orchestra
  • Dance class taught by Renegrade Orchestra
  • Screening of the short PBS SoCal film Borderlands
  • Complimentary “bear-thday” cupcakes
  • Family-friendly activites and crafts

Reserve your free admission ticket to guarantee access to the California Statehood Day Celebration at the California Museum.

Walk-ins are welcome as space allows. For more information visit California Statehood Day Celebration – California Museum.

State Library hosts California’s 175th Anniversary Celebration

11AM-1PM

Library and Courts Building

914 Capitol Mall, Sacramento 3rd Floor

Celebrate both the state’s and the State Library’s 175th anniversary with cake and tours.

This year marks the 175th anniversary of California’s admission to the U.S. as the 31st state. But statehood wasn’t the beginning of the story. Celebrating California is a collection of 175+ stories that highlight California’s unique history and role in the world. The California State Library’s goal is to offer examples of California’s unique character and that of its residents, past and present. That means among the good there will be some bad. For every success story, there’s a failure, a tragedy, an injustice. It’s from these mistakes that we learn and grow stronger together.

Source: California State Library

The State Library is also highlighting books from their curated reading list, counting down to September 9th. You can see the list here or share a story with the State Library that helps define what California means to you.

Join us for a California 175th Anniversary Live Webinar Series with the California State Parks

Explore the diversity and resilience of California through watersheds, redwoods, salmon habitats, and the lifecycle of wildfires.

Join the California State Library and the California State Parks for a live webinar on salmon in the Smith River Watershed on Wednesday, September 17th at 12:00pm! 
Join Kyle Buchanan a California State Parks Interpreter at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park for a live webinar exploring the inspiring voyage that salmon make within one of California’s most pristine areas, the Smith River Watershed. While following this wild journey we will further examine the unique role that these salmon play in fueling this Old Growth Redwood Forest. Kyle is an amazing interpreter who will have you packing your bags to visit Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
Join the Government Publications Section and the California State Parks for a live webinar on water courses at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park on Thursday, October 9th at 12:00pm! 
Join California State Parks Interpreters Brianna and Will to discover the majestic water courses of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Following the devastating 2003 Cedar Fire, this intricate watershed has been pivotal in the park’s ecological recovery. Healthy watersheds promote regrowth and jumpstarting the process of succession in the decades following large disturbances. Approximately 90% of Cuyamaca’s forests were destroyed in the 2003 Cedar Fire, which marked a new era of mega-fires in California. This will be a unique opportunity to view the landscape live as we discuss the dynamic watershed at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.

These programs are free and open to all.

For more information about the State Library visit www.library.ca.gov or www.facebook.com/CAStateLibrary.

Celebrate the Golden State’s 175th Birthday Block Party with California State Parks

In front of the State Capitol in Sacramento

SACRAMENTO— Get ready for a celebration 175 years in the making! On Tuesday, Sept. 9, California State Parks is throwing a birthday block party in front of the State Capitol in Sacramento to celebrate the historic anniversary of California becoming America’s 31st state in 1850.

From 6 to 9 p.m., enjoy music, food trucks, family-friendly activities and a laser display 30 minutes after sunset as Californians come together to celebrate this historic milestone. Partygoers can enjoy free food truck fare, birthday cake, and California-grown treats (while supplies last).

“As we come together to protect rights and safeguard California’s future, we also do so to celebrate the past 175 years that have made this state the global leader that it is today.” – Governor Gavin Newsom

“As we celebrate 175 years of California, we honor the generations who shaped this great state and nurtured a culture of building dreams, innovating, and daring to imagine something better — for all of us! I’m filled with pride in California’s legacy and the enduring promise that our people and our spirit will continue to lead and inspire the world.” – First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom

State Parks staff and volunteers will be dressed in period attire and will engage with partygoers as they interpret the history of the Capitol Building, Admission Day and the state’s rich and diverse past. There will also be opportunities to learn more about California history through hands-on activities from the California State Railroad Museum, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park (SHP), the State Indian Museum SHP and the Sacramento History Museum.

The block party will showcase the natural and cultural treasures and living history found in California’s 280 state parks, inspiring visitors throughout this 175th year of statehood and beyond. Additional state agencies and departments are expected to participate.

“At California State Parks, we help preserve and celebrate everything that makes the Golden State truly golden,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “Throughout this 175th year of California statehood, I invite all Californians to explore the abundant and diverse places that make up the nation’s largest state park system. It’s all waiting just for you to foster a deep connection with nature, ignite a spirit of exploration, and inspire a passion for California’s shared landscapes, rich histories and enduring legacy.”

Find more events celebrating 175 golden years of statehood at Celebrate.ca.gov.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.

Brentwood youth football referee sentenced on child exploitation, firearm charges

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Tommy Vance was arrested with a cache of illegal firearms and ammunition on April 10, 2025. Photos: Brentwood PD

48-year-old Tommy Ray Vance will serve two years, 10 months in state prison, register as sex offender for 20 years

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

Martinez, California – A Brentwood man was sentenced in Contra Costa County Superior Court after entering guilty pleas to felony charges of attempted sexual abuse of a child under 14 and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

48-year-old Tommy Ray Vance (born 12-19-1976) was sentenced by the Honorable Joni T. Hiramoto on August 18th, 2025, to two years and 10 months in state prison. Vance was further ordered to register for 20 years as a sex offender upon his release from custody.

Tommy Ray Vance following his arrest by on April 10, 2025. Photo: Brentwood PD

The offenses for which Vance was sentenced occurred on April 9 and 10, 2025, when Vance attempted to coerce a person, whom he reasonably believed to be a 13-year-old child, into meeting him to engage in sex acts. The minor was in fact an undercover Detective with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office. When Vance arrived at a park in Brentwood, he was arrested by patrol units of the Brentwood Police Department.

Investigators with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force served a search warrant at Vance’s home after his arrest and discovered over a dozen firearms. Investigators quickly learned Vance was prohibited from possessing firearms as a result of a 1996 conviction in Contra Costa County for Arson, Intimidating a Witness and Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

At the time of Vance’s arrest, he was working part-time as a volunteer youth football referee in Contra Costa County. According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, he is six-feet tall, 230-pounds and Hispanic.

Vance has been in custody since his arrest and will begin to serve his sentence immediately. (See related articles here and here)

“Thanks to the investigative efforts of Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and Brentwood Police, we were able to ensure this defendant faces consequences for his actions,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “This case exemplifies our continued dedication to defending our community’s children against those who would harm them.”

Deputy District Attorney Jenna Franklin from the Sexual Assault Unit prosecuted the case. The Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force led the investigation.

Case No. 01-25-01209 | The People of the State of California v. Tommy Ray Vance

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.