Contra Costa Herald

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

Brentwood to host Third Annual Juneteenth Celebration June 19th

By Leave a Comment

By E. Harith Aleem, Parks and Recreation Director, City of Brentwood

BRENTWOOD, CA – The City of Brentwood invites residents and visitors to come together for its third annual Juneteenth Celebration, which will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Brentwood City Park. The event will commemorate Juneteenth and honor the rich history, culture and contributions of the African American community with an evening of live entertainment, food, shopping, community resources, family activities and celebration.

Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and serves as a time to reflect, honor, and celebrate an important moment in American history. Brentwood’s celebration will bring residents, families, friends and neighbors together for an evening of unity, connection, and community pride.

Headlining this year’s celebration is Grammy-nominated gospel singer Kim Burrell. The evening will also feature performances by local artists Stepz Dance Fitness, Split Second Response, Virtuous Voices Music Academy, Monique McCoy, Steven Green and Kritta.

Guests can enjoy a wide variety of eats provided by Foodie Crew food trucks, including Dad’s BBQ, Brooklyn’s Lunchbox, Fry Boys, Mini Donut Shack, Yummy Boba, Craving Cajun, Shawndee’s Comfort Kitchen, Mozzeria, Cousins Maine Lobster, Philly Cheesesteak, Jollof Kitchen and Rosie’s Mexican Food. Additional dessert vendors will include Gina’s Sweets & Treats, Carter’s Cannolis and Pound Bizness.

The celebration will also feature craft and merchandise vendors, including Ken’s Pretty Little Things, Holley’s Honey, BOWZ by Novi, Kreative Minds Inspire, AfriCali Designs, Niki Denise, Perch & Bloom, LEIMYA’s CO-OP, LaTisa’s Kingdom Living, LaSarah’s Prayer Closet, Lisa’s Sparkle Box, Kiki’s Kreations, Hey Carter!, Christye Creations, Kay’s Creations, The Adventures of Blu Pigtails and Bangi.

Community and educational booths will be available throughout the event, featuring organizations and partners such as Split Second Response, Contra Costa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Virtuous Voices Music Academy, Delta Bay Impact, Stepz Dance Fitness, Aspiranet, Never Gonna Give It Up, LLC, STEM and Sprout, Chosen Sports Leagues, Inc., Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services Department Navigators, First Page New Chapter, Caste Action Alliance, Affiliated Martial Arts Promoters Association, GirlTREK and Diablo Black Men’s Group.

This year’s celebration will also include kids’ activities and the Downtown Brentwood Freedom Walk, an interactive stamp card experience where participants can visit participating downtown businesses, learn facts about African American history, and enjoy local shops and restaurants along the way.

Separately, earlier that day, the American Red Cross will host a blood drive from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center. Blood drive participation is by appointment.

All are welcome to join the City of Brentwood for an evening of celebration, education, and connection.

For more information visit Juneteenth | Brentwood, CA.

Pittsburg data center issue to return to City Council agenda

By Leave a Comment

By Toni Baldazo, Community Engagement Officer, City of Pittsburg

The City Council appreciates the members of the public who attended and participated in last night’s City Council meeting. The community’s engagement, questions and feedback are valued and play an important role in shaping our community’s future.

At the direction of the Mayor and the Pittsburg City Council, a workshop on development of data centers will be placed on an upcoming regular meeting of the City Council to allow for additional public engagement. The direction follows the June 15, 2026, meeting, where residents shared their perspectives on the development of data centers in Pittsburg.

The item will be discussed at an upcoming City Council meeting and will provide an opportunity for public participation and City Council direction. Consistent with California’s open-meeting law, that agenda will be posted publicly on bulletin boards at City Hall, 65 Civic Avenue, the Pittsburg Library, 80 Power Avenue, and on the City’s website, www.pittsburgca.gov. Pursuant to City practices, the agenda will be posted and emailed to all who have requested email notice of City Council agendas 10 days in advance of the meeting date so that residents have adequate notice and an opportunity to review the item, plan to attend, and offer public comment in advance of the meeting. In addition to this required posting the City will announce the meeting on each of its social media platforms.

We encourage residents to stay involved and to sign up to receive notifications about City projects and initiatives to remain engaged in the process. Sign up for the City’s enews here: pittsburgca.gov/government/enews-sign-up.

The City of Pittsburg remains committed to transparent, accessible processes and will continue to keep the community informed at every step.

Free college access program opportunity for high school juniors and sophomores

By Leave a Comment

Source: 10,000 Degrees

To support students from low-income backgrounds

At SF State July 18 – Limited spots available, first come, first served! 

By Rachel Clark, Senior Marketing & Communications Manager, 10,000 Degrees

The 10,000 Degrees College Access Program presents The Summit, a FREE one-day, in-person summer event on Saturday, July 18 | 9:00 – 5:00 PM, where students will visit San Francisco State University.

Lunch and transportation will be provided for FREE.

Open to Juniors and Sophomores who attend a high school in the following counties: Contra Costa, Sonoma, Lake, Napa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara.

Students will: Dive into action-oriented college workshops. Get an insider’s look at SF State. Explore essential student resources at a resource fair. Connect with the 10,000 Degrees team and learn about our scholarship. Bonus: Win raffle prizes.

About 10,000 Degrees College Access Program

We are dedicated to helping high school students from low-income backgrounds get to college, whether you enroll at a four-year university or community college. Students at our partner schools can receive support from Fellows right on campus and attend financial aid and college readiness workshops and events all year.

Our College Access Program for high school students starts with The Summit, an incredible college immersion program held in the summer before your senior year. You can participate in our programming as early as the spring of your junior year by checking out our program application! From there, we provide informational, action-oriented workshops to help you explore your college options, apply for free financial aid and the 10,000 Degrees Scholarship, complete college application, and more. Throughout your senior year, we also offer comprehensive college support at our partner high school directly on campus.

Limited spots available for The Summit college tour – first come, first served!

For more information visit https://10000degrees.org/students-alumni/high-school-students/#summit.

With almost all ballots processed elections in Contra Costa confirmed

By Leave a Comment

No changes in new leaders elected, countywide ballot measures

But lead change in 14th Assembly District second place for November run-off

By Allen D. Payton

According to the Contra Costa Elections Division, with the seven-day deadline to receive mail-in ballots passed on Tuesday and only 2,100 ballots remaining to be processed and 4,000 ballots to be cured, the results are confirmed as of June 10th at 3:23 p.m.: three new leaders have been elected, three re-elected, one ballot measure passed and two failed.  A total of 323,422 ballots were cast in the county resulting in a 44.21% turnout.

Plus, according to the California Secretary of State as of 7:25 p.m., second place in two of the closest races in the state have been determined, including one lead change since last Friday’s update.

Source: CCC Elections

County Leader Elections

In the four contested races for countywide positions no changes occurred. Dr. Dana Eaton defeated Dr. Jag Lathan for Superintendent of Schools; Vince Robb defeated his two opponents, Nick Spinner and Kismat Kathrani, for Assessor; Peter Karumbi defeated Deepika Naharas for Auditor-Controller; and incumbent County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar Kristin Connelly was re-elected having defeated challenger Pratima Sonavne.

Source: CCC Elections

Countywide Ballot Measures – A Passes, B & G Fail

In the three countywide ballot measure elections, Measure A, the Urban Limit Line renewal, passed overwhelmingly while Measure B, the County’s sales tax increase and Measure G, the college district’s bond, were defeated.

Measure A increased its margin of victory to 70.2% of the vote in favor to 29.8% opposed.

In the Measure B contest, while more “no” than “yes” votes were counted since last Friday’s update and the margin of defeat increased from 36,562 votes to now 41,093, the percentage of defeat decreased from 57.41% to 56.93% of the vote against. Yet, there are not enough votes remaining to be counted in the county for it to pass.

Although the “yes” votes overtook the “no” votes in the Measure G contest and currently lead by 253 votes, it requires 55% of the vote to pass. There are now 50.03% of the vote in favor to 49.97% opposed. Yet, even if all the remaining 6,100 ballots in the county included favorable votes, the bond measure would still fall about 12,000 votes short of passing.

Source: CA Secretary of State

Lead Change in 14th Assembly District

In the race for second place to determine who will face incumbent Democrat Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks in November in the 14th Assembly District, which includes most of West County and portions of Alameda County, a lead change occurred. Green Party candidate Mark Rendon has overtaken Republican Borgar Solnordal by 1,251 votes, a reversal of 2,201 votes since last Friday’s update and 3,336 votes since Election Night.

Source: CA Secretary of State

10th Congressional District

In the second-place contest to determine who will take on incumbent Democrat Rep. Mark DeSaulnier in November in the 10th Congressional District, which includes most of Contra Costa and portions of Alameda County, Republican Jeff Frese has 3,077 more votes than third-time candidate Katherine Piccinini. He increased his lead by 121 votes since the last update and 233 since Election Night.

The mystery candidate has a website, Facebook page with two followers, X/Twitter feed with zero followers and an Instagram account with one post and one follower as of June 10th. But Frese does not provide a photo of himself or description of what he does for work as a Small Business Owner, which is his ballot designation. Only an email address is provided. An effort to reach him comment about his advancing to the General Election and details about his business were unsuccessful prior to publication time.

Estimated number of unprocessed ballots in Contra Costa County:

Ballots voted at a voting location – 0

Vote-by-mail ballots received on or before Election Day – 0

Vote-by-mail ballots received after Election Day – 0

Provisional ballots – 100

Conditional Voter Registration Provisional ballots – 1,000

Other (In Review, Damaged) – 1,000

Total – 2,100

Ballots Left to Cure – 4,000

Next Results Expected (date and time): Friday, 6/12/2026, 4:00PM

Estimated number of unprocessed ballots in Alameda County:

Ballots voted at a voting location – 0

Vote-by-mail ballots received on or before Election Day – 0

Vote-by-mail ballots received after Election Day – 18,058

Provisional ballots – 233

Conditional Voter Registration Provisional ballots – 1,467

Other (In Review, Damaged) – 293

Total – 20,051

Ballots Left to Cure – 1,600

Next Results Expected: Friday, 6/12/2026, 4:00PM

According to the Secretary of State, “State law requires county elections officials to report final official results to the Secretary of State by July 3, 2026. The Secretary of State has until July 10, 2026, to certify the results of the election.”

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

17th Annual Martinez Beaver Festival June 13

By Leave a Comment

Free Wildlife Fest, Jazz, Parades

By Heidi Perryman

The Martinez Beaver Festival is turning 17!

Where else can you see a giant beaver skull, a 1500-gallon aquarium on wheels, an 18- piece  jazz band, a children’s parade, live displays of raptors, bees, and bats, and an award winning chalk artist all while learning the story firsthand of the rodent that made one forgotten city famous? Only one place and that’s the Martinez beaver Festival. Returning for its 17th time the festival is free, family fun where you can learn all about beavers, citizen science, urban wildlife, community involvement, and how to combat drought, fires and global warming one beaver at a time.

There are many more beaver festivals now around the country and many more books and films to explain why beavers matter, but this is the one that inspired them all. Come see for yourself why beavers are Worth A Dam.

Where: Susana Park – Estudillo and Susana Streets in Martinez

When: June 13, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Hosted by: Worth A Dam

Learn about the history of the beavers in Martinez, more information and see photos of the beavers by visiting www.martinezbeavers.org.

CoCoTax welcomes apparent defeat of Measure B sales tax, Measure G bond issue

By Leave a Comment

By Contra Costa Taxpayers Association

Election night final results show Contra Costa Measure B trailing with less than 41% of the vote in favor. A relatively small number of late arriving votes are unlikely to change the outcome, given the 29,182-vote gap between the NO and YES totals.  Measure G is also likely to fail.

Measure B would have raised sales taxes by 0.625% around the county, would have cost consumers more than $750 million during its five-year life, and would have pushed total sales tax rates over 10% in most of the County.   Measure G was yet a fourth bond measure for the county colleges, adding to our indebtedness and long-term payment of interest.  The bond measures appear not to have ever been enough and with falling student numbers, huge investments make no sense.

As the official ballot opponent to Measure B, Contra Costa Taxpayers Association (CoCoTax) showed voters the deceptiveness of the proponents’ case, which included exaggerated claims about Medi-Cal funding losses, alarmism over emergency room overcrowding, and the false assertion that the tax did not apply to groceries (prepared foods, OTC medications, and non-food groceries would have been subject to the tax).  For Measure G, we showed the math behind it and how the only people looking to support it with money were unions whose contracts expire this month.  The unions also planned to take advantage of Measure B funds.

CoCoTax rallied volunteers to get the message out with signage, verbal appeals, videos, text messages and more. The organization made its first set of campaign finance expenditures, reporting approximately $20,000 of independent expenditures to the County’s campaign finance system. This spending paled in comparison to the $450,000 raised by the Yes on B campaign, mostly from unions seeking to maximize dues revenue.

Denise Kalm, a CoCoTax Executive Committee who agreed to serve as the group’s President Pro Tem this Spring led the successful effort against Measures B and G.

Reacting to the results, Kalm said, “Measure B would have given the Board of Supervisors another big infusion of cash; they already had burdened us in 2020 with Measure X and haven’t even found ways to spend/waste it all.  And yet, they came back with a 0.625% increase in sales tax demand, purportedly to fix the healthcare shortfall they claim President Trump caused.  None of it was true; none of their math added up.“

Though CoCoTax initially started only going after B, we made an effort to get G to fail, which worked.

CoCoTax welcomes more Contra Costa residents to join us and volunteer. We’re expecting many tax and bond measures in November and then again in 2028. While some may be reasonable, others, like the regional transit tax, require informed and active opposition. Neighbors who want to join us in “Fighting for Good Government at Affordable Cost in Contra Costa, are encouraged to check out our website at https://www.cocotax.org.

Contra Costa elections update shows no changes in county races, measures

By 1 Comment

But margin of defeat for Measure G’s college district bond narrows

Second place races for 14th Assembly District narrows, in 10th Congressional District widens but still too close to call

By Allen D. Payton

According to the Contra Costa Elections Division Update 1, as of Friday, June 5, 2026, at 3:44 PM a total of 267,760 ballots have been counted for a 36.6 percent voter turnout in the county, so far. But the additional ballots have not resulted in any changes to the winners in the four contested countywide races of Superintendent of Schools, Assessor, Auditor-Controller and Clerk-Recorder-Registrar. Nor in the races for the 11th, 15th and 16th Assembly Districts or 8th and 9th Congressional Districts. While Measure A is still passing and Measures B and G are still failing, the margin of defeat for Measure G has narrowed. (See related article)

Election Results from Update 1 as of Friday, June 5, 2026. Source: CCC Elections Division

Dr. Dana Eaton’s dominating lead over Dr. Jag Lathan for Superintendent has increased from 63,800 votes on Election Night to 92,179. But Eaton’s share of the vote decreased from 73.44% to 72.12%.

Vince Robb’s commanding lead in the Assessor’s race over his two opponents, Nick Spinner and Kismat Kathrani, has increased from 66,516 to 99,549 and from 85,909 to 130,261 votes, respectively. But Robb’s share of the vote decreased slightly from 67.99% to 67.66%. Because he has received more than 50% of the vote, he will not have to face off against the second-place finisher in November.

In the Auditor-Controller’s race, Peter Karumbi’s insurmountable lead increased from 79,449 votes on Election Night to 119,202 over Deepika Naharas. But his share of the vote decreased from 79.23% to 78.87%.

Finally, in the Clerk-Recorder-Registrar’s race, incumbent Kristin Connelly is soundly defeating her opponent, Pratima Sonavne by the widest margin of the four countywide contests by 161,995 votes for 87.08% of the vote. That is a slight increase over the Election Night results of 87.02% of the vote.

Election Results from Update 1 as of Friday, June 5, 2026. Source: CCC Elections Division

No Changes to Results for Countywide Ballot Measures

In the three countywide ballot measures, no changes occurred due to the additional votes included in Friday’s updated results as Measure A is still passing and Measures B and G still failing.

Measure A, the Urban Limit Line renewal vote is still winning, now by 95,353 votes or 69.81% of the vote, an increase over Election Night results of 67.91%.

Measure B, the County’s 0.625% sales tax increase is now failing by 36,562 votes with 57.91% of the vote against, a slight decrease over Election Night results of 59.04% opposing.

Finally, the updated results for Measure G, the community college district’s bond measure, which requires a 55% vote to pass, show an increase in support. It is now failing by just 4,049 votes or 50.83% to 49.17% of voters in favor, closing the margin of defeat by 6,285 votes. In order to pass, the measure will need over 62% of the remaining votes to be in support.

Election results as of Friday, June 5, 2026. Source: CA Secretary of State

Two Contests Too Close to Call

There are two races in the county listed on the California Secretary of State’s Close Contests webpage.

In the 14th Assembly District, the race for second place to determine who will take on incumbent Democrat Buffy Wicks in November, has narrowed from 2,085 votes on Election Night to just 950 votes. Republican Borgar Solnordal now has 9,357 votes or 10.0% and Green Party candidate Mark Rendon has 8,407 or 9.0% of the vote. That seat includes most of West County and portions of Alameda County.

In the 10th Congressional District, which covers most of Contra Costa County, the current second place finisher, Republican Jeff Frese has expanded his lead over fellow Republican challenger, Katherine Piccinini to 2,956, a total of 112 more votes than on Election Night. Frese now has 24,115 votes or 13.5% to Piccini’s 21,159 or 11.8% of the vote. The winner between the two will determine who will face incumbent Democrat Representative Mark DeSaulnier in November.

Election results as of Friday, June 5, 2026. Source: CA Secretary of State

Remaining Ballots, More Arriving

There are currently 55,200 ballots remaining to be processed. But according to Contra Costa County Assistant Registrar Helen Nolan, ballots postmarked by election day can still arrive at the Elections office by next Tuesday, June 9th at 5:00 p.m. So, the total number of remaining ballots is expected to increase.

Following is the breakdown of the estimated number of current unprocessed ballots:

Ballots voted at a voting location – 100

Vote-by-mail ballots received on or before Election Day – 28,500

Vote-by-mail ballots received after Election Day – 24,000

Provisional ballots – 100

Conditional Voter Registration Provisional ballots – 1,000

Other (In Review, Damaged) – 1,500

Total – 55,200

The next results update is expected on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 4:00 PM.

Martinez World War II Army veteran celebrates 110th birthday

By Leave a Comment

World War II Army veteran Al Taubman is wheeled past staff of the VA’s Martinez Outpatient Clinic and Community Living Center and celebrated on the way to his 110th birthday party, June 2, 2026. Photo: Veterans Administration.

Served with General Patton

By Allen D. Payton

World War II Army veteran Al Taubman, a resident of the Martinez Outpatient Clinic and Community Living Center at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Martinez, celebrated his 110th birthday on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by fellow veterans, family, friends, residents and staff.

According to local veterans’ leader, J.R. Wilson, “Al served our nation in North Africa, Italy and across Europe during World War II as the Army advanced through history. A proud Brooklyn native with a true fighting spirit, he represents the very best of what we celebrate as Americans — duty, sacrifice, resilience and honor.”

World War II Army veteran Al Taubman celebrates with friends, family, fellow veterans and VA staff on his 110th birthday party June 2, 2026. Photo courtesy of J.R. Wilson.

According to Tom McNell who, along with Darlyn Phillips, helped organize the event, Taubman served with General George Patton.

A post on the VA Northern California Health Care System’s Facebook page reads, “VA Northern California was honored to celebrate a true American Hero—Al Taubman, US Army WWII Veteran—on his 110th birthday at the Martinez CLC Clinic. With gratitude and admiration, we recognized Al’s remarkable life and service. Thank you, Al, for your courage and dedication to our country. Happy 110th Birthday!”

Following a parade of military flags by fellow Martinez VA residents, a flyover was provided by the Coast Guard during the party. Photos courtesy of J.R. Wilson. Inset by Veterans Admin.

During the celebration, Taubman’s fellow Martinez VA residents held a parade of military flags, a big band performance by Alive Music Orchestra, the Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco provided a flyover of one of their helicopters during the event and the Martinez VA had speakers representing each branch of the U.S. military including:

Len Augustine, U.S. Air Force, Col Retired – 28 years of service. Pilot with 5,000 hours, 700 in Vietnam flying C 123 Provider Aircraft.  He was also a Squadron, Group and Wing Commander. Last job as 89th Military Airlift Wing Commander at Andrews AFB;

Derrick Sheldon, U.S. Marine Corps, SSgt.  Retired – Associate Chief of the East Bay. A super musician performing his art at exclusive venues;

Michael Mitchell (“Just Mitch works…” as he puts it.)  Chief Petty Officer, Retired. U.S. Navy – 22 years of active duty, 36 total years for USN, former Director of Law and Security/Chief of Police for Navy Region North West;

J.R. Wilson, U.S. Army Airborne Qualified soldier, 3rd Special Forces Group (A) – Served his country in North Carolina and Camp Hovey, South Korea, President Delta Veterans Group, Commander VFW Post 6435, National Interim Legislative Committee-Disabled American Veterans; and

Captain Kent Reinhold from the U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area.

Wilson shared about his and his son’s experience at the celebration. In a post on Facebook later that day he wrote, “Today was one of those moments as a father that I will never forget.

“My son, John Ryan Wilson, and I had the incredible honor of speaking at the 110th Birthday Celebration for WWII U.S. Army Veteran Al Taubman at the VA Martinez Outpatient Clinic.

Organizer Darlyn Phillips helps John Ryan Wilson as he speaks then stands with his father, JR Wilson, who also spoke and the Alive Music Orchestra performed big band sounds during the birthday celebration. Photos (L&C) courtesy of J.R. Wilson, (R) by Veterans Admin.

“As a fellow U.S. Army Veteran, it was deeply meaningful for me to stand before Al and recognize his lifetime of service. But what touched my heart the most was watching my 8-year-old son speak to him with such respect and admiration. John Ryan talked about the math of generations, the years between them, and how amazing it is that Al has lived through so much American history as our nation approaches its 250th birthday this July 4th.

“Seeing a young boy and a Greatest Generation hero sharing smiles and stories reminded me exactly why we must continue to preserve the legacy of our Veterans.

“Happy 110th Birthday, Al Taubman. Your service to this nation will never be forgotten.”

See more photos of his birthday celebration on the VA Northern California Health Care System’s Facebook page.

 

East County Vehicle Theft Suppression operation results in six arrests, four illegal firearms seized, more

By Leave a Comment

12 law enforcement agencies participated in the operation on May 21, 2026. Photos: Antioch PD

Multi-agency effort in Antioch, Pittsburg, Oakley

By Antioch Police Department

On Thursday, May 21, 2026, the Antioch Police Department hosted a Vehicle Theft Suppression and Enforcement Team (VSET) operation involving the cities of Antioch, Pittsburg and Oakley. The operation brought together 65 officers from 12 law enforcement agencies across Contra Costa County, including the CHP Contra Costa and Contra Costa County Probation Department.

As a result of the coordinated enforcement effort, officers conducted 112 enforcement stops, leading to:

  • 6 felony arrests
  • Recovery of 4 illegal firearms
  • 22 citations issued
  • Arrest of three subjects following a pursuit of a vehicle wanted in connection with felony charges
  • Recovery of an occupied stolen vehicle and the arrest of its occupant
  • Recovery of 5 abandoned stolen vehicles
  • 9 vehicles impounded

In addition to enforcement activities, officers partnered with Contra Costa County Probation to conduct probation searches at 11 locations and worked alongside CHP on a business inspection.

This operation highlights the effectiveness of regional collaboration in addressing crime, enhancing public safety, and improving the quality of life throughout our communities. We thank all participating agencies for their commitment and teamwork in making this operation a success.

One of two Lafayette shoplifters arrested following pursuit, crash

By Leave a Comment

Suspects drive wrong way; assistance from multiple agencies includes two helicopters, Sheriff’s K-9

43-year-old from Oakland has history of arrests

By Lafayette Police Department

On Tuesday afternoon, June 2, 2026, at about 2:13, Lafayette police officers responded to a business on the 3500 block of Mt. Diablo Blvd. for a report of two shoplifters who stole items and then fled in a silver-colored Honda.

On Pleasant Hill Road, the suspect vehicle drove past a Lafayette Police officer who attempted to stop the car. The Honda fled leading the officer on a pursuit which the officer terminated and pulled over when the suspect vehicle drove north in the southbound lanes.

The officer later came upon a collision involving the Honda and another vehicle a short distance away. The suspects fled on foot.

Officers from the Orinda Police Department and deputy sheriffs from Valley Station responded to set up a perimeter and help search for the suspects. Helicopters from the California Highway Patrol and East Bay Regional Park District Police also provided assistance.

Pleasant Hill Road was closed at Springhill Road and Green Valley Drive.

A Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office police K-9 located one suspect who was taken into custody and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. Another suspect remains outstanding. The two occupants in the car that was struck by the suspect vehicle were taken to a local hospital as a precaution.

According to a report on X (Twitter) by Henry K. Lee of KTVU FOX 2, the business is the BevMo and William Ware, age 43, was arrested.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 210-pound William Pierr Ware, born 9/26/1982 is Black and being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, he lives in Oakland and has a history of arrests dating back to 2021 by multiple agencies for crimes including grand theft, organized retail theft, burglary, receiving stolen property, evading with wanton disregard for safety and resisting, obstructing and/or delaying a peace officer.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Lafayette Police Department at (925) 284-5010. Tips can be emailed to: 94549tip@gmail.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.