Contra Costa Herald

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

Country music stars help raise funds for Concord organization’s affordable housing efforts

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Country music stars Lee Brice, Michael Ray and David Tolliver perform during the Yellow Roof Foundation’s “Raise the Roof” fundraiser on June 22, 2025. Photo: Yellow Roof Foundation

Lee Brice, Michael Ray, David Tolliver help bring in more than $1 million at “Raise the Roof” for Yellow Roof Foundation

By Mike Hoye

CONCORD, CA – Yellow Roof Foundation’s annual “Raise the Roof” fundraiser was once again an overwhelming success, generating more than $1 million to advance the non-profit organization’s mission to create affordable, income-based rental housing for families and individuals at risk of homelessness.

Yellow Roof Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity based in Concord, Calif. The organization was founded by Dave and Lori Sanson, owners of DeNova Homes, also headquartered in Concord. Yellow Roof has built several communities in the greater Bay Area to provide affordable housing to those who are hardworking, contributing members of society but are experiencing hard times due to circumstances beyond their control and are at risk of becoming unhoused. As the serious housing crisis continues to grow in California, especially in the affordable housing arena, so has the population who may be on the verge of homelessness.

The sold-out “Raise the Roof” was held on June 22, 2025, at The CIA at Copia in Napa, where sponsors and special guests gathered for an evening of giving and celebration. Attendees enjoyed a beautifully prepared dinner and heartwarming presentations that showcased the life-changing impact of Yellow Roof’s work.

During the program, Yellow Roof announced its next new project in the East Bay town of Pittsburg, made possible a land donation from The Sanson Family. The land is approved for 81 multi-family units, which will make it the largest Yellow Roof community to date. In addition, local businessman and philanthropist, Steve Gonsalves, for whom two of Yellow Roof’s communities are named, shared that because 100% of donations go directly to projects and that accountability is instilled in residents are key factors as to why he believes so strongly in and is committed to Yellow Roof’s mission.

Among the evening’s other highlights was the presentation of the 2025 Champion Award to Valerie Sanders, Homeless Liaison for the Pittsburg Unified School District, in recognition of her remarkable partnership in helping to place deserving families into stable housing.

One of those families was represented on stage by resident Araceli Solis, who, joined by her three daughters, shared her powerful story of resilience following the sudden loss of her husband and how Yellow Roof’s income-based rental housing and financial education programs have restored her family’s hope.

Jasmine Strange, a recent graduate from Yellow Roof housing, also moved the audience, describing how the three years she and her family spent with the non-profit prepared them for a brighter future and helped them secure permanent affordable housing.

The concert portion of the evening featured an unforgettable singer-songwriter performance donated by Lee Brice, Michael Ray, and David Tolliver. A special moment came when Lee and Sara Brice’s two youngest children, Ryker and Trulee, took the stage, with Ryker returning for an encore to rally the crowd to bid generously on an autographed guitar signed by all the artists.

“Raise the Roof has become a beacon of hope and a testament to what is possible when compassionate people come together,” said Lori Sanson, President and Director of Yellow Roof Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, guests, artists, and volunteers whose commitment makes it possible for us to provide families with a foundation of safety, dignity, and opportunity. The funds raised this year will help us build more homes and change more lives.”

For more information about Yellow Roof Foundation, to stay updated on its communities and events, or to make a valuable donation to support its efforts, please visit YellowRoofFoundation.org.

Raise the Roof 2025 Sponsors

Diamond Sponsors: BIA Bay Area, California Retaining Walls, Cemcon, Inc., Covenant Technical Solutions, DeNova Homes, Inc., Rescue Electric, RPM, Sanco Pipelines, SDG Architects, The Conco Companies, The Garaventa & Colvis Families, The Graham Family and The Resmark Companies

Platinum Sponsors: Brookfield Residential, Calex Drywall, California Bank & Trust, cbg Civil Engineers – Surveyors – Planners, Discovery Wall Systems, DPAE Structural, Independent Construction, Legacy Risk & Insurance Services, Lew and Sara Carpenter, Miller Starr Regalia, OAG Architects, Pacific Coast Landscape Management, UBS, Waymark Development and Weber Christensen & Heinrichs, LLP

Gold Sponsors: Blazona Concrete Construction, Inc., California Building Industry Association, Gately Family Foundation, J&M, Inc., Meridian Associates, OJ Insulation, Silvermark Construction Services and vanderToolen Associates

Brentwood shooting leads to 3 arrests: 2 from Oakley, 1 from Antioch

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Aniya Henry, Gus Wayne arrested for shooting, Daezhara Little for obstruction; Oakley PD assists

3rd arrest for violence in 3 years for 43-year-old Henry

By Brentwood Police Department

On Sunday, July 6, 2025, just before 11:30 PM, Brentwood officers responded to the area of Lone Tree Way and Jeffery Way for a report of a shooting.

The adult male victim told officers he was driving when the vehicle in front of him brandished a handgun and fired a shot. Thankfully, the victim was not hit or injured.

Shortly after the incident, an Oakley Police Officer located the suspect vehicle and detained both occupants:

  • 43-year-old Aniya Sharee Henry of Oakley
  • 21-year-old Gus Antwon Wayne of Oakley

Both Henry and Wayne were arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, and other related charges.

While officers were actively investigating the incident, a third person 24-year-old Daezhara Makaylabetty Little of Antioch was arrested for obstructing and delaying officers on scene. Little was determined to be uninvolved in the original shooting.

All three individuals were transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, Henry is Black and out of custody with no charges filed; Wayne is Black and bonded out of custody on Tuesday, July 8; and Little is Black was cite released and out of custody.

According to localcrimenews.com, Henry was also arrested by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department in 2023 for inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant and in 2024 for battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse.

We want to thank the Oakley Police Department for their assistance in locating and detaining the suspects. Their support played a key role in bringing a quick resolution to this dangerous situation.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Police investigate man shot and killed in Richmond

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Source: Richmond PD

City’s first homicide of year

By Lt. Donald Patchin, PIO, Richmond Police Department

On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 11:46 PM, the Richmond PD Communications Center received a ShotSpotter (Gunfire detection system) notification of possible gunfire in the 900 block of 8th Street. Officers responded and checked the area but did not locate any evidence of a shooting.

On Thursday, July 10th, at 6:44 AM, the RPD Communications Center received a call about an unresponsive man lying on the sidewalk/ground in the 900 block of 9th Street. This location is one block east of the earlier ShotSpotter activation. Richmond Police officers responded to the area and located a male subject who had apparent gunshot wounds. Medical personnel responded and pronounced the victim deceased

RPD Homicide Detectives responded and are actively investigating.

This is the first homicide of 2025 in the City of Richmond.

Anyone with information regarding this homicide is urged to contact Homicide Detective Marecek at 510-621-1835 or KMarecek@RichmondPD.net.

Thursday morning, July 10, 2025, Richmond Police officers responded to reports of a man down in the. Officers responded and located a male victim who was unresponsive, suffering from an apparent gunshot injury.

5 arrested for fights, vandalism during large gathering at Brentwood shopping centers

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From outside the area; stores close early; 4 juvies charged with misdemeanors, 1 arrested for battery on cop

Oakley PD, CHP, Sheriff’s Deputies assist

By Brentwood Police Department

On Friday, July 11, 2025, at around 3:30 p.m., Brentwood officers responded to the Sand Creek Crossing and Streets of Brentwood to monitor a group of juveniles engaged in a large, preplanned gathering. Over time, the gathering quickly evolved to approximately 300+ juveniles that reportedly arrived in ride-share vehicles or other means of transportation from outside the area. Several in the group became unruly, physical fights occurred throughout the property, several entered various businesses knocking items off shelves and onto the ground, while others ran in-and-out of traffic on Sand Creek Road.

Out of an abundance of caution, businesses within the Streets of Brentwood closed early to protect staff and property. As the gathering became destructive and disruptive, dispersal orders were given for everyone involved to leave the property and to clear surrounding streets. Neighboring law enforcement agencies from Oakley, California Highway Patrol, and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office assisted with dispersal. Four juveniles were arrested for misdemeanor violations and a fifth was arrested for battery on a peace officer.

At some point during this rapidly evolving incident, officers performed a high risk stop on a vehicle, with their duty weapons drawn, because it was reported the driver had a firearm, however, no firearms were found, and no arrests were made. There were no reported injuries related to this event.

Anyone with information or related videos are asked to contact the Brentwood Police Department at 925-809-7911. While our agency supports peaceful gatherings, we will not tolerate disruptive or destructive behavior. We have a staffing plan in place to monitor and deal with any future gatherings.

The Brentwood Police Department takes the safety and well-being of our community seriously. We will not tolerate this kind of behavior in our city. Disorderly conduct, violence, and any form of assault on law enforcement or civilians will be met with immediate and appropriate enforcement action. We stand united for Brentwood. Brentwood is a strong, safe, and family-oriented community. We will continue to work with our residents and local businesses to ensure incidents like this do not become a recurring issue. We thank the community for their ongoing support and vigilance.

 

CHP distributes over $35 million to fight impaired driving

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Photo: CHP

Antioch, Danville, Pinole, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Ramon PD’s, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Dep’t among 148 Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program recipients

CCC Sheriff Forensic Services Division will use funds for toxicology crime lab

By Tami Grimes, CHP Public Information Officer

SACRAMENTO – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) today announced more than $35 million in grant funding to 148 California law enforcement agencies, crime laboratories, local government agencies and nonprofit organizations to help address the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“As the legal cannabis market continues to grow, so do the state’s efforts to ensure Californians are recreating responsibly. By supporting the organizations that enforce and amplify our laws on the ground, we can keep everyone safer,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

The grants from Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act, assigned the CHP the responsibility of administering grants for education, prevention and enforcement programs aimed at helping communities tackle impaired driving. Additionally, funds are available for crime laboratories that conduct forensic toxicology testing. The funding for these grants comes from a tax on the sale of cannabis and cannabis products in California.

“This funding represents a major step forward in our ongoing mission to save lives and prevent impaired driving,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “With over $35 million going to nearly 150 public safety partners across the state, we’re expanding our reach like never before. These resources will help those on the frontlines keep California’s roads safer for everyone.”

Source: CHP

These funds will go towards a variety of activities. One hundred twenty-six recipients of law enforcement grants will use the funding to combat impaired driving in their communities, including Antioch, Danville, Pinole, Pleasant Hill, Richmond and San Ramon Police Departments. The funds will also support drug recognition evaluator training to improve the identification of drug-impaired drivers, as well as public outreach campaigns, including educational presentations and community events.

Eleven recipients of education grants will use the funds to inform local communities about impaired driving laws while highlighting the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Source: CHP

Seven recipients of two-year toxicology crime laboratory grants, including the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department Forensic Services Division, will use the funds to eliminate backlogs in analyzing forensic science evidence and to purchase or upgrade laboratory equipment to enhance testing capabilities.

Four recipients of two-year medical examiner’s and coroner’s office grants will use the funds to improve and advance data collection in cases involving driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

With the passage of Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate, and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA), California voters mandated the state set aside funding for the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to award grants to local governments and qualified nonprofit organizations, as described in Revenue and Taxation Code Section 34019(f)(3)(B).

The Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program marks an important step toward reducing impaired driving crashes, increasing public awareness surrounding the dangers of impaired driving, and making California’s roadways a safer place to travel.

The application process for future grant funding is expected to reopen in early 2026. More information is available on the CHP website at CHP’s Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood PD investigates report of smoke shop burglary in progress

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Brentwood Police arrive on scene to see suspects entering getaway vehicle before ramming patrol car on Monday, July 7, 2025. Brentwood PD video screenshot

Suspects’ vehicle rams patrol car

By Brentwood Police Department

Early Monday morning (7/7/25), just before 2:30 AM, our Dispatch Center received a report of a burglary in progress at the One Stop Smoke Shop located in the 2400 block of Empire Avenue near Lone Tree Way.

The reporting party advised that suspects were seen on video surveillance attempting to break into the closed business using crowbars.

Within minutes, a Brentwood Police Sergeant arrived on scene and observed several suspects dressed in all black. As the suspects entered a vehicle and attempted to flee, a second Brentwood officer approached and the suspect vehicle intentionally rammed the officer’s patrol car.

The suspects fled the scene, and a pursuit ensued. Despite officers’ efforts, the vehicle was able to flee.

We’re grateful to report that no officers were injured during this incident. However, this serves as a stark reminder of the risks our officers face when responding to dangerous and unpredictable situations.

This investigation is active and ongoing. No further details will be released at this time.

See video of police pursuit.

 

Contra Costa Assessor’s report shows 1,341 more parcels, $12 billion increase in property values

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In annual Assessment Roll

By Allen D. Payton

In a letter to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, county Assessor Gus Kramer informed them of this fiscal year’s Assessment Roll for the purpose of collecting property taxes and the net value has increased by almost $12 billion over last year.

The report shows San Pablo and Danville had the greatest increase while Concord and Pittsburg had the least, as well as an increase of 1,342 parcels due new development in the county.

Source: Contra Costa County Assessor’s Office

Kramer’s letter reads:

“Dear Members of the Board of Supervisors,

I am pleased to report the completion and official delivery of the 2025–2026 Contra Costa County Assessment Roll to the County Auditor-Controller, as required by law.

This year’s assessment roll reflects a total net assessed value of $290.66 billion, an increase of $11.67 billion—or 4.18%—over the previous year. This represents the highest total assessed value in the County’s history. Cities with the highest percentage increases in assessed value include San Pablo with 5.81%, and Danville with 5.28%. Cities with the most modest growth include Concord at 3.10%, and Pittsburg at 2.96%.

The total number of assessed parcels now stands at 382,022, an increase of 1,341 parcels compared to the previous year. This growth reflects ongoing development and investment throughout Contra Costa County.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to the staff of the Assessor’s Office for their professionalism, dedication, and tireless efforts in preparing an accurate and timely assessment roll for the 2025–2026 fiscal year.

Sincerely,

Gus S. Kramer

Assessor”

The duties of the County Assessor’s Office include:

  • Discovering and assessing all property within the County
  • Producing and delivering an assessment roll by July 1 of each year
  • Valuing all real property
  • Auditing all entities doing business in the County and valuing all taxable personal property
  • Establishing and maintaining a set of 11,000 maps for assessment purposes, delineating every parcel of land in the County
  • Providing a public information service to assist taxpayers with questions about property ownership and assessment

To review your property’s value visit Review Your Value and for more information call the office at (925) 313-7400.

Contra Costa Sheriff’s Detectives investigate Bay Point homicide

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Early Saturday morning; public’s help sought

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Office of the Contra Costa County Sheriff

This morning at about 1:02, Muir Station deputy sheriffs were dispatched to a call of ‘shots-fired’ on Harbor Drive in Bay Point.

Deputies arrived on scene and located a person suffering from gunshot wounds in front of a residence on Harbor Drive.

Deputies performed life-saving measures until the fire department and an ambulance arrived. The victim was later pronounced deceased at the scene and is not being identified at this time.

Sheriff’s Office homicide detectives and crime lab personnel responded to the scene.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

CHP investigates Wednesday afternoon road rage shooting on eastbound Highway 4

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Traffic on Hwy 4 eastbound in Concord was backed up and stopped for 25 minutes during commute time late Wednesday afternoon, July 2, 2025. Photo by person who chose not to be identified.

Victim called 9-11, drove to nearby gas station to wait for medical assistance

By Allen D. Payton

An Advisory of a Hazard on eastbound Highway 4 in Concord could be seen on the Apple Maps app at 5:42 PM on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Source: iPhone screenshot

A road rage shooting Wednesday afternoon, July 2, 2025, on eastbound Highway 4 between Concord and Pittsburg left a man injured with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. A commuter who chose to not be identified said at 5:35 p.m. she was stuck in the back-up for 25 minutes, that there was “no movement and people are leaving their cars.” CHP – Contra Costa Public Information Officer Dan Gilmore, confirmed traffic was stopped “for exactly 25 minutes.”

According to CHP spokesman, Sgt. Andrew Barclay, “Our detectives are still actively investigating” and “CHP Detectives assigned to the Golden Gate Division Special Investigations Unit are on the way and will be taking the lead in the investigation.”

He provided details of the incident: “The time of the call was 2:24 p.m. The victim called 9-1-1 and reported a shooting following a road rage incident on eastbound Highway 4 between Willow Pass Road in Concord and San Marco Blvd. in Pittsburg.  The man exited to San Marco Blvd. and stopped at a gas station where medical personnel arrived,” Barclay explained.

“The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. CHP is waiting to determine if it was an actual gunshot, grazing or other wound,” he shared.

“Nothing has been confirmed yet, but it’s possible CHP will close eastbound Hwy 4 to search for casings,” Barclay continued. “There is no further information on potential suspect at this time.”

Unless an arrest is made tonight any additional information won’t be released until Thursday, the spokesman added.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

U.S. Postal Inspectors seek Richmond post office armed robbery suspect

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2025-07-01 Richmond PO robbery suspect Source: U.S. Postal Inspection Service

Offer up to $150,000 reward

By Postal Inspector Matthew Norfleet, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, San Francisco Division Mail Fraud Team,

Richmond, CA – The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is requesting information about the individual who committed an armed robbery of a post office at 1025 Nevin Avenue at Harbour Way, Richmond, CA at or around 12:50 p.m. on July 1, 2025.

Video screenshot of Richmond, CA Post Office armed robbery suspect, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

Reward money is available up to $150,000 for information leading to arrest and conviction of this person, or anyone else responsible for robbery of a U.S. Postal Service employee or workplace.