Contra Costa Herald

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

Tips and reminders for voting in the November 4th statewide Special Election

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5 Regional Early Voting Sites in Brentwood, Pittsburg, Richmond, San Ramon, Walnut Creek open today

Some polling places in Antioch, Bay Point, Lafayette, Pinole, Pittsburg, San Pablo and San Ramon have changed.

 By Dawn Kruger Community and Media Relations Coordinator Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department

Regional Early Voting Sites open today, Friday, October 31st and polling places are open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4th from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Voters can still return their ballots by mail, postmarked on or before Election Day – to ensure your mailed ballot is received on time, mail ballots before Election Day. Voters can drop their ballot off at one of the County’s 45 official drop boxes before 8:00 PM on Election Day, to ensure we receive your ballot on time.

“Voters have many opportunities to cast their ballot early,” said Kristin B. Connelly, the County’s Registrar of Voters. “The Contra Costa County Elections Office is here to ensure voters can cast their ballots safely, early, and conveniently to make sure their voices are heard.”

In-Person Voter Services

If you prefer to vote in-person or need in-person services to cast your ballot, Contra Costa County residents have early voting options at five Regional Early Voting sites throughout the county.

All Contra Costa registered voters will be able to vote at any of the Regional Early Voting locations, which will be open Friday, October 31st from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturday, November 1st from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; and Monday, November 3rd from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Here are the locations of Contra Costa’s Regional Early Voting sites:

  • Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak Street, Brentwood
  • Pittsburg Library-Community Room, 80 Power Avenue, Pittsburg
  • Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond
  • San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church, 902 Danville Boulevard, Alamo
  • Walnut Creek City Hall, 1666 North Main Street, Walnut Creek

Polling Places

Polling places will be open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4th from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.  Please go to our website and check “My Voting Information.” to find your assigned polling place. Please note that some polling places in Antioch, Bay Point, Lafayette, Pinole, Pittsburg, San Pablo and San Ramon have changed.

Conditional Voter Registration

If you missed the voter registration deadline, you can still register and vote in-person using Conditional Voter Registration. It is a one-stop opportunity to register and cast your ballot and is available (1) at our office at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez, (2) at Regional Early Voting sites, and (3) at all polling places.

Accessible Voting Equipment and Additional Language Access

Official ballots and voting instructions are provided in English, Spanish, and Chinese. Additional language resources are available through ballot translation guides which are available online and at in-person voting locations. Ballot marking equipment with accessible features is available at every in-person voting location for voters with disabilities who may need assistance.

Be Prepared

If you vote in person, many voters find it helpful to come prepared. Make your choice ahead of time and bring your pre-marked Sample Ballot to the polls to help you save time. Copies of the Voter Information Guide are available at the polls and the information is also available online.

Leave the Campaign T-Shirts, Buttons, and Hats at Home

Please remember that voters have the right to cast a ballot free from intimidation or distraction. Under California law, electioneering is prohibited within 100 feet of any voting location.  Anyone wearing items promoting any position in this election will be asked to remove or cover them while they are at the voting location.  Please help our poll workers by refraining from electioneering and leave your campaign t-shirts, buttons and hats at home.

For more information on voting options for the Statewide Special Election, visit www.contracostavote.gov or call 925.335.7800.

Danville teacher from Concord convicted of sex crimes against minors

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Nicholas Brandon Moseby. Photo source: The Rob Harvey on Facebook

Allows a judge to impose longer sentence

Previously convicted of the same crimes, 41-year-old Nicholas Brandon Moseby also worked as cheerleader instructor in San Ramon

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

Martinez, California – A Contra Costa County jury today found that aggravating circumstances applied in the case of Nicholas Brandon Moseby, a former middle school teacher and cheerleading instructor previously convicted of sex crimes against minors.

The 41-year-old Concord man was found guilty on October 17th, 2025, following the first phase of his bifurcated trial. The convictions included one felony count of lewd acts upon a child, one felony count of distributing or showing pornography to a minor, and three misdemeanor counts involving child molestation and sexual battery. Jurors were unable to reach a verdict on one felony count of committing a lewd act upon a child, while Moseby was found not guilty on a separate charge of the same offense.

In the second phase of the trial today, the jury determined that the following aggravating factors applied to Moseby’s conviction:

  • The victim was particularly vulnerable
  • The crimes demonstrated planning and sophistication
  • He exploited a position of trust to commit the offenses

The jury did not reach agreement on whether Moseby’s prior convictions showed a pattern of increasing seriousness, and Judge John W. Kennedy declared a mistrial on that specific factor.

These true findings by the jury will allow a judge to impose a longer sentence when Moseby appears for sentencing at 8:30 a.m. on December 19th at the A.F. Bray Courthouse in Martinez.

The case originated in September 2022 when a minor victim reported incidents to authorities. Following an investigation by the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, additional victims came forward. Moseby was arrested on September 14, 2022, and charged two days later, after he reportedly sent a girl videos on Snapchat showing himself masturbating and the parents of his victim reported to police.  Deputy District Attorney Jessica Murad prosecuted the case.

At the time of his arrest, Moseby was employed as a biology teacher at Diablo Vista Middle School in Danville and as a cheerleading instructor at Nor Cal Elites in San Ramon. (See related article)

“The victims have traveled a long road to justice,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “This jury’s verdict opens a path toward healing from the trauma — not only for the victims, but for the

broader community as well.”

Case Number: 01-22-01583 | The People of the State of California v. Nicholas Brandon Moseby

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Off-duty Contra Costa AMR paramedic saves life at high school football game, earns national recognition 

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AMR Paramedic Brannen Zilk will be honored with the Star of Life Award next week. Photo: AMR

Brannen Zilka to be honored as a Star of Life Award recipient in Washington, D.C. 

October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month

By Amy Link, Senior Public Relations Specialist

CONCORD, CA — Seconds matter during a sudden cardiac arrest emergency, and for one spectator at a local high school football game last fall, seconds were all it took for off-duty American Medical Response (AMR) paramedic Brannen Zilka to come to their aid. Zilka witnessed this life-threatening emergency and, recognizing the severity of the situation, he immediately began CPR, retrieved an automated external defibrillator (AED) and delivered a life-saving shock. With Zilka’s quick action, the individual survived and was later discharged from the hospital without any lasting disabilities.

This year, Zilka, who lives in Benicia, stands among a select group of just 32 outstanding professionals—representing Global Medical Response’s 34,000 prehospital clinicians, dispatchers and support personnel—who have earned the distinguished Stars of Life award. Presented by the American Ambulance Association (AAA), this honor shines a light on individuals whose exceptional achievements exemplify the very best of the emergency medical services (EMS) profession and reflect the dedication and excellence shared throughout the entire workforce.

The Stars of Life program, founded by the AAA in 1996, shines a national spotlight on EMS professionals who demonstrate unwavering commitment and extraordinary impact. This year’s recipients will join peers from across the country at the AAA’s national celebration, November 2–5 in Washington, D.C.— an event dedicated to honoring the essential role of EMS in public health and safety.

“These individuals represent the highest standards of EMS, consistently exceeding expectations under pressure and making a profound difference where it matters most,” said Nick Loporcaro, president and CEO of GMR. “It’s an incredible honor to recognize these 32 caregivers for their heroic service.”

Each honoree is recognized for lifesaving interventions, innovative public health leadership, and heartfelt engagement with their communities. As part of the celebration, Stars of Life honorees will also meet with members of Congress to share the challenges and triumphs shaping today’s EMS landscape, advocating for continued support and investment in the field.

“I’m incredibly honored to receive the Stars of Life award,” said Zilka. “When I saw the cardiac arrest unfold at the football game, I didn’t hesitate—training and instinct kicked in. But it’s the strength of our EMS community and the support of my team that make moments like that possible. I’m proud to represent the lifesaving work we do every day, especially when every second counts.”

Zilka has been a dedicated team member with AMR, a Global Medical Response solution, since 2003, serving currently as a paramedic, field training officer and union shop steward. His commitment to both his team and community is evident through his involvement in specialized units, training programs and support for new hires. Outside of work, Zilka volunteers as a coach with Northern California Special Olympics and advocates for inclusive education, while also teaching lifesaving skills like CPR, Narcan administration, and Stop the Bleed to high school students—extending his impact well beyond his work as a first responder.

“Brannen’s quick thinking and decisive action during that emergency reflect the kind of leadership and compassion he brings to our team every day,” said Scott Newlin, operations manager at AMR. “His recognition as a Stars of Life honoree is well deserved, and we’re proud to have him representing our team.”

About American Ambulance Association

The American Ambulance Association represents ambulance services across the United States that participate in serving more than 75% of the U.S. population with emergency and non-emergency care and medical transportation. The AAA was formed in response to the need for improvements in medical transportation and emergency medical services. AAA views pre-hospital care not only as a public service, but also as an essential part of the total public health care system.

About American Medical Response (AMR) 

American Medical Response, Inc., America’s leading provider of emergency medical services, provides mobile healthcare in 40 states and the District of Columbia. More than 28,000 AMR paramedics, EMTs, RNs and other professionals work together to care for more than 4.8 million patients nationwide each year in critical, emergency and non-emergency situations. For more information about AMR, visit www.amr.net or on Facebook and LinkedIn.

AMR is part of Global Medical Response, the largest air and ground emergency medical service provider in the United States. With nearly 33,000 team members, the organization reaches 60% of the U.S. population, providing emergency medical care to 5.5 million patients annually and performing a critical intervention every 93 seconds. Its family of solutions includes ambulance EMS provider American Medical Response (AMR), as well as multiple air EMS organizations including Air Evac Lifeteam, REACH Air Medical Services, Guardian Flight, Med-Trans Corporation, and AirMed International. For additional information, visit GMR at www.globalmedicalresponse.com, or on Facebook and LinkedIn.

About Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month

October is National Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Awareness Month. It’s a call to action by the American Red Cross meant to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest signs and symptoms and illuminate how it affects people and what to do to help save lives. For more information visit Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month | Red Cross.

CHP launches Halloween Maximum Enforcement Period to target impaired drivers

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CHiPPER says don’t drink and drive on Halloween or ever! Photo: CHP

All available Officers deployed statewide to keep roads safe during 12-hour operation

6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31 – 6 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1

By Jaime Coffee, CHP Director of Communications, Office of Media Relations

SACRAMENTO—The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will launch a 12-hour Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) from 6 p.m. Friday, October 31, through 6 a.m. Saturday, November 1, to protect motorists and prevent impaired driving. During the operation, all available CHP officers will be on patrol statewide, focusing on identifying and arresting impaired drivers before they cause harm.

“Impaired driving destroys lives, and even one life lost is one too many. This Halloween, we’re asking everyone to do their part before the festivities begin, arrange a sober ride and help us keep California’s roads safe for everyone who uses them.” – CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee

Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or a combination of both can have deadly consequences. On average, more than 800 fatal crashes involving impaired drivers claim over 900 lives each year in California, reinforcing the CHP’s commitment to removing impaired drivers from the road.

Impairment is not limited to alcohol. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and cannabis products can all affect a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Penalties for Impaired Driving

Drivers arrested for driving under the influence face serious penalties, including:

  • Driver’s license suspension
  • Fines
  • Mandatory DUI education programs
  • Jail time

During last year’s 12-hour Halloween MEP, officers investigated nearly 500 crashes statewide. About 90 of those involved impaired drivers, resulting in two deaths and more than 60 injuries. CHP officers also made nearly 120 DUI arrests during that period.

For more information about DUI penalties, visit the California Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Make the Right Choice

To help ensure everyone reaches their destination safely, the CHP urges motorists to:

  • Designate a sober driver.
  • Use ride-sharing services, taxis or public transit.
  • Never drive impaired or ride with someone who is.

If you see someone who appears to be driving impaired, call 9-1-1 immediately.

“Whether it’s Halloween or any night of the year, the decision to drive sober can save a life,” Commissioner Duryee added. “Together, we can make our roads safer and prevent tragedies before they happen.”

The CHP reminds all drivers to make responsible choices behind the wheel — never drive under the influence, always wear your seat belt and follow the speed limit.

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

Bay Point homicide victim identified as husband of suspect

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Victim Brian Utt from a post on his Facebook page May 20, 2025, and his suspect wife Libelyn Taculod “Jingjing” Utt from a post on her Facebook page Sept. 22, 2017.

64-year-old Brian Lee Utt stabbed to death by wife known as Jingjing Utt

By Allen D. Payton

According to Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs for the Contra Costa Sheriff-Coroner, thev victim in the stabbing death on Thursday morning, Oct. 23, 2025, was identified as “Brian Lee Utt, 64 years old, out of Bay Point.”

As previously reported, t 11:26 a.m. that day, Muir Station deputy sheriffs were dispatched to a medical-police call at a residence on Solano Court in Bay Point.

Deputies entered the home finding a man bleeding from stab wounds. They provided first aid until the fire department and an ambulance arrived on scene. The man was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

The suspect, believed to be the victim’s wife, was arrested at the scene and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. She is identified as 57-year-old Libelyn Taculod Utt of Bay Point. She was booked on a murder charge and is being held without bail.

According to a member of Golden Hills Community Church in Brentwood, the Utts attended the church and Mr. Utt helped lead a men’s Bible Study there and Libelyn’s nickname is Jingjing.

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.

Antioch woman arrested in Brentwood for illegal gun, large quantity of drugs

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Un-serialized loaded gun found near the suspect’s vehicle and seized during arrest. Photo: Brentwood PD

43-year-old Veronica Angelica-Maria Greenhouse held on $100,000 bail; celebrating her birthday in jail

By Brentwood Police Department

On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Brentwood officers were dispatched to the 5900 block of Lone Tree Way in response to a report of a suspicious circumstance. The reporting party stated they heard gunshots in a commercial parking lot and associated the sounds with a parked vehicle.

Upon arrival, officers detained three subjects near the vehicle in question. During the investigation, officers located an un-serialized loaded firearm and a spent casing near the vehicle. A large quantity of drugs and paraphernalia commonly associated with narcotics sales were also found.

43-year-old Veronica Angelica-Maria Greenhouse of Antioch (born 10/28/82) was arrested for multiple firearm-related offenses, including being a felon in possession of a firearm, as well as possession of narcotics for sale. She was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot tall, 125-pound Greenhouse is Hispanic, is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $100,000 bail. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Superior Court in Martinez on Nov. 5, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Los Medanos College to lead East County Nonprofit Capacity Building initiative

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Photo: LMC

By Juliet V. Casey Director of Marketing, Los Medanos College

PITTSBURG, Calif. – Contra Costa County selected Los Medanos College (LMC) to lead a $1 million initiative aimed at strengthening the nonprofit sector in East Contra Costa County. The East County Nonprofit Capacity Building Program, approved by the Contra Costa Community College District Board of Trustees this month, aims to develop future nonprofit leaders and to expand organizational effectiveness across the region.

The initiative will serve communities including Bay Point, Pittsburg, Antioch, Oakley, Brentwood, Byron, Discovery Bay, Knightsen and Bethel Island. LMC was chosen for its proven ability to deliver high-quality education and workforce development programs tailored to community needs.

LMC President Pamela Ralson said the college is eager to move forward, having worked over the past year to create more learning opportunities to support nonprofits. The next step will be to establish the educational programming for the initiative, which runs through Oct. 31, 2028.

Ralston recognized local leaders for their foresight in supporting the initiative.

“County Supervisors, and Supervisors Diane Burgis and Shanelle Scales-Preston in particular, see the value of developing and training future leaders across the nonprofit landscape in our area,” she said. “LMC is proud to be a partner in that effort.”

Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis said she is grateful for all the community partners who collaborated on the initiative.

“My goal is for this to help train the current and next generation of nonprofit leaders in East County and help all small- and medium-sized nonprofits succeed,” she said.

The initiative features:

  • Educational programming: Fee-based seminars and free workshops on nonprofit management, plus academic courses that stack toward certificates and degrees.
  • Mini-grants: Funding for paid internships and capacity-building projects, with priority given to organizations serving low- to moderate-income and historically underserved communities.
  • Leadership development: A cohort program for mid- to senior-level nonprofit staff, offering executive skills, mentorship, and peer networking.
  • Nonprofit Resource Hub: A collaborative space for nonprofit entrepreneurship and shared learning.

“Building capacity among East Contra Costa County nonprofits is not simply a ‘good idea,’ it is necessary for ensuring sustainability and a steady flow of services to our most in-need constituents those nonprofits serve,” Contra Costa County Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston said. “We could not think of a more appropriate strategic partner than Los Medanos College to work collaboratively in this endeavor.”

LMC will subcontract with the Antioch Chamber of Commerce Foundation to manage the project, including hiring a dedicated project manager and convening an advisory group of nonprofit leaders and curriculum experts. The chamber has long advocated for local businesses and nonprofit organizations, which unlike other businesses are not aiming to make a profit, rather they use money for the public good, said Jim Becker, incoming board chair for the Antioch Chamber of Commerce.

“Nonprofits make up 20% of the local economy, and they run just like other businesses. They need HR, financial and legal compliance,” he said. “It’s really exciting to partner with LMC to provide greater and broader access to nonprofit business education.”

About Los Medanos College (LMC): LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood. For more information visit www.losmedanos.edu.

 

Every baby born in Contra Costa County has a scholarship waiting in their name, worth up to $175

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Photo source: CalKids

By Vanessa Vizard, Vizard Marketing & PR for CalKids

Contra Costa, CA — Contra Costa County families welcoming a new baby can also celebrate another milestone: their child’s very first scholarship. Through the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS), every child born in the state on or after July 1, 2022, automatically has a CalKIDS Scholarship Account waiting in their name —  including more than $2 million in scholarship funds set aside for children in Contra Costa County alone.

CalKIDS is the nation’s largest children’s development account program, designed to support college and career training. For newborns and young children, the state invests up to $175 in a CalKIDS Scholarship Account:

  • $100 for being born in California (babies born July 1, 2023, or later; $25 for those born between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023)
  • $25 extra when parents claim the account online
  • $50 extra for linking the account to a ScholarShare 529 College Savings Plan

That’s up to $175 already invested in a child’s future, long before applications, admissions essays, or financial aid forms come into play.

“At First 5 California, we recognize that supporting healthy development begins with a commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive,” said Jackie Thu-Huong Wong, Executive Director of First 5 California. “CalKIDS is a powerful way to show families that their child’s future matters from the very beginning.”

With August, September, and October among the most common birth months in California, thousands of families are becoming newly eligible for a CalKIDS Scholarship. It’s a timely opportunity for parents to take an easy first step that can grow into a lifelong advantage for their child’s education.

How to Claim Your Baby’s Scholarship

Claiming is quick, easy, and free at CalKIDS.org. Parents and guardians just need three pieces of information:

  • The county where their child was born
  • Their child’s date of birth
  • The 13-digit Local Registration Number (LRN) on the birth certificate, or the unique CalKIDS code mailed to their home

Once claimed, families can log in anytime to view balances, link a ScholarShare 529 Account, and learn how funds can be used. Eligible expenses include tuition and fees, required books and supplies, and computer equipment at accredited higher education institutions nationwide.

“I appreciate the forward thinking of CalKIDS by investing in the education of our next generation! Starting to save for college early will pay dividends in the long run,” said Contra Costa parent Joshua Tan.

Small Actions Make a Big Difference

Research shows that children with even small savings for higher education are three times more likely to attend college and four times more likely to graduate. Education is also one of the most powerful tools to break the cycle of poverty — a college degree can nearly double lifetime earnings. By giving every child in California a first scholarship, CalKIDS brings that opportunity to families from day one and makes the path to higher education more attainable for millions.

Across California, CalKIDS is working with hospitals, county offices, and community partners like United Ways of California to ensure families know about this opportunity from the very beginning.

“Every child deserves the chance to dream big, and that starts from the moment they are born. CalKIDS is helping families of newborns begin saving for education and career training right away. United Ways of California is proud to support this effort, which aligns with our work to expand economic mobility and opportunity across the state,” said Mandy Nand, Associate Director of Economic Mobility, United Ways of California. “United Ways of California is thrilled to support CalKIDS. By providing funds to every newborn, California is giving families peace of mind and an important financial foundation for their child’s future. This effort reflects our mission to help families build stability and opportunity from the very start of life.”

Since its launch in 2022, CalKIDS has become the largest child development account program in the country. In addition to newborns, CalKIDS also created accounts for over 4 million public school students, accounting for more than 5 million children total with CalKIDS Scholarship Accounts and $2 billion invested. More than 700,000 families have claimed their scholarships, turning possibility into action.

Families can learn more and claim their baby’s first scholarship today at CalKIDS.org.

About CalKIDS: The California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS) is the nation’s largest child development account program, providing scholarships for higher education. Administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, and Chaired by State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, the program is designed to promote the pursuit of higher education statewide by empowering families to build assets, nurture savings habits, and raise their educational aspirations. Eligible public school students can receive CalKIDS Scholarships worth up to $1,500 and every child born in California on or after July 1, 2022, is awarded a CalKIDS Scholarship worth up to $175, ensuring more families have the resources needed to support their children’s education. To learn more, visit CalKIDS.org.

More than $2.6 Million invested to support Arts in California’s Parks

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Photo: Project BANDALOOP

California State Parks, California Arts Council and Parks California continue partnership to bring creativity and community connection to local parks  

By Parks California and California State Parks, California Department of Parks and Recreation, Divisions of Boating and Waterways, Historic Preservation and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation

SACRAMENTO— California State Parks, the California Arts Council and Parks California today announced more than $2.6 million in community grants to organizations statewide as part of their Arts in California Parks partnership. These funds will enable local nonprofit, community and tribal organizations to bring music, dance, storytelling, visual art and cultural programs into parks, transforming them into vibrant spaces that foster creativity, honor cultural heritage and strengthen community connections.

Managed by Parks California, Arts in California Parks is a four-year, $8 million State Parks grants initiative launched in 2024 to support artists, culture bearers, California Native American tribes and local groups in creating art and cultural experiences in outdoor spaces. By expanding access to the arts in nature, the program helps parks remain welcoming, inspiring and inclusive for all Californians. This is the second round of grants awarded as part of the program.

“Art brings people closer to the meaning of their parks — not only as places of natural beauty, but as spaces for reflection, healing and shared experience,” said Armando Quintero, California State Parks Director. “When creativity meets open space, it deepens understanding of one another and reminds us that parks are for everyone. Through initiatives like Arts in California Parks, we’re celebrating the connection between art, nature and community that defines our state.”

This year, 30 organizations across California were awarded grants ranging from $28,000 to $150,000 from a pool of more than 200 applicants. Projects reflect the diversity of California’s people and landscapes. From large-scale performances to culturally focused installations, each initiative provides opportunities for residents and visitors alike to engage with the arts while deepening their connection to nature and local history.

“At Parks California, we believe that access isn’t just about getting to a park — it’s about feeling a sense of belonging once you’re there,” said Kindley Walsh Lawlor, CEO and president, Parks California. “Arts in California Parks helps make that possible by connecting people, stories and cultures to the landscapes that define our sense of place. These projects reflect our shared vision of public lands as places where creativity thrives, communities gather and every Californian can see themselves represented.”

From murals that celebrate cultural heritage to circus performances in city parks, this new round of grants showcases how creativity and community come together across California. A few of the projects underway include:

  • In Oakland, Trybe, Inc. will launch Roots & Rhythms at Clinton Square Park, year-round art and nature programming for youth and families. Activities range from a cultural heritage mural and youth-led garden to summer camps, multicultural art classes and community showcases that celebrate creativity, sustainability and belonging.
  • In Merced, the City of Merced will transform General Vang Pao Park into a vibrant space honoring the region’s Hmong community through a memorial plaza, statue and mural. The project blends art, recreation and cultural heritage while creating new outdoor amenities for residents in an underserved area.
  • In Lake County, EcoArts of Lake County will lead Rooted in Place, a public art initiative activating four county-managed parks with youth-designed murals and a community-built sculpture at Middletown Trailside Park. In collaboration with local tribes, the project honors Indigenous history and resilience following the 2015 Valley Fire.
  • Angels Gate Cultural Center in San Pedro will host Sustainers of Life, a contemporary art exhibition featuring new works by Indigenous women artists. Presented alongside the Many Winters Gathering of Elders, the exhibition and public programs will highlight Native women’s leadership and connection to the land through workshops, films and field trips for local students.
  • In Cathedral City, Hope Rising: Esperanza Park Cultural Celebration will transform a new park in the historically underserved Dream Homes neighborhood, uniting residents through a series of mural-making events, music and family art activities celebrating Hispanic and tribal heritage — turning Esperanza (“hope”) Park into a vibrant symbol of belonging and resilience in the Coachella Valley.
  • In San Diego, Fern Street Circus will launch its Neighborhood Tour 2025, bringing 16 free circus performances and parades to parks in underserved neighborhoods. The tour blends circus arts, puppetry and community storytelling to spark joy and connection while making high quality arts experiences accessible to all.

“Sustainers of Life honors Indigenous women by sharing multidimensional stories woven within broader historical contexts, creating space for both mourning and celebrating the ongoing resilience of those who nurture and protect life, and sustain our connection to the land,” said Cecelia Caro, director of exhibitions at Angels Gate Cultural Center. “Arts in California Parks makes it possible for us to share these powerful voices in a setting where the community can reflect, learn and grow together.”

To learn more about funded projects and upcoming events, visit ArtsInCaliforniaParks.org.

About Arts in California Parks 

Arts in California Parks aligns with statewide initiatives including Governor Gavin Newsom’s Outdoor Access for All, the California Natural Resources Agency’s Outdoors for All and California State Parks’ Reexamining Our Past Initiative. The program supports artists, culture bearers, California Native American tribes and communities in creating art, installations and cultural programming in state and local parks as catalysts for sustainable community connection, health and well-being. Initiated by a one-time general fund allocation that extends through 2027, the program is a partnership between California State Parks, the California Arts Council and Parks California.

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.

About California Arts Council

Culture is the strongest signifier of California’s identity. As a state agency, the California Arts Council supports local arts infrastructure and programming statewide through grants, programs and services. The agency’s mission is to strengthen arts, culture, and creative expression as the tools to cultivate a better California for all. Learn more: arts.ca.gov.

About Parks California

Parks California is the official nonprofit partner to California State Parks, created by the state legislature to expand the reach and impact of the parks system. As a public-private partner, we work alongside State Parks, tribal nations, community and nonprofit groups to design solutions that make parks more inclusive, climate-resilient and welcoming. Together, we’re advancing a new partnership model that supports healthy communities and ecosystems and helps parks evolve to meet the needs of a changing California. Learn more: parkscalifornia.org.

Cutline: One of the 2024-25 grantees include Project BANDALOOP in Oakland that connects the human spirit, nature and communities through dance using climbing technology to challenge what is possible. Photo: Parks California.

Walnut Creek residential burglary duo arrested, charged

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Screenshots of surveillance video show Jeremy Arellano and Rae Mone during the residential burglary of a Walnut Creek home in September. Both Mones (right) and Arellano were arrested on Oct. 21. Source & photo by Walnut Creek PD

Community assistance leads to identification of Concord man and Oakland woman with history of arrests

By Walnut Creek Police Department

On Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, a residential burglary occurred in the area of Citrus Avene and Perada Drive. We requested the community’s help in identifying the two suspects involved in the burglary.

Thanks to the community’s assistance in identifying the suspects, as of Tuesday, Oct. 21, both individuals have been taken into custody. We appreciate your help!

On Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed 459 PC- Residential Burglary charges against Jeremy S. Arellano, a 36-year-old resident of Concord, and Rae Lynne Mones, a 47-year-old resident of Oakland (born 3/4/78) in relation to the Perada Drive and Citrus Avenue residential burglary.

Mones was charged with being an addict in possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, possession of an assault weapon, possession of a silencer, buying, selling or possession of a firearm without identification numbers and an unspecified offense.

Once again, we would like to thank the community for their overwhelming support in assisting with the suspects identification.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, seven inch tall, 175-pound Mones is Hispanic, but also listed as white. She is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $51,500 bail and her next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 4, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. in Superior Court in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, Mones has a history of arrests dating back to 2016 by multiple agencies including Martinez and San Pablo PD and the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department. She was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of burglar’s tools, possession of a controlled substance and paraphernalia, lying to police, receiving or concealing stolen property, driving while license is suspended, unlawful use of willfully obtained personal identifying information, addict in possession of firearm, possession of ammunition, conspiracy to commit a crime, taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent and possession of personal identifying information of another person with intent to defraud.

According to localcrimenews.com, Arellano was also arrested on June 5 by Walnut Creek Police for taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent and on Oct. 3 by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department on a warrants or holds only.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.