Contra Costa Herald

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

Start 2026 Strong by claiming your CalKIDS Scholarship

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Source: CalKIDS

Free money for college!

More than 60% of public-school students in grades 2-12 are eligible for up to $1,500

By Vanessa Vizard, Vizard Marketing & PR

Sacramento, CA — As the year comes to a close and families begin setting goals for the year ahead, California is reaffirming its commitment to young people through CalKIDS, the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program. Backed by a $2 billion statewide investment for more than five million children, CalKIDS is the largest education-focused asset-building effort in the nation, providing automatic scholarship accounts to millions of California children and students to help pay for college or career training after high school.

As families think about meaningful gifts this holiday season and prepare for the opportunities a new year brings, claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship Account is a simple step with a lasting impact. Eligible children and students can receive between $175 and $1,500 in free scholarship funds, with no application, no essays, and no income verification required. These funds are already set aside for children and students and can be used for qualified higher education expenses, making CalKIDS one of the most accessible scholarships available to California families.

“CalKIDS has been an amazing success, with nearly 1 million scholarship accounts already claimed by California families,” said State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, Chair of the ScholarShare Investment Board, which administers CalKIDS. “As we look ahead to the new year, families across the state still have a tremendous opportunity to claim scholarship dollars already set aside for their children and students, funds that can help lower the cost of college or career training and expand what’s possible for their future.”

More than 60% of public-school students in grades 2 through 12 are eligible for a CalKIDS Scholarship Account worth up to $1,500.  When CalKIDS launched in 2022, the program awarded scholarship accounts to students from elementary school to high school, meaning current college students may also be able to claim and use their CalKIDS Scholarship funds today. Awardees can use their funds until age 26.

Additionally, 100% of newborns born on or after July 1, 2022 in California automatically receive a CalKIDS Scholarship Account worth up to $175. This includes an initial scholarship awarded at birth, with additional incentives available when families claim the account and link it to a ScholarShare 529 College Savings Plan where they can continue saving on their own.

CalKIDS Scholarships can be used for tuition and fees, required books and supplies, computer equipment, and other qualified education expenses at accredited institutions nationwide making CalKIDS one of the simplest and most flexible scholarships students can claim this holiday season and in the year ahead.

To date, CalKIDS scholarship funds have been used by nearly 150,000 students towards their academic success at a college or career training program. For one awardee, Bryan a student at California State University, Fullerton, CalKIDS was described as: “A financial ease into pursuing a degree.”

Photo: CalKIDS

How Students and Families Can Claim a CalKIDS Scholarship:

Claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship takes only a few minutes at CalKIDS.org.

  • For public school students, including those who are now college-aged, families will need the Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), a 10-digit number found on school portals, report cards, or by contacting the public school the student attended during the 2021–22, 2022–23, or 2023–24 academic years.
  • For children born in California on or after July 1, 2022, families will need the child’s date of birth and the Local Registration Number, a 13-digit number found on the birth certificate.

Once an account is claimed, families can log in at any time to view their scholarship balance, link it to a ScholarShare 529 account, learn how the funds can be used, and request a disbursement once the student is enrolled in higher education or career training.

CalKIDS reflects California’s long-term commitment to expanding opportunity, reducing education costs, and investing early in the success of its young people.

Families are encouraged to check if they have a CalKIDS Scholarship Account available to claim this holiday season by visiting CalKIDS.org.

Photo: CalKIDS

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.

El Sobrante woman among 13 arrested in statewide organized retail theft investigation

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Stolen merchandise recovered during the CHP’s “Operation Silent Night” targeting an organized retail theft ring. Photos: California Highway Patrol

Operation Silent Night executed in Richmond, 3 other cities, recovers 44,140 stolen items worth more than $800K 

53-year-old Bach Ngoc Thi Bui previously arrested in 2023 for grand theft and organized retail theft

By Officer Ruben Jones, PIO, CHP Valley Division

SACRAMENTO — Thirteen suspects were arrested, and more than $800,000 in stolen merchandise was recovered following a coordinated, multi-agency operation targeting an organized retail theft network operating across Northern California.

In September, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Valley Division Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) was alerted to a pair of retail theft suspects who stole merchandise in Placer County and at multiple other locations throughout the state. The Valley Division ORCTF includes investigators from the CHP, Sacramento Police Department and the Placer County District Attorney’s Office.

On October 1, the Rocklin Police Department conducted a traffic stop involving the suspects and requested assistance from the Valley Division ORCTF. During the investigation, the suspects provided information identifying individuals who were purchasing stolen merchandise from them and reselling it for profit. Investigators also learned the stolen goods were being distributed and sold at flea markets in Oakland, San Jose, Galt, Modesto and Stockton.

Based on this information, ORCTF investigators conducted surveillance operations that corroborated the suspects’ statements and established links among the theft suspects, those purchasing and reselling the stolen merchandise, and the flea-market distribution locations. Investigators subsequently obtained multiple search warrants covering six residences, three storage lockers, and one storage lot.

On December 11, a coordinated multi-agency enforcement effort, Operation Silent Night, was executed in Oakland, Richmond, San Leandro and Galt. The operation resulted in the arrest of 13 suspects. Investigators seized two firearms, more than $10,000 in cash, five vans, two passenger vehicles and two trailers. More than 400 boxes and 200 bags of stolen merchandise were recovered, including cosmetics, household goods, clothing, power tools, toys, alcohol, and diapers. All suspects were transported to the Placer County Jail for booking.

Stolen merchandise recovered. Photo: CHP

On December 12, Cal Expo provided an exposition hall to assist with the processing and cataloging of the recovered merchandise. In partnership with affected retailers, investigators documented a total of 44,140 stolen items valued in excess of $800,000.

The following are those who were taken into custody:

  • Bach Ngoc Thi Bui, 53, El Sobrante
  • Isaid Garcia Chapas, 41, Oakland
  • Irene Cruz Barragan, 35, Oakland
  • Daniela Cruz Barragan, 33, Oakland
  • Robert Lorenzo Luna-Varela, 34, Oakland
  • Jefferson Isaed Garcia-Rivera, 22, Oakland
  • Jennifer Garcia Cruz, 19, Oakland
  • Elan Rosales Montes, 35, Oakland
  • Claudia Ivet Cruz Barragan, 42, Oakland
  • Yolanda Carrillo Martinez, 45, Oakland
  • Ivan Miranda Espinoza, 33, Oakland
  • Yuridia Sandoval Ramirez, 35, Oakland
  • Eryn Wilfred Corea Guevara, 29, Oakland

“Organized retail theft is not a victimless crime. It impacts businesses, workers, and communities across California. This investigation highlights the strength of collaboration between law enforcement and our retail partners, and our commitment to holding organized theft networks accountable.”- CHP Valley Division Chief Tyler Eccles

The Placer County District Attorney’s Office announced on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, the filing of criminal charges of organized retail theft, conspiracy to commit felony crimes, receiving stolen property, among numerous allegations against the 13 defendants.

The charges stem from numerous thefts that had occurred within Placer County that culminated in a multiple agency operation last week in Oakland that recovered over $700,000 worth of stolen merchandise and extensive counterfeit merchandise. This collaborative investigation and prosecution is made possible by Placer County’s retail theft initiative.

The defendants appeared in court that afternoon and defense attorneys were appointed to represent them. The next court date was scheduled for December 22 in Department 20 at 8:30 am.

Since the ORCTF’s inception in 2019, the CHP has been involved in over 4,200 investigations, leading to the arrest of more than 4,700 suspects and the recovery of nearly 1.5 million stolen goods valued at over $68.7 million statewide as of November 30.

According to localcrimenews.com, Bui is a female and was also arrested by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department in August 2023 when she was a Pittsburg resident for conspiracy to commit a crime, grand theft, receiving or concealing stolen property and organized retail theft.

The CHP extends its appreciation to all participating law enforcement agencies, task force members, Cal Expo, and retail partners whose collaboration led to the success of this investigation. The case remains ongoing.

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

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Toll increases at 7 Bay Area bridges beginning Jan. 1

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Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. Credit: Karl Nielsen. Photos source: BATA

$8.50 for all regular two-axle cars & trucks

First in series of 5 increases each year through 2030 – not voter approved

Plus, new policies for carpool lanes on bridge approaches

By John Goodwin, Assistant Director of Communications & Rebecca Long, Director, Legislation & Public Affairs, Metropolitan Transportation Commission

With the new year starting next Thursday, the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) reminds drivers that tolls at the region’s seven state-owned toll bridges will go up by 50 cents on Jan. 1, 2026. This will be the first in a series of five toll increases to be phased in each January through 2030, with the additional funds to be used only to pay for the maintenance, rehabilitation and operation of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and the Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael and San Mateo-Hayward bridges, and to service debt on BATA bond issues.

Approved by the BATA board in late 2024, not the voters, the new toll schedule includes a tiered rate structure  aimed at encouraging more customers to pay electronically with FasTrak® toll tags. Because payment with FasTrak carries lower administrative costs than payment through a license plate account or by returning payment with an invoice received in the mail, customers will pay a premium for using a pre-registered license plate account or for invoiced tolling. To give customers ample time to sign up for FasTrak, BATA last year voted to delay the start of the tiered pricing structure until 2027.

Tolls for all regular two-axle cars and trucks will increase to $8.50 from the current $8 on Jan. 1, 2026. Tolls for customers who pay with FasTrak tags will then rise to $9 in 2027; to $9.50 in 2028; to $10 in 2029; and then to $10.50 in 2030. Tolls for customers who use a pre-registered license plate account will climb to $9.25 in 2027; to $9.75 in 2028; to $10.25 in 2029 and to $10.75 in 2030. Invoiced tolls will go to $10 in 2027; $10.50 in 2028; $11 in 2029; and $11.50 in 2030.

Tolls for large freight trucks and other vehicle/trailer combinations with three or more axles will rise by 50 cents per axle each year from 2026 through 2030.

History of Bay Area Bridge Tolls

Tolls include the $5 of voter approved toll increases on the region’s seven state-owned toll bridges. They include:

  • The $1 uniform base toll on the bridges from Regional Measure 1 approved by voters in 1988, except for tolls at the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, which were already set at $1, and unchanged by passage of RM1.
  • Voters also approved Regional Measure 2 in 2004 which raised the toll price on the bridges by another $1.
  • The $3 from Regional Measure 3 approved by voters in June 2018 which raised tolls in three $1 increments that went into effect on January 1, 2019, January 1, 2022, and January 1, 2025.

Updated HOV Policies

BATA last year also set a Jan. 1, 2026, start date for updated policies about the use of high-occupancy vehicles on approaches to the Bay Area’s state-owned toll bridges. These include a uniform three-person occupancy requirement for half-price tolls during weekday commute periods at all seven bridges. Carpool vehicles approaching the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge must use a dedicated carpool lane, but can use either a standard FasTrak tag or a FasTrak Flex tag set to the ‘3+” position to receive the 50 percent discount available weekdays from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Carpoolers at the six other state-owned bridges must use a dedicated carpool lane and pay their tolls with a FasTrak Flex toll tag set to the ‘3+’ position to receive the peak-period discount.

The new policies also will allow vehicles with two occupants and a switchable FasTrak Flex toll tag set to the ‘2’ position to use the carpool lanes on the approaches to the Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael and San Mateo-Hayward bridges. These two-occupant vehicles will not receive the 50 percent carpool discount but will be able to use the carpool lanes to save time traveling through the toll plazas. Use of the carpool lanes on approaches to the Bay Bridge still will require at least three occupants.

The new carpool policies are designed to improve safety on the toll bridge approaches by minimizing ‘weaving’ between lanes and to increase person-throughput by prioritizing access for buses and carpools. The policy change will optimize lane configurations as now-obsolete toll booths are removed as part of the coming transition to open-road tolling. The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge will be the first of the state-owned bridges to convert to open-road tolling. Crews are expected to begin work later this month on the construction and demolition projects at the Richmond end of the bridge needed to institute open-road tolling. Completion is scheduled sometime in the new year.

BATA, which is directed by the same policy board as the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), administers toll revenues from the Bay Area’s seven state-owned toll bridges. Toll revenues from the Golden Gate Bridge are administered by the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, which joined with BATA to operate a single regional FasTrak customer service center in San Francisco. MTC is the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area.

The 21 BATA board members aren’t directly elected by the voters but are appointed to represent the nine Bay Area counties and cities in each county, the mayors of San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose, plus, various agencies. Contra Costa County’s representatives are Chair Sue Noack, Mayor of Pleasant Hill, representing Cities of Contra Costa County, who was appointed in February 2023 (contact: 415-602-9929 or snoack@pleasanthillca.org) and District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen representing the County, who was appointed January 2025 (contact 925-655-2300 or candace.andersen@bos.cccounty.us).

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Kaiser Permanente Antioch recognized as top maternity hospital by U.S. News & World Report

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Photo by Kaiser Permanente

One of 8 Kaiser Nor Cal hospitals to meet rigorous standards and demonstrate their commitment to high-quality maternity care

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

ANTIOCH, CA – Eight Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals are designated as “2026 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care” by U.S. News & World Report for providing high-quality maternity care to patients.

The eight Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals to receive the prestigious honor are: Antioch, Manteca, Modesto, Redwood City, Roseville, San Jose, Santa Clara and Vacaville.

This is the highest award a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’s Best Hospitals for Maternity Care annual study.

U.S. News recognizes hospitals that meet rigorous standards in caring for patients with uncomplicated pregnancies. These ratings are intended to help expectant parents, in consultation with their prenatal care team, make informed decisions about where to receive maternity services that best meet their family needs.

Last year, nearly 40,000 babies were delivered within Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals.

“Kaiser Permanente Northern California is continually recognized for providing high-quality, exceptional maternity care to families as they embark on this exciting time in their lives,” said Mike Bowers, FACHE, interim president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our labor and delivery teams focus every day on caring for our patients in a warm and nurturing environment, providing them with a positive birth experience.”

Kaiser Permanente Northern California has a long-standing commitment to excellence in maternal health and creating a positive maternity care experience for our patients and members. Our comprehensive maternity care focuses on safe, high-quality care from prenatal to postpartum, including midwife services, prenatal classes, and support for breastfeeding and mental health.

“This recognition highlights the unwavering dedication of our physicians, midwives, nurses, and staff, who consistently provide high-quality care for parents and their newborns,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, chief executive officer and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “We take great pride in delivering safe, compassionate, and exceptional maternity care, supporting parents through every stage—before, during, and after birth.”

U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, began evaluating maternity care hospitals in 2021, rating hospitals that provide labor and delivery services and submit detailed data to the publication for analysis.

This year, the national designation was awarded to only 495 hospitals in the United States, or about 55 percent of the 899 hospitals that participated.

Methodology is based entirely on objective measures of quality, such as C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, severe unexpected newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, birthing-friendly practices, and reporting on racial/ethnic disparities, among other measures.

About Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center Birthing Center

As you prepare to welcome your new baby, the care team at Kaiser Permanente Antioch looks forward to taking this journey with you. Count on us to support you through your pregnancy, empower you to have the birth experience you want to have, and give your baby a happy, healthy start in life.

Kaiser Permanente Antioch features CenteringPregnancy. This is a nationally-recognized style of prenatal care in a group setting. Its aim is to build a community that empowers women to be actively involved in their own care and equips them to make healthy choices throughout their pregnancy and beyond.

Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center is located at 4501 Sand Creek Road off Deer Valley Road in Antioch.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report (USNWR, U.S. NEWS) is an American media company publishing news, consumer advice, rankings, and analysis. The company was launched in 1948 as the merger of domestic-focused weekly newspaper U.S. News and international-focused weekly magazine World Report. In 1995, the company launched its website, usnews.com, and, in 2010, ceased printing its weekly news magazine, publishing only its ranking editions in print. U.S. News licenses its name to the subjects it ranks, so they may then use the annual rankings in promotional literature. www.usnews.com

CHP launches Christmas Holiday Enforcement Period Dec. 24 & 25

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‘Tis the season to also slow down!

By Jaime Coffee Director of Communications Office of Media Relations, California Highway Patrol

SACRAMENTO — The California Highway Patrol (CHP) encourages the public to “brake” the habit of speeding this holiday season. The CHP will launch a Christmas Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) starting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24, and ending at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, December 25.

During last year’s 30-hour holiday enforcement effort for Christmas, CHP officers arrested over 300 impaired drivers in just 30 hours, issued 2,251 speeding tickets – including 132 to motorists going over 100 mph. Tragically, during that same time period, at least 17 people lost their lives in crashes across the state.

Every celebration starts with a smart choice. Always designate a sober driver before the festivities begin. If you plan to drink, plan your ride—use a rideshare, public transportation or call a trusted friend. Make this holiday season unforgettable for all the right reasons.

“Every instance of speeding or reckless driving carries the potential for life-changing consequences. Our officers see the destruction these choices can cause, and we urge every driver to slow down, stay alert, and make decisions that protect themselves and others. No destination is worth risking a life.”  – CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee

Removing dangerous drivers from California’s roads remains a top priority for the CHP. To support this goal, the CHP and the Department of Motor Vehicles recently launched Forwarded Actions for Speeding Tickets, or FAST, a pilot program that speeds up the process of removing drivers who exceed 100 mph from the roads. FAST automatically sends these citations to the DMV’s Driver Safety Branch, which can suspend or revoke a license. The CHP has also deployed 100 low-profile, specially marked patrol vehicles that have issued nearly 33,000 speed-related citations since May.

These steps, along with the upcoming Christmas HEP, send a clear message to drivers: slow down or face being stopped. Every decision behind the wheel matters, and obeying the speed limit can make the difference between arriving safely or not at all.

Additionally, winter weather can present significant challenges for motorists, particularly as storms impact roadways across the state. Rain, snow, and debris can quickly change driving conditions, reducing visibility and traction and increasing the risk of collisions.

To help everyone get home safely for the holidays, the CHP urges drivers to slow down, allow extra following distance, and remain alert for hazards such as standing water, rockslides, mud, or icy pavement.

Before traveling, check the weather and road conditions, ensure vehicles are properly equipped, and adjust driving behavior accordingly. Patience and preparedness are critical, as arriving safely is always more important than arriving on time.

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

 

County Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol initiated

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Antioch Police and Con Fire personnel responded to the scene of the fatal collision causing a back-up in the eastbound lanes of Highway 4 between Pittsburg and Antioch Monday morning, Dec. 22, 2025. Video screenshot courtesy of Spotlight CoCoCounty.

Following collision involving DA Senior Inspector killing Antioch assault suspect running on Hwy 4; CHP leads investigation

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

Martinez, California – A fatal traffic collision with a pedestrian is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol pursuant to the County Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol.

On Monday, December 22, 2025, at approximately 10:35 a.m., in the area of Delta Fair Blvd. in Antioch, a suspect engaged in a disturbance at Delta Bowl. According to Antioch Police, the initial incident occurred at the Comfort Inn, located at 2436 Mahogany Way, where the 27-year-old male suspect had pulled a fire alarm and then struck a 47-year-old male security guard. As police responded, the suspect climbed over a fence and entered eastbound Highway 4 on foot.

The individual was struck in the roadway by an oncoming county vehicle driven by a District Attorney Senior Inspector whose duties were unrelated to the disturbance. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The California Highway Patrol is the venue agency conducting the traffic collision investigation. The California Department of Justice has been notified. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has yielded legal analysis to avoid a potential conflict of interest. The investigation is ongoing.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Concord: Sunvalley Mall jewelry store robbery Sunday morning

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Smash-and-grab suspects flee scene; shopper shares her experience, claims “whole mall was…evacuated”

By Concord Police Department

On Sunday, December 21, 2025, at approximately 11:53 a.m., Concord Police Department dispatch received multiple reports of a smash-and-grab robbery at a jewelry store inside Sunvalley Mall. Suspects used hammers to break display cases before fleeing the scene in a waiting vehicle.

Officers arrived within two minutes of the initial calls. While some witnesses initially reported possible gunfire, officers quickly confirmed that no shots were fired during the incident.

The suspects had fled toward the highway prior to officers’ arrival. There were no reported injuries, and there is no ongoing threat to the public. The incident remains under investigation.

In a Facebook post by Yolanda Schamoni who was shopping in the mall at the time, she shared her experience.

“We just had the scariest experience at Sun Valley Mall. I was there with my son and grandson. We don’t know what happened yet whether it was a shooting with the robbery or just a robbery, but all of a sudden the whole mall was being evacuated my son was standing in line for us to see Santa while I took my grandson to the bathroom and the next thing I know everyone’s running for the exits I was upstairs my son was downstairs thank you to the good Samaritan family that kept him safe until we were reunited, but I can tell you being locked in stores when you’re just out to have your kids sit with Santa because someone’s robbing with guns is not the best feeling.

“Please, I urge the parents out there to start parenting their children. These are kids that parents must know something is going on if they’re going somewhere with guns and robbing people parents do better.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch man killed during family dispute at home near Concord

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By Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office

The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate a homicide that occurred on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 8:04 a.m. at a home on the 5100 block Laurel Drive in unincorporated Concord.

Valley Station deputy sheriffs responded to a welfare check and found a resident of the home deceased on the property. Detectives believe the incident began as a domestic issue when a family dispute escalated into an altercation. Three others who suffered from injuries were transported to a local hospital.

The victim is identified as 38-year-old Antonio Valdez of Antioch. A person in the home who suffered injuries remains in the hospital.

The Investigation Division Homicide Unit and Crime Lab responded to the scene. Detectives believe the incident began as a domestic issue when a family dispute escalated into an altercation. There are no outstanding suspects and no threat to the public.

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.

Contra Costa DA, East County officials celebrate grand opening of branch office in Pittsburg

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Contra Costa DA Diana Becton (in magenta) is joined by District 5 Supervisor Shanell Scales-Preston, East County officials and others as she cuts the ribbon on the new CCDA branch office in Pittsburg on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. Photo credit: Glenn Kimball, Contra Costa County Office of Communications and Media

“We’re Open for Business!”

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

On Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton cut the ribbon at the Grand Opening of our newest branch office at 3890 Railroad Avenue in Pittsburg.

We were honored to have special guests join us, including District 5 County Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston, Pittsburg Mayor Dionne Adams, Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal, Pittsburg Councilman Jelani Killings, Brentwood Councilwoman Jovita Mendoza, Antioch Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, Pittsburg Police Chief Steve Albanese, Antioch Police Captain Desmond Bittner and NAMI Contra Costa CEO Gigi Crowder. Several delivered remarks before the ribbon-cutting ceremony and office tour.

Thank you to everyone who celebrated this milestone — two years in the making! We’re grateful for the dedication of our District Attorney’s staff who made this possible.

We’re fully staffed and ready to serve the communities of East Contra Costa County!

 

Antioch man arrested for stealing mail from 22 Brentwood victims

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The mailboxes of 22 victims in Brentwood were broken into. Photo: Brentwood PD

Craig Whiteley, Jr. fled scene with two other suspects; found with keys, drugs, cash, ammo

By Brentwood Police Department

In the early morning hours of December 14, 2025, at approximately 5:38 a.m., Brentwood Police officers responded to a report of suspicious activity near community mailboxes in the 2700 block of Empire Avenue.

A witness reported seeing three male suspects flee on foot after being startled, leaving behind the vehicle they arrived in. When officers arrived, they found the community mailboxes had been compromised and stolen mail belonging to multiple residents was located inside the suspect vehicle, which had been left running.

Officers quickly set up a search of the surrounding area and located 37-year-old Craig Allen Whiteley, Jr. from Antioch who matched the suspect description and appeared to have recently fled on foot. A records check revealed the individual was on felony probation for firearm- and mail theft-related offenses.

During the investigation, officers recovered evidence linking the suspect to the mail theft. A subsequent search led to the discovery of keys used to access mail boxes, narcotics intended for sale and ammunition.

Mail, keys, cash, narcotics and ammunition recovered from the scene. Photos: Brentwood PD

The suspect was arrested and booked into County Jail on charges including probation violation, mail theft, narcotics possession and additional related offenses.

All 22 victims had their stolen mail successfully recovered and returned.

Excellent work by our graveyard officers for their swift response and diligent investigation.

Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity immediately to help keep our neighborhoods safe.

According to the Brentwood Police website, Whitely is five-feet, 11-inch tall, 160-pound white male.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, as of Dec. 17, 2025, at 9:11 PM, Whitely was out of custody with no charges filed.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.