Contra Costa Herald

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

Now a published author Fernando Sandoval runs for re-election to the Contra Costa College Board in Ward 5

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With support from elected and community leaders, unions and faculty

Representing portions of Pittsburg, Antioch and Brentwood, all of Oakley, Bay Point, Discovery Bay, Bethel Island, Byron and Knightsen

“My goal is to drive student success for the jobs of the future.” – Fernando Sandoval

East County community leader Fernando Sandoval announces his re-election candidacy for the Contra Costa Community College District Board of Trustees in Ward 5 with support from a strong list of elected officials, labor leaders and community members from throughout the district including: Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover, Contra Costa County Supervisor Ken Carlson, Building and Construction Trades, Central Labor AFL-CIO and the United Faculty of the College District. They join a coalition of college faculty, staff, students, small business owners, civic leaders and community activists in support of Sandoval’s race.

Sandoval is completing his first term on the college board, after being elected in 2020 during his second and successful attempt to defeat then-incumbent Trustee Greg Enholm. Ward 5 includes portions of Pittsburg, Antioch and Brentwood and all of Oakley, Bay Point, Discovery Bay, Bethel Island, Byron and Knightsen. (See College District Wards map)

“Fernando Sandoval is a leader who has brought vision, bold leadership and a commitment to educational excellence and equity that will advance the academic opportunities for our students, said Yolanda Peña Mendrek, Liberty Union High School District Board President. She adds, in addition, his 30 years as a finance and banking consultant to top worldwide corporations will make him an experienced voice and strong ally with the Governing Board as it addresses the budget constraints by the State and the continued fiscal aftermath of the global pandemic.”

In 2022-23 Fernando served as President of the Governing Board. During his 4-year tenure as Board Trustee, some of his accomplishments in this capacity included bringing in District leadership stability with the hiring of the permanent Chancellor, Mojdeh Mehdezadeh, and Presidents of Los Medanos College and Contra Costa College, restoring a relationship with John F. Kennedy-National University and leading DEI efforts most recently with an innovative model for enrollment with Diablo Valley College, Mount Diablo Unified School District and United Latino Voices.

Source: Contra Costa Community College District

He has also served as a past member of the Contra Costa Community College District Equal Employment Opportunity Advisory Committee (DEEOAC) to advise on a districtwide commitment to diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunities in accordance with California Education Code, Title 5. He also Chaired the Bond Oversight Committee for modernization of schools at Pittsburg Unified School District (PUSD).

Sandoval’s community leadership also includes organizing mentoring, tutoring and motivational workshops for K-12 students and Los Medanos College students. He was recognized for his service by receiving the 2020 Cesar Chavez Award for Exemplary Community Service by Los Medanos College.

“I am running for the Contra Costa Community College District Board in my home region because I personally experienced the equity barriers and lack of mentorship for higher education access, particularly for underserved students which still exists today,” said Sandoval. “My goal is to drive student success for the jobs of the future. I want to bring my professional experiences, innovative spirit and commitment to educational excellence and equity to advance real solutions to these issues in collaboration with the Board and through community and philanthropic partnerships.”

The Ward 5 Trustee continued, “I am honored to have the support of educational leaders, local policy-makers and hard-working residents from throughout the East County community college district. We still face unprecedented challenges ahead due to the pandemic’s impact on the district’s budget combined with the long-term racial and social injustice issues facing our region and college district. It has never been more important to have experienced, principled, and responsive leadership now more than ever.”

Background

Sandoval was raised in East County by a hard-working immigrant family who sacrificed and encouraged education as a career pathway. Fernando is a veteran who served in the Vietnam War, where he maintained advanced computer systems on the USS Enterprise. Professionally he was recruited for information technology manager roles by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Sperry Rand, Hughes Aircraft Corporation, and managed change at IBM and General Electric among others. He also provided management strategies and policy decisions for economic recovery as a finance consultant to top banking institutions worldwide.

Sandoval is also a published author of his memoir, “From Tortilla Chips to Computer Chips.”

For more information about Fernando Sandoval’s candidacy, visit fernando4collegeboard.com or for questions contact fernando4education@gmail.com.

Sandoval just began raising funds this week, he shared. He faces one opponent in the race, former Antioch School Board Trustee Debra Vinson.

The election is November 5th.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

CA Budget & Policy Center hosts launch event for 2024 CA Women’s Well-Being Index Sept. 4th

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Event in partnership with the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls

Contra Costa ranks 6th out of 58 counties in the state

By Kyra Moeller, Communications Strategist, California Budget Center

SACRAMENTO, CA — On Wednesday, September 4, the California Budget & Policy Center (Budget Center) and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls will host a launch event for the latest iteration of the California Women’s Well-Being Index (WWBI) at the Secretary of State Auditorium in Sacramento.

The WWBI is a multifaceted, composite measure that evaluates women’s well-being across California using county-level data across five “dimensions”: Health, Personal Safety, Employment & Earnings, Economic Security, and Political Empowerment. Each dimension is composed of six indicators that have been standardized and combined to create dimension scores, on a scale from zero to 100, for each of California’s 58 counties. The five-dimension scores have been combined to create an overall Women’s Well-Being Index score for each county.

This tool provides vital data for policy-making to improve women’s lives statewide and break down gender barriers in California.

Contra Costa County Ranking & Scores

Contra Costa County ranks 6th in the state with a score of 64.0. Following are the scores in each of the five dimensions as of September 2020:

  • Health Dimension 70.9
  • Safety Dimension 81.8
  • Employment & Earnings Dimension 56.4
  • Economic Security Dimension 56.1
  • Political Empowerment Dimension 55.0

See the County Fact Sheet which shows the Index and dimension scores, indicator data and state rankings for Contra Costa County. WWBI Contra Costa County Report

This free event will be the official launch of the newest iteration of the WWBI and the partnership between the Budget Center and the Commission. During the event, experts will present their findings, highlighting specific challenges faced by California women including economic security, access to health care, and representation in elected positions, connecting these issues to actionable public policies emphasizing gender equity. Additionally, a dynamic panel discussion with state leaders and distinguished guests will explore policy solutions to enhance women’s well-being and advance gender equity in California.

Those interested in attending can learn more and RSVP HERE.

About the California Budget & Policy Center:

The California Budget & Policy Center (Budget Center) is a nonpartisan research and analysis nonprofit advancing public policies that expand opportunities and promote well-being for all Californians. Learn more at www.calbudgetcenter.org

About the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls:

For nearly 60 years, the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls has identified and worked to eliminate inequities in state laws, practices, and conditions that affect California’s women and girls. The Commission provides leadership through research, policy and program development, education, outreach and collaboration, advocacy, and strategic partnerships. Learn more at women.ca.gov.

WHAT: 2024 California Women’s Well-Being Index Launch Event
WHO: Laura Pryor, California Budget & Policy Center Research Director

Darcy Totten, California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls Interim Executive Director

Kellie Todd Griffin, California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute Founding President & CEO

Jacqueline Wong-Hernandez, California State Association of Counties Chief Policy Officer

Event attendees, including advocates, commissioners, and community leaders

Hosted by the California Budget & Policy Center and California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls
WHEN: Wednesday, September 4, from 1 to 3 p.m
WHERE: Secretary of State Auditorium – 1500 11th Street, Sacramento, CA

Contra Costa agencies awarded $29.7 million in grants for Head Start early childcare programs

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County, Mexican American Opportunity Foundation and The Unity Council receive funding to offer affordable care for 1,634 infants, toddlers, and preschool children

By Tish Gallegos, Community & Media Relations Director, Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media

(Martinez, CA) – The Administration for Children & Families (ACF), a division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), has awarded Head Start grants to three Contra Costa agencies. The five-year awards provide $29.7 million in the first year and similar amounts in each of the subsequent four to provide early childhood education (ECE) to infants, toddlers and preschool children throughout the County.

The grant to Contra Costa County enables it to fully fund its current childcare centers, and to continue existing subcontractor partnerships with KinderCare, Aspiranet, Crossroads/Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD), and Tiny Toes.  Head Start is also directly funding the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF) and The Unity Council to deliver services to Contra Costa children and families.

“We will have Head Start funding for a total of 1,634 slots in Contra Costa County,” explained District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover, Chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. “We welcome MAOF and The Unity Council as partners that can help Contra Costa expand access to infant-toddler care and preschool, especially for our Spanish-speaking and immigrant families in parts of West, Central and East County.”

“Contra Costa County is strongly committed to supporting the health and well-being of our children and families through our high-quality child development and education programs” said John Gioia, District 1 Supervisor who chairs the Head Start Committee for the County Board of Supervisors. “We are grateful and proud that the Federal Office of Head Start recognizes our outstanding teachers, administrators, and Early Childhood Education programs by continuing to fund us over the next five years to be the largest Head Start provider in Contra Costa.”

Head Start is a federal program that promotes school readiness for the most vulnerable young children from birth to age five, emphasizing the role of parents as their child’s first and most important teacher. Head Start operates locally to help young children from low-income families prepare to succeed in school, promoting their development through learning, health, and family wellbeing.

In Contra Costa County, funding for the 1,634 childcare slots in Early Head Start (infants and toddlers) and Head Start Preschool (3- and 4-year-old children) is as follows:

“With over six decades of dedication to empowering under-resourced families, MAOF is proud to expand our Head Start services in Contra Costa County,” said Dr. Ciriaco Pinedo, President and CEO of MAOF.  “For 30 years, we have been committed to laying the foundation for the future of generations of families through our Head Start programs and services, and today, through this partnership with the Office of Head Start, we continue this mission with renewed energy and purpose. MAOF will offer full-day year-round services through directly operated sites and partnerships with the YMCA of East Bay, Contra Costa College, and Child Start Inc. We are committed to ensuring that every child in the communities of Antioch, Hercules, Martinez, Pittsburg, Pinole, Richmond, Rodeo, and San Pablo has access to the early education they deserve.  As we continue to grow and serve, we carry with us the unwavering belief in the potential of every child to succeed.”

“Celebrating 60 years of The Unity Council and 11 years in Concord, we’re excited that we are expanding our Head Start services to more communities like Richmond, Pittsburg, and Oakley,” said Chris Iglesias, Chief Executive Officer of The Unity Council. “This grant allows us to continue our mission of serving those who need it most. We are grateful to the Office of Head Start for their support as we look forward to reaching even more families across Contra Costa County.”

To Apply

Families are encouraged to apply for current Head Start and Early Head Start openings by contacting the funded agencies:

Contra Costa County – (925) 272-4727 or [https://ehsd.org,]ehsd.org

MAOF – (510) 977-8667, sguerrero@maof.org, or maof.org

The Unity Council – unitycouncil.org, (925) 798-1013, or headstart@unitycouncil.org

Contra Costa County

The Employment & Human Services Department (EHSD) administers the County Head Start program. EHSD partners with the community to deliver quality services to ensure access to resources that support, protect, and empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency, Head Start families benefit from seamless coordination of services accessible through the full portfolio of County-operated programs including public assistance, nutrition assistance, health, housing, and child welfare. contracosta.ca.gov

Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF)

Since its founding in 1963 by community leader and civil rights activist Dionicio Morales, MAOF has become one of California’s most prominent nonprofits. MAOF maintains a $250 million operating budget and serves over 125,000 under-resourced individuals annually across nine counties: Contra Costa, Monterey, Kern, Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, and San Diego. Using a multi-generational approach, MAOF uplifts the whole family through early childhood care and education, community development, senior, and community partnership services. maof.org

The Unity Council

The Unity Council (officially known as the Spanish Speaking Unity Council) envisions a joyful, united, and engaged community where people have the power to shape their lives. Founded in 1964 as a nonprofit community development organization committed to enriching the quality of life primarily in the Fruitvale District of Oakland, its Mission is to promote social equity and improve quality of life by building vibrant communities where everyone can work, learn and thrive. unitycouncil.org

Four Alamo residential burglary suspects arrested following pursuit from Concord

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On of the stolen vehicles used in the Alamo residential burglary was located. Photo: CCCSheriff

Stolen vehicles used found in Bay Point, Orinda

Multi-agency effort

By Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office

This morning at about 1:40, Valley Station deputy sheriffs responded to a residential burglary on the 100 block of La Sonoma Way in Alamo. The suspects fled after stealing two vehicles.

With the assistance of Sheriff’s Office dispatch, deputies located them in Concord. The suspects fled at a high rate of speed. Deputies terminated their pursuit, but Sheriff’s Office dispatch later found one of the stolen vehicles in Bay Point and another in Orinda. The suspects fled on foot.

With the assistance of Muir Station deputies, CHP air support, and Orinda, Lafayette and Pittsburg police, all four suspects were located and arrested.

Both recovered vehicles, along with personal property, were returned to the owner. All four suspects were booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on multiple charges that include burglary, felony evading and vehicle theft.

 

California State Parks invites you to explore the magic of Hearst Castle® After Dark with new evening tour series

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Galatea on a Dolphin, a 19th century Italian marble sculpture, illuminated in the Lily Pond on the Main Terrace of Hearst Castle – one of the many works that can be viewed as part of the ‘Art Under the Moonlight’ tour. Photo from California State Parks

‘Art Under the Moonlight’ tours will allow guests to explore William Randolph Hearst’s famed art collection like never before

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

SAN SIMEON, Calif.— California State Parks is excited to announce a new limited series of evening tours at the iconic Hearst Castle® this fall. The “Art Under the Moonlight” tours will offer guests a unique opportunity to explore William Randolph Hearst’s world-renowned art collection like never before – under the enchanting glow of the moon. These guided tours will be available on select Fridays and Saturdays from Oct. 4 through Nov. 16. Due to the limited availability, reservations are highly recommended.

WHAT: ‘Art Under the Moonlight’ tours
WHEN: Select Fridays and Saturdays from Oct. 4 – Nov. 16, 2024
WHERE: Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument (Hearst Castle®)
COST: $50 for guests over 12 years old, $25 for children ages 5-12, no cost for children under 5.
ACCESSIBILITY: The tour will involve navigating 160 stairs and will take moderate effort. An ADA-accessible version of the tour that involves no stairs and can accommodate up to four people per tour is also available.
HOW TO JOIN: Visit HearstCastle.org or ReserveCalifornia.com to make your reservation. The tour lasts 100 minutes.

The new tour offers a rare chance to view illuminated outdoor works of art while learning about their significance through time and enjoying their beauty as one of Hearst’s honored guests would have done in the 1930s. Inside the historic castle, guests will get an intimate look at the art collection that the influential media mogul amassed during his time there.

“This is an incredible opportunity to be under the moonlight on the same path that Mr. Hearst and his guests strolled while smelling the fragrant blooms and hearing the calming sound of the hilltop fountains,” said San Luis Obispo Coast District Superintendent Dan Falat. “The evenings are magical here, and this one-of-a-kind art collection is shown off in the best lighting.”

About Hearst Castle®

La Cuesta Encantada, “The Enchanted Hill” high above the ocean at San Simeon, was the creation of two extraordinary individuals, William Randolph Hearst and architect Julia Morgan. Their collaboration, which began in 1919 and continued for 28 years, transformed an informal hilltop campsite into the world-famous Hearst Castle® – an estate that comprises the magnificent 115-room main house plus three sumptuous guesthouses, pools, and 127 acres of terraced gardens, fountains, and paths. The main house, “Casa Grande” and the three guesthouses, “Casa del Monte,” “Casa del Sol,” and “Casa del Mar” are home to Hearst’s extraordinary art collection and have hosted many influential guests, including President Calvin Coolidge, Winston Churchill, George Bernard Shaw, Hedda Hopper, Joan Crawford, Charlie Chaplin, and a diverse array of luminaries from the sports, show business, and publishing industries.

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.

CA legislature passes bill to give home loan assistance to illegal immigrants

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Up to $150,000 for a 20% down payment, awaits Newsom’s signature or veto

Glazer against, Skinner votes for, Grayson, Wilson, Bauer-Kahan, Wilson also in favor

By Allen D. Payton

The California State Senate passed the bill, on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, to give home loan down payments to illegal immigrants on a 25-14 vote with 1 Democrat abstaining from voting. It follows the action in May by the Assembly, which passed it on a 56-15 vote with 6 Democrats and 3 Republicans not voting. Now the controversial Assembly Bill 1840 is on Governor Newsom’s desk awaiting his decision.

State Senator Nancy Skinner (D-SD9) who represents portions of West Contra Costa County voted yes, while State Senator Steve Glazer (D-SD7), who represents the rest of the county, voted against the bill authored by Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula (D-AD31) of Fresno. As previously reported, all four Assemblymembers representing Contra Costa County, including Tim Grayson (D-AD15), Lori Wilson (D-AD11), Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-AD16) and Buffy Wicks (D-AD14), voted to pass the bill.

It would expand eligibility of the California Dream for All Shared Appreciation Loan program, to be renamed under the bill to the Home Purchase Assistance Program, by removing any disqualifications based on an applicant’s immigration status. If approved, illegal immigrants could enter the lottery system under the program and qualify for the 20% in down payment assistance up to $150,000.

However, not all illegal immigrants would qualify for the program. Under AB 1840, only those with taxpayer ID numbers or Social Security numbers could apply. According to the language of the bill “This bill would specify that an applicant who meets all other requirements for a loan under the program and who is otherwise eligible under applicable federal and state law, shall not be disqualified solely based on the applicant’s immigration status.”

According to a June 28, 2024, press release from the governor’s office, out of 18,000 people who applied to the program this year, only 1,700 were chosen and according to a report by KQED, in 2013, the program ran out of money in the first 11 days. The bill would greatly expand the number of applicants, due to the California Dream program targeting low- to middle-income first-time buyers.

According to the program details, “The Dream for All Shared Appreciation Loan is a down payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers to be used in conjunction with the Dream For All Conventional first mortgage for down payment and/or closing costs. Upon sale or transfer of the home, the homebuyer repays the original down payment loan, plus a share of the appreciation in the value of the home.” In addition, one borrower must be a first-generation homebuyer and all borrowers must be first-time homebuyers.

Contact the Governor

To contact the governor to offer your input on how he should respond to the bill use the online form on the office’s website at www.gov.ca.gov/contact/. But you’ll have to select Immigration Issues/Concerns and write AB1840 in the comment as it is not currently in the Active Bills list. You can also call Newsom’s office at (916) 445-2841 and leave a message with or for his staff.

Contra Costa Sheriff, DA investigate in-custody death of San Ramon theft suspect

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Occurred at Martinez Detention Facility

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

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the Contra Costa DA’s Office are currently investigating an in-custody death that occurred at the West County Detention Facility this afternoon.

The male inmate, who is not being identified at this time, was arrested on August 22, 2024, by the San Ramon Police Department for multiple felony theft charges and was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

Today, Monday, August 26, 2024, at approximately 1:56 pm, deputies responded to an unresponsive inmate and immediately called for jail medical staff to respond to the housing unit.

Life-saving measures were attempted by deputies, medical staff, and paramedics. The inmate, who was housed alone, was later pronounced deceased at the scene. The death does not appear to be suspicious.

The county-wide law enforcement involved fatal incident protocol was invoked, and the investigation is ongoing.

Coulter Pines and Their Neighbors Hike and Bioblitz on CA Biodiversity Day Sept. 7

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More events statewide Sept. 7-15

Join the “Find 30 Species for CA 30×30” Biodiversity Week Challenge!

By Mt. Diablo State Park staff

Did you know over 600 species of plants grow on Mount Diablo? We are part of what makes California a #biodiversity hotspot with 32% of all #nativeplants found in the U.S.!

Join us on California Biodiversity Day, Saturday, September 7th, for a guided hike to celebrate California and Mount Diablo’s biodiversity. We’ll visit the park’s Coulter pines, discover why they are also called big-cone pine, and learn about the challenges they are facing. Our acting Natural Resources Manager for the District will be on hand to share how we are trying to both help the trees and enhance biodiversity in the area with methods including prescribed fire.

You can be part of the effort too by participating in the day’s bioblitz to record what is living in the area now so we can see what changes later. If you’d like to do this, no special knowledge is required, just bring a phone or camera and download the iNaturalist app.

From 9am-noon on Saturday, September 7. Meets at the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center located in Mount Diablo State Park at the south end of Mitchell Canyon Road in Clayton. Fee: $6 per vehicle, $5 for seniors. Pay with check or exact change or pay digitally by scanning the QR code by the entrance sign. Bring your curiosity, plenty of water, and wear sturdy shoes.

California Biodiversity Day Events

From September 7–15, join in one or more of the many California Biodiversity Day events being held across the state! Get outside and explore the nature around you—in your backyard, neighborhood, local parks, and open spaces—and share your findings on iNaturalist. No matter where you are in California, you can discover and celebrate nature and contribute to our understanding of where plants and animals are found!

As a global biodiversity hotspot, California has an immense array of nature to explore. We’ve compiled a few resources to guide folks in learning more about the nature around them, while contributing valuable data that can be used to answer important local conservation questions.

Help celebrate California’s biodiversity and help inform the state’s 30×30 initiative by taking a closer look at nearby nature and documenting your finds on iNaturalist! Explore the nature around you however you choose, whether that’s visiting the coast, enjoying a long hike, walking to a nearby park, observing the birds outside your window, or looking for spiders under your couch.

Join the “Find 30 Species for CA 30×30” Biodiversity Week Challenge!

September 7 – 15, the California Natural Resources Agency is putting forth a challenge for California Biodiversity Week: can you find and document 30 species in California?

Participating is easy!

  1. Download the iNaturalist app & make an account.
  2. Join the “Find 30 Species Challenge” project (look in the upper right corner of the “About” section for the Join button).
  3. September 7- 15, find and photograph 30 (or more!) wild plants, animals and fungus anywhere in California.
  4. Learn more as your observations are identified.

By joining the project, any observations you make in California from September 7 to 15 will automatically be added to the project and will help inform the California 30×30 initiative.

Make observations in your neighborhood, in your local park, while out hiking… or join in one of the many events being held throughout California during California Biodiversity Week.

Spread the word! Use the hashtag on social media #CABiodiversityDay. For more information visit Find 30 Species Project.

Other ways to explore California’s Biodiversity

  • There are events and activities being held around the state for California Biodiversity Week! Check out the California Biodiversity Day website to find a bioblitz to participate in, a talk to attend, or a nature walk to join!
  • Try to get bingo with these California Biodiversity Bingo sheets you can download and play with your family, friends, and community!

Background

Established in 2018, California Biodiversity Day is part of California’s first  Biodiversity Initiative  to safeguard the state’s natural heritage in response to the growing loss of biodiversity across the state. In 2020, a groundbreaking Executive Order was signed to protect 30% of California’s lands and waters by 2030, known as California 30×30. Together, these initiatives protect biodiversity, build resilience to climate change, and ensure equitable access to nature for all Californians. By participating in California Biodiversity Day, you can connect with the nature around you while also contributing to these important conservation goals.

For more information visit California Biodiversity Day | California Academy of Sciences and for list of events visit California Biodiversity Day.

#CABiodiversityDay #bioblitz

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

DA files murder charge against homeless Pittsburg man

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

Martinez, California – A Pittsburg man has been charged by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office with murder and assault in a two-count felony complaint.

Billy Ray Darby, Jr., 28, of Pittsburg, is currently in custody without bail at the Martinez Detention Facility. He was arrested by Pittsburg Police in connection with the murder of 65-year-old Chito Avelino Ituriaga. The incident occurred on August 20th around 6:40 a.m. in the 2200 block of Railroad Avenue near West Leland Road. (See related article)

Police responded to reports of a fight between Darby and Ituriaga. Upon arrival, officers found Ituriaga with serious head and neck injuries. Police administered life-saving actions, but Ituriaga was pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital. Witness accounts led police to locate Darby nearby.

Darby is charged with one count of murder [PC 187(a)] and one count of assault likely to produce great bodily injury [PC 245(a)(4)]. His arraignment is scheduled for August 23rd at 1:30 p.m. in the Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa in Martinez.

Case No. 04-24-01660 | The People of the State of California vs. Darby, Billy Ray, Jr.

$450,000 in stolen retail items recovered in CHP operation

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Crates and bags of stolen items recovered during the operation. Photos: CHP – Golden Gate

ID more suspects believed to be involved in illicit fencing operation; San Ramon Police assist

By Sergeant Andrew Barcley, CHP – Golden Gate

OAKLAND, Calif. – Investigators assigned to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Golden Gate Division Organized Retail Crime Taskforce (ORCTF) recovered over $450,000 in stolen merchandise from an Oakland residence following a month-long investigation.

In July 2024, ORCTF investigators launched an investigation into a criminal network involved in a string of retail thefts targeting various retailers throughout the Bay Area.  Through surveillance operations, investigators identified suspects believed to be involved in an illicit fencing operation based in Oakland.  With the information gathered, investigators obtained search warrants for a home and multiple vehicles located in Oakland.

On Thursday, August 15, ORCTF investigators, along with San Ramon Police Department personnel, successfully executed the warrants at the Oakland residence.  During the search of the home and the two vehicles, investigators located a large amount of stolen merchandise, which was seized and transported to a facility for documenting.  During the search, investigators learned that the suspect was currently leasing a storage facility in Oakland, leading to the issuance of an additional search warrant.  The storage facility was searched, and additional stolen merchandise was located inside.  Retail industry partners involved in the operation valued the recovered merchandise, consisting mainly of items found at drug stores, from all locations at over $450,000.

Investigators arrested 35-year-old Claudia Cruz of Oakland for her involvement in the fencing operation.  Cruz was booked into Alameda County Jail on charges of organized retail crime, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy to commit a crime.

On Aug. 23, San Ramon Police Chief Denton Carlson wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter), “I am very proud of the investigative work the San Ramon Police Organized Retail Theft Suppression Team put into this operation in coordination with CHP-Golden Gate. They have formed an outstanding partnership!”

According to localcrimenews.com, a woman whose full name is Claudia Ivet Cruz Barragan, was arrested the same day for the same crimes, is Hispanic, five-feet inches tall and weighs 150 pounds. However, the website shows her age as 40. According to an August 2023 CBS News Bay Area report, a 31-year-old woman named Daniela Cruz Barragan was arrested with another woman for theft of $85,000 in stolen retail goods. The CHP PIO was asked to determine if she is related to Claudia Cruz and if Claudia’s correct age is 35 or 40. He was also asked if some of the stolen items were from retailers in San Ramon. Please check back later for any updates to this report.

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

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.