Contra Costa Herald

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

Special free pass to California’s state historic parks in honor of Juneteenth and America’s 250th anniversary

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Source: California State Parks

SACRAMENTO — California is making the incredible sites that preserve the state’s complex history free to visit through a special limited-time pass.

California State Parks is offering a special edition Historian Passport free to download through the Fourth of July weekend. The Historian Passport (typical cost $50) is valid for the rest of 2026 at more than 30 state historic parks throughout California, where visitors can immerse themselves in the state’s unvarnished, complex history.

In celebration of Juneteenth and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California State Parks is offering a special free version of its Historian Passport — normally $50 for the year — for admission of up to four people per pass at more than 30 state historic parks throughout the state. Starting today through Monday, July 6, Californians can download the pass for free and use it for unlimited visits to participating historic parks from Juneteenth until the end of the year.

“California is marking these celebrations of freedom by inviting everyone to learn our country’s history for free in our state parks,” said Governor Newsom.

Coming on the heels of the fifth annual California State Parks Week, the limited-time free pass is the latest example of California expanding access to all Californians, giving more of them the opportunity to experience the unmatched natural and cultural resources of the nation’s largest and most diverse state park system, which includes historic sites significant to many peoples and cultures, including Native Americans. State Parks is embracing the state’s complex history through its Reexamining Our Past Initiative, working to tell the full story of how California came to be.

Supported by donations from the California State Parks Foundation and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, the special edition of the Historian Passport highlights California’s rich and complex history through places that preserve stories of freedom, resilience, innovation, and community — including Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, the most significant state park representing Black history in California. Participating parks span the state and showcase California’s diverse cultural, political, and social history, from Gold Rush-era communities and military landmarks to historic homes, missions and museums.

“California’s state historic parks preserve some of our nation’s most powerful and meaningful stories, and I’m proud to live in a state that celebrates diversity to connect more people with those stories through this limited-time free pass,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “I hope the free Historian Passport introduces more Californians to the state’s historic gems and sparks a curiosity, thirst for knowledge and sense of belonging that leads to many return visits. I thank Governor Newsom and the First Partner for their unwavering support of State Parks, and a special thanks to our partners, the California State Parks Foundation and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, for supporting the free Historian Passport.”

“Juneteenth is a celebration of Black freedom, resilience, and the enduring pursuit of equality. For generations, Black Americans were excluded from public spaces and denied access to the opportunities and experiences that others enjoyed,” said State Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D., Chair, California Legislative Black Caucus. “By widening access to California’s historic state parks to more families, we help ensure that public lands are places where everyone can learn and benefit from.”

The free pass builds on Governor Newsom’s State Parks Forward announcement on Earth Day, a bold effort to establish three new state parks — including a historic site near Bakersfield — and expand existing parks by more than 30,000 acres by the end of the decade. The announcement also follows Governor Newsom’s directive in January that more than 200 state parks offer free entry on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026.

Discover California Stories That Shaped the Nation

The California State Parks Historian Passport connects visitors to places that preserve the many cultures, communities, and defining moments that continue to shape California and the United States. Participating parks reflect stories of freedom, innovation, resilience and identity that continue to resonate today.

To visit the park sites, download your free special edition Historian Passport by July 6, and begin exploring California’s history firsthand. An account with ReserveCalifornia.com, State Parks’ official reservation service, is required to download.

Here are just a few parks passholders can access:

At Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, visitors can explore a California town founded, financed, and governed by African Americans. Established in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth and a group of Black pioneers, the state historic park stands as a powerful symbol of self-determination, opportunity and freedom, making it especially meaningful during Juneteenth commemorations.

At Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park, visitors can view what is thought to be the largest collection of bedrock mortars in North America and one of the largest ceremonial roundhouse still used by Native Americans in California. Within the park, the Chaw’se Regional Indian Museum features a variety of exhibits and an outstanding collection of artifacts from tribes throughout the region.

At Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, visitors can see the site where gold was discovered in 1848, sparking the California Gold Rush that dramatically transformed the state and nation. Visitors also learn the complex history of how the Gold Rush accelerated westward expansion, drawing people from around the world in pursuit of new opportunity, while acknowledging the hard history of violence toward and resilience of California Native Americans.

At Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park, visitors can experience the oldest continuously used Chinese temple in California. Built in the heart of a Gold Rush-era Chinese American community, the site reflects the enduring contributions, traditions and resilience of Chinese immigrants who helped build California despite widespread discrimination and exclusion.

These parks, alongside nearly 30 other participating state historic parks, invite Californians to explore the stories, struggles, and achievements that continue to shape our collective history. While there, visitors can take part in State Parks’ second annual Share Your Space Photo Contest through the OuterSpatial app.

“Building on our Outdoors for All initiative, we’re creating even more opportunities for Californians to explore the natural beauty and rich history that define our state. As we celebrate Juneteenth and our nation’s 250th anniversary, the free, special edition Historian Passport provides an incredible avenue for California families to immerse themselves in nature while gaining a deeper understanding of the remarkable place we’re proud to call home,” said Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the governor’s wife.

Making State Parks accessible for all

While this special edition Historian Passport is only available for a limited time, State Parks offers a number of free passes all year round in support of California’s Outdoors for All initiative. California residents from all walks of life — including families receiving public assistance, ALL fourth graders in public school, and anyone with a library card — can access free passes that open the nation’s largest and most diverse state park system and the unvarnished history of California to everyone.

  • California State Library Parks Pass: Allows library cardholders to check out a pass from any public library for free vehicle day-use entry at 200-plus state parks. It’s just like borrowing a book, with more than 33,000 passes available at over 1,100 public and tribal libraries in the state.
  • California State Parks Adventure Pass: Provides free entry to fourth-graders in public schools and their families at 54 amazing state parks. Download the pass and choose your adventure — mountains, deserts, forests, lakes.
  • Golden Bear Pass: This free annual pass provides vehicle day-use entry at over 200 state parks for families who receive CalWORKs, individuals who receive supplemental security income, income-eligible Californians over age 62, and participants of California’s Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
  • Distinguished Veterans Pass: This free pass entitles honorably discharged California resident veterans to free vehicle day-use, family camping, and boat use at over 100 state parks. In addition, active, reserve, and retired military members receive free access on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

State Parks protects the best of California’s natural and cultural history; more than 340 miles of coastline; the tallest, largest and among the oldest trees in the world; and deserts, lakes, rivers and beaches. There are more than 5,200 miles of trails, 15,000 campsites, 145,000 acres for off-highway vehicle recreation, plus prehistoric and historic archeological sites, ghost towns, historic homes and monuments – all waiting for you.

California State Parks and the recreational programs supported by its divisions of Boating and Waterways, Historic Preservation and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide the opportunity for families, friends, and communities to connect. Off-highway motor vehicle recreation, boating activities, horseback riding, cycling, hiking, camping, rock climbing, tours, hikes, school group enrichment, and special events are just some of the activities enjoyed in 280 park units organized into 21 field districts throughout the state. Learn more at www.parks.ca.gov.

Drone technology helps capture dangerous suspect following wrong-way pursuit, collision in Richmond

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Screenshots of Richmond Police drone video shows pursuit of suspect driving wrong way on city streets and I-80 freeway. Source: Richmond PD

Police K-9 Bane assists

By Richmond Police Department

On Monday, May 15, 2026, Richmond Police officers responded to reports of a reckless driver who was intentionally driving on the wrong side of the roadway in an apparent attempt to cause a collision.

When officers arrived, the suspect intentionally accelerated his vehicle toward a responding officer, forcing the officer to take immediate evasive action. A vehicle pursuit was authorized; however, after the suspect turned off his headlights and entered the freeway traveling the wrong direction, the pursuit was safely terminated.

Shortly afterward, the suspect collided with another vehicle and fled on foot into a wooded area where the suspect laid down and hid in the bushes.

Screenshots of Richmond Police drone video show suspect colliding with another vehicle while driving the wrong direction on I-80, then exiting his car and a police K-9 finding him hiding in the bushes. Source: Richmond PD

During the search, a K-9 officer yelled out, “Richmond PD K-9 unit. You are under arrest. Surrender, now. If the dog finds you, he may bite you.”

Fortunately, Richmond Police Department’s Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program was overhead throughout the entire incident, providing officers with real-time aerial intelligence and maintaining continuous visual contact with the suspect. This critical technology, combined with the efforts of our officers and K-9 Bane, led to the successful apprehension of this dangerous individual.

This incident highlights how innovative public safety technology can help officers make informed decisions, reduce risk to the community, and safely bring dangerous situations to a resolution.

Outstanding teamwork by our patrol officers, K-9 Bane, and DFR operators!

See video on Facebook or Instagram.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Concord Police Department to hold DUI Checkpoint June 19, 2026

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By Provisional Sgt. Lee Lawrence, Concord Police Department

Concord, Calif. – Concord Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint June 19, 2026, from 7:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M. The DUI Checkpoint will occur on westbound Willow Pass Road between Mount Diablo Street and Galindo Street.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on the history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The Concord Police Department is committed to keeping the traveling public safe.

“The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Lt. Scott Smith said. “We are looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is dangerous and puts others on the road at risk.”

Concord Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

East Bay Park District acquires 4.5 acres to add to Doolan Canyon Regional Preserve

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Map source: EBRPD

Land could serve as future staging area for potential public access

Preserve includes land in Contra Costa, Alameda counties

By External Affairs Division, East Bay Regional Park District

OAKLAND, Calif. — The East Bay Regional Park District has completed the purchase of 4.5 acres of land from the City of Livermore to add to Doolan Canyon Regional Preserve (the Preserve) in Livermore.

Although the Preserve is presently not open to the public, the newly acquired land could serve as a staging area and the first segment of a public trail if the Park District determines the Preserve can be open for public access. The property is located about a half mile south of the Preserve itself. Due to the Preserve’s hilly topography, creating an on-site staging area would not be cost-effective.

At its April 7 meeting, the Park District Board of Directors considered potential uses for the Preserve, including conservation only or a combination of conservation and public access. While no specific access plan option was adopted at the meeting, the Board voted to direct staff to begin developing a land use plan, which will include studies of the Preserve’s natural and cultural resources, site improvements, public access opportunities, and natural hazards. The Board also voted in favor of offering periodic guided tours of the Preserve while the land use planning process is underway over several years. The first opportunity will be in October 2026; details and reservation information will be released in the fall.

“Doolan Canyon Regional Preserve is one of the East Bay’s remarkable open space landscapes,” said the Park District’s Acting General Manager Max Korten. “As we begin the land use planning process, the Park District will carefully consider how to protect natural habitat while exploring opportunities for future public access.”

Livermore and the surrounding Tri-Valley communities have long recognized the importance of Doolan Canyon as a protected open space resource. This acquisition helps move the Park District closer to the possibility of opening the Preserve for public access and expanding recreation opportunities for residents of Livermore, Dublin, Pleasanton, and neighboring communities, while ensuring that planning is done thoughtfully and responsibly.

Background

Doolan Canyon Regional Preserve is an important natural and cultural landscape in the northern Livermore Valley. It has a rich agricultural history, with active cattle ranching today. The Preserve is located within the ancestral homeland of the Chochenyo-Ohlone speaking people, who are represented by a number of East Bay Ohlone tribes, and who reman connected to this landscape. Additionally, Doolan Canyon is home to important biological resources, which are culturally important to tribes.

Since the early 2000s, the Park District and the city of Livermore have worked together to protect and preserve Doolan Canyon. In 2010, the Park District and the city partnered to purchase 640 acres for the creation of Doolan Canyon Regional Preserve. An additional 160 acres was added to the Preserve in 2018. This new acquisition of 4.5 acres advances those shared goals and provides the Park District with an opportunity to develop a public staging area as it continues to evaluate potential uses.

About EBRPD

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information visit www.ebparks.org.

Richmond man arrested for killing older brother within hours of fatal assault

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By Lt. Joseph England, PIO, Richmond Police Department

Richmond, CA – As previously reported, the Richmond Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred on the evening of Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in the 4500 block of Potrero Avenue.

At approximately 9:09 p.m., Richmond Police officers responded to a residence in the 4500 block of Potrero Avenue to assist fire and medical personnel with a medical call for service. Medical personnel requested police assistance after determining the victim’s injuries appeared to be the result of an assault. Officers arrived and found medical personnel performing life-saving measures on 68-year-old Jerome Timmons. Despite their efforts, Timmons succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Officers quickly identified 61-year-old Victor Doyle Blacknell, born 6/24/1964, as the suspect and determined that the victim and suspect were siblings. Detectives from the Richmond Police Department Homicide Unit responded and assumed responsibility for the investigation.

The preliminary investigation indicates Timmons and Blacknell were involved in a verbal argument that escalated into a physical altercation. Following the assault, Blacknell fled the scene. Officers quickly developed information regarding Blacknell’s whereabouts and responded to a residence in the 1500 block of Maine Avenue, where he was safely taken into custody without incident.

The investigation remains in its early stages, and detectives are continuing to determine what led to the altercation. Blacknell remains in custody and has been booked on one count of murder, in violation of California Penal Code 187(a). He is being held on $1,000,000 bail.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, seven-inch tall, 175-pound Blacknell is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Richmond Police Department Investigations Bureau at (510) 621-1288.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa County Historical Society receives $45,000 donation from California Foundation for Stronger Communities

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By Contra Costa County Historical Society

Martinez, CA – June 17, 2026 – The Contra Costa County Historical Society (CCCHS) proudly announced a generous donation of $45,000 received in April 2026 from the California Foundation for Stronger Communities (CFSC). This vital funding fuels the Society’s mission to preserve, protect, and provide public access to the rich records and heritage of Contra Costa County.

The CFSC donation is made possible by the Board of Directors of the California Foundation for Stronger Communities, a California non-profit public benefit corporation that acts as the Board of Directors for the California Municipal Finance Authority (“CMFA”). Their goal is to strengthen local communities by assisting with the financing of economic development and charitable activities throughout the state. The donation received by CCCHS is a direct result of the services CMFA provides to local governments, non-profits, and businesses.

The CMFA offers financing for public infrastructure and development projects.

According to the CMFA website, their “mission is to support economic development, job creation and social programs throughout the State of California while giving back to California communities. By supporting our member communities and their local charities with a portion of the revenue generated through the issuance of taxable and tax-exempt bonds for public, private and non-profit entities, the CMFA is able to directly contribute to the health and welfare of the residents of California.”

“The CMFA shares 25% of all issuance fees directly with its member communities. In addition, a grant equal to 25% of the issuance fee is made to the CFSC to fund charities designated by the member communities. A portion of the annual fees received by the CMFA will also be directed to charitable activities within California communities.”

As an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit, the Historical Society relies heavily on the generosity of philanthropic foundations and the ongoing involvement of the community. Gifts like this do much more than simply fund daily operations; they serve as a lifeline that keeps the County History Center running. This critical support allows the Society to ease the strains of month-to-month expenses and focus on long-term goals.

Thanks to this impactful donation, CCCHS can continue to expand its digital collections, improve online access, and increase staff-guided archival workstations. Furthermore, this support empowers the Society to expand public programming, such as the new “Archive Yourself” program, and push forward with a capital campaign to acquire a larger, more modern facility to accommodate ever-growing collections.

“Community partnerships and foundation grants are the backbone of our organization,” said LeighAnn Davis, Executive Director of the Contra Costa County Historical Society. “Support like this not only keeps our doors open and our archives accessible today, but it ensures we can preserve our local history for generations to come. We are incredibly grateful to CFSC and CMFA, and we invite the public and local businesses to join them in supporting our ongoing mission.”

Founded in 1951, the Contra Costa County Historical Society serves as the steward of the County’s archives and the administrator of the County History Center. The History Center houses the largest collection of historical records in the County, serving as an invaluable resource for journalists, scholars, genealogists, and students.

Community support is essential to keeping these historical doors open. To learn more about visiting the History Center, volunteering, or making a donation to support local history, please contact the Center at (925) 229-1042 or visit the Contra Costa County Historical Society website.

During San Pablo traffic stop motorcyclist arrested for over 100 grams of meth

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108 ounces of meth confiscated on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Photo: San Pablo PD

By San Pablo Police Department

Tonight’s Attempt at a Getaway: 0/10 Stars

On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at approximately 8:40 p.m., officers attempted a traffic stop on a motorcycle that was missing one important accessory: license plates.

As soon as the rider spotted the officer, he decided to test his luck and accelerated away. Unfortunately, while attempting to pass another vehicle, he failed to notice the center median and introduced himself to it rather abruptly.

Spoiler alert: he did not get away.

During a search, officers located approximately 108 grams of methamphetamine. The rider was treated for minor injuries and received a complimentary ride in an ambulance.

As for the motorcycle… let’s just say it took the collision a little harder than its rider did.

Two arrested for stealing sunglasses worth $45K from San Ramon store

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Stolen sunglasses recovered from thieves on June 11, 2026. Photos: San Ramon PD

By San Ramon Police Department

On Thursday June 11, 2026, San Ramon Police officers arrested two suspects following a retail theft at City Center that resulted in the recovery of more than $45,000 in stolen merchandise.

Emptied out sunglass cases inside store. Photos: San Ramon PD

A suspect entered a local business, filled a garbage bag with high-end sunglasses, and then fled the store. A Corporal assigned to our Organized Retail Theft Suppression Team, who was patrolling the area at the time, quickly located the suspect, who attempted to evade capture on foot before getting into a waiting vehicle.

Working together, patrol officers stopped the vehicle and safely took both suspects into custody. All stolen merchandise was recovered and returned to the business.

This case is a great example of the impact proactive patrols and teamwork can have on crime in our community. Because officers were already in the area and responded quickly, a significant theft was solved within minutes, stolen property was recovered, and those responsible were taken into custody.

Outstanding work by the officers involved!

In addition, following is a brief summary of the arrests made by officers from the San Ramon Police Department from in their police log for the week of June 4-11, 2026.

06/06/2026

  • A 44-year-old male was arrested for criminal conspiracy, shoplifting, petty theft with priors, and violating probation.
  • A 43-year-old female was arrested for criminal conspiracy, shoplifting, petty theft with priors, and violating probation.
  • A 33-year-old male was arrested for unlawful possession or use of tear gas, possession of a controlled substance, violating probation, violating parole, smuggling a controlled substance into jail, and pursuant to an arrest warrant.

06/07/2026

  • A 26-year-old female was arrested for shoplifting.
  • A 25-year-old male was arrested for violating a domestic violence court order.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pleasant Hill Police make 92 arrests in May

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Source: Pleasant Hill PD

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

It’s June and you know what that means – it’s time to provide you with a look at some of the police activity that took place in our city in May 2026.

We’ll continue sharing this information monthly on social media, but for a more extensive look at our crime stats, please visit our website – https://www.phillca.gov/1384/Crime-Statistics.

Walnut Creek Police Department’s K9 Rollo to get donation of body armor

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Walnut Creek Police K9 Rollo. Photo: WCPD

By Walnut Creek Police Department

K9 Rollo will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Rollo’s vest was sponsored by Buddy the Basset and Friends of Scottsville, VA and will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Buddy the Basset – A friend to all”. Delivery is expected within ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,513 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old, actively employed, and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.