Contra Costa Herald

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

Series of 9 Walnut Creek business burglaries under investigation

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At two shopping centers

By Lt. Drew Olson, Walnut Creek Police Department

On November 25, 2025, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Walnut Creek Police Officers responded to a commercial alarm at the San Miguel Shopping Center on Newell Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple businesses had been burglarized.

While investigating the initial scene, officers were dispatched to a second alarm at the Countrywood Shopping Center at Bancroft Road and Treat Blvd. There, they located additional businesses that also showed signs of forced entry.

In total, nine businesses were identified as victims of burglary.

Walnut Creek Police Department detectives are actively investigating these incidents and following up on leads.

If you have any information about this case, please contact the Walnut Creek Police Department at (925) 943-5844 or the Anonymous Tip Line at (925) 943-5865.

Richmond juveniles detained for realistic-looking BB gun in public

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Social media photo of juveniles with BB gun in public in Richmond. Source: Richmond PD

By Richmond Police Department

We are aware of videos circulating on social media involving Richmond Police officers detaining a group of juveniles at gunpoint this afternoon.

Officers responded after a community member reported seeing the group brandish what appeared to be a firearm, as shown in the photo. The juveniles were passing the firearm around and examining it. Given the information provided and the realistic appearance of the object, officers conducted a high-risk detention to ensure everyone’s safety.

Upon investigation, officers determined the item was a BB gun, not a real firearm. The juveniles were released after the scene was made safe.

This incident serves as an important reminder: BB guns and replica firearms can easily be mistaken for real weapons, especially during fast-moving situations. Brandishing or carrying them in public can place community members—and the individuals holding them—at serious risk. We are glad this incident was resolved without anyone being injured, but it underscores an important message — leave your BB guns or replica firearms at home!

Please speak with your children and teens about the dangers associated with replica or BB guns. Public safety is a shared responsibility, and we appreciate the community’s vigilance and understanding.

Union City woman arrested for shooting teen in San Ramon

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Held for attempted homicide on $3.35 million bail

By Ashley Moore, San Ramon Police Department

On Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, San Ramon Police arrested a Union City woman in connection with the November 23rd shooting of a 17-year-old on Talavera Drive.

On November 23, 2025, at approximately 6:18 p.m., officers from the San Ramon Police Department responded to Talavera Drive for a report of an injured 17-year-old.  Upon arrival, San Ramon Valley Fire personnel and officers found the juvenile with a single gunshot wound to the upper shoulder. The victim was immediately transported to a local hospital, received medical treatment, and was later released.

Throughout the course of the investigation, patrol officers and detectives identified the suspect as Xiaojie Zhang, a 40-year-old female resident of Union City (born 1/20/1985). San Ramon officers arrested Zhang at her home on a $1 million Ramey Warrant for attempted homicide, and she was booked at the Martinez Detention Facility. While we are not revealing the relationship between the victim and the suspect, we can confirm that the two were known to one another.

Following her arrest, San Ramon Police Department detectives executed a search warrant of Zhang’s residence, where they located two firearms. This remains an active and ongoing investigation. There is no continued threat to the San Ramon community, and our heartfelt thoughts are with the victim and his family.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective T. Bryan at (925) 973-2782 or at tbryan@sanramon.ca.gov.

Thank you to the Danville, Dublin, and Union City Police Departments for their assistance.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, two-inch tall, 105-pound Zhang is now being held on $3,350,000 bail and her next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 1 at 8:30 a.m. in Martinez Superior Court.

Allen D. Payton contribute to this report.

Antioch man charged with child sex abuse material possession

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Arrested by Walnut Creek Police, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force; held on $200,000 bail

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

Martinez, California – The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, that a suspect in possession of child sexual abuse material faces a four-count felony complaint.

32-year-old Ryan Allen Fenton of Antioch (born 6/13/1993) was arrested in Antioch Tuesday by Walnut Creek Police on a warrant related to a complaint the District Attorney filed with the court on February 3rd, 2025. The complaint was amended and refiled on November 25th after investigators with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force found additional evidence Fenton was in possession of child sexual abuse material.

Fenton was arraigned Wednesday in Superior Court in Martinez at 10:30 am on the following:

  • Two felony counts for possessing over 600 images of child or youth pornography on or about October 23rd, 2024, and November 25th, 2025 [PC 311.11(c)(1)].
  • Two felony counts for possessing child or youth pornography on or about October 23rd, 2024, and November 25th, 2025 [PC 311.11(a)].

District Attorney Diana Becton said, “The possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) is not a victimless crime; it is an act that perpetuates the sexual abuse of children and fuels a criminal enterprise. As District Attorney, my office treats the possession of CSAM with the utmost gravity, recognizing that every image and video represents an assault on a child.”

Fenton’s preliminary hearing is set for December 9th at 8:30 am at the A.F. Bray courthouse in Martinez in Department 6. He remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility on a $200,000 bond.

Case No. 01-25-00447 | The People of the State of California v. Ryan Allen Fenton

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 135-pound Fenton is Hispanic, but also listed as white, is now being held in the West County Detention Facility.

According to localcrimenews.com, Fenton was also arrested in 2020 in Inyo County for speeding, driving without a license and failure to provide evidence of financial responsibility.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch Police Department concludes 3-year National Public Safety Partnership

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Focused on gun violence, modernizing technology, increased community collaboration mark key gains

By Antioch Police Department

The Antioch Police Department (APD) announced on Oct. 10, 2025, (but released to the public on Nov. 26), the successful conclusion of its three-year partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance through the National Public Safety Partnership (PSP). The initiative supported APD with evidence-based strategies, federal expertise, and no-cost training and technical assistance to reduce violent crime while deepening collaboration between officers and the community.

First announced in Oct. 2021, the City of Antioch was one of 10 new cities selected nationwide to participate in the program. To be considered for selection, a site must have sustained levels of violence that far exceed the national average and demonstrate a commitment to reducing crime and enhancing community engagement.

“PSP gave us a roadmap to modernize how we fight violent crime through strategy and technology, and how we show up for our community. We built transparent, data-informed practices, strengthened our approach to investigating shootings, and expanded real-time feedback so residents’ voices shape our work. The result is a team approach—officers and neighbors working side by side to make Antioch a safer place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Chief Joe Vigil.

“This partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice helped Antioch invest in what works—open data and accountability, smarter technology, and meaningful community engagement,” said City Manager Bessie Scott. “We’re proud of the progress APD has made and equally proud that residents are true partners in public safety. I believe these are long-lasting improvements that will continue to build trust and deliver safer neighborhoods across our city,”

APD’s PSP work centered on three pillars: violence reduction, community engagement and enhanced crime analysis.

KEY RESULTS

  1. Reducing Violence: A more precise roadmap for investigating shootings and preventing retaliation.  Technology upgrades: Deploying ShotSpotter gunfire detection across nearly four square miles; expanding Flock safety cameras with regional data-sharing; rolling out new body-worn cameras, updated tasers, and an Internal Affairs tracking system. Training modernization: Scenario-based, high-pressure simulations and de-escalation training to improve decision-making and outcomes. Stronger coordination: Quarterly collaboration with federal, state, and regional partners—including ATF, U.S. Marshals, and district attorneys—to align enforcement and prevention strategies.
  2. Community Engagement: Strengthening relationships, trust, and collaboration Open data and transparency: Launched a public open data portal to improve transparency and access to information. Real-time feedback: Implemented SPIDR Tech to gather real-time feedback after officer–community interactions, helping APD listen and respond to resident concerns. Community Survey: Developing a citywide community survey (with planned academic partnership) to ensure police services reflect community needs and values. Academic partnerships: established research partners to support research and evaluation of the new Stolen Vehicle initiative.
  3. Enhancing Crime Analysis: Making crime data actionable at the operational level. Expanded crime mapping and analysis to identify and address trends; weekly briefings now share real-time data and emerging patterns with all officers. Proactive deployment: Using data to position resources to address developing crime patterns.  A more robust Crime Analysis Unit: Producing strategic and tactical products for patrol and investigations; integrating non-traditional city data (e.g., public health and EMS map layers).  Capacity and skills: Hiring underway for an additional analyst; expanded training and networking via the International Association of Crime Analysts, regional groups, and BJA’s Analysis Toolkit.  Embedding analysts: CAU participation in investigation and patrol briefings ensures data drives deployment and case strategy.

About the National Public Safety Partnership

The National Public Safety Partnership (PSP) is a U.S. Department of Justice program coordinated by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). It provides intensive, customized training to communities facing serious challenges related to violent crime. PSP helps local law enforcement and prosecutors build capacity to reduce violent crime through data-driven strategies, federal partnerships, and community engagement. The program does not provide direct funding but leverages federal expertise and resources to support sustainable public safety improvements in participating cities.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Search warrant for possession of child porn leads to arrest, hazardous materials response in Antioch

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Walnut Creek PD Bomb Squad, Con Fire respond

By Lt. Drew Olson, Walnut Creek Police Department

This morning, Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Walnut Creek Police Detectives, in coordination with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, served a search warrant at a residence in the 1600 block of Lipton Street in Antioch as part of an ongoing investigation.

One individual was arrested on suspicion of possession of child pornography.

During the search, detectives discovered suspected illegal fireworks. The WCPD Bomb Squad was requested to respond for safe collection and assessment. Upon arrival, bomb technicians identified materials requiring further evaluation, prompting a response from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District’s Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) team.

Antioch Police posted a warning to Avoid the Area on social media with the message, “Avoid the area of Lipton Street at Trembath Lane due to an active hazmat response. Earlier this morning, a neighboring agency investigating in the area located items of concern. Out of an abundance of caution, the bomb squad was notified, and they are currently on scene. At this time, we do not believe there is any threat to the public.”

Both the WCPD Bomb Squad and CFD Hazmat have since cleared the scene. There is no ongoing threat to public safety. No further details are being released at this time due to the active nature of the investigation.

Case #: 25-36520

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

E-Bikes vs. E-Motorcycles: Why the differences matter

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Source: Pleasant Hill PD

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

E-Bikes can achieve speeds of 20 mph – 28 mph, depending on their classification. Riders of any age can legally ride a Class 1 and Class 2 e-bike in Contra Costa County, but all riders under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet. Class 3 e-bike riders are required by law to be at least 16-years of age, and helmets are required for ALL Class 3 riders, regardless of age.

E-Motorcycles are, in essence, the same as a standard motorcycle in terms of speed, regulations and the law surrounding their usage. E-motorcycle riders are required by law to have a drivers license with a motorcycle endorsement, as well as motorist insurance. In addition, e-motorcycles must be registered with the CA DMV and have a license plate affixed. Given this, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to ride on an e-motorcycle, and those over 16 years old will need to be in possession of the correct license, insurance and registration requirements.

For both e-bicycles and e-motorcycles, riders must educate themselves on the rules of the road, including but not limited to adhering to the speed limit, obeying street signage (including stop lights), yielding to pedestrians, and refraining from using these devices in areas where prohibited. Failure to adhere to the rules and laws surrounding the use of e-bikes and e-motorcycles may result in citation, arrest and /or the confiscation of the device.

Know the differences. Know the law. Ride responsibly.

Skip the malls, Hit the trails: Enjoy free park day on Green Friday Nov. 28

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Photo: EBRPD

Enjoy a free, family-friendly adventure in the East Bay Regional Parks

Includes Volunteer Planting Opportunity at Contra Loma and Hike at Black Diamond Mines in Antioch

By Jen Vanya, Public Information Specialist, Public Affairs, EBRPD

For more than a decade, the East Bay Regional Park District has encouraged the community to embrace Green Friday—the day after Thanksgiving—as an opportunity to get outside, enjoy fresh air, and reconnect with nature in the East Bay Regional Parks.

“Green Friday is a healthy and meaningful way to spend the day after Thanksgiving,” said Jessica Sloan, the Park District’s volunteer program supervisor. “It’s a chance to enjoy time with family and friends in the outdoors or give back by participating in one of our volunteer clean-up projects. However you choose to spend it, the day is all about celebrating and caring for our natural spaces.”

On Green Friday, November 28, all Park District entrance and park use fees are waived, including parking, boat launching, and fishing, as well as entrance to Ardenwood Historic Farm. Fees are still in effect for state fishing licenses, watercraft inspections, and concessionaires, such as the Tilden Merry-Go-Round.

Green Friday is part of the #OptOutside movement to promote health-focused alternatives to Black Friday shopping.

Green Friday activities in Regional Parks include:

  • Volunteer Planting Opportunity, 9 a.m. at Contra Loma in Antioch (registration requested)
  • Green Friday Hike, 9 a.m. at Black Diamond Mines in Antioch
  • Green Friday Hike Amongst the Trees, 9 a.m. at Reinhardt Redwood in Oakland
  • Green Friday Gratitude Hike, 10 a.m. at Sunol Wilderness in Sunol
  • Green Friday Hike, 10:30 a.m. at Coyote Hills in Fremont

For more information about these and additional activities, visit www.ebparks.org/green-friday.

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.

Martinez woman arrested, charged for stabbing daughter to death

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36-year-old Brittney Kazee suspected of killing 19-year-old Shaniyah Kazee

Held on $2 million bail

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

Martinez, California – A Martinez woman has been charged with murder after stabbing her daughter, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office announced today, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025.

36-year-old Brittney Evanna Kazee (born 6/10/1989) faces one felony count of murder [PC 187(a)] with a deadly

weapon enhancement for using a knife in the commission of the offense [PC 12022(b)(1)].

Kazee was arrested on November 18, 2025, by Martinez Police after officers responded to a report of an altercation between two females at an apartment complex on the 100 block of Fig Tree Lane around 1:40 p.m.

One of the females, identified as 19-year-old Shaniyah Kazee, was found unconscious with a wound to her stomach area when officers arrived. She was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

Brittney Kazee is set to be arraigned on charges on November 24th at 1:30 pm in Martinez. She currently remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, two-inch tall, 152-pound suspect is listed as Black and being held on $2 million bail.

More details of the incident are provided in a KRON 4 News report.

Case No. 01-25-04149 | The People of the State of California v. Brittney Evanna Kazee

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Oakley on Ice Grand Opening Nov. 22

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Opens today, Friday, Nov. 21

By City of Oakley

It’s opening day for Oakley on Ice, our brand-new seasonal ice-skating experience located in the parking lot directly behind the Mercantile Building at 3350 Main Street.
This magical new attraction is proudly brought to you by Got a Party Inc., in partnership with the City of Oakley. Together, we’ve turning downtown into a sparkling winter wonderland, right in the heart of Oakley!

The Grand Opening will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 4:45 p.m. and will feature a performance by the San Francisco Ice Theatre.

Oakley on Ice is located at 3350 Main Street, behind the Mercantile Building. More information: https://oakleyonice.com/.