Contra Costa Herald

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

Bay Area veterans resource and fishing event on Sept. 11 in Antioch

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Stand Up on the Delta by local non-profit connects U.S. veterans with community and critical services like housing and jobs 

By Ella Sogomonian

Antioch, CA – Delta Veterans Group continues its mission to serve those who served our country. The local non-profit is inviting U.S. veterans on Friday, Sept.11 to the VFW Post 6435 in Antioch for the inaugural “Stand Up on the Delta”. This one-day event (video here) connects vets with medical treatment, housing, jobs, as well as mental health and drug counseling. In addition to these critical services, the event builds a sense of camaraderie for veterans who have a hard time creating a sense of community after they end their military service. DVG partners with East Bay Regional parks to take vets and their families fishing on the Delta shores. They will provide  a backpack, collapsible fishing pole, tackle and lunch will be catered. Competitions, such as farthest cast, will also take place. There is a 50 veteran limit for the fishing experience.

“As a vet myself I understand how critical it is to extend a helping hand and create a welcoming space,” said J.R. Wilson, Founder of Delta Veterans Group. “Veterans serve their country and community so we give them a new mission to serve the community and these events bring them together to make that happen.”

Since 2015, the non-profit has helped more than thousands of veterans by finding permanent housing, serving over 23,000 meals, providing half-a-million-dollars in dental care, and sleeping bags.

Who: U.S. military veterans and their families

What: Stand Up on the Delta resource event

When: Friday, Sept. 11 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Where: TWO LOCATIONS: Resource fair at VFW Post 6435, 815 Fulton Shipyard Road Antioch, CA 94509 & fishing experience at Antioch/Oakley Regional Shoreline Pier at Bridgehead Road at Wilbur Avenue in Antioch, CA 94509

Contact on-site: JR Wilson at (925) 222-7596

68 San Ramon Valley students named semifinalists in 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program

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72nd annual competition for seniors entering college next fall; Finalists announced next spring

By San Ramon Valley Unified School District Office of Communications, Family and Community Engagement

Danville, CA (Sept. 9, 2026) – San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD) is proud to announce that 68 of its high school seniors have been named Semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. These outstanding students represent the academic excellence and dedication of SRVUSD students and school communities. Semifinalists now have the opportunity to advance to Finalist standing and compete for National Merit Scholarships to be awarded in spring 2027.

On September 9, 2026, officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) announced the names of more than 16,000 Semifinalists in the 72nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. SRVUSD’s 68 Semifinalists are among the highest-scoring students in California, representing the top 1% of the state’s senior students.

Students qualified for the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program through the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which SRVUSD offers to all juniors, in fall 2025. To advance to Finalist standing, Semifinalists must fulfill several additional requirements. National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from the Finalist group in spring 2027.

“Being named a National Merit Semifinalist is an outstanding accomplishment and a testament to the determination of these 68 students,” said Superintendent CJ Cammack. “We are incredibly proud of their achievement and the way they continue to challenge themselves to pursue excellence. We also applaud the teachers, families and school communities who encourage and support our students every step of the way. Congratulations to all of our Semifinalists.”

The program is conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) whose mission is to recognize and honor the academically talented students of the United States. NMSC accomplishes its mission by conducting nationwide academic scholarship programs. The enduring goals of NMSC’s scholarship programs are:

  • To promote a wider and deeper respect for learning in general and for exceptionally talented individuals in particular
  • To shine a spotlight on brilliant students and encourage the pursuit of academic excellence at all levels of education
  • To stimulate increased support from individuals and organizations that wish to sponsor scholarships for outstanding scholastic talent

For more information on the National Merit Program, visit their website.

About San Ramon Valley Unified School District: Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD) is one of the highest-achieving school districts in California. With approximately 28,500 students, the district encompasses the communities of Alamo, Danville, San Ramon, and a small portion of Walnut Creek and Pleasanton.

SRVUSD has been recognized at state and national levels with many awards and achievements and is designated as a Learning 2025 Lighthouse District by AASA, the School Superintendents Association. Based on a foundation of academic excellence, the district’s work is guided by its Strategic Directions and Learner Profile. SRVUSD is committed to preparing students for their future by providing a strong academic foundation, supporting their well-being, and equipping them with the skills and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Female suspect ID’d in attempted murder of Richmond cop

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The suspect’s two firearms confiscated by police and multiple bullet holes in the door and wall outside the home where the shooting occurred. Photos: Richmond PD

Fired over 30 rounds, charged with four felonies including murder, held on $950k bail; officer recovering

By The Richmond Police Department

The Richmond Police Department is providing additional information regarding the recent attempted murder of one of our police officers during a call for service involving our partners with A3 (Contra Costa County Behavior Health Crisis Response Team).

As previously reported, at approximately 6:41 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, Contra Costa Health’s A3 Crisis Response was contacted regarding a request to conduct a mental health check on an individual in the 2200 block of Key Boulevard. A3 is Contra Costa County’s behavioral health crisis response program. When circumstances present a potential safety concern, A3 may request assistance from law enforcement. Due to the nature of the call, A3 requested that Richmond Police officers accompany them to the location.

During this extremely dangerous incident, the suspect, 39-year-old Jasmine Nicole Robinson (born
6/19/1987), fired in excess of 30 rounds from a Romarm/Cugir Draco-C rifle. Our officer was struck by gunfire shortly after arriving at the scene. We are incredibly fortunate that our officer survived and is continuing to recover from their injuries.

We are also grateful that our A3 partners, neighboring residents, and other responding personnel were not injured as numerous rounds were fired from the residence, which included striking a Richmond Police patrol vehicle.

The significant threat posed by the suspect required a large-scale tactical response, including armored rescue vehicles and specialized resources from allied law enforcement agencies. These resources were critical in allowing personnel to safely respond to an exceptionally dangerous and unpredictable situation and ultimately take the suspect into custody.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our allied law enforcement partners who responded without hesitation to assist the Richmond Police Department. Their professionalism, teamwork, and willingness to place themselves in harm’s way were instrumental in bringing this incident to a safe conclusion.

We are thankful that despite the extraordinary level of gunfire and danger presented during this incident, our officer survived, our A3 partners were unharmed, and no members of our community were injured.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, six-inch tall, 150-pound Robinson is non-Hispanic, also listed as Black, and is being held in the West Re-Entry Treatment and Housing facility in Richmond on $950,000 bail. She is charged with four felonies including murder, assault committed with a high-risk firearm, kidnapping and maliciously and willfully firing a gun at an inhabited dwelling house, occupied building, occupied motor vehicle, occupied aircraft, inhabited housecar, or inhabited camper.

According to MyLife, Robinson currently lives in Vallejo and previously lived in Richmond at two different addresses on the street where last week’s incident occurred, and one other.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

CHP targets Bay Bridge approach for stepped-up enforcement campaign

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Photos: (Left) MTC (Right) Credit John Huseby, Caltrans

Carpools allowed in bus lane only during weekday peak periods

By Cindy Ramirez, CHP, Bart Ney, Caltrans and John Goodwin, Bay Area Toll Authority

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 9, 2026. . . The California Highway Patrol, in partnership with Caltrans and the Bay Area Toll Authority, this month will resume concentrated enforcement of the laws governing the westbound approach to the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. This includes strict enforcement of vehicle-type and vehicle-occupancy laws in the bus/carpool lane that bypasses the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge toll plaza at the far-right side of the roadway.

This lane — which can be accessed by traffic approaching the bridge from Interstate 80, Interstate 880 or West Grand Avenue — may be used by buses, motorcycles or carpools with three or more occupants during the weekday commute periods of 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Only buses may lawfully use the lane at other times, including all day on Saturdays and Sundays. Drivers cited for improper use of the bus/carpool lane outside weekday commute hours are subject to a fine of $490 or more.

“The signs at access points to the lane are clear and unambiguous. They read ‘Buses Only,’” noted Lt. Ed Clarke of the CHP’s Oakland Area. “But many drivers have not consistently followed the rule in recent years.” The CHP, Caltrans and BATA agree that focused enforcement will help address ongoing violations, improve compliance with the posted restrictions, and ensure the lane remains available for its intended use.

Acting Caltrans District 4 Director and BATA Commissioner Doanh Nguyen reminds drivers that the toll booths at the Bay Bridge and other state-owned toll bridges will soon be a thing of the past. “The transition to open-road tolling already is underway, with the new system set to debut next year at the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. The comprehensive reconfiguration of the approaches to every state-owned toll bridge will improve safety and efficiency by allowing drivers to pay their tolls without having to slow down to squeeze past the obsolete toll booths.”

BATA administers all toll revenues from the region’s seven state-owned toll bridges. Caltrans owns and operates the state highway system, including state-owned toll bridges such as the Bay Bridge.

La Policía de Caminos de California (CHP) se enfoca en el acceso al puente Bay Bridge para una campaña de reforzar el control

Los vehículos compartidos solo pueden circular por el carril de autobuses durante las horas pico de los días laborables

SAN FRANCISCO, 9 de septiembre de 2026. . . La Policía de Caminos de California (CHP), en colaboración con Caltrans y la Autoridad de Peajes del Área de la Bahía, reanudará este mes la aplicación intensiva de las leyes que rigen el acceso en dirección oeste al puente San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. Esto incluye la aplicación estricta de las leyes sobre el tipo y la ocupación de vehículos en el carril para autobuses y vehículos compartidos que evita la plaza de cobro del puente San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge por el lado extremo derecho de la carretera.

Este carril — al que pueden acceder los vehículos que se acercan al puente desde la Interestatal 80, la Interestatal 880 o West Grand Avenue — puede ser utilizado por autobuses, motocicletas o vehículos compartidos con tres o más ocupantes durante días laborables en los horarios pico de 5 a.m. a 10 a.m. y 3 p.m. a 7 p.m. Solo los autobuses pueden utilizar el carril en otros momentos legalmente, incluyendo todo el día los sábados y domingos. Los conductores

que reciban una infracción por el uso indebido del carril para autobuses y vehículos compartidos fuera de los horarios pico de los días laborables están sujetos a una multa de $490 o más.

“Las señales en los puntos de acceso al carril son claras e inequívocas. Dicen ‘Solo autobuses’,” señaló el teniente Ed Clarke del Área de Oakland de la CHP. “Sin embargo, muchos conductores han omitido cumplir la norma de forma consistente en los últimos años.” La CHP, Caltrans y la BATA coinciden en que una aplicación rigurosa de la ley ayudará a abordar las infracciones continuas, mejorará el cumplimiento de las restricciones establecidas y garantizará que el carril siga disponible para el uso previsto.

El director interino del Distrito 4 de Caltrans y comisionado de la BATA, Doanh Nguyen, recuerda a los conductores que las casetas de cobro en el puente de la Bahía y otros puentes de cuota de propiedad estatal pronto pasarán a ser historia. “La transición al sistema de cobro de cuotas en carretera abierta ya está en marcha, y está previsto que el nuevo sistema entre en funcionamiento el próximo año en el puente Richmond-San Rafael. La reconfiguración integral de los accesos a todos los puentes de cuota de propiedad estatal mejorará la seguridad y la eficiencia, al permitir que los conductores paguen sus cuotas sin tener que reducir la velocidad para pasar por las casetas de cobro obsoletas.”

BATA administra los ingresos de peajes de los siete puentes de peaje de propiedad estatal en la región. Caltrans es propietario y opera el sistema de carreteras estatales, incluyendo los puentes de cuota de propiedad estatal como el puente Bay Bridge.

CHP 針對海灣大橋引道展開強化執法行動

共乘車輛僅在工作日高峰時段才允許使用公車道

舊金山，2026年9月9日—加州公路巡警（CHP）將聯合加州交通局（Caltrans）

和灣區收費管理局（BATA），於本月恢復對舊金山-奧克蘭海灣大橋（San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge）西向引道相關交通法規的集中執法。執法重點包括加強監管位於最右側、可繞過海灣大橋收費站的公車／共乘專用車道，以確保使用該車道的車輛類型及載客人數符合規定。

該車道可供從 80 號州際公路、880 號州際公路或 West Grand Avenue 駛向大橋的車輛進入。在工作日通勤時段的上午 5 點至 10 點及下午 3 點至 7 點，公車、摩托車或載有三人及以上的共乘車輛可以使用該車道。在其他時段（包括週六和週日全天），僅公車可合法使用該車道。在工作日通勤時段以外違規使用該公車／共乘車道，將面臨 490 美元或以上罰款。

「車道入口處的標誌清晰明確，上面寫著『僅限公車』（Buses Only），」CHP 奧克蘭分局的 Ed Clarke 中尉指出，「但近年來，許多駕駛者並未始終遵守這項規定。」CHP、Caltrans 和 BATA 一致認為，開展集中執法有助於解決持續發生的違規行為，提高駕駛者對現場標示限制的遵守程度，並確保該車道維持其原定用途。

Caltrans 第 4 區代理局長兼 BATA 委員 Doanh Nguyen 提醒駕駛者，海灣大橋及其他州屬收費橋樑的收費亭即將成為歷史。「向開放式道路收費（open-road tolling）系統轉型的工作已經展開，新系統預計將於明年在Richmond-San Rafael大橋上率先啟用。對所有州屬收費橋樑引道進行全面重新規劃與改造，將讓駕駛者無須減速、穿越老舊的收費亭即可繳納通行費，從而提升道路安全與通行效率。」

BATA負責管理本地區七座州屬收費大橋的所有通行費收入。Caltrans負責擁有和營運州級公路系統，其中包括海灣大橋等州屬收費大橋。

 

RESTORE launches Fall fundraising season to expand life-changing safe homes in Contra Costa County

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Faith-based organization aims to raise $175,000 for a 5th transitional home following milestone growth

By Mike Sisler Executive Director, RESTORE

CONCORD, CA — RESTORE (Restore Hope Dignity Life), a faith-based organization dedicated to life transformation through transitional housing and comprehensive support services, today announced the launch of its Fall fundraising season. The seasonal campaign fuels RESTORE’s ongoing doubling expansion plan, building on last year’s milestone addition of a fourth home to its network. At the conclusion of this Fall’s events, RESTORE aims to raise $150,000 to open a fifth home.

RESTORE’s holistic model integrates stable housing with personalized spiritual care and family reunification support, empowering residents to overcome hardship and achieve lasting recovery. Expanding its housing capacity allows RESTORE to double the number of men, women, and children it serves, directly meeting a vital need for compassionate, faith-based support in Contra Costa County.

“These events are transformative for the audience, the staff, and the residents, as all three groups experience the impact our safe homes and Christ-centered recovery programs have,” said Mike Sisler, Executive Director of RESTORE. “We sincerely invite all to attend.”

Event attendees will experience approximately 20 powerful mixed-media testimonials—featuring live personal stories, video presentations, and silent reading materials—that showcase the profound, real-world impact RESTORE has on individuals and families rebuilding their lives.

Fall Event Schedule

  • Community Presbyterian Church, Danville, CA: September 11, 2026
  • New Life Church, Concord, CA: October 2, 2026
  • Hillside Covenant Church, Walnut Creek, CA: November 6, 2026

To learn more about RESTORE, attend an upcoming fundraiser, or support the expansion plan, visit www.restore1.org or email Christine Thatcher at christinethatcher@restore1.org.

About RESTORE

Founded in Contra Costa County, RESTORE provides holistic, home-based programs to help individuals recover in all areas of life as they break free from addictions, re-story their lives, and reunify families. RESTORE’s mission is to provide men, women, and their children with safe homes and Christ-centered, 12-step recovery programs to restore hope, dignity, and life in them and the broader community. As a nonprofit, RESTORE operates through the generous support of individuals, partner churches, business donors, and grants.

Meet Scoot™! Safeway NorCal’s furry new Ambassador for Savings and Goodwill

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Source: Safeway

Lovable new mascot will bring fun, fresh ideas and a helping hand to Safeway shoppers, stores and community events

By Kent Streeb, Director of Public Affairs & Communications, Safeway Northern California Division

PLEASANTON, Calif. – There’s a fuzzy new face zipping through Safeway aisles that shoppers will soon be seeing often. Safeway Northern California Market introduced Scoot™, the market’s lovable new mascot and goodwill ambassador. Fun, furry and always ready to help, Scoot will guide shoppers toward great savings, fresh finds and family-friendly fun at Safeway stores and community events throughout Northern California, Northern Nevada and Hawaii.

With bright red fur, a leafy green sprout, signature Safeway visor, and red sneakers, Scoot is easy to spot and hard to forget. Scoot loves kids, people and lending a helping hand. Scoot will appear at community events, support hunger-relief initiatives, champion charitable causes and create memorable experiences for children and families. Whether Scoot is pointing shoppers toward a can’t-miss deal, sharing a healthy fresh dinner idea, or greeting families at a neighborhood celebration, Scoot’s mission is simple: make shopping more helpful, more rewarding and a whole lot more fun.

“Scoot may be new, but what Scoot represents has been a part of Safeway for generations: helping people save money, serving neighborhoods and making quality, fresh food and products easier to find,” said Kelly Mullin, Regional President of Marketing and Merchandising for Albertsons Companies California Region. “Scoot brings that spirit to life in a joyful new way. We believe Scoot will quickly become a familiar and beloved friend to children, families and shoppers throughout the communities we serve.”

Your Shortcut to Savings & Fresh Finds

Scoot will serve as a friendly guide at Safeway, helping shoppers discover:

  • Special savings and featured promotions
  • Peak-season produce and fresh food favorites
  • Freshest dinner ideas
  • New products and unexpected finds
  • Opportunities to support local communities and important causes

Shoppers will encounter Scoot in Safeway advertising, on social media, at pop-ins to stores, and at special events.  Scoot will help point customers toward featured offers, digital coupons and some of Safeway’s biggest deals.

Showing Up for the Community

Like Safeway, Scoot’s role will extend well beyond the grocery aisle. In 2025, Safeway in Northern California donated $55 million in food and financial support to charitable organizations serving local communities. From food drives and charitable campaigns, to store celebrations and family events, Scoot will bring energy, smiles and a spirit of service to community appearances that will reinforce Safeway’s longstanding commitment to supporting local organizations and helping our neighbors in need. To celebrate Scoot’s arrival, Safeway will donate $5,000 to a local nonprofit.

Follow Scoot’s Adventures

Follow Scoot on Instagram and TikTok at @safewaysscoot for savings tips, fresh discoveries, community appearances and behind-the-scenes fun.

ScootTM word and design trademarks are owned by subsidiaries of Albertsons Companies, Inc.

About Safeway

Safeway is one of the most well-recognized grocery retail brands with a long-standing reputation for quality and service, proudly serving Northern California since 1926. Today, the company operates over 283 stores across Northern California, Nevada and Hawaii, under various banners, including Andronico’s, Safeway, and Pak N’ Save.

Antioch man charged with human, sex trafficking following years-long investigation

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DA Investigators searching for additional victims in multi-state case

Held on $600k bail, has history of arrests

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

Martinez, CA – Investigators with the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office are asking the public for help identifying and contacting victims in a years-long human trafficking investigation.

Raymond Jamar Brooks, 32, of Antioch, (born 5/28/1994) is being held at the Martinez Detention Facility on $600,000 bail, facing multiple charges related to human trafficking. The investigation into Brooks’ alleged offenses found that he engaged in commercial sex acts with minors and adult woman through force, fraud, coercion and other means associated with sex trafficking.

The investigation has already identified several victims, whose accounts have uncovered evidence of trafficking activity spanning multiple states. To protect their privacy and safety, their identities are being withheld as the investigation continues.

Anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Brooks, or who has additional information about his alleged involvement in sex trafficking in California or elsewhere, is urged to contact Senior Inspector Ann Shiraishi of the Contra Costa County Major Crimes Task Force at (925) 917-6857 or ann.shiraishi@contracostada.org.

Those who wish to remain anonymous may call the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Tip Line at *69 (925) 957-8658 to leave a tip for law enforcement. Confidential support and resources are also available through Community Violence Solutions at 1 (800) 670-7273.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, eight-inch tall Brooks is non-Hispanic but also listed as Black, he was booked into custody on July 22, 2026, at 8:17 p.m.  and his next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 11 at 8:30 a.m. in Dep’t. 5 in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, Brooks has a history of arrests dating back to 2017, including on April 7 this year by Antioch Police for disobeying a domestic relations court order. He was also arrested in 2020 by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies for receiving stolen property – motor vehicle and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, and by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for procuring another person for purpose of prostitution in 2019 and for pimping in 2017.

Asregadoo was asked where Brooks was arrested and by what agency. He responded, “Brooks was arrested in Antioch on April 9, 2026, by the Contra Costa County Probation Department for a probation violation. The Contra Costa DA’s Office leads the investigation in this case, since it runs the Human Trafficking Task Force in partnership with local police, the FBI, and community groups.

“Brooks’s next court date is 9/11/26 at 8:30 am in Department 29 (Judge Glenn Kim) at the A.F. Bray Courts Building in Martinez. This is a setting date, where the judge, prosecutor and defense attorney schedule future court dates. It’s typically a brief, administrative hearing.”

As co-chair of the Contra Costa Human Trafficking Task Force, the District Attorney’s Office is committed to a trauma-informed, victim-centered approach in its work with survivors of human trafficking and all other victims of crime. Any victim who comes forward in response to this request will be offered supportive services and resources.

UPDATE 1: According to records of the Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa, Brooks had an Arraignment on Complaint Hearing/ Minute Order on July 21st before Judge David E. Goldstein at which he was presented with the charges and pled not guilty to each of them.

001 PC266h(a)-F: PIMPING AND SOLICITING FOR PROSTITUTE 0002529265 Not Guilty
002 PC236.1(b)-F: HUMAN TRAFFICKING 0002532647 Not Guilty
003 PC266h(a)-F: PIMPING AND SOLICITING FOR PROSTITUTE 0002532648 Not Guilty
004 PC266i(a)(2)-F: PANDERING BY ENCOURAGING 0002532649 Not Guilty
005 PC266i(a)(2)-F: PANDERING BY ENCOURAGING 0002532650 Not Guilty
006 PC266h(a)-F: PIMPING AND SOLICITING FOR PROSTITUTE 0002532659 Not Guilty
007 PC266i(a)(2)-F: PANDERING BY ENCOURAGING 0002532651 Not Guilty
008 PC266i(a)(2)-F: PANDERING BY ENCOURAGING 0002532652 Not Guilty
009 PC236.1(b)-F: HUMAN TRAFFICKING 0002529266 Not Guilty
010 PC266i(a)(2)-F: PANDERING BY ENCOURAGING 0002529264 Not Guilty

His court hearing on Friday, Sept. 11th, before Judge H. Glenn Kim, was held “To Set Hearing/ Minute Order” and for a “Criminal Protective Order”. Brooks is represented by private Lead Attorney Vincent R. Maher and has also retained Sarah Shafer.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, as of Saturday, Sept. 12th, Brooks is now being held in the West County Detention Facility and his next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 12 at 8:30 a.m. in Martinez, Department 5.

Please check back later for any additional updates to this report.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pittsburg Police Chief Galer ID’s officer, Oakley man in shooting inside police station

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Issues Critical Incident Update explains what transpired

“Officer Sanchez had been ambushed, beaten and shot. He still did not stop fighting.” – Chief Galer who admits another “officer failed to locate firearm concealed in the suspect’s clothing.”

Suspect has arrest record

Actualización sobre incidente crítico: Un mensaje del Jefe de Policía Phil Galer

By Sara Bellafronte, Assistant to the Pittsburg City Manager

The following message was issued today, Tuesday, September 8, 2026, by Pittsburg Police Chief Phil Galer regarding last Thursday’s officer-involved shooting inside the Pittsburg Police station. (See related article)

“On Thursday, September 3, at approximately 3:45 PM Officer Jimmy Sanchez, a four-and-a-half-year veteran of the police department, was violently attacked and shot while fighting for his life inside the Pittsburg Police Department booking facility.

Our preliminary investigation determined that officers arrested 31-year-old Michael Arthur-Sanchez Gardner Martin (born 12/25/94) for driving a stolen vehicle and outstanding felony warrants. He was searched at the time of his arrest and again after being transported to our booking facility. During both searches, the same officer failed to locate a firearm concealed in the suspect’s clothing.

That was a serious failure. We acknowledge it, and it will be thoroughly examined through an administrative investigation. We will determine how it happened and take immediate corrective action to prevent it from happening again.

But that failure cannot be allowed to obscure what happened next.

Based on our preliminary investigation and available evidence, after being placed in a holding cell, the suspect concealed the firearm inside a toilet. A few hours later while awaiting transport to county jail, he retrieved it and hid it beneath a jail blanket draped over his shoulders.

Officer Jimmy Sanchez, who was not the arresting or searching officer, later entered the booking facility.  At this time the suspect asked him for water and told him he was not feeling well. Officer Sanchez brought him water and approached the cell to check on his welfare.

The suspect responded to that act of compassion by attacking him.

Without warning, he punched Officer Sanchez in the face, threw the blanket over his head and repeatedly struck him in the head with the firearm. The suspect then succeeded in firing a single round. Preliminary evidence indicates that round first passed through the suspect’s own thigh before striking Officer Sanchez in the lower abdomen below his body armor. Based on the evidence currently available, both gunshot wounds resulted from the single round fired by the suspect.

Officer Sanchez had been ambushed, beaten and shot. He still did not stop fighting.

His actions prevented the suspect from firing another round and gave responding officers the time they needed to enter the facility, disarm the suspect and end the attack. Those officers responded without hesitation and demonstrated extraordinary courage, discipline and restraint.

They then provided immediate medical aid to both Officer Sanchez and the suspect.

I want to make one very clear distinction. While the firearm should have never been allowed to make it into our booking facility, it was Martin who knowingly concealed, retrieved and then utilized that firearm to ambush, violently assault and ultimately try to take the life of one of our officers. That distinction matters and I do not want legitimate criticism of a failure of a young officer’s search to overshadow that fact.

Officer Sanchez did not survive because Martin stopped his attack or decided to change course. Officer Sanchez survived because he refused to give up. He survived because he fought through a brutal attack, a gunshot wound, and because he and his fellow officers physically ripped a gun away from Martin’s hands.

That is the story I do not want to get lost as we move forward through this traumatic incident.

As it relates to medical status. The suspect was treated at a local hospital and subsequently booked the same day into county jail on multiple felony charges including attempted murder of a police officer. Officer Sanchez underwent surgery for his injuries and is recovering with family and the department by his side. A third assisting officer was treated for minor injuries and is recovering.

I want to thank our community, elected officials and City staff for the extraordinary support they have shown Officer Sanchez, his family and our department. I also want to thank the first responders and medical personnel who cared for him, and the Pittsburg police officers who responded that day with courage, decisive action, professionalism and restraint.

In closing, several media stories have reported details of this incident citing “police sources.” I want to be clear these sources were not authorized Pittsburg Police informational releases. I have intentionally delayed this official release until our detectives and investigators from the Contra County District Attorney’s Office have had an opportunity to collect and review critical evidence and interview all applicable witnesses. This is still an active investigation and I do not plan on releasing any further information at this time. Our focus will remain on supporting our officers, their family and ensuring the integrity of this investigation as it moves forward through the criminal justice system.”

Phil Galer, Chief of Police, Pittsburg Police Department

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office In-Custody Details, the five-foot, eight-inch tall, 220-pound Martin is Hispanic and being h eld in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail, although it’s been set at $472,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 16 at 8:30 a.m. in Martinez Superior Court Dept. 5.

According to localcrimenews.com, Martin is an Oakley resident and July 1, 2025, he was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance with a firearm, possession of drug paraphernalia, addict/felon/etc. in possession of firearm, carrying a loaded firearm on person or in vehicle while in public place, carry a concealed weapon in a vehicle and possession/etc. of a firearm without an identifying mark.

According to court records, a Request for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order was filed against Martin by Vanessa Ponce on Nov. 23, 2022. But during a hearing on Dec. 15th that year, it was dismissed.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Actualización sobre incidente crítico: Un mensaje del Jefe de Policía Phil Galer

Por Sara Bellafronte, Asistente del Administrador de la Ciudad Pittsburg

El jueves 3 de septiembre, aproximadamente a las 3:45 p. m., el oficial Jimmy Sanchez —veterano con cuatro años y medio de servicio en el departamento de policía— fue atacado violentamente y recibió un disparo mientras luchaba por su vida dentro de las instalaciones de procesamiento de detenidos del Departamento de Policía de Pittsburg.

Nuestra investigación preliminar determinó que los oficiales arrestaron a Michael Sanchez Gardner Martin, de 31 años, por conducir un vehículo robado y por tener órdenes de arresto pendientes por delitos graves. Fue registrado en el momento de su detención y nuevamente tras ser trasladado a nuestras instalaciones de procesamiento. En ambos registros, el mismo oficial no logró detectar un arma de fuego oculta entre las ropas del sospechoso.

Esa fue una falla grave. Lo reconocemos, y el asunto será examinado minuciosamente mediante una investigación administrativa. Determinaremos cómo sucedió y tomaremos medidas correctivas inmediatas para evitar que vuelva a ocurrir.

Sin embargo, no podemos permitir que esa falla opaque lo que sucedió después.

Según nuestra investigación preliminar y las pruebas disponibles, tras ser colocado en una celda de detención, el sospechoso ocultó el arma de fuego dentro de un inodoro. Unas horas más tarde, mientras esperaba el traslado a la cárcel del condado, la recuperó y la escondió bajo una manta de la cárcel que llevaba sobre los hombros.

El oficial Jimmy Sanchez, quien no había participado en el arresto ni en los registros previos, entró posteriormente en el área de procesamiento. En ese momento, el sospechoso le pidió agua y le dijo que no se sentía bien. El oficial Sanchez le llevó agua y se acercó a la celda para verificar su estado.

El sospechoso respondió a ese acto de compasión atacándolo.

Sin previo aviso, golpeó al oficial Sanchez en el rostro, le arrojó la manta sobre la cabeza y lo golpeó repetidamente en la cabeza con el arma de fuego. Luego, el sospechoso logró disparar una sola vez. Las pruebas preliminares indican que la bala atravesó primero el muslo del propio sospechoso antes de impactar al oficial Sanchez en la parte baja del abdomen, por debajo de su chaleco antibalas. Según la evidencia disponible actualmente, ambas heridas de bala fueron causadas por el único disparo efectuado por el sospechoso.

El oficial Sánchez fue víctima de una emboscada, golpeado y baleado. Aun así, no dejó de luchar.

Sus acciones impidieron que el sospechoso disparara otra vez y dieron a los oficiales que acudieron al lugar el tiempo necesario para entrar en las instalaciones, desarmar al sospechoso y poner fin al ataque. Dichos oficiales intervinieron sin vacilar y demostraron un valor, una disciplina y una contención extraordinarios.

Acto seguido, brindaron asistencia médica inmediata tanto al oficial Sánchez como al sospechoso.

Quiero hacer una distinción muy clara. Si bien nunca se debió haber permitido que el arma de fuego llegara a nuestras instalaciones de registro, fue Martin quien, a sabiendas, ocultó, sacó y utilizó dicha arma para tender una emboscada, agredir violentamente y, finalmente, intentar quitarle la vida a uno de nuestros oficiales. Esa distinción es importante, y no quiero que las críticas legítimas sobre el fallo en el registro realizado por un oficial joven eclipsen ese hecho.

El oficial Sánchez no sobrevivió porque Martin detuviera su ataque o decidiera cambiar de actitud. El oficial Sánchez sobrevivió porque se negó a rendirse. Sobrevivió porque luchó para superar un ataque brutal y una herida de bala, y porque él y sus compañeros lograron arrebatarle físicamente el arma de las manos a Martin.

Esa es la historia que no quiero que se pierda mientras avanzamos tras este traumático incidente.

En cuanto al estado médico: el sospechoso fue atendido en un hospital local y, ese mismo día, ingresado en la cárcel del condado bajo múltiples cargos graves, incluido el intento de asesinato de un agente de policía. El oficial Sánchez fue sometido a una cirugía por sus heridas y se está recuperando acompañado por su familia y miembros del departamento. Un tercer oficial que prestó apoyo fue atendido por lesiones leves y se encuentra en proceso de recuperación.

Quiero agradecer a nuestra comunidad, a los funcionarios electos y al personal municipal por el extraordinario apoyo que han brindado al oficial Sánchez, a su familia y a nuestro departamento. También deseo expresar mi gratitud a los equipos de emergencia y al personal médico que lo atendieron, así como a los oficiales de policía de Pittsburg que intervinieron aquel día con valentía, decisión, profesionalismo y contención.

Para finalizar, diversos medios de comunicación han difundido detalles de este incidente citando “fuentes policiales”. Quiero aclarar que dichas fuentes no emitieron comunicados oficiales autorizados por la Policía de Pittsburg. He retrasado deliberadamente este comunicado oficial hasta que nuestros detectives y los investigadores de la Fiscalía del Condado de Contra Costa tuvieran la oportunidad de recopilar y examinar pruebas cruciales, así como de entrevistar a todos los testigos pertinentes. La investigación sigue en curso y no tengo previsto facilitar más información por el momento. Seguiremos centrados en apoyar a nuestros agentes y a sus familias, así como en garantizar la integridad de esta investigación a medida que avanza a través del sistema de justicia penal.

Phil Galer, Jefe de Policía, Departamento de Policía de Pittsburg

21st Annual Swim Across America – SF Bay Area Open Water Swim Sept. 12

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Photo: Swim Across America

More than 500 swimmers, volunteers and supporters expected

Over $7 million raised by Bay Area Swim to support pediatric cancer research and survivorship programs at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals

By Jenifer Howard, Swim Across America – San Francisco

Swim Across America, the national nonprofit organization that makes waves to fight cancer through charity swims across the U.S., will host the 21st annual Swim Across America – San Francisco Bay Area Open Water Swim on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The iconic 1.5-mile point-to-point swim starts at Little Marina Green, 3650 Yacht Road, in San Francisco, and finishes in Aquatic Park. Swimmers, volunteers and kayakers are invited to participate and help raise funds for pediatric cancer research and patient care supporting the swim’s beneficiary UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals in Oakland and San Francisco. Those who cannot participate in person can still make waves to fight cancer through SAA My Way, Swim Across America’s virtual option. To register, volunteer or donate, visit swimacrossamerica.org/sanfrancisco.

Established in 2006, Swim Across America – San Francisco Bay Area has granted more than $7 million to support the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute and the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital San Francisco Survivors of Childhood Cancer Program. Each year, the charity swim brings together more than 500 swimmers, volunteers, spectators and supporters, along with Olympians and other special guests, for one of the Bay Area’s most memorable open water events.

“For 20 years, this community has shown what can happen when individuals take something they love — swimming — and turn it into a way to help families facing cancer,” said Laura Hovden, co-event director of Swim Across America – San Francisco Bay Area. “More than $7 million has gone directly to our local UCSF programs because swimmers, volunteers, kayakers, donors and teams keep showing up year after year. Our swim is about coming together, making waves and giving patients more hope and researchers more funds to make a difference.”

Few embody that commitment more than longtime swimmer, former San Francisco event director and three-time cancer survivor Susan Helmrich, captain of Team Susan Survives and one of this year’s leading fundraisers.

This year marks 49 years since Susan Helmrich’s first cancer diagnosis. She was just 21 years old when she was treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Her second cancer diagnosis came 28 years ago. In 2009, she faced cancer for a third time and underwent a 6½-hour Whipple procedure for neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer, followed by 23 days at Stanford Hospital.

Through it all, Susan has made raising money for cancer research a central part of her life. Throughout the years, Team Susan Survives has raised more than $1 million for local pediatric cancer research programs. As Susan approaches her 71st birthday, she has set an ambitious goal for this year: recruit 71 swimmers, kayakers, runners, cyclists, yogis, dancers, hikers, walkers and other supporters to Team Susan Survives and together raise $171,000 through the open water swim and SAA My Way.

“I am honored and proud to have survived cancer three times, and I want nothing more than to have anyone who ever gets a cancer diagnosis have the chance to live and survive as I have,” Susan said. “As the years go on, I realize that I am committed more than ever to raising money to help investigators, researchers, physicians and support services find a cure for cancer in our lifetime.”

Susan Helmrich is also swimming in memory of her mother, Edna Helmrich, who passed away in 2019 at age 92 and was herself a 53-year breast cancer survivor.

“She was my role model and my hero,” Susan said. “This year, I’m hoping that friends, old and new, from near and far will join me and Team Susan Survives to raise money for pediatric cancer research at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals in San Francisco and Oakland.”

Another team entering the San Francisco Bay this year will be carrying the memory of someone deeply loved.

Team Batt Bunch, also known as KeckCrewSF, is captained by Mike Keck and will swim in honor and memory of Brian Batt, husband of Rene and father of swimmers Amelia and Sarah Batt. The team has participated in Swim Across America for many years, but its fight against cancer became profoundly personal when Brian was diagnosed with cancer.

Even while undergoing treatment, Brian remained determined to be there for his daughters. He scheduled his treatment so he could travel to England when Amelia and Sarah participated in an English Channel relay in 2022, where Amelia had the honor of touching France for the team, and again for their Loch Lomond swim in 2024. During treatment, Brian continued showing up at Aquatic Park to cheer the girls on during their training swims. Brian succumbed to cancer in the fall of 2025.

“Brian fought with strength, courage and dignity, and he kept showing up for his family through all of it,” Mike Keck said. “For years, we swam with Swim Across America to fight cancer. Then that fight became very real for our family and our team. Brian is missed terribly, but we will carry on just like he did, and we hope what we do can help spare other families from experiencing that same loss.”

The money raised by swimmers such as Helmrich, Keck and their teammates is already helping scientists at UCSF pursue promising new approaches to pediatric cancer.

Julie Saba, M.D., Ph.D., a UCSF pediatric oncologist, cancer researcher and director of the Swim Across America-supported research laboratory at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, leads research examining the genetic and metabolic drivers of childhood cancers. Her research team has identified important genetic drivers of neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer, and has shown that disrupting the gene’s activity can prevent neuroblastoma cells from forming tumors. This research could ultimately offer a new avenue for targeting cancers in which the AF1q gene plays a role. Swim Across America funding helped support this work.

Saba also leads the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland Swimmers, now in its eighth year participating in the San Francisco event.

“Without Swim Across America, I could not undertake the high-risk, high-reward studies that we believe hold benefit for the children and adults with cancer of tomorrow,” Saba said. “Nonprofit support of research is more important than ever.”

For Swim Across America – San Francisco Bay Area Co-Event Director Jackie NeJaime, the connection between the swimmers and researchers is what makes the event especially powerful.

“Our swimmers get to see exactly why their fundraising matters,” Jackie said. “Researchers like Dr. Saba are pursuing ideas that might otherwise struggle to get early funding, while our survivorship programs are helping young people long after their cancer treatment ends. When we swim from Little Marina Green to Aquatic Park, we know where the money is going and the impact this community is helping make.”

The event is also inspiring a new generation of swimmers to get involved.

Friends of Armada, captained by Julie Herson, returns for its third year with youth competitive swimmers from Albany Armada Aquatics Club. The team has already raised more than $17,000 during its involvement with Swim Across America and is working to raise even more this year for UCSF patients, physicians and researchers.

Also returning is UCSF Team Newborn, captained by Tom Shimotake, M.D., which will mark its 15th year participating in the San Francisco Bay swim. The team is made up of friends and supporters of the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Intensive Care Nursery who share a commitment to fighting childhood cancer. Nearly one-quarter of pediatric malignancies are diagnosed during the first year of life, giving the team’s mission a particularly close connection to the patients its members serve.

Among the San Francisco community’s other leading fundraisers this year is Berkeley marathon swimmer Maya Merhige, who completed both the North Channel and Strait of Gibraltar this summer as part of her quest to complete the Oceans Seven. Merhige will be away at college on the day of the San Francisco swim but continues to raise funds for Swim Across America and its cancer research mission.

From cancer survivors to families swimming in memory of loved ones, young competitive swimmers and UCSF physicians and researchers, the September 12 swim will bring together hundreds with a shared goal: using the waters of San Francisco Bay to help create better outcomes for people facing cancer.

“Whether this is your first open water swim or you’ve been swimming in the Bay for decades, there is a place for you in this community,” Laura Hovden noted. “Swim, kayak, volunteer, create your own SAA My Way activity or support someone who is participating. Every person can help us make waves to fight cancer.”

Nationally, Swim Across America has raised more than $150 million for cancer research since its founding in 1987 and has helped fund clinical trials that contributed to the FDA-approved cancer immunotherapy medications Keytruda, Opdivo, Yervoy and Tecentriq. In the past year, Swim Across America funded a breakthrough clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering that showed that immunotherapy alone could successfully treat certain types of cancer. The organization also recently awarded two first-of-its-kind gene editing innovation grants to the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, advancing novel CRISPR gene and base editing techniques used in targeted therapies, immunotherapies and cellular therapies. Swim Across America supports more than 60 cancer research projects annually, has eight named Swim Across America labs, and supports work at many of the nation’s leading cancer institutions.

For more information, to join as a swimmer, volunteer or kayaker, or to participate virtually or donate to Swim Across America – San Francisco Bay Area, visit swimacrossamerica.org/sanfrancisco.

Swim Across America, Inc. (SAA) is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events. With open water and pool swims in 27 communities across the United States – from Nantucket to under the Golden Gate Bridge – Swim Across America, along with the help of thousands of swimmers and volunteers nationwide, and past and current Olympians, is helping find better treatments and a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. To learn more, visit swimacrossamerica.org.

56-year-old woman dies in fatal solo vehicle collision in Brentwood

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By Chris Bollinger, Community Engagement Officer, Brentwood Police Department

This morning, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, at approximately 6:16 am, Brentwood Police officers responded to the area of Sand Creek Road and Shady Willow Lane regarding a collision involving a vehicle and an agricultural tractor.

Officers and medical personnel arrived on scene and located a 56-year-old female driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. Despite lifesaving efforts, she was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The cause of the collision remains under investigation. At this time, it is unknown weather drugs or alcohol were a factor in the collision.

The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Brentwood Police Department at (925) 809-7911.