Contra Costa Herald

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

Oakley man and his dog die in car after striking tree in Antioch

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By Lt. Rick Martin, Investigations Bureau, Antioch Police Department

On December 26, 2023, at approximately 2:45 a.m. Antioch Police Officers responded to Wilbur Avenue near the intersection of Apollo Court on a report of a vehicle on fire after having collided into a tree. Officers along with the Contra Costa County Fire Department arrived and were able to extinguish the fire, unfortunately the driver, a 28-year-old male from Oakley and his dog succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.

We are withholding the name of the decedent until proper family notifications have been made. It appears speed and alcohol were factors in this incident. No further information will be provided at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to call Lieutenant Rick Martin at (925) 779-6972 or the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441.

Stolen car driver arrested after crashing into Hercules police vehicle during pursuit

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Photos: Hercules PD

By Hercules Police Department

On Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, at approximately 12:03 PM officers received a Flock camera notification of a stolen gray Hyundai Sonata in area of Willow Avenue at Sycamore Avenue. An officer observed the Hyundai turning right onto San Pablo Ave from Sycamore Ave. The officer attempted to initiate a traffic enforcement stop and notified other officers in the area on the radio.

Another officer that was on an unrelated traffic enforcement stop John Muir Parkway at San Pablo Ave. observed the Hyundai begin to accelerate away at a high rate of speed. The officer had an opportunity to deploy stop sticks successfully deflating three tires.

Officers trailed the Hyundai eastbound on State Route 4 for community safety purposes. The Hyundai was not able to evade the officers effectively due to the tires being deflated completely. As the trailing progressed on State Route 4 the integrity of the Hyundai’s rims failed causing the vehicle to drive erratically and slower. An officer began a traffic break to help slow down other vehicles on the highway. The driver lost control and spun-out facing west on State Route 4. The driver attempted to continue evading again and drove directly toward a patrol vehicle that was stopped with the officer inside. The Hyundai struck the officer’s vehicle. The officers were able to safely arrest the driver.

The driver and officer sustained no injuries. The driver was then medically cleared at the hospital and later transported to juvenile hall. The Hyundai was towed.

Oakley man arrested for hit-and-run of bicyclist

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Timmy Hudson in a photo posted on his Facebook page on Dec. 2, 2023. and photo of his car that was taken prior to the incident. Car photo source: Oakley PD

Police seek assistance in locating suspect’s car; out of custody

By Oakley Police Department

On Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, shortly after midnight, Oakley police officers were dispatched to the area of Bridgehead Road and Main Street to investigate a male lying in the roadway. Our officers arrived and located an adult male victim lying in the road next to a bicycle. Officers rendered aid and summoned Emergency Medical Services. It was determined the victim was riding his bicycle home after getting off work and the victim was struck by a vehicle, unfortunately the victim succumbed to his injuries.

Oakley traffic investigators have reviewed several forms of digital media in the area and determined the vehicle involved in the collision fled the scene and did not stop to check on the victim. Traffic investigators have determined that vehicle to be a silver 2015 Toyota Camry, CA license plate # 8ERS961. The registered owner of the vehicle, Timmy Lee Hudson (55, Oakley), has been taken into custody in connection with this case, but he has not been forthcoming on where his vehicle is. Investigators have been actively attempting to locate Hudson’s vehicle but have been unable to do so up to this point.

Our efforts have included making contact with family members, searching his home and checking with auto body repair shops. Hudson is known to frequent the Oakland area as well as Oakley. The vehicle is believed to have sustained front end and windshield damage. It is possible the license plates are no longer attached to the vehicle at this point. We have checked local auto body shops, but we also realize there are dozens of auto body shops outside of our immediate area.

We are seeking the assistance of the public and we will do everything possible to be respectful of anonymity. If you have any information regarding this case or the whereabouts of Hudson’s vehicle, please contact Traffic Investigator Palmer at 925-625-8831 or Oakley PD Dispatch at 925-625-8060. We are additionally asking anybody associated with an auto body repair business to be on the lookout for a vehicle like Hudson’s in their shop.

For reference we have attached a photo of Hudson’s vehicle that was taken prior to this incident.

According to Hudson’s Facebook page, he works as a dishwasher at Drake’s Dealership and in maintenance at Groge M Martin Co., which is believed to be George M. Martin Company, in Emeryville, and claims to be a “loving father and husband.” According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, he is booked on Thursday, Dec. 21 and out of custody on bond as of Friday, Dec. 22.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood man, two teens arrested for Hayward carjacking

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Screenshot of dashcam video shows the carjacking suspects with their hands up being stopped on Balfour Road just west of John Muir Parkway on Dec. 15, 2023. Source: Brentwood Police

Weapon possibly used in crime confiscated; third arrest this year for one of the teens

By Brentwood Police Department

On Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, a Brentwood Officer was patrolling the area of Balfour Road and West County Club Drive when he was alerted to a vehicle that had just committed a carjacking in the City of Hayward.

The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the car, however the car attempted to flee from the officer. Fortunately, all occupants from the vehicle were safely detained at Balfour Road and John Muir Parkway.

The driver, identified as 21-year-old Zane Malakai Vincent of Brentwood, was placed under arrest. A weapon believed to be used in the commission of the crime was located. Hayward PD later responded to complete their investigation and the other two occupants, 18-year-old Christian Grajales of Hayward and 19-year-old Wilberth Yair MartinezHerrera of Newark, were identified as the suspects involved in the carjacking. (See dashcam video)

Crime has no borders and luckily, the officer was proactive in preventing the potential for additional crime in our city.

According to localcrimenews.com, Vincent was arrested for receiving stolen property – motor vehicle. According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, he bonded out on Dec. 16.

Also, according to localcrimenews.com, in addition to carjacking, Grajales was arrested for committing a felony while released on bail or own recognizance, conspiracy to commit a crime, assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily harm and false imprisonment by violence.

It was his third arrest, this year as Grajales was arrested the day before by Newark Police for robbery and resisting, obstructing and/or delaying a peace officer. He was also arrested by Hayward Police on July 24, for exhibiting a deadly weapon other than a firearm. According to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, he is in custody at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin.

According to localcrimenews.com, MartinezHerrera was arrested for driving without a license, hit-and-run resulting in property damage, DUI and being a minor driving with a Blood Alcohol Content of .05% or more.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Oakley pizza delivery driver shot and killed identified

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Gabriel Stewart. Source: GoFundMe

GoFundMe account established to support mother of Freedom High grad, Los Medanos College student; police seek suspect

By Allen D. Payton

The Contra Costa Coroner has identified the pizza delivery driver who was shot and killed in his car in front of his Oakley home on Wednesday night, Dec. 20, 2023 as Gabriel Stewart. (See related article)

Police still seek the suspect in the homicide.

A GoFundMe account was established on Friday by Court Russ to support Stewart’s mother and offers details about the young man’s life:

“This fundraiser is being organized to support Carol Stewart, during this overwhelmingly difficult time, following the tragic death of her only son, Gabriel, who was just 24 years young. It is my hope and intention that we can collectively provide monetary support so Gabriel’s mother and family can focus their time and attention on their grieving process, under these extremely difficult circumstances.

Words cannot express the tremendous depth of heartache that Gabe’s mother and family are enduring. Just last weekend they gathered for their annual gingerbread house decorating contest and holiday festivities, and now – when they should be preparing for Christmas together- his family is instead planning a funeral and grieving the loss of their son/brother/uncle.

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To give some insight to the young man that Gabe was and the things that brought him joy in life, his family shared the following…

“He was Gabe to us….he loved his family, was a devoted son, brother and uncle. He was a wonderful friend. There are no words to describe how much he loved his mom and siblings.

Gabe was funny and had a competitive spirit, infectious laugh and loved to hang with friends and family. He had a large group of friends who he played basketball with and went to the movies & played video games with. (He loved playing Apex Legends and Madden on X-box!)

He loved the 49ers, especially Nick Bosa, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle and Deebo Samuel. He was also a devoted fan of Russell Westbrook, following his career and whatever basketball team he played for.

Gabe was really into Jujutsu Kaisen and would get so excited every Thursday when a new episode would come out, watching it first and then running to tell his sister about it.

He was also a HUGE fan of Naruto and just finished re-watching the whole series, and loved, loved, loved Naruto!!

He loved riding his bike around town, discovering new places and going on vacation.

Gabe graduated from Freedom High School and was in his final semester at Los Medanos College before transferring to Cal State East Bay. He was employed as a delivery driver with Dominoes for the past 4+ years as he worked his way through college.

Gabe loved music, loved cats & hated spiders! He had a sweet tooth and loved chocolate!

We miss him immensely.”

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Please keep Gabriel’s family in your prayers. If it is on your heart to do so, please contribute any amount that you are able. Your consideration is appreciated more than words can possibly express.

On behalf of the Stewart family, thank you for reading, sharing and words of support.

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As of Saturday morning, Dec. 23, $4,983 had been contributed toward the effort’s $10,000 goal.

Kaiser Permanente partners with Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano to provide food for people in need

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Kaiser Permanente Contra Costa County/Tri-Valley Service Area Community Health Manager Leslie Brown presents a $365,000 check to Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano VP of Finance Brian Morrow. Photo: KP

Contributes $365,000 to fund 540,000 meals

By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

In the Bay Area, 1 in 4 residents will struggle with food insecurity this year. To help manage the expected increase in food insecurity during the holidays, Kaiser Permanente is making multiple investments in the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano by providing funds for 540,000 meals. On Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, Kaiser Permanente presented a $365,000 check at the Concord food bank site.

“To our partners at Kaiser Permanente, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this generous donation,” said Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano VP of Finance Brian Morrow. “With this money, we will be able to provide 540,000 meals to our neighbors in need. We thank you so much. Happy holidays!”

Every month, local residents visit the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano for supplemental food. The food bank anticipates that the demand for food assistance will increase by about 20 percent during the holiday season.

A grant of $270,000 from Kaiser Permanente supports healthy food distributions, and an additional $95,000 grant from a Kaiser Permanente fund at the East Bay Community Foundation supports outreach to ensure that community members will have access to CalFresh (California’s food stamp program) and Medi-Cal. The food bank recently kicked off its 3 Million Meals Campaign.

Last Tuesday, community volunteers sorted and packaged produce at the food bank for upcoming food distributions. According to the CA Association of Food Banks, California produces nearly half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables, about 8.8 million people are food insecure. Food insecurity is defined as limited or uncertain access to enough food to lead a healthy, active life. The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano provides more than 3.4 million meals each month.

“We believe that our health is our wealth,” said Kaiser Permanente Contra Costa County and Tri-Valley Service Area Community Health Manager Leslie Brown. “In order for you to be able to take care of your physical health, you need nutritious meals. It’s so important for people to have access to healthy food so they can take care of their physical health.”

East Bay Parks: Annual wild mushroom warning

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Wild mushrooms. Source: EBRPD

Learn more about mushrooms at the Tilden Fungus Fair Jan. 20-21

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, East Bay Regional Park District

With the return of winter rains, park visitors may have noticed mushrooms popping up in the Regional Parks. Mushrooms are an ecologically important part of our parklands and can look beautiful – but some of them contain dangerous toxins.

The death cap (Amanita phalloides) and western destroying angel (Amanita ocreata) are two of the world’s most toxic mushrooms, and both can be found in East Bay Regional Parks during the rainy season.

The death cap and western destroying angel mushrooms contain amatoxins, molecules that are deadly to many animals. Symptoms may not appear until up to 12 hours after consumption, beginning as severe gastrointestinal distress and progressing to liver and kidney failure if treatment is not sought immediately. Both mushrooms can be lethal to humans and pets if consumed. They are mainly associated with oak trees and can be found growing anywhere oak roots are present.

The death cap is a medium to large mushroom that typically has a greenish-gray cap, white gills, a white ring around the stem, and a large white sac at the base of the stem. Although the death cap is mainly associated with oak trees, it has been found growing with other hardwoods. It was accidentally introduced to North America on the roots of European cork oaks and is now slowly colonizing the west coast. The death cap is not native to California.

The western destroying angel is a medium to large mushroom that usually has a creamy white cap, white gills, a white ring around the stem that can disappear with age, and a thin white sac at the base. It fruits from late winter into spring. It is associated exclusively with oaks. Unlike the death cap, it is a native California mushroom.

The Park District urges the public to be safe and knowledgeable about toxic mushrooms when encountering them in the parks. Collecting any mushrooms in East Bay Regional Parks is not allowed.

Pet owners should contact a veterinarian immediately if they suspect their pet may have eaten a toxic mushroom.

While the death cap and western destroying angel mushrooms are responsible for most cases of mushroom poisonings in California, deadly toxins can also be found in Galerina and Lepiota mushroom species, which also occur in the Bay Area. For more information about toxic mushrooms, visit www.ebparks.org/safety/trails/toxic-mushrooms.

Learn More About Fungi – Tilden Fungus Fair, January 20-21, 2024

Celebrate the fruits of winter! View hundreds of local mushroom specimens, mingle with the mycological community, and enjoy presentations by guest speakers at this two-day special event. Saturday, January 20, and Sunday, January 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area. For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/events/tilden-fungus-fair.

 

2024 Contra Costa County Fair to run May 16-19

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Exciting arena events, concert series, carnival rides, livestock, exhibits and more!

ANTIOCH – Save the date for the 2024 Contra Costa County FAIR happening May 16 – 19 at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch.

To FAIR and Beyond is the theme for a fun planned four-day event for fair-goers of all ages.  The Contra Costa County Fair is the perfect place to enjoy live entertainment, exciting arena events, delicious food, carnival rides, animals and hundreds of exhibits – all in a community-friendly environment at affordable prices!

Main stage entertainment at our 2024 FAIR concert series is FREE with admission to the FAIR.

The Contra Costa Fairgrounds are located at 1201 West 10th Street in Antioch.

Visit www.contracostafair.com for more information.

 

Richmond woman’s fatal DUI crash on Hwy 4 near Martinez takes life of her 5-year-old

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Shakela Janey Dominick and her daughter in photos posted to her Facebook page on (left) Jan. 16, 2022, and (right) Nov. 1, 2018.

Also injured another passenger, an 11-year-old boy; driver also arrested for manslaughter, charged with 5 felonies

By Allen D. Payton

According to CHP – Contra Costa, early Sunday morning, Dec. 17 ,2023, at 12:06 am, CHP Contra Costa was advised of a solo vehicle traffic crash on westbound Hwy 4 near Morello Avenue. Our preliminary investigation indicates a grey Honda CR-V was occupied by one adult driver and two children and traveling westbound on Hwy 4. The driver lost control of the vehicle and the Honda left the roadway and collided with a tree.

The driver, identified in court records as Shakela Janey Dominick, 32, of Richmond, sustained moderate injuries and was transported to the hospital. An 11-year-old passenger sustained major, life-threatening injuries and was transported to the hospital. A 5-year-old passenger, Dearri Shula of Richmond, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

During the on-scene investigation, it was determined Dearri was not properly restrained in a child seat. Furthermore, Officers arrived at the hospital to conduct a DUI investigation and Dominick, who earlier was reported to be the mother of both children, was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence and manslaughter. But it was later learned the 11-year-old is a boy and not her son.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, she is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $400,000 bail.

According to Contra Costa DA spokesman Ted Asregadoo, Dominick was arraigned Thursday afternoon, Dec. 21 and during the court hearing, a bail reduction request by the defense from $400,000 to $100,000 was denied by the judge and that her blood alcohol level was 0.16 to 0.17 percent.

She was charged with five felonies for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated with one enhancement for bodily injury to more than one victim; driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage causing injury with three enhancements, two for great bodily injury and one for bodily injury to more than one victim; driving with a .08% Blood Alcohol Content causing injury with the same three enhancements; and two counts of child abuse. Dominick faces up to three years in state prison for each charge. 01-23-03987 – Shakela Janey Dominick Charging Document

A preliminary hearing was set for Dec. 29 at 8:30 am with Judge Jennifer Lee in Department 25 in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, Dominick was arrested by Vacaville Police in October 2020 for shoplifting.

This crash is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed it or the events leading up to it, please contact CHP Contra Costa in Martinez, (925) 646-4980 or email your contact information to mailto:320Investigations@chp.ca.gov to be contacted by the investigating officer.

 

Save Mount Diablo closes escrow on Krane Pond property

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The Krane Pond property. Photo: Scott Hein

By Laura Kindsvater, Senior Communications Manager, Save Mount Diablo

CLAYTON, CA—On Wednesday, December 20, 2023, Save Mount Diablo closed escrow on the 6.69-acre Krane Pond property on the slopes of Mount Diablo’s North Peak, permanently protecting it. The Krane Pond property is part of the “Missing Mile,” a square mile of partly unprotected land on Mount Diablo’s North Peak.

The property has been a priority of Save Mount Diablo’s since our founding in 1971, in part because of its large pond, one of the largest on Mount Diablo’s north side, and its position directly adjacent to Mount Diablo State Park. (See related articles here and here)

Krane Pond is a vital water source for Mount Diablo’s wildlife, one that contains water throughout most summers, unlike many of the creeks and other ponds found on Mount Diablo. The ecological significance of Krane Pond far eclipses its size.

Wildlife that could potentially benefit from Krane Pond. Illustration by James Woods Marshall.

Save Mount Diablo secured the option agreement to purchase Krane Pond in the fall of 2022, with a year to raise the necessary funds to complete the purchase. Save Mount Diablo had one year to raise the $500,000 needed to cover the various project costs for acquiring the Krane Pond property.

We are particularly grateful to have received 257 donations totaling $61,361 from the readers of Joan Morris’s East Bay Times and Mercury News column. Their gifts arrived close to the fundraising deadline, when it was a race against time to acquire the remaining funds to complete the purchase.

A development lies along one of the property’s borders, a very real reminder of how the land could have been graded and paved over had Save Mount Diablo not acquired it.

The Krane Pond property is directly adjacent to Mount Diablo State Park and harbors a large pond that is essential for wildlife. Photo: Sean Burke

In 1978, Walt and Roseann Krane purchased 6.69 acres of land on the outskirts of Clayton, bordered by Mount Diablo State Park and the meridian on the west side, Mount Diablo Creek on the north side, and property held by ranchers to the east.

Although the Krane family initially had plans to build a house on the property, they decided to preserve the land and eventually sold it to Save Mount Diablo.

Map of location of the Krane Pond property in the “Missing Mile” on the north slopes of Mount Diablo’s North Peak. Map by Save Mount Diablo

About Save Mount Diablo

Save Mount Diablo is a nationally accredited, nonprofit land trust founded in 1971 with a mission to preserve Mount Diablo’s peaks, surrounding foothills, watersheds, and connection to the Diablo Range through land acquisition and preservation strategies designed to protect the mountain’s natural beauty, biological diversity, and historic and agricultural heritage; enhance our area’s quality of life; and provide educational and recreational opportunities consistent with protection of natural resources. To learn more, please visit www.savemountdiablo.org.