Contra Costa Herald

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

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“Let’s Go Country” at the 2025 Contra Costa County Fair in Antioch May 15-18

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Miss Contra Costa County Fair to be chosen Thursday, May 17

Discounted Presale Tickets & Carnival Unlimited Ride Wristband pass on sale now

Fair Hours: 12:00 Noon-9:30pm Daily. (Gates Close at 9pm)

Midway of Fun Carnival Hours: Noon-10pm Daily except Saturday, Noon-11pm (Carnival will remain open after Fair Gates Close)

SPECIAL DAYS

Dollar Day – Thursday, May 15 at Noon – $1 Admission until 5pm Buy 1 Carnival Ride Wristband get 1 FREE until 6pm (Riders must be present at time of wristband purchase)

Senior Day – Friday, May 16 – $1 Admission for Seniors 62+.

Military & Law Enforcement Day – Saturday, May 17 – Military/Law Enforcement and their families with active ID will receive FREE Admission.

Fiesta Day – Sunday, May 18 – Hispanic Themed Stage and Grounds Entertainment.

See complete schedule of daily events.

SPECIAL EVENT

Miss Contra Costa County Fair Queen Pageant at 5PM – Estrella Pavilion Stage – Come watch and support these local girls competing for the title of Miss Contra Costa County Fair.

DAILY ATTRACTIONS

Barnyard Bash – Get ready to go Hog-Wild with this interactive music and dance, audience participation Hoe-Down stage show. Daily Performance 1:30pm, 3:30pm, & 5:30pm.

BC Characters – Keep your eye pealed for these fun and furry characters.

Camel Rides – Feeling a little adventurous, here is your chance to take a ride on a camel.

Chicken Rider – Be on the lookout for the Chicken Rider and his chicken, Salt & Pepper.

Cowgirl Tricks – Cowgirl Tricks is a tongue-in-cheek vaudeville-style comedic bonanza of trick roping, whip cracking, music, magic, audience participation and lots of kooky cowgirl shenanigans. Performing daily on the Estrella Pavilion State, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm, May 15 – 17.

Daily Parade – 5PM on the Midway

Fables of the West – Look out for these two just horsing around.

Little Rascals Kids Club – FREE interactive, hands-on kid’s activity zone, where parents can relax and let their kids be kids in this fun activity area.

Paradise Roller Skating Academy – Demonstrations Watch as some of these skaters show you their amazing Roller-Skating talents. Demonstrations Thursday, May 15th at 6pm, and Saturday, May 17th at 2pm in Paradise Skate Roller Rink.

Petting Zoo – Here is your opportunity to get up close and personable with all kinds of fun furry creatures.

Pony Rides – Be a Cowboy or Cowgirl and ride the ponies.

Roaming Railroad – Take a ride on this Fun Little Train.

Sarah Nep Cheese Carver – Watch as Sarah turns a block of cheese into a fabulous work of art. Daily demonstrations from 1pm to 6pm in the Arts Pavilion.

Wiener Dog Stampede – Come out and support local contestants and their Wiener Dogs compete for Grand Champion in the Wiener Dog Stampede. Saturday May 17th at 3pm.

Wooden Creations – Chainsaw Carving Demonstrations – Watch these chainsaw artists work their magic and turn a log into a work of art. Fairgoers will have the opportunity to purchase Chainsaw Carvings. Daily Demonstrations 2pm, 4pm, & 6pm.

Xtreme Sports Zone – A thrill for everyone young and old. Bungee, Rock Wall, Water Balls and more.

EXHIBITS

Agriculture Pavilion

Arts Pavilion

Fur & Feathers Pavilion

Livestock Pavilion (Closed Sunday, May 18th)

Home Arts, Fine Arts, Photography, Agriculture Exhibits, Floriculture, Horticulture, Ag Mechanics, Industrial Technology & Science. – Take a look at what the talented local community artists have created, from youth home arts to adult fine art and photography, as well as agriculture and horticulture exhibits and displays.

LIVESTOCK COMPETITIONS & AUCTIONS – Livestock Show Ring

Daily Goat Show followed by All Other Breeding Goat Show – 5:00PM

Boer Goat Show followed by Sheep Show – Friday, May 16, 4PM

Swine Show – Saturday, May 17, 8AM

Small Stock Master Showmanship – Saturday, May 17, 4PM

Large Livestock Showmanship – Saturday, May 17, 7PM

Junior Livestock Auction – Sunday, May 18, 9AM

LIVE MUSIC – Headliners

Gotcha Country is the band that can keep you “Boot Scootin” all night long! Daily shows are at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm – PG&E Midway Stage.

You Should Be Dancing – A Tribute to the Bee Gees – The San Francisco Bay Area’s premiere Bee Gees Tribute band. Experience non-stop dancing, soaring falsettos, and the most beautiful ballads of all time. Friday 7:30pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.

Patton Leatha – Making Music that moves your mind body and Soul. Saturday 5:30pm & 7pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.

Night Owls – Top 40 Cover Band, based out of San Francisco Saturday 8:30pm & 10pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.

Sunday Hispanic Themed Entertainment to include: DJ Winners, Banda Katana, El Rifle, Komando De La Siera

MIDWAY OF FUN CARNIVAL

Brass Ring Amusements Midway of Fun is a family owned and operated carnival business which has served the California fair circuit since 1991. From the Ferris Wheel to the Zipper and the Merry Go Round to the Viper there is something for all ages to enjoy at the Midway of Fun Carnival. Don’t forget to try your luck at one of the fun carnival games.

ANTIOCH SPEEDWAY – Saturday Night Races

Get your adrenalin pumping as you prepare for racing action, Saturday, May 17th. Watch IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Pacific Coast Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks & Figure 8. Gates open at 4pm. Racing starts at 5:30pm. Separate Ticket required for Races, visit www.antiochspeedway.com for details.

Tickets & More Info

Ticket Prices: Kids 5 and under FREE Youth 6 – 12, $9 at the Fair, $7 presale

Seniors 62 & Over, $9 at the Fair, $7 presale

Adults, $14 at the Fair, $10 presale

Youth Season Pass – $25

Adult Season Pass – $35

Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristbands at the Fair $40, presale $35 Daily

Parking – $10

Season Parking Pass Livestock Lot – $35

Livestock Exhibitor Carnival Wristband – $99

To buy tickets and for more information visit contracostafair.com or call (925) 757-4400.

Chaperone Policy

The safety of our guests is of the utmost importance to the Fair. To improve this safety the Contra Costa County Fair Board of Directors adopted and implemented a Chaperone Policy for the 2024 Fair and will continue the policy for the 2025 Fair.

All youth under the age of eighteen (18) are required to be accompanied by a parent/guardian (adult – age 25+) to be admitted into the Contra Costa County Fair. Any person entering may be asked to show a valid California Driver License or Identification Card or other government-issued ID. Each adult can only chaperone 4 youths at a time. Groups larger than 4 youths require an additional chaperone for every 4 youths. The chaperone (parent/adult) are required to remain on the facility with the youth during their time at the Fair. The youth must provide a telephone number of the attending parent/adult to a Fair Security representative upon request. Any and all misbehaving youth will be held and released to their chaperone (parent/adult). Any youth under the age of eighteen (18) not accompanied by an adult will not be admitted.

Location

The 2025 Contra Costa County Fair at the Contra Costa Event Park, 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch. Parking off L Street and O Street entrances.

Man arrested in Antioch for setting ex-girlfriend’s tent on fire in Brentwood

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Video screenshot of suspect’s vehicle from Contra Costa Sheriff’s helicopter STARR 3 and suspect arrested by Antioch Police. Source: Antioch PD

With help from Sheriff’s helicopter, K9’s; bonded out of custody

By Antioch Police Department

We’re just having a good time. Arresting criminals per usual. This little firebug lit his ex-girlfriend’s tent on fire while she was inside. The victim was okay, but there were now attempted murder charges in the works. The Brentwood Police Department put out a BOLO for his arrest and the next day he made his way to our city. When he stopped to get some car parts, he was unaware that his arrest was already imminent.

Two police K9’s assisted with the arrest and search of the suspect’s car. Photos: Antioch PD

Contra Costa Sheriff’s helicopter STARR 3 was overhead watching the car while a team waited out of view. When he attempted to get into his car to leave, we swooped in with overwhelming force. Seeing he was surrounded, and K9 Boss was watching his every move, he surrendered without incident. K9 Nox conducted a firearm search inside the vehicle to make sure there were no guns hidden inside.

Another felon of the streets. Justice for another victim. Teamwork makes the dream work.

Antioch man arrested in Brentwood for DUI with loaded gun

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The DUI suspect’s gun and ammunition confiscated by police on April 20, 2025. Photo: Brentwood PD

By Brentwood Police Department

Around 11PM on April 20th, 2025, a Brentwood officer was patrolling the area of Sand Creek Road and Highway 4 when they observed a vehicle weaving on the roadway. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was identified as 50-year-old Gerord Maurice Neil of Antioch.

During the stop, the officer noticed an open container of alcohol inside the vehicle. After conducting a series of field sobriety tests, it was determined that Neil was driving under the influence of alcohol, and he was placed under arrest.

Following his arrest, a loaded firearm was discovered inside the vehicle.

Neil was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking on charges related to DUI and possession of a loaded firearm.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, Neil is Black and as of April 22nd he had bonded out of custody.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

With help of U.S. Marshals Concord man arrested for attempted murder in March shooting

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Being held on over $1.5 million bail

Has history of arrests for other gun-related crimes dating back to 2016

By Concord Police Department

On March 18, 2025, at approximately 4:30 P.M., the Concord Police Department’s Communications Center was notified that a gunshot victim had come into the John Muir Emergency Department. Patrol Officers arrived at the hospital and learned that a single victim had been shot. The victim’s injuries were not life threatening, and the Victim was treated and released.

Officers located the scene of the shooting, which occurred in the area of Esperanza Drive and Huron Drive. Detectives from various CPD Investigative Units were called to the scene to further investigate. Through a variety of investigative methods, Devante Lucas Watson, age 27 (born 8/6/97) of Concord, was identified as the suspected shooter in this case.

An arrest warrant for Watson was sought and approved. With the assistance of the United States Marshal’s Service, Watson was located at a location in Richmond where he was arrested and transported to the Concord Jail. Detectives conducted multiple search warrants and located a loaded firearm.

Further investigation has led to the conclusion this was a targeted attack and not a random act of violence.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed a five-count felony criminal complaint on Watson for:

PC245(a)(2) – Assault with a semi-automatic firearm (two counts)

PC246 – Discharging a firearm at an occupied motor vehicle

PC29800(a) – Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

PC626.9(d) – Discharging a firearm in a school zone

Watson is being held in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility on $1.5 million bail.

The Concord Police Department continues to take a zero-tolerance approach to violence in all areas of the City, with an extremely high emphasis on violence in school zones. Violence in school zones is simply unacceptable, and the Concord Police Department will dedicate all available resources to investigating and solving these crimes.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting can reach out to Detective Luciano at 925-603-5831.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the six-foot, three-inch tall, 170-pound Watson is Black, and being held on $1,521,000 bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for May 21, 2025, in Superior Court, Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating back to 2016 by multiple agencies including Concord and Pleasant Hill Police Departments and the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department for crimes, such as gun and drug charges, assault, battery, robbery and receiving or concealing stolen property.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Livermore man arrested for Walnut Creek bank robbery

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Pet sitting service manager didn’t use weapon

By Sgt. Mike Watson, Walnut Creek Police Department

Shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, Walnut Creek Police received a 911 call reporting a bank robbery that had just occurred at Chase Bank, 1390 S. Main Street. WCPD Officers arrived within minutes of the call and learned the suspect had passed a note to the teller demanding money. No weapon was used in the commission of the crime, and the suspect left in a vehicle after receiving money from the teller.

Officers continued to check the area and found the suspect vehicle traveling on Olympic Blvd. Officers made a traffic stop on the vehicle at 1:07 PM and our investigation revealed the driver was the suspect in the bank robbery.

The suspect, 54-year-old Ronald Terry Lane, Jr. (born 10/15/70) of Livermore, was arrested and the money stolen was recovered from inside the vehicle. The suspect was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking and our Investigations Bureau will be forwarding the case to the District Attorney’s office for review.

Walnut Creek Police would like to thank the Chase employees for being quick to report the crime and provide detailed information that assisted our officers locate and apprehend the suspect.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Walnut Creek Police Department at 925-943-5844 or call the anonymous tip line at 925-943-5865.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the six-foot, three-inch tall, 195-pound Lane is now being held in the West County Detention Facility on $50,000 bail.

According to Bizapedia, he is the Manager of Twenty-Four Paws, LLC a pet-sitting service which is based in Livermore.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Concord credit union armed robbery suspects arrested following chase to San Jose, carjackings along the way, shooting by cops

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Officer involved shooting occurred with one of the armed suspects.

By Concord Police Department

On Monday, April 21, 2025, shortly before 10 am, two suspects committed an armed robbery at a credit union in Concord. Concord Police Officers located the suspect vehicle, which immediately began to flee, and a police pursuit was initiated.

The suspect vehicle became disabled on SB 680 in Sunol and the suspects carjacked two vehicles at gunpoint, ultimately fleeing again in one of them.

Concord Police Officers pursued the suspects in the carjacked vehicle to San Jose where that vehicle became disabled. An officer involved shooting involving Concord Police officers occurred with one of the armed suspects. That suspect was transported to a local area hospital for treatment. The other suspect was located in the area a short time later by San Jose Police Department officers.

There are no suspects still outstanding.

The Concord Police Department is investigating the bank robbery, pursuit, and carjacking and the San Jose Police Department is investigating the officer involved shooting that occurred in their jurisdiction. No further details are being released at this time.

Anyone with further information regarding this case is asked to contact Concord Police Department Major Crimes Unit Detective J. Riche at (925) 603-5922 or the Concord Police Department tip line at (925) 603-5836.

Pittsburg man arrested for murder following shooting in Concord

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Held on $4.2 million bail

Search warrants served in Antioch, Pleasant Hill

Multiple arrests since 2021

By Concord Police Department

On Monday morning, April 14, 2025, around 3:00 A.M., Concord Police Department patrol officers, working in the area of Monument Blvd. near Meadow Lane, heard gunshots being fired. At the same time, CPD dispatch received several 911 calls regarding gunshots being heard in the vicinity. Officers responded to investigate and located a forty-year-old male gunshot victim, later identified as Omar Gonzalez, lying on the ground near the intersection of Monument Blvd. and Reganti Drive. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Concord Police Department Major Crimes Unit detectives responded.

Detectives were able to identify Chance Martin, a 27-year-old (born 4/14/98) male resident of Pittsburg, as the suspect in the murder. It is believed that Martin had been involved in a dispute in the parking lot of 1500 Monument Blvd. with a group of males, had left in a vehicle, and then returned a short time later and shot multiple times, from the window of his vehicle, at the group of people with whom he had previously been arguing. One the bullets he fired struck and killed Gonzalez. A warrant was obtained for Martin’s arrest.

On Wednesday, April 16, Concord Police Department detectives, with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Apprehension Task Force, Pleasant Hill Police Department, and Antioch Police Department, served search warrants in Pleasant Hill and Antioch. Martin was located, arrested, and later booked at the Martinez Detention Facility.

Today, Concord Police Department detectives presented their case to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, who filed murder charges (187 PC) against Martin, who will remain in custody.

Anyone with further information regarding this case is asked to contact Concord Police Department Major Crimes Unit Detective Justin Wilson at (925) 603-5859 or the Concord Police Department tip line at (925) 603-5836.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 135-pound Chance is being held on $4.2 million bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for May 6 at 8:30 AM in Superior Court, Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests since 2021 by Antioch, Pleasant Hill and san Pablo Police Departments and CHP-Contra Costa, including for gun charges and driving on a suspended license.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

3 men arrested during Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force operation in Brentwood

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Tommy Ray Vance (top left), Anthony Robert Mozingo (top right) and Sheldon Devin Ludd (bottom) arrested during ICAC Task Force operation. Photos: Brentwood PD

Two out of custody with no charges filed; multi-agency effort

By Brentwood Police Department

Earlier this month, the Brentwood Police Department hosted the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force for a multi-agency, week-long operation focused on identifying and apprehending individuals seeking to sexually exploit minors online.

This proactive operation brought together 12 law enforcement agencies and dedicated hundreds of investigative hours to targeting those intending to harm children. The results of the operation included:

  • 3 arrests
  • seizure of digital devices and firearms
  • a safer community—which remains our ultimate goal

Arrested during the operation:

  • 48-year-old Tommy Ray Vance of Brentwood (see details in related article)
  • 29-year-old Anthony Robert Mozingo of Elk Grove
  • 29-year-old Sheldon Devin Ludd of Sacramento

We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community. We extend our sincere appreciation to the following agencies for their collaboration and support:

Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, FBI, Oakley PD, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Antioch PD, Contra Costa County MCTF, Martinez PD, Walnut Creek PD, Homeland Security Investigations, Contra Costa Probation Department, and the United States Secret Service.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, as of April 14 Mozingo is out of custody with no charges filed and as of April 15, Ludd is also out of custody with no charges filed.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

 

Brentwood man arrested trying to meet minor for sex, illegal firearms seized

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Tommy Vance was arrested with a cache of illegal firearms and ammunition. Photos: Brentwood PD

High school football referee

By Brentwood Police Department

As part of a recent week-long operation led by the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force—hosted by the Brentwood Police Department in collaboration with 11 additional agencies—significant progress was made in safeguarding children from online exploitation.

During the operation, Brentwood PD Detectives, working alongside a Martinez PD Detective, arrested 48-year-old Tommy Ray Vance of Brentwood (born 12/19/76) on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Vance had allegedly arranged to meet a minor for the purpose of engaging in lewd and lascivious acts.

Following his arrest, Detectives obtained a search warrant for Vance’s residence, which resulted in the recovery of over 15 illegally possessed firearms. Vance, a convicted felon, was taken into custody on charges including:

  • Arranging a meeting with a minor for lewd purposes
  • Contacting a minor for sex
  • Prohibited person in possession of a firearm
  • Possession of an assault weapon

(and other related charges)

Detectives also confirmed that Vance is a high school football referee.

We are releasing Vance’s photo in order to identify any potential victims. If you have any information or believe you may have had contact with him, please contact the Brentwood Police Department at 925-809-7911. Callers may remain anonymous.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the six-foot tall, 230-pound Vance is being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 5 at 8:30 AM in Superior Court, Martinez.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Wrong way driver of stolen vehicle arrested following chase from Oakley to Bay Point, crash

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During multi-agency traffic enforcement in morning commute hours

28-year-old Dejon Brandy already out of custody with no charges filed

By Oakley Police Department

On April 15, 2025, Oakley PD’s Traffic Unit participated in a multi-agency traffic enforcement campaign on Highway 4 with officers from Antioch Police, Brentwood Police, Hercules Police, Pittsburg Police and Richmond Police Departments.

At 7:35AM Oakley Officer B. Jackson saw a GMC Yukon with no rear license plate on Westbound 4 approaching Bailey Road, Officer Jackson tried to stop the driver via his lights and siren, but the driver failed to yield; a pursuit was started. The Yukon’s driver fled on the shoulder of Highway 4 and took the Bailey Road offramp. The driver ran a red light at Bailey Road and Canal Road in Bay Point and collided with an occupied vehicle. The Yukon driver continued to flee towards Willow Pass Road where he went eastbound towards Pittsburg. The driver turned onto southbound Railroad Avenue and entered the eastbound lanes of Highway 4 going westbound. Pursuit of the driver came to an end there due to the dangers associated with wrong way driving.

The Yukon’s driver exited at Bailey Road going the wrong way. The driver was seen getting out of the SUV and running to a nearby Burger King. Several traffic enforcement campaign officers, along with  CHP – Contra Costa officers and Contra Costa Sheriff’s deputies, converged on the area and detained the driver, identified as Dejon Brandy (male, 28) of San Francisco. The occupants of the vehicle Brandy collided with were treated for injuries sustained from the collision. Officers determined the Yukon was stolen.

Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard said, “The officers participating in the multi-agency traffic enforcement campaign were primarily focusing on safety issues related to commute driving to ensure our local commuters exercise safe driving habits.

“This case goes to show crime, and criminals, exist everywhere (even when people are just trying to get to work to support their families) and it is a sad part of our everyday life. I am grateful to all of the officers who took part in this arrest, as they clearly removed a dangerous criminal from society and incarcerated him where he cannot steal from people or hurt innocent people just conducting daily life matters. I hope the people who were injured in this incident receive the care they need and make a full recovery.

Stay safe Oakley.”

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, as of  8:14 PM on Thursday, April 17, Brandy was out of custody with no charges filed.

According to localcrimenews.com Brandy was also arrested for receiving stolen property – motor vehicle theft in San Francisco on April 4, 2025.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.