Contra Costa Herald

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

Richmond unions including police and firefighters to protest Tuesday over proposed service cuts

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Video screenshot of Richmond City Council meeting on Tuesday, June 9, 2020. From YouTube.

“Denounce and decry…tone deaf, irresponsible and unreasonable actions.”

Car caravan protest to be held Tuesday in downtown Richmond.

By Chris Flink, Communications Specialist, SEIU Local 1021

During the Tuesday, June 9 2020 meeting of the Richmond City Council, Mayor Tom Butt facetiously introduced a motion to “defund the police department and save seventy million dollars”. (See https://youtu.be/hZ5RTBtwxu8?t=16934; at the 4 hours, 42 minutes, 14 seconds mark) Richmond is facing budget shortfalls, and has been investigating ways to close gaps between income and expenditures. During that process five unions worked to identify creative and common-sense ways to close those gaps without layoffs and service cuts, which would deny Richmond residents important services and take good jobs away from the city.

After Mayor Butt’s announcement, the unions and Contra Costa Labor Council wrote the Mayor and all City Council members the letter below.

A car caravan protest will be held Tuesday, June 16, at 4:30 p.m., starting at Richmond’s Main Library located at 325 Civic Center Plaza.

June 11, 2020

Richmond City Council

440 Civic Center Plaza

Richmond, CA 94804

Mayor Butt & Councilmembers,

The Contra Costa Labor Council, AFL-CIO and Richmond City Employee Unions copied herein (Fire Fighters Local 188, IFPTE Local 21, RPOA, RPMA and SEIU Local 1021) denounce and decry the Mayor’s tone deaf, irresponsible and unreasonable actions at the Richmond City Council meeting on Tuesday, June 9. When the community stands up, proclaims Black Lives Matter, and demands change, that community deserves better than a Mayor sarcastically making a motion to do away with Richmond’s police force. The Mayor’s comments were intended to be divisive and trivialized the serious work Richmond City Employee Unions have done to find needed solutions to the City’s budget shortfall.

Richmond City Employee Unions and their membership come to the bargaining table in good faith, intending to serve the community and make Richmond a fair, equitable place that works for all of its residents. It is clear and disappointing that the Mayor is not engaging in these conversations in good faith. In this time of global pandemic and a looming economic crisis, Richmond’s residents and workforce deserve leadership from the Mayor’s office, not trolling and tantrums.

On Tuesday, June 16, at 4:30 p.m., community and labor groups will join together for a car caravan in Richmond to continue the serious dialogue in the need for city services.

Signed,

Contra Costa Labor Council, AFL-CIO

Fire Fighters Local 188

IFPTE Local 21

Richmond Police Officers Association

Richmond Police Managers Association

SEIU Local 1021

The motion by Butt was tabled on a 4-3 vote led by Councilmember Nathaniel Bates to  “table the entire discussion”, with Council Members Eduardo Martinez and Melvin Williams joining the mayor in opposing it, wanting further discuss ion of the idea.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Con Fire and Concord Police arrest transient woman for Concord RV fire

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Emergency crews extinguish RV fire on Port Chicago Highway under the Hwy 242 overpass. Suspect Jade McCoy, a Concord transient was arrested. Photos courtesy of ConFire.

By Steve Hill, Public Information Officer, Con Fire

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) announced today the arrest of a suspect in the recreational vehicle (RV) fire that burned under Highway 4 in Concord earlier this week.

The fire in question took place June 8, 2020 with the first call coming in at 3:27 p.m. An investigation was immediately conducted by the District’s Fire Investigations Unit, and Concord Police with a suspect identified and arrest made without incident on June 8 just after 5 p.m.

Arrested was Jade McCoy, a Concord-area transient, date of birth April 22, 1993.  McCoy, who was on probation from a previous arson conviction for setting an exterior fire in 2019, was arrested after investigation by FIU and Concord PD revealed she intentionally set the fire in the RV. McCoy and her boyfriend had been living in the RV parked on Port Chicago Highway under Highway 4. The arson occurred after a verbal altercation between the two parties. Her possible involvement in other recent fires in the area is currently under investigation.

McCoy is in custody in the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Detention Center in Martinez.  Concord Police filed the case with the District Attorney on June 9 and action is pending.

Investigation revealed a woman seen at the scene around the time of the fire to be the likely responsible party. A short while later, around 5 p.m., Concord Police located the suspect in the vicinity near Olivera Road and Esperanza Drive. Con Fire FIU investigators responded to that scene, interviewed the suspect and determined she was responsible for the blaze, placing her under arrest. She was handcuffed and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility by Concord Police where she was again interviewed by FIU.

The RV fire was initially reported by several parties beginning just before 3:30 p.m. on June 8. Arriving on scene moments later at 3:41, Con Fire’s Battalion Chief 2 reported a fully involved RV on fire under the highway.

In all, 21 fire personnel from Con Fire and the Military Ocean Terminal, Concord’s Federal Fire Department responded to the fire with two Type 1 fire engines, three Type 3 fire engines, two ambulances, a medical supervisor and a fire investigator. Concord Police and the California Highway Patrol also responded to the scene. At 3:42 p.m., the incident commander reported the fire under control.

There were no injuries to responding personnel or civilians.

Brentwood Councilwoman issues statement on murder of George Floyd, violence and policing

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From Karen Rarey – Brentwood City Council Facebook page, June 6, 2020

Brentwood Councilwoman Karen Rarey. From her City Council Facebook page.

REVISED 6/10/20 – To honor the request of my daughter-in-law, a small portion of my statement has been edited to keep private matters private.

MY SINCEREST MESSAGE TO OUR COMMUNITY:

As a White woman, I can tell you that I will never fully understand the pain, fear, anger and sadness that a Black person may encounter in their lifetime. Emotions as a human being, equal to all others, that NO PERSON should EVER have to go through.

What I can share with you is that along with the love I have for my son and his wife, a beautiful Black woman, and my two beautiful granddaughters, I also experience fear and worry for them. Why? Because there are people in the world who can’t look past the color of someone’s skin.

I’ve feared and worried for them when they’ve talk about moving to a new town, as not all towns are accepting of African Americans or of an interracial couple. They have been fortunate to find one that is, but that is not true for everyone.

I want the world, or at least I’d like to start with Brentwood and help to make it more inclusive, not just for my daughter-in-law and my grandchildren, but for every person, no matter the color of their skin.

On Friday, at my League of California Cities Public Safety Policy Committee, we all agreed it was vital for us, as the Public Safety Policy Committee, to make a statement relative to combating violence, condemning the murder of George Floyd and actionable measures for cities moving forward.

We spent several hours crafting a statement, which is being forwarded to the League Board for consideration at its next meeting.

Whether the League Board publicly issues this statement, or some form of it, as the person who seconded the motion on the original statement, I feel it is important to share the six main principles of our message:

  • We condemn the murder of George Floyd as horrific, tragic and unacceptable, not only in Minneapolis, but in any community in this country.
  • We denounce violence in all its forms; including against people and property, but recognize the urgency and significance of this moment, and call for special attention to be given to violence against black lives, and call on all cities and communities in California to create spaces dedicated to listening to and taking the action steps necessary to address the concerns raised by citizen-based movements, such as Black Lives Matter.
  • Cities must lead by working toward structural reforms that build public trust for law enforcement by focusing on the action steps that will ensure black, brown, indigenous, and other communities of color are safe and equal members of society.
  • Call on all cities to advance policies that promote the hiring of officers who reflect the communities they serve.
  • Provide greater access, transparency, and community oversight to issues of police misconduct as a means of building trust and restoring justice to impacted communities.
  • Ask all cities to adopt the pillars of 21st Century Policing and to support review of existing policies and practices to ensure the equitable protection of the freedoms and rights of all citizens.

Back between 2002-2012, Brentwood had a Diversity Committee, formed to foster racial harmony within our community. The co-chair of the committee has already reached out to our Police Chief to let him know that he has been reactivating members to help spur discussions as to what needs to change.

I spoke with our City Manager this week and told him that I too wanted to be part of that group.

I think it’s important to say that I believe the members of the Brentwood Police Department are professionals and they do a phenomenal job, something I’ve experienced firsthand during ride-a-longs, in the police station and out in public.

Does that mean that there aren’t changes that need to take place? The answer is no, there is ALWAYS room to improve the way we do things.

After the incident in Minneapolis, our PD’s Defensive Tactics Instructor Cadre viewed the incident as an opportunity to revisit relevant aspects of the department’s Use of Force policy and to review appropriate tactics for controlling a prone, handcuffed suspect.

Your voice is important to me – If you feel there is change that needs to take place here in Brentwood, I want to hear from you. I can be reached at krarey@brentwoodca.gov.

For now, I will pray for healing and acceptance in our nation, but especially for healing and acceptance in our community.

Yours Sincerely,

Karen Rarey

Council Member

City of Brentwood

#blacklivesmatter #wecandobetterinbrentwood

 

Protest in Walnut Creek gets confrontational with police as 6 p.m. curfew sets in

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Walnut Creek police enforce curfew near City Hall. Tear gas shot at protesters. Herald reporter and other members of the media affected by the gas. Forced to leave the area.

Posted by Contra Costa Herald on Monday, June 1, 2020

Report by Allen Payton  Videos by Contra Costa Herald staff

WARNING: Graphic language in videos.

A large group of protesters descended on Walnut Creek’s downtown, Monday and held a rally in Civic Park across from City Hall. Things were peaceful with speeches in the park. That was followed by a few confrontations as protesters marched down North Broadway toward a police line. That lasted until the city’s 6:00 p.m. curfew set in and police forced the protesters to leave. Cannisters of tear gas were shot at the protesters, some of whom threw them back at the officers. (See 48-second mark of video above)

Screenshot from Contra Costa Herald staff video of Civic Park rally and speeches in Walnut Creek on Monday, June 1, 2020.

Earlier during a rally in Civic Park, near the iconic gazebo, speeches were given and responsive chants of “no justice” yelled out by one person, with “no peace” yelled by the crowd, followed by “no racist” by the leader and “police” yelled by the crowd in response.

Protest in downtown Walnut Creek right now. Exclusive to the Herald.

Posted by Contra Costa Herald on Monday, June 1, 2020

At one point, a few police officers took a knee to the delight of the crowd who cheered, and some of the protesters showed their appreciation for the officers demonstrating their solidarity with fist and elbow bumps.

Walnut Creek police kneel with protestors.

Posted by Contra Costa Herald on Monday, June 1, 2020

There were chants of “no justice, no peace, prosecute the police,” “hands up, don’t shoot,” the responsive chants of “say his name” and “George Floyd”, as well as “I can’t breathe” – Floyd’s final words – as the protesters stood or kneeled in front of the police line on North Broadway. They were then warned about the 6:00 p.m. curfew and told a few times “you have five minutes to leave” by a voice over a loud speaker. 

Protest in Walnut Creek continues — graphic language warning.

Posted by Contra Costa Herald on Monday, June 1, 2020

There were chants of “no justice, no peace, prosecute the police,” “hands up, don’t shoot,” the responsive chants of “say his name” and “George Floyd”, as well as “I can’t breathe” – Floyd’s final words – as the protesters stood or kneeled in front of the police line on North Broadway. They were then warned about the 6:00 p.m. curfew and told a few times “you have five minutes to leave” by a voice over a loudspeaker. That’s when things took a turn for the worst with police resorting to firing tear gas cannisters at the protesters forcing them to disperse from the intersection of the North Broadway and Civic Drive. Some of the cannisters were tossed back at the police.

 

Antioch, Brentwood police prepare for possible looting Monday

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Screenshot of post on Twitter from Antioch by a person who claims to be from Oakland (whose account we will not identify due to its graphic content), which includes a photo of shops in the Streets of Brentwood shopping center at 9:30 a.m. Monday, June 1, 2020. The tweet has since been removed.

Some stores already closed or are closing early as a result of threat on social media

By Allen Payton

Due to a comment posted on Twitter by someone who claims to be from Oakland, telling people in Oakland to go to Antioch and the Streets of Brentwood shopping center to loot, on Monday, both the Antioch and Brentwood Police Departments are making preparations.

Screenshot of the Twitter profile showing the account owner claims he’s from Oakland.

The message, posted in Antioch at 9:30 a.m. Monday, June 1, 2020 reads, “Oakland, we need to make our way to Antioch and the streets of Brentwood today and take EVERYTHING. The outlets is outside so it’ll be easier to break in and take everything! THIS IS ALL FOR GORGE DONT FORGET! REPOST!” That refers to George Floyd, the man who died after a Minneapolis police office had his knee on Floyd’s neck pinning him to the street for nine minutes, while two other officers also had him pinned down, while a fourth officer stood by guarding them. The tweet has since been removed.

When asked about the message, Antioch Police Chief Tammany Brooks responded, “Already on it.”

Brentwood Police posted the following about their actions to prepare their city, and specifically the shopping center:

“While we stand by everyone’s right to peacefully protest in this difficult time, threats of looting and vandalism will be taken seriously. We have learned of such threats being spread on social media directed at the Streets of Brentwood.

Streets of Brentwood. Photo by Brentwood PD.

As a result, Streets of Brentwood will be closing businesses early today and we will be adding additional staffing to the area to monitor the safety of the public and protection of property. In the interest of everyone’s safety, we ask that you avoid the Streets of Brentwood since businesses will be closed and access to the property will be closed off.”

As of 3:40 p.m., witness said they saw Antioch Police are gathering at the Somersville Towne Center and asking the stores to close. Another resident reported the Lowe’s and Target stores are closed in Antioch.

Also, Brentwood PD posted on their Facebook page at 3:40 p.m. that “Home Depot contacted us to let us know they have closed early today for the safety of their employees and customers.”

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Fatal collision in Concord claims life of 52-year-old man Thursday morning

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Concord Police closed Monument Blvd. for four hours following the fatal collision on Thursday, May 28, 2020. Photos by CPD.

By Concord Police Department

On May 28, 2020, at approximately 6:14 AM, Concord PD Officers were dispatched to a report of a solo vehicle collision on Monument Blvd. near Virginia Lane. The vehicle traveled eastbound on Monument Blvd. and veered off the road, colliding with a support pole on the south sidewalk of Monument Blvd., near 1500 Monument Blvd. The male driver, 52-year-old Concord resident, and sole occupant of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Monument Blvd., between Lacey Lane and Virginia Lane, was closed for approximately four hours. As this is an ongoing investigation, no further details are being released at this time.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact Traffic Investigator Justin Wilson at the Concord Police Department, 925-603-5962. -482

Man crashes into apartments after tossing automatic weapon out of car during Pittsburg Police chase Sunday night

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Photos by Pittsburg PD.

By Pittsburg Police Department

Sunday night, May 24, 2020, Pittsburg Police officers were patrolling the city like always and came across a car driving recklessly in the area of Rose Ann Avenue and W 17th Street. The driver saw police and decided to flee the area and threw a full auto sub machine gun out the window.

The driver lost control on Power Avenue and crashed into several apartments at the Belmont Apartments. The driver was transported to the hospital and later transported to our county jail. Luckily there were no major injuries.

Please continue to let us know if you see any reckless drivers. #PPD #ConFire #AMR #FullAuto – 374 @Pittsburg, California.

Detroit man arrested for Thursday shootout in Walnut Creek, police seek public’s help finding two others involved

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By Walnut Creek Chief of Police Thomas Chaplin

Suspect Description: Both suspects are described as adult males with dark skin. Both suspects had on masks that covered their faces. Vehicle Description: Light colored sedan

The Walnut Creek Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying two suspects involved in a shooting that occurred in the 1200 block of Newell Avenue. On Thursday, May 21, 2020, at approximately 6:23 p.m., Walnut Creek Police Officers responded to the report of gunshots heard in the area of the 1200 block of Newell Avenue. Officers arrived on scene and located bullet casings, shattered glass and drops of blood in the area.

At approximately 6:36 p.m., officers learned that two adult males were transported to local hospitals for gunshot wounds related to this incident. Both males sustained non-life-threatening injuries and are in stable condition. Further investigation revealed that this incident occurred in the parking lot of a business. Officers located video surveillance of the parking lot, which showed two suspects armed with handguns approach the passenger side of a parked vehicle. At the time of the incident, one victim was seated in the passenger side of the parked vehicle. The suspects, who were wearing face masks, immediately shot at the victim. The victim was struck at least one time. The driver of the parked vehicle, 27-year-old Detroit, Michigan resident John Rankin (born 9/28/1992), returned fire at the two suspects and struck an innocent bystander, who was seated in a nearby vehicle. The shots fired by Rankin also struck a second vehicle that was parked in the parking lot. The suspects fled the scene in an unknown make and model vehicle. At this time, the suspects have not been identified.

As a result of the investigation, Rankin was arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Shooting into an Inhabited Vehicle.

Walnut Creek PD released the surveillance video. At this time, a motive for the shooting has not been determined. If anyone has information regarding this incident, please call Detective Leonard at 925-256-3523. WCPD Case Number: 20-13675

Woman on probation for burglary arrested for attempted burglary in stolen car in Concord Wednesday

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Suspect Hannah Nichols. Photo by Concord PD.

By Concord Police Department

With more people staying indoors, opportunities for residential burglaries have decreased. However, that didn’t stop this young lady from trying….

Wednesday morning, May 20, 2020, a few minutes before 6:00 a.m., a resident who lives off of San Simeon Drive, went outside and saw a woman trying to break into her garage. Just before calling the police, the homeowner confronted the woman who fled on foot.

Concord Officers quickly responded to the scene and detained a woman a few blocks away who matched the description of the suspect. The woman was identified as 24-year-old, Hannah Nichols, who also happened to be on felony probation for burglary. The witness positively identified Ms. Nichols as being the woman trying to break into her garage. Additionally, it was determined Ms. Nichols drove to area in a vehicle that was stolen in Concord the previous night.

We want to thank the community member for calling and providing us with a detailed description of the suspect. Also, we want to let you know that despite the Zero-Bail Order, we will continue to respond, investigate, and do everything we possibly can to make sure people who commit crimes in our city are held accountable for their actions. ~454

#stolenvehicle #burglary #concordpd

Detectives arrest man in Pittsburg for Thursday murder

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By Pittsburg Police Department

Thursday evening, May 21, 2020, at approximately 6:45 P.M. Pittsburg Police Officers were called to the 4000 block of Harbor Street after receiving reports of a man suffering from multiple injuries. When officers arrived, the man was found suffering from life threatening injuries and officers began to preform life saving measure. Medical staff arrived and transported the man to a local hospital where he died.

The Pittsburg Police Department’s Investigations Division responded to continue this investigation. During the investigation it was learned that the victim and suspect knew each other and had engaged in an argument prior to the incident. During the argument, the suspect retrieved a weapon and repeatedly struck the victim. The victim left the area and was later located by officers where he was found suffering from multiple wounds to the legs and rear torso.

Detectives were able to learn of the suspect’s identity and officers began a search for his whereabouts. Just after 2:00 A.M. this morning, officers located the suspect and place him under arrest. The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Gabriel Young, was later interviewed by detectives and is now being held at the Martinez Detention Facility.

This continues to be a very active investigation and no further details are available at this time. The Pittsburg Police Department will be presenting this case to the District Attorney next week to file charges on the suspect. This is the City of Pittsburg’s second homicide of the year.