Contra Costa Herald

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

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

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Source: Pleasant Hill PD

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

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

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

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

Know the differences. Know the law. Ride responsibly.

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

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Photo: EBRPD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Green Friday activities in Regional Parks include:

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

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

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Oakley on Ice Grand Opening Nov. 22

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Opens today, Friday, Nov. 21

By City of Oakley

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

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

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

New operating hours for Richmond-San Rafael Bridge bicycle/pedestrian path begin Oct. 27

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Source: MTC. Photo credit: Noah Berger

Right side of upper deck to be used as highway shoulder Monday-Thursday

By John Goodwin, Assistant Director of Communications, Metropolitan Transportation Commission 

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) today announced that beginning next week, the bicycle/pedestrian path on the upper deck of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge will be closed from Sundays at 11 p.m. until Thursdays at 2 p.m., with the barrier moved to allow the space now occupied by the path to be used as a highway shoulder for westbound traffic. The first weekday on which the shoulder will be available will be Monday, Oct. 27.

The bicycle/pedestrian path will be open from 2 p.m. on Thursdays through 11 p.m. on Sundays as well as on select weekday holidays. These include Memorial Day; Independence Day, if observed on a Monday; Labor Day; Thanksgiving week from Wednesday afternoon through Sunday night; and the Christmas-to-New Year week.

On days when the bicycle/pedestrian path is closed, a free shuttle with a bicycle trailer will be provided from 6 a.m. through 8 p.m. On the Richmond side of the bridge, the shuttle pick-up and drop-off location is at the AC Transit bus turnaround on Tewksbury Avenue in the Point Richmond neighborhood. The San Rafael pick-up and drop-off location is at the Vista Point parking lot near the intersection of East Francisco Blvd. and Main Street. Signs alerting bicyclists and pedestrians to the new operating hours already are in place on approaches to the bridge from both Richmond and San Rafael.

BATA, which is directed by the same policy board as MTC, administers toll revenues from the Bay Area’s seven state-owned toll bridges. MTC is the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area.

Oakley on Ice comes to downtown Nov. 21-Jan 4

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Photo: Brentwood on Ice Facebook page

Relocates from Brentwood

By Danielle Navarro, Oakley Assistant City Manager

Oakley, CA – The City of Oakley is thrilled to announce the launch of Oakley on Ice, a brand-new seasonal ice-skating experience coming to Downtown Oakley this holiday season! The rink will be open from November 21, 2025, through January 4, 2026, located in the parking lot directly behind the Mercantile Building at 3350 Main Street.

This magical new attraction is proudly brought to you by Got a Party Inc., in partnership with the City of Oakley. Together, we’re turning downtown into a sparkling winter wonderland, right in the heart of our hometown!

“Oakley on Ice is more than just an ice rink; it’s a celebration of community,” said Joshua McMurray, the City Manager. We are so excited that this event will take place in the center of our growing and thriving downtown. It’s a perfect opportunity for residents, visitors, and curious business owners and investors to experience the potential and energy in Oakley, where you can live, work, and play in the Heart of the Delta. We are proud to bring this first-of-its-kind seasonal attraction to our city, one that encourages families to make new memories, helps local businesses connect, and brings even more fun and excitement into our winter wonderland.”

“It’s a privilege to collaborate with the City of Oakley to make Oakley on Ice a reality” said Tom Gregory, owner of Got a Party Inc., “Our goal is to create a magical family-friendly experience that brings people together, supports local businesses, and makes downtown Oakley a true holiday destination.”

In addition to ice skating, the seasonal event will offer opportunities for local businesses and nonprofits to advertise and participate on-site, promoting community connections and economic activity.  Pre-sale tickets will also be available to help local groups raise funds for their organizations, a fun and festive way to give back this holiday season.

Oakley on Ice complements the City’s beloved Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, which takes place at Civic Center Plaza on Thursday, December 4, 2025. The Tree Lighting event will once again feature the best-lit, real tree in all of Contra Costa County, free admission, horse-drawn carriage rides, live performances and music, and a special visit from Santa Claus, all part of Oakley’s growing tradition of community celebration.

West County: 7th Annual Bay Front Run and Festival in Hercules Oct. 19

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5K, 10K & 1 Mile Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run

Come for the run, stay for the fun!

By Bay Front Chamber of Commerce

Join us Sunday, October 19 from 11AM–3PM at Bayfront Blvd. in Hercules for the 2025 Bay Front Festival — a day full of community, music, and celebration!

  • Enjoy live local entertainment
  • Support local artisans & small businesses
  • Indulge in delicious bites from food trucks and vendors
  • Fun, Free & Family-Friendly!

Hosted by Bay Front Chamber and City of Hercules.

7th Annual Bay Front Run

Join us on the beautiful Bay Front trail in Hercules for the 7th Annual Bay Front Run to support our local schools.

5K, 10K & 1 Mile Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run. All participants in person & virtual registered by 9/20 will receive an event t-shirt. The first 300 to register will receive a finisher medal. The race will begin and end at Bayfront Blvd. in Hercules. Run along the Bay Front Trail where you can expect beautiful views and a gentle breeze.

Every step you take helps build a brighter future for our students.

Register now: bayfrontrun.com

Come for the run, stay for the fun! The Bay Front Festival will follow directly after the run.

RACE TIMES

8:30 am 5K, 10K & 1 Mile
10:30 am Kids Fun Run (ages 3-6)
Kids Fun Run (ages 7-10)

Race Course: The race begins at Sanderling & Bayfront, it runs along Bayfront Blvd to the Bay Trail entrance at John Muir Pkwy. the run continues along the Bay Trail thru Hercules to Rodeo. The turn -about is at the end of the Bay Trail in Rodeo. Those doing a 10K will do a double loop.

Timing: 5K & 10K Run will be chip timed/scored and results will be posted after the event. Bib must be worn to be timed/scored.

5K & 10K Awards: Top Female & Male

Parking: on Bayfront Blvd. from Railroad to Promenade & on John Muir Parkway

PACKET PICKUP

EARLY PACKET PICKUP
Saturday, 10/18 – 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The Dylan Apartments (formally The Grand)
2200 John Muir Parkway, Hercules
REGISTRATIONS WILL ALSO BE TAKEN DURING EARLY PACKET PICK UP

PACKET PICK UP AND LAST DAY (race day) REGISTRATION
Sunday, 10/19 at Sanderling & Bayfront Blvd., Hercules
5K, 10K & 1 Mile 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.
Kids Fun Run 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. (Ages 3 – 10)

ENTRY FEES

5K, 10K & 1 Mile Run/Walk $35 – In Person ~ $35 – Virtual
Kid Fun Run $15 – In Person
The first 325 to register will receive a Finisher Medal.
Registration fees are non-refundable but can be transferred to another individual.

For more information about the Bay Front Chamber of Commerce visit http://www.bayfrontchamber.com.

Enter the CA State Parks 2025 photo contest to win prizes in 5 categories

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Source: CA State Parks

Part of Golden State’s 175th Anniversary celebration

Vote Nov. 3-17 for your favorite People’s Choice Award winners 

By California Department of Parks and Recreation

Hey California State Parks fans,

Have you ever taken a breathtaking photo in one of California’s state parks and thought, “This is so good it could win a contest”? Well, now’s your chance. Inspired by the Golden State’s 175th anniversary earlier this month, California State Parks is holding a photo contest inviting Californians to celebrate the state’s natural beauty and history. You can submit photos taken in one of 280 state parks in up to five categories for a chance to win special prizes, including A Wild Ride, Living Wonders, Heroes and Helpers, Space for All and Landscapes and Legacy.

Photos must be taken in 2025. Be sure to submit yours by October 9, 2025.

5 People’s Choice Awards Winners, Vote for Your Favorite

Then, the public can vote for their favorite photos: Nov. 3-17

From Nov. 3 to 17, help choose the People’s Choice Award winners by voting for your favorite semifinalist photos. First, a panel of judges will pick the top 50 semifinalist photos in each category. Then, you can vote once per day on any photo—even your own. The photo with the most votes in each category wins the People’s Choice Award.

Submit your photos and see the full contest rules at Photocontest.parks.ca.gov!

The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.

Park Happenings for August

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News from the East Bay Regional Park District

Masaki Quarry (left) with his catch and Jameson Sims shows off the rainbow trout he caught. Photos: EBRPD

Includes CA Free Fishing Day Aug. 30

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

Groundbreaking Celebrates New Point Molate Bay Trail Extension. 

East Bay Regional Park District board members, leadership, and staff joined with elected officials, City of Richmond representatives, and community leaders on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, to break ground on the construction of the Point Molate Bay Trail Extension Project in Richmond. This extension is a major step forward in expanding public access to Point Molate and enhancing regional connectivity along the San Francisco Bay Trail.

Point Molate Bay Trail Extension Project Groundbreaking at Point Molate Beach Park Staging Area in Richmond, California on August 1, 2025. Photo by Cali Godley. Photos source: EBRPD

Once completed, the new 2.5-mile segment will connect the City of Richmond’s Point Molate Beach Park to the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, providing seamless access to the existing bike and pedestrian path on the bridge. The trail extension also includes scenic views of the bay shoreline, a 600-foot boardwalk, and interpretive panels sharing the area’s natural and cultural history.

The project is a partnership between the Park District and the City of Richmond, which owns 1.25 miles of the 2.5-mile trail extension project area. The Park District is leading design, permitting, and construction of the trail.

For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/news and www.ebparks.org/projects/san-francisco-bay-trail-point-molate.

Hot Days Ahead!

After a relatively mild summer, the weather is heating up! When enjoying Regional Parks this August, keep the following tips in mind to beat the heat:

  • Avoid visiting during the hottest part of the day. If you do visit the parks, go in the morning or early evening when it is cooler.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
  • Don’t forget to bring extra water for your pets!
  • Wear sunscreen and lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen the effects of heat on your body.

Also, consider visiting Regional Parks with shady trails and cooler weather. For some cool options, visit www.ebparks.org/visit/shady-hikes-cooler-parks.

Crab Cove Fish Festival at Doug Siden Visitor Center at Crab Cove in Alameda, California on August 31, 2024. Photo by Cali Godley. Source: EBRPD

Learn about the Fin-Tastic Fish of the San Francisco Bay at the Crab Cove Fish Festival. 

Crab Cove Fish Festival at Doug Siden Visitor Center at Crab Cove in Alameda, California on August 31, 2024. Photo by Cali Godley. Source: EBRPD

The numerous fish species that thrive in the deep, murky waters of the San Francisco Bay come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiny 2.5-inch Delta smelt, which is endangered, to long-living sturgeons that can reach up to 7 feet. In the bay, pipefish that look like seahorses hide in eelgrass beds. The male plainfin midshipman, also known as the singing toadfish, serenades females along the rocky shore. Swell sharks lay camouflaged egg cases called mermaid purses among the sea kelp. Each of these unique, fin-tastic fish plays a role in keeping the bay healthy and thriving.

On Aug. 23, Crab Cove hosts its annual Fish Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can observe fish up close at the Mobile Fish Exhibit and enjoy fish crafts, face painting, fishy games, and much more! The Doug Siden Visitor Center and Aquarium at Crab Cove in Alameda is a great place to learn about local fish species.

Also consider dropping in on Wednesdays or weekend afternoons at 3 p.m. to watch fish feeding.

Source: EBRPD

CA Free Fishing Day. 

Saturday, Aug. 30, is a free fishing day in California and in the East Bay Regional Park District as both Park District fishing fees and state fishing license requirements are waived for visitors. Fishing is a great way to spend time outdoors—from first-timers to seasoned anglers. It’s a fun activity for all ages that offers a chance to slow down, enjoy nature, and connect with family and friends.

There are plenty of opportunities in the East Bay to cast a line. The Park District offers 10 fishing lakes, five bay and delta shoreline piers, and 25 miles of bay and delta shoreline for fishing. For more information, visit ebparks.org/recreation/fishing.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Two Oakley men arrested following boating incident at Discovery Bay marina

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Screenshots of videos posted on social media of the incident in Discovery Bay on Sunday, June 22, 2025.

Erick & Danny Garcia were held on $95K bail each

Erick arrested in 2024, both arrested in May all on violence charges; Danny already out of custody

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Office of the Contra Costa County Sheriff

The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office arrested two suspects after a reckless boating incident at Discovery Bay Marina on Sunday, June 22, 2025, that was widely shared on social media.

Deputy Sheriffs from the Marine Services Unit launched an investigation after multiple witnesses reported a Malibu ski boat chasing a personal watercraft (PWC) through the marina at high speeds. Deputies identified two operators during the incident, 33-year-old Erick Garcia and 34-year-old Danny Garcia, both from Oakley, who were seen operating the boat recklessly. The ski boat was later found abandoned in Stockton.

Erick Garcia was detained yesterday during a traffic stop in Oakley. With assistance from detectives in the Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division, Marine Patrol Deputies served a search warrant at Danny’s home in Oakley, leading to his arrest.

Both Danny and Erick Garcia were booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on identical charges:

  1. Assault with a Deadly Weapon (not a firearm) – 2 counts
  2. Criminal Threats – 1 count
  3. Vandalism – 2 counts

Each were being held in lieu of $95,000 bail. According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Danny bonded out of custody today at 4:27 PM. However, as of Wednesday, June 25, at 4:42 PM, Erick was still in custody.

According to localcrimenews.com, Erick was arrested on May 3 this year by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department for assault with any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury. He was also arrested on Sept. 5, 2024, by Contra Costa CHP for threats of violence. Danny was also arrested on May 3 this year, but by Walnut Creek Police, for being intoxicated in public and resisting a peace officer with injury.

See videos posted on social media here, here and here. (Warning: Explicit language)

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information or video footage is encouraged to contact the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office Marine Services Unit at (925) 383-4906.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report. In an earlier version of this report the photo of Danny Garcia was not the correct man from Oakley. Apologies for the mistake.

One person dies, second rescued from capsized boat near Hercules

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Video screenshots of the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office Helicopter STARR3 water rescue in Hercules on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Source: CCCSheriff

Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office Helicopter STARR3 water rescue

By Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office

On Saturday, March 1, 2025, at about 3 PM, Sheriff’s Office Marine Services Unit deputy sheriffs were dispatched to the Hercules shoreline for an overturned boat with a victim in the water. Sheriff’s Office helicopter STARR3 also responded to assist.

STARR3 arrived on scene and located a capsized boat about 200 feet off the shoreline with one person who was in distress. The helicopter landed nearby and set up for a water rescue. A STARR3 crew member was short-hauled to the victim where he performed a water rescue and brought the victim to paramedics waiting nearby.

STARR3 located another victim about 2 feet underwater. The STARR3 crew member performed a short-haul rescue of the second victim who was taken to paramedics.

Both victims were transported to nearby hospitals, where one was later pronounced deceased.

The Sheriff’s Office Marine Services Unit is investigating this incident. Anyone with any information is asked to call (925) 754-0718.

See video.