Contra Costa Herald

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

Contra Costa DA’s office charges Danville Police Officer with multiple felonies for 2018 shooting death of Newark man

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Danville Police Officer Andrew Hall shoots Laudemer Arboleda on November 3, 2018. Screenshot of critical incident video.

“the suspect attempted to run over the officer, who fired his weapon at the vehicle” – Danville Police

Officer Andrew Hall could face 22 years in state prison; same officer who fatally shot suspect with knife on March 11, 2021

By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County Office of the District Attorney

Martinez, Calif. – Today, Wed., April 21, 2021, Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton announces felony charges have been filed against Danville Police Officer Andrew Hall for causing the 2018 death of Newark resident Laudemer Arboleda without lawful excuse or justification. Officer Hall shot at Mr. Arboleda and hit him nine times during a slow-moving vehicle pursuit in downtown Danville. Nine shots hit Mr. Arboleda. (See related articles here, here and here)

According to the police press release of the incident, the suspect attempted to run over the officer, who fired his weapon at the vehicle. A critical incident video was released by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office at that time.

Officer Hall is charged with felony voluntary manslaughter and felony assault with a semi-automatic firearm for the alleged unlawful activity and unreasonable force used during the shooting. Each felony count also contains an enhancement concerning Officer Hall’s discharge of his firearm, a Sig 226, 40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. The second felony count also contains an enhancement for Hall’s unlawful activity causing great bodily injury against Mr. Arboleda.

An arrest warrant was signed by the Honorable Nancy Davis Stark for Hall’s arrest. His bail for the alleged offenses is $220,000.

“Officer Hall used unreasonable and unnecessary force when he responded to the in-progress traffic pursuit involving Laudemer Arboleda, endangering not only Mr. Arboleda’s life but the lives of his fellow officers and citizens in the immediate area. We in law enforcement must conduct ourselves in a professional and lawful manner when interacting with the public. Officer Hall’s actions underscore the need for a continued focus on de-escalation training and improved coordinated responses to individuals suffering from mental illness,” said DA Becton.

On November 3, 2018, at 11:03 a.m., Danville Police Department officers responded to a call reporting that Laudemer Arboleda rang the doorbell of a resident on Cottage Place and was lingering in the area. Mr. Arboleda subsequently drove away from the neighborhood in a 2014 silver Honda. Officers initiated a traffic stop of Mr. Arboleda’s vehicle. When the officers exited their patrol car to approach him, Mr. Arboleda drove away from the officers.

Additional patrol cars joined the traffic pursuit, which lasted for a total of nine minutes and reached maximum speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. Mr. Arboleda continued to drive towards Front Street in Danville. Officer Hall, who was not involved in the initial pursuit, stopped his vehicle in front of the approaching pursuit. As Mr. Arboleda began to slowly maneuver between Officer Hall’s vehicle and another police vehicle involved in the pursuit, Officer Hall ran around the rear of his vehicle and fired his semi-automatic pistol at Mr. Arboleda.

As Officer Hall fired, Mr. Arboleda’s vehicle continued into the intersection of Front Street and Diablo Road and struck a 2006 silver Jeep occupied by an adult. Officers responded and found Mr. Arboleda in his car unresponsive with his foot on the gas pedal. He was taken to San Ramon Valley Medical Center and pronounced dead at 11:44 a.m.

The case will be prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christopher Walpole and Deputy District Attorney Colleen Gleason.

This case was investigated by the DA’s Office under the county protocol concerning law enforcement involved fatalities. The protocol investigation is conducted by the DA’s Office when there is a use of force injury or death involving an officer.

Case information: People v. Andrew Hall, Docket 01-195930-3

Hall is the same officer who shot and killed a man with a knife on March 11, 2021. (See related articles here, here and here)

See video of DA Becton’s press conference on KRON4.

Prepared Statement by DA Becton for April 21, 2021 Press Conference

“Earlier today, my Office filed criminal charges against Danville Police Officer Andrew Hall related to a fatal shooting on November 3, 2018. Officer Hall is a Deputy Sheriff with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and was assigned to Danville at the time of the shooting.

Officer Hall is charged for causing the death of Laudemer Arboleda. Mr. Arboleda was shot 9 times by Officer Hall on November 3, 2018 in Danville.

Our Office for the first time in recent history has filed criminal charges against a police officer for their actions during a shooting. Officer Hall is charged with voluntary manslaughter and assault with a semi-automatic firearm.

These charges are felonies and due to Officer Hall’s unreasonable force used during the 2018 fatal shooting of Mr. Arboleda. The charges also include enhancements, personal use of a firearm. The second felony count, an assault charge, also has an enhancement for Officer Hall’s unlawful activity causing great bodily injury against Mr. Arboleda.

Overall, Officer Hall could face 22 years in state prison, and he would be prohibited from being a peace officer if convicted.

I should underscore Officer Hall is presumed innocent under the law and these criminal charges are allegations. Ultimately, I am confident a jury of Officer Hall’s peers will review this case with great care and consideration and ultimately hold Officer Hall accountable.

The unnecessary death of Mr. Arboleda underscores the need for law enforcement personnel to better understand those suffering from mental illness.

To review some of the timeline of events leading up to the shooting on November 3, 2018:

On November 3, 2018, at 11:03 a.m., Danville Police Department officers responded to a call reporting that Laudemer Arboleda rang the doorbell of a resident on Cottage Place and was lingering in the area.

Mr. Arboleda subsequently drove away from the neighborhood in a 2014 silver Honda. Officers initiated a traffic stop of Mr. Arboleda’s vehicle. When the officers exited their patrol car to approach him, Mr. Arboleda drove away from the officers.

Additional patrol cars joined the traffic pursuit, which lasted for a total of nine minutes and reached maximum speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. Mr. Arboleda continued to drive towards Front Street in Danville. Officer Hall, who was not involved in the initial pursuit, stopped his vehicle in front of the approaching pursuit.

As Mr. Arboleda began to slowly maneuver between Officer Hall’s vehicle and another police vehicle involved in the pursuit, Officer Hall ran around the rear of his vehicle and fired his semi-automatic pistol at Mr. Arboleda.

As Officer Hall fired, Mr. Arboleda’s vehicle continued into the intersection of Front Street and Diablo Road and struck a 2006 silver Jeep occupied by an adult.

Officers responded and found Mr. Arboleda in his car unresponsive with his foot on the gas pedal. He was taken to San Ramon Valley Medical Center and pronounced dead at 11:44 a.m.

The filing of this case took time due to a backlog of prior law enforcement involved fatal incidents my office is investigating. I am doing everything I can do end this backlog and ensure our independent investigations conclude in an expeditious manner.

 

Last year, I completely re-tooled my office’s approach to investigating these complex and sensitive incidents. I have instilled a team approach to these investigations to ensure we are independent and thorough.

I am committed to publicizing the results of our investigations. Further, if we do not file charges, we will release a full public report.

Officer Hall used unreasonable and unnecessary force when he responded to the in-progress traffic pursuit involving Laudemer Arboleda, endangering not only Mr. Arboleda’s life but the lives of his fellow officers and citizens in the immediate area.

We in law enforcement must conduct ourselves in a professional and lawful manner when interacting with the public.

Officer Hall’s actions underscore the need for a continued focus on de-escalation training and improved coordinated responses to individuals suffering from mental illness.

In terms of next steps, Officer Hall will be arraigned before a judge. We do not have a timeframe yet on when that will happen.

Thank you for coming today. I am here to answer your questions.”

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa Sheriff releases videos showing Danville Officer shooting man threatening him with knife

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Tyrell Wilson with knife moments before he was shot by Danville Police Officer Andrew Hall on March 11, 2021. Video screenshot.

DA to hold press conference Wednesday afternoon announcing charging decision against same officer for 2018 shooting death

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

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff is releasing series of critical incident videos depicting the officer involved shooting involving Tyrell Wilson that occurred in Danville on March 11, 2021. (See related articles here and here)

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Sheriff continue to investigate this incident pursuant to the countywide law enforcement involved fatal incident protocol. The Sheriff’s Office is committed to a thorough investigation, transparency of all the facts, and is releasing these videos to provide the public with facts, evidence and information surrounding this incident.

“Any loss of life is tragic, but the community can now see the truth,” said Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston. “Tyrell Wilson did in fact threaten the lives of passing motorists by throwing objects, possibly rocks, from the overpass down onto Highway 680. He was found with numerous rocks in his jacket pocket.  He did pull a knife on Officer Hall. He did threaten Officer Hall. And he did start advancing toward Officer Hall in the middle of a major intersection. Officers are forced to make split second decisions to protect themselves and the public and that’s what happened here.”

The videos can be viewed at the following links. They contain graphic content and language that may be disturbing and not appropriate for all viewers.

Contra Costa Sheriff – Official Facebook Page:

   https://www.facebook.com/CONTRA-COSTA-SHERIFF-OFFICIAL-PAGE-224837426560

YouTube: https://youtu.be/J32OpuhBCFM

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or through Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (925) 646-2441. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

The Contra Costa District Attorney will hold a press conference today, Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. announcing charges against the same officer for a separate shooting death in 2018, according to a Fox2 KTVU news report.

Cal Berkeley women’s soccer team goalie from Danville is tops in nation

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Cal Berkeley Golden Bears’ goalie Angelina Anderson saves a shot. Photo: U.C. Berkeley Athletics

Helps team beat Stanford for first time in eight years

Cal Goalie Angelina Anderson. Photo: U.C. Berkeley Athletics

By Allen Payton

Angelina Anderson from Danville, is a sophomore at U.C. Berkeley and plays goalkeeper for the women’s soccer team, for which she’s been chosen captain. Not only did Anderson help the team in their big win over rival and reigning national champion Stanford, with her nine saves on Saturday, March 20, but she is the reigning National Freshman of the Year as named by TopDrawerSoccer in 2019.

Angie, as she is known by family and friends, is a homegrown protege.  Born and raised in Danville, she played for the Mustang Soccer club, which is part of the Elite Clubs National League program.  Anderson captained the U.S. World Cup National Under-17 team in Uruguay. In 2019 she was 2nd Team All American, First Team All-Pacific, First Team All-Region, and First Team All-Pac-12 and Cal women soccer’s MVP, also as a freshman. Angie is also the first player to win both PAC 12 Freshman of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year in 2019.  (See video)

In high school, Anderson was the United Soccer Coaches’, TopDrawerSoccer, and USA TODAY All-American at Carondelet in Concord. She was First Team All-EBAL as a sophomore and junior and helped Carondelet win back-to-back EBAL Championships.

“She is an amazing local talent and role model,” shared dad, Sean Anderson, a cosmetic and neuromuscular dentist in San Ramon. “Yes, I’m a bit biased. She is a positive ambassador for all young women pursuing academic and athletic excellence.”

The 6’0” tall Angie is from a family of athletes. Sean played football at Iowa and Angie’s mother, Lisa, ran track at San Francisco State University.

Graphic: U.C. Berkeley Athletics

On her birthday, Monday, March 22 she was named the PAC-12 Goalie of the Week. It marked Anderson’s first player of the week nod of the season, and the first weekly honor for the Golden Bears this spring. Anderson was also featured in the TopDrawerSoccer Team of the Week for the week of March 15-21. The sophomore received keeper of the week honors three times in 2019.

“I’m very honored to receive Pac-12 Goalkeeper of the Week after an awesome victory over Stanford on Saturday,” Anderson said during the . “I’m proud of our performance as a team and I’m excited about getting a big result. It’s only up from here for this team! Go Bears!”

In Cal’s victory against the Cardinal, Anderson faced 20 shots, another season-high for the Danville native. On her thoughts before saving a late penalty kick versus No. 20 Stanford: “This is it. You got to make this save. This is big time,” Anderson said during a postgame interview.

“We are happy for Angelina,” said head coach Neil McGuire. “She, along with her teammates, played very well in the game versus Stanford.”

Graphic: U.C. Berkeley Athletics

Anderson entered this season on both the TopDrawerSoccer National Top 100 and the Watch List for the MAC Hermann Award, which is college soccer’s version of the Heisman Trophy.

“Everything Sean said is true and if I may add, the most humble person I have ever met, with the biggest heart I know. But when it comes to winning for her team, she brings it like no other,” said Angie’s aunt, Lana Battagello, a Danville Realtor and no stranger to sports, as owner of Lana’s Egg Whites used by body builders and other athletes. “Also, she has traveled to many countries for her sport at a young age. She loves to travel.”

“If I had to say anything else, it is of one fond memory of when Angelina would come to my house and spend the night. I would say ‘let’s head out to the movies, Angelina, there is a good one playing up at Blackhawk.’ She would look at me with that bright smile and say, ‘Oh, that sounds good, but I must complete my homework first.’ And that was on a Friday night!”

“I was always in awe of her as a little kid and still today. She brings incredible joy to our family,” Battagello added.

When reached for comment, Angelina said about her experience as the Cal Berkeley goalkeeper, “So far my experience at Cal has been incredible. I love Cal.”

“Something I’m super excited about is that I came in as a freshman and made an impact on the team. That’s what I wanted to be able to do no matter which school I attended,” she continued. “And to really get to know my teammates at a deep level. It’s super awesome. I love all the girls. It’s been a really great experience, so far.”

Asked for her thoughts on all the accolades she’s received Angelina said, “The honors and accolades, it’s pretty cool to receive those things. It makes me really humble and honored to play with some really talented players.”

Asked about and her plans for the future, if she would like to go pro, Angelina responded, “I’m just loving my college experience, right now. I’m trying to get through my studies. But yes, playing pro is something I’ve thought about and I’ll cross that bridge when I have to.”

The student athlete said she is studying psychology. Asked what she plans to do with her major, Angie said, “I’m not exactly sure, yet what route I want to take with psychology. I’ve just really enjoyed the classes.”

Mom, Lisa also shared some thoughts about her daughter.

“Angelina, she’s just a very grateful person. She’s always someone who gives credit to others,” her proud mother said. “There’s so much truth to that in her developing as an athlete, from Club Mustang, to high school at Carondolet to her coaches, and other great players. They have contributed so much to her success. Particularly her Coach Neil McGuire and her Goalie Coach Cori Alexander. When she was being recruited, that’s who she compared everyone else to. They’ve been exceptional people in her life, on and off the field.”

“Coming in young like that I was wondering what it would be like for the upper classmen,” Lisa continued. “But her ability to connect well with others shows initiative and it doesn’t surprise me she was chosen captain.
“Angelina is an only child, but always had a big white dog around as a brother,” said Lisa, who had the number 10 Great Pyrenees show dog in the country. Like her sister, Lana, Lisa is a Realtor and also has a big dog walking business, as well as cats and rides horses for clients.

“Everyone knows Angelina as this amazing soccer player. But she’s a diverse person,” her mom continued. “She loves to read. She’s a fantastic writer. English is her second choice for a major and she loves music. She has a play list like no other. She’s also an excellent skier and loves her ‘Black Crows’ skis.”

“She’s just a lovely gal. Very joyful,” Lisa added.

Dad, Sean offered one final comment. “I’m so proud of her, especially knowing how her life since seven years old has been 100% committed to this endeavor,” he shared. “The sacrifices and perseverance she has endured are impossible to explain.”

Keep up-to-date on the Angie and the Golden Bears women’s soccer team throughout the year by following them on Twitter (@CalWSoc), Instagram (@CalWSoc) and Facebook (Facebook.com/CalWSoc).

Man with knife, throwing rocks at cars on freeway shot by Danville police officer dies

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Suspect with knife and knife on March 11, 2021. Photos: Danville PD

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

The man in last Thursday’s officer-involved shooting in Danville, identified as 32-year-old Tyrell Wilson, was pronounced deceased while at the hospital. (See related article)

On Thursday morning, March 11 at about 11:48 a.m., police dispatch received several calls from motorists regarding a person who was throwing rocks off the Sycamore Valley Road overpass onto Highway 680.

A Danville Police Officer arrived at the scene and contacted the subject in question in the area of Sycamore Valley Road and Camino Ramon. The officer approached the subject who was standing on the street. As the officer tried to talk to him, the subject pulled out a folding knife and then opened it. The officer ordered him to drop the knife several times. He then advanced toward the officer, who discharged his weapon striking the subject once.

The Office of the Sheriff recognizes the impact an event like this can have on the community and is committed to full transparency of all the facts. Sheriff’s investigators continue to work with the District Attorney’s Office on investigating this incident pursuant to the countywide law enforcement involved fatal incident protocol.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or through Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (925) 646-2441. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

The Danville Police Department is a Special Operations Division of the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

 

Man throwing rocks onto I-680, holding knife in Danville shot by police Thursday morning

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Suspect with knife and knife on March 11, 2021. Photos: Danville PD

By Danville Police Department

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office are continuing to investigate an officer involved shooting that occurred in Danville.

Thursday morning, March 11 at about 11:48, police dispatch received several calls from motorists regarding a person who was throwing rocks off the Sycamore Valley Road overpass onto Interstate 680.

A Danville Police Officer arrived at the scene and contacted the subject in question in the area of Sycamore Valley Road and Camino Ramon. The officer approached the subject who was standing on the street. As the officer tried to talk to him, the subject pulled out a folding knife and then opened it. The officer ordered him to drop the knife several times. He then advanced toward the officer, who discharged his weapon striking the subject once.

The fire department and an ambulance were called and responded to the scene. The subject was taken to a local hospital where he is being treated at this time. He is not being identified.

The investigation is ongoing per the countywide officer involved protocol. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Investigation Division through dispatch at (925) 646-2441 or at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Hours long police standoff with driver in Danville ends peacefully Wednesday

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By Danville Police Department

At approximately 3:20 pm, Danville Police were called to the 700 block of Everett Drive near intersection with Paraiso on a report of an individual threatening suicide. A subject had barricaded themself in their vehicle and refused to leave, threatening to have a firearm.

Police cleared the area of Everett Drive. Residents in the area were asked to stay inside and motorists were asked to avoid the area.

Officers from Danville PD, San Ramon PD, and the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office set up a perimeter around the area and began talking with the subject in order to resolve the situation safely.

Shortly after 7 p.m., the subject voluntarily left their vehicle and surrendered to police custody.  They have been taken in for a mental health evaluation.  No firearm was found at the scene.

See video of the scene in the report by KPIX5 CBS.

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Owner of Concord landscaping company charged with two felonies for 2018 death of employee

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Had suspended contractor’s license at the time; death of Antioch man occurred in San Ramon

By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County Office of the District Attorney

Segundo Collazos. From
his Facebook page posted on April 26, 2019.

On Monday, March 1, 2021, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed a felony complaint against Segundo Collazos, the owner of Amazon’s Landscaping Company based out of Concord. (See Complaint Collazos February 2021)

The charges relate to the 2018 death of Manuel Peralta, then 68, of Antioch, California, who died while operating a rented tree stump grinder in San Ramon. At the time of the incident, defendant Segundo Collazos had a suspended license with the Contractors State License Board. The investigation began from the California Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Occupational Safety & Health Bureau of Investigations.

The first felony alleges that defendant Collazos permitted the victim Manuel Peralta to use a stump grinder in a manner contrary to manufacturer recommendations and to work in the danger zone of the cutting wheel, resulting in his death. The second felony alleges that Collazos failed to properly train Peralta on the proper and safe use of the stump grinder, also resulting in his death.

The District Attorney’s Office reminds homeowners to check that a contractor is currently licensed and insured before hiring them for residential construction work. Homeowners can check the validity of a license number on the Contractors’ State Licensing Board website or call (800) 321-CSLB (2752).

“When a Cal/OSHA investigation reveals evidence a worker’s serious injury or death involves criminal misconduct, our Bureau of Investigations Unit refers those cases to the local District Attorney’s Office for prosecution,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Doug Parker. “We thank the Contra Costa County District Attorney for their work on this case. Employers must be made aware that disregarding the requirement to train and supervise workers using dangerous equipment can lead to tragedy and possible jail time.”

Deputy District Attorney Ryan Morris is prosecuting the case on behalf of the People. DDA Morris is assigned to our Office’s Special Operations Division.

Case information: People v. Segundo Collazos, Docket Number 01-195521-0.

Pinole Valley High senior Jermaine Gitana is 2021 Contra Costa County Poetry Out Loud Champion

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2021 Contra Costa County Poetry Out Loud Champion Jermaine Gitana. Graphic: AC5.org

Student from Deer Valley High in Antioch places second, San Ramon Valley High student places third

The Arts and Culture Commission is excited to announce Jermaine Gitana from Pinole Valley High School as our 2021 Poetry Out Loud Contra Costa County Champion! On February 11th, we held a Facebook Live Virtual Screening and Awards Ceremony. He was awarded a $200 cash prize and varsity jacket. (See his introduction and winning performance at approximately the 20:35 mark of the competition video)

Esmeralda Noyola from Deer Valley High School (Antioch) won second place and was awarded a $150 prize. Tessa Brubaker from San Ramon Valley High School took third place and was awarded a $100 prize. The County Finals included impressive high school champions Patricia May Villanueva of Prospects High School (Antioch), Michael Miralles of John Henry High School (Richmond), Kyla Erika Nano of Concord High School, and Kaleigh Thurman of College Park High School (Pleasant Hill).

“I am a 17-year-old senior at Pinole Valley High who is part Black and Filipino,” said Gitana. “I enjoy playing instruments, making music, swimming, singing, and most of all reciting poetry.”

His performances of the poems Written By Himself by Gregory Pardlo and Piano by D. H. Lawrence proved to be a winning combination! On March 11th, Jermaine will compete in the Poetry Out Loud State Finals where students recite 3 poems. On March 12th, the California State Winner will be announced on California Arts Council email, internet, and social media. We are very proud of Jermaine!

Jermaine Gitana performance screenshot.

Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition for high school students across the country. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life. Poetry Out Loud provides free curriculum materials—all available online—including a poetry anthology, a comprehensive teacher’s guide, videos of student performances, lesson plans, and promotional and media resources.

Schools with students in the 2021 CCC finals.

All Contra Costa County high school students, grades 9-12, are invited to enter Poetry Out Loud. School winners advance to the County competition each February, then the State competition in March, and ultimately to the National Finals. The 2021 POL National Semifinals will take place on Sunday, May 2nd and the 2021 POL National Finals will take place on Thursday, May 27th and will be held virtually in lieu of holding them on-site in Washington D.C. as previously planned. Both will be video submission-based competitions and will be streamed on arts.gov.

Every Contra Costa County high school (public, private, parochial, independent, alternative, continuation, court, charter and home schools), non-profit organizations, and libraries are encouraged to participate. Students don’t enter the POL competition directly, but through their high schools or a school POL liaison such as a teacher, librarian, school staff, or organization member.

“Last August, I became the new Managing Director and was first introduced to the amazing Poetry Out Loud program,” said Jenny Balisle, Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County Managing Director. “Our incredible team of Donté Clark (Poetry Out Loud Coordinator), Brennan DeFrisco (Poetry Out Loud Student Coach and Assistant Coordinator), and Antonio Tamayo (Poetry Out Loud Digital Content and Technical Assistant) worked together to transition the program online. The Virtual Screening and Awards Ceremony was an evening of many firsts for the Arts and Culture Commission: first Facebook Live event for a signature art program, first ASL interpreters for a live virtual event, and first Land Acknowledgement. Despite the pandemic, we were determined to uplift, support, and celebrate Contra Costa County youth! I’m proud of what we accomplished but most of all- very proud of the resilience and grace of our youth.”

To watch all the competitors in the Virtual Screening and Awards Ceremony please visit here.

Poetry Out Loud is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, Poetry Foundation, California Arts Council, and Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County (AC5).

AC5 is dedicated to advancing the arts in a way that promotes communication, education, appreciation and collaboration throughout Contra Costa County so that we may grow creatively as a community that preserves and celebrates our diverse cultural expression.

Please visit www.ac5.org for more information and sign up on our email list. We welcome your participation and hope to see you next year!

San Ramon’s California High wins Contra Costa County High School Mock Trial Championship, again

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Members of the Cal High Mock Trial Team and coaches flash the number four following their repeat victory during the virtual mock trial Tuesday night. Photo from The Californian Twitter feed.

Their fourth win in a row; Art and Journalism Contest winners also from Cal High

Held virtually, this year 17 schools and 300 students participated;

Acalanes High placed 2nd, Miramonte High 3rd and Hercules High 4th

The 40th Annual Contra Costa County High School Mock Trials were held virtually, this year from January 26 through the final round on Tuesday, Feb. 16. The team from California High School of San Ramon won their fourth straight championship, beating Acalanes High of Lafayette in the final round. California High team played the role of the Prosecution while the Acalanes team fulfilled the role of the Defense. The match was judged and scored by former judge and current Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton, along with five Bay Area attorneys, serving as Mock Trial scorers.

Also, noteworthy, Miramonte High (Orinda) defeated Hercules High (Hercules) during the same evening’s consolation match. This trial was judged and scored by Contra Costa County Superior Court Judge Steve Austin, along with five attorney scorers.

The 2021 top four teams were ranked in this order: 1) California High, 2) Acalanes High, 3) Miramonte High, 4) Hercules High. California High has now won four consecutive championships.

The Mock Trials Awards Ceremony were also held virtually, on Thursday, Feb. 18. Opening the event, Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey gave the welcome and message to the attendees, followed by remarks made by Contra Costa County Superior Court Presiding Judge Rebecca Hardie, and the Mock Trial coaches presented their Coaches Awards to their exceptional-performing students. This was followed by the announcement of individual awards that were recorded by the volunteer Mock Trial judges and attorney scorers during the four opening preliminary rounds. The ceremony concluded with naming of this year’s championship team from Cal High. (Video begins at the 6:45 mark)

“As like numerous other counties in California, this was a challenging year for our High School Mock Trial program,” said Superintendent Mackey. “Due to COVID-19, this was the first time in 40 years that we were not able to hold our trials in one of the Martinez courthouses, but instead held the competitions via Zoom Meetings. This year’s Mock Trial success was because of a group effort between our volunteer judges and attorneys and our staff, as well as the patient and dedicated team coaches and their determined students. Congratulations to all of you!”

Directed by their teaching coach, Brian Barr, California High will now represent Contra Costa County at the California State Mock Trial competition, March 18-22. The California state finalist team will then compete in the National Mock Trial Competition, held May 13-15.

Courtroom art by winner Michelle Nguyen of California High School.

Art Contest

In the Courtroom Art Contest, students participated as courtroom artists, a companion program to Mock Trials. As courtroom artists, students accompanied their Mock Trial teams and sketched courtroom scenes that were later judged by a team of art judges. The winner was Michelle Nguyen from California High School and will represent Contra Costa County at the state finals.

Journalism Contest

In the Courtroom Journalism Contest, participating students were given an opportunity to report on a Mock Trial from the perspective of a journalist. As courtroom reporters, students accompanied their school’s Mock Trial teams to the preliminary rounds of the competition. Courtroom reporters then wrote and submitted one 500-word news article on the trial they attended. Articles were judged by a panel of specialists. The winner, Nicholas Harvey, also from California High, will represent Contra Costa County at the state finals. Read  his winning article.

The honored guest speaker, Judge Hardie, told the audience, “Congratulations to all of the students, teachers, and coaches for a wonderful competition. I’m so pleased that we didn’t let COVID-19 get in the way of our historic and annual tradition. We are so proud of our longstanding partnership with the Mock Trial program. Here at the county’s Superior Court, Mock Trials is one of our favorite times of the year. And, I heard so many wonderful stories from this year’s volunteering judges. They all agreed about how seamless the trials went this year, especially adapting the competition from our physical courtrooms to virtual courtrooms. The students did not miss a beat!

Coordinated by the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) and sponsored by the Constitutional Rights Foundation, Mock Trial is an academic event provided for high school students. The hands-on educational program was created to help students acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society.

This year’s case, People v. Croddy, is the trial of Lee Croddy who hosts a popular YouTube channel called The Right Choice of News (RCN). Croddy has been charged with two counts: (1) aiding and abetting in the commission of first-degree burglary by another, and (2) accessory after the fact. This case will also feature a pre-trial argument on the Fifth Amendment protection against self-incrimination and as set forth in Miranda v. Arizona.

Since the beginning of the school year, teams of high school students worked with teacher coaches and volunteer coaches to prepare their version of the criminal case, from both the prosecution and defense perspectives. Students assumed the roles of trial attorneys, pre-trial motion attorneys, witnesses, clerks, bailiffs, artists, and court journalists. During the Zoom Meetings, Mock Trial judges and attorneys scored the students’ presentations and provided immediate feedback.

This year, there were 18 teams from the following 19 Contra Costa County high schools competed: Acalanes High (Lafayette), Alhambra High (Martinez), California High (San Ramon), Campolindo High (Moraga), Carondelet High (Concord), De La Salle (Concord), De Anza High (Richmond), De La Salle (Concord), Deer Valley Law Academy (Antioch), Dougherty Valley High (San Ramon), El Cerrito High (El Cerrito), Hercules High (Hercules), Heritage High (Brentwood), Kennedy High (Richmond), Las Lomas High (Walnut Creek), Miramonte High (Orinda), Monte Vista High (Danville), Richmond High (Richmond). *Richmond High and Kennedy High combine students for one team.

Approximately 60 Bay Area practicing and retired attorneys and sworn judges volunteered their time and expertise to serve as Mock Trial attorney scorers and judges. These volunteers represented judges from the Contra Costa County Superior Courts, and attorney scorers included attorneys from Bay Area county District Attorney and Public Defender offices, the State Attorney General’s Office, and the California Department of Justice. Also serving as attorney scorers, were non-profit, public, private, and corporate attorneys. Because this year’s competition was virtual, there were attorneys volunteering from their offices in Los Angeles; San Diego; Truckee; and Olympia, Washington. In addition, senior students from two Bay Area law schools also lent a hand in scoring.

For all the team and individual results, visit the Contra Costa County Office of Education’s Mock Trial results web page. #cocomocktrial

In 1977, the Constitutional Rights Foundation (CRF) introduced the concept of mock trials to the Los Angeles schools. In 1980, the program expanded to the state level. The California Mock Trial Program currently involves more than 36 counties and over 8,000 student participants from more than 400 teams. Approximately 1,500 attorney volunteers serve as team coaches and scorers, and 500 Municipal, Superior, and Appellate Court judges preside over the trials.

San Ramon business one of 10 finalists for outdoor industry mentoring program needs your vote

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Time is running out to vote for San Ramon’s own Pathloom to be selected for Walmart-owned Moosejaw’s Outdoor Acceleration program, aimed at supporting small businesses in the outdoor industry. Public voting will run through February 26th, and takes place at Moosejaw.com/accelerator.

The winning business will win an 8-week mentoring program guided by ICELab, product launch on Moosejaw.com and in Moosejaw stores, membership to Camber Outdoors, free legal consultation from Holland & Hart LLP, and a feature article on GearJunkie.

San Ramon’s own Pathloom has been chosen as one of 10 finalists for Moosejaw’s Outdoor Acceleration program, aimed at supporting small businesses in the outdoor industry. This year, the program has placed additional emphasis on supporting underrepresented groups in the outdoor industry.

Founded by Ankit Jain, who has made several trips to the Himalayas, he and his team have developed an all-in-one app to make planning for camping, hiking and other outdoor recreation trips as easy as booking a traditional vacation. According to the company’s website, their “mission is to get more people outdoors, more often. We believe everyone should have access to the benefits nature has to offer and that complicated trip planning should not prevent anybody from doing so, which is why Pathloom was created.”

Now it’s up to people who live in the San Ramon area to help Pathloom cross the finish line! Public voting will run through February 26th and will take place at Moosejaw.com/accelerator. Neighbors, friends and customers are encouraged to vote for their favorite company finalist!

Four winners will be selected to have their product launched in Moosejaw stores and on Moosejaw.com. These winners will also take part in an eight-week mentoring program with Moosejaw, will be featured in an article on GearJunkie and receive other legal and business support. You can find out about all the finalists here.

Pathloom aims to make a profound impact in getting more people outdoors who would otherwise not be able or encouraged to do so. They’ve developed an all-in-one app to make planning for camping, hiking and other outdoor recreation trips as easy as booking a traditional vacation. It was founded by Ankit Jain who represents an underrepresented group in the outdoor industry – people of color. You can find out more about the company here.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.