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Current, former Danville Police Officers honored with MADD Award

July 18, 2026 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Danville Police Officer Greg Drolet and Deputies Stephanie Banh and Adonnis Daughenbaugh are joined by Chief Thomas Rossberg (left) and Administrative Lt. John Rock III (right) at the MADD Awards ceremony July 9, 2026. Photo: Danville PD

By Danville Police Department

Congratulations to Our MADD Award Recipients!

On Thursday, July 9, 2026, the Danville Police Department’s current and former personnel were recognized at the 2026 Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Law Enforcement and Prosecutor Recognition Awards Ceremony for their commitment to removing impaired drivers from our roadways.

We are proud to recognize Officer Greg Drolet (28 arrests), Deputy Stephanie Banh (31 arrests), and Deputy Adonnis Daughenbaugh (25 arrests), who were honored for their outstanding efforts and impact on DUI enforcement throughout 2025 during the ceremony held at the Blackhawk Museum in Danville.

Each year, MADD honors law enforcement officers for their impaired‑driving arrest achievements, as well as first responders, prosecutors, probation officers and MADD volunteers for their life‑saving contributions. Each has contributed to putting an end to drunk and drugged driving, supporting the victims of these violent crimes, and preventing underage drinking and other drug use. Every impaired driver removed from the road represents a potential life saved.

The 23152 Pin Award is given to sworn officers who make 25 or more DUI arrests in a single year. The pin’s red color symbolizes victims of impaired‑driving crashes and officers killed or injured in such collisions.

Their dedication to keeping impaired drivers off our streets helps make our community a safer place for everyone. Thank you for your commitment, professionalism, and service to the Danville community. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

The Danville Police Department is a contract agency of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department providing law enforcement services to the Town of Danville under a formal service agreement.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: Honors & Awards, News, Police, San Ramon Valley

Two firearms recovered during Danville DUI traffic stop

July 17, 2026 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Photos: Danville PD

By Danville Police Department

In June, a Danville police officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle on Diablo Road. While investigating the driver for a possible DUI, the officer saw a firearm under the driver’s seat. A search of the vehicle found the driver in possession of a Ruger pistol, an unserialized AR-15 style rifle, and a loaded magazine. In addition to the DUI, the suspect was arrested for multiple gun-related charges, including possession of an unserialized firearm and a felon in possession of a firearm. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

The investigation into this case is ongoing.

Filed Under: Crime, News, Police, San Ramon Valley

Contra Costa businesses receive support from Alameda County Board of Supervisors for ultra-light rail freight and transit system, underground utility “SuperGrid”

July 16, 2026 By Publisher 1 Comment

Renderings source: CyberTran International, Inc.

Richmond’s CyberTran International, Inc., EarthGrid, UC Berkeley’s PATH, San Ramon’s Manex announce major achievement signaling new era of freight rail innovation and development, East Bay job creation

Richmond, CA – The Alameda County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, officially and unanimously adopted a resolution in support of moving freight through the county using Richmond-based CyberTran International’s Ultra-Light Rail Freight and Transit (ULRF&T) system. The ULRF&T system is planned to operate from Oakland to the Central Valley via underground tunnels, and create a next-generation SuperGrid for underground utilities.

The development partnership includes CyberTran International, Richmond-based EarthGrid, U.C. Berkeley Partners in Advanced Transportation Technology (PATH), located at the Richmond Field Station, and the San Ramon-based Corporation for Manufacturing Excellence (Manex).

“Adoption…demonstrates…support for continued exploration and development of the Ultra-Light Rail Freight and Transit system, associated underground infrastructure improvements, and the establishment of advanced manufacturing and Inland Port facilities that could provide long-term transportation, environmental, and economic benefits to the East Bay region.” – Supervisor Nate Miley

Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley has been a leading advocate for this effort. According to his staff report for the agenda item, #46, “The proposed ULRF&T system is intended to provide a lower-cost, zero-carbon alternative to conventional freight and transit rail systems while reducing truck traffic along the heavily congested Interstate 580 corridor. EarthGrid’s proposed underground SuperGrid technology would provide tunnel infrastructure capable of supporting both freight transportation and modernized utility corridors, while PATH contributes expertise in autonomous vehicle technology. MANEX would assist CyberTran in establishing a manufacturing facility within Alameda County, creating local jobs and supporting advanced manufacturing in the East Bay. As part of this initiative, CyberTran and its partners are also proposing the development of an Inland Port in eastern Alameda County to facilitate the movement of goods between the Port of Oakland and California’s Central Valley.”

“Adoption of the attached resolution demonstrates the County’s support for continued exploration and development of the Ultra-Light Rail Freight and Transit system, associated underground infrastructure improvements, and the establishment of advanced manufacturing and Inland Port facilities that could provide long-term transportation, environmental, and economic benefits to the East Bay region,” the staff report concludes.

Miley made the motion to adopt the resolution, Board President David Haubert seconded the motion, and it passed on a vote of 5-0. (See AlCo BOS CyberTran Resolution 071426)

“Automobiles have evolved, aviation has evolved, aerospace has evolved, it’s time for rail to evolve. Plus, roving blackouts and wildfires along with tomorrow’s energy and water needs dictate that it’s time to upgrade our outdated utility grid,” said Dexter Vizinau, CEO of CyberTran International.

Key Highlights of the Resolution

  • The initiative seeks to establish a Public Private Partnership Pilot Project.
  • The project will focus on developing and deploying an innovative autonomous rail system designed to efficiently transport freight, reduce costs, and decrease travel times compared to traditional trucking methods.
  • The County’s resolution also supports UC Berkeley PATH’s work to research, develop, and implement an autonomous ULRF&T system.
  • EarthGrid’s plasma boring technology is endorsed for tunnel construction, which will form a SuperGrid for utilities and facilitate the ULRF&T transit network.
  • Manex is supported in creating a CyberTran factory in Alameda County to manufacture and distribute ULRF&T systems globally.
  • This initiative is expected to reduce traffic congestion, particularly along the Highway 580 Corridor.
  • Thousands of well-paying jobs are anticipated for Alameda County residents because of the project.
  • By lessening truck traffic and congestion, the county aims to reduce negative environmental impacts.

Commitment to East Bay Community

The companies and organizations involved have a long history of fostering innovation and supporting skilled individuals, organizations, and businesses. Their strong ties to Alameda and Contra Costa County demonstrate their dedication to quality, creativity and integrity. (See related articles here, here and here)

(See 2:01:30 mark of Board meeting video)

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Note: The publisher of the Herald has a financial interest in CyberTran International, Inc.

Filed Under: Business, East Bay, News, San Ramon Valley, Technology, Transportation, West County

Danville to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with parade, entertainment July 4th

July 1, 2026 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Proclamation to veterans July 3rd

By Town of Danville & Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley

Danville’s biggest community tradition is almost here. The Kiwanis-Danville 4th of July Parade brings neighbors, families, friends and the whole community together for a morning of celebration in Downtown Danville.

The parade takes place Saturday, July 4 from 9 a.m. to noon, with floats, music and plenty of red, white and blue along the route.

The parade will feature more than 100 participating groups, with thousands of spectators expected to line the route for one of Danville’s most anticipated summer celebrations. This year’s event also carries special national significance as communities across the country prepare to mark America’s 250th anniversary.

The weekend recognition will begin Friday, July 3, at 10 a.m., when a proclamation will be presented to Veterans Service Organizations at the Veterans Memorial Building. The presentation will recognize the service and sacrifice of veterans as Danville prepares for Independence Day and the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Make your plans to join the community for a festive morning along the parade route.

Honoring SRVUSD: Great schools + great students = great community!

This year’s 2026 Parade Grand Marshal is San Ramon Valley Unified School District.

2026 marks the 51st anniversary that the Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley first began organizing and conducting the 4th of July Parade in Danville, and Kiwanis has presented a Parade every year since, including the virtual Parade that was held online in COVID year 2020.

Find more details about the parade, entertainment, and upcoming community events at danville.ca.gov/summer or Parade — Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley.

Filed Under: Community, History, Holiday, San Ramon Valley

San Ramon to celebrate America’s 250th Independence Day with 40th annual run, concert July 4th

June 30, 2026 By Publisher Leave a Comment

By City of San Ramon

Kick off America’s 250th with patriotic music on the 4th of July from Olympia Fields Brass followed by a high-energy concert featuring The Cheeseballs, an internationally traveling dance band bringing you the best of funk and soul with hits from the ’80s, ’90s and today. Grab your friends, family, and picnic blanket for a spectacular evening of dancing, singing, and summer fun under the stars. Beer, wine, and food truck purchases available.

Central Park Amphitheater – 7000 Bollinger Canyon Road

  • Olympia Fields Brass | 5:00 p.m.
  • The Cheeseballs | 6:00 p.m.
  • Food trucks available
  • Beer & wine available for purchase
  • FREE Admission

Source: City of San Ramon

Bring your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, family and friends for a night of patriotic music, dancing and summer fun under the stars. There will be no fireworks display.

Additional parking available at Iron Horse Middle School. Please see map for ADA parking and Loading and Unloading Area.

For more information visit sanramon.ca.gov/events.

40th Annual Run San Ramon

The 2026 Run San Ramon presented by the City of San Ramon is celebrating its 40th year! Sign up today to run this Independence Day classic Get a healthy start to your 4th of July by enjoying the paved, looped 5K/10K course through San Ramon or the out-and-back Fastest Mile. All participants will receive a collectible, commemorative short-sleeve shirt, bib and participation medal with the 2026 logo.

The Run San Ramon is a chip timed race.

Start & Finish: San Ramon Community Center – 12501 Alcosta Blvd.

7:00am – Check-in & Race Day Registration Opens

8:00am – Fastest Mile Start

8:30am – 5K/10K Start

Register at SanRamon.ca.gov/FitnessRaces.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment, Community, History, Holiday, Recreation, San Ramon Valley

Three San Ramon students win at National Speech & Debate Tournament

June 24, 2026 By Publisher Leave a Comment

2026 Middle School National Champions

By Shelby Young, Marketing & Communications, National Speech & Debate Association

The National Speech & Debate Association is proud to announce the 2026 Middle School National Speech & Debate Champions! Three students from Windmere Ranch Middle School Argumentative Debate and Academic Competition Club (ADACC) in San Ramon. Lillian Liu won the Congressional Debate competition, and Zidaan Barodawala and Iris Ai won the Public Forum Debate competition. The school is in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District.

Around 1,000 middle school students from 39 states and six countries traveled to Richmond, Virginia to compete in the National Speech & Debate Tournament, the “superbowl” of academia.

“Speech and debate equips students with skills that will serve them for a lifetime—confidence, communication, critical thinking, and the ability to engage respectfully with different perspectives,” said J. Scott Wunn, Executive Director of the National Speech & Debate Association. “These skills help students succeed not only in school, but also as future leaders, professionals, and active members of their communities.”

2026 Middle School National Speech & Debate Champions:

Congressional Debate

Lillian Liu of Windmere Ranch Middle School ADACC, San Ramon, California

Public Forum Debate

Zidaan Barodawala and Iris Ai, Windmere Ranch Middle School ADACC, San Ramon, California

Declamation

Leah Domar, Gutierrez Middle School of Arts & Sciences, Texas

Dramatic Interpretation

Lauren Elliott, Gutierrez Middle School of Arts & Sciences, Texas

Duo Interpretation

Lauren Elliott & Vesper Garza, Gutierrez Middle School of Arts & Sciences, Texas

Humorous Interpretation

Tiegen Fryberger, Duluth Marshall School, Minnesota

Impromptu Speaking

Taj Brown, The Village Middle School, Texas

Informative Speaking

Aivah Dauzart, David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy, Louisiana

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Bailey Wong, El Roble Intermediate, California

Mixed Extemporaneous Speaking

Liam Sahli, Friendly Hills Middle School, Minnesota

Original Oratory

Maahi Ailawadhi, Alice B. Landrum Middle School, Florida

Original Spoken Word Poetry

Damilola Adeoshun, E. A. Olle Middle School, Texas

Poetry

Cetlalli Valenzuela Gonzalez, Edgewood Middle School, California

Policy Debate 

Tariq Abdul-Jami and Nicholas Hinkhouse, Solar Preparatory School for Boys, Texas

Program Oral Interpretation

Vesper Garza, Gutierrez Middle School of Arts & Sciences, Texas

Prose

Madden Davis, LaRue County Middle School, Kentucky

Storytelling

Lauren Elliott, Gutierrez Middle School of Arts & Sciences, Texas

World Schools Debate

Team China Gold

Ryan Yan, Miranda Chen and Yunran Geng, Dialogy, China

With more than 100,000 student members across the country, the NSDA is the premier platform for speech and debate, preparing generations of young people to engage in the public sphere through academically rigorous speech and debate training, competitions, and education.

Over the next five years, the NSDA has a goal to double the number of students involved in speech and debate to 200,000 students across the country.

The 2027 National Tournament will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, from June 13–18, 2027. To learn more about Nationals, visit www.speechanddebate.org/nationals.

About the National Speech & Debate Association

The National Speech & Debate Association is the authority on public speaking and debate in the United States. The Association builds the infrastructure for speech and debate competitions around the world by providing topics, educational resources, and training for students and coaches. For 100 years, the National Speech & Debate Association has built a platform for youth voices that culminates in the National Tournament, the largest academic competition in the world. For more information, visit www.speechanddebate.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: Contests, Education, Honors & Awards, News, San Ramon Valley

Two arrested for stealing sunglasses worth $45K from San Ramon store

June 17, 2026 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Stolen sunglasses recovered from thieves on June 11, 2026. Photos: San Ramon PD

By San Ramon Police Department

On Thursday June 11, 2026, San Ramon Police officers arrested two suspects following a retail theft at City Center that resulted in the recovery of more than $45,000 in stolen merchandise.

Emptied out sunglass cases inside store. Photos: San Ramon PD

A suspect entered a local business, filled a garbage bag with high-end sunglasses, and then fled the store. A Corporal assigned to our Organized Retail Theft Suppression Team, who was patrolling the area at the time, quickly located the suspect, who attempted to evade capture on foot before getting into a waiting vehicle.

Working together, patrol officers stopped the vehicle and safely took both suspects into custody. All stolen merchandise was recovered and returned to the business.

This case is a great example of the impact proactive patrols and teamwork can have on crime in our community. Because officers were already in the area and responded quickly, a significant theft was solved within minutes, stolen property was recovered, and those responsible were taken into custody.

Outstanding work by the officers involved!

In addition, following is a brief summary of the arrests made by officers from the San Ramon Police Department from in their police log for the week of June 4-11, 2026.

06/06/2026

  • A 44-year-old male was arrested for criminal conspiracy, shoplifting, petty theft with priors, and violating probation.
  • A 43-year-old female was arrested for criminal conspiracy, shoplifting, petty theft with priors, and violating probation.
  • A 33-year-old male was arrested for unlawful possession or use of tear gas, possession of a controlled substance, violating probation, violating parole, smuggling a controlled substance into jail, and pursuant to an arrest warrant.

06/07/2026

  • A 26-year-old female was arrested for shoplifting.
  • A 25-year-old male was arrested for violating a domestic violence court order.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: Business, Crime, News, Police, San Ramon Valley

Traffic signals across Contra Costa County are getting smarter

May 28, 2026 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Source: CCTA

CCTA introduces Smart Signals Project in Danville

At approximately 365 intersections countywide

By Lindy Johnson, Director of External Affairs & Mike Blasky, Communications, Contra Costa Transportation Authority

At a groundbreaking event in Danville on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) marked the advancement of its Countywide Smart Signals project, a countywide effort to modernize approximately 365 intersections and give local agencies better real-time tools to improve safety, reduce unnecessary stops, and help traffic move more smoothly on some of the county’s most important corridors.

The project spans all 19 cities and towns, along with unincorporated Contra Costa County, and focuses on major Routes of Regional Significance where upgraded equipment can strengthen coordination and improve day-to-day traffic operations across jurisdictions.

A special thank you to CCTA Senior Engineer Andy Dillard, whose work and leadership helped move this project from concept to construction. His experience, including his earlier work with the Town of Danville, has been instrumental in shaping a project that started with local needs and is now growing into a countywide system upgrade.

Smart Signals Key Features. Source: CCTA

Key Features of the Smart Signals include:

1. Traffic Signal Synchronization

Makes traffic lights work together so drivers spend less time in traffic, reducing travel times and delays while enhancing safety.

2. Video/Radar Vehicle, Pedestrian, and Bicycle Detection

Uses sensors to locate approaching vehicles, people, and bikers, and automatically adjust traffic lights for safer crossings. Provides real-time traffic data so cities can spot issues, improve timing, and keep roads safe.

3. Emergency Vehicle Preemption

Gives green lights to fire trucks, police cars, and ambulances so they can reach emergencies more quickly.

4. Transit Signal Priority

Helps buses move through traffic more smoothly to stay on schedule.

5. High-Speed Network

Connects signals through high-speed links so they can share information instantly.

6. Remote-View Sensors

Lets engineers see what’s happening at intersections and respond faster to problems.

7. Battery Back-up Systems

Keep traffic signals up and running during power outages.

“The Countywide Smart Signals project is about bringing our traffic signal system up to a modern standard and giving our cities and towns better tools to keep people moving safely and efficiently,” said Tim Haile, Executive Director of CCTA. “These upgrades will help intersections work better together, support safer crossings for people walking and biking, and create the connected foundation we need for better traffic management over time.”

Upgrades to traffic signals could include signal synchronization, vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle detection, emergency vehicle preemption, transit signal priority, high-speed network connections, remote-view sensors, and battery backup systems, depending on local jurisdiction needs. Initial upgrades will begin in communities such as Danville and Concord, with additional countywide work to follow.

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (2nd from left) and Contra Costa County District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen (front center) are joined by Danville Town Councilwoman Renee Morgan (left), Councilman Mark Belotz (rear), Mayor Newell Arnerich and Councilwoman Karen Stepper during the Smart Signals event on May 27, 2026. Photo: Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

“This is exactly the kind of countywide investment that delivers local value,” said Candace Andersen, Supervisor, District 2, Contra Costa County. “For residents, it means smarter coordination, safer intersections, and better support for emergency response and transit. For our local jurisdictions, it means modern tools and stronger connections along the corridors that matter most.”

“We are proud to host this groundbreaking in Danville and help launch an effort that will benefit communities across Contra Costa County,” said Newell Arnerich, Mayor of Danville. “Danville residents experience every day how important signal timing and traffic operations are to safety and quality of life. Projects like Countywide Smart Signals will help our communities manage traffic more effectively while improving conditions for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and first responders.”

“Modern, connected transportation infrastructure is essential to keeping our communities safe and moving. I’m proud to have secured more than $7 million in federal funds to ensure our community has cutting-edge technology to reduce commutes and ensure safety. Contra Costa is leading the nation in investments like Countywide Smart Signals to help improve mobility, reduce delay, and strengthen the transportation networks commuters rely on every day,” said Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, who represents California’s 10th Congressional District. “Today’s Contra Costa Transportation Authority’s Smart Signals project groundbreaking was many years in the making! I have been a proud champion of Smart Signals both here in Contra Costa and back on Capitol Hill where I have secured millions of federal dollars to bring this technology to our community. Thanks to this new project, CCTA will modernize traffic signals at more than 350 intersections throughout Contra Costa, implementing state-of-the-art Smart Signals technology to improve traffic flow and roadway safety to get CA-10 residents to and from home safely and quickly.”

CCTA says the project is designed to deliver three core benefits: safer travel, smoother trips, and better tools for cities and towns. Over time, the connected system is intended to support a broader countywide view of traffic conditions that can help agencies coordinate during major events and emergency situations. The project is funded at a total of $30.8 million through Measure J, local city contributions, as well as federal and state contributions.

We’re excited to see this work move forward and grateful to all of our city, county, regional, state, federal, and transit partners helping bring smarter infrastructure to Contra Costa County.

Residents can learn more, view the interactive project map, and download the project factsheet at ccta.ca.gov/projects/countywide-smart-signals.

CCTA also has a short educational video that explains the project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX-Uh-Uuwo4

About the Contra Costa Transportation Authority

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority is a public agency formed by Contra Costa voters to manage countywide transportation sales tax revenue and to implement voter-approved projects and programs. CCTA is responsible for planning, funding, and delivering critical transportation infrastructure and services to keep Contra Costa County and the Bay Area moving.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: News, San Ramon Valley, Technology, Transportation

37th Annual Art & Wind Festival blowing back into San Ramon May 24-25

May 23, 2026 By Publisher Leave a Comment

By City of San Ramon

Let’s go fly a kite!  at the 37th Annual San Ramon Art & Wind Festival, the best festival in the East Bay. The Art & Wind Festival is scheduled for Sunday and Monday, May 24-25, 2026, in San Ramon’s Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd. from 11am to 6pm both days.

This annual event features fine arts, crafts and specialty food vendors, three entertainment stages headlining international music, party bands and variety entertainers, children’s shows, two festival food courts, family amusement zones, professional choreographed kite flying demonstrations, helicopter landing, free kite making workshop, puppet shows and much more.

The Art and Wind Festival is a family, bike and pet-friendly FREE outdoor event!

For individuals with additional sensory needs, check out the Sensory Zone at City Hall for a quiet break from the festival without having to leave.

For more information visit ArtandWind.com.

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment, Community, Recreation, San Ramon Valley

Former East Bay financial advisor, Danville man pleads guilty to operating a long-running $9.5 million Ponzi scheme

May 20, 2026 By Publisher Leave a Comment


Sentencing for 78-year-old Edwin Emmett Lickiss, Jr. of Alamo-based Foundation Financial Group scheduled for August 28, faces up to 30 years in prison, $500K in fines

By United States Attorney, Northern District of California

OAKLAND – Edwin Emmett Lickiss, Jr., pleaded guilty in federal court today to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering in connection with a decades-long Ponzi scheme.

Lickiss, 78, of Danville, Calif., admitted that from 1998 through September 2024, he defrauded more than 93 investors of at least $9.5 million.

United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian, FBI Special Agent in Charge Matthew Cobo, and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Oakland Field Office Special Agent in Charge Linda Nguyen made the announcement.

To induce investments, Lickiss falsely claimed that he would place victim funds into exclusive, safe, tax-free bonds, with some generating returns in excess of 20 percent.  Lickiss also issued fraudulent promissory notes on the letterhead of his former firm, Foundation Financial Group.

In addition, the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), On July 21, 2025, the SEC charged Lickiss, Jr., with selling fraudulent promissory note investments to approximately 80 investors as part of a Ponzi scheme that lasted over 25 years. According to the SEC’s complaint, Lickiss fraudulently offered and sold to investors approximately $12.7 million in promissory notes, which purported to pay interest rates of between 9 and 32 percent per annum.

In fact, Lickiss used subsequent victim funds to make payments to those who had invested earlier, consistent with a Ponzi scheme.  Lickiss also diverted victim funds for his own use, including cash withdrawals, home renovations, travel, and payments on vehicles, mortgages, and personal credit cards.

According to the IRS, on July 21, 2025, “A federal grand jury indicted Edwin Emmett Lickiss Jr., on one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering in connection with an alleged $9.5 million investment fraud scheme. Despite the suspension and loss of his broker’s license, Lickiss allegedly continued to solicit and obtain investments from victim investors until around September 2024. Lickiss was a financial advisor based in Danville and Alamo, Calif., who owned and operated Foundation Financial Group, a firm that provided investment services to investors in the Northern District of California, Idaho, and throughout the United States.”

Lickiss was released pending a sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for August 28, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Jon S. Tigar.  Lickiss faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the wire fraud count, and 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the money laundering count.  Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has also filed a civil enforcement action against Lickiss in the Northern District of California.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Wolinsky is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Lynette Dixon.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and IRS-CI.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the Atlanta Regional Office of the SEC for its assistance in the investigation.

Further Information:

Case No. 4:25-CR-00202-JST

Electronic court filings and further procedural and docket information are available at https://ecf.cand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. Judges’ calendars with schedules for upcoming court hearings can be viewed on the court’s website at www.cand.uscourts.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: Crime, DOJ, News, San Ramon Valley, U S Attorney

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