Contra Costa Herald

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

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13 arrested during Internet Crimes Against Children operation

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Photos source: Walnut Creek PD

Multi-agency effort

By Walnut Creek Police Department

Walnut Creek PD recently hosted an extensive and successful Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) operation, partnering with numerous local and federal agencies to safeguard children in our communities. This collaborative effort resulted in 13 arrests, showcasing the strength of teamwork and technology in the fight against child exploitation.

We’re proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners to make a difference. Swipe through for a behind-the-scenes look at the operation and its results.

Photos source: Walnut Creek PD

More information regarding specific individuals and their pending charges will be made available to the public once the cases have been reviewed by the CCCDA’s Office.

Participating agencies included Contra Costa District Attorney, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, and Brentwood, Concord, Danville, Moraga, Oakley, Pleasant Hill, Novato, San Jose and San Francisco Police Departments.

Together, we stand united in protecting our most vulnerable.

117 arrested during CHP’s multi-agency Operation Holiday Watch retail theft campaign

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Photos courtesy of the CHP

$38,000 stolen merch recovered from 10 communities including Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Livermore

SACRAMENTO – In the final shopping days before Christmas, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) conducted a successful enforcement operation targeting organized retail crime, promoting safe shopping experiences for communities throughout California.

The collaborative statewide retail theft crackdown on Friday, December 20, just four days after Prop. 36 went into effect increasing penalties, resulted in 117 arrests, the recovery of over $38,000 in stolen merchandise, the seizure of two illegal firearms, and the recovery of three stolen vehicles. Charges range from petty theft, grand theft, organized retail crime, felon in possession of a firearm, and auto theft.

The daylong operation was conducted in collaboration with the Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Livermore, Hemet, Los Angeles, Glendale, Bakersfield and Woodland Police Departments, and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.

“Through proactive enforcement operations and strong partnerships with local law enforcement and retailers, we were able to protect the state’s businesses and consumers during one of the busiest times of the year,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Our efforts send a clear message that retail theft in California will not be tolerated.”

Key Results of the Operation:

  • 117 arrests made for organized retail theft and related offenses.
  • Recovery of 767 stolen items, valued at $38,290.70, including clothing, shoes, and fragrances.
  • Enhanced collaboration among 10 California law enforcement agencies and 56 different retail partners to improve in-store security and reporting.
  • Increased law enforcement visibility in high-traffic shopping areas, deterring additional crimes.

“The state stands committed to protecting consumers, especially as they go about the final shopping sprint before the holiday season,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “I’m proud of the efforts of CHP and local law enforcement to protect consumers and businesses throughout California.”

As the holiday season winds down, the CHP will continue working with businesses and the community to prevent retail theft year-round. Anyone with information about organized retail theft operations is encouraged to contact the CHP.

Since the Organized Retail Crime Task Force’s inception in 2019, the CHP has been involved in over 3,200 investigations, leading to the arrest of more than 3,500 suspects and the recovery of nearly 1.3 million stolen goods valued at $51.3 million.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Hill Physicians Medical Group honored for high-quality affordable care

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17th year receiving top ranking

SAN RAMON, CA.— Hill Physicians Medical Group, the largest Independent Physician Association (IPA) in California, has earned three prestigious honors for healthcare excellence, the organization announced on Dec. 5.

Two of the awards come from the Integrated Healthcare Association (IHA), which recognized Hill Physicians for its outstanding performance in the Sacramento and East Bay regions. In addition, Hill Physicians earned the top “Elite Status” designation in America’s Physicians Groups (APG) Standards of Excellence Survey, the highest honor the program offers. This marks the 17th year Hill Physicians has received the top ranking.

“These awards highlight Hill Physicians’ dedication and commitment to achieving the highest quality care while effectively managing costs for both patients and physicians alike,” said Hill Physicians Chief Medical Officer K. Gabrielle Gaspar, M.D. “Our success comes from our partnership with our practices, and makes it possible to provide comprehensive, top-quality care to members across 14 counties in Northern California.”

To qualify for the IHA Excellence in Healthcare awards, provider organizations must rank among the top 50 percent for clinical quality, patient experience and cost-efficiency for their commercial HMO populations. Only 22 out of nearly 200 eligible provider organizations in the state received the award, part of IHA’s “Align. Measure. Perform. (AMP)” program.

The APG’s “Elite Status” recognizes organizations excelling in value-based care models, including Medicare Advantage and the Medicare Shared Savings Program. This year, 119 IPAs applied for the award, and only 68 received the elite designation. Elite Status organizations are among the nation’s highest-performing healthcare organizations, excelling in primary care, patient-centered care and population health management, according to APG President and CEO Susan Dentzer.

APG’s Clinical Quality Leadership Forum adds new elements to each category every year in order to set a higher standard than the previous year, to continue to raise national health care standards and increase expectations of government agencies, purchasers, payers and patients.

“The capabilities that these groups possess in such areas as providing advanced primary care, delivering patient centered care, managing population health and being transparent about their quality and costs, place them at the forefront of U.S. physician practices and health systems,” said Dentzer.

About Hill Physicians Medical Group

Hill Physicians Medical Group is the largest Independent Physician Association in Northern California. For 40 years, the group has provided access to quality, patient-focused healthcare. With more than 6,000 primary care and specialty care physicians, Hill Physicians partners with leading health plans and hospitals, serving communities in 14 counties across Northern California, including Sacramento, Stockton, San Francisco and the East Bay. For more information, visit www.hillphysicians.com.

About IHA’s AMP programs

IHA’s Align. Measure. Perform. (AMP) programs use a fair and transparent approach to measurement and benchmarking to create a reliable assessment of performance for medical groups, and IPAs across health plans. For more information, visit www.iha.org.

About America’s Physician Groups

America’s Physician Groups is a national association representing approximately 360 physician groups with approximately 170,000 physicians providing care to nearly 90 million patients. For more information, visit www.apg.org.

After a severe accident CHP rescues climber on Mount Diablo

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A CHP Golden Gate Air Operations helicopter rescues climber on Mount Diablo on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. Sources: CHP video screenshots

By CHP Media Relations

RESCUE: Saturday afternoon, Oct. 26, 2024, H-30 and Reach 32 were requested to the Rock City area of Mount Diablo for a climber who had fallen and suffered major injuries. H-30 inserted a San Ramon Valley Fire HRT member who packaged and prepared the patient for hoist / transport. H-30 hoisted the patient from the scene and handed off patient care to Reach 32.

Reach then transported the patient to John Muir Hospital where they are being treated for their injuries. (See video on Facebook or Instagram).

@chpgoldengateairoperations is thankful for our relationships with our allied agency partners. #AirRescue #helicopter #aviation #aircraft #rescue #flying #bayarea #h125 #chp #golden-gate #california #highway #highwaypatrol #cliffrescue #SAR #hoistrescue #helicopterrescue #airbornelawenforcement #searchandrescue #firstresponder #lifeflight #paramedic #ems #mountainrescue #aviationdaily #medevac #pilotlife #rotorcraft #instahelicopter #hoistoperatorsunion.

Four Alamo residential burglary suspects arrested following pursuit from Concord

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On of the stolen vehicles used in the Alamo residential burglary was located. Photo: CCCSheriff

Stolen vehicles used found in Bay Point, Orinda

Multi-agency effort

By Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office

This morning at about 1:40, Valley Station deputy sheriffs responded to a residential burglary on the 100 block of La Sonoma Way in Alamo. The suspects fled after stealing two vehicles.

With the assistance of Sheriff’s Office dispatch, deputies located them in Concord. The suspects fled at a high rate of speed. Deputies terminated their pursuit, but Sheriff’s Office dispatch later found one of the stolen vehicles in Bay Point and another in Orinda. The suspects fled on foot.

With the assistance of Muir Station deputies, CHP air support, and Orinda, Lafayette and Pittsburg police, all four suspects were located and arrested.

Both recovered vehicles, along with personal property, were returned to the owner. All four suspects were booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on multiple charges that include burglary, felony evading and vehicle theft.

 

Contra Costa Sheriff, DA investigate in-custody death of San Ramon theft suspect

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Occurred at Martinez Detention Facility

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

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the Contra Costa DA’s Office are currently investigating an in-custody death that occurred at the West County Detention Facility this afternoon.

The male inmate, who is not being identified at this time, was arrested on August 22, 2024, by the San Ramon Police Department for multiple felony theft charges and was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

Today, Monday, August 26, 2024, at approximately 1:56 pm, deputies responded to an unresponsive inmate and immediately called for jail medical staff to respond to the housing unit.

Life-saving measures were attempted by deputies, medical staff, and paramedics. The inmate, who was housed alone, was later pronounced deceased at the scene. The death does not appear to be suspicious.

The county-wide law enforcement involved fatal incident protocol was invoked, and the investigation is ongoing.

$450,000 in stolen retail items recovered in CHP operation

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Crates and bags of stolen items recovered during the operation. Photos: CHP – Golden Gate

ID more suspects believed to be involved in illicit fencing operation; San Ramon Police assist

By Sergeant Andrew Barcley, CHP – Golden Gate

OAKLAND, Calif. – Investigators assigned to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Golden Gate Division Organized Retail Crime Taskforce (ORCTF) recovered over $450,000 in stolen merchandise from an Oakland residence following a month-long investigation.

In July 2024, ORCTF investigators launched an investigation into a criminal network involved in a string of retail thefts targeting various retailers throughout the Bay Area.  Through surveillance operations, investigators identified suspects believed to be involved in an illicit fencing operation based in Oakland.  With the information gathered, investigators obtained search warrants for a home and multiple vehicles located in Oakland.

On Thursday, August 15, ORCTF investigators, along with San Ramon Police Department personnel, successfully executed the warrants at the Oakland residence.  During the search of the home and the two vehicles, investigators located a large amount of stolen merchandise, which was seized and transported to a facility for documenting.  During the search, investigators learned that the suspect was currently leasing a storage facility in Oakland, leading to the issuance of an additional search warrant.  The storage facility was searched, and additional stolen merchandise was located inside.  Retail industry partners involved in the operation valued the recovered merchandise, consisting mainly of items found at drug stores, from all locations at over $450,000.

Investigators arrested 35-year-old Claudia Cruz of Oakland for her involvement in the fencing operation.  Cruz was booked into Alameda County Jail on charges of organized retail crime, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy to commit a crime.

On Aug. 23, San Ramon Police Chief Denton Carlson wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter), “I am very proud of the investigative work the San Ramon Police Organized Retail Theft Suppression Team put into this operation in coordination with CHP-Golden Gate. They have formed an outstanding partnership!”

According to localcrimenews.com, a woman whose full name is Claudia Ivet Cruz Barragan, was arrested the same day for the same crimes, is Hispanic, five-feet inches tall and weighs 150 pounds. However, the website shows her age as 40. According to an August 2023 CBS News Bay Area report, a 31-year-old woman named Daniela Cruz Barragan was arrested with another woman for theft of $85,000 in stolen retail goods. The CHP PIO was asked to determine if she is related to Claudia Cruz and if Claudia’s correct age is 35 or 40. He was also asked if some of the stolen items were from retailers in San Ramon. Please check back later for any updates to this report.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

2024 East Bay Gallery Tour begins October 1st

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Source: Samantha McNally

Visit 13 art galleries in Contra Costa County and Benicia for a chance to win prizes

By Samantha McNally, Main Street Arts Gallery

The Second Annual East Bay Gallery Tour has added six Benicia Art Galleries to the Tour this year! We now have 13 Art Galleries for you to visit during the month of October. You have the whole month to visit them and get your Gallery Tour postcard stamped for a chance to win a prize worth $300!

There will be a couple of smaller prizes if you don’t get to visit all of them. The winners will be chosen at random, picked from the completed postcards. The winners will get a certificate to purchase any artwork at any of the galleries in the Tour! This event is free and open to anyone who’d like to participate.

Visit any of the galleries listed below at the end of September or in October to pick up your postcard with a map and addresses of all the Art Galleries. The galleries will start stamping postcards on October 1.

The participating galleries are:

aRt Cottage 2238 Mt. Diablo Street, Concord www.artcottage.info
Bedford Gallery 1601 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek www.bedfordgallery.org/home-bedfordnew
Benicia Art Glass 309 1st Street, Benicia www.beniciaartglass.com
Benicia Plein Air Gallery 307 First Street, Benicia www.beniciapleinair.com
Blackhawk Gallery, ADAS 3416 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville www.adas4art.org
Gallery 621​ 920 First Street, Suite 203, Benicia https://gallery621.com
HQ Gallery 333-D First Street, Benicia www.hqgallery.net
JOR Clayton Gallery 1026 Oak Street Suite 102, Clayton https://jorfineartgallery.com
The Little Art Shop 129 First Street, Benicia www.thelittleartshop.com
Main Street Arts Gallery 613 Main Street, Martinez www.mainstreetarts.net
Moraga Art Gallery 432 Center Street, Moraga www.moragaartgallery.com
NY2CA Gallery 617 1st St, Benicia https://ny2cagallery.com
Valley Art Gallery 1661 Botelho Drive, Suite 110, Walnut Creek https://valleyartgallery.org

QR code to the Google map showing locations of all galleries in the tour.

For more information visit www.mainstreetarts.net/east-bay-gallery-tour-2024.html.

Op-Ed: DeSaulnier’s opponent Piccinini responds to his comments about Chevron’s departure

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Challenger Katherine Piccinini (Source: campaign) disagrees with incumbent Mark DeSaulnier (Source: campaign) on his views about Chevron and their headquarters move from San Ramon to Texas.

By Katherine Piccinini

My pledge to the people of Contra Costa District 10 is to be Putting the People First. The incumbent has made it very clear, as Chevron prepares to leave San Ramon for Texas, he, the incumbent, is putting state and federal policies first. (See related article)

When we think of a large company moving away from its long-term home area, there are many challenges to be considered, such as: loss of revenue from the move, stress of relocating families, children’s emotional and educational issues and the strain on families having to start over. In the incumbents’ words, “I hope as Chevron relocates their corporate facilities, they will keep California’s climate goals in mind.” Really? With all the overwhelming human factors involved, the executives should keep our state’s climate goals in mind. Again, really?

Chevron’s achievements in pursuing and investing in alternative energy sources was have been well defined touching on areas of solar, wind, biofuel, geothermal and hydrogen. Have these pursuits been unacceptable? This is all part of reducing so-called “greenhouse emissions” as we continue to rely on naturally formed, carbon-based oil, often referred to as fossil fuels. Chevron has been at odds with California State regulators and politicians over fossil fuels and climate change for years. Because they want Chevron to be a diverse energy company investing in clean renewable energy does not mean that Chevron has not put forth great alternatives. California is considered to be one of the most progressive energy states but, we shouldn’t allow “cancel culture” to override reasonable considerations.

And that is the problem. It is California policies that are driving residents and companies elsewhere. This move was known since 2022. Chevron has been in California for 140 years and in San Ramon since 2002. Chevron cited that California policies have hurt consumers, and they feel this is not good for the economy so they will seek greener pastures. Also, there appears to be something more ominous on the horizon as California’s Energy Commission is considering taking over oil refineries and operations in the Golden State. May that be the bigger threat to Chevron and possibly other private industries?

We will miss this “oil giant” and all that it has brought to our district in stimulating the economy, jobs and stepping forward to pursue energy alternatives for our state.

Piccinini is a candidate for Congress in District 10 which includes most of the cities and communities in Central and Eastern Contra Costa County.

Chevron announces headquarters relocation from San Ramon to Houston, senior leadership changes

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Chevron’s current corporate headquarters at Bishop Ranch in San Ramon. Photo: Bishop Ranch

22 years after relocating from San Francisco

“Corporate functions to migrate…over the next five years”, some jobs will remain

San Ramon, Calif., August 2, 2024 – Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) on Friday announced the relocation of the company’s headquarters from San Ramon, California, to Houston, Texas, and senior leadership changes.

Headquarters Relocation

The company’s headquarters will move from San Ramon, California, to Houston, Texas. Chevron Chairman and CEO, Mike Wirth, and Vice Chairman, Mark Nelson, will move to Houston before the end of 2024 to co-locate with other senior leaders and enable better collaboration and engagement with executives, employees, and business partners.

There will be minimal immediate relocation impacts to other employees currently based in San Ramon. The company expects all corporate functions to migrate to Houston over the next five years. Positions in support of the company’s California operations will remain in San Ramon.

Chevron currently has roughly 7,000 employees in the Houston area and approximately 2,000 employees in San Ramon. The company operates crude oil fields, technical facilities, and two refineries and supplies more than 1,800 retail stations in California.

Company Presence in Contra Costa Since 1901, in San Ramon Since 2002

Established on September 10, 1879, incorporating in San Francisco, Chevron changed its name over the years, from Pacific Coast Oil Co. (1879–1906), to Standard Oil of California (1906–1984) and renamed Chevron Corporation in 1985 but for a few years was renamed ChevronTexaco Corporation (2001–2005). The company also changed its corporate headquarters location from San Francisco to San Ramon’s Bishop Ranch in 2002. The company has also had a presence in West Contra Costa County for over 100 years. After buying 500 acres of rolling lands on the northeast shore of San Francisco Bay in 1901, the company completed the Richmond Refinery a year later.

Leadership Announcements

The company also announced the following leadership changes:

Nigel Hearne, executive vice president, Oil, Products & Gas, will retire from Chevron after 35 years of service to the company. Since 2022, Hearne has led the consolidation of Chevron’s Upstream, Midstream and Downstream businesses, ensuring a more integrated approach to value chains, asset class excellence and operational excellence.

“Nigel’s contributions across the business and around the world have made Chevron a stronger company,” said Mike Wirth, Chevron’s chairman and chief executive officer. “He’s been an inspiring leader and mentor to many, and his accomplishments position our company for even more success in the future.”

Mark Nelson, Chevron’s vice chairman, will take responsibility for Oil, Products & Gas, effective October 1, 2024.

Rhonda Morris, vice president and chief human resources officer, will retire after 31 years of service to the company. Since 2016, Morris has been responsible for shaping and driving Chevron’s people and culture strategy, including leadership succession, learning and talent, diversity and inclusion, workforce planning and total rewards.

“Rhonda has been a tireless advocate for our people, helping ensure our employees work in an inclusive environment where they can learn, develop and have rewarding careers,” said Wirth.

Michelle Green, vice president, Human Resources, Oil, Products & Gas, will succeed Morris as vice president and chief human resources officer, effective January 1, 2025.

Colin Parfitt, vice president, Midstream, will retire after 29 years of service to the company. Since 2019, Parfitt has been responsible for the company’s shipping, pipeline, power and energy management and supply and trading operating units.

“Colin has made an important impact on Chevron’s commercial capabilities,” said Wirth. “Under his leadership, our Midstream organization has created value by connecting and better integrating value chains around the world.”

The company appointed Andy Walz, currently president, America’s Products, to president, Downstream, Midstream & Chemicals, effective October 1, 2024. In this role, Walz will be responsible for directing the company’s worldwide manufacturing, marketing, lubricants, chemicals and additives businesses along with Chevron’s shipping, pipeline, power, and trading units.

Chevron is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies. We believe affordable, reliable and ever-cleaner energy is essential to enabling human progress. Chevron produces crude oil and natural gas; manufactures transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and additives; and develops technologies that enhance our business and the industry. We aim to grow our oil and gas business, lower the carbon intensity of our operations and grow lower carbon businesses in renewable fuels, carbon capture and offsets, hydrogen and other emerging technologies. More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report