Contra Costa Herald

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

Bay Area crime wave impacts San Ramon over holiday weekend

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Source: San Ramon Police Department

By San Ramon Police Department

Over the holiday weekend, a very specific crime trend took place throughout the Bay Area, targeting elderly victims. Unfortunately, San Ramon was not exempt. Please take a moment to review the incidents outlined below and please, pass the information on to your friends and family as soon as possible. As always, if you see anything suspicious, call us immediately by dialing 9-1-1 or through our non-emergency line at 925-973-2779.

On Wednesday afternoon (Nov. 24), at roughly 3:30 pm, an elderly female was walking on S. Wedgewood Road near Mosaic Park when she was approached by two individuals in a white Mercedes-Benz SUV. The SUV was driven by a heavyset male (caucasian) in his 50s when a female in her mid/late 30’s (caucasian) spoke to the victim through the rear passenger window. After a short conversation, the suspect exited the vehicle and used a sleight-of-hand technique to remove the victim’s necklace and bracelets before getting back into the car and driving away.

Yesterday (Sunday, Nov. 28), at roughly 12:15 pm, an elderly female was walking along Cinnamon Ridge Road when she was approached by a female in her 30’s (Asian Indian with black hair in a ponytail). The female exited the passenger door of a newer model black BMW X3 SUV driven by an Asian-Indian male in his 30’s. During this incident, the suspect engaged the elderly victim in conversation. Again, a sleight-of-hand technique was used to remove the victim’s highly valuable watch from her wrist before the suspect got back into the vehicle and left the area.

As mentioned before, this crime trend was not specific to San Ramon. Multiple cities throughout the Bay Area had similar crimes occur over the holiday weekend. As you can see, although the suspect’s descriptions may be different, their theft methods are the same and were consistent with other thefts committed in Bay Area cities. Fortunately, there have been no injuries reported during these crimes.

Our concern is the specific targeting of elderly individuals wearing expensive jewelry and watches while out for walks by themselves. Detectives from our agency are actively pursuing investigative leads to identify those responsible for these crimes. In the meantime, please take a few moments and make sure this information is passed on to your family, friends, and loved ones. Please encourage them to walk/exercise with someone else, or if they do go out on their own, to leave their valuables at home during their daily exercise.

And always, call us immediately if you see anything suspicious!

 

Danville police officer convicted for shooting death of man during 2018 car chase

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

Faced up to 22 years in state prison; DA Becton touts conviction on her re-election campaign social media, Sheriff Livingston asks her to remove it

By Allen Payton

A Danville police officer was convicted Tuesday of assault with a firearm in the shooting death of a 32-year-old man during a car chase on Nov. 3, 2018. But the jury did not convict him of the more serious charge of felony voluntary manslaughter. Officer Andrew Hall was accused of shooting and killing Laudemer Arboleda, of Newark, as he drove his car between two police cars. (See critical incident video)

According to the initial report from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, at the intersection of Front Street and Diablo Road in Danville, Arboleda attempted to run over Hall, who fired his weapon at the vehicle. Officer Hall shot at Arboleda, a Black man, and struck him nine times during the slow-moving vehicle pursuit. (See related articles here, here, here and here)

However, it wasn’t until April 21, 2021 that Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton filed charges against Hall, the same day the video was released of him shooting another suspect, Tyrell Wilson, also Black, who was first accused of throwing rocks onto I-680, then held a knife in his hands and advanced toward Hall, on March 11, 2021. Wilson died a week later at an area hospital. (See related articles here, here and here).

Becton issued the following statement regarding the guilty verdict:

“Today’s guilty verdict holds accountable defendant Andrew Hall for his excessive use of force in the fatal shooting of Laudemer Arboleda. Deputy Hall’s actions were not only a crime, but they tarnished the badge and they harmed the reputation of all the good, hard working police officers that work for our community. My Office extends our condolences to the family of Mr. Arboleda. With regards to the voluntary manslaughter count, we will take the matter under review to determine the appropriate next steps.”

The Danville Police Department is a contract agency with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff David Livingston also issued a statement following the trial.

“Although I wish the jury had returned a not-guilty verdict on all counts, I respect their service. We ask our officers to make split-second decisions and many of the jurors understood that,” said Livingston. “I urge DA Becton not to retry this case. I also urge her to take down the posts on her reelection campaign social media where she touts this prosecution.”

Hall could have faced 22 years in state prison if convicted on both charges.

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

Tree removal work on Miranda Avenue in Alamo Nov. 1 & 2

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Alamo tree removal work vicinity map 1101-0221. Source: CCCPWD

By Kelly Kalfsbeek, PIO, Contra Costa County Public Works Department

October 26, 2021, Alamo, CA – The Contra Costa County Public Works Department will perform work to remove one (1) tree on Miranda Avenue, near the intersection of Miranda Avenue and Bolla Avenue in Alamo. The work is scheduled for Monday, November 1, 2021 through Tuesday, November 2, 2021, barring unforeseen circumstances. Work will occur from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., weather permitting. Appropriate traffic control measures will be implemented to safely direct pedestrians and vehicles through the work area. Drivers may experience some delays and may want to consider alternative routes during this period. A licensed arborist had assessed the tree’s declining health and recommended its removal for public safety reasons.

About Contra Costa County Public Works Department:

Contra Costa County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) maintains over 660 miles of roads, 150 miles of streams, channels and other drainage and over 200 County buildings throughout Contra Costa County. CCCPWD provides services such as Parks and Recreation, Sand Bag Distribution and Flood Control throughout unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County. For more information about CCCPWD, please visit us at www.cccpublicworks.org.

 

Supervisors approve two home developments, one outside the Urban Limit Line

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The approved Tassajara Parks Urban Limit Line realignment. From presentation.

Tassajara Parks in the San Ramon Valley and Pantages Bays in Discovery Bay will add 417 single family homes in Supervisorial District 3 with support of environmental groups

Approve Ameresco Renewable Natural Gas Processing Facility and Pipeline at Keller Canyon Landfill

Flash green light for further study moving Byron boys ranch to former Martinez Juvenile Hall

Tassajara Valley vicinity map. From presentation.

By Daniel Borsuk

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors worked on solving the county’s complex housing shortage during their meeting on Tuesday by approving two major housing developments, the 277-single family housing unit Pantages residential project in Discovery Bay and the controversial 125-housing unit Tassajara Parks residential project near San Ramon, both in District 3, board chair Diane Burgis’ turf.

The more controversial Tassajara Parks Residential Project drew the support of major environmental groups like Green Belt Alliance, Save Mt. Diablo and East Bay Regional Parks District mainly because the developer’s moved to do a “fee simple transfer “of 727 acres of land to the East Bay Regional Park District.

“This fee simple conveyance to the EBRPD will ensure that the Dedication Area is protected and preserved in perpetuity for the following non-urban uses only: agriculture, open space, parks, recreation, scenic uses, wetland preservation and creation, and habitat mitigation,” the supervisors’ background information states.

Save Mt. Diablo Land Conservation Director Seth Adams called the land transfer “a great trade off” and will go a long way in the preservation of wildlife, especially raptors and eagles.

“It’s a 30-acre adjustment to the Urban Limit Line which is allowed by a four-fifths vote of the Board of Supervisors based on at least one of seven findings,” Adams shared with the Herald. “Here it was the creation of an ag preserve by two more agencies.”

The Danville city council opposed the project contending the open space trade offer was inadequate especially when California is in a drought. “The city council felt that the scope and magnitude of the project with 125 homes in exchange of open space was insufficient.  The city council did not feel it was worth the trade off, “said City of Danville Manager Joe Calabrigo.

Tassajara Parks General Plan Amendment land use maps. From presentation.

District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen of San Ramon, who cast the lone dissenting vote, said she was concerned any action by the supervisors would require approval of the voters to adjust the urban limit line.

“I know we need the right mix of housing,” said Andersen. “If we move the urban limit line, that is up to the voters.  I have strong reservations about the environmental impact report.  Then there is no source of water for this project.”

Before supervisors approved the Tassajara Project on a 4-1 vote, District 1 Supervisor John Gioia successfully added to the board’s resolution several conditions, one that included that the developer must install solar panels and EV charging stations inside the garage or carport.  In addition, he added the installation of high efficiency appliances and insulation to zero net energy and to meet the standards to be solar-ready as defined by the California Building Standards.

Pantages Bays site map. From presentation.

The developer agreed to Gioia’s additions to the project’s resolution of approval.

The Tassajara Parks project also garnered support from parents of Tassajara Hills Elementary School parents who were pleased the developer plans to make safety corrections to the school’s parking lot. The school is immediately west of the project’s northern side.

Pantages Bays General Plan Amendment maps. From presentation.

Dave Rehnstrom, EBMUD Manager of Water Distribution Planning, said contrary to the developer’s proposed water conservation efforts, “EBMUD finds this project’s water conservation measures are insufficient.”

Mainly because developers of controversial the Tassajara Parks Residential Project have proposed to dedicate 727 acres of land to the East Bay Regional Park District, that move won the support from a few environmental organizations especially Save Mt. Diablo.

After several failed attempts to obtain state and federal regulatory permit approvals since 2013, developers of the proposed Pantages Bays Project near Discovery Bay, the new project proposed would subdivide the same site into 277 residential lots, which is 15 lots less than the original 2013 project.

With two public trail systems providing 5,200 linear feet of trails and walkways, the proposed project consists of two lakes, Lake South approximately 23 acres in size, and Lake North, about seven acres in size.

Of the 277 units planned for Pantages Bay Project, about 42 units are required to be set aside as affordable housing units. Eighty percent of the affordable units, 33 units, would be affordable to Moderate income households and 20 percent of the required affordable units, 8 units, would be affordable to low-income households. “An in-lieu fee will be paid for the remaining 0.55 units,” the county planning department document states.

“This project will help alleviate a lot of the illegal dumping that occurs in that area,” Burgis observed.

Approve Amersco Natural Gas Processing Facility and Pipeline

Without receiving any public comments either in favor or in opposition, supervisors approved on a 5-0 vote Ameresco Renewable Natural Gas’s (ARNG) proposal to construct a new 48,000 square foot renewable natural gas facility on the Keller Canyon Landfill site in Pittsburg.

The publicly traded Ameresco that has been operating on the Pittsburg landfill site a RNG operation since 2009 now proposes constructing a newer RNG processing facility of about 48,000 square feet or 1.1 acres on a level pad of about 84,000 square feet. Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the operation would be overseen by two operators for 40 hours per week.

According to a press release from Republic Services, which owns the landfill, “The dedication of the Keller Canyon Landfill gas-to-electricity project marks the second time this year that Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE:RSG) and Ameresco have partnered to develop and expand renewable energy sources for California and to provide power to residents of and businesses in Palo Alto and Alameda.”

“Most of the equipment would be less than 10 feet high except for the proposed enclosed flare, and a few larger pieces of equipment that would vary in height from 25 to 35 feet,” the Conservation and Development Department background document stated. “The proposed enclosed flare would be approximately 50 feet in height, similar to the two existing flares at the Keller Canyon Landfill enclosed flare facility.”

The project also calls for a new RNG underground pipeline to a proposed PG&E metering station located near the eastern edge of the Keller Canyon Landfill.  The Ameresco project has drawn some concern from Concord-based Discovery Builders that the proposed pipeline will be near a proposed residential development in Pittsburg.

A spokesman for Ameresco would not answer how much the new RNG facility and pipeline will cost.

During the supervisors’ meeting, Supervisor Federal Glover of Pittsburg said through his office, Ameresco has agreed to pay the county at least $50,000 a year into the Keller Canyon Land Fill Mitigation Fund to help moderate any economic or environmental impacts stemming from the RNG project.

Every year, millions of dollars collected from Republic Services, operation of the Keller Canyon Landfill, are distributed to nonprofit organizations in the Bay Point and Pittsburg area through Supervisor Federal Glover’s office.

Supervisors Seek More Information on Orin Allen Youth Rehab Center Closure

Supervisors also instructed Contra Costa County Chief Probation Officer Essa Ehmen Krause to proceed and collect additional information, including cost figures, about a proposal to potentially move juvenile inmates at Orin Allen Youth Rehabilitation Facility in Byron, (referred to as the Byron Boys Ranch) closing that facility and transferring the inmates to a renovated former juvenile hall on Glazier Drive in Martinez.  The former juvenile hall facility is now used or storage.

The proposal was presented to supervisors who are attempting to figure out how to best use resources and address the educational and psychological needs of juveniles at the aged Byron Boys Ranch, constructed in 1960 and is now out of compliance with the American Disability Act.

Due to state legislation and local juvenile rehabilitation efforts, there are now about 15 youths housed at the Byron Boys Ranch, which is used for youths convicted of non-capital crimes.  For youths convicted or charged for capital crimes, they are housed at the 209-bed John A. Davis Juvenile Hall constructed in 2005.  There are now about 24 inmates at juvenile hall, Krause told supervisors.

Expect Krause to give periodic updates on the potential closure of Orin Allen and the reuse of the former juvenile hall facility.

 

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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