Contra Costa Herald

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

Robbery crew’s luck runs out, charged with $1.1 million St. Patrick’s Day heist of San Ramon jewelry store

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Security camera video screenshot of the San Ramon jewelry store robbery on March 17, 2023. Source: KTVU FOX2

Rolex with GPS chip helped police arrest, charge suspects, four with history of arrests

The Office of the United States Attorney has charged five defendants—Sunia Mafileo Faavesi, Ryan Kentrell Montgomery, Paul Christopher Tonga, John Ioane Tupou, and Kyle Vehikite—with conspiracy to commit robbery affecting interstate commerce for their roles in the St. Patrick’s Day March 17, 2023, robbery of Heller Jewelers in San Ramon, Calif., announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani. All the defendants except Tupou made their initial federal court appearance on July 27 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alex G. Tse to face the charges. Tupou remains at large.

According to a federal criminal complaint, filed July 21, 2023, and unsealed at the initial appearance, Faavesi, 30, Montgomery, 35, Tonga, 33, Tupou, 30, and Vehikite, 34, planned and executed the armed heist, which involved at least eleven individuals, some armed, taking approximately $1.1 million in stolen watches and jewelry from the family-owned San Ramon jewelry store. The complaint alleges that while some of the participants were inside the store or immediately outside it during the armed robbery, others acted as lookouts and get-away drivers of at least four waiting vehicles. The robbery took place at a bustling mall in San Ramon in the middle of the afternoon and resulted in multiple bystanders, including children, fleeing the masked and armed robbers.

The complaint affidavit provides details regarding how the defendants originally cased the location a week prior to the robbery and then returned on March 17, 2023, with co-conspirators to execute the robbery. The complaint alleges investigators were able to identify one of the defendants by evaluating GPS information emitted from a stolen Rolex watch. Law enforcement investigators thereafter conducted a covert investigation that ultimately enabled them to identify each of the five defendants and to piece together the movements of the defendants on the day of the robbery.

Faavesi, Montgomery, Tonga, and Vehikite all were arrested on July 26, 2023. The government has filed a motion asking that they be detained pretrial. Defendants’ next scheduled appearances are on August 1, 2023, and August 4, 2023, for their respective detention hearings.

A complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000. As part of any sentence, the court also may order defendants to pay restitution, if appropriate, and to serve an additional period of supervised release to begin after a prison term. However, 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.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alethea M. Sargent is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kay Konopaske. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the San Ramon Police Department and the ATF, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the IRS, and Bureau of Customs and Border Protection.

According to localcrimenews.com, Faavesi has a history of arrests dating back to 2016, four times for burglary and once for robbery by multiple agencies. Tonga of San Mateo also has an arrest record dating to 2015 including for multiple DUI’s and receiving stolen property – motor vehicle. Topou of Oakland has a history of arrests also dating to 2015 including for burglary, robbery, battery with serious bodily injury and gun charges. Vehikite of San Ramon has at least two previous arrests in 2021 including for drug and ammunition charges.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Danville to host National Night Out Tuesday, Aug. 1

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Pre-registration is required

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.

From 6:00- 9:00 pm on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 neighborhoods throughout Danville and across the nation are asked to spend the evening outside with neighbors holding block parties, festivals, parades, ice cream socials and cookouts. Sign up and schedule a visit from Town of Danville Council Members, and Officers from the Danville Police Department.

Please contact 925-314-3717 with any questions. Pre-registration is required.

San Ramon celebrates 40th Anniversary of cityhood with swim and movie night, concert, gala

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The City of San Ramon is excited to be celebrating its 40th Anniversary!

In 1983, San Ramon voters decided overwhelmingly to incorporate as a city. Officially incorporated on July 1, 1983, the community assumed leadership over development, police, parks, and other services. A new library, community center, and parks were quickly in the planning stages.

The City will be celebrating throughout the year with commemorative giveaways, special events, and more!

For upcoming events and announcements, sign up for email updates here.

40th Anniversary Celebrations

Dive-In Movie: Top Gun: Maverick

Friday, August 4

San Ramon Olympic Pool (9900 Broadmoor Drive)
Rec Swim at 7 p.m.
Movie at 8:15 p.m.
Admission: $1/person
Act#18880

More Information

40th Anniversary Celebration Concert in the Park: Fast Times Dance Party

Sunday, August 6 at 5:30 p.m.

Central Park Amphitheater (12501 Alcosta Blvd)
FREE for All Ages!

40th Anniversary Gala

Friday, August 25

City Hall Rotunda (7000 Bollinger Canyon Road) and San Ramon Community Center (12501 Alcosta Blvd)

 

San Ramon to celebrate Independence Day with Eagles tribute band concert

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By City of San Ramon

The San Ramon Fourth of July Celebration Concert will feature The Boys of Summer, an Eagles Tribute Band, and a celebration of the City of San Ramon’s 40th Anniversary. The concert will take place tomorrow in San Ramon’s Central Park Amphitheater at 12501 Alcosta Boulevard, from 5–8 p.m.

The evening will begin at 5 p.m. with a reading by the San Ramon Poet Laureate, followed by patriotic music performed by Olympia Fields, the brass section of the San Ramon Symphonic Band, followed by a salute and recognition of our Veterans and active-duty military personnel, and the singing of the National Anthem by San Ramon resident Sofie Donati. The headliner, The Boys of Summer, an Eagles tribute band, will take the stage at 6 p.m. and entertain the crowd with The Eagles’ greatest hits.

Additionally, food will be available for purchase from sweet and savory food truck vendors. The San Ramon Arts Foundation will have wine, beer, soda, and water available for purchase. Shade structures, tents, and umbrellas will only be permitted at the top of the ridge/hill to ensure lines of site remain open.

Danville to celebrate Independence Day with Kiwanis July 4th parade

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Celebrating our Educators in Downtown Danville  

By Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley

The Kiwanis-Danville Parade will take place on Tuesday, July 4th, 2023 from 9am-noon in downtown Danville, California.

This year’s parade theme is Celebrating our Educators and our Grand Marshal is Chavonta Edington, Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year.

The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley has organized and conducted the annual Kiwanis 4th of July Parade in partnership with the Town of Danville since 1975. The parade attracts 30,000-40,000 spectators each year and is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate America’s birth.

The parade is co-sponsored by the Town of Danville, supported by community groups such as the Aktion Club, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts, National Charity League, and Boys Team Charity, and sponsored by local businesses and individuals (see our Sponsors page). All proceeds raised are redistributed to local nonprofits through grants issued by the San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Foundation (see our Grants page).

PARADE DETAILS

Date & Time

The parade will begin at 9:00am on the morning of Tuesday, July 4th, 2023, and will run 2.5 to 3 hours.

Location

The Parade will take place along Hartz Avenue and San Ramon Valley Boulevard from approximately 9am to noon, starting at San Ramon Valley High School at Railroad Avenue. The Parade route will end at Town and Country Drive like last year. The parade can be seen from either side of the street and there is always plenty of room for everyone!

Seating

Sidewalk space is available for bring-your-own-seating on a first come, first served basis after 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 3rd. Unattended seating positioned along the route prior to 6:00 p.m. are subject to removal by the Town. Parade-goers are kindly asked to respect the following:

  • Do not block handicap accessible ramps on the street corners or sidewalk access. Please be mindful of those who need to use the ramps as well as local merchants and property owners along the parade route. All unattended items set-out prior to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 3rd are subject to removal. Please note that the Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley, Town of Danville, and other organizing groups are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • Chalk and tape may NOT be used to reserve seating along the parade route as it creates a mess and in no way reserves your space. Volunteers and/or Town Maintenance staff may remove these markings and materials as part of the sweep.
  • Please be considerate. The downtown Danville area will be very crowded before, during, and after the parade. In addition to the above requests, everyone in attendance is asked to exercise patience, consideration, and common sense throughout the event and cooperate with one another so that all can see and enjoy this great annual tradition.

Parking

Parking is available at several municipal lots including:

  • Clock Tower Parking Lot
  • Danville Library/Community Center Parking Lot
  • Front Street Municipal Parking Lot
  • Railroad Avenue Municipal Parking Lot
  • Rose Street Parking Lot
  • Village Theatre Parking Lot

Given the expected crowd size, parking in or near the downtown Danville area will be very limited and alternative travel arrangements such as walking or biking are strongly recommended. Parade-goers may consider parking at the Sycamore Park & Ride parking lot and use Iron Horse Trail to walk to the downtown Danville area. Accessible parking near the parade route is available at the Crossroads Shopping Center located at Hartz Way and San Ramon Valley Blvd. in the back by JD Academy Of Salon + Spa. Accessible seating along the parade route will be offered at the grandstand viewing area at Oak Court and San Ramon Valley Blvd. A golf cart shuttle will be available to transport individuals to the viewing area from the Crossroads Shopping Center.

Street Closures

The streets along and surrounding the parade route will close at approximately 6am on the day of the parade. Please arrive early and plan on parking on the outskirts of town and walking or biking to downtown Danville.

Tentatively, the following streets will be closed:

  • Danville Boulevard between El Cerro Boulevard and Railroad Avenue
  • Railroad Avenue between Hartz Avenue. and Love Lane
  • La Gonda Way between El Cerro Boulevard and Danville Boulevard
  • Prospect Avenue between Hartz Avenue and Front Street
  • East Linda Mesa Avenue between Hartz Avenue and the Rose Street Parking Lot
  • Hartz Avenue between Railroad Avenue and Hartz Way
  • San Ramon Valley Boulevard between Hartz Way and Town and Country Drive
  • Town and Country Drive between San Ramon Valley Boulevard and Sheri Lane

Through traffic may utilize Danville Boulevard from north of El Cerro Boulevard and San Ramon Valley Boulevard south of Sycamore Valley Road West. The parking lots for Danville Town and Country, Danville Livery, and Sycamore Square will be open and accessible.

Animals

Due to noise, crowds, heat, the presence of young children, and nature of the event, we do not advise bringing non-service animals to the parade.

Refreshments

Some businesses in the downtown Danville area will be open during the parade and may offer food and beverages for purchase. Street vendors are not permitted. Parade-goers are encouraged to bring refreshments with them to the parade.

Per Town of Danville ordinances, consumption of alcohol in a non-designated area is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

Promotional Items

Many parade entrants choose to distribute promotional items to parade-goers along the parade route. While we welcome this tradition, please note that parade entrants are only permitted to hand items out during the parade, and entrants are NOT PERMITTED to throw items under any circumstances. Spraying water is also strictly prohibited.

We ask members of the community to assist entrants in abiding by these important rules by not encouraging the throwing of items or spraying of water during the parade.

Public Safety

In addition to the safety tips provided throughout this page, the Danville Police Department requests the community’s assistance in reporting any suspicious activity: If you see something, say something.

Please report any suspicious activity to law enforcement personnel patrolling the parade route. If you cannot locate an officer and feel something constitutes a safety hazard and should be dealt with immediately, call 911. If you feel what you are seeing does not need an immediate response, you can contact the Danville Police Department’s non-emergency number, (925) 820-2144.

For more information click here.

Alamo man charged with running $39 million Ponzi scheme

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Derek Vincent Chu faces up to 20 years in prison and $250K fine for each count of wire fraud

SAN FRANCISCO – A federal grand jury indicted Derek Vincent Chu, charging him with crimes related to an alleged $39 million Ponzi scheme involving over 100 victims, on April 26, 2023, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge Darren Lian, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp.

According to the indictment, between late 2013 and 2020, Chu, 41, of Alamo, Calif., used several companies to raise $39 million by fraudulently soliciting investments in the purchase and resale of professional basketball tickets and luxury suites at Oracle Arena, in Oakland, California; the Staples Center, in Los Angeles, California; and the Chase Center, in San Francisco, California. The indictment further alleges that Chu induced investors by making numerous materially false misrepresentations, including how the investor funds would be used, how investors would be repaid, and whether the investments were secured by collateral.

According to the allegations in the indictment, Chu commingled the investors’ money between his own personal accounts and his companies’ accounts, which resulted in investor money being used to repay other, earlier investors, and for other unrelated expenses. Furthermore, the indictment alleges that Chu misappropriated and diverted more than $7.3 million of investor funds for his own personal benefit, which included paying credit card debts; making cash withdrawals; paying for travel, luxury automobile and jewelry purchases; and paying utilities bills, among other things.

The indictment charges Chu with eight counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1343 and 2, and three counts of money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1957 and 2.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Each wire fraud count has a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine in the amount of $250,000. Each money-laundering count has a maximum statutory sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine in the amount of $250,000. The court also may order a term of supervised release, fines or other assessments, restitution, and forfeiture, if appropriate. However, 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.

Chu was arrested this morning and made an initial appearance before the Hon. Laurel Beeler, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of California. Chu’s next appearance is scheduled before Judge Beeler on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, for appearance of counsel.

The Special Prosecutions Section of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California is prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the San Francisco Police Department.

Individuals who believe that they may be a victim in this case should contact the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California’s victim specialists by email at: USACAN.DCVictimAsst@usdoj.gov.

 

Opinion: The importance of early civic engagement for teens

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Anay Pant during his video presentation for the 2023 Youth Hall of Fame Awards. Video screenshot.

By Anay Pant

Last year I participated as a High School student poll worker in the 2022 November Midterm elections. This was the first time I felt civically engaged practicing democracy in some form in my country. In a couple of years, I can cast my vote!

Historically, youth voter turnout has stayed around the 25% mark in the USA. It does not indicate that the youth are averse to voting, however studies show that there are structural barriers for youth to participate.

One such barrier is early education and awareness. The USA high school curriculum requires at least 1 semester of American Government class. Topics include the constitutional framework, federalism, the three branches of government, bureaucracy, civil rights and liberties, political participation and behavior, and policy formation. However, the content is not realized in an interactive way, as most students stop at reading a few chapters or watching a documentary.

The reason I got inspired and action oriented was due to my teacher. My teacher gave us practical opportunities such as forums to hear from and interact with our elected representatives e.g., Rep. Mike Thomspon (CA-4), Monica Tranel (MT-02 runner up) and authors such as Mick Rappaport, who have written extensively on the subject.  We had lively discussions in class and homework assignments that did not feel like regular homework. We spoke about current events such as the Nov 2022 midterms, and the importance of student poll workers. I only wish I had been exposed to this subject and my teacher much earlier.

Another structural barrier is the individual themselves.  At home, early civic education largely depends on the motivation of parents and children’s interest in the subject.  Most teens spend little time (<120 minutes per day in the USA) with parents due to the many engagements and distractions.

Teens are constantly occupied (I know it firsthand!)  with daily activities such as schoolwork, sports, after school clubs, internships, hobbies, spending time with friends, social relationships, college admissions planning etc.  It is also a period of emotional growth and hormonal changes with ups and downs and mood swings. A smartphone is perhaps the biggest time sink. Research shows that 95% of US teens have access to smartphones today.

I am a second generation American, with interest in the subject. However, my parents are not well versed in this subject and are themselves learning their civic duties. Therefore, for the 7.2 million second-generation Americans, civic education at school might be the only option.

As an example, as a Junior, I spend about an hour with my parents daily, maybe two on weekends.  Our conversation is usually about academics, family, sports, our pet dog, a movie or food. In my case, my dad and I share a love of history and politics, so we occasionally talk about WWII or political satire from Saturday Night Live or John Oliver. For a second-generation teen like me, school becomes the most important and sometimes the only resource for civic education.

Considering these barriers, it makes sense to start civic education and engagement much earlier. I can also attest through experience that:

  1. Middle schoolers have more time than High Schoolers
  2. Middle schoolers are at the age where they start to form their own opinions about the world around them. Giving them a chance to get involved in their community can help them develop a sense of duty, ownership and responsibility.

Why is this so important?

It is important for each individual to understand their civic duty and make it a habit to vote. The habit should be inculcated in the younger years. Over time when diverse voices from all walks of life exercise their right to vote, it will lead to an equitable and just democracy that most communities can benefit from.

In the 2022 mid-terms, the youth (ages 18-24) turnout was the second highest in three decades6 and quite impactful. Young people across the country had their voices heard and were able to support causes they cared about. According to a Harvard poll around 40% of young voters indicated that they would vote in the election. Overall, around 27% youth ballots that were issued were cast in total.

So, in conclusion I urge my readers to advocate for civic education in Middle School and share the tips below with your school boards and community leaders.

What can schools do

  • Start civics education early – in middle school
  • Encourage students to participate as volunteers in polling stations – local or state-level
  • Expose students to experts, community leaders, and other activists
  • Allow students to organize and run creative programs such as podcasts, talks
  • Recognize students who participate in civic engagement programs

What can communities (Non-Profits, Community Leaders) do

  • Community leaders can create educational programs e.g. field visits to city hall, high courts, etc.
  • Recognize students who participate in Civic engagement programs
  • Nonprofits e.g. Campus Votes could expand their college programs to create school specific programs as well.

I would also love to hear more tips from the readers!

Research Links

[1] https://circle.tufts.edu/understanding-youth-civic-engagement/dispelling-myths-about-youth-voting#myth:-youth-voting-has-been-declining-for-decades

[2] https://circle.tufts.edu/understanding-youth-civic-engagement/dispelling-myths-about-youth-voting#myth:-young-people-are-all-liberal-college-students

[3] https://www.financialsamurai.com/the-average-amount-of-time-parents-spend-with-their-kids-a-day/

[4] https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/08/10/teens-social-media-and-technology-2022/

[5] https://cis.org/Report/ForeignBorn-Population-Hits-Nearly-48-Million-September-2022

[6] https://circle.tufts.edu/2022-election-center#youth-turnout-second-highest-in-last-three-decades

[7] https://iop.harvard.edu/fall-2022-harvard-youth-poll

[8] https://www.campusvoteproject.org/

About Anay Pant

I am a Junior at The Athenian High School in Danville, California. I got interested in civic engagement during the American Politics class I took last semester. The class had a profound effect on me. I was motivated to participate as a student poll worker in the Nov 2022 midterms. I wanted to continue with finding ways to motivate my peers to become aware and action oriented. I launched a civic engagement platform called Qrated (https://qrated.weblium.site/) last year with some success. I am working towards finding avenues to help me outreach my platform

On April 4th, I was awarded the Contra Costa County – Youth Hall of Fame Awards for Leadership & Civic Engagement by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. (See related article here)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anay-pant/

 

Park District acquires 768 acres next to Morgan Territory Regional Preserve and Mt. Diablo State Park

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Finley Road ranch property in the Danville area. Photo: EBRPD

Finley Road ranch property

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

The East Bay Regional Park District has purchased the 768-acre Finley Road ranch property located in Contra Costa County at the western edge of Morgan Territory Regional Preserve and the southern edge of Mount Diablo State Park. The acquisition preserves forever one of the largest remaining pristine open spaces adjacent to Mount Diablo State Park. The property was officially acquired on April 24, 2023. Park District board of directors voted to authorize purchase of the property on March 7, 2023.

“The acquisition is an important step toward a long-desired staging area at the end of Finley Road,” said Park District Board Director John Mercurio. “Access to western Morgan Territory Regional Preserve and southern Mount Diablo State Park has been limited over the years and this property is an important step toward improving public access.”

The Finley Road Ranch property includes a flat, accessible area for a potential staging area that would provide access to the property and significantly improve public access to the Park District’s Morgan Territory Regional Preserve and the adjacent Mount Diablo State Park.

Finley Road ranch map. Source: EBRPD

“The Park District thanks our partners for their contributions toward the acquisition, including the California Coastal Conservancy and Save Mount Diablo,” said Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “The acquisition supports the Park District’s mission of habitat preservation and providing public access for recreation, and furthers California’s 30×30 Initiative goal of conserving 30 percent of the state’s lands and coastal waters by 2030.”

The Park District is a supporter of the state’s 30×30 Initiative and participates in the initiative’s partnership coordinating committee, which works toward implementing the policies of the 30×30 Initiative and facilitates coordination among state and federal public agencies, tribal partners, and other non-governmental partners.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,300 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives more than 25 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Danville resident Alan Kalin among Bay Area 2023 Bike Champion of the Year Winners

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Danville cyclist Alan Kalin on the road up Mt. Diablo. Photo: MTC

Bike Month begins May 1, Bike to Wherever Days all month, Bike to Work Day is May 18

Bay Area Bike to Wherever Days (BTWD) organizers have named the winners of the 2023 Bike Champion of the Year (BCOY) awards. Given to individuals for inspiring bicycling in their Bay Area communities, this award recognizes riders in the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties for their commitment to cycling as the primary mode of transport.

Here are the 2023 Bike Champion of the Year award winners:

  • Contra Costa County: Alan Kalin, who almost single handedly made bicycling on Mount Diablo safer through a first-of-its-kind project that has become a model for biking safety across the nation.
  • Alameda County: Demorea “Truckie” Evans, part of Oakland’s Roll Out Crew, believes that “It’s going to take all of us to see the change that we desire to see.”
  • Marin County: Dave Rhoads actively volunteers with the Marin County Bicycle Coalition (MCBC) and advocated for safer bicycle infrastructure and the use of bicycles as a means of transportation.
  • Napa County (co-winners): Violet Grove, our youngest champions ever at age 13 and a great inspiration for the future, and Donal O’Briain, who started riding his bike for transportation just about the age of Violet and has never stopped pedaling or advocating for bicycles.
  • San Francisco County: Hansel Palarca-Reiva, who learned to bike as an adult during the pandemic. “I know that learning to ride as an adult can be terrifying, embarrassing, and intimidating,” he said. “But the joy that awaits you is truly worth the struggle, and I say all this from personal experience.”
  • San Mateo County: Marin Holt founded Coastside on Bikes, connecting people who need bikes to people who have bikes that need a new home – over 200 bikes to date!
  • Santa Clara County: April Beyersdorf is this year’s second youngest rider as a junior in high school, and the founder of her school’s Sustainable Commuting Club. The club’s mission is to encourage other students to feel confident biking and taking public transit, with a goal of reducing traffic congestion and protecting the environment.
  • Solano County: Robert “Bob” Haran, who was inspired by the kids in “Spanky and Our Gang” at age 10 to start riding and hasn’t looked back since.
  • Sonoma County: Bill Petty says his morning bike commute is better than coffee, and he brings that enthusiasm to his participation as a Climate Rider with Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition’s Green Fondo fundraising team and weekly rider with the Santa Rosa Taco Tuesday Ride.

About the Contra Costa County Winner

Alan Kalin’s passion for cycling isn’t just about the ride. “My story is one of dogged determination to prevent collisions and save lives on the roads of Mount Diablo,” says Alan. A Danville resident and Bay Area native, he started riding Mount Diablo three days a week in 2010 after he retired. He grew alarmed by the ambulances and medivac helicopters that were too often seen transporting cyclists off the mountain. Seeing that little was being done to prevent bike vs. car collisions, he set to work.

Alan started by first establishing the Mount Diablo Cyclists and analyzing hundreds of traffic reports.

Using the data and his own experiences on the mountain, he recognized that the accidents were largely occurring on or near blind curves. Picturing an old county road with car turnouts, Alan envisioned a solution that would separate cyclists from the cars with bike turnouts. He became a driving force behind the now 45 turnouts that give bicyclists safe harbor as they ride the 11-mile Summit Road on Mount Diablo. With its resulting 80% reduction in collisions, the first-of-its-kind project has become a model for biking safety across the nation.

But he isn’t done yet. Alan continues his advocacy and fundraising efforts to finish Phase II of the Bike Turnout Project in honor of friend and fellow cyclist Joe Shami who was killed in a collision in 2021. This phase will add the final 43 turnouts called for in the safety plan. He’s also working to redesign the Lafayette roundabout that was the site of his friend’s death and is involved in numerous projects as the Chairman of the Bike Danville Bicycle Advisory Commission.

“Cycling is about the people you meet and the journey,” Alan says. He loves that every ride is different, and that he is part of an ever-growing community of cyclists in Contra Costa County that take care of each other. He still loves riding today as much as he did when he was a kid, remembering fondly that back then “Mount Diablo felt like just a big hill,” and a train still ran on the Iron Horse Trail.

Full details about the winners can be found here.

Each winner will receive a Public Bikes handlebar bag from Mike’s Bikes, a $50 gift card from Sports Basement, a laminated, boxed set of San Francisco Bay Trail map cards from the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)/Bay Trail, and a picnic/stadium blanket from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC).

Photo by Noah Berger

Don’t miss Bike to Wherever Days during the entire month of May, as well as Bike to Work Day on May 18! Details can be found online at Bayareabiketowork.com. Follow us on Facebook at @biketoworkday, Twitter @BikeToWorkSFBay, and Instagram @biketoworkday_bayarea.

Bay Area Bike to Wherever Days is presented by MTC (the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area), 511 (the region’s traveler information system), Amazon, and Stanford Medicine. BTWD 2022 also receives regional support from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), and Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), as well as from many sponsors at the local level. Prizes for the Bike Champion of the Year winners were donated by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), MTC, Sports Basement, and Mike’s Bikes.