Contra Costa Herald

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

Three suspects arrested for Friday armed robbery in Danville grocery store parking lot

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18-year-old from San Jose and two juveniles; Antioch Police, Sheriff’s Office STARR helicopter assist in search

By Danville Police Department

On Friday, July 1, 2022, at about 4:36 PM, Danville police officers were dispatched to a report of an armed robbery that occurred at the Trader Joe’s grocery store parking lot located on Railroad Avenue in Danville.

The victim reported he was held up at gunpoint by two suspects as he exited his car. The suspects fled in a waiting vehicle with the victim’s personal property.

Danville police and Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs along with Sheriff’s Office STARR helicopter began an extensive search for the suspects. Other law enforcement agencies were also notified.

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division located the suspect vehicle in Antioch. With the assistance of the Antioch police department and STARR helicopter, all three suspects were arrested.

One suspect is identified as 18-year-old Leon Cathay Fountain of San Jose. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges that include armed robbery, conspiracy, participating in a criminal street gang, and several weapons violations. He is being held in lieu of $380,000 bail.

The two other suspects are juveniles and are not being identified.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with 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.

Armed Robbery at Trader Joe’s in Danville this afternoon. Vehicle fled the scene. No injuries.

Concord man charged with multiple felonies for attempted sex with minor

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Arrested in Danville park

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Office of the Contra Costa County District Attorney

A 43-year-old resident of Concord has been charged with nine felony counts related to arranging to meet a minor for sex.

On July 1, 2022, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against Phillip Soliman Moussa. Police arrested Moussa in Danville on June 29, 2022, after he engaged in online communications with an individual he believed was a 14-year-old child. During the course of their communications, Moussa allegedly sent the minor a text requesting to meet at a park in Danville to engage in prohibited sex acts. When Moussa arrived at a park, he was arrested by police. He remains in the custody of the Contra Costa County Sheriff. His bail has been set at $675,000.

Moussa is scheduled to be arraigned on July 5, 2022, on the following charges: three counts of arranging to meet a minor for sex, three counts of online enticement of a minor, and three counts of attempted lewd acts with a child.

The case was investigated by the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. In Contra Costa County, detectives and investigators from the Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Concord, and Moraga Police Departments, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, United States Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Contra Costa County Probation Department, and Inspectors from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office participate in the task force.

Anyone with information about this case should contact Sheriff’s Detective Andreas Gianopoulos at 925-313-2621.

Parents are encouraged to discuss online safety with their children and can visit the website www.kidsmartz.org or the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s website for further information.

Case information: People v. Moussa Docket # 01-22-00955

CA State Parks Week: Weeding for Biodiversity on Mt. Diablo Friday, June 17

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Diablo Overlook. Panorama photo by Elise McFarland. Source: CA State Parks

9:00 am FREE

As part of Stewardship Day during California State Parks Week, learn about the amazing variety of plant life at Mount Diablo State Park which includes species that are only found here. Threatening this rich diversity are some species that can turn an area with many types of plants into an area where there is only one. You can help as we pitch in with our park biologist to remove one of these invasive plants from an area of the park. Reservations required. Group size limited to 15.

Meet at 2675 Mt Diablo Scenic Blvd. in Danville.

For reservations and information email sharon.peterson@parks.ca.gov or visitcastateparksweek.org/event/weeding-for-biodiversity/.

There are more opportunities to participate in State Parks Week on Friday and during Partnership Day / Volunteer Day on Saturday, June 18. Enjoy the over 279 park units, from the redwood forests on the North Coast to the sunny beaches in Southern California, that preserve and protect the best of California’s natural and cultural history, from natural features and ecosystems to historic structures and cultural resources.

Fatal head-on collision, possible DUI near Antioch bridge Sunday night claims life of San Ramon man

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CHP Medevac helicopter H-32 waits on Hwy 160 to transport one of the injured boys to Children’s Hospital in Oakland. Photo: CHP-Golden Gate Division Air Operations

Three children in car with him and 70-year-old woman driving other car sustain major injuries

He was driving “at high speed…borderline reckless” – Mark Leavitt, PIO, CHP-South Sacramento

By Allen D. Payton

A San Ramon man suspected of driving under the influence died in a crash he caused on Highway 160 north of the Antioch bridge late Sunday night. Three children in the car with him and the 70-year-old female driver of the car he struck sustained major injuries. They were taken to hospitals in Walnut Creek, Oakland and Sacramento.

According to Mark Leavitt, PIO for CHP-South Sacramento, “It happened, last night about 10:20 p.m. There two vehicles involved. We had multiple callers and witnesses. A Mazda was traveling on 160 toward the bridge at high speed, according to witnesses, and borderline reckless, and possible DUI. We’re treating it as a DUI.

The Mazda crossed over the solid double yellow lines. At the same time an Audi was traveling northbound on 160, and the Mazda struck the Audi. The Mazda overturned from the crash.”

The Audi was traveling at approximately 55 mph. The Mazda struck the Audi, spinning the Audi into the righthand shoulder. The Mazda came to rest on its roof blocking the southbound lane.

“The driver of the Mazda was from San Ramon, he was born in 1983 and estimated to be 38,” Leavitt continued. “He was not wearing his seatbelt and was pronounced deceased at the scene. In the Mazda there were three juveniles, a 15-year-old female in the front passenger seat, two males ages six and four in the rear seat. We don’t believe the children in the back seat were belted, and no child seats were found in the car.

All the children had major injuries. We don’t know the relationship of anyone in the car. We haven’t determined that yet. The 15-year-old was taken to John Muir Walnut Creek by ambulance

One of the boys was taken by Life Flight helicopter to Children’s Hospital in Oakland. The other boy was taken to U.C. Davis Medical Center in Sacramento.”

“In the other vehicle was just a driver no passengers, a 71-year-old woman from Rio Vista,” Leavitt continued. “She has major injuries and was taken to John Muir Walnut Creek, also by ambulance. They say she’s in stable condition.”

“We do believe the driver of the Mazda was DUI according to witnesses and the 15-year-old girl in the car,” he stated. “We won’t know for sure until the Sacramento County Coroner’s autopsy is completed.”

“Contra Costa CHP assisted us, as well, since it’s close to the border of our jurisdictions,” Leavitt added.

According to CHP-Golden Gate Division Air Operations in a post on their Facebook page Monday morning, “Late last night, H-32 responded with firefighters from Solano and Sacramento Counties to a report of a head on collision, Highway 160 near Sherman Island.

As ground resources arrived at the scene it was determined that one of the occupants was deceased and there were at least two young children who were critically injured.

H-32 transported one of the children to Children’s Hospital in Oakland while the other was transported by REACH to UC Davis.

Two additional patients were taken by ground ambulance to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek.”

San Ramon Art & Wind Festival is back Sunday & Monday, May 29 & 30

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“Let’s go fly a kite!”  at The San Ramon Art & Wind Festival, the BEST festival in the East Bay. The Art & Wind Festival is scheduled for Sunday and Monday, May 29–30, 2022 in San Ramon’s Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Boulevard from 11am to 6pm both days.

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

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

For more information about the event click here.

 

Danville student named local 2022 Congressional Art Competition winner

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2022 District CA-11 Congressional Art Competition winner, “Growing Up” by Menglin Cai. Source: Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

Winner’s art will be displayed in U.S. Capitol; second and third place finisher’s art will be displayed in Congressman DeSaulnier’s Walnut Creek and Richmond offices, respectively

Walnut Creek, CA – Today, Tuesday, May 24, 2022, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) announced that Monte Vista High School Sophomore Menglin Cai is the winner of the 2022 Congressional Art Competition for California’s 11th Congressional District. Her watercolor painting entitled “Growing Up” will be displayed in the United States Capitol. The art competition is open to all high school students residing in California’s 11th Congressional District.

“It was a joy to host the Congressional Art Competition again this year and to see the incredible talent demonstrated by our community’s young artists,” said DeSaulnier. “I’m excited to congratulate Menglin and all of the other students who participated in the 2022 competition. I am inspired by the creativity of every artist who submitted a piece this year and look forward to seeing Menglin’s art representing Contra Costa County in the halls of Congress.”

2022 District CA-11 Congressional Art Competition virtual reception with Rep. DeSaulnier (top left) and winner Menglin Cai (top center). Source: Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

Second place was awarded to Joseph Pak from the College Preparatory School in Oakland for his charcoal piece, “Uprising” and third place was awarded to Concord High School Senior Amelia Porter for her quilted fabric collage, “I’m Not Okay.” Their art will be displayed in Congressman DeSaulnier’s Walnut Creek office and Richmond office, respectively.

Twenty-three pieces were submitted from various high schools across CA-11. The pieces were evaluated by a panel of judges from the Contra Costa Community College District, Los Medanos College, and Contra Costa College. Since 1982, more than 650,000 high school students around the country have participated in the Congressional Art Competition, allowing Members of Congress to recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents.

 

Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids honors San Ramon girl as National Youth Advocate of the Year

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Agamroop Kaur. Source: LinkedIn

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Agamroop Kaur of San Ramon, CA, has been named the Barrie Fiske National Youth Advocate of the Year by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Agamroop will be honored on May 5, 2022, for her leadership in the fight against tobacco at the Tobacco-Free Kids’ annual Youth Advocates of the Year Awards celebration in Washington D.C.

Now, a senior at Dougherty Valley High School, Agamroop Kaur’s advocacy work began in middle school when she noticed that every bathroom smelled like a candy store and many of her classmates were already hooked on Juul e-cigarettes. She made it her mission to educate her peers about the dangers of vaping and to stop the tobacco industry from targeting her generation. She has also authored op-eds and produced a documentary on the youth e-cigarette epidemic – titled “BIG Tobacco BIGGER Epidemic” – that won a prize in C-SPAN’s student documentary contest. Agamroop also worked on successful campaigns in five California cities and Contra Costa County to end the sale of flavored e-cigarettes and other tobacco products, expand smoke-free policies and limit tobacco retailers in youth centered areas.

“We are thrilled to honor Agamroop Kaur as the Barry Fiske National Youth Advocate of the Year,” said Matthew L. Myers, President of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. “Seeing first-hand the impact of tobacco use, Agamroop has become a passionate advocate for the health of her peers and community. She exemplifies the qualities of a new generation of leaders who are standing up to the tobacco industry and fighting with us for a healthier and more equitable future.”

The National Youth Advocate of the Year Award is named after Barrie Fiske, a tireless champion for the right to breathe smoke-free air and a longtime member of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Board of Directors, who passed away in 2019.

Every year, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids honors a National Youth Advocate of the Year, four Individual Youth Advocates of the Year and a Group Youth Advocate of the Year. The winners receive scholarships to continue their tobacco prevention efforts and serve as youth ambassadors for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

“I am an ambitious high school student, venturing through the world with an open mind,” Agamroop wrote on her LinkedIn page. “With my passion for policy, research, human biology and behavior, I seek to expand the realm of public health with innovative solutions.”

Last year, she served for four months as a Policy and Media Intern for the Contra Costa Health Services Tobacco Prevention Project and has been a Teen Research Advisor for the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media since February 2021. Agamroop is also a Stanford University Research and Policy Intern serving as a Youth Action Board member of Stanford’s REACH Lab where she’s working to build and review curriculum reaching 2 million youth.

Tobacco use is the No. 1 cause of preventable death in the United States, killing over 480,000 Americans and costing the nation $226 billion in annual smoking health care costs.

In California, tobacco use claims 40,000 lives annually and costs $13.29 billion in health care bills each year. Currently, 1.2% (24,400) of California high school students smoke cigarettes, and 8.2% use e-cigarettes.

Additional information about the youth award winners can be found at tfk.org/awards and more resources and information about tobacco can be found at www.tobaccofreekids.org

 

Rep. DeSaulnier announces re-election campaign for California’s new 10th Congressional District

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The newly drawn California 10th Congressional District. Source: wedrawthelinesca.org.  Rep. Mark DeSaulnier. Official photo.

Pledges to continue work in Congress for Contra Costa; lists his endorsements

CONTRA COSTA, CA – The DeSaulnier for Congress Campaign announced the launch of the congressman’s re-election effort for California’s newly drawn 10th Congressional district, as approved by the California Citizens’ Redistricting Commission (CCRC) on Monday, Dec. 20th. Mark DeSaulnier has represented Concord and Contra Costa County in Congress since 2015 and vows to continue to work hard for his constituents, fighting for working families.

Th 10th District encompasses most of Contra Costa County, including Lamorinda, the San Ramon Valley, Concord, Clayton, Clyde, Pacheco, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and portions of Martinez in Central County, and in East County, Brentwood, Oakley, Bethel Island, Knightsen and portions of Antioch, plus portions of Dublin in Alameda County.

“Throughout my time in Congress, my guiding principle has always been this: I work for you,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “It’s been my honor to represent this area for nearly three decades, on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, in the California State Legislature, and for the past six years as a Member of Congress. My priority has always been serving the people of Contra Costa and making our voices heard during the tough fights, when it matters most.”

DeSaulnier lives in Concord where he raised his two sons, Tristan and Tucker, and opened and operated a small business, TR’s restaurant.

He’s also spent three decades as a public servant: representing his community on the Concord City Council, as Mayor of Concord, as a three-term Contra Costa County Supervisor, in the California State Legislature, and currently as a Member of Congress.

As Supervisor, he served on the California Air Resources Board, the Association of Bay Area Governments, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. He was elected to the State Assembly in 2006 where he served one term and received the distinction of being the first freshman in history to chair the Assembly Transportation Committee. DeSaulnier was elected to two terms in the California State Senate in 2008 and 2012 where he served as Chair of the California State Senate Transportation and Housing Committee. During his time in Congress, DeSaulnier has been honored to represent California’s 11th Congressional District including Richmond, El Cerrito, Kensington, and Pittsburg, now in the new 8th District, and looks forward to continuing to serve them in 2022.

Congressman DeSaulnier is running for re-election to fight against the reckless Republican agenda and move our nation forward by:

  • Ensuring every American has access to quality, affordable health insurance and care;
  • Confronting racial injustice;
  • Creating national common sense gun violence reforms;
  • Helping America’s students receive a quality education without being shackled by debt;
  • Protecting Medicare and Social Security;
  • Safeguarding the environment;
  • Overseeing the largest investment in our nation’s infrastructure in modern history, and
  • Ensuring government is accountable to the public.

The campaign is proud to announce the following endorsements:

  • Alex Padilla, United States Senator for California
  • Karen Bass, United States Representative (CA)
  • Jared Huffman, United States Representative (CA)
  • Barbara Lee, United States Representative (CA)
  • Doris Matsui, United States Representative (CA)
  • Eric Swalwell, United States Representative (CA)
  • Mike Thompson, United States Representative (CA)
  • George Miller, Former United States Representative (CA)
  • Rosa DeLauro, United States Representative (CT)
  • Betty T. Yee, California State Controller
  • Ricardo Lara, California Insurance Commissioner
  • Rob Bonta, Attorney General of California
  • Tony Thurmond, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction
  • Tom Torlakson, Former California State Superintendent of Public Instruction
  • Steve Glazer, California State Senator
  • Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, California State Assemblymember
  • Tim Grayson, California State Assemblymember
  • Diane Burgis, Supervisor, Contra Costa County
  • Federal Glover, Supervisor, Contra Costa County
  • John Gioia, Supervisor, Contra Costa County
  • Karen Mitchoff, Supervisor, Contra Costa County
  • Diana Becton, District Attorney, Contra Costa County
  • Lynn Mackey, Superintendent of Schools, Contra Costa County
  • Holly Tillman, Vice Mayor, City of Clayton
  • Julie Pierce, Former Mayor, City of Clayton
  • Dominic Aliano, Mayor, City of Concord
  • Carlyn Obringer, Council Member, City of Concord
  • Edi E. Birsan, Council Member, City of Concord
  • Tim McGallian, Council Member, City of Concord
  • Newell Arnerich, Mayor, Town of Danville
  • Teresa Gerringer, Mayor, City of Lafayette
  • Susan Candell, Council Member, City of Lafayette
  • Cameron Burks, Former Council Member, City of Lafayette
  • Rob Shroder, Mayor of the City of Martinez
  • Lara DeLaney, Council Member, City of Martinez
  • Mark Ross, Council Member, City of Martinez
  • Dennis Fay, Mayor, City of Orinda
  • Amy R. Worth, Council Member, City of Orinda
  • Inga Miller, Council Member, City of Orinda
  • Kevin Wilk, Council Member, City of Walnut Creek
  • Cindy Darling, Council Member, City of Walnut Creek
  • Michael Harris, Mayor, City of Pleasant Hill
  • Sue Noack, Council Member, City of Pleasant Hill
  • Matthew Rinn, Council Member, City of Pleasant Hill
  • Ken Carlson, Councilmember, City of Pleasant Hill
  • Merl Craft, Council Member, City of Pittsburg
  • Tom Butt, Mayor, City of Richmond
  • Gabriel Quinto, Mayor, City of El Cerrito
  • Lisa Motoyama, Mayor Pro Tem, City of El Cerrito
  • Janet Abelson, Council Member, City of El Cerrito
  • Paul Fadelli, Council Member, City of El Cerrito
  • Rita Xavier, Mayor, City of San Pablo
  • Abel Pineda, Council Member, City of San Pablo
  • Linda Mayo, Trustee, Mt. Diablo Unified School District
  • Mae Torlakson, Vice Chair, Ambrose Recreation and Park District in Bay Point
  • Judy Walters, Ph.D., President, Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board
  • Fernando Sandoval, Vice President, Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board
  • Rebecca Barrett, Board Trustee, Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board
  • Andy Li, Board Trustee, Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board
  • John E. Marquez, Board Trustee, Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board

 

Contra Costa DA announces arrest, charges against defendant in Blackhawk store robbery, carjacking-kidnapping

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Suspects’ vehicles used in Blackhawk robbery and carjacking. Screenshot of Danville Police video.

One of three suspects, two still sought

By Bobbi Mauler, Executive Assistant, Contra Costa County District Attorney

Martinez – The Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton announced today that the District Attorney’s Office has charged Philander Raymel Walton Johnson age 30, in a four-count felony complaint with Robbery, Assault with a Deadly Weapon and two counts of Carjacking for Kidnapping. The charges stem from the November 24, 2021, crime spree which began at the Ace Hardware in Blackhawk and culminated in Johnson’s arrest in San Ramon.

According to Danville Police Chief Allan Shields, Johnson was one of three suspects involved in the crimes. (See 6:23 mark of video by Chief Shields).

“This brazen crime spree is a flagrant violation of community safety,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “My office is working in a coordinated effort with law enforcement partners throughout the Bay Area to identify perpetrators of organized retail theft. Those who engage in such criminality will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office.”

Johnson and two unidentified individuals entered the Blackhawk Ace Hardware and attempted to flee with several power tools in hand. When confronted by store staff, Johnson brandished a knife and effectuated his escape. Separated from his accomplices, Johnson proceeded into a nearby parking lot and entered the car of an unwitting motorist. Johnson held the driver at knife point and commanded the victim drive him out of the immediate area.

Johnson arrived in San Ramon, abandoning the first carjacking victim to enter a second occupied vehicle. Johnson threatened the unwitting occupant to drive him away. Law enforcement in the area were able to observe the suspicious nature of the activity and conducted a traffic stop, assisting the victim driver and apprehending Johnson.

Johnson is pending adjudication of an unrelated shoplifting case which had previously been filed in August 2021. Johnson is in custody awaiting arraignment.

Case information: People vs Philander Johnson 01-197695-0