Contra Costa Herald

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

AwareCA app provides public, first responders new tool for timely, accurate, trusted wildfire incident info

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Graphics source: CAL FIRE

By California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection 

Sacramento, CA —As California continues to strengthen emergency preparedness and public safety communications, CAL FIRE and local government emergency response agencies are announcing the availability of the AwareCA mobile application, providing Californians with another tool to stay informed and connected during emergencies.

“We know the public wants fast, accurate, mobile-first information directly from the agencies managing incidents on the ground,” said CAL FIRE Director/Fire Chief Joe Tyler. “We have always provided timely and accurate information to the public during emergencies, and now with AwareCA, CAL FIRE can provide the public this information in near real time, where they want it, their mobile device.”

AwareCA addresses the growing public demand for fast, accurate, reliable, and authoritative emergency information while reducing confusion caused by fragmented alerts, unofficial reports, rumors, and misinformation.

Developed through a collaborative process between CAL FIRE, Intterra, and local emergency response agencies, AwareCA was designed to support millions of users while ensuring agencies retain ownership of their data and maintain a single source of truth for public information. The app is designed to keep communities informed throughout all phases of an incident by providing:

  • Near real-time incident updates
  • Interactive emergency maps
  • Warning and order evacuation zones
  • Shelter and assistance locations
  • Hazard information
  • Road closures
  • Push notifications and location-aware alerts

AwareCA will support a wide range of emergencies and incidents across California, including wildfires, floods, earthquakes, severe weather situations, hazardous materials incidents, and other large-scale emergencies.

Source: CAL FIRE

All features of AwareCA are free for the user, including but not limited to:

  • Adding locations of interest with notification distances
  • Choosing different maps based on needs and preferences
  • Selecting layers to control which hazards get displayed
  • Viewing the map to quickly find incidents and emergency information
  • Following incidents and sharing critical information with contacts
  • Receiving alerts about fast-moving incidents directly from agencies
  • Following response assets such as aircraft
  • Viewing Caltrans traffic cameras and ALERTCalifornia wildfire cameras

During fast-moving emergencies, information can change quickly. AwareCA is designed to help Californians stay connected to updates from the agencies responsible for managing incidents, reducing reliance on unofficial sources and making it easier to find relevant information in one place.

Residents are encouraged to download the app and enable notifications for areas where they live, work, travel or have loved ones. AwareCA is now available for download on mobile devices in the App Store and Google Play.

For more information, visit Aware.ca.gov. 

Caltrans QuickMap free mobile app provides real‑time traffic, road and safety information

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Source: Caltrans

By Caltrans

The Caltrans QuickMap is a free mobile app from the California Department of Transportation that delivers real‑time traffic, road, and safety information directly from Caltrans, helping drivers plan trips, avoid delays, and stay informed on the road App Store.

What the app offers

The QuickMap app layers multiple live data sources onto a map, including App Store+1:

  • Freeway speeds and congestion (color‑coded lines; green = normal, red = slow)
  • Live traffic cameras and snapshots
  • Lane closures and CHP incidents
  • Chain controls and snow plows
  • Changeable message signs (CMS) content
  • Border wait times
  • Safety roadside rest areas and Park & Ride lots
  • Commercial vehicle info: weigh stations, escape ramps, overweight corridors, and California Truck Network routes

Key features

  • Auto‑refresh: Updates data every 3 minutes (adjustable in settings) App Store
  • Manual refresh: Available via the refresh button on the map
  • Geotargeted notifications: Optional push alerts for road closures near your location, even when the app is closed (requires background location; may impact battery life) App Store
  • Layer controls: Toggle on/off different data layers via the app’s menu QuickMap

How it works

The app uses Caltrans data plus other sources (e.g., Google Maps Traffic Layer, Automated Vehicle Location, cellular data) to provide speed and condition information QuickMap. Clicking a map marker shows detailed info in a pop‑up.

Access and support

Tip: Enable geotargeted notifications if you want alerts for closures near you, but be aware of the battery impact App Store. This makes QuickMap a useful “know before you go” tool for both urban and rural California travel.

EEOC sues employment agency for H-1B visa-based national origin discrimination

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Image Source: X/ Techgig

Federal lawsuit alleges agency refused to refer American applicant for tech position in Silicon Valley

By Office of Communications & Legislative Affairs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

SAN FRANCISCO — Sibitalent Corp., a Texas-based employment agency specializing in information technology staffing and recruitment, violated federal law when it refused to refer an American applicant for a position in Mountain View, California because of the applicant’s national origin, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit announced today.

According to the EEOC’s lawsuit, in July 2025, a Sibitalent recruiter contacted an American database developer by e-mail for a business data analyst position in Mountain View, California, but included a notification “ONLY H-1B,” in large, highlighted text. When the American developer questioned the legality of such a visa requirement for the position, the Sibitalent recruiter ceased communicating and refused to refer him for the job. Sibitalent subsequently referred two candidates of Indian and Nepali origin for the same analyst position, according to the suit.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s website, the H-1B Visa program “applies to employers seeking to hire nonimmigrant aliens as workers in specialty occupations or as fashion models of distinguished merit and ability. A specialty occupation is one that requires the application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and the attainment of at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. The intent of the H-1B provisions is to help employers who cannot otherwise obtain needed business skills and abilities from the U.S. workforce by authorizing the temporary employment of qualified individuals who are not otherwise authorized to work in the United States.

“The law establishes certain standards in order to protect similarly employed U.S. workers from being adversely affected by the employment of the nonimmigrant workers, as well as to protect the H-1B nonimmigrant workers. Employers must attest to the Department of Labor that they will pay wages to the H-1B nonimmigrant workers that are at least equal to the actual wage paid by the employer to other workers with similar experience and qualifications for the job in question, or the prevailing wage for the occupation in the area of intended employment – whichever is greater.”

“The EEOC’s mission is to ensure equal opportunity for all, which includes Americans,” said EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas. “Employers and employment agencies cannot shut qualified Americans out of job opportunities by using unjustified visa requirements as a proxy for national origin discrimination. The EEOC will vigorously enforce federal law to protect American workers from unlawful discrimination.”

This alleged conduct violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination by employment agencies based on national origin. The EEOC filed suit (EEOC v. Sibitalent Corp., Case No. 3:26-cv-11106) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, after first attempting to reach a pre‑litigation settlement through its administrative conciliation process.

EEOC San Francisco District Director Christopher Green said, “The EEOC will vigorously enforce Title VII to ensure that American applicants can compete for jobs on a level field where hiring decisions are based on qualifications and performance.”

The EEOC recently released information on anti-American discrimination and is partnering with the Department of Labor in Project Firewall. For more information on national origin discrimination, please visit https://www.eeoc.gov/national-origin-discrimination.

The EEOC’s San Francisco District Office has jurisdiction over Northern Nevada, Northern California, Washington, Alaska, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.

The EEOC is the sole federal agency authorized to investigate and litigate against businesses and other private sector employers for violations of federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. For public sector employers, the EEOC shares jurisdiction with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. The EEOC also is responsible for coordinating the federal government’s employment antidiscrimination effort. More information about the EEOC is available at www.eeoc.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Teenage El Cerrito murder accomplice from Richmond arrested, suspect vehicle located 

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Victim identified; police seek shooter and getaway driver

By El Cerrito Police Department

On Monday, August 24, 2026, El Cerrito detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Jacari Taliferro Gibson, an 18-year-old man from Richmond (born 10/20/07), for murder and robbery in connection with the homicide in El Cerrito on Sunday, August 23.

At 1:20 PM, on August 24, 2026, Richmond Police officers located Mr. Gibson in the City of Richmond. El Cerrito Officers took custody of Mr. Gibson, booked him for the crimes of murder and robbery, and transported him to the county jail in Martinez. Following his arrest, El Cerrito Investigators and Officers served a search warrant at Mr. Gibson’s residence in Richmond.

Surveillance cameras near the scene of the crime captured footage of the suspect’s vehicle. This footage did not provide ECPD with a license plate. Investigators collaborated with regional jurisdictions to identify a license plate for the suspect vehicle, thanks to Flock Safety and Vigilant ALPR cameras. This information proved essential in identifying the vehicle used by the suspects to flee the scene. El Cerrito Investigators placed the vehicle on a statewide alert list.

During the evening of August 24, 2026, Vallejo Police officers located the 2017 Nissan Maxima used in the commission of the murder in the parking lot of the Del Norte Plaza shopping center, located at 11299 San Pablo Avenue in El Cerrito.

According to a KTVU FOX 2 News report, the 21-year-old victim was Jakai Couch, who was shot and killed in his Toyota Camry parked outside Los Moles restaurant in El Cerrito, and was expecting baby with his girlfriend.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 230-pound Gibson is listed as Non-Hispanic, and also as Black, and is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail.

The ECPD is still searching for Mr. Gibson’s two accomplices, including the shooter and the getaway driver. The ECPD asks anyone with information regarding their identity or whereabouts to contact investigators at (510) 237-3233.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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

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Renderings source: CyberTran International, Inc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key Highlights of the Resolution

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

Commitment to East Bay Community

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

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

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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

Pittsburg coalition demands City honor written promise on data center agenda item

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Source: Stop Pittsburg Data Center

Not happy with City holding virtual community workshop

By Stop Pittsburg Data Center

Stop Pittsburg Data Center is a coalition of Pittsburg parents, children, teachers, and longtime residents. We are issuing this statement because the city has broken a written promise, and because the decisions that matter most are now happening where residents are not looking.

On June 16, 2026, the City of Pittsburg promised in writing that the data center would return to a regular City Council meeting with public participation and Council direction. Instead, it scheduled a staff-run Zoom webinar on July 30 with emailed questions, no noticed agenda item, no live public comment, and no Council action. The city promised residents a seat at the table. We got a webinar instead. (See related article)

We have deep concerns about bias in the decisions that remain. Among the last approvals standing before construction is BAAQMD air permits for 37 diesel generators near a middle school and sports courts on West Leland Road. Mayor Adams sits on the BAAQMD Board and its Stationary Source Committee, which oversees these permits. And in February, the state Fair Political Practices Commission found that the Mayor, a 24-year PG&E employee, has a legally disqualifying financial interest in the Pittsburg Power Company-PG&E agreement this project depends on. The state ordered her to recuse fully and leave the room, roughly 15 months after the Council’s unanimous approval. These are not suspicions. They are the state’s own findings.

The health numbers deserve scrutiny too. The developer’s own modeling submitted to the California Energy Commission showed a cancer risk of up to 17 in a million, above BAAQMD’s 10-in-a-million threshold (AVAIO Response to Data Request AQ-8, Table 1C, CEC Docket 24-SPPE-01, TN 259481, Oct. 8, 2024). Before issuing any permit, BAAQMD must explain publicly what changed and why the final number should be trusted.

Residents were never given a choice about this land. On August 1, 2017, while the Delta View Golf Course was still open, the city signed an exclusive negotiating agreement with Energy Delivery Solutions LLC for a technology park that, in the city’s own words, “would include one or more data centers.” Nine months later, residents were told the course was closing for economic opportunity. The opportunity had already been chosen. By the time the city announced the results of its resident poll on June 4, 2018, the exclusive agreement had already been in place for ten months. Public input came after the city’s decision to pursue a data center project. In the nine years since, the city never once asked publicly whether this land could generate $2 million a year without this risk, and its own budget shows why: the General Fund is projected to end FY 26/27 with a balance of $3,796. A city this broke cannot drive a hard bargain.

We are asking for three things, and the first two cannot wait. Permits can issue and agreements can be signed at any moment, and every week of silence closes the window residents were promised.

  1. The real, noticed Council agenda item the city promised in writing, held before any further approvals or agreements are signed.
  2. That BAAQMD evaluate all 37 generators as a single pollution source, with a full health risk assessment and a public comment period, before issuing any permit.
  3. An urgency moratorium on new data center applications and approvals, including future phases of the Technology Park, until the city adopts a data center ordinance written with public input. Residents asked for a moratorium on June 15 and have received no answer.

More than 23,000 people have signed a petition opposing this project. We also speak for neighbors who cannot attend daytime meetings, don’t speak English, or lack internet access. They deserve the process the city promised. So does everyone else.

Learn more at StopPittsburgDataCenter.com.

Join us at StopPittsburgDataCenter on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

City of Pittsburg to hold Data Centers Virtual Community Workshop July 30

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Rendering of proposed AVAIO Digital data center in Pittsburg. Source: City of Pittsburg

By Toni Baldazo, Community Engagement Officer, City of Pittsburg

Pittsburg City staff are hosting a virtual community engagement workshop about data center development. Residents are encouraged to participate in the workshop and to submit their questions ahead of time to ensure all resident inquiries are addressed during the meeting.

The AVAIO Perseus Data Center is a proposed data center project within the Pittsburg Technology Park approved by the City Council in 2024. The project is intended to support advanced technology infrastructure, create long-term economic development opportunities and help activate strategically planned employment-generating land in Pittsburg. For more information visit Pittsburg Technology Park | City of Pittsburg.

Proposed data center in the Pittsburg Technology Park Specific Plan. Source: City of Pittsburg

The Technology Park Specific Plan envisions redevelopment of the eastern half of the former municipal Delta View Golf Course, on Golf Club Road off W. Leland Road, which is closed and currently vacant.

“After hearing from many concerned residents, it is clear we need to have a deeper conversation with our community about data center development in Pittsburg,” said Council Member Killings. “City Council has asked the City Manager and Staff to host a workshop educating residents on the City’s data center development policies, procedures and projects, and providing an opportunity for our community to receive answers to their questions.”

Pittsburg Technology Park Site Plan Concept with location of proposed data center. Source: City of Pittsburg

Pittsburg Data Centers Virtual Community Workshop

Date: Thursday, July 30

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81157292257

Submit Questions: datacenters@pittsburgca.gov

In addition to the Workshop, the City has updated the Data Center project webpage and is considering ongoing community engagement to ensure the public is informed on data center projects and impacts in Pittsburg. There will be an update to the City Council during the regular City Council meeting on Monday, August 3.

“Residents have raised thoughtful questions about water, energy, noise, and long-term neighborhood impacts, and the City takes them seriously,” said City Manager Darin Gale. “I appreciate the Council’s direction and look forward to supporting this engagement effort on behalf of the Council and our community.”

For those unable to attend the virtual workshop, the meeting will be recorded and posted to the City’s website for later viewing. For workshop questions, please contact datacenters@pittsburgca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.         

 

City of Martinez launches “GoMartinez” mobile app for fast, easy connection to services

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By Eve Kearney, Manager City Manager’s Office

Martinez, CA — The City of Martinez is excited to announce the launch of GoMartinez, a new mobile app designed to help residents stay connected, submit non‑emergency service requests, and access important City information all in one convenient place.

GoMartinez makes it simple for community members to report non‑urgent issues they see around town, whether it’s a damaged sign, pothole, or other maintenance need. Residents can snap a photo and send it directly to the City through the app, making the reporting process faster, easier, and more efficient.

“Our goal with GoMartinez is to give residents a quick and easy way to reach us,” said Mayor Brianne Zorn. “Whether you’re sharing a service request or exploring upcoming community events, we want this app to be another bridge between City Hall and our residents.”

In addition to service requests, GoMartinez offers:

  • Direct link to City website
  • Easy access to City Council information
  • Link for water bill payment
  • Events calendar link

Over time, the City will continue expanding GoMartinez with additional links, features, and services so residents can access even more resources right from their phones.

All Martinez residents are invited to download and start using GoMartinez beginning July 6, 2026. The app is available on both iOS and Android devices: simply search “GoMartinez” in your device’s App Store/Google Play store and download. Create an account to submit and track service tickets; tickets can be submitted anonymously.
As Martinez celebrates its 150th year, the City remains committed to offering tools that make it easier than ever for residents to engage with their local government, and looks forward to the positive impact GoMartinez will have in meeting the evolving needs of our residents and helping us provide high-quality service to our community.
Download the app at: https://app.govoutreach.com/martinezcityca/public/crm/topics.

Con Fire celebrates opening of Regional Fire Communications Center

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District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson and Fire Chief Aaron McAlister (right) are joined by Con Fire personnel to cut the ribbon to officially open the new Regional Fire Communications Center on Friday, June 19, 2026. Photo by Lauren Ono, Con Fire

$26 million facility in Concord staffed and operated around the clock

By Lauren Ono, PIO, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

CONCORD, CA- The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) proudly celebrated the grand opening of the Contra Costa Regional Fire Communications Center (CCRFCC) on Friday, June 19, 2026. It is a state-of-the-art emergency communications facility that serves as the critical link between the public and emergency responders throughout Contra Costa County.

“Before firefighters arrive on scene and before a paramedic begins treatment, an emergency dispatcher is already helping those in need,” said Contra Costa County Board Chair Diane Burgis, District 3 Supervisor. “The opening of this communications center represents an investment in public safety for Contra Costa County. It ensures the highly skilled professionals who answer our calls for help have the tools, technology, and resources they need most, when every second counts.”

Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the CCRFCC is located at 2210 Willow Pass Road in Concord and staffed by extensively trained emergency dispatchers who serve as the first point of contact during emergencies. In addition to answering 911 calls, dispatchers gather critical information, provide pre-arrival medical and safety instructions to the caller, coordinate the deployment of resources, and support emergency personnel throughout an incident from initial dispatch to final resolution.

The approximately $26 million facility was designed to enhance operational reliability, improve coordination, and provide the advanced technological infrastructure necessary to support the County’s growing public safety needs. The facility includes 16 dispatch positions, dedicated training and conference room space, enhanced site security, and on-site dormitories to support 24/7 operations.

“This facility is more than a communications center,” Fire Chief Aaron McAlister said. “It is the foundation of our emergency response system. By investing in modern technology, resilient infrastructure, and our personnel, we are strengthening our ability to serve the communities in Contra Costa County for decades to come.”

Photos: Con Fire

Technology & Innovation

  • Upgraded radio, telephone, and IT systems support 24/7 operations.
  • Software tools track unit status, location, and incidents to optimize coverage in real time.
  • iPads are now deployed on all fire apparatus for real-time communication and incident management.
  • The CCRFCC has integrated EMS personnel into dispatch operations via the Alliance ambulance transport program.

In a Facebook post on Friday, June 26, District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson who was in attendance for the ribbon cutting wrote, “I was honored to stand with Fire Chief Aaron McAlister, members of the Communications Staff, and firefighters to celebrate the opening of the new Contra Costa Regional Fire Communications Center (CCRFCC) in Pleasant Hill. The CCRFCC is a state-of-the-art emergency communications facility that serves as the critical link between the public and emergency responders throughout the County. The facility was designed to enhance operational reliability, improve coordination, and provide the advanced technological infrastructure necessary to support the County’s growing public safety needs.”

The communications center serves as the primary dispatch point for fire and emergency medical services for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, the El Cerrito/Kensington Fire Department, the Crockett-Carquinez Fire District, and the Moraga-Orinda Fire District, and provides EMS dispatching for the Richmond Fire Department. It serves the cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Oakley, Orinda, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, San Pablo, Walnut Creek and the Town of Moraga.

In 2025, the CCRFCC dispatchers answered 253,294 calls and dispatched over 133,300 incidents.

For more information about the Regional Fire Communications Center visit Communications / Information Systems | Contra Costa County FPD, CA and for more information about Con Fire visit www.cccfpd.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

SCAMS: Rep. Harder’s advocacy leads to coordinated crackdown on international scammers

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Google, FBI partnering on lawsuit against major criminal scam syndicate in China

Google endorsing Harder’s Stop SCAMS Act to create all-of-government response to organized cybercrime

By Kevin Winslow, Communications Director, Office of Congressman Josh Harder

WASHINGTON – On Monday, June 15, 2026, Rep. Josh Harder (D, CA-09) announced that his anti-scam advocacy led to a major coordinated crackdown on international scammers. Google, major tech companies, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced a lawsuit today against the China-linked cybercriminal network “Outsider Enterprise” alongside Google’s endorsement of Harder’s “Stop Schemes, Cyberfraud, Abuse, Manipulation, and Swindles Act” or Stop SCAMS Act, H.R. 7215, which would establish a government-wide task force to respond to cyberscams.

Organized crime rings are overwhelming law enforcement and victims alike:

  • Groups like Outsider Enterprise have created over 9,000 fake websites, 1 million fraudulent URLs, and supported over 2.5 million scam texts to Android users alone.
  • Californians lost as much as $2.5 billion to online scams in 2024, in the form of robocalls, texts, fake tax collections, phony job ads, card-declined alerts, and cryptocurrency schemes targeting seniors, veterans, and working families.
  • Severe scams like identity theft are growing rapidly and increasingly targeting previous victims multiple times.

“International cybercriminals are robbing our families of their hard-earned savings, and we need a permanent solution to bring them to justice,” said Rep. Harder. “My Stop SCAMS Act would bring every level of government together to aggressively crack down on scams and the organized crime rings behind them. I’m grateful to have Google’s support and look forward to partnering with law enforcement and industry partners to stop cyber scams once and for all.”

“We strongly support the Stop SCAMS Act,” said Halimah DeLaine Prado, Google General Counsel. “Shutting down scammers takes a coordinated effort, and this bill will help government agencies work better together to keep Americans safe. Thank you to Representatives Harder and Fitzpatrick for championing this vital consumer protection.”

How the Stop SCAMS Act cracks down on organized cybercrime:

  • New Task Force – Directs the FBI to organize a coordinated, government-wide task force to prevent and respond to modern scams.
  • Better Data – Aligns inter-agency actions, definitions, and data to improve the efficiency of scam-fighting efforts.
  • Prevention – Measures the effectiveness of scam prevention efforts and improves public education campaigns.

Harder represents California’s 9th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. The new district boundaries under Prop 50 will include Antioch and other portions of Eastern Contra Costa County following the November election.