Contra Costa Herald

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

Hercules child predator arrested in Walnut Creek during multi-agency operation

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A child predator from Hercules was arrested in Walnut Creek during an Internet Crimes Against Children operation. Photo source: Hercules PD

By Hercules Police Department

Hercules Police Department Detectives recently participated in a multi-agency operation hosted by Walnut Creek PD and the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, targeting adults who used social media to target children for sexual exploitation. (See related article)

During the operation, Hercules Police Department Detectives assisted in the arrest of a suspect after he traveled to Walnut Creek, believing he was meeting a child. The suspect now faces charges including attempted lewd acts with a minor (PC 664/288(a)), contacting a minor to commit a sex offense (PC 288.3(a)), and arranging to meet a minor for sex (PC 288.4(b)).

The ICAC Task Force exists to identify predators before a real child is harmed, combining investigations, training, and victim support across our region. Operations like this one are the result of that collaborative multi-agency work. We’d like to thank all the involved officers for their tireless work and our allied agencies for their assistance.

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.

Police seek two suspects in shooting homicide of young man at El Cerrito shopping center

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The suspects’ car is described as a gray Nissan Maxima, 2016 or newer. Surveillance camera video screenshot source: El Cerrito PD

Witnesses offer descriptions of vehicle, suspects

By El Cerrito Police Department

On August 23, 2026, at 12:17 PM, the El Cerrito Police received a call of a shooting in the parking lot of the Del Norte Plaza shopping center, located at 11299 San Pablo Avenue in El Cerrito. El Cerrito, Kensington and Richmond Police officers responded to the scene. They discovered that a young man had been shot in the parking lot, near Los Moles Restaurant. Although officers attempted to provide medical aid, the man died of his wounds.

Witnesses reported that the suspects became involved in an altercation with the victim at his car and shot him. After the shooting, the suspects fled the area in a dark colored sedan by driving southbound on S. 56th Street.

Witnesses described the suspects as follows:

Suspect #1 – Young black male adult, wearing a black mask and a black North face brand puffy jacket.
Suspect #2 – Young black male adult, wearing a hat and a black Nike brand jacket.

Police officers, detectives, and crime scene investigators were at the scene interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence.

According to a KTVU FOX2 report, the victim was 21 years old from Oakland. According to an ABC7 News report, it is the first homicide in the city in three years.

UPDATE: El Cerrito Officers have located additional information about the suspect vehicle. The suspects fled the homicide scene by driving northbound on S. 56th Street, then westbound on Potrero Avenue. They were last seen driving southbound on S. 55th Street from Potrero Avenue.

Suspect Vehicle: Gray Nissan Maxima, 2016 or newer model year

If any members of the community have information about this homicide, the El Cerrito Police encourage them to call the ECPD at (510) 237-3233.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Richmond fire suspect charged with three counts of murder as second child dies

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Suspect Sergio Rivera-Vega was charged with three murders of his relatives. Photo: Richmond PD

32-year-old is related to the victims

Only survivor, mother of the two children, remains in the hospital with serious injuries

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has filed murder charges against a Richmond man accused of setting a house fire that killed three family members and critically injured a fourth.

Sergio Ivan Rivera-Vega, 32, faces three counts of murder, with special enhancements tied to the deaths of an adult victim and two minor victims. A fourth victim, an adult woman, remains hospitalized with serious injuries; Rivera-Vega is charged separately with arson causing great bodily injury in connection with her injuries. All four victims are related to the suspect.

As previously reported, Richmond police and firefighters responded to a house fire in the 200 block of 15th Street on the evening of August 18th, at approximately 8:58 p.m. Detectives investigating the blaze identified Rivera-Vega as the person who intentionally set the fire. He was arrested and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on August 19th, and the investigation continued in the days that followed.

The case was submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for review today, Friday, August 21st, and charges were filed with Contra Costa Superior Court that same day. If convicted, the enhancements attached to the murder charges would carry a sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

“This fire is devastating for the entire family,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “Knowing the suspect is related to the victims — including two children — makes this loss even harder to comprehend this senseless act. Our thoughts are with the family and the community affected by this tragedy. Just know that my office is committed to following the law and holding the suspect fully accountable.”

Rivera-Vega is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges on August 24th at 1:30 p.m. at the A.F. Bray Courts Building Annex in Martinez. He remains in custody in lieu of $2,500,000 bail.

Case No. 02-26-01475 | The People of the State of California v. Sergio Ivan Rivera-Vega

See 02-26-01475 – Charging Document

Relative of victims arrested for murder, arson in Richmond double fatality fire

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Richmond resident Sergio Rivera-Vega was arrested for murder and arson. Graphic & photo source: Richmond PD

Claims lives of 47-year-old man, 5-year-old boy

32-year-old being held on $2.5 million bail

By Lt. Joseph England, PIO, Richmond Police Department

Richmond, CA – On August 18, 2026, at approximately 8:16 p.m., Richmond Police Department officers responded to the 200 block of 15th Street to assist the Richmond Fire Department with a residential structure fire.

At approximately 8:47 p.m., while emergency personnel remained at the scene, Richmond Police dispatch was notified by the Richmond Fire Department of a second residential structure fire approximately two houses away from the original fire.

Richmond Fire personnel immediately responded to the second residence, where firefighters located four victims inside the home: a 47-year-old man, a 33-year-old woman, a 5-year-old boy, and a 2-year-old girl.

Emergency personnel immediately began providing medical aid. Tragically, the 47-year-old man succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The remaining three victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, the 5-year-old boy later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The 33-year-old woman and the 2-year-old girl remain hospitalized in critical condition.

The second fire was immediately considered suspicious because it occurred only two houses away from the first fire and began within a short period of time while emergency personnel were still responding to the first incident.

Due to the suspicious circumstances, detectives from the Richmond Police Department’s Homicide Unit responded to the scene and immediately began investigating. Detectives conducted interviews, collected evidence, and worked closely with fire investigators to process the scene.

During the investigation, detectives identified 32-year-old Sergio Ivan Rivera-Vega (born 8/02/1994) as the suspect in the second fire. Rivera-Vega is a relative of the four victims and resided at the home.

While detectives were conducting their investigation, Rivera-Vega was located near the scene and taken into custody without incident. He was subsequently booked into the Richmond Police Department jail on charges of murder and arson causing great bodily injury.

This unimaginable tragedy has taken the lives of a man and a young child while leaving a woman and another young child fighting for their lives. The Richmond Police Department and Richmond Fire Department extend their deepest condolences to the victims, their loved ones, and everyone affected by this devastating incident.

The Richmond Police Department is committed to conducting a thorough and comprehensive investigation. Detectives will continue working closely with the Richmond Fire Department and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to ensure that all available evidence is examined, the full circumstances surrounding this incident are established, and justice is pursued for the victims and their family.

Arrested: Sergio Rivera-Vega, 32 yrs, Richmond Resident

Charges: Two Counts of PC 187(A) – Murder and Two Counts of PC 451(A) – Arson Causing Great Bodily Injury

Bail: $2,500,000.00

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, four-inch tall, 140-pound Rivera-Vega whose race is listed as unknown, is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

CHP Contra Costa to deploy Motorcycle Safety Enforcement on I-80, elsewhere Aug. 20

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Photo: CHP Contra Costa

Entitled “Get Educated and Ride Safe” (GEARS) VIII – countywide through Sept. 30

141 crashes, 29 major injuries, 5 fatalities involving motorcycles in Contra Costa in 2025

By Officer Daniel Gilmore, PIO, CHP Contra Costa Area

CONTRA COSTA, Calif. – In an effort to reduce the number of motorcycle crashes, California Highway Patrol (CHP) Contra Costa Area will deploy additional officers August 20, 2026, on Interstate 80, and unincorporated roadways in Contra Costa County. Officers will look for violations by both motorcycle riders and drivers that make roads dangerous for other traffic, including unsafe speed, following too closely, unsafe lane changes, and improper turning.

Motorcycle-involved crashes continue to be a major concern for the CHP Contra Costa Area. From January 2025 through December 2025, provisional statistical data revealed there were 141 crashes involving motorcycles within our jurisdiction. Of those crashes, 29 involved major injuries, and five resulted in fatalities.

Funding for these operations is provided by a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Titled “Get Educated and Ride Safe (GEARS) VIII, the grant funding assists the CHP in reducing deadly and serious injury crashes involving motorcycles. The CHP Contra Costa Area will continue to deploy additional enforcement efforts through September 30, 2026.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Public Information Officer D. Gilmore, at (925) 586-1879.

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

Kaiser Permanente Nor Cal hospitals recognized as “high performing” for treating complex medical conditions and procedures

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Graphics source: U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report’s annual study rates Kaiser hospitals among nation’s best for providing high-quality, specialized care

Antioch, Richmond ranked Best Regional Hospitals and among best in state

By Elissa Harrington, Senior Media Relations & Public Relations Representative, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

OAKLAND, CA – Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s hospitals are nationally recognized as “high performing” for treating complex medical conditions and procedures including congestive heart failure, pneumonia, and stroke.

U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-2027 Best Hospitals annual study rates Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals as among the top 30% of hospitals in the nation for at least one of the 37 measures evaluated.

Approximately 4,500 hospitals participated in the study, which analyzes performance in 14 specialty care areas and 23 procedures and conditions. The “high performing” designation honors those hospitals that deliver high-quality care when treating complex medical conditions, including congestive heart failure, pneumonia, colorectal cancer surgery, stroke, and diabetes.

Kaiser Permanente hospitals are consistently recognized as among the top hospitals in the nation for providing high-quality, safe patient care that leads to improved health outcomes.

“Kaiser Permanente continues to be a national leader in preventing disease, providing world-class treatment, and using evidence-based research to help our patients and members live longer and healthy lives,” said Mike Bowers, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our clinicians and staff are delivering exceptional care to our patients every day getting them the right care when they need it.”

Top hospitals in California

Eight Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals are designated by U.S. News & World Report as “Best Regional Hospitals” and are ranked among the best in the state: Antioch, Richmond, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Clara, Roseville and South Sacramento.

Three Kaiser Permanente hospitals are also ranked among the top 50 in the nation for providing high-quality specialty care:

  • San Francisco is ranked 34th for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery
  • Santa Clara is ranked 42nd for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery
  • Vallejo is ranked 45th for rehabilitation

Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa is also rated high-performing nationally for its geriatric care.

“Everything we do is centered around making sure our patients receive high-quality and high-value care,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, chief executive officer and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “This recognition underscores the strength of our integrated model and the dedication of our physicians, nurses, and care teams, who provide compassionate, evidence-based care for our members and patients every day.”

In its hospital analysis, U.S. News & World Report uses publicly available data such as volume, mortality rates, infection rates, staffing levels, and patient satisfaction rates, among other factors.

The annual ratings and rankings are designed to help patients make informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.9 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.

Pinole man sentenced to 50 years to life for 2024 murder of ex-girlfriend, mother of their son

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Brittany Elizabeth Ligdis in a photo posted on her Facebook page May 23, 2023, and Jeffrey Kendall’s arrest photo in 2024. Source: Pinole PD

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California — Today, a Contra Costa Superior Court judge sentenced a Pinole man to 50 years to life in prison for murdering a woman just 10 days after she ended their relationship.

On May 7, 2026, a jury found 39-year-old Jeffery Kendall guilty of first-degree murder in the killing of 30-year-old Brittany Elizabeth Ligdis on February 16, 2024. Jurors also convicted him of child endangerment for placing the couple’s young son in a situation that threatened his safety. Before trial, the defense successfully petitioned the court to try a separate charge — possession of an assault weapon — before a judge rather than a jury.

The homicide

A 911 call captured the murder as it unfolded on the morning of February 16th. The victim, Brittany Ligdis, told dispatchers that Jeffery Kendall had broken into her home and that she was hiding in the laundry room with her son. About 90 seconds into the call, Kendall entered the room. Brittany pleaded, “Let go of me” and “You’re scaring him,” before screaming, “Stop it.” Kendall then shot Brittany in the head. The couple’s four-year-old son cried “Momma” and fled the room; Kendall fled the scene shortly after. Responding officers found the victim dead of a gunshot wound to the head.

The case for a harsher sentence

Deputy District Attorney Tylyn Wells described the killing as “an execution in front of a 4-year-old child,” arguing it was not the product of “a mental break” but a familiar pattern in domestic violence cases: a threat that escalates once a victim decides to leave. Citing these factors, Wells asked the court to impose a sentencing enhancement, raising Kendall’s exposure to 50 years to life.

During the bench trial on the weapons charge, Judge Glenn Kim found Kendall guilty of possessing an assault weapon — a 3D-printed pistol capable of semi-automatic fire — and ruled that six aggravating sentencing factors tied to that charge were true.

The sentence

At today’s sentencing hearing, Judge Kim called the case “one of the most difficult” he has experienced. He imposed two consecutive terms of 25 years to life, totaling 50 years to life, and barred Kendall from contacting his son, with limited exceptions subject to court approval, until November 2035, when the boy turns 16.

Kendall remains in county jail awaiting transfer to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to begin serving his sentence.

Case No. 02-24-00229 | The People of the State of California v. Jeffrey Kendall

Live Music on the Corridor in Richmond July 25th

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By Richmond Art Center

Live Music on the Corridor is bringing the Richmond Arts Corridor to life with an afternoon of music, culture, and community.

Join us on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 1:00 PM–3:00 PM at the Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, for a free family-friendly celebration featuring acclaimed percussionist Carlitos Medrano and Sabor de mi Cub.

Presented by Richmond Renaissance, a project of Independent Arts & Media, this event is designed to celebrate the creative spirit of Richmond while connecting neighbors through the universal language of music. Enjoy live performances, meet new people, support local arts, and experience the vibrant energy that continues to shape the Richmond Arts Corridor.

Whether you’re a lifelong Richmond resident or visiting for the first time, come relax, dance, and experience an afternoon filled with rhythm, joy, and community.

Event Highlights:

  • Live music by Carlitos Medrano & Sabor de mi Cub
  • Community connection
  • Food and fun for all ages
  • Free admission with RSVP

Bring your family, invite a friend, and be part of Richmond’s growing arts movement—where creativity, culture, and community come together. We can’t wait to see you there!

Click here for Live Music on the Corridor Tickets, Saturday, July 25  •  1 PM – 3 PM | Eventbrite.

For more information visit Richmond Art Center.

El Cerrito Police Officer honored with MADD Award

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El Cerrito Police Officer Will Sepe (center) is joined by ECPD leadership during the MADD Award ceremony July 9th. Photo: El Cerrito PD

For 27 DUI arrests

By El Cerrito Police Department

Congratulations to Officer Will Sepe, who was recognized at the recent Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Awards for his outstanding efforts to keep our community safe. Officer Sepe made 27 DUI arrests in 2025, demonstrating his commitment to removing impaired drivers from our roadways and helping prevent impaired driving crashes.

He was honored at the 2026 MADD Law Enforcement and Prosecutor Recognition Awards Ceremony, held at the Blackhawk Museum in Danville, Thursday, July 9.

El Cerrito Police Officer Sepe congratulated at the MADD Award ceremony July 9, 2026, and his plaque. Photos: El Cerrito PD

Each year, MADD honors law enforcement officers for their impaired‑driving arrest achievements, as well as first responders, prosecutors, probation officers and MADD volunteers for their life‑saving contributions. Each has contributed to putting an end to drunk and drugged driving, supporting the victims of these violent crimes, and preventing underage drinking and other drug use. Every impaired driver removed from the road represents a potential life saved.

The 23152 Pin Award is given to sworn officers who make 25 or more DUI arrests in a single year. The pin’s red color symbolizes victims of impaired‑driving crashes and officers killed or injured in such collisions.

We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and thank him for his dedication to public safety.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.