Contra Costa Herald

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

West County: Eastbound I-80 Carquinez Bridge daytime ramp and lane closure Wednesday morning Oct. 14

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Source: Caltrans District 4

Contra Costa & Solano counties – from 6:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

By Sabrina Martinez & DeNise Harding, Caltrans District 4

Caltrans maintenance has scheduled the closure of the Pomona Street Eastbound (EB) on-ramp and single lane closure on EB I-80 Carquinez Bridge.

The closure is necessary to give maintenance crews the opportunity to complete routine Maintenance.

Schedule: Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 6:00 a.m. through 11:30 a.m.

Detour: Motorist can take the Westbound (WB) Pomona on-ramp to WB I-80 and take the first exit, Cumming Skyway off-ramp. Turn left across the overcrossing, then proceed to take the on- ramp to EB I- 80 across the Carquinez Bridge

Sign up to receive updates on the Carquinez Bridge at Carquinez Bridge Mailing List.

All work is weather dependent and subject to change.

For 24/7 traffic updates, follow 511.org: https://twitter.com/511SFBay.

For real-time traffic, download the QuickMap App available in your App store or click on Caltrans QuickMap: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/.

 

 

Richmond man convicted of forcibly raping two women sentenced to 169 years to life

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First occurred in Concord, second in Martinez both in 2022 while on parole for previous rape, assault conviction; 44-year-old has history of 15 arrests since 2019

– See link to his mugshot

WARNING: Contains graphic content

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

Martinez, California – A Richmond man who cut off his parole ankle monitor and then violently assaulted two women in 2022 has been sentenced to 169 years to life in state prison.

Contra Costa County Superior Court Judge John W. Kennedy sentenced Mark Lewis Hinton, 44, on October 2nd to 150 years to life on the rape counts, plus a 19-year determinate term. A jury convicted Hinton of 11 felony counts on September 5th, 2025. Sentencing was delayed for more than a year after Hinton hired new defense counsel.

Two counts did not result in convictions:

Count 5 (PC 273.5(a)) was dismissed during the trial.

Count 11 (PC 207) ended in a hung jury and was then dismissed.

Hinton was convicted on the remaining 11 counts.

At the time of the assaults, Hinton was on state parole for a 2011 Contra Costa County conviction for forcible rape, sodomy and oral copulation, for which he had received a 12-year prison sentence.

The first assault: September 2022

In early September 2022, Hinton cut off his ankle monitor and went to a Concord motel where a woman he knew casually was staying with acquaintances. Armed with knives, he struck her, forced her into a different room and sexually assaulted her while strangling and beating her. He then threatened to kill her if she told anyone. When police arrived, she was too frightened to tell them about the sexual assault. She later came forward to Concord police and the District Attorney’s Office.

For that attack, the jury convicted Hinton of kidnapping to commit rape, forcible rape, forcible oral copulation, forcible sodomy and assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury.

Note: The Concord Police Department’s Crime Map does not include incidents prior to 2023.

The Martinez Police Department’s CitizenRIMS Crime Map shows the location and details of the rape on December 30, 2022. Screenshot

The second assault: December 2022

Three months later, Hinton began what the second woman, who was experiencing homelessness, believed was a dating relationship. Within weeks he was beating her. One blow fractured the bone around her eye, and he told her to tell hospital staff she had been in a car accident. Witnesses testified she was terrified of him.

On December 29th, she escaped to her car and called 911, but Hinton forced her back inside while she was still on the line. The next day, armed with a knife, he threatened and sexually assaulted her. She fled to a nearby store, where employees called 911, and Hinton was arrested in Martinez that day.

For those attacks, Hinton was convicted of forcible rape, forcible oral copulation, domestic violence causing great bodily injury, criminal threats with a knife, assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury and false imprisonment.

The Martinez PD CitizenRIMS Crime Map shows:

Rape By Force/fear/etc (F)

Crime: 261(A)(2) PC, 211 PC, 417(A)(1) PC
Crime Type: Rape
Crime Classification: Felony
Address: 600 Block Of J Street
City: Martinez
Occurred: 12/30/2022 at 1:53 PM
Case Number: 22-2563
Incident Number: 2212300038

At trial

The woman Hinton sexually assaulted in 2008 also testified, describing the attack that led to his 2011 conviction. In closing arguments, Deputy District Attorney Danielle Brown told jurors the second woman “said she’s lucky to be alive. She realized that he was going to kill her at some point.” Brown added, “He needs his victims to feel scared so that he can feel powerful.”

“These women showed extraordinary courage in facing the person who abused them and telling a jury what he did,” said Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton. “Domestic violence cases are difficult to prosecute because abusers often isolate and intimidate their victims and choose people they believe won’t be heard. These survivors proved him wrong.”

See 01-23-00045 – Amended Information Filed

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this year’s national theme, With Survivors, Always, calls for moving from awareness to action in support of survivors’ safety, support and solidarity.

Anyone in Contra Costa County experiencing domestic violence can call the STAND! For Families Free of Violence 24-hour crisis line at 888-215-5555, or the District Attorney’s Victim Witness Assistance Program at (925) 957-8650 (Martinez) or 510-374-3272 (Richmond). In an emergency, call 911.

The case was investigated by the Martinez and Concord police departments.

Case No. 01-23-00045 | The People of the State of California v. Mark Lewis Hinton

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 200-pound Hinton was born on Feb. 19, 1982, is listed as Non-Hispanic but also listed as Black, was arrested by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies out of county on Feb. 4, 2025, and is currently being held in the Martinez Detention Facility. For the charge of 3000.08 PC F, the case number and court docket are FCR364634 / FCR364634/SOLANO. For the charges of 978.5 PC F, 10851(A) VC F, the case number and court docket are VCR240038 / VCR240038/SOLANO.

In addition, the Sheriff’s Office offered additional information about a cleared case against Hinton:

Case Number/Court Docket: 25-108 / 01-25-00462

Charges: 209(B)(1) PC F – aggravated kidnapping to commit robbery or certain sexual offenses, punishable by life imprisonment in state prison; 286(C)(2)(A) PC F – sodomy against the victim’s will by means of force, violence, duress, menace, or fear of immediate and unlawful bodily injury on the victim or another person shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for three, six, or eight years; 273.5(A) PC F – willfully inflicting corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition upon a victim is guilty of a felony, and shall be punished by imprisonment in state prison for two, three, or four years, or in a county jail for not more than one year, or by a fine of up to $6,000, or by both that fine and imprisonment; 261(A)(2) PC F – rape; and 287(C)(2)(A) PC F – oral copulation accomplished against the victim’s will by means of force, violence, duress, menace, or fear of immediate and unlawful bodily injury on the victim or another person shall be punished by imprisonment in state prison for three, six, or eight years.

Cleared Date – 6/10/2025 1:28:00 PM.

After work hours on Friday, both Asregadoo and Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Jimmy Lee were asked where Hinton was arrested. They were also asked for the suspect’s mugshot which appears on the VineLink website.

According to localcrimenews.com, Hinton is Black and has a history of 14 other arrests since October 2019 by multiple agencies in Contra Costa and Solano counties on drugs and gun charges, vehicle theft and more.

Please check back later for any updates.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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Pinole Police participate in Pink Patch Project, public can, too

By Pinole Police Department

Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, public safety employees proudly wear pink patches on their regular duty uniforms, sparking conversations within the community.

The Pinole Police Department is proud to support the Pink Patch Project in raising awareness and supporting individuals and families affected by breast cancer.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you can purchase a Pinole Pink Patch for just $10. All proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Please contact coupinolepolicedepartment@pinole.gov for purchase or if you have any questions.

About the Pink Patch Project

The roots of the Pink Patch Project can be traced to the Seal Beach California Police Department, who wore pink patches on their uniform shirts during “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” in 2013. In 2015, the Irwindale California Police Department took the idea a step further and sold their patches to the community, raising over $20,000 for City of Hope. In 2016, then IPD Chief Anthony Miranda took the idea to the Los Angeles Police Chiefs Association and 25 local agencies came on board. Since then, the program has expanded to several hundred partner agencies throughout the world and includes partners from police, sheriff, fire, EMS, and federal departments worldwide.

For more information visit Pink Patch Project: Uniting for Breast Cancer Awareness or Pink Patch Project on Facebook.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pinole Police report 55 arrests in September

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Pinole Police Department Community Outreach Officer Jennifer Witschi with K9 Therapy Dog Milo at his retirement party on Sept. 15, 2026. Source: San Pablo PD

Celebrate retirement of K-9 Therapy Dog Milo

See the CitizenRIMS Crime Map

By Pinole Police Department

September 2026 – Monthly Performance Report

Our monthly statistics provide a snapshot of our officers’ efforts. Consider a ride-along for a more in-depth look.

The Pinole Police Department’s CitizenRIMS Crime Map showing All Activity in September 2026. The plus symbol indicates multiple incidents at the same location.

There were 1,517 calls for service in September, 411 traffic stops, 169 traffic citations issued, 109 stops of pedestrians or suspicious vehicles, 139 reports taken and 55 arrests.

Source: San Pablo PD

In addition, the Department celebrated the retirement of one of its most beloved officers, K-9 Therapy Dog Milo, as he concludes nearly a decade of dedicated service.

On Tuesday, Sept. 15th we celebrated the remarkable legacy of a dog who made Pinole a little safer, a little kinder, and a lot more connected.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

San Pablo Felony Friday: Night Rider Edition

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Video screenshots source: San Pablo PD

See video of pursuit

By San Pablo Police

When the red and blue lights come on and your getaway vehicle is smaller than a child’s bicycle … you may want to reconsider the plan.

Our contestant decided to turn the night into the “Tour de San Pablo”, followed by a bonus round of “Hide-and-seek.”

Unfortunately for him… our officers were pretty good at both.

Bike: abandoned

Cardio: attempted

Hiding spot: discovered

**GAME OVER**

Ride home: upgraded

Pro Tip: If your escape plan involves a pocket bike, a foot chase, and hoping nobody checks your hiding spot… it might be time for a new plan.

Another episode of “Felony Friday,” brought to you by your friends at SPPD.

See video of pursuit on Facebook or Instagram.

October is Pedestrian Safety Month

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By El Cerrito Police Department

October is Pedestrian Safety Month and the El Cerrito Police Department is increasing its focus on pedestrian safety enforcement to help keep everyone safe on our streets.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “At some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian. In 2024, 7,080 pedestrians were killed and more than 71,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide. NHTSA raises awareness of the dangers to pedestrians and provides safety tips for pedestrians and drivers”

  • 71,635 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes in 2024, a 5% increase from 68,241 pedestrians injured in 2023.
  • On average, a pedestrian died every 74 minutes and one was injured every 7 minutes in traffic crashes in 2024.
  • 18% of all traffic deaths in 2024 were pedestrians, and 3% of all people injured in traffic crashes were pedestrians.
  • 17% of the children 14 and younger killed in traffic crashes in 2024 were pedestrians.
  • 69% of the pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2024 were males.
  • Alcohol use was reported in 43% of all fatal pedestrian crashes in 2024, with a blood alcohol concentration of .01 for the driver and/or the pedestrian.
  • In 2024, more pedestrian fatalities occurred in urban areas (84%) than in rural areas (16%).
  • 73% of the pedestrian fatalities occurred at locations that were not intersections, 18% occurred at intersections, and the remaining 9% occurred at other locations in 2024.
  • More pedestrian fatalities occurred in the dark (76%) than in daylight (20%), dusk (2%), and dawn (2%) in 2024.
  • 90% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in single-vehicle crashes in 2024.
  • 1 out of every 4 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2024 (24%) was struck by a hit-and-run driver.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Most pedestrian deaths (60% in 2021) occur on high-capacity urban roads that typically have posted speed limits of 45-55 miles per hour.”

Drivers:

– Slow down and watch for pedestrians, especially near intersections and crosswalks.

– Put your phone away and avoid distractions.

Pedestrians:

– Look both ways before crossing and watch for turning vehicles.

– Stay alert and avoid distractions, including cell phones and headphones.

Slow down. Stay alert. Look out for one another!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

San Pablo PD receives ABC state grant to reduce alcohol-related harm

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By San Pablo Police Department

The San Pablo Police Department announces they have been awarded a $68,118 grant from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to reduce alcohol-related harm in their community.

“This is important to San Pablo in order to increase protection for youth and to address crime at problem locations,” said San Pablo Police Chief Brian Bubar.

The grant is one of nearly 50 awarded in California to local law enforcement agencies through ABC’s Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) program.

These grants strengthen local law enforcement efforts by combining theirs with ABC agents who have expertise in alcoholic beverage laws to help reduce alcohol-related harm within their community.

“Our Alcohol Policing Partnership program can improve the quality of life in neighborhoods,” said ABC Acting Director Frank Robles. “The communities where the grant program’s resources have been invested have seen a real difference.”

The APP program was created in 1995 to strengthen partnerships between ABC and local law enforcement agencies. The program is designed to keep alcohol away from minors and prevent harm to the community.

The funds will be used to help prevent alcoholic beverage sales to minors and obviously intoxicated patrons, illegal solicitations of alcohol, and other criminal activities such as the sale and possession of illegal drugs.

About the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control

The mission of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is to provide the highest level of service and public safety to the people of the State through licensing, education, and enforcement.

The San Pablo Police Department is proud to partner with ABC to educate licensees and enforce alcohol laws that keep alcohol away from minors and reduce harm at problem locations. This grant allows SPPD and ABC agents to work together to protect youth and improve neighborhood quality of life.

Two wanted suspects arrested at Hercules apartment complex

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Alameda County Sheriff’s Deputies and police from Hercules and other agencies respond to the Dylan Apartment Homes in Hercules where the suspects were sleeping and then arrested. Photo: Hercules PD

Muti-agency effort assists Alameda County Sheriff’s Office

By Hercules Police Department

Hercules Police Department officers recently assisted the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office with the arrest of two wanted suspects.

Upon locating the suspects in a vehicle at the Dylan Apartment Complex on John Muir Parkway, officers observed that both suspects were asleep and that one had a pistol resting on his lap.

Recognizing the potential for a dangerous and rapidly evolving situation, officers developed and implemented a tactical plan centered on time, distance, communication, and de-escalation. Through patience, coordination and sound police tactics, the situation was resolved safely, and both suspects were taken into custody without further incident.

This operation was a strong example of the importance of interagency cooperation and teamwork. We extend our sincere appreciation to our allied agency partners who assisted:

  • Vallejo Police Department — K-9
  • Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office
  • San Pablo Police Department — SWAT
  • Pinole Police Department
  • Pittsburg Police Department

The hard work, professionalism, and dedication of frontline law enforcement officers can never be overstated. Kudos to every officer and deputy who worked together to bring this incident to a safe resolution.

Efforts have been made to reach the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office and Hercules Police Department for more details, including the names of the suspects and what they were wanted for, as no police activity is shown on the department’s CitizenRims crime map for that location since August 1st, nor are addresses included in the list of arrests dating back to Aug. 28th. Please check back later for any updates.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

San Pablo PD Graveyard Shift: Crystals & Pistols

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Photos: San Pablo PD

By San Pablo Police Department

Friday night, Sept. 18, 2026, your San Pablo Police Department graveyard officers kept busy.

One traffic stop led to the arrest of a prohibited felon who was carrying a concealed firearm equipped with a conversion device that made the firearm capable of fully automatic fire.

A second traffic stop resulted in the discovery of an individual possessing methamphetamine.

Two stops. Two dangerous discoveries.

The name of the game that night was “Crystals & Pistols.”

Our officers remain vigilant around the clock, working to keep our streets safe. Great work by the graveyard shift!

Richmond Mayoral Candidate Debate Sept. 21

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It’s Councilwoman Claudia Jimenez vs. Ahmad Anderson in the November run-off

By Allen D. Payton

The League of Women Voters of West Contra Costa County is holding a Richmond Mayoral Candidate Debate “A Community Conversation” between Richmond Councilwoman Claudia Jimenez and Ahmad Anderson on Monday, Sept. 21st in the Richmond Council Chambers.

Jiminez placed first and Anderson placed second, beating incumbent Mayor Martinez in June. Source: Contra Costa Elections

Richmond’s current mayor, Eduardo Martinez, placed third in the June 2nd primary behind Jimenez, the District 6 councilmember, who placed first, and Anderson who placed second. They top two are now competing in the November General Election run-off.

The Richmond City Council elections were also held in June, and all three incumbents were re-elected, Cesar Zepeda who run unopposed in District 2, Doria Robinson in District 3 with 68.94% of the vote, and Soheila Bana in District 4 with 67.74% of the vote. Jiminez is not up for re-election this year and if elected mayor will have to step down from her seat and either her replacement will be appointed by the other council members or another, special election will be held to fill it for the remaining two years of the term.

District 6 Richmond Councilwoman Claudia Jiminez. Photo source: campaign

About Jiminez

According to her bio on the City’s website, Jiminez, whose campaign claims she will be, “The Next Progressive Mayor of Richmond,” is “a trained architect who has worked to design and build affordable housing and watershed management projects in Colombia. She received her Master’s degree in Environmental Planning from U.C. Berkeley. She lives in District 6 of Richmond with her husband and two children.”

She says she’s “Rooted in Colombia, Growing in Richmond” and claims, “More than one-third of Richmond residents were born in another country. Claudia Jimenéz is an immigrant who has chosen to make Richmond her home.”

According to her LinkedIn Profile, since June 2015 Jiminez has worked as a Consultant to The California Endowment, “a private, statewide foundation dedicated to improving health and racial equity across California,” to “Strengthen the infrastructure to support women of color in political leadership positions.”

Her endorsements include a variety of organizations, including the Democratic Socialists of America East Bay and another Democratic group, two fellow Richmond council members, the Richmond Firefighters, the Contra Costa Labor Council and other unions.

Ahmad Anderson. Photo source: campaign

About Anderson

According to his campaign website, Anderson, who offers “A Vision for One Richmond,” says he’s “Rooted in Richmond” because he was born and raised in the city. Anderson is a longtime community volunteer for over 40 years and city committee member, and former vice president of the Richmond NAACP, whose father and mother both served as mayor of Richmond. On his Facebook page Anderson shows two other campaign slogans, including one on a button that reads, “A Voice for You” and another on a shirt which reads, “For a Safer Richmond.” His campaign also has an Instagram account.

Anderson “has worked as a Human Resources Director at an international company that employs 380,000 people,” the National Pacifica Foundation, and is also a graduate of U.C. Berkeley and attended Columbia University’s Teachers College from 1996-2003.

According to his LinkedIn profile, since Aug. 2020, Anderson has been the Founder and Managing Partner of Designing Effective Organizations. Previously, he worked as Vice President for Human Resources at Goodwill Industries of the Greater East Bay from Dec. 2010 to Nov. 2013; as Senior Human Resources Business Partner for the U.S. Western Region of DHL Express from May 2014 to Sept. 2018; as Senior Human Resources Business Partner in the Northern California Operations Sales Division of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits from Nov. 2018 to Jul 2020; as Director, People & Culture for SFJAZZ from June 2021 to Aug. 2022; and as Director, People & Culture for Gardens of Golden Gate Park from Aug. 2022 until Apr. 2026.

Anderson has endorsements from most of the Democratic leaders and organizations covering the county, including the California Democratic Party, Contra Costa Democratic Party and the West County Democratic Club, as well as the other three Richmond council members, three former Richmond mayors (not including his parents), DA Diana Becton, plus, the Richmond Police Officers, Contra Costa Building and Construction Trades Council and other unions.

Neither candidate offers their phone number or email address to contact them, only online forms on their websites, and Jiminez’s city council email address, Claudia_Jimenez@ci.richmond.ca.us.

The debate can also be viewed on KCRT TV on Comcast cable Channel 28.