Contra Costa Herald

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

Richmond Police honor officer who passed suddenly while off duty

By Leave a Comment

Source: Richmond PD

By Richmond Police Department

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of RPD Motor Officer Jonathan Platzner. Officer Platzner died unexpectedly after suffering a medical emergency this morning while off duty.

Officer Platzner had been a dedicated member of the Richmond Police Department since 2012. Throughout his years of service, he demonstrated professionalism, compassion and a steadfast commitment to the safety of our community. His loss is deeply felt by his fellow officers, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

We extend our deepest condolences to Officer Platzner’s family, loved ones and colleagues during this difficult time. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as we grieve the loss of a dedicated public servant and friend.

A procession by Richmond Police and Fire Departments personnel was held in Antioch, Friday afternoon, Sept. 26, 2025, as Platzner’s body was transported from Sutter Delta Medical Center. Antioch Police and CHP Officers assisted by blocking traffic on Lone Tree Way to Highway 4.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

From Pittsburg to the sea: A sailor’s path to a Navy warship

By Leave a Comment

USS Boxer (Photo & crest source: Facebook) and Chief Petty Officer Glyndale Cabrera. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin Tang, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

Chief Petty Officer Glyndale Cabrera, a Hercules High grad, serves as aviation ordnanceman aboard amphibious assault ship USS Boxer

By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist John Osborne, Navy Office of Community Outreach

SAN DIEGO – U.S. Navy sailors serve and protect from around the globe, and every sailor got their start somewhere. Chief Petty Officer Glyndale Cabrera, a native of Pittsburg, California, serves aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer, currently operating out of San Diego, California.

Cabrera graduated from Hercules High School in 2008.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Pittsburg.

“Growing up, I learned from my father that I cannot let anyone change me,” Cabrera said. “He also told me to be respectful and to recognize there is a time and a place for everything.”

Cabrera joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Cabrera serves as an aviation ordnanceman.

“I joined the Navy because I was tired of my hometown and I wanted to see and experience different things and finish up my college,” Cabrera said.

Source: U.S. Navy

Boxer, the sixth and current ship to be named for the original British gunbrig captured by the USS Enterprise in 1813, plays a crucial role in projecting power and maintaining presence for naval forces. It serves as the cornerstone of amphibious operations, capable of carrying Marines, their equipment, and aircraft to execute a wide range of missions, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to full-scale amphibious assaults. This ship enables forces to rapidly deploy and sustain operations in littoral (near-shore) environments, providing a versatile platform for achieving strategic objectives across the globe.

Resembling a small aircraft carrier, Boxer’s crew is made up of approximately 1,200 officers and enlisted personnel and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines.

INDIAN OCEAN (Aug. 18, 2011) The amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) transits the Indian Ocean. Boxer is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility during a western Pacific deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Trevor Welsh/Released)

Cabrera has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishments have been getting selected for chief petty officer and proving wrong the people who said I couldn’t do something,” Cabrera said. “We always hear a lot of ‘no’s,’ but I have been able to turn a lot of those into yeses through hard work and patience.”

Cabrera serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“At this point in my career, serving in the Navy means I can do anything I put my mind to,” Cabrera said. “I have a 13-year-old daughter, and it’s important she understands that.”

Cabrera is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my parents, Glynda and Ramon, and my brother, Ryndell Cabrera, for always being there for me,” Cabrera added. “They have always been so supportive. I also want to thank my daughter, Analisa, who has made me a better person and always puts a smile on my face.”

Source: USS Boxer Facebook page

U.S. Navy Celebrating 250th Birthday

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/

Join the conversation with our social media: Facebook.com/NavyOutreach and Instagram: @Navy.Outreach

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Armed felon arrested in San Pablo

By Leave a Comment

A San Pablo Police Officer with the armed felon’s gun Tuesday night, Sept. 16, 2025. Photo: San Pablo PD

By San Pablo Police Department

Tuesday night, Sept. 16, 2025, an alert citizen reported a suspicious vehicle circling the block and possibly casing vehicles. Officers arrived on scene and located the vehicle. As officers approached the vehicle, the driver got out of the vehicle and began to run away from officers.

Officers were able to detain the suspect and during a search of the vehicle they located a loaded handgun.

The driver is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing any firearms. The driver was arrested and booked into county jail.

We would like to thank our community for being vigilant.

West County: Contra Costa DA reaches settlement with C&H Sugar Company, Inc. for 2022 air emission violations

By Leave a Comment

Crockett-based company will pay $500K in penalties & costs

By Ted Asregadoo, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton announced Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, a settlement with C&H Sugar Company Inc. for odor violations in 2022.

The emissions violations by C&H Sugar occurred on various dates between September 8th and October 14th, 2022, at a wastewater treatment plant the company jointly owns at Dowrelio Drive in the unincorporated community of Crockett.

Operational disruptions at the wastewater treatment plant generated excessive sewage odors that adversely affected Crockett residents. The problem was exacerbated by unusually high temperatures in the area during those periods.

Following an investigation by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), the case was referred to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for enforcement action.

“Working with BAAQMD during this process produced a compliance framework to help prevent future public nuisances,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “C&H Sugar was cooperative throughout the process and agreed to specific enhanced compliance measures.”

The judgment provides for $400,000 in civil penalties, $100,000 in costs and C&H Sugar will implement the following compliance measures: purchase and install a backup generator, replacement of existing diffuser heads in all three reactors, upgrade the “Blowers” including replacement or refurbishment of the motors, complete comprehensive internal audit of operations and establish 24-hour toll-free community hotline.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office works closely with environmental regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with air quality standards and protect public health throughout the county.

Case No. C25-02616 | The People of the State of California v. C&H Sugar Company, Inc.

West County: Sideshow spectator dies after fall from I-80 on-ramp

By Leave a Comment

A Saturday night sideshow in Crockett ends in death of 16-year-old male spectator. Video screenshot source: KTVU FOX 2

16-year-old boy fell 75 feet

By CHP – Contra Costa

CROCKETT, Calif. – On Saturday, September 13th, 2025, at approximately, 3:26 a.m., officers assigned to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Contra Costa Area office received a call of sideshow activity involving over 100 vehicles blocking the intersection of Pomona Street and Merchant Street, near the Interstate 80 (I-80) westbound on-ramp / off-ramp for Pomona Street.

Officers from CHP and Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene to assist. Shortly after arriving, CHP received reports of a spectator who climbed over the concrete safety barrier at an elevated portion of the Pomona Street on-ramp to I-80 westbound and fell approximately 75 feet to the ground below.

UPDATE: Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs for the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, later identified the decedent as Jose Cuevas, 16 years old, out of Harbor City, CA.

Officers then responded to the secondary location directly under the Pomona Street on-ramp to I-80 westbound to assist.

Our preliminary investigation indicates a 16-year-old male climbed over the on-ramp’s concrete safety barrier and accidentally fell to the ground below. The fall resulted in fatal injuries to the juvenile, and tragically, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

This incident remains under investigation. If anyone witnessed the incident or the events leading up to it, please contact CHP’s Contra Costa Area office in Martinez at (925) 646-4980 or email your contact information to 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov to be contacted by the investigating officer.

When asked, CHP – Contra Costa PIO Dan Gilmore said the victim’s city of residence was not available. Please check back later for details from the Contra Costa Coroner’s Office.

See video and more details in report by KTVU FOX 2.

The Mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

San Pablo: CHP detectives arrest suspect in I-880 shooting investigation

By Leave a Comment

By CHP – Golden Gate Division

California Highway Patrol (CHP) detectives arrested a 39-year-old Hayward man in connection with a May freeway shooting on Interstate 880.

Detectives identified Rony David Murciascastillo as the suspect after a May 26 incident in which a driver reported being shot at while merging onto northbound I-880 from Jackson Street. The victim was not injured.

On July 30, CHP Special Investigations Unit detectives and the Golden Gate Division Warrant Service Team served a search warrant at Murciascastillo’s home. Detectives located him at a San Pablo casino, where the San Pablo Police Department took him into custody.

Authorities booked Murciascastillo into Santa Rita Jail on suspicion of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and multiple felony gun and drug charges.

“The incredible work our detectives do is responsible for yet another freeway shooter being held to answer for their crimes,” said CHP Golden Gate Division Chief Don Goodbrand. “I also want to thank our partners at the San Pablo Police Department for their assistance in taking the suspect into custody quickly and safely.”

According to localcrimenews.com, the six-foot tall, 190-pound Murciastillo is Hispanic and is a resident of Hayward.

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

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Knife-wielding man killed in Richmond officer involved shooting

By Leave a Comment

Angel Montano. Source: GoFundMe

ID’d as a U.S. Marine reserve officer

By Allen D. Payton

The Richmond Police Department announced that on Monday, August 4, 2025, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Richmond Police responded to a 911 call about a man armed with knives threatening to kill people inside a home in the 400 block of 1st Street.

When officers arrived, they heard a disturbance inside. When officers announced their presence, they were confronted by a subject who came to the door armed with at least one edged weapon. During the confrontation, two officers discharged their firearms, and the subject, unfortunately, suffered fatal injuries at the scene.

According to a KRON4 TV news report, the man was identified as 27-year-old Angel Montano who “served in the U.S. Marines as a reserve officer “

Per protocol, the Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol has been activated. The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office is leading the investigation into this incident.

Investigators are in the early stages of this investigation. The Richmond Police Department is committed to conducting a thorough and transparent investigation. Updates will be shared as new information becomes available on the Richmond Police Department’s website.

A GoFundMe page was set up by Liz Montaño to raise funds to cover funeral and burial expenses with the following message:

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the sudden and tragic passing of our beloved cousin, Angel Montano, at just 27 years old.

Angel was a proud U.S. Marine, a devoted son, brother, father and to many a loyal friend. Angel brought light and strength into every room he entered. His unexpected loss has left our family heartbroken, and we are doing everything we can to give him the memorial he deserves.

We’re raising funds to help cover funeral and burial expenses, and to support his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Any donation, no matter the amount, is deeply appreciated. If you’re unable to give, sharing this page and keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers means just as much.

Thank you for honoring Angel’s memory with us. Your support brings us comfort and strength.

-The Montano Family

Con el corazón en la mano, compartimos la repentina y trágica pérdida de nuestro querido primo, Angel Montano, a tan solo 27 años de edad.

Angel fue un orgulloso miembro del U.S Marine, un hijo, hermano y padre devoto, y un amigo leal para muchos. Angel iluminaba cada cuarto donde entraba con su carisma y sonrisa. Su partida inesperada ha dejado a nuestra familia con el corazón destrozado, y estamos haciendo todo lo posible para darle el homenaje que se merece.

Estamos recaudando fondos para ayudar a cubrir los gastos del funeral y entierro, así como para apoyar a sus seres queridos en este momento tan difícil. Cualquier donación, sin importar la cantidad, es profundamente agradecida. Si no puedes donar, compartir esta página y mantener a nuestra familia en tus pensamientos y oraciones es igualmente agrdecido.

Gracias por honrar la memoria de Angel con nosotros. Su apoyo nos brinda consuelo y fortaleza.

La Familia Montano”

Final vote by BCDC on Richmond-San Rafael Bridge lane use Thursday, Aug. 7

By Leave a Comment

To either keep the bike-pedestrian path open 24/7 or allow conversion to breakdown lane every Mon.-Thurs.

By 511 Contra Costa

On Thursday, August 7, 2025, the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) will decide whether to keep the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge bike-pedestrian path open 24/7 or allow it to be converted to a breakdown lane every Mon.-Thurs. Submit comments in advance or attend meeting (virtually or in person). The meeting will last from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

This Commission meeting will operate as a hybrid meeting under teleconference rules established by the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act. Commissioners are located at the primary physical location and may be located at the teleconference locations specified below, all of which are publicly accessible. The Zoom video conference link and teleconference information for members of the public to participate virtually are also specified below.

Primary physical location

Metro Center
375 Beale Street, Board Room, San Francisco

415-352-3600

Teleconference locations

  • Earl Warren Hiram W Johnson Building: 455 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco, CA 94102
    • 100 Howe Ave., Ste. 100 South, Sacramento, CA 95825
    • City Hall: 701 Laurel St., Allied Arts Rm., Menlo Park, CA 94025
    • 675 Texas St., Ste. 6002, Fairfield, CA. 94533
    • 176 E. Blithedale Ave., Mill Valley, CA 94941
    • 197 Palmer Ave., Falmouth, MA 02540
    • 1195 Third St., Ste. 310, Napa, CA, 94559
    • 890 Osos St., Ste. H, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
    • 500 County Center, 5th Fl., Buckeye Conf. Rm., Redwood City, CA 94063
    • 2379 Sheffield Dr., Livermore, CA 94550
    • 1021 O St., Sacramento, CA 95814

If you have issues joining the meeting using the link, please enter the Meeting ID and Password listed below into the ZOOM app to join the meeting.

Join the meeting via ZOOM

https://bcdc-ca-gov.zoom.us/j/87295886829?pwd=my206SeP5kGy5bSz3kcbUFbbbCgxYK.1

Live Webcast

See information on public participation

Teleconference numbers
1 (866) 590-5055
Conference Code 374334

Meeting ID
872 9588 6829

Passcode
891700

If you call in by telephone:

Press *6 to unmute or mute yourself
Press *9 to raise your hand or lower your hand to speak

Details: http://511cc.org/rsrbridge

For more information about the BCDC visit

Kaiser Permanente Nor Cal hospitals recognized for high-quality specialty care

By 1 Comment

U.S. News & World Report’s annual study rates hospitals among the top 30 percent in the nation for the treatment of complex medical conditions and procedures

Oakland/Richmond ranked #4, Walnut Creek ranked #9; Antioch rated high performing in 6 adult procedures & conditions

By Elissa Harrington, Sr. Media Relations & PR Rep, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

OAKLAND, Calif., July 30, 2025 – Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s hospitals are once again being nationally recognized for providing patients with comprehensive care and evidence-based treatments for complex medical conditions and procedures.

U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Hospitals annual report ranks all 21 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals as “high-performing” – or among the top 30% of hospitals in the nation – for at least one of the 37 measures evaluated. The measures include congestive heart failure, pneumonia, colorectal cancer surgery, stroke, and diabetes.

Approximately, 4,500 hospitals participated in the study, which analyzes hospital performance for 15 specialty care areas and 22 procedures and conditions. The “high performing” designation honors those hospitals that deliver high-quality care when treating complex medical conditions.

Kaiser Permanente hospitals are consistently recognized nationally for providing high-quality and safe patient care leading to better health outcomes.

“This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to provide superior, quality health care to improve the lives of our patients, members, and the communities we serve,” said Mike Bowers, FACHE, interim president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our hospitals are leaders in the nation because our highly skilled care teams put our patients at the center of everything they do.”

Hospitals ranked among best in state

Kaiser Permanente Northern California has eight hospitals designated as “Best Regional Hospitals” because they are ranked among the best in the state: Oakland/Richmond ranked #4, Walnut Creek ranked #9, Roseville, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Clara and South Sacramento.

Kaiser Permanente Vallejo is also ranked as one of the top 50 hospitals in the nation for rehabilitation. And Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento is recognized as a “Best Regional Hospital for Community Access” for the care it provides to underserved populations.

Kaiser Antioch Medical Center, a general medical and surgical facility, is rated high performing in six adult procedures and conditions, including: Heart Failure; Stroke; Hip Fracture; Hip Replacement; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Pneumonia.

“Our physicians, nurses, and care teams work collaboratively to deliver high-quality, high-value, patient-centered care,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, chief executive officer and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “We remain committed to advancing evidence-based treatments and leveraging the latest innovations in technology to improve the lives of our patients to live longer and healthier.”

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, and their health care providers 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 nearly 12.6 million members in 8 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 technological 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.

Police investigate man shot and killed in Richmond

By 1 Comment

Source: Richmond PD

City’s first homicide of year

By Lt. Donald Patchin, PIO, Richmond Police Department

On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 11:46 PM, the Richmond PD Communications Center received a ShotSpotter (Gunfire detection system) notification of possible gunfire in the 900 block of 8th Street. Officers responded and checked the area but did not locate any evidence of a shooting.

On Thursday, July 10th, at 6:44 AM, the RPD Communications Center received a call about an unresponsive man lying on the sidewalk/ground in the 900 block of 9th Street. This location is one block east of the earlier ShotSpotter activation. Richmond Police officers responded to the area and located a male subject who had apparent gunshot wounds. Medical personnel responded and pronounced the victim deceased

RPD Homicide Detectives responded and are actively investigating.

This is the first homicide of 2025 in the City of Richmond.

Anyone with information regarding this homicide is urged to contact Homicide Detective Marecek at 510-621-1835 or KMarecek@RichmondPD.net.

Thursday morning, July 10, 2025, Richmond Police officers responded to reports of a man down in the. Officers responded and located a male victim who was unresponsive, suffering from an apparent gunshot injury.