Contra Costa Herald

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

Richmond man with history of arrests charged with rape, kidnapping, sexual battery of elderly female

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Arrested multiple times since 2017 for indecent exposure, soliciting lewd acts, more; will be arraigned Monday

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County DA’s Office

Martinez, California – The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed a three-count felony complaint against a Richmond man on offenses related to rape, kidnapping and sexual battery.  30-year-old Eduardo Moreno (born 5/22/94) was placed into custody at the Martinez Detention Facility after Richmond Police Officers arrested him on October 9th.

Moreno attacked an elderly female victim at a bus stop on San Pablo Avenue and Barrett Avenue around 5:50 am on October 5th. At the time, Moreno was reportedly engaged in a lewd act upon himself at the bus stop area when the victim saw him and asked him to stop. Moreno, angered, grabbed the victim and forcibly dragged her into a nearby alley where he raped her and fled. During their investigation, police officers were able to obtain evidence of the incident, which aided in Moreno’s eventual arrest.

“We are grateful the investigative work of Richmond Police led to the arrest of the suspect in a relatively swift manner, said District Attorney Diana Becton. “We will work diligently in seeking justice and accountability through the courts in the ongoing public safety work we do for our county’s residents.”

Moreno will be arraigned on Monday at 1:30 pm in Martinez on the following charges:

PC 261(a)(2) – Forcible rape with an enhancement [PC 667.61(a) and (d)]

PC 209(b)(1) – Kidnapping to commit another crime

PC 243.4(a) – Sexual battery by restraint

According to localcrimenews.com, Moreno has a history of arrests dating back to March 12, 2017, by multiple agencies including Richmond, Union City and Fremont PD’s and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies for crimes including weapons violations, DUI, and five times for indecent exposure and four times for soliciting a lewd act, including once in 2023 and child endangerment. His most recent arrest was last month on an outstanding warrant.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Moreno is 5-feet, 10-inches tall, weighs 175 lbs. and as of Saturday, October 12th, is being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 28 at 8:30 AM. in Superior Court Dept. 05.

Case No. | 02-24-01381 The People of the State of California v. Moreno, Eduardo

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa, Richmond, Antioch awarded state grants to house people living in homeless encampments

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Source: Office of the CA Governor

Governor Newsom awards $130.7 million in Round 3 of program to help 18 California communities

Also creating a collaborative program between the state and targeted communities to streamline the cleanup of encampments

SACRAMENTO – Oct. 4, 2024 — Expanding the state’s unprecedented support for local communities to create new housing and address homelessness, Governor Newsom announced Friday, the state is awarding $130.7 million to 18 local governments to clear homeless encampments and provide shelter, care and support. The grants are from Round 3 of the Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF) awards from the Department of Housing and Community Development. The Governor also announced new accountability measures, requiring award recipients to adhere to all state housing and homeless laws — as well as remain in compliance with their Housing Elements — or risk losing funding and face other enforcement actions.

The Round 3 funds awarded Friday will go to 12 cities, four counties and two Continuums of Care (CoCs) and are intended to resolve critical encampment concerns and address the housing and health and safety needs of 3,364 people living in encampments, and permanently house 1,565 people.

Of the total amount the City of Richmond was awarded $9,336,746, the City of Antioch will receive $6,812,686 and the County of Contra Costa was granted $5,708,516. Of the 18 agencies, Contra Costa County scored the highest followed by Richmond.

“We’re supporting local communities’ efforts to get people out of encampments and connected with care and housing across the state. It’s important and urgent work that requires everyone to do their part. The state has committed more than $27 billion to help local governments tackle the homelessness crisis — and we want to see $27 billion worth of results,” said Governor Newsom.

Source: CA Dept of HCD

$1 billion in funding to clear encampments

Governor Newsom has made unprecedented investments to address the housing and homelessness crises, with $40 billion invested to help communities create more housing and $27 billion provided to communities for homelessness. Today’s new grants are part of the state’s $1 billion Encampment Resolution Funds (ERF), which help communities address dangerous encampments and support people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

So far, the program has invested $737 million for 109 projects or encampments across 21 counties, 41 cities and 5 CoCs to help 20,888 people throughout the state, helping 20,888 people transition out of homelessness.

“These grants will ensure local communities take a person-centered, trauma-informed approach as they help their most vulnerable residents transition to safe and stable housing,” said Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary Tomiquia Moss. “The Encampment Resolution Fund grants are infusing critical resources in communities up and down California so that unhoused Californians can access the essential housing and supportive services they need to achieve long-term stability.”

Source: Office of the CA Governor

Greater accountability 

As a condition of receiving the funding, the awardees must agree to increased accountability and compliance measures. These new accountability measures build on the current requirements that all grantees adhere to state and federal laws, rules, and regulations related to construction, health and safety, labor, fair employment practices, environmental protection, equal opportunity, fair housing, and all other matters applicable and/or related to the ERF program.

The Governor’s new measures expressly require local governments to maintain a compliant housing element, as well as adhere to all planning, permitting, entitlement, fair housing, and homelessness laws.

Non-compliance with these measures may result in the state revoking and clawing back awarded funds in addition to potential enforcement actions by the state’s Housing Accountability Unit. This ensures that grant recipients remain accountable and protects state funding.

Source: Office of the CA Governor

Care, compassion, collaboration 

Today’s announcement follows the Governor’s executive order urging local governments to adopt policies and plans consistent with the California Department of Transportation’s (CalTrans) existing encampment policy.

Prioritizing encampments that pose a threat to the life, health, and safety of the community, Caltrans provides advance notice of clearance and works with local service providers to support those experiencing homelessness at the encampment, and stores personal property collected at the site for at least 60 days.

Since July 2021, California has cleared more than 12,000 encampments and has removed 267,611 cubic yards of debris from encampments along the state right of way in preparation for Clean California projects.

Source: Office of the CA Governor

Delegated Maintenance Agreements

The Governor also announced today a new collaborative program that will help streamline the cleanup of encampments by establishing agreements between the state and targeted local communities. The agreements will remove jurisdictional boundaries and allow locals to address encampments on state property and receive reimbursement for their efforts.

To help provide additional guidance and direction for local governments, the California Interagency Council on Homelessness has posted webinars and resources to help communities address encampments.

Below are the other 10 cities, three counties and two Continuums of Care awarded Round 3 ERF grants:

  • City of Berkeley – $5,395,637
  • City of Carlsbad – $2,994,225
  • City of Los Angeles – $11,351,281
  • City of Palm Springs – $5,106,731
  • City of Petaluma – $8,098,978
  • City of Redlands — $5,341,800
  • City of Sacramento — 18,199,661
  • City of San Jose —- $4,821,083
  • City of Victorville — $6,365,070
  • City of Visalia —- $3,000,000
  • County of Riverside — $12,612,779
  • County of San Bernardino — $11,000,000
  • City and County of San Francisco – $7,975,486
  • Humboldt County — Continuum of Care – $3,784,294
  • Pasadena –  Continuum of Care – $2,772,801

“Our team is energized by this opportunity to help bring people-centered, Housing First solutions to Californians who are unsheltered throughout the state,” said Gustavo Velasquez, Director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), which has administered ERF since the start of the 2024-25 fiscal year. “Combined with the investments in permanent supportive housing made possible by voter approval of Proposition 1, the state has unprecedented momentum to make monumental progress on a crisis of homelessness that has been growing for decades.”

The awards announced Friday utilize all remaining FY 2023-24 ERF funds. An additional appropriation of $150 million in the FY 2024-25 State Budget allowed HCD to award all eligible ERF Round 3, Window 2 applicants. The budget also included $100 million in ERF funds for FY 2025-26, bringing to $1 billion this investment to address encampments through proven housing solutions.

Each agency was required to apply for the ERF program.

The grants will provide stable, safe housing for individuals living in encampments in their respective communities. The awarded proposals will assist individuals living in encampments with compassion and dignity by providing a range of housing solutions: permanent housing; interim housing for individuals seeking coordinated entry system resources or housing vouchers; housing navigation services and rapid rehousing subsidies; support for accessing permanent housing by providing security deposits and other moving expenses; and allowing awardees to acquire property for housing.

Each agency was required to apply for the grant program

Pablo Espinoza, Deputy Director of Communications, CA Department of HCD Media and Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

EarthGrid announces $18B funding to deploy U.S. underground utility projects

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EarthGrid’s 2-Torch Plasma-Boring System Operating on Limestone. Source: EarthGrid

Groundbreaking joint venture with Kuwait-based EnerTech will use Point Richmond company’s plasma boring technology

Enables critical infrastructure improvements, increased grid capacity and resiliency to meet rising clean power demands

POINT RICHMOND, Calif./PRNewswire/ — EarthGrid, a Bay-area plasma tunnel-boring technology and infrastructure development company, announced Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, that it has signed a joint venture agreement with EnerTech, a Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) entity, to deploy infrastructure projects in four phases across the United States, Europe and the Middle East.

https://earthgrid.io/

The first two phases consist of, in estimate, $18 billion in U.S. infrastructure improvement projects. Utilizing EarthGrid’s patented plasma-powered machines, this joint venture will develop a network of underground tunnels designed to upgrade the current power grid and fiber networks with reliability, efficiency, and resiliency while accelerating the clean power transition.

To meet the U.S. goal of reaching net-zero economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, more than a million miles of new transmission will be required over the span of three decades. Compounding this challenge is that more than 70% of current transmission lines are over 25 years old, aged over half their 50-year expected lifetime. Through this joint venture, EarthGrid will enable more than 100 gigawatts of new renewable energy to be added to the U.S. grid while also solving grid congestion in strategic locations.

“On average, it takes 10 to 20 years to develop, permit, and build new overhead transmission lines, making it evident that an alternative approach is critical to meet the needs of U.S. environmental goals,” said Troy Helming, EarthGrid founder and CEO. “Through our joint venture with EnerTech, a cleantech and infrastructure developer, we are proud to support the much-needed evolution of the U.S. power grid, enabling clean energy and improving core infrastructure development.”

While overhead transmission lines are time-consuming to complete, traditional undergrounding is also slow, more costly than overhead lines, and performs poorly against hard rock, which can, in turn, result in abandoned or very delayed projects. EarthGrid’s plasma-boring technology and proprietary approach significantly reduces the time and costs of undergrounding methods without harmful chemicals, primarily powered by clean energy.

EarthGrid’s cleantech undergrounding approach aligns with EnerTech’s goals to deploy breakthrough technology globally, with projects initiated first in the U.S., and subsequently, in Europe and the Middle East, to accelerate the deployment of clean energy options worldwide. “We are thrilled to announce this partnership with EarthGrid to deploy what we believe is the fastest and most cost-efficient tunnel boring technology by far to improve core infrastructure,” said Abdullah Al Mutairi, EnerTech CEO.

As a registered telecommunications utility in 46 states (CPCN), EarthGrid offers its customers and partners preferred access to rights of way alongside public roadways to expedite underground fiber projects. EarthGrid intends to secure permits, as needed, to add additional infrastructure to its tunnels and trenches, including power, water, and robotic freight tubes.

Ultimately, this joint venture’s project pipeline will be deployed in collaboration with an ecosystem of key capital, strategic and government stakeholders globally, including utilities, data centers, and clean energy companies.

EarthGrid was represented by a U.S law firm, Glaser Weil, with Jeff Joyner, senior partner of the firm, playing a key role in executing the deal through his extensive experience in sustainable solutions.

About EarthGrid

EarthGrid, founded in 2016, is a plasma boring technology and infrastructure company specializing in proprietary, groundbreaking plasma tunnel-boring technology that can revolutionize the grid infrastructure in the U.S. Its goal is to create a network of underground tunnels to transmit clean energy and high-speed broadband across the U.S. In addition to expanding electricity capacity, EarthGrid aims to enhance the safety, security, and reliability of grid infrastructure, housing critical infrastructure underground to avoid the crippling effects of natural disasters. Follow EarthGrid on LinkedIn and YouTube.

About EnerTech

Established in 2012, EnerTech’s mission is to initiate its own development projects and participate in projects within the energy, clean technology, recycling, water, waste management, and renewable energy sectors. EnerTech is a Kuwait-based state-owned entity with full ultimate ownership by Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), currently one of the world’s oldest and largest sovereign wealth funds.

Media Contact: jocelyn@warnerpr.com

Kaiser Permanente’s Contra Costa hospitals recognized for providing high-quality care for heart, stroke patients

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Photo: Kaiser Permanente

Antioch, Richmond and Walnut Creek locations among 20 to receive American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines®– Heart Failure and Stroke Gold Plus awards

KP clinicians and staff work together to deliver excellent cardiac and stroke care using evidence-based treatment protocols rooted in high-quality scientific research

By Kerri Leedy, Media and Public Relations Manager, Kaiser Permanente

OAKLAND, Calif. – Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals are being recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) for following nationally recognized, research-based guidelines when diagnosing and treating heart failure and stroke patients, leading to more lives saved.

The following Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals have received both the AHA Get With The Guidelines®– Heart Failure and the Get With The Guidelines®– Stroke Gold Plus awards: Antioch, Richmond, Walnut Creek, Fremont, Fresno, Modesto, Oakland, Redwood City, Roseville, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, San Leandro, San Rafael, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, South Sacramento, South San Francisco, Vacaville and Vallejo. Kaiser Permanente Manteca received the Get With The Guidelines®– Stroke Silver Plus award.

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke or heart attack, and heart disease and stroke are the leading and fifth-leading causes of death in the country, respectively. This national recognition from the AHA reflects Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s commitment to providing high-quality heart and stroke care, ultimately leading to more lives saved, shorter recovery times, and fewer hospital readmissions.

“This recognition is a tribute to our physicians, cardiac specialists, and care teams, who are dedicated to delivering high-quality, comprehensive cardiac care and treatment to their patients,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “As a result, we are widely recognized for consistently delivering nation-leading clinical outcomes that enable our members and patients to live healthier and longer lives.”

Kaiser Permanente Northern California cardiac care specialists treat a broad range of heart conditions, frequently performing life-saving procedures.​ Using a team-based approach to care, Kaiser Permanente’s connected system enables our cardiologists to share knowledge across locations and specialties. In our communities, Kaiser Permanente members are 33% less likely to experience premature death due to heart disease, according to a 2022 research study.

Kaiser Permanente Northern California is also a leader in stroke care, and our integrated model of care supports close affiliation between our stroke care clinicians and cardiac researchers and specialists.

“The comprehensive cardiac and stroke care and support we provide is leading to better health outcomes for our members and patients,” said Carrie Owen Plietz, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “This recognition shows how we use our integrated care model to make sure patients get the care they need so they can recover faster, be healthier, and live longer.”

The Get With The Guidelines®– Heart Failure award is earned by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and aggressive risk-reduction therapies. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their heart failure and overall health, get a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.

The Get With The Guidelines®– Stroke award is earned by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their health, get a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.

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 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.

About Get With The Guidelines®

Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 12 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

CCHealth, Contra Costa College offer SPIRIT course for recovery training

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Behavioral Health Service Provider Individualized Recovery Intensive Training for young adults with mental health conditions, substance abuse disorder, or both, and parents

Application deadline: October 4, 2024

SPIRIT is a 9-unit college course taught in collaboration with Contra Costa College from January – May on Monday’s and Wednesday’s and June – July on Mondays (in person) with 10 hours a week internship equaling 60 hours. The course teaches students how to develop core skills to empower themselves by attaining and maintaining recovery and resiliency through self-awareness and peer/family support, while learning to assist others in doing the same. The completion of this class leads to a Certificate.

This program is intended for individuals who fit at least one of the following criteria:

  • A person who has self-identified as having lived experience of recovery from a mental health condition, substance use disorder, or
  • A transition-age youth or young adult 18 – 26 who has self-identified as having lived experience of recovery from a mental health condition, substance use disorder, or
  • A person with lived experience as a self-identified family member of an adult experiencing a mental health condition, substance use disorder, or
  • A person who is parenting or has parented a child or adult experiencing a mental health condition, substance use disorder, or both. This person may be a birth parent, adoptive parent, or family member standing in for an absent

Goals

  1. To become more empowered, explore potential and help others learn resiliency and empowerment skills.
  2. To gain an understanding of the importance of peer and family support as an integral part of the recovery and resiliency journey, as well as to the overall behavioral health system of
  3. To gain a working understanding of Contra Costa Behavioral Health’s system of care which includes, Mental Health Services, Housing and Homeless Services, Alcohol and Other Drug Services, and Health Services broadly, and recovery/resiliency-oriented techniques and
  4. To identify, develop and sustain your personal support system, develop and use a personal Wellness Recovery Action Plan and to help others to incorporate these skills into their personal wellness process.
  5. To become more aware of community resources which aid peers and their families, including young adults and children in living successfully within the larger
  6. To explore career options that will help you develop the skills enabling you to find meaningful activity and to learn skills and participate in internship training in the behavioral health

The Behavioral Health Service Provider Individualized Recovery Intensive Training (SPIRIT) includes two components; the comprehensive classroom training and support program, followed by the individualized Work-Study placement. This program is a collaboration between Contra Costa Behavioral Health Services (CCBHS), Office for Peer and Family Empowerment, and Contra Costa College (CCC).

Application Deadline and Mailing Information

Application Process: This APPLICATION is due by October 4, 2024

Please submit your completed application to:

Attention SPIRIT

Contra Costa Behavioral Health Services

Office for Peer and Family Empowerment

1340 Arnold Drive Suite 200, Martinez, CA 94553

Fax (925) 957-5156

For further information about the SPIRIT Training or application, please contact: Bianca Connor at: Bianca.Connor@cchealth.org  (925) 957-5141 or (925) 839-0669 Victoria Fairchild at: Victoria.Fairchild@cchealth.org (925) 957-5143 or (925) 723‑2729.

Training Components

  1. Intensive Training (SPIRIT I and II): The classroom training takes place during the Spring 2025 college semester (starting in January 2025) in partnership with Contra Costa College. It consists of two separate 3 unit college classes (6 units / 93 hours total), SPIRIT I and SPIRIT Students take SPIRIT I for the first half of the semester, and then SPIRIT II during the second half of the semester. Students may not participate in SPIRIT II without successful completion of SPIRIT I.
  2. Work-Study/Summer Internship (SPIRIT III): The work study portion of SPIRIT takes place during the summer 2025 college semester (3 units / 18 hours total), and includes a six-week, 60-hour internship at a human service agency with once-a-week classroom instruction. Students must successfully complete both SPIRIT I and II to participate in SPIRIT III. Students receive 3 units of college credits for successfully completing SPIRIT III (a total of 9 units / 111 hours of class time and 60 hours of internship.
  • Allowance: All students will be eligible for an allowance to assist with transportation and other expenses needed to complete the training.

Download the application form, here – SPIRIT Application 2025.

5 arrested for July 4th shooting death of man in Pittsburg

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Victim Markel Benson-Braggs was 23 years old and leaves behind a one-year-old son. Photo source: GoFundMe.

2 in Rodeo, 3 in Pittsburg, four have arrest records; GoFundMe account setup for victim identified as Markel Benson-Braggs, leaves one-year-old young son

By Pittsburg Police Department

PITTSBURG, CA – In the late hours of July 4th, officers from the Pittsburg Police Department responded to a shooting reported near the intersection of W. 10th Street and West Street. Upon arrival, officers found and rendered medical aid to the victim, 23-year-old Markel Benson-Braggs, who was unfortunately pronounced deceased at the scene despite life-saving efforts.

Through swift and thorough investigative efforts, Pittsburg Detectives were able to identify multiple suspects involved in the shooting. On Friday, July 12th, detectives apprehended two suspects, 27-year-old Rohney Lee Stewart (born 2/8/97) and 21-year-old Jaylaun Kael Stewart (born 7/16/03), at a residence in Rodeo.

Continuing their efforts, the Pittsburg Police Department, in collaboration with the Central County SWAT Team and the FBI, executed search warrants at three different residences in Pittsburg early Wednesday morning, July 31st at 5:00 AM. This operation led to the arrest of three additional suspects: 26-year-old Israel Alejandro Dezama (born 6/15/98), 21-year-old Maxamillion Spaceman Holiday (born 7/19/03), 21-year-old Abraham Gomez (born 7/25/03) as well as the recovery of pertinent evidence to the investigation.

The Pittsburg Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community. The safe arrest of these individuals was made possible by the hard work of the men and women of the Pittsburg Police Department and welcomed assistance of our neighboring law enforcement agencies.

The investigation into this tragic event is ongoing, and the case will be presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney for review and prosecution. We ask anyone who has information related to this case to please contact Pittsburg Police Department Dispatch at 925-646-2441 or Detective Elmore at 925-252-4875.

According to localcrimenews.com, the five-foot, nine-inch tall, 209-pound Dezama has the most extensive criminal history of the five. He was also arrested on July 14 by Los Angeles PD for evading police with wanton disregard for safety; on June 24, 2024, by Pittsburg Police for possession of marijuana / hashish for sale; on Dec. 30, 2022, by Sacramento Sheriff’s Office for shoplifting less than $950 and organized retail theft; and on Feb. 12, 2022, by Pittsburg Police for being an addict in possession of a firearm possession of ammunition, carrying a loaded firearm on a person or in a vehicle while in a  public place, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, carrying a loaded firearm when not the registered owner and  possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Jaylaun Stewart is from Pittsburg and was also arrested by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies on July 18, 2023, for DUI and again on Feb. 5, 2024, on possession of ammunition and revocation of probation.

Holiday was also arrested by Pittsburg PD on June 11, 2022, for carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle and the manufacture, import and/or sale of a large-capacity magazine. According to DocketAlarm.com, that case has been ongoing since July 20, 2022, he was released on his own recognizance and has a Felony Jury Trial / Minute Order scheduled for Monday, Aug. 5.

Gomez was also arrested by Pittsburg Police on May 16, 2021, for possession of narcotic or a controlled substance.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, DeZama is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $1.15 million bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for today, Friday, Aug. 2 at 1:30 p.m. in Superior Court, as are the five-foot, four-inch tall, 115-pound Holiday, and the five-foot, three-inch tall, 100-pound Gomez.

Rohney Stewart is six-feet tall, 200 pounds, is being held on no bail in the Martinez Detention Facility and his next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 5 in Superior Court.

Jaylaun Stewart is five-feet, eight-inches tall, 140 pounds, is being held on $1.4 million bail at the West County Detention Facility and his next court appearance is set for Friday, Aug. 16 in Superior Court.

GoFundMe Account for Victim’s Funeral

A GoFundMe account has been set up by Benson-Braggs’ mother, Sharnita Benson. She wrote, “I’m asking for  donations to help with funeral expenses for my 23 yr.old son. Markel Benson-Braggs was a sweet loving father of a one yr old son who was his entire world. Markel was tragically murdered on the 4th of July. He had a career at Tesla Car Factory as a Labor Production Associate. This was a unexpected tragedy making it a very difficult time for our family. Due to the circumstances of our unexpected loss we are asking for donations. Any donation amount will help and is greatly appreciated. Thank You” As of Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, a total of $682 had been raised toward the goal of $10,000.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Bay Area Rescue Mission to hold Back to School Block Party in Richmond Saturday, Aug. 3

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The Bay Area Rescue Mission – recently ranked as one of the top 0.1% nonprofits in the nation, addressing those in crisis – is hosting its annual block party in downtown Richmond on Saturday, August 3rd. The event is just one very visual way in which the Rescue Mission is expanding its good works from San Francisco out to the rest of the Bay Area.

The Back to School Block Party will include a Saturday full of fun individual and family activities – from the Backpack Giveaway to a Blessing Boutique, and Food, Groceries and Housewares Giveaways to The Kid’s Fun Zone. The event will give those in need the ability to “shop” for free resources that will help attendees get ready for the school year, prepare for the cold winter months ahead, get complimentary haircuts and much more. All in all, the event promises to have a real impact on the community.

“The 1,200 backpacks we’re giving away on Saturday were all packed by Chevron employees. They’ve been spoken for as people registered for them,” shared CEO Bram Begonia. “This is a huge thing. We close down the streets. We have gently used and new clothes in our Clothing Boutique. We’ll have a grocery give-away.”

We have Contra Costa Community College giving out food. We’ll have 50 community partners, here,” he added.

Asked if people have to register Bram stated, “The only thing people had to sign up for ahead of time was the backpacks.

Located on MacDonald Avenue between 1st and 3rd Streets, the event will run from 10 AM to 2 PM.

For more information about the Rescue Mission visit www.bayarearescue.org.

 

10 Contra Costa athletes compete at 2024 Olympics

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The 2024 Olympic athletes from Contra Costa County competing in Paris (by last name alphabetical order). Top Row: Amit Elor, Megumi Field, Drew Holland, Sabrina Ionescu and Kara Kohler. Bottom Row: David Liebenberg, Daniella Moroz, CJ Nickolas, Jewell Roemer and Maggie Steffens.

Former Antioch resident trained two of the Olympians on Team USA’s four-member taekwondo squad; Oakley athlete is alternate in Men’s Trampoline

By Allen D. Payton

Contra Costa County is well represented at the 2024 Olympics in multiple sports. According to the Team USA website, there are nine athletes who qualified to compete in the quadrennial games in Paris. In addition, former Antioch resident and taekwondo training center owner, Ed Givans has two Olympians that he’s trained, who earned spots on the four-member Team USA taekwondo roster.

80Kg Gold Medalist Carl Nickolas at the Taekwondo competition at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games October 22, 2023 in Santiago, Chile. Photo by Mark Reis, USOPC.

CJ Nickolas – Brentwood – Taekwondo

As previously reported, Carl “CJ” Nickolas, Jr. of Brentwood is competing for gold in taekwondo in his first Olympics during the Paris 2024 Games. He was trained by Givans – his dad – until he was 18 and had heart surgery in 2020. As of last December, Nickolas was ranked number two in the world.

Learn more about Nickolas on the USA Taekwondo website and his experience and victories through the years, here, here, here and here. Watch video of CJ’s victory at the 2024 President’s Cup in Costa Rica, here.

Watch Nickolas represent Team USA and compete in the Men’s Welterweight 68-80kg division on August 9th.

Kara Kohler in the gym and rowing in Sept. 2023. Source: Facebook

Kara Kohler – Clayton – Rowing

Bronze medal winner, Kara Kohler from Clayton is competing in rowing in the Women’s Single Sculls. The three-time Olympian competed at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo where she placed 9th in Women’s Single Sculls, and at the 2012 Olympic Games in London 2012, where she won bronze in Women’s Quadruple Sculls.

On Saturday, Kohler took first place in Heat 6. She competed again in Quarterfinal 1, Lane 3 on Tuesday, July 30 at 12:30 a.m. Pacific and took second place qualifying Kohler for the semifinals on Thursday, Aug. 1 at 12:30 a.m. Pacific. (See related article)

Maggie Steffens. Sources: (left) TeamUSA, (center) USA Water Polo and with her 2020 Gold medals. Source: Facebook.

Maggie Steffens – Danville – Women’s Water Polo

Three-time gold medal winner Maggie Steffens will compete at her fourth Olympic Games in Women’s Water Polo for her fourth gold medal in a row. She won her first gold at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, here second at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and her third in 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

According to USA Water Polo, The two-time MVP is also the Team USA captain and considered one of the best in the world” and Steffens “Hails from a massive water polo playing family and was joined on the 2012 team by older sister Jessica.” (See related article)

Jewel Roemer official photo and during competition. Source: USA Water Polo

Jewell Roemer – Martinez – Water Polo

Playing in her first Olympics, Martinez native Jewell “Roemer’s journey to the Olympics is marked by a series of impressive achievements. She has been a part of the Stanford University’s women’s water polo team, where she contributed to the team’s success as NCAA Champions in 2022 and 2023,” according to an iHeart Radio report.

According to USA Water Polo, Roemer “Attended Acalanes High School…Four-year letter winner and senior season team captain in water polo…Three-time first-team All-American (2018-20)…Two-time North Coast Section MVP (2019-20)…CIF Northern Division MVP (2020)…Three-time first-team All-Conference (2018-20)…Team went undefeated in back-to-back seasons, winning North Coast Section championships…Two-time Junior Olympics MVP with 680 Water Polo Club.

Won 1st place at the 2024 World Aquatics World Championships in DOHA, QATAR, 1st place at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile and 1st place at the World Aquatics World Cup in Long Beach.

During their second Group B match on Monday against Spain, Steffens and Roemer each added one goal apiece, but the Americans were handed a rare 13-11 loss. Team USA Women’s Water Polo next plays Italy on Wednesday.

Megumi Field. Sources: Team USA and Instagram

Megumi Field – Danville – Artistic Swimming

East Coast transplant Megumi Field, of Danville, will compete in her first Olympics on the Artistic Swimming team. She started synchronized swimming at five years old and earned among many other victories since 2018, Field won a bronze medal for Technical Team at the 2023 World Championships.

According to USA Artistic Swimming, as part of the official 2024 Olympics roster, Megumi and her teammates “made a statement in their debut” at the World Cup Super-Final hosted in Budapest, Hungary by winning three gold medals for Team Technical, Team Acrobatic and Team Free in the final competition before the Olympic Games.

In addition, “Jaime Czarkowski and Megumi Field made their second appearance as duet partners in Budapest, choosing to participate in the Technical Duet receiving 7th place overall with a score of 222.5134.”

Watch Artistic Swimming at the 2024 Paris Olympics beginning Monday, Aug. 5th.

Danielle Moroz. Sources: TeamUSA, Facebook and US Sailing

Daniella Moroz – Lafayette – Kiteboarding

The first member of the U.S. Sailing team to qualify for the Paris 2024 Games, 23-year-old Daniella Moroz of Lafayette will compete in Olympic Kiteboarding for the first time in the sport’s history, after the sports’ athletes have been waiting for two decades.

According to a report on Paris2024.Sailing.org, Moroz has six consecutive Formula Kite World Championships titles to her name before the age of 22.

“Everything I do and have been doing the last several years is to give myself a shot at a medal,” she said. “At the Olympics I want to deliver my best possible performance and I know I’m capable of winning a gold medal if I do my best. It would mean everything to me and my family and to bring a gold home to the US after we’ve really struggled as a nation the last few Games’ would be really special.”

“I just want to keep enjoying it and keep racing for as long as possible. I am definitely thinking about LA 2028 since it will be a home Games,” Moroz added.

Women’s Kiteboarding will take place in the Marseille Marina in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea and begins Sunday, Aug. 4th with the medal round on Thursday, Aug. 8th.

Drew Holland and playing goalie. Source: Team USA

Drew Holland – Orinda – Men’s Water Polo

The 2013 graduate of Miramonte High School in Orinda, Drew Holland returns for his second Olympic Games. He played in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo where the U.S. Men’s team placed sixth and he tallied 52 saves. According to his USA Water Polo profile, Holland accumulated 26 saves at the 2024 World Aquatics World Championships in Doha, Qatar; Racked up 33 saves at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile; Notched 12 saves at the 2023 World Aquatics World Championships in Fukuoka and named top goalkeeper at the 2021 FINA World League Super Final recording 41 saves.

Holland played at Stanford University where he holds the all-time save record with 925 and was a four-time All-American.

Team USA Men’s Water Polo lost to Italy on Sunday, 8-12 and was to play again Tuesday morning, July 30 against Romania at 7:30 a.m. Pacific. (See schedule)

David Liebenberg official photo and in competition with teammate Sarah Newberry Moore. Source: US Sailing

David Liebenberg – Richmond – Sailing

Competing in Sailing during the 2024 Paris Olympics, 32-year-old David Liebenberg of Richmond has three National Championship titles and three North American Championship titles. According to U.S. Sailing, as a member of the Tufts University Sailing Team he was a team captain during his senior year and led the team to their first Collegiate Match Racing National Championship in 2012. In the summer of 2013, Liebenberg was the tactician for the American Youth Sailing Force, which was selected to represent San Francisco in the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup.

Sailing a Nacra 17, he took first at the Oakcliff Sailing Triple Crown #3 (Oyster Bay, USA) in 2018 and second sailing  a 49er at the Cork Olympic Classes Regatta (Kingston, CAN) in 2016.

He will be sailing the Nacra 17 with his teammate, Sarah Newberry Moore of Miami, FL. The pair qualified the U.S. as a country at the Pan American Games in Chile on November 3, 2023. They won athlete selection at the 2024 Nacra 17 World Championship in France in May and secured their spot to represent the U.S. at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Following that final step Liebenberg said, “It’s quite a relief. It has been nearly 10 years coming and to finally secure a spot feels amazing.”

See video of the team sailing out of the Richmond Yacht Club and watch Liebenberg and Newberry Moore compete in the Nacra 17 (Mixed Multihull) sailing competition beginning Saturday, Aug. 3rd with the medal round Aug. 7th.

(Top Left) Amit Elor in her official uniform and with LeBron James (bottom left) and Steph Curry (bottom center) on the Team USA boat during the Opening Ceremony on July 26, 2024. (Top right) Wrestling in a match on Oct. 1, 2022. (Bottom right) Flexing with Calvin “Snoop Dogg” Broadus, Jr. during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Source: Facebook

Amit Elor – Walnut Creek – Wrestling

A 20-year-old female wrestler from Walnut Creek, Amit Elor, a New Year’s Day baby, attended College Park High School in Pleasant Hill and Diablo Valley College, and has been on Team USA since 2022. She is competing in her first Olympic Games. According to her Team USA profile, Elor is an eight-time gold medalist at World Championship events across the U17, U20, U23 and Senior age divisions, including the freestyle and beach wrestling disciplines.

Wrestling during the 2024 Paris Olympics begins on Monday Aug. 5th and ends on Sunday, Aug. 11th.

Learn more about Elor on her official website.

Sabrina Ionescu in her #6 jersey. Source: USA Basketball. Goofing in her Team USA uniform. Source: Instagram

Sabrina Ionescu – Walnut Creek – Basketball

The 26-year-old Sabrina Ionescu is a Walnut Creek native, graduate of Miramonte High School and University of Oregon and is playing in her first Olympics during the Paris 2024 Games as a member of the Women’s Basketball Team. According to USA Basketball, “Ionescu will make her Olympics debut after helping the USA to gold at the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup. She has extensive experience with USA Basketball at the junior level, winning gold with the 2013 U16 Women’s National Team, 2014 U17 Women’s National Team and 2017 U23 Women’s National Team, in addition to experience in 3×3.”

In high school, Ionescu was the 2016 USA Today and MaxPreps National Player of the Year; MVP of the McDonald’s All-American Game. In college, she helped lead Oregon to a gold medal (6-1) at the 2019 Red Bull 3×3 Nationals in Las Vegas and was named MVP and as a junior in 2018-19, led the Ducks to their first NCAA Final Four.

Ionescu was selected No. 1 overall by New York in 2020, has played four WNBA seasons with New York and is a two-time WNBA All-Star (2022, 2023). In addition, according to her WNBA profile, she was the first player in WNBA history to record 500+ points, 200+ rebounds and 200+ assists in a single season and the first player to record a Triple-Double in less than three quarters in WNBA history, as well.

Watch her play for Team USA’s Women’s Basketball team.

UPDATE: Ruben Padilla – Oakley – Trampoline Alternate

Ruben Padilla. Photo: USA Gymnastics

23-year-old Rubin Padilla of Oakley is also in Paris for the 2024 Olympics and a member of Team USA. But according to his mother, Nelia, “Ruben is the alternate for trampoline. We are aware he will not compete.”

According to his Team USA profile, Padilla began gymnastics at age 5 when his mother enrolled him in a class because he always used furniture as gym equipment as a child.

Among his many World Championship medals, Padilla won four gold medals, including in 2023 for All Around Team – Mixed, Double Mini Trampoline – Men and Double Mini Trampoline Team – Men; and in 2022 for Double Mini Trampoline – Men. According to the USA Gymnastics website he is the 2024 U.S. trampoline, double mini and synchro champion. See video of Padilla defending his World Title in the Double Mini at Trampoline Worlds in November 2023.

Ed Givans and CJ Nickolas in 2018. Source: Ed Givans. CJ, Ed and Faith Dillon in May 2024. Photo courtesy of Grandmaster Clint Robinson, Robinson’s Taekwondo. CJ and Faith. Source: Givans Taekwondo

Former Antioch Resident Ed Givans, Trainer, USA Taekwondo

As mentioned, Nickolas’ dad, former Antioch resident Ed Givans, who owned Givans Taekwondo in the city before relocating it to Las Vegas a few years ago, trained CJ until he was 18.

Givans is also on the Tournament Committee for USA Taekwondo and has another athlete he trained who made the four-person U.S. taekwondo team at the Olympics, Faith Dillon. According to the Team USA website, she earned her spot during the Pan Am qualification tournament in April.

Read more about her and watch Faith fight in the 57 kg. category on August 8th.

Learn more about all the members on the Team USA 2024 Olympic Roster at www.teamusa.com/paris-2024/olympics/roster and watch all the athletes compete on NBC channels.

Go, Team USA! Bring home the gold!

Murder charge filed against Richmond man in DUI collision

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Victim Ricardo Funes and his damaged car. Photos source: Impulso News Facebook page

Takes life of 16-year-old boy

Bail set at $1.1 million, already bonded out

Suspect arrested in 2021 for sex with and lewd acts upon a minor under 14

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

A Richmond man has been charged with murder that took the life of a 16-year-old minor in a DUI-related collision.

30-year-old Alexi Alexander Pineda Ticas faces a three-count felony complaint. In addition to the murder charge [PC 187(a)], Pineda Ticas was charged with driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage causing injury [VC23153(a)] and driving with a .08% blood alcohol content causing injury [VC23153(b)]. Both counts two and three come with enhancements alleging great bodily injury [PC12022.7(a)] that caused the offenses to become serious and violent felonies.

“This tragic incident has not only taken the life of a teenage boy, but it has also devastated his family,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “We will seek justice by holding the defendant accountable for actions that were both deadly and reckless. An incident like this is an emotionally wrenching reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol.”

The fatal collision occurred just after midnight on July 15th in Richmond, when the victim was leaving his mother’s residence. As the teen was driving away, a vehicle driven by Pineda Ticas traveling at excessive speeds drove through a stop sign on Ohio Avenue and South 20th Street in Richmond and crashed into the teen’s vehicle. The severity of the collision caused the teen to die from his injuries shortly after the incident. Pineda Ticas sustained non-life-threatening injuries that were treated at a hospital in Walnut Creek.

On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Martinez, Pineda Ticas was arraigned on the charges. He is currently in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility and his bail was set at $1.1 million.

The scene of the fatal DUI collision in Richmond on July 15, 2024. Photo by Richmond PD

According to a report by Bay Area Telemundo Channel 48, the teen was identified as Ricardo Funes of Richmond. His aunt, Claudia Barajas said, “Ricardo’s car was parked here in front of the gate, he was going to leave when he was hit, and at the same speed that the other car was carrying, he pushed him to that yellow house.”

Marta Barajas, Ricardo’s mother, described him as a young man who was always happy and although his departure hurts her, she assured that she feels calm.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, as of July 16, Pineda Ticas had bonded out of custody.

According to localcrimenews.com, he is five-foot, eight inches tall, 165 pounds and was previously arrested in February 2021 in Kern County for unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, lewd acts upon a child, rape by a foreign object on a victim under 14 who is more than 10 years younger and attempting to contact a minor with intent to commit an offense.

The night of July 15, the Richmond Police Department posted on their Facebook page about the fatal DUI collision writing, “Don’t Let a Drink Turn into a Tragedy.

The impaired driver’s decision to drive drunk robbed a family of their child. When you choose to drive under the influence, you’re not just risking your own life—you’re endangering everyone on the road. Alcohol impairs your judgment, slows your reaction time, and reduces your ability to make safe decisions. A single moment of poor judgment can lead to devastating consequences.

Before you head out, make a plan: arrange for a designated driver, use public transportation, or call a rideshare service. Your choices matter, and your safety is worth it.”

Case No. 02-24-00933 | The People of the State of California v. Pineda Ticas, Alexi Alexander

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report