Contra Costa Herald

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

Three juveniles cited for reckless e-motorcycle riding in Lafayette

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File photo: Lafayette PD

Parents “admonished…they could be cited for child endangerment”

By Lafayette Police Department

On Thursday, May 28, 2026, a Lafayette PD Officer attempted to stop and educate juveniles recklessly riding e-motorcycles (not street-legal) in the downtown area. In two different incidents, the juveniles refused to stop and sped away doing wheelies. Due to the public safety concerns, no pursuit was initiated. After reviewing the incident and speaking with witnesses, the officer identified all three juveniles. The officer later met with the juveniles and their parents to discuss their riding behavior and to educate all parties that e-motorcycles are not street legal. The officer cited all three juveniles for CVC 12500(a) – Unlicensed Driver. The parents were admonished that if their child is caught riding these again, they could be cited for child endangerment.

Here are two recent incidents highlighting the danger of these electric motorcycles:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaBKm_cTRYE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qQKL_NE5h0

Remember: Unregistered electric motorcycles are not street legal.

Learn How to Choose an Electric Bike at https://www.rei.com/…/exper…/how-to-choose-an-ebike.html

Source: Pleasant Hill PD

Electric Bike vs. Electric Motorcycle (CA law)

Class 1 E-Bike: pedal assist only, no throttle, max 20 mph

Class 2 E-Bike: pedal assist plus throttle, max 20 mph

Class 3 E-Bike: pedal assist only, max 28 mph (helmets required, no riders under 16)

Maximum 750 Watts.

Electric Motorcycle: Anything exceeding these specs (no pedals, higher speeds) requires registration, insurance, and a motorcycle license for road use.

Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV): Models such as Sur-Ron and Talaria electric motorcycles are designed only for off-road use.

Tri Delta Transit announces Youth Ride Free 2026

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June 1st-July 31st

Tri Delta Transit is excited to announce Youth Ride Free 2026. This program, funded by County Supervisor Burgis and County Supervisor Scales-Preston, provides FREE rides for ages 18 and under from June 1st-July 31st on Tri Delta Transit fixed and express route buses. Tri MyRide and paratransit are not included. No fares, no applications, no ID, no passes are needed. So, enter your travel era and ride to jobs, summer program, entertainment, school and more.

Tri Delta Transit se complace en anunciar el programa Youth Ride Free 2026 o Los Jóvenes Viajan Gratis 2026. Este programa es financiado por las Supervisoras del Condado de Contra Costa, Supervisora de el Distrito 3, Diane Burgis y Supervisora de el Distrito 5, Shanelle Scales-Preston.

Youth Ride Free 2026/Los Jóvenes Viajan Gratis 2026 ofrece viajes GRATIS para personas de 18 años o menos empezando desde el 1 de junio hasta el 31 de julio en los autobuses de rutas fijas y expresas de Tri Delta Transit. Tri MyRide y el servicio de paratránsito no están incluidos en este programa.

No se necesitan tarifas, aplicaciones, identificación, ni pases. ¡Así que incia tu era de viajes, ya sea viaja a trabajos, programas de verano, entretenimiento, la escuela y más!

For more information visit Youth Ride Free – Summer Pilot Program – June +July 2026 -Tri Delta Transit.

Brentwood Police to host first Youth Academy June 22-25

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Now accepting applications. Deadline: June 10

By Brentwood Police Department

The Brentwood Police Department is excited to launch our first-ever Youth Academy! This is a great opportunity for local teens to get a behind-the-scenes look at law enforcement, build leadership skills, and connect with Brentwood officers and fellow students.

The Youth Academy is designed to help participants learn more about the Brentwood Police Department, its officers, and the many specialized units and responsibilities within the agency. Youth participants will have the opportunity to explore topics such as SWAT, investigations and detectives, evidence collection, traffic stops, dispatch operations, and other important areas of police work.

The program also provides a valuable opportunity for the Police Department to build positive relationships with local youth. Through hands-on learning, open conversations, and direct interaction with officers, participants can gain a better understanding of public safety, decision-making, teamwork, and the role law enforcement plays in the community. Apply below.

Brentwood Police Youth Academy starts June 22-25 (Monday-Thursday) 9am-12pm.

Location: Brentwood Police Department, 9100 Brentwood Blvd.

Open to Liberty Union High School district students ages 13–17.

Requirements:

  • Minimum 2.0 GPA
  • Must be available all four days
  • No criminal record

Participants will learn about different aspects of policing through hands-on activities and interactive instruction.

  • Traffic stops
  • Dispatch
  • Evidence
  • SWAT
  • MILO Simulator and more

Application Deadline: Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Limited spots available

Apply today at:

brentwood.info/youth-academy

Questions? Contact Ofc. Chris Bollinger at cbollinger@brentwoodca.gov or (925) 809-7729.

Chosen Sports to hold 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament “Honoring Fathers” June 13-14 in Brentwood

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Sponsorship opportunities available.

By Jermaine Worley

It’s time to lace up and hit the hardwood! Chosen Sports is teaming up with the City of Brentwood for the Brentwood 3-on-3 Tournament, and we want you on the court.

Whether you’re looking to prove you’ve still got that jumper or you want to give your kids a weekend they won’t forget, this tournament is all about honoring fathers and strengthening our community.

CALLING ALL BALLERS

Don’t miss out on your chance to compete for cash prizes and bragging rights.

  • When: June 13 – 14
  • Where: Liberty High School
  • Who: Ages 10 to Adult (Youth + Adult Divisions)
  • The Perks: 3 games guaranteed, Live DJ, Dunk Contest, and a Free Chick-fil-A Dinner for the first 50 dads!

ATTENTION LOCAL BUSINESSES

Want to get your brand in front of the community? We have three tiers of sponsorship designed to help you make an impact:

  • Team Sponsor ($500): Full team registration + your name on the reversible jerseys.
  • Father’s Day Gift Sponsor ($1,000): Direct brand association with our raffle and honoring local dads.
  • Event T-Shirt Sponsor ($2,500): Maximum exposure with your logo on every single tournament shirt (players + staff).

HOW TO JOIN

Scan the QR code in the images above to register or head to www.chosensportsleagues.org.

Questions? Give us a shout at 925-529-5194.

Let’s make this Father’s Day Month legendary. See you at Liberty High!

Youth Arts Connection: Free poetry and art workshops in East County

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Free poetry and art workshops for ages 12-18 at the Contra Costa County District 3 and 5 libraries in Antioch (Tues & Thurs), Brentwood (Wed) and Pittsburg (Mon). Professional artists help youth build personal/educational skills. Snacks & supplies included!

A creative and supportive artist team works with youth to develop skills for personal growth, team building, educational, and professional opportunities.

The Youth Arts Connection library workshops are funded in part by Measure X.

See schedule: https://artscontracosta.com/youth/

For more information email info@artsccc.com.

Partners include the Contra Costa County Library, Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services, and Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County.

Contra Costa DA secures county’s first felony conviction under new sex buyer law

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37-year-old Cedric Demarcus Kelly of Richmond has history of arrests

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

Martinez, California — A new California law targeting sex buyers has resulted in Contra Costa County’s first felony conviction under the statute.

37-year-old Cedric Demarcus Kelly of Richmond (born Feb. 17, 1989) pleaded guilty on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, to one count of engaging or agreeing to engage in prostitution with a minor. The case is notable in that it was prosecuted under an amendment to Penal Code 647(b), which became effective on January 1, 2026. The amendment now allows prosecutors to charge the buyer with a felony when the minor was induced to engage in commercial sex through trafficking, or when the buyer is more than three years older than the minor.

In the case of Kelly, the minor, who was 16 years old at the time, engaged in an act of prostitution with Kelly. On February 21, 2026, Richmond Police Department responded to a 911 call from the minor after she reported a conflict with her trafficker. She noted to officers that she had sex for money with Kelly, which led to his arrest. The case was referred to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office on February 25th. After a review of the evidence, the case was filed with the court that same day. Before the case reached the preliminary hearing stage of the legal process, Kelly entered a plea agreement on April 22nd.

Kelly was sentenced by Judge Michael Nieto to 180 days in county jail, two years of formal probation, which includes a search and seizure condition — at any time, without needing a warrant — for evidence of solicitation. The court also issued a nighttime stay away order from the 23rd Street corridor in Richmond, and Kelly must complete an educational course on human trafficking and the exploitation of minors.

“Contra Costa County’s first felony conviction under the amended Penal Code 647(b) statute marks a turning point in how we prosecute those who buy sex from minors,” District Attorney Diana Becton said. “This law recognizes that buyers are not bystanders — they are participants in the exploitation of minors. We are grateful to the Richmond Police Department and the Contra Costa Human Trafficking Task Force for their swift response and thorough work on this case.”

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 175-pound Kelly is Black and is being held in the West County Detention Center.

According to localcrimenews.com, Kelly has been arrested beginning in 2023, three times by Richmond PD and once by El Cerrito PD for crimes including sodomy with a person under 18 years, unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, oral copulation with a person under 18 years, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, drug possession including for sale, vandalism: paint and driving without a license.

About the Contra Costa Human Trafficking Task Force

The Task Force is a collaborative and multidisciplinary body that brings together diverse organizations from the local, state and federal levels to combat human trafficking throughout the county. The Richmond Police Department is a founding member of the Task Force and sits on its Core Leadership Team.

If you have information to share about potential sex or labor trafficking taking place in Contra Costa County, please call the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking & Workplace Justice Tip Line at (925) 957-8658 (non-emergency tips only).

County Fair Scholarship Program announces 2026 Miss and Mini Miss Contra Costa contestants

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Miss Contra Costa 2026 contests are (back row L-R) Emelia Brown, Yareli Santuario and Kaylee Rhiann Wright. Mini Miss Contra Costa 2026 contestants are (front row L-R) Gianna Lynch, Teigan Moore and Chloe Pettyjohn. Photos by Contra Costa County Fair.

Coronations May 14th at the 2026 Contra Costa Fair!

By Cheyenne Erickson, CEO, Contra Costa Fair & Event Park

The Contra Costa County Fair Scholarship Program provides young participants with valuable life and career skills while giving them the opportunity to earn education funds. Through the program, participants develop speech writing and public speaking abilities, build professional resumes, and showcase their unique talents.

They also gain confidence through interview practice, including answering impromptu questions skills that prepare them for future academic and career opportunities. The program focuses on personal growth, leadership, and community involvement, all while rewarding participants with scholarships to support their educational goals. Miss Contra Costa will receive a $1,000 scholarship and Mini Miss Contra Costa will receive $500 provided by the Contra Costa County Fair. They will serve as ambassadors of the fair throughout the year at community service events.

Miss Contra Costa 2026 contestants Emelia “Eme” Brown, Yareli Santuario and Kaylee Rhiann Wright. Photos: CCC Fair

MISS CONTRA COSTA CONTESTANTS:

  • Emelia Brown, 17, lives in Discovery Bay and she attends Liberty High School. She is a varsity volleyball player and participates in swimming and basketball. She enjoys surfing and spending time on the water.
  • Yareli Santuario, 17, lives in Antioch and attends Antioch High School. She is passionate about spreading positivity in her community and is involved with Be Exceptional and serves as an ambassador for the We Get It Foundation.
  • Kaylee Wright, 17, lives in Martinez and attends Alhambra High School. She enjoys meeting and uplifting others, loves animals, and has a soft spot for dark chocolate.

Mini Miss Contra Costa 2026 contestants Gianna Lynch, Teigan Moore and Chloe Pettyjohn. Photos: CCC Fair

MINI MISS CONTRA COSTA CONTESTANTS:

  • Gianna Lynch, 11, is a fifth grader from Brentwood. She enjoys performing in plays, singing, and acting, and is an active member of Brentwood 4-H.
  • Teigen Moore, 8, of Discovery Bay, loves reading and art. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and hopes to become a teacher one day.
  • Chloe Pettyjohn, 11, from Brentwood, has a two-year-old Pomeranian named Peanut. She enjoys dancing, karate, and crafting, and values time with her family and friends.

2025 Queen & Princesses to End Their Reigns

2025 Contra Costa Fair Queen Aili Selvin.

Aili Selvin of Martinez will end her reign as the 2025 Miss Contra Costa County Fair Pageant Queen. The County Fair Board offered their appreciation to her saying, “We are so proud of you and appreciate your contributions to your community all while carrying yourself with the upmost poise and kindness. We look forward to seeing more of your bright future!”

The 2025 Fair Princesses Jocelyn Luna of Oakley and Madilyn Davis of Antioch and Miss Congeniality Michalia Banks of Antioch will also end their reigns.

2025 Contra Costa Fair Queen Aili Selvin of Martinez and Fair Princesses Jocelyn Luna of Oakley and Madilyn Davis of Antioch, along with Miss Congeniality, Michalia Banks also of Antioch. Photo by Contra Costa County Fair

2026 Miss Contra Costa Pageant Director Danielle Ferguson.

Pageant Director Danielle Ferguson said, “I am honored to serve as the new Director for the Miss Contra Costa County Scholarship Program.  I grew up in the pageant world, competing from infancy through the age of 24, and spent many years as a dedicated dancer – truly growing up on the stage.  These experiences shaped my love for performance, confidence-building and empowering young women.  I am excited to bring passion, polish and heart to this program and to create an inspiring and memorable experience for every participant.”

Meet the six contestants during the 2026 Contra Costa County Fair May 14-17 at the Contra Costa Event Park, 1201 W. 10th Street, Antioch. Join us May 14th for both competitions and come support your next Miss & Mini Miss Contra Costa! For more information visit Miss Contra Costa and www.contracostafair.com where you can purchase tickets for the fair.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Benicia couple charged with child abuse in e-moto crash in Walnut Creek

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The minor was riding a Sur-Ron Light Bee e-Moto bike when the crash occurred. Photo: sur-ronusa.com

They “allowed the minor to repeatedly ride the e-moto from age 14-17”

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

Martinez, California – The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has charged a mother and father with child abuse related to the operation of an electric motorized bicycle, known as an e-moto bike, by an unlicensed minor who suffered injuries after crashing into another vehicle in Walnut Creek.

58-year-old Steven Leroy Crews and 58-year-old Jeanna Marie Gabellini of Benicia will be arraigned on March 27th at 8:30 am in Martinez on one count of child abuse [PC 273a(a)], which is a misdemeanor.

Mr. Crews and Ms. Gabellini are alleged to have willfully and unlawfully permitted a child to be injured or placed in a situation where the child’s health is endangered on or between October 19th, 2024, and September 18th, 2025.

It was on September 18th, 2025, around 3:05 pm, that a John Doe minor related to Crews and Gabellini crashed his Surron Light Bee e-Moto bike into a minivan on Treat Boulevard and Arkell Road in Walnut Creek. The minor suffered severe injuries that required emergency care at a local hospital. The driver of the minivan was uninjured and stayed at the scene.

Walnut Creek Police investigated the collision, and through witness statements and other evidence, determined the child was unlawfully riding the e-moto on Treat Boulevard in an unsafe manner and at unsafe speeds prior to the crash. Moreover, Crews and Gabellini allowed the minor to repeatedly ride the e-moto from age 14-17, ignoring repeated citations and warnings from law enforcement.

District Attorney Diana Becton said, “E-bikes and e-motos are more prevalent on city streets. Now that California has new laws on the books to address public safety offenses related to e-bikes and e-motos, parents must understand the dangers these vehicles can pose to children if operated unlawfully and without proper driver education.”

The City of Walnut Creek has helpful information on the different classifications of e-bikes, e-motos, e-scooters, e-dirt bikes, and how to operate them safely and lawfully.

Case No. 01-25-04762 | The People of the State of California v. Steven Leroy Crews

Case No. 01-25-04777 | The People of the State of California v. Jeanna Marie Gabellini

First Annual Bay Rideout event by Najee Harris’ Da Bigger Picture Foundation March 8

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Co-founded by NFL running back Najee Harris and his mother, Tianna Hicks, Da Bigger Picture Foundation is a reflection of family, perseverance and giving back. What started as a vision between mother and son has grown into a mission focused on service, youth empowerment and creating real impact where it’s needed most.

Donations fuel every foundation program — from Get Fitted to youth camps, fun events like the Bay Rideout and community drives.

Da Bigger Picture Foundation – Where Confidence Meets Opportunity! Creating access and opportunity for youth through community programs, school partnerships and events that build confidence. For more information or to donate visit https://dabiggerpicture.com

Oakley man dies, three boys in stolen car injured in crash following police pursuit from Antioch

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A Con Fire firefighter extinguishes the fire on of three cars involved in the fatal crash at the intersection of O’Hara Avenue and Laurel Road in Oakley on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Photo courtesy of ContraCosta.news

By Oakley Police Department

On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at approximately 10:24 AM an Oakley police officer was in the area of Main Street and Bridgehead Road. The Oakley officer knew the Antioch Police Department had been pursuing a gray Honda sedan east bound on 18th Street towards Oakley. The gray Honda had been reported as stolen vehicle to the Oakland Police Department on February 22, 2026. At the time the vehicle was stolen, it was reported that a firearm had been left in it.

The Antioch Police Department stopped pursuing the vehicle prior to it leaving the city limits and advised neighboring agencies the car was headed east bound. The Oakley officer remained in the area to keep an eye out for it. The Oakley officer saw the gray Honda enter Oakley at speeds of 80 MPH. The Oakley officer initiated a pursuit of the stolen Honda. The pursuit down Main Street passed the major intersections of Live Oak Avenue, Big Break Road, Empire Avenue, Teakwood Avenue, and Vintage Parkway. The driver of the stolen Honda drove in excessive speeds during the entire pursuit. The driver of the stolen Honda turned right onto south bound O’Hara Avenue.

An Oakley sergeant determined the pursuit should be terminated, and within just a few seconds of the decision to terminate the pursuit, the driver of the stolen Honda collided with another vehicle at the intersection of O’Hara Avenue and Laurel Road. The violent collision resulted in the death of the adult male driver (50, Oakley) of the other vehicle. The collision also resulted in the ejection of one of the occupants of the stolen Honda, a juvenile male. It was further determined the stolen Honda contained two additional juvenile males. All three juveniles who were in the stolen Honda were hospitalized with major injuries. Due to the fact all occupants of the stolen Honda were juveniles, we will not be identifying them.

A second vehicle was also struck by the stolen Honda incidental to the major collision.

The Oakley Police Department is conducting a parallel investigation with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and the California Highway Patrol as per the Contra Costa County Law Enforcement Fatal Incident Protocol.

This incident is still under active investigation. We will update the public with appropriate information as it becomes available.

This is a tragic incident; the City of Oakley extends its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of the driver who lost his life in this senseless incident.