Contra Costa Herald

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

Monte Vista High student is National Speech & Debate Tournament champion

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Anadita Upadhyaya is a 2026 National Speech & Debate Champion. Photo: LinkedIn

By Shelby Young, Marketing & Communications, National Speech & Debate Association

After five days of rigorous competition at the National Speech & Debate Tournament, six students have earned the title of national finalist in the Rep. Barbara Jordan Congressional Debate – House competition. Anadita Upadhyaya, a sophomore at Monte Vista High School in Danville, is the National Champion. The competition is part of the 2026 Main Debate Event.

The Tournament, presented by the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA), is the world’s largest academic competition. More than 7,000 students from 48 states, the District of Columbia, two U.S. territories, and eight countries traveled to Richmond, Virginia, to compete this past week.

“Speech and debate equips students with the skills to engage meaningfully with the world—to question, advocate, understand diverse perspectives, think critically, and communicate with purpose,” said J. Scott Wunn, Executive Director of the NSDA. “These students are the next generation of leaders and changemakers, and their voices will build a stronger future.”

Congressional Debate is a group debate event simulating the U.S. legislative process. Students meet in chambers and debate legislation over a session typically lasting two to three hours.

Source: NSDA

The NSDA is proud to recognize the top six students in the country in the Rep. Barbara Jordan Congressional Debate – House:

National Champion

Anadita Upadhyaya

Monte Vista High School, California

According to her LinkedIn profile she wrote, “A high school sophomore driven by a curiosity for how AI and innovative technology can solve real-world problems. Whether I’m diving into STEM projects, breaking down complex ideas into engaging stories through public speaking, or practicing discipline on the martial arts mat as a third-degree black belt, I love taking on new challenges. Always open to public speaking opportunities and eager to connect with peers, mentors, and innovators!

Anadita has been a member of the California Scholarship Federation Danville, is currently the On-site Co-President beginning this month and served as the Director of Student Activities from June 2025 to May 2026.

She is a Third Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and has worked as a referee for World Taekwondo in the San Francisco Bay Area since August 2024.

2nd Place

Alysia Aldea

Medina Senior High School, Ohio

3rd Place

Chaith Mittal

Archbishop Mitty High School, California

4th Place

Enan Khan

American Heritage Schools, Palm Beach Campus, Florida

5th Place

Hayley Fung

Los Osos High School, California

6th Place

Vedant Hathalia

Bellarmine College Preparatory, California

These students represent the top 1% of speech and debate competitors in the National Speech & Debate Association. Students must compete in local, regional, or online district competitions throughout the school year to qualify for the National Speech & Debate Tournament. Finalists are selected after multiple rounds of competition with students from across the country.

See more about the various competitions and the finalists on the NSDA Facebook page.

The NSDA is the largest speech and debate organization in the United States, supporting interscholastic tournaments, schools, coaches, and students since 1925. For more than 100 years, the NSDA has prepared generations of young people to engage in the public sphere through academically rigorous speech and debate training, competitions, and education.

The NSDA plans to expand access to this life-changing activity through the National Speech & Debate Initiative. Over the next five years, the NSDA has a goal to increase participation in speech and debate to 200,000 students by 2030. To learn more about the NSDA, visit www.speechanddebate.org.

The 2027 National Tournament will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, June 13-18, 2027. To learn more about Nationals, visit www.speechanddebate.org/nationals.

About the National Speech & Debate Association

The National Speech & Debate Association is the authority on public speaking and debate in the United States. The Association builds the infrastructure for speech and debate competitions around the world by providing topics, educational resources, and training for students and coaches. For more than 100 years, the National Speech & Debate Association has built a platform for youth voices that culminates in the National Tournament, the largest academic competition in the world. For more information, visit www.speechanddebate.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

 

Back-to-back gun arrests by San Pablo Police graveyard officers

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Guns confiscated during arrests on June 14 and 15, 2026. Photos: San Pablo PD

Richmond police assist

Included two juveniles, one sent to Juvie Hall, the other released to guardian

By San Pablo Police Department

Zero Dark Thirty Activities

On Sunday, June 14, 2026, at around midnight, San Pablo Police graveyard officers pulled over a car at the intersection of Church Lane and Dover Avenue for a vehicle code violation.

The officers were instantly greeted by the unmistakable smell of marijuana drifting out the car. Officers saw the driver acting nervously and appeared to be hiding something in his waistband. Based off these peculiar behaviors, officers asked the driver to step out of the car. Low and behold, Officers found a loaded gun in his waistband.

The suspect’s midnight joyride was cut short, and he was promptly fitted with silver bracelets and booked into the local Juvenile Hall.

The gun was found to be stolen and no person in the car was over the age of 21 with a medical permit.

On Monday, June 15, 2026, around 11 p.m. graveyard officers pulled over a car at the area of San Pablo Avenue and Van Ness Street for a vehicle code violation. The male driver must have thought the officer’s lights and siren were a polite suggestion, so he decided to not stop for a few blocks. When the car eventually stopped, officers got out of their cars, but simultaneously so did two female passengers at a much hastier pace.

The wild sequence of events unfolded as follows:

One female took off running, but while being chased, she decided to shed some weight by casually tossing a loaded 9mm Glock on someone’s lawn. Spoiler alert, she was shortly captured after.

Another female decided her best camouflage was to hide directly underneath a parked car. Shout out to the helpful neighbors who ratted her out to our officers!

Less of an aerodynamic (but just as effective) arrest. This female was found to be a juvenile out past her bedtime.

Meanwhile, the male driver left the two females and casually drove to his home in Richmond where Richmond Police Department officers were patiently waiting for his arrival for his complimentary ride to jail.

The car was slapped with a 30-day vacation at the tow yard, the adults were sent off to the county jail, and the juvenile was released to her guardian.

Free college access program opportunity for high school juniors and sophomores

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Source: 10,000 Degrees

To support students from low-income backgrounds

At SF State July 18 – Limited spots available, first come, first served! 

By Rachel Clark, Senior Marketing & Communications Manager, 10,000 Degrees

The 10,000 Degrees College Access Program presents The Summit, a FREE one-day, in-person summer event on Saturday, July 18 | 9:00 – 5:00 PM, where students will visit San Francisco State University.

Lunch and transportation will be provided for FREE.

Open to Juniors and Sophomores who attend a high school in the following counties: Contra Costa, Sonoma, Lake, Napa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara.

Students will: Dive into action-oriented college workshops. Get an insider’s look at SF State. Explore essential student resources at a resource fair. Connect with the 10,000 Degrees team and learn about our scholarship. Bonus: Win raffle prizes.

About 10,000 Degrees College Access Program

We are dedicated to helping high school students from low-income backgrounds get to college, whether you enroll at a four-year university or community college. Students at our partner schools can receive support from Fellows right on campus and attend financial aid and college readiness workshops and events all year.

Our College Access Program for high school students starts with The Summit, an incredible college immersion program held in the summer before your senior year. You can participate in our programming as early as the spring of your junior year by checking out our program application! From there, we provide informational, action-oriented workshops to help you explore your college options, apply for free financial aid and the 10,000 Degrees Scholarship, complete college application, and more. Throughout your senior year, we also offer comprehensive college support at our partner high school directly on campus.

Limited spots available for The Summit college tour – first come, first served!

For more information visit https://10000degrees.org/students-alumni/high-school-students/#summit.

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.