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A letter from EBRPD Candidate Indy Sekhon who is Calling for New Vision of Ecological Restoration and Stewardship at East Bay Parks I understand that it’s difficult right now. Maybe…

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A letter from EBRPD Candidate Indy Sekhon who is Calling for New Vision of Ecological Restoration and Stewardship at East Bay Parks

I understand that it’s difficult right now. Maybe things are uncomfortable; like our bodies, our minds, and our bank accounts. Maybe people we love and care about are suffering unnecessarily. Maybe we find ourselves angry, frustrated, cynical and hopeless.

In my Punjabi culture, we say “Chardi Kala” to remind ourselves and others that having resilient optimism is a sacred responsibility. It is the key to building disaster resilience while honoring the labor it takes to care for our community and the ecosystem we inhabit. Chardi Kala is essential for living a good life within a resilient and joyful community. So what does a resilient, imaginative, collaborative and adaptable optimism have to do with the current social and ecological challenges we face today?

My core values are informed by the philosophy and practice of Chardi Kala. This grants me the humility, curiosity, and courage to heal disconnected and degenerative systems. Ward 7 of East Bay Regional Parks District is up for a vote this November 3rd.

I appreciate the work that Colin Coffey has done, practicing conservationism and acquiring more land with hopes it can be protected. This has been important work; however,  at this critical moment of polycrises around our food systems, ecological resilience, and local economics, we must move to a stage of proactive stewardship of land and watersheds. We must look to new economic frameworks that understand social thriving in relationship with regenerating ecological conditions, like Doughnut Economics.

If one travels to most of the watersheds in Ward 7, like Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline or Contra Loma, one will find signs warning not to get into the water because of toxic algae. This can be bioremediated. There are incredible Ecorestoration projects happening around the world (Ecorestoration Alliance has examples and connections for learning and engagement). I volunteered with the Genki Project in Hawai’i where we involved the local Rotary club, high school students, and community volunteers to remediate sacred ponds that had toxic algae. Now there are fish swimming in them and kids can play in the water, like the native Hawaiian’s have done for centuries before. There are other ways to regenerate watersheds, but they require an optimism and active hand of stewardship.

I’m writing this editorial at the Bull Valley Staging Area, an East Bay Regional Parks District park on the Carquinez Strait. When I look around (even at other Ward 7 parks), I see thousands of pounds of fire fuel because the invasive California grass, thistle, and fennel have been left to dry all along the hillsides. There are fresh eucalyptus leaves (another fire starter) growing from trees that were cut, without any long term, active stewardship planned. When EBRPD hires landscapers, some of the some of the vegetation vegetation’s will be cut down, but there is an awareness of local ecosystems and permaculture, a system of growing resilient and integrative ecosystems.

I’m a regenerative organic farmer (I work at Cloverfield Organic Farm in El Sobrante) and have been part of regenerative land projects that have converted dead dirt into rich soil leading to organic farms, food forests and abundant native habitats. This requires active stewardship and a lot of focused and regenerative labor. People who tend the land can’t burn out, or the land (and water) won’t be cared for.

Here are some important facts about East Bay Regional Park District:

For me, it’s easy to imagine guiding EBRPD to be pioneers for our local economy through the lens of social and ecological abundance. I can imagine partnering with local community colleges and high schools to regenerate EBRPD agricultural land so there is more local organic food that is affordable, cultural, and accessible. I can envision healthcare providers prescribing social prescriptions to connect to parks, to practice horticultural therapy, and to enjoy Food as Medicine (HB1115). I imagine a new skilled green workforce learning how to build by generating local disaster resilience, studying ecological design, circular economics and entrepreneurship, and cultivating our park ecosystems so they are beacons of support during any kind of disaster.

I can feel local community-owned businesses that are thriving while co-managing the land and watersheds, instead of a centralized body like EBRPD managing 126,809 acres of land and watersheds.

I can imagine the health of the community and local ecosystems thriving, and EBRPD is setting the example for parks being regenerative infrastructure for our current society and future generations.

Indy (Rishi Singh) Sekhon
Candidate for East Bay Regional Park District Ward 7
Visit Campaign website to learn more: https://indy4office.vercel.app/

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See the results for your child’s school By John Fensterwald for EdSource.org. Republished with permission The California Department of Education this week released the annual California School Dashboard, the state’s multidimensional, multicolored look at student, school and district achievement. The dashboard was designed to offer parents a quick look at student results, as well as […]

Martinez, CA – Contra Costa County will join community leaders, project partners, and residents Tuesday, Oct. 20, to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Orbisonia Village and Bay Point Library,…

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Martinez, CA – Contra Costa County will join community leaders, project partners, and residents Tuesday, Oct. 20, to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Orbisonia Village and Bay Point Library, a major mixed-use development that will bring a new public library and affordable housing to the Bay Point community.

The groundbreaking ceremony will begin at 1p.m., at 570 S. Broadway Ave., in Bay Point.

The first phase of Orbisonia Village will include a new 20,900-square-foot library and 167 affordable rental homes. The development is located on a 3.31-acre site at Bailey Road and Maylard Street, within walking distance of the Pittsburg-Bay Point BART Station.

“It’s exciting to see the County’s long-term redevelopment vision come to life with Orbisonia Village, creating a vibrant community for about 1,000 residents and a new library near BART,” said Board Chair Diane Burgis, District III Supervisor.

A New Library at the Heart of the Community

For the first time in 50 years, the County is building a new library.  The Bay Point Library will replace the community’s existing library space inside the Riverview Middle School Library and will provide a modern public facility designed to serve residents of all ages.

The library will feature a maker space, children’s room, teen space, quiet reading room, an upper-level balcony, six study rooms and a large community meeting room.

Affordable Housing and Access to Opportunity

The first phase of Orbisonia Village will provide a total of 169 residential units, including 167 affordable rental homes and two manager units. The affordable homes will serve households earning between 30-70 percent of the area’s median income, with a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes designed to accommodate individuals and families.

As part of its broader investment in the project, the County has pursued state funding to support affordable housing, the new library, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, transit service and bus shelters, transit passes for residents, and workforce development and anti-displacement programs.

A Long-Term Investment in Bay Point

Orbisonia Village builds on years of planning and public investment in the Bay Point community. The project site is located within an area that has been the focus of the County’s housing and redevelopment efforts for many years. 

District V Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston proudly represents Bay Point, the home of the new Library and the Orbisonia Village.

“For the first time in 50 years, Contra Costa County is opening a brand new Library right here in District V,” Shanelle Scales-Preston said. “Bay Point is the largest unincorporated community in Contra Costa County. I’m thrilled our Bay Point residents will soon have a dedicated, state-of-the-art library they can call their own.

The new affordable housing development we’re also breaking ground on is a significant investment for the Bay Point Community. It shows we are serious about delivering the housing and resources our families deserve. By co-locating essential housing with a beautiful new library, we are creating a vibrant hub where our neighbors can live, grow, and thrive.”

The Board of Supervisors has approved multiple funding and financing actions supporting the project, including local affordable housing funds and authorization related to tax-exempt financing. The project has an estimated total development cost of about $128 million for the first phase. County funding has included land financing, Measure X, and Permanent Local Housing Allocation funds, along with other state and federal financing sources.

Construction is expected to continue through 2028.  The new Bay Point Library is anticipated to open to the public in the spring of 2029.

Groundbreaking Ceremony
What: Orbisonia Village/Bay Point Library Groundbreaking Ceremony
When: 1 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20
Where: 570 S. Broadway Ave., Bay Point, CA 94565

Image by: https://www.nollandtam.com/portfolio/bay-point-library

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Walnut Creek, CA – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) issued the following statement after a suspicious envelope was received in his Walnut Creek district office Friday afternoon. “Following reports from U.S.…

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Walnut Creek, CA – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) issued the following statement after a suspicious envelope was received in his Walnut Creek district office Friday afternoon.

“Following reports from U.S. Capitol Police of identical suspicious envelopes containing threatening letters and a white powdery substance that were delivered to other Congressional district offices across the nation, a member of our team identified a letter matching the description and return address, immediately secured the envelope without opening it, and called local law enforcement and U.S. Capitol Police.

Threats and political violence seem to have reached a fever pitch in our country, and I urge my fellow Americans to stand united against such attempts at undermining our democracy.

My priority remains the safety and security of my team, and I am thankful for the quick and decisive response. We remain committed to serving CA-10 residents and will not be deterred from this important work by threats.”

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Democratic congressman Mark DeSaulnier’s office in Walnut Creek was evacuated and sealed off for HazMat investigation Friday after a package reported containing a suspicious “white powder” was received.

Other members and election officials around the country reported receiving similar packages. There has been no specific word of any associated threat received with the packages though police – and federal agents – were investigating.

Hazardous Materials crew outside offices of Rep. DeSaulnier Friday.

The offices of several senators, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, were also targeted. Election offices in at least 15 states — Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington and Wisconsin — also reported receiving suspicious packages.

A significant HazMat response to DeSaulnier’s offices in the 3100 block of Oak Road was noted by this site’s Flash Subscribers at approximately 4p.m., with fire department HazMat teams and police moving the building’s occupants out into the street. Northbound traffic on Oak Road was blocked by police as fire department apparatus maneuvered at the scene.

Attempts to contact Rep. DeSaulnier for comment were not immediately successful though, in a Twitter post, he stated:

“Following reports from U.S. Capitol Police of identical suspicious envelopes containing threatening letters and a white powdery substance that were delivered to other Congressional district offices across the nation, a member of our team identified a letter matching the description and return address, immediately secured the envelope without opening it, and called local law enforcement and US Capitol Police.

Threats and political violence seem to have reached a fever pitch in our country, and I urge my fellow Americans to stand united against such attempts at undermining our democracy.

My priority remains the safety and security of my team, and I am thankful for the quick and decisive response. We remain committed to serving CA-10 residents and will not be deterred from this important work by threats.”

Hazmat teams also responded to the offices of Illinois Rep. Brad Schneider and New York Rep. Ritchie Torres after they also received packages containing an unidentified white powder.

A building representative is prevented from entering after “white powder” was received at Rep. Mark DeSaulnier’s office Friday.

Law enforcement sources told NBC News that preliminary testing of the white powder substance showed that the contents are not hazardous. However, additional testing will continue at law enforcement labs around the country.

The FBI, U.S. Capitol Police and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service were looking into the mailings, according to a notice sent to senior staff members in Senate offices Thursday.

Law enforcement sources said “dozens” of the mailings appear to have been sent.

Funding cancelled because of its “DEl initiatives, ‘environmental justice’ initiatives, and conflict with the Agency’s policy of prioritizing merit, fairness, and excellence” – EPA Also, later rescinded by Congress in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act By Cameron Niven, Communications Director, Office of Congressman John Garamendi WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-08) and […]

By Dan Radovich, ADA Coordinator & Communications Manager, Contra Costa County Superior Court The Contra Costa County Superior Court has released its Strategic Plan for 2027–2029.  This three-year roadmap focuses on improving access to justice, developing and retaining a skilled workforce, expanding community outreach and partnerships, maintaining secure court facilities and information systems, and streamlining […]

By Mallika Seshadri and Vani Sanganeria for EdSource.org. Republished with permission Top Takeaways Chronic absenteeism among students in 2025-26 decreased, but remained above pre-pandemic levels. Suspension rates dropped minimally. Graduation rates reached their highest in the past decade. California’s graduation rates reached a decade high last school year, while chronic absenteeism and suspensions continued to […]

A New Chapter for a Beloved Local Landmark By City of Brentwood Painted following the September 11, 2001, attacks, the Vasco Flag Barn façade has been a treasured landmark for residents for more than two decades. On September 29, 2025, with the barn structurally unsound, beyond repair, and at risk of collapse, Brentwood’s Public Works […]

Application deadline: Nov. 23 By Diana Oyler, Sr. Deputy, Contra Costa County Administrator’s Office & Office of Communications & Media (Martinez, CA) – Contra Costa County is seeking applicants to fill one vacancy on the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District Board of Trustees. County residents age 18 and older are encouraged to apply. […]

The Benicia Police Department reported detectives in their investigations unit have been relentlessly pursuing individuals involved in human trafficking and CSAM (Child Sexual Assault Material) cases. Police say Special Victims…

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The Benicia Police Department reported detectives in their investigations unit have been relentlessly pursuing individuals involved in human trafficking and CSAM (Child Sexual Assault Material) cases.

Police say Special Victims and Youth Services Detective, Helen Frank, has been leading the charge. In the past few weeks, we have made several arrests.On 10/10, with assistance from Fairfield, CA Police Department and Vallejo Police Department, detectives arrested a 17-year-old male juvenile from Fairfield on charges relating to human trafficking. The suspect was accompanied by a young woman that had recently been reported missing. The juvenile was taken into custody and the young woman was recovered.On 10/5, with assistance from Pleasant Hill Police Department, our detectives arrested a 61-year-old male, Martin Lara, on allegations of child sexual abuse. Note: The investigation regarding Mr. Lara is ongoing. We are publishing his name because we are asking the community to contact BPD Investigations at 707-745-3411 if you know of any child that may have had contact with the suspect in the past.On 10/1, with assistance from the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force, San Francisco PD Fugitive Recovery Enforcement Team and @san San Francisco Probation Department, detectives arrested a 20-year-old female, a current Benicia resident, on human trafficking related offenses.On 9/29, with the assistance of the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, detectives arrested a 31-year-old man from Benicia who had communicated with a juvenile online to arrange for a sexual encounter.Benicia Police Department say it is committed to thoroughly investigating allegations, pursuing suspects across jurisdictional boundaries, and working with our partners to hold perpetrators accountable. If you or someone you know is experiencing human trafficking or needs help, contact the 24/7 Human Trafficking Crisis Line at (530) 769-1889. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.Police thanked community partners at Napa Solano SANE/SART for their continued partnership and compassionate support of survivors.

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“Sold Out: How state and local governments pay for Live Nation’s monopoly” “A federal jury found that Live Nation monopolized the amphitheater market, which has led to higher prices and fewer choices for music fans across the country.” – Report Co-Author Brian Shearer  “This is not a credible report. State and local governments invest in […]

ALAMEDA AND CONTRA COSTA COUNTIES — Caltrans construction will conduct overnight closures of Caldecott Tunnel Bores 1, 2, and 3 on State Route 24 for fire-safety inspections and routine maintenance.…

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ALAMEDA AND CONTRA COSTA COUNTIES — Caltrans construction will conduct overnight closures of Caldecott Tunnel Bores 1, 2, and 3 on State Route 24 for fire-safety inspections and routine maintenance. All work is weather-dependent and subject to change. Sign up for Caldecott Tunnel Traffic Advisories at Caldecott Tunnel Updates!

SR-24 closure schedule, 10 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.:

Bore No. 2 closure — eastbound SR-24

Bore No. 1 closure — eastbound SR-24

Bore No. 3 closure — westbound SR-24

During the work, at least one bore in each direction will remain open.

Traffic Control Measures: Changeable message signs will be in place to assist motorists traveling in the area. Motorists are advised to expect delays and allow extra time. Please drive with caution through the construction zone. Slow for the Cone Zone.

For 24/7 traffic updates, follow 511.org on Twitter. For real-time traffic, visit Caltrans QuickMap at Quickmap.dot.ca.gov. To view more D4 Projects, visit: Caltrans D4 Traffic Advisory Publications. For current District 4 lane closure information click here.

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Martinez, Calif.  — Following a decades-long career with the Contra Costa Community College District (4CD), Chancellor Mojdeh Mehdizadeh has announced that she will retire on Dec. 30. At their September…

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Martinez, Calif.  — Following a decades-long career with the Contra Costa Community College District (4CD), Chancellor Mojdeh Mehdizadeh has announced that she will retire on Dec. 30.

At their September meeting, the 4CD Governing Board appointed Executive Vice Chancellor Dr. Micaela Ochoa to serve as interim chancellor while the District conducts a search for the next permanent chancellor.

“Chancellor Mehdizadeh has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing student equity, access, and achievement across all of our colleges,” 4CD Governing Board President Diana Honig said. “Her life’s work has been transforming lives through education, thereby uplifting families, our community, and our local economy. We are grateful for her decades of service to our students and our colleges.”

Chancellor Mehdizadeh became the 10th permanent chancellor of the District in January 2024, after having been appointed in the interim chancellor role in February 2022.

She began her 39-year career with 4CD as a student worker while completing her undergraduate requirements at Diablo Valley College. As she earned her B.S. in Computer Information Systems and her M.A. in Organizational and Intercultural Communications, she continued her career with the District, serving in nearly two dozen roles, including 25 years in executive leadership positions.

“As I reflect on my journey, my heart is full of gratitude,” Chancellor Mehdizadeh said. “I leave with complete confidence in the future of 4CD. The District is in the hands of extraordinary people who will continue to expand opportunity, advance equity, transform lives, and strengthen our communities for generations to come. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve this institution that has given so much to me.”

A Communitywide Celebration Supporting Students

The District will honor Chancellor Mehdizadeh at an official retirement party and fundraiser that will benefit 4CD students through the Contra Costa College Foundation, the Diablo Valley College Foundation, and the Los Medanos College Foundation. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 8 and tickets are now available.

The Enduring Impact Campaign aims to raise funds to help 4CD students facing financial barriers to their education. Funds raised will support students’ greatest needs, such as food insecurity, rent, scholarships, and other financial needs that obstruct their ability to stay in school, along with other programmatic support on 4CD campuses.

The need is significant: 47% of 4CD students are low-income, 31% are first-generation college students, 13% are single parents, and 68% experience at least one form of basic-needs insecurity.

Interim Chancellor Appointed

Dr. Ochoa will begin serving as interim chancellor on Dec. 1. She has served as 4CD’s Executive Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services since 2022.

Prior to her current role, Dr. Ochoa was Vice President of Administrative Services at the College of San Mateo, where she also served in a dual capacity as Vice President of Student Services. In these roles, she managed a broad portfolio including Administrative Services; Admissions and Records; Wellness Center; Financial Aid; Veterans Program; CARES Team (Response and Evaluation of Students); and Student Discipline.

Her career includes leadership positions in K-12 education, where she served as Deputy Superintendent, Interim Superintendent, and Chief Business Official/Assistant Superintendent of Business Services in school districts in Alameda, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties. She has also taught in higher education at Notre Dame de Namur University.

The District will launch a national search for a permanent chancellor in January 2027.

The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California. 4CD serves 1.2 million residents, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. 4CD is home to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College with campuses in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon, and Los Medanos College with campuses in Pittsburg and Brentwood. The District headquarters are located in downtown Martinez. Each college is individually accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. For more information, visit www.4cd.edu.

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Proficiency in math, English language arts rose slightly, but remains below pre-Covid levels By Zaidee Stavely, Lasherica Thornton, And Yuxuan Xie for EdSource.org. Republished with permission Top Takeaways Student proficiency in math and English language arts rose slightly, though remains below pre-Covid levels, according to newly released California standardized test scores. Achievement gaps persist between […]

By Allen D. Payton, Publisher While it shouldn’t have to take a developer to get a measure placed on the ballot to obtain approval for a transit-oriented development housing and mixed-use project next to a BART station, the fact that Hall Equities Group has gone the extra mile to do so with Measure U is […]

“Off the Rails” cites unjustified assumptions, unpublished data, undisclosed financial ties, no analysis of alternatives, and calls for transparent data and a full comparison of alternatives before voters are asked…

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“Off the Rails” cites unjustified assumptions, unpublished data, undisclosed financial ties, no analysis of alternatives, and calls for transparent data and a full comparison of alternatives before voters are asked to approve billions in new taxes.

BAY AREA, Calif. –  The Committee for Affordable Bay Area Transit today released Off the Rails, a 20-page technical assessment of Bumper to Bumper, the September 2026 SPUR report that projects severe Bay Bridge delays and added driving, if voters reject Measure RTM and San Francisco’s Proposition H. The two tax measures would raise roughly $1.37 billion a year. The new technical assessment finds that SPUR’s dramatic traffic projections rest on unvalidated behavioral assumptions and unpublished inputs – and that its conclusion that Measure RTM and San Francisco’s Proposition H are the only realistic and timely solutions is not supported by the SPUR report.

The assessment, “Off The Rails: A Technical Assessment of SPUR’s Bumper to Bumper Report,” reconstructs and evaluates calculations using SPUR’s published appendix and BART’s October 2025 ridership and origin-destination data. It does not claim that service cuts would have no traffic impact. Rather, it finds that SPUR’s estimates should be treated as an unverified scenario, not a reliable forecast nor proof that new taxes are the only option.

– Professor Damian Park, Santa Clara University, Economics Dept

“The central issue is not whether service cuts could affect traffic,” the assessment concludes. “It is whether the SPUR analysis supports the scale of the claims and proves that new taxes are the only realistic solution. It does not.”

The report calls for publication of the underlying data and calculations, independent review of the traffic analysis, and a comprehensive comparison of genuine alternatives – including operating-cost reforms and the use of existing agency financial resources – before voters are asked to approve additional large, long-term tax measures.

“Before asking residents to pay billions of dollars in extra taxes, decision-makers should demonstrate what the money will accomplish, examine why costs have risen, and compare the alternatives in services and technology.”

The Committee is also asking media to give this rebuttal the same coverage it gave the SPUR Bumper To Bumper report, and to retract any prior claims that the SPUR report was impartial or independent.

“Off The Rails: A Technical Assessment of SPUR’s Bumper to Bumper Report” – [Download Full Report]

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UC Multi-campus Research Programs and Initiatives (MRPI) project for salinity management adaptation by UC Davis (MAIN), UC Berkeley, UC San Diego and UC Merced By Brett Milligan, Professor of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design Director, Metamorphic Landscapes Lab & Maggie Gallagher, Geography Graduate Group, University of California, Davis The Just Transitions in the Delta research […]

Representing Contra Costa County Application deadline: Nov. 9 By Diana Oyler, Sr. Deputy, Contra Costa County Administrator’s Office & Office of Communications & Media (Martinez, CA) – The Board of Supervisors established the Los Medanos Health Advisory Committee (LMHAC) in July 2018 as part of the dissolution of the Los Medanos Health District. LMHAC plays […]

Oakley, CA – The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA), the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC), and the City of Oakley are proud to announce the next major milestone…

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Oakley, CA – The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA), the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC), and the City of Oakley are proud to announce the next major milestone in the development of the new at-grade regional rail station that will bring Gold Runner trains into the heart of Contra Costa County.

To commemorate this milestone, a groundbreaking ceremony was held on Wednesday, October 14, at the site of the future station. The event featured remarks from SJRRC and City leadership, as well as local, regional, state, and federal representatives.

The future Oakley Station will bring Gold Runner intercity passenger rail service to one of Contra Costa County’s fastest-growing areas, creating a new transportation connection for Oakley, Brentwood and surrounding East Contra Costa County communities. Developed through a partnership between the SJJPA and the City of Oakley, the station will provide Gold Runner rail and Thruway Bus service to communities throughout Northern California, the Bay Area, the Central Valley and Southern California.

“Breaking ground on the Oakley Station is the next step toward bringing Gold Runner service to a high-growth area in the East Bay and is a long-term investment in intercity rail that will serve the community for years to come,” said Chris Orlando, CEO of the SJRRC and SJJPA. “We’ve worked closely with the City of Oakley for nearly a decade to plan this station, and their partnership and local investment are a big reason we’re taking this next step. Once complete, the station will give East County residents a modern, accessible and convenient way to travel by rail, whether they’re headed to Oakland, Santa Rosa, Eureka, Sacramento, the San Joaquin Valley, or Southern California.”

“The City Council and staff are thankful for our project partners, who are bringing a much-needed commuter transit option for the residents of Oakley,” said Oakley Mayor, Hugh Henderson. “We are also excited about the station and rail service providing another opportunity for economic growth as passengers from outside the region will be able to comfortably travel to attend Oakley events, and eat, drink, and shop right in the downtown, as well as access bus and rideshare services to travel throughout the city.”

The project includes construction of a new at-grade station with a 720-foot-long, 13-foot-wide cast-in-place concrete side-loading passenger platform to safely and efficiently serve current and future rail operations. The station will feature ADA-compliant accessibility improvements, including tactile warning panels, a full-length underdrain system, and metal safety guardrails.

Architectural elements such as canopy shelters, lighting, signage, and wayfinding have been designed to complement the surrounding neighborhood while enhancing the passenger experience. The platform meets BNSF and Amtrak clearance standards and is sized to accommodate the Gold Runner’s current longest seven-car Venture trainset with a locomotive, while providing capacity for future expansion to an eight-car consist.

Major construction activities are anticipated to begin in early 2027, with trains serving the station by spring 2028.

About the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA)

Since July 2015, SJJPA has been responsible for the management and administration of Gold Runner, previously Amtrak San Joaquins. SJJPA is governed by Board Members representing each of the ten (10) Member Agencies along the 365-mile Gold Runner Corridor. For more information on SJJPA see www.sjjpa.com. Gold Runner is Amtrak’s 6th busiest route with 18 train stations throughout the Central Valley and Bay Area, providing a safe, comfortable and reliable way to travel throughout California. Gold Runner is currently running six daily round-trips. In addition to the train service, Gold Runner Thruway buses provide connecting service to 135 destinations in California and Nevada including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Napa Valley, Las Vegas and Reno. For more information about SJJPA, visit www.sjjpa.com.

About the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC)

The San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) is a public agency focused on expanding and improving passenger rail service across the Central Valley and Northern California. As the operator of ACE and manager of the Valley Rail Program, SJRRC works to deliver safe, sustainable, and efficient transportation that connects communities, reduces traffic congestion, and supports regional growth. For more information about SJRRC, visit www.sjrrc.com.

Related

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Free pumpkins and tickets to Maya Cinemas By The Greater Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce The Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce is bringing the community together for the Halloween Spooktacular at the Century Plaza Shopping Center on Saturday, October 24th, from 9AM to 1PM, and we’d love for your business to be part of it. This […]

Application deadline: Nov. 6 By Diana Oyler, Sr. Deputy, Contra Costa County Administrator’s Office & Office of Communications & Media (Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking applicants for the Public Law Library Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees was established pursuant to State law and County Ordinance to […]

PG&E Has Sent Day-Ahead Notifications to About 70,000 Customers Who Might Experience a Public Safety Power Shutoff OAKLAND, Calif. — Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is monitoring a potential dry…

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PG&E Has Sent Day-Ahead Notifications to About 70,000 Customers Who Might Experience a Public Safety Power Shutoff

OAKLAND, Calif. — Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is monitoring a potential dry offshore wind event forecasted to start Wednesday evening, October 14 through Saturday evening October 17. The strongest winds are expected in the Sierra, southern Central Coast and portions of the North and East Bay. Given this wind event and current dry conditions, including extremely dried vegetation, PG&E sent one-day advance notifications Tuesday afternoon to customers in targeted areas where PG&E may need to proactively turn power off for safety to reduce the risk of wildfire from energized powerlines.

The potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event, starting Wednesday evening and forecasted to last through Saturday afternoon, could affect approximately 70,000 customers across twenty-nine counties. Roughly 4,000 customers who were impacted by PSPS events earlier in the week may also be affected by this event. Roughly 5,700 customers who were included in the original PSPS event have since been de-scoped.

Important notes about this PSPS event:

At the time of this news release distribution, the planned outage is approximately 12 hours away, and conditions may change.

Initial customer notifications, via text, email, and automated phone call began Monday approximately two days prior to the potential shut off. Subsequent customer notifications, due to an increased scope, began on Tuesday, approximately one day prior to the potential shutoff. PG&E employees will conduct individual in-person visits, when possible, to customers enrolled in the company’s Medical Baseline Program who do not verify they have received these important safety communications, with a primary focus on customers who rely on electricity for critical life-sustaining equipment.

Potentially Affected Counties

Customers can look up their address online to find out if their location is being monitored for the potential safety shutoff at pge.com/pspsupdates.

70,000 customers across the following twenty-nine counties, including 3,920 Medical Baseline customers and 5 Tribal governments.

 
Forecasted Customers Impacted
Forecasted Medical Baseline Impacted

BIG SANDY RANCHERIA
59
2

COLD SPRINGS RANCHERIA OF MONO INDIANS
51
5

MOORETOWN RANCHERIA
4
1

NORTH FORK RANCHERIA
2
0

PIT RIVER TRIBES
6
0

 Community Resource Centers
PG&E is currently sourcing CRC’s and will share more information on locations within the counties once they have been confirmed. PG&E will provide resources in these safe locations during this PSPS. Each center offers ADA-accessible restrooms, device charging, Wi-Fi, blankets, air conditioning, bottled water, snacks and other supplies. Customers can look up their address online to find out if their location is being monitored for the potential safety shutoff at pge.com/pspsupdates.

California Network of 211

Customers can call 211 to get help preparing for a potential power outage, or any other kind of emergency, to minimize hardships that may be caused by wildfire safety outages, like a PSPS.
Support is available before, during, and after a power outage. PG&E’s 211 partnership also provides proactive, emergency preparedness outreach for those who rely on power for medical needs, have a disability, or have other needs.
Call 211, text ‘PSPS’ to 211 or visit 211.org to find their local 211.

Why PG&E Calls a PSPS Event

We initiate PSPS when the weather forecast is for such severe weather that people’s safety, lives, homes and businesses may be in danger of wildfires.

As each weather situation is unique, we carefully review a combination of factors when deciding if power must be turned off. These factors include:

Our decision-making process also accounts for the presence of trees tall enough to strike powerlines.

This set of criteria is a first step which may lead to further analysis by our meteorology team to determine if a PSPS event is necessary.

Here’s Where to Learn More

PG&E’s Commitment to Wildfire Safety

Using advanced technologies and rebuilding the electric system from the underground up, we are preventing wildfires, improving reliability and reducing costs over the long term. We are building the energy grid of the future that our customers deserve while also taking immediate steps to keep customers safe.

Our wildfire prevention work relies on layers of protection to make our system safer and more resilient while positioning us to better serve our customers in the short and long term. These tools help us respond to our state’s evolving climate challenges:

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.

The post High Winds, Dry Conditions Mean PG&E May Need to Proactively Turn Off Power for Safety appeared first on Contra Costa News.

Contra Costa & Solano counties – from 6:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. By Sabrina Martinez & DeNise Harding, Caltrans District 4 Caltrans maintenance has scheduled the closure of the Pomona Street Eastbound (EB) on-ramp and single lane closure on EB I-80 Carquinez Bridge. The closure is necessary to give maintenance crews the opportunity to complete […]

You can too at 10:15am By BART BART will participate in the 2026 International ShakeOut Day earthquake drill on Thursday, October 15, to test our emergency response systems and to help raise public awareness of the importance of having a plan and being prepared. At 10:15am, BART staff will trigger our ShakeAlert early warning earthquake […]

T-shirt giveaway for first 50 guests and raffle for chance to win free pizza for a year! Local owners bring award-winning pizza to Contra Costa County with debut of nationally acclaimed fast-casual concept, expanding availability across Nor Cal By Sarah Nardolillo, Siena Di Roma, Kiara McMahon & Elizabeth Dewey, J. Wade Public Relations BRENTWOOD, CALIF. […]

Representing Contra Costa County; Application deadline: Nov. 9 By Diana Oyler, Sr. Deputy, Contra Costa County Administrator’s Office & Office of Communications & Media (Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking an individual who is interested in park land use to represent the County on the East Bay Regional Parks District […]

Construction to begin in early 2027, Gold Runner train service expected to begin by spring 2028 Antioch station still scheduled to close By Ahdel Ahmed, Public Relations Manager, San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Oakley, CA – The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA), the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC), and the City of Oakley […]

Breakfast and brunch restaurant First 50 customers receive BOGO-free burritos or sandwiches, next 100 get a $10 EggBred gift card By Brittany Satterfield, Director of Marketing, Eggbred International, Inc. Brentwood, CA – EggBred, the renowned breakfast and brunch destination, is delighted to announce the grand opening of its newest location in the Brentwood community on […]

CEO running for Pittsburg City Council “Just took a little bit longer than expected. But it was paid 100 percent in full.” – Wolfgang Croskey By Allen D. Payton According to documents available on the Superior Court of California, Contra Costa County website, a private security company based in Antioch sued The Greater Pittsburg Chamber […]

On Saturday, October 10, 2026, at about 6:01 PM, the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office specialized patrol unit J-Team, with the assistance of helicopter STARR 3, attempted a high-risk stop in…

The post Two Suspects in Custody after leading Deputy Sheriffs on a Pursuit appeared first on Contra Costa News.

On Saturday, October 10, 2026, at about 6:01 PM, the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office specialized patrol unit J-Team, with the assistance of helicopter STARR 3, attempted a high-risk stop in Antioch on a Honda Civic. A person who was seen getting into the passenger seat of the vehicle was wanted for a post-release community supervision violation and multiple felony warrants.

The driver quickly reversed the vehicle narrowly missing a deputy sheriff and drove out of the parking lot at a high rate of speed.

The driver led deputies on a pursuit which traveled on surface streets in Antioch then onto Highway 4 at Loveridge Road where the Honda went the wrong way, heading eastbound in the westbound lanes. The deputies terminated the pursuit.

The Honda later corrected direction and drove westbound on Highway 4. The suspect vehicle exited Bailey Road in Bay Point and CHP successfully deployed spikes at Willow Pass Road and Alves Road. The Honda continued to Highway 4 at San Marco Boulevard where the Honda entered eastbound Highway 4 going westbound on the shoulder. The pursuit was once again terminated. The Honda continued westbound on the shoulder where it collided with a parked Sheriff’s Office vehicle. The suspect in the passenger seat fled on foot but was apprehended.

The Honda sped away in the wrong direction and collided with a vehicle on Highway 4. The driver of the suspect vehicle was arrested and was taken to the hospital for injuries sustained from the collision.

The suspect who was in the passenger seat and civilian driver were transported to the hospital as a precaution. The two suspects will be booked later at the Martinez Detention Facility on multiple felony charges. They are not being identified at this time.

No other information was released by the Contra Costa County Sheriffs Office

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Passenger had felony warrants; driver twice headed wrong way on Highway 4; helicopter assists By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office On Saturday, October 10, 2026, at about 6:01 PM, the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office specialized patrol unit J-Team, with the assistance of helicopter STARR 3, attempted a high-risk stop […]

SAN FRANCISCO – The Bay Area Air District has awarded $65 million to Richmond, Contra Costa County, Benicia and surrounding communities, including North Richmond Pinole, El Sobrante, East Richmond Heights,…

The post Air District Awards $65 Million in Penalty Funds to City of Richmond, Contra Costa County, City of Benicia and Beyond appeared first on Contra Costa News.

SAN FRANCISCO – The Bay Area Air District has awarded $65 million to Richmond, Contra Costa County, Benicia and surrounding communities, including North Richmond Pinole, El Sobrante, East Richmond Heights, San Pablo, the Iron Triangle, Point Richmond and unincorporated West Contra Costa County.

These penalty funds will reinvest in community-driven projects that will reduce air pollution, improve public health, expand clean energy, support the local economy and strengthen community resilience. The grants are funded through Bay REPAIR, or Reinvesting Penalties for Air Improvement and Resilience, and will support community-led projects as grant agreements are finalized and work begins.

The two largest grants, known as the Richmond Catalyst grants, have been awarded to the City of Richmond at $10.7 million and Contra Costa County at $12.9 million for a total of $23.6 million. Catalyst grants, the largest funding category within the Bay REPAIR Local Community Benefits Fund, provide $10 million to $40 million for multi-project collaborations that address a range of community needs. Opportunity and Seed grants provide smaller award amounts.

“When facilities in Richmond violate air quality rules, the people who live nearby pay for it in the air they breathe. These grants send that penalty money back to the residents to decide how to reinvest it in their community,” said Dr. Philip Fine, executive officer of the Air District. “Shade trees, clean energy upgrades in homes, transit passes and asthma resources are the investments people asked for. The Air District will work alongside the city, the county and community partners to ensure each project is successful.”

Contra Costa County will use the Catalyst grant for the North Richmond Community Resilience Initiative in partnership with Urban Tilth, Community Housing Development Corporation, The Watershed Project and Bay Area Regional Energy Network. The initiative includes four projects to improve air quality and community resilience. Projects include completing the North Richmond Farm Community Resilience Center, upgrading and electrifying affordable housing and a senior center, planting 120 shade trees, improving the Wildcat Creek Trail and providing clean energy upgrades to homes and childcare facilities.

“As an Air District Board member that successfully advocated changing our policies to return fines against industrial polluters back to the community, I am heartened to see $38.7 million of these fines being invested to make Richmond-San Pablo neighborhoods healthier and stronger. Communities like ours that have endured the impacts of pollution deserve to benefit from these fines. The Air District’s investment will support a community resilience center, home electrification, urban greening, cleaner and healthier homes, youth leadership opportunities, jobs, improved public health, and a stronger local economy. These were priorities supported by our communities and we look forward to working with local non-profits to implement these programs as fast as possible,” said Contra Costa County Supervisor and Air District Board Member, John Gioia.

The City of Richmond will use its Catalyst grant for Richmond Rising Together in partnership with 11 community organizations. The initiative includes 10 projects focused on clean transportation, urban greening, clean energy, public health and community resilience. Projects include supporting electric public transit, planting 600 trees, providing transit passes to 1,500 residents, upgrading 100 income-qualified homes, expanding asthma prevention resources and creating youth workforce and leadership opportunities.

“Richmond has carried the impacts of pollution for generations, so this investment means a great deal to our community. I’m grateful to the Bay Area Air District for putting these resources back into Richmond, and to our City staff and community partners who worked hard to bring this proposal together. This funding will help us invest in healthier neighborhoods, better transportation options, local jobs, and a stronger, more resilient Richmond. This is what can happen when government and community work together around a shared vision for a healthier and more equitable future,” said Eduardo Martinez, mayor of the City of Richmond.

Of the remaining $41.6 million penalty funds, $39.8 million was awarded to Opportunity grant recipients and $1.8 million to Seed grant recipients. These grants will invest in community-driven projects to reduce air pollution, improve public health, expand home electrification, create clean energy workforce opportunities, strengthen community leadership and enhance climate resilience in frontline communities. The Air District will work closely with all grant recipients throughout implementation and will provide project updates as key milestones are reached.

The Air District adopted the Community Benefits Penalty Funds Policy in May 2024 to reinvest penalties from air quality violations into impacted communities. Bay REPAIR, or Reinvesting Penalties for Air Improvement and Resilience, is the Air District’s program for reinvesting these penalty funds. These awards are the first of their kind in California, directing air quality penalty funds back into the communities most affected by pollution.

The Local Community Benefits Fund is part of Bay REPAIR and provides Seed, Opportunity and Catalyst grants for community-led projects. In Round 1, the Air District awarded more than $105 million for projects in Benicia, Richmond and surrounding communities. The grants were awarded through an open, competitive process informed by community priorities, public input and stakeholder engagement. The Air District reviewed 54 eligible applications from Richmond and surrounding communities. For more information about Air District’s Community Investments program visit: Community Investments Office

The Bay Area Air District is the regional agency responsible for protecting air quality and the global climate in the nine-county Bay Area. Connect with the Air District via Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

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A police pursuit on Highway 4 ended when the suspect vehicle steered west in the eastbound direction of the freeway – colliding with another car, prompting a brief foot chase and turning the stretch of highway west of Willow Pass into a parking lot.

The crash was reported at approximately 6:10 p.m. after police air and ground units searching for two people suspected in a possible assault on a police officer watched as the car went the wrong way on the freeway in an apparent effort to elude pursuers.

The suspect car crashed into another, two occupants attempting to flee on foot. Both were detained by police.

In a subsequently released report, the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office confirmed their patrol unit J-Team, with the assistance of helicopter STARR 3, attempted a high-risk stop in Antioch on a Honda Civic. A person who was seen getting into the passenger seat of the vehicle was wanted for a post-release community supervision violation and multiple felony warrants.

The driver quickly reversed the vehicle narrowly missing a deputy sheriff and drove out of the parking lot at a high rate of speed, police said, leading deputies on a pursuit over surface streets in Antioch then onto Highway 4, where it began driving east in the westbound lanes.

Police said the Honda corrected direction, driving westbound on Highway 4 until it exited Bailey Road in Bay Point and CHP successfully deployed spikes at Willow Pass Road and Alves Road. The Honda continued to Highway 4 at San Marco Boulevard where the Honda entered eastbound Highway 4 going westbound on the shoulder. The pursuit was once again terminated. The Honda continued westbound on the shoulder where it collided with a parked Sheriff’s Office vehicle. The suspect in the passenger seat fled on foot but was apprehended.

The Honda sped away in the wrong direction and collided with a vehicle on Highway 4. The driver of the suspect vehicle was arrested and was taken to the hospital for injuries sustained from the collision.

The suspect who was in the passenger seat and civilian driver were transported to the hospital as a precaution. The two suspects will be booked later at the Martinez Detention Facility on multiple felony charges. They are not being identified at this time.

No other information was released by the Contra Costa County Sheriffs Office.

First occurred in Concord, second in Martinez both in 2022 while on parole for previous rape, assault conviction; 44-year-old has history of 15 arrests since 2019 – See link to his mugshot WARNING: Contains graphic content By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office Martinez, California – A Richmond man who cut off his […]

Neighbor’s reports of a tree on fire behind a home at 5460 Alhambra Valley Road brought out firefighters who were met by heavy fire in the attic and roof of the single-story residence upon their arrival at 4:03am.

Crews initiated a search for residents and immediately called for a second alarm as fire spread along the roofline.

No residents were believed found as crews swept the residence and turned their attention to the roof, which suffered a partial collapse, while dealing with the home’s extensive solar system.

The cause of the blaze and estimate of damage were not immediately available.

District says agreement strengthens workforce stability, helping protect service for riders Requires AC Transit Board approval By Robert Lyles, Media Affairs & Strategic Initiatives Manager, Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District  OAKLAND, Calif. – The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) has reached a ratified agreement with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) […]

Our news sensors started pinging Thursday when we began getting Flash texts from readers passed by a convoy of police cars on Highway 24 and I680 late Thursday night.

Apparently John Law was after a suspect vehicle running hard eastbound on Highway 24 (most assuredly prior to that but that’s when our Flashers started checking in) at speeds estimated in the 100mph range when it took a gentle left and vectored north on I680 – ultimately coming to a halt with multiple PD units behind it at a 76 station at Meadow Lane and Monument Boulevard at approximately 10:38pm (timestamp on our Flash Alert).

Pursuit Video

Concord Flashers picked up the pursuit baton from their Western peers and filmed as police – guns out and up – surrounded the vehicle of interest and ordered the driver out.

He complied and was taken into custody. We’re not sure of the charges pending against him but we’re asking around. When all was said and done it was another adventurous evening on our local highways.

Flash Photo of arrest scene in Concord Thursday

Beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, until 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10 By DeNise Harding – Public Information Officer- Contra Costa County CONTRA COSTA COUNTY — Caltrans has updated the scheduled closures for sound wall replacement on El Cerro Boulevard along southbound I-680 in the Town of Danville. The agency will fully close […]

Día para todos los niveles de habilidad By East Bay Regional Park District All Abilities Day is coming! Join us Tuesday, October 20th from 10am-1pm at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley for a day of exploring nature at your own pace and in your own way. This inclusive program offers something for everyone! Travel […]

By Kaleo Mark, Community Organizer, Seamless Bay Area Bay Area – A coalition of 28 transit, bike, disability, and street safety advocates from around the Bay Area published the responses from over 250 candidates for local, state, and federal office in our “Bay Area Transportation Candidate Questionnaire” which the public can view here. The questionnaire […]

By Caltrans Bay Area-District 4 UPDATE I-580/Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Middle Mile Broadband work is extended through Nov. 19. WB I-580: Reduced lanes continues on WB 580 • Lane #3 closures continue Mon.–Thurs. through Nov. 12 • Lane #2 overnight closures Nov. 16–18, 9 PM–6 AM • Current bike shuttle/path hours are not impacted. Plan ahead […]

From mule trail to railway to regional trail By East By Regional Park District & Lafayette Historical Society OAKLAND, Calif. — The East Bay Regional Park District will mark the 50th anniversary of the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail with an open house and preview of 11 new interpretive panels highlighting the trail’s history and its role in […]

To raise concerns during Wednesday meeting that the regulation is bad policy that will increase housing costs, disrupt renters, and push housing providers to sell properties BAAQMD’s actions part of effort to convert California homes to electric powered heat pumps for water heaters and HVAC systems Contra Costa Supervisors Carlson, Gioia serve on BAAQMD Board […]

By California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection  Sacramento, CA —As California continues to strengthen emergency preparedness and public safety communications, CAL FIRE and local government emergency response agencies are announcing the availability of the AwareCA mobile application, providing Californians with another tool to stay informed and connected during emergencies. “We know the public wants […]

By Caltrans The Caltrans QuickMap is a free mobile app from the California Department of Transportation that delivers real‑time traffic, road, and safety information directly from Caltrans, helping drivers plan trips, avoid delays, and stay informed on the road App Store. What the app offers The QuickMap app layers multiple live data sources onto a […]

A multi-car crash in Bore 3 of the Caldecott Tunnel resulted in at least one injury and closure of the westbound bore Tuesday morning.

The crash was reported at 8:55am after a Mercedes and a Lexus tangled, bringing traffic to a halt westbound until crews could reach and treat a person complaining of head and neck pain and tow the involved vehicles from the scene.

Flash Subscribers were alerted to the crash and resulting traffic backup within seconds of the incident.

ANTIOCH, Calif. – A woman was pronounced deceased on Sunday morning, after being struck by multiples vehicles, while searching for a lost item within the lanes of traffic on the…

The post CHP: Woman Searching For Lost Item on Highway 4 Struck and Killed appeared first on Contra Costa News.

ANTIOCH, Calif. – A woman was pronounced deceased on Sunday morning, after being struck by multiples vehicles, while searching for a lost item within the lanes of traffic on the freeway.

On October 4th, 2026, at approximately 2:31 a.m., Contra Costa CHP units responded to a report of a vehicle vs pedestrian crash on SR-4 eastbound just east of Contra Loma Blvd in Antioch.

CHp says their preliminary investigation indicates a 20-year-old female had been riding as a passenger in a vehicle on SR-4 eastbound, when she lost an item on the freeway. The vehicle she was riding in pulled over in the center median of SR-4 eastbound, just east of Contra Loma Blvd. The woman exited the vehicle, walked into the lanes of traffic in an attempt to retrieve the lost item, and was subsequently struck by two vehicles. The woman sustained fatal injuries and was tragically pronounced deceased on scene. Both drivers stopped and are being cooperative with the investigation. Officers do not suspect alcohol or drug impairment to be a factor in this crash at this time.

All lanes of SR-4 eastbound, just east of Contra Loma Blvd were closed from approximately 2:49 a.m. to approximately 5:27 a.m. for scene investigation.

This crash remains under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the crash or the events leading up to it is asked to contact the CHP’s Contra Costa Area office in Martinez at (925) 387 1900 or 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov.

California Highway Patrol Log

The post CHP: Woman Searching For Lost Item on Highway 4 Struck and Killed appeared first on Contra Costa News.

Contra Costa County — All registered voters in Contra Costa County will receive their Official Ballot for the upcoming November 3, 2026 General Election soon. Ballots are in the mail…

The post Ballots for the November 3 General Election is in the Mail appeared first on Contra Costa News.

Contra Costa County — All registered voters in Contra Costa County will receive their Official Ballot for the upcoming November 3, 2026 General Election soon. Ballots are in the mail today, October 5th.  County Voter Information Guides were mailed last week and should have already arrived in voters’ mailboxes. Voters who do not receive their ballot by October 19th should call our office at 925-335-7800 or email ballot@vote.cccounty.us.  The Secretary of State’s office mailed State Voter Information Guides to voters two weeks ago.

The Contra Costa Elections Division works closely with our printers and the postal service to ensure that all voters will receive their ballots in a timely manner. Voters can vote their ballot as soon as they receive it.

“We want to make sure that voters know they can vote the way they want to vote with confidence,” says Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Kristin B. Connelly. “We encourage Contra Costa voters to complete their ballot as soon as they receive it in the mail and get it back to us early.”

Here’s what voters need to know about voting in the upcoming election:

Register to Vote:

Voters can confirm they are registered to vote and that their address is correct at My Voting Information on the Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Website. If a voter needs to register or update their registration, they can visit the California Secretary of State’s website at registertovote.ca.gov until October 19th. After October 19th new voters can register and vote in-person

at the Elections Division in Martinez, at one of the County’s Regional Early Voting Sites, or at a polling place on Election Day.

Voting by Mail:

All active registered voters will receive a ballot with a postage paid return envelope. Voters should enclose their completed ballot in the envelope, seal it, sign it, and return it to us. Voted ballots returned by mail must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received within seven (7) days of Election Day to be counted. The Elections Division recommends that voters who choose to put their ballots in the mail do so no later than October 23rd to ensure ballots are postmarked on or before Election Day and received in time to be counted.

Voters are encouraged to use one of the County’s 43 official drop boxes to vote. Voters can also drop their ballots at any of our in-person voting locations. Official drop boxes are open for service. Dropping a ballot in an official drop box is just like dropping it at the Elections Office and saves taxpayer dollars by reducing the cost of return postage.

Voters can find a list of convenient drop-box locations at https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/official-ballot-drop-boxes/ Ballots must be dropped off no later than 8 pm on Election Day.

Regional Early Voting locations are listed here: https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/rev/

Voters can avoid long lines and be sure their vote is included in the Election Night results by voting early so the Elections Division receives the ballot by Friday, October 30th. 

Voters can track their ballot!
Ballot tracking is a service provided by the California Secretary of State that will send voters a notice about their ballot, including when it’s mailed, received, and counted. Voters can know where their ballot is every step of the way!  Sign up at https://WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov.

For more information about the November 3, 2026 General Election, go to our website at www.contracostavote.gov and select “Current Elections” and “November 3, 2026 General Election”, or call 925-335-7800 Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

The post Ballots for the November 3 General Election is in the Mail appeared first on Contra Costa News.

Anual 2026 Exposición By Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Save the Date! Please join us for our 2026 Annual Contra Costa Fire Open House! Learn about the Fire District’s programs, meet your firefighters, enjoy live demonstrations, food and drinks, and educational booths. Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Location: […]

For Bores 1, 2, and 3 Rehabilitation and Ventilation Upgrade 10 PM–4:30 AM By Caltrans Caltrans is rehabilitating the Caldecott Tunnel Bores 1, 2 and 3 on State Route 24 between Orinda and Oakland to preserve the structural integrity of the tunnel, improve ventilation performance and firefighting operational response, and extend its service life. The […]

Includes funds for 3-bore Caldecott Tunnel ventilation systems rehabilitation and upgrade project, adding 2 lanes to Hwy 237 in Sonoma County By Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom announced on August 28, 2026, $2.7 billion in funding for more than 150 new projects designed to improve travel times, expand travel […]

Children’s “Stampede” and community food drive will open a day of live music, family activities and fall festivities in Downtown By Miranda de la O, Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce Pleasant Hill’s youngest residents will lead the way into a new community tradition on Saturday, October 10, when the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce presents […]

The California Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred around 2:30 am Sunday on Highway 4. According to preliminary information, the crash occurred on eastbound Highway 4 at…

The post CHP Investigating Fatal Crash on Highway 4 at Contra Loma appeared first on Contra Costa News.

The California Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred around 2:30 am Sunday on Highway 4.

According to preliminary information, the crash occurred on eastbound Highway 4 at Contra Loma in the City of Antioch. It was reported that an unknown object was blocking lanes 1-2 around 2:38 am.

By 3:02 am, a SIGALERT was requested and all eastbound lanes were blocked and alterative routes were to be used as a coroner was requested to the scene.

By 5:26 am, CHP was beginning to open up lanes of traffic.

UPDATE: CHp says their preliminary investigation indicates a 20-year-old female had been riding as a passenger in a vehicle on SR-4 eastbound, when she lost an item on the freeway. The vehicle she was riding in pulled over in the center median of SR-4 eastbound, just east of Contra Loma Blvd. The woman exited the vehicle, walked into the lanes of traffic in an attempt to retrieve the lost item, and was subsequently struck by two vehicles. The woman sustained fatal injuries and was tragically pronounced deceased on scene. Both drivers stopped and are being cooperative with the investigation. Officers do not suspect alcohol or drug impairment to be a factor in this crash at this time.

CHP Log

The post CHP Investigating Fatal Crash on Highway 4 at Contra Loma appeared first on Contra Costa News.

Pinole Police participate in Pink Patch Project, public can, too By Pinole Police Department Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, public safety employees proudly wear pink patches on their regular duty uniforms, sparking conversations within the community. The Pinole Police Department is proud to support the Pink Patch Project in raising awareness and supporting […]

Celebrate retirement of K-9 Therapy Dog Milo See the CitizenRIMS Crime Map By Pinole Police Department September 2026 – Monthly Performance Report Our monthly statistics provide a snapshot of our officers’ efforts. Consider a ride-along for a more in-depth look. There were 1,517 calls for service in September, 411 traffic stops, 169 traffic citations issued, […]

See video of pursuit By San Pablo Police When the red and blue lights come on and your getaway vehicle is smaller than a child’s bicycle … you may want to reconsider the plan. Our contestant decided to turn the night into the “Tour de San Pablo”, followed by a bonus round of “Hide-and-seek.” Unfortunately […]

By El Cerrito Police Department October is Pedestrian Safety Month and the El Cerrito Police Department is increasing its focus on pedestrian safety enforcement to help keep everyone safe on our streets. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “At some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian. In 2024, 7,080 pedestrians […]

By San Pablo Police Department The San Pablo Police Department announces they have been awarded a $68,118 grant from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to reduce alcohol-related harm in their community. “This is important to San Pablo in order to increase protection for youth and to address crime at problem locations,” said […]

To learn about City finances, Landscape and Maintenance District After council placed one-percent sales tax, landscape maintenance assessment measures on November ballot By City of Clayton The City of Clayton invites residents to “Come participate in our next Town Hall! This Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Hoyer Hall, come learn […]

Guest Commentary By Tyler McCarthy, Outreach Associate, White Pony Express On Friday afternoon, for a student who eats breakfast and lunch at school, the dismissal bell does more than end the school day. It starts a 68-hour clock. The last dependable school meal of the week has just been served. The next one won’t arrive […]

At brewhouse that issued statement they’re “heartbroken by the incident” Suspect charged with attempted murder, faces up to 9 years in state prison By Chris Bollinger, Community Engagement Officer, Brentwood Police Department On Friday, October 2, 2026, at approximately 7:58PM, Brentwood officers were dispatched to the 2000 block of Elkins Way for a report of […]

Prevents former ICE agents with history of misconduct from becoming law enforcement officers in California Claims participating in ICE operations during Trump’s 2nd term “demonstrates an immorality” Could be challenged in court, deemed unconstitutional By Allen D. Payton On Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law AB 1627, the Misconduct Ends Law-enforcement […]

At Senior Center By Colleen Awad, Community Relations Manager, City of Concord Concord, CA — The City of Concord is proud to present the 11th Annual Health Expo, a free community event, on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Concord Senior Center (2727 Parkside Circle). This free event brings […]

A Space to Call Their Own: Investing in the Future of Our Youth Ages 12-18 in Brentwood, Oakley, Antioch, Bethel Island, Knightsen, Byron and Discovery Bay For Creative Expression, Community & Connection, Holistic Wellness By Diane Burgis, District 3 Supervisor, Contra Costa County Across all neighborhoods in District 3, our youth have needed a space […]

By Harlo Pippenger, Consultant, Gold Runner & Ahdel Ahmed, Public Relations Manager, San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority Stockton, CA – More than 100 years ago, Allensworth, CA was founded as a bold vision of freedom, opportunity, and self-determination. Gold Runner invites you to honor that vision at the Allensworth Rededication on Saturday, October 10 from 11:00 AM […]

Kicks off at Bernie Sanders rally in SF on Saturday, Oct. 3, with stops in Oakland, Berkeley, Bakersfield and LA Week-long tour makes the case for reducing the wealth and power of the ultra-wealthy through a wealth tax By Ryan Thomas, Tax the Ultra-Rich Now, Yes on 3 & 40, No on 41 & 42 […]

LMC Latino students excel Online celebration Oct. 22 By Juliet V. Casey, Director of Marketing and Media Design, Los Medanos College and Loni Swain, Director of Communications, Campaign for College Opportunity Pittsburg, Calif. – The Campaign for College Opportunity named Los Medanos College a 2026 Pathway Champion of Placement for its Latino Student Success in […]

3- to 4-bedroom 2,000+ s.f. single family residences.  Sale price $262,750 to $377,00 with up to $70,000 in additional homebuyer assistance financial subsidies By Walter Zhovreboff, Administrative Director, Bay Area Affordable Home Ownership Alliance The City of Walnut Creek is providing a very rare and highly beneficial opportunity for very low to low income first […]

CONCORD, CALIFORNIA — The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) has confirmed the presence of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Discovery Bay. The discovery occurred while District technicians were…

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CONCORD, CALIFORNIA — The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) has confirmed the presence of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Discovery Bay.

The discovery occurred while District technicians were conducting work in the Discovery Bay area. A resident approached the technicians to report mosquito activity and provided samples of mosquitoes they had captured, prompting additional investigation. District laboratory staff examined the samples and confirmed that the mosquitoes were Aedes aegypti. The District will deploy additional mosquito traps throughout the surrounding area to determine how widely the mosquitoes may have spread.

Aedes aegypti are small, aggressive mosquitoes that are active primarily during the daytime. They are not native to California and are capable of transmitting viruses that cause dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever from person to person. Preventing these mosquitoes from becoming established and spreading remains a high priority for the District.

“Aedes aegypti have been spreading throughout California for several years, but early detection can make a significant difference in our ability to respond,” said Dr. Steve Schutz, the District’s Scientific Programs Manager. “Previous introductions in Martinez and Concord were detected while the mosquitoes were still confined to relatively small areas, and with strong cooperation from residents, we were able to eliminate them. In Antioch and Brentwood, the mosquitoes were already established across a much larger area by the time they were reported, making control considerably more challenging.”

The District is expanding surveillance in Discovery Bay to determine how widely the mosquitoes have spread and what measures will be necessary to contain and, if possible, eliminate the population.

“Community participation is essential, especially during the early stages of a new detection,” said Dr. Paula Macedo, General Manager. “We need Discovery Bay residents to report daytime-biting mosquitoes, remove standing water from their properties, and allow District employees access when inspections are needed. The sooner we understand where these mosquitoes are located, the better our opportunity to prevent them from becoming established.”

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes lay their eggs in small containers and other objects that hold water. Common sources include bird baths, plant saucers, buckets, toys, containers, untreated spas, and unmaintained swimming pools. Even very small amounts of water can provide a place for these mosquitoes to develop.

The District urges Discovery Bay residents—and all Contra Costa County residents—to regularly inspect their front and back yards and dump out any standing water. Containers that can collect water should be removed, covered, or emptied at least once a week.

Discovery Bay residents who experience daytime mosquito bites are especially encouraged to contact the District by calling 925-685-9301 or submitting a service request online.

Residents spending time outdoors during the day or evening can reduce mosquito bites by using an effective insect repellent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends repellents containing one of the following active ingredients:

Always follow label directions when applying insect repellent.

Contra Costa County residents pay for District services through property taxes, so there is no additional charge to request a District service.

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Comprehensive hospice services and admissions to proceed without interruption By Rico Marcelli, Communications Director, Hospice East Bay Pleasant Hill, CA — Hospice East Bay announced its comprehensive plan to support patients, families, and the community with exceptional hospice care and admission services throughout a planned seven-day strike of National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW) employees […]

Caregivers at Hospice East Bay to protest new Florida-based owner imposing severe layoffs, service reductions By Matthew Artz, Assistant Communications Director, National Union of Healthcare Workers PLEASANT HILL, Calif. — Three years after becoming among the first Northern California hospice workers to form a union, caregivers at one of the Bay Area’s oldest hospice providers […]

12-hour statewide effort focuses on identifying and arresting impaired drivers By Jaime Coffee, Director of Communications, Office of Media Relations, California Highway Patrol SACRAMENTO — One impaired driver can change or end a life in an instant. To help prevent these tragedies, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is mobilizing uniformed personnel statewide for a targeted […]

License plate reader identifies suspect vehicle By Brentwood Police Department On September 27, 2026, at approximately 11:30 a.m., two suspects forced entry into the Fire Station construction site in downtown Brentwood on First Street and stole more than $10,000 worth of tools from a secured electrician’s toolbox. A BPD patrol officer conducted a very thorough […]

Face maximum of 230 years to life in state prison By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office Martinez, California – Separate juries in Contra Costa Superior Court convicted Rustom Bhagwagar and Jennifer Spitz Powell on all charges related to the repeated sexual abuse of a young girl. A jury found 46-year-old Powell guilty […]

Martinez, California – Separate juries in Contra Costa Superior Court convicted Rustom Bhagwagar and Jennifer Spitz Powell on all charges related to the repeated sexual abuse of a young girl.…

The post Juries Convict Former Airline Pilot and Co-Defendant in Child Sexual Abuse Case appeared first on Contra Costa News.

Martinez, California – Separate juries in Contra Costa Superior Court convicted Rustom Bhagwagar and Jennifer Spitz Powell on all charges related to the repeated sexual abuse of a young girl.

A jury found 46-year-old Powell guilty on Monday, September 28th, and a second jury found 35-year-old Bhagwagar guilty on Tuesday, September 29th. Bhagwagar, a former commercial airline co-pilot from Florida, and Powell, from Walnut Creek, were each convicted of eight counts of oral copulation or sexual penetration with a child 10 years old or younger and 12 counts of forcible lewd acts upon a child under the age of 14.

Due to the victim’s age and the nature of the crimes, the victim will not be named by the District Attorney’s Office to protect her identity.

The case was heard in Martinez before Judge Danielle Douglas. In a rare dual-jury format, the court tried two defendants at once while making sure each jury heard only the evidence that applied to its assigned defendant. Evidence presented to both juries showed that the sexual abuse of the victim began when she was 7 years old and occurred from on or about October 17th, 2017, to October 16th, 2022. Powell, who was in a relationship with Bhagwagar, participated with him in numerous acts of abuse against the victim.

Bhagwagar and Powell each face a maximum sentence of 230 years to life in state prison. Both remain in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility and will be sentenced by the court at a future date.

Deputy District Attorney Haleigh Parkinson of the Sexual Assault Unit prosecuted the case with support from a trial team that included legal assistants, a victim advocate, and victim support staff.

District Attorney Diana Becton said:

“This young survivor showed extraordinary courage by testifying in court and facing the people who used duress to harm her. These verdicts hold both defendants accountable. I am grateful to our entire team for their dedication in seeking, serving, and doing justice in this case.”

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SB 328 authored by Senator Grayson, co-authored by Assemblymembers Ávila Farías and Wicks provides CEQA exemptions, requires 25% of housing to be for lower-income Base Reuse Project plan includes 12,272 new homes, 6 million SF of commercial space for up to 26,500 jobs, over 800 acres of parks & trails By Colleen Awad, City of Concord […]

Federal lawsuit alleges agency refused to refer American applicant for tech position in Silicon Valley By Office of Communications & Legislative Affairs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission SAN FRANCISCO — Sibitalent Corp., a Texas-based employment agency specializing in information technology staffing and recruitment, violated federal law when it refused to refer an American applicant for […]

World’s largest bounce house with over 50,000 square feet of fun offers action-packed, all-ages experience featuring live DJs, food trucks, gift shops & more — tickets on sale now! By Greg Wiley, Public Relations Manager, The Big Bounce America Contra Costa, CA (September 21, 2026) – The Big Bounce America, home to the world’s largest […]

3 No on 45 campaign responds to Yes campaign’s claims By No on 45 SACRAMENTO – In response to the Yes on 45 campaign’s recent press release claiming a No on 45 ad spreads “blatant lies” about data centers, the No on 45 campaign issued the following: In a column in the legal publication The […]