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State explains how to designate a building as an historic landmark

By Publisher | September 16, 2026 | 0 Comments

Photo sources: (left) Pinterest. (Right) El Campanil Theatre.

Takes 90 days to begin process

Local agencies, private groups and citizens can “identify, evaluate, register and protect California’s historical resources.”

By Allen D. Payton

In response to the sale of the historic El Campanil Theatre in Antioch’s downtown Rivertown, it was revealed that it is not yet designated an historic building by either the state or federal governments. Last year and earlier this year, District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson requested to be placed on a meeting agenda having the City look into how to preserve it as an historic site and members of the public have recently made the same request. (See related article, specifically the paragraphs below the sub-headline entitled, “One Councilmember Made Requests to Agendize Protection, But Not Purchase of El Campanil Theatre”).

A simple internet search produced the following: for state designation, the building must meet certain criteria, the owner must not object, the clerk of the local government agency must be notified 90 days prior to submitting the nomination package to the California Office of Historic Preservation – which can now be done electronically as of September 1, 2026; be recommended by the CA Historical Resources Commission; and be officially designated by the Director of California State Parks.

According to the California Historical Landmarks Registration page of the state Department of Parks and Recreation’s website, “California Historical Landmarks are sites, buildings, features, or events that are of statewide significance and have anthropological, cultural, military, political, architectural, economic, scientific or technical, religious, experimental, or other value. The specific standards now in use were first applied in the designation of Landmark # 770.  California Historical Landmarks #770 and above are automatically listed in the California Register of Historical Resources.

According to that page, “The State Historical Resources Commission has designed this program for use by state and local agencies, private groups and citizens to identify, evaluate, register and protect California’s historical resources.”

California Historical Landmarks (Landmarks) have statewide significance and California Points of Historical Interest (Points) are of local (city or county) significance.

To be designated as a California Historical Landmark, a resource must meet at least one of the criteria listed below; have the approval of the property owner(s); be recommended by the State Historical Resources Commission; and be officially designated by the Director of California State Parks.

If a site is primarily of local interest, it may meet the criteria for the California Points of Historical Interest Program.

Criteria for Designation

  • Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of California’s history and cultural heritage (Criterion 1).
  • Is associated with the lives of persons important in our past (Criterion 2).
  • Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction, or represents the work of an important creative individual, or possesses high artistic values (Criterion 3).
  • Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history (Criterion 4).

According to “the California Historical Building Code (CHBC), which is defined in Sections 18950 to 18961 of Division 13, Part 2.7 of Health and Safety Code (H&SC). The CHBC is intended to save California’s architectural heritage by recognizing the unique construction issues inherent in maintaining and adaptively reusing historic buildings. The CHBC provides alternative building regulations for permitting repairs, alterations and additions necessary for the preservation, rehabilitation, relocation, related construction, change of use, or continued use of a ‘qualified historical building or structure.’”

Furthermore, according to the Office of Historic Preservation,  “Section 18955 of the Health and Safety Code defines a ‘qualified historical building or structure’ as ‘any structure or property, collection of structures, and their associated sites deemed of importance to the history, architecture, or culture of an area by an appropriate local or state governmental jurisdiction. This shall include structures on existing or future national, state or local historical registers or official inventories, such as the National Register of Historic Places, State Historical Landmarks, State Points of Historical Interest, and city or county registers or inventories of historical or architecturally significant sites, places, historic districts, or landmarks. This shall also include places, locations, or sites identified on these historical registers or official inventories and deemed of importance to the history, architecture, or culture of an area by an appropriate local or state governmental jurisdiction.’”

The Technical Assistance Series #13 report by the California Office of Historic Preservation in the Department of Parks and Recreation, “describes the criteria and procedures for nominating a historical resource under two of the state registration programs: California Historical Landmarks (Landmarks), and California Points of Historical Interest (Points).”

STATE REGISTRATION

How to Nominate a Property as a California Historical Landmark or California Point of Historical Interest

  1. Download the Nomination Packet, including all appropriate DPR 523 forms. Only use the DPR 523 Forms that are applicable to the nominated resource (generally, one DPR 523A, one DPR 523B, and, if needed, the DPR 523L Continuation Sheet) If you need assistance, contact Registration Unit staff.
  2. Complete application, including all necessary supplemental forms, according to instructions. If you need assistance, contact Registration Unit staff. Note: Applicants are no longer required to submit 35mm slides as part of California Register nominations. You may follow the National Park Service Photo Policy for photos included with the DPR forms.
  3. Notify the clerk of the local government in whose jurisdiction the resource is located by certified mail that an application will be filed with the OHP and request that the local government provide written comments within 90 days. The notification must include a copy of the application.
  4. At the end of the 90 days, you may submit the completed application and any comments to the OHP.
  5. OHP staff will send notification to the property owner (if the applicant is not the property owner) and ensure that the nomination packet is complete. Please include the Property Owners Excel Template.

How to submit a Nomination to the OHP:

As of September 1, 2026, nominations and supporting documents can be submitted to the OHP electronically. The OHP will provide each applicant with a secure folder to upload the nomination and supporting documents.

To request a nomination folder:

  1. Email calshpo.registration@parks.ca.gov with the subject line “Request for nomination folder link.”
    • In the body of the email, include the
      • The name, address, city, and county of the property
      • Include the email addresses of applicants needing access to the folder.
  2. A hyperlink to the folder will be emailed back to the original sender.
  3. Upload a Complete Nomination Packet with the following documents:
  1. Cover letter identifying
  2. which registration program is being pursued,
  3. the property being nominated,
  4. all property owners and their complete contact information,
  5. the applicant and their complete contact information, and
  6. any person or organization on whose behalf the nomination is being submitted
  7. Excel spreadsheet with email and mailing addresses for all owners and applicants; and
  8. California Register of Historical Resources submittals include
    • Certified Mail receipt indicating that the nomination was submitted to the local jurisdiction 90 days prior to submittal to the OHP and any subsequent comment received,
    • Application cover letter, and
    • Completed DPR form(s) with maps and photographs

The OHP will contact the applicant if the documentation is not complete.

If the link to the upload folder does not work, email calshpo.registration@parks.ca.gov and a new link will be sent.

Alternatively, a USB drive with the above documentation may be sent to:

Office of Historic Preservation, ATTN: Registration, 1725 23rd Street, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95816

Owner Consent

Consent of owner is not required, but a resource cannot be listed over an owner’s objections. The CHRC can, however, formally determine a property eligible for the California Register if the resource owner objects.

Local Government Notification

Local government must be given 90 days in which to comment on the application before it is sent to OHP.

State Agency Assists Local Governments with Preservation Ordinances, More

According to the Mission and Responsibilities for the Office of Historic Preservation, “OHP works with California’s city and county governments to aid them in integrating historic preservation into the broader context of overall community planning and development activities by adopting a comprehensive approach to preservation planning which combines identification, evaluation, and registration of historical resources with strong local planning powers, economic incentives, and informed public participation.
“OHP provides guidance and technical assistance to city and county governments in the following areas:

  • Drafting or updating preservation plans and ordinances;
  • Planning for and conducting architectural, historical, and archeological surveys;
  • Developing criteria for local designation programs, historic districts, historic preservation overlay zones (HPOZs), and conservation districts;
  • Developing design guidelines using the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards;
  • Developing economic incentives for historic preservation; and
  • Training local commissions and review boards.

“OHP also administers the Certified Local Government (CLG) Program and distributes at least 10% of its annual federal Historic Preservation Fund allocation to CLGs through a competitive grant program to them in achieving their historic preservation goals.”

Federal Grants

“Through the Certified Local Government (CLG) Program, local governments receive federal grants to assist with historic preservation programs. A required minimum of ten percent of California’s yearly allocation of federal funds received through the Historic Preservation Fund Grants Program (HPF) make up the grants awarded annually to qualifying certified local governments.

The Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) awards the HPF monies to CLGs in a competitive process. Forms, instructions, and deadlines for active grant cycles are posted to this page during the application periods. To see a list of recent and past award recipients, visit our CLG Grant Awards page.”

NATIONAL REGISTRATION

To nominate a building for the National Register of Historic Places, see the Checklist for Submittal: National Register of Historic Places Nomination Packet and visit this webpage on the state’s Dep’t of Parks and Recreation website for National Register Forms and Related Publications.

 

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Danville man sentenced to 9 years in federal prison for Ponzi scheme that lasted over 25 years

By Publisher | September 16, 2026 | 0 Comments

Former East Bay financial advisor defrauded at least 93 victims

Faced faces up to 30 years in prison, $500K in fines

By U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California

OAKLAND – Edwin Emmett Lickiss, Jr., who pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering in connection with a decades-long Ponzi scheme, was sentenced today to nine years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Jon S. Tigar imposed the sentence.

As previously reported, Lickiss, 78, of Danville, California, admitted that he defrauded at least 93 victims of over $9.5 million from 1998 through September 2024. As part of the scheme, Lickiss said that he would invest victims’ money in exclusive, tax-free bonds that offered rates of return up to 30%. Lickiss also claimed that members of his own family had invested in the bonds, that he charged no investment fees because he had already profited so substantially, and that investors could redeem their money at any time.

In fact, the bonds did not exist. Lickiss funneled money from later victims to pay earlier investors, consistent with a Ponzi scheme. He also siphoned victim funds to pay personal expenses, including cash withdrawals, home renovations, travel, and payments on vehicles, mortgages, and personal credit cards.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) had issued an order barring Lickiss from engaging in any broker-related business from August 18, 2014, through December 17, 2014. Despite the order, Lickiss continued to fraudulently solicit and obtain investments from victims during that period.

According to the IRS, on July 21, 2025, “A federal grand jury indicted Edwin Emmett Lickiss Jr., on one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering in connection with an alleged $9.5 million investment fraud scheme. Despite the suspension and loss of his broker’s license, Lickiss allegedly continued to solicit and obtain investments from victim investors until around September 2024. Lickiss was a financial advisor based in Danville and Alamo, Calif., who owned and operated Foundation Financial Group, a firm that provided investment services to investors in the Northern District of California, Idaho, and throughout the United States.”

Lickiss was released pending the sentencing hearing. He faced a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the wire fraud count, and 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the money laundering count.

In addition, on July 21, 2025, the Securities Exchange Commission charged him with selling fraudulent promissory note investments to approximately 80 investors as part of a Ponzi scheme that lasted over 25 years. According to the SEC’s complaint, Lickiss fraudulently offered and sold to investors approximately $12.7 million in promissory notes, which purported to pay interest rates of between 9 and 32 percent per annum.

United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian, FBI Special Agent in Charge Scott Schelble, and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) San Francisco Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge David Lowe made the announcement. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has also filed a civil enforcement action against Lickiss in the Northern District of California.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Wolinsky of the Illicit Finance and Money Laundering Section, with the assistance of Lynette Dixon. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and IRS-CI. The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the Atlanta Regional Office of the SEC for its assistance in the investigation.

Further Information:

Case No. 4:25-CR-00202-JST

Electronic court filings and further procedural and docket information are available at https://ecf.cand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. Judges’ calendars with schedules for upcoming court hearings can be viewed on the court’s website at www.cand.uscourts.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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Kaiser Permanente NorCal is one of only two health care systems in nation to have all 3 health plans rated 5-stars, highest possible by NCQA

By Publisher | September 16, 2026 | 0 Comments

System’s Medicare, Medicaid and commercial health plans are also rated highest in CA for overall quality

Kaiser Permanente had more 5-star or 4.5-star plans than any other health care organization for 11th ratings cycle in a row

By Elissa Harrington, Sr. Media Relations & PR Rep and Kerri Leedy, Media and Public Relations Manager, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

OAKLAND, Calif., September 16, 2026 – Kaiser Permanente Northern California is one of only two health care systems in the nation to have its Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial health plans receive 5 out of 5 stars for overall quality, according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) 2026 Health Plan Ratings.

Only 18 plans in the nation, approximately 2%, received a 5-star rating. The only other health care system in the nation to have its Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial health plans receive 5 out of 5 stars was Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States.

NCQA also rates Kaiser Permanente Northern California health plans as best in California for overall treatment, prevention, and patient experience. No other health plan in Northern California received a 5-star rating.

Source: NCQA

“Kaiser Permanente Northern California continues to deliver high-value care that improves health care outcomes and betters the lives of our members and patients every day,” said Mike Bowers, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our health plans are continuously rated the highest because of our unwavering commitment to providing coordinated care and exceptional service.”

For 2026, NCQA rated nearly 1,000 plans – commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid – for quality and service nationwide. All of Kaiser Permanente’s commercial and Medicare plans received the highest rating, or were tied for the highest rating, in all the geographic regions we serve. Kaiser Permanente had more 5-star or 4.5-star plans than any other health care organization for the 11th ratings cycle in a row.

“This recognition reflects the dedication and clinical excellence of our physicians, nurses, and care teams, who consistently deliver the highest-quality care to our patients and the communities we serve,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “Kaiser Permanente Northern California is proud to be one of only two health care systems in the nation, alongside Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States, to have its Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial health plans all receive NCQA’s highest rating.”

NCQA is a national, private not-for-profit organization that surveys health plans for performance in a wide range of clinical service measures including consumer experience, prevention, population health and treatment.

Source: NCQA

NCQA primarily used the 2025 Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set, or HEDIS®, to establish its ratings. HEDIS is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care.

The 2026 ratings and methodology are posted on the NCQA’s website at https://reportcards.ncqa.org/health-plans. See Kaiser Permanente Northern California ratings at Health Plans – NCQA.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.9 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.

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2026 Delta Heritage Forum in Brentwood Nov. 5

By Publisher | September 16, 2026 | 0 Comments

Theme: “Delta as Culinary Journey”

Presented by Delta Protection Commission

Sponsored by the Contra Costa County Historical Society

By Kira O’Donnell, National Heritage Area Information Officer, Delta Protection Commission – a California state agency

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (September 16, 2026) – The California Delta’s culinary riches will be celebrated this fall.

On November 5, the annual Delta Heritage Forum presents “Delta as Culinary Journey,” a full-day event presenting a kaleidoscope of food-related cultural stories centered in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, both historic and modern.

The Forum is an event dedicated to celebrating Delta stories, nurturing collaboration, and inspiring new thinking and initiatives in the Delta heritage community. This year the Forum is sponsored by the Contra Costa County Historical Society.

This will be the first time the event focuses on food-centric pioneering innovations and multicultural contributions, as well as the agricultural bounty of the region.

Darrell Corti, president of Corti Brothers in Sacramento, will deliver the opening talk: “Delta as Food Source and Inspiration.”

Other notable speakers include Austin Stevenot, a Northern Sierra Mewuk cultural practitioner who will discuss the foodways of the Original People who flourished in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta; and Dr. Karen Leonard of UC Irvine, who will present the history and food traditions of the Punjabi-Mexican community, a unique cultural fusion of early 20th-century immigrants in California’s Delta and Central Valley regions.

The Forum runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center. Participants will be well-fed – the event includes morning coffee and pastries, a full lunch and a vintage cake tasting.

Opening and Welcome: Diane Burgis, Chair, Delta Protection Commission

Delta as Food Source and Inspiration: Darrell Corti, President, Corti Brothers

Foodways of the Delta’s Original Inhabitants

Austin Stevenot is a Northern Sierra Mewuk cultural practitioner, enrolled member of the California Valley Miwok Tribe, and Director of Tribal Engagement for River Partners. He discusses the foodways of the Original People who flourished in the California Delta.

Rich Collins – California Endive, Rio Vista

A pioneer in Belgian-style endive production in the Delta, Rich Collins defied the skeptics who claimed this European vegetable couldn’t be successfully farmed in the United States.

Ken Beer – President and owner of The Fishery, Galt

In partnership with Dr. Serge Doroshov, known as the “father of sturgeon aquaculture,” Ken Beer pioneered commercial sturgeon and caviar production in the Delta region.

Family Farming in the Delta – Looking Back, Looking Forward

Steve Heringer is a fifth-generation Delta farmer. Since 1868, the Heringer family has grown pears, row crops such as corn, sugar beets, tomatoes, and more recently, wine grapes. Mr. Heringer speaks of the past, present and future of family farming in the Delta from a multi-generational perspective.

Roti Quesadilla? Punjabi-Mexican Culture in the Delta

  • Dr. Karen Leonard of UC Irvine discusses the historic Punjabi-Mexican American community, a unique cultural (and culinary) fusion of early 20th-century immigrants in California’s Delta and Central Valley regions.
  • Local culinary arts educator Nena Rasul describes the Punjabi/Mexican food traditions of her family.

Sweet Success + a Vintage Cake Tasting

Barbara Pagni Denton, author of the memoir/cookbook shares a vivid narrative of Crockett, a C&H Sugar company town, as it evolved in the 20th century.

  • A collection of vintage cakes, whose recipes are shared in Denton’s book, will be served.

The History of Locke’s Chinese Demonstration Garden

Stuart Walthall, Chair of the Locke Foundation, discusses the profound role the community garden played in the life of Locke’s Chinese residents. He describes the legacy town’s present-day demonstration garden, which showcases vegetables, fruits and herbs grown by the original Chinese residents of Locke.

Closing remarks: Elizabeth Patterson, Chair, National Heritage Area Advisory Committee

The full event schedule is here and the speaker bios are here.

Tickets are $55 (plus an Eventbrite fee) and are available here. Tickets cover all food costs and seating is limited.

For more information about the Delta Heritage Forum or the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area, contact Kira O’Donnell, NHA information officer, kira.odonnell@delta.ca.gov, (530) 650-6362.

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Brentwood Planning Commission symbolically opposing but can’t stop under construction East County Service Center

By Publisher | September 14, 2026 | 0 Comments

The East County Service Center under construction in a photo taken Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, at 3:44 PM. Source CC County

18 and 20 years after six votes of approval by council, commission

Contra Costa administrator’s office, fire chief oppose resolution of non-compliance on Tuesday’s agenda

“The proposed resolution relies on factual inaccuracies and faulty analysis in determining that the project is inconsistent with the five identified policies.” – Eric Angstadt, Chief Assistant County Administrator

“…regardless of the Planning Commission’s determination, the County can still proceed with the project as proposed.” – Brentwood City staff report for agenda item

By Allen D. Payton

The long-planned and approved East County Service Center (ECSC) in Brentwood is the first of three regional service centers to be constructed as directed in the County’s Capital Facilities Master Plan, which was adopted by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors in September 2022. Yet, although it received six votes of approval by the Commission and City Council in 2006 and 2008 and has been under construction since spring, the Brentwood Planning Commission is set to vote on a resolution Tuesday night that claims “the project…does not substantially conform to the General Plan.”

But their own City staff says the project “can still proceed…as proposed.”

Item F.1. on the Commission’s agenda reads, “General Plan conformance review for the East County Service Center project, including Contra Costa County’s recent acquisition of a 5.06-acre parcel to include within the scope of the project, located south of Technology Way and west of Brentwood Boulevard. Title/Recommendation Adopt Resolution No. 26-013 finding the East County Service Center project, including Contra Costa County’s recent acquisition of a 5.06-acre parcel to include within the scope of the project, does not substantially conform to the General Plan.”

That is a result of the Commission’s vote during their meeting on Aug. 18, 2026. Even though, “Staff brought this item forward to the Planning Commission…with a recommendation to adopt a resolution determining that the East County Service Center project conforms to the General Plan,” based on six previous votes of the Commission and Brentwood City Council, the Commission instead directed staff to bring back the item to do just the opposite. Yet, the commissioners understood their vote to be “largely symbolic”.

According to the minutes of that meeting on a motion by Vice Chairperson Rod Flohr and seconded by Commissioner Jeremy Jones, the Commission voted 4-1 to direct staff to bring back a resolution finding that the East County Service Center project does not substantially conform to the General Plan or the Brentwood Boulevard Specific Plan, including inconsistencies related to circulation, land use, and noise.” Flohr and Jones were joined by Chairperson Kristopher Brand, who is a candidate in this year’s District 2 Council race, and Commissioner Anita Roberts. Only Commissioner Gerald Johnson, a 2024 candidate for mayor and former Brentwood Chamber of Commerce president, voted against the motion.

An aerial rendering of the East County Service Center. Source: CC County

Zoning

According to the City staff report for Tuesday’s agenda item (see page 23), the seven parcels owned by the County are designated BP (Business Park) and BBSP (Mixed-Use COIR) in the City’s General Plan. They are zoned Zoning – PD-42 (Subarea F) and BBSP (Mixed-Use COIR) and the Surrounding Land Sses are North – Technology Way, across which is a shell light industrial building under construction and two vacant parcels East – Jack in the Box and Brentwood Boulevard, across which is the Sunset Plaza commercial development South – vacant parcel currently included in pending residential development application known as Emblem West – Business Center Drive, across which is the Coppergate townhomes and The Silvergate apartments.

Votes of Approval

Also, according to the staff report, there have been six votes of approval including four by the Commission and two by the Council, “since 2006, as follows:

  • On February 21, 2006, the Planning Commission approved Design Review No. 05-15 and Minor Subdivision No. 351-06 for two shell commercial condominium buildings to be located on the six parcels along Technology Way;
  • On March 28, 2006, the City Council approved Rezone No. 05-12 establishing development standards for the six parcels along Technology Way;
  • On March 18, 2008, the Planning Commission approved one-year time extensions for Design Review No. 05-15 and Minor Subdivision No. 351-06;
  • On May 19, 2009, the Planning Commission approved a two-year time extension for Design Review No. 05-15 and a one-year time extension for Minor Subdivision No. 351-06;
  • On December 21, 2010, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 10 064 confirming that Contra Costa County’s acquisition of six parcels located along Technology Way for the future development of the “East County Government Center” project conformed to the General Plan; and
  • On March 27, 2012, the City Council adopted the Brentwood Boulevard Specific Plan, which incorporated the parcel with frontage along Brentwood Boulevard Specific Plan.

Claims of Non-Conformance

But the four commissioners claimed, “the project did not conform to the General Plan for the following reasons:

  • Inconsistency with Action LU 3b: “Concentrate major office uses along State Route 4 near the Lone Tree Way, Balfour Road, and Marsh Creek Road interchanges.” The project would be a regional facility and a major office use that should be near State Route 4.
  • Inconsistency with Policy SA 3-5, which requires the City to ensure that all areas are accessible to emergency response providers. The building is proposed to be 50 feet tall and there is inadequate evidence in the record to demonstrate appropriate fire apparatus availability.
  • Inconsistency with Policy LU I-4, which requires new development to occur in a logical and orderly manner focusing growth on infill locations. This project proposes a regional facility in mostly undeveloped area.
  • Inconsistency with Policy LU 1-5, which encourages new development to be contiguous to existing development. This project proposes a regional facility in a mostly undeveloped area.
  • Inconsistency with Policy LU 3-5, which requires the City to actively promote the Brentwood Boulevard Specific Plan. The Brentwood Boulevard Specific Plan’s COIR zoning designation assumes that 70% of the area will be High Density Residential uses, and this project does not propose any residential uses.

Rendering source: CC County

Background

It’s been 15 years in the process since the Board of Supervisors approved purchasing the 2.83-acre site along Technology Way for $1.3 million in January 2011. The County bought the two parcels where the building is under construction, when barely anything else was nearby, other than Los Medanos College was leasing a building there, near their former Technology Center on Sand Creek Road, which is why it was called Technology Way. It was also purchased before the Highway 4 bypass/extension was built between Lone Tree Way and Balfour Road.

The County bought the third parcel within the last year to allow for sufficient parking. Then the County added a third story which increased the costs but the cost per square foot decreased.

According to the project website, “The planned three-story, 117,000 square foot building, estimated to cost $155 million, will house up to 440 employees, bringing equitable access to essential services closer to the residents of East County. It will house nine County departments: Employment and Human Services, Health Services, Veterans Services, Clerk-Records Elections, Public Defender, District Attorney, Probation, Board of Supervisors, District III Office and Department of Information Technology.”

The County’s plans conform with the City’s General Plan. But the Planning Commission requested for it to come back even though it’s already under construction, with the walls having been erected and the second floor going up.

Construction on the building started in spring after the Phase 2 construction contract was awarded to Webcor on March 3, and the County officially broke ground on the site on March 31. It’s supposed to be completed by December 2027. According to the County’s Public Works Department in a post on their Facebook page last week, “Progress continues on the East County Service Center (ECSC) in Brentwood. This three-story, 117,000-square-foot facility will house multiple County departments providing services for East County residents.” The project’s webpage provides a current schedule of Construction Activities between Aug. 24 and Oct. 2.

County Responds Prior to Planning Commission Meeting

Ahead of Tuesday’s meeting, the County’s PIO, Kristi Jourdan wrote, “County planning staff, and previously Brentwood’s own planning staff, have already determined the project aligns with the City’s General Plan. The resolution being considered is based on several factual inaccuracies and misinterpretations of both planning practice and case law. Confire has also confirmed that emergency access to the building is fully supported.”

She also shared copies of an email dated Friday, Sept. 11 from Con Fire Chief Aaron McAlister to Chief Assistant County Administrator Eric Angstadt and a letter dated today, Monday, Sept. 14, from Angstadt to the Brentwood Planning Commission.

County Letter to Commission Claims Resolution Based on “Factual Inaccuracies…Faulty Analysis”

September 14, 2026

To the Brentwood City Planning Commission:

“The Planning Commission will consider, at its September 15, 2026 meeting, proposed Resolution No. 26-013 regarding the general plan conformity of the East County Service Center.  The Planning Commission should reject the proposed resolution.  Proposed Resolution No. 26-013 is factually incorrect, ignores relevant case law regarding general plan conformity, and, if adopted by the Planning Commission, would represent a failure of their duty to render unbiased opinions based on the City of Brentwood’s adopted plans and ordinances.

“In California, common professional planning practice supports, and relevant case law has repeatedly held, that a project need not be consistent with all General Plan policies to be considered in conformity with the General Plan.  A project conforms to the general plan “if, considering all its aspects, it will further the objectives and policies of the general plan and not obstruct their attainment.”  (Napa Citizens for Honest Government v. Napa County Bd. of Supervisors (2001) 91 Cal. App. 4th 342, 378.)  “A given project need not be in perfect conformity with each and every general plan policy.”  (Id.)  “The question is not whether there is a direct conflict between some mandatory provision of a general plan and some aspect of a project, but whether the project is compatible with, and does not frustrate, the general plan’s goals and policies.”  (Id.)

“In this instance, the professional planning staff of the City of Brentwood has twice found that development of the East County Service Center at its proposed location conforms with the City’s General Plan.  First, on December 21, 2010, City planning staff recommended and this same Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 10-064, determining that the County’s purchase of the original 6 parcels composing the project site for the stated purpose of developing an East County government center conforms with the City’s General Plan.  Second, on August 18, 2026, City planning staff again recommended a resolution determining that the proposed project conforms with the City’s General Plan.  The Planning Commission instead now considers a resolution of non-conformity based on their contention that the project is inconsistent with five policies, out of at least 365 polices maintained in the General Plan.  Even assuming that the project is inconsistent with the five identified policies, which the County disputes as detailed below, this represents only 1.37% of the General Plan policies.  The proposed determination of general plan non-conformity is contrived, inconsistent with professional planning practice and case law, and not supported by past City actions or evidence in the record.

“The proposed resolution relies on factual inaccuracies and faulty analysis in determining that the project is inconsistent with the five identified policies.

  1. Action LU 3b – Concentrate major office uses along State Route 4.

The proposed project does not frustrate this policy.  Developing the project at its proposed location does not prevent, or even hinder, the City from concentrating major offices near State Route 4.  For major office uses actually under the City’s jurisdictional purview, the City is free to incentivize, authorize, prohibit, or take any other action within its land use authority to effectuate this policy.  Moreover, other elements of the General Plan, including the Brentwood Boulevard Specific Plan designation of COIR which applies to the project site, explicitly permit the proposed office use.

  1. Policy SA 3-5 – Ensure all areas are accessible to emergency response providers.

The proposed resolution relies on a contrived rationale to question whether appropriate fire apparatus is available to serve the project.  The attached email from ConFire Chief Aaron McAlister confirms that a ladder truck is stationed at Fire station 92, 201 John Muir Parkway, that is capable of reaching all floors of the proposed building.  This project, as with all County building projects, are reviewed and approved by ConFire to ensure that appropriate fire protection facilities, apparatus, and personnel are available to serve the proposed building before construction begins.  Finally, as the Planning Commission is aware, ConFire has made a concerted effort to expand the fire facility network in East County and has several pending fire station projects in Brentwood.  Any actual concerns that the Planning Commission may have with respect to fire protection readiness in Brentwood can be addressed through the prompt and collaborative processing of those projects.

  1. Policy LU I-4 – New development to occur in logical and orderly manner focusing on infill locations.

The proposed resolution relies on a factual inaccuracy that the project site is “in a mostly undeveloped area.”  The project is located on an undeveloped PARCEL surrounded on three contiguous sides by development, including housing to the west and commercial developments to the north and east.  Only the parcel to the south of the project site is undeveloped, but, as the City is aware, that parcel is currently in option for housing development.

  1. Policy LU 1-5 – Encourage new development to be contiguous to existing development.

Again, the proposed resolution relies on a factual inaccuracy that the project location is “in a mostly undeveloped area.”  As described above, the project site is contiguous on three sides with existing development.  Moreover, within 450 feet to the north of the project site is an existing approximately 38,000 square foot office building, and within 700 feet is a nine-building office complex totaling around 140,000 square feet of office use.  Not only is the site contiguous with existing development, but it is also proximate to other major office developments.

  1. Policy LU 3-5 – Actively promote the Brentwood Boulevard Specific Plan.

The proposed resolution misapplies the Brentwood Boulevard Specific Plan’s (BBSP) COIR designation by stating that it “assumes that 70% of the area will be High Density Residential uses, and this project does not propose any residential uses.”  This point is developed from the misreading of a footnote buried in a table on page 89 in the appendix of the BBSP.  That language does not appear in the text of BBSP at all and would not be considered a policy statement or action item.  Nevertheless, even if applicable, the language does not mean that the project is inconsistent with the BBSP.  The COIR district includes 108 acres.  The project site is 5 acres, or 4.63% of the COIR acreage, and does not prevent development of High Density Residential uses as assumed in the BBSP.  And, as discussed above, the BBSP COIR designation explicitly permits the proposed office use.

In conclusion, as has been extensively documented and detailed, the proposed resolution is contrary to the facts and contrary to the law.  I encourage any planning commissioner with questions or who are unclear on the details provided in this letter to contact me prior to taking action to approve the resolution on the Planning Commission’s agenda.

Sincerely,

Eric Angstadt, Chief Assistant County Administrator, Contra Costa County

Cc: Supervisor Diane Burgis, District 3, Monica Nino, County Administrator

Contra Costa Letter to Brentwood PC 091526 mtg

Rendering source: CC County

Fire Chief’s Email Assures Assistant County AdministratorService Can Be Provided to New Building

In an email last Friday, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Chief Aaron McAlister informed Angstadt that the District “reviewed the East County Service Center” and “has approved the structure.”

From: Aaron McAlister
Sent: Friday, September 11, 2026 1:30 PM
To: Eric Angstadt
Cc: TDutt; Nichols Sam (both of Con Fire)
Subject: East County Service Center

Dear Mr. Angstadt,

Regarding CONFIRE capabilities in East Contra Costa County, the Fire District deploys various units, including engines, ladder trucks, water tenders, wildland engines, and rescue units.  Following the annexation of East Contra Costa Fire, which became effective July 1, 2023, Contra Costa Fire implemented several enhancements.  First, paramedic service was introduced.  Initially, in a rolling implementation, within 6 months, all units in Brentwood, Oakley, and Discovery Bay had a paramedic and Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipment.  In April 2024, CON Fire deployed Truck 92 as a second resource, joining Engine 92, to Fire Station 92 at 201 John Muir Parkway, which is Brentwood’s only operating fire station today.  Before April 2024, Oakey and Brentwood had no ladder truck service, and those communities depended on mutual aid from Antioch.

Truck 92 in Brentwood is a 102-foot tractor-drawn aerial ladder used for rescue at multi-story buildings.  It is also equipped with an aerial water way for firefighting operations from the ladder and a full complement of EMS gear, rope rescue, ventilation equipment, and extrication equipment.  CON Fire ladder trucks are staffed with 4 personnel: a Captain, an Engineer, and two firefighters.  One of those four members is a paramedic.  A schematic drawing of our ladder truck is attached.

Fire Station 92 is 3.5 miles from the East County Service Center.  When Fire Station 90 is constructed and Lone Tree and Shady Willow, the Fire District intention is to relocate truck 92 to this new station when it will become truck 90.  Future Station 90 is 2.7 miles from the East County Service Center.  When Station 94 opens in January 2027, Station 94 will be located 1.0 mile from the East County Service Center.

CON Fire reviewed the East County Service Center under our normal plan review, development, and pre-fire engineering process.  CON Fire has approved the structure, which includes ladder truck access, engine access, water supply, and modern fire protection systems such as fire alarms and fire sprinklers.

Please feel free to contact me if I can clarify our capabilities.

Sincerely,

Aaron J. McAlister, Fire Chief, XCC Operational Area Coordinator, Contra Costa County Fire Prot. District

Con Fire Chief ltr to Brentwood PC 091526

Issue Part of Recall Effort Against Supervisor Burgis

The issue is part of an effort to recall District 3 County Supervisor Diane Burgis, which began earlier this year. The effort’s website claims, “The County advanced plans for the East County Community Service Center despite concerns that the proposed project did not comply with Brentwood’s city ordinances. Critics also objected to the County’s decision not to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Brentwood to ensure the project would be built in compliance with local ordinances. She used our tax dollars to go over budget by 25 million without any public notice.”

Then, in a blog post on that website which doesn’t identify the author, someone wrote, “The questions are how the project grew, what it costs, how the environmental review was handled and how much meaningful input Brentwood residents had before decisions were made,” and provides details for the complaints above, including traffic, plus, “impact on downtown Brentwood.”

Source: The Press

Media Survey Shows Majority Public Support for Project

A survey conducted by The Press beginning Aug 20, 2026, and Updated Aug 30, 2026, asked, “Are you excited for the East County Service Center to come to Brentwood? Earlier this year, the Board of Supervisors broke ground on the county-funded East County Service Center off of Technology Way in Brentwood. While the county has called the project one that will bring jobs to Brentwood and reduce travel time for local residents in need of county services, city leaders have been skeptical of it, citing concerns over traffic and other factors. Are you excited for the project to open in late 2027?”

The results show 56.8% responded “Yes”, 38.5% of respondents said, “No” and 4.7% were undecided.

The conclusion of the Brentwood City staff report to the Planning Commission on the item for Tuesday’s meeting agenda. Screenshot source: City of Brentwood

City Staff Says Project Can Proceed

Under the Environmental Determination for the agenda item, City staff wrote, “The City’s General Plan conformance review of the County’s acquisition of real property, as well as the location, purpose, and extent of the East County Service Center project, does not trigger review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as the review is advisory and nonbinding, and the City has no discretion in how the project is conducted. The request is only for review of the acquisition’s conformance to the General Plan, and regardless of the Planning Commission’s determination, the County can still proceed with the project as proposed.”

Meeting Details

The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. inside the City Council Chambers at 150 City Park Way and can also be viewed and the public can participate by making comments via Zoom.

To learn more about the East County Service Center project, visit www.contracosta.ca.gov/eastcountyservicecenter

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Walnut Creek company forms strategic partnership to advance technology-driven athlete development

By Publisher | September 14, 2026 | 0 Comments

Source: COPA Innovation Labs

COPA Innovation Laboratories, another Mark Hall venture, joins forces with Shoot 360

By COPA Innovation Laboratories

Walnut Creek, CA – Shoot 360, the leader in technology-powered basketball training, and COPA Innovation Laboratories, a sports innovation company operating at the intersection of athlete development, technology and human performance, today announced a strategic partnership designed to advance technology-driven athlete development and support the continued growth of both organizations.

As part of the partnership, COPA Innovation Laboratories, together with its investment subsidiary COPA Venture Capital, led a $7 million growth funding round in Shoot 360. The partnership of the two Walnut Creek-based companies brings together complementary expertise in sports technology, athlete assessment, performance analytics, franchising and business growth.

Founded in 2012 by Craig Moody, Shoot 360 combines immersive, technology-powered basketball training with performance-tracking software. The company has grown to more than 65 locations across the U.S. and internationally, including a location in Walnut Creek’s Shadelands, with a significant pipeline in development and partnerships with several NBA teams.

Source: Shoot 360

COPA Innovation Laboratories develops and operates a portfolio of sports, wellness and technology businesses, including COPA Soccer Training Centers, including a location in Walnut Creek at the Shadelands Sports Mall, and COPA Venture Capital. Its platforms combine objective athlete assessment, sports science, performance data, technology and real-world training environments to support athlete development.

“From day one, our mission has been to change the way kids and athletes experience the game. Shoot 360 makes training feel as engaging as the sports and video games they already love,” said Craig Moody, Founder and President of Shoot 360. “This investment gives us the resources to bring that experience to more communities, accelerate our technology, and give more athletes the ability to understand their progress in real time. COPA understands both the science of athlete development and the business of scaling it, making them an ideal partner for our next chapter.”

The COPA Soccer Training Center at the Shadelands Sports Mall in Walnut Creek. Photo source: CBC Steel Buildings.

“What makes this partnership exciting is the complementary expertise each organization brings,” said Mark Hall, CEO and Founder of COPA Innovation Laboratories. “COPA has invested heavily in athlete assessment, performance data, and development, while Shoot 360 has built an impressive technology platform and proven franchise model. By bringing those strengths together, we see an opportunity to accelerate innovation, strengthen both platforms, and ultimately create better experiences for athletes.”

As youth sports increasingly embrace technology-driven training and measurable athlete development, Shoot 360 and COPA Innovation Laboratories will explore collaboration across technology, athlete assessment, performance analytics, franchising, and business expansion, while leveraging COPA’s broader sports and real estate ecosystem, including with COPA affiliate, National SportsMall Realty, to support future growth.

About Shoot 360

Shoot 360 is the world’s premier high-tech basketball training, competition, and entertainment platform. Combining machine vision, real-time analytics, and immersive gamification, Shoot 360 transforms how players train, compete, and connect. With more than 65 franchise locations across North America, Europe, Asia, and a rapidly growing global presence, Shoot 360 is reimagining the future of the game. To learn more about Shoot 360, visit www.shoot360.com. To learn more about franchise opportunities, visit https://shoot360franchise.com/.

About COPA Innovation Laboratories

COPA Innovation Laboratories is a sports innovation company building, operating, and investing in businesses at the intersection of sports, technology, and human performance. Through its portfolio of companies, COPA Innovation Laboratories combines expertise in athlete assessment, performance data and analytics, sports technology, training, business development, and investment to create and scale innovative platforms that advance athlete development. COPA Innovation Laboratories is a business founded and owned by California based entrepreneur, Mark D. Hall, and is affiliated with other Hall owned business ventures including Hall Equities Group, ZMC Hotels, and National SportsMall Realty among others. To learn more, visit www.copainnovationlabs.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

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DUI Checkpoint in Brentwood Friday, Sept. 18

By Publisher | September 14, 2026 | 0 Comments

Photo source: Brentwood PD

First-time offenders face average of $13,500 in fines & penalties, and a suspended license

By Brentwood Police Department

The Brentwood Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Friday, September 18th from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. in Downtown Brentwood.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Brentwood PD reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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Pittsburg Police Officers Association raising funds for injured cop shot by detainee

By Publisher | September 14, 2026 | 0 Comments

Source: PORAC

By Allen D. Payton

In a post on the Pittsburg Police Officers Association Facebook page last week, they announced that a Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) Fund A Hero account has been established to raise funds to help one of their own who was shot inside the police station by a detainee earlier this month. (See related articles here and here)

Then, over the weekend on PORAC’s Facebook page it was also announced: “Pittsburg Police Officer Jimmy Sanchez was seriously injured in the line of duty on September 3. His courageous actions helped protect fellow officers and prevent further harm. Stand with Officer Sanchez and his family. Donate to his Fund A Hero here: https://porac.org/fundraiser/pittsburgpoa_officerjimmysanchez/ .”

More was shared both on that website and the Pittsburg POA’s Facebook page offering more details, most of which had previously been reported.

They wrote, “On Thursday, September 3, Officer Jimmy Sanchez of the Pittsburg Police Department was seriously injured in the line of duty while protecting others and carrying out his duties as a police officer.

“Jimmy is a four-and-a-half-year veteran of the Pittsburg Police Department who has dedicated himself to serving the community and helping those around him. During this tragic incident, Jimmy was violently attacked by an armed suspect inside the department’s booking facility.

“Jimmy had approached the suspect after he requested water and said he was not feeling well. In an act that reflects the compassion and professionalism he brings to his work, Jimmy was simply attempting to check on the suspect’s welfare when he was suddenly ambushed.

“The suspect attacked Jimmy, striking him repeatedly with a firearm before firing a single round. “Jimmy suffered serious gunshot injuries, including a wound to his lower abdomen below his body armor.

“Despite being brutally beaten and shot, Jimmy refused to give up.

“He continued fighting and played a critical role in preventing the suspect from firing additional rounds. Jimmy’s actions gave responding officers the precious time they needed to enter the booking facility, disarm the suspect, and bring the attack to an end.

“Jimmy’s courage and determination undoubtedly saved lives that day.

“He was transported for emergency medical care and underwent surgery for his injuries. He is now recovering with his family, friends, and his Pittsburg Police Department family by his side.

“While Jimmy focuses on healing, his family is facing the difficult reality of caring for a loved one recovering from a traumatic line-of-duty injury while also caring for their 10-month-old baby. The physical and emotional challenges of this recovery are significant, and the last thing Jimmy and his family should have to worry about is the financial burden that accompanies an unexpected injury like this.

“Your support will help provide Jimmy and his family with meals and other essential expenses while they navigate his recovery. Every contribution, regardless of size, is an opportunity to show Jimmy and his family that they are not alone.

“The Pittsburg community, Jimmy’s fellow officers, friends, and countless others have already surrounded him with an incredible outpouring of support.

“Now, we ask you to stand with Jimmy and his family as he continues to fight to recover.

“Thank you for supporting Officer Jimmy Sanchez, his family, and the Pittsburg Police Department during this incredibly difficult time. Your generosity, prayers, and encouragement mean more than words can express.”

———-

As of early Monday morning, Sept. 14th, a total of $10,975 had been raised.

According to the website, “100% of donation proceeds will go to the organizing PORAC Association to distribute to the individual and/or their family.”

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September is National Preparedness Month

By Publisher | September 13, 2026 | 0 Comments

This year’s theme: “Americans Stand Ready”

By Martinez Police Department

Emergencies can happen anytime, and being prepared ahead of time can make all the difference.

According to Ready.gov, an official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, “Each September, FEMA’s Ready Campaign celebrates National Preparedness Month…to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies. The month is a great time to take small steps to make a big difference in being prepared. This year’s theme is, “Americans Stand Ready.”

FEMA’s Ready Campaign educates and empowers Americans to take some simple steps to prepare for and respond to potential emergencies, including those from natural hazards and man-made disasters. Ready asks individuals to do three key things: get an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan, and be informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and appropriate responses. Everyone should have some basic supplies on hand in order to survive several days if an emergency occurs.

This list of emergency supply kit items is only a starting point. It is important that individuals review this list and consider the unique needs of their family, including pets, for items to include. Individuals should also consider having at least two emergency supply kits, one full kit at home and smaller portable kits in their workplace, vehicle or other places they spend time.

Take a few simple steps this month to help keep you and your family ready:

  • Know your risks
  • Make an emergency plan
  • Build a 72-hour kit (See FEMA’s Ready.gov Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit checklist)
  • Get involved in your community

About Martinez CERT

Organized under FEMA, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates residents about disaster preparedness and equips them with practical skills for handling emergencies in residential settings. The program’s training covers essential skills such as emergency first aid, fire suppression, basic search and rescue, radio usage, command structure

Trained CERT members are prepared to assist their families and neighbors during disasters when professional responders might be delayed. Developed originally by the Los Angeles City Fire Department, CERT became a national initiative in 1993. Today, with more than 3,200 local programs across all 50 states and over 600,000 trained individuals, CERT is an essential component to building a Culture of Preparedness in the United States.

Our partners with Martinez CERT play an important role in helping make our community stronger, safer, and more prepared. Whether it’s learning lifesaving skills, helping neighbors, or supporting first responders, CERT volunteers make a difference.

For more information visit Martinez Community Emergency Response Team.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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Two Discovery Bay boys die in fatal two-vehicle collision near Antioch, Brentwood city boundary early Sunday

By Publisher | September 13, 2026 | 0 Comments

Both were student-athletes at Liberty High in Brentwood, two others injured, including another Liberty student-athlete

UPDATES: No police chase prior to collision; third boy who survived, the driver from Brentwood, identified; online fundraisers for families of the two deceased and survivor’s recovery established

By Lt. Franco Cesar, Antioch Police Department

ANTIOCH, CA – The Antioch Police Department is deeply saddened to report a fatal traffic collision that occurred early Sunday morning, claiming two lives and leaving others injured.

On September 13, 2026, at 12:11 AM, APD Dispatch received a report of a major vehicle collision in the area of Deer Valley Road and Balfour Road. Officers arrived on scene at 12:21 AM and located two vehicles involved: a white BMW and a silver Infiniti.

Tragically, two occupants inside the Infiniti died at the scene. A third individual from the Infiniti sustained injuries and was promptly transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. The driver of the BMW also sustained injuries as a result of the collision.  According to Sgt. Rob Green the two deceased were 17-year-old males from Discovery Bay. According to a report by The Press, they were “Liberty High School student-athletes” and one of the injured was another current Liberty student and athlete from the school.

The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under active investigation by the Antioch Police Department Traffic Unit. Out of respect for the families and loved ones involved, law enforcement is working to confirm the identity of one victim and complete next-of-kin notifications before releasing additional information.

UPDATE 1 (9/14/26): One of the two boys has been identified by his mother.In posts on her Facebook page and the Instagram account for her photography business Monday morning, Sept. 14th, Stephanie Starkenberg-Ferrari shared her son’s name, Dominic Anthony Starkenberg Ferrari, and his birthdate, March 21, 2009, along with his photo.

The victims of the fatal collision were Dominic Anthony Starkenberg Ferrari (left) and Caden Kyle (right). Sources: (left) Facebook and (right) AngeLink

UPDATE 2 (9/15/26): The other boy was identified in an online fundraiser on AngeLink, as Caden Kyle. That was organized by Lynne Mile on behalf of Chris Kyle and Shannon Boyle. As of Tuesday afternoon, $32,244 of $35,000 Goal had been contributed. In addition, a GoFundMe account has been set up to benefit Starkenberg Ferrari’s family, listed as Stephanie, Gino and Sophia. As of Tuesday evening, $39,548 of the $47,000 goal had been raised.

UPDATE 3 (9/15/26): Not a Police Chase

To dispel one of the rumors on social media that a police chase had occurred prior to the collision, Sgt. Green said, “It was not a police chase. The BMW involved, did flee from East Bay Regional Park Police a week before the crash. But there is no indication the driver of the BMW was the one who fled. That car was entered as a felony vehicle on the CHP log. That’s how that rumor started.”

Asked about the driver of the other vehicle with the three boys inside he said, “Neither of the boys who died was the driver. The boy who survived was.”

“That is all we have right now. We are just determining if there was any negligence involved,” Green added.

The third Discovery Bay boy who survived has been identified as James Harper. He was the driver of the car in which his two friends were passengers. Photo: GoFundMe

UPDATE 4 (9/16/26): Third Boy Identified, Online Fundraiser for His Recovery Established

The third boy involved in the fatal collision early Sunday morning, the driver of the Infiniti, has been identified as James Harper. He is from Brentwood according to Sgt. Green. A GoFundMe account has been established by Mateo Morrison to raise funds to support Harper’s recovery. It reads in part, “James is a Liberty student who plays soccer and is active in the FFA” (Future Farmers of America) and “has a long road to recovery in front of him.” As of Wednesday evening, $16,029 of the $20,000 goal had been raised.

As investigators work to piece together the events leading up to the collision, the Antioch Police Department asks anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who has surveillance or dashcam footage from the area around the time of the crash, to please come forward. If you have any information, please contact Sgt. Green of the Traffic Unit at (925) 779-6864. Anonymous tips may also be submitted directly to the department. Case No.: 26-8743.

Please check back later for any additional updates to this report.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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State explains how to designate a building as an historic landmark

By Publisher | September 16, 2026 | 0 Comments

Photo sources: (left) Pinterest. (Right) El Campanil Theatre.

Takes 90 days to begin process

Local agencies, private groups and citizens can “identify, evaluate, register and protect California’s historical resources.”

By Allen D. Payton

In response to the sale of the historic El Campanil Theatre in Antioch’s downtown Rivertown, it was revealed that it is not yet designated an historic building by either the state or federal governments. Last year and earlier this year, District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson requested to be placed on a meeting agenda having the City look into how to preserve it as an historic site and members of the public have recently made the same request. (See related article, specifically the paragraphs below the sub-headline entitled, “One Councilmember Made Requests to Agendize Protection, But Not Purchase of El Campanil Theatre”).

A simple internet search produced the following: for state designation, the building must meet certain criteria, the owner must not object, the clerk of the local government agency must be notified 90 days prior to submitting the nomination package to the California Office of Historic Preservation – which can now be done electronically as of September 1, 2026; be recommended by the CA Historical Resources Commission; and be officially designated by the Director of California State Parks.

According to the California Historical Landmarks Registration page of the state Department of Parks and Recreation’s website, “California Historical Landmarks are sites, buildings, features, or events that are of statewide significance and have anthropological, cultural, military, political, architectural, economic, scientific or technical, religious, experimental, or other value. The specific standards now in use were first applied in the designation of Landmark # 770.  California Historical Landmarks #770 and above are automatically listed in the California Register of Historical Resources.

According to that page, “The State Historical Resources Commission has designed this program for use by state and local agencies, private groups and citizens to identify, evaluate, register and protect California’s historical resources.”

California Historical Landmarks (Landmarks) have statewide significance and California Points of Historical Interest (Points) are of local (city or county) significance.

To be designated as a California Historical Landmark, a resource must meet at least one of the criteria listed below; have the approval of the property owner(s); be recommended by the State Historical Resources Commission; and be officially designated by the Director of California State Parks.

If a site is primarily of local interest, it may meet the criteria for the California Points of Historical Interest Program.

Criteria for Designation

  • Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of California’s history and cultural heritage (Criterion 1).
  • Is associated with the lives of persons important in our past (Criterion 2).
  • Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction, or represents the work of an important creative individual, or possesses high artistic values (Criterion 3).
  • Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history (Criterion 4).

According to “the California Historical Building Code (CHBC), which is defined in Sections 18950 to 18961 of Division 13, Part 2.7 of Health and Safety Code (H&SC). The CHBC is intended to save California’s architectural heritage by recognizing the unique construction issues inherent in maintaining and adaptively reusing historic buildings. The CHBC provides alternative building regulations for permitting repairs, alterations and additions necessary for the preservation, rehabilitation, relocation, related construction, change of use, or continued use of a ‘qualified historical building or structure.’”

Furthermore, according to the Office of Historic Preservation,  “Section 18955 of the Health and Safety Code defines a ‘qualified historical building or structure’ as ‘any structure or property, collection of structures, and their associated sites deemed of importance to the history, architecture, or culture of an area by an appropriate local or state governmental jurisdiction. This shall include structures on existing or future national, state or local historical registers or official inventories, such as the National Register of Historic Places, State Historical Landmarks, State Points of Historical Interest, and city or county registers or inventories of historical or architecturally significant sites, places, historic districts, or landmarks. This shall also include places, locations, or sites identified on these historical registers or official inventories and deemed of importance to the history, architecture, or culture of an area by an appropriate local or state governmental jurisdiction.’”

The Technical Assistance Series #13 report by the California Office of Historic Preservation in the Department of Parks and Recreation, “describes the criteria and procedures for nominating a historical resource under two of the state registration programs: California Historical Landmarks (Landmarks), and California Points of Historical Interest (Points).”

STATE REGISTRATION

How to Nominate a Property as a California Historical Landmark or California Point of Historical Interest

  1. Download the Nomination Packet, including all appropriate DPR 523 forms. Only use the DPR 523 Forms that are applicable to the nominated resource (generally, one DPR 523A, one DPR 523B, and, if needed, the DPR 523L Continuation Sheet) If you need assistance, contact Registration Unit staff.
  2. Complete application, including all necessary supplemental forms, according to instructions. If you need assistance, contact Registration Unit staff. Note: Applicants are no longer required to submit 35mm slides as part of California Register nominations. You may follow the National Park Service Photo Policy for photos included with the DPR forms.
  3. Notify the clerk of the local government in whose jurisdiction the resource is located by certified mail that an application will be filed with the OHP and request that the local government provide written comments within 90 days. The notification must include a copy of the application.
  4. At the end of the 90 days, you may submit the completed application and any comments to the OHP.
  5. OHP staff will send notification to the property owner (if the applicant is not the property owner) and ensure that the nomination packet is complete. Please include the Property Owners Excel Template.

How to submit a Nomination to the OHP:

As of September 1, 2026, nominations and supporting documents can be submitted to the OHP electronically. The OHP will provide each applicant with a secure folder to upload the nomination and supporting documents.

To request a nomination folder:

  1. Email calshpo.registration@parks.ca.gov with the subject line “Request for nomination folder link.”
    • In the body of the email, include the
      • The name, address, city, and county of the property
      • Include the email addresses of applicants needing access to the folder.
  2. A hyperlink to the folder will be emailed back to the original sender.
  3. Upload a Complete Nomination Packet with the following documents:
  1. Cover letter identifying
  2. which registration program is being pursued,
  3. the property being nominated,
  4. all property owners and their complete contact information,
  5. the applicant and their complete contact information, and
  6. any person or organization on whose behalf the nomination is being submitted
  7. Excel spreadsheet with email and mailing addresses for all owners and applicants; and
  8. California Register of Historical Resources submittals include
    • Certified Mail receipt indicating that the nomination was submitted to the local jurisdiction 90 days prior to submittal to the OHP and any subsequent comment received,
    • Application cover letter, and
    • Completed DPR form(s) with maps and photographs

The OHP will contact the applicant if the documentation is not complete.

If the link to the upload folder does not work, email calshpo.registration@parks.ca.gov and a new link will be sent.

Alternatively, a USB drive with the above documentation may be sent to:

Office of Historic Preservation, ATTN: Registration, 1725 23rd Street, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95816

Owner Consent

Consent of owner is not required, but a resource cannot be listed over an owner’s objections. The CHRC can, however, formally determine a property eligible for the California Register if the resource owner objects.

Local Government Notification

Local government must be given 90 days in which to comment on the application before it is sent to OHP.

State Agency Assists Local Governments with Preservation Ordinances, More

According to the Mission and Responsibilities for the Office of Historic Preservation, “OHP works with California’s city and county governments to aid them in integrating historic preservation into the broader context of overall community planning and development activities by adopting a comprehensive approach to preservation planning which combines identification, evaluation, and registration of historical resources with strong local planning powers, economic incentives, and informed public participation.
“OHP provides guidance and technical assistance to city and county governments in the following areas:

  • Drafting or updating preservation plans and ordinances;
  • Planning for and conducting architectural, historical, and archeological surveys;
  • Developing criteria for local designation programs, historic districts, historic preservation overlay zones (HPOZs), and conservation districts;
  • Developing design guidelines using the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards;
  • Developing economic incentives for historic preservation; and
  • Training local commissions and review boards.

“OHP also administers the Certified Local Government (CLG) Program and distributes at least 10% of its annual federal Historic Preservation Fund allocation to CLGs through a competitive grant program to them in achieving their historic preservation goals.”

Federal Grants

“Through the Certified Local Government (CLG) Program, local governments receive federal grants to assist with historic preservation programs. A required minimum of ten percent of California’s yearly allocation of federal funds received through the Historic Preservation Fund Grants Program (HPF) make up the grants awarded annually to qualifying certified local governments.

The Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) awards the HPF monies to CLGs in a competitive process. Forms, instructions, and deadlines for active grant cycles are posted to this page during the application periods. To see a list of recent and past award recipients, visit our CLG Grant Awards page.”

NATIONAL REGISTRATION

To nominate a building for the National Register of Historic Places, see the Checklist for Submittal: National Register of Historic Places Nomination Packet and visit this webpage on the state’s Dep’t of Parks and Recreation website for National Register Forms and Related Publications.

 

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Danville man sentenced to 9 years in federal prison for Ponzi scheme that lasted over 25 years

By Publisher | September 16, 2026 | 0 Comments

Former East Bay financial advisor defrauded at least 93 victims

Faced faces up to 30 years in prison, $500K in fines

By U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California

OAKLAND – Edwin Emmett Lickiss, Jr., who pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering in connection with a decades-long Ponzi scheme, was sentenced today to nine years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Jon S. Tigar imposed the sentence.

As previously reported, Lickiss, 78, of Danville, California, admitted that he defrauded at least 93 victims of over $9.5 million from 1998 through September 2024. As part of the scheme, Lickiss said that he would invest victims’ money in exclusive, tax-free bonds that offered rates of return up to 30%. Lickiss also claimed that members of his own family had invested in the bonds, that he charged no investment fees because he had already profited so substantially, and that investors could redeem their money at any time.

In fact, the bonds did not exist. Lickiss funneled money from later victims to pay earlier investors, consistent with a Ponzi scheme. He also siphoned victim funds to pay personal expenses, including cash withdrawals, home renovations, travel, and payments on vehicles, mortgages, and personal credit cards.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) had issued an order barring Lickiss from engaging in any broker-related business from August 18, 2014, through December 17, 2014. Despite the order, Lickiss continued to fraudulently solicit and obtain investments from victims during that period.

According to the IRS, on July 21, 2025, “A federal grand jury indicted Edwin Emmett Lickiss Jr., on one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering in connection with an alleged $9.5 million investment fraud scheme. Despite the suspension and loss of his broker’s license, Lickiss allegedly continued to solicit and obtain investments from victim investors until around September 2024. Lickiss was a financial advisor based in Danville and Alamo, Calif., who owned and operated Foundation Financial Group, a firm that provided investment services to investors in the Northern District of California, Idaho, and throughout the United States.”

Lickiss was released pending the sentencing hearing. He faced a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the wire fraud count, and 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the money laundering count.

In addition, on July 21, 2025, the Securities Exchange Commission charged him with selling fraudulent promissory note investments to approximately 80 investors as part of a Ponzi scheme that lasted over 25 years. According to the SEC’s complaint, Lickiss fraudulently offered and sold to investors approximately $12.7 million in promissory notes, which purported to pay interest rates of between 9 and 32 percent per annum.

United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian, FBI Special Agent in Charge Scott Schelble, and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) San Francisco Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge David Lowe made the announcement. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has also filed a civil enforcement action against Lickiss in the Northern District of California.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Wolinsky of the Illicit Finance and Money Laundering Section, with the assistance of Lynette Dixon. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and IRS-CI. The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the Atlanta Regional Office of the SEC for its assistance in the investigation.

Further Information:

Case No. 4:25-CR-00202-JST

Electronic court filings and further procedural and docket information are available at https://ecf.cand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. Judges’ calendars with schedules for upcoming court hearings can be viewed on the court’s website at www.cand.uscourts.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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Kaiser Permanente NorCal is one of only two health care systems in nation to have all 3 health plans rated 5-stars, highest possible by NCQA

By Publisher | September 16, 2026 | 0 Comments

System’s Medicare, Medicaid and commercial health plans are also rated highest in CA for overall quality

Kaiser Permanente had more 5-star or 4.5-star plans than any other health care organization for 11th ratings cycle in a row

By Elissa Harrington, Sr. Media Relations & PR Rep and Kerri Leedy, Media and Public Relations Manager, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

OAKLAND, Calif., September 16, 2026 – Kaiser Permanente Northern California is one of only two health care systems in the nation to have its Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial health plans receive 5 out of 5 stars for overall quality, according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) 2026 Health Plan Ratings.

Only 18 plans in the nation, approximately 2%, received a 5-star rating. The only other health care system in the nation to have its Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial health plans receive 5 out of 5 stars was Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States.

NCQA also rates Kaiser Permanente Northern California health plans as best in California for overall treatment, prevention, and patient experience. No other health plan in Northern California received a 5-star rating.

Source: NCQA

“Kaiser Permanente Northern California continues to deliver high-value care that improves health care outcomes and betters the lives of our members and patients every day,” said Mike Bowers, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our health plans are continuously rated the highest because of our unwavering commitment to providing coordinated care and exceptional service.”

For 2026, NCQA rated nearly 1,000 plans – commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid – for quality and service nationwide. All of Kaiser Permanente’s commercial and Medicare plans received the highest rating, or were tied for the highest rating, in all the geographic regions we serve. Kaiser Permanente had more 5-star or 4.5-star plans than any other health care organization for the 11th ratings cycle in a row.

“This recognition reflects the dedication and clinical excellence of our physicians, nurses, and care teams, who consistently deliver the highest-quality care to our patients and the communities we serve,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “Kaiser Permanente Northern California is proud to be one of only two health care systems in the nation, alongside Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States, to have its Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial health plans all receive NCQA’s highest rating.”

NCQA is a national, private not-for-profit organization that surveys health plans for performance in a wide range of clinical service measures including consumer experience, prevention, population health and treatment.

Source: NCQA

NCQA primarily used the 2025 Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set, or HEDIS®, to establish its ratings. HEDIS is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care.

The 2026 ratings and methodology are posted on the NCQA’s website at https://reportcards.ncqa.org/health-plans. See Kaiser Permanente Northern California ratings at Health Plans – NCQA.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.9 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.

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2026 Delta Heritage Forum in Brentwood Nov. 5

By Publisher | September 16, 2026 | 0 Comments

Theme: “Delta as Culinary Journey”

Presented by Delta Protection Commission

Sponsored by the Contra Costa County Historical Society

By Kira O’Donnell, National Heritage Area Information Officer, Delta Protection Commission – a California state agency

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (September 16, 2026) – The California Delta’s culinary riches will be celebrated this fall.

On November 5, the annual Delta Heritage Forum presents “Delta as Culinary Journey,” a full-day event presenting a kaleidoscope of food-related cultural stories centered in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, both historic and modern.

The Forum is an event dedicated to celebrating Delta stories, nurturing collaboration, and inspiring new thinking and initiatives in the Delta heritage community. This year the Forum is sponsored by the Contra Costa County Historical Society.

This will be the first time the event focuses on food-centric pioneering innovations and multicultural contributions, as well as the agricultural bounty of the region.

Darrell Corti, president of Corti Brothers in Sacramento, will deliver the opening talk: “Delta as Food Source and Inspiration.”

Other notable speakers include Austin Stevenot, a Northern Sierra Mewuk cultural practitioner who will discuss the foodways of the Original People who flourished in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta; and Dr. Karen Leonard of UC Irvine, who will present the history and food traditions of the Punjabi-Mexican community, a unique cultural fusion of early 20th-century immigrants in California’s Delta and Central Valley regions.

The Forum runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center. Participants will be well-fed – the event includes morning coffee and pastries, a full lunch and a vintage cake tasting.

Opening and Welcome: Diane Burgis, Chair, Delta Protection Commission

Delta as Food Source and Inspiration: Darrell Corti, President, Corti Brothers

Foodways of the Delta’s Original Inhabitants

Austin Stevenot is a Northern Sierra Mewuk cultural practitioner, enrolled member of the California Valley Miwok Tribe, and Director of Tribal Engagement for River Partners. He discusses the foodways of the Original People who flourished in the California Delta.

Rich Collins – California Endive, Rio Vista

A pioneer in Belgian-style endive production in the Delta, Rich Collins defied the skeptics who claimed this European vegetable couldn’t be successfully farmed in the United States.

Ken Beer – President and owner of The Fishery, Galt

In partnership with Dr. Serge Doroshov, known as the “father of sturgeon aquaculture,” Ken Beer pioneered commercial sturgeon and caviar production in the Delta region.

Family Farming in the Delta – Looking Back, Looking Forward

Steve Heringer is a fifth-generation Delta farmer. Since 1868, the Heringer family has grown pears, row crops such as corn, sugar beets, tomatoes, and more recently, wine grapes. Mr. Heringer speaks of the past, present and future of family farming in the Delta from a multi-generational perspective.

Roti Quesadilla? Punjabi-Mexican Culture in the Delta

  • Dr. Karen Leonard of UC Irvine discusses the historic Punjabi-Mexican American community, a unique cultural (and culinary) fusion of early 20th-century immigrants in California’s Delta and Central Valley regions.
  • Local culinary arts educator Nena Rasul describes the Punjabi/Mexican food traditions of her family.

Sweet Success + a Vintage Cake Tasting

Barbara Pagni Denton, author of the memoir/cookbook shares a vivid narrative of Crockett, a C&H Sugar company town, as it evolved in the 20th century.

  • A collection of vintage cakes, whose recipes are shared in Denton’s book, will be served.

The History of Locke’s Chinese Demonstration Garden

Stuart Walthall, Chair of the Locke Foundation, discusses the profound role the community garden played in the life of Locke’s Chinese residents. He describes the legacy town’s present-day demonstration garden, which showcases vegetables, fruits and herbs grown by the original Chinese residents of Locke.

Closing remarks: Elizabeth Patterson, Chair, National Heritage Area Advisory Committee

The full event schedule is here and the speaker bios are here.

Tickets are $55 (plus an Eventbrite fee) and are available here. Tickets cover all food costs and seating is limited.

For more information about the Delta Heritage Forum or the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area, contact Kira O’Donnell, NHA information officer, kira.odonnell@delta.ca.gov, (530) 650-6362.

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Brentwood Planning Commission symbolically opposing but can’t stop under construction East County Service Center

By Publisher | September 14, 2026 | 0 Comments

The East County Service Center under construction in a photo taken Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, at 3:44 PM. Source CC County

18 and 20 years after six votes of approval by council, commission

Contra Costa administrator’s office, fire chief oppose resolution of non-compliance on Tuesday’s agenda

“The proposed resolution relies on factual inaccuracies and faulty analysis in determining that the project is inconsistent with the five identified policies.” – Eric Angstadt, Chief Assistant County Administrator

“…regardless of the Planning Commission’s determination, the County can still proceed with the project as proposed.” – Brentwood City staff report for agenda item

By Allen D. Payton

The long-planned and approved East County Service Center (ECSC) in Brentwood is the first of three regional service centers to be constructed as directed in the County’s Capital Facilities Master Plan, which was adopted by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors in September 2022. Yet, although it received six votes of approval by the Commission and City Council in 2006 and 2008 and has been under construction since spring, the Brentwood Planning Commission is set to vote on a resolution Tuesday night that claims “the project…does not substantially conform to the General Plan.”

But their own City staff says the project “can still proceed…as proposed.”

Item F.1. on the Commission’s agenda reads, “General Plan conformance review for the East County Service Center project, including Contra Costa County’s recent acquisition of a 5.06-acre parcel to include within the scope of the project, located south of Technology Way and west of Brentwood Boulevard. Title/Recommendation Adopt Resolution No. 26-013 finding the East County Service Center project, including Contra Costa County’s recent acquisition of a 5.06-acre parcel to include within the scope of the project, does not substantially conform to the General Plan.”

That is a result of the Commission’s vote during their meeting on Aug. 18, 2026. Even though, “Staff brought this item forward to the Planning Commission…with a recommendation to adopt a resolution determining that the East County Service Center project conforms to the General Plan,” based on six previous votes of the Commission and Brentwood City Council, the Commission instead directed staff to bring back the item to do just the opposite. Yet, the commissioners understood their vote to be “largely symbolic”.

According to the minutes of that meeting on a motion by Vice Chairperson Rod Flohr and seconded by Commissioner Jeremy Jones, the Commission voted 4-1 to direct staff to bring back a resolution finding that the East County Service Center project does not substantially conform to the General Plan or the Brentwood Boulevard Specific Plan, including inconsistencies related to circulation, land use, and noise.” Flohr and Jones were joined by Chairperson Kristopher Brand, who is a candidate in this year’s District 2 Council race, and Commissioner Anita Roberts. Only Commissioner Gerald Johnson, a 2024 candidate for mayor and former Brentwood Chamber of Commerce president, voted against the motion.

An aerial rendering of the East County Service Center. Source: CC County

Zoning

According to the City staff report for Tuesday’s agenda item (see page 23), the seven parcels owned by the County are designated BP (Business Park) and BBSP (Mixed-Use COIR) in the City’s General Plan. They are zoned Zoning – PD-42 (Subarea F) and BBSP (Mixed-Use COIR) and the Surrounding Land Sses are North – Technology Way, across which is a shell light industrial building under construction and two vacant parcels East – Jack in the Box and Brentwood Boulevard, across which is the Sunset Plaza commercial development South – vacant parcel currently included in pending residential development application known as Emblem West – Business Center Drive, across which is the Coppergate townhomes and The Silvergate apartments.

Votes of Approval

Also, according to the staff report, there have been six votes of approval including four by the Commission and two by the Council, “since 2006, as follows:

  • On February 21, 2006, the Planning Commission approved Design Review No. 05-15 and Minor Subdivision No. 351-06 for two shell commercial condominium buildings to be located on the six parcels along Technology Way;
  • On March 28, 2006, the City Council approved Rezone No. 05-12 establishing development standards for the six parcels along Technology Way;
  • On March 18, 2008, the Planning Commission approved one-year time extensions for Design Review No. 05-15 and Minor Subdivision No. 351-06;
  • On May 19, 2009, the Planning Commission approved a two-year time extension for Design Review No. 05-15 and a one-year time extension for Minor Subdivision No. 351-06;
  • On December 21, 2010, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 10 064 confirming that Contra Costa County’s acquisition of six parcels located along Technology Way for the future development of the “East County Government Center” project conformed to the General Plan; and
  • On March 27, 2012, the City Council adopted the Brentwood Boulevard Specific Plan, which incorporated the parcel with frontage along Brentwood Boulevard Specific Plan.

Claims of Non-Conformance

But the four commissioners claimed, “the project did not conform to the General Plan for the following reasons:

  • Inconsistency with Action LU 3b: “Concentrate major office uses along State Route 4 near the Lone Tree Way, Balfour Road, and Marsh Creek Road interchanges.” The project would be a regional facility and a major office use that should be near State Route 4.
  • Inconsistency with Policy SA 3-5, which requires the City to ensure that all areas are accessible to emergency response providers. The building is proposed to be 50 feet tall and there is inadequate evidence in the record to demonstrate appropriate fire apparatus availability.
  • Inconsistency with Policy LU I-4, which requires new development to occur in a logical and orderly manner focusing growth on infill locations. This project proposes a regional facility in mostly undeveloped area.
  • Inconsistency with Policy LU 1-5, which encourages new development to be contiguous to existing development. This project proposes a regional facility in a mostly undeveloped area.
  • Inconsistency with Policy LU 3-5, which requires the City to actively promote the Brentwood Boulevard Specific Plan. The Brentwood Boulevard Specific Plan’s COIR zoning designation assumes that 70% of the area will be High Density Residential uses, and this project does not propose any residential uses.

Rendering source: CC County

Background

It’s been 15 years in the process since the Board of Supervisors approved purchasing the 2.83-acre site along Technology Way for $1.3 million in January 2011. The County bought the two parcels where the building is under construction, when barely anything else was nearby, other than Los Medanos College was leasing a building there, near their former Technology Center on Sand Creek Road, which is why it was called Technology Way. It was also purchased before the Highway 4 bypass/extension was built between Lone Tree Way and Balfour Road.

The County bought the third parcel within the last year to allow for sufficient parking. Then the County added a third story which increased the costs but the cost per square foot decreased.

According to the project website, “The planned three-story, 117,000 square foot building, estimated to cost $155 million, will house up to 440 employees, bringing equitable access to essential services closer to the residents of East County. It will house nine County departments: Employment and Human Services, Health Services, Veterans Services, Clerk-Records Elections, Public Defender, District Attorney, Probation, Board of Supervisors, District III Office and Department of Information Technology.”

The County’s plans conform with the City’s General Plan. But the Planning Commission requested for it to come back even though it’s already under construction, with the walls having been erected and the second floor going up.

Construction on the building started in spring after the Phase 2 construction contract was awarded to Webcor on March 3, and the County officially broke ground on the site on March 31. It’s supposed to be completed by December 2027. According to the County’s Public Works Department in a post on their Facebook page last week, “Progress continues on the East County Service Center (ECSC) in Brentwood. This three-story, 117,000-square-foot facility will house multiple County departments providing services for East County residents.” The project’s webpage provides a current schedule of Construction Activities between Aug. 24 and Oct. 2.

County Responds Prior to Planning Commission Meeting

Ahead of Tuesday’s meeting, the County’s PIO, Kristi Jourdan wrote, “County planning staff, and previously Brentwood’s own planning staff, have already determined the project aligns with the City’s General Plan. The resolution being considered is based on several factual inaccuracies and misinterpretations of both planning practice and case law. Confire has also confirmed that emergency access to the building is fully supported.”

She also shared copies of an email dated Friday, Sept. 11 from Con Fire Chief Aaron McAlister to Chief Assistant County Administrator Eric Angstadt and a letter dated today, Monday, Sept. 14, from Angstadt to the Brentwood Planning Commission.

County Letter to Commission Claims Resolution Based on “Factual Inaccuracies…Faulty Analysis”

September 14, 2026

To the Brentwood City Planning Commission:

“The Planning Commission will consider, at its September 15, 2026 meeting, proposed Resolution No. 26-013 regarding the general plan conformity of the East County Service Center.  The Planning Commission should reject the proposed resolution.  Proposed Resolution No. 26-013 is factually incorrect, ignores relevant case law regarding general plan conformity, and, if adopted by the Planning Commission, would represent a failure of their duty to render unbiased opinions based on the City of Brentwood’s adopted plans and ordinances.

“In California, common professional planning practice supports, and relevant case law has repeatedly held, that a project need not be consistent with all General Plan policies to be considered in conformity with the General Plan.  A project conforms to the general plan “if, considering all its aspects, it will further the objectives and policies of the general plan and not obstruct their attainment.”  (Napa Citizens for Honest Government v. Napa County Bd. of Supervisors (2001) 91 Cal. App. 4th 342, 378.)  “A given project need not be in perfect conformity with each and every general plan policy.”  (Id.)  “The question is not whether there is a direct conflict between some mandatory provision of a general plan and some aspect of a project, but whether the project is compatible with, and does not frustrate, the general plan’s goals and policies.”  (Id.)

“In this instance, the professional planning staff of the City of Brentwood has twice found that development of the East County Service Center at its proposed location conforms with the City’s General Plan.  First, on December 21, 2010, City planning staff recommended and this same Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 10-064, determining that the County’s purchase of the original 6 parcels composing the project site for the stated purpose of developing an East County government center conforms with the City’s General Plan.  Second, on August 18, 2026, City planning staff again recommended a resolution determining that the proposed project conforms with the City’s General Plan.  The Planning Commission instead now considers a resolution of non-conformity based on their contention that the project is inconsistent with five policies, out of at least 365 polices maintained in the General Plan.  Even assuming that the project is inconsistent with the five identified policies, which the County disputes as detailed below, this represents only 1.37% of the General Plan policies.  The proposed determination of general plan non-conformity is contrived, inconsistent with professional planning practice and case law, and not supported by past City actions or evidence in the record.

“The proposed resolution relies on factual inaccuracies and faulty analysis in determining that the project is inconsistent with the five identified policies.

  1. Action LU 3b – Concentrate major office uses along State Route 4.

The proposed project does not frustrate this policy.  Developing the project at its proposed location does not prevent, or even hinder, the City from concentrating major offices near State Route 4.  For major office uses actually under the City’s jurisdictional purview, the City is free to incentivize, authorize, prohibit, or take any other action within its land use authority to effectuate this policy.  Moreover, other elements of the General Plan, including the Brentwood Boulevard Specific Plan designation of COIR which applies to the project site, explicitly permit the proposed office use.

  1. Policy SA 3-5 – Ensure all areas are accessible to emergency response providers.

The proposed resolution relies on a contrived rationale to question whether appropriate fire apparatus is available to serve the project.  The attached email from ConFire Chief Aaron McAlister confirms that a ladder truck is stationed at Fire station 92, 201 John Muir Parkway, that is capable of reaching all floors of the proposed building.  This project, as with all County building projects, are reviewed and approved by ConFire to ensure that appropriate fire protection facilities, apparatus, and personnel are available to serve the proposed building before construction begins.  Finally, as the Planning Commission is aware, ConFire has made a concerted effort to expand the fire facility network in East County and has several pending fire station projects in Brentwood.  Any actual concerns that the Planning Commission may have with respect to fire protection readiness in Brentwood can be addressed through the prompt and collaborative processing of those projects.

  1. Policy LU I-4 – New development to occur in logical and orderly manner focusing on infill locations.

The proposed resolution relies on a factual inaccuracy that the project site is “in a mostly undeveloped area.”  The project is located on an undeveloped PARCEL surrounded on three contiguous sides by development, including housing to the west and commercial developments to the north and east.  Only the parcel to the south of the project site is undeveloped, but, as the City is aware, that parcel is currently in option for housing development.

  1. Policy LU 1-5 – Encourage new development to be contiguous to existing development.

Again, the proposed resolution relies on a factual inaccuracy that the project location is “in a mostly undeveloped area.”  As described above, the project site is contiguous on three sides with existing development.  Moreover, within 450 feet to the north of the project site is an existing approximately 38,000 square foot office building, and within 700 feet is a nine-building office complex totaling around 140,000 square feet of office use.  Not only is the site contiguous with existing development, but it is also proximate to other major office developments.

  1. Policy LU 3-5 – Actively promote the Brentwood Boulevard Specific Plan.

The proposed resolution misapplies the Brentwood Boulevard Specific Plan’s (BBSP) COIR designation by stating that it “assumes that 70% of the area will be High Density Residential uses, and this project does not propose any residential uses.”  This point is developed from the misreading of a footnote buried in a table on page 89 in the appendix of the BBSP.  That language does not appear in the text of BBSP at all and would not be considered a policy statement or action item.  Nevertheless, even if applicable, the language does not mean that the project is inconsistent with the BBSP.  The COIR district includes 108 acres.  The project site is 5 acres, or 4.63% of the COIR acreage, and does not prevent development of High Density Residential uses as assumed in the BBSP.  And, as discussed above, the BBSP COIR designation explicitly permits the proposed office use.

In conclusion, as has been extensively documented and detailed, the proposed resolution is contrary to the facts and contrary to the law.  I encourage any planning commissioner with questions or who are unclear on the details provided in this letter to contact me prior to taking action to approve the resolution on the Planning Commission’s agenda.

Sincerely,

Eric Angstadt, Chief Assistant County Administrator, Contra Costa County

Cc: Supervisor Diane Burgis, District 3, Monica Nino, County Administrator

Contra Costa Letter to Brentwood PC 091526 mtg

Rendering source: CC County

Fire Chief’s Email Assures Assistant County AdministratorService Can Be Provided to New Building

In an email last Friday, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Chief Aaron McAlister informed Angstadt that the District “reviewed the East County Service Center” and “has approved the structure.”

From: Aaron McAlister
Sent: Friday, September 11, 2026 1:30 PM
To: Eric Angstadt
Cc: TDutt; Nichols Sam (both of Con Fire)
Subject: East County Service Center

Dear Mr. Angstadt,

Regarding CONFIRE capabilities in East Contra Costa County, the Fire District deploys various units, including engines, ladder trucks, water tenders, wildland engines, and rescue units.  Following the annexation of East Contra Costa Fire, which became effective July 1, 2023, Contra Costa Fire implemented several enhancements.  First, paramedic service was introduced.  Initially, in a rolling implementation, within 6 months, all units in Brentwood, Oakley, and Discovery Bay had a paramedic and Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipment.  In April 2024, CON Fire deployed Truck 92 as a second resource, joining Engine 92, to Fire Station 92 at 201 John Muir Parkway, which is Brentwood’s only operating fire station today.  Before April 2024, Oakey and Brentwood had no ladder truck service, and those communities depended on mutual aid from Antioch.

Truck 92 in Brentwood is a 102-foot tractor-drawn aerial ladder used for rescue at multi-story buildings.  It is also equipped with an aerial water way for firefighting operations from the ladder and a full complement of EMS gear, rope rescue, ventilation equipment, and extrication equipment.  CON Fire ladder trucks are staffed with 4 personnel: a Captain, an Engineer, and two firefighters.  One of those four members is a paramedic.  A schematic drawing of our ladder truck is attached.

Fire Station 92 is 3.5 miles from the East County Service Center.  When Fire Station 90 is constructed and Lone Tree and Shady Willow, the Fire District intention is to relocate truck 92 to this new station when it will become truck 90.  Future Station 90 is 2.7 miles from the East County Service Center.  When Station 94 opens in January 2027, Station 94 will be located 1.0 mile from the East County Service Center.

CON Fire reviewed the East County Service Center under our normal plan review, development, and pre-fire engineering process.  CON Fire has approved the structure, which includes ladder truck access, engine access, water supply, and modern fire protection systems such as fire alarms and fire sprinklers.

Please feel free to contact me if I can clarify our capabilities.

Sincerely,

Aaron J. McAlister, Fire Chief, XCC Operational Area Coordinator, Contra Costa County Fire Prot. District

Con Fire Chief ltr to Brentwood PC 091526

Issue Part of Recall Effort Against Supervisor Burgis

The issue is part of an effort to recall District 3 County Supervisor Diane Burgis, which began earlier this year. The effort’s website claims, “The County advanced plans for the East County Community Service Center despite concerns that the proposed project did not comply with Brentwood’s city ordinances. Critics also objected to the County’s decision not to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Brentwood to ensure the project would be built in compliance with local ordinances. She used our tax dollars to go over budget by 25 million without any public notice.”

Then, in a blog post on that website which doesn’t identify the author, someone wrote, “The questions are how the project grew, what it costs, how the environmental review was handled and how much meaningful input Brentwood residents had before decisions were made,” and provides details for the complaints above, including traffic, plus, “impact on downtown Brentwood.”

Source: The Press

Media Survey Shows Majority Public Support for Project

A survey conducted by The Press beginning Aug 20, 2026, and Updated Aug 30, 2026, asked, “Are you excited for the East County Service Center to come to Brentwood? Earlier this year, the Board of Supervisors broke ground on the county-funded East County Service Center off of Technology Way in Brentwood. While the county has called the project one that will bring jobs to Brentwood and reduce travel time for local residents in need of county services, city leaders have been skeptical of it, citing concerns over traffic and other factors. Are you excited for the project to open in late 2027?”

The results show 56.8% responded “Yes”, 38.5% of respondents said, “No” and 4.7% were undecided.

The conclusion of the Brentwood City staff report to the Planning Commission on the item for Tuesday’s meeting agenda. Screenshot source: City of Brentwood

City Staff Says Project Can Proceed

Under the Environmental Determination for the agenda item, City staff wrote, “The City’s General Plan conformance review of the County’s acquisition of real property, as well as the location, purpose, and extent of the East County Service Center project, does not trigger review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as the review is advisory and nonbinding, and the City has no discretion in how the project is conducted. The request is only for review of the acquisition’s conformance to the General Plan, and regardless of the Planning Commission’s determination, the County can still proceed with the project as proposed.”

Meeting Details

The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. inside the City Council Chambers at 150 City Park Way and can also be viewed and the public can participate by making comments via Zoom.

To learn more about the East County Service Center project, visit www.contracosta.ca.gov/eastcountyservicecenter

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Walnut Creek company forms strategic partnership to advance technology-driven athlete development

By Publisher | September 14, 2026 | 0 Comments

Source: COPA Innovation Labs

COPA Innovation Laboratories, another Mark Hall venture, joins forces with Shoot 360

By COPA Innovation Laboratories

Walnut Creek, CA – Shoot 360, the leader in technology-powered basketball training, and COPA Innovation Laboratories, a sports innovation company operating at the intersection of athlete development, technology and human performance, today announced a strategic partnership designed to advance technology-driven athlete development and support the continued growth of both organizations.

As part of the partnership, COPA Innovation Laboratories, together with its investment subsidiary COPA Venture Capital, led a $7 million growth funding round in Shoot 360. The partnership of the two Walnut Creek-based companies brings together complementary expertise in sports technology, athlete assessment, performance analytics, franchising and business growth.

Founded in 2012 by Craig Moody, Shoot 360 combines immersive, technology-powered basketball training with performance-tracking software. The company has grown to more than 65 locations across the U.S. and internationally, including a location in Walnut Creek’s Shadelands, with a significant pipeline in development and partnerships with several NBA teams.

Source: Shoot 360

COPA Innovation Laboratories develops and operates a portfolio of sports, wellness and technology businesses, including COPA Soccer Training Centers, including a location in Walnut Creek at the Shadelands Sports Mall, and COPA Venture Capital. Its platforms combine objective athlete assessment, sports science, performance data, technology and real-world training environments to support athlete development.

“From day one, our mission has been to change the way kids and athletes experience the game. Shoot 360 makes training feel as engaging as the sports and video games they already love,” said Craig Moody, Founder and President of Shoot 360. “This investment gives us the resources to bring that experience to more communities, accelerate our technology, and give more athletes the ability to understand their progress in real time. COPA understands both the science of athlete development and the business of scaling it, making them an ideal partner for our next chapter.”

The COPA Soccer Training Center at the Shadelands Sports Mall in Walnut Creek. Photo source: CBC Steel Buildings.

“What makes this partnership exciting is the complementary expertise each organization brings,” said Mark Hall, CEO and Founder of COPA Innovation Laboratories. “COPA has invested heavily in athlete assessment, performance data, and development, while Shoot 360 has built an impressive technology platform and proven franchise model. By bringing those strengths together, we see an opportunity to accelerate innovation, strengthen both platforms, and ultimately create better experiences for athletes.”

As youth sports increasingly embrace technology-driven training and measurable athlete development, Shoot 360 and COPA Innovation Laboratories will explore collaboration across technology, athlete assessment, performance analytics, franchising, and business expansion, while leveraging COPA’s broader sports and real estate ecosystem, including with COPA affiliate, National SportsMall Realty, to support future growth.

About Shoot 360

Shoot 360 is the world’s premier high-tech basketball training, competition, and entertainment platform. Combining machine vision, real-time analytics, and immersive gamification, Shoot 360 transforms how players train, compete, and connect. With more than 65 franchise locations across North America, Europe, Asia, and a rapidly growing global presence, Shoot 360 is reimagining the future of the game. To learn more about Shoot 360, visit www.shoot360.com. To learn more about franchise opportunities, visit https://shoot360franchise.com/.

About COPA Innovation Laboratories

COPA Innovation Laboratories is a sports innovation company building, operating, and investing in businesses at the intersection of sports, technology, and human performance. Through its portfolio of companies, COPA Innovation Laboratories combines expertise in athlete assessment, performance data and analytics, sports technology, training, business development, and investment to create and scale innovative platforms that advance athlete development. COPA Innovation Laboratories is a business founded and owned by California based entrepreneur, Mark D. Hall, and is affiliated with other Hall owned business ventures including Hall Equities Group, ZMC Hotels, and National SportsMall Realty among others. To learn more, visit www.copainnovationlabs.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

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DUI Checkpoint in Brentwood Friday, Sept. 18

By Publisher | September 14, 2026 | 0 Comments

Photo source: Brentwood PD

First-time offenders face average of $13,500 in fines & penalties, and a suspended license

By Brentwood Police Department

The Brentwood Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Friday, September 18th from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. in Downtown Brentwood.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Brentwood PD reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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Pittsburg Police Officers Association raising funds for injured cop shot by detainee

By Publisher | September 14, 2026 | 0 Comments

Source: PORAC

By Allen D. Payton

In a post on the Pittsburg Police Officers Association Facebook page last week, they announced that a Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) Fund A Hero account has been established to raise funds to help one of their own who was shot inside the police station by a detainee earlier this month. (See related articles here and here)

Then, over the weekend on PORAC’s Facebook page it was also announced: “Pittsburg Police Officer Jimmy Sanchez was seriously injured in the line of duty on September 3. His courageous actions helped protect fellow officers and prevent further harm. Stand with Officer Sanchez and his family. Donate to his Fund A Hero here: https://porac.org/fundraiser/pittsburgpoa_officerjimmysanchez/ .”

More was shared both on that website and the Pittsburg POA’s Facebook page offering more details, most of which had previously been reported.

They wrote, “On Thursday, September 3, Officer Jimmy Sanchez of the Pittsburg Police Department was seriously injured in the line of duty while protecting others and carrying out his duties as a police officer.

“Jimmy is a four-and-a-half-year veteran of the Pittsburg Police Department who has dedicated himself to serving the community and helping those around him. During this tragic incident, Jimmy was violently attacked by an armed suspect inside the department’s booking facility.

“Jimmy had approached the suspect after he requested water and said he was not feeling well. In an act that reflects the compassion and professionalism he brings to his work, Jimmy was simply attempting to check on the suspect’s welfare when he was suddenly ambushed.

“The suspect attacked Jimmy, striking him repeatedly with a firearm before firing a single round. “Jimmy suffered serious gunshot injuries, including a wound to his lower abdomen below his body armor.

“Despite being brutally beaten and shot, Jimmy refused to give up.

“He continued fighting and played a critical role in preventing the suspect from firing additional rounds. Jimmy’s actions gave responding officers the precious time they needed to enter the booking facility, disarm the suspect, and bring the attack to an end.

“Jimmy’s courage and determination undoubtedly saved lives that day.

“He was transported for emergency medical care and underwent surgery for his injuries. He is now recovering with his family, friends, and his Pittsburg Police Department family by his side.

“While Jimmy focuses on healing, his family is facing the difficult reality of caring for a loved one recovering from a traumatic line-of-duty injury while also caring for their 10-month-old baby. The physical and emotional challenges of this recovery are significant, and the last thing Jimmy and his family should have to worry about is the financial burden that accompanies an unexpected injury like this.

“Your support will help provide Jimmy and his family with meals and other essential expenses while they navigate his recovery. Every contribution, regardless of size, is an opportunity to show Jimmy and his family that they are not alone.

“The Pittsburg community, Jimmy’s fellow officers, friends, and countless others have already surrounded him with an incredible outpouring of support.

“Now, we ask you to stand with Jimmy and his family as he continues to fight to recover.

“Thank you for supporting Officer Jimmy Sanchez, his family, and the Pittsburg Police Department during this incredibly difficult time. Your generosity, prayers, and encouragement mean more than words can express.”

———-

As of early Monday morning, Sept. 14th, a total of $10,975 had been raised.

According to the website, “100% of donation proceeds will go to the organizing PORAC Association to distribute to the individual and/or their family.”

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September is National Preparedness Month

By Publisher | September 13, 2026 | 0 Comments

This year’s theme: “Americans Stand Ready”

By Martinez Police Department

Emergencies can happen anytime, and being prepared ahead of time can make all the difference.

According to Ready.gov, an official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, “Each September, FEMA’s Ready Campaign celebrates National Preparedness Month…to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies. The month is a great time to take small steps to make a big difference in being prepared. This year’s theme is, “Americans Stand Ready.”

FEMA’s Ready Campaign educates and empowers Americans to take some simple steps to prepare for and respond to potential emergencies, including those from natural hazards and man-made disasters. Ready asks individuals to do three key things: get an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan, and be informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and appropriate responses. Everyone should have some basic supplies on hand in order to survive several days if an emergency occurs.

This list of emergency supply kit items is only a starting point. It is important that individuals review this list and consider the unique needs of their family, including pets, for items to include. Individuals should also consider having at least two emergency supply kits, one full kit at home and smaller portable kits in their workplace, vehicle or other places they spend time.

Take a few simple steps this month to help keep you and your family ready:

  • Know your risks
  • Make an emergency plan
  • Build a 72-hour kit (See FEMA’s Ready.gov Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit checklist)
  • Get involved in your community

About Martinez CERT

Organized under FEMA, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates residents about disaster preparedness and equips them with practical skills for handling emergencies in residential settings. The program’s training covers essential skills such as emergency first aid, fire suppression, basic search and rescue, radio usage, command structure

Trained CERT members are prepared to assist their families and neighbors during disasters when professional responders might be delayed. Developed originally by the Los Angeles City Fire Department, CERT became a national initiative in 1993. Today, with more than 3,200 local programs across all 50 states and over 600,000 trained individuals, CERT is an essential component to building a Culture of Preparedness in the United States.

Our partners with Martinez CERT play an important role in helping make our community stronger, safer, and more prepared. Whether it’s learning lifesaving skills, helping neighbors, or supporting first responders, CERT volunteers make a difference.

For more information visit Martinez Community Emergency Response Team.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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Two Discovery Bay boys die in fatal two-vehicle collision near Antioch, Brentwood city boundary early Sunday

By Publisher | September 13, 2026 | 0 Comments

Both were student-athletes at Liberty High in Brentwood, two others injured, including another Liberty student-athlete

UPDATES: No police chase prior to collision; third boy who survived, the driver from Brentwood, identified; online fundraisers for families of the two deceased and survivor’s recovery established

By Lt. Franco Cesar, Antioch Police Department

ANTIOCH, CA – The Antioch Police Department is deeply saddened to report a fatal traffic collision that occurred early Sunday morning, claiming two lives and leaving others injured.

On September 13, 2026, at 12:11 AM, APD Dispatch received a report of a major vehicle collision in the area of Deer Valley Road and Balfour Road. Officers arrived on scene at 12:21 AM and located two vehicles involved: a white BMW and a silver Infiniti.

Tragically, two occupants inside the Infiniti died at the scene. A third individual from the Infiniti sustained injuries and was promptly transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. The driver of the BMW also sustained injuries as a result of the collision.  According to Sgt. Rob Green the two deceased were 17-year-old males from Discovery Bay. According to a report by The Press, they were “Liberty High School student-athletes” and one of the injured was another current Liberty student and athlete from the school.

The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under active investigation by the Antioch Police Department Traffic Unit. Out of respect for the families and loved ones involved, law enforcement is working to confirm the identity of one victim and complete next-of-kin notifications before releasing additional information.

UPDATE 1 (9/14/26): One of the two boys has been identified by his mother.In posts on her Facebook page and the Instagram account for her photography business Monday morning, Sept. 14th, Stephanie Starkenberg-Ferrari shared her son’s name, Dominic Anthony Starkenberg Ferrari, and his birthdate, March 21, 2009, along with his photo.

The victims of the fatal collision were Dominic Anthony Starkenberg Ferrari (left) and Caden Kyle (right). Sources: (left) Facebook and (right) AngeLink

UPDATE 2 (9/15/26): The other boy was identified in an online fundraiser on AngeLink, as Caden Kyle. That was organized by Lynne Mile on behalf of Chris Kyle and Shannon Boyle. As of Tuesday afternoon, $32,244 of $35,000 Goal had been contributed. In addition, a GoFundMe account has been set up to benefit Starkenberg Ferrari’s family, listed as Stephanie, Gino and Sophia. As of Tuesday evening, $39,548 of the $47,000 goal had been raised.

UPDATE 3 (9/15/26): Not a Police Chase

To dispel one of the rumors on social media that a police chase had occurred prior to the collision, Sgt. Green said, “It was not a police chase. The BMW involved, did flee from East Bay Regional Park Police a week before the crash. But there is no indication the driver of the BMW was the one who fled. That car was entered as a felony vehicle on the CHP log. That’s how that rumor started.”

Asked about the driver of the other vehicle with the three boys inside he said, “Neither of the boys who died was the driver. The boy who survived was.”

“That is all we have right now. We are just determining if there was any negligence involved,” Green added.

The third Discovery Bay boy who survived has been identified as James Harper. He was the driver of the car in which his two friends were passengers. Photo: GoFundMe

UPDATE 4 (9/16/26): Third Boy Identified, Online Fundraiser for His Recovery Established

The third boy involved in the fatal collision early Sunday morning, the driver of the Infiniti, has been identified as James Harper. He is from Brentwood according to Sgt. Green. A GoFundMe account has been established by Mateo Morrison to raise funds to support Harper’s recovery. It reads in part, “James is a Liberty student who plays soccer and is active in the FFA” (Future Farmers of America) and “has a long road to recovery in front of him.” As of Wednesday evening, $16,029 of the $20,000 goal had been raised.

As investigators work to piece together the events leading up to the collision, the Antioch Police Department asks anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who has surveillance or dashcam footage from the area around the time of the crash, to please come forward. If you have any information, please contact Sgt. Green of the Traffic Unit at (925) 779-6864. Anonymous tips may also be submitted directly to the department. Case No.: 26-8743.

Please check back later for any additional updates to this report.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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