Contra Costa Herald

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.

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.

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

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.”

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.

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

Read More

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.

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.”

“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.

 

Read More

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.

Read More

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.”

Read More

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.

Read More

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

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.

Efforts to reach Lt. Franco Caesar and Sgt. Green asking if the other boy has been identified were unsuccessful Monday morning.

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.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Read More

A New Way to Cross the Bay

By Gavin Lohry, Bay Skyway Program Coordinator, Metropolitan Transportation Commission

A team is working to extend both ends of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge East Span Path into a broader network called the “Bay Skyway” that will link Oakland and the greater East Bay with Treasure Island and downtown San Francisco.

Every year, thousands of residents and visitors enjoy the path on the East Span of the Bay Bridge, a 15-foot-wide walking and biking path with panoramic views of San Francisco Bay. The path joins Berkeley and Emeryville with Yerba Buena Island with a bus connection and private ferry service to downtown San Francisco. The Bay Skyway project will extend the path in both directions, linking Oakland and the greater East Bay with Treasure Island and downtown San Francisco.

Building the Complete Bay Bridge Path

Creating the complete car-free path between San Francisco and the East Bay will take several significant steps.

Work on the first piece of the puzzle – known as the Multimodal Bay Skyway – is already underway and expected to be complete by 2031. It will connect the West Oakland Community all the way to Treasure Island. This part of the project is called multimodal because the final connection for the full journey to San Francisco will require taking transit (bus or ferry) from Treasure Island to downtown San Francisco.

The second piece of the puzzle – a bicycle/pedestrian path on the West Span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge – is in the early planning stages.

About the Bay Skyway

The Multimodal Bay Skyway is made up of two key projects—the Full West Oakland Link and the Full Yerba Buena Island Multi-Use Pathway—which together will extend both ends of the existing San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge East Span Path. Both projects are currently in the design phase with initial segments planned to open by 2029.

1. The West Oakland Link will extend the east end of the East Span path further to the east by constructing the missing connection to West Oakland, connecting with planned protected bike lanes on Grand Avenue to Downtown Oakland.
2. The Yerba Buena Island Multi-Use Pathway will extend the East Span path west to the Treasure Island intermodal hub. From there, travelers will be able to take a ferry or expedited bus into downtown San Francisco.
   • The electric ferry will connect Treasure Island and the San Francisco Ferry Building, with plans to extend service to Mission Bay in the future. Frequent electric ferry service intervals of 15-minute are not expected until 2030 or later.
   • Buses will operate on a new one-way bus-only lane and on ramp between Treasure Island and the Bay Bridge West Span that will decrease bus travel time to downtown San Francisco.

Part of Bay Trail

The Bay Skyway is a critical section of the San Francisco Bay Trail which, when complete, will give hikers, joggers, bicyclists, skaters and wheelchair users access to more than 500 miles of trails encircling the bay. With the rapid adoption of electric bicycles (e-bikes), the Bay Skyway will also provide an alternative for Bay Area residents to cross the Bay without adding to roadway or transit congestion.

Benefits

• Sustainability: Adds a new sustainable and low-cost travel mode along the Bay Bridge corridor, increasing capacity without increasing vehicle miles traveled (VMT), greenhouse gas emissions or air pollution. By connecting a Transbay pathway with an electric ferry network, the project supports car-free development and enables new Treasure Island residents to establish sustainable transportation options starting on move-in day.
• Access: Provides a connection for bicycle/e-bike/micromobility users going between San Francisco and Oakland, which are two cities with the lowest car ownership rates in California. It also provides 20,000 future residents of Treasure Island with improved transit and bicycle access to the East Bay and regional rail such as BART, Capitol Corridor and Amtrak.
• Equity Priority Communities: The Bay Skyway will provide access to high-quality jobs at the Port of Oakland and in downtown San Francisco, while providing an affordable transportation option for residents of equity priority communities on both sides of the Bay.
• Car-Free Housing: In the next decade, significant housing developments are planned in the areas around downtown San Francisco and adjacent to the Multimodal Bay Skyway. Projects include 8,000 units on Treasure Island, 5,000 in West Oakland and 29,000 in downtown Oakland, including thousands of affordable homes.

Part of Plan Bay Area 2050+

The Bay Skyway is included in Plan Bay Area 2050+ as part of the “Build Complete Streets Network” strategy to promote walking, biking and small electric micromobility vehicles (such as e-scooters) throughout the Bay Area.

Partnership

MTC, the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA), Caltrans District 4, San Francisco County Transportation Authority (SFCTA), Treasure Island Mobility Management Agency (TIMMA), Alameda County Transportation Commission and San Francisco Bay Ferry are working on several projects in two phases to extend the path and connect downtown San Francisco and the East Bay.

Phase One

As of March 2026, about $100 million has been secured by MTC and SFCTA to construct the interim Multimodal Bay Skyway projects that include the interim West Oakland Link, the interim Yerba Buena Island Multi-Use Pathway and electric ferry charging infrastructure. The full buildout of the West Oakland Link and Yerba Buena Island Multi-Use Pathway will be completed when funding is secured.

Timeline

The Interim West Oakland Link (WOL) is in the detailed design phase with construction on the westernmost portion. In the near term, the project will rely on another MTC project — Bay Bridge Forward West Grand Avenue Bus and High Occupancy Vehicle Lane Phase 2 — to provide access sooner. The Bay Bridge Forward project includes the construction of a pedestrian and bicycle path connecting the eastern end of the WOL’s western touchdown and the West Grand Avenue/Mandela Parkway intersection. Construction of the Bay Bridge Forward path is expected to start and be completed in 2027. This path will not be impacted during the construction of the remaining portions of the interim WOL, which is anticipated to be completed by 2029. The full West Oakland Link will be constructed once funding is secured.

The Interim Yerba Buena Island Multi-Use Pathway (Interim YBI MUP) is currently under construction, expected to be complete in 2028, except for one section that includes a spiral loop ramp designed to connect the East Path landing with the Full YBI MUP.  Until funding is secured for the spiral loop ramp, westbound bicyclists will continue to use Macalla Road on improved protected bike lanes. Eastbound bicyclists will use the interim YBI MUP and a temporary connector at the location where the spiral loop ramp will be. Pedestrians will continue to use Macalla Road in both directions until the spiral loop ramp is built.

Electric ferry service is planned to begin in 2027 with connections to downtown San Francisco, and future service to Mission Bay is expected.

Multimodal Bay Skyway Phase Two: Bay Bridge West Span

Bay Bridge West Span Path: Project Overview

The Bay Skyway Phase Two project will construct a bicycle and pedestrian pathway on the Bay Bridge West Span, which will allow a continuous route to walk, bike and e-bike between the East Bay and downtown San Francisco. The path will have the capacity to carry 7,500 bicycle trips and 4,500 people walking per hour across the Bay.  This project will build upon the infrastructure developed through the Multimodal Bay Skyway, connecting the West Span path to thousands of new residents on Treasure Island, the existing Bay Bridge East Span path, and into Oakland via the West Oakland Link. The next major milestone is completing the State and Federal environmental analyses, which can be finalized as early as 2027.

The Bay Skyway will help shift transbay trips to biking, e-biking and other micromobility options. This will reduce congestion in the transbay corridor and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution while providing low-cost transportation options for Bay Area residents.

West Span Path Design

In 2018, alternative designs for a path on the Bay Bridge West Span were first presented to the public. As a result of this outreach and professional judgment, a design was chosen for a path on the north side of the bridge. This path will touch down on Essex Street in downtown San Francisco and on Yerba Buena Island, where it will connect to Treasure Island to the existing Bay Bridge East Span path via the Yerba Buena Island Multi-Use Pathway.

Funding Challenges

The biggest challenge for the West Span Path project is securing funding. The cost is expected to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars, and no funding sources have been identified yet. State and Federal environmental analysis, the next step in the Phase 2 project, may be completed in 2027. If funding is secured, Phase 2 of the project could be completed as early as 2034.

Design Challenges

To move forward, the project must address several design issues including: safety during earthquakes, withstanding strong winds, providing access for maintenance crews, and maintaining enough clearance for shipping traffic.

Watch the video to learn more about the proposed West Span Path.

Take the Survey: Multimodal Bay Skyway Survey

Sign up for the Bay Skyway mailing list.

Read More

Hear from U.S. Constitutional scholars on Constitution Day in-person or online

By Gail Murray, League of Women Voters Diablo Valley

On Constitution Day, September 17, two eminent U.S. Constitutional scholars will discuss the challenges of maintaining effective presidential leadership while preventing abuse of power. Their conversation will be held from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.at St. Mary’s College in Moraga in the Claeys Room of the Soda Center and will be available simultaneously on Zoom.

Speakers will be:

• Vikram Amar, the Daniel J. Dykstra Distinguished Professor of Law at UC Davis Law School. Amar is one of the most eminent and frequently cited authorities in constitutional law.
• Dan Farber, the Sho Sato Professor of Law and Co-Director of the Edley Center on Law & Democracy at UC Berkeley Law School. Farber is the author of Contested Ground: How to Understand the Limits on Presidential Power.

Recent public debates have renewed longstanding constitutional questions about the proper scope of executive power. The speakers will engage in a discussion about perennial questions:

• How should we balance the need for effective leadership with the need to prevent abuse of power?
• Have we achieved that balance?
• What would the founders think about the powers of the modern presidency?

Professor Barbara McGraw, Director of the Center for Engaged Religious Pluralism and professor of Social Ethics, Law, and Public Life at Saint Mary’s College will moderate the discussion.

Register on Zoom here:

https://ccclib.bibliocommons.com/v2/events/6a848feabe14820029882727

Professor Steve Woolpert of St. Mary’s College, an organizer of the event, is available for interviews. Contact woolpert@stmarys-ca.edu He can speak about this panel and other activities around the 250th anniversary of the U.S. and the Declaration of Independence.

The Contra Costa County Library will provide closed captioning for this event, and the Library and the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley (LWVDV) are underwriting simultaneous Spanish translation. This program will be recorded and uploaded to the Library and LWVDV YouTube channels after the event.

For more information, contact Diane Bianchi of the LWVDV at programs@lwvdv.org

Sponsors of the event are St. Mary’s College, The Disney Forum, the League of Women Voters Diablo Valley, the League of Women Voters West Contra Costa County, the Contra Costa County Library and CCTV.

 

Read More

Enter to win 4 Weeks of FREE Nékter

By Riley Garner, The Zest Lab, on behalf of Nékter

Pittsburg, CA – Nékter Juice Bar is celebrating its new Pittsburg location with a Grand Opening Celebration on September 19 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at 2261 W. Leland Road in Pittsburg, CA. The celebration will begin with an official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 11:00 AM, welcoming the community to experience Nékter’s fresh, handcrafted menu and commitment to healthy living.

Guests are invited to enjoy exclusive Grand Opening offers, enter to win wellness-focused prizes, and connect with local businesses and community members dedicated to helping Pittsburg live healthier, happier lives.

To celebrate the Grand Opening, guests can receive a FREE Protein Waffle with a $25 purchase and enter for the chance to win 4 Weeks of FREE Nékter – one smoothie per week for four weeks.

The celebration will also showcase artwork created by local students as part of Nékter’s Student Art Challenge. Participating students will have their artwork displayed during the Grand Opening and receive a FREE Mini Iconic Smoothie when they attend the event.

Beyond the giveaways, the celebration is an opportunity for Nékter to connect with local businesses, community leaders, and residents around a shared commitment to health and wellness.

“After being part of this community for the past 12 years, opening a Nékter Juice Bar here feels incredibly special to us. We’ve had the privilege of getting to know so many people in this community, and we’re excited to bring something new that we hope will become a part of their everyday lives. We look forward to creating a welcoming place where people can enjoy fresh, healthy food and drinks, connect with friends and family, and feel at home. Most importantly, we’re grateful for the continued support of this community and excited for what’s ahead,” said Hena and Farukh Munir, owners of Nékter San Marco Juice Bar.

The new Pittsburg location will offer dine-in seating, free Wi-Fi, and online ordering through the Nékter app, providing a welcoming space for guests looking to incorporate more wellness into their daily routine.

Community members are encouraged to attend the Grand Opening celebration, meet the owners, experience Nékter’s menu, and help welcome one of Pittsburg’s newest local businesses.

For more information about the Grand Opening, visit https://locations.nekterjuicebar.com/ll/us/ca/pittsburg/2261-w-leland-rd/ or follow @NekterSanMarco and @NekterJuiceBar on social media.

About Nékter Juice Bar

Founded in 2010, Nékter Juice Bar is a leading lifestyle brand celebrated for its unwavering dedication to providing clean, fresh and truly healthy superfood smoothies, açaí bowls, cold-pressed juices, cleanses, and nourishing snacks, including its new line of protein waffles. The brand quickly emerged as a trailblazer in menu transparency and ingredient integrity, catering to America’s growing demand for plant-based and wholesome food options that align with diverse lifestyles and dietary needs.

At Nékter, “healthy” is not just a promise—it’s an experience that tastes great, is easily accessible, and inspires anyone seeking to add more wellness into their lives. Guests don’t just taste the difference—they love the way they feel knowing they’re enjoying food just as nature intended—but blended! For more information, visit www.NekterJuiceBar.com or follow @NekterJuiceBar on Instagram, Facebook and X, and @NekterJuiceBarOfficial on TikTok.

Read More

During 42nd Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day

OAKLAND, Calif. — Volunteers and East Bay Regional Park District staff will come together to clean and protect local shorelines and waterways during California Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9am to noon. The Park District is facilitating cleanup events at nine sites across Alameda and Contra Costa counties, including bayside beaches, shoreline trails, and inland lakes. Staff and volunteers will work together to collect and dispose of litter and recyclables, beautify the shorelines, and help maintain delicate ecosystems. At last year’s event, volunteers collected an estimated 9,295 pounds of trash from East Bay Regional Parks.

Volunteers are welcome in all locations listed below, although registration is appreciated. Sign up at ebparks.org/coastal-cleanup or call 510-544-2229 for more information.

Park District Coastal Cleanup Day Sites

Contra Costa County

• Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, Giant Staging Area. More info.
• Point Isabel Regional Shoreline, end of Rydin Road, Richmond. More info.
• Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline, main parking lot off N. Court Street. More info.
• Waterbird Regional Preserve, near the pavilion by the parking area, Martinez. More info.

Alameda County

• Del Valle Regional Park, lakeside cleanups at the Visitor Center & Fiesta Grande Picnic Area. More info.
• Robert W. Crown Regional Shoreline, near the Native Plant Garden and Bath House. More info.
• Hayward Regional Shoreline, West Winton Avenue. More info.
• Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area, Isherwood Way – Ensenada North Picnic Area. More info.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline, Arrowhead Marsh Staging Area. More info.

The Park District will provide garbage bags and gloves, and volunteers are welcome to bring their own additional trash-hunting gear such as long-handled grabber tools. Participants are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle, hats, gloves, and sunscreen, and must wear closed-toe shoes. Layered clothing is recommended. The Park District will also provide snacks and water throughout the event. Please note that parent participation is required for children under 18.

Each year at Coastal Cleanup Day, volunteers discover unusual items during cleanup events. Past items include a boombox, statues of Ganesh and Shiva, a sparkly high heel, and a functioning 1980s-era ThighMaster. Participants who find an odd or interesting item will receive a Park District-themed cooling towel (while supplies last).

This year’s Coastal Cleanup Day also marks the 50th anniversary of California’s Coastal Act, the 1976 law that established a lasting commitment to protecting California’s coast and ensuring it remains accessible to everyone. Over the past 50 years, the Coastal Act has helped protect thousands of acres of open space and habitat, create public access to the coast, and open hundreds of miles of the California Coastal Trail. Coastal Cleanup Day is a chance for all to play a small part in caring for the land and ensuring it remains healthy and accessible for generations to come.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area. www.ebparks.org

Read More