Contra Costa Herald

Police responded to Liberty High School Wednesday morning, Aug. 19, 2026. Photo source: Liberty High School Facebook

By Brentwood Police Department

The Brentwood Police Department is aware of a report involving a possible weapon at Liberty High School today, Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

School administrators immediately notified law enforcement, and officers responded to investigate. The item involved was determined to be an imitation weapon and was confiscated. The investigation determined there was no active threat to students, staff or the campus, and the matter was resolved without disruption to the school day.

We appreciate the students, staff, and community members who promptly report safety concerns. Reports of possible threats are taken seriously and investigated in coordination with our school partners.

Because this incident involves a student, no additional information will be released at this time.

The Brentwood Police Department remains committed to working with our schools to help maintain a safe and secure learning environment.

Source: Caltrans

Paving project tentatively scheduled to be completed by Summer 2027.

By DeNise Harding, PIO, Contra Costa County, Caltrans

Contra Costa County Caltrans crews continue making progress on State Route 4 tonight, Wednesday, August 19 through Thursday with paving, drainage, electrical and guardrail work scheduled throughout the corridor.

For the safety of the motoring public and our crews, Caltrans Construction has adjusted its schedule to allow crews to continue various operations along State Route 4 (SR-4). Overnight full closures, including lane and ramp closures, on westbound and eastbound SR-4 between SR-160 and Byron Highway will continue tonight and Sunday through Thursday nights, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., as construction progresses. Motorists are advised to plan ahead, allow additional travel time, prepare to merge, and slow for the cone zone. All work is weather dependent and subject to change. For current Caltrans District 4 lane closure information click here.

Full Closure SR-4 — Balfour Road to Byron Highway through 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

• Full closures of the conventional highway sections of SR-4 between Balfour Road and Byron Highway through Marsh Creek Road – for paving operations
• Full Closures will continue through August 2026 throughout this corridor

Eastbound SR-4 — Hillcrest Avenue to SR-160 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.

• Alternating closures of lanes #3 and #4
• Hillcrest Avenue on-ramp to eastbound SR-4 — CLOSED for drainage improvements

Westbound SR-4 Ramp Closures 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

• Sand Creek Road on-ramp to westbound SR-4 — CLOSED for guardrail work
• Balfour Road on-ramp to westbound SR-4 — CLOSED for guardrail work
• Balfour Road off-ramp from westbound SR-4 — CLOSED for electrical work

Eastbound SR-4 Balfour Road Off-Ramp 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.

• Balfour Road off-ramp from eastbound SR-4 — CLOSED for electrical work

Please note complete closures, as well as lane and ramp closures, will continue along SR-4 Sunday through Thursday nights as construction progresses. The westbound SR-4 closures are expected to reopen by 5:00 a.m., while the eastbound SR-4 to closures are expected to reopen by 8:00 a.m.

Traveling through the SR-4 corridor tonight? Plan ahead and expect delays. Please follow posted detours, allow extra travel time and slow down when approaching crews and equipment. Your attention behind the wheel helps everyone working along the highway get home safely.

Check QuickMap.dot.ca.gov before you head out.

State Route 4 Detour Information for Full Closure

• Eastbound SR-4 from Antioch, Pittsburg, and Martinez towards Discovery and Stockton: The detour begins at Balfour Road. Take the Balfour Road exit, turn left on Balfour Road, turn right onto Brentwood Boulevard or continue Balfour Road, then turn right into Byron, follow SR-4.
• Westbound SR-4 from Discovery Bay and Stockton towards Martinez / Antioch/Oakland: The detour begins at the Byron, turn left onto Brentwood Boulevard, turn left into Balfour Road or continue Byron Highway, turn left into Balfour Road, continue Balfour Road, turn right onto the westbound SR-4 on-ramp, and continue on SR-4.
• Westbound Vasco Road towards Martinez/Antioch/Oakland: The detour begins at Walnut Boulevard. Turn right on to Walnut Boulevard, turn left onto Balfour Road, continue Balfour Road, turn right onto the west-bound SR-4 on-ramp, and continue to SR-4.
• Eastbound from Martinez/ Antioch Oakland to Livermore: The detour begins at Balfour exit. Left on Balfour Road, continue Balfour Road, take left turn into Walnut Boulevard, turn left Vasco Road, continue Vasco Road.

All work is weather dependent and subject to change.

This paving project is tentatively scheduled to be completed by Summer 2027.

Drivers may experience minor delays and are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time. For 24/7 traffic updates, follow 511.org on Twitter. For real-time traffic, visit Caltrans QuickMap at Quickmap.dot.ca.gov. To view more D4 Projects, visit: Caltrans D4 Traffic Advisory Publications.

Caltrans thanks the public for their patience and cooperation during these necessary closures and improvements. Your understanding helps keep our crew members and roadways safe for everyone.

Photo: CHP Contra Costa

Entitled “Get Educated and Ride Safe” (GEARS) VIII – countywide through Sept. 30

141 crashes, 29 major injuries, 5 fatalities involving motorcycles in Contra Costa in 2025

By Officer Daniel Gilmore, PIO, CHP Contra Costa Area

CONTRA COSTA, Calif. – In an effort to reduce the number of motorcycle crashes, California Highway Patrol (CHP) Contra Costa Area will deploy additional officers August 20, 2026, on Interstate 80, and unincorporated roadways in Contra Costa County. Officers will look for violations by both motorcycle riders and drivers that make roads dangerous for other traffic, including unsafe speed, following too closely, unsafe lane changes, and improper turning.

Motorcycle-involved crashes continue to be a major concern for the CHP Contra Costa Area. From January 2025 through December 2025, provisional statistical data revealed there were 141 crashes involving motorcycles within our jurisdiction. Of those crashes, 29 involved major injuries, and five resulted in fatalities.

Funding for these operations is provided by a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Titled “Get Educated and Ride Safe (GEARS) VIII, the grant funding assists the CHP in reducing deadly and serious injury crashes involving motorcycles. The CHP Contra Costa Area will continue to deploy additional enforcement efforts through September 30, 2026.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Public Information Officer D. Gilmore, at (925) 586-1879.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service and Security.

Adults age 65 and older lost almost $70,000

By Alma Galvan, Regional Marketing & Communications Director, Better Business Bureau San Francisco Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers about an alleged cryptocurrency investment operation involving BG Wealth Sharing LTD and the DSJ Exchange platform.

Since May 2026 BBB has received several Scam Tracker reports from local Bay Area consumers who reported losing a combined $69,706.60. All reports were submitted by adults age 65 or older from Alameda and San Francisco counties.

According to the reports, consumers were introduced to the opportunity through relatives, friends, or local recruiters. Four consumers reported attending presentations at a Denny’s restaurant in Hayward, where participants were shown how to open and fund accounts and use trading “signals” or codes on the DSJ Exchange platform.

Consumers reported initially depositing between $2,000 and $5,000 through cash or cryptocurrency. Some said they gave cash to another participant or intermediary who converted it to cryptocurrency and funded their DSJ account.

The consumers described seeing their account balances increase as they copied and pasted trading codes provided through an online group. Some reported being promised daily returns, bonuses, or additional trading signals for recruiting new participants.

When consumers attempted to withdraw their earnings, however, they reported that withdrawals were frozen or unavailable. Several said they were instructed to pay an additional “tax” equal to 12% of the total balance displayed in their account before their funds could be released.

One consumer reported that a $5,000 initial deposit appeared to grow to more than $24,600. The consumer was then instructed to pay nearly $3,000 more before attempting a withdrawal. The consumer refused to pay and reported being unable to access the displayed balance.

“Consumers should never have to send additional money or cryptocurrency to pay a supposed tax before withdrawing their own funds,” said Alma Galvan, Regional Marketing and Communications Director for BBB SF Bay Area. “A growing balance displayed on an investment platform does not necessarily mean that the money exists or can be withdrawn. Be especially cautious when an opportunity relies on recruiting friends and family or promises unusually consistent returns.”

The reports received by BBB are consistent with concerns raised by securities regulators in several states. The Texas State Securities Board issued an emergency cease-and-desist order involving BG Wealth Sharing and DSJ Exchange, alleging an operation that used recruitment incentives, misleading account dashboards, withdrawal restrictions, and demands for an additional 12% “exit tax” or “compliance fee.”

The State of Hawaii also issued a preliminary cease-and-desist order alleging that BG Wealth Sharing and certain promoters solicited and offered unregistered securities. Securities regulators in Utah and Washington have issued investor warnings regarding BG Wealth Sharing and DSJ Exchange.

BBB cautions that this warning concerns BG Wealth Sharing LTD and the DSJ Exchange platform described in the reports and regulatory actions. It should not be confused with unrelated businesses that use similar names.

BBB recommends the following precautions:

• Verify the investment and seller are properly registered.
• Be skeptical of guaranteed or unusually consistent returns.
• Research opportunities independently, even when recommended by someone you trust.
• Avoid investments that reward recruitment.
• Never give cash to someone to invest on your behalf.
• Do not pay additional taxes or fees to withdraw funds.
• Be cautious of unfamiliar platforms; displayed profits may be fabricated.

Consumers who believe they have lost money should immediately stop sending funds and contact their bank, cryptocurrency exchange, or payment provider. Preserve screenshots, messages, transaction records, wallet addresses, receipts, and information about anyone involved. BBB encourages consumers to submit scram reports to:

• BBB Scam Tracker: BBB.org/ScamTracker
• Local law enforcement
• California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation: dfpi.ca.gov
• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: IC3.gov
• Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• California Attorney General: oag.ca.gov/consumers

Victims should also be alert for recovery scams. Individuals claiming that they can hack a blockchain, retrieve cryptocurrency, or recover lost funds in exchange for an upfront payment may be attempting to victimize them a second time.

ABOUT BBB: Better Business Bureau‘s mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust by setting standards for ethical business behavior, encouraging and supporting best practices, celebrating marketplace role models, calling out and addressing substandard marketplace behavior, and creating a community of trustworthy businesses and charities.

A suspect is arrested in the Bay Area after attempting to steal multiple items and Organized Retail Crime Blitz statistics. Photos & source: CHP

By Jaime Coffee, Director of Communications Office of Media Relations, CHP

SACRAMENTO — The California Highway Patrol (CHP) continues to make steady progress in dismantling organized retail crime networks throughout the state. Recently, the CHP joined more than 100 law enforcement agencies for a National Organized Retail Crime Blitz, helping recover $1.05 million in stolen goods. Building on last year’s success, this event reaffirms the CHP’s commitment to holding retail theft suspects accountable.

From August 1 through 9, the CHP Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) saturated communities and led coordinated enforcement operations at several businesses, shopping centers and retail stores statewide. Officers proactively identified and apprehended offenders suspected of organized retail theft.

“The impacts of retail theft on businesses and communities are long-lasting. The CHP will continue to dedicate resources to catching perpetrators and holding accountable those who take from businesses and victimize communities.” – CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee

As a result of the CHP’s statewide efforts, officers arrested 97 suspects, including eight on felony charges, and recovered more than 8,500 stolen items valued at approximately $1.05 million.

“The proactive operations conducted during the blitz are a snapshot of the work the Organized Retail Crime Task Force is committed to doing every day,” added Commissioner Duryee. “We will continue to do our part year-round to identify problematic areas, reduce retail theft and make California a safer place to work, live and visit.”

Numerous stolen sneakers recovered during coordinated enforcement efforts in San Diego. A suspect is arrested by the CHP Border Division during the ORC Blitz.

Yearly Progress Snapshot

Looking at the broader picture, the blitz builds on years of steady enforcement. Since the ORCTF’s inception in 2019, the CHP has been involved in more than 4,700 investigations, resulting in more than 5,300 arrests and the recovery of more than 1.6 million stolen items valued at more than $76.6 million as of July 30.

In the first seven months of 2026, the CHP made nearly 350 retail theft arrests, investigated more than 280 incidents, and assisted partner agencies with more than 80 investigations, recovering an estimated $6.7 million in stolen goods.

Organized retail crime affects more than businesses. It can impact employees, consumers and the communities where these businesses operate. The CHP will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to disrupt organized retail crime and protect California’s communities.

Officers arrest a retail theft suspect during a series of proactive blitz operations in Roseville, Lodi and Stockton.

Organized Retail Theft Program

In response to AB 1065, the CHP, in consultation with the DOJ, developed a task force concept to work with allied agencies to combat organized retail theft. The CHP encourages victims of organized retail crime to use the tip link resource located on this page to report qualifying incident(s)

Beginning in 2019, Assembly Bill (AB) 1065 required the Department of the California Highway Patrol (CHP), until July 1, 2021, to coordinate with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to convene a regional property crimes task force to identify geographic areas experiencing increased levels of property crimes and assist local law enforcement with resources, such as personnel and equipment.  The recent passage of Assembly Bill 331 will extend the operation of the regional property crimes task force until January 1, 2026.

As reported by the National Retail Federation, organized retail theft accounts for nearly $30 billion in economic loss per year.  This loss is carried by retailers on several levels but is ultimately passed on to consumers through price inflation to offset economic loss.  While the problem is most commonly associated with shoplifting, it extends well beyond into associated organized criminal activity.  Commercial burglary, vehicle burglary, identity theft, credit card fraud, forgery, and fencing (selling or distribution of) stolen property are part of a bigger picture that finance ongoing criminal operations.

A trunk full of stolen items was recovered and multiple stolen items recovered from a Target as a result of proactive operations throughout Bakersfield and Turlock.

In response to AB 1065, the CHP, in consultation with the DOJ, developed a task force concept to work with allied agencies to combat organized retail theft.  Three regional task forces, known as Organized Retail Crime Task Forces (ORCTF), were established by the CHP in five field Divisions with the greatest need for immediate action:  Golden Gate Division (encompassing the greater Bay Area), Southern Division (encompassing the greater Los Angeles region), Border Division (encompassing Orange and San Diego counties), Valley Division (encompassing the greater Sacramento area and surrounding counties), and Central Division (encompassing the San Joaquin Valley).

The CHP encourages victims of organized retail crime to report qualifying incident(s) which are covered under California Penal Code Section 490.4, Organized Retail Theft.

Click here to report organized retail theft

Click here for more information on the CHP’s Organized Retail Theft Program.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service and Security.

New Pittsburg Police Department Captain Will Hatcher, Lieutenant Cory Smith and Sergeant Jerry Sanchez. Photos: Pittsburg PD

By Toni Baldazo, City of Pittsburg Community Engagement Officer

This week was an exciting week for the Pittsburg Police Department as Chief Phil Galer held an oath of office ceremony recognizing three well-deserved promotions. Please join us in congratulating Captain Will Hatcher, Lieutenant Cory Smith and Sergeant Jerry Sanchez, Jr.

Captain Will Hatcher

Captain William Hatcher began his career with the Pittsburg Police Department more than two decades ago. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2013 and served several key leadership assignments, including SWAT Team Leader and supervisor of the Street Team, Narcotics Unit, and Investigations Division. In 2021, he was promoted to Lieutenant, serving as a Watch Commander, SWAT Commander, and overseeing both the Administrative Services and Investigations divisions.

Captain Hatcher is a graduate of the Sherman Block Leadership Institute and California POST Command College and holds two master’s degrees in criminal justice and public safety leadership. In January 2027, he will represent the Pittsburg Police Department at the FBI National Academy.

Throughout his career, Captain Hatcher has remained committed to serving the Pittsburg community and the men and women of the Department. As he begins his new role as Captain, he looks forward to continuing to lead with integrity, developing, and investing in others, and contributing to the Department’s continued progress and a safer, stronger Pittsburg.

Pittsburg Police Chief Phil Galer administers the oath of office to the three department leaders on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026. Photo: Pittsburg PD

Lieutenant Cory Smith

Cory Smith began his career in public service nearly 25 years ago, serving four years on active duty with the United States Air Force, including overseas deployments in support of combat operations. Following his military service, Cory pursued a career in law enforcement and was sworn in as a Pittsburg Police Officer in 2006.

During his 20 years with the Pittsburg Police Department, Cory has served numerous specialized assignments, including Field Training Officer, Honor Guard member, Perimeter Response Team member, Tactical Medic, SWAT Operator, and Motor Officer. In 2021, Cory promoted to Sergeant, serving as a Patrol Supervisor, SWAT Team Leader, and supervisor of the Special Investigations Unit. He later joined Professional Standards as the Hiring and Training Sergeant, FTO Coordinator, and Department Training Coordinator, where he focused on developing personnel, strengthening recruitment and training, and improving Department operations.

Throughout his career, Cory has remained committed to developing others, strengthening the Pittsburg Police Department, and serving the community. As he promotes to Lieutenant, he looks forward to continuing that commitment and leading with the values that have guided him throughout his career: trust, accountability, and investing in people.

Pittsburg Police Chief Phil Galer (send from left) is joined by newly promoted department leaders, Sgt. Jerry Sanchez, Lt. Cory Smith and Captain Will Hatcher after being sworn in. Photo: Pittsburg PD

Sergeant Jerry Sanchez

Jerry Sanchez joined the Pittsburg Police Department in August 2021, bringing eight years of law enforcement experience and a strong personal connection to the Pittsburg community. Since joining the Department, Jerry has served as a Field Training Officer, Traffic Officer, Fatal Collision Investigator, SWAT Team member, and Marine Patrol Team member.

Prior to joining Pittsburg PD, Jerry began his law enforcement career with the Oakland Police Department in 2013. During this time, Jerry served as a Motor Officer, EVOC instructor, Patrol Rifle Officer, Field Training Officer, Traffic Investigator, and SWAT Team member.

Jerry has twice been elected President of the Pittsburg Police Officers’ Association, reflecting the trust and confidence of his peers. As he promotes to Sergeant, Jerry looks forward to using his experience to mentor and develop officers, support those he leads, and continue commitment of service to the Pittsburg community.

A post on the Department’s Facebook page on Monday, Aug. 17th reads, “Today was a proud day for the Pittsburg Police Department as Chief Phil Galer held a promotional swearing-in ceremony recognizing three well-deserved promotions. Each of these leaders has demonstrated dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to serving our Department and the Pittsburg community. Congratulations on your well-earned promotions! We look forward to your continued leadership and service to our Pittsburg community!

The Pittsburg Police Department has no greater honor than to keep our citizens safe and to serve our community. We pledge to continue our partnership with the community, build valued relationships based on mutual respect and open dialog through professionalism, excellence and trust. For more information visit Police Department | City of Pittsburg.

Completed project improvements at Temescal Regional Park in Oakland include renovated fishing piers, upgraded erosion protection, improved accessible parking and restrooms, and a new accessible picnic area. The project was completed by East Bay Regional Park District with support from LWCF funds. Photos: CA State Parks

Application deadline: Jan. 14, 2027

What you need to know: Eligible public agencies can apply for up to $6 million per project through a federal grant program aimed at expanding access to outdoor spaces and recreational opportunities.

By California Dep’t of Parks & Recreation, Divisions of Boating and Waterways, Historic Preservation and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation

SACRAMENTO — California State Parks is inviting eligible public entities across California to apply for funding through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program, which is offering approximately $27.5 million in grants. The program helps agencies acquire land and develop parks and recreational amenities that support the health and wellness of communities. Applications are due by Jan. 14, 2027.

“Access to parks and outdoor recreation helps Californians live healthier, happier lives,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “Grants such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund empower communities to invest in outdoor spaces that will provide these benefits for generations to come. We encourage all eligible applicants across the state to take advantage of this opportunity to help create more open spaces in their communities.”

This funding opportunity aligns with the Newsom Administration’s Outdoors for All Initiative, which aims to expand access to Californians’ great outdoors.

Key Details

• Grant Purpose:Supports projects to acquire or develop parks prioritizing recreational opportunities.
• Deadline: 14, 2027, before midnight.
• Grant Amount: Around $27.5 million in total available statewide; up to $6 million can be requested per application.
• Criteria: Eligible applicants include cities and counties, federally recognized Native American Tribes, Joint Powers Authorities, park districts, and special districts with the authority to acquire, operate, and maintain public park and recreation areas.
• Application Process: Applicants must first submit an online application to California State Parks by the above due date and time. State Parks will review the applications and forward selected projects to the National Park Service for final review and approval.
• Application Guide Review: California State Parks will host virtual and in-person workshops to review the LWCF Application Guide meant to help applicants prepare their application. Visit the State Parks Land and Water Conservation Fund webpage for workshop dates, times and locations, and registration information.

If you have specific questions about a potential project, please contact your county’s assigned National Park Service Grants Project Officer.

About Land and Water Conservation Fund

Under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1964, the funding helps safeguard the nation’s natural areas, water resources, and cultural heritage. The Act intends to provide all Americans with recreation opportunities by developing public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Since its inception in 1965, the LWCF program in California has funded more than 1,600 projects totaling $395 million. View recent projects here: Parks for All Californians: Projects Gallery and Map.

About the Office of Grants and Local Services

California State Parks’ Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) develops grant programs to fund projects for local, state and nonprofit organizations. Since 1964, nearly 8,000 community parks throughout California have been created or improved with OGALS grant funding investments. Since 2000, this state program has administered approximately $4.4 billion in grant funding across the state.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.

Background graphic: Transparent CA

State’s largest free database of public employee pay and pension information

New website is live – faster, mobile friendly and 100% ad free, giving 10 million users a clearer look at government pay and spending.

By Transparent California Staff

Transparent California, the state’s largest database of public pay and pension data, has now obtained 2024 data covering over 93% of employee compensation and pension payments in our state. This includes state, county, city, school district, and special records. Our team has collected almost 3 million compensation records documenting $278 billion in total pay and benefits, and 1.5 million pension records with $64 billion in payments. Since launching over a decade ago Transparent California has now collected and posted over 50 million compensation and pension records. All available free at http://transparentcalifornia.com.

This year we’ve made that site easier to use. Users report they love our site changes and web traffic has seen a tremendous increase, to over 2 million page views a month.

Did you know in 2024 149,065 public employees made total compensation exceeding a quarter-million dollars a year? For more detail on what we’ve found in this data, go to our website and click on News and Updates for a summary.

And if you have a specific interest in an agency of our government, click “Get notified” on that agency’s page and you’ll get a notice when new data is posted.

Transparent California’s data collection schedule is determined by the State Controller’s Office reporting requirements. The inordinate delays allowed by the state, as well as significant resistance from some of the agencies involved, is why we’re just now wrapping up 2024.

Assembly Bill AB1821, if passed, would extend the time for a response from 14 calendar days to 14 “business days”, effectively be three weeks. This may sound small, but that deadline only applies to a “response”, not to provision of the actual records requested. Our legislature continues to ignore the current legislation has no defined deadline for production of the actual records, nor does it impose any penalty on agencies for delaying the process (or declining to respond altogether) even if the requester files a lawsuit and wins.

Transparent California’s Director of Research, Todd Maddison, notes “As we see more tax increase proposals appearing, we’re focused on giving the People the data they deserve to see how their existing tax dollars are being spent, so they can make informed decisions at the ballot box.”

Photo: Transparent CA

On July 10, the organization announced its new website.

A faster, ad free tool that makes government salaries and spending easier to find, and harder to hide.

Ten million people a year visit Transparent California to look up a city salary, a pension payout, or an overtime number that doesn’t add up. For a decade, that’s been the only way for regular taxpayers to see where their money actually goes.

The old site made that harder than it needed to be. It was cluttered with ads, slow to load, and difficult to use on a phone. Worse, the public records it published were often months out of date by the time they reached the public. That delay served the bureaucrats who’d rather keep taxpayers in the dark. It didn’t serve anyone else.

What’s New

Transparent California just relaunched with a complete redesign, and the improvements go far beyond a new coat of paint.

The new site is ad free, for now, thanks to generous donors who believe taxpayers shouldn’t have to dig through banner ads and pop ups just to see how their money is spent. That means no clutter standing between users and the data. It’s also built for mobile, so anyone can search a government employee’s salary or an agency’s budget from their phone in seconds. And the records themselves now publish faster, cutting down the months long lag that used to separate a public record from the public.

The result is a search tool that actually works the way taxpayers need it to: quick, clean, and current.

Why It Matters

Government salary and pension data has always been public information. The problem was never access on paper, it was access in practice. Burying records in a slow, ad choked, outdated system is its own kind of opacity.

A faster, cleaner Transparent California means a reporter can find a story in minutes instead of hours. It means a parent, a small business owner, or a retiree checking on their local government doesn’t need special skills to find what they’re looking for. Good government starts with the public actually being able to see what government is doing, and this update closes a gap that had been open for years.

A Decade of Results, Backed by Nevadans and Californians

Transparent California isn’t new. For twelve years, its salary and pension data have been cited by major news outlets across California and the United States to expose government waste. That reporting has helped identify hundreds of millions of dollars in questionable spending, money that taxpayers have a right to know about.

The project has never taken a dollar of government funding. It’s funded entirely by people who believe the public has a right to see how public money is spent, which is exactly why it answers only to the truth, not to any agency it covers.

What’s Next

The redesigned platform isn’t just built for California. It’s built as a modular blueprint that can expand to other states, creating a wider network of public salary and spending data that taxpayers everywhere can use.

Take a look at the new Transparent California and see what ten million users already know: when government spending is easy to find, it’s a lot harder to hide.

Explore the new Transparent California website

Keep It Ad Free

The ad free experience only lasts as long as donors keep funding it. Every gift helps cover the cost of running the platform without selling space to advertisers, so the site stays focused entirely on public accountability, not corporate banners.

Transparent California depends on the generosity of individual donors to enable this collection. Anyone with a specific interest in a particular agency can sponsor collection of their data and support the effort to provide the public with this service.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

New Contra Costa County Assistant Sheriff Charlene Jacquez. Photo: CCC Sheriff’s Office

East County native will oversee Administrative Services Bureau

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston announces the promotion of Captain Charlene Jacquez to the rank of Assistant Sheriff.

Captain Charlene Jacquez began her public safety career in 1999 with the City of Galt Police Department, serving as both a 9-1-1 Dispatcher and Community Service Officer (CSO). In 2001, she joined the Brentwood Police Department as a CSO, a position she held for five years. While working full time, she attended the police academy graduating in 2005.

In 2006, Captain Jacquez began her career with the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff in the Custody Services Bureau where she worked in detention facilities, served as a Jail Training Officer, and worked in the Classification Unit. Captain Jacquez later transferred to the Field Operations Bureau where her assignments included county patrol, contract City of Oakley, and Detective in Investigations where she handled domestic violence, sexual as-sault, and homicide cases.

Captain Jacquez was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2019, serving at the Martinez Deten-tion Facility and later in the contract City of Lafayette. In 2022, she was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned as the Station House Commander of Delta Station. In February last year, she was promoted to the rank of Captain and assigned as the West County Detention Division Commander, which includes the Marsh Creek Detention Facility.

Captain Jacquez served on the SWAT Hostage Negotiations Team and as Commander of the County’s Mutual Aid Mobile Field Force (MAMFF) Team. She is a graduate of POST Command College, Class 75, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership.

“I am pleased to promote Captain Charlene Jacquez to the rank of Assistant Sheriff,” said Sheriff David Livingston. “Captain Jacquez has been dedicated and committed to the agency and serving Contra Costa County residents. I am proud of her accomplishments and throughout her career she has shown leadership and is well-positioned to guide the Sheriff’s Office and staff into the future.”

As Assistant Sheriff, Jacquez will oversee the Administrative Services Bureau which includes Personnel & Finance, Professional Standards, Recruiting, and Training.

“I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as Assistant Sheriff,” said Captain Jacquez. “Having been born and raised in East Contra Costa County, I have a deep connection to this community and am committed to continuing to serve our residents while supporting the men and women of the Office of the Sheriff.”

Hikers explore Strathearn Ranch Natural Reserve in the Diablo Range. Photo: Scott Hein. Source: Save Mount Diablo

By Laura Kindsvater, Senior Communications Manager, Save Mount Diablo

SACRAMENTO, CA—On August 13, the California legislature did something historic when they recognized and approved the Diablo Range as an official California conservation priority deemed critical to helping the state meet its 30×30 initiative to address the climate crisis.

A California condor soars over Pinnacles National Park in the Diablo Range. Photo: Scott Hein. Source: Save Mount Diablo

Last year, Save Mount Diablo sponsored an Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR), authored by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, officially recognizing the Diablo Range as a California conservation priority.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution, ACR 107, was reviewed and approved by the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife on September 10, 2025, after we provided testimony to the committee addressing the need for the resolution.

Our Diablo Range resolution then went before the Assembly, where it was reviewed and approved on September 13, 2025.

On June 9, 2026, we provided testimony in support of ACR 107 to the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee, and thereafter they approved our Diablo Range resolution.

Then on August 13, 2026, the Senate approved ACR 107 unanimously (33-0). With that final approval, our Diablo Range resolution was adopted, thereby officially recognizing the Diablo Range as a California conservation priority critical to helping the state meet its 30×30 initiative.

Introducing the resolution to the Senate floor for a vote, Senator John Laird remarked, “On behalf of Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan, I rise with alacrity to present ACR 107 . . . which recognizes the importance of the Diablo Range, one of California’s most significant overlooked natural landscapes. This covers 4 million acres, 12 counties, some of which I represent. It was a trivia question at the Senate Democratic Caucus, and not many people knew where the Diablo Range was. Now they do, because this resolution celebrates the ecological, historical, and economic significance of the Diablo Range and encourages continued stewardship of the landscape.”

Tule elk in the San Antonio Valley, part of the Diablo Range. Photo: Sean Burke. Source: Save Mount Diablo

The Diablo Range is over 200 miles long, contains more than 4 million acres that are largely intact and undeveloped, and is less than 30 percent conserved. And this mountain range runs through 12 counties, with Mount Diablo in its northernmost county of Contra Costa.

The Diablo Range is an immense and important wildlife habitat corridor, teeming with biodiversity. It is home to hundreds of rare and endangered species, such as the California condor and blunt-nosed leopard lizard.

More than 10 million people reside in communities immediately surrounding the Diablo Range, so protecting more lands and creating more parks within the range has been identified as a fantastic way to help more people get access to nature.

The Diablo Range provides California with one of its best opportunities to meet multiple goals in its 30×30 initiative set up to help the state address the climate crisis.

California’s 30×30 initiative aims to conserve 30 percent of the state’s lands and coastal waters by 2030, promoting biodiversity, climate resilience, and access to nature.

California Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (center) is joined by (L-R) Save Mount Diablo Board member Jim Felton, Board President Robert Phelps, Executive Director Ted Clement and Board member Phil O’Loane. Photo: Dylan Finley. Source: Save Mount Diablo

We thank Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan; Senator John Laird, who gave ACR 107 a great introduction on the floor of the Senate before the Senate vote; and the rest of the California legislature that approved our Diablo Range resolution.

We also give thanks to our Save Mount Diablo team who worked hard on this historic effort, including a small group of staff, Board members, and leadership donors to our Diablo Range Campaign.

Further, we thank our legislative advocate, Douglas D. Houston, and his team at Houston Magnani and Associates who assisted us throughout this process. Finally, we thank all our partner organizations, agencies, and supporters who sent ACR 107 support letters to the legislature.

The California legislature’s historic approval of our resolution has just given much needed visibility, attention, and momentum to protecting the previously little-known, yet hugely important, Diablo Range.