Contra Costa Herald

Arrested for outstanding DUI warrant July 9th by Antioch Police

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

On Friday, July 10, 2026, at about 12:24 AM, a deputy sheriff at the West County Detention Facility was conducting safety checks when she saw an unresponsive inmate who had a ligature around her neck.

Deputies immediately began life-saving measures while Health Services medical staff at the facility responded and continued life-saving efforts. The fire department and an ambulance also responded. The inmate was later pronounced deceased at the scene.

The inmate is identified as 59-year-old Robi Lynn Perley, a white female, of Rio Vista. Perley, who had an outstanding arrest warrant for driving under the influence and probation violation, was taken into custody yesterday by the Antioch Police Department. She was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility at about 1:30 PM.

According to Antioch Police CitizenRIMS, Perley was five-feet nine inches tall, 135 pounds and was arrested at 12:05 p.m. in the 5700 Block of Lone Tree Way on the misdemeanor outside warrant. Case Number: 26-6379.

The county-wide law enforcement involved fatal incident protocol was invoked and the investigation into this in-custody death is being conducted by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and the Contra Costa D.A.’s Office.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us  or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Source: Stop Pittsburg Data Center

Not happy with City holding virtual community workshop

By Stop Pittsburg Data Center

Stop Pittsburg Data Center is a coalition of Pittsburg parents, children, teachers, and longtime residents. We are issuing this statement because the city has broken a written promise, and because the decisions that matter most are now happening where residents are not looking.

On June 16, 2026, the City of Pittsburg promised in writing that the data center would return to a regular City Council meeting with public participation and Council direction. Instead, it scheduled a staff-run Zoom webinar on July 30 with emailed questions, no noticed agenda item, no live public comment, and no Council action. The city promised residents a seat at the table. We got a webinar instead. (See related article)

We have deep concerns about bias in the decisions that remain. Among the last approvals standing before construction is BAAQMD air permits for 37 diesel generators near a middle school and sports courts on West Leland Road. Mayor Adams sits on the BAAQMD Board and its Stationary Source Committee, which oversees these permits. And in February, the state Fair Political Practices Commission found that the Mayor, a 24-year PG&E employee, has a legally disqualifying financial interest in the Pittsburg Power Company-PG&E agreement this project depends on. The state ordered her to recuse fully and leave the room, roughly 15 months after the Council’s unanimous approval. These are not suspicions. They are the state’s own findings.

The health numbers deserve scrutiny too. The developer’s own modeling submitted to the California Energy Commission showed a cancer risk of up to 17 in a million, above BAAQMD’s 10-in-a-million threshold (AVAIO Response to Data Request AQ-8, Table 1C, CEC Docket 24-SPPE-01, TN 259481, Oct. 8, 2024). Before issuing any permit, BAAQMD must explain publicly what changed and why the final number should be trusted.

Residents were never given a choice about this land. On August 1, 2017, while the Delta View Golf Course was still open, the city signed an exclusive negotiating agreement with Energy Delivery Solutions LLC for a technology park that, in the city’s own words, “would include one or more data centers.” Nine months later, residents were told the course was closing for economic opportunity. The opportunity had already been chosen. By the time the city announced the results of its resident poll on June 4, 2018, the exclusive agreement had already been in place for ten months. Public input came after the city’s decision to pursue a data center project. In the nine years since, the city never once asked publicly whether this land could generate $2 million a year without this risk, and its own budget shows why: the General Fund is projected to end FY 26/27 with a balance of $3,796. A city this broke cannot drive a hard bargain.

We are asking for three things, and the first two cannot wait. Permits can issue and agreements can be signed at any moment, and every week of silence closes the window residents were promised.

1. The real, noticed Council agenda item the city promised in writing, held before any further approvals or agreements are signed.
2. That BAAQMD evaluate all 37 generators as a single pollution source, with a full health risk assessment and a public comment period, before issuing any permit.
3. An urgency moratorium on new data center applications and approvals, including future phases of the Technology Park, until the city adopts a data center ordinance written with public input. Residents asked for a moratorium on June 15 and have received no answer.

More than 23,000 people have signed a petition opposing this project. We also speak for neighbors who cannot attend daytime meetings, don’t speak English, or lack internet access. They deserve the process the city promised. So does everyone else.

Learn more at StopPittsburgDataCenter.com.

Join us at StopPittsburgDataCenter on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

By Brentwood Police Department

The Brentwood Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Friday, July 17th from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. at Balfour Road and Griffith Lane.

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.

Rendering of proposed AVAIO Digital data center in Pittsburg. Source: City of Pittsburg

By Toni Baldazo, Community Engagement Officer, City of Pittsburg

Pittsburg City staff are hosting a virtual community engagement workshop about data center development. Residents are encouraged to participate in the workshop and to submit their questions ahead of time to ensure all resident inquiries are addressed during the meeting.

The AVAIO Perseus Data Center is a proposed data center project within the Pittsburg Technology Park approved by the City Council in 2024. The project is intended to support advanced technology infrastructure, create long-term economic development opportunities and help activate strategically planned employment-generating land in Pittsburg. For more information visit Pittsburg Technology Park | City of Pittsburg.

Proposed data center in the Pittsburg Technology Park Specific Plan. Source: City of Pittsburg

The Technology Park Specific Plan envisions redevelopment of the eastern half of the former municipal Delta View Golf Course, on Golf Club Road off W. Leland Road, which is closed and currently vacant.

“After hearing from many concerned residents, it is clear we need to have a deeper conversation with our community about data center development in Pittsburg,” said Council Member Killings. “City Council has asked the City Manager and Staff to host a workshop educating residents on the City’s data center development policies, procedures and projects, and providing an opportunity for our community to receive answers to their questions.”

Pittsburg Technology Park Site Plan Concept with location of proposed data center. Source: City of Pittsburg

Pittsburg Data Centers Virtual Community Workshop

Date: Thursday, July 30

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81157292257

Submit Questions: datacenters@pittsburgca.gov

In addition to the Workshop, the City has updated the Data Center project webpage and is considering ongoing community engagement to ensure the public is informed on data center projects and impacts in Pittsburg. There will be an update to the City Council during the regular City Council meeting on Monday, August 3.

“Residents have raised thoughtful questions about water, energy, noise, and long-term neighborhood impacts, and the City takes them seriously,” said City Manager Darin Gale. “I appreciate the Council’s direction and look forward to supporting this engagement effort on behalf of the Council and our community.”

For those unable to attend the virtual workshop, the meeting will be recorded and posted to the City’s website for later viewing. For workshop questions, please contact datacenters@pittsburgca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.         

By Eve Kearney, Manager City Manager’s Office

Martinez, CA — The City of Martinez is excited to announce the launch of GoMartinez, a new mobile app designed to help residents stay connected, submit non‑emergency service requests, and access important City information all in one convenient place.

GoMartinez makes it simple for community members to report non‑urgent issues they see around town, whether it’s a damaged sign, pothole, or other maintenance need. Residents can snap a photo and send it directly to the City through the app, making the reporting process faster, easier, and more efficient.

“Our goal with GoMartinez is to give residents a quick and easy way to reach us,” said Mayor Brianne Zorn. “Whether you’re sharing a service request or exploring upcoming community events, we want this app to be another bridge between City Hall and our residents.”

In addition to service requests, GoMartinez offers:

• Direct link to City website
• Easy access to City Council information
• Link for water bill payment
• Events calendar link

Over time, the City will continue expanding GoMartinez with additional links, features, and services so residents can access even more resources right from their phones.

All Martinez residents are invited to download and start using GoMartinez beginning July 6, 2026. The app is available on both iOS and Android devices: simply search “GoMartinez” in your device’s App Store/Google Play store and download. Create an account to submit and track service tickets; tickets can be submitted anonymously.
As Martinez celebrates its 150th year, the City remains committed to offering tools that make it easier than ever for residents to engage with their local government, and looks forward to the positive impact GoMartinez will have in meeting the evolving needs of our residents and helping us provide high-quality service to our community.
Download the app at: https://app.govoutreach.com/martinezcityca/public/crm/topics.

Summer Concert Series – the second concert is tomorrow, Thursday July 9th, 5pm-7:30pm featuring Red Kicks Krewe, a local Richmond Band. They cover lots of funk, R&B, top 40’s and lots of beats that will keep you moving all night long!

Bring your friends & family for an energetic evening of dancing, live music, local cuisine, and beverages to enjoy the Music on the Main Summer Concert Series in the heart of Downtown Richmond. Feel free to bring your lawn chair and set up for a great show.

We’ll see you tomorrow!

Thursday July 9th 

5pm-7:30pm

The LOT, 1401 Macdonald Ave corner of Marina Way, Richmond

By Brentwood Police Department

The Brentwood Police Department has become aware of online posts encouraging a large gathering at the Streets of Brentwood on the evening of Thursday, July 9th.

At this time, there is no known or credible threat associated with the event. However, because higher-than-normal attendance is possible, additional officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence and help keep the community safe.

Residents, visitors, and local businesses should anticipate increased activity and traffic throughout the evening. Disruptive behavior or evidence of illegal activities will not be tolerated, and officers will take appropriate enforcement action when necessary.

We encourage everyone to stay alert, be mindful of their surroundings, and report any suspicious or concerning behavior to the Brentwood Police Department. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.

We appreciate our community’s cooperation as we work together to ensure the Streets of Brentwood remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

Interim Chief of Police & Captain Walter O’Grodnick. Source: Brentwood PD

By Terrance Davis, Acting Brentwood City Manager

BRENTWOOD, CA – On Monday, July 6, 2026, Acting City Manager Terrance Davis announced the appointment of Captain Walter O’Grodnick as the 13th Chief of Police for the City of Brentwood, effective July 16, 2026. O’Grodnick has served as Interim Chief of Police since September 2025.

As part of the selection process, the city sought input from residents, business owners, employees, and community stakeholders through a Police Chief Community Survey. More than 240 individuals participated and identified public safety, integrity, accountability, communication, leadership, and community-oriented policing as the qualities most important in Brentwood’s next Police Chief. The priorities identified by our community closely aligned with the leadership qualities of Chief O’Grodnick.

With more than 32 years of law enforcement experience, including 28 years with the Brentwood Police Department since 1998, Chief O’Grodnick possesses a deep understanding of our community and the evolving needs of our residents. “Through his 28 years of service to Brentwood, Chief O’Grodnick has demonstrated the leadership, humility, character, and vision necessary to lead the Brentwood Police Department into its next chapter. We’re thrilled to have someone of Chief O’Grodnick’s integrity and caliber in this critical role,” Davis said.

Brentwood is a community that values safety, accountability, compassion, and strong relationships between law enforcement and the public. Chief O’Grodnick understands those values and honors the Brentwood Police Department’s proud history, while preparing for the future through employee development, technology, innovation, and regional partnerships that strengthen public safety services.

Chief O’Grodnick said of the appointment, “I am deeply honored and humbled to be appointed as the Chief of Police for the Brentwood Police Department. I am committed to this opportunity to continue to serve and work collaboratively with our officers, community members, and city leaders to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and accountability.”

The Brentwood Police Department will host an open house at the Police Department on August 22, 2026, from 11:00am – 1:00pm, for the public to engage with the Chief.

With Blues Night, Country Boogie Night & Vintage Rock Night

“Not too loud, not too long and not too expensive.”

By Rebecca Roudman

On July 26, Aug. 23 and Sept. 20 at Gilman Brewing in Berkeley, the folks from Not Loud Concerts are presenting Summer Sessions. These music festivals are part of the Not Loud Concert Summer Series – a set of concerts designed to be Not too long, Not too expensive, and of course, Not too loud.

Designed with the audience’s comfort in mind, these short festivals will be held outdoors at Gilman Brewing. There, 2 bands will be on stage at the same time, trading songs and dueling it out. Each concert will have a different theme.

July 26 is Blues Night featuring Delta Wires, an exciting harmonica and horns blues powerhouse and Dirty Cello, a world-traveling, high-energy blues band.

Aug 23 is Country Boogie Night featuring the Alex Lucero Band, a boot-stompin’ Americana band and Dirty Cello, a high-energy band known for their crazy takes on classic country.

Sept. 20 is Vintage Rock Night featuring The Rockbusters, a roaring nostalgia-filled cover band playing all of your favorite songs from the 80’s. They’ll be joined by Dirty Cello, who are known for their crazy and electrifying performances of everything from the Stones to CCR.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase. The audience is welcome to bring chairs, and chairs will also be provided. There will be room to dance and room to sit. No porta-potties, but plenty of clean, indoor bathrooms.

Not Loud Concerts focus on creating an experience that is casual and fun for both the musicians and the audience. The concerts are never too long, never too expensive and of course never too loud.

Not Loud Concerts presents… Summer Sessions at Gilman Brewing

July 26 – Blues Night

Aug 23 – Country Boogie Night

Sept 20 – Vintage Rock Night

7 – 9 pm

Tickets: NotLoudConcerts.com

Here are a couple short videos about the festivals: https://youtu.be/rsu32TPUOjw?si=ye_r5_2ig6lofFLp and https://youtube.com/shorts/GwNNu6WiPwc?si=K_EPLIyDrRDgDhxr

Paid advertisement.

Photo: MTC

Committee for Affordable Bay Area Transit demands transit agencies address waste, alternative funding sources, and non-binding oversight loopholes before locking in a 14-year tax hike.

WALNUT CREEK, CA — A five-county coalition of taxpayer advocates, transit reformers and civic leaders today announced Monday, July 6, 2026, a campaign to defeat the regional transit sales tax slated for the November ballot. The newly formed Committee for Affordable Bay Area Transit warns that the 14-year measure will push total sales tax rates up to or over a crushing 11 percent in nine Bay Area cities across Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties.

Authorized by SB 63 (Wiener, 2025), the measure seeks to raise sales taxes by a half-percent in four counties and a full one percent in San Francisco. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) projects the tax, at inception, will extract roughly $1 billion annually from the local economy and rising with inflation to surpass $14 billion over its term. This funding would come on top of the estimated $6 billion in tax and toll subsidies regional transit operators already receive each year.

Campaign organizers highlighted a strategic maneuver by the tax’s proponents, who utilized a citizens’ initiative route rather than having the MTC or transit districts place it on the ballot directly. This path lowers the voter approval threshold from the standard two-thirds supermajority to a simple majority.

“Bay Area voters are being asked to approve more than $14 billion in new taxes at a time when transit agencies are carrying fewer riders and receiving enormous subsidies,” said Marc Joffe, President of the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association and campaign committee member. “Before squeezing working families and seniors with sales tax rates of over 11 percent in some Bay Area cities and over 10 percent in many others, these agencies must explain why administrative overhead surged since 2019.”

“This measure locks taxpayers into an obsolete, pre-pandemic transit cost structure for 14 years, entirely ignoring how remote work and convenient, emerging transportation alternatives are reshaping regional mobility at no taxpayer expense,” said Gregg Dieguez of SHIFT-Bay Area, representing San Mateo County. “Furthermore, the oversight language in SB 63 is completely non-binding. It allows these agencies to continue wasteful business-as-usual operations with a guaranteed, unaccountable blank check.”

The committee emphasizes that defeating the measure will not shut down public transit. Instead, the coalition argues that the state should redirect a portion of the $1 billion annual cap-and-invest funds currently flowing to high-speed rail. They also propose pausing the region’s two largest capital megaprojects—BART’s Silicon Valley Phase II extension and Caltrain’s Portal downtown extension—to free up existing state and local dollars directly for operations while a leaner funding mechanism is designed for 2028. The committee notes that BART could potentially save hundreds of millions annually through targeted management actions alone, adding that the San Jose VTA does not require this funding for operations, labeling the measure a fiscal “hidden ball trick” to cover a bloated BART extension recently criticized by the Santa Clara County Grand Jury.

The Committee for Affordable Bay Area Transit is actively recruiting volunteers, distributing lawn signs beginning in August, and accepting contributions at transitaccountability.com. The campaign website features a localized household tax calculator where residents across all five counties can instantly check the tax’s impact on their family.

About the Committee for Affordable Bay Area Transit

The Committee for Affordable Bay Area Transit (CABAT) is a campaign committee sponsored by the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association, a nonpartisan civic organization founded in 1937 and based in Walnut Creek. The committee has leadership and representation from all five counties affected by the so-called Connect Bay Area Transit sales tax:  Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties. Contributions to the committee are not tax-deductible. The committee expects to amend its formal name to incorporate the official alphanumeric ballot designation of the “Connect Bay Area Transit” measure once assigned by election officials.