Old Glory, Topping Tree Hoisted Aloft Tuesday As County Celebrates “Topping Out” Of Its New Administration Building
(Martinez, CA) – On March 26, 2019, Contra Costa County’s Board of Supervisors, Chief Administrative Officer, staff and building partners celebrated the “Topping Out” of its new administrative building in Martinez. The ceremony on the new site marks the placement of the last piece of structural steel on the construction, a significant milestone for the…
Information Scarce On Apparent Street Robbery, Shooting In Walnut Creek Sunday
Little is known about what callers say was a violent street crime in downtown Walnut Creek Sunday night, a victim shot after two men demanded his watch near Union Bank on Mt. Diablo Boulevard. Walnut Creek Police Lt. Tracy Reese said investigators are currently working through the crime, which occurred at around 9:50 p.m. Sunday…
Temporary Martinez Junior High School Faculty Member Arrested For Misdemeanor Battery Friday
Martinez police officers responded to the Martinez Junior High School for a report of a battery that occurred on campus around 11 a.m. Friday and, after an initial investigation, arrested a temporary faculty member at the school. Alex Aono, whose age was not given, was arrested for misdemeanor battery, according to police. A description of…
Car Burglar Strikes Outside Rheem Valley Starbucks Wednesday
Little Moraga (we can call it that because our founders live there) has escaped much of the now almost daily scourge of car burglars striking in parking lots up and down the 24/680 lately. Although some pilfered change and other items have been taken during drunken scavenger hunts in Moraga, the town’s positioning well away…
El Sobrante Man Killed In Sobrante Avenue Crash Sunday
California Highway Patrol officers were directed to the scene of a fatal crash near 5499 Sobrante Avenue in El Sobrante around 6:15 p.m. Sunday, finding an unresponsive 75-year-old local man inside the vehicle upon arrival. Officers determined that a green Jeep had been driven into an embankment and overturned. The driver was pronounced dead at…
Coroner Puts A Name To Skeletal Remains Found In Lafayette
On Monday, March 11, 2019, a hiker contacted Office of the Sheriff Dispatch to report finding human skeletal remains in a wooded/hillside area in south Lafayette. Police recovered the remains and they were given to the Coroner’s Division for identification. The remains were subsequently identified as 57-year-old Donald Booth of Lafayette. Booth was reporting missing…
County Health Department Orders Temporary Closure Of Danville Lunardi’s Store – Rodent Infestation
Locals out shopping for their evening meal tell us the Danville Lunardi’s store is closed – apparently for a couple of days – while workers deal with an apparent rodent infestation. Notice of the closure has been pinned to the front doors and people are at work inside but initial information is that the store…
Governor Suspends Use Of Death Penalty In California; Cites Moral Reasons And Support Of Citizenry
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced his decision to suspend capital punishment in California Wednesday, saying the system has been a failure and granting a reprieve for the 737 people currently on Death Row. State Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, praised Newsom’s decision and said she “deeply respected” the governor’s moral courage in making the decision. “Our criminal…
Easy Rider Making Trail Users Uneasy In Walnut Creek; PD On The Case
Police in Walnut Creek say they have received several complaints about a two-wheeled terror riding a black mini-motorcycle in the areas of Perada Dr, Citrus Ave, Oak Grove Rd and Ygnacio Valley Rd. This scofflaw has also (allegedly) been seen riding recklessly on the trail. If you know the identity of the individual or know…
Con Fire Presents Medal To Local Woman Who Rescued A Neighbor From Fire
Martinez, Calif., March 12, 2019 — Con Fire was honored to present the Hero Medal to Samantha Olive Barnhouse on behalf of the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission at today’s Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Fire Board of Directors meeting. Barnhouse was awarded the medal for her actions in saving the life of Lobis Burton,…