MORAGA: Carr Ranch Saved From Development; Cows Breathe Easier
A 600-acre chunk of largely pristine California ridge land has been snatched off the list of local sites open to potential development, much to the joy of locals who once roamed its valleys, at least one resident mountain lion, and the cows who will continue to graze there. The John Muir Land Trust announced Thursday…
LAFAYETTE: Mexican Colonial Masterpiece Rescued From Under Local Couch
An 18th century painting produced by the most accomplished Mexican artist of his age and lost over intervening decades has been located and recovered from its resting place: under Christina Jones Janssen’s couch in Lafayette. Miguel Cabrera’s long lost De Español y Morisca; Albina – number 6 in an allegorical series of paintings done by the artist in Mexico…
MORAGA: Rare Street Robbery Rattles Little Moraga
In a criminal act rare for Moraga, two of three men who had apparently been riding through town in a search for a victim confronted and robbed a woman walking on Camino Ricardo at Danefield Place Monday evening – taking her purse and escaping in a black Mercedes with tinted windows. The incident was the…
LAFAYETTE: Police Describe Takeover-Style Robbery Of Trader Joe’s
Lafayette police described the takeover-style robbery of the Lafayette Trader Joe’s store Saturday night, saying three suspects succeeded in robbing the store without displaying a weapon or firing a shot.
ALAMO: Home Invasion Robbery On Crest Avenue
At least three men, believed to be carrying “rifles” of unknown type, entered an Alamo home early Wednesday, threatened the occupants and demanded valuables before getting away with some of the occupant’s belongings, a sheriff’s spokesman said Wednesday.
MARTINEZ: Former CHP Officer Pleads Guilty To Phone Cracking Charges
Former California Highway Patrol officer Sean Harrington pleaded no contest Tuesday to two felony counts of searching the cell phones of female DUI suspects and covertly forwarding intimate photos of the women to himself and other officers.
LAMORINDA: High-Pressure Sales Teams Flood Neighborhoods; Sent Packing
Teams of organized, highly mobile and extremely aggressive salespeople descended on Moraga and Lafayette again Tuesday, inspiring the wrath of homeowners unused to their techniques and attracting the attention of police.
One Cyclist Killed, Two More Injured On Danville To Dublin Loop Bicycle Ride
A Dublin bicyclist was killed and two others injured when their group reportedly ran into a large water truck during a weekend fun run from Danville to Dublin and back. Friends of the cycling group say another member was killed on the same ride in 2006. Saturday’s accident was reported at 9:45 a.m. on Highland…
LAFAYETTE: Burglars Operating Remotely In Happy Valley
Thieves rifling unlocked cars in Happy Valley weren’t happy with the usual haul of spare bridge change, sunglasses and the occasional electronic device – they took the garage door openers, too, and came back later for more.
MORAGA: Zero Blower Thirty Wake-Up Call Prompts Civilian Blowback
How early is too early to fire up a leaf blower in Leafy Lamorinda? Some locals have an idea there shouldn’t be any blowing in town before 8 a.m. Some landscapers/maintenance crews, apparently, have an entirely different view.