Contra Costa County – Page 2

Pick-N-Pull Auto Dismantlers To Pay $2.5 Million For Environmental Violations

From the Office of the District Attorney: Martinez, Calif. – Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton announced today (Friday, March 11) that the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, together with 13 other California District Attorneys have agreed to a $2.5 million dollar settlement with Pick-N-Pull over the company’s illegal disposal of hazardous waste…

Worker Found Murdered At Benicia Market Tuesday

Police in Benicia are investigating the apparent homicide of a man working at a market in the 2000 block of Columbus Parkway Tuesday. The victim was identified as Bahadur Singh, a well known and respected local business owner. Officers responding to an alarm call at the business at 10:04 p.m. – minutes after the store…

The Monday Missive

Keeping up with the cabal of insomniacs, news junkies, night-hawking videographers and other well-meaning ne’er do wells who seem to follow this blather sheet over its irregular appearances is turning into a full-time gig. Your Faithful Scribe, one foot already on the sandy beach of retirement, committed to an occasional delivery of some haphazardly hammered-together…

The Price Of Beauty: Settlement Reached With Ulta For Hazardous Waste Violations

Martinez, Calif. – Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton announced today that the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, together with 33 other California District Attorneys and City Attorneys, have reached a settlement for violations of hazardous waste regulations with Ulta Beauty, Inc., Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc., Ulta, Inc., and Possibilities AB,…

Shots Fired In Downtown Walnut Creek Sunday

A couple challenged for failing to pay their bill at a downtown restaurant Sunday were ejected and left but not before firing three shots before speeding away, according to witnesses. Witnesses said two people, described as a heavy-set white female and heavy-set black male, had tried to leave the Modern China Cafe on N. Main…

Public Report On Fatal 2018 Police Shooting Released By DA’s Office

Public Report: Sheriff’s Deputy Lawfully Shot Man During 2018 Encounter Martinez, Calif. – Following an extensive investigation and review, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office concludes Sheriff Deputy Matthew Gauthier lawfully shot and killed Paul Ridgeway in 2018. The DA’s Office released a public report about the shooting today. No charges will be filed against…

Clayton Resident Pleads Guilty To Online Child Exploitation Offense

From the Office of the District Attorney: Martinez, Calif. – Today, 41-year-old Clayton resident Daniel Paul pleaded guilty to unlawfully communicating with a minor for the purposes of engaging in sex, in violation of California Penal Code section 288.3(a). Pursuant to the plea agreement before the Honorable John Cope, Paul was sentenced to 120 days…

Regional Stay-At-Home Order Lifted, Contra Costa Returns To Purple Tier Status

Contra Costa County is urging residents and businesses to continue practicing health safety measures and avoiding risky activities after California lifted its regional stay-at-home order today in the Bay Area. The state order helped the region meet the deadly surge in COVID-19 infections following the winter holiday season. But per capita, the adjusted average number…

District Attorney Issues New Policy Related To Civil Asset Forfeiture Cases

From the Office of the District Attorney: Martinez, Calif. – Today, Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton formalized a new policy for civil asset forfeiture cases within the DA’s Office. In June 2019, DA Becton implemented an interim policy to address growing concerns with certain types of civil asset forfeiture cases. This interim policy is now permanent…

Red Tier Impact On School Openings

PLEASANT HILL, Calif., September 29, 2020 – Contra Costa County has moved into the Red (Substantial) Tier under the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy, which allows schools to consider reopening after two weeks if certain conditions are met. If Contra Costa County remains in the Red Tier for 14 consecutive days, schools in the county have the option to return to in-person…