Carpools allowed in bus lane only during weekday peak periods

By Cindy Ramirez, CHP, Bart Ney, Caltrans and John Goodwin, Bay Area Toll Authority

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 9, 2026. . . The California Highway Patrol, in partnership with Caltrans and the Bay Area Toll Authority, this month will resume concentrated enforcement of the laws governing the westbound approach to the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. This includes strict enforcement of vehicle-type and vehicle-occupancy laws in the bus/carpool lane that bypasses the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge toll plaza at the far-right side of the roadway.

This lane — which can be accessed by traffic approaching the bridge from Interstate 80, Interstate 880 or West Grand Avenue — may be used by buses, motorcycles or carpools with three or more occupants during the weekday commute periods of 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Only buses may lawfully use the lane at other times, including all day on Saturdays and Sundays. Drivers cited for improper use of the bus/carpool lane outside weekday commute hours are subject to a fine of $490 or more.

“The signs at access points to the lane are clear and unambiguous. They read ‘Buses Only,’” noted Lt. Ed Clarke of the CHP’s Oakland Area. “But many drivers have not consistently followed the rule in recent years.” The CHP, Caltrans and BATA agree that focused enforcement will help address ongoing violations, improve compliance with the posted restrictions, and ensure the lane remains available for its intended use.

Acting Caltrans District 4 Director and BATA Commissioner Doanh Nguyen reminds drivers that the toll booths at the Bay Bridge and other state-owned toll bridges will soon be a thing of the past. “The transition to open-road tolling already is underway, with the new system set to debut next year at the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge,” he said. “The comprehensive reconfiguration of the approaches to every state-owned toll bridge will improve safety and efficiency by allowing drivers to pay their tolls without having to slow down to squeeze past the obsolete toll booths.”

BATA administers all toll revenues from the region’s seven state-owned toll bridges. Caltrans owns and operates the state highway system, including state-owned toll bridges such as the Bay Bridge.

La Policía de Caminos de California (CHP) se enfoca en el acceso al puente Bay Bridge para una campaña de reforzar el control

Los vehículos compartidos solo pueden circular por el carril de autobuses durante las horas pico de los días laborables

SAN FRANCISCO, 9 de septiembre de 2026. . . La Policía de Caminos de California (CHP), en colaboración con Caltrans y la Autoridad de Peajes del Área de la Bahía, reanudará este mes la aplicación intensiva de las leyes que rigen el acceso en dirección oeste al puente San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. Esto incluye la aplicación estricta de las leyes sobre el tipo y la ocupación de vehículos en el carril para autobuses y vehículos compartidos que evita la plaza de cobro del puente San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge por el lado extremo derecho de la carretera.

Este carril — al que pueden acceder los vehículos que se acercan al puente desde la Interestatal 80, la Interestatal 880 o West Grand Avenue — puede ser utilizado por autobuses, motocicletas o vehículos compartidos con tres o más ocupantes durante días laborables en los horarios pico de 5 a.m. a 10 a.m. y 3 p.m. a 7 p.m. Solo los autobuses pueden utilizar el carril en otros momentos legalmente, incluyendo todo el día los sábados y domingos. Los conductores

que reciban una infracción por el uso indebido del carril para autobuses y vehículos compartidos fuera de los horarios pico de los días laborables están sujetos a una multa de $490 o más.

“Las señales en los puntos de acceso al carril son claras e inequívocas. Dicen ‘Solo autobuses’,” señaló el teniente Ed Clarke del Área de Oakland de la CHP. “Sin embargo, muchos conductores han omitido cumplir la norma de forma consistente en los últimos años.” La CHP, Caltrans y la BATA coinciden en que una aplicación rigurosa de la ley ayudará a abordar las infracciones continuas, mejorará el cumplimiento de las restricciones establecidas y garantizará que el carril siga disponible para el uso previsto.

El director interino del Distrito 4 de Caltrans y comisionado de la BATA, Doanh Nguyen, recuerda a los conductores que las casetas de cobro en el puente de la Bahía y otros puentes de cuota de propiedad estatal pronto pasarán a ser historia. “La transición al sistema de cobro de cuotas en carretera abierta ya está en marcha, y está previsto que el nuevo sistema entre en funcionamiento el próximo año en el puente Richmond-San Rafael. La reconfiguración integral de los accesos a todos los puentes de cuota de propiedad estatal mejorará la seguridad y la eficiencia, al permitir que los conductores paguen sus cuotas sin tener que reducir la velocidad para pasar por las casetas de cobro obsoletas.”

BATA administra los ingresos de peajes de los siete puentes de peaje de propiedad estatal en la región. Caltrans es propietario y opera el sistema de carreteras estatales, incluyendo los puentes de cuota de propiedad estatal como el puente Bay Bridge.

“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”

By Jaime Coffee Director of Communications Office of Media Relations

SACRAMENTO — As Labor Day weekend approaches, the California Highway Patrol is urging motorists to plan ahead, make responsible choices and never drive impaired. 

To help keep California’s roads safe, the CHP will conduct a Labor Day Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) from 6:01 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, through 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7. During the HEP, CHP officers statewide will focus on removing impaired drivers from the road and educating motorists about the dangers of driving under the influence.

The CHP’s HEP coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which runs Aug. 19 through Sept. 7.

“There is no excuse for driving impaired. If you choose to drink or use a substance that affects your ability to drive, make a plan and stay out of the driver’s seat. Your decision could be the difference between everyone getting home safely and a tragedy that can change lives forever.” – CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee

During last year’s Labor Day HEP, CHP officers made more than 1,200 impaired-driving arrests. During the same 78-hour reporting period, nearly 500 DUI-related crashes occurred statewide, resulting in more than 270 injuries and eight deaths, according to preliminary data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. These figures underscore the devastating consequences of impaired driving.

DUI Is More Than Just Alcohol

Impaired driving is not limited to alcohol. Cannabis, prescription medications, illegal drugs and some over-the-counter medications can impair a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle and make the split-second decisions required behind the wheel.

Driving impaired can cost someone their license, freedom or life — or take the life of someone else. The CHP urges motorists to think twice before driving impaired or getting into a vehicle with an impaired driver.

Arrive Safely, Make Responsible Choices

If you plan to drink, plan for a safe ride home before the celebration begins.

• Designate a sober driver, use public transportation or a rideshare service, call a taxi, or stay where you are for the night.
• If you are hosting a gathering where alcohol will be served, make sure your guests have a safe and sober way home.
• Always wear your seat belt. It remains one of your best defenses in a crash.

If you see a suspected impaired driver on the road, call 9-1-1. Your call could save a life.

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

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.

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. 

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“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

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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.”

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.

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. 

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.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Biological mother has history of arrests including by Antioch Police on July 12th for battery.

By Allen D. Payton

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, July 19, 2026, the CHP announced two boys from Antioch have been missing since July 13. It reads, “ENDANGERED MISSING ADVISORY – San Joaquin and Contra Costa Counties Last seen: Redwood Drive and Gentrytown Drive, Antioch. IF SEEN, CALL 9-1-1.”

The boys are 12-year-old Isaiah and 13-year-old Gianni Figueroa who are listed as victims and a 33-year-old woman named Yesenia Villasenor is listed as a suspect. But the flier does not mention her relationship to the boys or that she kidnapped them.

The post included the above flier which reads, “This EMA has been activated by the CHP ENTAC (Emergency Notification and Tactical Alert Center) on behalf of the Antioch Police Department. The CHP ENTAC was notified on July 19, 2026 at 1415 Hours (2:15 PM).”

The flier also shares that the boys were “last seen on July 13, 2026, at approximately 1800 hours, in Antioch, Contra Costa County. Isaiah and Gianni are possibly traveling in a vehicle.”

A photo, license plate and description of a vehicle is included in the flier: White 2109 Toyota Highlander with CA license plate number 8KJR109.

In response to efforts to reach Antioch Police about the matter, as of 5:43 pm, Lt. Bill Whitaker wrote, “They are safe. Post coming out shortly.”

UPDATE 1: A post later Monday on the APD Facebook page reads, “f you have seen this posted on social media or on the freeways, we wanted to update you that the children have been safely located. No further assistance is needed. Thank you.”

Whitaker was asked for additional details and if Villasenor was arrested. He responded, “No arrests.” It was a “custodial and court order issue.”

UPDATE 2: Asked if she is the boys’ mother and where they were located, Whitaker responded, “Yes, their biological mother. We won’t answer their whereabouts for the safety of all involved.”

According to localcrimenews.com, Villasenor has been arrested multiple times dating back to 2015 by various agencies including Antioch, Concord and Pleasant Hill Police, and most recently by the El Dorado Sheriff’s Department on March 1, 2026, for inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant. Her other arrests were for DUI alcohol with blood alcohol continent greater than .08, driving while license is suspended and for warrants or holds only.

According to Antioch Police CitizenRIMS, Villasenor was arrested on July 12th at 9:27 AM in the 5100 Block of Monitor Pass Way in Antioch for battery on a spouse/ex-spouse/date/etc. – Simple (Misdemeanor).

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, she was booked into custody on July 12th at 12:07 PM and released on July 14th at 12:12 AM.

By CHP – Golden Gate Division

Every year, thousands of vehicles are stolen across California. July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a motor vehicle was stolen every 48 seconds in the United States in 2025. 

Use common sense when parking and exiting your vehicle:

• Take your vehicle’s key; do not leave it in or on your vehicle.
• Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
• Park in well-lit areas if possible.
• Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially if they can be seen from outside the vehicle.

Thieves want vehicle parts and valuable items, too.

Radios and wheel covers aren’t the only popular stolen vehicle parts thieves take. They want whatever sells, from the mandated labeled parts to those that aren’t. Some of the most popular items stolen from vehicles include air bags, GPS units, cell phones, iPads, laptops, and purses. Parts like doors, engines and transmissions are stripped and sold.

While thefts declined last year, prevention starts with simple habits:

• Keep valuables out of sight.
• Lock your doors and roll up all windows.
• Park in well-lit, visible areas.
• Install a GPS tracker or recovery system
• Use anti-theft tools
• (steering wheel locks, alarms)
• Always turn off your car and take your keys.

NEVER leave it running unattended.

A few seconds of prevention can save you the time, expense, and frustration of having your vehicle stolen.

Help protect your vehicle and don’t make it an easy target.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Speeding continues to endanger lives on California roadways, making it a priority for the California Highway Patrol in its efforts to make roads safer.

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

SACRAMENTO— The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is reminding motorists to slow down and drive responsibly as they head out for Independence Day celebrations statewide. To address unsafe driving and keep California’s roads safe, the CHP will conduct a Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) from July 2 at 6 p.m. to July 5 at 11:59 p.m., with an emphasis on combating speeding.

During last year’s 78-hour Independence Day HEP, CHP officers responded to more than 850 speed-related crashes. Tragically, at least seven of those collisions resulted in the loss of life, and nearly 400 crashes resulted in injuries to those involved. In addition, CHP officers made 1,311 arrests for driving under the influence – an average of one DUI arrest every three and a half minutes. 

“Reckless driving and speeding continue to endanger lives on California’s roadways,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “As families and friends travel this holiday weekend, we urge everyone to slow down, be considerate of others and make responsible choices behind the wheel. Getting there safely is what matters most.”

Higher Speeds, Greater Consequences

Speeding is dangerous – it slows reaction time, increases stopping distance and crash severity, and can lead to serious, even fatal, consequences. According to the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, an average of more than 115,000 collisions in California each year are attributed to speed. The data also shows that speeding contributes to about 600 traffic-related deaths statewide each year.

During this Independence Day HEP, the CHP will continue using 100 low-profile, specially marked patrol vehicles to target dangerous driving behaviors on California’s highways. These vehicles blend into traffic, allowing officers to identify reckless drivers before taking enforcement action. Since their deployment last year, CHP officers operating these vehicles have issued over 59,000 speed-related citations statewide.

Pilot Program Targets Speeds

In December 2025, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the CHP launched a pilot program to swiftly take action against drivers caught traveling more than 100 mph, aiming to reduce potentially deadly crashes. The FAST (Forwarded Actions for Speeding Tickets) program automatically refers drivers to the DMV for review – independent of any court proceedings – to determine whether immediate action, such as license suspension or revocation, is warranted.

According to the DMV, the CHP submitted more than 3,200 FAST referrals between January and May 2026 for drivers engaging in speeding and high-risk driving behavior. The DMV responded with more than 3,000 suspension and re-examination actions, 94.3% of which were upheld after administrative review and hearings, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in identifying drivers who pose a significant risk to public safety.

Simple Steps to Help Save Lives

To help prevent crashes and save lives this Independence Day weekend, the CHP encourages everyone to take the following safety precautions:

• Plan ahead and designate a sober driver before celebrations begin. 
• Use a rideshare service, taxi or public transportation if you have been drinking. 
• Host responsibly and ensure guests have a safe way home. 
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or other impairing substances. 
• Always wear your seat belt; it remains one of the most effective ways to reduce injuries and save lives in a crash. 
• If someone is about to drive impaired, speak up, take the keys, and help them get home safely. 
• Help remove a dangerous driver from the road by dialing 9-1-1.

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

Multi-agency effort in Antioch, Pittsburg, Oakley

By Antioch Police Department

On Thursday, May 21, 2026, the Antioch Police Department hosted a Vehicle Theft Suppression and Enforcement Team (VSET) operation involving the cities of Antioch, Pittsburg and Oakley. The operation brought together 65 officers from 12 law enforcement agencies across Contra Costa County, including the CHP Contra Costa and Contra Costa County Probation Department.

As a result of the coordinated enforcement effort, officers conducted 112 enforcement stops, leading to:

• 6 felony arrests

• Recovery of 4 illegal firearms

• 22 citations issued

• Arrest of three subjects following a pursuit of a vehicle wanted in connection with felony charges

• Recovery of an occupied stolen vehicle and the arrest of its occupant

• Recovery of 5 abandoned stolen vehicles

• 9 vehicles impounded

In addition to enforcement activities, officers partnered with Contra Costa County Probation to conduct probation searches at 11 locations and worked alongside CHP on a business inspection.

This operation highlights the effectiveness of regional collaboration in addressing crime, enhancing public safety, and improving the quality of life throughout our communities. We thank all participating agencies for their commitment and teamwork in making this operation a success.