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.

During National Click It or Ticket campaign May 18–31

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

SACRAMENTO— Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, bringing increased traffic on roads across California as families travel to destinations and gatherings.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is preparing for the holiday weekend by launching a Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) from Friday, May 22, at 6 p.m., through Monday, May 25, at 11:59 p.m. During this period, CHP officers will conduct targeted enforcement to identify reckless drivers and emphasize proper seat belt use for drivers and passengers.

While the national seatbelt usage rate remains above 90%, 2024 data shows that not wearing a seat belt continues to contribute to preventable deaths on California’s roads.

A seat belt can be the difference between walking away from a crash and never making it home.

From May 18–31, the California Highway Patrol will participate in the national Click It or Ticket campaign with increased seat belt enforcement. Officers will be stopping drivers and passengers who are not properly buckled up.

Too many lives are lost each year because someone chose not to wear a seat belt. In a crash, being ejected from a vehicle is often deadly, and airbags alone are not enough to protect you.

• Buckle up correctly every trip:
• Shoulder belt across your chest
• Lap belt low across your hips
• Never behind your back or under your arm

Learn more: www.nhtsa.gov/SeatBelts

“Wearing a seat belt remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to save lives. Crashes are unpredictable, and taking a moment to buckle up before every trip can mean the difference between life and death.” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee

CLICK IN. DRIVE SAFE

Whether traveling on highways or local streets, wearing a seat belt is essential to reaching your destination safely.

In a crash, seat belts can significantly reduce the risk of fatal injury by preventing vehicle occupants from being ejected. Preliminary data from 2024 and 2025 show that over 13,000 crashes statewide involved an unrestrained occupant, resulting in more than 1,300 fatalities, according to the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System.

During last year’s Memorial Day HEP, which covered the same 78-hour period from Friday, May 23, to Monday, May 27, 2025, CHP officers investigated 22 fatal crashes within its jurisdiction. Of the 21 vehicle occupants who died, nine were not wearing seat belts. During that period, CHP officers made more than 1,100 DUI arrests statewide.

The CHP’s Memorial Day HEP coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Click it or Ticket” initiative. The campaign highlights the lifesaving importance of seat belts and urges the public to take responsibility for their safety by buckling up on every trip.

SMALL PASSENGERS, BIG RESPONSIBILITY

Properly securing a child in the appropriate car seat or booster seat is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect them during a crash.

California law sets requirements for child passenger safety based on age, weight, and height. Choosing and properly using the correct car seat is essential for protecting young passengers traveling in a car.

The CHP’s Child Passenger Safety Program is dedicated to helping protect California’s youngest passengers through education, outreach and hands-on assistance for parents and caregivers. To connect with a car seat technician or have your car seat inspected, contact your local CHP office. 

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

Graduates from final class of 2025 including valedictorian

By Allen D. Payton

A post on the CHP – Contra Costa Facebook page on Dec. 23, 2025, reads, “Please join us in welcoming five new officers to the CHP Contra Costa Area! These officers are members of Cadet Training Class III-25 and are beginning the next chapter of their careers as they start Field Training, gaining valuable knowledge and hands-on experience from their Field Training Officers.

We’re proud to have you and look forward to watching you grow, serve, and protect the Contra Costa area.”

The five graduated in the year’s final class on Dec. 5, 2025.

According to Synthia Ramirez of the CHP Office of Media Relations, “While at the CHP Academy, cadets have the option of requesting a news release/article in their hometowns. Only two of the five new officers at the CHP Contra Costa Area office wanted a news release.” They include Officers Dylan Hoffman and Anthony Martin Manzo, and according to CHP Contra Costa PIO Dan Gilmore, the other three new officers are K. Wheeler, E. Rios and O. Karimi.

Officer Anthony Martin Manzo – Class Valedictorian

According to Jaime Coffee, CHP Director of Communications, Office of Media Relations, on Dec. 5, 2025, Anthony Manzo of Turlock, CA, successfully completed cadet training at the CHP Academy and is assigned to duty at the CHP’s Contra Costa Area Office.

Officer Manzo graduated from John H. Pitman High School in 2022 and then attended Modesto Junior College. Before attending the CHP Academy, he worked as a sales apprentice at America’s Tire in Turlock. As a new CHP officer, he is eager to contribute to keeping California’s roads safe for all travelers. During graduation, he was named class Valedictorian for his outstanding academic performance at the academy.

Officer Dylan Hoffman

Dylan Hoffman of Roseville, CA, has also successfully completed cadet training at the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Academy. He is assigned to duty at the CHP’s Contra Costa Area office.

Officer Hoffman graduated from Rocklin High School in 2022. Before attending the CHP Academy, he worked as a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technician for Impact Air Solutions in Carmichael, Calif. He says he will miss the connections and stories shared with his classmates, as well as the motivation that came from early-morning physical training.

About the CHP Academy

At the CHP Academy, cadet training starts with nobility in policing, leadership, professionalism, ethics, and cultural diversity. Training also includes mental illness response and crisis intervention techniques. Cadet instruction covers patrol operations, crash investigation, first aid, and the arrest of suspected violators, including those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The cadets also receive training in traffic control, report writing, recovery of stolen vehicles, assisting the motoring public, issuing citations, emergency scene management, and knowledge of various codes, including the Vehicle Code, Penal Code, and Health and Safety Code.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service and Security.

Department posts major gains in applications, reduced vacancies and hiring 780 cadets as year comes to a close

By Jaime Coffee Director of Communications, Office of Media Relations, California Highway Patrol

SACRAMENTO — As we near the end of 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom joined the California Highway Patrol (CHP) today in celebrating the Department’s final graduating class of the year. The 137 new officers who were sworn in during a ceremony at the CHP Academy on Dec. 5th will be placed throughout the state to protect and serve communities. This marks a significant achievement for the CHP, which graduated 780 cadets in 2025 alone. The CHP continues its efforts to recruit highly qualified individuals to protect the state’s community safety.

“I’m proud to see the young women and men stepping up to keep our communities safe. As we close out the year, California continues to make real progress — strengthening protections across the state while staying focused on the needs of the people we serve.” – Governor Gavin Newsom

“These cadets have been pushed to their limits and faced significant pressure, but despite all the hardships, they never gave up. Their determination to keep going, even when facing challenges, demonstrates their dedication to helping others and serving the people of California. The CHP proudly welcomes these new officers and looks forward to the remarkable achievements they will make throughout their decades of service.” – CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee

During their 26 weeks in the CHP Academy, cadets trained in vehicle code enforcement, crash and criminal investigations, emergency vehicle operations, and officer safety. The Academy’s curriculum also focuses on legal responsibilities, communication, ethics, and cultural awareness in order to prepare cadets to serve California’s diverse population. Earlier this week, the cadets took part in a 5-mile run as one of the last parts of their training. The new officers begin reporting to one of the CHP’s 102 Area offices across the state on December 15.

A Growing Force Protecting Californians

The CHP’s recruitment initiatives over the past few years — including the launch of the 2022 statewide “Join the CHP 1000” campaign and the “Cadets” web series — continue to drive strong interest in law enforcement careers.

Including today’s newly sworn members, the CHP has brought on more than 2,300 officers from January 2022 through December 2025.

From 2022 to 2024, applications increased by more than 52%.

The CHP is on track to receive more than 33,000 applications by the end of the year, continuing the upward trend.

• 2022: 16,077 applications
• 2023: 19,590 applications
• 2024: 25,477 applications

Join the CHP Today

Enhancing public safety remains a top priority for the Governor, and in November 2024, California successfully achieved its multi-year CHP recruitment goal of 1,000 new officers.

The CHP continues to actively recruit dedicated individuals who are ready to make a difference in communities throughout California. A career with the CHP offers comprehensive training, competitive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

To learn more about joining the CHP, please visit CHPMadeForMore.com to take the first step towards a rewarding career in law enforcement.

See video of the graduation on Dec. 5, 2025.

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

5,450 actions, 1,385 citations, 297 DUI arrests, 6 fatal crashes claim 8 lives during Christmas HEP

By Jaime Coffee, Director of Communications, Office of Media Relations, California Highway Patrol

SACRAMENTO — The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is ringing in 2026 by launching a New Year’s Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP). The CHP will boost patrols statewide from 6 p.m. Wednesday, December 31, to 11:59 p.m. Thursday, January 1.

While New Year’s is a time for celebration, the CHP encourages drivers to follow traffic laws, slow down, and always drive sober. Officers are prepared to stop reckless and impaired driving, which is one of the top preventable causes of crashes. During last year’s New Year’s HEP, the CHP reported 10 fatal crashes and 481 arrests statewide for driving under the influence. As you take the roads this week and celebrate the New Year, we want to remind everyone to make safety part of the plan: drive sober, slow down, stay focused & buckle up. Happy New Year from the California Highway Patrol!

“We’re entering a new year, but our message stays the same. Driving under the influence increases the risks on our roads, raises the chance of a crash, and puts lives in danger. We encourage everyone to do their part in keeping our roads safe by making responsible choices behind the wheel.” – Commissioner Sean Duryee

Driving while under the influence, whether from alcohol, drugs, or both, impairs judgment, decreases visibility and slows reaction times—key skills needed to drive safely. Before counting down to the new year, the CHP reminds everyone to plan ahead: designate a sober driver, use a ride-share service or public transportation and report drunk drivers by calling 9-1-1. Let’s start the new year safely.

Christmas HEP Results

During the 2025 Christmas Holiday Enforcement Period, which ran from 6 p.m. Wednesday, December 24, through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, December 25, CHP officers took 5,450 enforcement actions, issued 2,744 citations, and made 297 DUI arrests statewide. Speeding remains a concern: 1,385 citations, including 94 over 100 mph. 6 fatal crashes claimed eight lives. Slow down, buckle up, drive sober.

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