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.
A suspect is arrested in the Bay Area after attempting to steal multiple items and Organized Retail Crime Blitz statistics. Photos & source: CHP
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.”
Numerous stolen sneakers recovered during coordinated enforcement efforts in San Diego. A suspect is arrested by the CHP Border Division during the ORC Blitz.
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.
Officers arrest a retail theft suspect during a series of proactive blitz operations in Roseville, Lodi and Stockton.
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.
A trunk full of stolen items was recovered and multiple stolen items recovered from a Target as a result of proactive operations throughout Bakersfield and Turlock.
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.
12-year-old Isaiah and 13-year-old Gianni Figueroa were missing from Antioch for a week, and 33-year-old Yesenia Villasenor was listed as a suspect. Source: CHP
Biological mother has history of arrests including by Antioch Police on July 12thfor 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).”
Updated flier showing the boys have been located. Source: Antioch PD
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.
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.
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.
12 law enforcement agencies participated in the operation on May 21, 2026. Photos: Antioch PD
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.
“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.” CHPCommissioner Sean Duryee
Source: NHTSA
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.
Five new CHP officers have joined the force in Contra Costa County including (L-R) Anthony Manzo badge #24910, K. Wheeler #25019, Dylan Hoffman #24951, E. Rios #24994 and O. Karimi #24895. Photo: CHP Contra Costa
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.”
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.
New CHP Contra Costa Officer and Cadet Training Class III-25 Valedictorian Anthony Manzo. Photo: CHP
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.
New CHP Contra Costa Officer Dylan Hoffman. Photo: CHP
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.
