Eastbound and westbound views of the now open Sand Creek Road Extension including the bridge over the creek. Herald file photos.
Connects Heidorn Ranch Road and Hillcrest Avenue in Antioch to Hwy 4
By Allen D. Payton
The City of Brentwood announced on Monday, “The Sand Creek Road Extension is NOW OPEN! We’re thrilled to bring this new roadway to the community and hope it enhances your travels. Please drive safely and enjoy the new route!”
About the delay in the road’s opening two weeks after the ribbon cutting, Assistant City Manager Darin Gale said, “The extension is a unique project because it starts at an intersection that’s controlled by Caltrans and ends at an intersection that’s controlled by Antioch.”
“There were still some items that needed to be completed before we could open the road,” he shared, reiterating what City Manager Tim Ogden said during the ribbon cutting ceremony on Jan. 28. (See related article)
“We appreciate the partnership with those two agencies in getting the road open as quickly as possible” Gale added.
“Part of the intersection built by the developer in Antioch had not yet been approved by the City of Antioch,” he explained as one of the reasons for the delay.
Aerial view of the Sand Creek Road Extension at Heidorn Ranch Road. Source: City of Brentwood
Gale was asked about the timing of the opening and if it had anything to do with the new Costco opening nearby.
He responded, “The City of Brentwood was moving forward with the Sand Creek Road anyway. However, the road does provide a connection to Costco. While it was coincidental to the timing of the opening of Costco, it helped us with attracting the store to Brentwood.”
“We look forward to Sand Creek Road serving the Brentwood Innovation Center (located to the north) and bringing jobs to the residents of East County,” Gale stated.
The new section of the road now connects to the Antioch section at Heidorn Ranch Road, then to Hillcrest Avenue and west to the road that runs north adjacent to Dozier Libbey Medical High School in Antioch.
Gale also reiterated what Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal said at the ribbon cutting, as previously reported. He said, “Richland Communities over to the west of us, they’re going to be starting this year, I’m told, on their subdivision that’s going to build that final link between Sand Creek Road, where it terminates right now, and Deer Valley Road. So, that’s going to be able to get residents and folks over to Kaiser, which is important, getting people off of Deer Valley Road.”
Sand Creek Road will eventually connect to Dallas Ranch Road in Antioch, on the west side of Deer Valley Road and run through The Ranch 1,177-new home subdivision developed by Richland Communities and approved by the Antioch City Council in July 2020.
Officials cut the ribbon on the Sand Creek Road Extension while standing on the bridge over the creek on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2025. Photos by Allen D. Payton
Ribbon cutting, speeches highlight milestone for Brentwood section including bridge over creek
Bike lanes will have bridges
By Allen D. Payton
The City of Brentwood hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Sand Creek Road Extension, on a cold Tuesday morning, January 28, 2025, in anticipation of the road being open to the public in the coming weeks. This milestone project marks a major step forward in enhancing connectivity, reducing traffic congestion, and fostering economic growth at the Brentwood Innovation Center and the region overall. Due to limited parking at the event site and the road not being open to the public at this time, the ceremony will be an invitation-only event.
“We’ll open it as soon as we can…once we get the traffic signal activated,” said City Manager Tim Ogden. “The City will release a public update on its website once the road is open and we hope everybody enjoys driving it.”
A variety of current and former officials attended the ceremony, including Brentwood Mayor Susannah Meyer, Vice Mayor Pa’tanisha Pierson, Councilman Tony Oerlemans and Councilwomen Jovita Mendoza and Faye Maloney, former Brentwood Mayor Joel Bryant and Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal. In addition, representatives from the offices of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis were attended the event. Ogden thanked a variety of key as well as City of Brentwood staff members who were instrumental in getting the project completed, including Director of Engineering Allen Baquilar.
Aerial photos of the Sand Creek Road Extension before (below) and after completion (above). Source: City of Brentwood
The Sand Creek Road Extension, an approximate $13 million infrastructure investment, expands Sand Creek Road westward from Highway 4 to Heidorn Ranch Road, which serves as the boundary line between Brentwood and Antioch. This essential addition will provide a southern access to the City’s Innovation Center—home to a future 100+ acre Business Park and Town Center and the highly anticipated Costco on Heidorn Ranch Road near Lone Tree Plaza Drive. It also provides a more direct access from the east to Kaiser Hospital and Medical Center on Deer Valley Road in Antioch. By easing traffic on key routes such as Lone Tree Way, Balfour Road and Deer Valley Road, the project aims to enhance both safety and accessibility for residents of Brentwood and Antioch, and other visitors to the area.
“We’d like to thank the city council for their funding support of this project on the construction approvals,” Ogden stated. “Our regional partners and other agencies who were very involved in this project, including ECCRFFA, or the East Contra Costa Regional Fee and Financing Authority who contributed $4.1 million towards the project. All of the other funds…have been paid for from development credits.”
“We also appreciate the City of Antioch and Tri Pointe Homes and Caltrans, who were very instrumental also in all the approvals, reviews and inspections,” he continued. “We worked extensively with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, particularly with this creek, here, so we could put the bridge over it, ensuring that the native wildlife and the creek were minimally affected during construction. So, we appreciate everyone following those protocols and protecting the wildlife.”
Ogden also thanked the contractors saying, “So, I want to recognize the joint venture of Good Fellows and Sequoia…for diligently working on this project. And lastly my city staff who are recognized for managing, overseeing and inspecting the project.”
Reading from prepared remarks, Brentwood Mayor Susannah Meyer expressed her enthusiasm for the project’s completion, stating, “This has been a long time coming. This is a very exciting day for Brentwood but also for Antioch and the entire region…This is going to be really good for connectivity. It’s going to provide final connection to our upcoming Innovation Center…Lone Tree Plaza and our new Costco.”
“Sorry, Antioch,” she added with a laugh. (The Costco store in Antioch will remain open).
“We are going to provide residents with an alternate route to Kaiser, too. This is one of the things we hear about a lot from residents,” Meyer stated. “We don’t have a hospital in town. But now we have much closer access to Kaiser. That’s going to be very helpful.”
“There’s no current timeline as far as completion of the last segment to connect with Deer Valley Road. But it will be a top priority once the development is approved in Antioch,” the mayor continued. “This is only the first phase of Sand Creek Road with the rest of it to be completed by the adjacent development when it does occur. An additional travel lane will be added in each direction and sidewalks on both sides and a traffic signal at the Bridal Gate Drive intersection.” That will be located on the Brentwood side.
“The Sand Creek Road Extension is a shining example of Brentwood’s dedication to building a thriving and connected community,” Meyer added. “This new roadway will provide residents and first responders with improved access between two major roadways – great for both convenience and safety. It’s projects like these that make Brentwood an exceptional place to live.”
Ogden emphasized the long-term vision behind the extension, adding, “This is more than just a road; it’s a vital connection that will pave the way for economic growth and innovation in Brentwood. Extending Sand Creek Road from Highway 4 to Heidorn Ranch Road has been a strategic effort to alleviate traffic on Lone Tree Way and support new opportunities within the Innovation Center. Costco’s arrival marks just the beginning of exciting opportunities ahead for our community.”
With this new extension, residents will benefit from reduced travel times and strengthened economic and community development. The City of Brentwood looks forward to celebrating this achievement with the community and continuing to prioritize projects that enhance quality of life.
Westbound (left) and eastbound (right) views of the Sand Creek Road Extension, bridge over the creek and future bicycle lane sections. Photos by Allen D. Payton
Antioch Mayor Bernal spoke last before the officials cut the ribbon saying, “We want to be a good neighbor with Brentwood and our neighboring communities. So, seeing this open, seeing Costco, the different economic development opportunities that are opening for both of our communities.”
“Richland Communities over to the west of us, they’re going to be starting this year, I’m told, on their subdivision that’s going to build that final link between Sand Creek Road, where it terminates right now, and Deer Valley Road,” he stated. “So, that’s going to be able to get residents and folks over to Kaiser. Which is important, getting people off of Deer Valley Road. So, we’re excited about seeing that happen and we’ll keep people updated on that.”
“Mostly, I want to let everyone know Antioch is working towards becoming a community that’s safer and a better neighbor for Brentwood,” Bernal shared. “So, we’re excited for our neighbors, here and grateful to be part of this ceremony.”
The sidewalk is wider on the bridge than next to the other sections of the roadway. Asked about that, Ogden said, “They’re for bridges for bicyclists.”
The new roadway is anticipated to open to the public within the next few weeks once the traffic signals controlled by outside agencies at both ends of the project are activated to control traffic within the two expanded intersections. Sand Creek Road will eventually connect to Dallas Ranch Road in Antioch, on the west side of Deer Valley Road.
Darin Gale, Brentwood Assistant City Manager contributed to this report.
Detectives identified the suspect who was apparently illegally making guns, including assault weapons, as well as illegally selling them. During the search of the suspect’s home, detectives found assault weapons as well as a short barrel rifle. Some of the weapons seized did not have serial numbers. The weapons will be tested to see if they are linked to any shooting or crimes.
The suspect is identified as 27-year-old Diego A. Vasquez-Gomez of Pittsburg. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges that include manufacturing of a short barrel gun, manufacturing and selling of an assault weapon, illegal possession of an assault weapon, unlicensed transfer of a firearm and child endangerment.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
From Oakley to Hercules; with help from Contra Costa Sheriff’s helicopter, CHP
Kalil Houston still in custody on $70,000 bail, Isaiah J. Mitchell bonded out
By Oakley Police Department
On January 10, 2025, at 9:44PM, Oakley Police Officer F. Williams was on patrol on Main Street near Bridgehead Road. Officer Williams saw a gray Honda Accord with a license plate reported as lost or stolen and belonging on a Lexus. It was also made known to Officer Williams the same Honda with the same license plate had been used during a robbery in Dublin. Officer Williams was joined by Officer R. Hernandez and they attempted to stop the Honda, but it fled at a high rate of speed onto westbound Highway 4. Officers Williams and Hernandez initiated a pursuit and the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff helicopter (STARR) was in the area within a few minutes.
The suspect continued to flee travelling westbound on Highway 4 reaching very high speeds at times. The pursuit continued for several minutes. Due to the nexus of this vehicle to violent crimes, our officers remained engaged in the pursuit all the way to the City of Hercules. The pursuit ultimately ended in the 1900 block of Railroad Avenue when the driver, identified as Kalil Houston (male, 20, Antioch, born 7/6/04) foot bailed from the vehicle. The passenger, identified as Isaiah J. Mitchell (male, 21, Antioch), remained in the vehicle and was taken into custody immediately. Our officers later caught Houston as he was trying to flee the area and took him into custody as well.
Pursuits by their very nature are dangerous and police agencies diligently assess the need to continue them when they occur. Every decision made in a pursuit weighs the seriousness of the incident versus the public’s safety. When a vehicle is associated with a crime(s) of violence, it becomes more critical to apprehend the violator(s).
Our officers found several stolen license plates and a blank key fob in the possession of Houston and Mitchell and fired shell casings could also be seen inside the vehicle. The Honda was towed to be examined for evidence.
During this pursuit, a Black Ford Mustang started pacing our officers, even at the high speeds that were reached, turned its lights off, and tried to block our officers. The driver of the black Mustang intentionally interfered with our officers and placed our officers in a great degree of danger. Our officers will be doing additional follow-up in an attempt to identify the driver of the Mustang.
Houston and Mitchell were both booked into jail for crimes associated with possession of stolen property, conspiracy and felony evading. The Oakley Police Department will be working with the Dublin Police Department in regards to the robbery that occurred in Dublin.
Chief Beard said of this incident, “It does appear as if Houston and Mitchell were going to continue the destructive and violent behavior their vehicle had already previously been involved in. The action of fleeing at high speeds, the propensity to work in concert with others against police officers, having stolen license plates and spent shell casings is not a good look in any scenario. It is my concern a crime of violence was going to be perpetrated against an innocent person(s) in Oakley. I appreciate and respect Officer Williams and Officer Hernandez for keeping the residents of Oakley safe. Officers from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the California Highway Patrol and the Hercules Police Department all assisted Officers Williams and Hernandez during this incident, and I extend a personal thank you to each of them.
“The experiences of Officer Williams and Officer Hernandez in this investigation underscores the risks American peace officers face everyday. I am grateful for the service of all peace officers who stand between those who wish to do harm and the rest of society and I am honored to be associated with them.
Stay safe Oakley!”
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch, 175-pound Houston is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $70,000 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 27 at 8:30 a.m. in Delta Superior Court in Pittsburg.
Also, according to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Mitchell is Black and as of Jan. 11th, he bonded out of custody. According to localcrimenews.com, Mitchell was arrested on Dec. 22, 2021, by Antioch Police for vandalism – property damage.
4th arrests this year for both suspects each with history of additional arrests
By Oakley Police Department
On December 17, 2024, Chief Paul Beard stated, “Criminals beware — the officers of the Oakley Police Department are diligent in detecting crime and locating offenders. It is our desire to see no crime occurring at all, but if it does, and if you are the one committing it, we will commit our resources towards finding you and arresting you.”
The next day the officers of the Oakley Police Department fully executed the meaning of that statement.
On December 18, 2024, at 1:46PM a victim who resides in the 800 block of Walnut Drive was not at home but reported seeing a person steal a package from the front porch via a Ring camera. The suspect fled in a green Kia vehicle. Officers began working on this case and started conducting follow-up investigations on it.
At 2:34PM Officer Palmer responded to the 4300 block of Redwood Drive to take a report of a package theft from a front porch. A video of the theft showed a female wearing a black Hollister hooded sweatshirt removing a package from the porch before fleeing the area.
At 3:23PM Officer Palmer responded to the 400 block of Devon Court to take a report of a package theft from a front porch. A video of the theft showed a female wearing a black Hollister hooded sweatshirt removing a package from the porch before fleeing the area.
At 4:34PM Officer Palmer responded to the 900 block of Almond Drive to take a report of a package theft from a front porch. A video of the theft showed a female wearing a black Hollister hooded sweatshirt removing a package from the porch before fleeing the area.
At 4:39PM Special Services Team Officer Navarrette was conducting follow-up on the string of package thefts and saw what we believed was the suspect vehicle driving in the 200 block of Delta Road. Officer Navarrette stopped the vehicle, and he was assisted by Officers Horn and M. Jackson. Randal Joan Alodee Locke (38, Antioch, born Jan. 15, 1986) and Ashlee Victoria Fletcher (35, Oakley, born June 27, 1989) were both found to be in possession of a plethora of stolen items, most likely from several days/nights of package thievery. Locke and Fletcher were both arrested and booked into jail for these thefts.
Even after these arrests were made, we continued to take reports of package thefts involving Locke and Fletcher:
At 5:02PM Officer Palmer again responded to the 900 block of Almond Drive to take a report of a package theft from a front porch. A video of the theft showed a female wearing a black Hollister hooded sweatshirt removing a package from the porch before fleeing the area.
At 6:27PM Officer M. Jackson responded to the 3800 block of Creekside Way to take a report of multiple packages stolen from the location. The victim’s property was located in possession of Locke and Fletcher and returned.
So far, we have been able to identify a total of eight victims and we have returned their items back to them. One of the victims said every Christmas package she had ordered for her children was stolen from her porch and returned to her by Oakley Officers.
We have not yet identified all victims, and we still have several items of stolen property in our custody. If you believe you were the recent victim of having your packages stolen, please call us at 925-625-8060 and we will try to identify any stolen property belonging to you.
Fourth Arrests This Year for Both Suspects with Additional History of Arrests
According to localcrimenews.com, it’s Locke’s fourth arrest this year, including three by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies on July 2 for vehicle theft and warrants or holds only, Sept. 9 for receiving stolen property – motor vehicle and taking vehicle without the owner’s consent, and Nov. 18 for receiving stolen property – motor vehicle. She was also previously arrested by the Solano County Sheriff’s Deputies in January 2020 for shoplifting, conspiracy to commit a crime, receiving or concealing stolen property, unauthorized use of personal identifying information, again by Antioch PD in Sept. 2020 for warrants or holds only, in Dec. 2021 for receiving stolen property – motor vehicle and in June 2022 for a bench warrant failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 200-pound Locke is Hispanic and is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $20,000 bail.
According to localcrimenews.com, this is also Fletcher’s fourth arrest this year including on March 27th for grand theft and falsely impersonating another in his or her private or official capacity, on June 2nd for shoplifting not to exceed $950 and on Nov. 4th for warrants or holds only. She also has a history of arrests by both the Contra Costa and Alameda Sheriff’s Departments, plus, Antioch, Concord, Martinez, Dublin and Pleasanton Police Departments dating back to 2020 for crimes including grand theft, possession of burglar’s tools, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of controlled substance in a prison, and unlawful use of willfully obtained personal identifying information.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, two-inch tall, 140-pound Fletcher is also Hispanic and being held in the West County Detention Facility on $20,000 bail.
Join us at Golden Hills Community Church on Christmas Eve for one of our annual Candlelight Services! We will sing Christmas songs of worship and hear from God’s Word as we celebrate the birth of our Savior!
Our first service will be inside the Sanctuary at 7:00 pm. Our second service will be outside on the Plaza at 11:30pm. Please bring your own chair and wear something warm!
These services are for the whole family! Each service will be 30–45 minutes.
You are invited to join us for a Grand Chanukah Celebration on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at 4:30pm!
Come celebrate the Festival of Lights with Chabad of the Delta and our surrounding communities as we light the grand Menorah in Brentwood City Park. A reception will follow inside the adjacent Brentwood Community Center.
Our local community leaders will participate in kindling the giant “Menorah of Freedom”. There will be fun activities for everyone including:
Epic LED Light show
Giant Menorah Lighting with Dignitaries
Chanukah Donuts
Latkes
Chocolate Gelt
Chanukah Crafts
Festival Indoors, Lighting Outdoors
Win Chanukah Gifts
Security Presence
Free Fidget Dreidel for the first 50 Children
For many of us, Chanukah prompts warm, loving memories from our childhood. We light the Menorah every night of the 8-night holiday. These lights offer warmth, joy, strength, inspiration and renews our sense of identity.
This year, Chanukah begins at sunset on Wednesday, Dec. 25th and ends at nightfall on Thursday, Jan. 2nd.
Rabbi Peretz Goldshmid, director of the Chabad of the Delta Jewish Center, describes Chanukah as “a holiday that enriches our lives with the light of tradition. In ancient times our ancestors rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem with the Menorah. Today, we rededicate ourselves to making this world a better and brighter place.”
As we celebrate in East Contra Costa, we join millions the world over, promoting the universal message that good will prevail over evil, freedom over oppression and light over darkness!
Make sure not to miss this opportunity to celebrate with your family and friends! Brentwood City Park is located at 790 2nd Street and the Brentwood Community Center is located at 35 Oak Street.
For more information, contact Chabad of the Delta at (925) 420-4999 or online at JewishDelta.com/Chanukah.
