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Contra Costa County

All articles tagged with #contra costa county

Morgan Fire Near Mount Diablo Grows to 50 Acres as Evacuation Warnings Are Issued
local1 hour ago

Morgan Fire Near Mount Diablo Grows to 50 Acres as Evacuation Warnings Are Issued

A fast-moving wildfire near Mount Diablo grew to about 50 acres by 5:48 p.m., prompting evacuation warnings for Zones CCC-249 and CCC-250 though no orders were issued yet. Fire crews from Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and Cal Fire battled the blaze from air and ground in rugged terrain, aided by eight Type 1 air tankers and four helicopters. An earlier estimate of 125 acres was revised downward with better mapping. Officials urged residents to prepare to evacuate, gather essential items, monitor official alerts, and be ready to leave immediately if an evacuation order is issued.

FBI raids Contra Costa County Assessor and office amid probe
local1 month ago

FBI raids Contra Costa County Assessor and office amid probe

FBI agents raided the home of Contra Costa County Assessor Gus Kramer, his Martinez office, and the home of Assistant Assessor Vince Robb as part of an ongoing investigation into county property value assessments. Kramer called the move an intimidation tactic, noting his long tenure and past scrutiny, including a 2019 grand jury accusation; Robb’s position will be filled as Kramer plans to retire in December 2026.

FBI raids Contra Costa tax office and homes amid wire fraud probe
crime1 month ago

FBI raids Contra Costa tax office and homes amid wire fraud probe

The FBI executed three search warrants in Contra Costa County, including the Martinez tax assessor's office and the homes of the current and outgoing tax assessors, amid allegations of wire fraud and other offenses. Authorities have not disclosed what they sought; the warrants cite possible wrongdoing connected to property valuations. Long-time assessor Gus Kramer and incoming official Vince Robb are linked to the case, with Robb set to take office in January.

Contra Costa warns of invasive sharpshooter on Costco grapevines
local1 month ago

Contra Costa warns of invasive sharpshooter on Costco grapevines

Contra Costa County warns that grapevines sold at several Costco stores may be infested with the glassy-winged sharpshooter, an invasive leafhopper that can spread Pierce's disease and threaten wine crops. Consumers who bought grapevines after April 21 should contact the county for a pickup, keep plants in their original pots, and avoid moving or disposing of them. Unsold inventory has been destroyed; the issue is tied to shipments from Burchell Nursery and affects multiple counties. The insect is not dangerous to humans or pets.

Measles Outbreak in East Bay Prompts Health Warnings
health6 months ago

Measles Outbreak in East Bay Prompts Health Warnings

A highly contagious measles case has been confirmed in Contra Costa County, California, with exposure at multiple public locations between Dec. 17 and Dec. 24. Health officials warn that unvaccinated, pregnant, or immunocompromised individuals may be at risk and emphasize the importance of vaccination, noting that the county has a vaccination rate over 95%. The incident highlights concerns about the resurgence of measles due to declining vaccination rates nationwide.

Investigation underway after Legionnaires' disease deaths linked to Richmond spa
health2 years ago

Investigation underway after Legionnaires' disease deaths linked to Richmond spa

Two people have died from Legionnaires' Disease, and a third person fell ill after visiting Zen Day Spa in Richmond, California. The spa has been closed after an assessment revealed that it did not have the necessary permit for a spa or pool. Legionella bacteria, which causes the disease, can be found in contaminated water droplets. The health agency is investigating the source of the potential outbreak to prevent further cases.