California DOJ Archives - Open Vallejo

Grainy black-and-white surveillance image shows Darryl Mefferd, handcuffed and wearing a Chicago Bulls shirt, leaning forward in the backseat of a police vehicle. He appears distressed. A timestamp in the upper-left corner reads “2016-12-07 23:54:12.”

‘I can’t breathe’: video shows death Vallejo police concealed for years

by Anna Bauman May 14, 2025May 20, 2025

An oil refinery is seen at dusk, illuminated by orange and white lights, with smokestacks releasing plumes into the darkening sky. The image is taken through a metal security fence in the foreground, emphasizing restricted access and industrial scale. Smoke and vapor rise from various towers, and trailers and utility vehicles are visible in the fenced-in lot below.

Valero plans to close Benicia refinery by 2026

by Sarah Hopkins April 17, 2025April 17, 2025

A group of people, including several uniformed police officers, sit around a table in a large, well-lit meeting room. A flipchart with handwritten notes stands behind them, and other participants are gathered at tables in the background. One individual wears a colorful patterned headwrap, while another person in a knit sweater faces the group. A few officers stand nearby, observing or listening to the discussion.

Vallejo police commissioner resigns, questioning city’s commitment to reforms

by Anna Bauman and Matthew Brown March 3, 2025March 4, 2025

A dimly lit scene at dusk. A uniformed police officer stands beside a black patrol SUV, his face illuminated by red emergency lights. Behind him, a two-tone van is partially visible. Silhouetted trees and utility poles appear in the background.

Vallejo police reform evaluator to hold public meeting Monday

by Anna Bauman January 26, 2025January 27, 2025

A woman stands outside near a wooden post, wearing a striped scarf and green jacket. The background shows a garden with soft, natural lighting.

Vallejo’s next mayor pledges forensic audit and ‘meaningful’ reforms

by Anna Bauman November 19, 2024November 19, 2024

A man wearing glasses and a black shirt hugging a person wearing a white hoodie with the word "justice" on the back.

Vallejo officers could lose badges as state opens investigation

by Vanessa Arredondo October 18, 2024March 31, 2025

Carl Charles, who is wearing a dark suit, stands at a podium during a town hall meeting while craning his neck to hear a speaker. Two men are seated in the foreground, with one in focus and the other blurred. The room is set up for a formal meeting, with desks and computer monitors visible.

Frustration, calls for change mark Vallejo police chief recruitment

by Anna Bauman June 30, 2024September 20, 2024

Mat Mustard, a middle-aged, balding police detective, interrogates Aaron Quinn, a kidnapping victim Mustard falsely accused of killing his girlfriend Denise. Aaron and Denise are now married with two children.

Vallejo seeks to keep evidence destruction probe secret

by Anna Bauman February 2, 2024March 12, 2024

Vallejo City Manager Michael Malone, who is a Black man in his 60s, speaks from a city council dais while wearing a dark suit, white shirt and dark tie.

Vallejo city manager out as state DOJ moves in

by Geoffrey King October 19, 2023April 26, 2024

Several Vallejo police officers are lit by police lights at night.

State DOJ to impose sweeping reforms on Vallejo police

by Geoffrey King October 16, 2023October 30, 2023