Contra Costa Herald

Pickpocket suspects were caught on store surveillance video. Source: Walnut Creek PD

By Walnut Creek Police Department

We shared a video last week of pickpocketing thieves. We are asking again for the community’s assistance in identifying the suspects in this crime. If you have any information please contact 925-935-6400 or email Detective Matt Smith at MSmith@walnutcreekpd.com.

Incident Synopsis:

During the week of July 13th, a visitor of the downtown Safeway reported having their wallet stolen without knowing what happened until it was too late. The victim was approached by two individuals – within seconds, the wallet was gone. Surveillance footage later revealed the two individuals working together—one acting as a “Lookout”, the other swiftly removing the wallet from the Victim’s purse. A third subject then walks past and gets handed off the wallet.

Pickpocketing is a crime of opportunity. Thieves often operate in busy areas such as our downtown shopping area. Their goal is to go unnoticed until it’s too late.

How to Protect Yourself: Best Practices
1. Stay Alert
Be especially cautious in crowded places. Trust your instincts—if someone is getting too close, move away.
2. Secure Your Belongings
Use bags with zippers and wear them across your body. Keep them in front of you, not behind your back.
3. Avoid Easy Targets
Don’t carry wallets or phones in your back pocket. Use inside or zippered pockets instead.
4. Split Up Your Valuables
Carry only what you need and keep money, cards, and IDs in separate places. Consider a money belt when traveling.
5. Be Aware of Distractions
Pickpockets often work in teams using distractions like fake arguments, spills, or questions to divert your attention.
6. Limit Display of Valuables
Keep your phone, jewelry, or expensive items out of sight when not in use.
⸻
Stay safe, stay aware. Pickpocketing is preventable when you stay one step ahead.
If you suspect suspicious activity or have been a victim, report it immediately to the Walnut Creek Police Department or security personnel.

Rustom Bhagwager. Photo: CCC Sheriff’s Department

Florida airline pilot was flying in; held on $5 million bail

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division have been conducting an investigation since April 2025 after receiving a report of sex crimes against a child. A Ramey arrest warrant was later secured for the suspect.

Through the investigation, it was learned that the suspect was an airline pilot and that he was due to fly into San Francisco

International Airport on the evening of Saturday, July 26, 2025.

At about 9:35 PM, Sheriff’s Office detectives, with the

assistance of Homeland Security Investigations, boarded the plane to arrest the suspect who is identified as 34-year-old Rustom Bhagwagar of Florida, born 12/15/1990. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on five counts of oral copulation with a child under 10 years of age. He is being held in lieu of $5 million bail.

An inquiry of where the incidents occurred in the county was made. Please check back later for the response and any other updates to this report.

According to a San Francisco Chronicle report, Bhagwagar is a co-pilot for Delta Airlines. According to the Sheriff’s Department, the six-foot, three-inch tall, 220-pound is being held in the West County Detention Center

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: mailto:tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Daniel Alejandro Acosta-Montiel. Photo by Concord PD

Police seek additional victims; also had connections to East Contra Costa County

By Concord Police Department

The Concord Police Department has arrested 24-year-old Daniel Alejandro Acosta-Montiel for a series of sexual battery and false imprisonment incidents that occurred over the past several months.

• The first incident occurred on January 13, 2025, where Acosta-Montiel reportedly followed a woman, grabbed her from behind, and sexually assaulted her.
• A second incident occurred the following night, where Acosta-Montiel allegedly used a stun gun on a female victim and sexually assaulted her.
• Approximately one month later, Acosta-Montiel was identified as the suspect in an incident where he followed a female home and assaulted her in the front yard of her residence in Concord.
• After his arrest, a juvenile female came forward and reported that Acosta-Montiel had sexually assaulted her in October 2024.

Once identified in April 2025, Concord PD Detectives arrested Acosta-Montiel on numerous felony charges, which were subsequently filed by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

Acosta-Montiel, born 12/01/2001, is described as a male, 24 years old approximately 4 feet 11 inches tall and approximately 120 pounds.

Given the circumstances of this case, the Concord Police Department believes there may be additional victims. Acosta-Montiel lived in Concord during these incidents, but also had connections to East Contra Costa County.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Special Victims Unit Detective Huffmaster at 925-671-5080 or Concord PD Dispatch at 925-671-3333.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, Acosta-Montiel is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail, and his next court appearance is on Friday, August 8 in Superior Court in Martinez at 8:30 A.M.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Brentwood Police Police Department

July 27, 2025 – At approximately 2:08 a.m., Brentwood Police officers responded to a reported vehicle-versus-motorcycle collision at the intersection of Sellers Avenue and Chestnut Street.

Upon arrival, officers determined that a male motorcyclist had come to a stop at the intersection while traveling northbound on Sellers Avenue. Moments later, his motorcycle was struck from behind by a vehicle also traveling northbound. The motorcyclist sustained life-threatening injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Due to the collision, both directions of Sellers Avenue and Chestnut Street were closed for approximately five hours to allow for investigation.

The cause of the collision remains under investigation. However, the driver of the involved vehicle was arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence. Drugs are being considered a possible contributing factor.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is urged to contact the Brentwood Police Department at (925) 634-6911. Callers may remain anonymous.

FBI called in, suspect(s) sought

By San Ramon Police Department

On Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 2:19 AM, Officers from the San Ramon Police Department responded to a commercial burglary at Target, 2610 Bishop Drive. Upon their arrival, they discovered an improvised explosive device had been used to gain entry to an ATM machine.  No one was injured due to the explosion, but damage was sustained to a portion of the store’s interiors near the eastern public entrance.

Due to the nature of this investigation, the FBI was contacted, and they responded to the crime scene. The FBI processed the crime scene for the remainder of the day.

There was no immediate danger to the community, and we are thankful no innocent bystanders were injured. The San Ramon Police Department is working with the FBI on this investigation, and we ask anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Detective Hugh Cotton at mailto:hcotton@sanramon.ca.gov.

The San Ramon Police Department would like to formally thank the San Francisco FBI office for their assistance with this investigation.

David Milburn was arrested by the CHP for two shootings. He tossed his gun during the pursuit which was later recovered by officers. Photos: CHP

33-year-old David Milburn held on $1 million bail; one victim in hospital

By CHP – Contra Costa

VALLEJO, Calif. – California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers arrested a 33-year-old Antioch man early Wednesday, July 23, 2025, after two freeway shootings spanning Contra Costa, Alameda, and Solano counties.

Officers took David Milburn (born 1/25/92) into custody around 1:35 AM. after spotting his white Chrysler Crossfire on eastbound Interstate 80 near Midway Road between Vacaville and Dixon. Milburn refused to stop, leading officers on a short pursuit before being arrested without incident. During the chase, officers saw him throw a firearm and two high-capacity magazines from the vehicle.

The arrest came after two other shootings just hours earlier. Around 8:07 P.M. Tuesday, a man was admitted to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek with a gunshot wound, stating he was shot while driving westbound on Highway 4 near Willow Pass Road. About five hours later, at 12:52 A.M. Wednesday, another driver reported his vehicle had been hit by gunfire on eastbound Highway 24 near Highway 13.

Detectives from CHP’s Golden Gate Division Special Investigations Unit linked all three incidents to Milburn with help from the Traffic Management Center, Communications Center, and Flock Safety data.

Milburn was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, shooting at a vehicle, and multiple counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

“Swift work by CHP personnel across the Bay Area directly led to the apprehension of another dangerous criminal who chose to endanger the general public with his reckless and careless behavior,” said CHP Golden Gate Division Chief Don Goodbrand. “From officers in the field to detectives and dispatchers, incredible teamwork is the key to successful outcomes in these investigations, and I applaud all of them for their hard work.”

This investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information or who may have been involved in incidents with a white Chrysler Crossfire is asked to call the CHP investigative tip line at (707) 917-4491.

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

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, eight-inch tall, 180-pound Milburn is listed as Non-Hispanic but also as Black and is being held on $1 million bail.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

The front of 8 Acres Kitchen & Bar in opening soon in the Deer Ridge community in Brentwood. Video screenshot source: Sean McCauley Investments

Eight Acres Kitchen & Bar to offer “wine country inspired comfort food, blending bold, seasonal flavors with the rustic elegance of a scratch kitchen”

By Virginia Sullivan

Brentwood, California –The Le Bon Temps Restaurant Group is proud to announce the grand opening of Eight Acres Kitchen & Bar, a highly anticipated, wine country-inspired culinary destination nestled on eight acres of olive trees, grapevines, and organic herb gardens in Brentwood, CA. Opening this summer, the concept is the result of a powerful new collaboration between Michael Karp, veteran restaurateur and President of Le Bon Temps Restaurant Group, and renowned Bay Area chef Harrison Chernick.

A refined yet welcoming escape, Eight Acres promises a fresh take on wine country inspired comfort food, blending bold, seasonal flavors with the rustic elegance of a scratch kitchen. Executive Chef Harrison Chernick – known for his work with Michael Mina, Mina Test Kitchen, and currently at Forge Rockridge – brings his deep culinary expertise and passion for California ingredients to every dish. With produce harvested from the property’s gardens and orchards, the menu reflects a soulful, farm-to-table spirit grounded in quality, seasonality, and community.

“It’s about letting the land speak through the food,” said Chernick. “We’re growing our own herbs, harvesting our own olives, and drawing daily inspiration from what’s growing on the property and in the surrounding area. It doesn’t get more honest—or more exciting—than that.”

While the team wasn’t actively seeking a new location, the opportunity found them. “Sean (McCauley) discovered us while visiting our Forge Napa restaurant with his family,” said Karp. “When he brought the idea to us, we were struck by the similarities between Napa and Brentwood—the landscape, the agricultural heritage, and the clear need for a true community-centric, farm-fresh restaurant concept. It immediately felt like the right fit.”

“The minute I met Michael and his team, I knew I had to get them out to Brentwood,” said McCauley, local real estate and restaurant developer. “There was an immediate connection—not just with the food, but with the heart behind it. I felt strongly that Brentwood, and especially the Deer Ridge community, would embrace what they created in Napa. It is exactly the kind of elevated experience our town has been waiting for.”

Adding to the vision for Eight Acres was Michael Karp’s three decades of success building thoughtful, community-focused dining experiences. As the owner of Le Bon Temps Restaurant Group (Forge Pizza Napa, Forge Rockridge, The Fourth Bore, Table 24, Wild Magnolia), Karp saw an opportunity to create something that both celebrates and elevates the agricultural roots of the region.

“The menu will highlight bold, satisfying, and familiar dishes, made with care and just enough surprise to keep things fresh” says Chef Chernick. “Signature items will include the “BFC” Brentwood Fried Chicken, drizzled with hot honey and served with a trio of house-made sauces, the Eight Acres Prime Steak Burger – featuring an half-pound Flannery dry-aged blend with yellow cheddar, onion jam, pickles and a special sauce on a Nisi potato bun – offering elevated comfort on a plate, and for dessert, our Peach “Pie” with grilled peaches, oatmeal streusel, and vanilla bean ice cream, is a bright, nostalgic finish.

“With Eight Acres, we’re cultivating more than a restaurant – we’re cultivating an experience,” said Karp. “It’s a place to gather, unwind, and enjoy something truly rooted in the community.” In addition to event spaces for weddings and private events the space will also feature multiple TVs to watch your favorite sporting events, as well as ongoing programming of live music. Both Chef Chernick and General Manager, Michael French, live with their families in Brentwood and are excited to bring this concept to life in their own backyard.

Located at 801 Foothill Drive, Eight Acres will offer indoor and outdoor dining, weekend brunch, private event space, and a beverage program featuring local wines, classic cocktails, and house-made infusions. A standout feature: the twelve rotating draft beer taps showcasing the best of local craft brews.

The opening date will be in mid-August and announced soon. For more information and updates, visit www.eightacresbrentwood.com and see video by Sean McCauley Investments.

About Le Bon Temps Restaurant Group:

Founded by Michael Karp, Le Bon Temps is a hospitality group focused on creating concept-driven culinary experiences rooted in quality, community, and culture. Current properties include Forge Pizza (Oakland, Napa, Oakland Airport) and The Fourth Bore.

Source: Mt. Diablo Unified School District

The Mt. Diablo Unified School District is proud to announce that Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark has received the 2025 Mike Kneale Excellence in Education Award from the Education Research and Development Institute (ERDI). The national award was presented during a special ceremony on July 16 at the ERDI Summer Institute in Baltimore, MD. Dr. Clark was among three educational leaders honored for exceptional leadership, investment in future leaders, and making a lasting difference in the communities they serve.

The Mike Kneale Excellence in Education Award was established in 2001 by ERDI founder Dr. Mike Kneale and his wife Patty. The award honors superintendents whose careers reflect integrity, visionary leadership, and a lasting commitment to student success.

ERDI selected Dr. Clark for the award based on his tireless advocacy on behalf of students and families, his steady leadership in complex systems, and his ability to build programs that prioritize student well-being and academic achievement. At Mt. Diablo Unified in Contra Costa County, he has led wide-reaching efforts to strengthen learning opportunities, support staff, and engage communities with transparency and resolve.

“Mike Kneale was an incredible leader,” Dr. Clark said.” I am humbled to receive this award from such a prestigious organization.”

In recognition of his honor, a $5,000 donation will be made by Patty Kneale in Dr. Clark’s name to the Mt. Diablo Education Foundation, which was selected by Dr. Clark.

ERDI also presented the Gerald E. Dawkins Leadership Builder Award to Dr. John Kurelja, Executive Director of the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit in Pennsylvania; and the Kathy Hurley Distinctive Mentor Award to John Gamba, Entrepreneur-in-Residence in the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education.

Referring to all three award recipients, ERDI President and CEO Dr. Jennifer Ferrari said: “Each of these individuals represents what is best about public education—visionary leadership, deep care for students, and a commitment to helping others thrive. We are honored to recognize their contributions and celebrate their ongoing impact.”

About Mt. Diablo Unified School District

Mt. Diablo Unified School District serves nearly 30,000 students at over 50 school sites in the communities of Concord, Pleasant Hill, Clayton, Bay Point, Pittsburg, and parts of Walnut Creek, Martinez, and Lafayette. MDUSD is committed to ensuring high-quality education for all students and providing innovative programs that prepare them for success in college, career, and life.

About ERDI

The Education Research and Development Institute (ERDI) is a premier professional learning community that brings together education leaders and industry partners to co-design practical, high-impact solutions for today’s public schools. ERDI advances innovation, excellence, and responsive leadership through national convenings and ongoing research initiatives. For more information, visit www.erdius.org or contact jbarraza@erdius.org.

Police issue warning for activity at Lone Tree Plaza; possible repeat of last Friday’s gathering

By Brentwood Police Department

In response to information received regarding a large gathering being promoted on social media for Friday, July 18, 2025, the Brentwood Police Department is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.  The activity is expected to be at the Lone Tree Plaza where Trader Joe’s, Marshall’s and In-N-Out Burger are located.

It follows a large gathering last Friday, July 11, 2025, at The Streets of Brentwood and Sand Creek Crossing, where Raley’s and See’s Candy are located across Sand Creek Road. That resulted in vandalism, stores closing early and five people arrested.

There has been an increase across the country experiencing similar large gatherings, including other counties in the Bay Area. This is not isolated to the City of Brentwood. This advisory is being issued to provide transparency around pre-planning efforts and to encourage responsible behavior from all community members.

Summary of Pre-Planning and Safety Measures:

• Out of an abundance of caution, additional law enforcement personnel will be deployed throughout key areas of the community to ensure public safety, respond quickly to any incidents, and deter unlawful activity.
• We have been in communication with key stakeholders, including local business and community partners to ensure a coordinated response and shared situational awareness.
• Local businesses have been contacted to encourage situational awareness and cooperation, with recommendations to report any concerns promptly to authorities.
• We encourage parents and guardians to have open conversations with their children about expectations for appropriate and lawful behavior while unsupervised in public spaces. Responsible conduct is expected from all individuals.
• Zero Tolerance for Unlawful Conduct: Any unlawful activity will be met with appropriate enforcement actions. Criminal behavior, property damage, or acts of violence will not be tolerated and may result in immediate arrest and prosecution.

The Brentwood Police Department is grateful for the continued support of our community. The safety and quality of life for all residents remain our top priority. By working together, we can ensure that public spaces remain safe, welcoming, and respectful for everyone. We appreciate the cooperation of parents, community members, and local businesses in helping us maintain order and public safety.

For questions or concerns, please contact Lieutenant Miguel Aguiar at (925) 809-7769.

Country music stars Lee Brice, Michael Ray and David Tolliver perform during the Yellow Roof Foundation’s “Raise the Roof” fundraiser on June 22, 2025. Photo: Yellow Roof Foundation

Lee Brice, Michael Ray, David Tolliver help bring in more than $1 million at “Raise the Roof” for Yellow Roof Foundation

By Mike Hoye

CONCORD, CA – Yellow Roof Foundation’s annual “Raise the Roof” fundraiser was once again an overwhelming success, generating more than $1 million to advance the non-profit organization’s mission to create affordable, income-based rental housing for families and individuals at risk of homelessness.

Yellow Roof Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity based in Concord, Calif. The organization was founded by Dave and Lori Sanson, owners of DeNova Homes, also headquartered in Concord. Yellow Roof has built several communities in the greater Bay Area to provide affordable housing to those who are hardworking, contributing members of society but are experiencing hard times due to circumstances beyond their control and are at risk of becoming unhoused. As the serious housing crisis continues to grow in California, especially in the affordable housing arena, so has the population who may be on the verge of homelessness.

The sold-out “Raise the Roof” was held on June 22, 2025, at The CIA at Copia in Napa, where sponsors and special guests gathered for an evening of giving and celebration. Attendees enjoyed a beautifully prepared dinner and heartwarming presentations that showcased the life-changing impact of Yellow Roof’s work.

During the program, Yellow Roof announced its next new project in the East Bay town of Pittsburg, made possible a land donation from The Sanson Family. The land is approved for 81 multi-family units, which will make it the largest Yellow Roof community to date. In addition, local businessman and philanthropist, Steve Gonsalves, for whom two of Yellow Roof’s communities are named, shared that because 100% of donations go directly to projects and that accountability is instilled in residents are key factors as to why he believes so strongly in and is committed to Yellow Roof’s mission.

Among the evening’s other highlights was the presentation of the 2025 Champion Award to Valerie Sanders, Homeless Liaison for the Pittsburg Unified School District, in recognition of her remarkable partnership in helping to place deserving families into stable housing.

One of those families was represented on stage by resident Araceli Solis, who, joined by her three daughters, shared her powerful story of resilience following the sudden loss of her husband and how Yellow Roof’s income-based rental housing and financial education programs have restored her family’s hope.

Jasmine Strange, a recent graduate from Yellow Roof housing, also moved the audience, describing how the three years she and her family spent with the non-profit prepared them for a brighter future and helped them secure permanent affordable housing.

The concert portion of the evening featured an unforgettable singer-songwriter performance donated by Lee Brice, Michael Ray, and David Tolliver. A special moment came when Lee and Sara Brice’s two youngest children, Ryker and Trulee, took the stage, with Ryker returning for an encore to rally the crowd to bid generously on an autographed guitar signed by all the artists.

“Raise the Roof has become a beacon of hope and a testament to what is possible when compassionate people come together,” said Lori Sanson, President and Director of Yellow Roof Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, guests, artists, and volunteers whose commitment makes it possible for us to provide families with a foundation of safety, dignity, and opportunity. The funds raised this year will help us build more homes and change more lives.”

For more information about Yellow Roof Foundation, to stay updated on its communities and events, or to make a valuable donation to support its efforts, please visit YellowRoofFoundation.org.

Raise the Roof 2025 Sponsors

Diamond Sponsors: BIA Bay Area, California Retaining Walls, Cemcon, Inc., Covenant Technical Solutions, DeNova Homes, Inc., Rescue Electric, RPM, Sanco Pipelines, SDG Architects, The Conco Companies, The Garaventa & Colvis Families, The Graham Family and The Resmark Companies

Platinum Sponsors: Brookfield Residential, Calex Drywall, California Bank & Trust, cbg Civil Engineers – Surveyors – Planners, Discovery Wall Systems, DPAE Structural, Independent Construction, Legacy Risk & Insurance Services, Lew and Sara Carpenter, Miller Starr Regalia, OAG Architects, Pacific Coast Landscape Management, UBS, Waymark Development and Weber Christensen & Heinrichs, LLP

Gold Sponsors: Blazona Concrete Construction, Inc., California Building Industry Association, Gately Family Foundation, J&M, Inc., Meridian Associates, OJ Insulation, Silvermark Construction Services and vanderToolen Associates