Contra Costa Herald

The stolen merchandise recovered (center and four suspects. Photos: Concord PD

Juveniles suspected of stealing $3,400 in merchandise; Pleasant Hill PD assists

By Concord Police Department

On Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, officers responded to a report of four subjects running toward the exit after stealing merchandise from a local store. When officers arrived, the suspects fled in different directions—but our officers quickly pursued and apprehended all four juvenile suspects. All four were booked and then transported to Juvenile Hall.

All stolen merchandise—valued at approximately $3,400—was recovered. Detectives are investigating whether these individuals are connected to other recent high-value thefts from the same store over the past two weeks.

A big thank you to Pleasant Hill PD for their assistance!

Thanks to the quick response and teamwork, another theft was stopped, and our community remains a little safer.

The ghost guns and ammunition seized from the suspect’s work van. Photo: Pinole PD

Clarence Odell Cortez of Lathrop hid them in work van; 5th arrest in 3 years all on weapons, drug charges; already bonded out of custody

By Pinole Police Department

Officers in Action. Looks like someone took the Halloween spirit a little too far! An employer’s surprise check uncovered a felon with ghost guns hiding in a work van.

An employer was doing a spot check of one of their employees at a job site in the 1400 block of Fitzgerald Drive and learned the employee was a convicted felon in possession of a rifle in the company work van. Pinole officers responded and the employee was safely detained. During a search of the company van, a ghost (unserialized) rifle and ghost pistol with matching ammunition was located in the van.

Clarence Odell Cortez of Lathrop, CA was arrested for multiple felony charges including felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

Our officers handled it quickly and thankfully the only thing disappearing was the suspect’s freedom!

According to localcrimenews.com, Cortez was previously arrested four times in 2023 and 2024, three times by San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department and once by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department. Charges included possession of burglar’s tools, addict in possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, carrying a loaded firearm when not the registered owner, felony committed while released on bail or own recognizance, carrying a loaded firearm – previous felony conviction, possession of an assault weapon, convicted felon carrying a concealed firearm, violent felon in possession of body armor, short-barrel firearm sentencing, manufacturing, distributing, transporting, importing, selling or giving an assault weapon, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, as of 8:00 p.m., Friday, Oct. 24 he had bonded out of custody.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

A Con Fire hazmat team leaves the house where the operation was located. Bags of counterfeit prescription pills and a mask were confiscated. Video screenshots by Pittsburg PD

Each held on $2 million bail; Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies and helicopter, Antioch PD, Con Fire hazmat team assist

By Pittsburg Police Department

On Saturday afternoon, Oct. 18, 2025, our SIU (Special Investigations Unit) detectives, along with patrol officers, served a search warrant at a Pittsburg residence connected to an illegal narcotics manufacturing and distribution operation. While those involved may have imagined themselves as criminal masterminds, the reality was far less impressive—and now their operation has been shut down.

Four suspects were detained and later booked on multiple felony charges, including conspiracy, sales and manufacturing of controlled substances. Their criminal enterprise has been dismantled.

We want to extend our sincere appreciation to STARR1, our partners at the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and Antioch Police Department, and to Contra Costa Fire’s hazmat team for ensuring the safety of both our officers and the surrounding community throughout the operation.

Personnel from multiple agencies assisted in the effort.

Most importantly, SIU detectives seized more than 100,000 counterfeit prescription pills—approximately 70 pounds—many of which likely contained fentanyl, methamphetamine, or other dangerous substances. These pills were intended for distribution on our streets, and their removal undoubtedly prevented potential overdoses, injuries, and deaths in our community.

Tuesday morning, Oct. 21, 2025, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed charges on all four individuals, with bail set at over $2 million each.

Believed to be her husband; 57-year-old Libelyn Utt held on no bail

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

Thursday morning, October 23, 2025, at about 11:26, Muir Station deputy sheriffs were dispatched to a medical-police call at a residence on Solano Court in Bay Point.

Deputies entered the home finding a man bleeding from stab wounds. They provided first aid until the fire department and an ambulance arrived on scene. The man was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

The suspect, believed to be the victim’s wife, was arrested at the scene and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. She is identified as 57-year-old Libelyn Taculod Utt of Bay Point (born 8/7/68). She was booked on a murder charge and is being held without bail.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, she is five-feet and one-inch tall, 115-pounds, with brown eyes and black hair, and is Asian-Pacific Islander.

Detectives from the Homicide Unit are continuing the investigation. There are no outstanding suspects and no threat to the public. Anyone with any information on this incident 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.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Sergeant William Daniel Eberly. Photo: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

44-year-old William Daniel Eberly held on $1.025 million bail

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

A 44-year-old Martinez resident William Daniel Eberly (born 4/21/81) faces multiple felony charges for alleged lewd acts upon children.

There was a bench warrant out for his arrest after the DA filed the complaint. Eberly was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

He was arraigned, Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, in Martinez on an 11-count complaint that includes forcible lewd acts on a child under 14 and lewd acts on a child aged 14 or 15. Two victims, identified in court documents as Jane Doe #1 and Jane Doe #2, will remain anonymous to protect their privacy.

The alleged offenses occurred between November 1, 2020, and December 12, 2024, in Contra Costa County. Eberly was employed as a correctional sergeant with the California Department of

Corrections and Rehabilitation at the time of his arrest.

Eberly pleaded not guilty to all charges at his arraignment. The judge set bail at $1,025,000 and granted two criminal protective orders requested by the District Attorney’s Office. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 3 at 8:30 a.m. in Department 22 at the A.F. Bray Courthouse in Martinez.

“Crimes against children demand our unwavering commitment to justice,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “Thanks to the thorough work of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, we will vigorously pursue this case while ensuring the victims and their families receive the protection and support they deserve throughout the legal process.”

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, one-inch tall, 210-pound Eberly is Hispanic. According to other news reports, he previously worked as a San Quentin prison guard.

According to localcrimenews.com, Eberly was previously arrested in 2013 by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office for Contempt Of Court: Disobey Court Order/Process and in 2020 by the Marin County Sheriff’s Office for inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant.

Case No. 01-25-03633 | The People of the State of California v. William Daniel Eberly

William Daniel Eberly CCDA Charging Document

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

$5.3 million for Contra Costa projects in Danville, Richmond

By Edward Barrera, Division Chief, Caltrans Public Affairs

The California Transportation Commission on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, approved $4.9 billion to improve safety and mobility on local streets and state highways as well as fund new alternative transportation options and zero emissions projects.

“California is investing in itself — in our communities, our people, and the places we drive, walk, and ride every day. We’re making our roads safer, our commutes smoother, and our transportation system cleaner and more connected,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

More than half of the allocation will provide 600 local governments and regional transportation agencies with their annual funding to fix roads, bridges and other transportation needs statewide.

“This nearly $5 billion investment highlights California’s strong commitment to creating a modern, resilient transportation system that enhances local streets and strengthens connections between neighborhoods, job centers and schools. Thanks to Governor Newsom’s leadership, Caltrans’ work and the Commission, we are building a safer, more connected and future-ready transportation network that serves all Californians,” said Toks Omishakin, California Transportation Secretary

Among the projects approved is $700 million for repairs and critical upgrades needed for the Vincent Thomas Bridge, a 60-year-old span in the Port of Los Angeles that will soon undergo a major deck refurbishment. Another $140 million will fund truck climbing lanes among other improvements to Interstate 80 in the Sierra foothills between Applegate and Emigrant Gap, a major west coast freight thoroughfare.

“Our local partners are steadfast contributors and valued partners in keeping California’s vast transportation network safe and efficient. When added to the various highway projects also approved, this month’s action ensures that hundreds of essential improvements in our cities and neighborhoods will better enable people and goods to flow throughout the state and beyond,” said Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy.

Of the total allocation this month, $470 million comes through Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, and $4.2 billion from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The larger than normal funding relates almost exclusively to the annual allocation provided to local governments and regional transportation agencies.

“The Commission is committed to ensuring that California’s transportation system is safe and reliable for everyone who uses it,” said Tanisha Taylor, California Transportation Commission Executive Director. “Today’s nearly $5 billion investment in projects will improve multimodal access to schools and employment centers, boost our growing economy, and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for all Californians.”

Pedestrian facilities also received support from the allocations, including an award of $97 million to replace a pedestrian bridge that connects neighborhoods south of the City College of San Francisco campus and other improvements to Interstate 280 between San Francisco and San Mateo counties. And $6.3 million will be spent on new sidewalks, bike lanes and traffic controls in the cities of Santa Barbara and Santa Rosa and in Santa Clara County.

Other notable Bay Area projects include $10 million to build a floating charging station for zero emission ferries in San Francisco Bay.

Contra Costa County projects include:

• $5,040,000 In Danville, at the I-680 southbound onramp to El Cerro Blvd. Due to heavy winter rains during January and February 2025 caused damage at three locations due to saturated soils, erosion, and earth movement. The damage includes roadway settlement, leaning sound wall, and slope erosion. This project will repair roadway using polyurethane injection and grind and pave methods, replace damaged portion of sound wall, reconstruct guardrail, stabilize slope embankment, and place erosion control.

• $276,000 Construction of widened and ADA-compliant sidewalks along Market Avenue, curb extensions at Giaramita Street/Verde Street intersection, and urban greening in Richmond. Construct 4,390 feet of widened sidewalks, narrowed travel lanes, install 4 curb extensions and 18 ADA-compliant curb ramps.

California is expected to receive nearly $42 billion in federal infrastructure funding over a span of five years. These investments will upgrade the state’s roads, bridges, rail, public transit, airports, ports and the electric vehicle charging network.

SB 1 has invested approximately $5 billion annually toward transportation projects since 2017. It provides funding split between the state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of funds, including projects that are partially funded by SB 1.

For more information about transportation and other infrastructure projects funded with state and federal investments, visit build.ca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond visited Pittsburg Unified School District on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. Photo: CA Dept of Education

4.6% improvement in English Language Arts, 1.5% in math, 2.9% in science since last year

By California Department of Education

Pittsburg, CA—State Superintendent Tony Thurmond visited Pittsburg Unified School District (PUSD) today to visit with high school students before joining Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farías, Contra Costa County Board of Education Trustee Yazmin Llamas, PUSD Superintendent Dr, Janet Schulze, PUSD Board President Heliodoro Moreno, PUSD Board of Education members, educators, staff and students at a special press event to celebrate the district’s impressive gains in literacy, math, and science assessment scores following their adoption of the community schools model.

Statewide assessment results show that the number of PUSD students who met or exceeded standard in English Language Arts (ELA) increased by 4.6 percent since last year, while the rate of students who met or exceeded standard rose by 1.5 percent in math and 2.9 percent in science. In addition, students’ average scale score increased in every grade level and nearly every student demographic group for ELA and math.

“I commend the hard work of the educators and students in Pittsburg Unified, and I’m proud to have led a reinvestment in public education across the state,” Superintendent Thurmond said. “I have been a longtime advocate for community schools because they break down barriers that limit student and family access to needed services and resources, ensuring the school site itself becomes a community hub to meet families’ needs and deepens relationships between the campus and the community. When our schools address the needs of the whole child, we see outcomes like those in Pittsburg Unified.”

Pittsburg Unified has accelerated student achievement by maximizing their use of statewide resources, including the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP), which has seen a total investment of $4.1 billion since its launch in 2021.

A community school is a “whole-child” school improvement strategy where the district and school work closely with teachers, students, families and partners. It builds partnerships between public schools and community organizations to provide resources, such as mental health services or family outreach such as home visits and home-school collaboration, that engage families and serve the whole child. Thurmond has championed community schools for almost 20 years, first as a school board member in West Contra Costa, where he authored the resolution that made the entire district a full-service community schools district, and then as a California Assemblymember, where he supported community schools legislation. As State Superintendent, Thurmond has led the largest community schools implementation in the nation with more than a 1,000 community schools sites across California.

Superintendent Schulze credits the test score increases to the hard work of the teachers and staff of Pittsburg Unified and their approach to teaching and learning, continuous improvement, and the needs of the whole child. PUSD is a full-service community schools district thanks to funding from the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP). Targeted tutoring support for students has also proved impactful, benefitted by funding from the California Extended Learning and Opportunities Program (ELOP).

“Thank you to the State Superintendent for this beautiful recognition of everyone’s hard work,” said Superintendent Schulze. “These gains across multiple areas indicate positive change across our whole system. This is due to the structures, systems and strategies we have collaboratively put in place that allow our scholars’ brilliance to shine.”

PUSD’s progress comes after significant investments in K–12 public education championed and secured by Superintendent Thurmond, which have accelerated learning, including $7.9 billion for the Learning Recovery Emergency Block Grant, an additional $215 million to expand the existing Literacy Coaches and Reading Specialists Grant Program, and $200 million to support professional learning for elementary school educators.

Today’s school visit and press event follows the release of statewide literacy and math assessment scores earlier this month. Watch a recording of the press conference on the CDE Facebook page. More information about the Community Schools Model can be found on the California Department of Education’s website.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

For median barrier electrical work, final striping, lighting installations

Schedule: Ongoing through Fall 2025 – Weeknights: 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM

By DeNise Harding, External Affairs/PIO, Caltrans

Caltrans District 4 is continuing overnight maintenance and safety upgrades along Interstate 80 (I-80) between Buchanan Street in Albany and Highway 4 in Hercules. Work includes striping of On and Off ramps, electrical work, and lighting installations.

Closure Information

• Multiple lanes including on and off ramps will be closed in both directions of I-80 between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM, Monday through Friday.
• All closures are limited to overnight hours only.

Scheduled Work Details

• Striping (EB & WB on and off ramps): From Buchanan Street (Albany) to San Pablo Avenue (San Pablo).
• Electrical Work (EB & WB): From Richmond Parkway to State Route 4 (Hercules).

**All work is weather dependent and subject to change**

Changeable Message Signs (CMS) will provide advance notice for motorists traveling in the area. Drivers may experience minor delays and are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time. Be work zone alert, drive with caution through the work zone. For 24/7 traffic updates, follow 511.org on Twitter. For real-time traffic, visit Caltrans QuickMap.

Source: Plan Bay Area

Public comment through Dec. 18 on Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+, EIR for housing, transportation, economic development and the environment

East Bay Webinar Nov. 5

By Veronica Cummings, Principal Public Information Officer, Engagement & John Goodwin, Assistant Director of Communications, Metropolitan Transportation Commission 

After more than two years of public discussion, technical analyses and refinement, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) today released Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ and the Plan Bay Area 2050+ Draft Environmental Impact Report for public review and comment.

Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ charts a course for the future of the Bay Area over the next 25 years. Designed to guide growth and investment across the region’s nine counties and 101 cities, the latest plan aims to advance an integrated vision for a Bay Area that is affordable, connected, diverse, healthy and vibrant for all. The plan contains 35 strategies for public policies and investments that can be implemented to help the Bay Area build more homes, reduce commute times, and create vibrant downtowns and natural areas for everyone to enjoy. These strategies also aim to keep people safe from natural hazards, support a strong economy and provide stable housing.

Unique to this plan cycle is Transit 2050+, a parallel and first-of-its-kind planning effort conducted by MTC and ABAG in partnership with Bay Area transit agencies to re-envision the future of Bay Area public transit.

Plan Bay Area includes all nine Bay Area counties and 101 cities. Source: Plan Bay Area

MTC and ABAG have scheduled a series of webinars and public hearings for comment on Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ and associated supplemental reports, as well as on the Draft Environmental Impact Report for Plan Bay Area 2050+. All interested people, agencies and other organizations are encouraged to attend a webinar or public hearing, where they can ask questions and offer comments on these documents. Full event details are listed below:

• Webinar #1 — North Bay
  Wednesday, October 29, 2025
  12-1:30 p.m.
  Zoom link: https://bit.ly/northbaywebinar
• Webinar ID: 892 3077 8001
• Passcode: 256814
• 888-788-0099 US Toll Free

• Webinar #2 — West Bay
  Wednesday, October 29, 2025
  6-7:30 p.m.
  Zoom link: https://bit.ly/westbaywebinar
  Webinar ID: 831 4140 5598
  Passcode: 096944
  888-788-0099 US Toll Free

• Webinar #3 — South Bay
  Thursday, October 30, 2025
  6-7:30 p.m.
  Zoom link: https://bit.ly/southbaywebinar
  Webinar ID: 822 2561 7467
  Passcode: 356845
  888-788-0099 US Toll Free

• Webinar #4 — East Bay
  Wednesday, November 5, 2025
  6-7:30 p.m.
  Zoom link: https://bit.ly/eastbaywebinar
  Webinar ID: 869 8283 4999
  Passcode: 682098
  888-788-0099 US Toll Free

In addition to these webinars, MTC and ABAG will host three public hearings around the Bay Area to provide opportunities for all interested agencies, organizations and individuals to comment on the Draft Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Report. The full list of hearings is as follows:

• Public Hearing #1 — MTC Planning Committee and ABAG Administrative Committee
  Friday, November 14, 2025, at 9:40 a.m. or upon the conclusion of the Bay Area Infrastructure Financing Authority Network and Operations Committee, whichever is later.
  Bay Area Metro Center -or- Zoom
  Boardroom, 1st Floor
  375 Beale Street, San Francisco  Instructions to join by Zoom

• Public Hearing #2 — Fremont
  Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 6 p.m.
  Olive Hyde Art Center and Gallery -or- Zoom
  123 Washington Boulevard, Fremont
  Zoom link: https://bit.ly/drafthearing2
  Webinar ID: 875 7625 3306
  Passcode: 178983
  888 788 0099 US Toll Free

• Public Hearing #3 — Novato
  Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 6 p.m.
  Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn -or- Zoom
  215 Alameda del Prado, Novato
  Zoom link: https://bit.ly/drafthearing3
  Webinar ID: 898 0347 9624
• Passcode: 129009
• 888 788 0099 US Toll Free

Interested Bay Area residents, agencies and organizations also are encouraged to view and comment on the draft plan online at planbayarea.org/draftplan. Comments will be reviewed by officials from both ABAG and MTC as they consider the adoption of Final Plan Bay Area 2050+, slated for early 2026.

Written comments will be accepted via mail to MTC Public Information Office, Attn: Plan Bay Area -or- Draft EIR Comments, 375 Beale Street, Suite 800, San Francisco, CA, 94105; or via email (Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ inbox: info@planbayarea.org; Draft EIR inbox: eircomments@bayareametro.gov). Comments by phone can made at (415) 778-2292.

The comment period for all documents will close Dec. 18, 2025, at 5 p.m.

Questions? Visit planbayarea.org, email info@planbayarea.org or call (415) 778-6757.

Accessible Meetings

Do you need an interpreter or any other assistance to participate? Please call (415) 778-6757. For TDD or hearing impaired, call 711, California Relay Service, or (800) 735-2929 (TTY), (800) 735-2922 (voice) and ask to be relayed to (415) 778-6700. We require at least three working days’ notice to accommodate requests.

¿Necesita un intérprete u otra asistencia para participar? Por favor llámenos con tres días de anticipación al (415) 778-6757. Para telecomunicaciones para personas sordas y discapacitadas, favor de llamar al 711, el Servicio de Retransmisión de California (CRS) para TTY/VCO/HCO a Voz o para Voz a TTY/VCO/HCO al (800) 855-3000 y pedir que lo retrasmitan al (415) 778-6700.

您是否需要口譯或任何其他協助才能參加？請致電（415）778-6757。若需使用TDD或為聽障人士人士，請致電711，加州轉接服務，或（800）735-2929（TTY），（800）735-2922（語音），然後要求轉接至（415）778-6700。請至少提前三個工作日提出申請，以便我們能為您提供適當的口譯安排。

ABAG is the council of governments and the regional planning agency for the 101 cities and towns, and nine counties of the Bay Area. MTC is the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area.

Photo: City of Pinole

From Caltrans’ Clean CA initiative as a leader in California’s Zero Litter movement

By City of Pinole

The City of Pinole has officially earned the unique designation as an official “Clean California Community” from Caltrans’ Clean CA initiative. This makes Pinole one of 30 communities to earn the designation so far in the state.

This designation reflects the City of Pinole’s role as a leader in California’s Zero Litter movement to reduce litter and keep all parts of the state as clean, healthy and beautiful as possible. Proving its leadership over the last few years, Pinole rallied more than 250 volunteers and neighbors to implement an array of long-term, zero-litter policies in support of litter prevention, beautification, and environmental enhancement. As a result, over 3,000 pounds of trash and recyclables have been removed from the Pinole Creek watershed and surrounding areas.

Mayor Cameron Sasai stated: “We are proud that Pinole is among the first cities to earn the Clean California Designation — a direct result of our community’s collective efforts to keep our city clean. This designation is the start of a partnership with the State of California that opens the door to new resources that will expand beautification, tackle litter, and build a vibrant Pinole that we can all be proud of.”

The Clean California Community Designation Program is part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s $1.2 billion Clean California initiative, which was launched in 2021 by Caltrans to clean up, reclaim, transform, and beautify public spaces statewide. The program was developed in partnership with Caltrans, Keep America Beautiful and Keep California Beautiful.

To earn the Clean California designation, the City of Pinole completed at least 10 of 15 criteria to clean up and beautify Pinole, including Litter Assessment and Measurement, and Enforcement.  Earlier this year, Pinole enacted a new ordinance which eliminates single-use plastics in retail and food services, underscoring its commitment to protect the environment and the community’s health.

In recognition of their dedication to a cleaner community, Pinole will receive “Clean California Community” signage, educational resources, automatic membership with Keep California Beautiful, and statewide recognition.

The City of Pinole encourages other communities throughout California to join the program and continue to clean up and transform California. For more information about the program and to take the pledge, visit CleanCA.com/Designation.

For more upcoming cleanup events and activities from the City of Pinole, please visit Pinole.gov/calendar/.