Contra Costa Herald

“The New TDT Network” brings community-driven changes to nearly all of the agency’s bus routes

By Leeann Loroño, Manager of Customer Service and Marketing, Tri Delta Transit

After canvassing East County for input from riders and residents over the last year, Tri Delta Transit (also known as East Contra Costa Transit Authority) is poised to launch a significant realignment of its transit system, offering service that is faster, more direct and more frequent beginning Aug. 10.

Dubbed “The New TDT Network,” this realignment brings sweeping changes to nearly every Tri Delta Transit route, informed by a blend of public feedback and data analysis. Bus routes across the system have been made faster and more direct, with better connectivity between buses and BART.

A brief video highlighting the major changes of the new network – and how they were determined – is available at revitalizetridelta.com.

Busier areas will see more frequent and consistent service, with improved weekend service across the board. The updated system introduces a brand-new route running every 15 minutes, along with four additional routes operating every 30 minutes, making morning commutes smoother for bus riders.

“We wanted to be sure these changes served local riders – particularly those who rely on transit for their morning commutes,” said Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis, who chairs Tri Delta Transit’s Board of Directors. “These updated routes – including Tri Delta Transit’s first route to run every 15 minutes – will not only greatly improve commutes for those who already ride but open up new possibilities for those whose schedules didn’t align with the previous system.”

Source: Tri Delta Transit

Integration with Tri MyRide has also been expanded to better serve the Brentwood, Antioch and Oakley areas, while maintaining existing coverage in the Pittsburg and Bay Point area.

“From the beginning of the New TDT Network initiative, our goal has been to ensure that the new network is able to better meet the needs of the communities we serve,” said Rashidi Barnes, CEO of Tri Delta Transit. “This new network is a direct result of that goal and aligns with everything we’ve heard from the public over the last year. Our riders can look forward to consistent bus service with lower wait times that offer faster, more direct routes to where they need to be.”

For details on specific route changes and other information about The New TDT Network, visit revitalizetridelta.com.

About Tri Delta Transit

Tri Delta Transit provides over 2,000,000 trips each year to a population of over 315,000 residents in the 225 square miles of eastern Contra Costa County. For additional information about the Tri Delta Transit, please visit www.trideltatransit.com.

Professor Joel Ledford teaches the Biology 2C class and they started class policies and then the tree of life during the First Day of classes on September 24, 2024, in California Hall. Credit: Gregory Urquiaga / UC Davis

The system also extended more admission offers to out-of-state students, including many more international students

By Michael Burke And Daniel J. Willis, EdSource – republished with permission

Top Takeaways

• The number of first-year Californians admitted to the University of California increased by 7% over last year.
• The gains weren’t evenly distributed across the system, with the most competitive campuses actually admitting fewer in-state students than last year.
• UC also accepted more transfer students as well as more students from other states and countries.

The University of California admitted more California residents for the upcoming fall term than last year, but not at the system’s most exclusive campuses.

Overall, UC admitted 149,368 first-year students, including 100,947 Californians — 7% more in-state students than the system admitted for fall 2024, according to data UC released Monday.

That increase was driven by gains in the number of Californians admitted to the Merced and Riverside campuses, and to a lesser degree, the Davis and Santa Cruz campuses. That offsets the decline in the number of first-year California residents accepted to the remaining campuses, including UCLA and Berkeley. However, the share of admitted students who choose to enroll at those campuses is much higher than at campuses such as Merced and Riverside, where only a small percentage of accepted students end up attending.

Among first-year Californians, there were also gains across racial groups, with the number of admitted Black, Latino, Asian and white students increasing systemwide.

Most campuses also admitted more students from other states and countries than last year, as well as more transfer students from community colleges.

The systemwide first-year admission rate was 77% for Californians and 73% for all students, both up by 7% from last year.

In recent years, UC has faced pressure from lawmakers to offer more spots to California residents and, as part of a deal with Gov. Gavin Newsom, has agreed to enroll more of those students in exchange for annual budget increases. This year’s funding increase, however, was deferred and will be paid to UC in subsequent years.

Chart: Justin Allen Source: California Department of Education Get the data Created with Datawrapper

“We continue to experience significant growth — a clear indication that Californians recognize the value of a UC degree,” UC President Michael V. Drake said in a statement. “Our latest admissions numbers demonstrate that families across our state recognize that UC degrees prepare students for a lifetime of meaningful contributions in their communities and far beyond.”

Merced accepted 17,481 more first-year Californians than it did a year ago, a staggering 72% increase. Riverside also saw a massive jump, offering admission to just under 17,000 or 46% more in-state students than it did for fall 2024.

At Berkeley and UCLA, the number of first-year Californians offered a spot declined by 8% and 2.4%, respectively. There were also modest declines at the Irvine, San Diego and Santa Barbara campuses.

However, Berkeley was among the campuses to admit more California community college transfer students. The system as a whole admitted 27,845 transfer students from California community colleges, up 6% over last year.

Chart: Justin Allen Source: California Department of Education Get the data Created with Datawrapper

“Creating pathways to a UC education for a wide range of top California students yields benefits not only for those students, but for the state at large,” Han Mi Yoon-Wu, UC’s associate vice provost and executive director for undergraduate admissions, said in a statement.

UC also extended admission offers to far more out-of-state students. The system accepted 2,150 more domestic out-of-state students than last year, a 9% increase. The increase was even more significant for international students, with UC admitting 3,263 more than last year, or a 17% gain.

Facing state budget uncertainties and federal funding cuts, UC could stand to benefit from enrolling more out-of-state students, who pay significantly higher tuition prices than California residents and will pay even more this fall.

In a press release, though, UC said the increased offers to international students were “due to rising uncertainty of their likelihood of enrolling.”

Across California and nationally, many experts and college staff are concerned that international students will be less likely to enroll this fall out of fear that the Trump administration could cancel their visas.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration abruptly terminated the visas of more than 1,500 international students across the country, including many in California. The administration later reversed those terminations, but said at the time that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was “developing a policy that will provide a framework” for visa terminations.

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.