Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Concord man gets 21 months in federal prison for selling counterfeit sports memorabilia

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San Francisco Giants player Willie Mays in 1955 posing for the camera of an Associated Press photographer. Public domain. Source: Wikpedia

After pleading guilty to fraud scheme; claimed bat was used by Willie Mays during 1954 World Series; must pay over $1 million in restitution

By U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California

OAKLAND – Daniel Damato was sentenced on Monday, June 29, 2026, to 21 months in federal prison for his role in a wire fraud scheme in which he knowingly sold counterfeit sports memorabilia and attempted to obstruct the FBI’s investigation into his criminal conduct. United States District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín handed down the sentence. He faced a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Damato, 40, of Concord, California, was charged by Information on October 20, 2025, with one count of wire fraud. The Information alleged that between 2022 and 2024, Damato, a sports memorabilia dealer, doctored and gave false provenance to valuable items to make them appear as authentic and legitimate sports collectables. Damato then attempted to sell these items to unsuspecting buyers at heavily inflated prices.

The Information specifically described two sports memorabilia items Damato fraudulently marketed and sold—a baseball bat he represented was a 1954 game-used World Series bat and a jersey he asserted was a 1972 game-worn jersey. Damato claimed that the bat was used and the jersey was worn by Willie Mays, described as one of the greatest baseball players who ever lived, according to the Information

As previously reported by the Herald, on December 8, 2025, Damato pled guilty to the wire fraud count charged in the Information. In connection with his plea, Damato admitted that despite his assertions to the contrary, the bat he sold for $100,000 to one victim had not been used in the 1954 World Series by Mays. Rather, Damato admitted that the bat was a “factory error” bat that was an inch shorter than what Mays used during his career. Damato further admitted that he sold other fraudulent items, including a jersey he falsely claimed was worn by Mays that he sold for $50,000 to a second victim. In addition, the Court found that Damato defrauded a third victim in connection with his sports memorabilia scheme, determining that Damato stole over $900,000 from that victim while falsely promising to deliver sports memorabilia.

In addition to his fraudulent conduct, Damato admitted in his plea agreement that after the FBI executed a search warrant on his residence, he contacted at least one potential witness in an attempt to obstruct the government’s investigation.

United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Scott Schelble made the announcement.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Martínez-Olguín sentenced Damato to a three-year period of supervised release and ordered restitution in the amount of $1,068,940. Damato had previously been remanded into custody and will begin serving his sentence immediately.

Assistant United States Attorney Abraham Fine is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Amala James. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Concord residential, vehicle burglaries under investigation

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Photos: Concord PD

By Concord Police Department

The Concord Police Department is actively investigating a series of residential and vehicle burglaries that have occurred throughout our community over the past several weeks. Detectives are actively pursuing investigative leads and working diligently to identify and apprehend those responsible.

As part of this investigation, we are sharing surveillance images of two individuals believed to be involved. In several incidents, the suspects have approached homes during the early morning hours, checking parked vehicles and using garage door openers left inside unlocked vehicles to gain access to garages. Once inside, they have primarily targeted tools and other valuable property.

On multiple incidents, the suspects were captured on surveillance video while armed with handguns outside a garage. Although no confrontations with homeowners have been reported, these images serve as an important reminder to remain vigilant and take simple steps to reduce your risk of becoming a victim.

Help protect your property by:

  • Always lock your vehicles, even when parked in your driveway.
  • Never leave garage door openers, keys, wallets, or other valuables inside your vehicle.
  • Keep your garage door closed and secured, especially overnight.
  • Report suspicious activity immediately to the Concord Police Department.

If you recognize either of the individuals pictured or have surveillance footage or information that may assist investigators, please contact the Concord Police Department at (925) 671-3333.

We appreciate our community’s continued partnership as we work to identify those responsible and prevent additional crimes.

Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday in Clayton July 4th

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With pancake breakfast, parade

By City of Clayton

The Fourth is coming. Come celebrate the biggest party of our lifetime as America celebrates its 250th Birthday.

On Saturday, July 4th, we invite you to partake in the celebration during Clayton’s annual Independence Day parades.

A pancake breakfast will be held from 7 am to 10 am at Endeavor Hall (costing $10 for adults and $7 for children under ten). The Kids Parade will commence at 10 am, followed closely by the Annual 4th of July Parade on Oak Street. We look forward to your presence!

Whether you want to be part of the fun or just kick back and watch it all visit www.claytonca.gov for more details and information or click, here.

City of Martinez to host 2026 Independence Day Celebration with day-long festivities July 4th

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Celebrate America’s 250th and City’s 150th anniversaries

By Eve Kearney, Martinez City Manager’s Office

Martinez, CA – The City of Martinez is pleased to announce its 2026 Independence Day Celebration, featuring a full day of events for residents, families, and visitors. This year’s festivities honor two important milestones: the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 150th anniversary of the City of Martinez. The community is invited to celebrate with a series of events taking place on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

Parade – 10:00am

Hosted by Downtown Martinez & Co., the annual Independence Day Parade will take place on historic downtown Main Street and feature local organizations, civic groups, marching units, classic vehicles, and community representatives.

Martinez Sturgeons Baseball Game – 12:30pm

Join us for the great American pastime, with a special Independence Day home game featuring the Martinez Sturgeons, playing at Joe DiMaggio Field in Waterfront Park. Concessions will be available.

Fun Fest at Waterfront Park – 5:00 pm

The afternoon continues at Waterfront Park with a family-friendly Fun Fest featuring activities, food trucks, and entertainment. Highlights include Bubble Fun from 5:00–6:0pm, a professional kite show from 6:00–7:00pm, and music from DJ Rhythm Masters beginning at 6:30pm. This event is designed to offer residents of all ages a safe, welcoming space to enjoy the holiday together.

Fireworks Finale – 9:30 pm

The City of Martinez will conclude the day with its annual fireworks display over the Martinez Waterfront. This professionally produced show will begin at 9:30pm and promises to be an outstanding display of dazzling colors and community spirit!

The City of Martinez looks forward to celebrating Independence Day with the community and thanks its partners and public safety personnel for their efforts in coordinating this year’s events. The City would also like to thank the East Bay Regional Park District for their continued support and partnership with the City’s annual Fireworks Show.

Please note that general vehicle access to the Marina will be closed off starting at 6:00am and parking will be by permit only as City staff and contractors prepare for the event. Free parking for the day’s events is available in the surrounding Downtown area.

As a reminder, the use of personal fireworks is prohibited in both the City of Martinez and throughout Contra Costa County, to protect our community from the significant risks associated with fireworks, including fires, injuries, and disruptive noise impacts. We appreciate our community’s continued cooperation in helping to maintain a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all residents, visitors, and pets.

We look forward to marking history together, celebrating 250 years of America and 150 years of Martinez, on an unforgettable day of community pride!

Mount Diablo Initial Point’s 175th Anniversary to celebrate California’s surveying heritage July 18th

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The brass plate marks the Mount Diablo Initial Point inside the Visitor’s Center. Left source: Mount Diablo State Park. Right photo: The Center for Land Use Interpretation (CLUI)

Free historic public event commemorates one of the most significant survey monuments in the American West

By Mount Diablo State Park & Public Land Survey System Foundation

Join us on July 18, 2026, to commemorate a significant day in California mapping history.

On a hot summer day in 1851 Colonel Leander Ransom and his survey crew carried their equipment to the top of Mount Diablo and established the Mount Diablo Initial Point – the starting point for mapping property lines for much of California and all of Nevada.

Celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Initial Point with us…explore antique and modern surveying equipment, visit information booths, enjoy hands-on exhibits showcasing the science and practice of land surveying and activities designed to introduce younger visitors to the profession. Land surveyors and historians will be on hand to demonstrate equipment and answer questions about the history and significance of the Initial Point and Mount Diablo’s prominence. Guided tours will point out the original survey monuments housed inside the Summit Visitor Center.

with a day-long public celebration highlighting the history and enduring importance of one of the West’s most significant surveying landmarks.

The free educational event will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Summit Upper Lot in Mount Diablo State Park. Visitors of all ages are invited to experience interactive exhibits, historical surveying demonstrations, educational presentations, and family-friendly activities that illustrate the vital role surveying has played in the development of California and Nevada.

According to The Center for Land Use Interpretation, the Mount Diablo Initial Point “is one of 37 federal survey points of origin covering the USA (outside of the 13 original colonies), known as Initial Points, selected over the course of 150 years, to anchor newly acquired federal land to the legal and cartographic grid.

“Most Initial Points are created incidentally, as baselines (and sometimes the meridians) are usually created first, with one end anchored on relatively immutable geographic features, such as the confluence of rivers, or latitudinal lines. The west has a number of exceptions, where prominent peaks were selected to be Initial Points, and then base-lines and meridians were drawn from them, as their visibility from great distances aided the surveyor’s task. Such was the case with Mount Diablo, an isolated mound rising above the surrounding valley, east of the San Francisco Bay area.”

A concrete column, built at the same time as the rest of the structure, sits atop the exposed bedrock of the summit and continues through the ceiling to a viewing gallery on the level above where it is topped with a brass plate. Photos: CLUI

“Mount Diablo has the most elaborate commemorative architectures of all the Initial Points. The building at the top of the mountain, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, contains a small museum and encloses a monument built on top of the summit. The building itself extends the peak another 45 feet in elevation. A concrete column, built at the same time as the rest of the structure, sits atop the exposed bedrock of the summit and continues through the ceiling to a viewing gallery on the level above where it is topped with a brass plate. The rock of the actual summit is exposed at the base of the concrete column. An opening at the base of the column was provided to allow access to the exact spot from which the survey was conducted, marked now by a copper bolt head left from a 1876 triangulation station.”

The survey lines from Mount Diablo extend from the Pacific Ocean to Utah, and from Monterey Bay to Oregon, covering an area that includes most of California and all of Nevada (in green) and U.S. Meridians and Baselines map. Sources: (left) CLUI and (right) U.S. Dep’t of the Interior Bureau of Land Management

According to the Mount Diablo Surveyors Historical Society, “California has three initial points; Mount Diablo Base and Meridian (est. 1851) (center), San Bernardino Base and Meridian (est. 1852) (bottom), and Humboldt Base and Meridian (est. 1853) (top). Initial points are the starting points, and were established to describe and enable the government to sell public lands covering California and Nevada which were part of the Public Lands Survey System (PLSS).”

Visitors are encouraged to bring lunch, snacks, drinks and sunscreen and plan to spend the day enjoying the mountaintop setting while learning about one of California’s most enduring historical landmarks.

California State Parks, the Mount Diablo Surveyors Historical Society and Mount Diablo Interpretive Association are presenting this event and invite visitors to drop in between 10am-4pm at the Summit Visitor Center parking lot. Parking in this lot will be very limited. Please follow signs to park in the lower parking lot. There is a $10 per vehicle park entry fee, but no charge for the event.

For more information about the Public Land Survey System Foundation visit  www.plssfoundation.org.

Click for more information about Mount Diablo State Park or www.facebook.com/MountDiabloStatePark#.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Walmart donates 40 kids’ bicycles to Martinez Police Officers during Grand Re-Opening

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Boys & Girls Club to help with distribution

By Martinez Police Officers Association

The Martinez Police Officers Association would like to extend our sincere thanks to Walmart for their generous donation of 40 children’s bicycles during the Walmart Martinez Grand Re-Opening celebration.

Community partnerships like this make a real difference. We are proud to accept this donation on behalf of the Martinez Police Department and grateful for Walmart’s continued commitment to supporting the Martinez community.

The MPOA has partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in Martinez to identify children and families who will benefit most from these bicycles, ensuring they are placed in the hands of local kids who need them.

Together, we can continue building a stronger, safer, and more connected community.

Thank you, Walmart, for investing in Martinez and helping create smiles that will last far beyond today.

Robbery by two masked men inside Sunvalley Shopping Center under investigation

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Police seek suspects

By Concord Police Department

On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at approximately 3:12 p.m., Concord Police Department officers responded to a report of a robbery at Sunvalley Shopping Center.

The incident occurred inside the mall near Macy’s Women’s. Two masked male suspects approached the victim and grabbed his necklaces. A physical struggle occurred, and the suspects fled from the mall with the victim’s necklaces.

The victim sustained minor injuries as a result of the confrontation.

Concord Police officers are reviewing surveillance footage from the area to help identify the suspects and determine whether any suspect vehicles were involved.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. No further information is being released at this time.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Concord Police Department Major Crimes Unit at 925-671-3030 or via our Anonymous Tip Line at (925) 603-5836.

Con Fire celebrates opening of Regional Fire Communications Center

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District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson and Fire Chief Aaron McAlister (right) are joined by Con Fire personnel to cut the ribbon to officially open the new Regional Fire Communications Center on Friday, June 19, 2026. Photo by Lauren Ono, Con Fire

$26 million facility in Concord staffed and operated around the clock

By Lauren Ono, PIO, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

CONCORD, CA- The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) proudly celebrated the grand opening of the Contra Costa Regional Fire Communications Center (CCRFCC) on Friday, June 19, 2026. It is a state-of-the-art emergency communications facility that serves as the critical link between the public and emergency responders throughout Contra Costa County.

“Before firefighters arrive on scene and before a paramedic begins treatment, an emergency dispatcher is already helping those in need,” said Contra Costa County Board Chair Diane Burgis, District 3 Supervisor. “The opening of this communications center represents an investment in public safety for Contra Costa County. It ensures the highly skilled professionals who answer our calls for help have the tools, technology, and resources they need most, when every second counts.”

Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the CCRFCC is located at 2210 Willow Pass Road in Concord and staffed by extensively trained emergency dispatchers who serve as the first point of contact during emergencies. In addition to answering 911 calls, dispatchers gather critical information, provide pre-arrival medical and safety instructions to the caller, coordinate the deployment of resources, and support emergency personnel throughout an incident from initial dispatch to final resolution.

The approximately $26 million facility was designed to enhance operational reliability, improve coordination, and provide the advanced technological infrastructure necessary to support the County’s growing public safety needs. The facility includes 16 dispatch positions, dedicated training and conference room space, enhanced site security, and on-site dormitories to support 24/7 operations.

“This facility is more than a communications center,” Fire Chief Aaron McAlister said. “It is the foundation of our emergency response system. By investing in modern technology, resilient infrastructure, and our personnel, we are strengthening our ability to serve the communities in Contra Costa County for decades to come.”

Photos: Con Fire

Technology & Innovation

  • Upgraded radio, telephone, and IT systems support 24/7 operations.
  • Software tools track unit status, location, and incidents to optimize coverage in real time.
  • iPads are now deployed on all fire apparatus for real-time communication and incident management.
  • The CCRFCC has integrated EMS personnel into dispatch operations via the Alliance ambulance transport program.

In a Facebook post on Friday, June 26, District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson who was in attendance for the ribbon cutting wrote, “I was honored to stand with Fire Chief Aaron McAlister, members of the Communications Staff, and firefighters to celebrate the opening of the new Contra Costa Regional Fire Communications Center (CCRFCC) in Pleasant Hill. The CCRFCC is a state-of-the-art emergency communications facility that serves as the critical link between the public and emergency responders throughout the County. The facility was designed to enhance operational reliability, improve coordination, and provide the advanced technological infrastructure necessary to support the County’s growing public safety needs.”

The communications center serves as the primary dispatch point for fire and emergency medical services for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, the El Cerrito/Kensington Fire Department, the Crockett-Carquinez Fire District, and the Moraga-Orinda Fire District, and provides EMS dispatching for the Richmond Fire Department. It serves the cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Oakley, Orinda, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, San Pablo, Walnut Creek and the Town of Moraga.

In 2025, the CCRFCC dispatchers answered 253,294 calls and dispatched over 133,300 incidents.

For more information about the Regional Fire Communications Center visit Communications / Information Systems | Contra Costa County FPD, CA and for more information about Con Fire visit www.cccfpd.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

American Discovery 250 Relay to stop in Walnut Creek, Clayton, Antioch and Oakley July 6-8

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Source: American Discovery Trail

Longest continuous, non-motorized coast-to-coast relay in world history begins July 1st in California

By Dave Whitson, Director, 250 Relay, American Discovery Trail Society

Starting next Wednesday, July 1st, the American Discovery Trail Society (ADTS) celebrates the outdoors and 250 years of our independence with the American Discovery 250 Relay— a 6,800-mile (11,000 km) journey along the entire American Discovery Trail from California to Delaware. This event will be the longest continuous, non-motorized relay in world history. Participants will carry specialized batons carrying a replica of the Declaration of Independence. (See related article)

Source: American Discovery Trail

The FIRST WEEK highlights are as follows:

  • Wednesday, July 1st: Relay begins at Point Reyes National Seashore at Limantour Beach. Members of the 1980-81 HikaNation event will be on hand to help start the relay. This event inspired the establishment of the American Discovery Trail, and details can be found in the attachment, below. The relay will start at 8:30 AM PT.
  • Saturday, July 4th: The Relay crosses the Golden Gate Bridge. A July 4th party hosted by Pier 39 takes place from 11AM to NOON.
  • Monday, July 6th UC Berkeley, CA to Heather Farms Walnut Creek, CA. Start time: 8AM
  • Tuesday, July 7th: Heather Farms Walnut Creek, CA to Antioch Community Park, CA. Start time: 8:30AM
  • Tuesday, July 7th: City of Clayton Welcome. Noon to 1PM. Contact Chris Karney, chrisk@claytonca.govor 925-943-2680.
  • Wednesday, July 8th: Antioch Community Park, CA to Sacramento – William Land Park, CA. Start time: 7:30AM
  • Wednesday, July 8th: City of Oakley Welcome.Time TBA. Contact Troy Faulk, Faulk@ci.oakley.ca.us or 925-625-7038.
  • Wednesday, July 8th: Yolo County Welcome. Noon to 1PM. Contact Terry Selk, terry@visityolo.comor 530-297-1900

MAP OF FIRST WEEK:

Source: American Discovery Trail

For a complete calendar, please visit: discoverytrail.org/adt-relay-calendar.

Interested participants or teams are asked to register for FREE at discoverytrail.org/america-250-relay.  Runners, cyclists, hikers, wheelchair users and horseback riders are all encouraged to take part. We also encourage interest from those who wish to help with logistics, welcoming events or sponsorships.

Source: American Discovery Trail

About the American Discovery Trail

The American Discovery Trail is the nation’s first non-motorized coast-to-coast trail. It runs for 6,800 miles through 15 states and Washington, D.C. The route incorporates numerous local, state, and national trails, with most of them designed for walking, hiking, and running and for bicycle and equestrian use. It connects scores of scenic and historic trails, backcountry roads, national parks and forests plus thousands of state and local properties of historic, cultural and natural significance. Users can experience their local environment, or the 23 ecosystems the trail passes through – deserts, mountains, forests, waterfronts, and plains. You can learn more about the ADT by visiting www.discoverytrail.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Justice Served: Convicted suspect in 2023 Pleasant Hill murder sentenced to 50 years to life

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Andre Barocio, Jr. Photo source: Pleasant Hill PD

Andre Barocio, Jr. of Hercules killed Concord man then fled to Mexico; has history of arrests

Accomplice from Antioch previously arrested

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

On Thursday, June 25, 2026, Andre Aaron Barocio, Jr. of Hercules was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for the murder of 37-year-old Oscar Laredo-Arellano.

As previously reported, on April 3, 2023, Pleasant Hill Police officers responded to a report of a shooting in the parking lot outside Farrington’s Bar at 1938 Contra Costa Blvd. Officers located Laredo-Arellano deceased from a gunshot wound. The subsequent investigation determined he had been shot following an argument, and Barocio, Jr. was identified as the suspect. In May 2023, Pleasant Hill Police detectives, working in partnership with federal law enforcement agencies and Mexican state police, located Barocio, Jr. in Mexico. He was arrested and extradited to the United States to face justice.

On April 8, 2026, a jury found Barocio Jr. guilty of first-degree murder. Yesterday, he was sentenced to 50 years to life in state prison.

As previously reported, according to locacrimenews.com, Barocio has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by Pittsburg, Concord, U.C. Berkeley, Walnut Creek and West Covina Police Departments, as well as Contra Costa CHP and Alameda County Sheriff’s Department including for DUI, possession of ammunition, driving with suspended license and speeding over 100 MPH, and drug possession.

In addition, Angelo Martinez Delacruz of Antioch (born 5/31/90) was identified as a suspect in the shooting. In April 2023 he was arrested in Douglas County, Nevada. Upon extradition, police booked him into the Martinez Detention Facility for assault with a firearm. (See related article)

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Barocio, Jr. is five-feet, eight-inches tall and 260-pounds.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences remain with Oscar’s mother, family, and loved ones. We are grateful to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for their outstanding work in prosecuting this case and for their continued support of Oscar’s family throughout this process.

This sentence reflects the dedication and collaboration of all those involved in bringing justice to the victim and his family.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.