Contra Costa Herald

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

Pleasant Hill drunk driver arrested for driving car off parking garage 2nd story

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A drunk driver plunged their SUV off the second story of the downtown parking garage in Pleasant Hill early Sunday morning, Aug. 10, 2025. Photo: Pleasant Hill PD

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

Do not drink and drive!

Sunday morning August 10, 2025, around 4 AM, Officers responded to a collision involving a vehicle driving off the second story of the downtown parking garage. Thankfully nobody was seriously injured. Following an immediate investigation, the driver was arrested for DUI and booked at the station. Their vehicle was towed.

Please, designate a sober driver, use ride share or public transportation if you are planning on consuming alcohol. Again, everyone involved here was extremely lucky there were no serious injuries.

Be safe Pleasant Hill!

 

4 female teens arrested after assault of elderly victim in Walnut Creek

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Two 18-year-olds from Concord, two juveniles from Walnut Creek

By Lt. Bruce Jower, Walnut Creek Police Department

Four people remain in custody following an incident near Rossmoor. On Thursday, August 7, at approximately 11:00 PM, the Walnut Creek Police Department was dispatched to the 1900 block of Tice Valley Blvd. on the report of an elderly male being assaulted. Numerous Officers quickly arrived on scene and learned the victim had suffered significant injuries. Officers learned four female suspects had assaulted the victim, stole some of his personal property and then fled the scene in a vehicle.

Arrested:

Antonina Abdul-Wajid (18-year-old resident of Concord, born 8/19/2006)

Jaycee Behnke (18-year-old resident of Concord, born 3/19/2007)

Juvenile 1 (17-year-old resident of Walnut Creek)

Juvenile 2 (15-year-old resident of Walnut Creek)

Charges: 4 felony counts: robbery, assault with a deadly weapon that is not a firearm, causing injury to an elder and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Witnesses to the crime provided valuable information and Officers were able to leverage technology to confirm the suspect vehicle. Walnut Creek Police Officers were able to locate the suspect vehicle a short time later. All four suspects were taken into custody. The adults were booked into Martinez Detention Facility. The juveniles were booked into Juvenile Hall.

Walnut Creek Police Department Officers and Detectives are continuing to investigate this crime. There appears to be no continued threat to community at this stage. Due to the age of two of the suspects, their names cannot be released. The victim’s name is being withheld to protect their privacy.

Any other potential victims are encouraged to contact the Walnut Creek Police Department at 925-943-5844. Related information can also be provided anonymously via the tip line at 925-943-5865.

According to localcrimenews.com, Abudl-Wajid was also arrested by Walnut Creek Police on April 16, 2025, for battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse and for being intoxicated in public. According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 150-pound teen is being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, Behnke is five-feet, five inches tall, 110-pounds, Hispanic, but is also listed as white, and is being held on $280,000 bail also at the West County Detention Facility.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Martinez Animal Hospital to pay $20,000 to settle EEOC retaliation charge

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Hospital conciliates allegations that it fired employee for objecting to religious concepts in mandatory training

Commission staff refuse to share the religious content included

By Office of Communications & Legislative Affairs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

MARTINEZ, Calif. – Martinez Animal Hospital has agreed to provide $20,000 to a former employee following an investigation by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency announced on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

According to the EEOC’s investigation, the hospital subjected an employee to mandatory training which he objected to because it incorporated religious content contrary to his beliefs; he also requested to be excused from any future trainings with similar content. The EEOC investigation concluded he was terminated within days.

Such alleged conduct violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits retaliation by an employer because a worker engaged in protected activity, such as making a request for a religious accommodation.

“I expressed my concerns to management over training I was required to attend and was soon fired,” said the worker. “I’m very glad the EEOC defended my right to speak up and ask for a religious accommodation, such as an exemption from religious-based content that made me uncomfortable.”

“We commend Martinez Animal Hospital for their commitment to preventing any future retaliation,” said Carlos Rocha, federal investigator and director of the EEOC’s Oakland Local Office. “This case should serve as a reminder for employers to train supervisors and representatives to recognize what may constitute protected activity under federal EEO laws and how to respond in a way that does not interfere with workers’ rights.”

Following the investigation, the parties engaged in the EEOC’s pre-litigation conciliation process, resulting in a settlement requiring the hospital to provide back pay and compensatory damages; revise its non-discrimination policies and procedures; conduct training for all employees, managers and human resources personnel; post a notice concerning equal employment opportunity rights in English and Spanish; track all accommodation requests; and report to the agency for two years.

For more information on retaliation generally, please visit https://www.eeoc.gov/retaliation, and for guidance on retaliation in the context of religious accommodation, please see section 12–V, part B., in EEOC’s Guidance on Religious Discrimination.

The EEOC’s San Francisco District has jurisdiction over Northern Nevada, Northern California, Washington, Alaska, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.

The EEOC is the sole federal agency authorized to investigate and litigate against businesses and other private sector employers for violations of federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. For public sector employers, the EEOC shares jurisdiction with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division; the EEOC is responsible for investigating charges against state and local government employers before referring them to DOJ for potential litigation. The EEOC also is responsible for coordinating the federal government’s employment antidiscrimination effort. More information about the EEOC is available at www.eeoc.gov. Stay connected with the latest EEOC news by subscribing to our email updates.

Multiple efforts to reach Rocha and District Director Christopher Green asking what was the religious content in the training and for any documents from the investigation that can be shared were unsuccessful prior to publication time.

8/11/24 UPDATE: Later, an EEOC spokesperson responded, “We have no comment beyond the release.”

A federal Freedom of Information Act request was then submitted for any and all documents related to the case and the religious content included in the training.

Please check back later for any additional updates.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

New photography classes with fine art photographer offered in Walnut Creek this fall

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Fine art photographer Jeff Heyman with student. Source: Jeff Heyman

Adventures in Photography for camera photographers and Fun Photography! for smartphone users

At Acalanes Adult Education

If you want to pick up a camera this fall, award-winning Contra Costa photographer Jeff Heyman is teaching two photography classes at Acalanes Adult Education.

Adventures in Photography is a course on how to use different camera techniques to improve your photographs and help you tell a story with each picture. Fun Photography! is designed for smartphone photographers so they can get the most out of the “best camera in the world” — the one you have with you.

You can read course descriptions and enroll in the classes at https://acalanesadulted.asapconnected.com/?org=3904#CourseGroupID=12444

Acalanes Adult Education is located at the Del Valle Education Center, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., near Rossmoor, in Walnut Creek. Classes start soon! Call 510-280-3980, Ext. 8001, for more information.

Jeff Heyman’s work has been featured in The de Young Museum Open 2023. For more information visit his website heymanfoto.com, Instagram @heymanfoto or call 510.499.1420.

54th Annual Art in the Park in Martinez Aug. 17

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The Martinez Arts Association Proudly Presents the 54th Annual Art in the Park!

This year promises to be another great community event with lots of art, music, food and drink!  Over 60 local artists will be showing and selling fine arts and crafts.   Food trucks on site and wine and beer will be available for purchase!  Susana Park, located on Susana Street, is shady with lots of seating. Plenty of free parking in the area and a free shuttle will run from the Main Street Plaza near Starbucks.

Enjoy live music throughout the day including:

Mark & the Muses
BAM!
The UnConcord
Delta Deuce
Landbirds

Art in the Park is a free and family friendly event and is MAA’s primary fund-raising event of the year, which helps support community programs like teacher grants and student scholarships.

Thank you to our sponsors: ARTSCC, City of Martinez, Embarc, Five Suns Brewing, Martinez Refining Company, Kiwanis International, Republic Services and Viano Vineyards.

For more information about MAA, visit www.martinezarts.org.

Kaiser Permanente Nor Cal hospitals recognized for high-quality specialty care

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U.S. News & World Report’s annual study rates hospitals among the top 30 percent in the nation for the treatment of complex medical conditions and procedures

Oakland/Richmond ranked #4, Walnut Creek ranked #9; Antioch rated high performing in 6 adult procedures & conditions

By Elissa Harrington, Sr. Media Relations & PR Rep, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

OAKLAND, Calif., July 30, 2025 – Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s hospitals are once again being nationally recognized for providing patients with comprehensive care and evidence-based treatments for complex medical conditions and procedures.

U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Hospitals annual report ranks all 21 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals as “high-performing” – or among the top 30% of hospitals in the nation – for at least one of the 37 measures evaluated. The measures include congestive heart failure, pneumonia, colorectal cancer surgery, stroke, and diabetes.

Approximately, 4,500 hospitals participated in the study, which analyzes hospital performance for 15 specialty care areas and 22 procedures and conditions. The “high performing” designation honors those hospitals that deliver high-quality care when treating complex medical conditions.

Kaiser Permanente hospitals are consistently recognized nationally for providing high-quality and safe patient care leading to better health outcomes.

“This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to provide superior, quality health care to improve the lives of our patients, members, and the communities we serve,” said Mike Bowers, FACHE, interim president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our hospitals are leaders in the nation because our highly skilled care teams put our patients at the center of everything they do.”

Hospitals ranked among best in state

Kaiser Permanente Northern California has eight hospitals designated as “Best Regional Hospitals” because they are ranked among the best in the state: Oakland/Richmond ranked #4, Walnut Creek ranked #9, Roseville, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Clara and South Sacramento.

Kaiser Permanente Vallejo is also ranked as one of the top 50 hospitals in the nation for rehabilitation. And Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento is recognized as a “Best Regional Hospital for Community Access” for the care it provides to underserved populations.

Kaiser Antioch Medical Center, a general medical and surgical facility, is rated high performing in six adult procedures and conditions, including: Heart Failure; Stroke; Hip Fracture; Hip Replacement; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Pneumonia.

“Our physicians, nurses, and care teams work collaboratively to deliver high-quality, high-value, patient-centered care,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, chief executive officer and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “We remain committed to advancing evidence-based treatments and leveraging the latest innovations in technology to improve the lives of our patients to live longer and healthier.”

In its hospital analysis, U.S. News & World Report uses publicly available data such as volume, mortality rates, infection rates, staffing levels, and patient satisfaction rates, among other factors.

The annual ratings and rankings are designed to help patients, and their health care providers make informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures. 

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve nearly 12.6 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers.

Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technological advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.

Police seek help identifying suspects in downtown Walnut Creek pickpocketing incident

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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.

 

Concord man arrested for sexual battery, false imprisonment over several months

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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.

 

Antioch man arrested for Concord, East Bay freeway shootings

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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.

MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark receives Excellence in Education Award

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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.