Contra Costa Herald

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

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.
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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.

 

Country music stars help raise funds for Concord organization’s affordable housing efforts

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

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

By Mike Hoye

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Raise the Roof 2025 Sponsors

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

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

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

CHP investigates Wednesday afternoon road rage shooting on eastbound Highway 4

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Traffic on Hwy 4 eastbound in Concord was backed up and stopped for 25 minutes during commute time late Wednesday afternoon, July 2, 2025. Photo by person who chose not to be identified.

Victim called 9-11, drove to nearby gas station to wait for medical assistance

By Allen D. Payton

An Advisory of a Hazard on eastbound Highway 4 in Concord could be seen on the Apple Maps app at 5:42 PM on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Source: iPhone screenshot

A road rage shooting Wednesday afternoon, July 2, 2025, on eastbound Highway 4 between Concord and Pittsburg left a man injured with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. A commuter who chose to not be identified said at 5:35 p.m. she was stuck in the back-up for 25 minutes, that there was “no movement and people are leaving their cars.” CHP – Contra Costa Public Information Officer Dan Gilmore, confirmed traffic was stopped “for exactly 25 minutes.”

According to CHP spokesman, Sgt. Andrew Barclay, “Our detectives are still actively investigating” and “CHP Detectives assigned to the Golden Gate Division Special Investigations Unit are on the way and will be taking the lead in the investigation.”

He provided details of the incident: “The time of the call was 2:24 p.m. The victim called 9-1-1 and reported a shooting following a road rage incident on eastbound Highway 4 between Willow Pass Road in Concord and San Marco Blvd. in Pittsburg.  The man exited to San Marco Blvd. and stopped at a gas station where medical personnel arrived,” Barclay explained.

“The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. CHP is waiting to determine if it was an actual gunshot, grazing or other wound,” he shared.

“Nothing has been confirmed yet, but it’s possible CHP will close eastbound Hwy 4 to search for casings,” Barclay continued. “There is no further information on potential suspect at this time.”

Unless an arrest is made tonight any additional information won’t be released until Thursday, the spokesman added.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Prison sentence for Walnut Creek transient man in child sex abuse case

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Marc Alexander Simon arrest photo. Source: Walnut Creek PD

6 years, 8 months for 28-year-old Marc Alexander Simon

Occurred in library restroom

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Office of the Contra Costa County District Attorney

Martinez, California – A Walnut Creek man was sentenced today in Contra Costa County Superior Court after entering guilty pleas to felony charges of sexual abuse of a minor and aggravated possession of child sexual abuse material.

28-year-old Marc Alexander Simon (born 12/25/96) was sentenced by the Honorable Charles Burch on June 26th, 2025, to six years and eight months in state prison. Simon was further ordered to register for life as a sex offender upon his release from custody.

The offenses for which Simon was sentenced occurred on April 11, 2024, when Simon followed a child into a restroom at the Walnut Creek Library and sexually abused the minor. The child reported the incident to an adult, who contacted the Walnut Creek Police Department.

Walnut Creek Police detectives used security cameras to quickly identify Simon’s vehicle as he left the scene. Police tracked him to another location in Walnut Creek, where he was arrested and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. An iPhone seized during his arrest was forensically examined, revealing hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse material.

The transient man was arrested for lewd acts upon a child and attempted kidnapping. Simon has been in custody since his arrest and will begin to serve his sentence immediately. (See related article)

District Attorney Diana Becton said: “The swift investigative work by Walnut Creek Police and our Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force was crucial in holding the defendant accountable. This case demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting children in our communities from those who prey on them.”

Deputy District Attorney Ashley Torres from the Sexual Assault Unit prosecuted the case. The Walnut Creek Police Department Investigations Unit led the investigation with the assistance of the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, six-inch tall, 160-pound Simon is Hispanic and being held in the Martinez Detention Facility.

Case No. 01-24-01623 | The People of the State of California v. Simon, Marc Alexander

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

FBI offers $25K reward for help ID’ing female suspect in Concord assault, theft

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Source: FBI

By Federal Bureau of Investigation

The unknown suspect wanted for assault on a federal officer in Concord, CA June 10, 2025. Photo: FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s San Francisco Field Office is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the individual responsible for assaulting federal officers and the theft of government property on June 10, 2025, in Concord, California. The individual is described as a female who was wearing a black hoodie at the time.  She is believed to be the individual who took the FBI Special Agent’s badge. The FBI offers a reward of up to $25,000.

Submit a Tip:

If you have any information concerning this case, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or you can submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

See video that depicts an unknown female wearing a black hoodie and black mask assaulting a federal officer in Concord, California, on June 10, 2025.

CHP investigating fatal Tuesday crash in Concord

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By CHP-Contra Costa

CONCORD, CA – On Tuesday May 20th, 2025, at approximately, 5:24 p.m., officers assigned to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Contra Costa Area office responded to a two-vehicle crash which occurred at the northernmost intersection of northbound Kirker Pass Road and Hess Road in Concord.

A Ford Fusion stopped at the westbound Hess Road intersection attempted to make a left turn onto southbound Kirker Pass Road. While turning, it pulled into the path of a Toyota Sienna traveling northbound on Kirker Pass Road, resulting in the Toyota crashing into the Ford’s driver side.

The Ford was occupied by an adult female driver and a 14-year-old male passenger in the front right seat. The Toyota was solely occupied by an adult female driver. Tragically, the driver of the Ford sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The 14-year-old sustained suspected major injuries and was airlifted to the hospital. The driver of the Toyota sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Both the 14-year-old and Toyota driver are expected to recover from their injuries.

An impaired driving investigation was also conducted, and DUI was ruled out as a factor in this crash.

Both northbound and southbound lanes of Kirker Pass Road were closed at approximately 5:35 p.m., for on-scene investigation, and were re-opened at approximately 8:40 p.m.

This crash remains under investigation.

The Mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

CoCoTax Lunch with Contra Costa Water District Board President Ernie Avila May 23

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Contra Costa Taxpayers Association’s May Luncheon will feature CCWD Board President Ernesto Avila as speaker. Photo: CCWD

Registration

  • Member – $25.00
  • Non-Member – $30.00

The Contra Costa Taxpayers Association (CoCoTax) invites you to attend a Board and Members Luncheon Meeting at Denny’s Restaurant, 1313 Willow Pass Road in Concord, on Friday May 23, 2025, at 11:45 am. Please register in advance on the CoCoTax website where you can pay ONLINE, or bring cash or check on Friday and pay at the door – $25 for members, $30 for guests.

In addition to our speaker, we will be discussing planned updates to the County’s Urban Limit Line (which restricts development in unincorporated areas) and El Cerrito’s forthcoming library parcel tax measure.

SPEAKER TOPIC

Contra Costa Water District 2025 Update

With recent fires in Southern California and ongoing discussions about California’s public water systems and supply, Contra Costa Water District continues to serve as a leader among water agencies throughout the state. CCWD Board President Ernesto “Ernie” Avila will join us May 23 to give updates about ongoing capital improvement projects, how customer rates are used to provide a stable, long-term water supply, what resources and rebates are available to customers, and other initiatives underway to improve the reliability of our local water system. For more information visit Contra Costa Water District, CA | Official Website.

Speaker Bio

Ernesto A. Avila, P.E., was appointed to CCWD’s board in March 2016 to represent Division 3, which includes eastern Concord, Clayton, and part of Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill, and began serving as Board President in May 2022. He has over 40 years of professional experience in planning, environmental compliance, regulation, design, and construction of water, wastewater and recycled water works and municipal facilities. He is currently Principal/Vice-President of a private engineering firm.

As a member of the Board, he brings his dedication to the community, passion for water issues, and his experience in the private and public sectors. For the community, he has volunteered for many citizen-based committees/organizations including the Walnut Creek Transportation Commission, the Concord Planning Commission, the John Muir/Mount Diablo Community Health Fund, the Knights of Columbus, the East Bay Leadership Council, and the St. Francis of Assisi School Board. While working full time, he has made volunteering in the community a priority, representing his neighbors and family on important issues that affect their everyday life.

He is passionate about water issues in his professional life, working on a variety of issues statewide during his career. Among several relevant positions, he served as Director of Engineering at Contra Costa Water District before moving on to become General Manager of Monterey Peninsula Water Management District. He also served as Executive Director for the California Urban Water Agencies, Program Director for the Multi-State Salinity Coalition, and was elected as Vice President of the Association of California Water Agencies for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2024. He has experience on water projects of all shapes and sizes, including water treatment plant improvements, dam retrofits, and watershed management and habitat conservation projects.

He lives in Clayton with his family and is a licensed civil engineer with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Santa Clara University and a master’s degree in Business Administration from St. Mary’s College of California.

About CoCoTax

Founded in 1937, CoCoTax leads the way in providing fiscal oversight of local government.  We actively resist unwarranted taxes and fees, discriminatory regulations, ill-advised public expenditures and government secrecy, inefficiency and waste. For more information and membership visit www.cocotax.org.

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