Contra Costa Herald

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

Contra Costa DA clears Brentwood Police in fatal Christmas Eve 2025 shooting of Stockton man

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Still shot images from Brentwood Officer Tanner Kephart’s dash camera video depicting Romaine Morgan turning towards officers with his firearm and lifts it to an approximate 45-degree angle (top) after forcefully returning to his vehicle (bottom). Source: CCDA

Describes incident in which 6’3”, 320-pound Romaine Alexander Morgan overpowers three officers to grab his AR-style firearm

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

Martinez, California – A report by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office on the officer-involved shooting death of Romaine Alexender Morgan in Brentwood on Dec. 24, 2025, is now available to the public.

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office is one of a handful of counties in the State of California that publishes public reports on law enforcement-involved fatal incidents. “Being transparent with the public is a cornerstone of my administration,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “Since 2018, our office has made these reports available to the public, in the hope that transparency brings understanding. It is important for the public to know the significant investigative effort involved in reviewing these incidents, and how our office carefully analyzes the facts through a legal lens when reaching a charging decision.”

As the report details, the incident involving Romaine Morgan of Stockton, begins around 10:54 pm on December 24th, 2025. That’s when Brentwood Police Officer Tanner Kephart notices Morgan’s vehicle in front of him traveling well below the 45-mph speed limit on Deer Valley Road weaving “back and forth…and swerve erratically to the right.” Officer Kephart initiates “a traffic stop under the suspicion of driving under the influence” on Balfour Road. Shortly after, officers Chelsea Valadez and Kimberly Beltran arrive at the traffic stop to assist him.

Morgan was detained, and while searching his vehicle, “Officer Beltran removed a jacket from the front passenger floorboard and located an AR-style firearm”—later determined to be unserialized.

The rifle Morgan possessed prior to the shooting. Photo: Brentwood PD

The discovery of the firearm leads to Kephart ordering Morgan to place his hands behind his back, but instead Morgan pushes Valadez, and flees east on Balfour Road, only to stop, change directions, and run back toward the driver’s side of his vehicle to the loaded firearm. A scuffle ensues with officers attempting to grab him. Morgan continues punching and pushing the officers out of the way. Valadez deploys a taser at Morgan, who was 6’3”, 320-pounds, but it is ineffective.

Reaching his vehicle, Morgan finds his firearm, grabs it by the pistol grip, turns towards the officers, and lifts the barrel of the firearm toward them. “All three officers immediately…back away from Morgan.” Kephart retreats next to his patrol car, draws his firearm, and fires “10 times, in rapid succession” at Morgan.

Despite the administration of life-saving measures by officers and medical personnel, Morgan succumbs to his injuries and is pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene. (See related articles here and here)

Shortly after the incident, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office launches an independent investigation, as required under county protocol, to determine whether anyone involved may be criminally liable.

After a thorough investigation into the officer-involved shooting of Romaine Alexander Morgan, and in applying the law and the California District Attorney’s Uniform Crime Charging Standards to the present case, the District Attorney’s Office concluded: “Officers Kephart, Valadez, and Beltran acted in lawful self-defense/defense of others, and their use of force was reasonable under the circumstances. As such, no further action will be taken in this case.”

The 32-page report has been sent to the Brentwood Police Department and the California Department of Justice and is available to the public on the Contra Costa District Attorney’s website.

Contra Costa Sheriff’s Marine Patrol arrests suspect fleeing on the Delta in stolen boat

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The suspect, Edward Stiverson, flees on the Delta in a stolen boat on July 3, 2026. Source: CCC Sheriff’s Office STARR 3 helicopter video screenshot.

Has history of arrests dating back to 20214 including three this year

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

On Friday, July 3, 2026, the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office received a report about a stolen boat on Bradford Island. Sheriff’s Office helicopter STARR 3 located the vessel and directed Marine Patrol and patrol deputy sheriffs to the suspect who was walking away after stopping the boat. The suspect immediately ran back to the vessel after deputies tried to stop him. The suspect fled in the stolen boat to Bethel Island and hid under a dock house. Marine Patrol Unit deputies arrived shortly after to search for the suspect, who was eventually located and taken into custody.

He is identified as 56-year-old Edward W. Stiverson of Bethel Island (born 1/21/70). He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on the following charges: vehicle theft, receiving stolen property, obstructing a peace officer, and probation violation. He is being held without bail.

Stiverson and the Marine Patrol Unit arrive at their destination. Source: CCC Sheriff’s Office STARR 3 helicopter video screenshot.

According to localcrimenews.com, Stiverson is White and has a history of arrests by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies and Antioch Police dating back to 2014. He was charged with crimes including murder, assault with a deadly weapon or with force likely to produce great bodily harm, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, false imprisonment by violence, battery on a spouse, cohabitant, or former spouse, receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, and for various drug charges.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot tall, 166-pound Stiverson is Hispanic is being held in the West Re-Entry Treatment and Housing facility and his next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 30 at 8:30 a.m. in Delta Court, Pittsburg Dept. 4.

(See video. Does not contain any audio)

Contra Costa Coroner’s inquest jury finds death of 2025 Brentwood woman following arrest an “accident”

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Photo source: Yolanda Bustos Ramirez’s obituary.

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

At the request of the Contra Costa County District Attorney on April 17, 2026, Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston held an inquest into the death of 72-year-old Yolanda Ramirez of Brentwood on July 15, 2026. This incident occurred on October 3, 2025, in Contra Costa County, while she was in the hospital following her arrest by Brentwood Police on Sept. 26, 2025. (See related articles here, here and here)

The proceedings took place at 9:00 AM at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse at 725 Court Street, Martinez, California.

The purpose of the inquest was to present the facts of the incident to a jury for their deliberation and finding on the manner of death.

Sheriff-Coroner David O. Livingston announced on Wednesday, July 15, that a coroner’s jury reached a finding in the death of Ramirez. The finding of the jury is that the manner of death is accident.

The coroner’s jury reached the verdict in the inquest after hearing the testimony of witnesses called by Hearing Officer Laura Pagey.

A coroner’s inquest, which Sheriff-Coroner Livingston convenes in fatal incidents involving law enforcement personnel, is a public hearing during which a jury rules on the manner of a person’s death. Jury members can choose from the following four options when making their finding: Accident, Suicide, Natural Causes or At the hands of another person other than by accident.

The inquest was open to the public and members of the media were invited to attend. However, no photographs, audio recordings or videos could be taken during the proceedings.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood Officers again receive MADD Award for DUI arrests

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Brentwood Police Officers Tanner Kephart and Brenden O’Malley with their MADD Award plaques and red badges above their nameplates during the 2026 Law Enforcement & Prosecutor Recognition Awards Ceremonies July 9th. Photo: Brentwood PD

By Brentwood Police Department

On Thursday, July 9, 2026, we proudly celebrated Brentwood Police Officer Tanner Kephart and Officer Brenden O’Malley, who were recognized as MADD Award recipients for their outstanding commitment to keeping our community safe.

Each officer earned this prestigious recognition from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) by making more than 25 DUI arrests—removing impaired drivers from our roadways and helping prevent tragedies before they happen. It’s the third time each officer was honored with the award.

Each year, MADD honors law enforcement officers for their impaired‑driving arrest achievements, as well as first responders, prosecutors, probation officers and MADD volunteers for their life‑saving contributions. Each has contributed to putting an end to drunk and drugged driving, supporting the victims of these violent crimes, and preventing underage drinking and other drug use. Every impaired driver removed from the road represents a potential life saved.

The 23152 Pin Award (see above officers’ name badges) is given to sworn officers who make 25 or more DUI arrests in a single year. The pin’s red color symbolizes victims of impaired‑driving crashes and officers killed or injured in such collisions.

The 2026 Law Enforcement & Prosecutor Recognition Awards Ceremonies were held at the Blackhawk Museum in Danville and attended by Chief O’Grodnick and our Command Staff, whose presence reflected the department’s pride in these officers’ accomplishments and support for their dedication to public safety.

This award represents more than a number. It reflects professionalism, vigilance, and an unwavering commitment to protecting lives. Every impaired driver removed from the road is another opportunity to prevent a tragedy and keep our community safe.

Please join us in congratulating Officer Kephart and Officer O’Malley on this well-deserved honor. Thank you both for your exceptional service and commitment to protecting our community.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Bay Point homicide suspect in custody following arrest in Las Vegas

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Avery Alexander Gibbs was arrested by Las Vegas Police on July 9, 2026. Photo: CCC Sheriff’s Office

Transient Avery Alexander Gibbs shot “several individuals”

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

On Thursday, July 9, 2026, while investigating the Bay Point homicide, Sheriff’s Office detectives determined suspect was in Las Vegas. Detectives notified their counterparts in LV who arrested 35-year-old Avery Alexander Gibbs after searching for him.

As previously reported, on Friday, July 3, 2026, at about 1:30, Muir Station deputy sheriffs were dispatched to an unknown problem on Olivia Lane in Bay Point. The call was later reported to be “shots fired.”

While enroute to the location, deputies were flagged down by several individuals who were injured at the location.

Deputies arrived at the scene and located an unresponsive person who was later transported to a local hospital. The victim was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. He is not being identified pending next of kin notification. One other person was transported to the hospital.

Gibbs was booked for homicide and awaits extradition to Contra Costa County. The DA’s Office has charged him with murder & attempted murder. The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office thanks the Las Vegas Metropolitan PD for their assistance & partnership in apprehending Gibbs.

According to localcrimenews.com, Gibbs is Black, from San Pablo and has a history of arrests dating back to at least 2016. He was arrested by multiple agencies for crimes including human trafficking of a victim under 18, derive income from earnings or proceeds of a minor prostitute, pandering: other of a person 16+ and threats of violence.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pittsburg coalition demands City honor written promise on data center agenda item

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Source: Stop Pittsburg Data Center

Not happy with City holding virtual community workshop

By Stop Pittsburg Data Center

Stop Pittsburg Data Center is a coalition of Pittsburg parents, children, teachers, and longtime residents. We are issuing this statement because the city has broken a written promise, and because the decisions that matter most are now happening where residents are not looking.

On June 16, 2026, the City of Pittsburg promised in writing that the data center would return to a regular City Council meeting with public participation and Council direction. Instead, it scheduled a staff-run Zoom webinar on July 30 with emailed questions, no noticed agenda item, no live public comment, and no Council action. The city promised residents a seat at the table. We got a webinar instead. (See related article)

We have deep concerns about bias in the decisions that remain. Among the last approvals standing before construction is BAAQMD air permits for 37 diesel generators near a middle school and sports courts on West Leland Road. Mayor Adams sits on the BAAQMD Board and its Stationary Source Committee, which oversees these permits. And in February, the state Fair Political Practices Commission found that the Mayor, a 24-year PG&E employee, has a legally disqualifying financial interest in the Pittsburg Power Company-PG&E agreement this project depends on. The state ordered her to recuse fully and leave the room, roughly 15 months after the Council’s unanimous approval. These are not suspicions. They are the state’s own findings.

The health numbers deserve scrutiny too. The developer’s own modeling submitted to the California Energy Commission showed a cancer risk of up to 17 in a million, above BAAQMD’s 10-in-a-million threshold (AVAIO Response to Data Request AQ-8, Table 1C, CEC Docket 24-SPPE-01, TN 259481, Oct. 8, 2024). Before issuing any permit, BAAQMD must explain publicly what changed and why the final number should be trusted.

Residents were never given a choice about this land. On August 1, 2017, while the Delta View Golf Course was still open, the city signed an exclusive negotiating agreement with Energy Delivery Solutions LLC for a technology park that, in the city’s own words, “would include one or more data centers.” Nine months later, residents were told the course was closing for economic opportunity. The opportunity had already been chosen. By the time the city announced the results of its resident poll on June 4, 2018, the exclusive agreement had already been in place for ten months. Public input came after the city’s decision to pursue a data center project. In the nine years since, the city never once asked publicly whether this land could generate $2 million a year without this risk, and its own budget shows why: the General Fund is projected to end FY 26/27 with a balance of $3,796. A city this broke cannot drive a hard bargain.

We are asking for three things, and the first two cannot wait. Permits can issue and agreements can be signed at any moment, and every week of silence closes the window residents were promised.

  1. The real, noticed Council agenda item the city promised in writing, held before any further approvals or agreements are signed.
  2. That BAAQMD evaluate all 37 generators as a single pollution source, with a full health risk assessment and a public comment period, before issuing any permit.
  3. An urgency moratorium on new data center applications and approvals, including future phases of the Technology Park, until the city adopts a data center ordinance written with public input. Residents asked for a moratorium on June 15 and have received no answer.

More than 23,000 people have signed a petition opposing this project. We also speak for neighbors who cannot attend daytime meetings, don’t speak English, or lack internet access. They deserve the process the city promised. So does everyone else.

Learn more at StopPittsburgDataCenter.com.

Join us at StopPittsburgDataCenter on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Brentwood Police to hold DUI Checkpoint July 17th

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By Brentwood Police Department

The Brentwood Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Friday, July 17th from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. at Balfour Road and Griffith Lane.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Brentwood PD reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 

City of Pittsburg to hold Data Centers Virtual Community Workshop July 30

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Rendering of proposed AVAIO Digital data center in Pittsburg. Source: City of Pittsburg

By Toni Baldazo, Community Engagement Officer, City of Pittsburg

Pittsburg City staff are hosting a virtual community engagement workshop about data center development. Residents are encouraged to participate in the workshop and to submit their questions ahead of time to ensure all resident inquiries are addressed during the meeting.

The AVAIO Perseus Data Center is a proposed data center project within the Pittsburg Technology Park approved by the City Council in 2024. The project is intended to support advanced technology infrastructure, create long-term economic development opportunities and help activate strategically planned employment-generating land in Pittsburg. For more information visit Pittsburg Technology Park | City of Pittsburg.

Proposed data center in the Pittsburg Technology Park Specific Plan. Source: City of Pittsburg

The Technology Park Specific Plan envisions redevelopment of the eastern half of the former municipal Delta View Golf Course, on Golf Club Road off W. Leland Road, which is closed and currently vacant.

“After hearing from many concerned residents, it is clear we need to have a deeper conversation with our community about data center development in Pittsburg,” said Council Member Killings. “City Council has asked the City Manager and Staff to host a workshop educating residents on the City’s data center development policies, procedures and projects, and providing an opportunity for our community to receive answers to their questions.”

Pittsburg Technology Park Site Plan Concept with location of proposed data center. Source: City of Pittsburg

Pittsburg Data Centers Virtual Community Workshop

Date: Thursday, July 30

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81157292257

Submit Questions: datacenters@pittsburgca.gov

In addition to the Workshop, the City has updated the Data Center project webpage and is considering ongoing community engagement to ensure the public is informed on data center projects and impacts in Pittsburg. There will be an update to the City Council during the regular City Council meeting on Monday, August 3.

“Residents have raised thoughtful questions about water, energy, noise, and long-term neighborhood impacts, and the City takes them seriously,” said City Manager Darin Gale. “I appreciate the Council’s direction and look forward to supporting this engagement effort on behalf of the Council and our community.”

For those unable to attend the virtual workshop, the meeting will be recorded and posted to the City’s website for later viewing. For workshop questions, please contact datacenters@pittsburgca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.         

 

Police warn of large gathering at Streets of Brentwood July 9th

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By Brentwood Police Department

The Brentwood Police Department has become aware of online posts encouraging a large gathering at the Streets of Brentwood on the evening of Thursday, July 9th.

At this time, there is no known or credible threat associated with the event. However, because higher-than-normal attendance is possible, additional officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence and help keep the community safe.

Residents, visitors, and local businesses should anticipate increased activity and traffic throughout the evening. Disruptive behavior or evidence of illegal activities will not be tolerated, and officers will take appropriate enforcement action when necessary.

We encourage everyone to stay alert, be mindful of their surroundings, and report any suspicious or concerning behavior to the Brentwood Police Department. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.

We appreciate our community’s cooperation as we work together to ensure the Streets of Brentwood remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

Captain Walter O’Grodnick appointed 13th Brentwood Chief of Police

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Interim Chief of Police & Captain Walter O’Grodnick. Source: Brentwood PD

By Terrance Davis, Acting Brentwood City Manager

BRENTWOOD, CA – On Monday, July 6, 2026, Acting City Manager Terrance Davis announced the appointment of Captain Walter O’Grodnick as the 13th Chief of Police for the City of Brentwood, effective July 16, 2026. O’Grodnick has served as Interim Chief of Police since September 2025.

As part of the selection process, the city sought input from residents, business owners, employees, and community stakeholders through a Police Chief Community Survey. More than 240 individuals participated and identified public safety, integrity, accountability, communication, leadership, and community-oriented policing as the qualities most important in Brentwood’s next Police Chief. The priorities identified by our community closely aligned with the leadership qualities of Chief O’Grodnick.

With more than 32 years of law enforcement experience, including 28 years with the Brentwood Police Department since 1998, Chief O’Grodnick possesses a deep understanding of our community and the evolving needs of our residents. “Through his 28 years of service to Brentwood, Chief O’Grodnick has demonstrated the leadership, humility, character, and vision necessary to lead the Brentwood Police Department into its next chapter. We’re thrilled to have someone of Chief O’Grodnick’s integrity and caliber in this critical role,” Davis said.

Brentwood is a community that values safety, accountability, compassion, and strong relationships between law enforcement and the public. Chief O’Grodnick understands those values and honors the Brentwood Police Department’s proud history, while preparing for the future through employee development, technology, innovation, and regional partnerships that strengthen public safety services.

Chief O’Grodnick said of the appointment, “I am deeply honored and humbled to be appointed as the Chief of Police for the Brentwood Police Department. I am committed to this opportunity to continue to serve and work collaboratively with our officers, community members, and city leaders to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and accountability.”

The Brentwood Police Department will host an open house at the Police Department on August 22, 2026, from 11:00am – 1:00pm, for the public to engage with the Chief.