Contra Costa Herald

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

Bay Point homicide under investigation, Sheriff seeks 35-year-old suspect

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Avery Alexander Gibbs is wanted for the Bay Point homicide on Friday, July 3, 2026. Photo: CCC Sheriff

Transient Avery Alexander Gibbs shot “several individuals”, “should not be approached”; has history of arrests

By Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office

This morning, 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.

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit and Crime Lab personnel responded to the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

Detectives have identified the suspect as 35-year-old Avery Alexander Gibbs, a transient. Gibbs should not be approached and anyone seeing him should call 9-1-1.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or through Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (925) 646-2441. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

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.

City of Martinez to conduct virtual wildfire evacuation drill July 11

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By Eve Kearney, Martinez City Manager’s Office

The City of Martinez is continuing to take proactive steps to enhance community safety by hosting a virtual evacuation drill, on July 11, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. This exercise will simulate the evacuation and response to a wildfire emergency.

A virtual evacuation drill is an ideal opportunity for residents to review and practice their personal and family safety plan in the event of an evacuation and ensure they are registered to receive emergency alerts.
The emergency scenario for the Unified Command exercise will be a wildland fire burning into the urban interface on the west edge of the City, north of SR-4. The virtual evacuation and emergency scenario will focus on five evacuation zones: MAR-001, MAR-002, and MAR-003.  These zones were chosen due to actual wildfire risk and wildland-urban interface (WUI).

What to Expect During the Drill

The drill will begin at 9:00 am. Live mock messages will be sent to all registered Martinez Alerts users. Messages will be clearly marked as drill-related. Residents in the three evacuation zones will receive additional messages during the drill.

There are up to three ways residents can participate in the Virtual Evacuation Drill.

  1. Ensure expected mock messaging from Martinez Alerts is received.
  2. Residents may practice preparing to evacuate from their residence, including a list of suggestions on our website.
  3. Residents may safely leave their residence and use their identified evacuation route.

The Importance of Evacuation Drills

The City as a whole benefits from this drill, extending beyond the target neighborhoods. It serves as an instructive example for emergency response across the entire City and offers an educational and preparation opportunity for all residents. Additionally, Martinez’s first responders will use this

Drill to conduct a Unified Command exercise, practicing multi‑agency coordination as well as response and management of an emergency scenario.

For more information, visit the evacuation drill webpage at cityofmartinez.org/july11.

For day-of messaging options during the exercise, please sign up for the Martinez Alerts e-notification system at www.martinezalerts.com.

July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month

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Photo: NHTSA

By CHP – Golden Gate Division

Every year, thousands of vehicles are stolen across California. July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a motor vehicle was stolen every 48 seconds in the United States in 2025.

Use common sense when parking and exiting your vehicle:

  • Take your vehicle’s key; do not leave it in or on your vehicle.
  • Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
  • Park in well-lit areas if possible.
  • Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially if they can be seen from outside the vehicle.

Thieves want vehicle parts and valuable items, too.

Radios and wheel covers aren’t the only popular stolen vehicle parts thieves take. They want whatever sells, from the mandated labeled parts to those that aren’t. Some of the most popular items stolen from vehicles include air bags, GPS units, cell phones, iPads, laptops, and purses. Parts like doors, engines and transmissions are stripped and sold.

While thefts declined last year, prevention starts with simple habits:

  • Keep valuables out of sight.
  • Lock your doors and roll up all windows.
  • Park in well-lit, visible areas.
  • Install a GPS tracker or recovery system
  • Use anti-theft tools
  • (steering wheel locks, alarms)
  • Always turn off your car and take your keys.

NEVER leave it running unattended.

A few seconds of prevention can save you the time, expense, and frustration of having your vehicle stolen.

Help protect your vehicle and don’t make it an easy target.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Merced man arrested for attempted murder in 2025 Hercules shooting

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Daniel Avery Glass, Jr. was arrested on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Photo: Hercules PD

By Hercules Police Department

The Hercules Police Department has made an arrest in connection with an August 2025 shooting that endangered a local resident. On August 2, 2025, a man sitting in his parked vehicle near Bayfront Blvd. and Earnest Street was allegedly approached on foot by an armed suspect who concealed his face and opened fire, striking the victim’s vehicle as he fled.

Through the diligent work of our Criminal Investigations Division — including Flock ALPR data, cellular records, surveillance video, and ballistic testing — detectives identified 32-year-old Daniel Avery Glass, Jr. as the primary suspect. On July 1, 2026, Glass was arrested on an attempted murder warrant with bail set at $1.4 million. The case has been forwarded to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

HPD is fully committed to solving crimes and holding accountable those who threaten our community. We extend our sincere gratitude to California Department of Corrections Parole, the FBI, and our neighboring agencies for their invaluable assistance.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, three-inch tall, 215-pound Glass was born on Aug. 13, 1993, has a bail amount of $140,000 but his being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, July 6 at 8:30 am in Martinez Superior Court.

According to localcrimenews.com, Glass is Black, from Merced and was previously arrested on Feb. 13th by Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Deputies for giving false information to a peace officer and felony parole violation, and in 2014 by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies for burglary and drug possession.

Public safety is a shared responsibility. If you see something, say something — report suspicious activity to HPD, or call 911 in an emergency. Anonymous tips are welcome. Stay alert when parking in dark or rural areas. Whenever possible, park in well-lit locations, keep your doors locked, and remain aware of your surroundings.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Travis Credit Union awards over $40,000 in scholarships to local high school seniors 

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Including 7 Contra Costa recipients

By Kristin Schaeffer, Piccadilly

VACAVILLE, Calif. —  Travis Credit Union (TCU) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Community Impact Scholarship. In recognition of their academic achievements and dedication to community service, 20 Northern California graduating high school seniors, with seven in Contra Costa County, will receive a $2,000 scholarship to support their college education.

The TCU Community Impact Scholarship program has awarded more than $677,000 to over 400 students since it was established 22 years ago, reinforcing the credit union’s ongoing commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders through education and civic engagement.

“We are proud to support these outstanding students as they embark on their next chapter,” said Kevin Miller, president and CEO of Travis Credit Union. “Their hard work, resilience and passion for giving back to their communities truly embody the spirit of Travis Credit Union’s Community Impact Scholarship.”

The 2026 winners are:

Contra Costa County

Preet Singh – Hercules High School

Gabrielle Love – Ygnacio Valley High School – Concord

Mia Garcia Arce – Concord High School

Mary Sakshita Reddy Yeruva – California High School – San Ramon

Lola Abdugapparov – Middle College High School – San Pablo

Javier Gutierrez – El Cerrito High School

Saira Trehan – Monte Vista High School – Danville

Solano County

Jamison Abrenica – Dixon High School

Taylor Connelley – Buckingham Collegiate Charter Academy

Anika Jadhav – Benicia High School

Daniel Gonzalez – Fairfield High School

Mary Alyssa Glaiza Nuñez – Will C. Wood High School

Isabella McNelis – Vacaville High School

Jadyn Voorwinden – Vanden High School

Emily Sanchez – Armijo High School

Napa County

Hunter Knight – Napa High School

Yolo County

Aidan Rieger – Davis Senior High School

Mia Borges – Winters High School

Merced County

Colette Collins – El Capitan High School

Owen Reed – Atwater High School

The scholarship program is open to all high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who are credit union members and pursuing higher education. The money may be applied toward tuition, supplies or other costs associated with attending college. Each winner was required to submit a completed application, a certified high school transcript and a written or recorded personal statement describing their background, academic goals and post-college plans.

For more information about Travis Credit Union and its services, please visit www.traviscu.org.

About Travis Credit Union

Since 1951, Travis Credit Union focuses on improving the lives of our members. As a full-service financial institution, TCU helps members reach financial goals as their trusted local partner throughout their financial journey. Today, TCU is the 12th largest credit union in California, with 270,000 members and $5 billion in assets. We use financial strength to champion financial education and advocacy, earning recognition at the national, state and local levels. This includes being certified as a Great Place to Work in 2025 and 2026, being named one of Newsweek’s Best Regional Credit Unions in 2025, U.S. Air Force Distinguished Credit Union of the Year, and one of Forbes Best-in-State Credit Union.

Brentwood traffic stop leads to fraud, drug charges

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Police seized items purchased through fraud, a crack pipe and drugs from the suspects’ vehicle. Photos: Brentwood PD

Three women from Bay Point, Pittsburg, Antioch arrested

By Brentwood Police Department

During a recent proactive patrol, Brentwood Police Day Shift officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle displaying expired registration. The front passenger was known by the officer to be on searchable probation for identity theft-related offenses.

During a probation search of the vehicle, which was determined to belong to the passenger, officers located suspected narcotics and narcotics paraphernalia. Several items in the trunk appeared to have been recently purchased from Home Depot, but the occupants were unable to produce a receipt or provide the credit that was used.

Two occupants were cited for narcotics-related violations and released at the scene.

The investigation did not end there. Officers followed up with Home Depot regarding the recently purchased merchandise and discovered the items had been obtained through fraudulent transactions. Officers later contacted the victim, who confirmed she had not authorized anyone to make purchases using her personal information.

As a result of the investigation, several felony charges related to identity theft and fraudulent purchases are being submitted to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for review.

According to Community Engagement Officer Chris Bollinger, who said, “I am not able to release names at this point but I can tell you the suspects age and location,” those arrested were a 47-year-old female from Bay Point, 31-year-old female from Pittsburg and a 28-year-old female from Antioch.

Great work by our Day Shift officers for their thorough investigation and commitment to protecting our community from fraud and identity theft.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa Superior Court resumes Juvenile Dependency Mediation Program

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By Matt J. Malone, PIO, Contra Costa County Superior Court

The Contra Costa County Superior Court is pleased to announce the return of its Juvenile Dependency Mediation Program effective July 1, 2026.

Dependency mediation is a confidential, voluntary process that offers families and other participants an opportunity to resolve issues outside of a contested court hearing. The program is facilitated by specially trained, neutral mediators who do not make decisions or determine case outcomes. Instead, mediators guide productive discussions, help participants identify areas of agreement, and support the development of informed, mutually acceptable resolutions that prioritize the safety, well-being, and best interests of the child while also considering the safety of all family members.

As a program of the Juvenile Court, dependency mediation provides a collaborative forum where parents, child welfare professionals, and other involved parties can openly discuss concerns, explore potential solutions, and work toward agreements. Any agreement reached through mediation is submitted to the judicial officer for review and approval. Once approved, the agreement becomes an enforceable court order.

By encouraging communication and cooperative problem-solving, dependency mediation helps reduce conflict, promotes meaningful participation by all parties, and often resolves matters more efficiently than a contested hearing. The process also minimizes the emotional impact of litigation on children and families by focusing on the family’s strengths and supporting long-term collaboration in addressing the child’s needs.

Click for more information about Juvenile Dependency | Superior Court of California | County of Contra Costa.

Notice: All Contra Costa County Superior Court locations will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, in observance of Independence Day. Regular court operations will resume on Monday, July 6, 2026.

Discovery Bay driver arrested for San Francisco fatal vehicle collision

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Killed pedestrian, struck 3 more people

By San Francisco Police Department

On May 25, 2026, at approximately 12:13 am, San Francisco Police officers responded to the area of 16th and Mission Streets regarding a vehicle collision.

Officers were advised that a collision occurred between a vehicle and a pedestrian.

Officers arrived on scene and located a pedestrian victim being treated by paramedics for life threatening injuries. Paramedics transported the victim to a local hospital.

Despite lifesaving efforts of medical staff, the victim was later declared deceased at the hospital.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a vehicle collided with a pedestrian and struck three additional victims.

The three victims were medically assessed on scene for non-life-threatening injuries.

Through the course of the investigation, officers located the suspect vehicle and detained the occupant of the vehicle.

The Traffic Collision Investigations Unit (TCIU) responded to scene and conducted their investigation.

Through the course of the investigation, TCIU investigators developed probable cause to arrest the driver identified as 57-year-old Samuel Powell of Discovery Bay on June 30, 2026.

Powell was arrested and charged for vehicular Manslaughter 192(c)(2) PC and the driver’s responsibility to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian within the roadway 21955(b)(3) CVC.

Although an arrest has been made, this remains an open and active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the SFPD at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD.

 

MTC announces Connect Bay Area half-cent sales tax transit measure qualifies for Nov. 2026 election

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Photos: MTC

Will appear on Bay Area ballots across five counties including Contra Costa

By Jeff Cretan, West Advisors

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA — The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) has announced that the Connect Bay Area regional transit funding measure has officially qualified for the November 2026 ballot after elections officials confirmed the campaign submitted enough valid signatures across Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.

The announcement follows the Connect Bay Area campaign’s submission of more than 305,000 signatures in May, far exceeding the 186,000 valid signatures required to qualify the measure. The MTC’s official certification sent on June 30 declared that the registrars of voters across the five counties each conducted their individual county counts and submitted the results to the MTC and the total submitted far exceeded the qualification threshold.

The measure if adopted would increase the sales tax in Contra Costa, Alameda San Mateo and Santa Clara counties by a half cent and one cent in San Francisco County for 14 years. As previously reported, the measure would generate approximately $980 million annually across the five counties.

The success of this effort was built on one of the largest grassroots transit organizing efforts the region has ever seen and unprecedented support from business, labor, and community organizations across the Bay Area.

The Connect Bay Area five-county sales tax measure would provide long-term operational funding for major Bay Area transit agencies while supporting projects to strengthen and better connect transit systems across the region. It will protect major transit agencies like BART, Muni, Caltrain and AC Transit from devastating service cuts, help VTA grow to better serve residents, workers, and businesses, and provide direct support to counties for transit improvements.

Connect Bay Area also strengthens accountability for transit agencies. SB 63 – the legislation authored by Senators Scott Wiener and Jesse Arreguín that enabled Connect Bay Area – requires independent financial reviews, continued efficiency improvements, and stronger regional coordination before the measure even appears on the ballot.

The five counties that would be included in the tax measure vote. Source: Connect Bay Area

Unprecedented Grassroots, Labor and Business Support

The Connect Bay Area campaign has grown in support over the last several months with more than 80 elected officials and more than 90 labor, business, and advocacy organizations signing on in support. Major businesses from across the region helped raise more than $5.5 million to qualify the measure and prepare for the November election.

Since launching in January, Connect Bay Area mobilized more than 1,000 volunteers and advocates across Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties. Supporters gathered signatures at transit stations, farmers markets, community events, neighborhood meetings, and major public gatherings throughout the Bay Area.

The overwhelming signature total that led to the measure’s qualification for the ballot reflects broad public support for transit and growing awareness of the urgency surrounding the future of Bay Area public transportation.

Without sustainable transit funding, the Bay Area could face catastrophic service reductions:

  • BART: Up to 15 station closures, elimination of two lines, and service cuts of up to 70%
  • Caltrain: Hourly train service, no weekend service, and weekday shutdowns after 9 p.m.
  • Muni: At least 20 bus routes eliminated and service reductions of 30% or more
  • AC Transit: Service cuts of at least 16%

The campaign will now turn its full attention toward the November election, building on the unprecedented coalition of volunteers, businesses, labor organizations, transit riders, and community advocates who helped qualify the measure.

About Connect Bay Area

The Connect Bay Area campaign is a five-county Regional Transit Measure on the November 2026 ballot. The measure would establish a 0.5% sales tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties and a 1% sales tax in San Francisco to provide additional support for Muni. It would provide long-term operational funding for major Bay Area transit agencies while supporting regional projects that strengthen transit throughout the region.

The Regional Transit Measure will:

  • Protect and improve service on BART, Muni, Caltrain, SamTrans, VTA, and AC Transit.
  • Prevent catastrophic transit service cuts across the Bay Area.
  • Reduce traffic congestion and emissions while supporting California’s climate goals.
  • Support the Bay Area economy by strengthening downtown recovery and regional mobility.

The measure includes strong accountability and oversight provisions, including independent financial reviews for every transit operator, regional coordination requirements to ensure systems work better together, and a citizen oversight committee to monitor spending and performance. A recent independent study required under SB 63 found Bay Area transit agencies have already achieved approximately $1 billion in operational efficiencies while identifying additional opportunities to improve service and reduce costs.

The Connect Bay Area Transit Committee is comprised of labor, business, and transit advocates, including Bay Area Council, SEIU 1021, ATU 1555, South Bay Labor Council, SPUR, and SAMCEDA, alongside an advocacy council of more than 20 organizations representing transit, housing, environmental, equity, senior, and disability organizations.

For more information about the Connect Bay Area campaign or to get involved, visit connectbayarea.com.

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.