Contra Costa Herald

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

Eight public works projects in Contra Costa County, BART receive awards

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The Bollinger Canyon Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing Project received three awards. Source: ACEC California

Iron Horse Trail Overcrossing in San Ramon named 2026 APWA Project of the Year, two more awards

County Public Works receives three project awards

By Allen D. Payton

Eight public works projects in Contra Costa County and BART received awards from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Northern California Chapter and American Council of Engineering Companies of California (ACEC).

APWA Nor Cal Chapter Awards

The Iron Horse Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing at Bollinger Canyon Road was named the 2026 Project of the Year Winner by the APWA Northern California Chapter. Other winners honored at the 2026 Project Awards Luncheon in Vallejo on March 5th include:

BART for the Next Generation Faire Gates;

Central Contra Costa Sanitary District for the Phase 1 Stream and Aeration Blower Systems Renovations;

City of Antioch for its Brackish Water Desalination Plant (see below);

City of Pleasant Hill for the Contra Costa Blvd. Complete Streets Improvements Projects;

City of Richmond for the Ferry to Bridge to Greenway project;

Contra Costa County Public Works for three projects including the County Administration Building B, Saranap Trash Capture Installation and the Wildcat Canyon Road Slope Failure Repair.

A total of 25 projects were nominated and 15 received an award. All winners will be moving on to the APWA National at Public Works Expo 2026 in Houston, TX in August for consideration.

The APWA Northern California Chapter is a dynamic and engaged community of professionals dedicated to advancing the goals and mission of our association at the local level. The chapter is an integral part of the larger APWA network, representing a vibrant community of professionals in Northern California. We are committed to fostering professional growth, facilitating meaningful connections, and promoting excellence within the industry.

Source: City of San Ramon

Bollinger Canyon Road Overcrossing Project Also Wins League of California Cities Award

The Bollinger Canyon Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing Project also received the 2026 Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project Award from the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), League of California Cities (Cal Cities), and County Engineers Association of California (CEAC). It is the highest award presented annually at the California League of Cities Public Works Officers Institute Spring Conference.

“Counties and cities across California lead in delivering sustainable and enduring transportation projects,” said Johannes Hoevertsz, President of CEAC and Sonoma County Public Infrastructure Director. “By applying innovative approaches, local governments are strengthening mobility while protecting the long-term performance of their streets and roads.”

Source: CA League of Cities

This year’s overall winner, the City of San Ramon, is recognized for its Iron Horse Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing at Bollinger Canyon Road, a transformative project that enhances safety and access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Overall Winner:
Iron Horse Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing at Bollinger Canyon Road, City of San Ramon

The $29M Iron Horse Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing at Bollinger Canyon Road is a 340-foot, cable-stayed bridge that provides a safe, grade-separated crossing over one of San Ramon’s busiest corridors.  Anchored by 900 feet of MSE wall approaches, it eliminates a previously signaled crossing and completes a link in the 30-mile regional Iron Horse Trail system. The project integrated context-sensitive landscaping with over 7,000 native and drought-tolerant plants and 80 trees along with community gathering spaces enhanced by architectural lighting.

“This project represents years of thoughtful planning and hard work from our Engineering team to improve safety and accessibility across one of the city’s busiest roadways,” a Facebook post on Thursday, March 12th reads. “Congratulations to our Engineering team for their dedication and hard work in bringing this important project to life!”

The overcrossing officially opened to the public on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

During the ACEC California awards ceremony on Feb. 19, 2026. Photo: ACEC California

ACEC California Awards

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority and City of San Ramon received an Honor Award from ACEC California, one of eight in the San Francisco Region, for the Iron Horse Trail Overcrossing at Bollinger Canyon Road. The project was submitted by the Oakland office of COWI North America, Inc., of the ACEC California Bay Bridge Chapter.

According to ACEC California, COWI was contracted by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority for the overcrossing project — a striking new pedestrian and cyclist bridge that provides a safe crossing across the busiest arterial corridor in the city and uninterrupted connectivity along the Iron Horse Trail. The City of San Ramon is the owner.

As Prime Consultant and Engineer of Record, COWI led the design, engineering, and design support during construction for the $21.6 million project. The result is a 340-foot, six-span cable-stayed bridge with 570 feet of retaining wall approaches, a central V-shaped steel pylon, and architecturally integrated lighting and railing systems.

The overcrossing enhances safety and connectivity for tens of thousands of San Ramon residents and trail users along the region’s most popular trail. While the project utilized its full budget, COWI’s innovative design and accelerated construction strategies generated substantial indirect savings by minimizing traffic disruption, shortening construction duration, and reducing environmental and community impacts.

“This bridge is a celebration of safe, sustainable design and community placemaking,” said Matt Baughman, Associate Project Director at COWI. “From concept to completion, COWI’s team worked closely with our client and stakeholders to deliver a truly iconic project.”

Source: City of Antioch

There were two other local ACEC California winners including the City of Antioch which received a Merit Award for its Brackish Water Desalination Plant, submitted for consideration by Carollo Engineers’ Walnut Creek office of the East Bay Chapter. The plant was inaugurated on September 15, 2025. According to the City of Antioch, this facility strengthens Antioch’s water supply by using a combination of existing and new infrastructure to increase reliability and provide greater operational flexibility. This facility is a landmark investment in the City’s future, ensuring a more resilient water supply for the community.

The City of Martinez received a Commendation Award from ACEC California for the Alhambra Avenue Downtown Improvements, submitted by LCC Engineering & Surveying, Inc. of Martinez, also of the ACEC California East Bay Chapter.

According to LCC, the company was hired by the City of Martinez in Winter of 2022 to provide land survey and civil design services for this Complete Street Improvement Project which included one mile of mill and fills, base-failure repairs, crack-sealing and micro-surfacing, re-striping to include Class 2 buffered bike lanes, new ADA compliant curb ramps and crosswalks.  The project was a federally funded project which triggered extensive environmental studies due to the proximity to significant historical buildings.  LCC teamed with HDR for the extensive environmental studies required.  However, LCC performed all of the right of way and utility coordination to obtain the Right of Way Certification for the Project. Construction was completed in spring 2025.

LCC has provided civil engineering and land surveying services to the City of Martinez since the firm was established in 1954.

The ACEC California’s annual Engineering Excellence Awards competition recognizes outstanding achievements in engineering and land surveying projects completed by California firms. Entries are accepted into one of 12 project categories: studies, research and consulting engineering services; building/technology systems; structural systems; surveying and mapping technology; environmental; waste and storm water; water resources; transportation; special projects; small projects; energy; and industrial and manufacturing processes and facilities.

Projects were recognized for demonstrating an exceptional degree of innovation, complexity, achievement, and value. Twenty projects earned the prestigious Honor Award distinction, twenty-seven were recognized with Merit Awards, and fifteen Commendation Awards were granted.

“We are proud to recognize these ACEC California firms for delivering an exceptional degree of value and technical excellence to our communities,” said Tyler Munzing, Executive Director of ACEC California. “Quality infrastructure—from dependable drinking water to safe, efficient roadways and structurally sound public spaces—is essential to our state’s success. These award-winning projects showcase how our engineering and land surveying firms are passionately building a more resilient and connected California.”

The awards were announced at the Engineering Excellence Awards Banquet at the Disneyland Hotel on February 19, 2026. Themed “Dream Builders: Engineering the Magic of Tomorrow”, the conference highlighted how engineers and land surveyors can influence the future through innovation, imagination and impact. The annual celebration was also a fundraiser for the ACEC California Scholarship Foundation 501(c)3, which provides scholarship awards to graduate and undergraduate students who are recognized for their notable and outstanding academic achievements.

Learn more about the awards:

2026 Projects of the Year Award – APWA Northern California Chapter

2026 Engineering Excellence Award Winners – American Council of Engineering Companies of California

Richmond based technology companies announce strategic collaboration

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EarthGrid’s plasma boring technology will benefit CyberTran’s innovative rail transit system

Richmond, CA – EarthGrid and CyberTran, two Richmond, California-based technology companies, have entered into a collaborative agreement to address critical global infrastructure challenges. The partnership brings together complementary technologies to support the development of next-generation underground “SuperGrid” systems capable of efficiently transporting renewable energy, data, communications, water and freight.

Technology Overview

EarthGrid has developed a patented plasma boring system that uses thermal spallation to disintegrate hard rock, including granite. This zero-contact approach uses only air and electricity, enabling tunneling and trenching at up to 10x the speed and a fraction of the cost of conventional boring methods.

CyberTran provides an ultra-light rail freight and transit system designed to operate within EarthGrid’s tunnels. Originally developed by the U.S. Department of Energy, the system has been built and tested and is engineered to move freight and passengers by distributing smaller loads along a guideway at high speeds, increasing efficiency and throughput.

Utility and Transit Applications

Aging utility infrastructure increasingly contributes to reliability failures, safety hazards, and wildfire risk. Existing systems are struggling to meet surging demand driven by renewable energy integration, AI and data center growth, EV charging, and advanced communications networks.

The combined EarthGrid-CyberTran solution offers a scalable underground alternative to deliver power, water, fiber and transit capacity across the United States and beyond.

Economic Development

The collaboration has the potential to support significant economic growth through infrastructure development, manufacturing, real estate investment, and logistics-related employment. The companies are currently engaged in discussions regarding major California-based projects that could benefit from their integrated technologies.

About EarthGrid

EarthGrid is pioneering Solid State Plasma Boring technology to reshape America’s underground infrastructure. The company’s patented plasma tech disintegrates hard rock using thermal spallation with no contact, no chemicals, and no mechanical cutters. EarthGrid has filed 162 patent claims, holds CPCNs (Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity) across 46 states covering 97% of the U.S. population, and has raised $50M to date. EarthGrid is boring through a $2 trillion grid infrastructure market.  (See related article)

About CyberTran

CyberTran International, Inc. is a Richmond, California-based company providing ultra-light rail freight and transit systems designed to reduce environmental impact and improve urban transit efficiency. Originally developed by the U.S. Department of Energy, CyberTran’s technology is engineered to move freight and passengers at high speeds with lower cost and greater operational efficiency than traditional transit systems. (See related article)

Note: The publisher of the Contra Costa Herald has a financial interest in CyberTran International.

Supervisor Gioia to be honored at NAACP Richmond Branch annual banquet March 7

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By Allen D. Payton

Join the NAACP Richmond, CA Branch for its annual Community Engagement Recognition Banquet at Contra Costa College this Saturday, March 7th. Refreshments at 3:30 p.m., Program at 4:30 p.m.

Contra Costa County District 1 Supervisor John Gioia will be among those  honored during the event.

“I’m honored to be one of the individuals to be recognized for my work in advancing equity and justice,” he wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday.

The Richmond NAACP has been fighting discrimination and working for equity and justice since 1944. For more information visit NAACP – RICHMOND BRANCH.

DA clears Richmond Police in fatal 2025 shooting of Angel Montaño Magallan

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Richmond Police confront Angel Alexander Montaño Magallan holding two knives as he emerges from his apartment before the fatal shooting on Aug. 4, 2025. Video capture source: Richmond PD

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

Martinez, California – A public report on a 2025 fatal use-of-force incident involving Richmond Police has been released by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office.

The report is the final step in a countywide protocol wherein the District Attorney’s Office conducts an independent investigation into an officer-involved fatal incident. Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton said, “The release of this report reflects my office’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the review of officer-involved shootings. We believe the public deserves a clear and thorough account of the facts surrounding these incidents, and that making our findings available to the community is essential to maintaining public trust.”

On August 4, 2025, at approximately 5:02 p.m., Richmond Police Department Dispatch received a 911 call regarding 27-year-old Angel Alexander Montaño Magallan. The caller, Magallan’s brother, reported that Magallan was armed with a knife and threatening to kill him and their mother. He also disclosed that Magallan had a history of mental illness and was living with the family in an apartment in the City of Richmond.

Multiple Richmond Police officers responded to the call and staged nearby to form a response plan. While waiting for additional resources, officers were advised that the family members could not leave the home because Magallan was blocking the front door, creating additional concerns of a possible hostage situation.

Video capture of Magallan emerging from his apartment with two knives in his hands. Source: Richmond PD

Moments later, dispatch advised officers that Magallan armed himself with two knives, prompting officers to move closer to the residence so they could quickly respond to a possible attack. As they approached, Magallan’s mother yelled out from inside the home, which caused officers to believe Magallan may be actively stabbing family members inside the home.

Upon opening the front door of the residence, Officer Nicholas Remick observed Magallan standing over his brother and mother while holding an object in his hand. Magallan immediately advanced toward Officer Remick, who could now see that Magallan was wielding a knife in each hand. Officer Remick repeatedly ordered Magallan to “stop” and retreated from the doorway, but Magallan continued to advance. It was not until Magallan had closed to within 5 to 10 feet — near enough to deliver a fatal knife strike to a retreating officer — that Officer Remick and Officer Stocking discharged their firearms, fatally striking Magallan. Officers then entered the apartment and confirmed that the remaining family members were physically unharmed.

After a review of all available facts surrounding the incident, the District Attorney’s Office finds that the use of deadly force was reasonable under the circumstances. As such, no further action will be taken in this case.

The District Attorney’s Office has sent a copy of the report to the Richmond Police Department, the California Department of Justice, and is available to the public on the Contra Costa District Attorney’s website.

See Richmond PD press release of incident, Critical Incident Video, plus, videos of officer body cam footage and other information, here.

ICE arrests “monster” from El Salvador living in San Pablo with six criminal convictions

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ICE announced Friday the arrest of Jose Lopez-Arevalo of El Salvador living in San Pablo. Photo: ICE

For assault with a deadly weapon, hit-and-run, false imprisonment, grand theft, evading police and DUI in Contra Costa, Marin and Alameda counties

State releasing thousands of criminal undocumented immigrants

By Allen D. Payton

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced on Friday, February 13, 2026, the arrest of multiple criminal undocumented immigrants across the country, convicted of what they referred to as “repulsive crimes” including child sex crimes, assault with a deadly weapon and conspiring to traffic cocaine. Among those arrested was Jose Lopez-Arevalo of El Salvador living in San Pablo in Western Contra Costa County.

“Yesterday, the brave men and women of ICE arrested heinous criminal illegal aliens convicted for sex crimes against children, felony battery and one monster convicted for SIX offenses including a hit-and-run and grand theft,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “There is absolutely no reason these violent criminals should remain in this country. While sanctuary politicians and activist judges release criminals into our communities, our law enforcement officers are risking their lives to remove public safety threats from American neighborhoods.”

Lopez-Arevalo has previously been convicted for assault with a deadly weapon, vehicle hit-and-run, false imprisonment, grand theft, evading police and driving under the influence in Contra Costa, Marin and Alameda counties.

According to localcrimenews.com, the five-foot, five-inch tall, 145-pound suspect is 26 years old and was arrested twice by the Marin County Sheriff’s Department. First, on February 5, 2025, for false imprisonment by violence, driving without a license, DUI alcohol/drugs with blood alcohol content above .08, possession of drug paraphernalia and evading a peace officer. Lopez-Alvarado was previously arrested on August 10, 2020, for possession of a controlled substance, driving without a license, hit-and-run resulting in property damage, following emergency vehicles, DUI Alcohol with BAC above .08, possession of alcohol in an open container and for no display of license plates. He was also arrested by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department on June 15, 2024, and earlier this month, on warrants or holds only.

According to the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, Lopez-Arevalo was booked on Feb. 4 and out of custody on Feb. 11 as his sentence was served.

According to a Feb. 6th press release by ICE, “There are currently 33,179 aliens in the custody of a California jurisdiction with active detainers. The crimes of these aliens include 399 homicides, 3,313 assaults, 3,171 burglaries, 1,011 robberies, 8,380 dangerous drugs offenses, 1,984 weapons offenses and 1,293 sexual predatory offenses.

“California’s failure to honor ICE detainers has resulted in the release of 4,561 criminal illegal aliens since January 20,” the press release continued. “The crimes of these aliens include 31 homicides, 661 assaults, 574 burglaries, 184 robberies, 1,489 dangerous drugs offenses, 379 weapons offenses, and 234 sexual predatory offenses.”

Americans can see more individuals posing public safety threats arrested in their communities on the Department of Homeland Security webpage WOW.DHS.Gov.

City of San Pablo launches new Marketing and Branding Program for Economic Development and Housing

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Source: City of San Pablo

$150,000 two-year agreement with Irvine-based consultant

The City of San Pablo is proud to announce the adoption of its new Marketing and Branding Program for Economic Development and Housing, a strategic initiative designed to strengthen the city’s identity, attract investment, and foster community engagement.

In partnership with Irvine-based marketing, technology and public affairs firm, Tripepi Smith & Associates, the City has developed a comprehensive economic corridor brand system that reflects San Pablo’s unique position in the Bay Area, its relative affordability and its business-friendly environment. This effort supports reinvestment, business attraction, and placemaking, key priorities outlined in the City Council’s Economic Development Strategy.

Residents and merchants will soon see the new branding come to life across the city, including street pole banners in commercial districts and other public and private spaces. The program introduces a family of corridor-level sub-brands, enabling the City to communicate more effectively about distinct areas and opportunities while building confidence among investors and strengthening resident engagement. With the new brand statement of: “Growing Forward, Grounded in Community”, city staff, partners and business community can lean into San Pablo’s sense of place that is shaped by diverse cultures, strengthened by community pride, that is positioned at the heart of the Bay Area.

During their meeting on March 3, 2025, the City Council adopted a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a consulting services agreement with Tripepi Smith & Associates in an amount not to exceed $150,000 over two years. It passed on a 4-0 vote with Councilmember Abel Pineda absent.

“Tripepi Smith collaborated closely with City staff and community stakeholders to understand San Pablo, where we are today and where we are trying to go,” said Kieron Slaughter, Economic Development & Housing Manager. “The result is a clear, functional brand system that supports one of the City Council’s priorities and implements a key action from our Economic Development Strategy. This gives us a stronger platform to attract investment, support local businesses, and communicate our vision in a more coordinated way.”

The branding initiative included a robust discovery phase, ensuring that key messaging and logos are adaptable for multiple uses from business outreach to community-building communications. The resulting Branding Toolkit provides staff with practical tools for outreach, marketing, and partnership conversations, positioning San Pablo as a city that is thoughtful, prepared, and open to opportunity.

“San Pablo’s new branding program reflects our commitment to reinvestment, community pride, and a thriving local economy. By embracing a unified identity rooted in our diverse culture and strategic Bay Area location, we’re strengthening our ability to attract investment, support local businesses, and ‘grow forward’ together,” stated San Pablo Mayor Elizabeth Pabon-Alvarado.

As of February 2026, Tripepi Smith is working with the City on an implementation plan and communication materials to roll out the new brand system citywide.  

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Supervisor Gioia announces $1 million grant program for non-profits to improve West Contra Costa

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Photo source: Office of Supervisor John Gioia

Anuncian un programa de subvenciones de 1 millón de dólares para mejorar la equidad en West Contra Costa

Application Deadline: February 27, 2026

Las solicitudes de subvención vencen en febrero 27, 2026

WHAT: Up to $50,000 grants for local nonprofits to improve equity in West Contra Costa County

WHEN: Applications open from February 1 through February 27, 2026

WHY:  Support innovative and impactful work to reduce health and economic disparities in West County

By Contra Costa County District 1 Supervisor John Gioia

I’m pleased to announce the opening of a Community Impact Fund Grant Program for Supervisorial District One. This program provides $1 million to support important projects that advance equity and reduce health and economic disparities in West Contra Costa County.

Grant amounts will be up to $50,000 each!

This grant program was established by the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors in June 2025, allocating $5 million countywide, with $1 million designated for each Supervisorial District. The goal is to invest in initiatives that strengthen community well-being and create long-term benefits for residents.

Our community shaped this grant program through ideas and priorities expressed at several Townhall meetings we held throughout West County. These funds will be used to improve health, housing, education, economic and environmental needs to achieve greater equity and reduce disparities.

Together, we’re building a stronger and more resilient future for all residents.

Nonprofit community-based groups are invited to apply for grant funds. Applications must be completed and submitted by Friday, February 27. Grant awards will be made by the end of March 2026.

This Grant Program was shaped by robust community input, including five town halls and a focus group, engaging over 275 residents, youth, organizational leaders, and advocates across District 1 in West Contra Costa County. These sessions provided a roadmap for equitable investments, emphasizing health, education, housing, economic and environmental improvements. Residents also called for transparency, local control, and sustainability.

To see the final report from the community Townhalls, please click here.

For more information on this grant program and how to apply, click here.

Español

QUÉ: Un millón de dólares en subvenciones para organizaciones sin fines de lucro locales con el fin de mejorar la equidad en el condado de West Contra Costa.

CUÁNDO: Las solicitudes estarán abiertas del 1 al 27 de febrero de 2026.

POR QUÉ: Para apoyar iniciativas innovadoras y de gran impacto que reduzcan las desigualdades en salud y economía en el oeste del condado.

Me complace anunciar la apertura del Programa de Subvenciones del Fondo de Impacto Comunitario para el Distrito Uno. Este programa destina 1 millón de dólares a apoyar proyectos importantes que promuevan la equidad y reduzcan las desigualdades sanitarias y económicas en el oeste del condado de Contra Costa.

¡El monto de las subvenciones será de hasta $50,000 cada una!

Este programa de subvenciones fue establecido por la Junta de Supervisores de Contra Costa en junio de 2025, asignando $5 millones para todo el condado, con $1 millón destinado a cada distrito supervisorial. El objetivo es invertir en iniciativas que fortalezcan el bienestar de la comunidad y generen beneficios a largo plazo para los residentes.

Nuestra comunidad dio forma a este programa de subvenciones a través de las ideas y prioridades expresadas en varias reuniones comunitarias que celebramos en todo el oeste del condado. Estos fondos se utilizarán para mejorar la salud, la vivienda, la educación, la economía y el medio ambiente, con el fin de lograr una mayor equidad y reducir las desigualdades.

Juntos, estamos construyendo un futuro más sólido y resiliente para todos los residentes.

Se invita a las organizaciones comunitarias sin fines de lucro a solicitar fondos de subvención. Las solicitudes deben completarse y presentarse a más tardar el viernes 27 de febrero. La adjudicación de las subvenciones se realizará a finales de marzo de 2026.

Este programa de subvenciones se diseñó con una sólida participación de la comunidad, incluyendo cinco asambleas públicas y un grupo focal, en los que participaron más de 275 residentes, jóvenes, líderes de organizaciones y activistas del Distrito 1 del condado de West Contra Costa. Estas sesiones proporcionaron una hoja de ruta para inversiones equitativas, haciendo hincapié en la salud, la educación, la vivienda y las mejoras económicas y ambientales. Los residentes también solicitaron transparencia, control local y sostenibilidad.

Para consultar el informe final de las reuniones comunitarias, haga clic aquí.

Para obtener más información sobre este programa de subvenciones y cómo solicitarlo, haga clic aquí.

Reckless driving, altercation ends in Richmond Police Officer-involved shooting on I-80 in Hercules

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Source: Richmond PD

CA DOJ investigating under AB 1506

By Allen D. Payton

According to the Richmond Police Department PIO, Lt. Don Patchin, on January 22, 2026, a Richmond Police detective was involved in a critical incident on westbound Interstate 80 near Highway 4.

Earlier that morning, CHP received multiple reports of a gold or gray Nissan sedan driving recklessly, striking vehicles, and obstructing traffic. The vehicle was later encountered stopped and blocking a lane of westbound I-80 by an RPD detective who stopped to render aid.

The detective contacted an individual standing near the vehicle who was holding a metal object. Unconfirmed information indicates the individual may have been swinging the object at passing vehicles prior to the detective’s arrival. During the encounter, an altercation occurred, and the detective discharged their service weapon.

The individual was transported to a local trauma center, where he later died from his injuries. The detective sustained minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital.

Because it is currently unclear whether the individual had a weapon in his possession at the exact moment the shooting occurred, California law requires the California Department of Justice to assume the lead investigation. DOJ’s involvement does not imply wrongdoing and is mandated under these circumstances.

This investigation is in its early stages. We are committed to transparency and will provide updates as information becomes available and legally releasable.

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has information is urged to contact the Department of Justice at 916-210-2871.

CA Attorney General Investigates Under AB 1506

According to the Attorney General’s Press Office, the information provided below is based on preliminary details regarding an ongoing investigation, which may continue to evolve.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ), pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), is investigating and will independently review an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred on January 22, 2026, in Hercules, California. The OIS incident which resulted in the death of one individual occurred around 7:20 a.m. and involved the Richmond Police Department.

Following notification of this incident, DOJ’s California Police Shooting Investigation Team initiated an investigation in accordance with AB 1506 mandates. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be turned over to DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section within the Criminal Law Division for independent review. Anyone who has information related to either OIS incident and wishes to report it may do so by calling (916) 210-2871.

More information on DOJ’s role and responsibilities under AB 1506 is available here: https://oag.ca.gov/ois-incidents.

As previously reported, according to Ted Asregadoo, PIO for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, because the incident took place on an interstate highway, the California Highway Patrol has primary jurisdiction over the investigation. The California Attorney General’s Office will lead the legal investigation based on the specific circumstances of the incident. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office’s participation in the investigation is in accordance with the County’s Law Enforcement-Involved Fatal Incident protocol.

 

 

CCDA issues statement on officer-involved fatal incident on Interstate 80 in Hercules

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

Martinez, California – The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office is participating in the investigation into a fatal incident involving an on-duty Richmond Police officer.

The incident occurred this morning at approximately 7:15 am on westbound Interstate 80 near the Highway 4 junction in Hercules.

At 8:25 a.m., CHP – Golden Gate and CHP – Contra Costa announced on social media, “All Lanes Closed due to Police Activity… Fast lane of I-80EB is also closed. WB traffic is being diverted off at the Hercules exit. Use alt routes. Unknown ETO. As of 5:10 p.m. CHP – Contra Costa announced, “All lanes of westbound I-80 at SR-4 in Hercules have reopened.”

Because the incident took place on an interstate highway, the California Highway Patrol has primary jurisdiction over the investigation. The California Attorney General’s Office will lead the legal investigation based on the specific circumstances of the incident. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office’s participation in the investigation is in accordance with the County’s Law Enforcement-Involved Fatal Incident protocol.

While Assembly Bill 1506 requires the California Department of Justice to investigate officer-involved shootings of unarmed civilians, this particular case does not explicitly fall under that mandate. However, the Attorney General’s Office has assumed the lead role due to the dynamics of the incident.

UPDATE: Both the Richmond Police Department and California Attorney General’s Office issued press releases about the incident. See details, here – Reckless driving, altercation ends in Richmond Police Officer-involved shooting on I-80 in Hercules | Contra Costa Herald

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Investigation into in-custody death of 62-year-old homeless Rodeo man at Martinez Detention Facility

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Arrested 22 times since 2015; second in-custody death in the same Contra Costa County jail this month

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

The county-wide law enforcement involved fatal incident protocol has been invoked for an in-custody death at the Martinez Detention Facility this afternoon.

At about 5:08 PM on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, a deputy sheriff found an inmate unresponsive in his cell on B module. He immediately requested Contra Costa Health jail medical staff respond, as deputies started life-saving measures. The fire department and an ambulance also responded. The inmate was later pronounced deceased at the scene.

The inmate is identified as 62-year-old Victor Jose Faria, an unhoused person. He was arrested by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office on January 15, 2026, for trespassing and felony probation violation and booked into MDF.

Per the protocol, this is being investigated by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and the Contra Costa D.A.’s Office.

According to localcrimenews.com, Faria had a history of 21 other arrests by a variety of agencies dating back to 2015, including battery with serious bodily injury, and multiple times for arson, threats of violence, trespassing, disorderly conduct and public intoxication.

This is the second in-custody death at the Martinez Detention Facility this month. On Jan. 8, 61-year-old Kirk Richardson of Concord, arrested for the murders of his parents on Christmas Eve, was found unconscious inside his cell by a deputy sheriff, after Contra Costa Health medical staff responded to a report of head injuries that an inmate apparently sustained as a result of him purposely banging his head while housed in a cell.

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

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.