Contra Costa Herald

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.

Photos: Richmond PD

By Richmond Police Department

On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, the Richmond Police Department Marine Unit responded to assist after a vessel sank in the San Francisco Bay, resulting in a tragic loss of life.

According to a CBS News Bay Area report, “One person died and three were missing in the San Francisco Bay on Tuesday after a boat with 20 people on board sank near Alcatraz Island, authorities said.” The person was identified “as Clifford Joseph Boisa, 79, a former Sutter County sheriff’s deputy.”

However, as of Thursday night, “A body found in San Francisco Bay on Thursday afternoon was identified as one of the three passengers missing after the sinking of a boat near Alcatraz Island on Tuesday. San Francisco’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said the person was 58-year-old Tondra Miller from Sacramento County. She was also known as Tondra Madruga, the office said.”

Our Marine Unit worked alongside our regional law enforcement and public safety partners during the initial response and will continue assisting in the ongoing search efforts.

The Richmond Police Department remains committed to supporting our partner agencies whenever called upon. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected by this tragic incident.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Photos: Danville PD

By Danville Police Department

In June, a Danville police officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle on Diablo Road. While investigating the driver for a possible DUI, the officer saw a firearm under the driver’s seat. A search of the vehicle found the driver in possession of a Ruger pistol, an unserialized AR-15 style rifle, and a loaded magazine. In addition to the DUI, the suspect was arrested for multiple gun-related charges, including possession of an unserialized firearm and a felon in possession of a firearm. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

The investigation into this case is ongoing.

By Richmond Police Department

As of Wednesday night, July 15, 2026, at 9:00 p.m., Richmond Police Officers are investigating a shooting in the 400 block of Wilson Avenue.

At this time, there are two victims. One victim has been airlifted to a local trauma center for medical treatment.

If you witnessed the incident or have any information that may assist investigators, please contact the Richmond Police Department at (510) 233-1214.

Updates will be provided as information becomes available.

County Board of Education, College Board, city councils, school boards, special districts

By Dawn Kruger, Community and Media Relations Coordinator, Contra Costa County, Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department 

The Candidate Filing Period for the November 3rd General Election will began, Monday, July 13, 2026, and nomination papers will be available for candidates running for office. The nomination period runs through 5:00 p.m. Friday, August 7, 2026.

A list of offices anticipated for the election can be found here: www.contracostavote.gov/wp-content/uploads/26Nov03_PositionsUpForElection.pdf.  Offices on this list are subject to change as resolutions are still being filed.

Papers for offices that are up for election will be available at the Contra Costa Elections Office, 555 Escobar Street, Martinez. Papers for Municipal Offices will be available from the City Clerk’s office in the city the position represents.

For further information on the General Election and key dates, go to www.contracostavote.gov

“Our Candidate Services team is ready to work with Candidates who will be running in the November General Election,” said Kristin B. Connelly, Contra Costa Registrar of Voters. “Candidate Filing begins Monday July 13 and our office is here to help potential candidates.”

If an incumbent does not file to run for office by the August 7^th deadline, the filing period for that office will extend until 5:00 pm on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. This rule does not apply to incumbents that have reached their term limit and are unable to run again.

Interested candidates can schedule an appointment by emailing candidate.services@vote.cccounty.us or by calling (925) 335-7800. Walk-ins are accepted, but service is subject to the availability of staff. Appointments are available on weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Filing documents and information will be provided to interested constituents at their appointment. The process takes approximately 20 minutes.

Renderings source: CyberTran International, Inc.

Richmond’s CyberTran International, Inc., EarthGrid, UC Berkeley’s PATH, San Ramon’s Manex announce major achievement signaling new era of freight rail innovation and development, East Bay job creation

Richmond, CA – The Alameda County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, officially and unanimously adopted a resolution in support of moving freight through the county using Richmond-based CyberTran International’s Ultra-Light Rail Freight and Transit (ULRF&T) system. The ULRF&T system is planned to operate from Oakland to the Central Valley via underground tunnels, and create a next-generation SuperGrid for underground utilities.

The development partnership includes CyberTran International, Richmond-based EarthGrid, U.C. Berkeley Partners in Advanced Transportation Technology (PATH), located at the Richmond Field Station, and the San Ramon-based Corporation for Manufacturing Excellence (Manex).

“Adoption…demonstrates…support for continued exploration and development of the Ultra-Light Rail Freight and Transit system, associated underground infrastructure improvements, and the establishment of advanced manufacturing and Inland Port facilities that could provide long-term transportation, environmental, and economic benefits to the East Bay region.” – Supervisor Nate Miley

Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley has been a leading advocate for this effort. According to his staff report for the agenda item, #46, “The proposed ULRF&T system is intended to provide a lower-cost, zero-carbon alternative to conventional freight and transit rail systems while reducing truck traffic along the heavily congested Interstate 580 corridor. EarthGrid’s proposed underground SuperGrid technology would provide tunnel infrastructure capable of supporting both freight transportation and modernized utility corridors, while PATH contributes expertise in autonomous vehicle technology. MANEX would assist CyberTran in establishing a manufacturing facility within Alameda County, creating local jobs and supporting advanced manufacturing in the East Bay. As part of this initiative, CyberTran and its partners are also proposing the development of an Inland Port in eastern Alameda County to facilitate the movement of goods between the Port of Oakland and California’s Central Valley.”

“Adoption of the attached resolution demonstrates the County’s support for continued exploration and development of the Ultra-Light Rail Freight and Transit system, associated underground infrastructure improvements, and the establishment of advanced manufacturing and Inland Port facilities that could provide long-term transportation, environmental, and economic benefits to the East Bay region,” the staff report concludes.

Miley made the motion to adopt the resolution, Board President David Haubert seconded the motion, and it passed on a vote of 5-0. (See AlCo BOS CyberTran Resolution 071426)

“Automobiles have evolved, aviation has evolved, aerospace has evolved, it’s time for rail to evolve. Plus, roving blackouts and wildfires along with tomorrow’s energy and water needs dictate that it’s time to upgrade our outdated utility grid,” said Dexter Vizinau, CEO of CyberTran International.

Key Highlights of the Resolution

• The initiative seeks to establish a Public Private Partnership Pilot Project.
• The project will focus on developing and deploying an innovative autonomous rail system designed to efficiently transport freight, reduce costs, and decrease travel times compared to traditional trucking methods.
• The County’s resolution also supports UC Berkeley PATH’s work to research, develop, and implement an autonomous ULRF&T system.
• EarthGrid’s plasma boring technology is endorsed for tunnel construction, which will form a SuperGrid for utilities and facilitate the ULRF&T transit network.
• Manex is supported in creating a CyberTran factory in Alameda County to manufacture and distribute ULRF&T systems globally.
• This initiative is expected to reduce traffic congestion, particularly along the Highway 580 Corridor.
• Thousands of well-paying jobs are anticipated for Alameda County residents because of the project.
• By lessening truck traffic and congestion, the county aims to reduce negative environmental impacts.

Commitment to East Bay Community

The companies and organizations involved have a long history of fostering innovation and supporting skilled individuals, organizations, and businesses. Their strong ties to Alameda and Contra Costa County demonstrate their dedication to quality, creativity and integrity. (See related articles here, here and here)

(See 2:01:30 mark of Board meeting video)

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Note: The publisher of the Herald has a financial interest in CyberTran International, Inc.

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.

Video screenshot: Con Fire

By Contra Costa Fire Protection District

2026 4th of July

(10:00 AM on the 4th through 3:00 AM on the 5th)

Total Incidents: 228

Total Phone Calls Answered by Fire Dispatch: 498

EMS: 127

Exterior Fires: 45

Vegetation Fires: 12

Structure Fires: 3

Fire- Other: 8

All other call types: 33

Source: PHPD

Provide more stats

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

The Pleasant Hill Police Department is back to provide you with a look at some of the police activity that took place in our city in June 2026.

A total of 2,032 calls for service were received. That makes 14,329 total incidents or calls for service in 2026. That’s 17.8% more calls for service, compared to this time last year.

A total of 263 cases were taken resulting in 57 arrests with three for DUI. 100% of the arrests involved adults and 30% were felonies.

Pleasant Hill Property & Personal Crimes June 2026. Source: PHPD

There were 80 larcenies, eight auto thefts, two robberies, two business burglaries and one residential burglary. Larcenies include shoplifting, theft from a car, bike theft, purse snatch, etc.

A total of 173 citations were issued, 46% were hazardous, 54% non-hazardous.

We’ll continue sharing this information monthly on social media, but for a more extensive look at our crime stats, please visit our website at www.phillca.gov/1384/Crime-Statistics.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Items were seen being tossed from the second suspect vehicle believed to be evidence from the robbery before being stopped. Video screenshots. Source: SFPD

Following gang-related armed jewelry store robbery

By San Francisco Police Department

San Francisco, CA — An investigation by the San Francisco Police Department’s Violence Reduction Team (VRT) into a series of gang-related homicides led to the arrest of multiple suspects and the recovery of firearms after investigators coordinated with regional law enforcement agencies following an alleged armed jewelry store robbery in Contra Costa County.

During June 2026, VRT investigators were conducting surveillance as part of an ongoing investigation into multiple gang-related homicides and efforts to prevent additional acts of violence. During the investigation, officers observed several armed individuals exit a vehicle in San Francisco carrying firearms, including assault-style rifles. Based on their observations, investigators believed the group was preparing to target rival gang members. Detectives continued monitoring the suspects and identified several individuals known to investigators.

On June 28, 2026, investigators observed the group travel to Concord, where they allegedly committed an armed jewelry store robbery inside the Sunvalley mall. As previously reported, according to Concord Police, “Officers arrived on scene and learned that at least four suspects had smashed display cases at the Banter jewelry kiosk and pepper sprayed a patron during the commission of the robbery. The suspects fled the area prior to officers’ arrival.”

Following the robbery, the suspects switched vehicles in an apparent attempt to evade law enforcement. Investigators coordinated a regional enforcement operation to safely apprehend those involved.

The suspect in Richmond fled on foot but was quickly apprehended. Video screenshot. Source: SFPD

In Richmond, California, during the surveillance, one suspect was seen exiting a vehicle and entered a second SUV. When officers attempted to detain him, he fled on foot before being quickly taken into custody. A subsequent search of the SUV resulted in the recovery of a handgun, an assault-style rifle, ammunition, and additional evidence believed to be connected to the investigation.

Meanwhile, investigators continued tracking a second vehicle with the assistance of law enforcement drones. Officers observed occupants allegedly discarding items from the vehicle that investigators believe were evidence from the robbery. The vehicle was ultimately stopped, and officers conducted a felony stop, safely taking the occupants into custody without further incident.

In total, multiple suspects were arrested during the coordinated operation.

As the investigation continued, detectives served search warrants at residences in Richmond and Oakland associated with the suspects, recovering additional evidence.

An assault-style weapon discovered during searches of one of the homes following the arrests. Video screenshot. Source: SFPD

The case was presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for charging consideration on the following arrested individuals, who were charged:

• Cameron Haynes, 21-year-old, San Francsico
• Terry Franklin, 29-year-old, San Francisco / Daly City
• Lavar Kent, 18-year-old, San Francisco
• Eric Howard, 18-year-old, San Francisco
• Teric Howard, 20-year-old, San Francisco

Concord Police posted on their Facebook page, “Once again, the Concord Police Department remains committed to partnering with our allied law enforcement agencies to bring those who come into our community and commit crime to justice. We are thankful for SFPD’s partnership!”

See related video.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the San Francisco Police Department at 415-575-4444 or submit tips anonymously through the SFPD Tip Line at 1-415-575-4444 or by texting TIP411 and beginning the message with “SFPD.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.