Police seek public’s help ID’ing 2024 Antioch homicide suspect

Posted in: News, Police & Crime | Comments (0)

The public is asked to help identify a witness to the July 11, 2024, shooting death in Antioch. Photo source: Antioch PD

Victim Kevin Vandenbos shot at apartment complex on Wilbur Avenue

By Detective John Cox #5705, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau is asking for the community’s help in an ongoing homicide investigation. Kevin Vandenbos was shot and killed on July 11, 2024, at about 7:29 p.m. at 600 Wilbur Avenue in Antioch. (See related article)

When officers arrived, they located a male in the street near the center of the apartment complex suffering from a fatal gunshot wound.

The Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation.

This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time.

Over the past year, detectives have conducted multiple interviews and reviewed forensic and digital evidence. They are still working to identify witnesses who were present during the incident.

Detectives are now seeking the community’s assistance in identifying the witness depicted in the attached surveillance screenshot. Anyone who recognizes this individual is asked to contact Detective John Cox at (925) 481-8147 or jcox@antiochca.gov.

Publisher @ August 26, 2025

27-year-old man shot, killed in Antioch, suspect arrested in Stockton

Posted in: News, Police & Crime | Comments (0)

37-year-old Vallejo man faces homicide charge

Victim previously arrested last Christmas on violence charges

By Lt. Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Sunday, August 24, 2025, at approximately 11:45 p.m., the Antioch Police Department dispatch center received multiple calls reporting shots fired in the area of Cobblestone Drive and Flagstone Drive. When officers arrived on scene, they located a 27-year-old man suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Antioch police officers provided aid to the victim who was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was identified as Richard Morello, Jr.

On Monday, August 25, the Antioch Police Department executed a search warrant at an undisclosed address in Vallejo in connection with the deadly shooting. Evidence from the home was collected. On Tuesday, August 26, Stockton Police Department arrested the suspect, 37-year-old Jesus Soto of Vallejo, without incident for homicide. Evidence from a vehicle he was in was also collected.

The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit responded to take over the investigation.

The Antioch Police Department would like to thank our law enforcement partners from Vallejo Police Department and Stockton Police Department.

This is an active investigation. Additional inquiries, tips, or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective John Cox at (925) 481-8147 or by email at jcox@antiochca.gov.

According to localcrimenews.com, Morello was arrested on Dec. 25, 2024, by Chico Police for false imprisonment by violence, battery on spouse, cohabitant or former spouse and disobeying a domestic relations court order.

No additional information could be found in an online search about the suspect.

Asked what led to the shooting and if it was a dispute, Detective Cox said he would not release any additional information, yet, that Soto had not yet arrived at the police department from Stockton and they had not yet interviewed him.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Publisher @ August 26, 2025

Antioch Council to vote on proposed City Clerk appointment process

Posted in: City Council, Government, News, Politics & Elections | Comments (0)

If adopted, applications will be due Thursday, September 11

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting tomorrow night, Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the Antioch City Council will vote on the process for appointing a new City Clerk to fill the vacancy created by the sudden resignation and departure of Melissa Rhodes on July 30th. The Council had the option of holding a special election in November or making an appointment. The appointee would serve until just after certification of the November 2026 special election, consistent with state law governing resignations in the first half of an office. The remaining half of the term would be served by whomever is elected in that election.

According to the City staff report for the item, #8, on the meeting agenda, by Interim City Attorney Derek Cole, “At its regular meeting of August 12, 2025, the City Council directed that the vacancy be filled by appointment rather than by special election. State law requires that the appointment be made within 60 days of the vacancy, or no later than September 30, 2025.”

“The City last filled a City Clerk vacancy by appointment in 2011. At that time, the City Council adopted a process to ensure transparency, fairness, and public participation. That process included the following features:

1. Applications and Required Materials. Interested applicants were required to submit:

• A Letter of Interest (not to exceed 400 words) describing interest, qualifications, background, and other relevant information;

• A Nomination Paper signed by at least 20 but not more than 30 registered Antioch voters; and

• A completed Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700), as required by the Fair Political Practices Commission.

2. Eligibility. Applicants were required to be registered voters of the City of Antioch, consistent with the statutory qualification for an elected City Clerk.

3. Filing Deadline. Applications were required to be filed in the Office of the City Clerk by a fixed date and time.

4. Public Review. All completed applications were deemed public records and made available for public review.

5. Oral Presentations to Council. Each applicant was invited to make a brief oral presentation (no more than five minutes) at the Council meeting at which the appointment was considered. The Council had the opportunity to ask questions of the applicants.

6. Appointment at Open Session. Following applicant presentations and any public comment, the City Council deliberated and made the appointment during open session of the Council meeting.

Proposed 2025 Appointment Process

Staff recommends that the Council follow the same process as was used in 2011, using the following dates:

• Applications would be due in the City Clerk’s Office no later than 4:30 p.m., Thursday, September 11, 2025.

• The City Council would hold applicant interviews and consider appointment at its regular meeting of Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

This process balances transparency, fairness, and efficiency, and ensures compliance with the Government Code deadline for appointment at the end of September 2025.”

Closed Session, Special & Regular Meetings

The Council meeting begins with a Closed Session at 4:30 p.m. for a Conference with Labor Negotiators for the Management Unit, Treatment Plant Employees’ Association, Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3, Confidential Unit, Antioch Police Officers Association and Antioch Police Sworn Management Association.

That will be followed by a Special Meeting/Study Session beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers on a proposed Inclusionary Housing Ordinance. The regular meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.

The Council Chambers are located at City Hall, 200 H Street in historic, downtown Rivertown. The meetings can also be viewed via livestream on the City’s website at www.antiochca.gov/government/city-council-meetings/live/, on Comcast local cable channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99.

Publisher @ August 25, 2025

Boots on the Bay line dancing at The Pour Up Wine Bar and Monica’s Riverview Sept. 6

Posted in: Arts & Entertainment, Dining, East County, Rivertown | Comments (0)

Stomp, sip and unwind on the pier

Save the date and join us in Antioch’s historic downtown Rivertown Saturday, September 6, 2025, 5PM–9PM for line dancing, delicious food and excellent wine on the riverfront brought to you by:

The Pour Up Wine Bar, Monica’s Riverview, Country Kru Line Dancing and Antioch.Town.

We will have a combination of line dancing lessons, live walkthroughs and a request list.

This event is 18+.

Different ticket options available. So, please check out tickets now available on Eventbrite. See you sundown on the dance floor!

Located at 1 I Street #Unit C in Antioch on the pier.

Paid advertisement

Publisher @ August 23, 2025

Contra Costa County’s 7th Annual Block Party in Antioch Aug. 28

Posted in: Community, Contra Costa County, Government | Comments (0)

One Stop for Your County Services in collaboration with Supervisor Diane Burgis and the City of Antioch

Come to Contra Costa County’s 7th Annual Block Party!

Date: Thursday, August 28

Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Location: Antioch Community Center, 4703 Lone Tree Way

Contra Costa County, in partnership with the City of Antioch and Supervisor Diane Burgis, is bringing its annual Block Party to East County. 

Contra Costa County, the Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department, the Employment & Human Services Department, County Public Works and Contra Costa Health along with the City of Antioch are partnering to provide a fun, festive event that offers a wide variety of on-the-spot government services at one single location. This will be the seventh year of the increasingly popular event, providing opportunities throughout the County to learn what’s available to you as a Contra Costa County resident.
Please submit your request at least 72 hours in advance to help ensure availability.

Available services at the Block Party include: Sign-ups for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and CalWORKs, information about childcare and preschool options, Records within Reach from Clerk-Recorder’s Office, Voter Registration, Contra Costa Television (CCTV) — and many more County programs.

County Departments & Programs                     

  • 4 Our Families Navigators (EHSD)                      
  • Clerk-Recorder-Elections
  • Community Services Bureau (EHSD)
  • Contra Costa Television
  • Information & Assistance (EHSD)
  • Public Works – Flood Control District
  • Public Works – Transportation Engineering
  • Supervisor Diane Burgis, District 3

If you require an accommodation to participate in the Contra Costa County Block Party, please contact Diane Truong, Public Facilities ADA Program Manager, at (925) 335-1436 or email Diane.Truong@riskm.cccounty.us.

Publisher @ August 22, 2025

Friends of the Antioch Library to hold Chipotle fundraiser Aug. 23

Posted in: Community, Dining, Library, Non-profits | Comments (0)

Tacos for Books – Order online or in the restaurant

PLEASE SHARE THIS EVENT WITH FAMILY and FRIENDS!!!

Friends of the Antioch Library CHIPOTLE FUNDRAISER.

Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 4:00pm-8:00pm

5401 Lone Tree Way, Suite 100,  Brentwood in the Lone Tree Plaza.

25% of even sales help support programs at the Antioch Libraries!

Order online using CODE 942BC9D.

Ordering in the restaurant? Just mention The FRIENDS OF THE ANTIOCH LIBRARY when placing your order

TACOS FOR BOOKS!!! But you can also order their burritos, salads and bowls.

For more information about Friends of the Antioch Library visit ccclib.org/ant-friends or follow them on Facebook.

Publisher @ August 22, 2025

Dutch Bros. Coffee to hold Grand Opening of first Antioch location early Friday, Aug. 22

Posted in: Business, Food, News | Comments (0)

ANTIOCH, IT’S HAPPENING!

This is NOT a drill. Our brand new Antioch location opens TOMORROW Friday 8/22 at 4:30AM sharp!

3280 Hillcrest Avenue, Antioch

Tag your coffee crew and we’ll see you bright and early! 

#DutchBrosCoffee #AntiochCA #GrandOpening

To learn more about Dutch Bros. Coffee follow www.facebook.com/dbeastcounty and visit www.dutchbros.com.

Publisher @ August 21, 2025

Final free Antioch Summer Concert tonight Aug. 21 at Prewett Family Park

Posted in: Arts & Entertainment, Dining, News | Comments (0)

Groove Ride covers the music of party bands like Earth, Wind & Fire, The Gap Band and Commodores

By Allen D. Payton

The final of the three free Antioch Summer Concerts is tonight, Thursday, August 21, 2025, with Groove Ride, an 11-piece band from the San Francisco Bay Area, presented  by the City of Antioch Recreation Department.

Although it’s entitled the Rhythms by the River Concert Series, it’s not held in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown next to the river. Instead, this year, the performances are at Prewett Family Park in the Antioch Community Center Amphitheater at 4703 Lone Tree Way.

With a diverse repertoire encompassing R&B, Funk, Soul, Pop, Hip-Hop, Rock, Latin and Jazz, Groove Ride was formed on April 5, 2012, by Doc Robinson.  Groove Ride has two simple goals; make people dance and let them see a show!

They deliver the sound of the top party and dance bands from the 70’s to the present, along with a high-powered show filled with fun and energy.You don’t want to miss their tributes to some of the greatest party bands of all time such as Earth, Wind & Fire, The Gap Band, Chic, Commodores and Heatwave

Groove Ride is a show band featuring great music, choreography, multiple attire changes and lighting for the total party experience!  No tracks, no recordings…real music played by real musicians. Come see their show. You won’t be disappointed!

The concert runs from 6:00pm-8:00pm and is accompanied by a delicious array of culinary delights, brought to you by Foodie Crew. Indulge your taste buds each Thursday with food options from all around the Bay Area. From savory to sweet, there’s something for every palate. Want to know the food options ahead of time? Visit www.foodiecrew.com.

For more information about the City of Antioch Recreation Department and other events and activities visit www.antiochca.gov/recreation.

Publisher @ August 21, 2025