Oakley man arrested for attempted murder for shooting woman in Antioch

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

Held on $1 million bail

Arrested for hit-and-run on Dec. 22, two previous arrests in 2022

By Antioch Police Lt. Michael Mellone

Antioch, CA — On Friday, January 30, 2026, at approximately 8:39 p.m., Antioch Police Department (APD) officers responded to a ShotSpotter activation reporting multiple rounds fired in the 2300 block of Buchanan Road. Officers arrived and located evidence consistent with a shooting. Officers later learned a 42-year-old female was brought to an area hospital for a gunshot wound from this incident. She was treated for her injuries and is expected to survive.

Through continued follow-up, including interviewing witnesses, canvassing the area, collecting evidence and reviewing available information, investigators identified a suspect, 43-year-old Jonta Laron Davenport, of Oakley (born 1/16/1983). San Rafael Police officers later located and detained Davenport, and APD officers responded, took custody of him, and transported him for booking. Davenport was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on a felony charge of Penal Code § 664/187(a) – Attempted Murder.

This is still an active investigation. To protect the integrity of the case, additional details are not being released at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Angelini at (925) 779-6926 or email: rangelini@antiochca.gov. Tips may be provided anonymously.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, the six-foot, one-inch tall, 295-pound Davenport is being held on $1 million bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, he is Black, a resident of Pittsburg and was previously arrested by the Contra Costa CHP on December 22, 2025, for hit and run resulting in property damage. Davenport was also arrested twice in 2022, once each by Contra Costa CHP and Alameda County Sheriff’s Deputies. Charges included public intoxication, DUI with a blood alcohol level above .08 percent and an enhancement of imprisonment of 48 continuous hours in county jail for conviction of DUI with passenger under age 14.  

APD sends special thanks to the San Rafael and Concord Police Departments for their assistance with this incident. All arrests are allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Publisher @ February 2, 2026

City of Antioch to hold forum to inform illegal immigrants of their rights, responsibilities

Posted in: Community, Immigration, News | Comments (0)

“Participants will be informed…that individuals have different rights and obligations depending on their circumstances. The forum will emphasize the importance of complying with the law…” – City Manager Scott

By Allen D. Payton

The City of Antioch in coordination with several non-profit community organizations, will hold an immigrants’ rights forum for those in the country illegally on Feb. 4, 2026. It was announced by District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker on Jan. 24th in a post on her official Facebook page and at the Council meeting on Tuesday, January 27th. The event is co-hosted by Immigration Institute of the Bay Area, Immigrant Action Network and Hijas Del Campo.

According to City of Antioch Department of Public Safety & Community Resources Director Monserrat Cabral, “this is a City-supported informational event coordinated through the Public Safety & Community Resources Department.

“Outreach was intentionally targeted through specific community groups, schools and partners to ensure the information was shared accurately and in a way that respected the needs of the community the event is designed to serve. The event will also be formally announced during the City Council meeting, which allows for an official and transparent public announcement.

“For your reference, the event is:

  • An informational session focused on immigration-related resources and updates
  • Free and open to the public
  • Offered in English and Spanish
  • Hosted by the City in partnership with community-based organizations”

Questions for City Staff

The following questions were sent to Director Cabral and City Manager Bessie Scott:

  • Is this being done under Council direction? 
  • How is the event being funded and what are the associated costs? Was it from a grant? Did the Council approve the expenditure? Or are the organizations paying for it?
  • If it’s partially or wholly funded by the City, why is the City using our tax dollars to assist those in the U.S. illegally? Shouldn’t that be left up to the non-profit organizations using private funds? 
  • Will those in attendance be informed they don’t have a right to be in our country without permission? 
  • Will the event not just discuss their rights but also their responsibilities as immigrants, legal or illegal, such as following the law and complying with law enforcement? 
  • Will the forum encourage those here illegally to self-deport to give them a future option to return through a legal port of entry to our country and have the opportunity to become a citizen?
  • Will they also be informed that if they’re deported, they will never have that option?

City Manager Responds

City Manager Bessie Scott responded, “This is a City-supported, informational event coordinated through the Public Safety & Community Resources Department as part of our ongoing community education and outreach efforts. It is not a policy action item and does not require separate Council approval beyond existing departmental authority to conduct community informational programming. The event was publicly announced during the City Council meeting to ensure transparency.

“The event is low-cost and focused on information-sharing. Any City-related costs are covered within existing, Council-approved departmental budgets. Community-based partners are contributing subject-matter expertise and participation. No new or special appropriations are associated with this event. Any City-associated costs are consistent with standard community outreach and public education activities.

“The Immigration Informational Night is designed to provide general, high-level information about available resources, recent changes and community services, delivered by qualified organizations. It is not an enforcement forum, a legal proceeding or an advocacy campaign.

“The City does not determine immigration status, provide legal determinations, or direct federal immigration outcomes. Accordingly, the event is not intended to instruct attendees on enforcement actions, deportation decisions, or federal legal consequences, which fall under federal jurisdiction.

“The City’s role is limited to facilitating access to accurate information and ensuring residents know where to seek appropriate, lawful resources. This approach aligns with longstanding City practice of hosting informational sessions on a wide range of topics that impact residents’ health, safety and well-being.

“Regarding outreach, initial distribution was intentionally targeted through community partners, schools, and trusted networks to ensure accurate information reached intended audiences. The event is open to the public, offered in both English and Spanish, and the finalized flyers are attached for reference.

“Participants will be informed that U.S. immigration law is complex and that individuals have different rights and obligations depending on their circumstances. The forum will emphasize the importance of complying with the law and encourage attendees to seek guidance from qualified legal professionals regarding their individual situations.

“The event does not promote unlawful behavior, nor does it encourage self-deportation or make representations about future immigration outcomes, as those determinations depend on federal law and individual case facts.

“Our goal is to ensure community members have access to accurate information so they can make informed decisions and better understand their responsibilities and options under the law.”

Event Details

The event will be held from 6:00-7:30 PM at Antioch High School in Conference Room B, 700 W. 18th Street. Dinner is provided and translation available. It is not a program of the Antioch Unified School District and AUSD accepts no liability or responsibility for this program. See flier for an additional disclaimer.

Publisher @ February 2, 2026

Agreement reached on $590 million loan for Bay Area transit agencies

Posted in: BART, Finance, Government, News, State of California, Transportation | Comments (0)

Benefits AC Transit, BART in Contra Costa County

Provides “fiscal bridge” until revenue from possible 5-county sales tax increase measure on November ballot kicks in

By Rebecca Long, Director, Legislation & Public Affairs and John Goodwin, Assistant Director of Communications, Metropolitan Transportation Commission

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 30, 2026… The Office of Governor Newsom, the California Department of Finance and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) on Friday reached an agreement on a $590 million loan for Bay Area transit agencies that will avert major service cuts at AC Transit, BART, Caltrain and SF Muni during the 2026-27 fiscal year that begins July 1. Negotiated in close coordination with the affected transit agencies — which together face a projected deficit of more than $800 million in the next fiscal year — the new agreement will sustain operations used by hundreds of thousands of daily transit riders across the region.

“California is following through in our support for Bay Area transit and the riders who rely on it every day,” said Gov. Newsom. “This agreement between my Administration and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission provides essential short-term financing to support Bay Area transit operations while the region works together on long-term funding solutions. Public transit is essential to our economy and to communities across California, and through continued partnership with regional and local agencies, we are delivering a more stable and reliable system – now and for the future.”

A regional funding measure authorized by the Legislature last year via state Senate Bill 63, authored by senators Scott Wiener of San Francisco and Jesse Arreguín of Berkeley, may appear on the November 2026 ballot in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. If the measure qualifies for the ballot and is approved by voters, it would establish a temporary 14-year sales tax to support transit operations. But these funds would not begin flowing until around July 1, 2027. The state loan provides a fiscal bridge until the sales tax dollars potentially could be available. (See related articles here and here)

“Today is a huge win for Bay Area transit and for both transit riders and drivers,” said Sen.  Wiener. “For the past year, we’ve worked hard to craft a bridge loan to ensure BART, Muni, Caltrain and AC Transit are not forced to enact massive service cuts — potentially going into a death spiral — as we build toward a regional revenue measure to stabilize and strengthen these systems for the long run. I’m proud of our work with regional stakeholders and the Governor to make this loan a reality. Public transportation is part of the Bay Area’s lifeblood, and we must do everything in our power to strengthen it and protect it from service cuts. So many Bay Area residents rely on transit to get to work, school, or family, and service cuts would also explode traffic congestion. We must not let this happen, and we won’t let it happen.”

Today’s agreement authorizes the loan to be funded no later than July 1, 2026, using money awarded but not yet allocated for Bay Area projects by the California Transportation Commission through the state Transit Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP). Because many transit capital projects have long construction timelines and the TIRCP is continuously replenished, the loan is structured to uphold the state’s commitments to awarded projects while minimizing risk to project schedules.

“MTC greatly appreciates the time and energy the Department of Finance and the Governor’s office put into this loan negotiation,” said Commission Chair Sue Noack, who represents Contra Costa County and also serves as mayor of Pleasant Hill. “It was critical to reach agreement on funding that would avert major service cuts this year while also protecting the Bay Area’s priority capital projects and this agreement does just that.”

Consistent with state Senate Bill 105 enacted last fall, the loan agreement includes a clearly defined repayment structure, a guaranteed revenue source to secure the loan and an agreed-upon interest rate:

  • 12-year repayment term, with interest-only payments during the first two years.
  • Repayment secured by the “revenue-based” portion of State Transit Assistance (STA) that goes directly to the transit agencies.
  • Variable interest rate tied to the state’s Surplus Money Investment Fund, ensuring the state is fully repaid at the same rate it would have earned had the funds remained in state accounts.

BART General Manager Bob Powers noted that his agency, “is currently developing detailed budget plans for two funding scenarios to close our projected $376 million operating deficit for Fiscal Year 2027 through either new revenue and efficiencies or through service reductions, station closures, fare increases, layoffs, and across-the-board internal cuts. A state loan gives us reassurance money will be available to continue to deliver the best service possible for the Bay Area. We are thankful to Governor Newsom and the Department of Finance for finding a path to fund transit operations during such an unprecedented scenario brought on by the pandemic and remote work. We also thank the Bay Area Legislative Caucus for their supportive efforts and look forward to working with the Legislature on early action to include the loan within the state budget.” 

“This bridge loan will help us maintain Muni service for one crucial year for everyone who depends on transit to get where they need to go,” said Julie Kirschbaum, Director of Transportation at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, which operates Muni. “We thank the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for its leadership and the Governor and the Department of Finance for their collaboration. We are deeply appreciative of the tireless efforts of Mayor Daniel Lurie, State Senator Scott Wiener, State Senator Jesse Arreguín, the Bay Area Legislative Caucus, the Board of Supervisors and the transit advocates who kept this loan alive last year. With this key agreement completed, securing the additional funding we need to address our ongoing deficit is the critical priority.”

“San Francisco’s recovery is essential to the success of our region and our state,” noted Mayor Daniel Lurie. “Our city cannot continue its comeback without a safe, reliable transit system. This agreement is a major step forward towards securing the bridge loan needed to sustain our comeback and ensure transit systems can continue serving the families, seniors, students, and workers who rely on them every day. We’re already delivering greater accountability and efficiency for Muni, and ridership is continuing to climb toward pre-pandemic levels. I’m grateful to our partners at MTC and Governor Newsom for finalizing the agreement and prioritizing our city and our region’s recovery.”

Caltrain General Manager Michelle Bouchard made a similar point, “We are so grateful to the Governor, our delegation members, and our state and regional partners for stepping in and supporting public transit in the Bay Area at this critical time. This loan will allow us to preserve the service that made Caltrain the fastest growing transit agency in the U.S.”

“For 65 years, AC Transit’s north star has been delivering safe, reliable, and affordable bus service to the East Bay,” said Salvador Llamas, AC Transit General Manager and CEO. “That legacy was put at risk by unprecedented pandemic-related budget shortfalls. This state loan safeguards existing service levels and brings immediate relief to the more than 3 million riders each month who were at risk of losing some of the service they rely upon for the essentials of life. We thank Governor Newsom and our local and state partners for making this possible, and while long-term funding challenges remain, today we celebrate a critical win for our riders and communities.”

Senate Bill 63 co-author Jesse Arreguín also sounded a note of thanks, “I am grateful to the Governor and my legislative colleagues for supporting Bay Area transit with this loan. This agreement is a huge win to keep our transit agencies running and ensure that the Bay Area can continue as a major economic engine, while not compromising critical transit projects. At a time when we are at risk of significant service cuts that would grind the region to a halt, this additional funding will provide a vital lifeline to the Bay Area’s major transit agencies and provide fiscal stability as we move forward on a broader regional self-help measure this year.”

Publisher @ January 31, 2026

Antioch Police Officers issue statement complaining of no contract, below standard staffing

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

Claim they’ve been working without a contract since last Sept.

See UPDATE 1 from City Manager Scott – “Public safety remains a priority for leadership and currently encompasses 68% of the General Fund Budget…These are difficult decisions, and there are no simple solutions.”

See UPDATE 2 from Councilwoman Torres-Walker who recommends “a 3% one-time retention bonus across all city departments to maintain quality municipal services.”

See UPDATE 3 from Scott with corrected percentage of public safety expenditures at 57% in which she includes Animal Services

By Allen D. Payton

In a post on their Facebook page on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, the Sgt. Rick Hoffman, President of the Antioch Police Officers Association, the union that represents the non-management sworn officers, posted the following statement:

Antioch Police Working Without a Contract as Staffing Remains Below Standard

“The Antioch Police Officers Association, which represents sworn police officers, emergency dispatchers, and community service officers, has been working without a labor contract since September 2025. The City’s most recent offer includes no cost-of-living increases through June 2026, effectively imposing a pay freeze on public safety employees who are already underpaid compared to their peers in Contra Costa County. While surrounding cities have invested in competitive contracts that retain experienced personnel and maintain staffing levels, Antioch now ranks among the lowest-paid public safety agencies in the region for cities of similar size and calls for service volume.

“The police department is authorized for 115 sworn officers, but 10 positions are frozen due to budgetary constraints. Fewer than 90 officers are currently serving the community, roughly 75 percent of the previously authorized staffing level. With many officers new or still in training, experienced personnel are limited, and staffing remains well below accepted standards for a city of more than 115,000 residents.

“Emergency dispatch staffing is equally strained. Dispatchers are working frequent, mandatory overtime to ensure 911 calls are answered, and sworn officers are often necessary to work overtime in dispatch functions, an inefficient use of trained peace officers who would otherwise be available for patrol and enforcement duties.

“After a sharp rise in crime during 2024, early 2025 data shows crime trending back toward Antioch’s five-year average. This has occurred only because officers and dispatchers have absorbed heavier workloads and stretched limited resources, an approach that cannot be sustained long term.

“Despite these conditions, the City has expanded other areas of its budget while repeatedly stating there is no capacity for fair pay increases. Neighboring cities have made different choices by investing in retention, experience, and staffing stability. Without a competitive contract, Antioch risks continued turnover, loss of institutional knowledge, and erosion of recent gains.

“The Antioch Police Officers Association remains committed to reaching a fair and competitive agreement. Our members will continue to serve this community, and the Association urges City leadership to invest in a stable, experienced public safety workforce before the consequences are felt by every resident.”

Questions for City Manager, Council

Immediately prior to publication time, questions were sent to City Manager Bessie Scott, Mayor Ron Bernal and all four council members asking when they expect the contract to be ready for the APOA’s vote and why it has taken so long to finalize their contract when it expired last August.

City Manager Says They “Have Been in Negotiations Since the Expiration of the Prior Agreement”

3:10 UPDATE 1: In response, City Manager Scott wrote, “The City of Antioch recognizes the dedication and professionalism of our police officers, emergency dispatchers, and community service officers. Their work—particularly during a period of staffing challenges and elevated service demands—is deeply appreciated and does not go unnoticed.

“It is true that the City and the Antioch Police Officers Association have been in negotiations since the expiration of the prior agreement. The City remains committed to reaching a fair and sustainable contract through the collective bargaining process. Those discussions are ongoing, and we believe the bargaining table—not public correspondence—is the appropriate forum for resolving outstanding issues.

“Like many cities across California, Antioch is facing significant fiscal constraints driven by rising pension obligations, inflationary pressures and uncertainty in long-term revenues. The City’s proposals reflect a responsibility to balance competitive compensation with the need to maintain essential services, avoid deeper staffing reductions and protect the City’s long-term financial stability. These are difficult decisions, and there are no simple solutions.

“The City is acutely aware of current staffing levels within the Police Department and Emergency Communications. Recruitment and retention remain priorities, and we continue to evaluate strategies to improve staffing while living within our financial means. At the same time, Antioch has made substantial investments across city services to meet resident needs and address deferred infrastructure, public safety support functions, and quality-of-life concerns. Public safety remains a priority for leadership and currently encompasses 68% of the General Fund Budget, while the remaining 32% goes towards other vital services. Too, the city was able to enter into a settlement agreement with the US Department of Justice in 2025, as well as with another case, Allen v. Antioch, that recently wrapped up earlier this year. 

“We value our employees and the vital role they play in keeping Antioch safe. The City looks forward to continuing productive, good-faith negotiations with the Association and remains committed to reaching an agreement that supports both our workforce and the community we collectively serve.”

None of the council members responded as of the first update.

9:00 PM UPDATE 2: However, District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker posted the following on her official Facebook page earlier Friday:

“The City is aware of recent local media coverage regarding ongoing contract negotiations between the City and the Antioch Police Officers Association (APOA).

“Negotiations remain ongoing, and the City continues to engage in the collective bargaining process in good faith.

“To date, over the past several months, the City has not received notice from any sworn officers or dispatchers indicating that they have accepted employment elsewhere.

“The City values its first responders and recognizes the critical role they play each day in serving and protecting the community.

“Like many municipalities, the City is facing significant financial challenges. The City recognizes the importance of striking a balance between fiscal responsibility and ensuring that employees are compensated fairly and in alignment with comparable positions within the region.

“I am recommending that this Council consider a 3% one-time retention bonus across all city departments to maintain quality municipal services.”

Source: City of Antioch

2/2/26 3:00 PM UPDATE 3 & CORRECTION: In response to questions about the 68% figure she used to describe public safety expenditures, City Manager Scott provided the following: “Correction yes – the current FY26 Police Department budget ($60,390,400 Police Services + $2,680,030 Animal Services Support) is 57% of the total General Fund Budget $63,390,400/$110,954,729.  The Police budget DOES NOT include Public Safety and Community Resources.”

According to City Finance Director Dawn Merchant the correct figures are based on the budget revised by the City Council on Nov. 20, 2025, which increased the budget for Police Services by $1,832,910 for the year.

Counting only Police Services, they comprise 54.6% of this fiscal year’s General Fund budget.

Publisher @ January 30, 2026

Sutter Delta welcomes new Chief Medical Executive, Dr. Harish Rengarajan

Posted in: Health, News, People | Comments (0)

Dr. Harish Rengarajan is the new Chief Medical Executive for Sutter Delta Medical Center. Photo: Sutter Health

By Monique Binkley Smith, Manager, Media Relations, Sutter Health 

Sutter Delta Medical Center is pleased to announce that Harish Rengarajan, M.D., MBA, will join the organization as its new chief medical executive on Monday, February 9. Dr. Rengarajan will work alongside Sutter Delta CEO Trevor Brand as a dyad partner, strengthening clinical leadership and supporting the hospital’s mission to serve the East Contra Costa community with compassionate, high‑quality care.

Dr. Rengarajan brings a strong background in medical education, clinical quality and physician engagement to his new role. He currently serves as program director for the Internal Medicine and Transitional Year Residency Programs at Sutter’s Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, where he has helped build and launch ACGME‑accredited training programs that integrate residents into frontline care. His leadership has supported physician development, enhanced care coordination and advanced safety and quality initiatives that benefit patients and care teams alike.

Before joining Sutter Health, Dr. Rengarajan served as associate chief medical officer at St. Mary’s General Hospital in New Jersey and held leadership roles with New York Medical College, St. Clare’s Health and Northwell Health in New York. Across these organizations, he led work to improve patient experience, reduce readmissions, streamline care teams, strengthen documentation integrity and build physician wellness programs. His career reflects a deep commitment to patient‑centered care and collaborative partnerships across clinical and administrative teams. (See Dr. Rengarajan’s LinkedIn profile for more details)

Dr. Rengarajan earned his medical degree from Pondicherry University in India, completed his internal medicine residency at Chicago Medical School and holds an MBA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He is board certified in internal medicine.

Sutter Delta looks forward to welcoming Dr. Rengarajan as he steps into this key leadership role and continues the hospital’s ongoing work to support the health and well‑being of the Delta community.

Publisher @ January 30, 2026

Antioch vehicles seized following illegal sideshow, evading officers in Oakland

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

Photos: Oakland PD

By Oakland Police Department

Vehicles from Solano County, Antioch and Manteca were seized after being involved in illegal sideshow activity and evading officers in Oakland.

With the assistance of the Flock Camera System, Oakland Police Department investigators have identified and seized 16 vehicles so far this year. In 2025, 195 vehicles were towed, and 23 arrests were made for police evasion, reckless driving, and illegal sideshow activity in Oakland.

OPD remains focused on preventing this dangerous and illegal activity that puts the entire community at risk. Investigators are actively working to identify those responsible and hold participants accountable.

We continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to prevent and reduce these dangerous activities. Participation in illegal sideshows in Oakland may result in your vehicle being towed and seized with a 30-day hold.

OPD remains committed to protecting Oakland’s streets and public safety.

Publisher @ January 30, 2026

Crime on BART drops 41% in 2025

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

Photo: BART

Systemwide property crime down 43%, auto thefts decrease by half, robberies by 60%; aggravated assaults up 12%; smaller decreases in Contra Costa County

By San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District

Crime on BART plummeted in 2025, a testament to the hard work of the BART Police Department and the effectiveness of BART’s investment in initiatives and infrastructure that both increase safety and enhance the customer experience.  

Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report

Overall crime on BART dropped 41% in 2025 compared to the previous year, with violent crime down 31% and property crime down 43%, according to the December 2025 Chief’s Monthly Report. Additional highlights include auto thefts decreasing by half year over year and robberies decreasing by 60%. The only crime category to see an increase was aggravated assaults which were up 12% over 2024.

In Contra Costa County violent crime was down 24.6% from 61 incidents to 46 and property crime decreased 34.3% from 443 incidents to 291. The only category to increase was burglary structural with 50% more incidents from six to nine.

Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report

This substantial decrease in crimes in the system comes as ridership continues to grow steadily, with BART serving nearly 5 million more trips in 2025 than 2024, a year that also saw  ridership growth in addition to a drop in crime.  

“Safety is about more than enforcement. It’s about presence, partnership, and creating an environment where all riders feel comfortable using BART,” said BART Police Chief Kevin Franklin. “BART PD is committed to deterring criminal activity, responding quickly when help is needed, and ensuring riders feel safe throughout their journeys. These numbers demonstrate the impact of officers who are engaged and focused on building trust with the communities BART serves.” 

Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report

“Riders are witnessing firsthand the improvements to safety, cleanliness, and customer experience that define the New BART,” said BART General Manager Bob Powers. “We’ve combined infrastructure upgrades, such as improved fare gates and station lighting, with additional safety presence and customer-centered service to make BART a comfortable experience for everyone who rides. I want to thank BART PD for their tireless commitment to serving the public.”  

BART PD boosted the visible safety presence in the system by doubling officer presence systemwide and ensuring police are riding trains more. This approach is strengthened by BART’s ongoing use of unarmed Crisis Intervention Specialists, Transit Ambassadors, Fare Inspectors, and Community Service Officers.  

Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report

Safety efforts were also bolstered by the installation of 715 new fare gates at all 50 stations, a project completed in August 2025, four months ahead of schedule. The taller, stronger fare gates are improving the station environment and deterring fare evasion and unwanted behavior. The number of riders who say they’ve witnessed someone not paying has dropped 59% in the last year.  

BART also maintains a network of 4,000+ surveillance cameras, minimizing response time and holding suspects accountable, and continues to install LED lighting on platforms and in parking facilities to eliminate dark corners. Efforts such as these not only improve safety, but the entirety of the BART experience by making the system more welcoming and comfortable.  

Source: BART Police Chief’s December 2025 Report

In 2025, BART PD continued its robust officer recruitment campaign with a $15,000 hiring bonus ($5,000 upon hire and $10,000 upon completion of the Field Training Program) for laterals and academy graduates and a robust outreach strategy, including a dedicated JoinBARTPD.com recruitment site and the recent launch of a  BART PD Instagram to reach potential recruits where they are.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Publisher @ January 30, 2026

Antioch Sports Legends to host Crab Feed fundraiser Feb. 26

Posted in: Community, History, Sports | Comments (0)

Antioch Sports Legends is hosting a Crab Feed Fundraiser and You are invited to attend!
We are hoping to see our friends and supporters on Saturday, February 28th, 2026, at the Antioch Community Center in Prewett Family Park, 4703 Lone Tree Way. The price for each ticket is $100 per ticket – All-inclusive is the food, beer, wine and beverages. Doors open at 5:30 pm and dinner will be served at 6:30 pm

There will be raffle prizes, silent auction prizes as well as a live auction.

Round tables of 8, 9 or 10 can be reserved and purchased. Individuals are encouraged to attend too.

Please come join us for a fun filled night of delicious crab and great company! This is a smaller event and the number of tickets are limited, so please get yours today, as this event is projected to sell out fast.

To purchase your ticket securely online click: https://square.link/u/y6KRih2r

If you are not able to use a debit or credit card, please stop by the Antioch Sports Legends office any Wednesday or Saturday inside the Antioch Historical Society Museum at 1500 West 4th Street, from 1pm-4pm by February 14th to purchase your ticket. We accept cash, checks, debit or credit cards while tickets are available.

Publisher @ January 30, 2026