DUI driver sideswiped another car, nearly hit pedestrian, drives wrong way
Held on $75,000 bail for 3 felonies, 3 misdemeanors
By Lt. Gary Lowther #4032, Antioch Police Field Services Division
On Sunday, August 23, 2026, at approximately 2:14 p.m., Antioch Police officers were dispatched to reports of a white Volkswagen Tiguan being driven erratically near the 1500 block of Yellowstone Drive in Antioch. According to callers, the vehicle had sideswiped another vehicle and nearly struck a pedestrian before continuing through the area.
Officers located the Volkswagen on Hillcrest Avenue near East 13th Street. The vehicle had two flat tires and significant body damage consistent with multiple collisions. When an officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver failed to yield, initiating a low-speed pursuit.
Despite the relatively low speeds, the driver continued to operate the vehicle erratically, including driving into oncoming traffic lanes while traveling along Hargrove Street toward East 18th Street. Due to the continued threat to public safety, officers continued the pursuit.
Once inside the parking lot, the vehicle slowed, allowing responding officers to box it in.
The driver, later identified as 39-year-old Felicia Marie Jackson (born 01/28/1987), attempted to escape by intentionally ramming a patrol vehicle. Officers safely removed Jackson from the vehicle and took her into custody.
Two patrol vehicles were damaged during the incident, and one officer sustained minor cuts from broken glass. No other injuries were reported.
Jackson was treated at a local hospital as a precaution and was subsequently booked at the Martinez Detention Facility on felony charges of Penal Code § 245(c) (Assault on a Peace Officer with a Deadly Weapon) and Vehicle Code § 2800.4 (Evading a Peace Officer While Driving Against Traffic) and misdemeanor charges of Vehicle Code § 23152(a) (Driving Under the Influence) and Vehicle Code § 20002 (Hit and Run). Incident Number: 2608230110. Case Number: 26-8011.
This information was made available by the Field Services Division.
According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, six-inch tall, 175-pound Jackson is Hispanic, but is also listed as White, as does the Antioch Police CitizenRIMS arrest log, and is being held in the West County Detention Center on $75,000 bail and also charged with a third misdemeanor of 148(A)(1) PC resisting, delaying or obstructing a Peace Officer.
According to localcrimenews.com, she is an Oakley resident and was previously arrested in January 2025 for a Warrants or Holds Only.
By Captain Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division
On Friday, August 21, 2026, at 10:31 p.m., Antioch Police officers responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Hillcrest Avenue and the eastbound Highway 4 off-ramp. The involved vehicle fled the scene following the collision.
Upon arrival, officers located a 24-year-old Antioch woman lying on the sidewalk. Officers immediately provided medical aid until Con Fire personnel arrived. The victim was transported to an area hospital with major injuries and remains in critical condition.
Witnesses at the scene provided officers with a description of the suspect vehicle. Officers later located the vehicle in the 2800 block of Larkspur Drive in Antioch. The driver fled the area before officers could make contact. Investigators are currently reviewing evidence and working to identify the 40-year-old Hispanic male driver.
The Antioch Police Department’s Traffic Unit has taken over the investigation. The collision investigation remains ongoing, and the victim’s name is being withheld at this time.
Based on preliminary information gathered at the scene, speed and alcohol appear to be factors in the collision.
This information was made available by the Traffic Unit. Any further information or additional press releases will be provided by the Traffic Unit.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441 or Traffic Collision Investigator James Desiderio at (925) 331-7474, email jdesiderio@antiochca.gov.
Hold 2027-28 General Fund Budget Study Session to address projected $15.2 million deficit
Closed Session on employee group contracts, 9 potential lawsuits
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, the Antioch City Council will vote on a one-year MOU with the Antioch Police Officers Association at a cost of $661,000, purchasing AI-assisted automated license plate recognition, in-car camera and integrated public safety technology systems for the police department at a cost of $662,000, additional handheld two-way radios for APD emergency communications at a cost of $300,000, spending $500,000 on Sycamore Drive Traffic Calming Improvements, expanding the contract for the monitoring consultant required by the USDOJ’s Allen Settlement Agreement at a cost of $150,000 and appoint one member to the Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee.
The Council will also receive the 2025 Annual Military Equipment Report from the police department and an Investment Performance Review presented by the City’s advisors, FM Asset Management, and hold a public hearing on the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan.
Closed Session
Prior to the Regular Meeting that begins at 7:00 p.m., the Council will hold a Closed Session at 3:30 PM for a Conference with Labor Negotiators to discuss contracts for the Antioch Public Works Employee Association (APWEA), Antioch Police Sworn Management Association (APSMA), Confidential Unit, and Management Unit and a Conference with Legal Counsel for “significant exposure to litigation” as the City faces nine potential cases.
Antioch General Fund 2026-27 adjusted Budget and 2027-28 Projected Budget. Source: City of Antioch
2027-28 General Fund Budget Study Session
Then at 5:30 p.m. the Council will hold a Special Meeting Budget Study Session to discuss the Fiscal Year 2027-28 General Fund Budget Development. Acting City Manager Ana Cortez and Finance Director Dawn Merchant say the City’s consultant is projecting a decrease in sales tax revenue of $700,000 to $1.68 million for this Fiscal Year.
According to their report for Item SM-1 on the agenda, “even with the extensive work that was done (on the FY 2026-27 budget), we still did not manage to completely close the 2026-27 spending gap, and the forecast provided in June 2026 for 2027-28 was daunting, at almost $15M.
“Detrimental decreases to our sales tax budgets from the latest projections from our consultant…projecting the City’s fiscal year 2026-27 regular sales tax to decline $1,139,000, and Measure W to decline $538,000, carrying this decrease into fiscal year 2027-28. However, these projections are based only through the first quarter reporting of calendar year 2026 reporting and will be further evaluated after the next sales tax quarter. We are recommending to be cautiously optimistic for fiscal year 2026-27 at this juncture and project only a $500,000 decrease in regular sales tax and $200,000 in Measure W, carrying that corresponding reduction into 2027-28.”
In addition, the “3% COLA recently approved for the APOA bargaining unit ($745,667 FY28 impact”…and “reduction of $1.2M in projected contribution to HomeKey+ project with City Council rejection of the grant…as a result…the projected 2027-28 deficit spending has increased slightly to $15.2M.”
3% Pay Raise for Antioch Police Officers
Under Item 6.I. on the Consent Calendar, the Council will vote on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Antioch and the Antioch Police Officers’ Association that will include a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Fiscal Year 2026-27 at a cost of $661,430 and other matters.
At their meeting on July 28, 2026, the council approved a tentative agreement. Staff then prepared the MOU to replace the agreement and require another vote by the council.
As reported, the previous Tentative Agreement covered the period of Sept. 1, 2021 – Aug. 31, 2025.
In addition to the 3% COLA, the Tentative Agreement includes the following:
Increase to four floating holidays in a calendar year.
Travel meal reimbursement increase to $25.00 for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Lateral Police Officer and Dispatcher new hire vacation credit of one week upon employment.
Plus, increases to the uniform allowance, adjustments to benefits, retirement and vacation, sick leave and bereavement leave language defined and/or updated, as well as updates to the department’s grievance procedure.
Purchase Police Department AI-Assisted Integrated Technology Systems
Under agenda Item 9, the Council will consider the purchase of automated license plate recognition (ALPR), in-car camera and integrated public safety technology systems. The vote will be to approve a sole source agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for 55 fixed automated license plate recognition (ALPR) locations using Axon Outpost, six additional Axon Fleet 3 in-car video and mobile ALPR systems, and 120 Axon AI Assistant licenses for the Police Department, for a 49-month term beginning October 1, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $661,687.54.
Funding for FY 2026-27 has been identified within the existing Police Department General Fund budget; payments in future fiscal years will remain subject to the annual budget process.
ALPR helps officers and investigators identify vehicles associated with shootings, robberies, burglaries, stolen vehicles, hit-and-run collisions, organized theft, missing persons, illegal sideshows, and other serious incidents.
According to the City staff report, “the Department currently operates fixed ALPR cameras through Motorola and Flock. Motorola is decommissioning its ALPR platform, and the proposed purchase would replace and consolidate the two fixed systems into a single Axon network while expanding fixed coverage. APD already uses Axon Body 4 cameras, Axon Fleet in-car cameras, and Axon Evidence as its primary digital evidence environment.”
Purchase 30 More Police Dep’t Handheld Two-Way Radios for Emergency Communications
Under Item 6.G. of the Consent Calendar the Council will consider purchasing additional handheld two-way radios for the police department’s emergency communications. The vote will be to adopt a resolution authorizing the sole source purchase of 30 Motorola APX N70 handheld two-way emergency radios, including accessories and five years of subscriber and device management services, from Motorola Solutions in an amount not to exceed $300,717.21.
City of Antioch Service & Water System Map.
Public Hearing on 2025 Urban Water Management Plan & Water Shortage Contingency Plan
During the regular meeting the council will hold a Public Hearing on the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan. According to the City staff report for Item 7 on the agenda, he Urban Water Management Plan (“UWMP”) Act requires all urban water suppliers serving municipal water to 3,000 customers, or supplying more than 3,000 acre-feet annually, to adopt and submit an UWMP every five years to the Department of Water Resources (“DWR”). The City of Antioch provided 5,311 million gallons (16,298 acre-feet) of potable water for municipal purposes to 34,739 connections in 2025 and thus is required to comply with the requirements of the UWMP Act and prepare an UWMP.
The City’s water supply consists primarily of surface water diverted from the San Joaquin River and water purchased from Contra Costa Water District (CCWD). Untreated surface water from the San Joaquin River is pumped to the City’s Municipal Reservoir, where it is stored prior to treatment at the City’s WTP. This untreated surface water may also be routed to the Brackish Water Desalination Plant (BWDP).
The Capital Improvement Budget includes adequate funding for the development of the Urban Water Management Plan from the Water Enterprise Fund. Compliance with the current provisions of the Urban Water Management Plan Act is expected to result in no fiscal impact to the City’s General Fund.
Traffic Calming Devices and their locations in one of eight segments planned for Sycamore Drive. Source: City of Antioch
Sycamore Drive Traffic Calming Improvements
Under Item 6.H. on the Consent Calendar, the council will consider awarding a construction agreement to the lowest, responsive, and responsible bidder, Martinez-based Cowan & Thompson Construction, Inc. in the amount of $488,511.94, with a $25,000 contingency for a total contract amount of $513,511.94 for the Sycamore Drive Traffic Calming Improvements Project.
According to the City staff report, the FY 2026/27 Capital Improvement Budget includes $425,000 of Gas Tax funding for the project. Approval will increase the allocation by $89,000. The projected June 30th balance of Gas Tax funds with this amendment is projected to be $1,014,298.
The devices will be placed in eight segments along the street and will include signs and raised traffic separator curb guidance systems with quick release delineator bases.
See Project plans for all planned traffic calming device locations on Sycamore Drive.
Under agenda Item 8 the Council will vote on appoint Dr, Loretta Ezeife to the Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee for a full-term vacancy expiring March 2030. According to her application, she has lived in Antioch since 2008 and works as the Accounting Officer for the University of the Pacific in Stockton, “with over 25 years of experience overseeing financial operations across private industry, public agencies, and higher education.”
Meeting Details
The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street, in historic, downtown Rivertown and can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website or on Comcast cable TV channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99.
See the complete agenda packet with staff reports here.
City officials and residents join Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal in cutting the ribbon to officially re-open Jacobsen Park on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, following renovations and improvements. Photos by Allen D. Payton
Almost $700,000 spent on renovations
By Allen D. Payton
City of Antioch officials held a Grand Re-Opening of the renovated Jacobsen Park in the northeast part of town Friday afternoon, Aug. 21, 2026. Mayor Ron Bernal, Mayor Pro Tem and District 3 Councilman Don Freitas, City Clerk Michael Mandy, Parks and Recreation Commissioners including Chari Dorothy Ellis, , Recreation Director Shahad Wright, Public Works Director Scott Buenting and other City staff were joined by children and residents from the nearby neighborhoods to cut the ribbon.
Children enjoy the play structure and swing, and large lawn at Jacobsen Park during the Grand Re-Opening.
As Bernal welcomed those in attendance and thanked City staff for their work on it, and Wright who thanked “the Public Works team” for their “support and dedication” and gave “a shout out to Buenting,” children enjoyed climbing on the play structure. Following the ceremony, adults and youth played basketball in the nearby half-court. Wright also acknowledged former Parks & Recreation Director Brad Helfenberger, who is now the City’s Information Systems Director, for initially leading the effort for the renovations.
Antioch Public Works Director Scott Buenting, Parks & Recreation Director Shahad Wright and Congressman Josh Harder’s District Representative and former Parks & Rec Commissioner Domonique King speak during the Jacobsen Park Grand Re-Opening and Ribbon Cutting.
Former Parks and Recreation Commissioner Domonique King, spoke on behalf of Congressman Josh Harder as his District Representative. “It is an honor to be here and celebrate the ribbon cutting of Jacobsen Park. If you know the Congressman, if he could be here, he definitely would be here, especially as he has two young girls who would have loved to enjoy this park, today. Congratulations and hope this park continues to be the center of the community that surrounds it.” Harder doesn’t currently represent portions of Antioch in the U.S. House of Representatives but is running for re-election in the newly drawn district.
According to the City, “A vintage neighborhood park received a much-welcomed makeover. Jacobsen Park’s many renovations and additions were revealed on Friday afternoon to an appreciative group of families from the Garrow Estates neighborhood.
“At one point in the 1960s this park, one of the oldest in Antioch, had a decommissioned front portion of a jet as its centerpiece attraction. Long-time residents still lovingly refer to this area as ‘Jet Park’.” Wright said children played on the jet.
A City staff member shoots hoops with residents at the basketball half-court in Jacobsen Park. Yes, he scored the two points.
“Jacobsen Park is now sure to offer new warm memories as was evident by the many children enjoying the newly installed play area.”
Approved by the City Council on August 27, 2024, the work by Frontline General Engineering Construction, Inc. of San Lorenzo was budgeted at a total of $695,830.55 and involved a full renovation of the existing park, including:
Clearing, grubbing and grading
Landscaping and irrigation facilities
Removal and installation of concrete flatwork
Basketball court rehabilitation
Hardscaping
Installation of underground utilities
Site furnishings and shade structures
Traffic control measures
Water pollution control
The play area has a rubberized flooring that offers a significant cushion when stepped on, and one shade structure includes a barbeque pit.
Front Row: City of Antioch Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Dorothy Ellis (center) and Commissioners (l-r) Vice Chair Alexander Broom, Ellen Greggs, Nichole Gardner and Lesley Eubanks are joined by Mayor Ron Bernal, Mayor Pro Tem & District 3 Councilman Don Freitas, (back row) Commissioner Jim Thor,Parks & Rec Director Shahad Wright, Public Works Director Scott Buenting, Information Systems Director and former Parks & Rec Director Brad Helfenberger and City Clerk Michael Mandy in front of the new play structure at Jacobsen Park. (Not pictured: Commissioner Shan Hunt)
“This has been a project that’s been under works for a little while,” Buenting shared. “It’s a good example of when our departments come together working through our operations and the Parks and Rec Department to get it designed and then get it built. On our side within the Capital Improvements department Nicky Cruz was out here, daily, with these crews making sure the work was done properly as our inspector, as well as our team of engineers, Mitchell Loving, (Assistant Engineer) Robert Pizarro and Paul Fuentes all had some involvement in this project.”
“I think it turned out great,” Buenting continued. “I’m super excited about the attendance that we had today. Thank you all for coming.”
Starting September 1 through approximately February 15, 2027
With funding from County’s Measure X, State Library. Plus, new furniture from donation by Friends of the Antioch Library
By Contra Costa County Library
The Antioch Library on E. 18th Street is preparing for a major transformation. The facility will temporarily close starting September 1, through approximately February 15, 2027, to undergo significant infrastructure and accessibility improvements designed to enhance comfort, safety and energy efficiency.
As part of Contra Costa County Library’s ongoing facilities improvement efforts, the scheduled renovation will include:
Electrical & Lighting Improvements: Upgrades to internal electrical networks, along with energy-efficient LED lighting installations.
ADA Parking Lot Modifications: Upgrades to accessible parking spaces and surrounding pathways to ensure full compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and seamless entry for all community members.
This renovation project is made possible through funding from Measure X — Contra Costa County’s voter-approved sales tax measure passed in 2022 — alongside grant support from the California State Library.
And thanks to a very generous donation from the Friends of the Antioch Library, the branch will also debut new tables and chairs, lounge furniture, computer carrels, children’s furniture and a children’s interactive play cart.
The final day to pick up existing holds is Saturday, August 29.
Najee Harris in his new N.Y. Giants jersey with #22 on it, as he’s worn in college and the NFL, answers questions during a press conference after practice at the Quest Diagnostics Training Centeron Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026. Video screenshot source: NY Giants
Will play for Head Coach John Harbaugh after playing for his brother Jim with L.A. Chargers
“Ready to get back. Got my confidence back, too. I think this is a good opportunity here. I have a lot to prove as somebody coming back from a torn Achilles.” – Najee Harris
By Dan Salomone, Director, Editorial Strategy, New York Giants
The New York Giants today (Tuesday, Aug. 18th) signed Najee Harris, a former Pro Bowl running back who needs no introduction to his new head coach.
John Harbaugh faced Harris repeatedly in the rugged AFC North.
“I felt like the hair on the back of my neck stood up when I saw him over there,” Harbaugh said Monday after the Giants worked Harris out. “He’s a big dude.”
Harris was drafted 24th overall by the Steelers in 2021, never missing a start while rushing for 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons. He then signed with the Chargers, who are led by John’s brother Jim Harbaugh, as a free agent in 2025. But his season was cut short when he suffered a torn Achilles in a Week 3 game against the Broncos. The next week, the Chargers faced the Giants at MetLife Stadium in Jaxson Dart’s first career start.
“He’s an experienced back,” Harbaugh said after they signed him on Tuesday. “Anybody that’s watched him play knows what type of a back he is. He’s a downhill runner, physical runner. I’ve played against him a lot. I have a good feel for who he is as a player. Everybody that’s been around him, my brother, G-RO (Senior Offensive Assistant Greg Roman), (former Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach) Mike Tomlin, love him as a teammate. So, excited for the possibilities.”
Harris was added to a running backroom that recently lost Dante Miller, who suffered a groin injury in the preseason opener.
“I want opportunity,” Harris said after his first practice with the Giants. “I think this is a good opportunity here. I think the style of play that they’re heading towards is the style of play that aligns with me. Harbaugh coming from the AFC North, me playing against him a lot of times, I know the type of style of football he wants. I think that we align with each other with what type of football we want to play. I think that just coming here is a good opportunity, and I’m willing to just put my foot in there and help out in any way I can.”
Najee Harris. Official NY Giants photo.
Harris has played in 71 regular-season games with 68 starts. His career numbers include 1,112 rushing attempts for 4,373 yards (3.9 yards per carry) and 28 touchdowns, in addition to 183 catches for 1,174 yards and six more scores. Harris, 6-1 and 242 pounds, has also started three postseason games.
Before the injury, Harris ranked fifth in the NFL in rushing yards from 2021-24. He became the 14th player in NFL history to record 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first four seasons.
In 2021, he was selected to the Pro Bowl and named All-Rookie by the Professional Football Writers of America.
He finished his Crimson Tide career as the program’s all-time leader in rushing yards (3,843), scrimmage yards (4,624) and total touchdowns (57), while tying for the most rushing touchdowns in school history (46).
Harris also won the Doak Walker Award, which annually recognizes college football’s best running back, and earned unanimous All-American recognition after setting a single-season program record with 30 total touchdowns en route to his second College Football Playoff title.
“I most definitely go into every year with a chip on my shoulder, but more so much this year,” Harris said. “I have a lot to prove as somebody coming back from a torn Achilles. Really everything that I did in the past is in the past, and everything I do now is really what matters. I know there are going to be a lot of questions of how I’ll come back looking, and I’m ready to answer all those.”
Najee Harris jokes with a reporter during the press conference. Video screenshot source: NY Giants
Career at Antioch High School
Prior to his college career, Harris developed as a running back with the Antioch High School Panthers in California. As a freshman, he was 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds with wide shoulders and a big frame. Within just a few weeks of joining the Panthers’ football program, Harris was pulled up to varsity as a freshman. By his junior year, Antioch High went undefeated and won a league championship for the first time in 31 years.
At the time he joined the Steelers, Harris was the 11th person to make it to the NFL from Antioch High. He was also the first Antioch High alum to be drafted since 1999. The last time an AHS alum was selected in the first round was 1969.
In that video, Harris also said, “Ready to get back. I feel great. It’s been a process. Learned a lot about myself. Had a great off-season with the PT’s (physical therapists) at Elite OrthoSport. They got me back. Got my confidence back, too.”
Pepper spray is legal in CA but not for minors to possess
Could face up to $1,000 fine and/or up to 3 years in prisonfor misuse, up to $2,000 fine and/or 6 months in county jail for battery
By Lt. Franco Cesar, Antioch Police Department
On August 21, 2026, at approximately 1:47 p.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to Antioch High School following reports of multiple students exposed to pepper spray. The incident occurred in a school hallway during a passing period.
A preliminary investigation revealed the incident stemmed from an ongoing dispute between two students. During the altercation, pepper spray was deployed, inadvertently affecting several nearby students.
Officers identified seven students affected by the spray. Emergency medical personnel evaluated the victims on scene and transported three students to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment. No serious injuries were reported.
Responding officers located the juvenile responsible for deploying the pepper spray. She was issued a citation for Possession/Use of Tear Gas by a Minor and Battery, then released to her parents. Due to the suspect’s age, her identity will not be released.
Source: Antioch PD CitizenRIMS
The Antioch Police Department remains committed to campus safety and continues to work in close partnership with Antioch Unified School District administrators during school incidents.
Case No.: 26-7951
According to the Antioch Police CitizenRIMS Map, the incident occurred at 1:38 PM and is listed as a misdemeanor possession of a weapon at school K-12 626.10(A)(1) PC and 243(A) PC – battery. Incident Number:2608210130.
Pepper Spray is Legal in CA But Not for Minors to Possess
According to Zarc International, “Pepper spray in CA is Legal. Subject to certain restrictions, Section 12403.7 of the Penal Code provides ‘any person may purchase, possess or use tear gas and tear gas weapons for the projection or release of tear gas if the tear gas and tear gas weapons are used solely for self-defense purposes.’
“The definition of tear gas also includes pepper spray. The restrictions include a prohibition against selling such a unit to a minor, and a provision limiting the size to 2.5 ounces by weight.
“The misuse of tear gas in California comes with state penalties of up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to three years in prison, not to mention a possible felony conviction on record. Some examples of misuse include: using tear gas on people in anger, spraying it as a joke, possession of tear gas by prohibited persons, minors, drug addicts or persons convicted of felonies.
“To be legally purchased, possessed or used in California, any canister must have a label that says ‘WARNING: The use of this substance or device for any purpose other than self-defense is a crime under the law. The contents are dangerous–use with care.’ The maximum legal net weight for a canister is 2.5 ounces, or 70 grams of OC, CS or CN. CR is not legal for civilian use.”
Escape to the islands without leaving Antioch! Come and enjoy a Luau at the Antioch Water Park.
Get ready for an afternoon of tropical fun. Enjoy a dip in the pool, entertainment, delicious appetizers and great company as we celebrate summer together.
