SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is launching Get Educated and Ride Safe VII (GEARS VII), a yearlong program that focuses on education and enforcement strategies to reduce motorcycle-related crashes and fatalities. The CHP received a $700,000 federal grant to fund the program.
Provisional data from the federal fiscal year 2022-23 highlights the urgent need for such measures, with more than 7,000 motorcycle-involved crashes, resulting in 336 fatalities and more than 6,300 injuries within CHP jurisdiction.
“This grant will significantly enhance the CHP’s motorcycle safety and awareness programs by allowing us to continue educating both motorcyclists and drivers on safe practices,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “It’s a vital reminder that whether you’re driving a car or riding a motorcycle, everyone shares the responsibility for keeping our roads safe.”
Throughout the grant period, CHP is ramping up motorcycle safety activities in regions with high crash rates and will participate in statewide and national traffic safety public awareness campaigns, including “National Motorcycle Ride Day” which was held on Saturday, October 12, 2024. These efforts will promote the use of U.S. Department of Transportation-compliant helmets and emphasize the importance of sharing the road with motorcyclists. Additionally, the CHP will increase enforcement in areas with motorcycle-involved crashes caused by speed, improper turns, and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
New Antioch Police Captain John Miller, Lt. Joe Njoroge and Officer Junior Pen and newly promoted Sgt. Dan Fachner were given their oaths of office by Interim Chief Brian Addington. Photos by Allen D. Payton
New captain, lieutenant and officer join department, Fachner moves up to sergeant
“What an exciting time to join the Antioch Police Department. These new outstanding additions represent the department’s future, bringing fresh energy and perspectives to help shape our path forward.”- Interim Police Chief Brian Addington
By Allen D. Payton and Interim Antioch Police Chief Brian Addington
The Antioch Police Department added three more to the force and promoted one from within during an oath of office ceremony on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, led by Interim Chief Brian Addington, the sixth during his time in the position. He swore in Captain John Miller, the former police chief of Winters, CA, Lieutenant Joe Njoroge, a lateral from the Walnut Creek Police Department, new Officer Junior Pen and newly promoted Sergeant Dan Fachner.
The standing room only event held inside the Antioch Police Facility’s Community Room was attended by new City Manager Bessie Scott, City Attorney Thomas Loyd Smith, officers from the Antioch, Walnut Creek and Stockton Police Departments, as well as family and friends of the four men.
“It’s not an easy process to become an officer or get promoted,” Addington stated mentioning the application and oral board process. “If you make it high enough on the list you do a polygraph with an outside polygrapher, then a background of your entire life by an outside investigator. Then an interview with me, then a psychological exam, which is a battery of tests, followed by a psychologist approved by P.O.S.T. The final step is a physical examination by a medical doctor in compliance with POST guidelines to be an officer. All the candidates here, successfully completed all of that and surpassed the other applicants for the positions.”
“I am honored to welcome you to this special occasion, where we celebrate the swearing-in of new officers and promotion of dedicated members,” the Chief stated. “One comes from within our ranks here at Antioch, and two who served honorably with other agencies and are now joining us.”
“Today marks a significant milestone – not only for those standing before us but also for our police department as we continue to rebuild and renew our commitment to a higher standard of public service,” Addington continued.
“These officers have distinguished themselves through their hard work, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the community they serve,” the Chief said. “Their achievements reflect their readiness to take on greater responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to this department’s future. Each has answered the call to serve with integrity and professionalism, even in the face of significant challenges.”
“As we recognize their accomplishments today, we also reaffirm our collective mission to foster a culture of accountability and excellence,” he continued. “We will ensure that every action we take reflects the principles of fairness and constitutional policing. Together, we are committed to building a department the community can trust – one that is not only responsive to the present but also grounded in ideals that safeguard the future.”
“A special welcome to our most honored guests – all the family and friends joining us today. We know the sacrifices you have made to get your loved one to this point, and I want you to know that they have not gone unnoticed,” Addington stated.
“I mentioned rebuilding the department, I want to provide some prospect to this – and highlight the outstanding work our recruitment teams have been doing,” the Chief shared. “We currently have six new officers in the Field Training Program (including Pen) and 19 recruits in police academies. The first two will graduate next week. Six more officers will begin their academy journey next month, and several lateral officers are in the hiring process.
“What an exciting time to join the Antioch Police Department These new outstanding additions represent the department’s future, bringing fresh energy and perspectives to help shape our path forward,” he added.
Bios
Addington introduced each of the four men and provided their backgrounds.
New APD Captain Miller is congratulated and receives his pin from Chief Addington.
Captain John Miller
“Captain Miller began his law enforcement career in 1984 as a Cadet with the Contra Costa County Sherriff’s Department. He became a Reserve Deputy Sheriff serving in Detention and on Patrrol and joined the Vacaville Police Department as a full-time police officer where he served for six years. During this time with Vacaville, he was a K9 handler, SWAT Team member, Honor Guard member, and Cadet Advisor.
“Captain Miller then served with the Vallejo Police Department for nearly 10 years, promoting to Corporal then Sergeant. He served as a Beat Health Officer in the Community Services Division employing the Community Oriented Policing and Problem-Solving philosophy, the Department Training Supervisor, SWAT Team Leader, and Department Rangemaster, overseeing all use of force training and equipment. His other duties at Vallejo included Cadet Advisor and Honor Guard. He went to the Pacific Grove Police Department Police as a Commander where he served for nearly four years as the second-in-command of the department. He was also the regional SWAT team Tactical Commander. Captain Miller was hired as the Chief of Police of the Winters Police Department in July 2016, where he has served for over eight years.
“Over his career, Captain Miller has been awarded the Medal of Valor, two Medals of Merit and a Medal of Good Conduct, 10851 Award for recovering stolen vehicles, among many other commendations.
“Captain Miller earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Personnel Administration and Industrial Relations from Cal-State Hayward (now East Bay) and his Master’s degree in Public Administration with Honors, from Golden Gate University. He has attended the FBI National Academy, California POST Command College and California Police Captain’s Association Executive Leadership Institute.
“Captain Miller also taught at the Napa Valley Criminal Justice Center’s Basic Police Academy for several years teaching firearms, force options simulator, use of force law and weapons law. Captain Miller currently serves on the California Police Chiefs Association (CPCA) Professional Development Committee, represents CPCA on the POST Instructor Standards Advisory Committee and is a facilitator of the CPCA Second in Command Course.
“Captain Miller has two adult children and was active in their lives as a Cub Scout Cubmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster and a 4-H leader. His son earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and his daughter earned a Bronze Award in 4-H.
Captain Miller is an avid outdoorsman. He dove for abalone and spearfished on California’s north coast. He is also SCUBA certified and has dived in warm water destinations such as Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Belie, Jamaica and Hawaii.
Fun Fact: Captain Miller has back packed into the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana four times to hunt elk. “The Bob,” as it is known, is one of the largest nearly untouched wilderness areas in the Lower 48. He was thrown twice by horses, and after those experiences, he packed in last year on foot using pack llamas.
“We’re very excited to lure him over to the APD as a captain,” the chief added.
Addington handed Miller his pin and said, “His uniform wasn’t ready yet, but we didn’t want to wait because we need him.”
Miller later said he didn’t have anyone there to pin him as he wasn’t expecting such a grand ceremony. “At Winters, we were just sworn in during a council meeting, given a handshake and told to ‘get to work,’” he said with a laugh.
Lt. Joe Njoroge is pinned by his wife and son.
Lt. Joe Njoroge (pronounced “Jarogay”)
“Joe began his law enforcement career as a police officer with the San Jose Police Department in 2008, where he served for five years. In 2012, he left San Jose and joined the Walnut Creek Police Department, where he worked for 12 years, and went to join us here at Antioch in 2013.
“Over his 17 years in law enforcement, he has also gained extensive training and experience. Some of his past assignments included Cadet Advisor, Emergency Vehicle operations Instructor, Field Training Officer, SWAT “Operator, and Special Enforcement Team Officer.
In 2019, he was promoted to Sergeant and supervised multiple patrol teams and the Special Events Unit. In 2022, I transitioned to the Detective Bureau and oversaw property and person crimes.
“He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering, which he earned in 2001. Before going into law enforcement, he worked in the semiconductor industry.”
“He’s probably the smartest person in the department,” Addington stated.
“Throughout his career, Joe actively participated in several teams, including the Peer Support Team and Neighborhood Watch Team, and served as the Pink Patch Project Coordinator. He also assisted the Fleet Manager in ensuring efficient operations.
“He graduated from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute and Leadership Contra Costa and is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration in Criminal Justice.” About the Sherman Block training, Addington said, it’s “a nine-month program with chiefs across the state. It helps you really learn about yourself.”
“One of Joe’s passions is soccer,” the Chief continued. “He has dedicated time to coaching youth teams in San Jose at Downtown College Prep and Walnut Creek for the Walnut Creek Soccer Club. He strives to inspire the next generation through sports and teamwork.
Fun Fact: In Joe’s spare time, he enjoys working on mastering the craft of BBQ. His family and friends say he makes a mean brisket and BBQ chicken wings.”
“I know you’ll fit in well here because we have some pretty good soccer players in Antioch,” Addington stated and shared about the department’s newest lieutenant that, “He loves cookies. So, we have some in the back.”
After introducing Njoroge Addington thanked, “the Walnut Creek alumni who are here, today including former Chief Jamie Knox.”
Njoroge had his son and wife pin him with his new badge.
Antioch PD Sgt. Fachner is pinned and congratulated by San Jose PD Sgt. Dave Moody
Sgt. Dan Fachner
“Dan grew up in Livermore, California, and enlisted in the Air Force in 1990 after graduating high school. He served on active-duty status in the Air Force for 11 years as a jet engine mechanic on KC-135 air refuelers. In 2001, Dan was honorably discharged from active-duty status in the Air Force and was hired by the San Police Department as a Police Officer. He attended and graduated from the San Jose Police Academy at Evergreen Community College.
“9/11 occurred during Dan’s police academy, and he decided to serve his country again. He joined the Air Force Reserves after graduating from the Police Academy, was activated, and returned to active duty. He proudly served during Operation Enduring Freedom, working on KC10 aircraft refuelers responsible for worldwide support.
“While at the San Jose Police Department, Dan worked in patrol field services for 12 years. He was a Rifle Team member and an instructor for the field training program. Dan had a collateral assignment as a gang suppression officer, where he reduced gang crimes in the City of San Jose.
“In 2013 Dan retired from the Air Force after serving for 23 years. He joined the Antioch Police Department in 2013 as a Police Officer and was assigned to patrol field services. While in patrol field services, Dan has been a K9 handler, Rifle Team member, Field Training Officer, and Drone Operator. Dan had a collateral assignment and was assigned to the Contra Costa County Vehicle Suppression Enforcement Team, which focused on reducing vehicle thefts. In July of 2024, Dan was promoted to the rank of Corporal.
“Dan enjoys traveling with his wife, Crissy, when he is not at work. He is also an avid golfer and bass fisherman.
Fun Fact: Dan recently competed in a bass fishing Tournament of Champions series, competing against the top 100 fishermen in California.”
About Fachner the Chief added, “he’s had a distinguished career, and he’s really earned this. In July we promoted him to corporal and he’s done such a good job that a few months later we’re promoting him to sergeant.”
Fachner had Sgt. Dave Moody of the San Jose Police Department, who has 45 years of experience in law enforcement, pin on his badge.
New Antioch Police Officer Junior Pen is pinned by his cousin.
Officer Junior Pen- Academy Graduate
“Junior was born and raised in Stockton and attended Ronald E. McNair High School. During high school, he trained in Muay Thai, a form of kickboxing. He is the first-generation police officer in his family and is very proud of it – which he should be. He attended and graduated from the Alameda County Police Academy, receiving a certificate of achievement. Junior found a calling to be a police officer because of his mentor, slain Stockton Police Officer Jimmy Inn’s sacrifice. Officer Inn motivated him to want to serve and protect the community.”
Addington then recognized members of Inn’s family who were in attendance for the ceremony. “Officer Inn was shot and killed on a domestic violence call in May 2021,” he shared. “He was a mentor to Officer Junior Pen and his legacy lives on in law enforcement. Junior was motivated by Officer Inn to join the Antioch Police Department.”
“Junior likes fishing, weightlifting, and spending time with his family in his free time,” Addington continued.
“Fun Fact: Junior is a nerd for the Star Wars movies franchise – as do most of us, I’m sure,” the Chief added.
Pen asked his cousin to pin his badge on his uniform.
Oaths of Office and Honor
Following their introductions, Addington administered their oaths of office. Then after each of the four men was pinned, they offered remarks which included thanking Addington for hiring them.
The Chief then shared about the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Law Enforcement Oath of Honor saying, “The IACP Governing Body developed an Oath of Honor to punctuate the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect and ensuring the preservation of human life.
What is the Oath of Honor
“This is a public affirmation of your commitment to adhere to this oath and demonstrate the highest ethical standards. Before you take the Oath of Honor, you must understand what it means. This oath is a solemn pledge that you sincerely intend to abide by the terms of the Oath of Honor. Do each of you understand that?” Addington asked. They all replied, “Yes.”
“Raise your right hand and repeat the oath of Honor to affirm this,” the Chief said and led the men in the additional oath.
“Thank you for joining us in this moment of celebration, and please join me in congratulating these exceptional officers on their achievements. We look forward to their continued impact on shaping the path ahead,” the Chief added.
Family, friends and former and current colleagues congratulated and joined the men for photos and refreshments, which included the cookies Addington previously mentioned, as well as brownies and strawberries covered in sugary blue frosting and white chocolate, set inside letters spelling “APD.”
Robert Chukwuemeka Chuksorji held on $2 million bail; police ask any other victims to come forward
By Sgt. Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
On June 24, 2024 at 6:36 AM, the Antioch Police arrested a suspect wanted for a violent sexual assault. During the investigation, several other victims were identified and provided crucial information to the case. The Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau began investigating multiple cases over the past ten years.
The suspect, 37-year-old Robert Chukwuemeka Chuksorji (born 10/17/87), would meet women either in person or online, obtain their phone number and begin a texting relationship. Chuksorji would then plan to meet the victim, which would later turn into a sexual assault. Chuksorji was ultimately caught, and charges have been filed against him
During the investigation, detectives determined that there could be other unreported sexual assaults and victims related to Chuksorji. Chuksorji may have used several other names throughout the years. If you have been victimized by this individual, please contact the Antioch Police Department immediately.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, as of Monday, October 14, 2024, he was still in custody. The six-foot, two-inch tall, 175-pound Chuksorji is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility with bail set at $2 million. His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 22 at 8:30 AM in Delta Superior Court, Dept. 04 in Pittsburg.
According to localcrimenews.com, Chuksorji was also arrested in 2017 by Antioch PD on July 27, 2016 on an outstanding warrant.
This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time. Any tips or other information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Allen at (925) 779-6923 or by email aallen@antiochca.gov.
10/14/24 UPDATE: Victim is listed in critical condition
By Lieutenant Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division
On October 12, 2024, at approximately 8:25 PM, Antioch Police officers responded to a report of a hit-and-run auto vs. pedestrian vehicle collision on Lone Tree Way near Canda Valley Road. Officers arrived on scene and found the 53-year-old female victim unresponsive on the ground in the eastbound lanes of Lone Tree Way. Officers performed first aid until relieved by paramedics. The victim was transported to an area hospital with life threatening injuries.
10/14/24 UPDATE: According to Interim Chief Brian Addington, “She is listed in critical condition.”
Traffic accident investigators were called out to take over the investigation. This investigation is still on-going, and the cause of the collision has not yet been determined. This case is in the preliminary stages and the names of the parties involved are not being released at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441 or Traffic Collision Investigator Sergeant Green at (925) 779-6864, email rgreen@antiochca.gov.
Monica’s Riverview is located at 1 I (eye) Street over the water in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. For menu, reservations, entertainment schedule and more information see www.visitmonicas.com.
Incumbent Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe and challengers Ron Bernal and Rakesh Christian are battling for the top leadership position in the City of Antioch.
With almost $156K for the former city manager, a little over $139K for the incumbent and $8,500 for the other challenger
By Allen D. Payton
There are several battles in a political campaign war: ground – door-to-door precinct walking, air – including direct mail and TV, endorsements, signs, advertising and fundraising. The most recent campaign finance reports in the race for Mayor of Antioch show former city manager Ron Bernal has slightly increased his lead over Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe, while the other challenger, Rakesh Christian, is trailing in a distant third in the battle for the bucks.
Known as a Form 460, the report shows for the period of July 1 through Sept. 21 plus, a Form 497 report showing $1,000 contributed since then, the challenger had raised another $28,322 for a total of $155,967.34 for the year. The incumbent raised $22,375 for the period and an additional $3,000 since then for a total of $81,169. However, that amount does not include the $58,171.60 left over from his Stop the #Karen Recall committee that Hernandez-Thorpe transferred to his re-election committee. That has given the mayor a total of $139,340.60 to spend during the campaign.
The Form 460 report for the third candidate in the race, challenger and second-time candidate for mayor, Rakesh Christian, shows he’s loaned his committee $8,543.17 and spent it all during the period.
Bernal
The 460 report for the period shows Bernal’s largest contributions were $5,500 each from Dave and Thea Shupe, of Oakley, owners of Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring, Inc. in Antioch, $3,500 from rancher and farer Robert McGrew of Dixon, $2,000 from Michael Hurd of Antioch, self-employed in commercial real estate consulting and the former track and field coach at Antioch High School for whom the track is named, $1,000 from Antioch State Farm Insurance Agent James Lanter, $500 each from Pruthviraj Desai of Antioch, owner and manager of Antioch Executive Inn, the location of the City’s homeless hotel, Duane Shoemake of Antioch, listed as retired, Joe Stokley of Pleasant Hill, Broker of Stokley Properties, and $250 from Lori Ogorchock’s 2022 city council campaign committee and an additional $150 from the councilwoman.
His Form 497 filed on Sept. 29th shows two $500 contributions from Steven Abfalter of Antioch, listed as retired.
Bernal’s campaign committee spent almost all of the $47,228.72 during the period outside of Antioch and East County. The largest expenditures included $27,461.65 to Praetorian Public Relations of Walnut Creek for campaign consulting, $11,500 to J Wallin Opinion Research of Newport Beach for polling, $3,000 to Corey Agopian for social media content creation, $1,449 to the City of Antioch for candidate filing, $1,281 to the California Homeowners Voter Guide for a slate mailer and $981 to No Party Preference Voter Guide in Sacramento for another slate mailer.
Of the funds paid to Praetorian they in turn paid $8,756.36 to Imprint of Houston, TX for campaign paraphernalia, $3,705.43 to Landslide Communications in Laguna Niguel for literature, $3,006.80 to Prompt.io of Seattle, WA for phone banking, $2,298.76 to SignsOnTheCheap.com in Austin, TX and $774 to the COPS Voter Guide in Sacramento for a slate mailer.
Bernal’s committee began the period with a Beginning Cash Balance of $87,797.97, and as of Sept. 21st, had spent a total of $87,076.09 leaving him an Ending Cash Balance of $68,241.10 for the remainder of the campaign. See Bernal Form 460 0701-092124, Form 497 092924
Hernandez-Thorpe
The mayor’s largest contributions for the period were $5,000 each from Prestige One Investment, LLC of Brentwood, a company owned by businessman and Antioch commercial real estate owner Sean McCauley and Gary’s Liquor and Cigarettes for Less of Antioch, $1,000 each from Doralee Montague of Lawrenceville, Georgia listed as Director, Cox Communications, Robert Collins of Antioch listed as retired, Teresa Moye of Atlanta, GA, Partner of Moye Properties, $500 each from DASS Sweets, Inc. of Antioch, form Contra Costa College Board Trustee Gregory Enholm of Bay Point listed as retired, Mary Simms of Antioch, owner of Simms Enterprises, Victor Baker of Pleasant Hill, CEO of EquitiFy, Pruthviraj Desai of Antioch, listed as a hotelier, owner of the Executive Inn on E. 18th Street and Taylor Drivon of Stockton, listed as a homemaker,
Plus, an additional $3,000 was received on Oct. 3 from Maria Quinto Collins of Antioch, the mother of the late Angelo Quinto for whom the City’s Crisis Response Team is named and listed as the Founder for the Angelo Quinto Foundation. Her husband is Robert Collins listed above. Thorpe voted to settle their family’s lawsuit against the City and police department for $7.5 million.
Unlike Bernal’s campaign, the Hernandez-Thorpe re-election campaign spent a large amount of his $66,481.49 in expenditures locally in Antioch and East County. The largest expenditures for the period include $19,244.59 paid to Belleci Signs of Pittsburg for literature and lawn signs, $11,393 for five slate mailers paid to a company in Torrance, $10,627.64 to Copyworld of Berkeley for literature, $2,898 to the City of Antioch for candidate filing fees, $2,689.63 to La Plazuela in Antioch for a fundraiser, $2,500 to Chef Clarinne LeGrone of Antioch for catering and event space for the Mayor’s Democratic Unity Rally, $2,155 to LowKii Photography of Antioch, $792 to FastSigns of Antioch for 4’x8’ signs, $750 to Vicki Robinson of Antioch the campaign’s treasurer, $729.34 to Facebook for online advertising, $566.30 to Cheapestees of Burlingame and $549.60 to Political Data, Inc. of Norwalk for literature.
The mayor’s campaign committee started the period with a Beginning Cash Balance of $99,204.31 and as of Sept. 21st had spent $81,742.78 and had an Ending Cash Balance of $54,597.82. Add the $3,000 from Mrs. Quinto Collins and Hernandez-Thorpe had $58,597.82 to spend for the remainder of the campaign.
Of the funds Christian loaned to and were spent by his campaign, the largest expenditures were $4,713.58 to Sign-A-Rama of Antioch, $1,954.59 to the City of Antioch for the candidate filing fee and $1,500 to Kingdom Graphix of Antioch for website design. He had no Ending Cash Balance. See Christian Form 460 0701-092124
According to the California Secretary of State, the next reporting period ends on Oct. 19th and the candidates’ campaign committees must submit another Form 460 by Oct. 24th.
For Furry Friends Pet Relief, Saturday from 10-4pm, Pet and Kids Costume Contests
The event presented by Hot Rods 4 Paws and Celebrate Antioch Foundation will be held on W. 2nd and G Streets in Antioch’s historic downtown Rivertown Business District. The benefit for Furry Friends Pet Relief will offer fun for the whole family, with:
