Mayor, council Districts 2 & 3, clerk, treasurer and trustee Areas 1, 3 & 4
By Allen D. Payton
The nomination period for local offices in Antioch including mayor city council Districts 2 and 3, City Clerk, City Treasurer and Antioch School Board Trustee Areas 1, 3 and 4 opens on Monday, July 15, 2024. The nomination period runs through 5:00 pm Friday, August 9, 2024. The election will be consolidated with the statewide General Election on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024.
Papers for offices that are up for election for city candidates will be available at the City Clerk’s office inside City Hall, 200 H Street in historic, downtown Rivertown and for school board candidates at the Contra Costa Elections Office, 555 Escobar Street in Martinez.
Source: City of Antioch
“The 2024 General Election has officially begun,” said Kristin B. Connelly, Contra Costa Registrar of Voters. “Candidate Filing begins Monday July 15, and our Candidate Services team is ready to help our residents who are looking to serve their communities in an elected position.”
If an incumbent does not file to run for office by the deadline on August 9th, the filing period for that office will extend until 5:00 pm on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.
Interested candidates for Antioch School Board can schedule an appointment through email at candidate.services@vote.cccounty.us or by calling 925-335-7800. Walk-ins are accepted, but service is subject to the availability of staff. Appointments are available on weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Filing documents and information will be provided to interested constituents at their appointment. The process takes 20 minutes.
AUSD Trustee Areas Final Map 2022
For further information on the General Election and key dates, go to www.contracostavote.gov
The following candidates have announced for the election in November:
Mayor of Antioch – Incumbent Lamar Hernández-Thorpe, Ron Bernal
District 3 City Councilmember –Antwon Webster, Don Freitas
See list of all offices up for election in Contra Costa County in November, here.
Kristin B. Connelly, County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters and Dawn Kruger, Civic Outreach and Engagement Specialist, Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department contributed to this report.
Drone used to communicate with him from safe distance
By Antioch Police Department
At 8:00 am, Friday, July 12, 2024, dispatchers received a call about a man lying on the trail near Lone Tree Way and Longview Drive. The caller reported that the man had a pistol in his waistband. As a precaution, APD officers used our drone to communicate with the man from a distance.
Officers were able to successfully utilize the drone and de-escalation techniques to safely take the man into custody. It turned out that he was carrying two loaded pistols.
Best of Best Review award for Caring Haven owned by CEO Nicola “Nikki” Lopez.
Founded and owned by Jamaican immigrant Nikki Lopez
Caring Haven, headquartered in Antioch, has proudly been recognized as the Best Senior Care Agency in the Bay Area by Best of Best Review. This accolade reflects the agency’s unwavering dedication to providing dignified care for seniors and veterans.
Founded last October by CEO and Chief Care Officer Nicola “Nikki” K. Lopez, MBA, an inspiring immigrant from Jamaica, Caring Haven is built on the foundation of family love and care. Nikki’s personal values shape the company’s mission: “We ensure every client is seen, heard, and empowered, just as we care for our own family. Each loved one we serve is treated with the same affection and dignity our CEO gives to her grandma.”
The company slogan is “Elevating Life, Embracing Care” and their service areas include Antioch, Discovery Bay, Brentwood, Oakley, Pittsburg, Tracy, Concord, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek including Rossmoor, Benicia, Vallejo, Rio Vista and surrounding areas.
According to the awards organization, “At Best of Best Review, we take great pride in recognizing the outstanding companies that stand out in their fields, and this year, Caring Haven LLC has earned a distinguished place as the ‘Best Senior Care Agency in the Bay Area’. This accolade reflects the unparalleled dedication, compassion, and expertise that Caring Haven brings to home care services.
Nicola’s journey, as an immigrant navigating corporate America, has shaped her passion for providing top-tier, empathetic care. This dedication is evident in the way Caring Haven embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion, placing people over profit.
A Testament to Excellence
Caring Haven’s commitment to excellence is evident in the glowing testimonials from clients and partners. Latrice Roberson from Grace and Glory Hospice notes, ‘Nikki’s smile and calm manner can bring an individual’s anxiety down to where they feel empowered to move forward. Her loyalty and dedication to the health industry speaks volumes and shows her empathy towards others.’
Another satisfied client shares, ‘Caring Haven was an absolute godsend recently when my 100-year-old mother’s full-time caregiver came down with Covid. Nikki Lopez personally filled in, ensuring my mother received the care she needed. Her compassion and dedication are unmatched.’
Rigorous Selection Process
Caring Haven’s recognition as the “Best Senior Care Agency in the Bay Area” was not earned lightly. Hundreds of agencies were evaluated based on several criteria, including:
Client Satisfaction: Testimonials and reviews highlighted the exceptional care and dedication of the caregivers.
Expertise and Knowledge: Demonstrated through comprehensive and personalized care plans.
Authenticity and Trustworthiness: Evident in the agency’s transparent and heartfelt communication with clients.
Performance Metrics: High client retention rates and positive health outcomes.
Competitive Differentiation: Unique DEI-led approach and unwavering focus on community and compassion.
Personalized and Compassionate Care
The care provided by Caring Haven is not just about meeting physical needs but also nurturing the emotional and psychological well-being of clients. For instance, one client recalls how Nikki from Caring Haven quickly responded to an urgent request for a caregiver, connecting deeply with the family and ensuring the service started promptly. This personalized attention and genuine compassion are what make Caring Haven stand out.
A Legacy of Dedication
Caring Haven’s mission is clear: to make every client feel seen, heard, and empowered. The team’s dedication to building meaningful relationships and creating a nurturing environment is reflected in every aspect of their service. From companionship and assistance with daily activities to respite care, Caring Haven ensures that clients receive comprehensive support tailored to their individual needs.
Pros of Choosing Caring Haven LLC:
Compassionate and personalized care
Quick response time and professional service
Highly skilled and empathetic caregivers
DEI-led approach prioritizing people over profit
High client satisfaction and retention rates”
About the award, Lopez said, “People are literally trusting me with their lives and others are trusting me with those who matter most to them. It’s humbling, and not a task I take lightly.”
“It was a surprise, I didn’t expect it,” she added.
Lopez’s commitment extends beyond her company. She is an active member of the Antioch and Brentwood Chambers of Commerce and serves on three significant boards in Contra Costa County: the Economic Opportunity Council (EOC), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Aging Council on Aging (ACAOC).
Additionally, Caring Haven hires and trains the best Care Team ensuring all clients receive a consistent level of professional, dignified, and reliable care.
Caring Haven is credentialed with the Veterans Administration (VA) and Medicaid, and also accepts private pay and various long-term care insurance plans, including workers’ compensation for post-surgery or rehab patients. Their comprehensive services include companionship, personal care, dementia care, and more.
For those seeking quality care for their loved ones, Caring Haven is the trusted choice. Visit their website at www.caringhavenhomecare.com or call 925.331.0590 for more information.
CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee administers the Code of Honor to the 102 new officers on Friday morning, July 12, 2024. Photo: CHP
After completing 1,200 hours of intensive training over 26 weeks
By Tami Grimes, PIO, CHP
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) proudly introduced 102 of the state’s newest officers during a swearing-in ceremony today at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento. In a continued effort to fill vacant officer positions, these men and women hail from communities throughout California, as well as Colorado and Oregon.
“Having successfully completed the last 26 weeks of intensive training, the CHP is pleased to welcome these new officers to the CHP family. They are beginning a career of service and I trust they will do everything they can to take care of their communities,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Every corner of the State deserves to have the best trained and prepared personnel, and I am confident these new officers will be able to provide the highest level of safety, service, and security possible.”
CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee inspects the cadets before the ceremony on Friday, July 12, 2024. Photo: CHP
Before offering his prepared remarks, Duryee said to the audience of the new officers’ family members and friends, “Alright, listen. I was a little disappointed to that approach. Not from the cadets, from the crowd. You all gotta get a little fired up. This is a celebration.”
“I don’t know what they’ve told you how this place is,” he continued with a smile. “But this is a celebration, today. So, as we celebrate them let’s get a little rowdy. Yeah?” to which the audience applauded and cheered in response.
While at the CHP Academy, cadets receive over 1,200 hours of training and start with subjects including nobility in policing, leadership, professionalism and ethics, and cultural diversity. Additionally, cadets receive instruction on mental illness response and crisis intervention techniques. Training also covers vehicle patrol, crash investigation, first aid, and the apprehension of suspected violators, including those who drive under the influence. Cadets also receive training in traffic control, report writing, recovery of stolen vehicles, assisting the motoring public, issuing citations, emergency scene management, and various codes, including the California Vehicle Code, Penal Code, and Health and Safety Code.
The Code of Honor was administered by Duryee and repeated by the cadets as follows: “I, a member of the California Highway Patrol, subscribe in word and deed to the following; To serve the United States of America and the State of California honestly, and conscientiously; and fulfill my oath as a soldier of the law; to uphold and maintain the honor and integrity of the California Highway Patrol; Be loyal to my fellow officers; respect and obey my seniors in rank; and enforce the law without fear, favor or discrimination; to assist those in peril or distress and if necessary lay down my life rather than swerve from the path of duty; my person conduct shall at all times be above reproach; and I will never knowingly commit any act that will in any way bring discredit upon the California Highway Patrol or any member thereof; to all of this I do solemnly pledge my sacred honor as an officer with the California Highway Patrol.”
Family members and friends pinned the new officers’ badges to their uniforms. Video screenshot
Today’s graduation concludes the new officers’ stay at the Academy prior to their reporting to one of the 102 CHP Area offices throughout the state on July 22. (View ceremony video and highlight video)
The CHP continues the search for service-minded individuals who are interested in a career in law enforcement in support of its ongoing, multiyear recruitment campaign to hire 1,000 officers. In 2023, the CHP added 407 officers to its ranks. With today’s swearing-in, an additional 409 officers have been sworn in this year and there are still two more cadet classes scheduled to complete the Academy before the end of 2024.
By Lt. D. Bittner #3252, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
On July 11, 2024, at approximately 7:29 pm, Antioch police officers responded to the apartment complex located at 600 Wilbur Avenue on the report of a shooting.
When officers arrived, they located a 34-yearold male in the street near the center of the apartment complex suffering from a fatal gunshot wound.
The Antioch Police 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.
Additional inquiries, tips or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective John Cox at (925) 481-8147 or by email jcox@antiochca.gov.
The grand opening of the new Contra Costa County Administration Building and Plaza was held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. Photos: Contra Costa County
A new government facility to better fit its environment
Includes new plaza, public law library
By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County
County and city officials celebrated the grand opening of Contra Costa County’s new Administration Building Tuesday morning, July 9, 2024. Located on Pine Street in the heart of downtown Martinez, the three-story cutting-edge office administration building and civic plaza was unveiled on the historic grounds previously occupied by a taller, outdated office tower and a jail dating back to around 1902. Both were demolished to make way for the modern development including the County’s other new administration building across Escobar Street that houses the Board of Supervisors’ Chambers.
Members of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and the Martinez City Council, county staff and representatives of both Webcor Builders and design firm Perkins & Will gathered for the building’s grand opening.
Speakers included Board Chair and District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover, District 1 Supervisor John Gioia, District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen, District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis and District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson, Chief Assistant County Administrator Eric Angstadt and Martinez Mayor Brianne Zorn, and representatives of design firm Perkins & Will and Webcor Builders.
The new County Administration Building and Plaza.
The new $65 million building replaced a programmatically obsolete and contextually out of scale office tower and showcases state-of-the-art architecture that harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding historic buildings. It also rejuvenates the public plaza formed by the vacation of a city street within the County administration campus. It embodies sustainability with on-site photovoltaics for high-performance energy use, responsibly sourced finishes, and low embodied carbon materials.
The entrance and a retail space inside the new County Administration Building.
The development significantly enhances community space by adding a new public law library, ground-floor retail spaces, and a parking garage. The plaza also includes street improvements and an advanced stormwater system tailored to the site’s unique groundwater challenges and topography. Internally, the building acts as a hub for several County administrative departments, including the Public Defender, County Sheriff’s Civil Division and the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice, consolidating essential services under one roof to improve service delivery and enhance community interaction.
The new building marks a significant contribution to Contra Costa County, where modernity meets tradition and community service meets innovation.
Alexandra Pony of Pony Communications and Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Michelle Hidalgo in a post on her Facebook page on October 26, 2022.
Sentenced to 15 years to life
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
A 29-year-old resident of Antioch was sentenced today, July 11, 2024, in Contra Costa Superior Court for sexual abuse of a young child.
Michelle Nicole Hidalgo, was sentenced by the Honorable David Goldstein after she pled guilty to engaging in sexual acts with a child 10 years old or younger [PC 288.7(b)]. Hidalgo was a nanny to the minor victim and has been in custody since her arrest on September 22, 2023. As part of a negotiated agreement, Hidalgo was sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison – which will begin immediately. She was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life.
On September 21, 2023, the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force was alerted to sexually explicit images of a small child being shared on X (formally Twitter). A search warrant was served at a residence in Antioch, seized equipment used in the production and distribution of pornographic images of minors and Hidalgo was arrested. She was employed as a part-time nanny for the victim’s family. (See related article)
Pursuant to her plea, Hidalgo admitted to abusing the child on September 19, 2023. Evidence also demonstrated Hidalgo created visual depictions of the abuse and shared those images with other X users. Text messages sent from Hidalgo to others were recovered. Those messages indicated her intent to further
abuse the child the next time she was with the victim. Investigators are currently working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to ensure those images are flagged if shared online in the future.
“The sentence delivered today reflects the severity of the crime committed,” said District Attorney Diana
Becton. “Our system of justice is dedicated to protecting victims and safeguarding the community by holding offenders accountable.”
Deputy District Attorney Jenna Franklin from the DA’s Sexual Assault Unit prosecuted the case. The investigation was led by the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). Detectives and investigators who participated in the ICAC investigation are from the Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Brentwood, Oakley, Pittsburg, San Ramon and Danville police departments, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Special Agents from the United States Secret Service and Homeland Security Investigations, and Inspectors from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, three-inch tall, 250-pound Hidalgo is Hispanic was born on December 23, 1994 and is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $800,000 bail. Her Facebook profile shows she lives in Antioch and is from Pacifica, CA where she studied at Terra Nova High School.
Case No. 01-23-02982 | The People of the State of California v. Hidalgo, Michelle Nicole
