Will offer multiple services at former Community Outreach Center
“We’ve been working day and night to transform the place. The new sign just went up today” – Pastor Damon Owens
By Allen D. Payton
Genesis Church of Antioch leaders, Pastor Damon and his wife Shantell Owens invite you and your family to the Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening of the Genesis Family Life Center on February 7th from 12 Noon to 3:00 pm.
“We are fully persuaded that the Genesis Family Life Center located at 525 East 18th Street in Antioch will be a place of hope and transformation where lives will be changed for the better,” they said.
The center’s slogan, Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly… is from the Bible verse Micah 6:8 which reads, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
The Owens’ shared the following “list of culturally relevant wrap around services” available at the Center:
Grocery Share Program
After School Programs for At-Risk Youth
Senior Day Programs
Trauma Informed Care
Business Incubator for Entrepreneurs
Pop-Up Commercial Kitchen
Community Youth Development
Workforce Development
Prison Re-Entry
Transitional Housing
The new Genesis Family Life Center sign was erected on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, just in time for Saturday’s Grand Opening. All photos courtesy of Damon Owens
The building was purchased from Golden Hills Community Church, which operated their Community Outreach Center there, until last year, for $800,000, according to Golden Hills’ Executive Pastor Matt LaValliere. The two churches are part of the same 170-year-old Baptist denomination known as Converge, for which Pastor Damon is a member of the Board of Overseers of the PacWest division.
The loan docs were signed by Pastor Damon and Shantell Owens on Nov. 24, 2025.
The transition from the COC to the GFLC was quick as, according to Pastor Damon, they signed the loan docs on November 24th.
“Genesis qualified for the loan and closed escrow. God did it,” he exclaimed.
Volunteers from the church then began work the day after Thanksgiving to prepare the Center for opening.
“We’ve been working day and night to transform the place,” Owens shared. “We wanted to bring an open Silicon Valley-type feel for organizations to use the space to provide the wrap-around services.”
“The new sign just went up today,” Pastor Damon added.
Construction on the Genesis Family Life Center began the day after Thanksgiving, on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025.
Asked if they would be serving meals to the homeless and those in need he said, “We’re going to be providing ready to eat groceries for those people without a kitchen, like those living in the Opportunity Village (transitional housing hotel), next door.”
“This building is just a shell; it is the people who will fill it that matter most,” the Owens shared. “Seeing the G.F.L.C (Genesis Family Life Center) transition from a vision on paper to a functional space has been a journey of faith and hard work.”
Show us how the Contra Costa Canal brings water to your home, school, or community, and why having reliable water every day matters. Your artwork could appear in the 2027 Contra Costa water District wall calendar — and winning entries earn a $75 gift card!
Entries due May 9.
Submit artwork by mail or in person the original, unfolded artwork and the completed consent form on the flyer to: CCWD Calendar Contest. 1331 Concord Avenue, Concord, CA 94520
Contra Costa Water District delivers safe, clean water to communities across central and eastern Contra Costa County in Northern California.
Formed in 1936 to provide water for irrigation and industry, we are now one of the largest urban water districts in California and a leader in drinking-water treatment technology and source water protection.
As a public water agency, we are committed to transparency and sharing information about our public services with many and varied audiences.
Vasco Road Delineator Work Area Map. Source: CCC Public Works Dep’t
By Kelly Kalfsbeek, Community & Media Relations Coordinator, PIO, Contra Costa County Public Works Department
February 3, 2026, Brentwood, CA – The Contra Costa County Public Works Department will repair delineators to enhance safety on Vasco Road between Camino Diablo and the Alameda County Line on Monday, February 9, 2026, barring unforeseen circumstances.The work will occur from 9:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m., weather permitting. The work will be scheduled to minimize impacts to commute traffic. Message boards will be posted to advise drivers of the scheduled work. A pilot car will be used to direct traffic through the work area. Drivers can expect delays of 20-30 minutes and are encouraged to use alternative routes.
About Contra Costa County Public Works Department:
The Contra County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) is responsible for the maintenance and operation of over 650 miles of roads, 79 miles of streams and channels, and over 150 County buildings. CCCPWD services include parks and recreation, sandbag distribution, flood control, road and facilities maintenance, and storm water management. CCCPWD operates two airports, Buchanan Field Airport in Concord and Byron Airport in Byron. For more information about CCCPWD, please visit us at: www.cccpublicworks.org.
For more information contact Jenna Castro (916) 900-6623.
Derek Baker with his valuable and rare Solano Swap Meet find of the Girls Tyme poster with Beyoncé’s photo (top right) and autograph (on orange hat below) inside his space at Rivertown Treasure Chest in downtown Antioch. Photos courtesy of Derek Baker.
Local treasure hunter buys it at Concord drive-in swap meet, offers it for sale at $4 million
Oakley resident Derek Baker is a part time vintage treasure hunter who frequents garage sales, estate sales and flea markets looking for interesting items he can flip for profit. He sells on eBay, through his own personal network and at a vintage co-op store in downtown Antioch called the Rivertown Treasure Chest. Comic books are his focus, but he tries to keep his mind open to anything that comes his way.
One Sunday morning, Baker was at the West Wind Solano Swap Meet & Public Market at the drive-in in Concord, when he noticed a pile of concert posters on the ground. The vender was the type of person who cleaned out homes or storage units and likely had no idea of what they really had. Many of the posters had the kind of art that would be associated with The Grateful Dead or other similar bands, which can fetch a good price. Some of the posters had inscriptions and signatures on them. So, he grabbed a stack, making sure to include all those with writing and got a bulk deal – 29 posters for $20.
Baker found his treasure at the Solano Swap Meet at the Westwind Drive-In in Concord.
They were almost all good posters that, in turn, can be sold for $10 to $30 each. One poster was even related to the Grateful Dead as it appears to have a signature from Vince Welnick, who played for the band at one time. However, the real gem was a pop culture piece of history from 1992. A poster of “Girl’s Tyme” – later known as Destiny’s Child – from their performance on Star Search.
The poster was printed and displayed for the live studio audience of Star Search to view as they attended the performance. It is unknown how many of these were actually printed for use inside the theater. Being that they lost that night, it is likely almost all of them, if not all the rest of them, were thrown in the trash when the theater was being prepared for the next evening’s performances. This particular copy appears to have been saved by one of the band’s managers at the time, Alonzo ‘Lonnie’ Jackson, who had several of the girls personalize it for him.
Beyoncé Knowles was 11 years old, and she already knew she was going to be a star. Not only did she sign her name but also added her autograph. Only one other girl even thought to sign her name, Ashley Tamar Davis. Two others inscribed notes but didn’t even put their names down. But Beyoncé already knew one day she would be the Queen B.
Baker’s poster appears to be the first signature and autograph of Beyoncé on any professional promotional material. Some baseball card collectors have told him that it’s like having the signature on a rookie card of one of the most popular players of all time.
The section of the poster with Beyoncé Knowles’ (now Carter) signature and autograph.
Baker purchased the poster in April 2025 and since then, he has had James Spence Authentication (JSA) certify that they believe it to be genuine. Star Search has since been rebooted on Netflix, making this a ‘Tymely’ treasure find. Being a piece of pop culture history for both Star Search and Beyonce, it may be a museum-worthy artifact. Baker thinks the new Hip Hop museum opening in the Bronx this year would be a good home.
The poster may be a ‘unicorn’ with no other piece to compare it to. How much is it worth? Is it a $1,000 poster or a $10 million poster? One suggestion is that he travel to Las Vegas to have it valued by Pawn Stars from the famous TV show which Baker said he might do.
The value or rather price he can get for the poster – which is the only true value of such an item – is unknown, for now. But Baker will eventually find out as he has it up for sale, asking $4 million. Maybe a super-fan from the BeyHive, as Beyoncé’s fanbase is known, or a museum benefactor will let him know.
Interested? Stop by and see Baker and more of his treasures for sale at the Rivertown Treasure Chest in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown at 306 G Street. Or make him an offer on ebay.
Hourly top step pay comparison among police agencies in Contra Costa County. Source: APOA
Include Dispatchers in public, social media campaign for new contract
“150 days out of contract and no relief in sight.” – APOA
APD Management also out of contract but working under previous one
So far, six Closed Session Conferences with Labor Negotiators held
Share Barbanica’s social media post regarding concerns about City spending more money on another homeless hotel
By Allen D. Payton
Ignoring the advice of City Manager Bessie Scott to Antioch Police Officers Association has continued their public campaign regarding the lack of a contract with the City since the end of August with an added complaint of the difference in pay with other local agencies. They’ve included Dispatchers’ pay in their list of complaints and with posts on their Facebook page and Instagram account as part of their campaign.
Antioch PD Among Lowest Top Step Hourly Pay in County
In a post on the organization’s Facebook page on Friday, Jan. 30, 2025, they show a chart of top step hourly pay for police officers for 17 agencies in Contra Costa County plus, BART Police. It shows Antioch PD has one of the lowest levels of pay. Their contract used to include a requirement that they be paid the second highest in the county, as Antioch is the second largest city by population. But now, 14 other police agencies offer a higher top step pay than Antioch which offers $67.56 per hour. Neighboring agencies pay more with Oakley PD at $69.93, Brentwood PD at $69.89 and Pittsburg at $69.69. San Ramon PD offers the highest top step pay in the county at $77.81 per hour.
APD Dispatchers are also out of contract. Source: APOA video screenshots
Antioch Dispatchers Also Affected
In a separate post on Saturday, January 31st, the APOA shared a video about Dispatchers’ pay and wrote, “The lack of a contract for the APOA is far more problematic than you may have thought. The pay gap extends to our members in dispatch as well! 150 days out of contract and no relief in sight.”
The video includes an audio narrative with subtitles which reads, “Every call for help in Antioch starts the same way. With a dispatcher answering the phone. But here’s the reality. Antioch police dispatchers are significantly underpaid compared to neighboring agencies.
“Dispatchers at the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and Pittsburg Police earn nine thousand nine hundred dollars more per year than Antioch. Concord dispatchers make twenty-two thousand four hundred four dollars more. Pleasant Hill pays seventeen thousand eighty-eight dollars more. Richmond dispatchers earn twenty-six thousand six hundred seventy-six dollars more annually. Walnut Creek pays seventeen thousand nine hundred seventy-six dollars more. Brentwood pays twelve thousand five hundred sixty-four dollars more. And Martinez pays sixteen thousand forty-four dollars more than Antioch.
“These aren’t small differences. They’re life-changing pay gaps. And they come with real consequences. When experienced dispatchers can earn tens of thousands more by crossing city lines, recruitment suffers. Retention suffers.
“Antioch dispatchers are working understaffed and often work sixteen-hour shifts to cover the empty spots. That means fewer dispatchers, longer wait times, increased stress, and heavier workloads for those who stay.
“If Antioch wants to recruit and retain skilled dispatchers, pay must reflect the responsibility of the job. That means a meaningful contract with competitive salaries. Because when dispatchers leave, everyone in this city feels the impact.”
In addition, APOA has been posting more videos on their Facebook page and Instagram account as part of their campaign.
Antioch Police Management Also Out of Contract
Members of the Antioch Police Sworn Management Association were asked if they have a new contract with the City and if theirs also expired at the end of August. Captain Desmond Bittner responded, “It expired the same time as APOA’s. I had them (the City) add language saying the contract will continue until we worked out a new one.”
The former Comfort Inn now Antioch Inn & Suites will be used to house the homeless at $1.2 million per year. Photo courtesy of Mike Barbanica
Share Former Councilman Barbanica’s Post About City Expenditures for Homeless
The APOA also reposted comments by former Antioch Councilman Mike Barbanica about the City considering spending funds on another homeless hotel writing, “We want the public to see where their money is going!”
In a post on his “Community Member” Facebook page, Barbanica, a former Pittsburg Police Lieutenant, showed a photo of the now closed Comfort Inn, located on Mahogany Way at Highway 4 and Auto Center Drive and entered the discussion writing, “$1,200,000 potentially every year, local taxpayer funded…up to 15 years…
If other funding falls short, Antioch taxpayers are on the hook!
Transparency note: I didn’t author this from a single document. I reviewed staff reports, press reports, spoke with several people familiar with the proposal, and used AI to help compile a neutral, fact-based outline so the numbers could be seen clearly. The goal here is clarity, not advocacy.
Here’s the total City of Antioch financial commitment for the proposed Homekey+ housing project if it is approved and funded by the state:
1. One-time Local Match – The city would provide a one-time contribution of $750,000 toward acquisition and rehabilitation of the property when the Homekey+ award is received.
2. Annual Operating Subsidy – The City would commit up to $1.2 million per year to help operate the facility.
3. Duration of Operating Support – That annual subsidy is for five years, with two optional extensions of five years each (for a potential total of 15 years of subsidy) if the project continues to meet Homekey+ program guidelines.
4. Overall Total Estimate – Based on the staffing report and Council discussion, the total projected financial commitment over the long term is roughly $18 million–$19 million if you include the operating subsidies plus the one-time match (i.e., ~$1.2 M × 15 years = ~$18 M, plus the ~$750 K match).
Summary of Antioch’s Commitment if Homekey+ is Approved
Component Amount
One-time contribution (acquisition/rehabilitation) $750,000, Annual operating subsidy Up to $1.2 M per year
Duration of subsidy 5–15 years (with extensions), Approximate total over full life ~$18 M–$19 M
Important Notes
This commitment only takes effect if the state awards Homekey+ funding and the City moves forward with the project after award.
The operating subsidy requirements could be reduced if alternative funding sources or partners contribute support, but the report assumes the full amount will initially be covered by the City.
WHAT COULD THIS MEAN?
The $1.2 million per year is a CITY / local commitment, not state money.
Now the break down so there’s no ambiguity.
Who pays what in the Antioch Homekey+ project
State of California (Homekey / Homekey+)
Through California Department of Housing and Community Development:
Pays up-front capital costs: Property acquisition, Rehabilitation / conversion, This is a one-time grant, not ongoing funding,
The state does NOT commit to covering long-term operations.
City of Antioch (local funds)
From Antioch: One-time local match, $750,000 (city funds), Annual operating subsidy, Up to $1.2 million per year, Initially 5 years, With two optional 5-year extensions, Potential exposure: up to 15 years
This money comes from local sources: City General Fund, Measure funds / local housing allocations, Other city-controlled revenue (not guaranteed state funding), The staff reports are explicit that the City is responsible for covering operating shortfalls if other funding does not materialize.
What that means… The state helps buy and convert the building, The city commits to keeping it running, If other funding falls short, Antioch taxpayers are on the hook, That’s why council members and staff describe it as a long-term fiscal obligation, not just a grant.”
—————
Six Closed Session Conferences with Labor Negotiators to Discuss Contracts
To date, the City Council, City Manager Bess Scott and a representative from the City Attorney’s Office have held six Closed Session meetings entitled Conference with Labor Negotiators with representatives of the APOA and City employee groups to discuss their contracts. The first one was held August 12 followed by additional meetings on Aug. 26, Sept. 9, Oct. 14, 2025, and Jan. 13 and 27, 2026.
Questions for APOA, City Staff, CouncilGo Unanswered for Now
Questions were asked of APOA leadership, when did negotiations begin and who represented the organization.
Questions were also emailed on Saturday, January 31st, to City Manager Scott, Mayor Bernal, the four council members and the City Attorney’s Office staff. They were asked, “Why wait so long to begin negotiations when the contracts for at least the APOA and APD Management Association ended on August 31st? Is that usual practice? Why not start sooner? Why didn’t you have meetings before every regular meeting to get things worked out?”
They were also asked, “Besides the APOA and APD Management Association, have the contracts also expire for the other employee groups, including the Management Unit, Treatment Plant Employees’ Association, Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3 and Confidential Unit? If not, when do their contracts expire?”
Finally, the council and staff members were asked, “How long are the new contracts expected to last? One year, two, three or five years?”
The questions were resent to City staff and council members early Tuesday morning, Feb. 3, 2026. But no responses were received prior to publication time. Please check back later for any updates to this report.
Fatal hit-and-run victim, Jeana Flores was 17 years old. Photo source: Facebook
Warrants served at Pittsburg and Antioch homes to locate 26-year-old Jamir Wilson
UPDATE 1: Held on $150,000 bail
By Lt. William Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
The Antioch Police Department has arrested a suspect in connection with a fatal hit-and-run of a 17-year-old Jeana Flores of Antioch.
On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the Antioch Police Department executed search warrants at two residences in Pittsburg and Antioch as part of the ongoing investigation. During the operation, officers arrested 26-year-old Jamir Bradley Wilson (born 3/8/1999) without incident on suspicion of hit-and-run causing death. Investigators also recovered evidence from both locations.
As previously reported, on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 3:33 a.m., the Antioch Police Dispatch Center received a report of a person down on the side of the roadway in the area of L Street between West 18th Street and West 10th Street, near the race track at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) directly across the street from the football field in Eells Stadium at Antioch High School.
Responding officers arrived on scene and located an adult female victim. Officers immediately rendered medical aid; however, the victim died at the scene. Based on the findings of the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office autopsy it appeared the victim was struck by a vehicle. (See related article)
This remains an active investigation, and no additional information is being released at this time. Any future updates or press releases will be issued by the Investigations Bureau. The case is expected to be filed with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office later this week.
2/4/26 6:55 PM UPDATE 1: According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 160-pound Wilson is Black and is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $150,000 bail.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Antioch Police Detective Robert Ibanez at (925) 481-8398 or Officer James Desiderio at (925) 331-7474 or via email at jdesiderio@antiochca.gov.
Come join our NEW Bachata Class at Antioch Recreation!
“Everyone deserves to be on the dance floor” is Instructor Ricky’s motto-and he’ll show you how to dance with confidence. Anyone can learn Bachata!
Bachata Basics will teach you three common moves used in all styles that anyone can learn and do. You will learn how to Lead and Follow using safe positions, footwork, and a little styling.
Plenty of practice will help you build a strong foundation and transition into the immediate level with ease. Bonus: You will be able to attend any Bachata Social event with confidence!
Classes are open to ages 18+ and start Wednesday, February 4th.
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 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.
