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Posted in: Business, Rivertown | Comments (0)
In the historic Rivertown District
Click for the meeting agenda and for more information about the Downtown Antioch Association visit downtownantioch.com.
Publisher @ March 25, 2026
Posted in: Bay Area, Delta & Environment, Economy, Government, Growth & Development, News, Transportation | Comments (0)
Roadmap toward transit recovery and an affordable, connected, diverse, healthy and vibrant region for all
By John Goodwin, Assistant Director Of Communications & Leslie Lara-Enríquez, Assistant Director, Public Engagement, Metropolitan Transportation Commission
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) today unanimously adopted Plan Bay Area 2050+ and certified the plan’s associated Environmental Impact Report — giving final approval to the Bay Area’s long-range plan for transportation, housing, economic resiliency and environmental sustainability.
Plan Bay Area 2050+ was adopted unanimously by the Association of Bay Area Governments’ (ABAG) Executive Board last week. The votes by both boards cap a nearly three-year process during which over 17,600 Bay Area residents, community organizations, advocacy groups and public sector partners contributed to the development of the new plan, which MTC and ABAG are required to develop jointly.
Defined by 35 strategies for transportation, housing, the economy and the environment, Plan Bay Area 2050+ lays out a suite of policies and investments that define what it would take to make the nine-county region more affordable, connected, diverse, healthy and economically vibrant for all residents through 2050 and beyond. From housing and transportation strategies that would reduce cost of living and construct more affordable housing to investments in public transit that prioritize service improvements in Equity Priority Communities, the goal of a more equitable Bay Area is interwoven throughout the plan. With a major focus on climate change, strategies also are crafted for resilience, including protection from hazards such as sea level rise and wildfires.
ABAG Executive Board President and Napa County Supervisor Belia Ramos, who also serves as an MTC Commissioner, acknowledged some of the region’s biggest challenges the plan seeks to address. “Today, our communities face rising costs, widening inequality and persistent housing shortages,” said Ramos. “This is not the future we want for the generations of Bay Area residents to come. Plan Bay Area 2050+ charts a course for how we can bring about our shared vision for a Bay Area where everyone has access to opportunity and a better quality of life.”
Unique to this plan cycle is the parallel Transit 2050+ planning effort, developed in partnership with Bay Area transit agencies, which culminated in the first-of-its-kind plan to re-envision the future of public transportation across the region.
“Plan Bay Area 2050+ will help shape the vital service improvements and funding solutions we need to keep Bay Area transit running, while also making it faster, more frequent, more reliable, safer and better connected,” explained MTC Commission Chair and Pleasant Hill City Councilmember Sue Noack. “Plan Bay Area 2050+ lays the groundwork for how our region can meet the challenges of today, while also advancing a shared vision for an even better tomorrow.”
Plan Bay Area 2050+’s policy and investment framework has the potential to strengthen the region for decades to come, representing a major step toward a stronger, more resilient future.
ABAG is the council of governments and the regional planning agency for the 101 cities and towns, and nine counties of the Bay Area. Contra Costa County is represented by District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson, District 5 Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston, El Cerrito Councilwoman Lisa Motoyama and Walnut Creek Councilwoman Cindy Silva.
MTC is the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. Contra Costa County is representatives include Chair Sue Noack Mayor of Pleasant Hill representing the cities of Contra Costa County and District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen representing Contra Costa County.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Publisher @ March 25, 2026
Posted in: Arts & Entertainment, Community, Finance, News, Rivertown | Comments (0)
411 donations received to Keep the Arts Alive in Antioch; Dance Gala benefit April 18
By Sharon Sobel Idul, Board President, El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation
As announced at the Antioch City Council meeting, last night, March 24, 2026, the El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation’s recent GoFundMe campaign has not only reached, but exceeded, its $50,000 fundraising goal.
The Keep the Arts Alive in Antioch campaign was launched in late fall to supplement the 2026 operating costs of the historic El Campanil Theatre. The El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to every donor and supporter who made the campaign’s success possible and invites the community to continue being part of this important work.
As of March 25, 2026, a total of $65,190 has been raised from 411 gifts.
“This achievement is a testament to how much El Campanil Theatre means to our community,” said Sharon Sobel Idul, Board President. “The overwhelming support shows that people believe in preserving this historic venue and ensuring it continues to serve as a home for the arts for generations to come. The work is not done and we’ll continue to apply for grants and diversify our programming, but we are elated to see a renewed sense of excitement and energy around this theatre,” Idul said.
Building on this momentum, El Campanil Theatre and Black Diamond Ballet invites the community to attend our upcoming benefit, City of Stars – A Dance Gala to Keep the Arts Thriving in Antioch, in collaboration with Black Diamond Ballet, Saturday, April 18th. Proceeds will benefit El Campanil Theatre to ensure a vibrant hub for future performances, concerts, dance, and community events for many years to come.
For more information about El Campanil Theatre and tickets to City of Stars and all other upcoming events, please visit www.ElCampanilTheatre.com or contact our box office at 925-757-9500.
While monthly donations provide the most sustainable support, one-time gifts are just as impactful and play a critical role in maintaining this historic theatre, funding new productions, and expanding arts access across East Contra Costa County. Continued contributions are welcome.
How to Help:
● Visit donate.elcampaniltheatre.com
● Choose “Monthly” for sustainable support
● Or choose “One-Time” to make an immediate impact
● Share the link with friends, family and neighbors
El Campanil Theatre is an asset to the community and has stood as long as it has because of community support. By becoming a recurring donor or by making a generous one-time gift, you ensure that the crown gem of Antioch continues to inspire audiences and nurture creativity for generations to come.
The theater is located at 602 W 2nd Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown district.
About El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation
The El Campanil Preservation Foundation is the nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining and operating El Campanil Theatre, a historic performing arts venue in downtown Antioch, California. Originally opened in 1928, the theatre is a cherished cultural landmark presenting live performances, films, and educational programs for audiences of all ages. The Foundation relies on community donations to preserve this beloved institution and keep the arts thriving in East Contra Costa County.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Publisher @ March 25, 2026
Posted in: City Council, News, People, Sports | Comments (0)
Julian Bridges wants to represent Antioch
“Julian is going to be a world champion, now.” – Ruben Herrera
Deer Valley High Class of 2019 grad
By Allen D. Payton
After leaving to train in Las Vegas seven months ago, Antioch boxer Julian Bridges is back and has been making his mark going undefeated in the first nine matches of his professional career including five knockouts. The City Council honored Bridges during their meeting Tuesday night, March 24, 2026, with a proclamation recognizing his success. He was also honored by Assemblywoman Anamarie Avila Farias with a Certificate of Recognition.
Before he left last August, the day after his 24th birthday, Bridges trained at the Team Salguera Boxing Gym in the Cielo Supermarket Shopping Center at 1860 A Street in Antioch, where he has returned.
Last summer, he officially signed a contract with Capetillo Boxing Gym in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Bridges continued his journey in professional boxing while proudly representing the city of Antioch. The gym, owned by renowned trainer Jorge Capetillo, is recognized for its elite training of world-class fighters, including Tyson Fury, Fernando Vargas, Jr., Emiliano Vargas, Brandon Moreno (UFC), and Canelo Alvarez, among others.
Pastor Ruben Herrera of Palabra De Dios Church in Antioch, with family connections to Capetillo Boxing Gym, has played a pivotal role in helping Bridges move closer to his dream of becoming a world champion.
“The community is excited to witness the rise of a future boxing champion representing Antioch, California,” Herrera said. “Julian is an impressive boxer and boasts an undefeated professional record.”
Return to Antioch
About Bridges’ return the pastor shared, “We were able to get out of that contract and bring him back home. His heart is here in Antioch and the Bay Area. He wants to be the face of Antioch.”
“He learned a lot in Las Vegas. Jorge Capetillo is an amazing coach and the gym was amazing,” Herrara continued. “Julian sparred with the best boxers in the world at that gym. He was able to go toe-to-toe with them. He’s probably the best boxer in the Bay Area. He’s ranked 47th in his weight class in the U.S. He feels stronger than ever. Julian is going to be a world champion, now.”
Started Boxing at Age 14
Bridges shared about his beginnings in the sport.
“I started when I was nine years old, first with kick boxing because I was getting bullied,” he said. “I switched over to boxing at 14 and I was trying to get a scholarship. Then I met coach Sergio who encouraged me to turn pro at 21 years old. He’s the one who believed in me before I believed in myself. I respect him. He’s like a second father figure to me.”
“Ever since then I had fights, locally in Sacramento, Redwood City and Nashville and in 2024 in Vegas as Canelo’s undercard during Cinco de Mayo weekend,” he stated.
“Sergio told me about Pastor Ruben. This is the guy who has connections,” Bridges explained. “My dad said let’s talk to him. So, we sat down and had a talk. He asked how serious and how committed I am to this. He said God directed him to help me out.”
“We went to Vegas and met Jorge Capetillo, a trainer with a gym there,” Bridges continued. “I went there in August to train and he sent me a contract. Now, I’m signed with him.”
A sendoff party was held on Thursday, August 21st, Bridges celebrated his 24th birthday on Saturday, then moved to Vegas on Sunday, the next day.
Wants to Represent Antioch
He says he wants “to represent the City of Antioch and will wear the city logo on his boxing shorts.”
During the council meeting, Mayor Ron Bernal said they’d get him a bigger City patch and Councilman Louie Rocha offered to get some items with the City of Antioch logo on them.
Born in San Jose, Bridges said he has lived in Antioch since he was eight years old and graduated from Deer Valley High School in 2019.
His father and mother, John and Jessica Bridges, live in Antioch and Bridges has six siblings, three bothers and three sisters and he’s the second youngest.
His family supports him, he shared.
“At first my mom didn’t like me fighting. But now she’s all into boxing,” Bridges said with a laugh.
Mom Jessica said, “I’m a very proud mom. He’s come a long way. I’m excited about his new opportunities and I’m looking forward to seeing all the great things he’s going to do for the gym and the city of Antioch.”
Boxing Record
The six-foot tall, 146-pound boxer said he “fights in the welterweight class.”
According to BoxRec.com, Bridges began his professional career with his debut fight on November 5, 2022, and his boxing matches also took him to Costa Mesa, CA and Tijuana, Mexico.
According to Tapology.com, his middle name is Delore and his first two knockouts occurred in Round 1, another was in Round 2 and the fourth happened in Round 3. Bridges’ four non-knockout fight victories were by unanimous decision. He fought twice in 2023, three times in 2024, once in 2025 and so far, twice in 2026.
City Council Honors Bridges
During their March 24th meeting the Antioch City Council voted unanimously to approve the following proclamation recognizing Bridges’ achievements in boxing.
MARCH 24, 2026
WHEREAS, the City of Antioch proudly recognizes the achievements and contributions of its residents who exemplify dedication, perseverance, and excellence; and
WHEREAS, Julian Bridges, a talented and disciplined boxer from Antioch, California, has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the sport of boxing and a relentless pursuit of excellence; and
WHEREAS, Julian Bridges has compiled an impressive boxing record of 9-0, 5KO’s Nine Wins, Zero Losses, five of those wins coming by Knock Out, reflecting his skill, preparation, and determination in the ring; and
WHEREAS, Julian Bridges has earned notable achievements and accolades, including earning the Professional Ranking of 47th within the entire Country, distinguishing himself as a high-performing athlete; and
WHEREAS, Julian Bridges trains with Coach Sergio Salguera, of the Team Salguera Boxing Gym, where he continues to refine his craft and represent Antioch with pride; and
WHEREAS, through his discipline, sportsmanship, and perseverance, Julian Bridges serves as a role model to youth in the Antioch community, demonstrating the value of hard work, focus, and resilience; and
WHEREAS, we recognize Julian Bridges for his outstanding accomplishments in boxing, his dedication to excellence, and his positive impact on the Antioch community; and
WHEREAS, Julian Bridges’ achievements bring recognition and pride to the City of Antioch and reflect the strength, determination, and spirit of its residents.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch,
On behalf of the City Council do hereby recognize and honor Julian Bridges and extend our sincere congratulations and best wishes to Julian Bridges for continued success in all future endeavors.
MARCH 24, 2026
RON BERNAL, Mayor
According to a Facebook post by JuicyFights on March 7, 2026, “Undefeated welterweight prospect Julian Bridges kicks off his 2026 campaign this Saturday against veteran William Davis at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, California. The 24‑year‑old Antioch native, now 8‑0 with 4 KOs, reunited with coach Sergio Salguera, saying the home environment has him feeling sharper than ever.”
“Bridges’ resume already boasts a first-round KO of unbeaten Allen ‘Chubby’ Medina and a UD win over unbeaten Jabin Chollet, building confidence and resilience. He’s focused on growth and plans to stay active throughout 2026 in the tough welterweight ranks.”
Bernal and Herrera attended the fight. “It was my first fight,” Bernal said during the council meeting.
That was Bridges’ ninth victory.
Next Fight in Stockton June 27th
The Antioch boxer announced during Tuesday’s council meeting that his next fight is scheduled for June 27th at the Stockton Civic Center and invited everyone to attend. “Bridges will be the main event,” Herrera added.
Publisher @ March 25, 2026
Posted in: News, Police & Crime, US Attorney & DOJ | Comments (0)
46-year-old Eric Rombough was charged with conspiring to deprive Antioch residents of their civil rights through use of excessive force, deprivation of rights under color of law, more
By United States Attorney’s Office Northern District of California
OAKLAND – In 2023 and 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California charged ten current and former officers and employees from the Antioch and Pittsburg police departments with crimes ranging from conspiracy to violate civil rights through excessive use of force to fraud. The last of the ten defendants, Eric Allen Rombough, 46, of Fairfield, was sentenced today to 50 months of imprisonment. Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White handed down all of the sentences. With Rombough’s sentence, the total sentences for all ten defendants exceeds 21 years.
“We entrust law enforcement with vast power, and when they abuse it, they not only betray the oath they took and the community they serve, but they also undermine the public’s trust in our criminal justice system,” said United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian. “Eric Rombough’s sentencing is an important milestone in our successful, multi-year effort to root out corruption within the Antioch and Pittsburg police departments and we will continue to hold accountable anyone who violates federal law, regardless of their position.”
“The sentencing of Eric Rombough marks the culmination of a years-long investigation driven by the relentless work of FBI agents, analysts, and our law enforcement partners who refused to overlook misconduct, regardless of position or authority. This case underscores a fundamental truth: no one is above the law, especially those entrusted to uphold it. When officers abuse their authority, they undermine the very foundation of public trust. The FBI remains steadfast in pursuing those who betray that trust, and we will continue working to ensure accountability and to help restore confidence in the institutions that serve our communities,” said Federal Bureau of Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Cobo.
Case No. 23-cr-269 JSW – Civil Rights Violations and Falsification of Records
Rombough, Morteza Amiri, 35, of Antioch, and Devon Christopher Wenger, 33, formerly of Oakley, were charged with conspiring to deprive the residents of Antioch of their civil rights through the use of excessive force, and deprivation of rights under color of law, among other violations. In January 2025, Rombough pleaded guilty to conspiracy against rights and two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law and agreed to cooperate with the government. According to Rombough’s plea agreement and the evidence presented during two trials, Amiri, Rombough, and Wenger communicated about actual and intended uses of force, including specific violent acts against individuals in and around Antioch, and agreed to carry out such acts knowing their actions constituted excessive uses of force by a police officer under color of law. In particular, they agreed to and/or did deploy uses of force, including police dog bites, as “punishment” to subjects beyond any punishment appropriately imposed by the criminal justice system, collected physical or photographic “trophies” following such deployments of excessive force, and communicated after the deployments to tout the applications of force with the exchange of messages and photographs of subjects’ injuries. They also authored reports that contained false or misleading statements to suggest that the force used was necessary or justifiable, when in truth and in fact, they willfully used excessive force.
In March 2025, following an eight-day trial, a jury found Amiri guilty of one count of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of falsification of records in connection with a July 2019 arrest. Amiri was sentenced to 84 months in prison for these violations and the additional crimes set out below. In September 2025, following a seven-day trial, a jury convicted Wenger of conspiracy against rights. Wenger was sentenced to 90 months in prison for this violation and the additional crimes set out below.
Case No. 23-cr-264 JSW – Salary & Incentives Fraud
Patrick James Berhan, 33, of Oakley; Amiri; Amanda Carmella Theodosy a/k/a Nash, 35, of Discovery Bay; Samantha Genoveva Peterson, 33, of Fairfield; Ernesto Mejia-Orozco, 37, of Oakley; and Brauli Rodriguez Jalapa, 36, of Clayton, were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud related to a scheme to obtain pay raises from the police departments of the cities of Antioch and Pittsburg for university degrees they each paid someone else to obtain in their names.
Peterson pleaded guilty to wire fraud in January 2024. Berhan pleaded guilty in March 2024 to conspiracy and wire fraud, and pleaded guilty to an additional charge for possession with intent to distribute anabolic steroids. Berhan was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment. In June 2024, Mejia-Orozco and Rodriguez Jalapa pleaded guilty to conspiracy and wire fraud. In July 2024, Theodosy a/k/a Nash pleaded guilty to conspiracy and wire fraud. Mejia-Orozco, Rodriguez Jalapa, and Theodosy a/k/a Nash were each sentenced to three months of imprisonment. In August 2024, following a four-day trial, a jury found Amiri guilty of conspiracy and wire fraud.
Case No. 23-cr-268 JSW – Distribution of Anabolic Steroids and Destruction of Records
Daniel James Harris, 38, formerly of Discovery Bay, and Wenger were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids related to Harris’s distribution of anabolic steroids to Wenger and other police officers, and Wenger’s attempt to secure anabolic steroids from Harris for another friend. Based on these same events, Harris was also charged with attempted possession with intent to distribute anabolic steroids and possession to distribute anabolic steroids, and Wenger was charged with destruction, alteration, and falsification of records in federal investigations, the last of which was based on Wenger’s efforts to delete digital evidence of his discussions of anabolic steroids with Harris and his friend.
Harris pleaded guilty to these charges, pleaded guilty to an additional charge for bank fraud, and agreed to cooperate with the government in September 2024. Harris was sentenced to time served for these charges. In April 2025, following a three-day trial, a jury found Wenger guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids and destruction, alteration, and falsification of records.
Case No. 23-cr-267 JSW – Obstruction of Justice
Timothy Manly Williams, 36, of Antioch, was charged with destruction, alteration, and falsification of records in federal investigations, obstruction of official proceedings, and deprivation of rights under color of law. The first two charges were related to a phone call Manly Williams placed while working as a police officer monitoring a wiretap to the subject of the wiretap, and his efforts to destroy or falsify records related to that phone call in the wiretap equipment. The third charge was related to Manly Williams’s knocking a cell phone out of the hand of a citizen who had attempted to record video of a police response at which Amiri deployed his dog to bite a suspect. Manly Williams pleaded guilty to these crimes and agreed to cooperate with the government on November 28, 2023. He was sentenced to 3 years of probation.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Cobo made the announcement.
These cases were prosecuted by the National Security & Special Prosecutions Section and the Oakland Branch of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. These prosecutions were the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Office of the Contra Costa County District Attorney.
The following table summarizes the outcomes of these related cases, all of which were before Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White:
| Case Name and Number | Statute(s) | Defendant (Bold: multiple case numbers) | Status |
| Fraud 23-cr-00264 | 18 U.S.C. §§ 1349 (Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud; 1343 (Wire Fraud) | Patrick Berhan | Sentenced to 30 months custody, 2 years supervised release concurrent with 24-cr-157 on 9/5/24 |
| Morteza Amiri | Sentenced to 84 months custody, 3 years supervised release concurrent with 23-cr-269 on 6/24/25 | ||
| Amanda Theodosy a/k/a Nash | Sentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release 11/15/24 | ||
| Samantha Peterson | Sentenced to time served, 3 years supervised release on 4/24/24 | ||
| Ernesto Mejia-Orozco | Sentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release on 9/19/24 | ||
| Brauli Jalapa Rodriguez | Sentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release on 10/25/24 | ||
| Obstruction 23-cr-00267 | 18 U.S.C. §§ 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations); 1512(c)(2) (Obstruction of Official Proceedings); 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law) | Timothy Manly Williams | Cooperated with the government; sentenced to 3 years of probation on 1/13/2026 |
| Steroid Distribution 23-cr-00268 | 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids), 841(a)(1), and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Possession with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids) | Daniel Harris | Cooperated with the government; sentenced to time served concurrent with 24-cr-502 on 1/13/2026 |
| 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1), and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids); 18 U.S.C. § 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations) | Devon Wenger | Sentenced to 90 months custody, 3 years supervised release, concurrent with 23-cr-269 on 12/2/2025 | |
| Civil Rights 23-cr-00269 | 18 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law); § 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations) | Morteza Amiri | Sentenced to 84 months custody, 3 years supervised release concurrent with 23-cr-264 on 6/24/25 |
| 18 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law) | Eric Rombough | Cooperated with the government; sentenced to 50 months custody on 3/24/2026 | |
| 18 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law) | Devon Wenger | Sentenced to 90 months custody, 3 years supervised release, concurrent with 23-cr-268 on 12/2/2025 | |
| Steroid Distribution 24-cr-00157 | 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Possession with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids) | Patrick Berhan | Sentenced to 30 months custody, 2 years supervised release concurrent with 23-cr-264 on 9/5/24 |
| Bank fraud 24-cr-00502 | 18 U.S.C. § 1344(1), (2) (Bank fraud) | Daniel Harris | Cooperated with the government; sentenced to time served concurrent with 23-cr-268 on 1/13/2026 |
Updated March 24, 2026
Publisher @ March 24, 2026
Posted in: Business, News, Police & Crime | Comments (0)
Gave back money plus “a dollar extra”
“He probably just wanted a place to eat and sleep.” – Raley’s employee
By Lt. Michael Mellone, Antioch Police Department
On Monday, March 23, 2026, at 6:06 p.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to a report of a robbery in progress at the US Bank located inside the Raley’s supermarket at 3636 Lone Tree Way, Antioch.
According to reports, the suspect, later identified as 41-year-old Pittsburg resident Gerald Anthony Oretger, entered the bank and passed a handwritten note to a teller demanding money. The teller complied and provided cash. Oretger briefly left the bank but returned shortly afterward and voluntarily returned the money to the teller. A security guard on the premises detained Oretger.
According to a store employee who spoke on condition of anonymity, “The guy walked into the store handed a note to the teller. There was no gun. He asked the security guard to arrest and handcuff him. But the guard said he had no handcuffs. He probably just wanted a place to eat and sleep. He actually gave the money back to the bank and gave them a dollar extra.”
When officers arrived and attempted to take Oretger into custody, he began striking, spitting on and kicking multiple officers. He also attempted to grab an officer’s service weapon. Oretger was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation prior to booking.
No bank employees, customers or officers sustained serious injuries during the incident.
Oretger will be booked at the Martinez Detention Facility on the following charges:
1. Robbery — California Penal Code Section 211 (Felony)
2. First-Degree Burglary — California Penal Code Section 460(a) (Felony)
3. Attempting to Remove a Firearm from a Peace Officer — California Penal Code Section 148(d) (Felony)
4. Battery on a Peace Officer — California Penal Code Section 243(b) (Misdemeanor)
The Antioch Police Department thanks the public, as well as the employees of US Bank and Raley’s, for their cooperation during the response.
According to localcrimenews.com, Oretger was previously arrested twice in 2016 by Pittsburg Police for resisting, delaying or obstructing a peace officer and for an outstanding warrant.
Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department at (925) 778-2441.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this arrest.
Publisher @ March 24, 2026
Posted in: News, Police & Crime | Comments (0)
He was a Concord resident; police seek suspect for felony battery
By Lt. William Whitaker # 6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
On Friday, March 13, 2026, at 5:42 p.m., Antioch police officers responded to the 700 block of W. 1st Street for a report of a physical fight in progress. While en route, officers were advised that one of the involved individuals had collapsed.
Upon arrival, officers located a 48-year-old man unconscious but breathing and immediately provided medical aid. He was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
The victim never regained consciousness and was removed from life support on March 21, 2026.
The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau is actively investigating this incident. No additional information is being released at this time. The Investigations Bureau will provide updates as they become available.
UPDATE 1: Asked if the victim was homeless, Lt. Whitaker responded, “He was not. He was a resident of Concord.”
Asked if his name has been released, Whitaker responded, “We were waiting for family notification. Not sure if the coroner made contact.”
The Contra Costa Coroner’s Office has been contacted requesting the victim’s identity. Please check back later for any additional updates to this report.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Detective Jeong at (925) 779-6933 or jjeong@antiochca.gov.
Publisher @ March 24, 2026
Posted in: City Council, Finance, Legal, News, Police & Crime, Taxes | Comments (0)
Will also deal with legal matters including the ongoing civil rights class action lawsuit, potential lawsuit with “significant exposure” and two cases; Measure W spending & Economic Development reports
By Allen D. Payton
During a Special Meeting before their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the Antioch City Council will discuss development of the 2026-27 Fiscal Year budget with a potential $13.5 to $14.1 million deficit. During their regular meeting the council members will also discuss approving an AI assistant for police dispatch, and receive reports on both Measure W spending, which has decreased the amount for police down to 65.4%, and economic development.
Closed Session, Lawsuits & Property Negotiations
But first, at 4:00 p.m., the Council will hold a Closed Session during which they will discuss the ongoing Trent Allen, et al. v. City of Antioch, et al., civil rights class action lawsuit that’s not yet completely settled. (See related articles here and here) They will also discuss a potential lawsuit described as, Significant Exposure to Litigation. The description for that agenda item reads, “The City is in receipt of information concerning facts and circumstances that might result in litigation against the City which are known to a potential plaintiff and that pertain to potential claims by the potential plaintiff against the City. Two cases.”
Finally, the Closed Session agenda item 3, the Council will enter into Real Property Negotiations with Lone Tree Golf & Event Center Manager Ron Parish for two properties, 4800 Golf Course Road and West 1st Street. The City owns both the Lynn House and the old Mayor Hard House on that street. UPDATE: Mayor Pro Tem Don Freitas and City PIO Jaden Baird later explained that including West 1st Street was a mistake and the negotiations are only about the golf and event center.
Budget Study Session
At 5:00 p.m., the Council will hold Special Meeting/Study Session on the 2026-27 Fiscal Year Budget Development. The City is facing a double-digit deficit of $13.5 million to $14.1 million depending if the council approves increasing the number of sworn police officers to 117.
AI Assistant for Police Dispatch
During their regular meeting, under the Consent Calendar Item J., the council will consider approving a Sole Source Agreement with Prepared to provide an AI assistive call taking system for the Police Department Dispatch Center for a two-year term, in an amount not to exceed $248,400 for Years 1 through 2, with an option to extend for three additional years.
According to the city staff report, “The Dispatch Center is currently operating with four Dispatcher vacancies out of 17 allocated positions (13 Dispatchers and 4 Leads), representing an approximately 24% vacancy rate. Call demand remains consistently high. The Police Dispatch Center handled approximately 72,000 9-1-1 calls in both 2024 and 2025. Non-emergency call activity remained steady as well, at approximately 208,000 calls annually. In addition to phone call volume, the Police Department handled 86,185 calls for service incidents in 2025, including AQCRT (Community Response Team) calls, which require ongoing dispatch coordination beyond the initial intake.”
Assistive call taking technology is intended to support Dispatchers, not replace them with the following:
Measure W Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee Annual Report
Under Consent Calendar agenda Item N. the Council will receive the Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Report on Measure W (1% Sales Tax). It will show the amount being spent on police has decreased from 80%, as originally intended, to now, just 65.4%.
Economic Development Update
In addition, according to the City staff report for agenda item 7, the Council receive an update on the City’s Economic Development activities and progress, provide policy direction as appropriate, and offer feedback to staff on priorities and the timing of subsequent updates to the City Council. The matter is part of the Council’s 6-Month Priority list.
Meeting Details
The regular meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. The latter two meetings will be held in the Council Chambers at 200 H Street, or 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 meeting agenda packet.
Publisher @ March 23, 2026
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