The dominating Black & Gold Yoc Boyz look to defeat their long-time rivals
By Allen D. Payton
This Friday night, Oct. 30, 2026, the 7-1 Antioch High Panthers Varsity Football Team takes on the 5-3 Pittsburg Pirates at home in Eells Stadium at 7:00 p.m. The JV game begins at 4:30 p.m.
So far this season, Antioch has dominated all but one of their opponents by defeating Dublin High 29-7, Bear Creek 54-14, Heritage 24-6, Emerald 54-0, Deer Valley 40-12, Hercules 62-0, and Freedom 52-18. The team’s only loss was a nailbiter with a score of 20-21 against San Leandro.
Friday night’s game is the second-to-last for the season with the Panthers’ final game to be played against Liberty on Friday, Nov. 6th.
During special Closed Session meeting last Friday, less than two weeks before the election
“…the selection of the City Manager should be made by the new council members after the election.” – Councilman Louie Rocha
By Allen D. Payton
During the report out from the Closed Session at the end of the Antioch City Council’s special meeting on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, Acting City Manager Ana Cortez said, “Today, City Council met on the item entitled, ‘Public Employee Appointment: Position Interim City Manager…the Council took no reportable action.”
However, the agenda for tomorrow night’s Oct. 27th Council meeting, under Item 19.3 entitled, Discussion of Recruitment Strategy and Plan for Council Identified Key Positions and Citywide Recruitment and Staffing Status Update, it shows under City Manager, the Status is Active Recruitment and the Plan is, “Council provided direction to post the RFQ (Request for Quote), which closes on 10/30/2026, Firm to be selected week of 11/9/2026, Position to be posted early January and Acting City Manager/firm to work with Council on the timeline for interviews prior to position closing.”
That means the city council decided to move forward with choosing a search firm for the hiring of the city manager with the deadline for the firms to submit their proposals by this Friday, just four days before the election. Plus, the current council will choose the firm before whichever candidates get elected and are seated in December. But the position of city manager will not be posted until January, so the new council members will be involved in the vote to hire one.
When contacted about waiting until after the election and the candidates who are elected are seated in December, District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha responded, “I agree that the selection of the City Manager should be made by the new council members after the election. However, when it comes to selecting an Interim City Manager to fill the gap until we are able to search for a permanent CM, we need to take action sooner than later.”
During Tuesday’s meeting Council will also discuss 44 other vacant City positions.
Questions for City Staff
Both Cortez and City Attorney Lori Asuncion were asked why the Council’s direction to Cortez wasn’t reported out and kept secret until the agenda was released early Saturday morning. They were also asked to clarify the aforementioned description regarding the city manager recruitment included in Tuesday’s meeting agenda.
In response Asuncion wrote, “At the October 7, 2026, special council meeting, there were two reports made regarding the Interim and Permanent City Manager positions:
For the Interim, Council gave general direction that Ms. Cortez would remain Acting (no change) while the Council completes the process of selecting an Interim City Manager, authorized Ms. Cortez to negotiate an employment agreement with a candidate when selected, and that the appointment and agreement for an Interim City Manager would come to the council in open session at a regular city council meeting for consideration.
For the Permanent, Council gave general direction for staff to move forward with a Request for Proposal process for the Permanent City Manager recruitment.
“For clarity, the Brown Act does not require a report out every time the Council meets in closed session. It requires a report of action taken in closed session for specified items (e.g., final action related to real property, litigation, appointment, dismissal, acceptance of resignation, etc.). Here in Antioch, the Council often opts for more transparency beyond what the law requires by reporting out general direction, where appropriate.
“I will of course defer to Acting CM Cortez regarding the specifics of the RFQ process that was used and the timeline for the permanent city manager, but it is my understanding that the RFQ was circulated for 2 weeks ending October 30, 2026, consistent with the October 7, 2026, direction. It is also my understanding, consistent with the report out on October 7, 2026, that the selection of an Interim City Manager and the selection of a Permanent City Manager are separate processes.”
Asuncion was then asked how and why would giving direction on hiring a search firm to fill a position even be a matter for Closed Session and shouldn’t that have been brought back to open session for discussion and direction. But she did not respond nor did Cortez, prior to publication time.
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
The Freewheelers Cello Band will perform at the Bridgehead Café in Antioch, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, from 4-7 PM.
A completely unique sound, where an orchestral instrument meets rock ‘n roll, blues, jazz and funk, is the result. Sacramento born cellist Ilene McHolland and Dutch bassist Bas Vossen have merged local talents Ben Cooper (drums) and Mike Delgado (guitar) in the band, played Clayton Club Saloon, the Discovery Bay Country Club and some private parties. They host the Delta Sports Bar monthly jam session from March to October (voluntarily).
The Bethel Island band has been around since 2007, when Ilene met Bas in Amsterdam, during a blues and rock concert in the famous Bourbon Street bar. They first played a festival where the audience responded very positively, sparking their first European tour through the Netherlands, Germany and Spain.
The Freewheelers offer a big difference from other bands: an electric, six-string NS Design cello with effects normally known from guitar players.
The performance will also include a Zombie Dance Contest. Prizes include a Zombie Sword, a Zombie Mask, Pirate Knife, and they hope to add more. If the entire audience is dancing, there will be more!
Bridgehead Café is located at 2415 E. 18th Street – near the graveyards. Oooohhhh, spooky!
Free program brings local judges directly to civic, faith-based, educational and nonprofit organizations across the County
By Dan Radovich, ADA and Communications Manager, Contra Costa County Superior Court
MARTINEZ, Calif. – The Contra Costa County Superior Court today introduced its new Judicial Community Engagement Program, which brings judges to community organizations across the county at no cost. Civic groups, service organizations, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and educational programs may now request a judge to speak at their meetings and events about the work of the courts and how the justice system operates.
The program is part of the Court’s commitment to strengthening its relationships with the community and expanding public understanding of the justice system. Residents have the unique opportunity to gain clarity on commonly misunderstood aspects of court processes directly from members of the bench. This program also supports the Court’s new Strategic Plan for 2027–2029, which names Trusted Courts as one of the its five strategic priorities and calls for greater outreach and education about the role and purpose of the courts.
“The daily business of the courts is rarely seen by members of the public unless they are called as jurors or have a case in court,” said Judge Terri Mockler, who leads the program. “Judges make decisions based on the evidence before them and the law that applies, and those details don’t always fit into a news headline. The goal of this program is to allow members of the community to meet and talk with judges about the work that we do every day. The hope is that the public will walk away with a better understanding of the role of judges and the judiciary in a democratic society. This program gives residents the opportunity to ask questions, hear directly from the judges who serve them, and see the courts as part of their community.”
Who Can Request a Speaker
Requests are welcome from community and civic groups, leadership and service organizations, educational and youth programs, nonprofit and public interest groups, and faith-based organizations. Any organization that brings people together to learn, serve, or engage is encouraged to submit a request.
Presentation Topics
Judges may speak on a range of general educational topics, including:
The role of the courts in the community
How cases move through the court system
The importance of jury service
How judges reach the bench and the qualifications to become a judge
Rules of judicial ethics and the judicial discipline system
Preventing bias
Judicial training and subject-matter specialties, such as domestic violence, juvenile, family, criminal, and civil law
What Judges Cannot Discuss
Judges are bound by ethical rules that protect the fairness and impartiality of the courts. To uphold those standards, presentations are limited to general educational topics. Judges cannot address the following topics:
Pending cases. Judges cannot discuss any case that is currently pending.
Issues that may come before the Court. Judges cannot comment on matters or disputes that may later come before the Court.
Legal advice or referrals. Judges cannot advise attendees on their own legal matters or provide referrals.
How to Request a Judge
Organizations may submit requests by email to communityoutreach@contracosta.courts.ca.gov. There is no cost to request a judge. Requests should include:
Organization name
Primary contact’s name, phone number, and email address
Description of the event or meeting
Topic(s) the organization would like the judge to discuss
Expected number of attendees
Preferred date(s), time, and location
More information about the Judicial Community Engagement Program is available on the Court’s website: contracosta.courts.ca.gov/judicial-community-engagement-program.
Also for arson, burglary, vandalism, battery on a cop
Already out of custody with no charges filed
By Allen D. Payton
According to the Antioch Police Department’s CitizenRIMS Arrests list, 20-year-old Jordan Ramon Noel Temple was arrested on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, for rape of a child age 14 or 15, arson, first degree burglary, vandalism, unlawful sex with a minor and battery on a peace officer or emergency personnel.
Charges included 288(c)(1) Pc: Lewd and lascivious act on a child 14 or 15 years old – Rape (F), 261.5(c) Pc: Unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor: more than three years younger (F), 451(b) Pc: Arson: inhabited structure/property (F), 460(a) Pc: Burglary: first degree (F), 594(b)(2)(a) Pc: Vandalism of less than $400 (M), and 243(b) Pc: Battery on a peace officer/emergency personnel/etc. – Simple (M). Case Number:26-9919. Incident Number: 2610150005.
The rape and sex with a minor are punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or for 16 months, or two or three years. The arson is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for three, five or eight years. The burglary is punishable by two, four or six years in state prison. The vandalism charge is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by a fine of not more than $1,000, or by both that fine and imprisonment. Finally, the battery charge is punishable by a fine not exceeding $2,000, or by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment.
A call for service on the CitizenRIMS Map shows the first-degree burglary, arson, vandalism and battery on a peace officer but not the rape or sex with a minor. A separate call for service at that same location just 13 minutes prior was labeled a threats complaint and listed as a quality-of-life call for which a report was taken. That call was closed at 4:57 AM and has the same incident number.
43-year-oldAurelia Victoria Grayson held on $75K bail
Being sued for elder abuse by man with same last name
By Allen D. Payton
According to the Antioch Police Department’s CitizenRIMS Arrests list, Aurelia Grayson, age 43, was arrested Thursday afternoon, Oct. 22, 2026, for felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, felony threatening to commit a crime with intent to terrorize and an outside warrant for a misdemeanor, also for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Grayson is described as Black or African American, five-feet, two-inches tall and 225 pounds. The incident occurred at 12:05 PM in the 2700 block of Hillcrest Avenue, which is the location of the 7-11 store and 76 gas station, and the arrest occurred at 1:00 PM.
Charges include245(a)(1) Pc: Assault with a deadly weapon: not a firearm – Aggravated (F), 422(a) Pc: Threaten crime with intent to terrorize (F), and an Outside Warrant (M). Incident Number:2610220109. Case Number: 26-10250.
For the aggravated assault charges, she faces imprisonment in state prison for two, three or four years, or in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by a fine not exceeding $10,000, or by both the fine and imprisonment. The felony threat to commit a crime is punishable by imprisonment in state prison.
According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Grayson’s middle name is Victoria, she was born on Aug. 23, 1983, and is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $75,000 bail. She’s also charged with 273.6(A) PC, the intentional and knowing violation of a protective order, a misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000, or by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment.
According to trellis.law, Grayson is being sued in Alameda County by Victor Grayson for elder abuse. The case was filed on Sept. 8, 2026, and includes a Temporary Restraining Order and a Request for Protective Order for Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse.
Second man with criminal history arrested in same area an hour before, was held on $50K bail but already out of custody with no charges filed
By Allen D. Payton
Source: APD CitizenRIMS
According to the Antioch Police CitizenRIMS list of arrests, Antioch resident Jared Lee Myers, age 39, was arrested Wednesday morning, Oct. 21, 2026, at 4:15 AM on charges of attempted first degree murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon that’s not a firearm. The incident occurred in the 1900 block of Cavallo Road at 3:46 AM.
Penalties for the attempted murder range from 5–9 years for second‑degree attempts or life with parole for willful, deliberate, and premeditated attempts. The assault charge is punishable by 2–4 years in state prison or up to 1 year in county jail and/or up to a $10,000 fine.
The five-foot, 11-inch tall, 170-pound Myers is listed as White and was arrested at A and E. 18th Streets.
Charges include664/187(a) Pc: Attempted murder: first degree (F), 245(a)(1) Pc: Assault with a deadly weapon: not firearm – Aggravated (F). Case Number: 26-10181 Incident Number:2610210023.
According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Myers is Hispanic, was born on April 13, 1987, and is being held in the West Re-Entry Treatment and Housing on $730,000 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 26 at 1:30 p.m. in Superior Court, Dept. 5 in Martinez.
According to localcrimenews.com, Lee is White and was also just arrested, Oct. 19th in Solano County for failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge, driving without a license and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Source: APD CitizenRIMS
Another Man Arrested for Two Other Crimes in Same Area an Hour Before
A second man was arrested for two other crimes in the same area Wednesday morning about an hour before. According to the APD CitizenRIMS, 42-year-old Miguel Campos was arrested for felony vandalism and misdemeanor trespassing. The five-foot, six-inch tall, 220-pound suspect is Hispanic and was arrested at 3:39 AM in the 40 block of W. 18th Street and charged with 594(b)(1) Pc: Vandalism ($400 Or More) (F), 602(o)(1) Pc: Trespass: refuse to leave property (M).
In addition, a felony vehicle burglary, listed as larceny/theft, occurred at the same location, but Campos was not charged with that crime although both incidents occurred at 3:17 AM and are numbered 2610210021. The vandalism case is numbered 26-10180 and the burglary was cleared at 5:18 AM with a report taken.
According to localcrimenews.com, this was Campos’ fifth arrest since 2023, including the third time this year. He was previously arrested for burglary, trespassing, DUI, driving with a license suspended for drunk driving and failure to obey a peace officer.
