The John A. Nejedly Bridge in Antioch. Photo from BATA website.

Free crossings for eligible veterans begin Jan. 1, penalty-waiver program coming

Dec. 27, 2022 – The Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) and the Golden Gate Bridge District today announced two new bridge toll assistance programs that will benefit customers from lower-income households as well as eligible military veterans, beginning in 2023.

By July 1, 2023, BATA and the Golden Gate Bridge District will institute a policy for toll bridge customers whose household income is no more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level (approximately $55,000 for a family of four) to receive a waiver of any penalties assessed for late or missed payments of toll invoices and toll evasion notices incurred for toll bridge crossings between March 20, 2020 and Jan. 1, 2023. The waiver applies to the Golden Gate Bridge and to the state-owned Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael, San Francisco-Oakland Bay and San Mateo-Hayward bridges. The waiver will not apply to Express Lanes.

The setting sun reflects off of the Carquinez Bridge’s towers. Photo: MTC

The Low-Income COVID Waiver program — created by Assembly Bill 2594, which was authored by San Francisco Assembly member Phil Ting and enacted earlier this year — will allow qualifying motorists to request from FasTrak^® a waiver of outstanding bridge toll violation penalties. Waiver recipients will be required to pay tolls and any fees charged by the Department of Motor Vehicles for vehicle registration holds due to the non-payment of penalties.

The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. Photo: MTC

Another new state law — AB 2949, authored by Assembly member Alex Lee of San Jose — goes into effect Jan. 1, 2023, granting eligible veterans of the U.S. armed forces free tolls on California toll bridges. These include the Golden Gate Bridge as well as the state-owned Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael, San Francisco-Oakland Bay and San Mateo-Hayward bridges. The free-passage benefit does not apply to Express Lanes.

To be eligible for free travel across California toll bridges, vehicles registered to military veterans must have a license plate with one of the following designations: Congressional Medal of Honor, Disabled Veteran, Legion of Valor, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Ex-Prisoner of War, or Purple Heart.

Golden Gate Bridge from Crissy Field. By Noah Berger

Eligible veterans do not currently need to have a FasTrak electronic toll payment account to qualify for free passage, although a FasTrak-enrollment requirement will be instituted in the future. To avoid being charged a toll, veterans who already are FasTrak customers must place their FasTrak tag in a Mylar bag when traveling through bridge toll plazas. Customers may request a bag by logging into their FasTrak account, clicking ‘Vehicles and Tags’, and selecting ‘Request Toll Tag Supplies.’ Veterans also may request a Mylar bag by calling the FasTrak customer service center at 877-BAY-TOLL (877-229-8655). These bags are free of charge.

BATA administers all toll revenues from the San Francisco Bay Area’s seven state-owned toll bridges. The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District owns and operates the Golden Gate Bridge.

Thomas “Paulie” Smith, Jr. Sources: (left) KTVU Fox 2 video screenshot, (right) Raquel Diaz on Facebook. Band photo from 2019.

Was with his cousin who was later arrested on unrelated charges

By Antioch Police Public Information Officer Ashley Crandell, Support Services Division

The Antioch Police Department has received additional inquiries about this incident and would like to provide the following update:

The victim of this tragic event was Thomas Smith, and he was 16 years old. He was identified by a family member who arrived on scene. He was from Mount Airy, Louisiana a community near New Orleans, and was in Antioch visiting family.

The 15-year-old juvenile that was detained in Walmart was an acquaintance of Mr. Smith’s and was arrested for charges unrelated to the homicide.

The homicide suspect remains outstanding, and this incident is still being investigated by our Investigations Bureau.

According to a report KTVU Fox 2 news report, Thomas, aka “Paulie” was Nakia Banks’ youngest child and only son. The family was visiting Banks’ sister in Antioch. The 15-year-old boy who was with Smith at the time of the shooting was his cousin.

As previously reported, on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, at approximately 11:22 AM, the Antioch Police Department Dispatch Center started receiving numerous 9-1-1 calls reporting multiple gunshots being fired at Williamson Ranch Park, located at 5000 Lone Tree Way. (See related article)

As officers were responding to the scene, witnesses called to report a subject running from the park and entering the near-by Walmart. Additional officers immediately responded to the Walmart, and with the assistance of several citizens, were able to quickly locate and safely detain the subject. The subject was determined to be a juvenile and in possession of a loaded firearm.

When officers arrived at the park, they located one male juvenile victim near the parking lot suffering from several gunshot wounds. Evidence at the scene indicated the incident occurred outdoors in the east portion of the parking lot. Officers immediately began administering first aid and called for emergency fire department and AMR paramedics. The victim was transported to a local area hospital emergency room, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Prior to police arrival, a dark colored sedan was seen leaving the parking lot of the park at a high rate of speed. During the preliminary investigation, it appears the victim, and the subject detained at the Walmart, arrived together on-foot, and met with the occupants of a dark colored sedan in the parking lot. Shortly afterwards, multiple shots were fired from, and/or around, the dark colored sedan.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department nonemergency line at (925)778-2441, or Detective Cox at 925-779-6866. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Lt. John Fortner and Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Illegal “ghost” gun seized by Antioch Police on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022. Photos: APD

By Antioch Police Department

Police vehicles at the scene on Worrell Road.

Another illegal firearm off the streets due to our officers’ diligent work.

On Christmas, officers responded to Worrell Road for a dispute. While walking up to a residence associated to the incident, they noticed a male asleep in a vehicle outside the residence.

Officer Kawalya, who has been a police officer for less than six months, noticed the male was holding a firearm! Officer Kawalya and Officer Marques were able to wake the male safely and de-escalate the situation. The male put the firearm down and was safely detained.

The firearm was a “ghost” gun with no serial number and therefore could not be registered.

The situations officers face are often rapidly evolving and can be very dangerous. We commend Officers Kawalya and Marques for their good work and their dedication to keeping the citizens of Antioch safe.

The Gye Nyame Kwanzaa set includes a candleholder, candles, unity cup, corn and mat. Source: officialkwanzaawebsite.org

7-day celebration began Monday

By Allen D. Payton

Kwanzaa, the annual, seven-day African American and pan-African celebration of family, community, history, heritage and culture, was created in the 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chair of the department of Africana Studies at Cal State University, Long Beach. Each year it begins the day after Christmas on December 26th and continues through January 1st.

According to edarabia.com, “The term ‘Kwanzaa’ originates from the Swahili expression ‘matunda ya kwanza’, which means ‘first fruits of the harvest’.

During the holiday, families and communities gather to honor and remember The Seven Principles of  Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith. Participants celebrate with the lighting of seven candles, feasts, music, dance, poetry and narratives. It ends with a day of reflection and recommitment to The Seven Principles.

According to hearinnh.org, “Kwanzaa is celebrated by people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, but it is particularly popular among African-Americans. The holiday is observed in all 50 states, as well as in Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. It’s difficult to say precisely how many people celebrate Kwanzaa, as there is no official census data on the subject. However, estimates suggest that around 1.5 to 2 million Americans observe Kwanzaa each year.”

This year’s theme is “Kwanzaa, Culture and the Practice of Freedom: A Message and Model for Our Times”.

According to the Official Kwanzaa Website, “The Holiday Kwanzaa is a product of creative cultural synthesis. That is to say, it is the product of critical selection and judicious mixture on several levels. First, Kwanzaa is a synthesis of both Continental African and Diasporan African cultural elements. This means that it is rooted in both the cultural values and practice of Africans on the Continent and in the U.S. with strict attention to cultural authenticity and values for a meaningful, principled and productive life.

Secondly, the Continental African components of Kwanzaa are a synthesis of various cultural values and practices from different Continental African peoples. In a word, the values and practices of Kwanzaa are selected from peoples from all parts of Africa, south and north, west and east, in a true spirit of Pan-Africanism.

And finally, Kwanzaa is a synthesis in the sense that it is based, in both conception and self-conscious commitment, on tradition and reason. Kawaida, the philosophy out of which Kwanzaa is created, teaches that all we think and do should be based on tradition and reason which are in turn rooted in practice. Tradition is our grounding, our cultural anchor and therefore, our starting point. It is also cultural authority for any claims to cultural authenticity for anything we do and think as an African people. And reason is necessary critical thought about our tradition which enables us to select, preserve and build on the best of what we have achieved and produced, in the light of our knowledge and our needs born of experience. Through reason rooted in experience or practice, then, we keep our tradition as an African people from becoming stagnant, sterile convention or empty historical reference. Instead, our tradition becomes and remains a lived, living and constantly expanded and enriched experience.” From: “Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture – by Maulana Karenga / pp 15-16 / Los Angeles: University of Sankore Press (2008)

Source: YouTube video screenshot.

Nuhad Levasseur from her LinkedIn profile.

By Justin Llamas

Our amazing voice teacher, Nuhad Levasseur, is fighting cancer. And we believe she’ll win. This video is dedicated to Nuhad, a woman who has changed us all for the better. Merry Christmas!

In the Light Voice Studio students, in singing order:

Christina Jardine

Lauren Mariscal

David Morgan

Stevie Rae Stephens

Mikayla Thompson

Christian Abrojena

Jessica Montez

Hailey Schneider

Stephen Morgan

Justin Llamas (me)

Marcus Delgado

Ashley Morgan

Ali Travis

Brian Joksch (no solo, seen in second chorus)

Levasseur has owned In The Light Voice Studio since 1992, first in Antioch and now, in Marietta, Georgia where her family moved last year. She previously sang in the choir and performed solos at Golden Hills Community Church in Brentwood.

Antioch residents pick up fruits and vegetables from the Fresh Approach food truck on Tuesdays. Photos: Kaiser Permanente

Food truck in Rivertown and at Sutter Delta Medical Center on Tuesdays

By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

Antioch resident Justine Bobo looks forward to buying colorful, fresh produce on Tuesday mornings.  She credits the Fresh Approach food truck for giving her a new appreciation for healthy foods.

“It makes me feel good to know that someone cares for us older senior citizens,” she said. “We just flourish from getting these fresh vegetables every week. I think of the time that’s put into packing it up and bringing it to us – thank you!”

Fresh Approach is a Bay Area nonprofit dedicated to connecting residents to healthy food from California farmers and to expanding knowledge in the community about food and nutrition. Its mobile farmers’ market truck, stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables, serves six cities in three Bay Area counties.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and recent inflation concerns have increased the number of Bay Area residents who face food insecurity,” said Fresh Approach Food Access Program Manager Ellen Olack. “We’ve seen lots of changes pre- and post- pandemic. More folks are coming out each week.”

The Fresh Approach truck stops at two Antioch locations on Tuesdays – the Antioch Senior Center and the Sutter Delta Medical Center. The Antioch route and a similar route in Richmond are funded in part by Kaiser Permanente.

Yvette Radford, Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California vice president of External and Community Affairs, noted that having access to affordable, nutritious food is critical for good health.

“That’s why we have partnered with Fresh Approach to provide fresh produce every week to East and West County residents who are struggling to make ends meet during these challenging economic times,” she said. “This partnership reflects our deep commitment to improve health in the communities we serve and help people live longer, healthier lives.”

Fresh Approach offers a 50 percent discount to customers who participate in income-based benefit programs, including CalFresh (SNAP), WIC, SSI/SSDI, Medi-Cal and unemployment.

“I’m a farmers’ market freak,” said Antioch resident Lucy Meinhardt. “This one keeps me going. It’s got some of the freshest, best produce you’re going to find. A lot of it is organic and I don’t have to go far.”

Fresh Approach Community Ambassador Towanna Turner said her primary goal is to help Richmond residents prevent various diseases by providing easy access to nutrient-rich food.

“I’ve seen people with tears in their eyes because they’re so grateful for healthy food,” she added. “I love being an ambassador because I’m able to help people live better lives.”

Every Tuesday, the Fresh Approach Mobile Farmers’ Market truck stops at the Antioch Senior Center, 415 W 2nd Street, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It moves to the Sutter Delta Medical Center, 3901 Lone Tree Way, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Day after Christmas, suspect’s name is Jesus

By Antioch Police Public Information Officer Ashley Crandell, Support Services Division

On December 26, 2022, at 7:42 am, officers responded to the 3500 block of Clayburn Road for

the report of a fight. Prior to officers arriving, the caller advised someone had been stabbed.

When officers arrived, they located the victim who was suffering from multiple stab wounds to his upper body and head. He was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive. The suspect, 20-year-old Jesus Martinez Perez of Antioch, was located by officers in the front yard of another residence on Clayburn Road.

Jesus Martinez Perez was suffering from a stab wound to his right hand and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. He was in stable condition and will be booked into county jail for attempted homicide.

Through investigation, officers learned the suspect was related to the victim, whose name is currently being kept confidential, and this was an isolated incident. There is no threat to the public.

The Greatest News Ever Given

The lyrics in the old Christmas carol pretty much sum up the story of Christmas: “Hark the herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the newborn king! Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.’” Because that’s how it’s described in the book of Luke, chapter 2 in the Bible.

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby [Bethlehem], keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’” Luke 2:8-14

As we celebrate Christmas, today, exchanging and opening presents, eating wonderful homemade food and watching classic Christmas movies, let’s remember what this holiday is really all about – celebrating the birthday of Jesus, the Christ.

He was, in the slang of speaker Ken Poure, “God in a bod.” He came down from Heaven, made himself lower than the angels and took on the body of a human being, was born as a baby – not into earthly wealth or power, but to a holy, yet imperfect young, virgin woman and a carpenter, to whom she was engaged, and in a stable with domesticated animals looking on, then growing into adulthood, so he could be one of us.

Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah, who the prophet Isaiah proclaimed 700 years before His birth, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.”

However, He was not a political messiah as many sought in that day, to lead a revolt and rescue them from the rule of the Roman Empire, but rather a spiritual, eternal messiah whose kingdom will never end. What’s more important and lasting, something political or spiritual? Obviously, spiritual.

As a human, Jesus was able to communicate with us, show us how to live and love, and share with us God’s message of salvation, which He provided. Instead of the yearly sacrifice of the unblemished lamb, whose blood merely covered over the sins of the people, the unblemished, perfect Christ provided us the once-and-for-all sacrifice, eliminating our sin and defeating the power of death – ultimate, spiritual, eternal death – for those who choose to follow Him and accept Him as their Lord and Savior. He is our bridge to God the Father, who reached down into human history to offer us a way to have a relationship with Him, that had been broken off by the sin of Adam and Eve.

So, today, this Christmas day, I encourage you to read the story of the birth of Jesus, the Christ in Luke, chapter two. Then find a Bible-believing church to attend today to seek out others who understand and have experienced the true meaning of Christmas, found in Jesus, who came to give us hope; salvation from the degradation of sin in our lives – because we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God – the opportunity to have an abundant life, not just one of empty pursuit of pleasure and acquiring things; peace in our hearts; and to be with Him for eternity. Because unlike any other spiritual leader in history Jesus is the only way to God, as he proclaimed “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

And that is the way to have a truly, Merry Christmas!

Allen D. Payton, Publisher

Here are the words to the song that memorializes the most important herald that has ever been – the announcement by the angels of the birth of the Savior of the world, Jesus the Christ, the long-prophesied messiah, born in Bethlehem some 2000 years ago.  He was born to bridge the gap between humans and God, due to the sin in their lives, which breaks our fellowship and relationship with Him. This year, you can know the true meaning of Christmas by opening your heart to the message and reason for the season, the birth, perfect life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Learn more by clicking here.  Enjoy the lyrics and song of “Hark the herald angels sing.”

Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

To hear it sung, click here. 

"Hark the herald angels sing” Christmas Carol was written by Charles Wesley,
brother of John Wesley founder of the Methodist church, in 1739. A somber man,
he requested slow and solemn music for his lyrics and thus “Hark the herald
angels sing” was sung to a different tune initially. Over a hundred years
later Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) composed a cantata in 1840 to commemorate
Johann Gutenberg's invention of the printing press. English musician William
H. Cummings adapted Mendelssohn’s music to fit the lyrics of “Hark the herald
angels sing” already written by Wesley.