Former business owner, long-time Rotarian, co-founder of Antioch Sports Legends and the Leo Fontana Lifetime Achievement Foundation

By Allen D. Payton

It was announced by several Antioch organizations on Monday, August 14, 2023, that long-time resident, two-time Citizen of the Year and former Councilman Leo Fontana passed away on Sunday. He turned 100 years old earlier this year.

The Antioch Rotary Club of which he was a long-time member posted a message on their Facebook page which reads, “It’s with great sadness to let you know that long time Antioch Rotarian Leo Fontana has passed away. Our condolences to Leo’s family. He will be greatly missed.” They also shared several photos of members with Fontana and mentioned his Leo Fontana Lifetime Achievement Foundation benefiting youth in Antioch. An annual trivia night fundraiser is held and the winning team is awarded The Leo Trophy.

A brief message posted on the Facebook page for the Antioch Historical Museum, where the Antioch Sports Legends wing is located, reads simply, “We grieve the passing of Leo Fontana” and later “A legend in so many ways.”

On the Facebook page of the Antioch Sports Legends, which Fontana co-founded, the following was posted about him:

“It is with a heavy heart that the Antioch Sports Legends Program, shares the passing of Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame Community Sports Leader inductee and Co-Founder Leo Fontana.

Our condolences go out to his daughter Andrea, Family and Friends.

Leo Fontana’s bio from his 2008 Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame induction.

If it existed, Leo could easily claim the title of ‘Father of Modern Antioch.’ His behind-the-scenes involvement goes back six decades. He had a hand in bringing County East Mall, East County Bank, Delta Memorial Hospital and the Antioch Senior Citizens Center into existence. He’s served on the boards of several local charities and organizations. Antioch’s voters elected him to the Antioch City Council, on which he served from 1982-1986. He was also an Antioch Planning Commissioner, Parks and Recreation Commissioner and Charter President of the Antioch Merchants Association. The Chamber of Commerce honored him twice as Antioch Citizen of the Year. Leo might easily be called the ‘Cal Ripken, Jr.’ of service club members. He has a perfect attendance record of 29 years with the Lions Club and since 1978 with the Rotary Club of Antioch. Sports and recreation programs in the city all seem to trace their origins back to Leo. He participated in the creation of the Antioch Hornets football team, Lob Ball League, Antioch Softball League and Antioch Babe Ruth Baseball, for which he served as its first president. An athlete himself, Leo played catcher for the Antioch Merchants team and left halfback for the Antioch Alumni Football team in the late 1940s and early 1950s. He was chairman of a committee that created a new corporation to run the Antioch Municipal Golf Course, and helped found the Antioch Bocce Ball League. His love of sports and his community led to his involvement in assisting in the creation of the Antioch Sports Legends Program and display in 2007, for which he was honored, with the other four founders, as Antioch Citizens of the Year.

Leo was 100 years old.

Funeral services for Leo to be announced!”

Fontana was also honored with a Key to the City by the Antioch City Council, during Mayor Wade Harper’s term. The Leo Fontana Fountain at City Hall was first dedicated in 1987, then redesigned, rebuilt and rededicated last year.

Publisher’s Note: Leo was my sponsor when I first joined the Antioch Rotary Club in 1994 and was a mentor and advisor to me while I served on the city council. Leo was my long-time friend, and we had the chance to meet one final time, last year as I brought him copies of the latest issues of the paper. We spoke about what was happening in, and he shared his concerns about, the city for which he cared, so much. Leo left an indelible mark on Antioch. He truly lived the Rotary International official mottoes of Service Above Self and One Profits Most Who Serves Best. Leo will be missed.

He was also a parolee-at-large

By Brentwood Police Department

Early Wednesday morning, August 9, 2023, Brentwood officers were called to a business located at the 2400 block of Empire Avenue, for an alarm call. Shortly after, our Dispatch received a call from a remote video surveillance monitoring company, who advised they were watching a male attempting to break into the business.

The company provided a description of the suspect and saw that he got into a red SUV, which was being driven by someone else.

The on-duty Sergeant, who was close by, arrived to the area and immediately saw a red SUV driving into the Slatten Ranch parking lot. As soon as he attempted to do a car stop, the male attempted to flee on foot.

Our Sergeant was able to safely take him into custody, and 37-year-old Antione Jovan Rice of Antioch was placed under arrest for attempted burglary. Rice, who is on parole for burglary, was also a parolee-at-large.

The driver of the SUV, identified as 33-year-old Christina Marie Rivera, Jr. of Pittsburg, was located in a nearby Starbuck’s drive through. She was placed under arrest for assisting in the attempted burglary and she had a warrant for fraud.

Both Rice and Rivera were transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, both Rice and Rivera are still in custody and she is being held on $30,000 bail. No information was provided on Rice’s bail amount.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Suffering life-threatening injuries; suspect unknown, police investigating

Started as altercation at Antioch Marina where shots were fired

By Lt. Rick Martin, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On August 12, 2023, at approximately 2:58 AM, Antioch Police Dispatch center began receiving calls of shots fired in the 1000 block of W. 6th Street. At the same time, Contra Costa Sheriff’s dispatch advised they had located a victim of a shooting in Century Plaza in the City of Pittsburg who had been shot in Antioch.

During the initial investigation, it was learned an altercation had occurred between a group of subjects at the Antioch Marina where shots were fired. As the groups left the marina in their vehicles, the altercation continued to the 1000 block of W. 6th Street where more shots were fired. A 14-year-old female victim was driven to Century Plaza and a call to 9-1-1 was made. The juvenile victim was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

APD Detectives are actively working this investigation. Anyone with information related to this incident are encouraged to contact our non-emergency at 925-778-2441 or Detective Allen at 925-779-6923.

Bullet hole in at least one building; police dealing with homicide unable to respond; Councilman wants zero-tolerance details to supplement patrol

By Allen D. Payton

Two residents complained about more cars at the Antioch Marina parking lots and dozens of gunshots Thursday night, August 10, 2023, once again disturbing downtown area residents. At least one building that houses a non-profit organization across the street from the police station ended up with a bullet hole in the outside wall.

Rivertown resident Joy Motts shared with the Herald on Friday, “Last night over 40 cars were at Antioch Marina parking lot. At 11:08pm, at least 40 shots were fired from automatic weapons. We heard it at our house. All of downtown heard it. At least 30 cars were counted speeding away.”

“I have videos of what it was like for the residents at 2nd and L Street and of all the vehicles speeding away.  But the resident does not want them on social media or news for fear of retaliation,” she continued. “(District 3 Councilman) Mike Barbanica is trying, but this has become an emergency situation in downtown.”

“What is also concerning is there is no reporting after the fact. A bullet hole was found in the building at the corner of W. 2nd and L Streets. Police did show up after the fact,” Motts wrote. “Why was there no police reporting? Innocent people are going to die, it is only a matter of time. We are at our wits end. It is chaos in downtown. All of us know that live here.”

“They need private armed security in the Antioch Marina at night,” she shared. “And APD needs to put those drones to use that Lamar (Mayor Thorpe) says are solving crimes. We are desperate.”

“It’s every night, now. Sideshows, donuts and gunshots,” Motts added later.

On a downtown resident’s Facebook page on Friday, he confirmed hearing the multiple gunshots.

“So last night we are sitting at home and around 11pm we hear 50-60 gunshots (yes really, probably more) and if you live in Antioch you kind of get numb to these things, but this time it was different because we could hear the whizzing noise of the bullets going through the air. Sounded like it originated from the Marina. I look out the window and see multiple cars speeding off, followed by sirens shortly after. What gets me is if you listen to most of our elected officials namely the Mayor or Tamisha (Mayor Pro Tem Torres-Walker), you would think the biggest problem in Antioch is hordes of white supremacists (and the patriarchy) terrorizing the public. The Mayor even claimed that crime and sideshows are down (probably because no one reports it anymore) They offer nothing but deflection. I’m not going to act like they are responsible for all this towns [sic] problems, but they are part of it for sure. Its [sic] downright embarrassing listening to these people talk. The sad part is, Antioch at least on paper has everything to be a very nice city. Miles of waterfront, Black Diamond Mines, Contra Loma, etc, but with years and years of mismanagement its [sic] becoming a dump, literally.”

Their information was shared with Antioch Police media relations officers and the new acting chief asking for confirmation and what if anything the police did in response..

“Yes. We heard about the gunshots and cars at the marina,” APD Public Information Liaison Sgt. Price Kendall shared. “We had four officers working the homicide (from earlier that night) leaving us two officers to deal with 40 cars.”

The department is currently short-staffed with at least 35 sworn officers on paid leave during the two investigations and 16 vacancies from the 115 positions approved in the budget.

When reached for comment Barbanica said, “I had a meeting with the city manager on it, yesterday and I made it very clear that the only way the city is going to get this resolved is with a zero-tolerance, hard-line stance. We cannot continue to have lawlessness. I told him we need to be doing is running special, overtime details in the evenings and bring in surrounding agencies, if need be. If someone is coming into our community to commit crime, it’s going to make it very uncomfortable.”

“I fear this not slowing down until we take a pro-active approach, and it must be a zero-tolerance stance for any crime whatsoever,” he reiterated. “This needs to be outside the standard patrol of the officers who are out there enforcing the law.”

“I ran zero-tolerance details in the City of Pittsburg for six years and the team was credited with lowering the crime rate by 23 percent,” Barbanica shared.

“We need to make sure city leaders and community leaders are on board because there will be people complaining. But we cannot continue on this path,” he added.

By Antioch Police Department

After 30 years of service, Sergeant Steve Aiello has retired. Sergeant Aiello began his career in June of 1992 serving the citizens of Antioch as a Reserve Police Officer. In June of 1999, Steve Aiello graduated the police academy and was promoted to the rank of police officer where he proudly served for the next 24 years.

During his career, Sergeant Aiello worked as a member of the Special Response Unit, Auto Theft Investigator, Narcotics/Vice Detective, Gang Unit, Community Engagement Team and a member of the Rifle team. As a detective, he was awarded the Medal of Valor in 2012 for his participation of a robbery/homicide investigation.

In 2017, he was promoted to the Rank of Corporal where he supervised numerous patrol teams, the Crisis Negotiations Team and helped purchase and design the department’s first Mobile Command Vehicle.

Sergeant Aiello served 17 years as part of the Antioch Police Officer’s Association (APOA) holding every position to include POA President for the last 4 of those years. His biggest accomplishment while serving the POA was the purchase, design and overseeing the yearlong construction of our new POA building for current and future members to enjoy.

In 2022, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant where he has served proudly and honorably until retiring.

Enjoy your well-deserved retirement, Sergeant Aiello. Thank you for your service and you will be missed.

Awards more than $40 million statewide for Resilient Workforce Program, invests in workforce opportunities that advance job quality and environmental resilience.

By Anna Champe, Communications Manager, CA Workforce Development Board

The California Workforce Development Board (CWDB), in partnership with the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency, recently awarded more than $41 million to 18 projects across the state to advance High Road Training Partnerships (HRTPs) that move underserved populations into better jobs. Today’s funding announcement is part of a larger, multi-level state investment to promote workforce development efforts that prioritize equity, quality jobs, and climate reliance while meeting regional labor market needs.

“HRTPs invest in industry-led, worker-informed efforts to deliver on the promise of a California for All,” said CWDB Executive Director Tim Rainey. “HRTP’s Resilient Workforce Program is part of California’s high road vision for the state’s workforce development system that focuses on the principles of job quality, worker voice, equity, and environmental sustainability.”

HRTPs are industry-based, worker-focused training partnerships that develop talent for California’s “high road” employers — firms that compete based on the quality of product and service achieved through innovation and investment in human capital and thus can generate family-supporting jobs where workers have agency and voice. The HRTP Resilient Workforce Program initiative will increase access to existing high-road jobs for underserved populations and create pathways for job growth for incumbents already employed with high-road employers.

Projects receiving funding include $500,000 to the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County for the East Bay Health Equity Initiative.

The East Bay Health Equity Initiative (EBHEI), which includes East Bay Workforce Boards and the Bay Area Health Workforce Partnership, received funding to replicate a successful Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) training program and other in-demand health careers. The project will focus efforts on local schools providing career training in a variety of health professions and includes additional resources to enhance financial, academic and career support.

Over the last two years, the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County’s (WDBCCC) has established a proven model by identifying existing training providers and then adding supplemental services and resources to make those programs more accessible and better meet the needs of low-income workers, immigrants/refugees, justice-involved, veterans and other priority groups.

The project is expected to begin implementation in Spring 2024. 

• $5 million for Scaling Proven Allied Healthcare Adult Training Pathways– Jewish Vocational and Career Counseling Service will deliver established allied healthcare training programs in the Bay Area and work to scale them throughout the state using strategic partnerships with various healthcare institutions. 
• $5 million for Public Pathways – the Aggie Square Community Partnership will connect underserved populations with career, education, training, and skills in high-road, high-demand career pathways, including public sector/business, healthcare, biotechnology, and community workers.
• $5 million for HRTP- Behavioral Health Expansion (BHE) – to expand substance use disorder career pathways in San Diego with the support of many diverse, invested local partners and five different education partners. 
• $4.8 million for Golden State Pathway to Teaching and Leading – to create no-cost pathways for paraeducators and others to earn a teaching license. The Teachers College of Western Governors University will provide education, training, and in-classroom experiences.
• $4.6 million for High Road to Microelectronics– for specific company-specific and worker-customized training and certificate programs at three community colleges in the Bay Area to bring workers into quality semiconductor careers.
• $4.5 million for High Road to Correctional Health Professions – to support strategic partnership between Service Employees International Union Local 1000, California Correctional Health Care Services, and multiple community colleges to expand the LVN and RN apprenticeship program, launch an RN residency program, and provide training for correctional health workers.

A complete list of awardees can be found on CWDB’s website.

The bi-vocational pastor touts his “strong legislative record in consumer protection, affordable housing and public safety”; can only serve one term

Grayson’s current district and the Senate District include Antioch

Walnut Creek, CA – Today, Friday, August 11, 2023, Assemblyman Tim Grayson announced his run for the California State Senate. Grayson has served in the Assembly since his election in 2016 and was previously the Mayor of Concord. He currently represents the 15th Assembly District and is seeking to represent District 9 in the State Senate, encompassing Contra Costa and Alameda counties. The district is currently State Senate District 7 and is represented by State Senator Steve Glazer who is termed out. Grayson’s current district and the Senate District include Antioch.

“Californians are struggling to keep pace with rising inflation and skyrocketing housing costs. I’ll stand up for them in the State Senate and expand on the work I did to stand up for middle-class Californians – expanding statewide protections for renters, standing up to Big Banks and pharmaceutical companies, providing affordable housing, and improving our roads, bridges, and infrastructure,” said Grayson. 

He made his announcement with a video posted on social media for his supporters.

Grayson, a registered Democrat, was the first in his family to earn a college degree. His father was a Teamster, and his mother was a public transit worker. Starting in 1997, Tim operated a business as a general building contractor and still holds a license today. In 2010, he was elected to the Concord City Council, winning reelection in 2014 and eventually serving as the city’s mayor. As mayor, Tim worked to balance Concord’s $90 million budget and built up the city’s rainy-day fund. 

Grayson co-founded the Contra Costa Family Justice Center, a nonprofit that helps victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. He fought for funding for survivors of abuse during the coronavirus pandemic and wrote a law making it tougher for sexual predators to avoid justice.

Since being elected to the Assembly, Tim has authored and passed historic legislation to build more affordable housing for middle and working-class families, establish statewide rent protections to help more Californians stay in their homes, increase access to effective mental health services for our California firefighters and first responders, and put an end to predatory lending and rein in the payday loan industry.

Grayson’s major legislative accomplishments include: 

• Serving as Chair of the Assembly Banking and Finance Committee. Assemblymember Grayson has championed innovative solutions that will benefit all Californians and lead to economic growth. 
• Securing $30 million in state funding for Family Justice Centers throughout California to streamline services for victims of interpersonal violence.
• Securing $34M to improve the Interstate 680/State Route 4 interchange in Concord.
• Passed laws (AB 1482 and AB 1481) to protect California renters from unfair evictions and significant rent increases.
• Authored legislation, AB 1116 (Grayson, 2019), to increase access to effective mental health services for firefighters.
• Supported legislation and funding to help law enforcement recover stolen merchandise to protect local businesses.
• Supported funding a permanent Smash and Grab Enforcement Unit to fight organized retail theft.
• Supported a state budget that included $30 Million to support the National Guard’s drug eradication efforts, targeting transnational criminal organizations.
• Supported $156 Million for gun violence prevention programs, and $25 Million for gun buyback programs.
• Supported $30 Million investment for fentanyl & other drug trafficking prevention programs.
• Supported legislation to ensure officers receive strong use-of-force training in order to protect them in the field and help keep our communities safe. 
• Passed AB 539 to stop the predatory payday lending industry by capping the interest rates on small loans between $2,500-$10,000.

According to Grayson’s bio on his official Assemblymember website, “Grayson serves as Chair of the Assembly Banking and Finance Committee and as a member of the Business and Professions Committee, the Insurance Committee, and Revenue and Taxation Committee. Grayson also chairs the Select Committee on Streamlining Services for Victims of Interpersonal Violence.

Grayson continues to serve as the Concord Police Department’s Critical Response Chaplain, a position he has held since 2007, providing emotional support and counseling to first responders, victims, and their families during and after traumatic events. Grayson also has maintained a license as a general building contractor since 1997.”

He “is eligible to serve up to twelve years in the Legislature through 2028,” allowing him one, four-year term in the State Senate if he’s elected.

According to Grayson’s Wikipedia page, “Although once a Republican, he switched parties upon making a bid for Assembly.” 

His run for State Senate triggers the campaign by Antioch City Councilwoman Monica Wilson’s campaign for Assembly, which she announced in June and was conditional upon Grayson not running for re-election. (See related article)

Grayson is also pastor of Lifepoint Church formerly, Calvary Apostolic Church, in Concord. He lives in Concord where he raised his two children with his wife of more than 35 years, Tammy who is the principal of Calvary Christian School which is operated by the church along with Calvary Christian Preschool. According to corporationwiki.com, Grayson is currently president of Calvary Apostolic Church of Concord, and formerly affiliated with United Pentacostal Lighthouse of Rodeo, for which, according to bizapedia.com, Tammy served as Chief Financial Officer, and Grace for Grace Ministries, which, according to bizapedia.com, was located in Stockton.

Additional details are available at www.GraysonforCA.com

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Lt. Rick Martin, Investigations Bureau, Antioch Police Department

On August 10, 2023, at approximately 1807 hours, APD dispatch received multiple calls from citizens advising of a male having just been shot in the 600 block of W. 20th Street.  Officers arrived and located a 31-year-old Hispanic male from Antioch suffering from a gunshot wound.  Life saving measures were performed by officers and paramedics. The male succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The victim has been identified. However, we are withholding his information at this time until the next of kin has been notified.

The suspect is unknown and APD detectives are currently conducting this ongoing investigation.  No further information will be provided at this time.