For more information visit https://smithslandingantioch.com/order-ahead. Smith’s Landing SeafoodGrill is located at 1 Marina Plaza at the foot of L Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.

By Lt. Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division

On October 28, 2024, at approximately 10:58 AM, Antioch Police officers responded to reports of a solo motorcyclist down in the 4300 block of Hillcrest Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found the 43-year-old (Antioch resident) motorcyclist on the ground, suffering from major injuries, and unresponsive. Unfortunately, the motorcyclist succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Hillcrest Avenue was temporarily closed between Hidden Glen Drive and Via Dora Drive.

Traffic Accident Investigators took over the investigation. This collision investigation is in the preliminary stages and the names of the parties involved are not being released at this time. Based on preliminary information at the scene, it was determined the solo motorcyclist was traveling northbound on Hillcrest Avenue at a high rate of speed and collided with the sidewalk where he was ejected from the motorcycle.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925)778-2441 or Traffic Collision Investigator Sergeant Green at 925-779-6864, email rgreen@antiochca.gov.

Estimates according to a new USGS predictive model. Exposure to some PFAS may lead to adverse health risks.

Antioch has some of the highest levels

Approximately 71 to 95 million people in the Lower 48 states – more than 20% of the country’s population – may rely on groundwater that contains detectable concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, for their drinking water supplies. These findings are according to a U.S Geological Survey study published Oct. 24. The predictive model results can help members of the public, water suppliers and regulators understand the potential for PFAS contamination, guide future studies and inform strategic planning for water resources.

USGS scientists are the first to report national estimates of PFAS occurrence in untreated groundwater that supplies water to public and private wells. This research also provides the first estimate of the number of people across the country who are potentially affected by PFAS-contaminated groundwater.

Along with a scientific report, the USGS published an interactive, online map so users can see probability estimates of PFAS occurrence. Note that predictive results are intended to be evaluated at state, regional and national scales rather than at individual household levels. Probability estimates are for the presence of PFAS in groundwater and do not account for any subsequent actions taken by states, municipalities or individuals to treat drinking water. The model does not include estimates of PFAS concentrations; testing is the only way to confirm the presence of contaminants.

Exposure to certain PFAS may lead to adverse health risks in people, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a wide variety of common applications, from the linings of fast-food boxes and non-stick cookware to fire-fighting foams and other purposes. PFAS are commonly called “forever chemicals” because many of them do not easily break down and can build up over time, making them a concern for drinking water quality.

“This study’s findings indicate widespread PFAS contamination in groundwater that is used for public and private drinking water supplies in the U.S.,” said Andrea Tokranov, USGS research hydrologist and lead author of this study. “This new predictive model can help prioritize areas for future sampling to help ensure people aren’t unknowingly drinking contaminated water. This is especially important for private well users, who may not have information on water quality in their region and may not have the same access to testing and treatment that public water suppliers do.”

The EPA has established legally enforceable levels, called maximum contaminant levels, for six types of PFAS in drinking water. The EPA regulates public water supplies, and some states have additional regulations for drinking water. Some homes use private water supplies, where residents are responsible for the maintenance, testing and treatment of their drinking water. Those interested in treatment processes and testing options can read EPA’s guidance or contact their state officials or water supplier.

The states with the largest populations relying on public water supplies with potentially contaminated groundwater sources are Florida and California. Regarding private wells, Michigan, Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio have the largest populations relying on potentially contaminated groundwater.

The study also presents data according to population percentage. In Massachusetts, for example, the source water for 86 to 98% of people who rely on groundwater from public water supplies could be contaminated with PFAS. In Connecticut, the source water for 67 to 87% of the people who rely on groundwater from private wells could be affected. Details by state can be seen in the report’s tables S6 through S8.

“To derive these estimates, the team analyzed 1,238 groundwater samples collected by USGS scientists and determined how factors such as urban development and well depth can impact PFAS occurrence,” continued Tokranov. “With that information, a detailed machine learning model was developed and used to identify which geographic areas have a higher likelihood for contamination. That information was combined with existing USGS research on the number of people in a given area who rely on groundwater for drinking water to establish population estimates.”

Scientists present separate estimates for public and private wells because they typically receive water from different groundwater depths. Public wells using groundwater as the primary water source are usually deeper than private wells.

There are more than 12,000 types of PFAS, not all of which can be detected with current tests; the USGS study tested for the presence of 24 common types. The USGS estimates consider the presence of at least one of those 24 types of PFAS. The most frequently detected compounds were perfluorobutane sulfonate known as PFBS, perfluorooctane sulfonate known as PFOS and perfluorooctanoate known as PFOA.
This research provides a broad outlook for the Lower 48 states and presents state-level estimates. Scientists did not look in detail at specific cities or provide estimates for the types of PFAS present or PFAS concentrations.

The new USGS study was published in Science.

Learn more about USGS research on PFAS by reading the USGS strategy for the study of PFAS in the environment and visiting the USGS PFAS Integrated Science Team’s website.

For more information about PFAS regulations, visit the EPA’s website on addressing PFAS.

By Antioch Police Department

Join us this Saturday, October 26th, from 10 am to 2 pm at the DEA Take Back event! Dispose of your unused medications safely and anonymously at convenient local drop-off locations nationwide. Locate a collection site near you: www.DEATakeBack.com.

Solid and liquid medications may be disposed. No medical sharps will be accepted.

Where: Antioch Police Department
300 L Street, Antioch
Inside the front lobby
From 10:00am to 2:00 pm.

93rd stolen vehicle stopped on Wednesday; motor vehicle thefts already more than last year with two-and-a-half months remaining, continue to increase year after year

By Allen D. Payton

According to a Facebook post on the Antioch Police Department page, “Your Antioch Patrol Officers and CSO’s have been busy in October! In the first 19 days of this month, they have located 92 stolen cars and returned them to their owners! They made multiple ARRESTS of car thieves and are not slowing down!

We hear you, and we are working 24/7 to slow the uptick in car thefts in our area. Together we can tackle any problem!”

A 93rd stolen vehicle was stopped on Railroad Avenue near A Street and the driver was arrested on Wednesday, according to Captain Joe Vigil.

According to the APD Crime Statistics, so far this year, through September there have been 1,292 motor vehicle thefts in Antioch surpassing last year’s total. Plus, the 93 in October brings the total to 1,385.

That compares to 1,245 in 2023 when it increased by 91.5% over 2022 when 650 motor vehicle thefts occurred in Antioch and 552 in 2021.

The Wheels of Justice never stop

UPDATE: Details on suspect with history of arrests, DNA evidence

By Antioch Police Department

Last year, Officer Kawalya was sent to investigate a burglary where a vehicle had been stolen! During his investigation, he located a key item of evidence. That item had the suspect’s DNA which the Contra Costa Sheriff’s crime lab was able to match. Officer Kawalya authored a warrant for the suspect and the search was on!

He thought he got away but you’re never out of reach of the long arms of the law. Thanks to our friends at the Redding Police Department, they were able to arrest him on the warrant and he was transported back to APD to face charges.

UPDATE: According to Lt. Desmond Bittner, the suspect’s name is, “K.C. Moore, age 42. He’s from Antioch, born and raised. The incident occurred in March 2023.”

Bittner also shared, “officers recovered DNA from the swabs of the steering wheel and shifting knob in the car that was stolen.”

“Moore was charged with burglary and vehicle theft,” he added.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Moore’s middle name is Allen and as of Oct. 17 he had bonded out of custody.

According to localcrimenews.com, Moore has a history of arrests by multiple agencies dating back to 2014 for crimes including previous vehicle thefts, assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, multiple weapon and drug charges, and possession of burglar’s tools.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Dawn Kruger, Community and Media Relations Coordinator, Contra Costa Elections Division

Election and law enforcement officials in Contra Costa County are taking steps to make the safety and security of the 2024 election paramount on multiple levels.

“Contra Costa County voters have several safe and convenient ways to vote in the November 5, 2024, General Election,” said Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Kristin B. Connelly. “Specific information on different options can be found in our Voter Information Guide that went out to all registered voters the last week of September, or on our website, www.contracostavote.gov. Our Elections team has prepared diligently to ensure every valid ballot is counted and that our county residents’ voices are heard.”

AB 2642, the Protecting Elections from Armed Coercion and Extremism – Peace Act, went into effect September 24, 2024, creating protections for California voters and the workers who administer our elections in all 58 counties. Of note the Peace Act protects voters and election officials by explicitly prohibiting intimidation and threats. There are also legal protections that make the presence of a firearm – or even a replica of one – at a polling place unlawful intimidation. Moreover, the Peace Act will provide voters, election officials, and election workers with civil legal recourse against intimidation and coercion.

Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton said, “My office and local law enforcement will work in concert to protect our fundamental right to vote in Contra Costa County. Any threats, intentional disruptions, or intimidating acts designed to stop a citizen from legally voting or officials from administering an election will be held accountable.”

According to a September 27th Memorandum addressed to “All County Clerks/Registrars of Voters” in the state from Robbie Anderson, Elections Counsel in the California Secretary of State’s Office, “The purpose of the Act is to supplement, and not limit or replace existing statutes that prohibit the intimidation of voters and others in the election process and the carrying of firearms where votes are cast and counted.”

“Our focus is on the safety and security of election workers, voters, and the election process,” said Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston. “Additional arrangements will be put in place and we encourage anyone to report suspicious activity or crimes by calling 9-1-1 or their local law enforcement agency.”

County officials are collaborating to ensure that the 2024 General Election in Contra Costa County is safe, secure, and free from threats and intimidation.

For more information on how or where to vote, visit the Contra Costa County Elections website.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Antioch Police Department

We are currently investigating multiple shoplifting incidents at the Rite Aid on East 18th Street. If you recognize or can identify these individuals, please reach out to Officer Tryner at (925) 779-6900 ext 86609 or via email at rtryner@antiochca.gov. Tipsters can remain anonymous, and any information provided will be greatly appreciated. Refer to PD Case #24-009352

We want to thank our community for your continued collaboration and support in helping us keep Antioch safe. Your assistance in cases like this is invaluable and makes a difference. Thank you!