Archive for July, 2025

Outdoor Movie Nights in Antioch begin tonight July 10

Thursday, July 10th, 2025

By City of Antioch Recreation Department

Movie fans of Antioch!

Tonight is the first Outdoor Movie Night event of the summer!

You voted! We listened!

First up is Moana 2!

@foodiecrewsf will also be on site for Food Truck Thursday so you will have a plethora or dinner options!

The film starts at dusk. Make sure to bring enough seating for the whole family and enjoy our first Outdoor Movie Night of 2025!

Rumors surrounding Najee Harris eye injury from Antioch July 4th fireworks explosion confirmed

Thursday, July 10th, 2025
L.A. Chargers running back Najee Harris’ eye was injured in a July 4th fireworks explosion in Antioch. Photo & logo source: L.A. Chargers

1 of 7 injured; ESPN posts on X, CBS now reporting his agent says Harris “is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season”

By Allen D. Payton

Rumors have been circulating online all week that former Antioch High football standout Najee Harris sustained an injury to his eye during the previously reported July 4th fireworks explosion in Antioch. No one has confirmed the information until today, Thursday, July 10, when, according to CBS News, his agent, Doug Hendrickson of Wasserman Media Group in Larkspur.

Efforts to confirm the information with Antioch Police and Contra Costa Fire Protection District (Con Fire) personnel have been unsuccessful. The only thing they have shared is that seven people were injured, including four were transported to local hospitals, one in critical condition, two others drove themselves and one refused medical transport.

The explosion occurred in the 2200 block of Spanos Street in Antioch. When police officers arrived on the scene, they discovered the aftermath of an explosion caused by fireworks.

According to Antioch Police Lt. Bill Whitaker, one man lost fingers, was burned, and was still in critical condition on Sunday. But no names of the victims have been released as it’s still an active investigation.

Asked if she had any names of those who set off the fireworks Con Fire PIO Lauren Ono reiterated on Tuesday, “The investigation is still ongoing and that’s part of it.”

Additional efforts to reach Brock Anderson in media relations with the L.A. Chargers, for whom the 27-year-old Harris is now a running back on a one-year, $9.5 million contract, were also unsuccessful prior to publication time.

However, as of 3:58 PM on Thursday, July 10th, ESPN is reporting on X/Twitter, “Breaking: Chargers RB Najee Harris sustained a superficial eye injury during a 4th of July fireworks mishap, sources tell @AdamSchefter. He is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.” According to his profile Schefter is an “ESPN Senior NFL Insider. Host of the Adam Schefter Podcast http://Instagram.com/AdamSchefter and considered a reliable source.”

Further, CBS is reporting that “Harris sustained an eye injury, according to his agent.” The CBS report reads, “‘Najee Harris was present at a 4th of July event where a fireworks mishap resulted in injuries to several attendees,’ Hendrickson’s statement reads, via NFL Media. ‘Najee sustained a superficial eye injury during the incident, but is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.’”

Efforts to reach Hendrickson for a direct comment on the incident were unsuccessful prior to publication time.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Sign up for Antioch Resource Recovery Ambassadors training program

Wednesday, July 9th, 2025

The City of Antioch presents Resource Recovery Ambassadors: a fun training program for all who live, work or play in Antioch to become experts in sorting discards for recycling and composting to help combat climate change! Participants can receive $75 after completing the 2-part training.

Funded in part by CalRecycle.

Upcoming Training Dates:

Online Video Training Monday August 11th, 6-8pm OR Thursday August 14th, 4-6pm

In-Person Training Saturday August 16th is FULL! (we will offer another in-person course in early 2026)

Fill out registration form: https://forms.office.com/g/Vn1Z6y81kD

Antioch teen killed during July 4th shooting in San Francisco

Wednesday, July 9th, 2025
Antioch teen Tyrell Devon Amir Washington in a photo on the GoFundMe page raising money to pay for his funeral expenses.

15-year-old Antioch High student Tyrell Washington, 4 others shot

By Allen D. Payton

According to the San Francisco Police Department, “On July 5th, 2025, at approximately 12:07 a.m., San Francisco Police officers from Bayview Station responded to the 100 block of Harbor Road regarding a shooting. Officers arrived on the scene and located several victims who were suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

Officers rendered aid and medics arrived on scene, who transported five victims – three minors and two adults – to the hospital, two with life-threatening injuries and three with non-life-threatening injuries. Despite the lifesaving efforts of the emergency responders and the medical staff, one of the victims succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced deceased.

When asked for the identity of the victim and additional details about the shooting, SFPD Public Information Officer Robert Rueca responded,At this time we are not identifying the victim in this incident. We are not releasing further details regarding the incident due to the open and active investigation.”

A call and email sent to the San Francisco Chief Medical Examiner’s Office to identify the deceased were unsuccessful prior to publication time.

However, according to a July 9th KTVU FOX2 news report, the victim was 15-year-old Antioch resident Tyrell Washington who was in San Francisco visiting his relatives for the July 4th holiday. His birthday was this Friday, and he would have turned 16 years old.

“Relatives say the teen embraced his Christian faith and was baptized in April,” the KTVU report shared. “Family members described Tyrell as a good student at Antioch High School where he was set to start the 11th grade.”

The SFPD Homicide Detail responded to the scene and is leading the investigation.

In a post on the GoFundMe account set up by Latasha Johnson to help raise funds for Washington’s funeral expenses reads,” Help Us Honor the Life of Tyrell Devon Amir Washington

It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating loss of our beloved Tyrell Devon Amir Washington, who was tragically murdered in Bayview-Hunters Point, San Francisco—just seven days before his 16th birthday.

Tyrell was not involved in gangs in any way. He was a bright, loving, and intelligent young man with his whole life ahead of him. He had just received his driver’s permit and a brand new car—something he was so excited about. Tyrell had already earned all of his high school credits and didn’t need to attend summer school. He was focused, motivated, and full of potential.

Born and raised in Antioch, California since the age of three, Tyrell grew up surrounded by family and community. He was known for his affectionate nature and deep love for those around him. If you knew Tyrell, you knew how much he loved to laugh, connect with others, and simply enjoy life. Tyrell brought people together he was loving, caring, and so kind to everyone who he became in contact with.

On July 4th, Tyrell came to San Francisco to celebrate with family and friends. He was just trying to enjoy the holiday, like any kid would. But his life was senselessly taken from us.

We are asking for your support during this heartbreaking time to help in anyway possible with a donation, no matter the size, means the world to our family.

Tyrell deserved so much more. He was loved, he was cherished, and he will never be forgotten.

Thank you for your prayers, support, and love.

Show your support for this GoFundMe.”

The effort had raised $1,930 of a $50,000 goal by early Wednesday afternoon, July 9.

Check back later for any updates to this report.

Not Loud Concerts presents Blues & Botanicals in El Sobrante July 15

Tuesday, July 8th, 2025
Dirty Cello cellist, Rebecca Roudman and guitarist, Jason Eckl will perform in El Sobrante next Tuesday night. Photo by J. Mijares

A “truly…sensory experience” by the band Dirty Cello at a farm in El Sobrante

Pick and taste blackberries, peaches, more before the show

Not Loud Concerts presents “Blues & Botanicals” concert by the band Dirty Cello on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 7:00 pm at Cloverfield Organic Farm in El Sobrante.

Nestled in the hills of El Sobrante is a unique farm that is lending us a field to put on a blues themed show that we’re calling “Blues & Botanicals”. Arrive early and visit the farm to pick peaches, blackberries and more, or just wander the paths. Explore at your own pace or let farmer Michael take you around and tell you about the orchard and garden, all the produce, and has you taste a wide variety of common and uncommon plants. Truly a sensory experience. There’s even a horse to pet!

Photo by Cloverfield Organic Farm.

As sunset approaches we’ll meet in the event space field for a not too loud concert of acoustic blues music provided, plus a special guest for about an hour. Bring a blanket if you want, but chairs will be provided. There are rustic bathrooms, and no need to dress up for this show – come casual with good footwear and maybe a hat.

Not Loud Concerts is a project all about creating unique and fun places for people to enjoy music that’s not too loud, not too long, and not too expensive. 

The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. and the gardens will be open at 6:00 p.m. for visitin’ and pickin’.

Tickets are $20 and available at https://bit.ly/notloudconcerts_bluesandbotanicals.

Fresh peaches and more available for the pickin’. Photo by Cloverfield Organic Farm.

About Not Loud Concerts

What Sets Us Apart: Not Loud Concerts was inspired by numerous jokes on the internet about wanting to go see a concert that was, “Not too loud, not too late, not too long and not too expensive.”

With this idea in mind, Not Loud Concerts was created to showcase music based on the following principles:

  • Not too loud
  • Comfortable seating
  • No hidden fees or crazy ticket prices
  • Good parking whenever possible
  • Not too long

These concerts are created for the enjoyment of the audience and are not based on old traditions.

What to expect: At a Not Loud Concert the band will perform for around an hour with no intermission. The concerts will feature outstanding musicians performing in a lightly amplified manner with primarily acoustic instruments. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to the start of the show.

Each concert will be audio recorded and emailed to the ticket purchaser about 2 weeks after the show.

Learn more at Notloudconcerts.com.

About Dirty Cello

From Iceland to Italy, and all over the U.S., San Francisco based band Dirty Cello brings the world a high energy and unique spin on blues, rock, and Americana. Led by vivacious cross-over cellist, Rebecca Roudman, Dirty Cello is cello like you’ve never heard before. From down home blues and rock with a wailing cello to virtuosic stompin’ Americana, Dirty Cello is a band that gets your heart thumping and your toes tapping!

“Dirty Cello’s music is all over the map: funky, carnival, romantic, sexy, tangled, electric, fiercely rhythmic, and textured, and only occasionally classical.” – Oakland Magazine

“The group seamlessly careens from blues to bluegrass and rock in a way that really shouldn’t make sense but somehow does.” – LA Times

“Anyone who’s been in an audience when the San Francisco Bay Area Dirty Cello takes the stage knows that something unique happens whenever cellist Rebecca Roudman and ensemble come face to face with living, breathing (and whooping and shouting) fans.” – Strings Magazine

“Dirty Cello have been hard to describe, apart from saying that a cello (played in ways you won’t quite believe) is involved, and the range of music takes the word eclectic and supercharges it to meltdown levels of energy and invention. The ensemble plays a range of eclectic tunes in ways you won’t hear anyone else dare to attempt.” – Argus Courier

Follow the band at facebook.com/dirtycellomusic, instagram.com/dirtycello, twitter.com/dirtycello and Dirtycello.com.

See video about the event.

Cloverfield Organic Farm is located at 501 La Paloma Road in El Sobrante.

Paid advertisement.

Contra Costa Assessor’s report shows 1,341 more parcels, $12 billion increase in property values

Tuesday, July 8th, 2025

In annual Assessment Roll; shows Antioch with $16.3 billion in property value

By Allen D. Payton

In a letter to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, county Assessor Gus Kramer informed them of this fiscal year’s Assessment Roll for the purpose of collecting property taxes and the net value has increased by almost $12 billion over last year.

The report shows San Pablo and Danville had the greatest increase while Concord and Pittsburg had the least, as well as an increase of 1,342 parcels due new development in the county.

Source: Contra Costa County Assessor’s Office

Kramer’s letter reads:

“Dear Members of the Board of Supervisors,

I am pleased to report the completion and official delivery of the 2025–2026 Contra Costa County Assessment Roll to the County Auditor-Controller, as required by law.

This year’s assessment roll reflects a total net assessed value of $290.66 billion, an increase of $11.67 billionor 4.18%over the previous year. This represents the highest total assessed value in the County’s history. Cities with the highest percentage increases in assessed value include San Pablo with 5.81%, and Danville with 5.28%. Cities with the most modest growth include Concord at 3.10%, and Pittsburg at 2.96%.

The total number of assessed parcels now stands at 382,022, an increase of 1,341 parcels compared to the previous year. This growth reflects ongoing development and investment throughout Contra Costa County.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to the staff of the Assessor’s Office for their professionalism, dedication, and tireless efforts in preparing an accurate and timely assessment roll for the 2025–2026 fiscal year.

Sincerely,

Gus S. Kramer

Assessor”

The duties of the County Assessor’s Office include:

  • Discovering and assessing all property within the County
  • Producing and delivering an assessment roll by July 1 of each year
  • Valuing all real property
  • Auditing all entities doing business in the County and valuing all taxable personal property
  • Establishing and maintaining a set of 11,000 maps for assessment purposes, delineating every parcel of land in the County
  • Providing a public information service to assist taxpayers with questions about property ownership and assessment

To review your property’s value visit Review Your Value and for more information call the office at (925) 313-7400.

Enjoy peaches & cream French toast at Monica’s Riverview throughout July

Monday, July 7th, 2025
Paid advertisement

Located at 1 I (“Eye”) Street on the wharf in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. For Monica’s complete menu see www.visitmonicas.com.

Man injured in shooting at Antioch BART Station Sunday night

Monday, July 7th, 2025

Closed Antioch, Pittsburg/Bay Point Stations; police seek suspects

By Allen D. Payton

According to Jim Allison, BART Media Relations Manager in a message at 9:30 p.m. Sunday, July 6, 2025, “Antioch station is closed and there is no service between Pittsburg/Bay Point Stations and Antioch Stations due to police activity at Antioch Station. The

“BART police are investigating a shooting that occurred at about 8:15 p.m. in the bus zone near the station,” he continued. “One adult male victim was transported to John Muir Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.”

BART Police are searching for suspects and the Antioch Police Department have been assisting in the investigation, as well.”

“There is no indication that the shooting victim was a BART rider,” Allison added.

Antioch Police posted a message on their Facebook page informing the public of the investigation and to avoid the station area.

No additional information has been provided as of Monday afternoon.