Gift cards to local businesses being mailed to winners of ballot prize drawing from those who voted

Following are the Best Businesses in Antioch in 2021 as voted by you, the readers of the Antioch Herald! A copy was published in the June 2022 issue and is available for download at 2021 Antioch People’s Choice Winners | Antioch Herald. Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to all those who voted. Remember to Shop Local. Shop Antioch!

Stubborn six-week-old peat fire in largely inaccessible areas of Bay Point and Pittsburg

By Steve Hill, PIO, Contra Costa Fire Protection District

July 12, 2022 – Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) today announced details regarding a peat fire that has been burning since May 28 in the waterfront areas of Bay Point and Pittsburg.

• The original fire began the early afternoon of May 28 in a homeless encampment near Suisun and Solano Avenues in Bay Point that burned to approximately 200 acres. The homeless encampment was completely consumed by the fire. No injuries were reported.
• The May 28 fire occurred in a largely inaccessible area with no structures or inhabitants and created a lingering and stubborn fire that has burned in the marsh since that date. The fire burned into large amounts of peat in the area throughout the ensuing six weeks, consuming additional vegetation and intermittently producing noticeable smoke, depending on weather conditions, but still threatening no structures or lives.
• On Saturday, July 9, driven by wind, the peat fire flared up extending into adjacent grassy areas of Pittsburg, threatening overhead high-voltage PG&E transmission lines and nearby decommissioned industrial sites.
• In spite of high winds at the scene, an overwhelming response from Con Fire, aided by Cal Fire, resulted in the fire being contained before it could extend into neighboring homes.
• Con Fire requested mutual aid from Cal Fire for water-dropping helicopters. Due to the threat to PG&E infrastructure, this request was granted.
• Before it was contained, the fire consumed an additional 74 acres, bringing the total area consumed by the fires to approximately 500 acres. As of July 11, the Marsh Fire is contained and continues to smolder in inaccessible areas of the Bay Point and Pittsburg waterfront.
• Peat fires are notoriously stubborn, can be virtually impossible to extinguish, and are often left, for lack of alternatives, to burn themselves out.
• Today, the remaining peat fire is producing significant smoke but presenting little fire danger to the surrounding area. It is NOT threatening structures; no evacuations are anticipated, as a result. The Fire has consumed most of the fuel adjacent to the community, increasing the margin of safety that would otherwise present a fire risk.
• The property owner has been cooperative, hiring contractors to mow and disk hundreds of acres to eliminate hazardous fuels.
• PG&E also provided resources to support the operation in the form of infrastructure protection teams and a large water-dropping helicopter.
• We share resident concerns regarding the smoke and are aggressively pursuing additional remedies for the situation with city and county officials, other jurisdictions, the property owner, and multiple regulatory agencies, in an attempt to mitigate the situation as soon as possible.
• Con Fire continues to monitor the fire scene and is prepared to immediately address any flare ups that may occur.
• We have coordinated with Contra Costa Health Services to monitor air quality in the fire area and, as a result, CCHS issued a health advisory late on July 11.
• For information on protecting yourself and your family from smoke, please visit cchealth.org/wildfire-smoke.

Has his own Facebook page!

By Erin Pina, Furry Friends Pet Relief

This little boy is “Rico ‘Pocket Change’ Jones from the Yock”. We rescued him from the local shelter. The special thing about him is that he is about a 1 in 3,000, some say 250,000, but I have been playing it conservative. He is special because of his coloring. Many cat colors are sex linked traits. Which means that females carry certain colors and males tend to carry other colors.

Rico is a Torbie which is a cross between a Tabby and a Tortoiseshell – the coloring itself it not seen too often. They usually have tabby stripes with black, brown and red tortoiseshell markings. The tortoiseshell color is a female color, but not for our little boy.

He is about 10 weeks old and has his own Facebook page.  Rico talks about how special he is and all kinds of fun facts that go along with it, such as, you are just as likely to be drafted into the NBA as you are to find a cat like him. If you ever get to the PGA tour and hit a Hole in One, you have about the same odds as finding one like him.

Torbies are thought to bring good luck, wealth, and protect you from bad storms and even ghosts.

This amazing little guy will be available for adoption through our organization in about a week.

Anyone interested in adopting can put in an application on our website at www.furryfriendsfoodre.wix.com/fffr.

Furry Friends Pet Relief Program is a 501c3 non-profit. Tax ID: 47-2163583 and is located at 708 W. Second Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.

“Helping those in need with their Furry Friends, keeping pets in their homes and out of the shelters.”

For stabbing near Antioch BART Station last Friday and shooting in Concord; has history of arrests

By Darryl Saffold, PIO, Antioch Police Department

On Sunday, July 10, 2022, Antioch Police Officers spent several hours looking for Mychal Allen Plew (3/25/91) who was wanted on a total of five felony warrants. Two of the warrants were for attempted murder (664/187PC) related to a shooting he committed in Concord and a stabbing he committed in Antioch on July 8 near the BART Station.

Officer Mulholland followed up on a lead and spotted Plew in the passenger seat of a vehicle leaving a house on the Antioch/Oakley border. He followed the vehicle until sufficient units arrived. At 8:39 pm a high-risk stop was conducted on Main Street in Oakley and Plew was taken into custody without incident. Plew was ultimately booked at the Martinez Detention Facility.

According to localcrimenews.com, Plew has a history of arrests by Antioch PD, Concord PD and CHP dating back to 2013 including drug possession, trespassing, receiving stolen property – vehicle, possession of burglar’s tools, false registration and auto theft.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Visit 19 state parks!

By California State Parks

Hey, fourth graders! Are you ready for an adventure?

The California State Park Adventure Pass is just for you. See how you can visit some of the most amazing parks in the country with your family and friends—for free.

What?

In partnership with the First Partner’s Office and the Natural Resources Agency, the California State Park Adventure Pass provides free entry for fourth graders and their families at 19 amazing state parks throughout the state. Mountains, deserts, forests, rivers … the choice of where to visit is yours.

Who?

You (a fourth grader from California), your family (up to three adults and other kids) and friends (everyone in your car) can enjoy all sorts of adventures at 19 state parks during your whole fourth grade year—and the summer after, too. (So, it’s good this summer for those going into fifth grade).

How?

Have your parent or guardian go to ReserveCalifornia.com or call (800) 444-7275. All they have to do is set up a profile by providing their name, address, phone number and email address, and we’ll send them your free California State Park Adventure Pass to their email right away!  For individuals that do not have access to a smartphone, computer or printer and/or do not have an email address to use when applying online, they can still apply for a pass by visiting a State Parks Pass Sales Office. Click here for a list of locations.

Where?

Once you have your Pass, you can use it by either printing it out or keeping it on your phone to show a uniformed state park staffer at one of these 19 state parks.

Recreate Responsibly

Getting into the outdoors is the perfect way to connect with nature, family and friends but it is important to do so responsibly. Please protect yourself and your family by learning about the park you are visiting before heading out, wearing appropriate clothing, staying prepared by bringing the essentials like enough food and water, and knowing your comfort level to avoid injuries. For additional safety tips, click here.

Your Parents Speak Spanish?

¿Tus padres hablan español? Tenemos personal que les pueden ayudar en su idioma. Diles a tus padres que nos llamen por teléfono al 1-800-444-7275 o nos visiten en ReserveCalifornia.com

Learn more at www.parks.ca.gov/AdventurePass

 

By Antioch Police Department

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community relationships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring place to live. It provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
On “National Night Out,” Tuesday, August 2, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., a representative from the Antioch Police Department, Antioch Police Crime Prevention Commission, Citizen Volunteer, and/or a member of the City Council may visit each participating neighborhood.

If your neighborhood would like to host a gathering and would like members of the Antioch Police Department to stop by, please contact Lt Vigil via email at jvigil@antiochca.gov or call 925-779-6993.

Tickets are $10 each – Antioch Water Park. Parents Night Out (runparker.com)

By Darryl Saffold, PIO, Antioch Police Department

While everyone was hopefully enjoying the holiday weekend, your officers have been extremely busy. In addition to addressing the various quality of life issues and helping those in need, your officers have been arresting people that have violated numerous laws and pose a threat to the welfare of our community.

Knowing this post doesn’t acknowledge the extensive work our officers have been doing, we want to paint a picture of the last seven days. Over the last week, eight arrests were made with four illegal firearms recovered, four stolen vehicles recovered that were returned to their rightful owners, as well as several warrant arrests were made.

We are extremely proud of how hard our officers work, considering the number of resources at our disposal. Despite some staffing challenges, at the Antioch Police Department we are committed to ensuring public safety. Thank you for your ongoing support, we couldn’t do what we do without it. #safestreets #noguns

Note: Placement of photos do not necessarily relate to the person(s) arrested or crime(s) committed next to them.

Details

DATE:  6/30/22                      TIME:  1631              CHARGE(S):  29800(a)(1) PC, 417(a)(2) PC – for Drive By Shooting, Felon in Possession of Firearm

LOCATION: Sycamore Drive

ARRESTEE(S): Therel Shurki Scott (5/31/79)

SYNOPSIS: Officers responded to the area of Sycamore Drive for a report of a drive by shooting. The VIC stated her apartment and vehicle were hit by gunfire and the unknown responsible fled the scene. While officers were investigating the incident, security at Sycamore Square reported being the victim of a brandishing from a firearm. The suspect description matched the suspect from the shooting and a vehicle license plate was obtained. The suspect vehicle was located on a nearby street and the driver, 43-year-old Therel Scott, was detained without incident.

A loaded 9mm pistol was located tucked between the driver’s seat and the center console. Officers were able to develop enough evidence to charge Scott for the shooting as well as the brandishing. Scott was found to be a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing the firearm located in his vehicle. Scott was later booked at Martinz Detention Facility (MDF) aka county jail.

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DATE:7/1/2022            TIME: 1442                    CHARGE(S): CVC 2800.2 & PC 496(d) – for Stolen Vehicle

LOCATION: Lemontree Way/Sycamore Drive

ARRESTEE(S): Tayshaun I’maike Scott-Hunter (8/23/2003)

SYNOPSIS: Officer Mulholland located a gold Honda sedan that been reported a stolen. The vehicle was taken after a robbery in Oakland. Officer Mulholland attempted a traffic stop, but the driver fled. The driver immediately got onto SR-4 westbound and the pursuit ended when the Honda grazed a commercial vehicle. This sent the Honda into a spin and it collided with a K-rail. The Honda came to rest after impact and the driver, 18-year-old Tayshaun Scott-Hunter, was taken into custody without further incident.

Officer Morris called the victim and found out he was robbed of his keys, wallet and cell phone when the vehicle was taken. During a search incident to arrest, Scott-Hunter was found to be in possession of the victim’s keys. He was ultimately booked into MDF for the above listed charges after medical clearance.

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DATE:  7/1/22                        TIME:  1630          CHARGE(S):  10851(a) CVC – for Stolen Vehicle, Weapons Charges

LOCATION: 7-11 Century Blvd

ARRESTEE(S): Josue Torres (12/17/75)

SYNOPSIS:  Officers were circulating the Sycamore Drive searching for a reported stolen Mercedes SUV. The vehicle was located parked at the 7-11 on Century Blvd and the driver, 46-year-old Josue Torres, was arrested without incident. Torres was found to be on AB109 for weapons charges and was later booked at MDF.

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DATE:  7/1/22                        TIME:  1823        CHARGE(S): WRNO – for Shooting in Santa Cruz

LOCATION: San Jose Drive and Buchanan Rd

ARRESTEE(S): Terry Robinson (6/13/96)

SYNOPSIS: Officer Nutt conducted a traffic enforcement stop and the passenger, 26-year-old Terry Robinson, was found to have a warrant for his arrest in relation to a shooting in Santa Cruz. Robinson was detained without incident. Robinson was booked at MDF on his outstanding warrant.

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DATE:  7/1/22                        TIME:  1842                               Armed Robbery in Danville

LOCATION: San Jose Drive

SYNOPSIS: Danville PD sent a BOLO for an armed robbery vehicle in which a Rolex was stolen from a subject at gunpoint in their city. The suspects were reportedly armed with an AR-15 rifle and a pistol. A short time later, they requested Code 3 cover for their plain clothes detectives who were following the suspect vehicle into the apartment complex at 2005 San Jose Drive. Several APD officers were clearing a call on San Jose Drive and arrived within seconds and located the vehicle inside the complex. Two passengers foot-bailed but the driver was arrested without incident. The AR-15 and pistol were located on the back seat of the suspect vehicle. The front passenger was taken into custody by APD officers after a short foot pursuit inside the complex. Star 3 was overhead and maintained visual on the third suspect as he ran south through the lot and onto Buchanan Rd. He was challenged by APD officers and a Contra Costa County K9 and was arrested after a brief struggle. (See related article)

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DATE: 7/3/2022                     TIME: 2231                CHARGE(S): CVC 10851 – for Stolen Vehicle

LOCATION: 19th Hole, E. Tregallas

ARRESTEE: Justin Griffin, 35

OTHER INVOLVED: N/A

SYNOPSIS: Officer Angelini watched an occupied stolen vehicle pull into the parking lot of the 19th Hole. He conducted a stop and took the driver, Justin Griffin, into custody without incident.

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DATE: 7/4/2022                     TIME: 1740           Post Release Community Supervision violation warrant

LOCATION: J Street

ARRESTEE: Terry Domino Ferguson 4/16/1985

OTHER INVOLVED: N/A

SYNOPSIS: Several SWAT officers were on foot patrol in the downtown area and noticed 37-year-old Terry Ferguson working on a vehicle in front on J Street. They were familiar with Ferguson from a prior SWAT operation in which Ferguson was arrested for weapons manufacturing. A record check showed Ferguson to have an outstanding Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) violation warrant. Ferguson was contacted and attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended and taken into custody without incident. A PRCS search was conducted on Ferguson’s apartment and a loaded Sig Sauer 9mm pistol was located in a backpack that belonged to Ferguson. Ferguson was later booked at MDF.

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DATE: 7/4/2022                      TIME: 1650                CHARGE(S): CVC 10851(a) – for Stolen Vehicle

LOCATION: 2540 Verne Roberts Circle

ARRESTEE: Richard Charles Lewis, 8/22/1991                                VICTIM: Antioch Resident

OTHER INVOLVED: N/A

SYNOPSIS: Officers responded to the report of a vehicle theft that occurred about 4:50 pm at 2540 Verne Roberts Circle. The victim caught the suspect (later identified as, Richard Lewis) in the act of stealing his vehicle. Lewis was unsuccessful in his attempt to steal the car and fled the scene on foot. Officers quickly arrived and set up a perimeter. Eventually, Officer Pedreira located Lewis hiding behind a large bush and was taken into custody. Lewis, age 30 was positively identified as the responsible during an in-field show up. He was booked into MDF.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.