Antioch Police Community Engagement Team Officers Riosbaas (left) and Shipilov (center) check on Harry on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, who was given a job by 7-Eleven owner Mena. Photo by Antioch PD
By Antioch Police Department
On Thursday, April 23, 2026, officers with the Antioch Police Community Engagement Team responded to a report of an unhoused individual trespassing on private property. When Officers Riosbaas and Shipilov arrived, they made contact with a young man named Harry. During their conversation with Harry, he explained that he had been experiencing homelessness for an extended period of time and was making efforts to obtain employment, so he could afford housing and transportation, but had been unsuccessful so far despite applying to several local businesses.
Officers used their contacts with Mena, the owner of 7-Eleven on Sunset Lane and Davison Drive, and gave Mena Harry’s contact information. Within 15 minutes Mena called Harry and set up a job interview while officers Riosbaas and Shipilov were still on scene. Harry was extremely grateful for the opportunity! Officers gave Harry some pointers for the interview and he aced it! Harry was hired and his first day of work was April 26, 2026.
Officers Riosbaas and Shipilov checked in on Harry on Tuesday, April 28 to congratulate him on his success and took the opportunity to pose with him and Mena.
These are the contacts that make a difference in our community. At the Antioch Police Department, our Community Engagement Team is committed to more than just enforcement. They’re here to build relationships, connect people with resources, and help create pathways to success.
This is just one example of how collaboration, compassion, and proactive policing can positively impact lives. We would like to thank Mena for being willing to give Harry an opportunity, and we wish Harry continued success in this next chapter.
Among 13 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals named by Newsweek magazine as “America’s Best Maternity Hospitals”
By Elissa Harrington, Sr. Media Relations & PR Representative, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
OAKLAND, Calif. – With a commitment to providing safe, high-quality maternity care to parents and newborns, 13 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals are being recognized by Newsweek magazine as among the best in the nation.
According to Newsweek’s list of “America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2026,” Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals met rigorous standards for maternity care, such as low rates of elective early deliveries and adherence to important safety protocols to protect new parents and their babies.
The 13 hospitals to receive the prestigious honor include: Antioch, Fresno, Oakland, Redwood City, Roseville, San Francisco, San Jose, San Leandro, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, South Sacramento, Vacaville, and Walnut Creek.
This is the seventh year Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals have been recognized by Newsweek.
The national designation was awarded to only 460 hospitals in the United States with 65 of those in California. Kaiser Permanente has a total of 29 hospitals that received the elite designation in California, or about 45% of hospitals recognized in the state.
Newsweek and Statista, one of the world’s leading statistics portals and industry-ranking provider, partnered on this prestigious list, given that maternity care provided from pregnancy through birth and into postpartum is key to the long-term health of newborns and their mothers.
“Our physicians, midwives, nurses, and teams are proud to be recognized for providing comprehensive, patient-centered maternity care,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, chief executive officer and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “Kaiser Permanente patients in Northern California are 20% less likely to require a cesarean section than those receiving care elsewhere in the state — a reflection of our use of evidence-based practices and our commitment to honoring each family’s needs and preferences.”
Last year, nearly 40,000 babies were delivered in Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals.
A focus on comprehensive maternity care
Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s comprehensive maternity care focuses on safe, high-quality care from prenatal to postpartum, including midwife services, prenatal classes, and support for breastfeeding and mental health.
Members are encouraged to focus on their health even before pregnancy. If a pregnant patient has a high-risk pregnancy or a chronic condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes, we tailor their care – including providing remote monitoring tools – to reduce risks, helping to keep mom and baby safe.
At Kaiser Permanente Northern California, we also partner with new parents to ensure they have the birthing experience they desire through a coordinated birthing plan that addresses everything from their delivery preferences to whether they want to breastfeed.
Support for mental and emotional health is another key component of maternity care at Kaiser Permanente. Regular screenings for prenatal and postpartum depression are part of every care plan, so we can connect those who are struggling with the care and support they need.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.6 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.
Zahvon Hopson was charged with murder by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office April 28, 2026. Photo: Antioch PD
22-year-old Zahvon Hopson charged with killing Dimon Lasly Commodore, held on $2.19 million bail
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office
Martinez, California – The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has charged an Oakland man with the murder of a 20-year-old Antioch woman.
Zahvon Hopson, 22, was arraigned today, Tuesday, April 28, 2026, on a three-count criminal complaint stemming from the shooting death of Dimon Lasly Commodore. The charges include murder, possession of a firearm by a felon with a prior conviction, and unlawful firearm activity. The murder charge carries an enhancement for personally and intentionally discharging a firearm causing great bodily injury and death. The unlawful firearm activity count includes special allegations citing prior offenses in Contra Costa and Alameda counties.
As previously reported, Antioch police officers responded to a reported shooting in the 2200 block of Sycamore Drive on February 19, 2026, at 7:17 p.m. They arrived to find the victim suffering from two gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, she died at the scene. Hopson was later identified by Antioch Police.
Hopson fled before officers arrived. Also, as previously reported, following an extensive search, he was located in San Diego and arrested on April 10, 2026, with the assistance of local law enforcement.
Currently held at the Martinez Detention Facility on $2,190,000 bail, Hopson pleaded not guilty at today’s arraignment, denied all charges, allegations, and enhancements, and waived his right to a speedy trial. A preliminary hearing date is pending.
According to localcrimenews.com, Hopson was arrested on July 7, 2023, while a Richmond resident, for inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant and assault with any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury. As an Antioch resident, he was also arrested on April 17, 2025, for resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer and intoxicated in public.
Case No. 04-26-01519 | The People of the State of California v. Zahvon Hopson
Free live music & entertainment, local food, family fun and, of course, wine – plus, after parties!
Enjoy performances by the former lead singer of Santana, Tina Turner Tribute and more
Antioch, CA – Sip, savor and celebrate Antioch at the Antioch Wine Festival, Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The event will be a celebration of fine wines and gourmet street food, in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. Join us for a day and night filled with tastings, live music and culinary delights, plus, a family fun Kids Zone and After Parties from 8:00 p.m. – Midnight.
Food by Local Food Trucks, Street Vendors and Downtown Rivertown Restaurants
Experience the taste of local Antioch cuisine. From savory comfort food and handcrafted bites to fresh local flavors, bold seasonings, sweet treats, festival favorites and Rivertown restaurants offer something for every appetite. Whether you are looking for a sit-down meal before the festival, a quick bite between wine tastings or a delicious reason to explore downtown Antioch, the local food scene delivers an experience that is warm, welcoming and full of personality.
Family-Friendly Fun in the Kids Zone
The Antioch Wine Festival is not just for wine lovers — it is a full family-friendly experience, and our Kids Zone is designed to keep the little ones smiling all day long.
Bring the family to Waldie Plaza and let the kids enjoy a colorful, exciting play area filled with kid-friendly activities, inflatable games, bounce houses, sports challenges, and interactive fun. From basketball and football toss games to tic-tac-toe, slides, and playful inflatables, the Kids Zone gives children a safe and energetic space to laugh, play, and make festival memories of their own.
While adults enjoy wine tasting, live music, local food, art, and the beautiful Rivertown atmosphere, kids can explore a festival space created just for them. It is the perfect way to enjoy the Antioch Wine Festival as a family — with something special for every age.
Play. Laugh. Explore. Make memories.
The Kids Zone is where family fun comes alive at the Antioch Wine Festival.
Craft Beer & Cocktails
Quench your thirst with a wide selection of craft beer and cocktails. We have something for everyone, whether you prefer a classic margarita or a local IPA.
Meet the Chefs
Get to know the chefs behind your favorite street foods and learn about their culinary journeys. We have meet-and-greet sessions scheduled throughout the day.
Live Music & Entertainment
Enjoy live musical performances on stage in Waldie Plaza and entertainment. This year’s line-up brings together powerhouse vocals, smooth soul, Bay Area funk, rock, R&B including Santana’s former lead singer and a show-stopping Tina Turner tribute that will keep Rivertown moving from afternoon into the evening.
From the first note to the final encore, guests will experience the kind of live music that makes a festival feel alive — the kind that gets people dancing, singing along, raising a glass and making memories in the heart of downtown Antioch.
Entertainment includes The Millionaire’s Mentalist Dan Chan and Street Breakdance Performances featuring high energy, real talent and unstoppable moves. Don’t miss the action!
Tony Lindsay | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Grammy Award-winning vocalist, Tony Lindsay, is best known for his powerful 25-year run as the lead singer of Santana. With his soulful voice and dynamic stage presence, he brings a blend of rock, R&B and Latin influences that captivate audiences worldwide.
Mystique | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Mystique is a high-energy Bay Area band known for their versatile sound, blending Latin, funk, R&B and party hits into an electrifying live performance that keeps the crowd dancing all day and night.
The Fell Swoop | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Late afternoon, The Fell Swoop turns up the groove with a genre-blending powerful mix of original rock, pop, funk and soul with high-energy performances and tight musicianship that keep audiences fully engaged from start to finish. Proudly rooted in San Francisco, the band is known for dance-ready live performances. Their bio describes a high-energy sound built around tight grooves, vibrant horn arrangements, dynamic vocals, and a celebration-style performance that has taken them to stages including High Sierra Music Festival, SXSW, The Independent, August Hall, Boom Boom Room and more.
Lea Sweet: Tina Turner Tribute Artist | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Get ready for a powerhouse performance as Lea Sweet brings the energy, soul, and unforgettable stage presence of Tina Turner that honors the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll.
Known for her electrifying tribute show, Lea Sweet captures the spirit of one of music’s greatest icons with dynamic vocals, bold choreography, dazzling costumes, and the high-energy performance style that made Tina Turner legendary.
Her upcoming performance will celebrate the timeless hits, fierce confidence, and rock-and-soul legacy that fans know and love. From the first note to the final bow, audiences can expect a show filled with excitement, nostalgia, and nonstop entertainment.
Join us for an unforgettable Tina Turner tribute performance. This is one show you will not want to miss.
The Millionaire’s Mentalist Dan Chan
Dan Chan, The Millionaire’s Mentalist, will amaze you with his mind-blowing magic, mentalism and sleight of hand in an unforgettable interactive performance. With over 25 years of magic experience and 10,000 performances, Dan’s built a reputation performing for the biggest names in tech and finance,including Google, Facebook, AirBnB and more. His high-profile clients are proof of his credibility and the captivating experience he delivers.
Street Breakdance Performances
Throughout the afternoon, guests will be treated to live breakdance performances featuring exciting moves, crowd interaction, music, and nonstop festival energy.
These talented street performers will bring the spirit of urban dance to downtown Antioch with flips, freezes, footwork, spins, and show-stopping routines that are fun for all ages. Whether you are watching with friends, bringing the kids, or just walking through the festival, this is one performance you will want to stop and see.
The breakdancing crew will perform four 20-minute shows between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM, giving festival guests multiple chances to catch the action.
Come for the wine. Stay for the music, food, dancing and unforgettable street performances.
Support Local Businesses
Enjoy shopping in the Rivertown stores, supporting local, small businesses and helping to keep our community thriving.
After Parties
The party continues into the night with more live music at two after parties from 8:00 p.m. to Midnight.
Suga-T
Suga-T at ROYAL BANQUET & EVENT HALLS. Suga-T will be performing live at the official after party at the Royal Banquet & Event Halls. Located at 509 & 517 W. 2nd Streets.
Suga-T is a 90’s sensational legendary multi-platinum and gold selling,trail blazing performer from the Bay Area known for underground and commercial hits all over the world. She is admired as the First Lady of the legendary group The Clickand holds the title as the biggest brother and sister Hip Hop duo in history.
Mystique at LA PLAZUELA. The party doesn’t stop — Mystique takes over La Plazuela for the after party. Located at 400 G Street.
Location & Free Parking
The Festival will be held on W. 2nd and G Streets and in Waldie Plaza. Directions: Take A Street, G Street, L Street from Highway 4 north toward the river to W. 2nd Street or take Auto Center Drive north, curve to the right east on W. 4th Street, drive to I or H Streets, turn left and into one of the free parking lots.
The dedicated public servant and CPA with an MBA offers 14 years of experienced financial leadership, integrity
By Allen D. Payton
For more than 14 years, Peter Karumbi has proudly served the people of Contra Costa County through his work in the Auditor‑Controller’s Office. His career began as an entry‑level Accountant I, and through hard work, integrity and a deep commitment to public service, Karumbi advanced to his current role as Assistant Auditor‑Controller.
With current Auditor-Controller Joanne Bohren not running for election after being appointed to the position last year, Karumbi is seeking the position with her support.
He is committed to:
Protecting the fiscal integrity of the County’s financial records;
Ensuring compliance with the California Constitution, state codes and Board of Supervisors directives;
Providing accurate, timely financial information to the public and county partners; and
Supporting county departments, employees, special districts and regional agencies with professionalism and respect.
Karumbi is also endorsed by retired Contra Costa County Auditor-Controller Robert Campbell, Retired Assistant County Auditor-Controller Harjit Nahal and California State Treasurer Fiona Ma.
His journey reflects not only professional growth but also a genuine dedication to strengthening the financial foundation of our county.
“I understand the responsibility that comes with managing public resources, and I have devoted my career to ensuring accuracy, transparency and accountability in county financial operations,” Karumbi said. “I understand the responsibilities of this office because I’ve spent my career performing them.”
He also has experience in the private sector having worked for four-and-a-half years in Accounts Payable for Ross Stores, Inc. in Pleasanton.
Karumbi earned the designation of Certified Public Accountant in 2015 and earned a Master’s of Business Administration in 2013 from Cal State East Bay’s School of Business & Economics.
The first-time candidate for public office is married to Margaret Ng’ang’a and they have four daughters.
47-year-old man who lives in same home detained, questioned
By Acting Sgt. John Cox #5705, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
ANTIOCH, CA. — Antioch Police Department is investigating a suspected homicide following a late-night incident on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Officers responded at 11:16 p.m. to a residence in the 1900 block of Wilson Court to assist Emergency Medical Services with a report of an unresponsive man. The man, a 50-year-old Antioch resident, was found not breathing by EMS personnel and died at the scene despite life-saving efforts.
Preliminary information indicates the man became unresponsive following an altercation with another resident.
Crime Scene Investigators and detectives from the Antioch Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit are leading the investigation. A resident of the same home, a 47-year-old man, was detained and interviewed by detectives.
The case remains under investigation, and no further details are being released at this time.
The Investigations Bureau will provide additional updates as they become available. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Ibanez at (925) 779-6890 or ribanez@antiochca.gov.
During a special meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the Antioch City Council will again discuss the 2026-27 budget and vote on joining a new joint powers authority (JPA) to fulfill state-mandated stormwater treatment obligations. Formation of the JPA could lead to new property tax assessments. The Council will also vote on spending over $7.7 million on various City expenditures including $500,000 on new furniture for the Police Department and Animal Services.
Budget Study Session
The Budget Study Session will begin at 6:00 p.m. to discuss and provide feedback and direction to City staff regarding the budget development information provided for the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget. Worksheets for Special Revenue, Capital Project, Internal Service, Antioch Public Finance Authority and Housing Successor to the Antioch Development Agency Funds. Enterprise, Street Light and Landscape, Recreation and Animal Service Fund budgets will be presented at a future meeting.
Closed Session
Before the regular meeting, the Council will hold a Closed Session beginning at 4:30 p.m. to discuss potential litigation and the new City Attorney’s Performance Evaluation. Since Lori Asuncion just started in the position on March 2nd, the meeting will most likely be to discuss goals and the council’s desires for her upon which she will later be evaluated.
The Contra Costa County Regional Alternative Compliance System Joint Powers Authority for Off-Site Green Stormwater Infrastructure flow chart. Source: Contra Costa Clean Water Program
Contra Costa County Regional Alternative Compliance System Joint Powers Authority for Off-Site Green Stormwater Infrastructure(Say that three times!)
Under agenda item 5, the Council will discuss and vote on joining the new Contra Costa County Regional Alternative Compliance (RAC) Joint Powers Authority (JPA), an innovative, regionally supported approach to fulfilling state-mandated stormwater treatment obligations. Developed through a partnership between Contra Costa Clean Water Program (CCCWP), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (“San Francisco Bay Water Board”), the RAC System provides an off-site, alternate compliance mechanism for the Off-Site Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) that would normally be required on site.
According to the City staff report for the item, the council vote will include authorizing the JPA to establish one or more community facilities districts (CFDs), accept applications from property owners, annex properties to the CFD, and levy special taxes to finance on-going maintenance costs for the GSI.
Participation in the RAC JPA will require the City of Antioch to contribute to the JPA’s annual operating cost.
According to the RAC’s webpage, “The Regional Alternative Compliance System (RAC) is a revolutionary new funding system that provides a market-based, regional approach to stormwater treatment. Developed by the Cities of San Pablo and Walnut Creek, unincorporated Contra Costa County, and the Contra Costa Clean Water Program,the RAC is a first-of-its-kind model that provides sustainable long-term financing for larger, more strategic, regional green infrastructure projects.
“Instead of requiring each individual infrastructure project to handle stormwater on-site, developers can purchase “compliance units” in larger, shared green infrastructure facilities. This improves efficiency, directs resources to pollution hotspots (often in disadvantaged communities), and creates a dedicated funding stream for long-term maintenance. It’s a scalable solution for stormwater managers across California and beyond.”
Who is RAC For?
Developers
Some development and redevelopment sites may have constraints (size, steep grades, etc.) that make it difficult to build on-site stormwater treatment. When a project has difficulty building MRP-required stormwater treatment on-site, it can use the Contra Costa County RAC System to comply with the MRP.
Municipalities
Municipalities may purchase compliance units to comply with MRP Provision C.3.j impervious surface retrofit requirements. Additionally, municipalities with Regulated Projects, such as large road reconstruction projects, could use the Contra Costa County RAC System to comply with the MRP. Municipalities may also act as “sellers” through the Contra Costa County RAC System.
Non-profits
Non-profits or other environmental organizations may be interested in building GSI facilities that can be partially funded by selling compliance units through the Contra Costa County RAC System.
Contractors
Developers or contractors may be interested in building Off-Site GSI Projects to generate compliance units that can be sold through the Contra Costa County RAC System.
LEARN MORE ABOUT RAC
The RAC System is backed by $1.6M in U.S. EPA grants. RAC is being piloted now and will expand countywide by 2026, setting a model for stormwater managers across California.
At the beginning of the regular meeting, the Council will receive two presentations. The first is a Technology Assessment & Roadmap Presentation from Tenjumps. The firm was hired by the City to “first assess the current state of the existing technology, then determine the desired future state, and create a roadmap to achieve it.”
The roadmap includes the following steps:
Fully adopt the NextRequest System for the Public Record Act request process, standardizing PRA management by transitioning all cross-department activity from email-based process into NextRequest.
Implement an agenda management system to manage City Council and public meeting agendas , materials, and actions items
Migrate business licensing function from LicenseTrack to Tyler Enterprise Permitting & Licensing software. It provides financial, human resources and revenue management solutions for cities, counties, and special districts;
Establish automated interfaces across systems that capture revenue into the central revenue sub-ledger within Tyler ERP Pro (Enterprise Resource Planning);
Complete the remaining implementation of Trimble Unity Maintain for the water treatment plant and decommission MobileMMS usage. According to the company’s product brochure, it is “cloud-based, GIS-centric enterprise asset management software that enables owners of complex properties and infrastructure to increase efficiency and reduce costs by optimizing asset operation and maintenance”;
Enable city departments to submit and track service requests to Public Works through Unity Maintain;
Centralize and automate manual human resources reporting to eliminate current manual processes and provide HR with accurate and automated daily reporting;
Create a technology enabled workflow to catalogue and track approvals for contracts to replace manual, email-based contract routing;
Create a structured framework to guide how the City identifies, evaluates, and acquires software systems; and
Establish a technology training program to empower city staff to better utilize everyday productivity tools along with specific functional tools essential to their departments.
The Closed Session will begin and the Budget Study Session and regular meeting, beginning at 7:00 p.m., will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall located at 200 H Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. It can also be viewed via livestream on the City’s website, on Comcast Cable Channel 24 or AT&T U-verse Channel 99 and a recording posted later on the City’s YouTube Channel.
ANTIOCH, CA — The City of Antioch began its annual weed abatement program on March 30, 2026, with work continuing on or before June 30, 2026, to help reduce wildfire risk in City-owned open spaces.
Each year, the City coordinates this effort with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (CCCFPD) to mow and disc vegetation in designated areas. This seasonal work is an important part of Antioch’s wildfire prevention efforts and helps limit the spread of fire during the dry season.
Residents with questions or concerns may contact the City of Antioch Public Works Department at (925) 779-6950 or by email at publicworks@antiochca.gov.
