Come out on Flag Day, Saturday, June 14th at 11AM as the VFW will officially rename Antioch VFW Post 6435 in honor of John McMullen, a proud U.S. Army Veteran and lifelong Antioch resident who dedicated his life to this community — even helping build the very VFW building we’re naming after him!
And what better day than the U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday to celebrate John’s legacy of service? We’re honored to welcome Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal and other local officials for this special dedication. Let’s come together to celebrate John’s life, service, and the values that unite us. Don’t miss this powerful tribute to a true hometown hero!
A few graduates of the Deer Valley High Class of 2025 tossed their caps into the air to celebrate following the ceremony Wednesday morning, June 11, 2025. Photos by Allen D. Payton
By Allen D. Payton
Deer Valley High School celebrated 331 graduates in the Class of 2025 inside Wolverine Stadium Wednesday morning, June 11, 2025. The traditional processional of Pomp and Circumstance was performed by the Deer Valley Band led by Music Director Ryan Carr. That was followed by the Presentation of Colors by the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard. The National Anthem was announced by Salutatorian Jordynn Chung and performed by the Deer Valley Divine Voices led by Choral Director Alivia Logan. Vice Principal Mike Green served as Master of Ceremonies.
The Divine Voices performed the National Anthem following the Presentation of Colors by the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard.
Opening remarks were offered by Antioch Unified School District Board President Antonio Hernandez who spoke of his own journey through Antioch schools and will be graduating with two master’s degrees from Stanford University in public policy and education.
Principal Veronica McClennan welcomed all in attendance and offered her appreciation saying, “To the family and friends, you have been a guiding voice for these graduates. You have shaped who they are, who they’ll become.”
Vice Principal Mike Green served as Master of Ceremonies and Principal Veronica McClennan offered her remarks Wednesday morning, June 11, 2025.
“To the teachers, coaches and staff, your guidance goes well beyond the grade. You have…believed in our students,” she continued.
McClennan then offered encouraging, departing words to the graduates.
“To our graduating Wolverines…you are stepping into this world…full of promise,” she stated. “You are ready to enter this world to write your story. Be bold, be courageous, be humble.”
“Remember, success is measured by impact. Congratulations, graduates. We are already incredibly proud of you,” McClennan added.
Class President Priscilla Rodriguez and Valedictorian Zeb-Alexander Congson share their thoughts with their classmates.
Class Speakers
Class President Priscilla Rodriguez spoke first acknowledging, “the families who motivated us and kept pushing us to the end.”
“Thank you to our teachers…who made a big impact on our lives,” she continued.
Trustees Dee Brown (left) and Antonio Hernandez (right) hand out diplomas to the graduates.
To her fellow classmates Rodriguez said, “I wish you all nothing but the best because the world doesn’t know what’s coming next. Only you do.”
Valedictorian Zeb-Alexander Congson, who will be attending UC Berkeley and studying aerospace engineering, also thanked the families, his fellow classmates and the faculty.
“Your belief in us is what made this rare moment possible,” he stated.
With help from the Honor Guard graduates queue up to receive their diplomas.
Then speaking about his own experience Congson said, “I never wanted to be a scholar, an athlete. It wasn’t until my first volleyball try out that my thinking began to shift. That one push kick started four seasons. I realized how much I gained from one step into one unfamiliar territory.”
To his fellow graduates he advised, “It won’t always be easy. But growth is rarely easy. Push your comfort zone.”
Several graduates expressed their excitement upon receiving their diplomas.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne then offered the official acceptance of the Class of 2025, having met all the state and district requirements for graduation.
The Divine Voices performed again, singing, “Shine Like Stars” and “It’s So Hard to Say Good-bye”.
Then the graduates enjoyed what they all looked forward to, receiving their diplomas. Math Department Chair Maria McClain and Math Instructor Jessika Tate read the names, as Area 3 Trustee Dee Brown and Hernandez, who represents the District’s Area 1, handed out the diplomas.
The traditional turning of the tassels was led by Class President Priscilla Rodriguez.
Senior Class President Rodriguez returned to the stage to lead the class in the turning of their tassels to conclude the ceremony. A few graduates followed the celebratory tradition of tossing into the air their caps – many of which were decorated with personal messages.
Many graduates decorated their caps with personal messages.
Congratulations to the Deer Valley High Class of 2025!
Also, $580K more on Violence Intervention & Prevention program, hiring media consultant for APD
Second phase of The Ranch and multi-family development projects
Will also receive presentations on City investment portfolio, Antioch Library
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, the Antioch City Council will consider spending almost $2.2 million on road improvements throughout the City, up to $1 million over the next five years for “On-Call Landscape Architectural and Irrigation Design Services”, more than $1 million on software and “managed cloud Services” over five years, $580,000 more on “Violence Intervention and Prevention” and spending $96,000 on a media consultant for the police department.
Antioch City Staff 2024 Vacancy Summary by Bargaining Unit. Source: City of Antioch
In compliance with state law, the council will receive the annual report on City staff Vacancy Rates, and Recruitment and Retention Efforts. According to the report, in 2024, 93 positions were filled while 54 positions were vacated.
The Ranch housing project Phase Map. Source: City of Antioch
The Ranch Phase II
The council will also consider approving the Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map, Use Permit and Design Review for Phase II of the 1,177-home The Ranch housing development in the Sand Creek Area. According to the City staff report, it includes “213 Low-Density-Conventional (LD-3) residential lots, 13.0 acres of parkland, 11.5 acres of open space, 2.3 acres of landscaping, and 12.4 acres of an internal roadway network.”
The council previously approved the Tentative Map for Phase I of the project which includes 440 homes in June 2023 and approved the Development Agreement for the entire project in July 2020.
Jessica Court multi-family housing site. Source: City of Antioch
Multi-Family Housing Project
Finally, the council will also consider approving a Tentative Subdivision Map, Design Review, Variance, and Tree Removal Permit for an 82-unit multi-family housing project on 2.98 acres on Jessica Court. According to the staff report, the permit is for removal of “an existing 20-inch diameter at breast height (DBH) Coast Live Oak.” The project site is located east of the Oakley Road and Phillips Lane intersection, north of Oakley Road and south of Filbert Street.
City of Antioch Portfolio Performance. Source: City of Antioch
At the beginning of the meeting, the council will receive presentations on the City’s investment portfolio and the Antioch Library.
Closed Session
The regular meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. following a Closed Session beginning at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the ongoing lawsuit entitled, “California Resources Pipeline Corporation v. City of Antioch,” over the denial of the franchise agreement to continue operating the natural gas pipeline beneath the city. The Council will also discuss real property negotiations on the City-owned Lone Tree Golf Course with Antioch Public Golf, Inc., which operates the course.
Asked if the negotiations are for selling the golf course District 3 Councilman Don Freitas responded, “No. The City of Antioch is not selling the golf course.”
The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers inside City Hall at 200 H Street, in 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.
Featuring performances by headliner Grammy-nominated Shanice and Golden State Warriors performance band Universal Soul
Celebrate freedom, culture and community right here at home! Join us for Antioch’s fourth annual Juneteenth Celebration on Thursday, June 19th at Williamson Ranch Park from 4-8 PM, featuring a special headlining performance by Shanice! Enjoy live music, local vendors, food, and powerful moments of history and heritage. From history booths to rides and games to domino and double dutch tournaments, there will be plenty to keep the entire family entertained! Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and blankets!
Headliner: Shanice
Shanice Wilson is a Grammy-nominated American singer, songwriter, record producer, actress, and dancer. She had the Billboard hit singles “I Love Your Smile” and “Silent Prayer” in 1991 and “Saving Forever for You” in 1993. In 1999, Shanice scored another hit song with “When I Close My Eyes“, which peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. She is recognized for her coloratura soprano voice and her ability to sing in the whistle register.[4]
In addition to singing, Shanice is also an actress, first appearing in “Rock Enroll”, a season five episode of Family Matters.[12] In 2001, she made a guest appearance as a singer on her husband Flex’s TV show, One on One. That same year, she starred in the TV movie One Special Moment,[13] an adaptation of Brenda Jackson‘s 1998 novel of the same name.
In 1997, Shanice became the first Black performer to star in the role of Eponine in the musical Les Misérables on Broadway.[14] In 2011, she joined Niecy Nash and Frenchie Davis for the 21st Annual “Divas Simply Singing” HIV/AIDS charity event.[15] Shanice and her husband, Flex, also starred in the reality show Flex & Shanice, which premiered on the Oprah Winfrey Network on November 1, 2014.
She is currently starring as Michelle Obama in the Broadway musical “44,” the Obama musical, and has her own lipstick line, called Smile by Shanice.
She is currently performing all over the USA and the world and working on new music as well.
Universal Soul
Universal Soul is one of the Golden State Warriors’ favorites (that plays during home games at Chase Center in San Francisco). The band’s name is inspired by their desire to provide music that resonates with all GSW audiences and fans everywhere.
The band consists of four dynamic musicians: Dante “Taz” Roberson, Eddie Minniefield, Michael “Tiny” Lindsay, and George Epps. Their substantial experience and versatility have allowed them to tour and share the stage with artists Eric Benet, Cameo, Gavin DeGraw, Anthony Hamilton, Joe, Kem, Alicia Keys, John Mayer, Shawn Raiford, Tank, Too Short, and Tony! Toni! Tone! and many more. The band’s musical influences and style are infused with funk, jazz, pop, rock, and classic R&B. This unique fusion creates a “Universal” sound that is both nostalgic and fresh.
The band consists of four dynamic musicians: Dante “Taz” Roberson, Eddie Minniefield, Michael “Tiny” Lindsay, and George Epps. Their substantial experience and versatility have allowed them to tour and share the stage with artists Eric Benet, Cameo, Gavin DeGraw, Anthony Hamilton, Joe, Kem, Alicia Keys, John Mayer, Shawn Raiford, Tank, Too Short, and Tony! Toni! Tone! and many more. The band’s musical influences and style are infused with funk, jazz, pop, rock, and classic R&B. This unique fusion creates a “Universal” sound that is both nostalgic and fresh.
Their high-energy performances and ability to connect with the crowd have made them a fan favorite at Chase Center. They have become an integral part of the overall game day experience for GSW fans, adding an extra level of excitement and entertainment to each home game. Universal Soul’s dedication to providing top-notch musical entertainment for GSW fans has solidified their reputation as one of the premier performance bands in the NBA. With their infectious energy and undeniable talent, Universal Soul continues to captivate audiences and enhance the overall game day experience for GSW fans.
Thank you to our sponsors: Republic Services, All Phase Brokers, Metz Entertainment Group, Ironworkers Family Health and Marathon Health.
The Contra Costa Water District Canal Replacement Project includes 20 miles of the waterway. Photo: CCWD
Lake Shasta is source of all water, Los Vaqueros Reservoir will not be expanded, CoCoTax members learn
By Allen D. Payton
During the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association Members and Leaders monthly luncheon in May, Contra Costa Water District Board President, Ernesto Avila provided an update on the district’s current work and plans. They include repairing 20 of the 48-mile canal at a cost of $1 billion, keeping water rates as low as possible and expanding service to keep up with growth.
The district includes the Central County cities and communities of Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Clayton, Pacheco, Clyde, Port Costa and portions of Walnut Creek, and in East County, the cities and communities of Pittsburg, Antioch, Oakley, Bay Point, and portions of Brentwood.
CCWD Board President Ernesto Avila provides an update during the CoCo Taxpayers Association luncheon on May 23, 2025. Photo: Allen D. Payton
Half of the district’s water is provided to treated water customers and the other half to raw water customers, Avila stated and then spoke about ensuring adequate “water supply during disasters such as fire and earthquake emergencies.”
“When PG&E outages occur all of our tanks go full,” he shared. “Water only stays sweet for six to seven days to meet the water quality requirements of the state.”
“Lake Shasta is where we get all of our water from through the Central Valley Project,” he continued. “It’s currently 94% full.”
The district owns Los Vaqueros Reservoir for storage, which is currently 93% full. But “we can’t just draw water whenever we want,” Avila stated. “All of our intakes are screened to protect fish.”
“We are out of our drought,” Avila added. However, “during the drought there were no constraints on water supply for development and growth.”
Source: CCWD
Canal Replacement Program
There have been “landslides on the west side of the canal and repairs can cost millions,” he stated and spoke of the district’s “Canal Replacement Program” which will cost “$1 billion”.
“Nobody likes to raise rates,” Avila continued. “We’ve replaced four miles, so far and have 16 miles to go. It will be a pipeline”
Asked what happens to the pipe during an earthquake he said, “If it’s an older pipe, it will probably crack. We’re looking at a very ductile pipe that can move easily.”
Avila then spoke about providing enough water to meet the demands of residential growth including “redevelopment of the Concord Naval Weapons station” where “15,000 homes” are projected to be built.
“Ten percent of the district’s water is provided through recycling,” he stated. “We want to bump that up to fifteen percent.”
Budget & Water Costs to Users
“Energy costs have been the greatest increases from 2020 to 2024, medical coverage is second greatest,” he shared. Those are followed by “pension and OPEB (other post employee benefit) liabilities.”
“The average customer spends about $3.00 per day for water,” Avila stated. “The cost is 1.3 cents per gallon per day.”
He compared that to EBMUD rates which are at 2.0 cents per gallon.
Contra Costa Water District Production Costs. Source: CCWD
According to the slide show from his presentation, costs to the district for water production include the following:
INVESTMENTS IN INFRASTRUCTURE – Pipeline Renewal, Canal Replacement, Water Treatment Plant Upgrades;
PURCHASED WATER
WATER SUPPLY AND RESOURCE PROTECTION – Water Supply Planning, Watershed Management, Recreation;
SYSTEM OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE – Water Treatment, Water Delivery, Leak Inspection and Repair;
ADMINISTRATION – Human Resources, Safety, Accounting and Payroll;
CUSTOMER CARE – Customer Service, Billing, Water Efficiency Support, and Public Affairs; and
COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT K-12 Water Education and Field Trips, and Internships.
The district has an AAA Bond Rating which keeps interest costs on bonds down, Avila shared.
He was then asked about “money going to DEI programs. I this something you should be doing anymore?” Avila responded, “there are three employees dedicated to it. There are 317 employees which is 30-40% of the budget We have one person in Human Resources dedicated to it. We have a $200 million per year budget. Not even one percent is dedicated to it.”
“It’s about trying to enhance the culture for our employees to work together better,” he added. “We review it every six months. Our Master Plan is on the website.”
Asked about “EPA clean water requirements getting tougher each year” Avila spoke about “unfunded mandates we have to comply with. We work with various associations and collaborate on a national level as regulations are mostly at the federal level.”
“Our biggest concern is the issue of diminishing return on conservation,” he explained. “During the drought, people in our area reduced use by 25 percent while Southern California only reduced 2-3 percent.”
According to the chart in Avila’s presentation total water use has actually decreased over the past 17 years even though the population has significantly increased.
Source: CCWD
No Los Vaqueros Capacity Increase Due to Too Much Cost and Regulation, Offline for Too Long
Asked about increasing capacity at Los Vaqueros, Avila said, “The district spent $10 million on raising the…reservoir, for a cost/benefit analysis funded by the state. It was over subscribed with more customer demand than supply, 250,000 versus 120,000 acre feet.”
“But with so many constraints on pumping water into the reservoir, demand dropped to 50,000 acre feet then to zero,” he continued. “The cost increase with inflation went from $800 million to $1.6 billion, mainly from more material and labor cost increases, plus, engineering costs.”
Finally, Avila shared, “Los Vaqueros Reservoir would have had to be offline for six to seven years. It just wasn’t viable. They knew that, going in. The issue was negotiating supply from EBMUD and others” who “couldn’t guarantee any water.”
He also spoke about future supply including the proposed offstream Sites Reservoir project west of Colusa in the Sacramento Valley.
“In California, for every one million acre-feet of storage, there is eight to nine acre-feet of surface storage,” Avila stated.
Finally, in response to a question, he said, “Water from a canal behind a house is not grandfathered in if the home is sold.”
The next CoCoTax Members and Board Luncheon will be held on Friday June 27, 2025, at 11:45 AM at Denny’s Restaurant, 1313 Willow Pass Road in Concord, and will feature Oakland Mayor recall leader Seneca Scott as the speaker. Advance registration is available on the CoCoTax website where you can pay online, or bring cash or check on Friday and pay at the door: $25 for members, $30 for guests. www.cocotax.org/event-6189658/Registration
About CoCoTax
Founded in 1937, CoCoTax leads the way in providing fiscal oversight of local government. We actively resist unwarranted taxes and fees, discriminatory regulations, ill-advised public expenditures and government secrecy, inefficiency and waste. For more information and membership visit www.cocotax.org.
About CCWD
The Contra Costa Water District delivers safe, clean water to approximately 520,000 people in central and eastern Contra Costa County in Northern California. Formed in 1936 to provide water for irrigation and industry, we are now one of the largest urban water districts in California and a leader in drinking-water treatment technology and source water protection. For more information visit www.ccwater.com.
Rivertown Treasure Chest will host a Father’s Day Treats & Treasurers on Sunday, June 15 during the annual Rivertown Father’s Day Car Show.
Join us 10 AM to 2 PM for coffee and donuts, sales, raffle baskets and of course, RTC fun at 306 G Street in Antioch’s historic downtown.
RTC will host a second Treats & Treasures on Saturday, June 28th with sales, raffles and local pizza from 11 AM to 2 PM. Come join us and help us with our month’s sales to even surpass May!
See ALL of you in June as often as you want. Our vendors have the best customer service in town and are there to assist or just talk about the day! We couldn’t do this without all of you.
US Marshals and Antioch Police Officers serve warrant and arrest suspect at an Antioch apartment complex on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Photos: Antioch PD
U.S. Marshals assist; Raymond Leon Greene, IV held on $1.75 million bail; also arrested for domestic violence in February
Woman shot May 20th
By Antioch Police Department
On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, Antioch Police detectives and officers working alongside the U.S. Marshals Service served a search warrant at an apartment complex in Antioch as part of an attempted homicide investigation from a recent shooting in the 3900 block of Delta Fair Blvd.
On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at approximately 8:51 PM, Antioch police officers responded for a reported shooting. When officers arrived, they located a 31-year-old female victim suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Responding officers immediately provided first aid until relieved by paramedics. The victim was transported to an area hospital. (See related article)
30-year-old Raymond Leon Greene, IV (born 2/16/95) was arrested and taken into custody without incident. Investigators also recovered evidence from the residence.
The victim remains in critical condition at a local hospital.
According to localcrimenews.com, Green was also arrested by San Pablo Police on Feb. 18, 2025, for inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant. Acting Lt. Whitaker confirmed that information and said the suspect is in custody.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, 11-inch tall, 205-pound Green is Black, being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $1.75 million bond.
If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Det. Becerra at (925) 779-6937 or email abecerra@antiochca.gov.
By Lt. Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division
Officers with the Antioch Police Department investigated an early morning shooting that sent one person to the hospital. On June 4, 2025, at approximately 2:51 AM, Antioch police officers were alerted to a shooting via a ShotSpotter activation in the 30-block of East Lake Drive. As officers arrived on scene, a 31-year-old male victim arrived at a local hospital suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Investigating officers located the crime scene and canvassed the area for additional evidence and witnesses. The victim was admitted to an area hospital, where he is listed in stable condition.
Based on the initial investigation, this appears to be an isolated incident. This is still an active investigation, and no further information will be released. The identity of the victim is not being released at this time.
Additional inquiries oor information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Ibanez at (925) 481-8398 or by emailing ribanez@antiochca.gov.
