Chief Joe Vigil (center) is joined by (L-R) new Officers Daniel Campos, Elias Orocio, Lorenzo Ortiz, Placido Serna, Priest Jennings, Phillip Rollins, Altaaf Ahmed and Ryan Reynolds during the oath of office ceremony on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Photo: Antioch PD
Brings force to 87 sworn
By Antioch Police Department
Eight more Antioch Police Officers were added to the force during an oath of office ceremony on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Chief Joe Vigil administered the oath of office as family members, friends and fellow department personnel watched inside the Nick Rodriguez Community n Center theater.
Please join us in welcoming the newest members of the Antioch Police Department!
Altaaf Ahmed – Academy Graduate
From Stockton and a Cesar Chavez High grad, Altaaf is the first in his family to enter law enforcement. He worked at Stockton PD.
Fun fact: Altaaf speaks five languages!
Placido Serna – Academy Graduate
Stockton native with degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology. He enjoys time with his girlfriend and three kids.
Fun fact: Placido had no kids at 21—two by 22!
Priest Jennings – Lateral Officer
Born in Fresno, raised in Stockton. Priest holds a Master’s degree and played college sports. He came to us from Fresno PD.
Fun fact: Priest loves roller skating!
Ryan Reynolds – Lateral Officer
Vacaville native and Marine Corps vet. Previously served with El Cerrito PD.
Fun fact: Ryan enjoys bass fishing and Jiu Jitsu. (No, he’s not the famous movie actor).
Elias Orocio – Academy Graduate
Born in Berkeley, raised in Antioch. He is currently earning a Finance degree.
Fun fact: Elias has a twin brother!
Lorenzo Ortiz – Academy Graduate
From Hayward, raised in Antioch, has a Kinesiology degree and worked in physical therapy.
Fun fact: Lorenzo loves working out and watching sports.
Daniel Campos – Academy Graduate
Originally from Porterville, Daniel worked as an EMT before joining APD.
Fun fact: Danel is a big Star Wars fan!
Phillip Rollins – Lateral Officer
Born in Arkansas, raised in the East Bay and came to us from the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department. He values family, faith and a clean car.
Fun fact: Washing his car is Phillip’s favorite hobby!
That brings the total number of sworn officers on the force to 87 out of 115 in the budget.
Antioch Officers investigate a shooting Thursday afternoon, May 22, 2025. Photos courtesy of ContraCosta.news.
Assault with a deadly weapon
By Lt. Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division
Officers with the Antioch Police Department are investigating a shooting that sent one person to the hospital. On May 22, 2025, at approximately 4:23 PM, Antioch police officers responded to the 2000 block of Crater Peak Way for a reported shooting. When officers arrived, they located a 21-year-old male victim suffering from at least one gunshot wound to the arm. Responding officers immediately provided first aid until relieved by paramedics. The victim was transported to an area hospital, where he is listed in stable condition.
At least one car was involved. But it was not clear at publication time if the shooting was a drive-by.
Officers are currently on scene canvassing the area. Based on the initial investigation, it appears to be an isolated incident. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released. The identity of the victim is not being released at this time.
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
The state-of-the-art Intuitive da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system will now be used as Sutter Delta Medical Center in Antioch. Photo: Sutter Delta
Robot-assisted surgery means advanced care is closer to home for local patients
By Monique Binkley Smith, Media Relations Manager, Sutter Health
ANTIOCH, CA – Sutter Delta Medical Center in Antioch, Calif., announced this month it is the first hospital in East Contra Costa County to implement the state-of-the-art robotic surgical system, the Intuitive da Vinci 5, revolutionizing advanced surgical care in the region and improving access for patients who previously had to travel an hour or more for certain surgical procedures.
A ribbon cutting and demonstration of the robot was held on Friday, May 23, 2025, with medical center leadership and local dignitaries including Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal and Mayor Pro Tem Louie Rocha.
SDMC Assistant Administrator Tim Bouslog, Sutter Greater East Bay Division Chief Medical Officer Dr. Matthew Dahnke, SDMC Chief Medical Executive Dr. Karin Shavelson, SDMC CEO Trevor Brand, Dr. Christopher Solis, Dr. Pascal Fuchshuber and Sutter Greater East Bay Division President Tosan Boyo before and after the ribbon cutting for the new surgical robot on Friday, May 23, 2025. Photos: Sutter Health
“This is a phenomenal investment on the part of Sutter Health that will benefit our residents in Eastern Contra Costa County for years to come,” said Sutter Delta CEO Trevor Brand. “Our new da Vinci 5 will enable our physicians to deliver a range of minimally invasive surgeries to our patients right here in our own community.”
The da Vinci 5 robotic surgery system represents a groundbreaking advancement in minimally invasive surgery, featuring more than 150 design improvements for enhanced precision, better instrument handling and advanced 3D HD visualization. Minimally invasive surgery has been shown to help reduce recovery times, minimize scarring and improve patient outcomes with sustained benefits.
“With this new technology, we’re able to improve care and outcomes for our patients at Sutter Delta,” said Christopher Solis, M.D., FACS, chair of Sutter Delta’s Department of Surgery and a surgeon with Sutter East Bay Medical Group.
What are the benefits of robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery?
Fewer complications and improved patient outcomes with sustained benefits
Shorter hospital stays means patients able to return home faster than ever before
Dramatically reduced post-operative pain, which typically means patients need less narcotic pain medication
Reduced recovery times
Minimal scarring
Robotic-assisted surgery has been demonstrated to generally result in fewer complications, shorter hospital stays and dramatically reduced post-operative pain for patients, which typically means patients need less narcotic pain medication. Patients are also often able to return home faster than ever before.
Sutter Delta Medical Center CEO Trevor Brand is congratulated by Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal during the ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo: Sutter Health
“With the DV5 system in place, our surgical teams are well-equipped to handle complex cases close to home while providing the highest standard of care and safety to our patients,” said Sutter Delta Chief Medical Executive Karin Shavelson, M.D.
As Sutter Delta’s program expands, the new robotic system will allow the hospital’s surgical teams to handle more complex procedures in specializations including colorectal surgery, surgical oncology, general surgery, urology, gynecology and gynecologic oncology.
“This is a huge win for our community, and we’re proud to be the first in Eastern Contra Costa County to bring this DV5 and all its capabilities to our patients locally,” Brand said.
The first surgery at Sutter Delta using the new da Vinci 5 is scheduled for mid-June.
About Sutter Health
Sutter Health is a not-for-profit healthcare system dedicated to providing comprehensive care throughout California. Committed to health equity, community partnerships, and innovative, high-quality patient care, Sutter Health is pursuing a bold new plan to reach more people and make excellent healthcare more connected and accessible. Currently serving nearly 3.5 million patients, thanks to our dedicated team of more than 57,000 employees and clinicians, and 12,000+ affiliated physicians, with a unified focus on expanding care to serve more patients.
Sutter delivers exceptional and affordable care through its hospitals, medical groups, ambulatory surgery centers, urgent care clinics, telehealth, home health, and hospice services. Dedicated to transforming healthcare, at Sutter Health, getting better never stops.
SACRAMENTO—Thirty-four California schools have been named recipients of the 2025 Civic Learning Awards, honoring and recognizing measurable schoolwide achievements in civics. The award program, now in its twelfth year, is co-sponsored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero.
“When young people advocate and raise their voices, they have the power to drive meaningful change in their communities,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “Education is fundamental to achieving our democratic ideals, and these schools have played an exceptional role in shaping the leaders of the future.”
“I find these award applications truly inspiring—each one is deserving of recognition,” said Chief Justice Guerrero. “They highlight the powerful stories of committed educators who, despite the challenges, are finding creative ways to ensure students can fully engage with and understand civics.”
Since their inception in 2013, the awards have been presented more than 500 times to traditional, charter, and magnet schools. In recent years, community schools and continuation schools have submitted high-ranking applications. This year, a court school applied for the first time.
Applications are reviewed and scored by a panel of judges comprised of representatives from the California courts and the California Department of Education (CDE) who are not tied to counties or districts in the pool.
In addition to the information provided by the applicant, points are added for schools in districts with Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs) that include terms and actions associated with civic learning. Applicants also earn points for participating in the Judges in the Classroom program and for creating processes and criteria related to the State Seal of Civic Engagement.
Will fund conversion of Comfort Inn to rehabilitation project
City commitment required for state funded operating subsidy
By Allen D. Payton
The Antioch City Council will hold another special meeting on Thursday, May 22, 2025. This one will be for discussing a financial commitment for the state’s Homekey+ Program to serve the city’s homeless residents. The matter is time sensitive as the State begins its Award Announcements this month. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.
NOFA means Notice of Funds Availability. Source: CA Dept of Housing and Community Development
According to the City staff report for the one-item agenda, “It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the submission of an application with California Supportive Housing for the Homekey+ Program and designate City Manager to execute commitments for city capital match up to $750,000 and operating subsidy up to $1,200,000 annually for 5 years with two five year extensions contingent on the property meeting the required Homekey+ guidelines and affordable housing regulatory agreement and authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute the Agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney.”
Will Fund Conversion of Comfort Inn to Rehabilitation Project
“The City Staff is proposing a co-application with the Developer that seeks funding to acquire 2436 Mahogany Way (currently the Comfort Inn) in Antioch and undertake the rehabilitation necessary for the motel rooms to serve as permanent housing for homeless families/individuals with prior behavioral health issues.
“The CSH Mahagony Housing Project will be a rehabilitation project which will turn the current hotel into 60-85 affordable units and one two-bedroom manager unit. Each apartment will have a kitchenette, living room, bathroom, and bedroom. Non-residential conversion of the interior will include a community lounge, property management offices, resident supportive services and case management offices. One existing laundry room and the electrical room will maintain those functions, while rooms will be converted to resident services/case management and property management offices. It is also planned to keep the existing security fences, gates, and trash enclosure. Additional fencing will be added to property.
“Project Developer: California Supportive Housing (CSH) is the Project Developer. CSH is a mission-oriented 501 (c)(3) nonprofit California corporation dedicated to bringing affordable housing to people in need, including homeless, seniors, youth, people with disabilities, and families. The CSH team has over 35 years of experience in affordable housing development and is currently working on a HomeKey project in Oakland which is the conversion and renovation of a motel into 104 permanent supportive housing units for the homeless.”
About Homekey+ Program
According to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), the state’s Homekey+ Program is funded by Proposition 1, which was “passed by California voters in March 2024…to reduce homelessness and protect our most vulnerable populations through important changes to the Mental Health Services Act and providing up to $6.4 billion in bond funding to develop and expand behavioral health treatment, residential care settings, and Permanent Supportive Housing.”
“Approximately $2 billion of the Proposition 1 bond funds will be administered by the…HCD, in collaboration with the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) as the Homekey+ program (HK+), expanding upon the successful Homekey model. The remaining $4.4 billion of the Proposition 1 funding will be administered by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to award competitive grants to construct, acquire, and rehabilitate real estate assets or invest in needed infrastructure to expand the behavioral health continuum of treatment and service resources.”
Efforts are underway to house the historic First Congregational Church bell in a tower on the Museum grounds. (Right – Example of tower and bricks for foundation). Photos: Antioch Historical Society
“Ring it loud! Ring it proud! Be part of Antioch’s history!”
During Society’s 50th and Museum’s 25th Anniversaries
By Allen D. Payton
The Antioch Historical Society is at it again with another project for the grounds of the Museum. This time they’re raising funds to restore and locate a display of the historic First Congregational Church bell, one of the oldest artifacts in the city.
The effort is being led by Past Board President Dwayne Eubanks and Tom Menasco, a co-founder of the Sports Legends wing and leader of the successful fundraising effort for the Red Caboose display.
Menasco is serving as the marketing and fundraising manager, Director Stan Davis and Ron Bass are serving as construction managers, Eubanks shared.
According to the Historical Society, the bell “was heard more than 150 years ago by early church members, including Antioch’s founders Rev. W.W. Smith and Captain George W. Kimball. It was heard by the church sexton, Thomas Gaines, the first known Black settler in Antioch.”
When reached for comment, Eubanks said, “The church bell is very significant to Antioch as it goes back to the time when the city was incorporated and was heard by people including the first Constable and Mayor, Roswell Hard, William Wiggins Smith, Thomas Gaines, and Adelia Kimball, the community’s first teacher.”
“We’re building a custom bell housing. We paid a company that specializes in designing bell towers back in 2022. But we had to put the plans on the shelf for a few years due to COVID.”
Church bell and tower Fundraising Goal and progress and Elevations. Source: Antioch Historical Society
Antioch resident Joseph Zamora, a member of the First Congregation Church, donated the bell.
“It was in his backyard under a tarp. It’s 700 lbs.,” Eubanks stated.
“We’re hoping the bell will help unite old Antioch and new Antioch. To me, personally, it’s a symbol of unity,” he added.
They’ll build the tower, display the bell, “and it’s going to ring,” Eubanks exclaimed.
Asked how much the Society is raising for the project, he said, “The construction estimate was around $96,000 and we’ve raised $48,000. Part of that came out of our budget. That includes profit and labor. But we’re taking that out as we may get in-kind services and materials that will cut that balance down.”
“The City gave us a civic enhancement grant and waived the construction permit fee,” he shared.
“We’re hoping to put this bell and tower in this year as it’s the 50th Anniversary of the Historical Society and 25th Anniversary of the museum in the former Antioch High School and fire department building,” Eubanks mentioned.
“Ring it loud! Ring it proud! Be part of Antioch’s history!Leave a legacy for your children and grandchildren to see, ring, and enjoy. Let’s hear it ring again! Become a sponsor today and your name will be permanently inscribed on the exhibit,” the Society shared on their Facebook page.
To donate online, visit their website at: https://antiochhistoricalmuseum.org/donations/ or see the flyer below. The Museum is located at 1500 W. 4th Street and is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. For more information call (925) 757-1326.
By Lt. Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division
Officers with the Antioch Police Department are investigating a shooting that sent one woman to the hospital. On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at approximately 8:51 PM, Antioch police officers responded to the 3900 block of Delta Fair Blvd. 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, where she is listed in critical condition.
Officers are currently on scene canvassing the area. Based on the initial investigation, it appears to be an isolated incident. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released. The identity of the victim is not being released at this time.
