Archive for the ‘Business’ Category

First and only cannabis store in Antioch’s Rivertown holds Grand Opening

Wednesday, February 5th, 2025
Mayor Ron Bernal cuts the ribbon at Off the Charts as owner Norman Yousif (in grey sweats, right) and Councilmen Don Freitas and Louie Rocha and building owner Sean McCauley (behind) and Yousif’s employees celebrate on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. Photo by Allen D. Payton

32nd location for Off the Charts in the former Rexall drugstore in historic downtown

By Allen D. Payton

The first and only cannabis retail store in allowed in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown celebrated its Grand Opening on Saturday, Feb. 1st. Owner Norman Yousif, who was there to greet guests and city officials said it’s the 32nd location of his Off the Charts chain, all in California. Mayor Ron Bernal, Mayor Pro Tem Louie Rocha and District 3 Councilman Don Freitas attended the event and participated in the ribbon cutting.

After the Antioch City Council made some exceptions to the city’s cannabis business rules a few years ago, allowing one cannabis retail store in the city’s historic downtown, by waiving the requirements it not be closer than 600 feet from a school, park or church, and amid concerns from Rivertown business owners, downtown building owner Sean McCauley went into action. Wanting to ensure the store would be quality and not negatively impact the other businesses, he decided to control the situation and locate it in one of his buildings.

Yousif said he and his wife, Darline, who was unable to attend the event, started their chain in San Diego where they live.

“I was trying to license in northern California for a takeover of the market,” he stated.

Asked why Antioch, Yousif said, “I heard good things about Antioch. I heard Sean was the landlord and he helped with the buildout.”

“Sean’s the man,” he added.

The new location on the corner of West 3rd and G Streets started with a soft opening about a month-and-a-half ago, Yousif shared. Freitas pointed out the interesting fact that it happens to be in “the former site of the old Rexall drugstore.” In fact, that company’s Rx logo still adorns the entrance.

(Left) The former Delta Rexall drugstore logo at the entrance to the store. (Right) Building owner Sean McCauley takes a group selfie with business owner Norman Yousif, Mayor Ron Bernal and Property Manager Jamie Mallek, during the grand opening on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. Photos by Allen D. Payton

Before the ribbon cutting Yousif shared his appreciation to the community.

“I thank everyone for coming out, here, man. This couldn’t happen without many of you guys, here,” he said “Antioch is now like my second home, now. I live in Southern California. Sean made this happen. You guys are family, now and having you see the OTC store, it’s your home. Thank you, guys for everything, Sean, Ron for adopting us. So, thank you to the City of Antioch.”

With scissors in his hand preparing to cut the ribbon, Bernal said, “The downtown is up and coming. This is a big part of it. Sean McCauley, here, continues to invest in these properties and we’re making some real positive moves and we’re real excited about the future.”

“The SMI team and I are extremely excited to see this quality business in Rivertown,” McCauley stated. “Although cannabis has been controversial, we’re hoping the community will visit the store and understand it’s more than just recreational cannabis.”

“Many of the customers are seniors in their 60’s and 70’s, buying products for pain relief,” he added.

Deb Blaisure and Toni Lincks, owners of Rivertown Treasure Chest a few doors down, helped organize and work the event.

“I had all of our vendors share the information promoting their grand opening and we sent a news blast to our 400 customers,” Blaisure stated. “Plus, (local entertainer) Les Edwins’ list.”

“We also promoted them at our Mix & Mingle with their Regional Manager, Marissa making an announcement,” she continued. “She asked us to work the event, and we said, ‘Yes’.”

“It’s one big happy family on our block,” Blaisure added.

To the dismay of some in attendance, there were no free samples given out. However, there was food trucks parked outside and bags of candy from Rivertown’s Feral Unicorn Snack Emporium available for guests – who might have had the munchies.

Police seek help identifying Antioch retail theft suspect – over $9,000 in losses

Wednesday, February 5th, 2025
Police ask help ID’ing a Target Antioch store retail theft suspect. Photo: Antioch PD

Over past several months

By Antioch Police Department

The Antioch Police Department is asking for the community’s help in identifying a female suspect responsible for over $9,000 in thefts from Target on Lone Tree Way in Antioch over the past several months.

Retail theft impacts businesses, employees, and consumers alike. We are committed to holding those responsible accountable, but we need your help!

If you recognize this individual or have any information that could assist in this investigation, please contact Officer Kawalya at ckawalya@antiochca.gov or call Dispatch at (925) 778-2441 (option 9).

Tipsters can request to remain anonymous. Let’s work together to stop retail crime and protect our community!

CHP’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force achieves record-breaking success in 2024

Tuesday, February 4th, 2025
Source: CHP

After a record-setting 2023 combatting organized retail crime, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) continues to aggressively disrupt and dismantle illegal operations throughout California. Thanks to the state’s continued investment in combating organized retail crime, the CHP is proud to announce its most successful year yet for the Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF). In 2024, the task force set new records for investigations, arrests, and recovered stolen goods since its launch in 2019—surpassing all expectations and demonstrating its unparalleled effectiveness.

Source: CHP

In the 12 months of 2024, ORCTF efforts have resulted in:

✔ 879 investigations
✔ 1,707 arrests
✔ 676,227 stolen goods recovered
✔ $13.5 million in recovered goods value

With increased funding since 2022, CHP has expanded its efforts statewide, adding more investigators and enhancing proactive crime prevention strategies. This past holiday season, ORCTF teams partnered with local law enforcement and more than 50 retailers to safeguard shoppers, merchants, and retail districts across California. Their heightened presence deterred crime and led to in-the-moment arrests of retail criminals.

Source: CHP

CHP’s unwavering commitment to stopping organized retail crime underscores its dedication to public safety. Recent legislation signed by Governor Gavin Newsom has further strengthened law enforcement tools to hold offenders accountable, reinforcing the ORCTF’s mission to ensure the safety and security of California communities.

For more information about CHP’s Organized Retail Theft Program, visit our website at https://www.chp.ca.gov/notify-chp/organized-retail-theft-program

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service and Security.

Liberty Tax Service has new location in Antioch

Friday, January 31st, 2025
Paid advertisement

Visit www.libertytax.com/income-tax-preparation-locations/california/antioch/10524 or call (925) 755-0059 to schedule your appointment for your 2024 taxes.

Three females arrested for theft of almost $2,000 in make-up products from Antioch store

Monday, January 20th, 2025
Three females arrested for retail thefts at the Sephora store in Antioch’s Slatten Ranch shopping center on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. Video screenshots source APD

All had previous arrest records

By Antioch Police Department

We’re back again with another cautionary tale! On Wednesday night, Jan. 15, 2025, this trio of sneaky swindlers entered the Sephora store in the Slatten Ranch shopping center with nefarious intentions.

With empty purses this gaggle of grifters began filling their bags with almost $2,000 in make-up products and left without paying. Luckily for us the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department was flying their helicopter over our city and watched the suspects enter other stores.

They were unaware that no amount of concealer would save them from the consequences. All three were quickly located and arrested. One of the sticky finger bandits was found hiding under a table in the Champs store like a game of hide and seek.

One had warrants for theft, one was on probation for theft and the other had multiple theft arrests. They were all booked for multiple felony theft charges. As is customary, their car went to car jail too. (See APD Facebook video)

Mix & Mingle at Rivertown Treasure Chest Jan. 25

Saturday, January 11th, 2025
Paid advertisement

Downtown Rivertown Antioch businesses will be coming together to network and meet with you for food, beverages and raffles prizes during a Mix & Mingle at Rivertown Treasure Chest, 306 G Street, on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, from 5-8 pm.

Our new mayor Ron Bernal and downtown developer Sean McCauley will be there as guest speakers. Music by The Les Edwins Show!

Don’t miss this event!

CHP highlights new laws for 2025

Saturday, December 28th, 2024

Includes reckless driving & sideshow enforcement, electric bicycle safety, autonomous vehicles, retail theft, more

SACRAMENTO – As we head into the new year, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is highlighting the new public safety laws that were passed during this year’s legislative session and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Unless otherwise noted, the laws referenced below take effect on January 1, 2025.

Tools to Address Reckless Driving and Sideshows:

Vehicles: Speed Contests (AB 1978, Sanchez)

Assembly Bill 1978 permits storing a vehicle when an individual is arrested but not taken into custody for obstructing or placing a barricade a highway or off-street parking facility for purposes of aiding a speed contest or exhibition of speed.

Vehicles: Impoundment (AB 2186, Wallis)

Assembly Bill 2186 permits the arrest and custody of individuals engaged in an exhibition of speed in an off-street parking facility. It also permits the impounding of the individual’s vehicle for not more than 30 days.

Vehicles: Sideshows and Street Takeovers (AB 2807, Villapudua)

Assembly Bill 2807 defines a “sideshow” and a “street takeover” as the same type of event.

Vehicles: Removal and Impoundment (AB 3085, Gipson)

Assembly Bill 3085 provides authority to seize and impound a vehicle with a warrant when the vehicle was used in violation of a speed contest or exhibition of speed (including aiding or abetting). This bill also permits electronic service of the notices of impoundment and storage hearings. 

Emergency Alert Information Sharing:

Electronic Toll Collection Systems: Information Sharing: Law Enforcement (AB 2645, Lackey)

Assembly Bill 2645 allows transportation agencies operating electronic toll collection systems to share real-time license plate data with law enforcement during active emergency alerts, such as AMBER, Ebony, or Feather Alerts. This legislation eliminates the need for a search warrant in such situations, enabling quicker responses to locate suspect vehicles linked to emergencies, such as child abductions.

Electric Bicycle Safety:

Electric Bicycles, Powered Mobility Devices and Storage (SB 1271, Min)

Beginning January 1, 2026, SB 1271 focuses on improving the safety standards for electric bicycles (e-bikes), powered mobility devices, and related lithium-ion batteries. It requires these devices and their components, such as batteries and charging systems, to be tested by accredited laboratories to meet specific safety standards. The bill also mandates labeling these products to show compliance with safety regulations, ensuring consumers are informed. Furthermore, it prohibits distributing, selling, or leasing e-bikes and related equipment unless they meet these standards, aiming to reduce risks like fire hazards and electrical malfunctions. Beginning January 1, 2028, the bill would prohibit a person from renting or offering for rental an electric bicycle, powered mobility device, charging system, or storage battery unless it has been tested to the specified safety standard.

Vehicles: Electric Bicycles (AB 1774, Gipson)

Assembly Bill 1774 prohibits modifying an electric bicycle’s speed capability to an extent it no longer meets the definition of an electric bicycle.  Also, it prohibits selling a product or device that can modify the speed capability of an electric bicycle to an extent it no longer meets the definition of an electric bicycle.

Vehicles: Electric Bicycles (AB 1778, Connolly)

Assembly Bill 1778 authorizes a local authority within the County of Marin, or the County of Marin in unincorporated areas, to enact an ordinance or resolution prohibiting a person under 16 years of age from operating a class 2 electric bicycle or requiring a person operating a class 2 electric bicycle to wear a helmet.

Vehicles: Electric Bicycles (AB 2234, Boerner)

Assembly Bill 2234 establishes the San Diego Electric Bicycle Safety Program and authorizes a local authority within the County of San Diego, or the County of San Diego in unincorporated areas, to enact an ordinance or resolution prohibiting a person under 12 years of age from operating a class 1 or 2 electric bicycle.

Photo Enforced Speed Enforcement Pilot Program:

The City of Malibu’s Speed Safety System Pilot Program (SB 1297, Allen)

Senate Bill 1297 establishes a five-year Speed Safety System Pilot Program in the City of Malibu. The bill defines a ‘speed safety system’ as a fixed or mobile radar or laser system, or any other electronic device that utilizes automated equipment, to detect a violation of speed laws and obtains a clear photograph of a speeding vehicle’s license plate. The bill establishes mandates regarding policy, enforcement, implementation, public notification, and a system evaluation report.

Clean Air Vehicle Sticker Extension:

Vehicles: High-Occupancy Vehicle Lanes (AB 2678, Wallis)

Assembly Bill 2678 permits vehicles with a Clean Air Vehicle decal to drive in High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes until January 1, 2027, if federal law permits.

Autonomous Vehicles:

Vehicle Equipment: Driver Monitoring Defeat Devices (SB 1313, Ashby)

Senate Bill 1313 prohibits using, possessing, or selling devices designed to interfere with driver monitoring systems in vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems or autonomous technology. These systems monitor driver alertness and help ensure safety when automated features are used. Violating this law is classified as an infraction. Exceptions are provided for manufacturers testing new technology, vehicle repairs, and updates compliant with safety standards or modifications for disability accommodations. This law aims to enhance road safety by preventing tampering with critical monitoring systems.  

Autonomous Vehicles Interactions with First Responders and Traffic Violation Notices – AB 1777 (Ting)

Upon the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) adoption of necessary regulations, AB 1777 creates new authority for a law enforcement officer to issue a “notice of autonomous vehicle (AV) noncompliance” to an AV manufacturer for an alleged traffic violation committed by one of their vehicles.  Beginning July 1, 2026, AB 1777 establishes additional requirements for how AVs that operate without a human operator in the vehicle interact with first responders, including a requirement for manufacturers to provide a two-way device in the vehicles to communicate with first responders.  

Pedestrian Safety Around Buses:

Transit buses: Yield Right-of-Way Sign (AB 1904, Ward)

Assembly Bill 1904 authorizes a transit agency to equip a transit bus with a “yield” right-of-way sign on the left rear of the bus.  The sign may be a static decal or a flashing light-emitting diode (LED).

License Plate Manipulation:

License Plates: Obstruction or Alteration (AB 2111, Wallis)

Assembly Bill 2111 prohibits any alteration of a license plate’s reflective coating to avoid detection from any entity, not just law enforcement.

Property Theft from a Vehicle:

Crimes: Theft from A Vehicle (SB 905, Wiener)

Senate Bill 905 creates the crime of Unlawful Entry of a Vehicle, which addresses unlawfully entering a vehicle with the intent to commit a theft or any felony. It also adds the crime of Automotive Property Theft for Resale, which addresses possessing stolen property obtained from a vehicle with the intent to sell or exchange the property for value. The property’s value must be over $950.00 and not for personal use. The value of property can be combined within two years of separate acts. 

Combating Retail Theft:

Crimes: Organized Theft (SB 982, Wahab)

Senate Bill 982 makes the crime of organized retail theft permanent and strengthens measures to address retail crime. The bill eliminates the expiration date for specific provisions targeting organized retail theft, ensuring long-term tools for law enforcement to combat this issue.

Crimes: Fires (SB 1242, Min)

Senate Bill 1242 amends Penal Code Section 452 regarding the unlawful setting of fires. It updates penalties and legal language to clarify offenses, including circumstances involving organized retail theft.

Sentencing Enhancements: Sale, Exchange, Or Return of Stolen Property (SB 1416 Newman)

Senate Bill 1416 focuses on combating organized retail theft by increasing penalties for those involved in the resale of stolen goods, often referred to as “fencing.” The bill, until January 1, 2030, creates sentencing enhancements for individuals who sell, exchange, or return stolen property for value, particularly when the property exceeds specific thresholds. Punishment increases from one year to four years based on a property value scale ranging from $50,000 to over $3 million.

Theft: Jurisdiction (AB 1779, Irwin)

Assembly Bill 1779 addresses the issue of organized retail theft by streamlining the prosecution process. Specifically, it allows district attorneys to consolidate charges for theft offenses committed across multiple counties into a single trial, provided all affected county district attorneys agree.

Crimes: Organized Theft (AB 1802, Jones-Sawyer)

Assembly Bill 1802 ensures that the crime of organized retail theft remains permanently defined in state law and extends the CHP’s Property Crimes Task Force indefinitely. This bill eliminates the “sunset” clause that would have otherwise allowed the statute and the task force to expire.

Regional Property Crimes Task Force (AB 1972, Alanis)

Assembly Bill 1972 expands the scope of the CHP’s Regional Property Crimes Task Force to include cargo theft as a property crime for consideration and requires the task force to provide logistical and law enforcement support for railroad police.

This bill emphasizes cargo theft as a specific priority and aims to strengthen resources for law enforcement agencies to combat these issues. As an urgency statute, AB 1972 went into effect immediately upon its passage in August 2024 to address these concerns promptly.

Crimes: Shoplifting (AB 2943, Zbur)

Assembly Bill 2943, also called the “California Retail Theft Reduction Act,” strengthens measures to combat organized retail theft by creating a specific crime for serial retail theft, allowing the aggregation of property value for thefts committed within 90 days to qualify as grand theft. It empowers law enforcement to make arrests using video evidence or sworn statements, shields businesses from lawsuits for reporting crimes and promotes rehabilitation through diversion programs for minor offenders. The bill aims to dismantle theft rings while balancing public safety and criminal justice reforms.

Crimes: Theft: Retail Theft Restraining Orders (AB 3209, Berman)

Assembly Bill 3209 creates a retail crime restraining order.  A court may issue a restraining order when sentencing an individual for specific retail theft-related crimes, including vandalism of a retail store and assaulting a retail store employee.  The restraining order prohibits the individual from entering or being on the grounds of the establishment and may include parking lots adjacent to and used by the establishment.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Antioch shoplifter arrested for felony day after Prop 36 goes into effect

Friday, December 20th, 2024
Photos: Antioch PD

Vehicle towed

By Antioch Police Department

Would you look at that! Prop 36, VOTED ON BY YOU, is making immediate impacts on the community!

Yesterday, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, Target called 9-1-1 to report a sneaky thief was inside shoplifting! The man arrived in a white Escalade and was stealing multiple items inside the store! Officer Pedreira was quick on scene with a response time of 1 minute and 5 seconds! The would-be pilferer was located placing the stolen items in the vehicle! He was detained and thanks to Prop 36 and his history of theft, his misdemeanor is now a FELONY! He was transported and booked into jail!!

Photos: Antioch PD

Last week, this habitual swindler’s five-finger-discount would have earned him a citation, today it earned him a Felony charge and a trip to jail!

We even took his car-to-car jail for its role in the crime!