Fundraiser for Boys Mentoring program

By Anthony Randolph

A Martin Luther King Day event will be held on Monday January 20th, from 9:30 am to 12 noon at Grace Bible Fellowship of Antioch. It will be a great breakfast including shrimp and grits and a MLK, Jr. program. It is also a fundraiser for our Boys Mentoring program and all proceeds will help send them on a summer trip to Atlanta.

We are also having a Black History Contest open for all school age students in Contra Costa County. Below are some details but for complete details visit our website: www.gracearmsofantioch.org/mlkjr.

The church is located at 3415 Oakley Road.

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

On Dec. 3, 2024, the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve an updated fee schedule for 2025 that simplifies parking fees and eliminates dog fees, among other changes. The updated fee schedule became effective Jan. 1, 2025. Park District fees are reviewed annually and updated as needed.

The new fee schedule includes a flat $5 parking fee at East Bay Regional Parks, where kiosks are present. The flat fee makes it simpler and easier for the public to visit East Bay Regional Parks. Previously, parking fees ranged from $3 to $6 depending on the specific park. The new fee does not apply to Del Valle Regional Park on weekends and holidays April through Labor Day, which has a flat $10 entrance fee on those peak days that covers parking and other fees.

Dog fees have also been eliminated for 2025. Dogs are required to be on leash in designated areas, including trailheads, parking lots, paved trails, and picnic areas. Dogs must also be on leash around horses and in parks where cattle are present. The dog fee was $2. Visit www.ebparks.org/dogs for more information.

A dog permit is still required to walk more than three dogs at a time. Professional dog walkers are required to obtain a permit regardless of how many dogs they walk at one time. Visit www.ebparks.org/permits for details. 

The updated fee schedule for 2025 also includes changes to swimming fees, day camp fees, special event fees, concessionaire fees, parking citation penalties, and vehicle release fees.

East Bay Regional Parks fees help recover, in part, the costs of providing a service. The updated fee schedule streamlines pricing and better reflects the cost of services and impacts on the Park District.

To view the fee schedule for 2025, visit www.ebparks.org/sites/default/files/2025-Fee-Schedule.pdf.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

“Robust, nationwide search” for a “chief who will lead our department into a new era.” – City Manager Bessie Scott

By Allen D. Payton

During a press conference in the Community Room of the Antioch Police Facility on Tuesday morning, Jan. 7, 2025, Antioch City Manager Bessie Scott announced Police Captain Joe Vigil as the City’s next acting chief.

“The City of Antioch is proud to announce Joe Vigil as the new acting police chief,” she said. “Chief Vigil will succeed Interim Police Chief Brian Addington.”

Retired from the Pittsburg Police Department, Addington is limited to working 960 hours per year and that time is coming to an end. Vigil will take on the chief’s role as of this Friday, Jan. 10th.

Scott shared her confidence in Vigil’s leadership saying, “Chief Vigil has dedicated his life to serving the residents of Antioch. He’s a proven leader who will continue championing our reforms addressing violence reduction, community engagement and strengthening our police ranks.”

Chief Vigil will continue moving our police department in a positive direction while our national search for a permanent chief continues,” Scott stated. “Chief Vigil has been dedicated to Antioch and has served in various leadership roles at the police department. Ha has also served as interim chief for the Antioch Police Department from August 2023 to February 2024. As acting chief he provided stability and support to the men and woman who serve our community. I am confident that Chief Vigil will continue the work of lowering crime, engaging our community and helping us seamlessly transition to a permanent police chief.”

Vigil brings 25 years of law enforcement experience, including service with the Sacramento, Richmond and Antioch Police Departments. During his career, he has:

•Managed the Support Services Bureau as captain.
•Served as acting police chief (Aug. 2023–Feb. 2024).
•Completed the POST Command College.
•Earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Cal State Long Beach.

“As acting chief, he provided stability and support to the men and women who serve our community,” Scott stated. “I am confident that Chief Vigil will continue the work of lowering crime, engaging our community and helping us seamlessly transition to a permanent police chief.”

While Vigil steps into this vital role, the City of Antioch will continue its nationwide search for a permanent police chief. Chief Addington will remain available in a support capacity.

Vigil Thanks Addington, Scott

Vigil shared prepared remarks thanking both Addington and Scott saying, “I would like to take a moment to thank Chief Brian Addington for his time with us. The leadership and direction he provided over the last year has been beneficial and meaningful as we continue to rebuild and move our department forward. I am grateful for the short time I have been able to work with you. I would also like to thank the city manager, Ms. Scott, for her faith in me continuing to move the police department in a positive direction.”

“As we work towards finding a permanent chief, I will continue working with Ms. Scott, City Staff, and all department heads to ensure a safer and stronger Antioch. I want us to continue working with our mayor and city council on moving the agency and the needs of the city forward. Our priorities will continue to be hiring, recruiting, and public safety. We will continually work with staff to examine our deployment strategies and resources along with working with local leaders and our community to help the city thrive. I am looking forward to working with the Department of Justice and making the police department better in every aspect possible.

Transparency, community trust, and crime reduction are priorities. I will update our residents on milestones as we progress on these initiatives. I ask for the community’s involvement, feedback, and support as we take on these challenges together.

Please know you have my full commitment, and I am passionate about the city of Antioch and our Police Department.”

Addington Offers Final Remarks as Interim Chief

During the press conference Addington offered brief, prepared remarks saying, “I want to take a moment to recognize and congratulate Acting Chief Vigil. When I first arrived, I didn’t know him personally, but I’ve been consistently impressed by his depth of knowledge, his unwavering commitment to constitutional policing, and his strong focus on crime reduction strategies. He truly cares about this community and has been working tirelessly to improve it.

Having now worked alongside him, I can confidently say that he will lead the department in the right direction over the next six months as the national search for a permanent chief is underway.”

Scott Offers Thoughts on Recruiting Process, Thanks Addington

During her remarks, Scott shared her thoughts on the department and permanent chief saying, “Maintaining public safety and public trust in our police department continues to be a top priority for me. One of the most important decisions I will make in my role is choosing a new police chief who will lead our department into a new era.”

“We will take time to choose the right individual for the job that our community deserves,” she added.
“Choosing a new chief is just part of the positive changes we are making at the Antioch Police Department,” Scott continued. “Recently, the City announced a deal with the Justice Department that includes detailed reforms and five years of monitoring by an independent law enforcement consultant approved by the Justic Department. The goal of this monitoring process is to ensure that our police department is adhering to non-discriminatory policing, hiring and discipline.”

In terms of the search for a permanent police chief, the City of Antioch is conducting a robust, nationwide search,” Scott continued. “Our process is thorough, and we are looking for the best candidates to help lead our police department.”

“I also want to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to Chief Brian Addington who will be retiring from the acting chief position,” the city manager shared. “Chief Addington has provided guidance, wisdom and a foundation from which we can continue to grow. Chief Addington will still be involved, lending his support and input as we continue to move forward.”

In addition to Scott, the City’s Human Resources Director Ana Cortez was in attendance and available to answer questions from the media about the search.

“Stay tuned for updates as we work toward shaping the future of public safety in Antioch!” a post on the Antioch Police Department’s Facebook page about the press conference stated.

By Sgt. Kristian Palma #6286, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

On January 5, 2025, at approximately 12:43 PM, Antioch Police officers responded to Gentrytown Park (near Carmona Way) for the call of a person shot during the commission of a robbery. Two suspects approached the victim inside the park and demanded the victim’s property. A struggle ensued between the victim and the suspects.

One of the suspects, described as a Hispanic male adult, produced a handgun and shot the victim several times. The other suspect was described as a Black adult male. Both suspects fled the area with the victim’s property.

APD officers arrived on scene, providing medical aid until Contra Costa Fire arrived on scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital in critical but stable condition. The investigation is ongoing.
This information is made available by the Field Services Bureau. Tips can also be sent to tips@antiochca.gov.

By Antioch Police Department

On January 6, 2025, at approximately 10:17 AM, Antioch police officers responded to the 3900 block of Rockford Drive for a reported shooting. Dispatch received multiple calls of a man down suffering from gunshot wounds.

When officers arrived, they found a 26-year-old victim on the ground. Responding officers immediately began life-saving measures until relieved by paramedics. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he died.

Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released. The identity of the victim is not being released at this time.

This information is made available by the Investigations Bureau. Additional inquiries or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Duffy at (925) 779-6884 or by emailing aduffy@antiochca.gov.

For five years in response to use-of-force practices, texting scandal

“The agreement we have secured will ensure that Antioch’s policing practices are free from discrimination in the road ahead — the community deserves nothing less.” – Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division

Requires Consultant, Commission, Community Engagement Plan, Language Access Plan, Community Liaison Officer

By Allen D. Payton

On Friday, January 3, 2025, Interim Antioch Police Chief issued the following statement: We are pleased to announce the City of Antioch has entered into a stipulated agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ): This agreement follows their investigation into the Antioch Police Department’s use-of-force practices and a texting scandal that surfaced last year. (See related articles here and here)

The actions that prompted this investigation were unacceptable and failures occurred. The City of Antioch is fully committed to ensuring that such incidents never occur again.

Our collaboration with the USDOJ underscores our dedication to fostering trust, transparency, and accountability within our police department. Under this five-year agreement, we will implement and enhance comprehensive policies, practices, training programs, community engagement initiatives and oversight mechanisms to ensure that officers uphold integrity and fairness while addressing misconduct swiftly and effectively.

We acknowledge that trust is earned, not given, and this agreement marks a meaningful step forward. We also remain fully cooperative with the California Department of Justice (CADOJ), which is conducting an independent pattern-and-practice investigation into the Antioch Police Department.

Our commitment to creating a transparent, accountable and community-focused police department remains steadfast. We will continue to serve the residents of Antioch with honor, respect and fairness.
The City of Antioch is committed to fostering trust, accountability, and transparency within our Police Department. Today, we are announcing a major step forward: a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice.

This agreement represents our pledge to strengthen policies, training, oversight, and community engagement to ensure integrity, fairness, and professionalism in our service to the residents of Antioch.

“Under the agreement, APD will hire an expert law enforcement consultant jointly selected by the parties to review and update APD’s policies, procedures and training on a variety of topics, including non-discriminatory policing, use of force, hiring and promotions, investigations of misconduct, discipline, community policing, language access, and other topics. The agreement contemplates a role for the Antioch Police Oversight Commission and sets forth a framework for data collection and reporting for a five-year period of departmental monitoring, among other provisions.”

U.S. Department of Justice Issues Statement on Agreement

The following was issued by the USDOJ on Jan. 3, 2025: The Justice Department announced today an agreement with the Antioch, California, Police Department (APD) and the City of Antioch to resolve an investigation of race discrimination and other discriminatory conduct by APD officers against members of the public in Antioch.

The department launched its investigation after the public disclosure of discriminatory text communications that dozens of APD personnel allegedly exchanged between September 2019 and January 2022. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California jointly investigated APD’s compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) and the nondiscrimination provisions of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (Safe Streets Act). Title VI and the Safe Streets Act collectively prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex and religion by recipients of federal financial assistance, such as APD.

The agreement shares additional details on the investigation. In April 2023, the DOJ received information released by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office that revealed text messages exchanged by APD officers containing racist and sexist slurs and other discriminatory content and discussing possible civil rights violations. In June 2023, the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California initiated an investigation of the APD.

At one point, 31 officers were placed on paid leave mostly for the text scandal. However, most of the officers caught up in the scandal only received some of the text messages but didn’t send any. Ultimately, 13 Antioch officers were fired but Michael Rains, attorney for the Antioch Police Officers Association, whose firm has represented 17 of the officers believes 10 will get their jobs back. (See related article)

“Fair and non-discriminatory policing is fundamental to effective law enforcement, especially for those agencies that receive federal funding,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “In working with the Justice Department to institute policing reform, Antioch Police Department sends a strong message that the discrimination and misconduct that prompted this investigation will not be tolerated. The agreement we have secured will ensure that Antioch’s policing practices are free from discrimination in the road ahead — the community deserves nothing less.”

“Law enforcement is only effective when it inspires public confidence,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey for the Northern District of California. “A police department that discriminates based on race and other protected classes undermines both public safety and public confidence. Today’s agreement will help ensure that policing in Antioch is done constitutionally and will help restore public trust.”

In response to the investigation, APD, the City of Antioch and the City Manager worked cooperatively with the department to reach a resolution agreement embodying a commitment to nondiscrimination in APD’s policing operations and advancing its ongoing efforts to prevent and address discriminatory law enforcement practices.

“Under the agreement, APD will hire an expert law enforcement consultant jointly selected by the parties to review and update APD’s policies, procedures and training on a variety of topics, including non-discriminatory policing, use of force, hiring and promotions, investigations of misconduct, discipline, community policing, language access, and other topics. The agreement contemplates a role for the Antioch Police Oversight Commission and sets forth a framework for data collection and reporting for a five-year period of departmental monitoring, among other provisions.”

Nondiscrimination under Title VI and the Safe Streets Act is a top priority of the Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available at www.justice.gov/crt. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at civilrights.justice.gov/report/.

Requires Consultant, Commission, Community Engagement Plan, Language Access Plan, Community Liaison Officer

The agreement requires several items and processes including, “within 90 days of the Effective Date, the City, the APD, and the United States will identify and mutually agree on a Consultant who is a law enforcement expert with a proven track record in civil rights and law enforcement compliance, as well as state of California law enforcement experience and knowledge of California compliance requirements. The Consultant shall serve as the single point of contact with the United States and be retained by the APD at the City’s expense.” The “annual cost of the consulting engagement shall not exceed $250,000 per year.”

The agreement also requires the City to maintain the Antioch Police Oversight Commission (APOC) for the duration of the agreement and ensure a minimum of five of the seven members at all times.

It also requires, “APD within 180 days of the date of the agreement to develop a Community Engagement Plan and a Language Access Plan “to communicate with the entire Antioch community, including individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP).” It also stipulates that, “Within two years of the Effective Date of this Agreement, the APD will ensure the creation of a position for one Community Liaison Officer” who must be bilingual and “will work with peripheral support groups such as the Antioch Police Department’s Community Service Officers, the city’s Public Safety and Community Service sic Department as well as the…Community Response Team.”

Agreement May Be Terminated Early Based on APD Compliance

According to the 25-page agreement signed on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, by City Manager Bessie Marie Scott, Interim Police Chief Brian Addington, City Attorney Thomas Lloyd Smith and City Clerk Melissa Rhodes, “This Agreement may terminate prior to the five-year date (‘Early Termination’) if the United States determines that the APD has substantially complied with each of the provisions of the Agreement and has maintained substantial compliance for at least twelve months, no sooner than three years from the Effective Date.”

The agreement was also signed on behalf of the USDOJ by Assistant Attorney General Civil Rights Division U.S. Department of Justice Kristen Clarke, Chief of Federal Coordination and Compliance Section Christine Stoneman, and includes the names of Deputy Chief Coty Montag, Senior Attorney Bharathi Venkatraman and Attorney Jenna Grambort, all of the Federal Coordination and Compliance Section, USDOJ Civil Rights Division, and signed by Michael A. Keough, Assistant United States Attorney on behalf of Ismail Ramsey, United States Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California.

Addington ended his statement with, “Together, let’s build a safer and stronger community.”

En Español

La Ciudad de Antioch Firma un Acuerdo con el Departamento de Justicia de los Estados Unidos

La Ciudad de Antioch se complace en anunciar que hemos firmado un acuerdo estipulado con el Departamento de Justicia de los Estados Unidos (USDOJ). Este acuerdo surge a raíz de su investigación sobre las prácticas de uso de la fuerza del Departamento de Policía de Antioch (APD) y un escándalo de mensajes de texto que salió a la luz el año pasado.

Las acciones que dieron lugar a esta investigación fueron inaceptables y representan fallas significativas. La Ciudad de Antioch está plenamente comprometida a garantizar que tales incidentes no vuelvan a ocurrir.

Nuestra colaboración con el USDOJ subraya nuestra dedicación a fomentar la confianza, la transparencia y la rendición de cuentas dentro de nuestro Departamento de Policía. Bajo este acuerdo de cinco años, implementaremos y fortaleceremos políticas sólidas, programas de capacitación, participación comunitaria y mecanismos de supervisión para garantizar que los oficiales actúen con integridad y justicia, y que cualquier conducta indebida sea abordada de manera rápida y efectiva.

Reconocemos que la confianza no se da por sentada, sino que se debe ganar. Este acuerdo marca un paso significativo hacia adelante. También continuaremos cooperando plenamente con el Departamento de Justicia de California (CADOJ), que está llevando a cabo una investigación independiente sobre los patrones y prácticas del Departamento.

Nuestro compromiso con la creación de un Departamento de Policía transparente, responsable y enfocado en la comunidad permanece firme. Continuaremos sirviendo a los residentes de Antioch con honor, respeto y equidad.

Para más información sobre el acuerdo, visite: Office of Public Affairs | El Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo con la Policía de Antioch, California, para resolver la investigación de discriminación por motivos de raza | United States Department of Justice.

El Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo con la Policía de Antioch, California, para resolver la investigación de discriminación por motivos de raza

El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy un acuerdo con la Policía de Antioch, California (APD, por sus siglas en inglés) y la Ciudad de Antioch para resolver una investigación de conducta racista y discriminatoria de agentes de la APD contra miembros del público en Antioch.

El Departamento inició su investigación después de la divulgación pública de mensajes de texto discriminatorios que decenas de miembros del personal de la APD supuestamente intercambiaron entre septiembre del 2019 y enero del 2022. La División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia y la Fiscalía Federal para el Distrito Norte de California investigaron conjuntamente el cumplimiento de la APD con el Título VI de la ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 (Título VI) y las disposiciones antidiscriminatorias de la Ley General de Control de Delitos y Calles Seguras (ley de Calles Seguras). El Título VI y la ley de Calles Seguras prohíben, en su conjunto, la discriminación por motivos de raza, color de piel, origen nacional, sexo o religión por parte de entidades que reciben apoyo financiero federal, tal como la APD.

«La vigilancia policial justa y no discriminatoria es fundamental para la aplicación efectiva de la ley, especialmente para aquellas agencias que reciben financiación federal», comentó Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «Al trabajar con el Departamento de Justicia para instituir una reforma policial, la Policía de Antioch está enviando un mensaje fuerte que la discriminación y la conducta indebida que impulsaron esta investigación no se tolerarán. El acuerdo que hemos conseguido garantizará que las prácticas policiales de Antioch estén libres de discriminación en el camino futuro—la comunidad no merece menos».

«La aplicación de la ley sólo es eficaz cuando inspira la confianza pública», afirmó Ismail Ramsey, el Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Norte de California. «Una fuerza policial que discrimina por motivos de raza y otras clases protegidas socava tanto la seguridad pública como la confianza pública. El acuerdo de hoy ayudará a garantizar que la vigilancia policial en Antioch se realice de manera constitucional y ayudará a restablecer la confianza pública».

En respuesta a la investigación, la APD, la Ciudad de Antioch, y la Administradora de la Ciudad trabajaron en cooperación con el Departamento para alcanzar un acuerdo de resolución que encarnase un compromiso con la ausencia de discriminación en las operaciones de vigilancia policial de la APD y el avance de sus esfuerzos continuos por prevenir y abordar las prácticas discriminatorias de aplicación de la ley.

En virtud del acuerdo, la APD contratará a un consultor experto en aplicación de la ley seleccionado conjuntamente por las partes para revisar y actualizar los procedimientos, políticas y capacitación de la APD sobre una variedad de temas, lo que incluye la vigilancia policial no discriminatoria, el uso de la fuerza, la contratación y ascensos, investigaciones de conducta indebida, la disciplina, la vigilancia comunitaria y el acceso lingüístico, entre otros temas. El acuerdo contempla una función para la Comisión de Supervisión de la Policía de Antioch y establece un marco para la recopilación de datos y la presentación de informes durante un período de cinco años de supervisión departamental, entre otras disposiciones.

La no discriminación en virtud del Título VI y la ley de Calles Seguras es una de las principales prioridades de la División de Derechos Civiles. Hay más información sobre la División de Derechos Civiles a www.justice.gov/crt. Los miembros del público pueden denunciar posibles infracciones de los derechos civiles en civilrights.justice.gov/report/.

Actualizado 3 de enero de 2025

By Jeremy Gamez, Boys Scouts of America Troop 153, Antioch, CA

Do you need your Christmas tree picked up in Antioch? Have the Boy Scouts do it.

Please use the following link to schedule your pickup. https://pickup.antiochtroop153.org/

We are asking for a donation of $30 for unflocked trees and $40 for flocked trees. Please use the link, it is going to improve our services and help our parents and Scouts doing the tree pick up. Even if you’ve already emailed us, please fill out the link. We are picking up trees on the weekends of Dec. 28 & 29 and January 4 & 5, 2025. Please have your tree on the curb by 9:00 A.M. 

Our parents and Scouts will be picking trees all day and might not pick up your tree until later in the day. If you have issues, pls email us, we will follow up shortly. We are all volunteers and have limited resources. No DM, no text messages, we have multiple parents monitoring the troop email account. Please only email once. We may not respond to your email until later in the day.

To pay, please use Zelle. Look for: “Boys Scouts of America Troop 153” – full name (no abbreviations). Zelle makes it easier. You can use our troop tree pick up email for Zelle: troop153treepickup@gmail.com. If you’re unable to use Zelle, checks are appreciated made out to: “BSA Troop 153”. Checks can be left under your doormat on the day of pick up.

Thank you!