The Contra Costa Taxpayers Association (CoCoTax) invites you to attend a Luncheon, Board and Members’ Meeting at Denny’s Restaurant 1313 Willow Pass Road, Concord, on Friday October 25, 2024, from 11:45 am to 1:10 pm.

Please register in advance 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.

About Our Speaker: Debora Allen

Debora Allen was first elected to the BART Board of Directors in 2016 and re-elected in November 2020, representing eight cities in central Contra Costa County’s District 1. She leaves the BART Board at the end of this year having led the charge for improved fare gates, safe and reliable transit, and fiscal sanity.

In her lunch time remarks to CoCoTax, Debora will look back on her time on the BART board and discuss the transit district’s future.

Debora has over 30 years of financial and business management experience in both private and public sectors, primarily in construction and real estate industries. She received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (accounting) from CSU Sacramento and completed numerous continuing professional education courses in the areas of financial audit, taxation, accounting systems, institutional investing, and pension administration. She practiced as a Certified Public Accountant in California for almost 20 years and currently still holds an inactive CPA license.

Prior to election to BART, Debora spent decades volunteering on boards in youth sports programs, taxpayer oversight groups, and other non-profits including six years as a pension board trustee for the Contra Costa County Employees’ Retirement Association. 

Since 2016, she served on regional transportation boards including Capitol Corridor JPA, Contra Costa Transportation Authority, West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee, CCTA Accessible Transportation Strategic Policy Advisory Committee, and the Pleasant Hill BART Leasing Authority.  She has also served on several BART Board subcommittees.

For more information call (925) 289-6900 or email info@cocotax.org.

By Parks & Recreation Department

The City of Antioch is seeking input on the design of this revolutionary park feature. We invite you to share your thoughts on the design elements of the Bicycle Garden. The Bicycle Garden will be located at Prewett Community Park to the east of the Antioch Community Center.

Community Design Workshops:

Thursday, October 17th, 6pm – 8pm at Antioch Community Center, 4703 Lone Tree Way

Saturday, November 16th, 10am – Noon at Antioch Senior Center, 415 W. 2nd Street

antiochca.gov/recreation/bicycle-garden

Fundraiser benefiting local charities

Enjoy sampling menu items from each of the 10 participating restaurants who are donating their food for this annual Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, from 1:00-5:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 and proceeds from the event will benefit local charities.

Purchase tickets online here or call Kay Power at 925-202-3519 or Allison Norris at 925-642-5404.

“Kiwanis empowers communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children.” – Kiwanis Mission

Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 8:00 a.m. in-person at Denny’s, 4823 Lone Tree Way and on Zoom.

For more information about the local club of the international service organization, visit https://kiwanisclubofthedelta-antioch.com

Police seek public’s help; city’s 12th homicide this year, 10 others determined to be murder

By Lt. Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division

As previously reported, on Friday, September 20th at approximately 12:27 p.m., Antioch police officers responded to the area of Cavallo Road and Sunset Drive for reports of shots fired in the area. When officers arrived on the scene, they found an 18-year-old man who had been shot at least once. It was later confirmed by police that he was shot in the head. Antioch police officers provided aid to the victim who was transported to a local hospital. The victim died from his injuries at the hospital.

The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit responded to take over the investigation. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time.

The vehicle is a blue 1999-2002 GMC Sierra pickup truck with a tool rack and black rims. Investigators are asking for any information related to this vehicle or the incident.

Any tips or other information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Cox at (925) 481-8147 or by email jcox@antiochca.gov.

According to the Antioch Police Department’s Crime Statistics there have been 10 murders this year though August. With the shooting homicide reported earlier this month the latest incident is the city’s 12th homicide of the year.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

For details visit Rhythm by the River Fall Festival – Celebrate Antioch Foundation.

A Day of Music, Food and Fun presented by the City of Antioch and Celebrate Antioch Foundation.

By Shahad Wright, Recreation Services Manager, City of Antioch

Antioch, California — Get ready for an unforgettable day of music, food, and family fun at the Rhythms by the River Fall Festival! Set against the stunning backdrop of the river, this festival promises a day filled with entertainment and excitement for all ages. Whether you’re a music lover, a foodie, or just looking for a great way to spend the day with family and friends, this event has something for everyone.

Event Highlights:

• Live Music on Two Stages: Enjoy performances by incredible artists across two stages.
  • NRCC Stage:
    • Lando Davidson: 1:00 PM – 2:45 PM
    • Blind to Reason: 3:00 PM – 4:45 PM
  • Waldie Plaza Stage:
    • Maya Latin Roots: 1:00 PM – 2:45 PM
    • Baycoin Beats: 3:00 PM – 4:45 PM
    • The Purple Ones – Insatiable Tribute to Prince: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Beer and Wine Garden: Sip on local brews and wines while soaking in the live music.
• Cornhole Tournament: Test your skills and compete for prizes.
• BBQ Cookoff: Savor the flavors as top BBQ teams battle it out.
• Food Trucks & Vendors: Indulge in a variety of delicious eats and browse unique local goods.
• Kids’ Zone: A special area filled with games, activities, and entertainment just for the little ones.

Date: September 28, 2024

Time: 1pm-7pm
Location: Rivertown – 2nd street between I Street and E Street

This is a community event you won’t want to miss! So, mark your calendars and bring your family and friends for a day of fun at the Rhythms by the River Fall Festival.

For more information, please visit Summer Concert Series – City of Antioch, California (antiochca.gov) or Rhythm by the River Fall Festival – Celebrate Antioch Foundation.

Eight in past five days, seven in Sycamore Corridor including one homicide; one shooting during memorial for homicide victim

By Lt. Desmond Bittner, #3252, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

The Antioch Police Department is asking for the community’s help in connection with a series of shootings that have plagued our city in the last week.

“This spate of violence will not be tolerated. We have rearranged staffing and assigned two officers to patrol the Sycamore Corridor for at least the next seven days,” said Interim Chief of Police Brian Addington. “This effort aims to reduce gun violence and provide a sense of safety to the community and local businesses.”

On September 2nd, 21-year-old Elijah Scales was shot and killed in the 2100 block of Peppertree Way. Since the homicide, Antioch PD has responded to nearly a dozen shootings that may be related. Eight of the shootings have occurred in the past five days. Details for each shooting are noted below:

• Tuesday, 9/3, 7:26 pm (2100 block of Peppertree Way) – Report 24-7865. Multiple firearms were used to fire at least 32 bullets. A 31-year-old man was shot in the leg.
• Wednesday, 9/4, 8:59 pm (2100 block of Peppertree Way) – Report 24-7898. 11 bullets were fired from multiple guns. The gunfire struck a nearby building.
• Saturday, 9/7, 9:31 pm (Sycamore Drive at Peppertree Way) – Report 24-7991. 29 bullets fired from multiple firearms. A 52-year-old woman was shot in the leg while in the parking lot of Sycamore Square.
• Thursday, 9/12, 8:21 pm (2100 block of Lemontree Way) – Reports 24-8193 and 24-8194. At least 26 bullets were fired. The gunfire struck two nearby homes. One resident was grazed by a stray bullet and suffered a minor injury to his neck that didn’t require medical attention.
• Thursday 9/12, 8:31 pm, (1000 block of Fitzuren Road) – Report 24-8195. At least three bullets were fired. The gunfire struck a nearby business.
• Thursday 9/12, 8:32 pm, (2900 block of Pear Street) – Report 24-8197. At least three bullets were fired.
• Sunday 9/15, 9:10 pm, (Sycamore Drive at Peppertree Way) – Report 24-8309. At least 13 bullets were fired. A nearby home and an unoccupied vehicle were struck by gunfire.
• Monday 9/16, 2:40 am (600 block of G Street) – Report 24-8316. Multiple firearms fired at least 12 bullets.
• Monday 9/16, 4:54 pm (Contra Costa County Fairgrounds) – Report 24-8353. Multiple firearms fired at least 30 bullets. A man was shot on the Fairground property. The man is currently in critical condition. The fairgrounds fall under Contra Costa County jurisdiction, so the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating this matter.
• Monday 9/16, 7:46 pm, (L Street at William Reed) – Report 24-8356. Multiple firearms fired 50 or more bullets. Two nearby businesses were struck.
• Monday 9/16, 7:48 pm, (1800 block of Cavallo Road) – Report 24-8357. At least four bullets were fired. A 58-year-old man was shot while attending a memorial gathering at this location for Elijah Scales. The man is currently in critical condition at a local hospital.

The suspects in each shooting are currently unknown. Anyone with information can contact Investigations Sergeant Bill Whitaker at (925) 779-6876 or wwhitaker@antiochca.gov.

Presented by Celebrate Antioch Foundation

Join the Party at Antioch’s Historic Downtown Rivertown District with great, live music performed on two stages by Baycoin Beats, The Purple Ones, Lando Davidson and Blind to Reason. This is a Fun, Family friendly event with free entry and parking. There will be BBQ and other food vendors. Come join the fun and Get Your Groove On!