Archive for the ‘Community’ Category

Antioch Bicycle Garden Community Design Workshops Oct. 17 & Nov. 16

Tuesday, October 1st, 2024

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

Annual Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch Restaurant Tour Oct. 27

Tuesday, September 24th, 2024

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

Friday shooting victim in Antioch dies at hospital, search for suspect’s truck underway

Saturday, September 21st, 2024
Homicide suspect’s 1999-2002 GMC Sierra pickup truck with a tool rack and black rims taken on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. Photos: Antioch PD

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.

Enter the Cornhole Tournament during Rhythms by the River Fall Fest Sept. 28

Thursday, September 19th, 2024

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

Rhythms by the River Fall Fest Sept. 28

Wednesday, September 18th, 2024

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.

No suspects in multiple Antioch shootings in September

Tuesday, September 17th, 2024

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.

Rivertown Fall Fest & BBQ Cook-Off Sept. 28

Tuesday, September 17th, 2024

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!

Antioch Police add two new sworn officers, two CSO’s to the force

Tuesday, September 17th, 2024
New Antioch Police Officers Alex Gutierrez (far left) and Joseph Amiri and new CSO’s Brennan Taft and Luis Candelario (far right) were sworn in on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Photo: APD

Brings total to 75 sworn out of 115 in the city budget; 15 more recruits in academies

By Allen D. Payton

During an oath of office ceremony on Monday, Sept. 9th, two new sworn officers and two new Community Service Officers were added to the force. Interim Antioch Police Chief Brian Addington welcomed new Officers Joseph Amiri and Alex Gutierrez and new CSO’s Luis Candelario and Brennan Taft.

In attendance were District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock, Acting City Manager Kwame Reed, Acting Assistant City Manager Brad Helfenberger and City Attorney Thomas Loyd Smith along with other APD leaders and officers.

Addington shared prepared remarks and offered, “a special welcome to all the family and friends joining us today. We know the sacrifices you have made to get your loved one to this point, and I want you to know that they have not gone unnoticed.”

“We thank you and share in the pride you undoubtedly have today as you watch your loved one officially become an Antioch police officer,” the chief continued. “We also ask for your continued love and support because it doesn’t get easier – it gets harder from here as your loved one now serves on the front line of keeping Antioch safe.”

“It is a remarkable time to join the Antioch PD—during a period of rebuilding and fostering community trust. New officers and CSOs bring valuable experience and fresh perspectives, helping to bridge gaps between the department and the community while maintaining a steady, knowledgeable presence in law enforcement practices,” Addington stated.

“We currently have eight officers in the Field Training Program, and we have 13 recruits who are attending police academies,” he added.

Addington introduced each of the four by providing their brief following bios:

Officer Joseph Amiri – He was Deputy Sheriff for L.A. County Sheriff’s Office before joining us. Officer Amiri holds a bachelor’s degree in communications with honors from California State University, Bakersfield. He enjoys cooking steaks, making Italian food, and traveling to new countries in his free time. What motivated him to join the Antioch Police Department is that he spent many of his pivotal childhood years living in Antioch, so he is now honored to join the department. A fun fact about Officer Amiri is that he is bilingual. He speaks English and Dari.

(He is not related to former APD officer Morteza Amiri).

Officer Alex Gutierrez

He grew up in the City of Antioch and still currently lives here. He was a tribal Police Officer for about one and a half years. Then, he worked for the Galt Police Department for about two and a half years as a Community Service Officer and a Police Officer. Still, he has had a lifelong dream of being a Police Officer with the City of Antioch ever since I was a kid. Today, that dream has become a reality. He has a heart for serving people, and being in law enforcement is the perfect way to do that. A Fun Fact about Officer Gutierrez – he enjoys spending time with family and hiking with his wife and dog. He looks forward to serving the community I grew up in.

Community Services Officer Luis Candelario

He also grew up in Antioch and attended school in the Antioch Unified School District. He ran cross country in high school and graduated from Antioch High School. After high school, He attended CSU East Bay, earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

He enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, fishing, biking, and running.

He chose to pursue a career with the Antioch Police Department to serve the community where he was raised in a positive way.

A fun fact: Luis volunteers as a faith formation instructor at his parish.

Community Services Officer Brennan Taft

Brennan was born in Oakland and raised in El Sobrante. He graduated from Bay Hill High School in Oakland in 2009. He then attended Diablo Valley College and received an A.S. Degree in Administration of Justice. Brennan worked in various jobs, including Marin County Parks, Marin County Fire Department, and Private Security. His most recent job, before joining APD, was as a Patrol Security Guard.

Fun fact: Brennan likes gaming and muscle cars.

The chief then administered the Oath of Office which was followed by the badge pinning by family members and friends.

Lastly, Addington administered the IACP Law Enforcement Oath of Honor.

“The IACP Governing Body developed an Oath of Honor to punctuate the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect and ensuring the preservation of human life,” he shared.

What is the Oath of Honor

“This is a public affirmation of your commitment to adhere to this oath and demonstrate the highest ethical standards. Before you take the Oath of Honor, you must understand what it means. This oath is a solemn pledge that you sincerely intend to abide by the terms of the Oath of Honor. Do each of you understand that?” the chief asked. After each responded, “yes”, Addington instructed them to, “Raise your right hand and repeat the oath of Honor to affirm this.”

The ceremony concluded with the chief saying to the four new additions to the force, “This is your time to congratulate each other, take pictures, enjoy refreshments, and give your family and friends a tour of where you will work for the next 20-plus years.”

With the addition of the two new sworn officers, according to Addington, that brings the Antioch Police force to a total of 75 sworn out of 115 included in the budget approved by the council.