Antioch Chamber of Commerce announces other community award winners including Businesses, Non-Profit, Youth and Veterans of the Year

To be honored at 2026 Gala & Awards Dinner

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce has announced Allison Norris and Joanne Bilbo as the 2025 Antioch Citizens of the Year as well as other winners of the annual community awards. Honorees will be celebrated at the 2026 Gala & Awards Dinner, Friday, March 27th.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 2025

Most Impact 2025

Allison Norris

Lifetime Achievement

Joanne Bilbo

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2025

Small Business

Almost There Travel Agency

Large Corporation

US Bank

NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR 2025

SHARE Community – Homelessness Resources

YOUTH OF THE YEAR 2025

Amanda Brown – Deer Valley High School

ANTIOCH LIFETIME VETERAN OF THE YEAR 2025-2026

U.S. Army Veteran Bob Franchetto

ANTIOCH VETERAN OF THE YEAR 2025-2026

U.S. Army Veteran Ricky Diaz

The Veterans of the Year winners were announced, previously, during the Antioch Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11, 2025.

Annual Gala & Awards Dinner

The Annual Gala will include the Awards Ceremony, Silent Auction, Golden Tickets, 50/50 Raffle, No-host bar, Music by DJ GBaby and Dinner Buffet:

• Fresh baked garlic rolls & garlic butter
• Italian green salad with vinaigrette
• Lone Tree Caesar salad with marinated tomatoes, croutons & shaved parmesan cheese
• Antipasto platter
• Sauteed Italian vegetables
• Cheese tortellini with shrimp & alfredo sauce
• Steak marsala
• Chicken piccata
• Penne in house-made marinara sauce
• Dessert
• Tiramisu
• Complimentary beverages included with dinner
• Tea, Coffee, & Water

Tickets are $100 per person and available for purchase at Antioch Chamber of Commerce Gala.

For questions, contact the Chamber office at (925) 757-1800 or email frontdeskadmin@antiochchamber.com.

Began career with Sheriff’s Office, then with APD as volunteer Reserve Officer in 2000

By Antioch Police Department

After 25 years of dedicated service in law enforcement, Lieutenant John Fortner has officially retired.

John began his career with the City of Antioch Police Department on August 20, 2001. Prior to joining APD, he served with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office at the Martinez Detention Facility and also volunteered his time as an Antioch Police Reserve Officer beginning in January 2000.

Before entering law enforcement, John proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1990–1998, receiving an Honorable Discharge.

During his career with APD, Lieutenant Fortner served in numerous roles including Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, SWAT Team Member and Team Leader, Special Response Unit member, and Detective in the Violent Crimes Unit. He also served as both a Department Firearms Instructor and SWAT Instructor, helping train and mentor the next generation of officers.

John supported and supervised several important programs throughout his career, including the Reserve Officer Program, SWAT proactive patrol operations, the Explorer Post, Special Events, and community initiatives such as the Northern California Special Olympics Torch Run and Tip-a-Cop events.

His dedication and service were recognized with both the Medal of Valor and the Meritorious Service Award.

Thank you, John, for 25 years of commitment, leadership, and service to the Antioch community.

Please join us in congratulating him and wishing him a long, healthy, and well-deserved retirement!

To benefit Shepherd’s Gate women and children’s center, Antioch Church Family ministries

Join the Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch Club for the Annual Romano Marchetti Memorial Dinner fundraiser on Saturday, March 14th, 2026. Profits of the dinner, opportunity drawing and auction contribute to the support of Kiwanis community and youth charities.

The event will be held at the VFW Hall at 815 Fulton Shipyard Road in Antioch and begins at 5 PM with Social Hour and Silent Auction, 6 PM Dinner which includes two kinds of meat, pasta, baked beans, cole slaw, salad, ice cream and all the trimmings, catered by Chef Archie S&Q.

Plus, Opportunity Drawing and Live Auction!

Tickets are $60 each.

For tickets and information call: Archie Smith Jr. (510) 367-3452 archiesandq@gmail.com

Tickets are also available to purchase in person at Willow Park Mercantile 205 G Street, in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.

Thank you to our sponsors! Dr. Ali Shirani Dentistry, Snug As a Bug, East Bay Community Foundation and Beswick Family Fund.

Kiwanis is the Premier Community Service Organization Celebrating over 110 years serving the Children of the World, One Child, and One Community at a Time.

For more information about the club visit Kiwanis Club of The Delta-Antioch.

By Jaden Baird, PIO, City of Antioch

ANTIOCH, CA — The Antioch Police Department will host a grand opening ceremony for its new Sycamore Substation in the Sycamore Square shopping center on Wednesday, March 11, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

During their meeting on April 22, 2025, the Antioch City Council voted 5-0 to approve an 18-month lease agreement between the City of Antioch and Yahya Korin Sycamore Square, LLC for a Police Department Substation located at 1084 Sycamore Drive, at a cost not to exceed $33,127.50.

As previously reported by the Herald, the total approved by the council includes Lease Costs for monthly rent of $1.00 for three months and $840.00 for 15 months for a total of $12,603.00.

In addition, the council approved spending $10,524.50 for the City’s 50% share of the total $21,049.00 cost for Ballistic Glass and Installation as well as Substation Setup Costs including one-time expenditures for furnishings, signage, technology and operational readiness for $10,000.00.

The new substation represents a strategic investment in public safety infrastructure and community-based policing in Antioch. The project was supported in part by a $25,000 award through the Contra Costa County Community Impact Fund. The funding was recommended by District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis and jointly supported by District 5 Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston, with each district contributing $12,500.

The funding was recommended for approval by Burgis and approved by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. The allocation supports the department’s continued efforts to strengthen neighborhood safety and improve response capabilities in Eastern Contra Costa County.

City Manager Bessie Marie Scott expressed appreciation for the County’s partnership, stating, “I want to express our sincere gratitude for your decision to allocate funding to our police department for the Substation in Sycamore. Your commitment to public safety and to ensuring that our officers have the resources they need to serve our community is deeply appreciated. This investment strengthens not only the department, but the wellbeing of our neighborhoods as a whole. Thank you for your leadership, your responsiveness to community needs here in Antioch, and your dedication to keeping our city safe.”

The grand opening event will include brief remarks from City and County representatives and an opportunity to tour the facility.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Applications for more positions on Police Oversight, Parks & Recreation and Sales Tax Oversight Commissions, Board of Administrative Appeals, General Plan Advisory Committee due Friday, Feb. 27

By Jaden Baird, PIO, City of Antioch

ANTIOCH, CA — The Antioch City Council has completed appointments to the Antioch Police Oversight Commission and the Planning Commission following action taken at its meetings on February 10 and February 24, 2026.

On February 10, 2026, in a unanimous 5-0 vote, the City Council reappointed Porshe Taylor to a full three-year term on the Antioch Police Oversight Commission and appointed Josiah Ben-Oni Graham to serve the remainder of a partial term expiring in November 2026. The Council also reappointed Ramesh Suman and William Spijker to full four-year terms on the Planning Commission.

At the February 24th meeting, also by unanimous 4-0 vote, the City Council appointed Addison Peterson to a full three-year term on the Antioch Police Oversight Commission and Don Aguilar to a full four-year term on the Planning Commission. Those appointed that night were sworn in during the meeting.

Antioch Police Oversight Commission

The Antioch Police Oversight Commission (APOC) provides independent community oversight of the Antioch Police Department and plays a critical role in promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust.

APOC Vice Chair Devin Williams stated, “The continued appointments to the Police Oversight Commission reflect a renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and community trust in Antioch. While the commission has experienced transitions, it is encouraging to see residents still stepping forward to serve – including the next generation of leaders. That willingness speaks volumes about our community’s investment in strengthening public safety through independent oversight. I look forward to the important work ahead as we continue building a commission that reflects the voices and values of Antioch.”

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission serves as an advisory body to the City Council on matters related to land use, development, zoning, and long-range planning, helping guide Antioch’s growth and community development efforts.

More Appointments to Commission, Board, Committee Vacancies

The council will be making additional appointments to the Police Oversight, Parks & Recreation and Sales Tax Oversight Commissions, Board of Administrative Appeals and General Plan Advisory Committee. Applications are due tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.  For more information on those vacancies visit Antioch Council seeks applicants for city commissions, board, committee.

The City of Antioch thanks each commissioner for their willingness to serve and for their continued commitment to the community.

For more information about Antioch’s boards and commissions, visit antiochca.gov/739/Boards-Commissions.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Two females ages 17 and 21

By Lt. Michael Mellone, Antioch Police Department

On Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 1:16 a.m., Antioch Police officers and members of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District were dispatched to the area of Lone Tree Way and Dallas Ranch Road for a reported traffic collision.

Upon arrival, officers located a solo-vehicle collision with two occupants trapped inside the vehicle. Emergency personnel took immediate lifesaving measures, and both occupants were transported to area hospitals with major injuries.

The driver is a 17-year-old female and the passenger is a 21-year-old female. Due to the severity of the collision and the ongoing investigation, no additional information is being released at this time.

The Antioch Police Department Traffic Unit responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. The preliminary investigation indicates that alcohol appears to be a factor in this collision.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information related to this incident is asked to contact Officer Egan at (925) 778-2441 or via email at jegan@antiochca.gov.

The Antioch Police Department reminds everyone that impaired driving puts lives at risk.

If you plan to drink, please designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or arrange alternate transportation.

(Case 26-1480)

Will offer multiple services at former Community Outreach Center

“We’ve been working day and night to transform the place. The new sign just went up today” – Pastor Damon Owens

By Allen D. Payton

Genesis Church of Antioch leaders, Pastor Damon and his wife Shantell Owens invite you and your family to the Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening of the Genesis Family Life Center on February 7th from 12 Noon to 3:00 pm.

“We are fully persuaded that the Genesis Family Life Center located at 525 East 18th Street in Antioch will be a place of hope and transformation where lives will be changed for the better,” they said.

The center’s slogan, Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly… is from the Bible verse Micah 6:8 which reads, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

The Owens’ shared the following “list of culturally relevant wrap around services” available at the Center:

• Grocery Share Program
• After School Programs for At-Risk Youth
• Senior Day Programs
• Trauma Informed Care
• Business Incubator for Entrepreneurs
• Pop-Up Commercial Kitchen
• Community Youth Development
• Workforce Development
• Prison Re-Entry
• Transitional Housing

The building was purchased from Golden Hills Community Church, which operated their Community Outreach Center there, until last year, for $800,000, according to Golden Hills’ Executive Pastor Matt LaValliere. The two churches are part of the same 170-year-old Baptist denomination known as Converge, for which Pastor Damon is a member of the Board of Overseers of the PacWest division.

Golden Hills also sold Genesis their church building down the street on the corner of Woodland Drive and E. 18th several years ago.

The transition from the COC to the GFLC was quick as, according to Pastor Damon, they signed the loan docs on November 24th.

“Genesis qualified for the loan and closed escrow. God did it,” he exclaimed.

Volunteers from the church then began work the day after Thanksgiving to prepare the Center for opening.

“We’ve been working day and night to transform the place,” Owens shared. “We wanted to bring an open Silicon Valley-type feel for organizations to use the space to provide the wrap-around services.”

“The new sign just went up today,” Pastor Damon added.

Asked if they would be serving meals to the homeless and those in need he said, “We’re going to be providing ready to eat groceries for those people without a kitchen, like those living in the Opportunity Village (transitional housing hotel), next door.”

“This building is just a shell; it is the people who will fill it that matter most,” the Owens shared. “Seeing the G.F.L.C (Genesis Family Life Center) transition from a vision on paper to a functional space has been a journey of faith and hard work.”

For more information about Genesis Church and the new Family Life Center visit https://yourgenesischurch.com.