On the night of December 24, 2024, Dispatcher Autumn Turnage received a 911 call from a man whose boat had sunk near Sherman Island, leaving him stranded in the water and fearing for his life. Over the course of an intense and emotional hour-long call, Turnage demonstrated exceptional skill, composure, and compassion in ensuring the man’s survival.
Despite challenges with communication lines, Turnage remained determined, coordinating between multiple agencies, including the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol, Sacramento County, Solano County, and the Coast Guard. With the support of her partner, Dispatcher Taylor Hubbard, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, Turnage provided critical information such as GPS coordinates and location pings from the Rapid Deploy system to aid the Coast Guard in their search efforts.
Throughout the call, Turnage acted as a lifeline for the man, offering constant reassurance during moments of despair and panic. She chose to stay on the line even after transferring him to the Coast Guard, encouraging him to hold on and reminding him he wasn’t alone. At 12:02 AM on Christmas morning, the Coast Guard successfully rescued the man and brought him to safety.
Hubbard’s behind-the-scenes efforts were equally vital, as she managed radio communications, fielded additional calls, and even calmed the man’s panicked friend, ensuring no further risks were taken.
Their dedication, professionalism, and teamwork saved a life and brought hope to a family this holiday season. Antioch is proud to have these extraordinary dispatchers as part of our police department. Please join us in celebrating their heroic efforts!
By Contra Costa Health, Housing and Homeless Services
What is the Point in Time Count?
The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count provides a comprehensive snapshot of individuals experiencing homelessness—both sheltered and unsheltered—on a single night in late January. Mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), this annual count requires Continuums of Care to account for sheltered individuals who are in emergency shelters, transitional housing, and safe havens, as well as unsheltered individuals who live in places not meant for human habitation like cars, parks, sidewalks, and abandoned buildings.
As a result, the Continuum of Care (CoC) must submit PIT Count data to HUD. This data is collected across the country to estimate homelessness and provide information about the demographics of people experiencing homelessness.
This information is used to decide how much funding communities get to help with homelessness.
Source: CCC CoC
Data collected from the Point-in-Time Count helps identify
The causes of homelessness
Create better policies, programs and funding allocations
Track progress in reducing homelessness
What Am I Being Asked To Do?
Be part of a one-day, county-wide project to count unsheltered people in Contra Costa
Work in a pair [with someone you know or we can pair you with someone]
Either drive (if you have a car) or capture data on an iPhone-based app with someone else while they drive
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, CCC Sheriff’s Office
In 2025 the Office of the Sheriff will celebrate its 175th anniversary as a Sheriff’s Office. The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff has come a long way since Nathaniel Jones became Sheriff in 1850. The agency now has nearly 1,200 sworn and professional employees who proudly provide a wide range public safety services to over 1.1 million residents in the county and multiple law enforcement agencies.
Contra Costa County has had 22 Sheriffs. Although the faces have changed, the mission of the Sheriff’s Office has not: making Contra Costa County a safe place for residents, families, communities, and businesses and to provide the highest level of service possible.
“In recognition of our proud history as a law enforcement agency, I am authorizing uniformed staff to wear a special commemorative shoulder patch to recognize our 175 years of service,” said Sheriff David Livingston. “Not only do we continue deeply held traditions of the Office, but we also honor our long line of service and pay tribute to the many members of the Office who came before us.”
The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office offers a full range of law enforcement services to over 1,100,000 residents in the 715 square mile county. Besides patrolling the unincorporated areas, Deputy Sheriffs provide comprehensive police services to a number of contract cities and special districts. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office operates county detention facilities, provides security for the courts and runs the Office of Emergency Services. Log on www.cocosheriff.org for more information.
The Contra Costa Coroner’s Office has identified the two men who exchanged gunfire in the parking lot of Delta Bowl in Antioch on Saturday night, Dec. 7, 2024. Deputy Coroner Livingston said they were Antonio Drake, age 34, male out of Antioch and Deantray Reed, age 35, male out of Oakley.
As previously reported by Antioch Police, Investigators determined Reed approached the victim, Drake, while he was sitting in the driver’s seat of his vehicle preparing to leave. Gunfire was exchanged between the two males, and both were fatally wounded. Drake succumbed to his gunshot injury in the parking lot and Reed was transported by paramedics to a nearby hospital where he also succumbed to his gunshot injury.
At this time, the motive for the shooting is unknown, and no other suspects or involved individuals appear to be outstanding.
According to localcrimenews.com, Reed was arrested in June 2010 by Solano County Sheriff’s Deputies for assault with a firearm on a person, shooting at an inhabited dwelling/vehicle/etc. and failure to appear on a felony charge.
In addition, according to court records, he was convicted of second-degree robbery, assault with force likely to cause bodily injury, participation in a criminal street gang, and evading an officer for an incident in San Francisco in 2011.
According to localcrimenews.com, Drake was arrested in November 2013 for burglary, according to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office. That arrest was made by Concord Police and his middle name was listed as Lorenzo. He was also arrested in February 2015 by Antioch Police for possession of marijuana/hashish for sale, revocation of probation, addict in possession of firearm and possession of ammunition and again, by Antioch Police in January 2017 for possession of a controlled substance for sale and revocation of probation.
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors changed 841 pronouns in county ordinances on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. Video screenshot.
Replaces “he” or “she” with “they” or “them”
By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County
(Martinez, CA) – In a unanimous vote, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors has approved a significant update to the County Ordinance Code, removing gender-specific pronouns as part of ongoing efforts to modernize language and reflect the diversity of the community.
The ordinance code, which governs areas such as health and safety, administration, and land use, had not undergone a comprehensive review of its language since it was recodified in 1970. During this update, 841 instances of gender-specific pronouns were identified across more than 1,300 pages. Terms such as “he” were replaced with neutral descriptors like “the department head,” ensuring the code is inclusive and representative of all residents.
Source: Contra Costa County staff presentation
According to the Ordinance No. 2024-23, “SECTION II. Section 16-4.016 of the County Ordinance Code is amended to read: 16-4.016 Gender. Whenever a personal pronoun is used in the neutral gender, it shall include both the feminine and the masculine. ‘They/them’ shall indicate a singular individual, unless the context indicates the contrary.”
“Contra Costa County is a community for all, and our policies should reflect our dedication to serving everyone,” said Board Chair and District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover. “By updating the County Ordinance Code, we’re delivering on our commitment to create meaningful change that benefits all residents.”
The initiative marks a step toward broader modernization efforts, including plans to draft a policy mandating the use of gender-neutral language in all County policies and procedures, both existing and future.
“We are changing our county ordinances to reflect today’s reality and removing gender references turns the page on a practice that has no place in county policy,” said District 1 Supervisor John Gioia, Chair of the Board’s Equity Committee.
This update underscores the County’s commitment to responsive and representative governance.
“Removing gender-specific pronouns from the County Ordinance Code reflects Contra Costa County’s dedication to fairness and modernizing our practices,” said County Administrator Monica Nino. “This change ensures our policies and language honor the diversity of our community and promote dignity and respect for all.”
This project was sponsored by the County Administrator’s Office in partnership with the County Counsel’s Office with advice from the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice.
2024 Contra Costa County Youth Hall of Fame winner for Leadership & Civic Engagement Morelia Gil-Cubillo of Antioch High School with members of the Board of Supervisors. Photo: CoCoCounty
To be presented during Board of Supervisors annual César E. Chávez Celebration in April
Deadline: Feb. 25, 2025
ByKristi Jourdan, PIO & Lia Bristol, Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media
(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Contra Costa County Youth Hall of Fame Awards. These awards are presented annually to outstanding Contra Costa County residents between 12 and 18 years old. Students will be recognized at the 31st Annual César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 11 am in Board Chambers at 1025 Escobar St. in Martinez. Community members can also join the event live on Contra Costa Television channels and the County’swebsite.
Únase a nosotros el martes 1 de abril de 2025 para la 31ª Celebración Conmemorativa Anual de César E. Chávez. Actualmente estamos aceptando formularios de nominación para los Premios del Salón de la Fama Juvenil 2025. Haga clic aquí para acceder al formulario de nominación y más información sobre los Premios del Salón de la Fama de la Juventud.
Nominees should demonstrate exemplary behavior in one of six categories:
Good Samaritan: Goes out of their way to do for others without seeking recognition
Volunteerism: Lends a helping hand for the good of the community; Gives their time and energy to a worthy cause or organization
Teamwork: Works unselfishly for the good of the team
Leadership and Civic Engagement: A natural leader who inspires others and works to make a difference in school and the community
Perseverance: Has worked hard to overcome obstacles and achieve success
Innovation and Empowerment: Lifts others up and inspires change through creative solutions
We invite you to submit your nomination by completing the form and uploading it to the County website or emailing the application and your letter of recommendation to Lia Bristol at YouthNomination@dcd.cccounty.us.
Nominations must be received or postmarked by February 25, 2025. Recipients will be recognized at the April 1, 2025, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors’ César E. Chávez Celebration.
Buscando nominaciones para el Salón de la Fama de la Juventud del Condado de Contra Costa
La Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Contra Costa está aceptando nominaciones para los Premios del Salón de la Fama Juvenil del Condado de Contra Costa 2025. Estos premios se otorgan anualmente a los destacados residentes de este mismo condado, para los jóvenes entre los 12 y 18 años.
Los estudiantes serán reconocidos en la 31ª Celebración Conmemorativa Anual de César E. Chávez el martes 1 de abril de 2025 a las 11 am en el auditorio localizado en el 1025 Escobar Street, Martínez. Los miembros de la comunidad también pueden unirse al evento en vivo por medio de los canales de televisión y de Contra Costa en el sitio web del condado.
Los nominados deben demostrar un comportamiento ejemplar en una de las seis categorías: •Buen Samaritano: Una persona o’ joven que se desvive por hacer por los demás sin buscar reconocimiento •Voluntariado: Es aquella persona que da una mano amiga para el bien de la comunidad; Cede su tiempo y energía a una causa u organización digna •Trabajo en equipo: Aquella persona que trabaja desinteresadamente por el bien del equipo •Liderazgo y Compromiso Cívico: Un líder natural que inspira a otros y trabaja para marcar la diferencia en la escuela y la comunidad •Perseverancia: Aquella persona que a trabajado duro para superar obstáculos y alcanzar el éxito •Innovación y empoderamiento: Es una persona que anima a los demás e inspira el cambio a través de soluciones creativas
Lo invitamos a enviar su nominación completando el formulario y subiéndolo en el sitio web del Condado o enviándolo por correo electrónico, acompañado con la solicitud y su carta de recomendación a Lia Bristol en YouthNomination@dcd.cccounty.us.
Las nominaciones deben recibirse o tener matasellos antes del 25 de febrero de 2025. Los ganadores serán reconocidos en la Celebración César E. Chávez de la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Contra Costa el 1 de abril de 2025.
Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton is presented with her Achievers Award by NOBLE San Francisco Area President and BART Police Deputy Chief Ja’Son Scott at the annual luncheon on Oct. 30, 2024. Photo courtesy of DA Becton.
Receives Achievers Award at annual SF Chapter luncheon
The event was held at Scott’s Seafood Restaurant in Oakland and had the theme of “Staying the Course, Supporting Justice for the Next Generation.” During his welcoming remarks Chapter President Ja’Son Scott, Deputy Chief of the BART Police Department, said the theme, “emphasizes our collective commitment to fostering a brighter future for our leaders in law enforcement and our communities.”
“Today, we come together not only to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our honorees, but also to reaffirm our dedication to justice and equity for the next generation,” he continued. “Your presence here is a testament to our shared mission and the important role each of us plays in shaping a more just society.”
The luncheon’s Keynote Speaker was Jennifer L. Eberhardt, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at Stanford University and author of Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do.
In a Nov. 18th post on her campaign Facebook page Becton wrote, “I am deeply humbled and honored to be recognized by NOBLE, National Association [sic] of Black Law Enforcement, San Francisco Area Chapter, with the esteemed Achievers Award, alongside distinguished honorees Janieth Glenn-Davis, Jonni Redick, Sean Washington, and Margaret Dixon.”
Glenn-Davis is the retired Deputy Chief for the BART Police Department, Redick is the retired Assistant Chief of the California Highway Patrol and Washington is Chief of Police for Fremont. Dixon was honored with the NOBLE Partner Award and is a retired Oakland Police Officer.
CCDA Becton participated in the NOBLE presentation panel.Photo: DA Becton campaign Facebook page
In addition, that same day Becton shared, “Law enforcement representatives from the Bay Area participated in a discussion with me, offering expertise on human trafficking activities, trends, and enforcement tactics.”
According to the organization’s website, founded in September 1976, “The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives™, also known as NOBLE®, consists of community leaders united in our mission to promote justice, equity, and excellence in the administration of justice.” Their slogan is “Justice by Action.”
First time candidates for Antioch School Board, Dee Brown in Trustee Area 3 and Olga Cobos-Smith in Trustee Area 4 continue to lead in their races and appear headed for victory. Photos: 2024 campaigns
Brown, Cobos-Smith, Rojas, Jr., and Scales-Preston appear to all be headed for victory
No changes in Antioch mayor, city council races
84,200 unprocessed ballots remain, but ballots can still arrive until next Tuesday
“I feel very validated. I’m really excited. The one thing we should all be able to coalesce around is our children. They’re our future.” – Olga Cobos-Smith
By Allen D. Payton
As of Friday, November 8, 2024, at 3:25:03 p.m., with 84,200 unprocessed ballots remaining to be counted in the county the Contra Costa Elections Division released the latest results update. It shows the leaders on Tuesday night in the races for Antioch School Board Areas 3 and 4, City Treasurer and District 5 County Supervisor have expanded their leads over their respective rivals. In addition, the leaders in the races for Mayor of Antioch and City Council Districts 2 and 3 remain comfortably ahead of their opponents.
Antioch School Board
In the Antioch School Board Area 3 race, newcomer Dee Brown expanded her lead over former AUSD district leader and principal Scott Bergerhouse to 415 votes, with 3,869 or 52.83% of the vote to his 3,454 or 47.17%. In the Area 4 race, another newcomer, Olga Cobos-Smith, expanded her lead over incumbent Gary Hack, who didn’t appear to have done any campaigning, to 1,174 votes, with 3,923 or 58.8% to his 2,749 votes or 41.2% of the vote. If the numbers hold, they will join Area 1 Trustee Antonio Hernandez who ran unopposed for his second term on the board.
Source: Contra Costa Elections
When reached for comment, Cobos-Smith said about her expected victory, “I feel very validated. I’ve been watching the board for a long time and been very dismayed, since my granddaughter was in second grade. At that time, I was still working full-time and I didn’t have the time to give. She’s in ninth grade, now.”
“I found the residents in Area 4 are equally as frustrated with how things are going and are on board with some of the things I want to remedy,” the first-time candidate shared. “The teachers are also on board. I’m really excited.”
Cobos-Smith said during the campaign she was asked which political side in Antioch she’s on and if she was supported by the mayor.
“I found it very offensive. It didn’t allow me to stand on my own,” she stated. “The one thing we should all be able to coalesce around is our children. They’re our future.”
About hiring a new, permanent district superintendent Cobos-Smith said, “I’m really looking forward to getting started. When working in San Francisco we had a system which gathered input from stakeholders. I am very hopeful that we can create a similar system where we can have the community, teachers and stakeholders give their input in hiring the next superintendent. That includes the voters, but especially, the teachers.”
Cobos-Smith said she grew up all over California and moved to Antioch from San Francisco where her only daughter attended college and is now a pharmacist at Walgreens. Following her daughter and family’s move a few years earlier, she moved to Antioch in 2018.
“Thank you, Area 4. I’m ready for change and I believe you are, too. You voted for me,” Cobos-Smith added.
An effort to reach Brown was unsuccessful prior to publication time.
Source: Contra Costa Elections
City Treasurer
In the closest multi-candidate race in Antioch, for City Treasurer, to replace the outgoing incumbent Lauren Posada, newcomer Jorge Rojas, Jr. expanded his lead to 1,736 votes over his closest opponent, District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock, and to 1,801 votes over former mayor Jim Davis. So far, Rojas has 11,878 votes or 37.01%, Ogorchock has 10,142 or 31.6% and Davis trails slightly behind with 10,077 votes or 31.4% of the vote.
Source: Contra Costa Elections
County Supervisor District 5
In what was the closest race affecting Antioch, to replace incumbent District 5 Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover, who chose not to run for a sixth term, Pittsburg Councilwoman Shanelle Scales-Preston expanded her lead over Antioch District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica to 1,843 votes, after he had closed a 700+ vote gap on Election Night to just 67 votes early Wednesday morning. She now has 33,610 votes or 51.41% to his 31,767 votes or 48.59% of the vote.
Mayor
In the race for Mayor of Antioch, challenger Ron Bernal continues expanding his dominating lead over incumbent Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe to 11,127 votes, with 21,578 or 62.77% to the current mayor’s 10,381 votes or 30.3%. Second-time mayoral candidate Rakesh Christian remains in a distant third place with 2,377 votes or 6.94% of the vote.
The incumbent gave his concession speech on Tuesday night. Bernal announced his victory Thursday afternoon. (See related articles here and here)
Source: Contra Costa Elections
City Council
In the race for District 2 City Council, to fill the seat of Barbanica who chose to run for higher office, former Antioch High principal Louie Rocha maintains his strong lead over Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Dominique King to 1,369 votes with 4,472 or 59.04% to her 3,103 votes or 40.96% of the vote. Finally, in the only other multi-candidate race in Antioch, for District 3 City Council, to replace the gerrymandered out Ogorchock, former mayor Don Freitas continues to lead his two opponents with more votes than theirs combined. His closest rival, newcomer Adddison Peterson, is 1,104 votes behind and Board of Administrative Appeals Vice Chair and second time council candidate, Antwon Webster remains in third place 1,791 votes behind the leader. Freitas currently has 4,821 votes or 50.39%, Peterson has 2,717 or 28.4% and Webster has 2,030 votes or 21.22% of the vote.
Estimated Number of Unprocessed Ballots in County
Following are the ballot statistics from the Contra Costa County Elections Division of the Clerk-Recorder’s Office, also as of Friday, November 8, 2024, at 3:25:03 p.m. that are unprocessed and remain to be counted:
Ballots voted at a voting location – 200
Vote-by-mail ballots received on or before Election Day – 60,000
Vote-by-mail ballots received after Election Day – 10,000
However, according to Melissa Hickok, Executive Assistant to Registrar of Voters Kristen Connelly, that total will change.
“We’re still receiving ballots that were postmarked by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day through next Tuesday, Nov. 12th,” she shared. Hickok also said the Elections office staff will be taking off for the three-day holiday weekend, due to Veterans Day on Monday. Ballot processing will resume on Tuesday.
The next results update is expected on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. The Elections office has 28 days to complete the process to certify the election.
