The younger says he’s a two-time Deer Valley High drop-out who claims to have turned his life around after twice spending time in jail, and has gone from “‘streetpreneur’ to a real entrepreneur,” paid public speaker

By Allen D. Payton

According to the Antioch Police Department’s CitizenRIMS, two men with the same last name were arrested early Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, for felony battery and one was also charged with misdemeanor obstructing or resisting a peace officer. The incident occurred at 1:52 AM in the 800 block of O Street.

Dean Jonathan Serva, age 30, is described as Hispanic, five-feet, six-inches tall and 175 pounds. He was charged with 243(d) Pc: Battery with serious bodily injury (F). His younger brother, Nilton Junior Serva, age 29, is also described as Hispanic, as well as five-feet, 10-inches tall and 290 pounds. He was also charged with243(d) Pc: Battery with serious bodily injury (F), as well as with 148(a)(1) Pc: Obstruct / resist / etc. a public or peace officer or emergency medical tech – simple (M). Case Number:26-10015.

At the same time and location, the CitizenRims Map shows a fight occurred and the disposition is described as report taken – felony and the call was closed at 7:55 AM

Both have the same Incident Number: 2610180021.

According to Antioch Police Lt. Bill Whitaker the felony battery was filed with the DA’s office, the two are brothers and the assault was against a family member but there were no major injuries.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, as of that same night at 7:01 PM Nilton Serva had bonded out of custody and Dean Serva had also bonded out of custody at that same time.

Nilton Says He’s Gone From “‘Streetpreneur’ to a Real Entrepreneur” and Offers His Services as a Paid Public Speaker

A former Deer Valley High School student who says he dropped out twice, according to Nilton’s website about himself on which he provides details on his background, claims a “lifestyle shift from ‘streetpreneur’ to a real entrepreneur” and offers his services as a paid public speaker.

On the My Story page, Nilton shares that after dropping out of high school for a second time, he was first arrested at age 17 for residential burglary. After nine months in county jail and the Byron Boys Ranch, he was released. But he “could not find a job and got sucked back into his old ways. Within a couple of months, he got violated by his probation officer…was on house arrest for a month then he went back to court. He was sentenced to another 6-month program at Byron.”

While there, “He then focused on getting his high school credits and even got his high school equivalency there too,” Nilton’s story continues.

According to his LinkedIn profile, as of February this year Nilton is President of VC Unleashed, a global non‑profit for next‑generation investors, where he’s worked since June 2024, and since January this year he has also worked for San Francisco-based Finix in GTM (Go-To-Market) & Partnerships and has been an Angel Investor for Wefunder since January 2024.

In 2023, Nilton earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from UCLA.

UCLA Magazine Article

He also offered details about his background in a 2024 article on the UCLA Magazine website in which Nilton wrote, “I changed at UCLA. Became more structured. Because the standards were high, I had a choice: Meet them, or quit. And there was no way I was going to quit. I got into the Social Enterprise Academy and the Benjamin Graham Value Investing Program. I spoke to venture capitalists, fund managers. My professors provided amazing guidance. I began to see my path. 

“I got pretty emotional at graduation, thinking about it all: every little fight I’d had, every mistake I’d made. But I viewed all of that as just the first chapter of my story. 

“I will take UCLA with me wherever I go. And because of it, I’ll continue to write better and better chapters of my life.”.

Efforts to reach Nilton via the email address on his website and LinkedIn were unsuccessful.

If you know him, please ask him or his brother to contact the Herald at (925) 457-5324 or editor@antiochherald.com. Then check back later for any updates to this report.

Recognizing police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, dispatchers and other emergency responders

By Allen D. Payton

Today, Wednesday, October 28, 2026, is National First Responders Day, recognizing the dedicated men and women who answer the call when our communities need them most.

From law enforcement officers and firefighters to emergency medical personnel and dispatchers, first responders work around the clock to protect lives, provide help during emergencies, and serve their communities.

To all of our first responders — thank you for your service, dedication, and commitment to keeping our communities safe.

According to DaysoftheYear.com, the history of first responders in the US dates back to the Civil War, when field workers would provide needed, on-site care to wounded soldiers. But this idea dates even further back to Europe, during the Napoleonic Wars, where lightweight wagons delivered the wounded to field hospitals.

According to historical records, the first civilian ambulance in the United States was put into service in 1865, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Since then, modern Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems have developed over time to include the range available today: fire services, ambulances, helicopters,

National First Responders Day was originally made official in the state of Colorado in 2017. Since then, the popularity of the day has continued to grow to other states and has made a number of strides in getting recognized.

According to Officer.com, “Organizations across the country are marking National First Responders Day today with ceremonies, educational programs, recognition events and fundraising efforts honoring police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, dispatchers and other emergency responders. The annual observance recognizes the men and women who respond when emergencies strike and highlights the sacrifices they make in service to their communities.

“The First Responders Children’s Foundation…hosted its annual Roll Call of Heroes ceremony in New York City. The event recognizes first responders from across the country representing law enforcement, fire, EMS, 911 dispatch and volunteer response organizations. The ceremony also marks the foundation’s 25th anniversary, the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and America’s 250th birthday.”

In addition, the U.S. Fire Administration recognizes National First Responders Day on Oct. 28 saying, “This day serves as a tribute to the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities in times of crisis.

“First responders are the backbone of emergency services: firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics and 911 dispatchers. These individuals are the first to arrive at the scene of emergencies, providing critical assistance and often risking their own lives to save others.

“Every day, across the United States, approximately 4.6 million first responders stand ready to answer the call of duty. They face a wide range of challenges, from severe weather events and chemical emergencies to fires, vehicle accidents and acts of terrorism.

National First Responders Day is an opportunity for all Americans to show their appreciation for these everyday heroes. At the USFA, we encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by first responders and their families.”

Happy National First Responders Day!

Also, for obstructing an executive police officer with intimidation; already bonded out of custody

Four other calls for service on the same street the same day, one for assault, another for a fight

By Allen D. Payton

According to the Antioch Police Department’s CitizenRIMS Arrests list, 50-year-old Justin Lee Miller was arrested on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 10:30 p.m. in the 800 block of W. 6th Street for domestic violence and obstructing or resisting an executive police officer with intimidation. Both are felonies. He was also charged with a misdemeanor for obstructing or resisting a peace officer or emergency medical technician.

The five-foot, 11-inch, 225-pound Miller is described as White. He was charged with 273.5(a) Pc: Inflicting corporal injury on a spouse, cohabitant or dating relationship – Aggravated (F), 69(a) Pc: Obstructing or resisting an Executive Officer – Intimidation (F); and 148(a)(1) Pc: Obstructing, resisting, etc. a public, peace officer or emergency medical technician – Simple (M). Case Number: 26-10308. Incident Number: 2610240184.

According to the CitizenRIMS Crime Map, the incident occurred at 8:10 p.m. in the same block where another arrest for assault occurred earlier that day at 12:06 PM. (See related article)

In addition, the Crime Map shows there were three other calls for service in that same block that day, including for a fight. That call occurred at 4:50 PM was closed at 5:22 PM with no report made – Incident Number: 2610240138. Later, there were two calls requesting extra patrols including one at 9:30 PM which was closed at 11:32 PM after it was cancelled (Incident Number: 2610240203), and at 11:30 PM which was closed at 3:00 AM the following morning, which was also cancelled – Incident Number: 2610240230.

According to the California.Public.Law website, upon conviction for the domestic violence, Miller “shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for two, three, or four years, or in a county jail for not more than one year, or by a fine of up to six thousand dollars ($6,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment.”

Obstructing a senior officer, “is punishable by a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170, or in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment.”

The obstructing or resisting charge is “punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment.”

According to localcrimenews.com, this is the third arrest for Miller who is a resident of Antioch. He was previously arrested for battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse on Sept. 29, 2025, and for DUI in Sept. 2014.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, as of Sunday, Oct. 25th at 7:21 AM, Miller had bonded out of custody.

By Contra Costa County Community Warning System

The Contra Costa County Community Warning System (CWS) is recognized as one of the nation’s most modern and effective all-hazard public warning systems. The CWS is a partnership of the Office of the Sheriff, the Health Services Department, other government agencies, industry, news media and the non-profit Community Awareness & Emergency Response (CAER) organization, all striving to deliver time-sensitive and potentially life-saving information to the people of Contra Costa County.

How will we notify you?

Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)

The CWS is designed to provide specific information directly to the media through the Emergency Alert System. The EAS interrupts TV and radio broadcasts to deliver major local, regional, and national emergency alerts. Following the initial alert, TV and Radio stations provide ongoing status reports and information.

The CWS uses a federal system that sends text alerts to your smartphone during major emergencies, no registration needed! Check with your cell phone service provider to see if your cell phone can receive Wireless Emergency Alerts.

Voice, Text, and Email Alert Messages

The CWS is able to send compatible wireless devices voice, text, and email alerts in an emergency.  Unlike with a WEA or EAS alert, you will need to register with the CWS to receive these additional messages. 

Sirens

The CWS may use sirens to alert you to a possible industrial hazard in your area. Sirens are sounded to draw your attention away from your daily activities. When you hear a siren, the best first protective action is to Shelter, Shut and Listen.

Sirens are tested on the first Wednesday of every month at 11:00 am. For the remaining Wednesdays, a more quiet and low-volume “growl” test is performed at 11:00 am. For a siren location map click here.

NOAA Weather Radio

CWS uses the National Weather Service to provide emergency alerts and information for major non-weather related emergencies. Weather radios are an inexpensive and reliable way to receive these alerts. These devices can be battery powered to provide a means of receiving emergency alerts if your power is out. Learn more about NOAA Weather Radios here.

Learn more at https://cwsalerts.com.

By Lt. Mike Mellone, Antioch Police Department

On Monday, October 19, 2026, at approximately 8:20 p.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to a ShotSpotter gunshot detection alert in the area of West 19th and C Streets.

Officers searched the area and located a crime scene in the 200 block of West 19th Street. During the investigation, officers learned that a 37-year-old man had been taken to an area hospital in a private vehicle for treatment of a gunshot wound. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

“It was a ShotSpotter activation and the victim walked into Sutter Delta Medical Center and there are no suspects or leads at this time,” explained Lt. Bill Whitaker.

Antioch Police Department investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the incident, observed suspicious activity in the area, or has surveillance footage that may assist with the investigation to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Antioch Police Department Investigations Unit at (925) 779-6926. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch native David Martin, Jr. seeks public’s help for return of photos, hard drives and equipment or replacement

By Kirsten Mitchell, Communications Associate, GoFundMe

An Antioch couple’s wedding photos were reportedly stolen from their photographer’s rental car in Oakland just three days after their ceremony, and now the community is helping them try to recover those memories. David Martin, Jr., an Antioch native now based in Southern California, returned to photograph Jenna and Nick Banks’ October 4 wedding. According to the GoFundMe, thieves took nearly all the equipment he uses to support his family, along with drives holding years of work and the only copies of the couple’s wedding photos. Loved ones are asking for help finding the stolen drives and memory cards while raising funds to replace his gear and refund the couple if their photos aren’t recovered.

“What should have been a lifetime of cherished memories vanished in an instant. David is devastated, not only by the loss of his livelihood, but by the thought that Jenna and Nick may never get to relive the most important moments of their special day. Cameras can be replaced. A wedding day cannot.”

In a video on the GoFundMe page entitled “Restore David’s Livelihood”, Martin, who owns David Martin Jr. Photography according to his Facebook page, and is based in Orange County, CA according to his website, says, “I “lost…80% of my equipment.”

According to a KTVU FOX2 news report, break-in of his rental car in downtown Oakland happened days after the wedding in which “gear worth $35,000, including two cameras, lenses, a drone, a laptop as well as a hard drive and memory cards with the couple’s photos” were taken.

Post on GoFundMe by Lina Martin for David Martin

“On October 7, David Martin, a hardworking photographer and family man, had his vehicle broken into in Oakland. Thieves stole nearly all of his professional photography equipment, including cameras, lenses, drone, a laptop, accessories and hard drives holding years of irreplaceable work.

“In a matter of minutes, David lost the tools he depends on to support his family.

“The most heartbreaking part is that the stolen memory cards and hard drive held the only copies of Jenna and Nick Banks’ wedding photos. The couple had been married just three days earlier, on October 4. What should have been a lifetime of cherished memories vanished in an instant. David is devastated, not only by the loss of his livelihood, but by the thought that Jenna and Nick may never get to relive the most important moments of their special day. Cameras can be replaced. A wedding day cannot.

“David is doing everything he can to make it right. If the photos aren’t recovered, he will refund Jenna and Nick in full. He’ll also photograph them again, at no cost, in their wedding attire so they have something beautiful to hold on to.

“The theft also hit David in the middle of a video project in the Bay Area. All of the footage he had already captured was lost, which means he has to reshoot from scratch and cover the cost of travel all over again, on top of replacing his gear.

“For 12 years, David has photographed weddings, families, and milestones for people across Los Angeles and Orange County. Photography isn’t just his passion. It’s how he puts food on the table for his family.”

Where your donation goes

“Your support will replace the cameras, lenses, lighting, drone, laptop, accessories and storage David needs to get back to work, cover the travel costs of reshooting his lost video project, and help fund a full refund to Jenna and Nick if their photos can’t be recovered.”

Help us find the photos

“There’s still a chance the drives turn up. If you see cameras, lenses, laptops, or hard drives being sold in the Oakland area, on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Craigslist, or anywhere else, please reach out through the “Contact” button on this page. A police report has been filed (RD# 26-042959). Getting those drives and or SD/Express cards back is the only way Jenna and Nick get their wedding photos.”

How you can help

“Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. If you can’t donate, please share this page. The more people who see it, the better the chance someone spots the stolen gear.

“Let’s come together and help David get back behind the camera.

“Thank you for supporting David and his family.”

—————

As of 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, $14,215 has been raised from 54 donations of the total goal of $16,000.

Link to the GoFundMe: www.gofundme.com/f/restore-davids-livelihood-and-jenna-nicks-memories.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Discuss 2027-28 General Fund Budget with projected $11.2M deficit, consider closing Marina due to annual subsidy

Receive reports on APD Reform, Youth Services, Delta Landing homeless hotel in Pittsburg, vote on 3% COLA for final employee group

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting Tuesday night, Oct. 13, 2026, the Antioch City Council will deal with 315 pages of a full agenda with 18 items, including 16 items on the Consent Calendar. They will begin with a Special Meeting at 5:00 p.m. to discuss and give input to staff on development of the Fiscal Year 2027-2028 General Fund Budget. Then at 7:00 p.m. their Regular Meeting will begin.

2027-28 General Fund Budget Development

During their Special Meeting, the Council will discuss the 2027-28 General Fund Budget Development which shows the City facing a $16.25 million deficit before a $5 million transfer from the Budget Stabilization Fund for a projected net $11.25 million deficit for the fiscal year.

One item of controversy is the possible closing of the Antioch Marina. According to the City staff report, “as mentioned at the August 25th session, the non-departmental budget reviewed included a reduction in the subsidy to close the Marina and provide for only debt service repayment and the existing full-time staffing at the Marina, which would need to be re-assigned to other areas within Public Works. If the Marina were closed, this could potentially provide $185K in budget savings in 2027/28, however the loss of a recreational facility and potential harmful business impact to the restaurant at the Marina may negate the financial savings.”

Presentations

Toward the beginning of the Regular Meeting the Council will be provided with three presentations including:

• Antioch Police Department 3rd Quarter Report and the APD Reform Update;
• Youth Services Programs, Investments and Community Impact Final Report for FY 2025-26; and
• Delta Landing: Program Operations, Service and Outcomes report by Contra Costa Health for the homeless hotel in Pittsburg at the former Motel 6 site on Loveridge Road.

Consent Calendar

Under the Consent Calendar the Council will vote on accepting completion for the Antioch Water Park Concrete improvements 2026 Project (Item 15.L.) and Pool Resurfacing Project (Item 15.M.). Plus, they will vote on rejecting all bids and re-evaluating the scope of the Installation of Park Signage Project (Item 15.N.) because the lowest responsive bid that could be accepted was over $86,000 more than budgeted. Finally, the Council will vote on approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Antioch and the Confidential Unit for a 3% COLA at a total cost of $111,883, with $92,419 from the General Fund, and approving a Fiscal Year 2026/27 budget amendment to cover the additional costs (Item 15.P.). As previously reported, the Confidential Unit includes a variety of staff positions: the Deputy City Clerk, Account Specialists, Analysts, Assistants, Coordinators, Specialists and Technicians. The 26 employees in the Unit have been working without a contract since September 30, 2025. See City’s Master Salary Schedule.

Reestablishing Economic Development Department

Under Item 16, the Council will vote on reestablishing a standalone Economic Development Department separate from Community Development, determine funding for an Economic Development Director position with an amended job classification and amended salary range, an Economic Development Specialist, and assigning a Department budget.

Downtown Security Services

Finally, under Item 17, the Council will give direction to staff on reestablishing private security services for downtown Rivertown. That includes initiating a competitive Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process for private security services; determining the geographic scope of services, including whether coverage should be limited to City-owned properties and designated public areas in the Rivertown/Downtown area or include additional areas throughout the City; and determining the days and hours of operation for private security services. The council will decide on a budget during a future meeting.

Meeting Details

The Special Meeting begins at 5:00 p.m. and Regular Meeting begins at 7:00 p.m., both in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street, in historic, downtown Rivertown and can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website, on Comcast cable TV channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99 or on the City’s YouTube channel.

See the complete agenda packet with staff reports here.

By City of Antioch

ANTIOCH, Calif. — In response to the announcement by Chief Joe Vigil earlier Friday, October 9, 2026, Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal today recognized a significant achievement for the city following the U.S. Department of Justice’s determination that the Antioch Police Department has reached substantial compliance with the requirements of its agreement with the federal government. (See related article)

The determination brings the 21-month agreement to a close and marks an important step forward for the department and the Antioch community.

“This is good news for Antioch and an accomplishment our community can be proud of,” said Mayor Bernal. “For the past 21 months, Chief Vigil and the men and women of the Antioch Police Department have worked hard to meet the DOJ’s requirements while making meaningful improvements to the department. They deserve recognition for what they’ve accomplished.”

Throughout the agreement, the department worked to address the DOJ’s requirements while strengthening its policies, practices, and commitment to accountability and community engagement.

Bernal said the conclusion of the agreement is an opportunity to recognize the department’s work while remaining focused on the future.

“Meeting the requirements of this agreement was important, but our responsibility to the community doesn’t end here,” Bernal said. “We have an obligation to keep improving, to hold ourselves to high standards, and to earn the confidence of the people we serve.”

The mayor said the city will continue supporting the department’s efforts to build on the improvements made over the past 21 months.

“Our goal hasn’t changed,” Bernal said. “We want Antioch to be home to one of the best police departments in the country. We’ve taken an important step toward that goal, and we’re going to keep working to get there.”

Councilman Rocha Praises Chief Vigil

In addition, District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha also responded writing, “I offer my praise of APD Chief Vigil working in collaboration with City leadership to successfully implement into practice police reform initiatives identified in the US DOJ agreement that has resulted in the release of federal DOJ oversight. I believe the research based best practices, procedures and supervision will continue to improve community public safety services that will become a model for other law enforcement agencies to follow.”

Former City Manager Scott is Proud of Team

When informed of the decision by the DOJ, former City Manager Bessie Scott shared her thoughts and appreciation. She wrote, “I’m extremely proud of our team for being able to negotiate this settlement agreement and work diligently to set up the structures and processes for sustaining substantial compliance at APD! Chief Vigil, Captain Bower, (Assistant City Attorney) Kevin Kundinger, and (consultant) Manjit Sappal are dedicated to the success of maintaining the reforms we worked hard on to achieve.”

“I believe this may be the fastest exit from a Consent Decree to date, and I am proud of our team for their commitment to advancing constitutional policing in Antioch,” she added.

Vigil later responded simply, “Team effort.”

UPDATE 1: Torres-Walker Responds

In a brief post on her official Facebook page Saturday morning, District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker offered her thoughts on Chief Vigil’s announcement writing, “All these years of hard work are paying off.

“I want to thank Chief Vigil, Former City Manager; Bessie Marie Scott, out of the way; all members of the Antioch Police Department; and Community members who never stopped fighting. Without your commitment and hard work, this great milestone would not be possible.

“Progress should always be applauded while understanding that there is still more work to do.”

The councilwoman was asked to clarify what she meant by “out of the way” but did not respond to efforts to reach her.

The other two council members were also asked for their comments but did not respond prior to publication time.

Please check back later for any updates.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.