Will also vote on a 3% pay raise for police officers, Street Light & Landscape Maintenance District assessments, natural gas company’s appeal to reopen pipeline and recognize 60 years of Antioch-Chichibu Sister City relationship

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday night, July 28, 2026, the Antioch City Council will again discuss state funding for the Homekey+ California Supportive Housing (CSH) Mahogany Housing Project. It is expected they will vote to either accept or reject the $34.9 million grant which requires matching City funds to create 84 units of permanent supportive housing for veterans and homeless individuals in Antioch and from throughout the county.

In addition, the council will also vote on a 3% pay raise and other contractual matters for police officers, the annual Street Light & Landscape Maintenance District assessments, the California Resource Pipeline Company’s appeal to reopen the natural gas pipeline, recognize 60 years of Antioch-Chichibu Sister City relationship with this year’s visiting delegation and honor the late and former City Clerk Florence “Chickie” Rundall who passed away on June 11th.

Before the regular meeting begins at 7:00 p.m., the Council will hold a closed session at 6:00 p.m. to discuss “Initiation of Litigation”, as the agenda item is simply described.

Homekey+ CSH Mahogany Housing Project

During their meeting on June 23rd, which lasted past midnight, after receiving public comments on both sides of the issue, the Council postponed a decision on the Homekey+ funding until tomorrow night’s meeting. Then on June 29th, the Council held a study session to get their questions answered regarding the project and the funding.

According to the staff report for agenda Item 7, the Council has two options.

“Option A – Reaffirm Continued Participation and Proceed with Implementation Receive the report; acknowledge the additional due diligence conducted since the June 29, 2026, Study Session; reaffirm the City’s continued participation as a Homekey+ co applicant and the funding commitments previously approved under Resolution No. 2025/201; direct staff to continue working with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), California Supportive Housing (CSH), and project partners to negotiate and finalize the most favorable financial and operational terms reasonably available to the City, including opportunities to reduce the City’s long-term financial commitments where feasible; and proceed with execution of the Homekey+ Standard Agreement and associated project documents consistent with the authority previously granted by the City Council.”

“Option B – Rescind Prior Authorization and Withdraw from the Project Receive the report and direct staff to rescind the City’s prior authorization under Resolution No. 2025/201, notify HCD that the City will not execute the Homekey+ Standard Agreement, and withdraw the City from continued participation as a Homekey+ co-applicant.”

Background

On average, the state and city funds for the project, combined, would total $41.75 million or about $500,000 per unit over the first five years and approximately $54.4 million or $640,000 per unit over the full 15-year period.

According to the City staff report for the June 23rd meeting, “consistent with the approved Homekey+ application and prior City Council authorization, the City identified a proposed $750,000 contribution to support acquisition and rehabilitation costs associated with the project. The proposed contribution is reflected in the City’s Five-Year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan. Funding for this contribution is included in the proposed FY 2026/27 Housing Successor budget.

Following Council direction at their meeting on May 22, 2025, the City applied for the Homekey+ funding. “The project application assumes ongoing operating assistance averaging approximately $1.2 million annually during the initial five-year period,” for a total of an additional $6 million. “If such funding levels were maintained over the full fifteen-year period, the total potential City contribution could be approximately $18.75 million, from the General Fund.”

“The City would receive the benefit of approximately $34.9 million in State Homekey+ funding,” awarded in May 2026, “for acquisition and rehabilitation of the project. The City would assume ongoing administrative, monitoring, and compliance responsibilities associated with participation in the program.”

“While the City was a co-applicant and recipient of the award, the City has not executed the Homekey+ Standard Agreement with HCD and has not formally accepted the grant funds. Because the…Agreement has not been executed, the City currently has no contractual obligation to participate in the project. The City would not assume the reporting, compliance, monitoring, or administrative responsibilities associated with the Homekey+ Program.” However, if the Council declines the grant funds, “the City could experience reduced competitiveness for certain future discretionary housing funding opportunities.”

Council Gets Questions Answered During June 29th Study Session

During a special study session on Monday, June 29, 2026, that lasted three-and-a-half hours, the Antioch City Council asked a variety of questions of staff regarding the proposed Homekey+ California Supportive Housing (CSH) Mahogany Housing Project at the Antioch Inn & Suites, formerly Comfort Inn.

In attendance to answer questions was Jamie Schecter, Homeless Services Chief with Contra Costa Health, Housing and Homeless Services, who oversees the County’s Continuum of Care, she mentioned two other Homekey projects, Delta Landing Interim Housing Program at the former Motel 6 in Pittsburg and another in San Pablo. She also spoke of a similar upcoming project in Richmond the County is working with. Also in attendance were Richmond City Manager Shasa Curl and her Community Development Director, Lina Velasco, who has worked on that city’s Homekey project, who provided a presentation about it.

Mayor Pro Tem and District 3 Councilman Don Freitas asked, “The City of Richmond is actually the owner of this property?”

“Yes, we will own the property,” Velasco responded. “However, during the term of the ground lease, the lessee will own the improvements. They’ll be responsible for all the maintenance and the improvements.”
“The wrap-around services, are they provided from City staff of Richmond or are they contracted out?” he asked.

“They’re contracted,” Velasco stated.

“How is occupancy determined?” Freitas asked.

“We cannot be limited to Richmond residents but there is a prioritization that’s considered,” she explained. “However, we’ll serve countywide.”

Mayor Ron Bernal asked if any of the funding pays for staff time and consultants. Velasco responded, “Some of the Homekey funding has predevelopment costs. However, it’s not reimbursing, like, the time I take to write an annual report and expenditure report. So, that’s part of what we’ve been absorbing outside of a loan for the rehab. But there were some early draws for the legal fees. The developer is paying for the architectural fees, the permit fees. Those costs were included in the grant award.”

“During the 55-year term of the project, will there be any funding for staff from the Homekey,” Bernal pressed further.

City Manager Curl responded, “I would say, ‘no’ and I think it’s important for the Antioch City Council to understand, our contribution of $10.3 million is an advance from the General Fund in excess of whatever was in our Housing In Lieu fund. So, as that is replenished that will pay back the City.”

“This is the first time we’ve done something of this magnitude,” Curl continued. “So, the city council has a third-party, neutral analysis that was separate from staff. In addition, the project looked at through the construction management lens, especially the change orders, especially with inflation. So, having that third party has been extremely helpful for staff working with the building official.”

“What is your program during that 55-year period for making sure the building is properly being maintained and when there is a problem…how are they handled?” Freitas asked.

“Our plan is to do annual inspections annually,” Velasco stated. “We do within our budget have a capital reserve for issues…including turnover.”

“How do you define success over a 55-year period?” Freitas then asked.

“For me…this housing type is very important and difficult to produce,” she responded. “I think making sure the property is well-maintained also, well-operated. Hoping the tenants that come in are not losing their housing or being expelled due to lease violations…making sure supportive services include tenancy sustaining services. I think those are the big things and just making sure it doesn’t become a nuisance property for the City.”

Freitas then asked about 24-hour security costs.

“So, we are talking about that. We do have that in our budget,” Velasco explained. “We may look at that overtime based on how the property is operating and the need.”

District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha asked if the occupancy would be “100% unhoused that you will be serving?”

“Yes. When we wrote our application it was for targeting the chronically homeless,” she stated. “There is a lega definition in our regulatory agreement with HCD (California Department of Housing and Community Development).”

“Is it a similar focus with individuals, youth and veterans?” Rocha asked.

“If they fit the definition,” Velasco said. “But unlike Homekey plus, you have more target definitions.”

“With your case managers is there a ratio that you have identified?” the councilman asked.

“Currently our budget is two case managers for the property,” she responded for 48 units.

“With Mahogany, it’s 100% just for those being served,” Rocha asked his fellow councilmembers. Torres-Walker nodded in agreement.

“Without those ERF funds (State Encampment Resolution Funds) and the Homekey, I think it would have been a heavy lift for the City,” Cass stated. “So, I think between that and the CDBG funds it was really important to get all of the partners to the table. For me, the price per unit is what makes it an acceptable public policy solution…because the cost per unit is less than if we were building a new unit. That was part of the rationale and because it takes so long to get a new unit online.”

Staff Answer Council Member Questions

Council members asked staff some of the outstanding questions not answered in the staff report for the agenda item.

Regarding the hotel’s current financial condition facing foreclosure, Freitas asked, “If the property owner sells the property with those debts, how is the City made whole?”

He mentioned “$400,000 or more in delinquent taxes.”

“And the water,” said Acting City Manager Ana Cortez.

“The City of Antioch is a co-applicant – said Assistant City Attorney Kevin Kundinger

“So, we’re just paying bills,” Freitas stated.

“Yes,” Kundinger replied. “I think the decisions are made collaboratively.”

Freitas asked for the breakdown of the $34.9 million in state funds.

The project developer said, “The capital award is the purchase price $27,500,00. Other costs are about $7 million.

“Approximately $700,000 is for operation and the $1.2 million from the City,” Freitas stated.

The councilman then asked about the veterans’ units.

In response to a question by Mayor Ron Bernal, the developer said there will be no senior-designated units.

“Will there be security 24/7?” Freitas asked.

“Yes,” the developer responded.

(For additional details see related article)

Streetlighting & Landscape District Assessments

Under Item 5 on the agenda, the Council will vote on the annual assessments for six Streetlighting & Landscape Districts throughout the city. They annual rates range from $8 in District 9, Zone 3, the Lone Tree Way District to as high as $331 per year in District 2-A, Zone 10, the Black Diamond Ranch units of the Citywide District, depending on the individual parcel.

The Public Works Department’s Parks & Landscape Division maintains 34 City parks and a wide variety of landscaped areas that enhance the aesthetic of our community. This includes:

• City Parks and open space areas
• Medians and right-of-ways
• Trails and cul-de-sacs
• Coordinate and oversee the annual weed abatement project

Street lighting is maintained by the Street Maintenance Division.

3% Pay Raise for Antioch Police Officers

Under Item 8, the Council will vote on the Tentative Agreement between the City of Antioch and the Antioch Police Officers’ Association that will include a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Fiscal Year 2026-27 at a cost of $661,430 and other matters. According to the City staff report, “No COLA or additional increase to uniform allowance was including in the adopted FY26/27 budget, thus requiring a budget amendment.” The previous Tentative Agreement covered the period of Sept. 1, 2021 – Aug. 31, 2025. If the council approves the agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be prepared to replace the agreement and require another vote by the council.

In addition to the 3% COLA, the Tentative Agreement includes the following:

• Increase to four floating holidays in a calendar year.
• Travel meal reimbursement increase to $25.00 for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
• Lateral Police Officer and Dispatcher new hire vacation credit of one week upon employment.

Plus, increases to the uniform allowance, adjustments to benefits, retirement and vacation, sick leave and bereavement leave language defined and/or updated, as well as updates to the department’s grievance procedure.

See additional details of the Tentative Agreement, here.

Meeting Details

Following the 6:00 p.m. Closed Session meeting, the regular meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. inside the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. It can be viewed livestream on the City’s website or the City’s YouTube channel.

See separate article on the Natural Gas Pipeline Encroachment Permit Application Appeal.

Two aged 22, two aged 19 charged with multiple felonies; one was also arrested in April on similar charges

By Antioch Police Department

Last night, Saturday, July 18, 2026, Antioch Police Dispatch received multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire in the area of Metcalf Street. About an hour earlier, dispatch had also received reports of loud music and a large gathering of vehicles nearby.

When officers arrived, they located a vehicle with multiple bullet strikes along the passenger side. Three occupants were inside the vehicle, with a fourth person standing nearby. Fortunately, no one was injured.

As officers investigated, they noticed inconsistencies in the group’s statements, and one subject’s behavior raised suspicion. While speaking with the driver, Officer Lutu observed a firearm in plain view inside the vehicle. All four subjects were detained for officer safety.

A loaded handgun was confiscated from one subject’s waistband, and a second firearm, an AR-style pistol, was found inside a backpack on the rear seat. Officers also recovered a spent shell casing from inside the vehicle. Evidence indicated that at least one round had been fired from inside the vehicle, exiting through the windshield.

During the investigation, officers also located approximately 23 ounces of marijuana.

All four subjects were arrested. According to Lt. Bill Whitaker, they were charged with four felonies, including PC25400(A)(1) – carrying a concealed weapon within any vehicle; PC25850(A) – carrying a loaded firearm on the person or in a vehicle while in any public place; PC30605(A) – possesses of an assault weapon; and PC32310(A) – manufacturing or causing to be manufactured, importing into the state, keeping for sale, or offering or exposing for sale, or giving, lending, buying, or receiving any large-capacity magazine.

According to the Antioch Police CitizenRIMS, those arrested at 1:25 AM, Sunday, July 19th, were 22-year-old Malik Royce Bennett (born 6/20/2004), 19-year-old Makai Zakarya Andrade-Diouf (born 8/27/2006) and Carlos Keele, also 19 years old (born 9/06/2006). All three are listed as Black or African American. According to Lt.  Franco Caesar, the fourth suspect was 22-year-old Malakyi Ricard, but did not have any additional information about him.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Bennett is five-feet, eight-inches tall and 190-pounds; Andrade-Diouf is five-feet, 10-inches tall and 148-pounds and Keele is five-feet, five-inches tall and 120-pounds. Each are also charged with a fifth felony of PC246.3(A), discharging a firearm in a grossly negligent manner which could result in injury or death to a person and are being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $100,000 bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, Bennett is from San Leandro and was also arrested in Alameda on April 20, 2026, for carrying a loaded firearm on a person or in a vehicle while in a public place and carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle.

Excellent work by responding officers for safely resolving a dangerous situation and recovering multiple illegal firearms.

Please check back later for any updates.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Antioch Police Department

We will be hosting a Neighborhood Watch community meeting on July 16th at 6:00 p.m. at Paradise Skate Roller Rink, 1201 W. 10th Street, Antioch (entrance at W. 10th & O Streets). During the meeting, we will provide updates and discuss any issues or concerns. We encourage you to attend, as this is a valuable opportunity to ask questions, receive helpful information, and engage directly with your Police Department. A photo of the meeting location is attached for your convenience.

Mark Your Calendars!

By Antioch Police Department

We’ve got several exciting community events coming up this month! Stay tuned for more details on each event, but for now, save the dates—we’d love to see you there.

July 16 – Neighborhood Watch Meeting

Paradise Skate Roller Rink – 1201 W. 10th Street, Antioch (Entrance at W. 10th & O Streets)

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

July 18 – Backpack Drive

Walmart – 4893 Lone Tree Way, Antioch

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

July 24 – Capture the Flag

Mira Vista Hills Park – Silverado Drive, Antioch

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

July 25 – Backpack Drive

Target – 5769 Lone Tree Way, Antioch

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

We look forward to connecting with our community all month long. See you there!

Application deadline to host a neighborhood BBQ: July 28

By Antioch Police Department

Join the Antioch Police Department for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

National Night Out is a great opportunity for neighbors to come together, build relationships, and strengthen our community while partnering with the Antioch Police Department.

According to the NATW (National Association of Town Watch) website, introduced in August of 1984, NNO is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. NNO enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

Millions of neighbors take part in NNO across thousands of communities from all fifty states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August (Texas and select areas celebrate on the first Tuesday in October). Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much, much more.

Host a Neighborhood BBQ

Antioch neighborhoods planning to host a BBQ with 15 or more attendees qualify for a $100 grocery store gift card to help support their event. Sponsorships are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Application deadline: July 28

Gift cards available by: July 29

To apply for a sponsorship, email: dfachner@antiochca.gov

We look forward to seeing neighborhoods across Antioch come together for an evening of community, connection, and partnership!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

46-year-old Antioch resident

By Antioch Police Department

On Saturday, July 4, 2026, at approximately 11:00 a.m., Antioch Police Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a disturbance at an apartment in the 1600 block of Aster Drive at Crestview Drive off W. 10th Street, and a man inside who was possibly injured and bleeding.

Officers arrived and identified the man as Kevin Henry, a 46-year-old Antioch resident with an outstanding felony warrant for violating the terms of his post-release community supervision. This county probation program supervises certain individuals after their release from state prison.

Antioch Police and Con Fire personnel responded to the scene where Henry had barricaded himself in the apartment and threatened to burn down the complex.

According to Lt. Mike Mellone, “Police arrived on a disturbance call where someone was possibly injured inside an apartment. One person has an outstanding warrant for his arrest on an unrelated matter who is making threats to burn down the apartment building. Officers did see evidence the suspect had a gas can.”

“The County’s A3 Crisis Response Team and our crisis negotiator is speaking to him trying to get him to peacefully surrender,” he continued. “We conducted evacuations of the apartment complex.”

The street was blocked off in both directions and a Mobile Command Center was set up in a nearby business parking lot.

Officers attempted to persuade Henry to exit the apartment to receive medical treatment. He refused, barricaded himself inside, threatened to harm officers and to set the apartment on fire, and was seen in possession of a gasoline container. As a precaution, officers evacuated nearby apartment units. Antioch Police Crisis Negotiators and the APD SWAT team responded to the scene and negotiated with Henry throughout the afternoon. A mobile crisis response team from Contra Costa Health’s A3 (Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime) crisis program also responded to assist.

At approximately 4:09 p.m., Henry exited the apartment and surrendered to officers. He was immediately assessed by paramedics and transported to an area hospital for treatment. Once medically cleared, he will be booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on his outstanding warrant. Any additional charges will be reviewed in consultation with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

The Antioch Police Department thanks the Brentwood and Pittsburg Police Departments, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit, Contra Costa Health’s A3 mobile crisis response team, the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, and American Medical Response for their assistance. The department also thanks the residents and community members in the 1600 block of Aster Drive who assisted our personnel, and thanks all area residents for their patience while officers worked the scene.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department at (925) 778-2441.

Anyone in Contra Costa County experiencing a mental or behavioral health crisis can call the A3 Miles Hall Crisis Call Center at (844) 844-5544, available 24 hours a day. Residents can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or dial 211 for information about local health and social services. www.cchealth.org/get-care/a3-crisis-response/a3-miles-hall-crisis-call-center.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Several related to alleged police civil rights violations

Will also discuss city attorney performance evaluation

By Allen D. Payton

During a special closed session meeting on Thursday, June 18, 2026, the Antioch City Council will meet with legal counsel to discuss 41 existing lawsuits, 16 potential lawsuits and the performance evaluation of City Attorney Lori Asuncion. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers before adjourning behind closed doors.

Some of the lawsuits were among those also discussed by the city council during their meeting on Dec. 19, 2024.

Existing Lawsuits

1) Jayson Robinson v. Antioch Unified School District, Antioch Water Park, City of Antioch, Contra Costa Superior Court, (Case No.C20-02420). – Former student with a heart disorder who almost drowned during a class outing. (See related article)

2) Trent Allen, et al. v. City of Antioch, et al., United States District Court Northern District of California, (Case No. 3:23-cv-01895-TSH). – Ongoing civil rights class action lawsuit against the City, as well as police officers and former chiefs. Plaintiffs also include Shagoofa Khan, Adam Carpenter, Joshua Butler, Diego Savala, Kardell Smith, Dejon Richards, Dreshawn Jackson and David Mackin. Defendants also include former Police Chiefs Tammany Brooks, Tony Morefield, Steven Ford, and former officers Josh Evans, Eric Rombough, Morteza Amiri, Scott Duggar, John Ramirez, Timothy Manly Williams, Tom Lenderman, Loren Bledsoe and Thomas Smith. As previously reported, Allen is one of four suspects convicted of the 2021 murder of Arnold Marcel Hawkins and the attempted murder of Aaron Patterson. He and the other plaintiffs claim civil rights violations by the officers. The case appeared to be settled last year. But, without explanation from City staff, continues to be adjudicated. (See Settlement and related articles here and here)

3) Ashika Kanji v. City of Antioch, Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C24-00795). Personal Injury and Torts – Motor Vehicle lawsuit.

4) Reagan DeGuzman v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No.C23-00666).

5) Nicholas Warner v. County of Contra Costa, City of Antioch, Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C23-02689). According to an EINPresswire report, “a bicyclist was injured when a designated bike lane was abruptly blocked by a locked metal gate located in an insufficiently illuminated section of (a developing) roadway.” According to court documents, “Plaintiff alleges he was injured while riding a bicycle between 10:30 and 11:00 pm on property owned by the City of Antioch” and amount demanded is $35,000. New home developer “K. Hovnanian plans to file a cross-complaint against Teichert Construction, Inc. and/or All Commercial Fence, Inc., the parties responsible for erecting and/or maintaining the gate alleged to have caused the injury.”.

6) Susan Shintaku v. City of Antioch, Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C24-00356).

7) O.Y. a Decedent, et al., v. Contra Costa County, et al., United States District Court Northern District of California, (Case No. 3:24-cv-05154-PHK). Civil rights lawsuit by plaintiffs A.Y. a minor, W.Y. a minor and O.Y. a decedent. Defendants include Jessika Fulcher, Sr Worren Young, City of Antioch, Contra Costa County, Flynne Lewis, Raji Ponnaluri, Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation, Colleen Sullivan and The Learning Center.

8) Jordan Davis v. County of Contra Costa, et al., United States District Court Northern District of California, (Case No.4:21-cv-04651). The complaint, filed on June 16, 2021, alleges civil rights violations. Defendants include County of Contra Costa, Nicole Martinez, Brian Rose, Ashley Crandall, Vernita James, Hutchings Christian, City of Antioch.

9) Nirvana Allen v. City of Antioch, Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No.C22-02401).

10) Lamar Young v. Sgt. Stenger, et al., United States District Court Northern District of California, (Case No. 21-cv-08131-DMR).  Young is one of two brothers arrested in 2020 for a brutal sexual assault of a woman and convicted in 2022 of sex crimes and robbery. (See related articles here and here).

According to court documents, this is a civil rights case filed Aug. 15, 2023, by self-represented Plaintiff Lamar Young. He alleges “that the following Defendants employed by the Antioch Police Department (“APD”) used excessive force against him during an interrogation on October 29, 2020, in West County Detention Center in Contra Costa County: Sergeant James Stenger; and Detectives Kelly Inabnett, Mellone, and Bledsoe.Plaintiff asserts that during the interrogation, he refused Defendants’ request that he put on a mask in order for them to take a photograph of him wearing it.Plaintiff alleges that when he refused to put on the mask, Stenger, Mellone and Bledsoe forced him to wear it, using excessive force against him in the process. Plaintiff further claims that Inabnett failed to intervene to stop the use of excessive force. Plaintiff also alleges a state law claim of negligence against Stenger for failing to prevent a ‘safety issue’.”

11) Jessie Wilson and Dajon Smith v. City of Antioch, et al., United States District Court Northern District of California, (Case No. 4:24-cv-02758-JSW). A federal civil rights lawsuit filed on May 8, 2024, against the City of Antioch, and individual, now former, police officers Morteza Amiri, Eric Rombough, and Devon Wenger, former Chief Tammany Brooks and DOES 1-50.

12) Pat Stack, et al., v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C24-01065).

13) Mary Reed v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C24-01367).

14) Marilou Gecale v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-01383).

15) Michael Sweets v. Antioch Police Department, et al., United States District Court for the Northern District of California, (Civil Action No. 24-9275 VC). According to Justia.com, the case is a Prisoner: Civil Rights complaint filed by Michael Sweets, a pretrial detainee at West County Detention Facility in Contra Costa County. The case involves allegations of false arrest and search and seizure of Sweets’s vehicle.

16) Estate of Linda Woolridge, et al. v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-01750). The case arose from the tragic death of Woolridge, a 29‑year‑old mother of two, who was fatally struck by a drunk driver, Antioch resident Alexander Mayorga, while riding her bicycle on Lone Tree Way in the early morning of July 27, 2024. (See related Herald articles here, here and here)

17) Kathryn Wade, et al. v. City of Antioch, et al., United States District Court for Northern California (Civil Action No. 3:25-cv-03200-TSH). – Filed by Wade on April 9, 2025, other plaintiffs include S.B., China Young, Adrian Arroyo and Brandon Lopez. Defendants named in the suit include City of Antioch, current or former Chief A. Morefield, Chief Tammany Brooks, Sgt. Evans, Sgt. Jimmy Wisecarver, Sgt. Stenger, Officers Kelly Inabnett, Aaron Hughes, Morteza Amiri, Devon Wenger, Eric Allen Rombough, Jacob Ewart and Michael Mellone.

According to the East Bay Times, Wade previously sued the City and two police officers, Michael Mellone and Jacob Ewart, in March 2023. The Antioch City Council voted in November 2024 to pay Wade $349,000 as part of a settlement. She claimed her son Malad Baldwin was assaulted by Antioch Police Department officers in 2014.

“The lawsuit said that Baldwin was seated in Wade’s car, which was parked in front of their house, when two Antioch police officers — James Colley and Casey Brogdon — approached the car, opened the passenger door and yanked Baldwin out. The two officers then kicked and beat him with a flashlight even after he lost consciousness, court documents state. Wade, who was present during the incident, also reportedly sustained physical and mental injuries.

“In her complaint, Wade claimed that apart from the alleged assault of Baldwin, Antioch officer Santiago Castillo had also verbally assaulted and pointed a gun at her while she was in a wheelchair that same month. She also alleged that Baldwin was again beaten at least three times in September and December of 2019, as well as in March 2020.”

Baldwin, who, according to Localcrimenews.com, had been arrested multiple times between 2014 and 2020, died March 13, 2021. However, according to his mother, he was never convicted of a crime.

18) Angelia Baxter v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-02194). According to Law.com, the personal injury lawsuit is for damages arising from an incident that occurred on city property or premises.

19) Espiridion Puga v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-03209).

20) Jonathan Smith v. City of Antioch, et al., United States District Court for the Northern District of California, (case No. 4:25-cv05572-KAW). Civil rights lawsuit.

21) Antioch Police Officers Association v. City of Antioch, Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. N23-1629). As previously reported by the Herald, the APOA’s attorney, Mike Rains, said the lawsuit is to obtain then-Mayor Lamar Thorpe’s phone records because the City won’t provide them, claiming they couldn’t find any. The Public Records Act request covers the nine days prior to Thorpe’s Wednesday, March 30, 2023, press conference when he spoke about the investigation into the racist text scandal among Antioch officers.

22) Christopher Martinez v. City of Antioch, Antioch Police Department, et al., Contra Costa County Superior Court, (Case No. C24-03123). Civil – Labor and Employment lawsuit.

23) Annette Bullock, et al. v. City of Antioch, Contra Costa County Superior Court (Case No. C19-01331). Lawsuit by 17 retired City employees over medical after retirement health benefits.

24) California Resources Production Corporation v. City of Antioch, Before the Public Utilities Commission of the State of California, (A.23-07-008, MSN21-2354). – Regarding the previous council’s shutdown of the natural gas pipeline. (See related articles, here and here)

25) Devon Wenger v. Antioch Police Department, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-00578). – By former Antioch Police Officer convicted, sentenced to 7.5 years in prison for conspiring to violate civil rights, distribute steroids, and obstructing justice. Wenger claims he was framed and retaliated against as a whistleblower. (See related articles here and here)

26) Brittany Hopper v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-00988).

27) Donna Miles v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-00148).

28) Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-00916, C25-02768) According to Law.com, this is a real property judicial foreclosure action. Defendants also include Does 1 through 20 (undisclosed), the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and the Testate and Intestate Successors of Darrell Oliver, Deceased, and all persons claiming by, through or under such decedent.

29) Royal Pacific Funding Corporation v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (C25-01851).

30) Linda Price v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No.C25-01700).

31) Gary Dartez & Tamisha Latimore v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Limited Civil Jurisdiction, Contra Costa County, (Case No. N25-1849) Rent Program. Filed Sept. 17, 2025, the defendants include Redwood Property Investors III, LLC.

32) Lucia B. Albers & Elizabeth Ann Iannaccone v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. N26-0037). A civil action by developer of the Albers Ranch 294-home project in the Sand Creek Area. Although approved by the City Council in January 2025, Albers claims discrimination and she’s being overcharged fees that make her project financially unviable. Plaintiffs are seeking a writ of mandate and declaratory relief against the City of Antioch.

33) Katie Harrison v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-03507).

34) Karl Brownlee v. City of Antioch and California Community Housing Agency, Superior Court of the State of California, Limited Civil Jurisdiction, Contra Costa County, (Case No. N26-0212) Rent Program.

35) Wintrust Mortgage, a Division of Barrington Bank & Trust Company, N.A. v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C26-00295).

36) Shimmick Construction Co., et al, v. City of Antioch, et al., United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Oakland Division, (Case No. 3:25-cv-05618 & 25CV109652 [Superior Court of  Alameda]). For Unlimited Breach of Contract/Warranty by the General Contractor for non-payment for work on the City’s Brackish Water Desalination Plant in which they are seeking damages of $30 million plus interest. (See related article)

37) Dason Melius v. J. Yega, City of Antioch Police Officer, et al., United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. 25-cv-06956-CRB). Filed on May 5, 2026, by a a pretrial detainee at Contra Costa County’s West County Detention Facility (WCDF). According to court documents, “Plaintiff alleges that on September 22, 2023, he was arrested by several City of Antioch Police Department officers who used excessive force against him. He specifically alleges that officers J. Yega and Joseph Chandler ‘lift and throw [plaintiff] to the ground face down, with handcuffs.’ FAC (ECF No. 12) at 5. Then officers Chandler and B. Lassas ‘bounced on plaintiff’s legs while they were bent backwards,’ and officers Lassas and Aguilar ‘appl[ied] pressure or force to plaintiff’s back, pushing air out, stopping his ability to breathe.’ Id. Plaintiff further alleges a series of purported violations in connection with the conditions of his subsequent confinement at MDF (Martinez Detention Facility) and WCDF in 2024. Among other things, he alleges that various correctional staff at MDF and WCDF were deliberately indifferent to his health and safety needs and interfered with his right of access to the courts.”

38) Jami Bruno, the Estate of Gabriel Gaspar v. Contra Costa County et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-00820-EGW). A Personal Injury and Torts – Motor Vehicle lawsuit. Defendants include the City of Antioch, Contra Costa County Fire Emergency Services and Contra Costa County Fire Rescue Services. According to court documents, “The incident occurred on March 20, 2024, at the intersection of W. Fourth St. and L Street in Antioch.”

The lawsuit alleges, “Gabriel Gaspar was involved in a motorcycle-vehicle collision outside the Antioch Police Station. Antioch Police Department personnel arrived first and began resuscitation efforts, successfully reviving Gaspar two to three times. Contra Costa County Fire Emergency Services and Fire Rescue personnel arrived and took over medical care. However, they negligently ordered Antioch Police personnel to stop CPR and failed to continue life-saving resuscitation efforts. Defendants breached their duty by ceasing resuscitation efforts prematurely, in direct violation of established protocols. Defendants failed to act with reasonable care when they stopped resuscitation efforts.”

39) Christian Gutierrez et al. v. City of Antioch et al., United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. 3:24-cv-01697-JSC). Civil rights violation complaint against Gonzalez Adrian, Antioch Police Department, City of Antioch, Stenger James, Vincent James, Harger Matt, Thomas Steve, Doo Will. Filed by Rosalba Zendejas, Christian Gutierrez, Giovanni Gutierrez.

40) Javier Elias Aguilar v. Anthony Valdez, Jr. et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C23-00410). According to Unicourt.com, on 02/24/2023 Aguilar filed a Personal Injury and Torts – Motor Vehicle lawsuit. Defendants also include Officer Ryan Duff and City of Antioch.

41) Jasmine Morris-Hughes v. Alameda Contra Costa Transit District et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-01756). According to UniCourt.com, on 06/20/2025 Morris-Hughes filed a Personal Injury and Torts – Motor Vehicle lawsuit. Defendants also include the City Of Antioch, County of Contra Costa and Does 1 to 50, inclusive. Court documents claim, Bus Driver Toby Sanders  “negligently, carelessly, recklessly, willfully, wantonly, and tortiously operated a motor vehicle in the defective mechanical condition of a motor vehicle…in such a manner so as to cause the motor vehicle to begin the chain of events which ended up with Plaintiff MORRIS-HUGHES was thrown to the right after an unsafe left turn, causing her physical, bodily, mental, and emotional injury. Plaintiff was injured in her health, strength, and activities, and sustained injury to her body and shock and injury to her nerves and nervous system, all of which have caused and continue to cause her great mental, physical, and emotional pain…”

The meeting will begin and end inside the Council Chambers located at City Hall, 200 H Street in historic, downtown Rivertown. The City Attorney will report out of Closed Session any action taken by the Council.

Had criminal record dating back to 2014

By Allen D. Payton

According to the Stockton Police Department, a homicide occurred on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 12:15 AM on Battlement Drive in the Seaport District.

The male victim, 53, was in an argument with the known suspect when the suspect pulled out a gun and shot him in the leg. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Detectives responded and assumed the investigation.

According to the San Joaquin County Medical Examiner’s Office as Ceasar Raasann Ammons, Sr. of Antioch.

According to localcrimenews.com, the six-foot, four-inch tall, 225-pound Ammons had a history of 12 arrests dating back to 2014.

An effort to obtain the suspect’s name was unsuccessful prior to publication time. Please check back later for any updates to this report.