28-year-old Orey Douglas of Antioch and 38-year-old Sam Gray of Oakley

Douglas has a history of arrests since 2014 for murder, corporal injury, assault, sex with a minor, vehicle theft, false imprisonment, more

By Brentwood Police Department

On August 4th, 2024, Brentwood officers responded to an armed robbery that occurred at 50 Sand Creek Road. The victim reported being robbed at gunpoint by two suspects, identified as 28-year-old Orey Azniam Douglas of Antioch and 38-year-old Sam Donte Gray of Oakley (formerly of Concord – born 11-10-85). After both suspects were identified they were placed under arrest and charges were filed.

As previously reported, they robbed Los Mexicanos Market, Douglas was arrested that night and Gray remained at large until he was arrested on August 8, 2024. Douglas was charged with second-degree robbery and three firearms-related charges.

On March 3, 2025, the suspectswere found guilty of armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, along with numerous firearm charges and enhancements.

As of early this month, Gray will serve a 13-year prison sentence and Douglas will serve a 7-year prison sentence.

According to localcrimenews.com, the six-feet, three-inch tall, 215-pound Douglas is Black and has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by multiple agencies including police departments in Antioch, Hayward, Fremont, BART, Oakland, San Jose, Vacaville, as well as Sheriff’s Departments in Contra Costa, Alameda and Solano counties, and Contra Costa CHP. Charges include murder, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, assault with any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, multiple gun crimes, sex with a minor and unlawfully causing a minor to engage in a commercial sex act by force, carjacking, vehicle theft, receiving stolen property, false imprisonment, threatening a witness, evading police and resisting arrest.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet, nine-inch tall, 217-pound Gray is Black and was held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $140,0000 bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, he was arrested for conspiracy to commit a crime, robbery, assault with a firearm on a person, felony parole violation and addict in possession of a firearm. Gray was previously arrested on Sept. 8, 2023, by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department on order for a person’s removal from prison to appear in court.

This case was a collaborative effort with our officers, Detectives, along with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. We are pleased this investigation has resulted in sentencing, and we commend the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in bringing this case forward.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

October 16th-19th

The 89th Annual Walnut Festival is right around the corner!

Due to a large remodel of Heather Farm Park we’ve had to relocate for a few years while this is done, the festival has a NEW LOCATION! Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) at 1201 W 10th Street in Antioch.

This year’s festival will be held October 16th-19th.

Admission: $15/person

6yrs and younger, 65 years and older and Military with ID get in free
Parking: $10/car

All you can ride unlimited wristbands: $40/person – EVERYONE RIDING MUST HAVE A PAID WRISTBAND OR INDIVIDUAL TICKETS. WITHOUT ONE OF THESE YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO RIDE.

VENDOR APPLICATIONS ARE UP ON THE WEBSITE.

The Purpose of the Walnut Festival Association

​For the past 89 years, the non-profit Walnut Festival Association has attracted the most dedicated volunteers, from all walks of life, who join together to serve Contra Costa County by raising funds through community events. The money raised from these annual family entertainment events is donated back into the community to support recreational, charitable, and educational programs and facilities. The Walnut Festival Association events also provide a means for service and charitable groups to raise money to support their specific organizations.

It is the purpose of the Walnut Festival Association, a 501c non-profit corporation, to raise funds for distribution to educational, recreational, artistic, civic, and charitable causes.

1. To provide a vehicle for other non-profit organizations to raise funds for their redistribution throughout the year.
2. To produce quality events for the benefit of the residents of Walnut Creek and the surrounding areas, and to foster a sense of community involvement.

As Walnut Creek has grown, and suburban developments have replaced walnut groves, the Walnut Festival Association has maintained the tradition of producing fundraising events for the benefit of the community. Locations for the event have changed over the years from the center of town to Civic Park and finally, in 1976, to Heather Farm Park, where it has been held the third Thursday after the first Monday in September.

For more information visit www.Thewalnutfestival.org.

47-year-old Silvio Roberto Belini Jr. knows 44-year-old Brentwood victim; released from hospital with serious injuries

By Lt. Bill Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Friday, September 5, 2025, at approximately 1:29 PM, Antioch Police Dispatch received multiple reports of a shooting in the 3500 block of Lone Tree Way. Upon arrival, officers located a 44-year-old female victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was stabilized at the scene by paramedics before she was transported to an area hospital for treatment. She is currently in stable condition and is expected to survive. (See related article)

On Wednesday, September 17, Antioch Police Department detectives arrested the suspect, 47-year-old Silvio Roberto Belini, Jr. of Brentwood, without incident for this shooting. Antioch Police detectives also executed a search warrant at an undisclosed address in Brentwood in connection with this shooting. Evidence from the home was collected.

Asked about the victim, Lt. Whitaker said, “She had surgery and was discharged from the hospital about a week later. She still has serious injuries.”

Asked if the two know each other and if it was a marital issue, he said, “They do know each other but we’re not releasing any other information. It’s still under investigation.”

This information is made available by the Investigation Bureau. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Becerra at (925) 779-6937 or Antioch Police Dispatch at (925) 778-2441. Anonymous tips or information about this – or any other incident – can be sent via text to 274637 (CRIMES) with the keyword ANTIOCH.

No additional information about Belini could be found in online search. Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Veterans Served Their Country — Now They Serve Their Communities

Join us for Stand Down on the Delta 2025, September 12–15, 2025 at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) in Antioch, presented by Delta Veterans Group.

Launched in 2023, our “Veterans Served Their Country — Veterans Serve Their Communities” program gives these honorable individuals a New Mission of Service — and you’re invited to join them.

These brave women and men served our nation. Now, they’re answering a new call — to serve the neighborhoods and communities they call home.

Saturday, September 13, 2025, is Community Service Day, when Veterans will serve every corner of Contra Costa County, helping everyone, not just fellow Veterans. ervices are open to everyone regardless if you are a veteran or not.

Veterans: Pre-register or walk in daily

Everyone else: Come volunteer, get connected, or lend support.

Over four days, we provide life-changing services to hundreds of Veterans:

• Medical & Dental Care
• Housing, Job Placement & Legal Support
• Mental Health & Recovery Services
• Meals, Clothing, Gear & More

Over 1,754 Veterans and families helped so far — and we’re just getting started.

Help us make 2025 the most impactful Stand Down yet.

The Fairgrounds are located at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch.

Delta Veterans Group – “A Hand Up, Not a Handout”. For more information visit www.deltaveteransgroup.org/stand-down-on-the-delta.

Stomp, sip and unwind on the pier

Save the date and join us in Antioch’s historic downtown Rivertown Saturday, September 6, 2025, 5PM–9PM for line dancing, delicious food and excellent wine on the riverfront brought to you by:

The Pour Up Wine Bar, Monica’s Riverview, Country Kru Line Dancing and Antioch.Town.

We will have a combination of line dancing lessons, live walkthroughs and a request list.

This event is 18+.

Different ticket options available. So, please check out tickets now available on Eventbrite. See you sundown on the dance floor!

Located at 1 I Street #Unit C in Antioch on the pier.

Paid advertisement

From CashSwipe founder, a former Oakland cop

Will help fund travel, equipment, development for 10- & 11-year-olds building confidence, character through sport

By Ana Tackett

In a powerful show of community investment and full-circle mentorship, CashSwipe – a national fintech company founded by former Oakland police officer and Antioch resident Paul Alex – donated $10,000 to a competitive girls’ soccer team based in Oakley. The check was formally presented on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Knoll Park in Antioch, recognizing the dedication of a team that’s as committed to personal growth as it is to the game.

The girls’ soccer team, Fuego of the Oakley Youth Soccer Club, is composed of 10- and 11-year-olds from diverse backgrounds with many from Oakley and Antioch. They travel to compete with other teams in the Nor Cal Premier Soccer League. It provides far more than athletic training. It creates an environment of support, empowerment, and discipline—helping young girls grow into confident leaders on and off the field. For many families, the financial burden of youth sports can be overwhelming. This donation will go directly toward travel to regional tournaments, high-quality uniforms, registration fees, and additional development opportunities such as clinics and camps.

“This donation means the world to our team. It’s more than just money—it’s a vote of confidence in these girls and their potential,” said Pedro “Coach Pete” Elias, head coach and also a former Oakland Police officer. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to give them experiences they’ll carry for life.”

Oakley’s girls’ team isn’t just playing to win—they’re playing for each other. The club’s philosophy centers around building strength of character through teamwork, accountability, and resilience. That shared mission resonated deeply with Alex, who once patrolled alongside both Coach Elias and Luis “Coach E” Espinoza. Coach Jesus “Chuy” Matinez rounds out the team’s leadership.

“This team is about more than soccer—it’s about heart,” said Espinoza. “These girls show up for one another, push themselves, and prove every day that leadership starts with integrity. I’ve known Paul since our law enforcement days, and it’s inspiring to see him invest in a new generation the way he does.”

For Alex, the donation represents more than philanthropy – it’s a reflection of purpose. After leaving a successful career in law enforcement, he launched CashSwipe to empower everyday people through passive income systems like ATM placement and merchant services. His commitment to mentorship and underserved communities has remained at the center of his work.

“Sports can be life-changing,” said Alex the company’s founder and CEO. “They teach leadership, discipline, and confidence. Every child deserves the chance to grow through those lessons—regardless of their financial situation. Supporting this team is not just about soccer—it’s about investing in future leaders and showing them what’s possible.”

Alex’s story is one of transformation. Once a police officer on the streets of the Bay Area, he saw firsthand how underserved communities—especially young people—often lack access to the very opportunities that could change their lives.

Now a national entrepreneur and speaker, Alex hasn’t forgotten where he came from. His donation to the soccer team isn’t just a check – it’s a commitment to investing in young women who are striving for more despite financial barriers. The funds will cover critical needs such as uniforms, tournament fees, travel expenses, and training equipment – resources often out of reach for underfunded teams.

“I know what it feels like to grow up without much – and I know what sports can do for a young person’s confidence, discipline and future,” said Alex. “This is about more than soccer. It’s about showing these girls that someone believes in them.”

He later shared that he played on the Oakland PD soccer team and said with a laugh, “I wasn’t very good but I played.”

In communities like Oakley and Antioch, access to resources such as travel, training, and tournament fees often determines whether a child can continue to play. CashSwipe’s contribution ensures these girls can compete at the highest level without being held back by financial hardship. It’s a reminder that when businesses choose to lead with purpose, they can change lives far beyond their industry.

About CashSwipe

CashSwipe is a fintech company that helps individuals build passive income through ATM placement and merchant services. Founded by former Oakland Police Officer Paul Alex, CashSwipe is now a national brand empowering aspiring entrepreneurs to take control of their financial future. The company remains rooted in its mission of community upliftment and impact-driven opportunity. For more information visit https://cashswipe.com.

About the Oakley Girls’ Soccer Club

The Oakley Girls’ Soccer Club is a competitive program for 10- and 11-year-old athletes committed to teamwork, growth, and integrity. Led by former law enforcement officers who bring a mentorship-driven philosophy to the field, the club offers a safe and supportive space for girls from diverse and often underserved backgrounds. The program aims to develop strong athletes—and even stronger young women. For more information visit https://oakleyyouthsoccerclub.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report

Purchased from the John R. Freschi, Jr., 2018 Living Trust for $1.82 million; will be added to acreage sold by Jack Roddy and partners

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

The East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) is pleased to announce the acquisition of 140 acres adjacent to Deer Valley Regional Park in partnership with the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy (Conservancy). The property is located in eastern unincorporated Contra Costa County south of Antioch and southwest of Brentwood, within the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan (HCP/NCCP) area.

The property was purchased from the John R. Freschi, Jr., 2018 Living Trust and is accessed from Briones Valley Road, approximately 1.3 miles west of Deer Valley Road. The property will become an addition to Deer Valley Regional Park.

Consistent with other properties acquired in partnership with the Conservancy and conserved for the HCP/NCCP, a Covenant to Restrict Use of Property ensures that existing wildlife and habitat values are protected. The restrictive covenant permits public recreation compatible with habitat values.

The property is composed of oak woodland and oak savanna and includes sprawling grasslands, a segment of Marsh Creek riparian habitat, and a seasonal pond. No species studies have been completed yet, but habitat found on the Freschi property is known to support the California red-legged frog, the California tiger salamander, and a variety of raptors.

“This acquisition reflects the Park District’s ongoing commitment to protecting critical habitat and expanding access to nature for all,” says Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “We’re grateful for our strong partnership with the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy and the support of state agencies that helped make this purchase possible. We look forward to incorporating this beautiful landscape into Deer Valley Regional Park and to preserve its ecological value for generations to come.”

“Preserving this land not only safeguards vital habitat but also furthers our vision of connecting people to open space in east Contra Costa County,” says Colin Coffey, Park District Board Member representing Ward 7, which includes parts of Contra Costa County. “Strategic acquisitions like this are a key part of building out a regional park network that serves both wildlife and the community. I’m proud to see this progress in a region I represent and care deeply about.”

“Land conservation in this region is made possible through strong, collaborative partnerships,” says Hugh Henderson, Board Chair for the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy and Vice Mayor of the City of Oakley. “The Conservancy and the Park District worked closely with the seller to secure the protection of this property. As habitat for endangered and threatened species, this land holds significant ecological value, and we are dedicated to its long-term stewardship and conservation.”

Will Be Added to Acreage Sold to Park District by Jack Roddy

The land is in addition to the acreage sold by Jack Roddy and partners which includes the former 18-hole Roddy Ranch Golf Course located off Deer Valley Road. In 2022, the Park District adopted a Habitat Restoration and Public Access Plan to restore native grasslands across the 230-acre golf course and provide facilities for passive recreation including walking, biking, horseback riding, and picnicking. This parkland is part of the Conservancy’s Preserve System, which emphasizes environmental restoration and preservation. 

The next phase of Park development includes:

• Restoring 84 acres of grasslands
• Installing picnic areas, restrooms, and nearly four miles of multi-use trails
• Building an interpretive pavilion for environmental education and history

Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026, pending permit approvals and funding.

A public ribbon cutting to celebrate the addition of the property to the Park District will take place later in the year.

Click to learn more about the Deer Valley Regional Park | East Bay Parks.

Funding Sources

The property was acquired in partnership with the Conservancy using a combination of grant funds from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife ($1.5 million) with additional funding ($320,000) provided by the Wildlife Conservation Board, both secured by the Conservancy.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, over 126,000 acres, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

For more information visit SENT Ministry | Golden Hills Community Church.