Baby Jett Jester born January 1, 2026, with mom, Taylor Lisa and dad, Ryan Jester at Kaiser Permanente Antioch. Photos: Kaiser
By Elissa Harrington, Sr. Media Relations & PR Rep., Kaiser Permanente Northern California
Kaiser Permanente Antioch welcomed its first baby of the New Year when Jett Jester arrived at 12:44 a.m. on January 1, 2026.
Jett was born five weeks early, but his parents Taylor Lisa and Ryan Jester said he doesn’t look premature. He weighed in at 6 pounds, 11 ounces.
“It’s a New Year’s we will never forget,” said proud dad Ryan Jester. “We feel extremely blessed to have a healthy baby boy. We love him beyond words.”
By Lt. Joe Njoroge #7052, Antioch Police Field Services Division
On Friday, January 2, 2026, shortly before 2:00 a.m., Antioch Police Department officers were at the scene of a single-vehicle collision that had occurred approximately one hour earlier at the intersection of A Street and West 10th Street. APD patrol vehicles were positioned in the roadway to provide traffic control and prevent motorists from entering the intersection.
While officers were on scene, an APD sergeant was seated inside a marked patrol vehicle in a traffic control position when a vehicle driven by 31-year-old Rodrick Ivory, traveling at a high rate of speed toward the intersection, collided with the driver’s side of the patrol vehicle.
The sergeant and Ivory were assisted out of their vehicles by officers on scene and Con Fire personnel. Both were transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation.
During the investigation, Ivory exhibited signs of impairment. After being released from the hospital, he was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on DUI-related charges.
Thankfully, the Sergeant was released from the hospital and is recovering.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department at tips@antiochca.gov.
By Acting Animal Services Manager Cat Cottle, City of Antioch
To everyone who showed up for animals in 2025 – thank you. Truly.
Thank you to every adopter who chose a shelter pet and saw worth, potential and love where others may have overlooked it. You didn’t just adopt an animal – you changed a life, and in many cases, saved one.
Thank you to every family who reclaimed their pet. Reunifications matter. They are joyful, emotional, and often overlooked wins and they remind us why identification, community and second chances are so important.
Thank you to the fosters and rescues – the ones who said “yes” when the shelter was full, when an animal needed quiet, healing, decompression, medical care, or just a couch and a human. The late nights, the medications, the training, the heartbreaks and happy endings – thousands upon thousands of hours given freely, out of pure compassion.
And thank you to our volunteers – the steady, dependable presence behind the scenes and on the front lines. The walkers, cleaners, enrichment creators, transporters, photographers, event helpers, admin angels, and everything in between. Your time is your most valuable resource and you gave it generously.
Every adoption, every reunion, every foster placement, rescue transfer, every hour volunteered helped carry our shelter and our community through another demanding year. None of this work happens in isolation. It takes people – good, committed, patient people – choosing animals again and again.
We see you.
We appreciate you.
We could not do this without you.
From the bottom of our hearts – thank you for being part of the village in 2025. ~ AAS
Emergency personnel attend to the victim of a stabbing in Antioch on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. Photo by ContraCosta.news
The two were acquaintances
UPDATE: Suspect identified as Lizbeth Verdad Noonan
By Lt. Joe Njoroge #7052, Antioch Police Field Services Division
Publisher’s Note: This Antioch Police press release issued on Dec. 7 was stuck in the system of the City’s website which has been undergoing updates and was not provided to the media until Dec. 30.
On Sunday, December 7, 2025, shortly after 8:00 a.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to a report of a 45-year-old man who had been stabbed inside a residence near E. 16th Street and A Street. Upon arrival, officers were informed the victim was still inside the home. Officers entered the residence, located the man suffering from stab wounds, and provided medical aid until personnel from Con Fire arrived. He was transported to a local hospital and remains in stable condition.
Through the course of the investigation, officers identified the suspect as a 22-year-old woman. She was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.
According to Lt. Bill Whitaker the two were acquaintances.
UPDATE: According to the Antioch Police Adult Arrest report, her name is Lizbeth Verdad Noonan who is White, 5’3″ tall, 120 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes. She was arrested and taken into custody that same day at 11:00 AM at Sutter Delta Medical Center, 3901 Lone Tree Way. Noonan was charged with inflicting corporal injury on a spouse/cohabitant/dating relationship – aggravated, a felony, and assault with a deadly weapon: not a firearm – aggravated, also a felony.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department at tips@antiochca.gov.
Before family and loved ones, the 137 cadets took their oath and received their badges, officially joining one of the nation’s largest law enforcement agencies during the CHP’s final 2025 graduation on Dec. 5, 2025. Photos: CHP
Department posts major gains in applications, reduced vacancies and hiring 780 cadets as year comes to a close
By Jaime Coffee Director of Communications, Office of Media Relations, California Highway Patrol
SACRAMENTO — As we near the end of 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom joined the California Highway Patrol (CHP) today in celebrating the Department’s final graduating class of the year. The 137 new officers who were sworn in during a ceremony at the CHP Academy on Dec. 5th will be placed throughout the state to protect and serve communities. This marks a significant achievement for the CHP, which graduated 780 cadets in 2025 alone. The CHP continues its efforts to recruit highly qualified individuals to protect the state’s community safety.
“I’m proud to see the young women and men stepping up to keep our communities safe. As we close out the year, California continues to make real progress — strengthening protections across the state while staying focused on the needs of the people we serve.” – Governor Gavin Newsom
CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee’s inspection of a female cadet on Dec. 5, 2025.
“These cadets have been pushed to their limits and faced significant pressure, but despite all the hardships, they never gave up. Their determination to keep going, even when facing challenges, demonstrates their dedication to helping others and serving the people of California. The CHP proudly welcomes these new officers and looks forward to the remarkable achievements they will make throughout their decades of service.” – CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee
During their 26 weeks in the CHP Academy, cadets trained in vehicle code enforcement, crash and criminal investigations, emergency vehicle operations, and officer safety. The Academy’s curriculum also focuses on legal responsibilities, communication, ethics, and cultural awareness in order to prepare cadets to serve California’s diverse population. Earlier this week, the cadets took part in a 5-mile run as one of the last parts of their training. The new officers begin reporting to one of the CHP’s 102 Area offices across the state on December 15.
CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee inspects the class.
A Growing Force Protecting Californians
The CHP’s recruitment initiatives over the past few years — including the launch of the 2022 statewide “Join the CHP 1000” campaign and the “Cadets” web series — continue to drive strong interest in law enforcement careers.
Including today’s newly sworn members, the CHP has brought on more than 2,300 officers from January 2022 through December 2025.
From 2022 to 2024, applications increased by more than 52%.
The CHP is on track to receive more than 33,000 applications by the end of the year, continuing the upward trend.
2022: 16,077 applications
2023: 19,590 applications
2024: 25,477 applications
Assistant Commissioner for Staff Robin Johnson inspects the cadets.
Join the CHP Today
Enhancing public safety remains a top priority for the Governor, and in November 2024, California successfully achieved its multi-year CHP recruitment goal of 1,000 new officers.
The CHP continues to actively recruit dedicated individuals who are ready to make a difference in communities throughout California. A career with the CHP offers comprehensive training, competitive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
To learn more about joining the CHP, please visit CHPMadeForMore.com to take the first step towards a rewarding career in law enforcement.
Includes major regions such as the Bay Area, Stockton, Santa Rosa, Sacramento, Modesto, Madera, Fresno, Bakersfield, Ventura/Oxnard, Salinas, Los Angeles and San Diego
By Karla Fernandez, Public Relations, Market My Market
New Year’s Eve is consistently one of the deadliest nights of the year to be on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol-impaired driving accounts for about 37% of traffic deaths during the New Year’s holiday period, with fatal crashes peaking during late-night hours between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.
Nationwide, the National Safety Council projects more than 500 traffic fatalities during major holiday travel periods, and NHTSA reports that roughly one-third involve alcohol-impaired drivers – a risk that intensifies during overnight celebrations like New Year’s Eve.
To help reduce that risk, Setareh Law is offering free Uber rides (up to $20 each) across eligible California counties, giving people a safe way to get home on New Year’s Eve without getting behind the wheel.
This initiative is part of a broader community safety effort aimed at reducing impaired driving and helping more people get home safely during one of the busiest travel nights of the year.
Daniel Setareh, Founder of Setareh Law, explains, “New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, not tragedy. After fighting for justice for families who have been forever impacted by impaired drivers, we want to do our part to help prevent these accidents before they happen. If one free ride will keep someone safe, then this effort is worth every bit of it.”
Click the link in your email and the voucher will automatically load into your Uber app.
Step 3: Take Your Free Ride (Dec 31–Jan 1)
Use the voucher anytime between:
5:00 PM on December 31 through 10:00 AM on January 1
Your ride must start or end in one of the eligible California counties.
Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify for the free ride, users must:
Be 21 years or older
Have an active Uber account
Take the ride during the campaign window (Dec 31–Jan 1)
Start or end the ride in an eligible California county
Limit: one voucher per Uber account
Offer is limited to the first 300 vouchers
The voucher covers one one-way ride up to $20 (tip not included).
Eligible California Counties
Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sacramento, Fresno, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Sonoma, Kern, Ventura, Monterey, and Madera, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego.
Only rides that start or end in an eligible county will qualify. The Uber app will automatically prevent the voucher from applying outside approved areas.
About Setareh Law
Setareh Law, APLC, is a California-based personal injury law firm dedicated to representing individuals and families harmed by negligence. Founded by attorney Daniel Setareh, the firm handles serious injury cases including car accidents, drunk-driving crashes, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death. With offices across California, Setareh Law is committed to providing hands-on legal representation, personalized client care, and strong advocacy both inside and outside the courtroom.
Tinkerbell was stolen and returned to her owner thanks to the efforts of Antioch Police Officer Constantine Kawalya. Photo (left) & video screenshots source: Antioch PD.
Dog-nappers Isaiah Kingstringer, Zoie Ledesma arrested inside Antioch Police Station, have history of arrests, out of custody
By Acting Lt. Gary Lowther #4032, Antioch Police Field Services Division
On Friday, December 26, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., a family was shopping at Target on Lone Tree Way in Antioch with their 10-week-old Yorkshire Terrier, “Tinkerbell.” While inside the store, the family was approached by two individuals who complimented them on the puppy. The individuals then took the puppy from the family and fled the area in a vehicle.
Officer Constantine Kawalya initiated a thorough investigation into the incident. During the investigation, officers learned that Tinkerbell was a Christmas gift for the family’s three-year-old daughter. The investigation led to the identification of a vehicle involved in the incident, as well as the suspected individuals, 20-year-old Isiah Mellow Kingstringer and 21-year-old Zoie Sofia Ledesma.
The suspects’ car was followed, stopped and towed by Antioch Police. Officer body-cam video screenshots
On December 27, 2025, an Antioch Police Department officer who was aware of the investigation located the suspect vehicle traveling within the City of Antioch and conducted a traffic stop. The vehicle was subsequently towed as part of the investigation.
Later that day, Kingstringer and Ledesma arrived at the Antioch Police Department lobby to retrieve the towed vehicle. Both individuals were arrested on outstanding warrants related to the theft of Tinkerbell.
Dog-nappers Zoie Ledesma and Isaiah Kingstringer were arrested and questioned in the Antioch Police Station. Officer body-cam video screenshots.
During a follow-up interview, Officer Kawalya determined the location of the puppy. Tinkerbell was safely recovered and reunited with her family.
Kingstringer and Ledesma were booked into the Contra Costa County Jail on the following charges
• PC 487A(a) – Grand theft of an animal
• PC 532(a) – Theft by false pretenses
• PC 182(a)(1) – Conspiracy
The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department at tips@antiochca.gov.
According to localcrimenews.com, this is the third arrest this year for Kingstringer, a Richmond resident, including by Alameda County Sheriff’s Deputies on June 30th for possession of marijuana for sale and on August 4th by Richmond Police for addict in possession of a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm when not the registered owner and revocation of probation. He was also previously arrested in 2023 by BART Police for battery on transportation personnel with injury.
According to localcrimenews.com, Ledesma, a Hercules resident, was previously arrested twice in 2023 by Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Deputies for receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, driving without a license, failure to obey a peace officer and warrants or holds only.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, she is Asian-Pacific Islander and as of Monday, Dec. 29 at 5:00 AM, she had also bonded out of custody.
ANTIOCH, CA — With multiple storm systems expected to bring periods of moderate to heavy rain to the Bay Area over the coming weeks, the City of Antioch urges residents and businesses to prepare now for possible roadway and neighborhood flooding, travel delays, and weather-related hazards. The National Weather Service indicates rain returning in waves, with a stronger system late weekend that could include gusty winds and isolated thunderstorms.
City Resources
Self-Serve Sandbag Station (Residents & Businesses): 1201 W. 4th Street (entrance on N Street). Nylon sandbags provided on site.
Report flooding/drainage issues: Public Works (925) 779-6950 (business hours). After hours: Antioch Police Department non-emergency (925) 778-2441 (dispatch to Public Works).
Keep storm drains clear: Remove leaves/debris from gutters; keep carts and vehicles away from drain inlets.
Stage sandbags to divert surface water from garages/entryways; secure outdoor items.
Drive safely: Never drive through flooded roads; slow down, increase following distance, use headlights in rain.
City Operations During Storms
Public Works crews proactively will be monitoring the storm and are ready to respond to calls for service throughout this anticipated storm event, including cleaning storm drains and culverts, removing downed branches/debris, and filling potholes as conditions allow. Residents are encouraged to report hazards using the numbers above.
