Archive for the ‘News’ Category

Tri Delta Transit launches system overhaul beginning Aug. 10

Tuesday, July 29th, 2025

“The New TDT Network” brings community-driven changes to nearly all of the agency’s bus routes

By Leeann Loroño, Manager of Customer Service and Marketing, Tri Delta Transit

After canvassing East County for input from riders and residents over the last year, Tri Delta Transit (also known as East Contra Costa Transit Authority) is poised to launch a significant realignment of its transit system, offering service that is faster, more direct and more frequent beginning Aug. 10.

Dubbed “The New TDT Network,” this realignment brings sweeping changes to nearly every Tri Delta Transit route, informed by a blend of public feedback and data analysis. Bus routes across the system have been made faster and more direct, with better connectivity between buses and BART.

A brief video highlighting the major changes of the new network – and how they were determined – is available at revitalizetridelta.com.

Busier areas will see more frequent and consistent service, with improved weekend service across the board. The updated system introduces a brand-new route running every 15 minutes, along with four additional routes operating every 30 minutes, making morning commutes smoother for bus riders.

“We wanted to be sure these changes served local riders – particularly those who rely on transit for their morning commutes,” said Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis, who chairs Tri Delta Transit’s Board of Directors. “These updated routes – including Tri Delta Transit’s first route to run every 15 minutes – will not only greatly improve commutes for those who already ride but open up new possibilities for those whose schedules didn’t align with the previous system.”

Source: Tri Delta Transit

Integration with Tri MyRide has also been expanded to better serve the Brentwood, Antioch and Oakley areas, while maintaining existing coverage in the Pittsburg and Bay Point area.

“From the beginning of the New TDT Network initiative, our goal has been to ensure that the new network is able to better meet the needs of the communities we serve,” said Rashidi Barnes, CEO of Tri Delta Transit. “This new network is a direct result of that goal and aligns with everything we’ve heard from the public over the last year. Our riders can look forward to consistent bus service with lower wait times that offer faster, more direct routes to where they need to be.”

For details on specific route changes and other information about The New TDT Network, visit revitalizetridelta.com.

About Tri Delta Transit

Tri Delta Transit provides over 2,000,000 trips each year to a population of over 315,000 residents in the 225 square miles of eastern Contra Costa County. For additional information about the Tri Delta Transit, please visit www.trideltatransit.com.

Antioch man arrested for two East Bay freeway shootings

Friday, July 25th, 2025
David Milburn was arrested by the CHP for two shootings. He tossed his gun during the pursuit which was later recovered by officers. Photos: CHP

33-year-old David Milburn held on $1 million bail; one victim in hospital

By CHP – Contra Costa

VALLEJO, Calif. – California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers arrested a 33-year-old Antioch man early Wednesday, July 23, 2025, after two freeway shootings spanning Contra Costa, Alameda, and Solano counties.

Officers took David Milburn (born 1/25/92) into custody around 1:35 AM. after spotting his white Chrysler Crossfire on eastbound Interstate 80 near Midway Road between Vacaville and Dixon. Milburn refused to stop, leading officers on a short pursuit before being arrested without incident. During the chase, officers saw him throw a firearm and two high-capacity magazines from the vehicle.

The arrest came after two other shootings just hours earlier. Around 8:07 P.M. Tuesday, a man was admitted to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek with a gunshot wound, stating he was shot while driving westbound on Highway 4 near Willow Pass Road. About five hours later, at 12:52 A.M. Wednesday, another driver reported his vehicle had been hit by gunfire on eastbound Highway 24 near Highway 13.

Detectives from CHP’s Golden Gate Division Special Investigations Unit linked all three incidents to Milburn with help from the Traffic Management Center, Communications Center, and Flock Safety data.

Milburn was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, shooting at a vehicle, and multiple counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

“Swift work by CHP personnel across the Bay Area directly led to the apprehension of another dangerous criminal who chose to endanger the general public with his reckless and careless behavior,” said CHP Golden Gate Division Chief Don Goodbrand. “From officers in the field to detectives and dispatchers, incredible teamwork is the key to successful outcomes in these investigations, and I applaud all of them for their hard work.”

This investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information or who may have been involved in incidents with a white Chrysler Crossfire is asked to call the CHP investigative tip line at (707) 917-4491.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet, eight-inch tall, 180-pound Milburn is listed as Non-Hispanic but also as Black and is being held on $1 million bail.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch Historical Museum invites community to Unity Bell Tower groundbreaking July 23

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025
The groundbreaking for the tower to house the historic First Congregational Church of Antioch bell on the Museum grounds will be held Wednesday, July 23, 2025. Rendering (left) and photos: Antioch Historical Museum

Community embraces restoration of 157-year-old bell from First Congregational Church of Antioch

By Tom Menasco & Carla Baker Marymee

The Antioch Historical Museum is excited to announce a groundbreaking ceremony to restore the 157-year-old First Congregational Church Bell and construction of the Unity Bell Tower. The ceremony is scheduled for July 23, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The community is invited to attend.

The 700-pound brass bell, donated by First Congregational Church Board member Paul Fish, is one of the oldest artifacts from the settling of Antioch by early Americans. The church bell is said to have brought early members of the church together as it rang loudly across the city. It was heard by Antioch’s founders; Rev. W.W. Smith and Captain George W. Kimball, as well as Thomas Gaines, the first known Black settler who was a sexton of the church.

“The First Congregational Church of Antioch traces its roots to June 12, 1865, when it was founded as the city’s pioneer church under the United Church of Christ (UCC) banner.

“Over its 150-year history, the church has prioritized hospitality—welcoming all without exception, including African Americans as early as 1875 and children of Chinese laborers building the Delta levees,” Dwayne Eubanks, Antioch Historical Museum board member said.

“Antioch is the third largest city in Contra Costa County with a population of more than 117,097 residents. Over the decades the demographics of Antioch have changed. We are a diverse community with an amazing history and story to tell. Our goal is to become a reflection of an inclusive, multiracial, and multicultural city that embraces all people. It is our wish that this bell and the Unity Bell Tower will symbolize growing appreciation for all people,” he said.

“We thank the Antioch community for recognizing the importance of preserving this valuable piece of the city’s history. Because of generous donations, we were able to raise $85,000.00,” Eubanks added.

Work on the Unity Bell Tower is being accomplished by Wayne E. Swisher Cement Contractor, Evan & Son Masonry, and Drill Tech who have made significant in-kind contributions to this project.

The project has also been generously supported by individual donors, the Antioch City Council, local businesses, and non-profit organizations including: Delta Veteran’s Group and Antioch Veterans Banner Program, St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Fontana Family Foundation, Antioch Rotary Club, Kiwanis Delta Antioch, and Class of ’66 Antioch High School.

Individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations individuals who would still like to support this project, can make online donations at our website: https://antiochhistoricalmuseum.org/unity-bell-tower-donation/

There are eight sponsorship levels, providing a range of giving opportunities – diamond, gold, platinum, silver, bronze, copper, sapphire, and ruby. Names of sponsors will be permanently inscribed at the exhibit site. Contributions are tax deductible.

The project’s dedication is expected by Fall 2025, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the society’s creation and the 25th year being located at the 1910 Riverview High School site.

The Antioch Historical Museum resides within the 1910 Riverview High School, a site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum, located at 1500 W. 4th Street, is also home of the Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame program. The Sports Legends Hall of Fame showcases and honors the achievements of 253 individual athletes and 17 teams.  

For more information and construction updates, visit our website http://antiochhistoricalmuseum.org/. Check out our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/antiochhistoricalmuseum/

For additional information contact: Dwayne Eubanks at the Antioch Historical Society Museum at (925) 757-1326 or AntiochHistoricalSociety@comcast.com.

Murders, other Part 1 Crimes decrease, rape, aggravated assault increase in Antioch in first 6 months of 2025

Sunday, July 20th, 2025
Source: Antioch Police Department Index Crime Statistics January-June 2024/25

Arrests of adults up 63%, juveniles down 25%

By Allen D. Payton

In a post on the Antioch Police Department’s Facebook page on Friday, July 18, 2025, it was reported that many Part 1 Crimes including murder and total Offenses Against Property are down in the first six months of the year over 2024. However, some crime has increased, including rape, aggravated assault and total Offenses Against Persons. In addition, adult arrests have increased 63% while juvenile arrests are down 25% for an increase in total arrests by 54%.

The post reads, “While we recognize there’s still work to do, we’re seeing significant reductions in major crime categories this year:

January – June 2025 over 2024

  • Homicide: Down 71%
  • Robbery: Down 44%
  • Burglary: Down 41%
  • Theft: Down 38%
  • Auto Theft: Down 35%

These improvements reflect the impact of proactive policing, thorough investigations, and strong community support.

We are continuing to increase staffing and build on this progress to further enhance public safety.

‘You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.’ – Martin Luther King, Jr.”

However, while total Offenses Against Property is down 37% over 2024, according to the statistics chart APD shared, total Offenses Against Persons are up 38% due to the increases in the following crimes:

  • Rape: Up 47%
  • Aggravated Assault: Up 41%

Click here for the complete list of Antioch Police Crime Statistics.

Police seek unknown suspect in shooting of 25-year-old woman in Antioch

Thursday, July 17th, 2025

9th shooting in city this year

By Lt. Joe Njoroge #7052, Antioch Police Field Services Division

On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, just before 2:00 p.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 4000 block of Timberbrook Way. Upon arrival, officers located a 25-year-old woman suffering from a gunshot wound.

Officers immediately provided medical aid until personnel from Con Fire arrived. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where she was treated for injuries determined to be non-life-threatening.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department at tips@antiochca.gov.

It’s the second shooting in the city this month and the ninth this year, not including the accidental shooting of a toddler in April

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

CHP distributes over $35 million to fight impaired driving

Thursday, July 10th, 2025
Photo by CHP

Antioch PD, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Dep’t among 148 Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program recipients

CCC Sheriff Forensic Services Division will use funds for toxicology crime lab

By Tami Grimes, CHP Public Information Officer

SACRAMENTO – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) today announced more than $35 million in grant funding to 148 California law enforcement agencies, crime laboratories, local government agencies and nonprofit organizations to help address the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“As the legal cannabis market continues to grow, so do the state’s efforts to ensure Californians are recreating responsibly. By supporting the organizations that enforce and amplify our laws on the ground, we can keep everyone safer,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

The grants from Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act, assigned the CHP the responsibility of administering grants for education, prevention and enforcement programs aimed at helping communities tackle impaired driving. Additionally, funds are available for crime laboratories that conduct forensic toxicology testing. The funding for these grants comes from a tax on the sale of cannabis and cannabis products in California.

Source: CHP

“This funding represents a major step forward in our ongoing mission to save lives and prevent impaired driving,”said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “With over $35 million going to nearly 150 public safety partners across the state, we’re expanding our reach like never before. These resources will help those on the frontlines keep California’s roads safer for everyone.”

These funds will go towards a variety of activities. One hundred twenty-six recipients of law enforcement grants will use the funding to combat impaired driving in their communities, including Antioch, Danville, Pinole, Pleasant Hill, Richmond and San Ramon Police Departments. The funds will also support drug recognition evaluator training to improve the identification of drug-impaired drivers, as well as public outreach campaigns, including educational presentations and community events.

Eleven recipients of education grants will use the funds to inform local communities about impaired driving laws while highlighting the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Source: CHP

Seven recipients of two-year toxicology crime laboratory grants, including the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department Forensic Services Division, will use the funds to eliminate backlogs in analyzing forensic science evidence and to purchase or upgrade laboratory equipment to enhance testing capabilities.

Four recipients of two-year medical examiner’s and coroner’s office grants will use the funds to improve and advance data collection in cases involving driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

With the passage of Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate, and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA), California voters mandated the state set aside funding for the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to award grants to local governments and qualified nonprofit organizations, as described in Revenue and Taxation Code Section 34019(f)(3)(B).

The Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program marks an important step toward reducing impaired driving crashes, increasing public awareness surrounding the dangers of impaired driving, and making California’s roadways a safer place to travel.                  

The application process for future grant funding is expected to reopen in early 2026. More information is available on the CHP website at CHP’s Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program.

 The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch Police release video, identify man from officer involved shooting death

Thursday, July 10th, 2025
Video screenshots of body-worn camera of officer involved shooting of knife-wielding suspect, David Bahrami as he ran toward officers and after he was shot with both lethal and non-lethal rounds showing him still holding a knife. Source: Antioch Police Department

26-year-old David Bahrami had threatened to kill neighbor, rushed officers with knife

Crisis Response Team could not be dispatched to scene

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

David Bahrami in a photo posted on his Facebook page on Sept. 17, 2024.

As previously reported, on June 30th at 7:15 a.m., Antioch police officers were dispatched to the 3800-block of Osprey Drive after a man called police dispatch and stated he wanted to kill his family. The City’s Crisis Response Team, which deals with mental health crisis calls, could not be dispatched due to previous safety concerns flagged at this location during prior incidents.

Officers tried to contact the caller’s family but were unsuccessful. While officers were gathering information and establishing a plan, a phone call was made to the man, 26-year-old David Bahrami, in an effort to de-escalate the situation and establish contact with his family. Bahrami refused to allow officers to speak with his family and instead made additional threats to kill his neighbor.

During the call, officers positioned themselves on the street corner to create distance and requested Bahrami to come to the end of the street to speak with them. When Bahrami was visible to officers, he was ordered to stop and get on the ground. In response, Bahrami removed a large knife from his waist band and attempted to flank officers before charging directly at them.

A home security camera video screenshot shows a red circle indicating the knife Bahrami removed from his pants as Antioch Police Officers stand at a distance on June 30, 2025. Source: Antioch PD

Despite the deployment of less-lethal munitions, Bahrami continued advancing on officers while holding the knife. Officers discharged their service weapons, striking Bahrami. Officers on scene rendered aid until paramedics staged nearby arrived and took over care; however, Bahrami was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The officers involved are on paid administrative leave per department policy. The Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau is investigating this incident in partnership with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, pursuant to the Contra Costa County Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol.

A home security camera video screenshot shows Bahrami running toward Antioch Police Officers and beginning to lift his hands before being shot near his house on Osprey Drive on June 30, 2025. Source: Antioch PD

The Antioch Police Department is currently developing an in-depth, detailed release of information, to include body-worn camera footage, neighborhood surveillance footage, and evidence related to the investigation. A critical incident overview video is linked below.

Refer to critical incident video link:

English – https://youtu.be/2cxJ7Z1izMM (WARNING: Graphic scenes of shooting and language). Español – https://youtu.be/EI028-WqUHk

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information regarding the incident, is encouraged to contact Detective Cox at (925) 779-6866 or via email: jcox@antiochca.gov or by calling the Investigations Bureau at (925) 779-6926.

Rumors surrounding Najee Harris eye injury from Antioch July 4th fireworks explosion confirmed

Thursday, July 10th, 2025
L.A. Chargers running back Najee Harris’ eye was injured in a July 4th fireworks explosion in Antioch. Photo & logo source: L.A. Chargers

1 of 7 injured; ESPN posts on X, CBS now reporting his agent says Harris “is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season”

By Allen D. Payton

Rumors have been circulating online all week that former Antioch High football standout Najee Harris sustained an injury to his eye during the previously reported July 4th fireworks explosion in Antioch. No one has confirmed the information until today, Thursday, July 10, when, according to CBS News, his agent, Doug Hendrickson of Wasserman Media Group in Larkspur.

Efforts to confirm the information with Antioch Police and Contra Costa Fire Protection District (Con Fire) personnel have been unsuccessful. The only thing they have shared is that seven people were injured, including four were transported to local hospitals, one in critical condition, two others drove themselves and one refused medical transport.

The explosion occurred in the 2200 block of Spanos Street in Antioch. When police officers arrived on the scene, they discovered the aftermath of an explosion caused by fireworks.

According to Antioch Police Lt. Bill Whitaker, one man lost fingers, was burned, and was still in critical condition on Sunday. But no names of the victims have been released as it’s still an active investigation.

Asked if she had any names of those who set off the fireworks Con Fire PIO Lauren Ono reiterated on Tuesday, “The investigation is still ongoing and that’s part of it.”

Additional efforts to reach Brock Anderson in media relations with the L.A. Chargers, for whom the 27-year-old Harris is now a running back on a one-year, $9.5 million contract, were also unsuccessful prior to publication time.

However, as of 3:58 PM on Thursday, July 10th, ESPN is reporting on X/Twitter, “Breaking: Chargers RB Najee Harris sustained a superficial eye injury during a 4th of July fireworks mishap, sources tell @AdamSchefter. He is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.” According to his profile Schefter is an “ESPN Senior NFL Insider. Host of the Adam Schefter Podcast http://Instagram.com/AdamSchefter and considered a reliable source.”

Further, CBS is reporting that “Harris sustained an eye injury, according to his agent.” The CBS report reads, “‘Najee Harris was present at a 4th of July event where a fireworks mishap resulted in injuries to several attendees,’ Hendrickson’s statement reads, via NFL Media. ‘Najee sustained a superficial eye injury during the incident, but is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.’”

Efforts to reach Hendrickson for a direct comment on the incident were unsuccessful prior to publication time.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.