Motts’ lead over Torres-Walker continues to shrink but not by much
By Allen D. Payton
The latest update from the Contra Costa Elections office as of Friday, November 13, 2026, at 3:15 p.m., shows challenger and former Antioch Councilwoman Joy Motts maintaining her lead over incumbent Tamisha Torres-Walker in the District 1 City Council race, but it continues to shrink, this time by just three votes.
Only 1,000 additional ballots were counted countywide since the previous update on Tuesday, of which 57 were in the District 1 race. Motts now has 2,818 votes, an increase of 27 votes to Torres-Walker’s 2,712 votes, an increase of 30 votes. So, Torres-Walker picked up 52 percent of the additional 57 votes in the District 1 race and Motts garnered 48 percent.
There are now an estimated 6,500 ballots remaining to be counted in the county.
According to Dawn Kruger, Community and Media Relations Coordinator for the Contra Costa Elections office, of the 6,500 ballots remaining to be counted, “4,500 are provisional or conditional registration with provisional ballots. They’re similar. Provisional ballots are in the yellow envelope at polling places given to people who couldn’t be found, or it has been indicated they already voted. Conditional ballots are for those who moved and claimed they didn’t receive a ballot. That’s one of the reasons. So, we have to check to ensure they haven’t voted somewhere else before we can count their ballot.”
“Some ballots are awaiting signature cure,” she continued. “If someone forgot to sign their ballot envelope or it doesn’t match what’s on file, they have until Nov. 25 to return the correct signature.”
“The provisional ballots we’ll start working on next week, now that we’re done with the damaged ballots that couldn’t be run through the scanners,” Kruger added.
Estimated number of unprocessed ballots:
Ballots voted at a voting location – 0
Vote-by-mail ballots received on or before Election Day – 0
Vote-by-mail ballots received after Election Day – 0
Next Results Expected (date and time): Wednesday, 11/18/2026 – 4:00 PM
Certification Dates
According to the schedule on the Elections office website, the Target Certification / Final Results are projected for Dec. 3rd. According to the California Secretary of State’s Office, “county elections officials must report final official results to the Secretary of State by December 4, 2026. The Secretary of State will certify the results on December 11, 2026.”
Owners Liz and Daniel Jiminez will hold the Grand Opening of the third location of their Cafecito Lounge and second in Antioch on Saturday and Sunday, November 14 and 15, 2026.
Owners Liz and Daniel Jiminez (back), daughter, Mya (in stripes) and friends at their new Cafecito Lounge in Antioch during a soft opening on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026. Photos by Allen D. Payton
With a first location in Lodi and a second in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown in the Luxe Studios on W. 4th Street, the Jiminez family, including daughter, Mya who will manage the new coffee shop, welcome the community to their new location at 2030 A Street on the corner of Railroad Avenue.
The Mexican inspired coffee shop offers espressos, teas, matchas, as well as natural juices and more. The new shop includes indoor seating and a conference room for use by the community.
The new Cafecito Lounge in Antioch is located at the corner of A Street and Railroad Avenue and offers on- and off-street parking.
The Ribbon Cutting will be held at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday which will feature raffles and free pastries while supplies last. Enjoy one free concha per order, while supplies last
Be one of the first 40 people to arrive and get a mystery envelope with a prize!
“Our family has put so much love into this new space, and we’re so excited to finally share it with you. Thank you for supporting Cafecito Lounge and being part of our story. Bring your family, tag your coffee date, and come celebrate with us,” the Jiminez family said.
The saying on the wall translates to, “The secret of a good coffee is who you enjoy it with.” A conference room is available for the community to use.
Stop by for coffee, tea, other refreshing drinks and pastries from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. They are closed on Mondays. For more information visit Cafecito Lounge’s Facebook page or call (925) 732-7024.
White concedes defeatsays, “This election concludes my pursuit of political office in the City of Antioch.”
By Allen D. Payton
In a post on her official Facebook page on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, Antioch District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson offered appreciation for re-election to her fifth term. The latest results, which are expected to be finalized later today, Friday, Nov. 13, show her maintaining the lead she’s had since election night over third-time challenger Sandra White and two other candidates, Matty Mathews Alappat and Andrew Becker. As previously reported, Wilson currently has 4,169 votes or 46.04 percent of the vote to White’s 2,488 or 27.48 percent, followed by Alappat with 1,457 votes or 16.09 percent and Becker with 941 votes or 10.09 percent of the vote. There were only 7,500 ballots remaining to be counted in the county at that time.
Election results as of Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026. Source: Contra Costa Elections
Wilson wrote:
“THANK YOU, ANTIOCH!
I am deeply honored and grateful to the residents of District 4 for once again placing your trust in me to serve on the Antioch City Council.
To every voter, volunteer, supporter, and community member who stood with me throughout this campaign, THANK YOU! Your encouragement, dedication, and belief in our shared vision made this possible. I do not take your support or your trust for granted.
I also want to take a moment to acknowledge and thank my opponents. Putting yourself out there, opening yourself up to public scrutiny, and running for elected office is no easy undertaking. It takes courage, commitment, and a willingness to serve. While we may have different perspectives on how to move our city forward, we share something important: a love for Antioch and a desire to see our community thrive. Thank you for stepping forward and being part of the democratic process.
Serving this community has never been about a title. It has always been about the people, the work, and our collective responsibility to move Antioch forward.
There is still much work ahead, and I remain committed to strengthening public safety, supporting local businesses, protecting essential services, and ensuring that every resident has a voice in shaping our city’s future.
Whether you voted for me or not, I am here to represent you. I AM HERE TO REPRESENT ANTIOCH! Elections may bring out our differences, but our shared commitment to Antioch should always bring us together. Our community is strongest when we work together.
Thank you again, District 4, for the opportunity to continue serving you. Now, let’s get back to work!
In a post on Tuesday, following the latest results update from the Contra Costa Elections office, White wrote on her campaign Facebook page:
Dear Friends and Supporters,
With a heavy heart, I share that I was defeated in the race for Antioch City Council, District 4. The incumbent will prevail and serve another term. While this is a disappointing outcome, I respect the voters’ decision.
This election was especially difficult because so much was at stake for our city’s future. My concerns about ineffective leadership and poor decision-making were a driving force behind my continued efforts to run for office. I believed our residents deserved stronger leadership, greater accountability, and meaningful progress, and I still do.
Although I continue to struggle with what I see as shortcomings in a few of our city’s leadership, the voters have chosen otherwise. This election concludes my pursuit of political office in the City of Antioch. My commitment to our community, however, will continue through my volunteer and advocacy work.
To everyone who donated, volunteered, displayed a sign, shared my message, or offered encouragement: thank you! Your support carried me through this campaign, and I will always be grateful for the time, trust, and hope you invested in me.
I continue to pray for our city, its residents, and its leaders. My hope remains that Antioch will become a city where every resident feels safe, heard, and proud to call it home.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Sandra White
———–
Neither Alappat nor Becker have posted anything about the election results on their Facebook pages.
Antioch Police Department Records Division staff. Photo: APD
During Law Enforcement Records and Support Personnel Appreciation Week
By Antioch Police Department
This week, we proudly recognize and celebrate our amazing Records Division!
Law Enforcement Records and Support Personnel Appreciation Week is recognized the second week of November.
While they may not always be out in the field or in the spotlight, their work is an essential part of keeping our department running smoothly and supporting the officers and staff who serve our community every day.
From maintaining records and processing critical information to assisting with investigations and keeping daily operations moving, our Records team handles countless details that make a BIG difference. Their hard work, dedication, professionalism, and attention to detail do not go unnoticed!
Please join us in showing some love and appreciation to our Records Division. Thank you for everything you do, for always being there behind the scenes, and for being such an important part of the Antioch Police Department family!
Antioch Police Chief Joe Vigil (center) with new Officers (L-R) Kailil King, Salae Carter, Andres Garibay, Brando Fabian and Bobby Kinard and new leaders, Corporal Brandon Bushby and Sgt. Zachary Sampson following their oaths of office Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. All photos by Allen D. Payton
Brings total to 90 sworn out of 105 budgeted, 9 more in the academy
By Allen D. Payton
On Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, the Antioch Police Department celebrated the promotions of two leaders and addition of five new officers during a ceremony in the Community Room at the police facility. Joined by family, friends, fellow officers, Mayor Pro Tem Don Freitas and city staff members, Chief Joe Vigil introduced each of the seven and read about their background.
Chief Vigil welcomes the seven honorees and their family, friends, fellow officers and others to the Oath of Office Ceremony Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2026.
He then administered the Oath of Office and the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s Oath of Honor to the group.
Chief Vigil administers the Oaths of Office (left) and Honor (right).
A post on the Antioch Police Facebook page on Wednesday reads, “BIG DAY FOR APD! Yesterday, we had the honor of swearing in 5 new officers, welcoming a new Sergeant, and celebrating the promotion of Corporal Bushby! Please join us in congratulating: Sergeant Zachary Sampson, Corporal Brandon Bushby, Officer Andres Garibay, Officer Salae Carter, Officer Bobby Kinard, Officer Kailil King and Officer Brando Fabian.”
Vigil read the bio for each, followed by the individual pinning of their new badge and Vigil gave each the opportunity to share their thoughts.
Sgt. Zachary Sampson is introduced and congratulated by Chief Vigil and pinned by his wife.
Sergeant Zachary Sampson
Sergeant Sampson was born and raised in Antioch and graduated from Deer Valley High School. Sgt. Sampson would join the U.S. Air Force and serve as a Combat Search and Rescue, rescue aviator. He would later attend Los Medanos college where he would earn an AS degree in Aviation Operations. Shortly after he would transfet to and attend CSU Sacramento where he worked towards a degree in Homeland Security.
Sgt. Sampson would go on to work for the San Leandro Police Department where he would spend 12 years there before coming to us. In those 12 years he would work multiple assignments as a SWAT operator, Field Training Officer, Crime Scene Technician and a Robbery/Homicide Detective.
Sgt. Sampson is married to his high school sweetheart and they have two children. In his free time, he enjoys camping, fitness, fast cars – “fast cars?” Vigil asked with a smile on his face; travel, food and music.
A fun fact about Sgt. Sampson, he was stopped by Antioch PD in 2007 for doing donuts in the Deer Valley High School parking lot, in his dad’s station wagon.
Sampson was then pinned by his wife and offered his appreciation for the new position. (See video)
Corporal Brandon Bushby is introduced by Chief Vigil and pinned by his sister.
Corporal Brandon Bushby
Corporal Bushby was born in Berkeley and raised in the East Bay. He played baseball and football at Albany High School. While in high school, he also became a Police Explorer with the El Cerrito Police Department. After graduating, he accepted a part-time position with El Cerrito as a Police Cadet while attending classes at Diablo Valley College (DVC).
Corporal Bushby attended the Napa Valley College Police Academy. Shortly after graduating in 2014, he was hired as a police office with the Stockton Police Department.
During his time at SPD, he would spend most of his time assigned to patrol, working graveyard shifts alongside his partner, Johnny. He would also serve as a Field Training Officer.
Corporal Busby joined the Antioch Police Department in 2019. Since joining the department, he has served in several assignments, including the Honor Guard, Mobile Field Force, Firearms Instructor, and Field Training Officer. His favorite assignment, however, was serving as a K-9 handler alongside his partner, Canine Nox.
Brandon is honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as a Corporal and looks forward to the responsibilities and challenges that come with this new role. He remains committed to leading by example, supporting his fellow officers, and continuing to serve the Antioch community with integrity and professionalism.
Bushby was pinned by his sister before sharing his appreciation for the promotion. (See video)
Officer Salae Carter is introduced by Chief Vigil and pinned by her mother.
Officer Salae Carter
Salae was born in Oakland and moved to Oakley in 2015. She graduated from Cal State East Bay in 2024 and received her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Her main interest was Crime Scene Investigation and that’s what led her to become a police officer. Prior to joining APD, she worked as a Security Supervisor at the Sun Valley Mall in Concord. In her free time, she likes to spend it with family and friends. She also enjoys eating and trying new foods.
Carter had her mother pin on her new badge before sharing her thoughts on the new position. (See video)
Officer Brando Fabian is introduced by Chief Vigil and pinned by his fiancée.
Officer Brando Fabian
Brando was born and raised in Antioch but recently moved to Modesto. He graduated from Freedom High School in 2016. Some of his hobbies on his off time include soccer, Muay Thai, restoring electronics and cutting hair.
Fabian had his fiancée pin on his badge before offering thanks for his new position. (See video)
Officer Andres Garibay is introduced by Chief Vigil and pinned by his wife as their sons look on.
Officer Andres Garibay
Andres was born in Pittsburg and raised in Oakley. He graduated from Freedom High School in 2011, and shortly after joined the U.S. Army, as an infantryman from 2011-2014. Prior to joining APD, he worked at Walmart handling theft investigations. In his free time, enjoys watching sports and spending time with his wife and kids.
Fun fact: Andres is in an exhibit at the National Museum of the U.S. Army in Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Garibay was pinned with his badge by his wife with their sons standing by before he also offered appreciation for his new position. (See video)
Officer Bobby Kinard is introduced by Chief Vigil and pinned by his mother.
Officer Bobby Kinard
Bobby was born in Oakland and raised in Pittsburg and Antioch. After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves. In his downtime, he enjoys recreational sports, cooking and spending time with his family. Bobby is looking forward to serving the citizens of Antioch and building relationships with the community.
Kinard had his mother pin on his new badge before offering thanks for his new position. (See video)
Officer Kailil King is introduced by Chief Vigil and pinned by his girlfriend.
Officer Kailil King
Kialil was born in the Bay Area and grew up in East Palo Alto. Shortly after he moved to Lodi and graduated from Lincoln High. While in high school, he met his girlfriend and has been with her for 10 years. After graduation, he attended Delta College and graduated with an associate’s degree in social arts. Kailil then attended Unitech College and graduated with in 2022 with a degree in Licensed Vocational Nursing. In his free time, he likes to spend it with his friends and family. His hobbies include bowling and playing video games. He also enjoys traveling with his girlfriend and taking pictures of all the places he’s visited.
King had his girlfriend pin on his badge before offering appreciation for his new position. (See video)
90 Sworn on the Force
According to Vigil, that brings the total of sworn officers in the department to 90 out of 105 in the City’s budget. “There will be four more at the end of November and then five more in the academy graduating in March,” he added.
The APD Facebook post concludes with, “We are proud to welcome our newest officers and celebrate these well-deserved accomplishments. Here’s to new beginnings, continued growth, and serving the Antioch community!”
Claim Sutter stalling at the bargaining table for patient care improvements
See UPDATE:Sutter responds: “We are disappointed that CNA chose to call for picketing in this early stage of contract bargaining…”
By Chuleenan Svetvilas, Communications Specialist, California Nurses Association / National Nurses United
Nurses and health care workers at 13 facilities across Northern California will hold informational pickets the week of Nov. 9, announced California Nurses Association (CNA) and CNA affiliate Caregivers and Healthcare Employees Union (CHEU) today.
Nurses notified their employer on Oct. 29 that they would hold informational pickets across the region. Sutter nurses have been in negotiations since early August 2026 for a new contract with little to no movement on key issues. The RNs and health care workers are urging management to invest in nursing staff and agree to a contract that provides:
-Improved core staffing and safety;
Protections for RNs and patients against untested AI systems in healthcare; and
Provisions that guarantee recruitment and retention of nurses.
“After three months at the table with Sutter, and dozens of proposals presented, it is clear that management is not taking us seriously,” said Jessica Fernandez, RNin the ICU at Sutter Delta Medical Center. “Sutter needs to show up to negotiations prepared with meaningful responses, not excuses and delays.”
“Sutter’s reputation precedes itself when it comes to negotiations,” said Richelle Mas, RN in the telemetry unit at Mills Peninsula Medical Center. “We know that Sutter has a track record of prioritizing their bottom line over patient safety and proper staffing at the bedside. We need to take a stand now.”
Who: Registered nurses and health care workers at 13 Sutter Health facilities
What: Informational pickets and strikes for patient safety and a fair contract
When: Nov. 9-13, see below of dates and specific times
Where: See below for location information
California Nurses Association represents more than 10,000 nurses and health care workers across Sutter hospitals in Northern California.
Picket time and location:
Tuesday, Nov. 10
Sutter Delta Medical Center
3901 Lone Tree Way, Antioch
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
UPDATE: Sutter Health Responds
In response, a Sutter Health spokesperson said, “Sutter respects our employee’s rights to participate in lawful picketing, but we also believe the most meaningful progress for our nurses will come through continued good-faith engagement at the bargaining table. We are disappointed that CNA chose to call for picketing in this early stage of contract bargaining, when proposals on key topics like wages have yet to be exchanged.
“Sutter is committed to continue working constructively with the union on health benefits, wages, and other important issues under discussion, and we encourage CNA to remain focused on that work as well. Our hospitals and care sites will remain open and focused on providing safe, high-quality care to the communities we serve.”
About CAN/NNU
California Nurses Association/National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the nation with more than 100,000 members in more than 200 facilities throughout California and more than 225,000 RNs nationwide.
Victim Linda Woolridge was a mother of two. Photo source: GoFundMe
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office
Martinez, California — On November 4, 2026, a Contra Costa County jury found 40-year-old Alexander Pedro Mayorga of Antioch guilty on all counts in a drunk-driving crash that killed bicyclist Linda Alize Wooldridge.
On the night of July 27, 2024, Ms. Wooldridge, 29, was riding her bicycle in a marked shared bike lane along Lone Tree Way in Antioch when she was struck from behind by a vehicle driven by Mayorga, approximately 650 feet from the intersection of Lone Tree Way and Sagebrush Drive. Following the collision, Mayorga continued driving and subsequently crashed into two signal poles at the intersection, disabling his vehicle. Ms. Wooldridge died as a result of injuries sustained in the collision. (See related articles here, here and here)
Mayorga was convicted by a jury of:
• Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated [PC 191.5(a)]
• Driving under the influence causing injury [VC 23153(a)]
• Driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or more causing injury [VC 23153(b)]
• Hit-and-run driving resulting in death [VC 20001(b)(2)]
The jury also found all special allegations true:
• Fleeing the scene of the crime [VC 20001(c)]
• Personal infliction of Great Bodily Injury [PC 969f]
• Personal infliction of Great Bodily Injury [PC 12022.7a]
• Blood Alcohol Content of .20 percent or more [VC 23556]
After the verdict, the trial on the alleged aggravating factors was heard by Judge Hanni Fakhoury without a jury. On November 5th, Judge Fakhoury found beyond a reasonable doubt that Ms. Wooldridge was a particularly vulnerable victim under California Rules of Court, rule 4.421(a)(3).
District Attorney Diana Becton said: “Drunk driving is a choice, and this verdict shows that choice has consequences. The victim’s family has suffered a loss that no verdict can undo, but they have seen the defendant held accountable. Our thoughts remain with her loved ones.”
Sentencing is scheduled for December 12th at 8:30 am at the A.F. Bray Courts Building in Martinez. Mayorga remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility. He faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in state prison.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney MacKenzie Savage and marks the first trial and conviction for the District Attorney’s Impaired Motorist Prosecution and Crimes (IMPACT) Team, a specialized unit dedicated exclusively to prosecuting serious DUI fatality and injury cases. The team is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), provided through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. IMPACT prosecutors also partner with the statewide Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP) Training Program to train prosecutors and investigators, and work with law enforcement agencies on best practices for handling DUI cases.
Case No. 04-24-01793 | The People of the State of California v. Alexander Pedro Mayorga
According to the Antioch Police Department’s CitizenRIMS Arrests list, five men were arrested this past week for either felony aggravated assault or felony domestic violence.
On Halloween night, Oct. 31, 2026, at 6:42 p.m. 39-year-old Christopher Alexander Mayorga was arrested in the 1100 block Of James Donlon Blvd. He is described as Hispanic six-foot, one-inch tall and 200 pounds, and was charged with false imprisonment and inflicting corporal injury on spouse/cohabitant/dating relationship – aggravated (F). Case Number: 26-10546.
According to localcrimenews.com Mayorga has a history of arrests dating back to 2013 including on Sept. 3rd for battery on a spouse, cohabitant, or former spouse – warrants or holds only, robbery, burglary and removing, destroying or damaging a wireless communication device to prevent summoning assistance or law enforcement.
On Thursday, Nov. 5 at 3:00 p.m. 45-year-old Kenneth Darron Hopes was arrested in the 3100 block of Lone Tree Way. He is described as Black or African American, six-foot tall, 250 pounds and was charged with assault with a deadly weapon not a firearm – aggravated (F) and second-degree burglary/breaking and entering (F). Case Number: 26-10356.
According to localcrimenews.com, Hopes has a history of arrests dating back to 2014, including three more times for domestic violence, plus, DUI. According to the Sheriff’s Office, on Friday, Nov. 6 at 9:21 a.m. he bonded out of custody.
On Thursday, Nov. 5, at 11:28 p.m., 65-year-old Mark Alexander Lynch was arrested in the 3100 block of Contra Loma Blvd. He is described as White, five-foot, eight-inches tall and 220 pounds, and was charged with assault with a deadly weapon not a firearm – aggravated (F). Case Number: 26-10753.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Lynch was born Jan. 21, 1961, is described as Hispanic and 180 pounds, is also described as White, and is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $30,000 bail.
On Friday, Nov. 6 at 11:00 p.m., 22-year-old Jesus Lopez Cabrera was arrested in the 2700 block of W. Tregallas Road. He’s described as Hispanic, five-foot, three-inches tall and 140 pounds and was charged with assault with a firearm on a person – aggravated (F) and threatening a crime with intent to terrorize (F). Case Number: 26-10774.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Lopez Cabrera was born July 4, 2004, and is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $55,000 bail.
Finally, this morning, Saturday, Nov. 7 at 10:00 a.m., 47-year-old Roy Jackson, III was arrested in the 2200 block of Sycamore Drive. He is described as Black or African American, six-foot, one-inch tall, 205 pounds and was charged with kidnapping (F), assault with a deadly weapon with force: possible great bodily injury (F) and inflicting corporal injury on a spouse/cohabitant/dating relationship – aggravated (F). Case Number: 26-10792.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Jackson was born April 13, 1979, and is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $100,000 bail.
