Invested $12.5 million in Park District, state and federal funds

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

The East Bay Regional Park District is pleased to announce the completion of the Climate Change Impacts Wildland Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project at Anthony Chabot Regional Park. For the past three years, the Park District has been working to thin and remove hazardous trees and brush on 667 acres at Anthony Chabot to reduce fire intensity and help prevent catastrophic wildfires. (See related article)

This groundbreaking effort, the first of its kind in California, included large-scale eucalyptus removal and the use of a climate-friendly carbonizer to dispose of debris. The carbonizer produces low emissions and creates biochar, which has been used throughout the Park District to improve soil health and water retention.

In fall 2020, Park District staff noticed an increase in dead and dying trees compared with past years. The Park District began assessing die-off districtwide and found that it affected several parks. In some areas, half of the trees were either dead or showing signs they would die within a year. The condition was caused by extreme drought and climate change.

“Sudden tree die-off was an emergency for the Park District,” said Park District Assistant Fire Chief Khari Helae. “We immediately saw the need to ramp up fuels reduction to mitigate the threat of potential wildfires. We can’t prevent all ignitions, but we can lower the intensity of fires by reducing fire fuels.”

“The Anthony Chabot project tackled mostly dead and dying eucalyptus, a notoriously flammable and difficult-to-handle tree. Thinning and removing eucalyptus is essential to slowing wildfires and giving firefighters time to stop them before they become out of control. Dead standing trees burn hotter and faster and can cast embers long distances, igniting new, potentially dangerous fires,” Helae added.

The 667-acre project began in 2022 with a pilot project on 80 acres near the former shooting range in Anthony Chabot Regional Park, using the climate-friendly carbonizer for biomass removal. The pilot project assessed the feasibility of using a carbonizer to remove biomass. With additional permitting, the project expanded to 445 acres and then 667 acres.

Funding sources

The project was funded through a combination of federal and state funds. The project received $7.5 million in state funding secured by former state Sen. Nancy Skinner (now serving as California Energy Commissioner) and former state Sen. Bob Wieckowski, $1.5 million in federal funding secured by U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), $1 million in grant funding from the California Coastal Conservancy, and $2.5 million from the Park District.

“We thank our federal and state partners for their leadership, support, and funding for wildfire fuels reduction work in the East Bay,” said Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “Fuels reduction work helps reduce wildfire risks and is critical to protecting the community and natural resources.”

“The Park District has a deep understanding of the dangers and destruction wildfires can bring after experiencing the 1991 Oakland Hills Firestorm, which claimed 25 lives and destroyed 3,469 homes,” Landreth added.

Ongoing Wildfire Protection Efforts

Hazardous fuels reduction efforts continue districtwide, with large projects planned or underway at Tilden, Claremont Canyon, and Anthony Chabot Regional Parks, as well as Leona Canyon Open Space Regional Preserve. A 16-person fuels crew works year-round on vegetation management projects, along with goat, sheep, and cattle grazing covering 86,800 acres annually. 

The Park District’s wildfire protection work includes prioritizing vegetation management, operating a professionally trained full-time and on-call department, and maintaining specialized wildland firefighting equipment, which includes two helicopters capable of dropping water on wildfires.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 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.

By Jaden Baird, PIO, City of Antioch

ANTIOCH, CA — The City of Antioch is alerting residents to a door-to-door scam in which individuals are falsely claiming that the city’s tap water is unsafe in an attempt to sell high-cost water filtration systems.

In a recent report, a resident was approached by a person claiming to test water quality. The individual presented a false test result alleging the presence of “13 cancer-causing contaminants” and attempted to pressure the resident into purchasing a reverse osmosis system. When the resident declined to provide personal information, the individual became aggressive.

“These individuals are not associated with the City of Antioch, or our Water Department,” said Ivona Kagin, Laboratory Supervisor at the Water Treatment Plant. “Tap water is tightly regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. We want to reassure residents that Antioch’s drinking water meets or exceeds all federal and state requirements. Details are published in our annual Consumer Confidence Report:  https://www.antiochca.gov/583/Water-Treatment. If your water becomes unsafe to drink, the City of Antich will notify you and provide information on how to protect yourself.”

Residents are urged to follow these safety guidelines:

• Do not allow unverified individuals into your home.
• Always ask for official identification.
• Look for a City of Antioch badge and marked city vehicle.
• Call the Water Department at (925) 779-7060 to confirm if someone is a city employee.
• Report aggressive or suspicious activity to the Antioch Police Department.

Kagin emphasized that legitimate city employees will never arrive unannounced. All official visits are scheduled in advance and conducted by trained staff with proper identification.

For more information about Antioch’s water quality or to verify any city-related service visit, please contact the Water Department directly or visit http://www.antiochca.gov/water.

23rd vehicle impounded

By CHP Contra Costa

As a result of Friday night’s joint enforcement operation in the City of Antioch, CHP Investigators have seized a vehicle belonging to one of the main participants involved in the illegal sideshow activity.

This action follows the disruption of two large-scale sideshows, involving more than 200 vehicles and 300 spectators. During the operation, 22 vehicles were initially impounded, and multiple arrests were made. (See related article)

This latest seizure reinforces our ongoing commitment to holding individuals accountable for reckless and dangerous driving behavior that puts the community at risk.

This enforcement effort was made possible through the coordinated work of the CHP’s Golden Gate Division Investigative Services Unit, Contra Costa CHP, Antioch Police Department, and CHP Office of Air Operations.

Sideshows are not just dangerous — they’re criminal. Vehicle seizures and arrests will continue for those involved.

“Will cost taxpayers millions of dollars” more

Sacramento, CA – The California Office of the Secretary of State announced on Monday that a correction notice will be mailed to voter households in response to the discovery of a map labeling error in the official 2025 Voter Information Guide (VIG). 

On page 11 of the guide, a proposed congressional district contained in the map provided by the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) was inadvertently labeled as District 22 instead of District 27. A separate map provided by the LAO on page 15 included the correct identification of District 27. 

To ensure voters receive accurate information, a correction postcard will be mailed to all voter households who received the guide with the typo. The “https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/“ website has also been updated to reflect the corrected map. 

“Accuracy in voter information is essential to maintaining public trust in California’s elections.” said Weber.  “We are taking swift, transparent action to ensure voters receive correct information. This mislabeling does not affect proposed districts, ballots, or the election process; it is solely a labeling error. Every eligible Californian can have full confidence that their vote will be counted and their representation is secure.” 

According to a report by the L.A. Times, “There are 23 million registered voters in California, but it’s unclear if the postcards will be mailed to each registered voter or to households of registered voters. Even if the corrective notices are mailed to voter households rather than individual voters, the postage alone is likely to be millions of dollars, in addition to the cost of printing the postcards. The special election, which the legislature called for in August, was already expected to cost taxpayers $284 million.”

“When politicians force the Secretary of State to rush an election, mistakes are bound to happen,” said Amy Thoma, a spokesperson for one of the campaigns opposing the effort. “It’s unfortunate that this one will cost taxpayers millions of dollars.”

The election is Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Includes Medicare and commercial health plans according to NCQA

By Elissa Harrington, Sr. Media Relations & PR Rep, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

OAKLAND, Calif. – Based on national assessments of overall patient experience and clinical quality, Kaiser Permanente Northern California is once again recognized as having the highest-rated health plans in California and among the highest in the nation.

Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare and commercial health plans in Northern California each received 5 out of 5 stars – the highest rating possible, according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) 2025 Health Plan Ratings. This is the 10th ratings period that Kaiser Permanente Northern California has received this designation.

Nationally, only 11 health plans are rated 5 stars. NCQA also ranks Kaiser Permanente Northern California health plans as best in the state for treatment outcomes and prevention efforts.

“These national ratings speak to the high-quality care Kaiser Permanente Northern California provides to its members and patients every day and our efforts to improve health care outcomes,” said Mike Bowers, FACHE, interim president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our focus on treatment, prevention, and an overall exceptional patient care experience is why our health plans are recognized as best in the state and among the top health plans nationally.”

For 2025, NCQA rated nearly 1,000 plans – commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid – for quality and service nationwide. All of Kaiser Permanente’s commercial and Medicare plans received the highest rating, or were tied for the highest rating, in all the geographic regions we serve. Kaiser Permanente had more 5-star or 4.5-star plans than any other health care organization for the tenth ratings cycle in a row. 

“Our highly-skilled clinicians are consistently delivering world-class, high-value care to our patients,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “We continue to be recognized as a national leader because of our commitment to driving better health results through innovation, evidence-based treatments, and patient-centered care.”

NCQA is a national, private not-for-profit organization that surveys health plans for performance in a wide range of clinical service measures including consumer experience,  prevention, population health, and treatment.

NCQA primarily used the 2024 Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set, or HEDIS®, to establish its ratings. HEDIS is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care.

The 2025 ratings and methodology are posted on the NCQA’s website at https://reportcards.ncqa.org/health-plans.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve nearly 12.6 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.

More than 200 cars, 300 spectators at 2 intersections

By Antioch Police Department

Last night, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, we teamed up with our friends at CHP Golden Gate for a DUI and sideshow suppression detail funded by CA Office of Traffic Safety. Our planning paid off. We located two intersections where more than 200 vehicles and roughly 300 spectators were gathering to start a sideshow.

Eventually, the crowd overtook Hillcrest Avenue and the E. 18th Street intersection, blocking traffic and preventing fire trucks and ambulances from getting through. Together, we stopped the activity before it escalated further.

• 22 vehicles seized for 30 days
• 4 stolen vehicles recovered
• 30+ citations issued
• Several felony arrests made
• 1 DUI arrest

Sideshows are not only dangerous for drivers and spectators they also put our entire community at risk by blocking emergency vehicles from doing their jobs.

A big thank you to @chpgoldengate for partnering with us to keep our community safe!

Purchased at The 19th Hole; one of 16 NFL $1M Scratchers available statewide; 2nd million-dollar winner in Antioch in 3 years

Will give some to family, pursue “bucket list”, continue to work at Lowe’s

By Allen D. Payton

According to Eddie Beaudin, co-owner of The 19th Hole, Antioch’s only cardroom, one of their patrons, long-time Antioch resident Bruce Hilliard, bought a winning $1 million Lotto Scratcher last Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, out of the machine at the business.

“It was a $10, 49er-themed NFL Scratcher ticket that won,” Beaudin shared. “It’s pretty exciting.”

Beaudin’s partner, Steve Scudero, their wives, other patrons and friends of Hilliard, as well as Mayor Ron Bernal, gathered at The 19th Hole Friday, September 26, to celebrate his winnings.

Erin, one of the bartenders, who is Irish, said, “I was here when he won. I was his lucky charm!”

Asked what he planned to do with the funds, Hilliard said, “I’m setting up my great grandsons for college and will help out a couple family members, set some aside and enjoy life a little bit.”

About his granddaughter he said, “She said, ‘No’. They’re doing real well. One way or another they’re going to get a chunk of it.”

Hilliard also said he will continue working at Lowe’s on Auto Center Drive.

“It keeps me on an even keel,” he stated.

Asked how much he’d spent on the Lotto over the years Hilliard said he’s “been playing the Lotto forever. A lot of years.”

But it was his first $20 that day. He spent $10 on another Lotto ticket and $10 on the winner. He had to go the state Lottery’s district office in Richmond to cash it in. They said he’ll be receiving a check within four to six weeks.

“The federal government will take out $250,000,” he said. “That’s what they told me.”

Asked what else he’s going to spend the money on, a new car or a trip, Hilliard said, “I’m just taking it day by day. My truck is running good. I’m remodeling my house myself.”

“I’ll start doing some of my bucket list. Maybe take a cruise. Play Pebble Beach,” the avid golfer added.
“It’s something The 19th Hole has never experienced,” Beaudin stated. “Steve and myself have known Bruce for about 50 years, since the 1970’s. He always comes back and says ‘Hi’ to me and Steve. Bruce gives back to the community.”

He volunteered for the Stand Down on the Delta, earlier this month as an example.

“What a thing,” Beaudin continued. “I’m just glad it’s somebody here.”

“I just wish it was my wife,” he added with a laugh.

“I had to verify this with the state police. An officer came to visit me on Monday morning,” Beaudin explained. “He wanted to see footage of Bruce buying the ticket. We have 17 cameras in the place.”

Describing what he saw on the videos, the co-owner said, “Bruce had to validate it. He walks three steps. There’s no look on his face. Let’s go to another camera. He took three more steps and goes, ‘Yeah. Yeah!’” as Beaudine raised his hands.

“The biggest winners, here, before were $10,000, twice,” Beaudin shared. “We’ve been here 40 years in May as long as the Lottery,” which is celebrating it’s 40th anniversary this year.”

Second Million Dollar Winner in Antioch in 3 Years

“Three years ago the owner of the liquor store next door had a million dollar winner,” Beaudin stated. “

Owners Ajit Singh Sooch and Jagjit Singh Chawla of the liquor store next to The 19th Hole and the one in the 7-11 shopping center at Hillcrest Avenue and E. 18th Street, which had the other $1 million Lotto winner, attended Friday’s celebration.

“There are 16 million NFL team ticket winners statewide. We’re the first ones,” Beaudin exclaimed.
Scudero said in amazement, “He put just $10 in there. That’s a first. He plays more scratchers than anyone else. I just want to say congratulations, Bruce. It couldn’t happen to a better guy. I’m just happy it was a regular.”
Hilliard shared a few words to those in attendance saying, “I just want to say thank you all, especially to The 19th Hole and to the Lottery for loading the ticket.”

Representatives of the state Lottery, who were on hand said, “We didn’t load the machine. They did,” pointing to Beaudin and Scudero.

“And you’re a true Niner fan!” Eddie said.

“Congratulations Bruce. I’m just glad it wasn’t more money,” Bernal said with a laugh. “That ruins people. It was just the right amount of money.”

He will receive a check for $750,000 in about four to six weeks, Hilliard reiterated. The state doesn’t receive any of his winnings. The business that sold the ticket receives one-half percent of the winnings or $5,000, Sooch shared.

My family moved here in 1964. Except for 16 years in Oakley, he’s been here ever since.

“Bruce was a 1973 Antioch High grad and played wide receiver on the 1972 league championship Turkey Bowl team,” Beaudin shared about the winner.

“The game was played on Thanksgiving against Miramonte at DVC,” Scudero added.

Then all who wanted took photos with Hilliard next to the Lotto banner and machine which issued the winning ticket. The 19th Hole is located at 2746 W. Tregallas Road behind the Main Post Office.

One man from Oakley, both innocent bystanders

By Allen D. Payton

As previously reported, on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at approximately 10:21 p.m., the Antioch Police Department dispatch center received multiple calls reporting shots fired in the area of D and W. 19th Streets. When officers arrived on scene, they located four victims suffering from gunshot wounds. All were men. Antioch police officers provided aid to the victims at the scene. Two victims died at the scene.

On Friday, September 26, 2025, Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs for the Contra Costa County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office, identified the two deceased men as Julio Castaneda, age 33, out of Oakley and Thomas Vega Espinoza, age 42, whose city of residence is unknown

They were initially reported as ages 23 and 37 years old.

Lt. Bill Whitaker confirmed the ages provided by Lee saying, “Those ages are correct. We didn’t have them 100 percent identified, initially. We got a bad name from a family member, and it wasn’t actually the right person.”

“Both were innocent victims and not even the intended targets,” he added.

The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit, responded to take over the investigation. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time.

Additional inquiries, tips, or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective John Cox at (925) 481-8147 or by email at jcox@antiochca.gov.