After completing 1,200 hours of intensive training over 26 weeks

By Tami Grimes, PIO, CHP

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) proudly introduced 102 of the state’s newest officers during a swearing-in ceremony today at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento. In a continued effort to fill vacant officer positions, these men and women hail from communities throughout California, as well as Colorado and Oregon.

“Having successfully completed the last 26 weeks of intensive training, the CHP is pleased to welcome these new officers to the CHP family. They are beginning a career of service and I trust they will do everything they can to take care of their communities,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Every corner of the State deserves to have the best trained and prepared personnel, and I am confident these new officers will be able to provide the highest level of safety, service, and security possible.”

Before offering his prepared remarks, Duryee said to the audience of the new officers’ family members and friends, “Alright, listen. I was a little disappointed to that approach. Not from the cadets, from the crowd. You all gotta get a little fired up. This is a celebration.”

“I don’t know what they’ve told you how this place is,” he continued with a smile. “But this is a celebration, today. So, as we celebrate them let’s get a little rowdy. Yeah?” to which the audience applauded and cheered in response.

While at the CHP Academy, cadets receive over 1,200 hours of training and start with subjects including nobility in policing, leadership, professionalism and ethics, and cultural diversity. Additionally, cadets receive instruction on mental illness response and crisis intervention techniques. Training also covers vehicle patrol, crash investigation, first aid, and the apprehension of suspected violators, including those who drive under the influence. Cadets also receive training in traffic control, report writing, recovery of stolen vehicles, assisting the motoring public, issuing citations, emergency scene management, and various codes, including the California Vehicle Code, Penal Code, and Health and Safety Code.

The Code of Honor was administered by Duryee and repeated by the cadets as follows: “I, a member of the California Highway Patrol, subscribe in word and deed to the following; To serve the United States of America and the State of California honestly, and conscientiously; and fulfill my oath as a soldier of the law; to uphold and maintain the honor and integrity of the California Highway Patrol; Be loyal to my fellow officers; respect and obey my seniors in rank; and enforce the law without fear, favor or discrimination; to assist those in peril or distress and if necessary lay down my life rather than swerve from the path of duty; my person conduct shall at all times be above reproach; and I will never knowingly commit any act that will in any way bring discredit upon the California Highway Patrol or any member thereof; to all of this I do solemnly pledge my sacred honor as an officer with the California Highway Patrol.”

Today’s graduation concludes the new officers’ stay at the Academy prior to their reporting to one of the 102 CHP Area offices throughout the state on July 22. (View ceremony video and highlight video)

The CHP continues the search for service-minded individuals who are interested in a career in law enforcement in support of its ongoing, multiyear recruitment campaign to hire 1,000 officers. In 2023, the CHP added 407 officers to its ranks. With today’s swearing-in, an additional 409 officers have been sworn in this year and there are still two more cadet classes scheduled to complete the Academy before the end of 2024.

For more information about a life-changing career with the CHP, visit our website and register for our online hiring seminar at 6:30 p.m. on July 17.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Lt. D. Bittner #3252, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On July 11, 2024, at approximately 7:29 pm, Antioch police officers responded to the apartment complex located at 600 Wilbur Avenue on the report of a shooting.

When officers arrived, they located a 34-yearold male in the street near the center of the apartment complex suffering from a fatal gunshot wound.

The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took 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 jcox@antiochca.gov.

A new government facility to better fit its environment

Includes new plaza, public law library

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County

County and city officials celebrated the grand opening of Contra Costa County’s new Administration Building Tuesday morning, July 9, 2024. Located on Pine Street in the heart of downtown Martinez, the three-story cutting-edge office administration building and civic plaza was unveiled on the historic grounds previously occupied by a taller, outdated office tower and a jail dating back to around 1902. Both were demolished to make way for the modern development including the County’s other new administration building across Escobar Street that houses the Board of Supervisors’ Chambers.

Speakers included Board Chair and District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover, District 1 Supervisor John Gioia, District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen, District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis and District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson, Chief Assistant County Administrator Eric Angstadt and Martinez Mayor Brianne Zorn, and representatives of design firm Perkins & Will and Webcor Builders.

The new $65 million building replaced a programmatically obsolete and contextually out of scale office tower and showcases state-of-the-art architecture that harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding historic buildings. It also rejuvenates the public plaza formed by the vacation of a city street within the County administration campus. It embodies sustainability with on-site photovoltaics for high-performance energy use, responsibly sourced finishes, and low embodied carbon materials.

The development significantly enhances community space by adding a new public law library, ground-floor retail spaces, and a parking garage. The plaza also includes street improvements and an advanced stormwater system tailored to the site’s unique groundwater challenges and topography. Internally, the building acts as a hub for several County administrative departments, including the Public Defender, County Sheriff’s Civil Division and the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice, consolidating essential services under one roof to improve service delivery and enhance community interaction.

The new building marks a significant contribution to Contra Costa County, where modernity meets tradition and community service meets innovation.

Alexandra Pony of Pony Communications and Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Sentenced to 15 years to life

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

A 29-year-old resident of Antioch was sentenced today, July 11, 2024, in Contra Costa Superior Court for sexual abuse of a young child.

Michelle Nicole Hidalgo, was sentenced by the Honorable David Goldstein after she pled guilty to engaging in sexual acts with a child 10 years old or younger [PC 288.7(b)]. Hidalgo was a nanny to the minor victim and has been in custody since her arrest on September 22, 2023. As part of a negotiated agreement, Hidalgo was sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison – which will begin immediately. She was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

On September 21, 2023, the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force was alerted to sexually explicit images of a small child being shared on X (formally Twitter). A search warrant was served at a residence in Antioch, seized equipment used in the production and distribution of pornographic images of minors and Hidalgo was arrested.  She was employed as a part-time nanny for the victim’s family. (See related article)

Pursuant to her plea, Hidalgo admitted to abusing the child on September 19, 2023. Evidence also demonstrated Hidalgo created visual depictions of the abuse and shared those images with other X users. Text messages sent from Hidalgo to others were recovered. Those messages indicated her intent to further

abuse the child the next time she was with the victim. Investigators are currently working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to ensure those images are flagged if shared online in the future.

“The sentence delivered today reflects the severity of the crime committed,” said District Attorney Diana

Becton. “Our system of justice is dedicated to protecting victims and safeguarding the community by holding offenders accountable.”

Deputy District Attorney Jenna Franklin from the DA’s Sexual Assault Unit prosecuted the case. The investigation was led by the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). Detectives and investigators who participated in the ICAC investigation are from the Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Brentwood, Oakley, Pittsburg, San Ramon and Danville police departments, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Special Agents from the United States Secret Service and Homeland Security Investigations, and Inspectors from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, three-inch tall, 250-pound Hidalgo is Hispanic was born on December 23, 1994 and is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $800,000 bail. Her Facebook profile shows she lives in Antioch and is from Pacifica, CA where she studied at Terra Nova High School.

Case No. 01-23-02982 | The People of the State of California v. Hidalgo, Michelle Nicole

By Antioch Police Department

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you about the passing of Reserve Officer Frank Rupani. Frank was a dedicated member of the Antioch Police Department for over 26 years, serving our community with utmost commitment and professionalism.

He began his service on October 30, 1997, and has received numerous commendations and letters of appreciation from the public. In May 2014, Rupani was honored by then-Chief Allan Cantando as a Reserve Sergeant.

Prior to his retirement from the APD Reserve Unit in 2017, Rupani was assigned to assist the Parking Enforcement unit with a huge backlog of abandoned vehicles in the City. According to then-Police Chief Tammany Brooks, Rupani had been instrumental in getting the number down to a manageable level. He continued to serve the citizens of Antioch by transitioning to the Volunteers In Police Service (VIPS) program and could be seen at community events, including parades in downtown Rivertown, as well as Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies.

Officer Rupani’s unwavering dedication to his duty and his selfless service to the Antioch community will always be remembered. He was a true asset to our department, and his loss will be deeply felt by all of us.

During his time with us, Officer Rupani exemplified the values of integrity, compassion, and bravery. He was not only a respected colleague but also a trusted friend to many. His positive impact on our community and the lives he touched cannot be overstated.

As we mourn the loss of Officer Rupani, let us also remember and celebrate the incredible legacy he leaves behind. His contributions to public safety and his unwavering commitment to serving others will continue to inspire us all.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Rupani’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences and offer our full support to those affected by this loss.

According to his Facebook page, Rupani is from Burgettstown, Pennsylvania and studied for his Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering at The University of Akron.

Born on June 24, 1944, Rupani had just turned 80 and is survived by his wife Inelda who, according to family members, was by his side when he passed on July 10, 2024.

Please join us in honoring Officer Frank Rupani’s memory and the invaluable service he provided to our community.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By City of Antioch

Due to the excessive heat occurring throughout this week, with the temperature forecast of 102 degrees on Wednesday and 105 degrees on Thursday, the City of Antioch is providing cooling centers for your convenience. Residents without home air conditioning or with conditions made worse with extreme heat and poor air quality are encouraged to seek out the cooling centers.

Cooling centers will be held:

Wednesday and Thursday, July 10th and July 11th | 12pm-8pm

Nick Rodriguez Community Center | 213 F Street, Antioch

Antioch Community Center | 4703 Lone Tree Way, Antioch

Let’s do our best to stay cool, Antioch.

By Office of Representative John Garamendi

WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) on Monday, July 8, 2024, released the following statement about his diagnosis of early stage, treatable blood cancer:

“My wife Patti, a leader in the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program, ensures I stay vigilant about preventative screenings and care. Freezing abnormal bumps is standard, but a call from my doctor changed everything: “When will you be back in California? You need to come in for a series of tests.” Thus began my journey with early-stage Multiple Myeloma, a form of treatable blood cancer. 

“Today, I started my path to remission with chemo-immunotherapy as an outpatient at Kaiser Oncology in Sacramento. With early detection, excellent doctors, and the love and support of Patti, our entire family, my extraordinary staff, and congressional colleagues, I know I’ll get through this while continuing to serve my constituents and advance American democracy. I’m grateful our President initiated the Cancer Moonshot and that California’s efforts in stem cell research and taxing cigarettes in the 1980s for cancer research have advanced therapies benefiting not only me, but every family dealing with cancer.

“Throughout my treatments, which my doctor expects will last a few months, I will continue working on my long list of projects and goals for my constituents in Contra Costa and Solano counties. However, alongside destroying cancer cells, chemotherapy weakens natural antibodies and the immune system. My doctors have cautioned me to minimize exposure to COVID-19, flu, and other viruses, so I will limit travel to Washington and public events during the treatment process.

“My thoughts and support are with families managing cancer or any health condition, and with the doctors, nurses, and medical personnel who offer comfort and hope. I am confident that the treatments will be effective, allowing me to continue serving impacted families and my constituents in Congress for years to come.”

In a video post on his X (formerly Twitter) feed on Monday, Garamendi read his statement and wrote, “Like 1.9 million Americans each year, I recently received the dreaded call from my doctor informing me that I had cancer. I am thankful to have caught this early, and we are confident that I will soon be in remission.”

The 79-year-old Garamendi represents the northern waterfront and western communities of Contra Costa County including the northern portion of Antioch in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Three to sergeant, one to corporal; sergeant, CSO honored with CHP 10851 award

Brings force to 76 sworn officers

By Allen D. Payton

During a ceremony on Monday, July 8, 2024, Antioch Interim Police Chief Brian Addington swore in one new officer and promoted four others within the department. He offered background on each and also administered the Oath of Honor to the five.

In addition, Sgt. Rob Green and CSO Rudy Nieves received the CHP 10851 award for their recovery of a number of stolen vehicles

Sgt. Bill Whitaker 

Bill Whitaker has been a police officer for over 22 years. He started his career at the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety, working as a police officer and a firefighter. Since he joined APD Sgt. Whitaker has held specialty positions as a CSI, FTO, K9 handler, and detective. 

He has also held collateral assignments as a gang investigator, drone operator, recruiting team, and background investigator. 

Sgt. Whitaker enjoys teaching and mentoring the next generation of police officers. He is an EVOC Instructor, use-of-force instructor, and K9 evaluator.  

Off duty, he enjoys relaxing with family and friends, watching his son play football, and watching documentaries. 

Sgt. Whitaker is honored to move from Corporal to Sergeant and is excited about the new challenge of further serving the community. 

Fun Fact: If Bill could live on a farm and raise hurds of dogs for a job he would retire. 

Sgt. Kris Palma

Kris was raised in Martinez. He graduated from Alhambra High School and pursued his dream of becoming a police officer.  Sgt. Palma started as a civilian with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office before attending the Law Enforcement Training Center in Pittsburg.  His passion for policing came from his father, who served 39 years with the San Francisco Police Department. Sgt. Palma also has a brother who serves as a police Lieutenant in the neighboring community of Pittsburg.

He started his career with the Richmond Police Department, where he spent 15 years as a police officer. While with Richmond PD, Sgt. Palma excelled in several assignments, including Field Training Officer, SWAT team member, Firearms and Tactics Instructor, K-9 handler, and Robbery Unit detective. He engaged with the community by teaching several blocks of instruction for the department’s Citizens’ Academy, speaking to at-risk youth, and participating in numerous K-9 demonstrations.  

In 2016, Sgt. Palma was voted Officer of the Year by his peers for outstanding leadership and community service. During the same year, he received a Life Saving Metal for rendering lifesaving aid to a kindergarten teacher who was the unintended victim of a nearby shooting.  

Sgt. Palma joined the Antioch Police Department in 2021. Due to his experience, he was selected as a FTO, Firearms instructor, SWAT team member, and Detective in the Special Investigations Unit.  Sgt. Palma was chosen to be deputized as a United States Marshal and served with the USMS Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force. Most recently, he took on the role of the acting sergeant of the Investigations Bureau, where he was afforded the opportunity to work with some of the best and brightest detectives. 

Sgt. Palma is married to his amazing wife Lurdes, who when not at home with their three boys, spends her time in the emergency room helping those in need as a registered nurse.

Fun Fact: Kris loves spending time with his family, camping trips, and coaching his boys in baseball and football.

Sgt Randall Gragg

Sgt. Gragg grew up in Antioch. He graduated from Contra Costa County’s 175th Law Enforcement Academy and was sworn in with Antioch PD in November 2014. His experience includes over five years of patrol. While assigned to patrol, he was a member of the Vehicle Theft Suppression and Enforcement Team (VSET), APD’s Honor Guard, and currently is a SWAT team member and SWAT Sniper. 

Sgt. Gragg has been assigned to Investigations for just over four years. He has worked a variety of assignments within Investigations, but most recently, he has been assigned as a homicide and violent crimes detective. He has recently participated in the APD Mentorship Program and become a WRAP instructor.

Before Law Enforcement, Sgt. Gragg served in the USMC reserves for six years as an infantry Marine from 2009-2015.

He has three AAs from Los Medanos College in Social Science, Art and Humanities, Math, and Behavioral Science.

Sgt Gragg is married with three kids, and a fourth is almost due. In his free time, he enjoys working out and spending time with his family.

Fun Fact:  Randall is currently learning to play the guitar.

Corporal Dan Fachner

Dan grew up in the Bay Area and enlisted in the Air Force in 1990 after graduating high school. He served on active duty for 11 years as a jet engine mechanic on KC-135 air refuelers. In 2001, Corporal Fachner was honorably discharged from active duty in the Air Force and hired by the San Jose Police Department as a Police Officer. He attended and graduated from the San Jose Police Academy at Evergreen Community College.

9/11 occurred during his Police academy, and Corporal Fachner decided to serve his country again and joined the Air Force Reserves. After graduating from the Police Academy, he was activated and returned to active-duty service. Corporal Fachner proudly served during Operation Enduring Freedom, where he worked on KC10 aircraft refuelers, responsible for worldwide support.

While at the San Jose Police Department, Corporal Fachner worked in patrol field services for 12 years. He was a Rifle Team member and an instructor for the field training program. Dan had a collateral assignment as a gang suppression officer, where he helped reduce gang crimes in the City of San Jose.

In 2013 Corporal Fachner retired from the Air Force after serving for 23 years. He joined the Antioch Police Department in 2013 as a Police Officer and was assigned to patrol field services. While in patrol field services, Dan was a K9 handler, Rifle Team member, Field Training Officer, and Drone Operator. He had a collateral assignment and was assigned to the Contra Costa County Vehicle Suppression Enforcement Team, which focused on reducing vehicle thefts.

Corporal Fachner enjoys traveling with his wife, Crissy, when he is not at work. He is also an avid golfer and bass fisherman.

Fun Fact: Dan recently qualified for a bass fishing Tournament of Champions series, where he could win a new bass boat.

New Officer Pedro Diaz

Pedro was raised in Linden, CA, and then moved to Stockton, CA, where he currently lives. Officer Diaz graduated from the San Joaquin Delta Post Academy last October. He is dedicated and hopes to make an impact in the City of Antioch.

Fun Fact: Officer Diaz likes to play soccer.

With the addition of Diaz, that brings the total to 76 sworn officers on the Antioch Police force out of 115 authorized in the budget.

In the 3rd photo, it’s the promotions and the order is Palma, Fachner, Gragg, and Whitaker.