At Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez

By Contra Costa Health

Children and adolescents having psychiatric emergencies will have their own standalone 24/7 behavioral health crisis stabilization space in Contra Costa County starting Monday, June 24.

The new Contra Costa Youth Stabilization Unit will serve people ages 6-17 for the first 24 hours of a diagnosed psychiatric emergency when they are considered a danger to themselves or others.

Until now, youth in the county experiencing psychiatric emergencies were treated alongside adults in the Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) unit at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center. Children and teens will now be able to receive developmentally appropriate emergency psychiatric care in a dedicated space designed for pediatric patients that is separate from the adult PES.

“This is a huge step forward for mental healthcare for youth in our community,” said Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Chair Federal Glover. “Having a dedicated standalone space for children and adolescents will provide our kids with a more safe, secure and therapeutic environment to help them heal.”

The Youth Stabilization Unit, located at 25 Allen Street next to the Miller Wellness Center, will be able to serve up to eight minors at a time. In 2023, there were 1,072 admissions for pediatric psychiatric patients at the PES unit. The majority of those admitted were adolescents and young teens who presented with depression and suicidal ideation or intent.

Contra Costa Health has contracted with Pacific Clinics to staff the new unit. Care teams will include psychiatrists, registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, licensed psychiatric technicians, clinicians and crisis intervention specialists. Services will include crisis intervention, mental health assessment, medication assistance, therapy, alcohol and drug screening, case management and peer support.

The program is designed to provide a calming and welcoming environment to support mental wellness. The goal is to stabilize the unit’s patients and connect them with mental health services without requiring inpatient hospitalization, although, when clinically appropriate, inpatient care may still be recommended.

Many children and adolescents suffering mental health crises are either hospitalized or arrested, which can be even further destabilizing. Having a team of mental health professionals available to provide crisis stabilization at the new facility will help divert youth from unnecessary encounters with law enforcement or visits to hospital emergency rooms.

“The new Crisis Stabilization Unit will give youth experiencing a behavioral health crisis compassionate care tailored to their needs,” said Suzanne Tavano, Behavioral Health director for Contra Costa Health. “It is going to be a tremendous resource for our community.”

“Our team’s primary goals are to provide support and safety to these young individuals in a time of crisis,” said Mary Sheppard, regional executive director for Pacific Clinics. “We will be a therapeutic, landing spot for them and aim to instill in them the belief that there is hope beyond this moment.”

“Push-in ceremony” held on Thursday

By Allen D. Payton

Contra Costa Fire welcomed their newest tiller fire truck into its home at Station 81 in Antioch on Thursday, June 20, 2024. This new truck will serve our communities in Battalions Eight and Nine.

Known as a “push-in ceremony”, the event was attended by Antioch Councilmembers Lori Ogorchock and Mike Barbanica, Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis, Manuel Vincent, representing District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover and Con Fire leaders. Father Robert Rein of Antioch’s St. Ignatius Catholic Church, a fire department chaplain, blessed the truck during the ceremony. They all then helped push the truck into the station, located at 315 W. 10th Street.

A fire truck push-in ceremony is a long-standing tradition in the fire service. It dates back to the days of horse-drawn equipment when firefighters had to physically push the equipment back into the station after returning from a call. 

According to firesafetysupport.com, “Tiller Trucks are the most common and versatile fire trucks. They have a large scoop that can be used to pull water from a hose and transport it to the fire scene. They are also equipped with a ladder that can be used to reach high spots or rescue people trapped in a burning building.”

Con Fire PIO, Captain Chris Toler contributed to this report.

“The measure exceeds the scope of the power to amend the Constitution via citizen initiative” – CA Supreme Court

“Today’s ruling is the greatest threat to democracy California has faced in recent memory…the California Supreme Court has put politics ahead of the Constitution” – Californians for Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability

By Allen D. Payton

In response to a lawsuit by Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state legislature, the California Supreme Court justices unanimously ruled, today, Thursday, June 20, 2024, the measure known as the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act amounts to an illegal constitutional revision and removed it from the November election ballot. However, proponents vowed to continue to explore their legal options and efforts to minimize

According to Ballotpedia, “The initiative would have amended the California Constitution to define all state and local levies, charges, and fees as taxes. The initiative would have also required new or increased taxes to be passed by a two-thirds legislative vote in each chamber and approved by a simple majority of voters. It would also have increased the vote requirement for local taxes proposed by local government or citizens to a two-thirds vote of the local electorate. The increased vote requirements for new or higher taxes would have not applied to citizen-initiated state ballot measures. As of 2024, state tax increases require approval by a two-thirds vote in each chamber or a simple majority vote at a statewide election

In addition, a ‘yes’ vote on the measure would have supported “amending the state constitution to define all state and local levies, charges, and fees as taxes and to require new state taxes proposed by the state legislature to be enacted via a two-thirds legislative vote and voter approval and new local taxes to be enacted via a two-thirds vote of the electorate.”

However, according to the Associated Press, “The biggest impact…would have been that the measure threatened to retroactively reverse most tax increases approved since Jan. 1, 2022. Local governments warned they would have lost billions of dollars in revenue that had previously approved by voters. And it would have threatened recent statewide tax increases.”

Proponents

Proponents of the measure, Californians for Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability, self-described as “a bipartisan coalition of homeowners, taxpayers and businesses committed to ensuring California remains affordable for families and accountable to its voters,” led the campaign in support of the initiative.  The campaign explained the initiative, saying, “The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act will give voters the right to vote on all future state taxes and holds politicians accountable for new fees and other increased costs paid by working families and all Californians. The measure increases accountability by requiring politicians to spend new or higher tax revenue on its intended purpose. It will provide much-needed relief to families, farmers, and business owners, helping them to combat the growing cost-of-living crisis facing all Californians.”

Supporters included the California Business Roundtable, California NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association, and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. The campaign had received $17.8 million in contributions.

According to the NAIOP, the measure would have given “voters the right to vote on all future state taxes and holds politicians accountable for new fees and other increased costs paid by working families and all Californians.” It would have increased “accountability by requiring politicians to spend new or higher tax revenue on its intended purpose. It will provide much-needed relief to families, farmers, and business owners, helping them to combat the growing cost-of-living crisis facing all Californians. The Act doesn’t cut any current state or local government funding. It simply gives voters the right to vote on all future tax increases and stops working families from paying billions more in “hidden taxes” imposed by unelected bureaucrats.  They are currently gathering signatures and will need $70 million in fundraising efforts to pass the ballot measure in November of 2022.”

View materials on the proposed ballot measure.

Supporters Respond, Will Seek Legal Options, Continue Efforts

In response to the court’s ruling, the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act (TPA) campaign issued the following statement from Rob Lapsley, president of the California Business Roundtable, Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association (HJTA) and Matthew Hargrove, president and CEO of the California Business Properties Association:

“Today’s ruling is the greatest threat to democracy California has faced in recent memory. Governor Newsom has effectively erased the voice of 1.43 million voters who signed the petition to qualify the Taxpayer Protection Act for the November ballot. Most importantly, the governor has cynically terminated Californians’ rights to engage in direct democracy despite his many claims that he is a defender of individual rights and democracy. Evidently, the governor wants to protect democracy and individual rights in other states, but not for all Californians. 

We are disappointed that the California Supreme Court has put politics ahead of the Constitution, disregarding long-standing precedent that they should not intervene in an election before voters decide qualified initiatives.

Direct democracy and our initiative process are now at risk with this decision, showing California is firmly a one-party state where the governor and Legislature can politically influence courts to block ballot measures that threaten their ability to increase spending and raise taxes. Using the courts to block voters’ voices is the latest effort from the Democrats’ supermajority to remove any accountability measures that interfere with their agenda – a failed agenda that continues to drive up the cost of living with little accountability and few results. 

This ruling sends a damning message to businesses in California and across the country that it is politically perilous to invest and grow jobs for the future. 

In light of this ruling and the state’s large budget deficit, a huge amount of tax increases are on the way that are sure to make California’s cost of living even higher. 

We will continue to explore our legal options and fight for the people’s right to hold their government accountable through direct democracy.” 

———–

Opponents

The measure was opposed by Governor Newsom, CA Attorney General Rob Bonta, FSCME California, SEIU California State Council, California Special Districts Association, California State Association of Counties, and League of California Cities. Graham Knaus, executive director of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), said, “This deceptive initiative would undermine the rights of local voters and their elected officials to make decisions on critical local services that residents rely upon. It creates major new tax loopholes at the expense of residents and will weaken our local services and communities.”

Bonta had relabeled the measure’s title to, “Limits Ability of Voters and State and Local Governments to Raise Revenues for Government Services. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.” The summary he required to be included on signature petition sheets read as follows: “For new or increased state taxes currently enacted by two-thirds vote of Legislature, also requires statewide election and majority voter approval. Limits voters’ ability to pass voter-proposed local special taxes by raising vote requirement to two-thirds. Eliminates voters’ ability to advise how to spend revenues from proposed general tax on same ballot as the proposed tax. Expands definition of ‘taxes’ to include certain regulatory fees, broadening application of tax approval requirements. Requires Legislature or local governing body set certain other fees.”

In spite of that, supporters were still able to gather the required signatures to qualify the measure for the ballot. The signature gathering occurred in 2022.

Court’s Decision

According to information about the case #S281977 entitled LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA v. WEBER (HILTACHK) on the state Supreme Court’s website, it “presented the following issues: (1) Does the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act (TPA) constitute an impermissible attempted revision of the California Constitution by voter initiative? (2) Is this initiative measure subject to invalidation on the ground that, if adopted, it would impair essential government functions?”

The court wrote in its unanimous opinion, “we conclude that the TPA would clearly ‘accomplish such far reaching changes in the nature of our basic governmental plan as to amount to a revision’ of the (state) Constitution. The measure exceeds the scope of the power to amend the Constitution via citizen initiative.”

“It is within the people’s prerogative to make these changes, but they must be undertaken in a manner commensurate with their gravity: through the process for revision set forth in Article XVIII of the Constitution,” the decision continued.

The court concluded by “directing the (CA) Secretary of State to refrain from taking steps to place” the initiative “on the November 5, 2024 election ballot or to include the measure in the voter information guide.”

However, Section 3 of that Article clearly reads, “The electors may amend the Constitution by initiative.” Coupal of the HJTA was asked to explain what the court is referring to and what other approach or process should the proponents have followed. He did not respond prior to publication time.

See Court ruling, here.

For more information about the ballot measure and the coalition that supported it visit www.taxpayerprotection.com.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

6 face possible permanent decertification as peace officers

There have been no arbitrations that have occurred to date according to City staff

“Virtually all will get their jobs back.” – APOA & defense attorney Mike Rains. May call mayor, councilwoman to testify.

“…we are pleased to see that the investigation into these incidents has concluded.” – APOA VP Sgt. Loren Bledsoe

By Allen D. Payton

A report in the East Bay Times on Monday, June 17, 2024, provided information that’s been sought for months by local media about the number of Antioch Police Officers who have been terminated as a result of both the FBI and text scandal investigations over the past two years. According to the report, 10 officers have been fired and the information was based on “recently obtained emails department commanders sent to city officials.”

In the report he cited three more officers who had quit because they, “knew that harsh discipline was imminent, city documents say.” The Times also reported, “six officers were given unpaid suspensions…one received a written reprimand” and “One officer was cleared of wrongdoing.” That doesn’t include former Officer Matthew Nutt who was acquitted by a jury last Thursday of assault against a man he arrested two years ago.

That information was confirmed by Antioch District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica on Monday which he had just confirmed that with City staff and was given authorization to share it with the media. He said, “10 officers were terminated, three resigned prior to any discipline being implemented, two were demoted, six were suspended and one was cleared of all charges from an independent investigation, not including Matthew Nut.”

The Times’ report claimed, “city officials attempted to fire or discipline several more officers who ultimately won arbitration hearings and got the decisions reversed or reduced, according to multiple officials with firsthand knowledge.”

However, asked about the arbitrations Barbanica said, “I am not aware of any arbitrations that have yet occurred. It doesn’t mean they haven’t.”

After a call to City staff, during a brief, follow up conversation Barbanica clarified saying firmly, “There have been no arbitrations that have occurred to date.”

Of the 10 officers who were terminated, six also face decertification as peace officers.

APOA Attorney Confident Officers “Will Get Their Jobs Back”

When asked about the 10 terminations, defense attorney Mike Rains, who also represents the Antioch Police Officers Association (APOA), said, “I am confident they will get their jobs back. There were terminations who were charged criminally and those who sent the text messages. We (his law firm) conflicted out of the criminal cases.”

“Nutt wasn’t involved at all in the text case,” he added.

“Virtually all will get their jobs back,” Rains stated. “Six cases are pending right now for the texting that were terminated that we represent, that I’m confident they’ll get their jobs back.”

“This is a way overreaction for the text messages on their personal cell phones,” the attorney continued. “The guys who just received them or sent the message back that the City thought was not a condemnation, the City claimed Biased-Based Policing. They threw that out in most of these cases, which is ridiculous. That’s based on officers targeting individuals in the community, that they’re going to get them because of their race and wouldn’t consider targeting people of other races.”

Bias-Based Policing is also known as profiling. According to civilrightspolicing.org, is “Profiling is presuming that someone is involved in criminal activity based on who they are rather than what they have done.”

“The City said, ‘you used a bad word we don’t like, that we think is a racist term and we’re going to fire you for them,’” Rains continued. “Amiri and Rombough had texts that were really offensive. But many of them they were sending they were putting out on chains including 15 people. Some of the officers said they weren’t even reading them.”

As previously reported, Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe called for the firing of all the officers investigated for the text scandal in May 2023 and again the following month. In May 2023, District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Waker also called for the immediate firing of “officers involved in the racist texting scandal.”.

Asked if that tcould affect the officers’ efforts to regain their jobs Rains said, “I’ll probably subpoena Thorpe to testify. I may call her, too.”

“The mayor’s comments about the entire department are completely misleading,” he added.

APOA Responds

In response to the information released about the 10 terminated officers, APOA Vice President Sgt. Loren Bledsoe wrote, “We acknowledge the recent developments regarding the disciplinary actions taken against several Antioch officers. As a union, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity within our ranks.

It is important to note that the APOA cannot comment on ongoing personnel matters. However, we are pleased to see that the investigation into these incidents has concluded.

Moving forward, our focus will be on rebuilding relationships with the community and restoring public trust. We understand the significance of fostering positive connections between law enforcement and the people we serve. We are dedicated to working collaboratively with community leaders, organizations, and residents to ensure public safety and promote a sense of security for all.

We remain committed to continuous improvement, education, and training within our department. We will strive to create an inclusive and equitable environment that reflects the values and expectations of the diverse Antioch community.”

6 Face Possible Permanent Decertification

Beyond being terminated from their positions, six former Antioch Police officers face possible permanent decertification. According to the California Commission on Police Officers Standards and Training (POST) police officers can face decertification for Serious Misconduct. That is defined by the Commission as follows:

1. Dishonesty relating to the reporting, investigation, or prosecution of a crime, or relating to the reporting of, or investigation of misconduct by, a peace officer.
2. Abuse of power, including, but not limited to, intimidating witnesses, knowingly obtaining a false confession, and knowingly making a false arrest.
3. Physical abuse, including, but not limited to, the excessive or unreasonable use of force.
4. Sexual assault as described in subdivision (b) of Penal Code §832.7, and shall extend to acts committed amongst members of any law enforcement agency.
5. Demonstrating bias on the basis of actual or perceived race, national origin, religion, gender identity or expression, housing status, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, or other protected status in violation of law or department policy or inconsistent with a peace officer’s obligation to carry out their duties in a fair and unbiased manner.
6. Acts that violate the law and are sufficiently egregious or repeated as to be inconsistent with a peace officer’s obligation to uphold the law or respect the rights of members of the public.
7. Participation in a law enforcement gang.
8. Failure to cooperate with an investigation into potential police misconduct.
9. Failure to intercede when present and observing another officer using force that is clearly beyond that which is necessary, as determined by an objectively reasonable officer under the circumstances.

Five Types of Decertification

The commission publishes the names of any peace officer whose certification is suspended or revoked and the basis for the suspension or revocation. There are five types of decertification:

Ineligible – An individual has been disqualified from eligibility to be a peace officer based on a disqualifying event as set forth in Government Code section 1029.

Revoked – The peace officer has been decertified and may not exercise the duties and powers of a peace officer. A revocation is permanent, and the certification shall not be reactivated.

Voluntary Surrender or Surrender – A person who holds a certificate issued by the commission, knowingly and willingly, returns the certificate to the commission, forfeiting all rights and privileges associated with that certificate. A “surrender” has the same effect of a revocation in that it cannot be reactivated.

Immediate Temporary Suspension or Temporary Suspension – The immediate suspension of a peace officer’s certification, pending the outcome of an investigation related to allegations of serious misconduct, pursuant to Penal Code section 13510.8(d). The “temporary suspension” may be issued under the following circumstances:

• When a peace officer is arrested or indicted for a felony or other crime listed in GC§ 1029,
• When a peace officer is discharged from a law enforcement agency for serious misconduct, or
• When a peace officer has separated from employment as a peace officer during a pending investigation into allegations of serious misconduct.

The temporary suspension remains in effect until either a final determination is made by the Commission or the Executive Director withdraws the “temporary suspension” if a withdrawal is deemed to be warranted

Suspension – a disciplinary action of the Commission wherein a peace officer certification has been suspended for a specified period of time, not to exceed three years. A peace officer whose certification has been suspended may not be assigned duties which include the exercise of peace officer powers.

The six officers have all been fired from their positions with the Antioch Police Department but each of their certifications as police officers are currently under Temporary Suspension as of Monday, June 17, 2024. The list is updated weekly on Monday mornings.

Current APD Sworn Staffing

Interim Antioch Police Chief Brian Addington reported earlier this month to the Police Oversight Commission the names of all the sworn officers currently on the force, including 17 currently on paid leave. As of Monday, June 17, 2024, there are now 76 sworn officers in the department out of 115 in the budget approved by the city council and additional officers will be sworn in next week.

Lateral Officer Ricardo Mayorga hired from CHP; former APD Records Technician Alma Rodriguez hired as CSO; new Lt. Matt Koch promoted following competitive process including outside candidates

Brings force to 76 sworn, more additions next week

By Allen D. Payton

During an oath of office ceremony on Monday, June 17, 2024, one more Antioch Police officer was sworn in, a Community Service Officer (CSO) joined the force, and a sergeant was promoted to lieutenant. Held at the Antioch Police Facility’s Community Room, family members, friends, a city council member, department and City staff members, and a representative from the U.S. Marshals Service witnessed Interim Chief Brian Addington administer two oaths, the regular oath of office to Officer Ricardo Mayorga and Lieutenant Matt Koch, plus, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Law Enforcement Oath of Honor to them and CSO Alma Rodriguez.

Before introducing and swearing them in, about all three Addington said, “It signifies career growth and opening new opportunities. We need good men and women like yourselves in these positions.”

“I want to thank all three of you for your willingness to continue to serve in this profession. The margin of error is smaller than ever. Also, our communities rely on us more than ever to serve and protect them,” he added.

To the families the chief said, “We know your sacrifices and it’s not always easy having a family member in law enforcement. They miss a lot of family events. We appreciate and recognize and honor you.”

Promotion of Lieutenant Matt Koch Following Competitive Process

Addington first introduced new Lt. Koch, who has been with APD for his entire career.

“I’m just excited for new leadership and being able to mentor our new leadership and find new leaders in our department as we work to rebuild,” Koch said before the ceremony.

Starting in 1996 as a Police Explorer and cadet, the 45-year-old “worked his way to become a CSO, Reserve Police Officer, and eventually a full-time officer in 2001,” the chief shared.

Addington shared additional information about the new lieutenant’s experience with the department saying, “Koch worked on several special assignments as a patrol officer from 2001 to 2013 (SWAT, POP (Problem Oriented Policing) Team, Field Training Officer and K9). In 2014, he transferred to investigations and also worked in the Special Operations Unit (SOU), and eventually was a member of the County Safe Streets Task Force and the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force.”

He was then promoted to corporal in 2016, sergeant in 2017, and acting lieutenant a few times and most recently since March, Koch shared.

“As a sergeant, he worked on several assignments, including Professional Standards, Investigations, and as the SOU supervisor,” Addington stated. 

An Antioch High School graduate, Koch holds A.A. and B.S. degrees in Criminal Justice from California Coast University.

“Lt. Koch is currently attending POST’s Supervisor Leadership Institute (SLI), a program designed to stimulate personal growth, leadership, and ethical decision-making in California law,” the chief continued. “The coursework consists of over 190 hours over eight months, and he is on track to graduate in November 2024.”

Addington then shared a “Fun Fact” about Koch saying, “Matt takes his family camping (RVing) any chance he can. Their last big trip was last year, when he brought his 5th wheel to Yellowstone, Montana, for two weeks. Matt enjoys his free time with family and smoking/BBQing in the backyard.”

The chief then swore in the department’s newest lieutenant.

“I think through each of my promotions, everyone in my family has been able to pin a badge on me. The only one who hasn’t, is my daughter,” Koch shared. She then joined him on the stage to pin her father with his new badge.

Later, Addington shared more about “the work Lt. Koch did to get here. It’s one of the toughest jobs. You’re breaking into middle management. This lieutenant process was opened up to candidates from outside of the organization as well, the first time in the department’s history.”

That included, “a book report and a panel of law enforcement professionals and a community panel. He represented his family and this department well,” the chief explained. “He really earned this. I think he’s been preparing to take on this role for several years.”

After taking his oath, Koch said, “My wife and daughters have sacrificed so much throughout my career. I just want to say, thank you for all your love and support and sacrifices you made along the way.”

“I’d like to thank Chief, Command Staff and my entire Antioch Police Department family for the trust and support in me,” he continued. “I’m just deeply honored to be here and accept this promotion. You know, I’m grateful for all the trust everyone has given me and put into me and like the chief says, I do promise to serve with dedication, integrity and with commitment to the organization and to our mission.”

“As our department continues to rebuild, I’m looking forward to working with each of you, mentoring and coaching and help finding and rebuilding that new leadership within the department,” Koch stated. “Together, we can inspire and make a lasting impression not only within this organization but for our community.”

“I’m so grateful to be a part of it and I look forward to working with everyone. Thank you,” he concluded. (See video)

Lateral Police Officer Mayorga

Next, Addington swore in new Officer Mayorga, a lateral hire from the CHP in Solano County. A 10-year Antioch resident, “Ricardo was born in Chicago and moved to Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico at age 3. He returned to the United States and has lived in the East Bay since he was 15. He lives in Antioch and has lived here for the past ten years. Before APD, Ricardo worked for the California Highway Patrol. He enjoys working out, taking long drives, and hiking during his free time,” the chief shared.

Addington then offered the “Fun Fact” about Mayorga saying, “Ricardo understands that persistence pays off because it allows us to overcome obstacles and challenges and leads to personal growth and success. He worked for CHP before joining APD. CHP is a vast organization, so it is not uncommon to have to apply several times before getting selected, and that is precisely what he did. Ultimately, CHP selected him, and he completed their process, graduating from their academy and successfully completing their FTO program.”

Following his oath of office, Mayorga shared his appreciation for the promotion saying, “Thank you for the opportunity Chief. It was hard to get here. I’m here to continue to follow the rules and learn and I’m just thankful for the opportunity.”

His fiancé then pinned him with his officer’s badge.

Following the ceremony the 36-year-old Mayorga shared that when he moved back to the U.S., he first lived in Wildomar in Southern California. Mayorga then moved to the Bay Area, first to Oakley, where he attended high school at Freedom High and finished at Independence High in Brentwood, then later to Antioch.

“I worked for 16 years in the hotel industry and applied half that time for the CHP,” which Mayorga finally joined last year, he explained.

Asked why Antioch and why now, the department’s newest officer said, “Not only do I live here, but I knew the department had been going through not only new management but a whole new generation of officers.”

“To learn, grow and get new training to further my career,” Mayorga added as his reasons.

New CSO Rodriguez

“Finally, Records Technician Alma Rodriguez,” Addington said introducing her as the department’s newest CSO, who was hired as a Police Records Technician on December 4, 2024, and selected to the new position effective today. “She has an ambition to be a police officer. It is a crucial position within a police department. It can be traffic control… book and transport prisoners to the county jail in Martinez,” which she was doing, today just before the ceremony began.

“We couldn’t do without our CSO’s because it allows our officers to focus on more serious incidents,” the chief stated.

“Alma grew up in the Bay Area and started her career in banking, which she did for six years,” Addington shared. “While working in banking, she realized she preferred to work in the public sector, so she left for Contra Costa County Probation. Probation was a wonderful place, but she wanted to be more involved with law enforcement, which brought her to Antioch PD. Alma is very excited about this next opportunity at the Antioch Police Department.”

The chief then shared the “Fun Fact” about the new CSO saying, “Alma likes to consider herself a Cricut Master and loves to work on craft projects.”

Rodriguez then said, “I’m very excited for this opportunity and I can’t wait to keep growing within the APD family.” She chose her father to present the CSO badge to her.

Addington explained that CSO’s are not administered an oath of office and said her new uniform hadn’t yet arrived, so Rodriguez couldn’t be pinned during the ceremony.

IACP Law Enforcement Oath of Honor

Before administering the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor to all three, Addington said, “The IACP Governing Body developed an Oath of Honor to punctuate the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect and ensuring the preservation of human life.”

“This is a public affirmation of your commitment to adhere to this oath and demonstrate the highest ethical standards,” the chief said to them. “Before you take the Oath of Honor, you must understand what it means. This oath is a solemn pledge that you sincerely intend to abide by the terms of the Oath of Honor.”

“Do each of you understand that?” he asked, to which they each replied, “Yes.”

The three repeated after Addington saying, “On my honor, I will never betray my integrity, my character, or the public trust. I will treat all individuals with dignity and respect and ensure that my actions are dedicated to ensuring the safety of my community and the preservation of human life. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. I will always maintain the highest ethical standards and uphold the values of my community, and the agency I serve.”

The chief later shared the new, additional oath is something he started the last time he swore in new Antioch Police officers.

Following the ceremony, family and friends took photos with the three officers and enjoyed refreshments provided by APD and offered tours of the facility.

With Mayorga’s addition, based on the latest APD staffing report presented to the Antioch Police Oversight Commission on June 3, 2024, that brings the force to 76 sworn officers out of 115 budgeted. More officers will be sworn in next week Addington shared with the Herald. (See most recent APD staffing report)

By Acting Lt. Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division

On June 14, 2024, at approximately 8:52 PM, Antioch police officers responded to the 900 block of West 8th Street on a report of a male who had been shot while inside a residence and in need of medical attention.

When officers arrived, they located a male suffering from a graze wound. Officers immediately rendered first aid until they were relieved by paramedics. The victim was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Based on the investigation, officers believe the residence was targeted, and we are actively working on this case. This investigation is in its preliminary stages and evidence and witness statements are being collected at this time. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released.

6 occurred in parking lots, 4 while followed home

By Antioch Police Department

A word of warning to our community. Antioch PD has been investigating a series of robberies connected to bank visits. In the last 90 days, there have been nearly a dozen instances of community members being robbed after leaving local banks.

In four cases, the robberies happened at a different location after the victims left the banks. In six other instances, the actual robberies happened in the bank parking lots.

The thieves have stolen cell phones, wallets and money. Our detectives are working to make arrests in these incidents.

Yesterday, Thursday, June 13, 2024, Detectives Schaffer and Cox detained two robbery suspects after a foot pursuit and one of the suspects was armed with a firearm.

Below is an updated list of locations and additional information on the robberies we are currently investigating.

Victims Followed Home From Banks:

· April 1 – victim was followed home from Walnut Creek bank. Robbed at home, take was a purse. 2400 block of Montecito Court – no arrest

· May 22 – victim arrived home from the Chase Bank on Somersville Road. Purse was taken by force with the victim was knocked to the ground. 1500 block of Daisy Way – no arrest

· June 8 – robbery occurred at 2300 block of Buchanan Road. Victim stopped at Chase Bank, then  parked across the street and robbed of jewelry. – no arrest

· June 11 – victim left Chase Bank on Delta Fair Blvd. as they left, in an intersection and somebody ran up to their car, trying to break the window. Victim drove off, no loss.

Robberies in Bank Parking Lots:

· March 25 – Bank of America on Somersville Road, victim went to drive up ATM, after was approached by someone on bicycle. Robbed of cash and phone.

· April 3 – Bank of America on Somersville Road, victim went to drive up ATM, as they pulled away, approached by someone who robbed them of cash and cell phone.

· April 4 – Chase Bank on Delta Fair Blvd., victim using ATM when suspect ran up and robbed them of phone and wallet.

· April 10 – Chase Bank on Lone Tree Way, attempted. Victim entered vehicle after leaving bank and suspect demanded property, victim left before theft could occur.

· May 20 – BMO on Somersville Road, victims making a deposit for the County Fair. (See related article)

· June 11 – Chase Bank on Lone Tree Way, victim walking to the car after cashing check, victim robbed by the suspect.

We are asking our community to be vigilant and take precautions. If you see something, say something.

Suspect unknown

By Acting Lt. Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division

On June 14, 2024, at approximately 4:25 PM, Antioch police officers responded to the 800 block of West 2nd Street on a report of a male who had been shot and in need of medical attention.

When officers arrived, they located a male suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Officers immediately rendered first aid until they were relieved by paramedics. The victim was transported to an area hospital, where he underwent surgery. The male is in critical but stable condition and is expected to survive.

Based on the investigation, officers believe it is a domestic incident and we are actively working on this case. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released.

This information was made available by the Field Services Bureau.