To prohibit election intimidation in compliance with state laws in response to concerns Pres. Trump is trying to influence results

By Dawn Kruger Community and Media Relations Coordinator Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department

Martinez, California – As voting gets underway for the November 3rd General Election, Contra Costa County’s Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, District Attorney and Sheriff are standing together to ensure every voter can cast a ballot safely and with confidence.

California has long led the nation in protecting the right to vote, and its election safeguards keep getting stronger. The Peace Act (AB 2642), signed into law in September 2024, established clear protections for voters and election workers in all 58 counties by explicitly prohibiting intimidation and threats at the polls. It treats the presence of a firearm, or even a replica of one, at a polling place as unlawful intimidation, and it gives voters, election officials, and election workers the right to take civil legal action against anyone who tries to intimidate or coerce them.

Legislation signed by Governor Gavin Newsom this September builds on that foundation. The new laws make it a felony to tamper with ballots, election records, or voting equipment, guard voters against deepfakes and deception, and expand access to the ballot box, giving election and law enforcement officials across the state more tools to keep elections safe, secure, and fair. For Contra Costa County voters, that means every ballot, whether cast at a polling place, dropped in a drop box, or returned by mail, is protected from the moment it’s cast until the final count.

In his signing statement Newsom said, “Donald Trump won’t stop until he can exert dictatorial control over your free vote and disenfranchise millions of people this November. California will stop him at every opportunity. We have no bigger task than fighting to protect the right to vote from interference and meddling – the future of democracy is on the line. These bills today build upon the wall California has built to safeguard our electoral process.”

Contra Costa voters can vote their way with confidence, say the three County officials.

“As the Chief Elections Officer for Contra Costa County, I want to encourage all eligible Contra Costa residents to vote and to know that we expect another safe and secure election,” said Kristin B. Connelly, Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters. “I also want to reassure voters that we take extensive safety precautions in every election. We partner closely with local law enforcement to ensure that all Contra Costa Voters can feel confident voting with their preferred method either by drop box, through the post office, or in-person.”

Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton said, “Your vote is your voice, and we will protect it. From the mailbox to the drop box to the polling place, my office and our law enforcement partners are making sure every eligible voter in Contra Costa County can cast a ballot freely, safely, and with confidence that their voice will be heard.”

“As the election approaches, the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office is working with its law enforcement partners to ensure this election is safe and that we will help protect residents’ right to vote,” said Sheriff David Livingston.

However, the Contra Costa County Elections Division still uses the controversial Dominion voting equipment purchased in 2018 that has removal flash drives, as well as Scytle software. (See related articles here, here and here)

Since then, Dominion Voting Systems, a Canadian company, was purchased in 2025 by election reform advocate Scott Leiendecker under a new company called Liberty Vote based in Denver, Colorado.

For more information on how or where to vote, visit the Contra Costa County Elections website www.contracostavote.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Ends midday call-ins, reduces number of jurors summoned, and aligns Contra Costa County with most Bay Area courts

By Dan Radovich, ADA and Communications Manager, Contra Costa County Superior Court

MARTINEZ, Calif. – Beginning January 4, 2027, the Contra Costa County Superior Court will transition to a weekly jury summons model. Residents will be summoned for jury service less often under this new model, which is projected to reduce the number of jurors summoned each year by approximately 20%. The change also eliminates midday call-ins. Instead, jurors will know the day before whether they need to report. The first summonses under the weekly model will be mailed beginning November 9, 2026.

The change results, in part, from the Court’s strategic planning process and the feedback residents provided about their experience with jury service in Contra Costa County. The Court reviewed its jury operations and historical data, identifying weekly summonsing as a practical way to make jury service less disruptive. Weekly summonsing also brings the Court in line with most other Bay Area courts, which already summon jurors by the week.

What the Change Means for Jurors

Residents will be summoned for a service week instead of a single day. Under the Court’s new model:

• A full day’s notice. Jurors will check their reporting instructions by 5:00 p.m. beginning the court day before their service week. Jurors who are not asked to report must continue to check their reporting instructions each court day until their service week ends.
• Service is complete if not asked to report during service week. Jurors who are not asked to report during their service week will have fulfilled their jury service and will not be summoned again for at least 12 months.

Service weeks will begin on Monday, or Tuesday when Monday is a court holiday. Under the current system, jurors are often instructed to call in at 11:30 a.m. and then asked to report by 1:00 p.m. that afternoon. The new weekly model eliminates midday call-ins and same-day reporting. However, it does not change what happens when jurors report. Under the statewide “one day or one trial” policy, jurors

who report and are not assigned to a courtroom will complete their jury service that same day. Jurors assigned to a courtroom for jury selection or impaneled on a trial will return as directed by the judge.

Expected Impact

In 2025, the Court mailed over 305,000 jury summonses to support more than 250 criminal, civil, and probate jury trials. Weekly summonsing allows Jury Services to better match the number of jurors asked to report with courtroom needs on a given day. Based on its analysis of 2025 data, the Court projects the model will:

• Reduce the number of annual summonses by approximately 61,000.
• Save approximately $31,000 a year in printing and postage costs.

The Court will evaluate actual results following implementation, including summons volume, failure-to-appear rates, juror utilization, and courthouse operations.

“Jury service is an important civic responsibility, but we also recognize that it can be challenging to fit into work, family, and other obligations,” said Sarah Lind, Court Executive Officer and Jury Commissioner. “This new model is a meaningful step toward making jury service more predictable and manageable for residents, while continuing to meet the needs of our courtrooms.”

Jurors will continue to have the option to receive their reporting instructions by text message or email. Additional information about the Court’s new jury summons model and instructions for signing up for text message and email notifications are available on the Juror Service Center page of the Court’s website: contracosta.courts.ca.gov/jury. Jury Services may be contacted by phone at (925) 608-1001.

By Antioch Police Department

The Antioch Police Department hold it’s annual Trunk or Treat Event Thursday, October 29th from 3–6 PM at 300 L Street in the Department’s Parking Lot at the corner of W. 2nd Street in historic, downtown Rivertown.

FREE CANDY! Photo Booth, Face Painting, Delicious Desserts & Mouthwatering Food from Local Food Trucks available for purchase!

Also, Antioch Animal Services which is located right next door to the police department will hold their Halloween Pawty! (See below)

“Don’t forget to stop by Animal Services for free popcorn and candy and to check out their decorations,” Officer Desiderio added. “We hope to see you there.”

Bring the family and come celebrate with us! Don’t miss out!

SPREAD THE WORD & TAG SOMEONE WHO SHOULD COME!

34-year-old Davonte Lee Cyrus has history of 21 other arrests since 2015, including five this year

Two other crimes also committed at same Sycamore Square location that day

By Allen D. Payton

According to the Antioch Police Department’s CitizenRIMS, Davonte Lee Cyrus was arrested on Monday, Oct. 20, 2026, at 3:39 PM in the 1100 block of Sycamore Drive for battery on a Peace Officer or emergency personnel, trespassing and an outside warrant. All three are misdemeanors. He is described as Black Or African American, six-foot, two-inches tall and 170 lbs. Google Maps shows the location to be the Sycamore Square shopping center where the Antioch Police Department has a substation.

Specific charges include243(b) Pc: Battery on Peace Officer/Emergency Personnel/etc. – simple (M), 602(l)(1) Pc: Trespass Refuse to Leave By Order (M), and an Outside Warrant (M). Case Number: 26-10162 Incident Number: 2610200180

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Cyrus was born on July 21, 1992, is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $10,000 bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for Nov 12th at 8:30 a.m. in Dept. 4 of Delta Court in Pittsburg.

According to localcrimenews.com, Cyrus has a history of 21 other arrests since 2015, including five times this year for crimes including receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, battery on a person, trespassing on airport property, resisting, obstructing or delaying a Peace Officer, causing an officer or educational institutional employee to refrain from duties by means of direct threat or injury, resisting an officer or attempting to deter or prevent a public officer from performing their duty and two other times for trespassing.

His previous arrests include for battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse, assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, false imprisonment with violence, battery on a peace officer or emergency personnel, obstructing or resisting an executive officer, first degree residential robbery, vandalism, petty theft, trespass on closed lands, interference with employees of a public agency, conspiracy to commit a crime and violation of probation.

Two Other Crimes at Same Location, Same Day

In addition, CitizenRIMS shows two other crimes at that same location that day, including another case of trespassing at 8:59 AM, Incident Number:2610200064, but police were unable to locate the suspect. The third crime at the Sycamore Square that day was a felony armed robbery at 4:33 PM, Incident Number: 2610200197, for which a report was taken.

New name. Same commitment to our community!

By City of Antioch

Effective Oct. 22, 2026, the City of Antioch’s Public Safety and Community Resources Department will officially become the Community Services Department. It follows the Council’s decision on May 26 and vote on September 5th.

This name change reflects the Department’s evolving role and its commitment to supporting residents, strengthening neighborhoods, and connecting individuals and families with resources and opportunities.

The Community Services Department will continue its work in four key areas:

• Housing & Homelessness: Advancing housing stability, homelessness prevention, and access to housing and supportive services.
• Violence Intervention & Prevention: Building safer, stronger neighborhoods through community-based violence prevention, intervention, outreach, and partnerships.
• Youth Services: Empowering youth and young adults through leadership development, education, workforce opportunities, and positive engagement.
• Community Engagement: Strengthening relationships with residents, community organizations, and partners to ensure community voices help shape our work.

While our name is changing, our commitment to serving Antioch remains the same. Our programs, services, and partnerships will continue without interruption.

We look forward to continuing this important work as the City of Antioch’s Community Services Department.

In addition, the renamed department’s director, Monserrat Cabral, has the new title of Community Services Director and Alicia Espinoza has the new title of Community Engagement Manager.

As previously reported, the previous name was the brainchild of District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker who attempted to redefine and expand the meaning of public safety, by including “quality of life, environmental justice, youth services, housing…economic dignity, access to jobs, clean water, clean air.” However, the name caused confusion as the majority of people don’t define the term the same as she does and the department has nothing to do with police or fire services, other than a connection with the Crisis Response Team.

In addition, when the department was approved by the Council and formed in 2022, it took on the responsibility for overseeing five existing City services already handled by other departments, and two new services. At that time, the plan was to include, but not be limited to, the existing services of Animal Control, currently part of the Police Department; Youth Services Network Manager, which was part of the Recreation Department; Code Enforcement and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program that were currently part of the Community Development Department, and the Unhoused Resident Coordinator, which was part of the city manager’s office. The two new services were the mental health crisis response and violence intervention and prevention.

According to the staff report for the Sept. 5th Council meeting, “As the department’s responsibilities continued to expand, the City Council also began discussing whether the department’s name accurately reflected its mission and public facing role. During several public and administrative discussions, Council considered various naming alternatives intended to better describe the department’s functions and distinguish its community-based services from the law enforcement responsibilities of the Antioch Police Department.”

The Council settled on the name Community Services Department.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Lt. Franco Cesar, Antioch Police Department Field Services Division

The Antioch Police Department is investigating a traffic collision involving a pedestrian that occurred Wednesday evening in Antioch.

On October 21, 2026, at about 8:16 p.m., an off-duty Antioch police officer on his way to work discovered a 41-year-old man lying in the roadway near L Street and West 18th Street. The man appeared to have sustained injuries to his head and leg.

The officer immediately began providing medical aid while contacting APD Dispatch to request emergency medical assistance from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.

The man was transported to a local trauma center, where he is listed in stable condition and is expected to remain overnight for observation. The driver involved in the collision remained at the scene and cooperated with officers. Driving under the influence (DUI) is not suspected at this time.

The Antioch Police Department Traffic Unit is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has additional information is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department at (925) 779-6800. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to the department.

Student and Adult Humanitarians to be Recognized at Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony

Deadline: Nov. 6

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media

(Martinez, CA) – Contra Costa County seeks nominations for Humanitarians of the Year to be recognized during the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony.

The deadline to submit candidates for consideration is November 6, 2026.

The event will commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 19.

The Board of Supervisors will recognize two individuals, one adult and one student leader, whose dedication to others embodies the spirit and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the January event.
Nominate a community member and/or student whose accomplishments and actions go above and beyond to positively impact Contra Costa County, its residents, and communities. Please nominate candidates who demonstrate leadership, commitment to the community, and personal integrity.
To submit online nominations and learn more about the County’s celebration, visit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony website.

By Lt. Mike Mellone, Antioch Police Department

On Monday, October 19, 2026, at approximately 8:20 p.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to a ShotSpotter gunshot detection alert in the area of West 19th and C Streets.

Officers searched the area and located a crime scene in the 200 block of West 19th Street. During the investigation, officers learned that a 37-year-old man had been taken to an area hospital in a private vehicle for treatment of a gunshot wound. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

“It was a ShotSpotter activation and the victim walked into Sutter Delta Medical Center and there are no suspects or leads at this time,” explained Lt. Bill Whitaker.

Antioch Police Department investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the incident, observed suspicious activity in the area, or has surveillance footage that may assist with the investigation to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Antioch Police Department Investigations Unit at (925) 779-6926. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.