Antioch PD, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Dep’t among 148 Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program recipients

CCC Sheriff Forensic Services Division will use funds for toxicology crime lab

By Tami Grimes, CHP Public Information Officer

SACRAMENTO – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) today announced more than $35 million in grant funding to 148 California law enforcement agencies, crime laboratories, local government agencies and nonprofit organizations to help address the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“As the legal cannabis market continues to grow, so do the state’s efforts to ensure Californians are recreating responsibly. By supporting the organizations that enforce and amplify our laws on the ground, we can keep everyone safer,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

The grants from Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act, assigned the CHP the responsibility of administering grants for education, prevention and enforcement programs aimed at helping communities tackle impaired driving. Additionally, funds are available for crime laboratories that conduct forensic toxicology testing. The funding for these grants comes from a tax on the sale of cannabis and cannabis products in California.

“This funding represents a major step forward in our ongoing mission to save lives and prevent impaired driving,”said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “With over $35 million going to nearly 150 public safety partners across the state, we’re expanding our reach like never before. These resources will help those on the frontlines keep California’s roads safer for everyone.”

These funds will go towards a variety of activities. One hundred twenty-six recipients of law enforcement grants will use the funding to combat impaired driving in their communities, including Antioch, Danville, Pinole, Pleasant Hill, Richmond and San Ramon Police Departments. The funds will also support drug recognition evaluator training to improve the identification of drug-impaired drivers, as well as public outreach campaigns, including educational presentations and community events.

Eleven recipients of education grants will use the funds to inform local communities about impaired driving laws while highlighting the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Seven recipients of two-year toxicology crime laboratory grants, including the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department Forensic Services Division, will use the funds to eliminate backlogs in analyzing forensic science evidence and to purchase or upgrade laboratory equipment to enhance testing capabilities.

Four recipients of two-year medical examiner’s and coroner’s office grants will use the funds to improve and advance data collection in cases involving driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

With the passage of Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate, and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA), California voters mandated the state set aside funding for the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to award grants to local governments and qualified nonprofit organizations, as described in Revenue and Taxation Code Section 34019(f)(3)(B).

The Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program marks an important step toward reducing impaired driving crashes, increasing public awareness surrounding the dangers of impaired driving, and making California’s roadways a safer place to travel.                  

The application process for future grant funding is expected to reopen in early 2026. More information is available on the CHP website at CHP’s Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program.

 The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

26-year-old David Bahrami had threatened to kill neighbor, rushed officers with knife

Crisis Response Team could not be dispatched to scene

By Acting Lt. Whitaker # 6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

As previously reported, on June 30th at 7:15 a.m., Antioch police officers were dispatched to the 3800-block of Osprey Drive after a man called police dispatch and stated he wanted to kill his family. The City’s Crisis Response Team, which deals with mental health crisis calls, could not be dispatched due to previous safety concerns flagged at this location during prior incidents.

Officers tried to contact the caller’s family but were unsuccessful. While officers were gathering information and establishing a plan, a phone call was made to the man, 26-year-old David Bahrami, in an effort to de-escalate the situation and establish contact with his family. Bahrami refused to allow officers to speak with his family and instead made additional threats to kill his neighbor.

During the call, officers positioned themselves on the street corner to create distance and requested Bahrami to come to the end of the street to speak with them. When Bahrami was visible to officers, he was ordered to stop and get on the ground. In response, Bahrami removed a large knife from his waist band and attempted to flank officers before charging directly at them.

Despite the deployment of less-lethal munitions, Bahrami continued advancing on officers while holding the knife. Officers discharged their service weapons, striking Bahrami. Officers on scene rendered aid until paramedics staged nearby arrived and took over care; however, Bahrami was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The officers involved are on paid administrative leave per department policy. The Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau is investigating this incident in partnership with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, pursuant to the Contra Costa County Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol.

The Antioch Police Department is currently developing an in-depth, detailed release of information, to include body-worn camera footage, neighborhood surveillance footage, and evidence related to the investigation. A critical incident overview video is linked below.

Refer to critical incident video link:

English – https://youtu.be/2cxJ7Z1izMM (WARNING: Graphic scenes of shooting and language). Español – https://youtu.be/EI028-WqUHk

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information regarding the incident, is encouraged to contact Detective Cox at (925) 779-6866 or via email: jcox@antiochca.gov or by calling the Investigations Bureau at (925) 779-6926.

1 of 7 injured; ESPN posts on X, CBS now reporting his agent says Harris “is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season”

By Allen D. Payton

Rumors have been circulating online all week that former Antioch High football standout Najee Harris sustained an injury to his eye during the previously reported July 4th fireworks explosion in Antioch. No one has confirmed the information until today, Thursday, July 10, when, according to CBS News, his agent, Doug Hendrickson of Wasserman Media Group in Larkspur.

Efforts to confirm the information with Antioch Police and Contra Costa Fire Protection District (Con Fire) personnel have been unsuccessful. The only thing they have shared is that seven people were injured, including four were transported to local hospitals, one in critical condition, two others drove themselves and one refused medical transport.

The explosion occurred in the 2200 block of Spanos Street in Antioch. When police officers arrived on the scene, they discovered the aftermath of an explosion caused by fireworks.

According to Antioch Police Lt. Bill Whitaker, one man lost fingers, was burned, and was still in critical condition on Sunday. But no names of the victims have been released as it’s still an active investigation.

Asked if she had any names of those who set off the fireworks Con Fire PIO Lauren Ono reiterated on Tuesday, “The investigation is still ongoing and that’s part of it.”

Additional efforts to reach Brock Anderson in media relations with the L.A. Chargers, for whom the 27-year-old Harris is now a running back on a one-year, $9.5 million contract, were also unsuccessful prior to publication time.

However, as of 3:58 PM on Thursday, July 10th, ESPN is reporting on X/Twitter, “Breaking: Chargers RB Najee Harris sustained a superficial eye injury during a 4th of July fireworks mishap, sources tell @AdamSchefter. He is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.” According to his profile Schefter is an “ESPN Senior NFL Insider. Host of the Adam Schefter Podcast http://Instagram.com/AdamSchefter and considered a reliable source.”

Further, CBS is reporting that “Harris sustained an eye injury, according to his agent.” The CBS report reads, “‘Najee Harris was present at a 4th of July event where a fireworks mishap resulted in injuries to several attendees,’ Hendrickson’s statement reads, via NFL Media. ‘Najee sustained a superficial eye injury during the incident, but is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.’”

Efforts to reach Hendrickson for a direct comment on the incident were unsuccessful prior to publication time.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

15-year-old Antioch High student Tyrell Washington, 4 others shot

By Allen D. Payton

According to the San Francisco Police Department, “On July 5th, 2025, at approximately 12:07 a.m., San Francisco Police officers from Bayview Station responded to the 100 block of Harbor Road regarding a shooting. Officers arrived on the scene and located several victims who were suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

Officers rendered aid and medics arrived on scene, who transported five victims – three minors and two adults – to the hospital, two with life-threatening injuries and three with non-life-threatening injuries. Despite the lifesaving efforts of the emergency responders and the medical staff, one of the victims succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced deceased.

When asked for the identity of the victim and additional details about the shooting, SFPD Public Information Officer Robert Rueca responded, “At this time we are not identifying the victim in this incident. We are not releasing further details regarding the incident due to the open and active investigation.”

A call and email sent to the San Francisco Chief Medical Examiner’s Office to identify the deceased were unsuccessful prior to publication time.

However, according to a July 9th KTVU FOX2 news report, the victim was 15-year-old Antioch resident Tyrell Washington who was in San Francisco visiting his relatives for the July 4th holiday. His birthday was this Friday, and he would have turned 16 years old.

“Relatives say the teen embraced his Christian faith and was baptized in April,” the KTVU report shared. “Family members described Tyrell as a good student at Antioch High School where he was set to start the 11th grade.”

The SFPD Homicide Detail responded to the scene and is leading the investigation.

In a post on the GoFundMe account set up by Latasha Johnson to help raise funds for Washington’s funeral expenses reads,” Help Us Honor the Life of Tyrell Devon Amir Washington

It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating loss of our beloved Tyrell Devon Amir Washington, who was tragically murdered in Bayview-Hunters Point, San Francisco—just seven days before his 16th birthday.

Tyrell was not involved in gangs in any way. He was a bright, loving, and intelligent young man with his whole life ahead of him. He had just received his driver’s permit and a brand new car—something he was so excited about. Tyrell had already earned all of his high school credits and didn’t need to attend summer school. He was focused, motivated, and full of potential.

Born and raised in Antioch, California since the age of three, Tyrell grew up surrounded by family and community. He was known for his affectionate nature and deep love for those around him. If you knew Tyrell, you knew how much he loved to laugh, connect with others, and simply enjoy life. Tyrell brought people together he was loving, caring, and so kind to everyone who he became in contact with.

On July 4th, Tyrell came to San Francisco to celebrate with family and friends. He was just trying to enjoy the holiday, like any kid would. But his life was senselessly taken from us.

We are asking for your support during this heartbreaking time to help in anyway possible with a donation, no matter the size, means the world to our family.

Tyrell deserved so much more. He was loved, he was cherished, and he will never be forgotten.

Thank you for your prayers, support, and love.

Show your support for this GoFundMe.”

The effort had raised $1,930 of a $50,000 goal by early Wednesday afternoon, July 9.

Check back later for any updates to this report.

In annual Assessment Roll; shows Antioch with $16.3 billion in property value

By Allen D. Payton

In a letter to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, county Assessor Gus Kramer informed them of this fiscal year’s Assessment Roll for the purpose of collecting property taxes and the net value has increased by almost $12 billion over last year.

The report shows San Pablo and Danville had the greatest increase while Concord and Pittsburg had the least, as well as an increase of 1,342 parcels due new development in the county.

Kramer’s letter reads:

“Dear Members of the Board of Supervisors,

I am pleased to report the completion and official delivery of the 2025–2026 Contra Costa County Assessment Roll to the County Auditor-Controller, as required by law.

This year’s assessment roll reflects a total net assessed value of $290.66 billion, an increase of $11.67 billion—or 4.18%—over the previous year. This represents the highest total assessed value in the County’s history. Cities with the highest percentage increases in assessed value include San Pablo with 5.81%, and Danville with 5.28%. Cities with the most modest growth include Concord at 3.10%, and Pittsburg at 2.96%.

The total number of assessed parcels now stands at 382,022, an increase of 1,341 parcels compared to the previous year. This growth reflects ongoing development and investment throughout Contra Costa County.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to the staff of the Assessor’s Office for their professionalism, dedication, and tireless efforts in preparing an accurate and timely assessment roll for the 2025–2026 fiscal year.

Sincerely,

Gus S. Kramer

Assessor”

The duties of the County Assessor’s Office include:

• Discovering and assessing all property within the County
• Producing and delivering an assessment roll by July 1 of each year
• Valuing all real property
• Auditing all entities doing business in the County and valuing all taxable personal property
• Establishing and maintaining a set of 11,000 maps for assessment purposes, delineating every parcel of land in the County
• Providing a public information service to assist taxpayers with questions about property ownership and assessment

To review your property’s value visit Review Your Value and for more information call the office at (925) 313-7400.

Closed Antioch, Pittsburg/Bay Point Stations; police seek suspects

By Allen D. Payton

According to Jim Allison, BART Media Relations Manager in a message at 9:30 p.m. Sunday, July 6, 2025, “Antioch station is closed and there is no service between Pittsburg/Bay Point Stations and Antioch Stations due to police activity at Antioch Station. The

“BART police are investigating a shooting that occurred at about 8:15 p.m. in the bus zone near the station,” he continued. “One adult male victim was transported to John Muir Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.”

BART Police are searching for suspects and the Antioch Police Department have been assisting in the investigation, as well.”

“There is no indication that the shooting victim was a BART rider,” Allison added.

Antioch Police posted a message on their Facebook page informing the public of the investigation and to avoid the station area.

No additional information has been provided as of Monday afternoon.

To celebrate signing of Declaration of Independence and nation’s 249th birthday

Parade winners announced, U.S. Senator makes appearance, SWAT’s presence explained

By Allen D. Payton

Hundreds of Antioch residents lined the streets of historic, downtown Rivertown on Independence Day, during the annual celebration Friday afternoon, to enjoy the July 4th Parade, Kids and Family Zone, food from local restaurants and  food trucks, live music by “Sade of the Bay”, the Ariel Marin Band, and The Purple Ones – Prince Tribute Band who ended their performance with a solid rendition of Purple Rain to the delight of the crowd in Waldie Plaza, as the fireworks show over the river began about 9:20 p.m.

During a break in the music, Mayor Ron Bernal thanked those who gathered for the celebration.

Thousands gathered on the Promenade and Uril E. “Compy” Compomizzo Fishing Pier along the Antioch waterfront to enjoy the show shot from the barge on the river. It floated too far east and had to be called to head back west just in time for the spectacular grand finale. (See video)

2025 Antioch Independence Day – July 4th Parade Winners

The three Antioch Independence Day – July 4th Parade Judges, Assistant City Manager Brad Helfenberger, former Antioch School Board Trustee Alonzo Terry, and Rivertown Treasure Chest co-owner and Downtown Antioch Association leader Debbie Blaisure, determined the following winners in each category:

MOST PATRIOTIC: DELTA VETERANS GROUP @deltaveteransgroup;

BEST PERFORMANCE: PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL CHEER TEAM @parkmiddleantioch; and

BEST VEHICLE: BRUSH PROS @brushprosca.

“Three very deserving winners!” Blaisure said. “The crew did a great job working together,” Terry added.

In a post on the Antioch Recreation Department’s Instagram page City staff wrote, “Thank you so much to every single one of our parade participants!”

Senator Schiff Shows Up, SWAT’s Presence Seen

During the parade, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) participated, waving to the crowd while walking with a group holding signs with his name on them.

Some people speculated he was the reason for the Antioch Police Department SWAT Team’s presence along the parade route and throughout the celebration. However, according to Lt. Mike Mellone, that wasn’t the case.

“We had planned for a tactical presence at the parade well before we were made aware of Senator Schiff’s attendance. This decision was based on the elevated threat environment tied to ongoing world events, as well as adherence to best practices for securing large-scale public gatherings,” he shared.

“There were no specific or credible threats made in advance of the event. Our department worked closely with regional and federal partners to monitor for any potential risks and ensure the safety of all attendees,” Mellone added.

See more videos on the Antioch Herald Facebook page here, here, here and the grand finale here.

4:50 P.M. 7/5/25 UPDATE: 7 injured, 4 transported to local hospitals, 1 in critical condition, 2 others drove themselves, 1 refused medical transport

7/7/25 UPDATE: Man lost fingers, was burned, still in critical condition Sunday

By Acting Lt. Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau

On July 5, at approximately 12:18 a.m., the Antioch Police Department dispatch center received multiple calls reporting an explosion on the 2200 block of Spanos Street. When officers arrived on the scene, they discovered the aftermath of an explosion caused by fireworks.

Antioch PD officers, ConFire, and AMR provided medical aid and triaged the patients. Several victims had already left the scene before the first responders’ arrival and were treated at local hospitals. Antioch PD is working to find and speak with all individuals involved regarding this incident.

4:50 P.M. UPDATE: Whitaker later shared, “A total of seven were injured, four of them were transported from the scene, one refused medical transport. Two self-transported to local hospitals. As of 4:00 AM one man was in critical condition. An update on his condition is expected from detectives, shortly.”

This is an unfortunate accident, and our thoughts are with the family and all those affected during this difficult time. We ask for patience and privacy for the families as the investigation continues.

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.

Any tips or other information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Shaffer at (925) 481-8604 or by email at cshaffer@antiochca.gov.

According to PulsePoint as of 10:57 PM July 4th Con Fire had responded to 14 fires in Antioch with one still active at the time Friday night.

7/7/25 UPDATE: According to Lt. Whitaker, the man lost fingers, was burned, and still in critical condition on Sunday. But no names of the victims have been released as it’s still an active investigation..

Please check back later for any updates.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.