By Lt. Michael Mellone, Antioch Police Department Support Services Bureau
Following a thorough autopsy, the Antioch Police Department has determined that the body of a man found over the weekend on Melon Court was not the victim of a homicide. The exact cause of death remains undetermined; however, foul play has been conclusively ruled-out in this case. The preliminary investigation suggests that the fire was accidentally started.
On March 16 at approximately 6:51 PM, officers responded to the 2900 block of Melon Court at the request of Con Fire for a reported fire coming from the area. When officers arrived, they located a person deceased who had been severely burned. Investigators are now diligently working to ascertain the specific cause of the fire. Initial findings reveal no evidence of deliberate action, and no accelerants have been found at the scene.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Detective Palma at (925) 779-6876 or by emailing kpalma@antiochca.gov
Pedestrians and a bicyclist cross the recently completed Highway 4 Mokelumne Trail Overcrossing in Brentwood on March 20, 2024. Photos: CCTA
Transportation, city officials were joined by dozens of cyclists and pedestrians to cut the ribbon, make the inaugural walk over new $13 million bridge
BRENTWOOD, CA – Almost two years to the day of the groundbreaking, as of today, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, the Mokelumne Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing in Brentwood is officially open to the public.
Officials of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA), City of Brentwood, State Route 4 Bypass Authority, Contra Costa County and Metropolitan Transportation Commission cut the ribbon to ceremonially open the recently completed bridge across Highway 4 between Lone Tree Way and Sand Creek Road.
Transportation and city officials, and former Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor (in yellow) who first proposed the project, cut the ribbon for the opening of the Mokelumne Trail Overcrossing on March 30, 2024. Photo: CCTA
They were joined by dozens of eagerly awaiting bicyclists and pedestrians to make the inaugural bike and walk on the overcrossing. The bridge now provides safe access to bicyclists and pedestrians for commuting and recreational travel and as part of the Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail which includes the Delta de Anza Regional Trail that runs through Antioch and Oakley.
The 850-foot bridge structure includes a wider trail-width of 16 feet to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians using the trail or accessing a potential future transit station. The bridge also meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards to support use by all community members. The overcrossing will also provide access to the future Brentwood Transit Center and BART Station.
“The opening of the Mokelumne Pedestrian Overcrossing marks a significant milestone for alternative and innovative transportation in Contra Costa County,” said CCTA Board Chair Newell Arnerich. “The bridge was designed for the future in mind: access to future development in Brentwood as well as creating a wider pathway to someday accommodate many forms of environmentally friendly travel, including autonomous shuttle vehicles.”
Bicyclists, including advocate Bruce Ohlson (grey beard) and CCTA Executive Director Tim Haile (in blue vest) prepare to ride across the Mokelumne Trail Overcrossing following the ribbon cutting on Wed., March 20, 2024. Photo: CCTA
The overcrossing also provides a connection to the planned Innovation Center at Brentwood, a 200+ acre parcel that city officials have zoned for employer and development partners to create a workplace community.
“The City of Brentwood is proud to have partnered with CCTA on this important project, which brings greater connectivity for bicyclists and pedestrians in Eastern Contra Costa County,” said Mayor Joel Bryant. “The project complements the City’s emphasis on innovation, safety and being financially wise – no city funds were used to construct the overcrossing.”
The cost to design and build the bridge was approximately $13 million, with funding provided through Measure J taxpayer dollars, the State Route 4 Bypass Authority and Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) bridge toll funds.
Mokelumne Trail Overcrossing partner agencies.
“Closing the gap between the Mokelumne Trail by constructing a bridge to span Highway 4 was a priority project for CCTA as the overcrossing allows safe access to cyclists and pedestrians for commuting and recreational travel,” said CCTA Executive Director Tim Haile who spoke while wearing a helmet as he said rode his bike to the event and rides his bike to work every day. “This project represents CCTA’s commitment to improving mobility and furthering safe and accessible transportation for all.”
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is a public agency formed by Contra Costa voters in 1988 to manage the county’s transportation sales tax program and oversee countywide transportation planning efforts. With a staff of 23 people managing a multi-billion-dollar suite of projects and programs, CCTA is responsible for planning, funding, and delivering critical transportation infrastructure projects and programs that connect our communities, foster a strong economy, increase sustainability, and safely and efficiently get people where they need to go. CCTA also serves as the county’s designated Congestion Management Agency, responsible for putting programs in place to keep traffic levels manageable. More information about CCTA is available at ccta.net.
In a post on Facebook on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, Antioch High School offered “Congrats to the winners of the Annual AHS Poetry Contest. They’re poets and now they know it!”
The AHS Poetry Contest was open to all AHS students, and there was no set theme. Of course, the poems had to be unique and original, but beyond that, the students were encouraged to let their creative juices flow and write about whatever stirred their souls and moved their hearts. The results were fascinating.
The top three entries from each grade level were awarded beautiful rosette ribbons, certificates and goody bags with gift cards to Starbucks, In-N-Out Burger, and lots of Easter candies.
Freshman Class
First: Navayah Thompson
Sophomore Class
First: Shadrack Gitan Nganga
Second: Mckeyla Feliciano
Third: Sydney Hill and Julianna Fraser (tie)
Junior Class
First: Jamall Burks
Second: Eimy Garcia
Third: Samantha Gonzalez-Guzman
Senior Class
First: Alex Valladares
Second: Mariah Worrell-Osborne and Zora Musawwir (tie)
Third: Tianna Kemokai
Pam Swicegood, Antioch High School English & Creative Writing Teacher, Coordinator of the AHS Poetry Contest and Advisor for The Pantheon, AHS’s Literary Magazine, provided the following information about the contest and winners:
The winning poem from the senior class was entitled Hateful Prometheus, by Alex Valladares. In Greek Mythology, Prometheus was one of the Titans, birthed from clay and given the strengths and abilities of the gods. Prometheus loved mankind, and when he saw they were struggling on earth, he stole fire from the Gods and gave it to man. This angered Zeus, who punished Prometheus and took his revenge on humans, giving them all the negative aspects of life. In Alex’s poem, Zeus’ punishment presents itself in the form of critical, manipulative parents who lack compassion, bark orders to their children, and fail to be a guiding light or nurture their children’s joys or success. Thus, making Prometheus hateful toward his creator.
The winning poem from the junior class was entitled The Unknown, by Jamall Burks. This poem is a beautiful, poignant ballad dedicated to the late Malik El-Ameen, a former AHS student who was shot last year by his father. Jamall was Malik’s best friend.
The winning poem from the sophomore class was entitled Navigating High School, from Shadrack Nganga, a new student who recently moved to Antioch from Kenya. In his poem, Shadrack writes about the struggles of feeling out of place in a new country surrounded by strangers and trying to fit in. Though at first he felt judged and criticized, wanting to hide and keep himself small, he eventually found new friends who showed him kindness and acceptance. His poem encourages others to embrace their uniqueness and face their fears, because in time, they’ll “find their song.”
The winning poem from the freshman class was entitled Happy Black History!, by Navayah Thompson. In her poem, Navayah acknowledges the history of pain and injustice from slavery’s chains to civil rights, celebrating the triumphs and struggles of those who came before her and honoring their journey.
The subjects of other winning poems were varied and beautiful; about dewdrops and disco balls, romance and unrequited love, friendship and betrayal, and wanting to have it all. One was written from the point of view of a character in a book she read in her junior English class. Another celebrated the experience of dancing the “Mama Candelaria” at a street carnival with all the beautiful costumes, the “Morenos”, and the lively rhythms and upbeat music in her home country of Peru.
All in all, the annual AHS Poetry Contest was a huge success and showcased some of the many outstanding students we are fortunate to have at Antioch High School.
Guns, ammunition and drugs confiscated from suspects in Sausalito retail theft on Monday, March 18, 2024. Photo: Marin County Sheriff’s Office
Both have history of arrests; a convicted felon, 38-year-old Jesse Martinez already out of custody
By Marin County Sheriff’s Office
On Monday, March 18 2024, at 6:34 PM, Southern Marin Deputies were dispatched to the Target Store located in the Gateway Shopping Center at 190 Donahue Street in Sausalito, on a report from security personnel that a woman was acting suspicious and possibly attempting to steal merchandise. The woman was associated with a male in a silver Nissan parked out front. While deputies were responding, the suspicious male and female moved over to the Ross Dress for Less across the parking lot. The female again went inside alone, and the male stayed outside in the car.
Upon arrival a Deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the male in the Nissan. The driver refused to stop and quickly drove away behind the Ross Dress for Less building. He was unable to leave the parking lot due to additional responding deputies and was quickly detained. Surveillance video from nearby stores showed the male suspect threw two firearms out of the car and into the nearby bushes while he was fleeing from responding units.
Both firearms were recovered; a revolver was loaded with four rounds. A “Glock style” un-serialized pistol had seven rounds in the magazine. The male was arrested for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, and ammunition, possession of methamphetamine, and fleeing from deputies.
The female inside the store was contacted and arrested for multiple “No Bail” warrants from Placer and San Mateo Counties and being in possession of fentanyl.
According to the Marin Co. Sheriff’s Office, Martinez bonded out of custody early Tuesday morning, March 19, 2024.
According to localcrimenews.com, the 5-foot, 8-inch, 185 lb. Martinez has a history of arrests over the past two years by Concord PD, Placerville CHP, El Dorado County and Contra Costa County Sheriffs’ Departments for crimes including drug possession, vehicle theft, receiving or concealing stolen property, addict in possession of a firearm and ammunition and carjacking.
According to the Marin Co. Sheriff’s Office, Lu is being held in the Marin County Jail.
According to localcrimenews.com, she has a history of arrests since 2017 by Sacramento County, El Dorado County, Placer County and San Mateo County Sherffs’ Departments, and Roseville, Colma, San Francisco and South San Francisco PD’s for crimes including intoxicated in public, disorderly conduct, shoplifting, resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer, drug possession, addict in possession of or who purchased tear gas or a tear gas weapon, looting, vehicle theft, grand theft of lost property, retaining possession of personal ID with intent to defraud and possession of burglar’s tools.
The Marin County Sheriff’s Office is appreciative of the watchful eyes of citizens, and civilian security personnel who call us when something doesn’t seem right.
Members of the Antioch City Council meeting audience wear pro-Palestinian keffiyeh scarves on Feb. 27, 2024. Photo by Allen D. Payton Former PLO and PNA leader Yasser Arafat wearing his iconic fishnet pattern keffiyeh in 2001. Source: ndawehistory.weebly.com
During special meeting; Ogorchock, Barbanica will not attend citing scheduling conflicts
By Allen D. Payton
During a special meeting called by Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe for Tuesday, March 19, 2024, the Antioch City Council, on a possible a ceasefire resolution for the Israel-Hamas War as proposed by District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker. (See meeting agenda)
Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker and residents wear pro-Palestinian keffiyeh scarves during public comments at the Antioch City Council meeting on Feb. 27, 2024. Video screenshots.
The council’s consideration follows requests by members of the public during recent Antioch Council meetings at which Torres-Walker, some speakers and members of the audience could be seen wearing black and white, fishnet pattern scarves known as keffiyehs. They have become a national symbol of pro-Palestinian activists in the Israel-Palestine conflict dating back to the 1936–1939 Arab revolt against the British. Former Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and Palestinian National Authority (PNA) leader Yasser Arafat could regularly be seen wearing one.
A resident wearing a keffiyeh scarf speaks during public comments asking for a ceasefire resolution at the Antioch City Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. Video screenshot
This is perhaps the first time ever the council will delve into international matters and possibly give direction to the president and representatives in Congress. One idea is to tell the Biden Administration to not spend any tax dollars generated in Antioch on weapons sent to Israel.
During Tuesday’s meeting, the council will receive public comments, discuss the matter and provide direction to city staff on a possible proposed resolution.
Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock said she would not attend as she only learned of the special meeting in a text from Acting City Manager Kwame Reed over the weekend and had already made other plans. Councilman Mike Barbanica will also not be in attendance as he also has a scheduling conflict, which he said he told the mayor last Monday.
The agenda was just issued on Monday afternoon, March 18, 2024, complying with the 24-hour minimum notice requirement.
It also follows the Richmond City Council’s 5-1 vote last October to condemn Israel and support the “Palestinian People of Gaza”. Contra Costa County District 1 Supervisor John Gioia opposed the resolution writing, “The passage of any resolution, regardless of attempts to amend it, will only contribute to the divisiveness.” It also follows a requested resolution by members of the public and the Brentwood City Council last November, but it has not been placed on a meeting agenda, as of yet.
The Antioch Council meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street.
By Lt. John Fortner, Antioch Police Field Services Division
On Sunday, March 17, 2024, at 01:31 AM, the Antioch Police Department Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call reporting a vehicle collision involving one male pedestrian in the area of 1800 Wilbur Avenue. Once officers arrived, they learned a Kia sedan struck an unknown male in the roadway. Afterwards, the driver fled the scene.
Officers rendered first aid until paramedics from the Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ConFire) arrived and took over. Unfortunately, the male victim succumbed to his injuries at the scene and was pronounced deceased by emergency medical personnel. The victim is not being identified at this time until next-of-kin notifications have been made.
During the preliminary investigation evidence and witness statements were collected. The investigation is currently active, and APD Accident Investigators assumed control of the Hit & Run collision investigation.
This investigation is ongoing, and we ask anyone with information to contact Sergeant R. Green (rgreen@antiochca.gov) or Officer J. Egan (jegan@antiochca.gov) of the Traffic Unit at 925-779-6864. You may also text an anonymous tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword ANTIOCH.
Park Middle School cheerleaders following their win on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Photos: Marie West
By Marie West, Head Cheer Coach, Park Middle School
Congratulations to the Park Middle School Cheerleaders for winning first place at the Rockstar-Justice League National Cheer and Dance Competition in Sacramento on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Over 50 teams participated in the national competition. Over 50 teams participated in the competition, one of six different cheerleading and dance events held across the country.
By Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau
On March 16, 2024, at approximately 6:51 PM, Antioch police officers responded to the rear of the 2900 block of Melon Court at the request of Con Fire for a reported fire coming from the area.
When officers arrived, they located a person deceased who had been severely burned. The cause of death is unknown. The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation.
The cause of death is pending an autopsy from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released.
Additional inquiries or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Palma at (925) 779-6876 or by emailing kpalma@antiochca.gov.
