During first meeting of the year

By Allen D. Payton

During the first regular meeting of 2026, Tuesday night, Jan. 13, the Antioch City Council will discuss three options for opening warming centers during severe cold spells, including relying on the County, partnering with faith-based and community organizations or a City-funded warming center.

The council will first hold a Closed Session on three matters, the recruitment of a new City Attorney, significant exposure to two potential lawsuits and conference with labor negotiators regarding contracts with various City employee groups.

In addition, during the regular meeting the Council will review the Council 90-Day Request List Items submitted through November; appoint a City representative to the Contra Costa County Library Commission through June 2029; consider  approving the proposed 2026 City Council 6-Month Priorities to guide policy direction; discuss approving a waiver of “City-only” building permit fees, up to $50,000, for Loaves & Fishes of Contra Costa (LFCC) for renovations to their property located at 408 O Street; and forming a General Plan Advisory Committee that could include Councilmembers, Planning Commissioners and representatives from the community.

Warming Centers

According to the City staff report for the item, #7 on the agenda, the Council will discuss three options for warming centers:

Option 1: Rely exclusively on Contra Costa County’s warming center program, acknowledging that no guaranteed warming center location currently exists in Antioch.

Option 2: Direct staff to pursue partnerships with faith-based or community organizations to explore shared staffing, resource-sharing, or cost-sharing models for warming center operations.

Option 3: Direct staff to further evaluate a City-funded warming center, recognizing the staffing, cost and operational challenges identified above. Nightly expenses would range from $3,500 to $4,500.

Contra Costa County opens warming centers during severe cold spells based on National Weather Service (NWS) criteria, which specify predicted temperatures at or below 32 degrees for three straight days. When County warming centers are activated, City staff coordinate with the County to support advance community notification.

While the County has confirmed it will activate centers during qualifying conditions there are currentlyno guaranteed or identified warming center locations in East Contra Costa County, including Antioch. As a result, Antioch residents may need to travel outside the immediate area to access County-operated warming centers when they are activated.

The Public Safety and Community Service Department (PSCR) has activated a hoteling-based emergency placement program. This Emergency Motel Voucher Program (EMVP) is a separate, non-congregate emergency response strategy designed to address life safety risks during severe weather events, particularly when congregate warming center options are unavailable, inaccessible, or not appropriate for certain individuals. EMVP does not replace warming centers, but instead provides a focused, referral-based option for high-vulnerability individuals during qualifying conditions.

In the absence of a County-operated warming center in Antioch, City staff has explored whether local churches or community organizations were independently operating public warming centers. None were found to operate public warming centers. However, one Antioch-based church has recently expressed willingness to activate a warming center if the City provided funding for staffing, supplies, and operations. Another option is for the City to work with local faith-based organizations to jointly explore partnership models, shared-resource approaches, or cost-sharing options, which might be more sustainable than a City-operated center.

Another option considered is for the City of Antioch to operate its own warming center based on activation criteria established by the Council, such as when temperatures fall below 40 degrees or other local thresholds. However, this option is not recommended due to staffing limits and high estimated costs. All responsibilities would be managed through overtime, with estimated nightly expenses ranging from $3,500 to $4,500.

Meeting Details

The Closed Session begins at 5:00 p.m. and the regular meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall located at 200 H Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. It can also be viewed via livestream on the City’s website and the City’s YouTube Channel, on Comcast Cable Channel 24 or AT&T U-verse Channel 99.

See complete meeting packet.

The Antioch Lapidary Club will hold its annual Jewelry, Gem & Rock Show at the Contra Costa County Event Park (fairgrounds) on Saturday and Sunday, February 21 and 22, 2026. (See flier for details)

The club is dedicated to education and conservation of our resources. We cordially invite you to experience the fascinating and little-known world of lapidary. Lapidary is the art of cutting and shaping all manner of rocks, minerals, fossils and gems to create beautiful art forms. The Antioch Lapidary Club is looking for new members with a curious mind and willingness to discover the many sides to this skill.

This is a hands-on, involved club and all new members are welcome, as well as curious guests.
Our club reaches out to schools and youth groups to educate children about the fascinating world we live in! We also host Shows and Rock Swaps to let Rockhounds from all over California (and beyond!) to come together.

To learn more about the club click here. Although our club takes field trips out into the field to collect precious and semi-precious stones, we also make sure to respect both the land and the wildlife that has to share space in the area.

At gas station early Monday morning

By Lt. Michael Mellone, Field Services Division, Antioch Police Department

On Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at 1:11 a.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to the ARCO at 3300 Hillcrest Avenue for a report of a disturbance. Upon arrival, officers located a 17-year-old juvenile suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The juvenile was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment, and his condition is not considered life-threatening.

The victim’s identity is not being released.

This incident is being actively investigated by APD detectives. Investigators are conducting follow-up interviews, collecting and analyzing evidence, and reviewing available video and other investigative leads in an effort to identify and locate all involved parties. The investigation into this incident remains ongoing. To protect the integrity of the investigation, the Antioch Police Department is not releasing additional details at this time.

Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department Investigations Unit at (925) 779-6926. You may also email information to tips@antiochca.gov. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Police seek public’s help to ID, locate suspect

By Lt. Franco Cesar #7264, Antioch Police Field Services Division

On Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 10:46 p.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 600 block of Wilbur Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers located a 29-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck. Officers immediately rendered medical aid until Contra Costa Fire Protection District personnel arrived on scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he is being treated for injuries that have been determined to be non-life-threatening.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department at tips@antiochca.gov.

One in five emergency calls are for overdoses, exposing first responders to contamination and infection

New law spearheads nationwide effort to stop overdose deaths and crack down on trafficking

By Julie S. Kramer, Press Secretary, Office of Congressman Josh Harder

WASHINGTON – On Dec. 11, 2025, Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA-09) announced that his bipartisan bill to protect law enforcement from fentanyl exposure has been signed into law, unlocking $57 million every year through 2030 for overdose training for local law enforcement. Led with Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), the Safer Response Act was included in a broader package of substance use prevention and recovery legislation that passed the Senate in September, alongside the rollout of a brand-new nationwide initiative to combat the fentanyl crisis.

Fentanyl in our community puts everyone at risk:

• Despite declines, fentanyl overdoses continue to be the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45, killing nearly 50,000 people last year alone.
• This creates an escalating crisis for first responders, with up to one-in-five emergency medical service calls involving overdose response.
• First responders are at risk of accidental exposure, contamination, and infection when responding to overdose emergencies.

“Our brave first responders never hesitate to answer the call and step in to save lives every single day, and they shouldn’t have to worry about self-exposure while they’re working to reverse life-threatening fentanyl overdoses,” said Harder. “This bill is going to bring millions for better training and modern resources to Valley departments, which will mean fewer lives lost to the deadly fentanyl epidemic. I’m grateful that lawmakers from across the aisle joined together to send this to the President’s desk, and I’m committed to ensuring our community continues to benefit from common-sense laws like this.” 

How the Safer Response Act supports law enforcement:

• New technical assistance for local first responders to address overdoses.
• Additional training on how first responders and emergency medical services can protect themselves in the event of exposure.
• Outreach coordination teams to bridge gaps between public and private medical and emergency response partnerships.

Harder has made cracking down on the growing fentanyl crisis a top priority – he helped pass a bipartisan bill to put more fentanyl traffickers behind bars, and he is leading new legislation to close drug manufacturing loopholes that traffickers use to escape justice. Earlier this year, Harder met with more than 200 narcotics officers representing state associations across the country, including in California, as part of the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition’s (NNOAC) 2025 Delegate Conference. 

Congressman Harder represents the 9th Congressional District of California. Following the passage of Prop. 50 last November, the new district boundaries will include Pittsburg, Antioch and portions of Oakley and other areas in Eastern Contra Costa County. Harder is expected to run for re-election in the new district.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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

Martinez, California – The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) of $323,500 to support a specialized prosecution team dedicated to alcohol and drug-impaired driving cases.

“We are grateful for this grant, which will allow us to focus specifically on holding individuals accountable for impaired driving and making the roads in our community safer for everyone,” District Attorney Diana Becton said. “Driving Under the Influence remains a significant danger on our roads. This funding strengthens our commitment to improving road safety and making sure justice is served effectively and efficiently.”

The specialized prosecution team will also partner with the statewide Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor Training Program (TSRP) to train other prosecutors and investigators and collaborate with law enforcement agencies on best practices for handling and managing driving under the influence (DUI) cases.

“Through focused prosecution efforts and strong partnerships, we are working toward a future where all people will be safe on California roads,” OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said. “Together, we’re holding impaired drivers accountable and encouraging safe, responsible choices that help build a culture where safety comes first.”

This is the first year the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has received funding from the OTS for a specialized DUI prosecution program. The grant program runs through September 2026.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Say 23-year-old Ryan “Hardy should be considered armed and dangerous”

Share more details about girl still in stable but critical condition

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

Today, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, Antioch Police Department detectives identified Ryan Hardy as the suspect in the shooting of an 11-year-old girl on January 5th through a combination of video surveillance, witness statements and forensic evidence.

Hardy should be considered armed and dangerous. Members of the public are advised not to confront him. Anyone who sees Hardy in public or has information regarding his whereabouts is urged to call 911 immediately. Hardy is also encouraged to peacefully surrender to the Antioch Police Department.

During the course of the investigation, detectives identified several individuals who assisted Hardy in evading law enforcement. Those individuals, as well as anyone who knowingly assists Hardy in the future, will be subject to arrest for accessory under Penal Code section 32.

As previously reported, on January 5, 2026, Antioch Police Department officers responded to a report of shots fired in the parking lot of the Delta View Apartment complex located at 3915 Delta Fair Boulevard.

While officers were responding, they learned that an 11-year-old girl had sustained a gunshot wound to the head while inside a vehicle in the apartment complex parking lot.

The girl was transported to Children’s Hospital Oakland, where she was listed in stable condition.

Asked for an update on her condition, Lt. Whitaker shared, “It’s the same. She’s in stable but critical condition. The bullet is lodged in her head and they’re trying to monitor to her to decide if they’re going to remove it or leave it.”

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Antioch Police Detective John Cox at (925) 481-8147 or via email at jcox@antiochca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Graduates from final class of 2025 including valedictorian

By Allen D. Payton

A post on the CHP – Contra Costa Facebook page on Dec. 23, 2025, reads, “Please join us in welcoming five new officers to the CHP Contra Costa Area! These officers are members of Cadet Training Class III-25 and are beginning the next chapter of their careers as they start Field Training, gaining valuable knowledge and hands-on experience from their Field Training Officers.

We’re proud to have you and look forward to watching you grow, serve, and protect the Contra Costa area.”

The five graduated in the year’s final class on Dec. 5, 2025.

According to Synthia Ramirez of the CHP Office of Media Relations, “While at the CHP Academy, cadets have the option of requesting a news release/article in their hometowns. Only two of the five new officers at the CHP Contra Costa Area office wanted a news release.” They include Officers Dylan Hoffman and Anthony Martin Manzo, and according to CHP Contra Costa PIO Dan Gilmore, the other three new officers are K. Wheeler, E. Rios and O. Karimi.

Officer Anthony Martin Manzo – Class Valedictorian

According to Jaime Coffee, CHP Director of Communications, Office of Media Relations, on Dec. 5, 2025, Anthony Manzo of Turlock, CA, successfully completed cadet training at the CHP Academy and is assigned to duty at the CHP’s Contra Costa Area Office.

Officer Manzo graduated from John H. Pitman High School in 2022 and then attended Modesto Junior College. Before attending the CHP Academy, he worked as a sales apprentice at America’s Tire in Turlock. As a new CHP officer, he is eager to contribute to keeping California’s roads safe for all travelers. During graduation, he was named class Valedictorian for his outstanding academic performance at the academy.

Officer Dylan Hoffman

Dylan Hoffman of Roseville, CA, has also successfully completed cadet training at the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Academy. He is assigned to duty at the CHP’s Contra Costa Area office.

Officer Hoffman graduated from Rocklin High School in 2022. Before attending the CHP Academy, he worked as a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technician for Impact Air Solutions in Carmichael, Calif. He says he will miss the connections and stories shared with his classmates, as well as the motivation that came from early-morning physical training.

About the CHP Academy

At the CHP Academy, cadet training starts with nobility in policing, leadership, professionalism, ethics, and cultural diversity. Training also includes mental illness response and crisis intervention techniques. Cadet instruction covers patrol operations, crash investigation, first aid, and the arrest of suspected violators, including those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The cadets also receive training in traffic control, report writing, recovery of stolen vehicles, assisting the motoring public, issuing citations, emergency scene management, and knowledge of various codes, including the Vehicle Code, Penal Code, and Health and Safety Code.

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