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.
Antioch 2025 Independence Day – July 4th Celebration. All photos by Allen D. Payton
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)
Source: City of Antioch Recreation Department
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:
“Three very deserving winners!” Blaisure said. “The crew did a great job working together,” Terry added.
Antioch 2025 July 4th Parade judges, Brad Helfenberger, Alonzo Terry, and Debbie Blaisure.
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!”
U.S. Senator Adam Schiff made an appearance in the parade while Antioch Police SWAT members watch along the route.
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.
More politicians plus, some protesters participated in the parade. (Upper left) Antioch District 3 Councilman Don Freitas, (top right) one side of the protest sign in red pants is District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, (bottom left) Assemblywoman Anamarie Avila-Farias (D-Martinez) and (bottom right) District 4 County Supervisor Shanell Scales-Preston.
“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.
The grand finale. Video screenshots by Allen D. Payton
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..
Antioch Unified’s Interim Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne’s last day was Monday, June 30, 2025. Photo source: LinkedIn
Lists key accomplishments
The Antioch Unified School District (AUSD) proudly acknowledges the leadership and impact of Interim Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne, who concludes his service to the district today. Dr. Wayne’s tenure brought much-needed clarity, stability, and student-centered direction to a district undergoing significant transition.
Dr. Wayne assumed leadership in January 2025 during a period of instability and immediately established structures that strengthened governance, improved communication, and prioritized educational equity. As noted by Board President Antonio Hernandez, “Dr. Wayne stepped in with clarity, compassion, and purpose. He reestablished trust and direction among the Board and brought renewed focus to student outcomes and systemic improvement.” Dr. Wayne helped shift the culture in Antioch, setting a different tone from the beginning — one of accountability, collaboration, and focus on what matters most: students. His work has laid a strong foundation for continued progress.”
Key accomplishments during Dr. Wayne’s tenure include:
• Collaborating with the Board of Education to engage in governance workshops, improve district communication, and begin reestablishing a foundation of trust
• Strengthening efforts to improve literacy and support professional learning communities in schools
• Implementing clearer, more transparent budget and governance practices
• Advancing equity-focused initiatives including work tied to the NCUST audit and special education services
• Supporting the launch of a student board member policy for the first time in district history
Dr. Wayne also published a Leadership Transition Report that outlines progress made and identifies key opportunities for continued growth. Titled “A District with Promise, A Future with Purpose,” the report highlights strengths to celebrate, opportunities to embrace, and the importance of authentic collaboration moving forward.
Telephone 925.779.7600 Fax 925.779.7515
“It has been a true honor to serve the Antioch community,” Dr. Wayne shared. “This is a district filled with passionate educators, resilient students, and a community that cares deeply. I believe in the district’s potential and am confident in the foundation we have laid.”
As AUSD welcomes incoming Superintendent Dr. Darnise Williams on July 1, the district remains committed to building on the progress and positive momentum established under Dr. Wayne’s leadership. His final day in the position was Monday, June 30, 2025.
For more information or to request a copy of the Leadership Transition Report, please contact the Superintendent’s Office at (925) 779-7500.
A legislatively mandated and voter-approved gas tax increase of 1.6 cents and updated fuel standards that could, according to experts, translate to 5 to 8 centsnot 65 cents per gallon
What you need to know: There are many disingenuous claims swirling about California gas prices “set to soar” – the truth is that gas prices won’t come anywhere close to increasing by 65 cents, as many would have you believe.
By Office of the California Governor
SACRAMENTO – California gas prices are 20 cents lower than one month ago and 17 cents lower than one year ago – despite a swirl of misinformation drawing attention to current prices.
According to a 2024 report, thanks to major improvements in fuel efficiency, California drivers rank 45th in the nation for gasoline consumption and 21st in spending on gasoline per capita. Trump’s tariffs and policies impacting the price of crude oil stand to swing gas prices far more than any state policy.
Driven by misinformation pushed by Republican lawmakers and the oil industry, there remains a lot of speculation about California gas prices. Here are the facts.
CLAIM: California gas prices will go up by 65 cents or higher on July 1.
FALSE. There are two separate changes to fuel prices expected on or around July 1 – a legislatively mandated and voter-approved gas tax increase of 1.6 cents and updated fuel standards that could, according to experts, translate to 5 to 8 cents.
Gas tax: California’s gasoline tax will increase by 1.6 cents per gallon, starting July 1, as required by law. This annual inflation increase was enacted by the Legislature in 2017 to help pay for road repairs – and overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2018 when they rejected a repeal attempt.
Fuel standard: Additionally, changes to the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) – which is not a tax – have been requested to go into effect on July 1. Experts at UC Davis estimate this program, first established by Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, could add between 5 and 8 cents per gallon – well below one extreme projection that showed 65 cents. In the long term, LCFS is estimated to reduce fuel costs for Californians per mile by 42% – translating to savings of over $20 billion in gasoline costs every year by 2045. Studies also show that LCFS credit prices have no correlation with gasoline prices.
CLAIM: Gas prices could top $8 a gallon by next year.
FALSE. That number – widely reported in the media – comes from an unscientific analysis whose author has close ties with the oil industry and has been on the payroll of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The author fails to provide evidence to support his main claim and only relies on vague references to models with no details on what those models are based on. Other experts, such as these Stanford economists, say gas price increases based on recent refinery announcements are likely to be negligible.
CalTax Says Gas Tax Will Increase to 61.2 Cents per Gallon
The tax rate on diesel fuel – a matter of great interest for many businesses, especially those in the trucking and agricultural industries – will increase from 45.4 cents per gallon to 46.6 cents per gallon, likely leading to higher costs for consumers for many goods and services.
The tax increases are in addition to any other increases that may be imposed as a result of fuel standards developed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Increases resulting from CARB actions also would take effect July 1.
The gas tax rate has more than doubled during the past 10 years. The largest year-to-year increase occurred in 2017 as a result of SB 1 (Chapter 5, Statutes of 2017), which increased gas tax by 12 cents per gallon and increased the diesel tax by 20 cents per gallon (both effective November 1, 2017) and required that the rates be adjusted annually based on the California Consumer Price Index.
Although Californians often mention vehicle-related taxes as a topic of major concern – and cited an increase in the vehicle license tax as a major factor in their decision to recall Governor Gray Davis in 2003 – the CDTFA did not issue a news release or use its social media channels to alert the media or general public to the increase. Instead, the increase was posted on the agency’s website as a special notice to retailers of gas and diesel fuels.
By Lt. Joe Njoroge #7052, Antioch Police Field Services Division
On Saturday, June 28, 2025, just before 9:00 p.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 2000 block of Terrace View Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located a 38-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound.
Officers immediately rendered medical aid until personnel from Contra Costa Fire arrived on scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for injuries determined to be non-life-threatening.
The suspect is unknown and the investigation into the incident is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department at tips@antiochca.gov.
Invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes have been detected in our community—these pests can spread diseases like Zika, dengue, and yellow fever.
The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District invites Antioch residents to attend a community meeting at Harbour Park or Mountaire Park on Saturday, June 28th, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
District staff will be available to answer residents’ questions about the latest detection of invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are capable of transmitting the viruses that can cause Zika, dengue fever, yellow fever, and chikungunya.
We look forward to talking to residents about what the District is doing to control this dangerous mosquito and how residents can help our public health agency.
Ask questions.
Get informed.
Learn how to protect your family.
Together, we can stop the spread and keep Antioch safe.
Seeking experienced firms; proposal deadline: July 16
The City of Antioch invites Antioch-based organizations to propose projects that advance economic development interests throughout the city. This request aims to award up to three grants of $20,000 each to the best projects. Proposals are due July 16!
The City of Antioch is seeking an experienced firm that can enter into a Contractor Agreement for economic development projects in Antioch, CA. The City is looking for organizations that have the ability to produce the advancement of economic development outcomes and will enter into a contractor agreement for a specific period of time.
The city boasts a variety of commercial corridors that serve as key hubs for business and economic activity. Antioch has designated areas like the Downtown Area also known as Rivertown as well as Western Antioch Commercial Focus Area, which includes regional commercial zones such as Somersville Towne Center and Delta Fair Shopping Center. Additionally, the Highway 4 Corridor plays a significant role in the local economy, with ongoing real estate developments and business expansions. The Commercial Infill Housing Overlay District has also introduced new zoning regulations, allowing for mixed-use developments in commercial areas like Lone Tree Way and Buchanan Crossings. These corridors provide retail, office, and industrial spaces, contributing to Antioch’s growing economy and community development.
Awardees should design and implement projects that result in tangible improvements to Antioch’s economic ecosystem. Projects funded under this RFP should aim to achieve at least two or more of the following outcomes:
Increased Economic Activity – Boost foot traffic, sales, or commercial occupancy rates in key corridors.
Business Retention or Expansion – Provide support or services that result in business stabilization, retention, or physical/operational growth.
Entrepreneurial Development – Foster new business creation, especially among underserved populations or within underutilized areas.
Job Creation or Workforce Upskilling – Generate new employment opportunities or improve job readiness among residents.
Community Engagement – Increase stakeholder participation, visibility of small businesses, or community pride in economic corridors.
The scope shall include but shall not be limited to:
Advances current economic development strategies. Examples of this may be to hold convenings of Antioch merchants or activation of an economically depressed location
Firm must demonstrate history of similar work in Antioch
Submit reports, invoices and documentation in a timely manner
Maintain an active business license
Proof of non-profit status
Follow terms of contract
Maintain communication with City and attend regular check ins
Show how the City of Antioch and its commercial areas will prosper with your company/firm
To evaluate the success of funded projects, grantees will be expected to measure and report on relevant key performance indicators such as increases in foot traffic, customer engagement, and retail sales; the number of businesses supported, retained, or expanded; the launch of new businesses or entrepreneur support efforts; the activation or improvement of underutilized commercial spaces; the creation or retention of jobs and workforce training outcomes; and/or levels of community participation, awareness, and satisfaction.
All grantees will be required to submit quarterly reports on progress made, as well as a final report at the conclusion of the grant term, which should include how the outcome was achieved and how the grant funds were expended. Reports will inform the City’s assessment of program impact and future funding considerations.
