Zach Seal brings over 25 years’ experience in city planning, economic development in East Bay

By Jaden Baird, PIO, City of Antioch

ANTIOCH, CA — Following City Manager Bessie Scott reorganizing and combining the City of Antioch’s Community Development and Economic Development Departments, it was announced today, Friday, September 5, 2025, the appointment of Zach Seal as its new Director. He will officially begin his role on October 6, 2025.

Seal brings over 25 years of experience in city planning and economic development throughout the East Bay. His impressive track record includes leadership roles in Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Oakland, Alameda, and with the Association of Bay Area Governments, where he has consistently delivered high-impact results for local communities.

In his most recent position as Economic Development Manager for the City of Pleasant Hill, Seal played a pivotal role in revitalizing a key area of downtown by attracting Osaka Marketplace, a unique grocery store and restaurant market hall, to a long-vacant building. He also authored much of the City’s $500,000 Merchant Support Initiative, which included launching an award-winning Technical Assistance Grant Program for small businesses.

Seal’s previous work includes negotiating the agreement that brought the Martinez Sturgeon professional baseball team to Waterfront Park and establishing the public-private partnership that launched Oakland’s free Broadway Shuttle, connecting downtown residents and workers to the Jack London waterfront.

Earlier in his career, Seal served as a City Planner for the City of Alameda and the Association of Bay Area Governments, where he helped shape regional planning strategies and oversaw a range of private development projects.

“Zach’s depth of experience, creativity, and proven success in economic revitalization make him a tremendous asset to the City of Antioch,” said City Manager Scott. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the team as we continue building a vibrant, business-friendly community.”

According to his LinkedIn profile, Seal holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from U.C.L.A. and a Master’s Degree in City Planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Outside of work, he is a proud father of two young daughters and, by his own account, a recently minted expert in dad jokes and hair bows.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Victim Kevin Vandenbos shot at apartment complex on Wilbur Avenue

By Detective John Cox #5705, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau is asking for the community’s help in an ongoing homicide investigation. Kevin Vandenbos was shot and killed on July 11, 2024, at about 7:29 p.m. at 600 Wilbur Avenue in Antioch. (See related article)

When officers arrived, they located a male in the street near the center of the apartment complex suffering from a fatal gunshot wound.

The Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation.

This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time.

Over the past year, detectives have conducted multiple interviews and reviewed forensic and digital evidence. They are still working to identify witnesses who were present during the incident.

Detectives are now seeking the community’s assistance in identifying the witness depicted in the attached surveillance screenshot. Anyone who recognizes this individual is asked to contact Detective John Cox at (925) 481-8147 or jcox@antiochca.gov.

37-year-old Vallejo man faces homicide charge

Victim previously arrested last Christmas on violence charges

By Lt. Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Sunday, August 24, 2025, at approximately 11:45 p.m., the Antioch Police Department dispatch center received multiple calls reporting shots fired in the area of Cobblestone Drive and Flagstone Drive. When officers arrived on scene, they located a 27-year-old man suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Antioch police officers provided aid to the victim who was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was identified as Richard Morello, Jr.

On Monday, August 25, the Antioch Police Department executed a search warrant at an undisclosed address in Vallejo in connection with the deadly shooting. Evidence from the home was collected. On Tuesday, August 26, Stockton Police Department arrested the suspect, 37-year-old Jesus Soto of Vallejo, without incident for homicide. Evidence from a vehicle he was in was also collected.

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.

The Antioch Police Department would like to thank our law enforcement partners from Vallejo Police Department and Stockton Police Department.

This is an active investigation. Additional inquiries, tips, or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective John Cox at (925) 481-8147 or by email at jcox@antiochca.gov.

According to localcrimenews.com, Morello was arrested on Dec. 25, 2024, by Chico Police for false imprisonment by violence, battery on spouse, cohabitant or former spouse and disobeying a domestic relations court order.

No additional information could be found in an online search about the suspect.

Asked what led to the shooting and if it was a dispute, Detective Cox said he would not release any additional information, yet, that Soto had not yet arrived at the police department from Stockton and they had not yet interviewed him.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

If adopted, applications will be due Thursday, September 11

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting tomorrow night, Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the Antioch City Council will vote on the process for appointing a new City Clerk to fill the vacancy created by the sudden resignation and departure of Melissa Rhodes on July 30th. The Council had the option of holding a special election in November or making an appointment. The appointee would serve until just after certification of the November 2026 special election, consistent with state law governing resignations in the first half of an office. The remaining half of the term would be served by whomever is elected in that election.

According to the City staff report for the item, #8, on the meeting agenda, by Interim City Attorney Derek Cole, “At its regular meeting of August 12, 2025, the City Council directed that the vacancy be filled by appointment rather than by special election. State law requires that the appointment be made within 60 days of the vacancy, or no later than September 30, 2025.”

“The City last filled a City Clerk vacancy by appointment in 2011. At that time, the City Council adopted a process to ensure transparency, fairness, and public participation. That process included the following features:

1. Applications and Required Materials. Interested applicants were required to submit:

• A Letter of Interest (not to exceed 400 words) describing interest, qualifications, background, and other relevant information;

• A Nomination Paper signed by at least 20 but not more than 30 registered Antioch voters; and

• A completed Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700), as required by the Fair Political Practices Commission.

2. Eligibility. Applicants were required to be registered voters of the City of Antioch, consistent with the statutory qualification for an elected City Clerk.

3. Filing Deadline. Applications were required to be filed in the Office of the City Clerk by a fixed date and time.

4. Public Review. All completed applications were deemed public records and made available for public review.

5. Oral Presentations to Council. Each applicant was invited to make a brief oral presentation (no more than five minutes) at the Council meeting at which the appointment was considered. The Council had the opportunity to ask questions of the applicants.

6. Appointment at Open Session. Following applicant presentations and any public comment, the City Council deliberated and made the appointment during open session of the Council meeting.

Proposed 2025 Appointment Process

Staff recommends that the Council follow the same process as was used in 2011, using the following dates:

• Applications would be due in the City Clerk’s Office no later than 4:30 p.m., Thursday, September 11, 2025.

• The City Council would hold applicant interviews and consider appointment at its regular meeting of Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

This process balances transparency, fairness, and efficiency, and ensures compliance with the Government Code deadline for appointment at the end of September 2025.”

Closed Session, Special & Regular Meetings

The Council meeting begins with a Closed Session at 4:30 p.m. for a Conference with Labor Negotiators for the Management Unit, Treatment Plant Employees’ Association, Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3, Confidential Unit, Antioch Police Officers Association and Antioch Police Sworn Management Association.

That will be followed by a Special Meeting/Study Session beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers on a proposed Inclusionary Housing Ordinance. The regular meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.

The Council Chambers are located at City Hall, 200 H Street in historic, downtown Rivertown. The meetings can also be viewed via livestream on the City’s website at www.antiochca.gov/government/city-council-meetings/live/, on Comcast local cable channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99.

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Groove Ride covers the music of party bands like Earth, Wind & Fire, The Gap Band and Commodores

By Allen D. Payton

The final of the three free Antioch Summer Concerts is tonight, Thursday, August 21, 2025, with Groove Ride, an 11-piece band from the San Francisco Bay Area, presented  by the City of Antioch Recreation Department.

Although it’s entitled the Rhythms by the River Concert Series, it’s not held in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown next to the river. Instead, this year, the performances are at Prewett Family Park in the Antioch Community Center Amphitheater at 4703 Lone Tree Way.

With a diverse repertoire encompassing R&B, Funk, Soul, Pop, Hip-Hop, Rock, Latin and Jazz, Groove Ride was formed on April 5, 2012, by Doc Robinson.  Groove Ride has two simple goals; make people dance and let them see a show!

They deliver the sound of the top party and dance bands from the 70’s to the present, along with a high-powered show filled with fun and energy.You don’t want to miss their tributes to some of the greatest party bands of all time such as Earth, Wind & Fire, The Gap Band, Chic, Commodores and Heatwave

Groove Ride is a show band featuring great music, choreography, multiple attire changes and lighting for the total party experience!  No tracks, no recordings…real music played by real musicians. Come see their show. You won’t be disappointed!

The concert runs from 6:00pm-8:00pm and is accompanied by a delicious array of culinary delights, brought to you by Foodie Crew. Indulge your taste buds each Thursday with food options from all around the Bay Area. From savory to sweet, there’s something for every palate. Want to know the food options ahead of time? Visit www.foodiecrew.com.

For more information about the City of Antioch Recreation Department and other events and activities visit www.antiochca.gov/recreation.

76 sworn officer milestone underscores EBRPD’s commitment to recruitment, retention and being an employer of choice

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

The East Bay Regional Park District proudly announces that its Police Department has reached 100 percent staffing at the sworn police officer rank — a significant achievement that reflects the department’s reputation as a rewarding and respected place to build a career in public safety. With all 76 sworn officer positions filled for the first time in over 18 years, the department is better positioned than ever to deliver on its high standards for service, safety, and community trust.

This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy at a time when most Bay Area police agencies face persistent vacancies of 10 to 25 percent, with a national average near 15 percent, according to a recent survey from Respond Capture, a technology firm that assists law enforcement agencies with recruitment strategies. Achieving full staffing demonstrates the Park District’s success in attracting talented officers who are drawn to its mission, supportive culture, and unique opportunities to protect both people and natural spaces.

“Reaching full staffing in law enforcement is a remarkable milestone,” said Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “It reflects the dedication of our recruitment and retention teams, the appeal of our mission, and the leadership of Chief Roberto Filice. Officers choose the Park District because they can be part of something meaningful — protecting beloved parks and serving a community that values their work.”

Since 2022, the department has invested in dedicated recruitment efforts, including adding a sergeant role focused solely on attracting top talent. “Filling vacancies has always been — and will always be — a priority, but it’s even more important to find the right people,” said the department’s Chief Filice. “We look for officers who share our values, are dedicated to keeping our parks and communities safe, and are committed to fostering positive relationships with park visitors.”

Recruitment strategies have included outreach to police academies, collaboration with training agencies, participation in job fairs, and community engagement events like National Night Out. The department also actively celebrates the work of its officers through media coverage, social media recognition, and public acknowledgments at Board of Directors meetings.

“Full staffing means more proactive patrols, faster response times, greater community presence, and an even higher level of service for park visitors,” Filice added. “It also means our officers enjoy a supportive team environment, exceptional training, and the satisfaction of serving in one of the most beautiful regions in the country.”

“We want to thank our recruitment team, our Human Resources Department, General Manager Sabrina Landreth, Deputy General Manager Allyson Cook, and Chief Roberto Filice, who all worked diligently to bring the sworn portion of our Police Department to full staffing,” said Christopher Rudy, a detective in the department and Vice President of the East Bay Regional Park District Police Association, the department’s union affiliation. “We want to especially thank the General Manager and our Chief for the vision and implementation of our proactive Police Department that has attracted so many new members.”

The Park District Police Department provides a full range of services — from emergency response and criminal investigations to aerial support and interagency mutual aid — across 73 regional parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails. In addition to patrolling Park District lands, the department provides contracted policing for East Bay Municipal Utilities District recreation areas, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission watershed lands in the East Bay, and several state-owned parks.

With an estimated 30 million annual visits to its parks, the East Bay Regional Park District offers a dynamic and meaningful environment for public safety professionals. Here, officers protect not only the public but also the natural and cultural treasures that make the Bay Area extraordinary.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Will be paid $708,000 per year in salary and benefits

Dr. Grant Colfax previously served in San Francisco & Marin counties, Obama administration

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County

 (Martinez, CA) – The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday appointed Dr. Grant Colfax as the Director of Contra Costa Health (CCH), effective August 19, 2025. He replaces Dr. Ori Tzvieli who served as interim Director of Health Services following the February retirement of longtime CCH CEO and Health Director Anna M. Roth. Tzviele will continue to serve as the County’s Health Officer.

Dr. Colfax brings decades of experience in health leadership and a deep commitment to health equity, innovation, and community-centered care. He most recently served as the Director of Health for the City and County of San Francisco, where he guided one of the nation’s most robust local responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. He previously served as Director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy during the Obama administration and as Director of HIV Prevention and Research at the San Francisco Department of Public Health.

While in San Francisco, Dr. Colfax led a 9,000-person health department with a $3.2 billion budget, overseeing an acute care hospital and Level 1 trauma center, behavioral health, primary care, detention health, and population health.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Harvard College and a Doctor of Medicine from Harvard Medical School.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Colfax to Contra Costa County,” said Board Chair Candace Andersen, District 2 Supervisor. “His visionary leadership and deep understanding of public health systems will be invaluable as we work to expand access to care, address longstanding health disparities, and support the overall well-being of our communities.”

Dr. Colfax replaces Dr. Ori Tzvieli, who served as interim director during the executive search and will remain Contra Costa County’s Health Officer.

“We thank Dr. Tzvieli for his steadfast leadership during this time of transition, and I want to express my gratitude that he will continue as the County’s Health Officer,” Supervisor Andersen added.

Dr. Colfax will oversee a comprehensive integrated health system that includes a nationally recognized public hospital, regional health centers, behavioral health services, emergency medical services, environmental health, and public health operations serving over 1.2 million county residents.

“I am honored to join Contra Costa Health and to serve a community that values collaboration, compassion, and equity,” said Dr. Colfax. “I look forward to working with the incredible staff and partners across the County to improve outcomes and ensure that every resident—regardless of background or circumstance—has access to quality, dignified care.”

The cost to fund the Director of Health Services for the remainder of the fiscal year is about $619,000. Annual ongoing costs are estimated at about $708,000. These expenses are budgeted for the 2025–26 fiscal year.

Asked about those figures Contra Costa County PIO Jourdan responded, “That $708,000 figure includes salary plus benefits. The $619,000 is what’s available given the time left in the fiscal year.”

About Contra Costa Health

Contra Costa Health (CCH) is a comprehensive county health system committed to providing high-quality services with a focus on equity and access. From its nationally ranked Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Health Centers to its innovative Behavioral Health, Public Health, and Emergency Medical Services divisions, CCH serves as a cornerstone of wellness for more than a million residents across the county.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.