But just temporarily

By Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media

(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) has reinstated Fire Chief Lewis Broschard to serve as Fire Chief on an interim basis until a permanent appointment is made.

Chief Broschard retired in March after more than 18 years of distinguished service, marked by strong leadership and a deep commitment to public safety and the residents of Contra Costa County.

During his tenure, the District achieved significant advancements, including the annexation of the East Contra Costa and Rodeo-Hercules fire districts and a service contract with the City of Pinole. He also led the expansion of firefighting resources, staffing, facilities, and emergency services, while strengthening wildfire mitigation efforts and supporting the creation of more than 40 Firewise communities.

“Chief Broschard’s return ensures experienced leadership and continuity while the District conducts a search for its next permanent Fire Chief,” said Board Chair Diane Burgis, District 3 Supervisor.

“I’m an honorary doer. I think that’s a better title for me.”

By Antioch Chamber of Commerce

During the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gala, Friday night, March 27, 2026, Joanne Bilbo, a lifelong resident of Antioch, was honored as the 2025 Citizen of the Year for Lifetime Achievement in recognition of her unparalleled dedication to her community. At 96 years young, Joanne’s life is a shining example of volunteerism, leadership and service.

She joined the Catholic Young Ladies at age 16 and has been a devoted, long-standing member of Most Holy Rosary Church. Affectionately known as the “Dessert Lady,” Joanne has spent decades delighting parishioners with her famous bundt cakes at church events, always serving with joy and generosity.

Her commitment extends beyond the church: she has been a dedicated board member of the Antioch Historical Society, earned the affectionate title of “Ticket Lady” for managing museum event tickets for countless community events, and was honored in 2023 as a Community Leader by the Sports Legends Hall of Fame Museum, where she served on the board for more than a decade.

Joanne’s impact on Antioch reaches into every corner of the community. She and her husband, Marshall Bilbo, married in 1960 and raised two children while owning and operating Ernie’s Liquors for many years. She has been a vital presence in the Antioch Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Antioch, contributing her time, energy, and leadership to countless initiatives.

As a board member of Antioch Friends of the Arts, she oversaw the purchase and dedication of the Cannery Lady statue on W. First Street in historic, downtown Rivertown, celebrating Antioch’s rich history and culture. In 2003, she joined a philanthropic organization dedicated to raising scholarships for women, further extending her impact on future generations. Through her decades of volunteerism, her warm presence, and her unwavering commitment to community, faith, and service, Joanne Bilbo has become a beloved and inspiring figure in Antioch—truly deserving of the title Citizen of the Year.

See video of Joanne’s speech during the Gala in which she said, “I’m an honorary doer. I think that’s a better title for me.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Antioch Chamber of Commerce

During the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gala, Friday night, March 27, 2026, Allison Norris, founder of the charitable organization Snug As A Bug, was honored as the 2025 Antioch Citizen of the Year for Most Impact for her extraordinary dedication to improving the lives of those in need.

Through her organization, Allison provides handmade quilts and bags to children, teens, adults, and veterans, offering warmth, comfort, and a tangible reminder that someone cares. Over the years, she has supported hundreds of individuals in Antioch and surrounding communities, creating meaningful connections and helping people navigate moments of hardship. In 2024 Allison tirelessly created quilts for veterans and contributed to the Antioch Stand Down on the Delta, an event supporting those who have served. Her outreach extends to local schools, hospitals, police departments and social service agencies, where she ensures that foster youth, families facing crisis and individuals experiencing trauma receive the physical comfort of a quilt and the emotional support that accompanies it.

Allison’s impact reaches far beyond the quilts she creates. She continuously volunteers her time at the Woman’s Club of Antioch, her church, and local schools, using these partnerships to bring other volunteers into the fold and create meaningful opportunities for community engagement. Through her dedication, she strengthens the social fabric of Antioch, demonstrating the power of compassion in action. Guided by her motto, “Building Community with Community,” Allison never seeks recognition for her work, choosing instead to focus on the real, lasting impact she makes every day. Her unwavering commitment, generosity and leadership have touched countless lives, inspiring others to give back, reinforcing a culture of care, resilience and community in every corner of Antioch.

See video of Allison’s speech during the Gala.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Office of the California Governor

Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Friday, March 27 2026, his appointment of two more Superior Court Judges in Contra Costa County, Hanni Fakhoury and Amanda Karl.

Hanni Fakhoury, of Contra Costa County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Contra Costa County Superior Court. Fakhoury has worked as a Partner of Moeel Lah Fakhoury since 2021, where he works in white collar and federal criminal defense as a trial attorney and mediator. He served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender at the Federal Public Defender for Northern District of California from 2015 to 2021. Fakhoury worked as a Staff Attorney and Senior Staff Attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation from 2011 to 2015. He worked as a Trial Attorney at the Federal Defenders of San Diego from 2007 to 2011.

According to his Linkedin profile, “Fakhoury is an accomplished litigator who represents individuals and companies in criminal prosecutions and government and regulatory investigations. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a Northern California Super Lawyer. In addition to litigation, Hanni serves as a mediator in the Northern District of California’s ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) program and is a co-lecturer at UC Berkeley School of Law.

According to his bio on his law firm’s website, Fakhoury is a “Bay Area native” and “proudly serves the Northern District of California as a member of its Criminal Justice Act (CJA) trial panel, representing indigent criminal defendants. He was also selected by the Northern District bench to serve on the court’s Standing Committee on Professional Responsibility, Criminal Rules and Practice Committee, and CJA Administration Committee.”

“A sought-after teacher, Hanni…co-teaches a seminar on white collar crime. He has presented and lectured at over 100 legal conferences to wide audiences, including judges, attorneys and the public at large.”

Fakhoury received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Charles S. Treat. Fakhoury is a Democrat.

Amanda Karl, of Alameda County, has also been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Contra Costa County Superior Court. Karl has worked as a Partner at Gibbs Mura since 2022, where she also worked as an Associate from 2016 to 2021. She served as a Law Clerk at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California from 2015 to 2016 and at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 2014 to 2015.

According to her profile on the Gibbs Mura website, Karl “represents consumers, employees and others who have been harmed by corporations. She has prosecuted a wide range of complex cases, including product defect, failure-to-warn, wage and hour, data breach, sexual assault, and securities cases, within a variety of industries. In 2024 she was honored as a Rising Star by Law360, a highly selective award that recognizes top attorneys under the age of 40.

Karl received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law as a member of the Order of the Coif, a national honorary scholastic society, which extends invitations to the top 10% of Berkeley Law’s graduating J.D. students by grade point average. . She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Charles B. Burch.  Karl is a Democrat. 

The annual compensation for each of these positions is $244,727.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

A Minnesota native, he’s lived here for 85 years, is a World War II veteran and former Dow Chemical company employee

By Allen D. Payton

Born on March 25, 1922, Antioch resident Alexander Rocco “Sani” Fontana turned 104 on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Plans are in the works to celebrate with family and fellow residents and staff of the Tre Vista Senior Living community in Antioch where he lives.

Fontana shared that his real first name is “Alexander and they cut it to Alec.” His middle name is Rocco. “It was planned from my father’s side of the family,” he stated.

“Sani is a nickname inherited through my grandpa who was Santi. It got shortchanged from Santi to Sani,” Fontana added.

Asked about his family, Sani said, “My brother Leo was right behind me by 13 months. Leo, who also lived at Tre Vista, turned 100 in 2023 and passed away in August, that year.

They also had a younger sister named Lilly.

“We were very close. Lilly was two years younger than Leo,” Sani said.

He then shared about his life, family, and why and when they came to California and ended up in Antioch.

“We were born in Minnesota. I graduated from high school in 1940, and we moved out here in 1941,” Sani said. “Our parents waited for Leo to graduate and then made the move. Lilly was the baby. She died two or three years ago.”

“My stepfather had asthma real bad and this climate suited him. He had relatives out here, also,” Fontana continued. “So, the move was made through the family. We moved to Pittsburg for a short time. We built a house in Antioch on Alpha Way and 18th Street. That was the homestead. It’s still there.”

Asked if he was married, Sani said, “I was married for 54 years to Betty Machado, a local girl. She passed about two years ago. There are a lot of Machados in Oakley.”

They didn’t have any children.

Asked what he did for fun and if he was involved in the community like his brother, Fontana said, “I played softball a lot as an adult. Leo handled all the politics. I just stood by and watched.”

Sani then shared about his other family members in Antioch.

“Leo’s daughter, Andrea and Lilly’s daughter, Stephanie still live in the area,” he stated. “My nephew Randall, Leo’s son, passed away at a young age, in his 40’s.”

Asked if he had any other relatives Sani said, “Not that I know of. I am the last of the Mohicans”

Sani worked for Dow Chemical in Pittsburg.

“I put in a number of years there,” he stated. “I was a working man, go to work every day, spent time with family, our family was very close. All the holidays were held together, birthdays and everything.”

Asked about any travels Sani said, “We traveled within the U.S.” Being Italian he was asked if he had been to Italy. Sani said, “I flew over it, but I never landed in Italy.”

He then shared about his military service in the Air Force during World War II.

“I did 39 missions as a tail gunner in a B24 in Europe,” Fontana stated. “We were stationed in England. All of the targets we flew over were in Germany.”

“Leo served in the same branch as I was in, but he didn’t do any flying,” Sani continued. “He was a grounder for the 8th Air Force also in England.”

Asked if he was drafted or was able to choose which branch to serve in Fontana stated, “I chose Air Force. We trained in the United States in Tonopah, Nevada, then two weeks training in Ireland, then we did our missions.”

“We were nomads,” he added.

Asked how long he served in the military he responded, “The war ended and we were released.”

About his secret to growing old he said, “One day followed the other and you just go along with it. I didn’t do anything special.”

Asked what it’s like to be 104 he said simply, “Same as any other day.”

A birthday party will be planned at Tre Vista for some time in the near future.

Happy 104th Birthday, Sani Fontana!

Julian Bridges wants to represent Antioch

“Julian is going to be a world champion, now.” – Ruben Herrera

Deer Valley High Class of 2019 grad

By Allen D. Payton

After leaving to train in Las Vegas seven months ago, Antioch boxer Julian Bridges is back and has been making his mark going undefeated in the first nine matches of his professional career including five knockouts. The City Council honored Bridges during their meeting Tuesday night, March 24, 2026, with a proclamation recognizing his success. He was also honored by Assemblywoman Anamarie Avila Farias with a Certificate of Recognition.

Before he left last August, the day after his 24th birthday, Bridges trained at the Team Salguera Boxing Gym in the Cielo Supermarket Shopping Center at 1860 A Street in Antioch, where he has returned.

Last summer, he officially signed a contract with Capetillo Boxing Gym in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Bridges continued his journey in professional boxing while proudly representing the city of Antioch. The gym, owned by renowned trainer Jorge Capetillo, is recognized for its elite training of world-class fighters, including Tyson Fury, Fernando Vargas, Jr., Emiliano Vargas, Brandon Moreno (UFC), and Canelo Alvarez, among others.

Pastor Ruben Herrera of Palabra De Dios Church in Antioch, with family connections to Capetillo Boxing Gym, has played a pivotal role in helping Bridges move closer to his dream of becoming a world champion.

“The community is excited to witness the rise of a future boxing champion representing Antioch, California,” Herrera said. “Julian is an impressive boxer and boasts an undefeated professional record.”

Return to Antioch

About Bridges’ return the pastor shared, “We were able to get out of that contract and bring him back home. His heart is here in Antioch and the Bay Area. He wants to be the face of Antioch.”

“He learned a lot in Las Vegas. Jorge Capetillo is an amazing coach and the gym was amazing,” Herrara continued. “Julian sparred with the best boxers in the world at that gym. He was able to go toe-to-toe with them. He’s probably the best boxer in the Bay Area. He’s ranked 47th in his weight class in the U.S. He feels stronger than ever. Julian is going to be a world champion, now.”

Started Boxing at Age 14

Bridges shared about his beginnings in the sport.

“I started when I was nine years old, first with kick boxing because I was getting bullied,” he said. “I switched over to boxing at 14 and I was trying to get a scholarship. Then I met coach Sergio who encouraged me to turn pro at 21 years old. He’s the one who believed in me before I believed in myself. I respect him. He’s like a second father figure to me.”

“Ever since then I had fights, locally in Sacramento, Redwood City and Nashville and in 2024 in Vegas as Canelo’s undercard during Cinco de Mayo weekend,” he stated.

“Sergio told me about Pastor Ruben. This is the guy who has connections,” Bridges explained. “My dad said let’s talk to him. So, we sat down and had a talk. He asked how serious and how committed I am to this. He said God directed him to help me out.” 

“We went to Vegas and met Jorge Capetillo, a trainer with a gym there,” Bridges continued. “I went there in August to train and he sent me a contract. Now, I’m signed with him.” 

A sendoff party was held on Thursday, August 21st, Bridges celebrated his 24th birthday on Saturday, then moved to Vegas on Sunday, the next day.

Wants to Represent Antioch

He says he wants “to represent the City of Antioch and will wear the city logo on his boxing shorts.”

During the council meeting, Mayor Ron Bernal said they’d get him a bigger City patch and Councilman Louie Rocha offered to get some items with the City of Antioch logo on them.

Born in San Jose, Bridges said he has lived in Antioch since he was eight years old and graduated from Deer Valley High School in 2019. 

His father and mother, John and Jessica Bridges, live in Antioch and Bridges has six siblings, three bothers and three sisters and he’s the second youngest.

His family supports him, he shared.

“At first my mom didn’t like me fighting. But now she’s all into boxing,” Bridges said with a laugh.

Mom Jessica said, “I’m a very proud mom. He’s come a long way. I’m excited about his new opportunities and I’m looking forward to seeing all the great things he’s going to do for the gym and the city of Antioch.” 

Boxing Record

The six-foot tall, 146-pound boxer said he “fights in the welterweight class.”

According to BoxRec.com, Bridges began his professional career with his debut fight on November 5, 2022, and his boxing matches also took him to Costa Mesa, CA and Tijuana, Mexico.

According to Tapology.com, his middle name is Delore and his first two knockouts occurred in Round 1, another was in Round 2 and the fourth happened in Round 3. Bridges’ four non-knockout fight victories were by unanimous decision. He fought twice in 2023, three times in 2024, once in 2025 and so far, twice in 2026.

City Council Honors Bridges

During their March 24th meeting the Antioch City Council voted unanimously to approve the following proclamation recognizing Bridges’ achievements in boxing.

MARCH 24, 2026

WHEREAS, the City of Antioch proudly recognizes the achievements and contributions of its residents who exemplify dedication, perseverance, and excellence; and

WHEREAS, Julian Bridges, a talented and disciplined boxer from Antioch, California, has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the sport of boxing and a relentless pursuit of excellence; and

WHEREAS, Julian Bridges has compiled an impressive boxing record of 9-0, 5KO’s Nine Wins, Zero Losses, five of those wins coming by Knock Out, reflecting his skill, preparation, and determination in the ring; and

WHEREAS, Julian Bridges has earned notable achievements and accolades, including earning the Professional Ranking of 47th within the entire Country, distinguishing himself as a high-performing athlete; and

WHEREAS, Julian Bridges trains with Coach Sergio Salguera, of the Team Salguera Boxing Gym, where he continues to refine his craft and represent Antioch with pride; and

WHEREAS, through his discipline, sportsmanship, and perseverance, Julian Bridges serves as a role model to youth in the Antioch community, demonstrating the value of hard work, focus, and resilience; and

WHEREAS, we recognize Julian Bridges for his outstanding accomplishments in boxing, his dedication to excellence, and his positive impact on the Antioch community; and

WHEREAS, Julian Bridges’ achievements bring recognition and pride to the City of Antioch and reflect the strength, determination, and spirit of its residents.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch,

On behalf of the City Council do hereby recognize and honor Julian Bridges and extend our sincere congratulations and best wishes to Julian Bridges for continued success in all future endeavors.

MARCH 24, 2026

RON BERNAL, Mayor

According to a Facebook post by JuicyFights on March 7, 2026, “Undefeated welterweight prospect Julian Bridges kicks off his 2026 campaign this Saturday against veteran William Davis at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, California. The 24‑year‑old Antioch native, now 8‑0 with 4 KOs, reunited with coach Sergio Salguera, saying the home environment has him feeling sharper than ever.”

“Bridges’ resume already boasts a first-round KO of unbeaten Allen ‘Chubby’ Medina and a UD win over unbeaten Jabin Chollet, building confidence and resilience. He’s focused on growth and plans to stay active throughout 2026 in the tough welterweight ranks.”

Bernal and Herrera attended the fight. “It was my first fight,” Bernal said during the council meeting.

That was Bridges’ ninth victory.

Next Fight in Stockton June 27th

The Antioch boxer announced during Tuesday’s council meeting that his next fight is scheduled for June 27th at the Stockton Civic Center and invited everyone to attend. “Bridges will be the main event,” Herrera added.

Leaves after 20 years on the force with “invaluable lessons, cherished friendships and a deep love for this community”

By Antioch Police Department

After 20 years of service, Sergeant Loren Bledsoe is hanging up the badge.

He first served as a Cadet with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.

Since joining the Antioch Police Department in 2005, Sgt. Bledsoe served our community in many roles including Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Detective, K-9 Handler with K9 Danto, and Sergeant in Professional Standards, Investigations, and Patrol. He also served on the Mutual Aid Field Force.

As a Robbery/Homicide Detective, he worked some of the department’s most serious cases, helping bring answers and justice to victims and their families.

Bledsoe also served as Vice President of the Antioch Police Officers Association.

Twenty years of service.

Twenty years of commitment.

Twenty years protecting Antioch.

Thank you for your leadership and dedication, Sergeant.

Enjoy your well-earned retirement.

When reached for comment Bledsoe said, “I am grateful to have been part of this incredible journey, taking with me invaluable lessons, cherished friendships and a deep love for this community and the members of the Antioch Police Department.”

See more photos of Sgt. Bledsoe’s career in APD Facebook video.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Marcus Woodland to be honored as Exemplary Operations Supervisor

By Jaden Baird, PIO, City of Antioch

ANTIOCH, CA — The City of Antioch announces that Marcus Woodland, Superintendent of the Antioch Water Treatment Plant (WTP), has been selected by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) to receive the Exemplary Operations Supervisor Award. He will be formally recognized at the Water of the West Conference in San Diego this April.

The award recognizes outstanding leadership, operational excellence, and dedication to public health in water utility operations.

Woodland’s leadership was instrumental during the construction and startup of Antioch’s Brackish Water Desalination Project. Throughout complex upgrades and plant shutdowns, he ensured strict compliance with public health standards, requiring proper disinfection and bacteriological testing before treatment processes were returned to service. His attention to detail and insistence on operational readiness protected both system reliability and water quality for the community.

In one instance, Woodland directed a shutdown and inspection after plant staff noticed abnormal filter flow readings following construction work. A foreign object was discovered lodged in a flow meter, an issue that could have caused long-term performance problems and potential public health concerns if not corrected. His leadership ensured the issue was resolved before the system resumed operation.

Woodland also led improvements that strengthened long-term plant maintenance and reliability. His team implemented design changes to the membrane clean-in-place system to allow multiple tanks to operate simultaneously and accelerated critical repairs to sedimentation basin equipment at Plant B to ensure full treatment capacity during renovations at Plant A.

In addition to operational leadership, Woodland played a key role in hiring, training, and mentoring operators as the facility expanded to include reverse osmosis treatment systems. He worked closely with staff and equipment vendors to ensure operators fully understood new processes and equipment, often requiring additional training to ensure the highest operational standards.

During a complex raw water pipeline tie-in that required the shutdown of both of the City’s treatment plants, Woodland coordinated extensive preparation, including operational testing, distribution system planning, and collaboration with neighboring agencies to secure backup water supplies. His oversight and planning allowed the City to maintain service despite an outage that extended well beyond the planned timeline.

Woodland stepped into the role of WTP Superintendent during the height of the desalination project’s construction—his first appointment as a full-time permanent superintendent. His leadership during this challenging period was widely regarded as a key factor in the project’s successful completion.

“Marcus Woodland’s recognition by the CA-NV AWWA reflects his outstanding leadership and technical expertise,” said Scott Buenting, Director of Public Works. “Marcus has played a pivotal role during the complex construction and startup of the Brackish Water Desalination Project. The success of our Water Treatment Plant is a direct result of his commitment to operational excellence and to providing safe, reliable drinking water to our community. We are proud to see his dedication recognized at the state level.”

The American Water Works Association is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to improving water quality and supply through education, standards development, and professional recognition of water professionals. The Exemplary Operations Supervisor Award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in water utility operations and a strong commitment to public service.

Woodland’s recognition highlights the City of Antioch’s continued commitment to protecting public health and investing in reliable, high-quality water infrastructure.