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.

Department of Cannabis Control also recalled 444 unsafe or noncompliant products; 413,302 illegal cannabis plants eradicated, 185,873 pounds seized; approve over 1,000 new businesses throughout state

Recent efforts continue to prioritize consumer and public safety and support the legal cannabis market

By California Department of Cannabis Control

Sacramento, CA – In its ongoing efforts to protect consumer safety, expand access to the legal market while dismantling illegal cannabis operations, the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) today announced that it has seized over $62M in illegal cannabis, recalled 444 unsafe or noncompliant products, issued 256 new licenses, and transitioned 748 businesses from provisional licensure to annual licensure from April – June 2025.

Shutting down illegal cannabis operations

During the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, DCC-led or assisted enforcement actions (separate from UCETF actions) that resulted in the seizure of $62.4M worth of illegal cannabis, 44,187 illegal plants, 36,312 pounds of illegal cannabis flower, $89,535 in cash, and 16 firearms. 

“DCC’s second quarter efforts show a department that is moving with urgency, strategy and accountability to protect Californians, support responsible operators and ensure the cannabis market delivers on its promise. These actions represent not just enforcement, but the protection of California’s communities, consumers, and natural resources.”
     –Department of Cannabis Control Director Nicole Elliott

Consumer safety and business compliance

The DCC takes swift action to recall or embargo cannabis products that could pose a risk to consumers. In Q2, DCC issued 34 recalls covering 444 products. These recalls included 183 products recalled due to incomplete regulatory compliance testing and 181 recalls for labeling that was attractive to children. Additionally, 62 administrative actions were taken to ensure cannabis businesses operate within regulatory and consumer expectations resulting in 25 license revocations, 2 suspensions, and 35 citations with fines.

Transitioning and issuing cannabis licenses

During the second quarter, DCC converted 748 provisional licenses to annual status. The most transitions to annual licenses took place in Los Angeles County (328 licenses) followed by Mendocino County (137). Additionally, 256 new cannabis licenses were issued since April.

Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force Results Seizes Additional $476 million of Unlicensed Cannabis Products During Same 3 Months

Governor Gavin Newsom announced on July 10, 2025, that the state seized $476 million worth of illegal cannabis between April and June, thanks to the combined efforts of the Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF), co-led by the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) and the Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW).

“As a proof point of California’s commitment to the legal cannabis industry, the state seized over 92 tons of illicit cannabis product in the past three months alone,” said Newsom. “I thank the federal, state, and local partners who conducted these enforcement efforts for protecting consumers and supporting our legal cannabis market.”

In the efforts announced that day, UCETF received support from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, Employment Development Department, and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Combined enforcement highlights from April through June include:

•       413,302 illegal cannabis plants eradicated
•       185,873 pounds of illegal cannabis seized
•       214 warrants served
•       77 firearms seized
•       93 arrests

“Our teams continue to take an aggressive and proactive approach to eliminating unlicensed cannabis activities,” said DCC Director Nicole Elliott. “We will remain laser-focused on dismantling illicit cannabis operations until they are all permanently shut down.”

“Over the past quarter, UCETF conducted numerous highly strategic operations that significantly impacted the daily activities of illegal cannabis operators,” said Nathaniel Arnold, Chief of the Law Enforcement Division for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). “This success would not be possible without the continued support and dedication of our partners throughout the state.”

In May, UCETF conducted its largest successful operation to date with 200 sworn officers and staff from state, local, and federal agencies participating in an enforcement effort spanning 4,600 square miles in the Central Valley. Through 71 search warrants, officials seized:

• 105,700 illicit cannabis plants
• 22,057 pounds of processed cannabis valued at $123.5 million 
• Nine firearms

A unified strategy across California 

Since 2019, officials have seized and destroyed over 950 tons, or over 1.9 million pounds, of illegal cannabis worth an estimated retail value of $3.6 billion through over 1,700+ operations.

The cannabis task force was established in 2022 by Governor Newsom to enhance collaboration and enforcement coordination between state, local, and federal partners. Partners on the task force include the Department of Cannabis Control, the Department of Pesticide Regulation, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, among others. 

According to Moorea Warren of DCC Public Affairs, “The $476M is the amount of illegal cannabis seized by the Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF). The Taskforce is co-chaired by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). The $62.4 million is the amount of illegal cannabis seized by DCC’s Law Enforcement Division and is separate from UCETF’s amounts.”

Financial support for long-term enforcement efforts

In June, the Legislature made key changes to strengthen the DCC’s long-term enforcement efforts. This included amending state law to dedicate cannabis tax revenue to fund DCC civil and criminal enforcement activities, reducing the burden on licensees while ensuring sustained actions against illegal operators. In addition, the Legislature expanded Board of State and Community Corrections grant eligibility to local jurisdictions, especially those allowing retail access, to further enhance and support local enforcement efforts against illegal cannabis activity.

About the Department of Cannabis Control

The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) licenses and regulates commercial cannabis activity within California. DCC works closely with all stakeholders, including businesses and local jurisdictions, to create a sustainable legal cannabis industry and a safe and equitable marketplace. DCC develops and implements progressive cannabis policies with robust protections for public health, safety and the environment. To learn more about the California cannabis market, state licenses or laws, visit http://www.cannabis.ca.gov.

To learn more about the legal California cannabis market, state licenses, and laws, visit cannabis.ca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Lt. Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division

On Monday, August 4, 2025, at approximately 6:46 PM, Antioch Police officers witnessed a motor vehicle collision involving a bicyclist at the intersection of Lone Tree Way and Muirwood Way. A Nissan Pathfinder was traveling westbound on Lone Tree Way and proceeded through the intersection of Muirwood Way, when the vehicle struck a 13-year-old male who was riding his bicycle northbound across Lone Tree Way.

Officers immediately rendered aid to the male juvenile who was on the ground and unresponsive. The juvenile was life-flighted to an area hospital with major injuries, where he is listed in critical but stable condition. The 24-year-old male driver of the Nissan remained on scene and cooperated with investigators. Alcohol and/or drugs do not appear to be a factor.

The Antioch Police Department’s Traffic Unit took over the investigation. This collision investigation is in the preliminary stages and the names of the parties involved are not being released at this time. Based on preliminary information at the scene, speed does not appear to be factor in this collision.

This information was made available by the Traffic Unit. Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925)778-2441 or Traffic Collision Investigator Officer Egan at 925-204-1587, email jegan@antiochca.gov.  

Plus, 3rd Annual Back-to-School Supply Giveaway

By Antown Webster

Antioch. Don’t miss this double event!

Join us for the 3rd Annual National Night Out AND a Back-to-School Supply Giveaway — all in one FREE, family-friendly celebration. Meet your local police officers. Bounce houses & games. FREE school supplies for students (while supplies last). Music, food & fun for all ages!

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all fifty states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August (Texas and select areas celebrate on the first Tuesday in October). Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much, much more.

Tuesday, August 5, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Eagleridge Park, Eagleridge Drive, Antioch

Hosted by Antwon Webster. Sponsored by the Antioch Police Department

Tag your neighbors, bring the kids, and help us celebrate community, safety, and education!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

CCC Deputy Sheriff’s contribute $50K; Antioch Police Officers Association explains reasons for $5,000 contribution

By Allen D. Payton

In a post on Facebook on Monday, July 28, 2025, the Becton for DA campaign surprisingly announced new support for her recall from the Deputy Sheriff’s Association and two other “major law enforcement associations.” According to recall organizer Gwynn Gabe the other two are the Antioch Police Officers Association (APOA) and Concord Police Officers Association.

“She’s been keeping track of the people who are giving us money,” he added.

The post by “Team Becton” reads “They’ve launched their attack. Now it’s our turn,” in the header with the statement below:

“The recall against District Attorney Diana Becton just escalated.

Three major law enforcement associations, including the Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, just poured tens of thousands into the recall effort—including a single $50,000 donation. Even more telling? They’ve hired the strategist behind the recalls of DAs in San Francisco and Alameda County.

This isn’t just a warning. This is a coordinated, well-funded effort to undo the will of the voters and take Contra Costa backwards.

But here’s the truth they don’t want you to remember: we’ve already won twice. And with your help, we will again, because here’s what they’re underestimating: you. Us. This community.

This is not the time to sit back. We need you on the front lines —because what’s at stake is bigger than any one election. It’s about protecting real public safety solutions, and standing up to those who want to take us backward. DA Becton has stood up for equity, justice, and real public safety. Now we must stand up for her.”

It then offers ways for opponents of the recall to “Take Action Now” including volunteering and donating through the Act Blue campaign fundraising website for Democrats currently under investigation for possible fraudulent political contributions.

The APOA Board issued the following statement about their contribution of $5,000 to the campaign to recall Becton: “The APOA was approached by members of the recall movement who asked if we would be willing to support them in their efforts to recall the DA. After careful consideration, we agreed as a board to support this endeavor in hopes that this would ultimately lead to a more transparent DA’s office that holds criminals accountable and keeps our streets safe. Whatever the outcome, we know the officers represented by the APOA will continue to work hard to keep our community safe and have a great working relationship with the DA’s office.”

Recall organizers have until 5:00 PM on Thursday, September 25, 2025, to submit 72,556 valid signatures to qualify the effort for the ballot.

By Antioch Police Department

Let’s make a difference—together!

Join us for our Monthly Community Clean-Up on Saturday, August 2nd from 10 AM to 12 PM at Marchetti Park, 5298 Belle Drive!

Grab your friends and your good vibes—we’ll provide the supplies.

Let’s keep our city beautiful and show some love to the neighborhood!

33-year-old David Milburn held on $1 million bail; one victim in hospital

By CHP – Contra Costa

VALLEJO, Calif. – California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers arrested a 33-year-old Antioch man early Wednesday, July 23, 2025, after two freeway shootings spanning Contra Costa, Alameda, and Solano counties.

Officers took David Milburn (born 1/25/92) into custody around 1:35 AM. after spotting his white Chrysler Crossfire on eastbound Interstate 80 near Midway Road between Vacaville and Dixon. Milburn refused to stop, leading officers on a short pursuit before being arrested without incident. During the chase, officers saw him throw a firearm and two high-capacity magazines from the vehicle.

The arrest came after two other shootings just hours earlier. Around 8:07 P.M. Tuesday, a man was admitted to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek with a gunshot wound, stating he was shot while driving westbound on Highway 4 near Willow Pass Road. About five hours later, at 12:52 A.M. Wednesday, another driver reported his vehicle had been hit by gunfire on eastbound Highway 24 near Highway 13.

Detectives from CHP’s Golden Gate Division Special Investigations Unit linked all three incidents to Milburn with help from the Traffic Management Center, Communications Center, and Flock Safety data.

Milburn was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, shooting at a vehicle, and multiple counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

“Swift work by CHP personnel across the Bay Area directly led to the apprehension of another dangerous criminal who chose to endanger the general public with his reckless and careless behavior,” said CHP Golden Gate Division Chief Don Goodbrand. “From officers in the field to detectives and dispatchers, incredible teamwork is the key to successful outcomes in these investigations, and I applaud all of them for their hard work.”

This investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information or who may have been involved in incidents with a white Chrysler Crossfire is asked to call the CHP investigative tip line at (707) 917-4491.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet, eight-inch tall, 180-pound Milburn is listed as Non-Hispanic but also as Black and is being held on $1 million bail.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Arrests of adults up 63%, juveniles down 25%

By Allen D. Payton

In a post on the Antioch Police Department’s Facebook page on Friday, July 18, 2025, it was reported that many Part 1 Crimes including murder and total Offenses Against Property are down in the first six months of the year over 2024. However, some crime has increased, including rape, aggravated assault and total Offenses Against Persons. In addition, adult arrests have increased 63% while juvenile arrests are down 25% for an increase in total arrests by 54%.

The post reads, “While we recognize there’s still work to do, we’re seeing significant reductions in major crime categories this year:

January – June 2025 over 2024

• Homicide: Down 71%
• Robbery: Down 44%
• Burglary: Down 41%
• Theft: Down 38%
• Auto Theft: Down 35%

These improvements reflect the impact of proactive policing, thorough investigations, and strong community support.

We are continuing to increase staffing and build on this progress to further enhance public safety.

‘You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.’ – Martin Luther King, Jr.”

However, while total Offenses Against Property is down 37% over 2024, according to the statistics chart APD shared, total Offenses Against Persons are up 38% due to the increases in the following crimes:

• Rape: Up 47%
• Aggravated Assault: Up 41%

Click here for the complete list of Antioch Police Crime Statistics.