The Antioch Police Department remained busy throughout the month of May, responding to thousands of calls for service, investigating crimes, and working to keep our community safe.
During the month of May:
17,000+ Calls Received by Dispatch
7,000+ Calls for Service
Responded to 900+ Cases Investigated
40 Stolen Vehicles Recovered
141 Arrests Made
These numbers represent the dedication and hard work of our dispatchers, officers, detectives, professional staff, and specialized units who serve our community every day.
Thank you to the residents of Antioch for your continued support and partnership. Together, we are working toward a safer community for everyone.
Antioch Police Chief Joe Vigil (center) is joined by (L-R) new Lieutenant Gary Lowther, Sergeants Adam Duffy and Josh Egan, Corporals Ashley Allen and Erik Nilsen and Officer Dezi Gomez during the oath of office ceremony on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. All photos by Antioch PD
Plus, another new officer in April
“Celebrating Leadership, Service and New Beginnings”
By Antioch Police Department
This past week was an exciting one for the Antioch Police Department as we recognized several well-deserved promotions and welcomed a new officer to our ranks.
Please join us in congratulating Lieutenant Gary Lowther, Sergeant Adam Duffy, Sergeant Josh Egan, Corporal Ashley Allen and Corporal Erik Nilsen and please help us welcome Officer Dezi-James Gomez.
Each of these individuals has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving our community, supporting their fellow officers, and continuously striving for professional excellence.
From military service and specialized investigations to mentoring new officers, crisis negotiations, SWAT assignments, field training, traffic enforcement, and community engagement, these men and women have dedicated countless hours to making Antioch a safer place. Their promotions reflect years of hard work, leadership, sacrifice, and dedication to public service.
We are also proud to welcome Officer Gomez, a local product who grew up in Discovery Bay and Brentwood, recently completed the police academy and our Field Training Program, and is already serving the community he calls home.
Promotions are never achieved alone. We would also like to recognize and thank the families, friends, and loved ones who have supported these officers throughout their careers. Your encouragement and sacrifices make their success possible.
During the ceremony in the Antioch Police Department’s Community Room, Chief Joe Vigil provided additional details about each of the departments’ promoted leaders and the new officer, as he introduced each.
Lt. Gary Lowther is pinned with his new badge by his mother during the ceremony.
Lt. Gary Lowther
Lieutenant Lowther was born and raised in Union City and graduated from James Logan High School. He would go on to earn an NCAA Division I baseball scholarship to Old Dominion University in Norfolk Virginia. While attending Old Dominion University, he met his wife, Carinda, and would graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications.
Lieutenant Lowther would return to California and begin his law enforcement career in 2005 with the Antioch Police Department in 2005, who sponsored him through the 130th Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Basic Police Academy. While in the academy, Lowther was fortunate enough to be allowed a half-day off to get married.
Throughout his time with the department, he would become a Field Training Officer, firearms / active shooter instructor, and serve on the SWAT Team, as well as serve as a detective. He was promoted to corporal in March 2016. As a sergeant, Lieutenant Lowther would supervise patrol teams, work in administration in hiring and recruiting, internal affairs, and supervise the Hostage Negotiation Team as well as the Field Training Program. Over the last six months, Lieutenant Lowther would serve as the acting watch commander, overseeing multiple patrol teams and mentoring and coaching our younger supervisors.
Lieutenant Lowther and his wife, Carinda, are proud parents of three amazing boys, Jaxon (17), Caden (14), and Garrett (9). Their continued support has allowed Lieutenant Lowther to remain committed to serving the Antioch community with integrity, professionalism, and leadership.
Sgt. Adam Duffy is pinned by his wife, Heidi and son, Jack.
Sgt. Adam Duffy
Sergeant Duffy was born and raised in Antioch. He began serving our city at an early age, delivering newspapers for the Daily Ledger and working at local grocery stores. Following high school, he left Antioch to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice before answering the call to military service by joining the United States Navy as a Master-at-Arms.
During his six years of honorable service in the Navy, Adam achieved the rank of Petty Officer Second Class before returning home to continue his commitment to public service. He attended the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office academy, where he earned the distinction of Top Recruit.
Adam began his law enforcement career with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, then joined the Antioch Police Department last June. Throughout his career Sergeant Duffy has served with distinction in Patrol and Investigations.
While assigned to Patrol, Sergeant Duffy served as a Field Training Officer, was a member of the Crisis Negotiation Team, and contributed to the department’s recruiting efforts. In Investigations, he was assigned to the Violent Crime Unit, where he spent almost five years investigating numerous serious and violent offenses.
In addition to his primary assignments, Adam serves as a 40mm less-lethal instructor and an EVOC instructor. He oversees the department’s K9 Unit and assists in supervising the Field Training Program. Demonstrating his continued commitment to professional growth, Adam completed his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the California Coast University while working full time.
Adam is married to his biggest supporter, Heidi, and together they are raising their son, Jack — a future police officer, firefighter, or perhaps even a trash truck driver.
Sgt. Josh Egan with his wife, Jacqueline while holding their daughter, Bailey during the pinning of his new badge.
Sgt. Josh Egan
At an early age Sergeant Egan knew he wanted to serve the greater good. He enlisted in the Army and served in executive protection for the NATO Commander. Sergeant Egan began his law enforcement career with the Modesto Police Department in 2009, where he served as a Field Training Officer, Traffic Officer, and was on their Crime Reduction Team.
Sergeant Egan would join the Antioch Police Department in 2020. Since coming to Antioch, Sergeant Egan has served as a Field Training Officer, Traffic Officer, and is also a Drug Recognition Expert. He has served in a variety of roles, including Motor Officer, Field Training Officer, and Drug Recognition Expert. He also serves as the department’s sole Accident Reconstructionist and has filed many cases. Sergeant Egan is also an instructor in both Emergency Vehicle Operations and Crisis Intervention.
Sergeant Egan is currently working towards completing his bachelor’s Degree. In his free time, he enjoys life at home with his wife, Jacqueline, and their daughter, Bailey. Sergeant Egan is truly grateful for this opportunity and takes immense pride in helping to move the agency forward and lead this department into the future.
Corporal Ashley Allen with Chief Vigil during the ceremony. Her husband and son pinned on her new badge.
Corporal Ashley Allen
Corporal Allen has participated in team sports since an early age. She would go on to have a successful collegiate career as a Division II shortstop and earn her bachelor’s degree from California State University East Bay, in Criminal Justice. During her senior year of college, she was hired by the Antioch Police Department and would later attend the Alameda County Police Academy.
Corporal Allen began her law enforcement career in September 2018 as a patrol officer. During her time in patrol, she would serve as a cadet advisor, mentoring numerous teenage cadets, several of whom have since gone on to become Antioch police officers. Her dedication to mentorship and community engagement has remained a cornerstone of her career.
Corporal Allen would later move into the Investigations Division, where she would spend several years in the Special Victims Unit detective. In this role, she received extensive training in crime scene investigation and advanced investigative techniques related to crimes involving vulnerable victims. Through her thorough investigative work and commitment to seeking justice, she secured successful filings and convictions for numerous cases.
Her time in investigations would see her partner with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force where she would participate in numerous operations targeting individuals exploiting children online. Corporal Allen would also serve as a crisis negotiator, where she assists in high-risk and critical incidents requiring communication and de-escalation skills and techniques.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Corporal Allen enjoys working out, playing recreational softball, and spending quality time with her family, including her three-year-old son Jackson.
Corporal Erik Nilsen is pinned by his wife, Ariel.
Corporal Erik Nilsen
Before beginning his law enforcement career, Corporal Nilsen worked in the financial industry. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from California State University, Fresno and several advanced financial designations from The American College.
After a short period of time Corporal Nilsen moved into the policing profession, beginning his career with the Antioch Police Department in 2017 as a Community Service Officer. He would become a sworn police officer in 2018, at the same time as Corporal Allen, after graduating from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Academy.
Erik has spent time in the operations division assigned to patrol. He would serve as a Field Training Officer, drone pilot, and acting Corporal. In 2024 Erik became a Detective where he worked in the sexual assault, violent crime, financial crime, and property crime units. He also worked in the CSI unit as Detective Jeong’s much younger assistant. Throughout his time in the department, Corporal Nilsen held several ancillary assignments on the Peer Support Team, SWAT Team, Honor Guard, Recruiting Team, and Use of Force Review Board.
Corporal Nilsen has a deep commitment to training, mentoring, and developing officers, as well as serving the Antioch community with professionalism and integrity. He is a department instructor in defensive tactics, force options, de-escalation, and tactical communications.
Corporal Nilsen is joined today by his wife Ariel (yes like the little mermaid) who blessed their family with their first daughter four months ago. He is also joined by his parents and sister whose support has been instrumental throughout his career.
Officer Dezi-James Gomez is pinned by his wife.
Officer Dezi-James Gomez
Officer Gomez was born in San Mateo and grew up in Discovery Bay and Brentwood. He attended Liberty High School and shortly after attended Los Medanos College EMT Academy.
Earlier this year he completed the Alameda County Sheriff’s academy and a few weeks ago completed our Field Training Program.
Dezi’s father is a motivational figure for him becoming a police officer. His dad was in the military and so was his grandpa. In his free time, he does a lot of water sports on the delta. He wakeboards, fishes, and rides jet skis. Officer Gomez enjoys family bonding and meeting new people.
Fun fact: Dezi and his wife have four very loud parrots.
Chief Vigil administered the oath of office to the five.
Please join us in congratulating Lieutenant Lowther, Sergeant Duffy, Sergeant Egan, Corporal Allen, Corporal Nilsen, and welcoming Officer Gomez to the Antioch Police Department family. We are proud to have each of them serving our community.
Congratulations and thank you for your continued service to Antioch!
Officer Brandon Stanley joined the Antioch Police Department in April 2026.
Another New Officer in April
In April, another new, lateral sworn officer was added to the force, Brandon Stanley.
Brandon was born in Daly City and raised in Modesto. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice and brings a strong background in law enforcement to our team.
Before joining APD, Brandon worked with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, where he spent three years in adult detention before transitioning to patrol. He has served as a Field Training Officer (FTO) since 2020 and has been working in traffic enforcement over the past couple of years.
Please join us in welcoming Officer Stanley to the Antioch Police Department!
According to Chief Vigil, the two additions bring the total number of sworn officers on the force to 85 as of Wednesday, June 10th.
Donald Guenther was arrested by Antioch Police on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, for the vandalism at Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Restaurant Bar & Grill on Saturday, May 23rd. Photos by Antioch PD
46-year-old Donald Guenther has history of over 30 arrests
By Antioch Police Department
On May 27, 2026 the Antioch Police Department posted the following: “WTF! We saw your post, recognized your vandal and located him yesterday. He was booked into the Martinez Main Jail on felony vandalism charges.
“Over last weekend an uncouth vandal took aim at the front windows of the WTF restaurant on Hillcrest Avenue with a rock. After seeing the photos of the responsible on video, several officers recognized him. Teams immediately responded to the area and located him several blocks from the crime scene. He was arrested without issue and booked into Jail.
“Thanks for your continued support Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Restaurant Bar & Grill.”
According to the Antioch Police CitizenRIMS the incident occurred on Saturday, May 23rd at 1:06 AM. The suspect was identified by Captain Matt Koch on Thursday, June 4th as 46-year-old Donald Guenther of Antioch.
According to localcrimenews.com, Guenther has a history of over 30 arrests dating back to 2014. He was charged with rape, multiple times with vandalism including for over $5,000 a few times, gun and drug crimes, failure to appear, as well as receiving stolen property and unlawful use of willfully obtained personal identifying information.
Antioch Police response to the scene included SWAT personnel during the standoff Monday morning, June 1, 2026. Photos: (Left) Antioch PD. (Right) Courtesy of ContraCosta.news.
Following standoff
By Lt. Gary Lowther #4032, Antioch Police Field Services Division
On June 1, 2026, at approximately 6:34 AM, Antioch Police officers responded to the 1100 block of W. 9th Street following reports of shots fired in front of a residence.
Upon arrival, officers located a 37-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers immediately provided first aid until personnel from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District arrived on scene. The victim was transported to a local trauma center and is currently reported to be in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.
During the initial investigation, officers identified a suspect and determined he was likely inside a nearby residence. Officers established containment around the location, and members of the Antioch SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiations Team responded to assist. Through coordinated efforts, the suspect, identified as 51-year-old Carl Griggs of Antioch, surrendered peacefully without further incident.
The scene was secured, and the Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau has assumed responsibility for the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department Dispatch Center at (925) 778-2441.
This information was provided by the Field Services Division. Additional information or updates will be released by the Investigations Bureau as they become available.
AR-style weapon, magazines and ammunition confiscated from the suspect on Friday, May 29, 2026. Photos: Antioch PD
31-year-old Angelo Zuniga being held on $240K bail, has history of arrests
By Antioch Police Department
On Friday afternoon, May 29, 2026, about 2:00 PM, the Antioch Police dispatch center received a call of a man with a gun in the 2500 block San Jose Drive. The caller reported seeing a male retrieve a firearm from the trunk of a black Nissan Maxima before driving away.
While responding, an officer located the vehicle parked in front of a 7-Eleven on Buchanan Road. Officers contacted the driver and observed a loaded AR-style pistol positioned between the driver’s seat and center console. The driver was detained without incident.
In addition, during a search of the suspect’s vehicle, officers also located the upper receiver of an AR-style pistol inside the trunk.
The suspect was arrested and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on weapons related charges.
UPDATE: He was later identified by Antioch Police Captain Matt Koch and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office as Angelo Raymondo Zuniga, age 31 of Antioch, born 11/11/1994.
As always, we appreciate community members who promptly report suspicious or dangerous activity. If you see something concerning, please call dispatch so officers can investigate. We can’t do it without you.
According to the Antioch Police CitizenRIMS, the suspect was arrested for illegally possessing any assault weapon and charged with a felony. Crimes: 30605(A) PC, 25400(A)(1) PC carrying a concealed firearm within any vehicle; 25850(A) PC carrying a loaded firearm on the person or in a vehicle while in any public place; 32310(A) PC any person who manufactures or causes to be manufactured, imports, keeps for sale, or offers or exposes for sale, or who gives, lends, buys, or receives any large-capacity magazine; 29180(C) PC Any person who owns a firearm or firearm precursor part that does not bear a valid state or federal serial number or mark of identification; and 33215 PC any person who manufactures or causes to be manufactured, imports, keeps for sale, or offers or exposes for sale, or who gives, lends, or possesses any short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun. Case Number: 26-4937 Incident Number: 2605290119
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, eight-inch tall, 189-pound Zuniga is Hispanic and being held on $240,000 bail.
According to localcrimenews.com, this is his fifth arrest since 2017, all by Antioch PD, and third for carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle. Zuniga was also arrested for drive while under the combined influence of drugs and alcohol, and failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge.
Burglary suspect Candace Danielle Ternes was arrested by Antioch Police on Monday, May 18, 2026. Photos: Left from 2025 courtesy of Candace Ternes. Right by Antioch PD
20th arrest since 2014, already out of custody
Suspect says she was doing laundry at vacant house with permission from a friend who was remodeling it
By Allen D. Payton
According to the Antioch Police Department, Officer Alejandro Loroño investigated a burglary case earlier this week involving a family with three children and identified the suspect using surveillance video. During proactive enforcement efforts in the Sycamore Corridor, Officer Marcos Molina located the suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop at the corner of Banyan Way and Sycamore Drive. The driver, who was identified as the burglary suspect, confessed to the crime.
Officers also recovered bolt cutters believed to have been used during the burglary. The investigation and apprehension were the result of collaborative work between Officers Loroño and Molina.
Photos: Antioch PD
According to Antioch PD CitizenRIMS, the suspect’s name is Candace Danielle Ternes, age 41, White, five-feet, two inches tall and 135 pounds. Her hair is brown and eyes are hazel colored. She was arrested on Monday May 18, 2026, at 12:00 PM.
Ternes faces a charge of 459 Pc: Burglary: second degree – burglary/breaking and entering (Felony). Case Number: 26-4523.
Ternes Gives Her Side of the Story
UPDATE: Ternes contacted the Herald and offered her side of the story, denying she committed burglary.
“The home was vacant that my friend, who lives four doors down, was remodeling. He said I could do laundry there because I have a court date this week. They have surveillance video of me leaving and I didn’t have anything in my hands,” Ternes said when reached for comment. “I even talked to a neighbor when walking out. So, he’s a witness that all I had in my hands was my purse.”
“I parked right in front of the house,” she added. “I spoke to the neighbors and gave them my name. But I noticed one neighbor was calling the cops on me, so, I wasn’t able to do my laundry.”
“There was nothing to burglarize. The house was empty,” Ternes stated.
“About the bolt cutters, I have many tools in my toolbox that are just there,” she explained. “I use them if I have to replace a section of the chain link fence at a church where I’m the groundskeeper.”
According to localcrimenews.com, Ternes has a history of 20 arrests dating back to 2014 by multiple agencies for crimes including burglary, petty theft, shoplifting, receiving or concealing stolen property, taking a vehicle without owner’s consent, drug possession and driving with license suspended for drunk driving.
“I’ve been clean and sober for 10 years. The arrest in 2023 was for a warrant from 2014 that caught up to me because it was under my maiden name. But I fought that and won,” Ternes added.
A Facebook post by the Concord Police Department on March 7, 2017, reads, “Recently, a family had their home burglarized in the Northern District of Concord. The suspects stole several sentimental items including ashes from a deceased relative, a wedding ring, WWII memorabilia, and the family car. As you can imagine the victims were sick over it. Later that day, officers found the stolen vehicle and arrested Seyyed Mirlohi and Candace Ternes.
“Financial Crimes Detectives discovered the suspects had a storage shed in a neighboring city and did a probation search on the shed. Detectives located all of the stolen property and returned the items back to the victim.
“Mirlohi is facing charges for 10851-VC and 496(a)-PC and Ternes is facing charges for 459-PC, 10851-VC, 11364-HS, and 11377-HS. We are thankful that we were able to get these irreplaceable items returned to the family and we appreciate the wonderful partnership we have with this community.”
$1.97 million will benefit Antioch, Oakley to improve commute times, reduce delays and ease congestion
$1.1 million for CC District Attorney’s Office to fight organized retail theft, labor trafficking
By Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier
Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced that he secured over $16 million for community projects across Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. These projects will support public health and safety, transportation accessibility and community development, and environmental protection and sustainability in California’s 10th Congressional District.
Each year, Congress provides Member-directed federal funding to a select number of community projects through the appropriations process. Under this process, each House member is allowed to submit 15 project requests on behalf of their Congressional District to the Appropriations Committee that meet the criteria set forth by the Committee.
“From lowering everyday costs for families to bolstering traffic safety to increasing access to public, recreational spaces, these projects will improve quality of life in our community, and I am proud to have fought for and secured the funding that will make them possible,” said DeSaulnier. “I am grateful for the partnership of our local governments and organizations in developing such thoughtful projects.”
Transportation Accessibility and Community Development Projects:
$1,970,010 for the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) to upgrade and develop a network of smart traffic signals between Antioch and Oakley to improve commute times, reduce delays and ease congestion.
$1,200,000 for the Contra Costa County Public Works Department to create a separate bike path to fill a gap in the County-wide bicycle network along Marsh Drive in unincorporated Pacheco, which will improve safety for all road users and access to local commercial centers, recreational centers, and additional connections to the local mass transit system.
$1,000,000 for the Contra Costa County Public Works Department to construct bicycle and pedestrian facilities on Treat Boulevard in the Contra Costa Centre Transit Village in Walnut Creek to close a critical gap along the Iron Horse Regional Trail, which would improve safety for non-motorized road users and improve connectivity for first and last mile connections to public transit and local commercial establishments.
$850,000 for the Town of Danville to install fiber optic cables and construct new conduit and junction boxes for 54 traffic signals in Danville to enable real-time traffic signal optimization to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety, and allow for future implementation of smart city technologies.
$850,000 for the City of Dublin to improve safety and accessibility of Village Parkway by narrowing vehicle lanes, adding lighting, and constructing buffered bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and protected intersections.
$850,000 for the East Bay Regional Park District to construct visitor facilities such as restrooms, drinking fountains, public parking areas, and a turnout lane on Bailey Road to allow for the Thurgood Marshall Regional Park to be opened up to the public.
Public Health and Safety Projects:
$1,915,000 for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) to replace and install equipment, including backup generators, shore power plugs, and automatic transfer switches, at radio towers across Contra Costa County that are used for communication between law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services to improve system reliability during emergencies and disasters that result in the loss of power.
$1,145,144 for the Diablo Water District to provide structural and foundational reinforcements to water infrastructure to mitigate risks associated with major seismic events, safeguard water supply, and contribute to the region’s overall disaster preparedness strategy.
$1,034,487 for the City of Concord to make improvements to the Emergency Operations Center in Concord to ensure its longevity, efficiency, and resilience as it serves as a critical hub for bolstering regional preparedness, response, and recovery efforts during emergencies and disasters.
$1,000,000 for the City of Walnut Creek to purchase 120 body worn cameras, charging docks, and equipment to promote transparency, accountability, and public trust in the police department.
$600,000 for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to create an Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Prevention and Prosecution Unit with the goal of addressing increased levels of retail theft crimes, helping local law enforcement better confront these types of crimes, and improving public safety.
$500,000 for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to enhance the identification and referral of survivors of labor trafficking and cases of labor trafficking occurring in the County, increase the capacity of the District Attorney’s Office to investigate cases of labor exploitation and trafficking, and improve the quality and scope of services provided to underserved and marginalized victims of human trafficking.
Environmental Protection and Sustainability Projects:
$2,000,000 to the Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection) to construct a battery system to allow the agency to charge its zero emission buses overnight, and provide a source of power to maintain operations during emergencies.
$1,092,000 to the Central Conta Costa Sanitary District (Central San) to upgrade the water treatment facility’s ultraviolet (UV) technology to reduce the energy footprint of water treatment and protect public health and water quality in the region.
$273,000 for the Marine Mammal Center to help build scientific literacy and environmental stewardship of the coastal zone for 2,700 students and their teachers in Contra Costa County and to develop a pipeline for the future STEM workforce.
“Federal Community Project Funding for Organized Retail Theft Prevention is an investment in safer communities and a stronger justice system. These resources empower my office to hold offenders accountable, disrupt organized criminal enterprises, and protect the businesses and residents that help our county thrive,” said Diana Becton, District Attorney, Contra Costa County. “Supporting the Healing and Justice for Labor Trafficking Survivors Project honors the resilience of survivors and reinforces the commitment to justice with compassion. This funding will expand critical services, remove barriers to recovery, and ensure that trafficking survivors have the support they need to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.”
“Thank you to Congressman DeSaulnier for securing this federal investment for the Antioch and Oakley Smart Signals Project. These upgrades will improve safety and make travel more reliable for everyone. They also complement CCTA’s countywide effort to modernize intersections across every city and town in Contra Costa County, building a more connected signal network that helps traffic flow and improves safety regionwide as more locations come online,” said Darlene Gee, Chair of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) Board of Commissioners.
“We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for his leadership and support of our Community Project Funding request, which will allow us to strengthen and modernize the emergency power infrastructure that supports the East Bay Regional Communications System. This investment will fund the replacement and installation of critical equipment at radio tower sites throughout Contra Costa County. These improvements will significantly enhance the reliability of the public safety radio network for firefighters, emergency medical services, and all first responders serving Contra Costa County and northern Alameda County, particularly during emergencies and disasters that include power outages. Congressman DeSaulnier’s continued advocacy helps ensure we have the dependable infrastructure to protect and serve our communities,” said Lewis Broschard, former Fire Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.
“The Town of Danville is deeply grateful to Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and his dedicated staff for their steadfast support in securing federal funding for our Townwide Fiber Project. This critical investment will modernize our traffic infrastructure, creating smarter, safer, and more efficient streets for everyone in our community. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership to deliver these transformative improvements,” said Mayor Newell Arnerich, Town of Danville.
“Central San is grateful for the leadership and support of Congressman DeSaulnier in securing Community Project Funding for our UV Disinfection Replacement Project. This funding will allow us to modernize critical wastewater infrastructure, improve system resilience, and ensure continued compliance with regulatory standards. By transitioning to a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient UV disinfection system, we expect to reduce energy demand by up to 60 percent while enhancing reliability for the communities we serve,” said Roger Bailey, General Manager of Central Conta Costa Sanitary District (Central San).
“This funding is a powerful investment in the next generation of ocean stewards,” said Jeff Boehm, Chief External Relations Officer at The Marine Mammal Center. “Through our Ocean Ambassadors program in Contra Costa County and beyond, we equip educators and young people with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to protect our ocean and the wildlife that depend on it. We are deeply grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for championing this project and for recognizing the critical role education plays in conservation.”
“This $2 million award represents an important step toward a more sustainable and resilient transit system for central Contra Costa County and leverages our state efforts to advance zero-emission infrastructure. We thank Congressman DeSaulnier for recognizing the value of this project and for his strong support of investments that benefit our community,” said Bill Churchill, General Manager of Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection).
“We are deeply grateful for this grant funding, which will enable us to upgrade our Body-Worn Cameras and strengthen evidence preservation infrastructure. These tools are vital for ensuring transparency, accountability, and public safety. While our department already utilizes Body-Worn Cameras, this upgrade is essential to maintaining cutting-edge technology and best practices in the years ahead. We sincerely thank Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and his team for their support and collaboration in securing this critical investment for our community,” said Ryan Hibbs, Chief of Police, City of Walnut Creek.
“The Marsh Drive Class I bike and pedestrian path will close a critical gap in Contra Costa County’s active transportation network, improving safety and access for people walking and biking in the Pacheco area. We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for championing this project and helping deliver infrastructure that directly benefits the community,” said Warren Lai, Director, Contra Costa County Public Works Department.“The Treat Boulevard Complete Streets project will make a key corridor safer and more accessible for non-motorized users, supporting walking and biking. The project will help connect non-motorized transport users from the high-density housing at the Pleasant Hill BART station with grocery stores and other essential services in Walnut Creek. We appreciate Congressman DeSaulnier’s leadership in securing this funding and advancing transportation improvements that enhance quality of life in Contra Costa County.”
“We thank Representative DeSaulnier for securing critical funding to advance the South of Bailey Road project at Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50,” said John Mercurio, Director, East Bay Regional Park District. “The Representative is a longtime friend of the Park District. This support helps us move forward in opening public access to a landscape of both remarkable natural value and deep historical significance. As we develop the park, the Park District remains committed to honoring the legacy of the Port Chicago 50 and ensuring this important chapter of our nation’s history is remembered and shared with future generations.”
Transparency and Accountability
The projects are subject to a strict transparency and accountability process, which is detailed here by the Appropriations Committee. Examples of this vetting include certifying that Members have no financial interest in these projects, an audit of a sampling of these projects by the Government Accountability Office, and a requirement for demonstrated community support and engagement for each submission. More information on each project and the certifications of no financial interest can be found here.
