With Wilson absent also approves resolution opposing Amtrak station closure

Staff working on developing possible DEI policies, not position, yet

Torres-Walker issues another diatribe from the dais, slams DA, Grand Jury investigations of alleged Brown Act violations

Close meeting in honor of late former Reserve Officer Frank Rupani, woman shot and killed by police in Illinois

By Allen D. Payton

After over 10 months of discussing an ordinance and multiple votes, with Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson absent, the Antioch City Council, on Tuesday night, July 23, 2024, voted 3-0-1 to finally barely approve a ban on sideshow organizers, advertisers and spectators. District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker voted to abstain. The council also approved on a unanimous vote a resolution opposing the decommissioning of the Antioch Amtrak station.

Ban on Sideshow Organizers, Advertisers and Spectators

Before council discussion of the second reading for the ordinance banning organizing, advertising and being a spectator at sideshows, public comments were received. Former councilman Ralph Hernandez spoke first saying, “I fully support that the city enact a very strict ordinance. These are very dangerous things. They’re advocating for criminality. When you have people actually come to Antioch to see these sideshows…they have actually become art of a conspiracy which is not just a misdemeanor, it’s a felony. They’re standing on the sidewalk encouraging the participants. They’re actually becoming participants…aiding and abetting the criminality.

“Give the police the weapons they need to fight this kind of crime,” he added.

Alexander Broom said, “Last meeting we discussed possibly narrowing the definition of what a spectator is for this ordinance. Although I do support the ordinance, still…I don’t think we should leave any slack in what a participant is and obviously, a participant and a spectator in these situations are different and I think the language used in this ordinance is just far too broad and it opens things up.”

“I don’t think we should be discouraging people observing, witnessing these events,” he continued. “Especially, if that prevents them from assisting police in capturing license plates and these illegal acts. It’s not illegal to observe a crime.”

“I just ask that we consider, tonight narrowing down what a participant is to not… giving our law enforcement officers the opportunity to make a mistake. Because those mistakes are costly for the city…for the residents…for those who may not be guilty of this crime,” he concluded.

During council discussion, District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock said it was, “another tool in the toolbelt for our police officers.” She then attempted to again add in the ordinance items she had requested that the other councilmembers wouldn’t accept at their meeting on June 25. They include “impounding vehicles until the court date and increasing fines and fines for our resources.” The councilwoman asked that they be brought back, “to see if those can be added to the ordinance at a later date.”

Torres-Walker then asked Acting Chief Brian Addington multiple questions about sideshows in the city and how the department will enforce the ordinance asking, “How many, year-to-date, so, in the past six months, how many sideshows have occurred…with 50 to 100 spectators?”

He responded, “Unfortunately, I wasn’t prepared for that question so, I don’t have the exact stats. But I would venture to say there’s been more than 15.”

“With 50 to 100 spectators?” the councilwoman repeated. “Not vehicles, not drivers, just spectators.”

“With 50 to 100 people participating in the event,” said the chief.

“Excluding the drivers,” Torres-Walker pressed further.

“Yes. With hundreds of people out there,” Addington stated.

“So, maybe 15. I’m just trying to get the number because it hasn’t been in anything I’ve seen,” said the councilwoman.

She then asked, “How many of these activities have you needed to request mutual aid for from other cities”

The chief responded, “I would say at least half of those and some smaller ones, as well.”

“What typically happens is they start as big ones and then they start breaking up into smaller ones,” he continued. “So, you may have two or 300 at one event, and the next thing you know that breaks up and the next one is 100 and it may go down to 50.”

“Right. So, more than half the sideshows that you experienced with the potential for 50 to 100 participants plus, spectators, you’ve needed mutual aid from outside cities for,” Torres-Walker asked again.

“We have requested mutual aid,” Addington clarified. “Sometimes some other agencies have been able to send officers to assist. Sometimes they have not.”

“How large is your current traffic division,” she then asked.

“Right now, we have one sergeant and one officer assigned to the traffic division,” the Chief answered.

“So, two?” the councilwoman asked. “And when you need to respond to a large sideshow how do you make up the difference? You pull everybody from all beats to the one location.”

“Yes,” the Chief said. “Most traffic officers generally work during the day and a lot of our sideshows occur in the late evening and on the weekends. Sometimes we have our traffic officers working those hours, obviously, so, we want to be prepared. But the vast majority of sideshows are handled by the beat officers, and we have to pull all of our resources to go and deal with these sideshows. Then, as I mentioned, call in additional resources when they’re available from other agencies. So, it’s a considerable undertaking.”

“How does it work to enforce this ordinance? Is that through the department of vehicle or through the district attorney or both?” Torres-Walker asked. “How is somebody charged with a misdemeanor that would trigger the fine, the forced, the volunteering? Who imposes that? Is it the district attorney’s office?”

“So, usually there’s two routes…the criminal prosecution route or you could do the administrative citation route which would be a function of the City,” the Chief responded. “But generally, it is through the criminal route and it goes through the district attorney’s office.”

“The route this ordinance is proposing is a citation?” she asked and then answered her own question saying, “It will be both.”

“Yes,” Addington confirmed.

“Have you had the chance to talk to anybody at the district attorney’s office?” Torres-Walker then asked.

“Yes, ma’am,” he responded.

“And what was that conversation like,” she asked.

“We talked about training. We talked about different sections that are applicable and the use of the ordinance, as well,” the Chief responded.

“And so, they’re familiar with all of this? They already know how to run it through?” the councilwoman asked. “And I’m sure every citation will be under a microscope.”

“They know how to review these cases, yes,” Addington stated.

Torres-Walker then asked, “Do you believe that there’s any potential of any policy to have disparate impact on certain communities?”

“I think our officers are going to do the best they can to enforce the law based on the information that they see at the time,” the chief responded.

The District 1 councilwoman said the initial focus was on “proactive enforcement. How do you stop it before it happens?”

“The $1,000 fines that are being collected, where’s that money going and how is it going to be spent,” she asked City Attorney Thomas L. Smith and Acting City Manager Kwame Reed.

Smith responded, “Those fines are not going to be delivered to the city for expenditure. Those are under the penal code and so, I don’t know exactly how they spend them. But it’s not the city’s pot of money if that’s the question.”

“Well, I know that the fines won’t come to the city,” Torres-Walker stated. “I just wanted you to say it so people in the public who have asked me will know that these particular fines won’t come back to the city in any type of way for any monetary value for any other use or purpose and they also won’t be going to the police department. So, there’s no physical [fiscal] benefit that the city will be receiving by passing this ordinance.”

“I think that the devil is really in implementation and enforcement and we won’t really know if it works or doesn’t until it’s enacted and we trust current officers who are committed to quality policing in Antioch to enforce this ordinance and see where it goes,” Torres-Walker concluded.

District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica then made the motion to adopt the ordinance which was seconded by Ogorchock. With no further discussion the ordinance was adopted on a vote of 3-0-1 with Torres-Walker abstaining. (For details on the ordinance see related article)

Resolution Opposing Decommission of Amtrak Station

Then, 16 months after the vote, at the suggestion of Councilwoman Ogorchock, the council considered, discussed and then adopted a resolution sending a message to the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) opposing the decommissioning of the Antioch Amtrak station.  As previously reported, the SJJPA board voted with the support of a minimum of six members in favor in March 2023.

Leslie May was the first of only three members of the public to speak on the matter saying, “I am opposed to closing this station, as well, because I use it. I don’t have to depend on my daughter driving me. I have friends in Oregon I like to go see. There’s a lot of seniors that use it. I hope you do pass this resolution, tonight.”

Eddie Dotts spoke next saying “I’m just here to thank you in advance for passing this. I just got here today from the train, riding Amtrak. I always end up seeing someone I know on the train. I saw a senior who’s got to be at least 90 years old, up walking around on the train. Do everything you can to make sure Antioch stays viable in transportation.”

Andrew Becker said, “It’s frustrating. The resolution speaks of passenger rail service starting here in 1994. But that’s not true. The rail service came to Antioch all the way back to when the transcontinental rail was completed.”

“In 1910, passenger service started over in the downtown waterfront area,” he continued. “There was siding for trains to pull off. But in the 80’s the City of Antioch decided it was time to use redevelopment dollars to get rid of that siding. It was said it couldn’t be there anymore, it was too dangerous…in its current form and fashion.”

“Nobody has talked about what the rail authority wants…and the City of Antioch owns most of the right-of-way on each side of the rail line,” Becker added.

One proposal by the SJJPA staff during the March 24, 2023, board meeting was to add another track or siding, to allow for trains to pass each other along the route, which would allow for the Antioch station to remain open.

Ogorchock made the motion to oppose the decommissioning of the Amtrak station, Torres-Walker seconded it and the motion was adopted 4-0. (See resolution in related article)

No Action on Creating DEIB Officer Position, but Staff Says They’re Already Working on Developing DEIB Policies

Upon introducing the proposed Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Officer Position for the city, Torres-Walker said, “this was my request.”

During public comments Chima Oluo said he was “a springboard intern for our city attorney. I am in favor of a DEIB officer position…bring Antioch closer to a more equitable city.”

“I believe that more people don’t know what this is,” he continued. “DEI is fundamentally about promoting fairness and equal processes for all.” He gave examples of the City of Oakland and San Francisco and their DEI practices then said, “I believe Antioch can do this, too. Antioch can establish similar initiatives tailored to the needs of our residents. This will lay the foundation for a more inclusive Antioch.”

Torres-Walker then claimed the idea was the result of a conversation she had with one city employee. 

The councilwoman said, “I would like to take full credit for this item, but this really came out of a conversation with a city staff person who wants to remain anonymous about the lack of human rights and racial equity policies in this city and the lack of diversity and inclusion in city staffing and in our policies.”

“We talked about the potential for this position because it exists in other cities,” Torres-Walker continued. “And giving the direction that this city is going in, we’re always saying we’re the third most, the second most diverse city and yet our public policy doesn’t show that, our hiring practices often doesn’t show that. So, I think it’s important to listen to city staff…because they don’t feel like it’s inclusive.”

“The last update I got from Acting City Manager Kwame Reed is that there might be an effort to look into the need for this position in this city,” she continued. “I can’t help myself because I’m a Black Latina and I’m a Black woman. When we talk about what we want to do for Black people, we say, ‘let’s do a feasibility study and see if Black people have any discrimination they face and then once we come back with those findings then we’ll see if there’s a policy needed to stop discriminating against Black people. Oh, let’s see if people with disabilities are really struggling.’”

“So, why do we need to do studies on issues that people are consistently telling us there’s an issue?” the District 1 councilwoman asked rhetorically. “Is there a need for this position? I would say that there is. I would say that we need to look into it.”

Then she broached the subject of the council’s Human Rights and Racial Equity Ad Hoc Committee.

“We had one public meeting to talk with the public about how they felt about human rights, racial equity and belonging in this city and then we haven’t discussed it again,” Torres-Walker continued.

She wanted another ad hoc committee “to actually create human rights and racial equity policies in this city because they do not exist.”

“Before we can have a Human Rights and Racial Equity Commission, we first need to have policies that address human rights and racial equity disparities in this city as well as a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Officer position to oversee and work with that commission to make sure that these policies are enforced,” the councilwoman stated. “And that good customer service that Councilman Barbanica was talking about. That happens when a city is inclusive.”

“So, I would love for that ad-hoc…to create the policies…to actually come back to the agenda,” she reiterated.

“The three of us did meet,” said Reed, referring to Acting Assistant City Manager Brad Helfenberger and Tasha Johnson, Director of the Public Safety and Community Resources Department. “This was the second RFP that we’re considering to bring back to council. The idea was not to make a determination on whether or not this position was needed…but to develop and do an assessment on how we can formulate the policies. So, it was not about whether this position was needed but how to get a game plan for the position to go forward. The idea is to hire a consultant to come in, do an assessment of the city and look at everything. That’s what we’re looking to do.”

“Our office is happy to help in any way…if you decide to move forward with the initiative,” City Attorney Smith said.

“I would like for the council to agree to allow the city manager, assistant city manager and Tasha Johnson to continue to move forward with the effort around an assessment,” Torres-Walker continued. “But to also grant my request for an ad hoc…to work on…policy for the city.”

Hernandez-Thorpe said, “I just think we need an expert to develop the policies. I’m agreeing with you on this position. Do we really need…we know the culture, here. It’s not rocket science. We did this before with youth services. Then we hired somebody and created an entire department. If we’re going to do all these studies to tell us what we already know.”

“The Department of Public Safety and Community Resources was created by me, thank you,” Torres-Walker then said.

“I think there are experts who do this we can contract out to,” the mayor said. “I don’t think this should sit in one department. It has to be a higher level. The department level, everybody has to be involved.”

“I hear you saying we shouldn’t do this. I hear you saying we need all departments involved,” Torres-Walker continued. “All policies would have to be evaluated.”

Reed said, “We always work together on things. So, we will work together on this.”

“That’s not normal in this city in my experience,” Torres-Walker responded.

“It doesn’t need our approval,” Ogorchock said.

“What’s on the agenda is the position,” Hernandez-Thorpe said.

“We’re not giving the direction to create a position,” Torres-Walker said.

“If you’re doing what you’re doing, then we’re good,” Hernandez-Thorpe said to Reed.

“I think we should have staff look into the creation of this position,” the District 1 councilwoman reiterated. “And it’s already happening and we’re really grateful.”

Then looking at the audience she said, “And we’re all going to be watching, aren’t we?”

However, city staff only said they are looking into developing DEIB policies, not creating the position.

Final Agenda Item Tabled

On the final item, #11 to create a Health and Safety Analyst position for the Human Resources Department, Torres-Walker said a city staff member who also wanted to remain anonymous suggested the position to her, “with concerns about safety, health and safety in the city, in our buildings and within our policies.”

But saying she wanted to “table this…not indefinitely, for me to have a deeper conversation with Acting City Manager Kwame Reed about what he’s been able to find,” the District 1 councilwoman then offered a motion to table. With no public or council comments the motion passed 4-0.

Torres-Walker Issues Another Diatribe from the Dais During Council Communications

During Council Communications, without identifying to or about whom she was speaking or referring, Torres-Walker provided another of her diatribes saying, “It’s a crazy time we’re in. What I want to say is Black face and minstrel shows never excited me and I don’t like Black face or minstrel shows. Which is why I will never let clear people use me to climb the political ladder to gain power over me and my community.”

“When we are in a time when well-educated professionals cannot think critically about what information they are getting and dissect it for truth and lies, we’re in a bad way,” she continued. “You have pencil pushers and keyboard warriors who are masquerading as journalists, voicing their opinions and not one smart person in the room could think to themselves that they need to be critical of what they’re reading over the internet.”

“And so, what I want to say tonight is that every accusation that has been thrown at every council member on this council, whether it was being a corrupt cop, which people have come and said all the time, or whether it’s a resident coming and talking about breeding dogs and selling them online, community members have come to this council accusing all of, every last one of us just about anything,” Torres-Walker stated. “What I want to say is think critically, know what you’re reading and taking in. Protect your ear gates. And the next time the mayor throws a karaoke or pizza party at his house we will be sure to invite the public, so they don’t mistake it for a public meeting. Thank you.” (See 2:53:30 mark of council meeting video)

That last comment was in reference to the accusations against her, Wilson and Hernandez-Thorpe of violating the state’s Brown Act open meeting law when they were at his home and allegedly discussed council business, including the redistricting of Councilwoman Ogorchock, moving her neighborhood from Districts 3 to 4, preventing her from running for re-election. The accusations resulted in an inconclusive investigation by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office and a separate investigation by the county’s Civil Grand Jury which issued a report to the council with directives on that matter and two others related to city staffing, ordering them to respond by September 13, 2024, and take actions to rectify within six months. (See related article)

Close Meeting in Honor of Former Antioch Reserve Officer, Woman Shot, Killed by Police in Illinois

The council then closed the meeting in honor of former Antioch Reserve Officer Frank Rupani, who recently passed away, and also, at the request of Torres-Walker, Sonya Massey, who was shot and killed by police in Springfield, IL during an incident earlier this month, caught on officers’ body cam footage.

Alcohol suspected to be contributing factor

By Sergeant Rob Green #3639, Antioch Police Traffic Unit

On Saturday, July 27, 2024, at approximately 12:10 AM, Antioch police officers responded to a vehicle collision in the area of Lone Tree Way and Sagebrush Drive. Upon the officers’ arrival, it was determined that a vehicle struck an adult female who was riding a bicycle. Officers rendered first aid until Con Fire paramedics arrived. Unfortunately, the 29-year-old female succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased by emergency medical personnel.

The 38-year-old male driver (Antioch resident) of the involved vehicle remained on scene and was contacted by patrol officers. Alcohol was suspected to be a contributing factor. The Antioch Police Department’s Traffic Investigators responded to the scene and took over the traffic collision investigation. The male driver was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage causing serious bodily injury or death. This investigation is in its preliminary stages and the names of the involved parties are not being released pending proper notifications.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441 or Traffic Collision Investigator Sergeant Green at 925-779-6864, email rgreen@antiochca.gov.

Smash and grab robbery occurred June 15th, APD just learned of it

By Antioch Police Department

Community, take a good look at these videos and help us find the man behind this jewelry smash and grab that happened at JCPenney in the Slatten Ranch shopping center off Slatten Ranch Road and Empire Avenue.

We were just made aware of this theft that happened on June 15th. Antioch police officers responded to an alarm call just after 10:00 p.m. from the JCPenney on Slatten Ranch Road. Officers reviewed the store surveillance video which shows the suspect approaching the glass jewelry cases, taking a hammer or tool, smashing the glass and taking off with nearly half-a-million dollars in jewelry.

The suspect was also seen on video walking into the store at 8:25 p.m. and hiding in the store for a few hours before committing the crime. If you have any information about the identity of the suspect, please contact Detective Cole Shaffer cshaffer@antiochca.gov or (925) 481-8604.

Presented by Chosen Training

For more information visit www.chosentraining.org.

Former Plant Engineer at Crown Zellerbach, Inland Paper and Gaylord Paper

Services Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Antioch Police Officers Association Mourns His Passing

Frank Rupani, age 80, passed away suddenly at home with his wife by his side on Wednesday, July 10. 

Frank was born on June 24, 1944, in Burgettstown, PA to the late Frank and Pauline (Combi) Rupani. After graduating from Union High School in 1962, he went on to the University of Akron earning his BS in Mechanical Engineering as well as the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. It was in Del Rio, Texas where he met Inelda Rendon, his wife of 54 years. 

During the Vietnam War, Frank served as a navigator on the B-52 Stratofortress, based in Guam and Thailand. His missions over Vietnam earned him many medals including two Distinguished Flying Crosses. 

After leaving the Air Force with the rank of Captain, Frank and Inelda settled in Antioch, CA where he took a job as Plant Engineer for Crown Zellerbach and Inland Paper, which ultimately became Gaylord Paper. After the plant closure, he remained to supervise the dismantling, remediation and ultimate sale of the property. During this time, he went to Golden Gate University to earn his MBA. 

While still working his full-time job, at the age of 53, he was drawn to serve his community as a Reserve Officer with the Antioch Police Department for 20 years, retiring as Sergeant in 2017, then continuing to serve an additional 6 years in the VIPS (Volunteer in Police Service) program. 

Frank was a man of exceptional character. He was loving, kind, caring, and selfless and was admired by all who knew him. He will be sorely missed. 

He was predeceased by: his parents, Frank Rupani and Pauline Rupani (Combi). He is survived by: his wife Inelda; his sister Marlene (Gary Lafever); his siblings-in-law, Sylvia Slater (Robert) of Oklahoma City, OK, Henry (Robin) of San Antonio, TX, Gerard of San Antonio, TX and Alfred Rendon (Liz) of San Antonio, TX; his nieces and nephews, Ryan Slater, Valerie Ochs (Matt), Christopher Galluze (C. J.), Matt Slater (Crystal) and Sarah Simpson (Tucker); his great-nieces and great-nephews, Allyson, Zachary Ochs, Lillian, Nina Slater and Christopher A. Galluze; and his goddaughter Donna Aiken (Tom).

Arrangements are by Higgins Chapel in Antioch.  

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM at the St. Ignatius Church, 3351 Contra Loma Blvd, Antioch, CA. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM at the same location. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM at the Oak View Memorial Park (2500 E 18th St, Antioch, CA 94509). The military honors will be held on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024, at the Oak View Memorial Park Cemetery, 2500 E 18th Street, Antioch, CA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to your favorite charity in his name.

You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family, here.

Antioch Police Officers Association Mourns Passing

A post on the Antioch Police Officers Association website reads:

“It is with a heavy heart that we inform you about the passing of Reserve Officer Frank Rupani. Frank was a dedicated member of the Antioch Police Department for over 26 years, serving our community with utmost commitment and professionalism.

Officer Rupani’s unwavering dedication to his duty and his selfless service to the Antioch community will always be remembered. He was a true asset to our department, and his loss will be deeply felt by all of us.

During his time with us, Officer Rupani exemplified the values of integrity, compassion, and bravery. He was not only a respected colleague but also a trusted friend to many. His positive impact on our community and the lives he touched cannot be overstated.

As we mourn the loss of Officer Rupani, let us also remember and celebrate the incredible legacy he leaves behind. His contributions to public safety and his unwavering commitment to serving others will continue to inspire us all.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Rupani’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences and offer our full support to those affected by this loss.

Please join us in honoring Officer Frank Rupani’s memory and the invaluable service he provided to our community.” (See related article)

By Lt. D. Bittner #3252, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On July 11, 2024, at approximately 7:29 pm, Antioch police officers responded to the apartment complex located at 600 Wilbur Avenue on the report of a shooting.

When officers arrived, they located a 34-yearold male in the street near the center of the apartment complex suffering from a fatal gunshot wound.

The Antioch Police 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.

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

Sentenced to 15 years to life

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

A 29-year-old resident of Antioch was sentenced today, July 11, 2024, in Contra Costa Superior Court for sexual abuse of a young child.

Michelle Nicole Hidalgo, was sentenced by the Honorable David Goldstein after she pled guilty to engaging in sexual acts with a child 10 years old or younger [PC 288.7(b)]. Hidalgo was a nanny to the minor victim and has been in custody since her arrest on September 22, 2023. As part of a negotiated agreement, Hidalgo was sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison – which will begin immediately. She was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

On September 21, 2023, the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force was alerted to sexually explicit images of a small child being shared on X (formally Twitter). A search warrant was served at a residence in Antioch, seized equipment used in the production and distribution of pornographic images of minors and Hidalgo was arrested.  She was employed as a part-time nanny for the victim’s family. (See related article)

Pursuant to her plea, Hidalgo admitted to abusing the child on September 19, 2023. Evidence also demonstrated Hidalgo created visual depictions of the abuse and shared those images with other X users. Text messages sent from Hidalgo to others were recovered. Those messages indicated her intent to further

abuse the child the next time she was with the victim. Investigators are currently working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to ensure those images are flagged if shared online in the future.

“The sentence delivered today reflects the severity of the crime committed,” said District Attorney Diana

Becton. “Our system of justice is dedicated to protecting victims and safeguarding the community by holding offenders accountable.”

Deputy District Attorney Jenna Franklin from the DA’s Sexual Assault Unit prosecuted the case. The investigation was led by the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). Detectives and investigators who participated in the ICAC investigation are from the Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Brentwood, Oakley, Pittsburg, San Ramon and Danville police departments, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Special Agents from the United States Secret Service and Homeland Security Investigations, and Inspectors from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, three-inch tall, 250-pound Hidalgo is Hispanic was born on December 23, 1994 and is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $800,000 bail. Her Facebook profile shows she lives in Antioch and is from Pacifica, CA where she studied at Terra Nova High School.

Case No. 01-23-02982 | The People of the State of California v. Hidalgo, Michelle Nicole

By Antioch Police Department

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you about the passing of Reserve Officer Frank Rupani. Frank was a dedicated member of the Antioch Police Department for over 26 years, serving our community with utmost commitment and professionalism.

He began his service on October 30, 1997, and has received numerous commendations and letters of appreciation from the public. In May 2014, Rupani was honored by then-Chief Allan Cantando as a Reserve Sergeant.

Prior to his retirement from the APD Reserve Unit in 2017, Rupani was assigned to assist the Parking Enforcement unit with a huge backlog of abandoned vehicles in the City. According to then-Police Chief Tammany Brooks, Rupani had been instrumental in getting the number down to a manageable level. He continued to serve the citizens of Antioch by transitioning to the Volunteers In Police Service (VIPS) program and could be seen at community events, including parades in downtown Rivertown, as well as Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies.

Officer Rupani’s unwavering dedication to his duty and his selfless service to the Antioch community will always be remembered. He was a true asset to our department, and his loss will be deeply felt by all of us.

During his time with us, Officer Rupani exemplified the values of integrity, compassion, and bravery. He was not only a respected colleague but also a trusted friend to many. His positive impact on our community and the lives he touched cannot be overstated.

As we mourn the loss of Officer Rupani, let us also remember and celebrate the incredible legacy he leaves behind. His contributions to public safety and his unwavering commitment to serving others will continue to inspire us all.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Rupani’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences and offer our full support to those affected by this loss.

According to his Facebook page, Rupani is from Burgettstown, Pennsylvania and studied for his Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering at The University of Akron.

Born on June 24, 1944, Rupani had just turned 80 and is survived by his wife Inelda who, according to family members, was by his side when he passed on July 10, 2024.

Please join us in honoring Officer Frank Rupani’s memory and the invaluable service he provided to our community.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.