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!

Sacramento, Calif. – The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) encourages seniors to be aware of real estate and mortgage fraud targeting older adults. Scammers increasingly target seniors with real estate and mortgage-related deception, exploiting their trust and financial vulnerability.

The following tips aim to help Californians safeguard themselves before harm is done, as well as how to report this type of fraud. 

Fraud Avoidance Tips

1. Be vigilant, diligent, and suspicious, and proceed very cautiously, when contacted by strangers. 
2. Use only licensed professionals when engaging the services of people or companies offering rental, home loan, foreclosure rescue, or other real estate services on your behalf. Check licensing at dre.ca.gov and dfpi.ca.gov.
3. Never pay in cash, or wire cash to anyone, in connection with real estate transactions; Also, be certain to protect your personal information, such as social security number, so scammers cannot steal your identity. 
4. Never pay anyone for home loans or foreclosure relief services in advance of successfully completing the work you wanted them to do for you. 
5. Never sign an agreement for a real estate transaction (including a Rental) or a home loan that you cannot afford. 
6. Never sign a real estate (including Rental) or home loan agreement that you do not understand or have not read, or which contains blank spaces. 
7. Anyone (including scammers without an appropriate or legitimate California license) can advertise on television or radio, in newspapers, magazines or on the Internet. 
8. Just because someone looks professional, sounds like an expert, and/or gives you confidence in their real estate knowledge, does not mean that you can or should trust them.
9. Never transfer or sign your home over to any third party or anyone else who claims that such a transfer can or will help you repair your credit or keep you in your home. Also, never sign a “power of attorney” giving rights to your property or money to any individual – or any company – you do not personally know and trust. 
10. Monitor and periodically check the title to your real estate holdings, just like you check your credit reports; and act immediately if you detect fraud. 
11. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is! 

Current Types of Real Estate Fraud

Foreclosure Rescue Schemes 

Scammers promise to save a homeowner’s property from foreclosure in exchange for fees or title transfer. Victims often lose both their homes and money when no real help is provided. 

Unlicensed Prepaid Rental Listing Services Fraud 

Scammers offer rental property lists for a fee without proper licensing. Victims often pay upfront but receive outdated or nonexistent listings, leaving them without a rental and no recourse. 

Timeshare Resale and Rental Schemes 

Fraudsters promise to sell or rent timeshares for a fee but either fail to deliver, exaggerate property value, or sell nonexistent interests, exploiting owners’ desire to liquidate or monetize their timeshare. 

Online Rental Fraud 

Scammers advertise fake rental properties online, often requesting deposits or personal information before disappearing, targeting people searching for homes or vacation rentals. 

Unlicensed Property Managers 

Individuals manage rental properties without the necessary real estate license, potentially leading to mismanagement, legal issues, or financial loss for property owners and tenants. 

Real Property Recordation Fraud 

Fraudsters forge or falsify deeds and record them against properties without the owner’s consent, potentially leading to disputes over property ownership. 

Real Property Investment Schemes 

Scammers promote high-return real estate investments that are either nonexistent or misrepresented, leading to financial losses for investors. 

Reverse Mortgage Scams 

Fraudulent schemes target seniors, offering reverse mortgages with misleading terms or fees, potentially leading to loss of home equity or foreclosure. 

Vacant Land Scams

Scammers or bad actors posing as owners of vacant land and contact real estate agents for their assistance to sell a property they do not own.

How Consumers Can Report Suspected Fraud

If you believe you have been a victim of a mortgage crime or have a concern or complaint about a real estate salesperson or broker, you can file a complaint with DRE: https://dre.ca.gov/Consumers/FileComplaint.html

ABOUT DRE

The Department of Real Estate is the regulatory agency that enforces the Real Estate Law, Subdivided Lands Law, and Vacation Ownership and Timeshare Act. DRE oversees the licensure of approximately 434,000 licensees. The Department’s mission is to safeguard and promote the public interests in real estate matters through licensure, regulation, education, and enforcement. Consumer protection is its highest priority. For more information, visit: www.dre.ca.gov.

Gift Wrapping Event at Barnes & Noble Thursday, Dec. 4; plus, Warm Coat and CANTREE Food Drives and more

By Jody Drewery, President, Women’s Council of REALTORS®

Real Estate is not just about buying and selling homes — it’s about showing up for our community. I’m proud to be a part of the Delta Women’s Council of REALTORS® and the Delta Association of REALTORS® Community Foundation, where giving back is at the heart of what we do.

This season, we have several opportunities to make a difference — and you don’t have to be a REALTOR® to help.

First, join us this Thursday! Delta Women’s Council of REALTORS® will be at Barnes & Noble in the Streets of Brentwood (2475 Sand Creek Road, Suite 100) for a community Gift Wrapping Event and hosting Adopt-a-Senior.

You can also:

• Donate to the Warm Coat Drive (see above) or
• Donate a Gift Card
• Donate canned goods to the CANTREE Food Drive (see below)

Every contribution, big or small, helps someone in need — and with the year many families have had, from economic challenges to government impacts, there has never been a more meaningful time to come together.

If you’d like additional information or want to get involved, please call (925) 818-1977 or visit www.facebook.com/WCRDelta. Let’s collaborate and spread some love throughout our community.

Driver remained at the scene

By Acting Lt. Gary Lowther #4032, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

On Friday, November 21, 2025, just after 7:15 p.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle at the eastbound on-ramp to State Route 4 at Hillcrest Avenue. When officers arrived, they located a 63-year-old Antioch man lying in the roadway.

11/24/25 UPDATE: According to Sgt. Rob Green, the victim “was not in the crosswalk and riding an electric bicycle” when he was struck “on Hillcrest before the onramp to eastbound Hwy 4.”

Officers immediately provided medical aid until ConFire personnel arrived. The man was transported to a local hospital with major injuries and is currently listed in critical condition. The driver involved remained at the scene and cooperated with officers.

Investigators from the Antioch Police Department’s Traffic Unit responded and have assumed responsibility for the investigation.

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) 779-6968, email rgreen@antiochca.gov.

2nd fatal hit-and-run in the city this month, 3rd this year

By Captain Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division

On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 6:17 PM, Antioch Police officers responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle at the intersection of A Street and W. 18th Street. The involved vehicle had fled the scene.

Upon arrival, officers located a 64-year-old Antioch man lying in the roadway and immediately provided medical aid until personnel from Con Fire arrived. He was transported to a local hospital with major injuries.

Witnesses provided officers with a description and license plate of the suspect vehicle. Officers located the responsible vehicle in the 4400 block of Deerfield Drive in Antioch. The driver, Oscar Manzano Muños, a 50-year-old Antioch resident, was taken into custody for felony hit-and-run and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

On November 21, 2025, the pedestrian struck by Manzano Muños died from his injuries. The Antioch Police Department’s Traffic Unit has assumed the investigation. This collision investigation remains in its preliminary stages, and the victim’s name is being withheld pending notification. Based on initial information, speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in this incident.

It’s the second fatal hit-and-run in Antioch, this month and the third this year. The first occurred in January taking the life of a 68-year-old woman and the second claimed the life of a 60-year-old woman last Friday, Nov. 14.

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

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Amanda Davis

I wanted to reach out about a devastating dog attack that happened to my family on Sunday, November 2, 2025, in Antioch. My 73-year-old father was severely injured by three loose dogs, and our small family dog was killed during the attack near Greystone Drive and Rockford Drive, close to John Muir Elementary.

Antioch Animal Services (Case #25-9756) is actively investigating, but the police have not received cooperation from the homeowners believed to own the dogs involved. Furthermore, the flyers (pic attached) we have posted in the neighborhood have been torn down, which feels very intentional. We are desperately trying to locate the owners and are hoping that some news coverage might encourage witnesses or neighbors to come forward with information.

My father had surgery on 11/13 because of his injuries and had to stay in the hospital for the night for monitoring.

Our family is heartbroken and doing everything we can to help Animal Services find the truth.

This story is about accountability and public safety, as the dogs are still unaccounted for and we do not want another family to suffer like ours has.

Here are the factual details of the incident.

• The attack occurred on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at approximately 8:15 AM near the intersection of Greystone Drive and Rockford Drive in the Eagleridge neighborhood of Antioch.
• My father, Jim Thomson, was walking his small dog, Benji, on leash.
• Three large dogs came up from behind with no owner present and attacked Benji.
• My father fell into the street during the attack and later required surgery for a fractured elbow.
• Nearby residents intervened and assisted my father by calling 911. He was transported via ambulance to Kaiser Sand Creek.
• Witnesses described the dogs as one husky, one Belgian Malinois, and a third dog that may have been a shepherd mix. They ran off after the attack and were seen by multiple people in the neighborhood including the paramedics transporting Jim to the hospital. 
• Candy Thomson, Jim’s wife, transported Benji, with the help of a neighbor to VCA, the emergency vet, on Sunset Drive where Benji died from his injuries.
• Several neighbors have already provided helpful information, and we are hoping that anyone with additional details or security camera footage from approximately 8 to 9 AM on 11/2 will come forward.
• Animal Control is currently investigating. Jessica Knittel is our contact.

If you have any information about the attack or name of the owner please contact Antioch Animal Services at (925) 779-6989 or his daughter at (213) 361-5407.

By Acting Lt. Gary Lowther #4032, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

On Thursday, November 13, 2025, just after 6:30 p.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Marie Avenue and E. 18th Street and the involved vehicle had fled the scene. Upon arrival, officers located a 60-year-old female Antioch resident down in the roadway.

Officers immediately provided medical aid until personnel from CONFIRE arrived. Unfortunately, the woman died at the scene. Investigators from the Antioch Police Department Traffic Unit responded and took over the investigation. The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin.

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.

With daughter and grandson

By Mary Chapman & Nora vonUbin, An Elderly Wish Foundation

When Joyce Turner from Antioch was told she had terminal cancer, she contacted An Elderly Wish Foundation. She wrote that her wish was to go with her daughter and grandson, to meet Steph Curry in San Francisco at the Oracle Arena. Joyce claims to be his #1 Fan because her every room in her house proves it. Joyce said, “seeing him in person would be an absolute dream come true!”

On Friday, October 17, 2025, An Elderly Wish Foundation “made her dream come true!”  Joyce, her daughter, Julie and grandson, Marcos (age 11) were ushered into Oracle Arena, at a specific spot on the court to watch #30 practice. Joyce was thrilled the evening included having Steph sign her own 2015 Championship Jersey! Another thrill was to have her grandson stand with the entire Warriors Team for the anthem.

Our non-profit foundation loved granting this special wish for Joyce with assistance from Velma Wilson.

AEWF grants wishes to seniors, 50 years or older, who have been diagnosed with a serious or chronic illness and live in Contra Costa County. For more information visit www.elderlywish.org.