Seek public’s help for 54-year-old male, 63-year-old female victims, both possibly homeless

By Lt. Franco Cesar, Antioch Police Department

ANTIOCH, CA — The Antioch Police Department (APD) is seeking assistance from the public following two separate and unrelated hit-and-run collisions involving pedestrians on the evening of Saturday, September 12, 2026. Both victims sustained major injuries and were airlifted to local trauma centers.

Incident Overviews

• E. 18th Street & Phillips Lane (Case #26-8734): At 6:50 PM, APD Dispatch received a report of a pedestrian down. Officers arrived on scene within three minutes and rendered immediate medical aid to a 54-year-old man suffering severe leg injuries. Contra Costa County Fire Protection District personnel assumed care upon arrival, and the victim was airlifted via helicopter to a trauma center. The driver fled the scene. Witnesses describe the suspect vehicle as a dark gray sedan.

When asked for his city of residence Sgt. Rob Green said, “He is from Antioch and possibly a transient.”

According to the department’s CitizenRIMS Crime Map, the call was closed Saturday at 8:56 PM, the Disposition is listed as Report Taken-Felony and the Incident Number is 2609120132.

• 801 Sunset Drive (Case #26-8737): At 9:57 PM, officers responded to a completely separate and unrelated report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival at 10:00 PM, officers provided initial aid to a 63-year-old woman who suffered major injuries to her arms and legs near the Antioch Napa Auto Parts store. She was subsequently transported via helicopter to a trauma center. The suspect vehicle fled prior to law enforcement arrival, and the APD Traffic Unit responded to conduct an on-scene investigation.

According to the CitizenRIMS Crime Map, the call was closed Sunday 9/13/2026 at 11:24 AM, the Disposition is listed as Supplement which means another report was taken, and the Incident Number is 2609120155.

Regarding the other report Green said, “We were told there was possible foul play from a supplemental call and that she is a homeless woman in Antioch. But we have nothing to support the claim foul play was involved. The car came out of nowhere.”

Asked if the second incident is also considered a felony Green said, “Yes, it is.”

Both investigations remain active and ongoing. Anyone who witnessed either incident, has surveillance or dashcam footage from the surrounding areas at these times, or possesses information regarding the fleeing vehicles, is urged to contact Sgt. Green of the Traffic Unit at (925) 779-6864. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to the department.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Two parked vehicles struck

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

On Saturday, August 29, 2026, shortly after 3:30 p.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to the 5100 block of Arroyo Way for a reported traffic collision involving a vehicle that struck two parked vehicles.

Officers arrived and located the driver and sole occupant, a 66-year-old man, unconscious inside the vehicle. Officers immediately began providing medical aid until Contra Costa County Fire Protection District personnel arrived. The driver was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.

Antioch Police Department Traffic Unit investigators responded to the scene and are investigating the collision. The identity of the man is being withheld pending notification of his next of kin.

The cause of the collision remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441, Traffic Collision Investigator Officer Rollins at (925) 779-6900, ext. 87145, or by email at prollins@antiochca.gov.  

This information was provided by the Antioch Police Department Traffic Unit. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

By City of Antioch

The Antioch Police Sycamore Substation is becoming more than a physical space — it’s becoming a place for connection, support, and community resources.

This past Saturday, CareGiver OneCall launched The Sandwich Circle, a free monthly support group for family caregivers and the first of several community partnerships being hosted at the Substation.

The program marks an important step in the City’s vision to activate the Sycamore Substation as a community hub, connecting residents in the Sycamore corridor with trusted organizations, services, and resources close to home.

We’re excited to see this space continue to grow and serve our community!

The Substation is located in Sycamore Square at 1084 Sycamore Drive near the corner of L Street in Antioch.

By City of Antioch Recreation Department

Escape to the islands without leaving Antioch! Come and enjoy a Luau at the Antioch Water Park.

Get ready for an afternoon of tropical fun. Enjoy a dip in the pool, entertainment, delicious appetizers and great company as we celebrate summer together.

Friday, August 28, 1:00 PM

Antioch Water Park – 4701 Lone Tree Way

Member: $8 | Non-Member: $18

Register early! The first 20 participants to sign up will receive a FREE bucket hat!

Follow this link to reserve your spot today. Activity #13425. Activity detail | City of Antioch Online Recreation Services

Able-bodied must now document 80 hours a month of work, job training or volunteering

By Tyler McCarthy, Outreach Associate and Eve Birge, CEO, White Pony Express

Until this June, if you were 55 to 64 and on CalFresh, you were exempt from the program’s strictest work rules. Not anymore.

Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in July 2025, adults in that age range who are considered able-bodied and don’t have a child under 14 at home must now document 80 hours a month of work, job training or volunteering — or lose their food assistance after three months. California’s rules changed June 1.

Think about who that catches. Too young for Medicare. Too early for full Social Security without a permanent cut to the check. Often job-hunting in a market that stopped calling back the moment their resume showed 20 years of experience.

Learn about the new rules for other age groups, here.

Nationally, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) enrollment has dropped by four and a half million people since the law passed — about 11 percent. Fewer people getting help is not the same as fewer people needing it, and this is exactly the age group already reporting the most hardship. Food insecurity among adults 50 and older has been climbing for two decades, and it shows up later as worse health, poorer diets and a harder time managing chronic disease. Meanwhile, groceries cost around 30 percent more than they did before the pandemic. More than 4 in 10 older adults now say prices at the store have outrun their budget, according to AARP.

White Pony Express meets them where they already are. Nearly all its 144 partner agencies serve older adults; 18 serve seniors exclusively. Its drivers bring fresh produce, dairy and protein to senior housing and community centers, and set it out like a farmers’ market, not a handout, so people choose what they want and stay to visit, share recipes and build community.

The program coordinator at a food pantry in San Pablo explained it best: “We serve seniors who have a fixed income and use it to pay bills and rent. Food is something they have to find. They survive through this kind of service.”

Since 2013, White Pony Express (WPE) has done this at no cost to its nonprofit recipients and no cost to the people they feed. Help WPE reach more neighbors: volunteer or donate at whiteponyexpress.org.

White Pony Express is a food rescue nonprofit based in Concord, California.

Sources:

1. Until this June, if you were 55 to 64 and on CalFresh, you were exempt from the program’s strictest work rules. Not anymore.
   1. “OBBBA raises the age limit for ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) work requirements, from 55 to 64.” (Think Global Health, 2026)
2. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in July 2025, adults in that age range who are considered able-bodied and don’t have a child under 14 at home must now document 80 hours a month of work, job training or volunteering — or lose their food assistance after three months.
   1. “Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, more adults need to prove they work or volunteer for at least 80 hours a month to access food benefits. These work requirements now apply to veterans, homeless individuals, young adults aging out of foster care, parents with a child between 14 and 17, and people between 55 and 64.” (NPR, 2026)
   2. “People who have to meet the work or community engagement requirement must participate in qualifying activity for up to 20 hours per week, or 80 hours averaged monthly. Qualifying activities include:
3. Paid employment
4. Volunteer work or community service
5. Job training or work programs
6. Education
7. Workfare
8. Combination of any of the above.” (CDSS, 2026)

3. California’s rules changed June 1.
   1. “Starting June 1, 2026, the federal government’s rules on CalFresh work and community engagement requirements are changing in California. This means that some CalFresh recipients between the ages of 18-64 will have to meet work and community engagement requirements to keep their CalFresh benefits.” (CDSS, 2026)
4. Nationally, SNAP enrollment has dropped by four and a half million people since the law passed — about 11 percent.
   1. “We estimate that SNAP participation nationwide fell by more than 4.5 million people (11 percent) between the law’s July 2025 enactment and April 2026, based on the latest month of data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and data from the Georgia Department of Human Services provided in an open records request.” (CBPP, 2026)
5. Food insecurity among adults 50 and older has been climbing for two decades, and it shows up later as worse health, poorer diets and a harder time managing chronic disease.
   1. “Food insecurity among older adults has risen over the past two decades, contributing to poorer diet quality, declining physical health, heightened risk of cognitive impairment, and more challenging chronic disease management.” (Think Global Health, 2026)
6. Meanwhile, groceries cost around 30 percent more than they did before the pandemic.
   1. “The price of food purchased for home use rose 33% from 2019 through June 2026.” (AP News, 2026)
7. More than 4 in 10 older adults now say prices at the store have outrun their budget, according to AARP.
   1. “In a December 2025 AARP survey, more than 4 in 10 adults ages 50-plus said grocery prices now cost more than they can afford, compared with one-third of adults under 50.” (AARP, 2026).

23-year-old held on $1.1 million bail

By Antioch Police Department

The Antioch Police Department has arrested a suspect in connection with the death of 77-year-old Paul Lawson following an assault that occurred in June.

On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, members of the Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau arrested 23-year-old Camari Coleman in the City of Brentwood. Coleman, of Brentwood, (born 9/25/2002) was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility after the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed charges of Penal Code section 187(a) – Murder and Penal Code section 368(b)(1) – Elder Abuse Resulting in Death.

The charges stem from an incident on June 9, 2026, when Antioch Police officers responded to a reported battery at an outdoor phone vendor stand outside the Contra Costa County Employment and Human Services building at 4545 Delta Fair Boulevard. Investigators determined that Mr. Lawson became involved in a verbal and physical fight with employees at the vendor stand. During the incident, Lawson fell and reported that he was unable to move. Witness statements regarding the circumstances of the fall vary, with some indicating he stumbled over a chair and others reporting he may have been pushed during the fight. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment. (See related article)

On the morning of June 13, 2026, Mr. Lawson died while receiving care at the hospital.

The Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau conducted the investigation that led to Coleman’s identification as the suspect. The case was submitted to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office on July 16, 2026, and an arrest warrant was subsequently issued.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, two-inch tall, 183-pound Coleman is Black and being held on $1.1 million bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for tomorrow, July 22nd in Martinez Superior Court, Dept. 5 at 1:30 p.m.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Duff at rduff@antiochca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

The Contra Costa County Fair is held at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch. For tickets and more information visit www.contracostafair.com.

No council approval required, no parking required but 136 spaces included; had to approve “Soviet-style” design due to state law-required waivers, concessions

Units will be offered at 30%, 50% and 60% of Area Median Income

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on April 1, 2026, the Antioch Planning Commission, on a vote of 6-0, with Vice Chair Cortney Jones absent, approved the 183-unit affordable Wildflower Senior Apartments. Planned for the southeast corner of Wildflower Drive and Hillcrest Avenue, the complex will consist of 113 one-bedroom units of 559 square feet and 70 two-bedroom units of 771 square feet. It will include a parking lot, walkways and dog park on a vacant 3.77-acre parcel.

The Planning Commissioners who voted in favor of the project are Chair Seth Webber and Commissioners Don Aguilar, Jennifer Perez, Kevin Riley, William Spijker and Ramesh Suman.

The developer, Cypress Equity Investments of Brentwood in Los Angeles, according to the City staff report for the agenda item, number 7-1, the senior citizen housing project will be built on four levels. It will provide 145 residential units at 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), 19 at 50 percent of the AMI, and 19 at 30 percent of the AMI. Therefore, the proposed project would be eligible for a density bonus under the State Density Bonus Law of up to 80 percent. The applicant is utilizing the bonus to increase the density from 35 dwelling units per acre to 48.54 dwelling units per acre.

Qualifies for State Density Bonus, Transit Proximity Height Increase

The proposed project “designates 100 percent of base units (132 units total) as affordable to low-income households to obtain a density bonus of 51 additional units as well as waivers from certain development standards, in accordance with State Density Bonus Law.”

Plus, since the project is located within a half-mile of a major transit stop, specifically, the Antioch BART Station, the applicant received a height increase of up to three additional stories, or 33 feet.

City Required to Agree to Developer’s Waiver, Concession Requests

According to City staff, the Commission had to agree to other concessions requested by the developer. “As detailed in the State Density Bonus Law portion of the staff report, the applicant is allowed waivers and concessions for the project’s architecture.” The developer requested 12 waivers and five concessions. That included more simple elevations than are required in the citywide Multi-Family Residential Objective Design Standards.

The staff report continues, “The proposed architecture of the building is contemporary. The project uses earth-tone colors: crystal white, titanium gray and muted orange. The color combination provides soft variation and transition along the building facade. The project proposes a varied parapet topped by cornices, large windows, and detailed landscaping. The project design complies with the applicable Multi-family Residential Objective Design Standards.”

However, the developer claimed, “Inclusion of the decorative elements would require added carpentry and labor, may trigger custom fabrication or waterproofing details. Strict compliance with this standard would require additional architectural detail for the density bonus project, rendering the development financially infeasible.”

That’s why it will look like a housing project straight out of the former Soviet Union. (This reporter’s opinion.)

Finally, because the project complies with existing zoning, approval by the City Council is not required, as is the case for all multi-family projects in Antioch.

Amenities

The project does include some amenities for the residents. “The central courtyard is comprised of seating areas with tables, fire pits, BBQ facilities, succulent gardens, and pedestrian pathways to seamlessly connect the complex and provide the amenities required in the Multi-Family Objective Design Standards for common open space areas. The enclosed dog park includes a water fountain, hose, benches and waste station.”

No Parking Required But 136 Spaces Included

Also, according to the staff report, “Because the proposed development is a 100 percent affordable multifamily senior housing project, within half a mile of a major transit stop, there is no parking requirement. However, the applicant is proposing to provide 136 parking spaces, which equates to about .74 stalls per unit. Senior Housing projects generally have less parking due to utilizing public transit and services such as paratransit.”

Affordable Housing Agreement with City

The project will include an Affordable Housing Agreement with the City. According to the City staff report, “the applicant shall enter into an agreement with the City to ensure the continued affordability of all affordable units. Prior to receiving a building permit, such agreement shall be recorded as a covenant against the property.”

See Project Plans and Site Photos. To watch developer’s presentation and commission discussion and vote, see 57:00 mark of meeting video.