Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Report: FBI arrests Pittsburg, Antioch cops under investigation in Thursday morning raids

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For possible “crimes of moral turpitude” following federal grand jury indictment; task force set up in parking lot of John Muir Health in Brentwood

By Allen D. Payton According to an exclusive report by the Mercury News, the Antioch and Pittsburg police officers were arrested by the FBI during raids, Thursday morning, August, 17, 2023. The officers have been under investigation by both the FBI and Contra Costa DA’s Office since early 2022. That followed an indictment issued by the Federal Grand Jury in San Francisco on Wednesday. The details of the indictment have yet to be revealed but are expected to during a press conference scheduled for 3:30 p.m. today.

FBI task force drew a map of homes in the John Muir Health – Brentwood parking lot in preparation for their raids on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Photo source chose to remain anonymous

Task Force Set Up at John Muir Health in Brentwood

According to a source who chose to remain anonymous, the FBI task force set up in the parking lot of John Muir Health’s Brentwood Outpatient Center on Balfour Road near Highway 4. There were about 20 cars carrying agents, two riot vehicles, and a Life Flight helicopter on stand-by the source shared. As previously reported, the investigation was for alleged “crimes of moral turpitude” defined as “conduct that shocks the public conscience or, which does not fall within the moral standards held by the community.” The names of the officers and details of their alleged crimes were inadvertently revealed in a report issued by the DA’s Office, earlier this year, that was not properly redacted. The officers are being investigated “for violations of the following federal offenses; Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(A), distribution, and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; Section 843(b) illegal use of the mail in furtherance of narcotic trafficking; Title 18, USC, 1503 Obstruction of Justice; Section 846, attempt and conspiracy to commit the foregoing offenses; Section 241, Conspiracy for two or more persons to agree to injure, threaten, or intimidate a person in the United States in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege; and Section 242, a crime for a person acting under color of any law to willfully deprive a person of a right or privilege protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States. The CCCDAO is investigating these officers for assault under the color of authority, bribery, embezzlement, possession of controlled substances (steroids) for sale, knowing or offering any false or forged instruments, possession, and sales of assault weapons, and attempt and conspiracy to commit the foregoing offenses. The CCCDAO is also reviewing whether any of the above listed individuals have violated Penal Code (PC) section 745, the Racial Justice Act, which prohibits the use of race, ethnicity, or national origin by a law enforcement officer in pursuit of a conviction or sentence.” The names of the officers under investigation by the FBI and DA revealed in the improperly redacted report were included in the following information: “On 03/22/2022, the Honorable Presiding Judge Rebecca C. Hardie, Judge of the Superior Court of California, Contra Costa County, signed a search warrant under seal authored by CCCDAO Senior Inspector Larry J. Wallace for the seizure and search of the following cellular telephones: Pittsburg Police Officer Willie Glasper, (redacted phone number); Pittsburg Police Officer Brauli Rodriguez Jalapa, (redacted phone number); Pittsburg Police Officer Ernesto Juan Mejia-Orozco, (redacted phone number); Pittsburg Police Officer James Robert Anderson, (redacted phone number); Antioch Police Officer Ben C. Padilla, (redacted phone number); Antioch Police Officer Eric Rombough, (redacted phone number); Antioch Police Officer Devon Wenger, (redacted phone number); and Antioch Police Officer Andrea Rodriguez, (redacted phone number). The search warrants and affidavits were signed under seal and filed with the Martinez Superior Court. On 03/22/22, the Honorable Laurel Beeler, United States Magistrate, Northern District of California, signed a federal search warrant under seal authored by FBI Special Agent (SA) Thuy Zoback for the seizure of the following cellular telephones: Pittsburg Police Officer Armando Montalvo; Pittsburg Police Officer Patrick Berhan; (now former) Antioch Police Officer Timothy Manly Williams; Antioch Police Officer Morteza Amiri, Antioch Police Officer Nicholas Shipilov; Antioch Police Officer Eric Rombough; Antioch Police Officer Daniel Harris; and Antioch Police Officer Calvin Prieto. The purpose of the search warrants were to seize electronic communications; such as, but not limited to the following: records and communications indicating the possession, use, purchase, sale, distribution, transfer, theft, and/or concealment of controlled substances, including books, receipts, notes, ledgers, pay and owe sheets, correspondence, records noting price, quantity, date and times when controlled substances were purchased, possessed, transferred, distributed, sold or concealed. On 03/23/2022, sworn law enforcement members of the CCCDAO and the FBI retrieved the above listed cellular telephones from the above listed sworn law enforcement members of the Pittsburg and Antioch Police Departments. Law enforcement members from the CCCDAO and the FBI downloaded/extracted electronic cellular data communications from the above listed cellular telephones. A thorough review of the electronic cellular data communications took place for the past year.” Which officers were arrested Thursday morning has not yet been confirmed. The Antioch officers have been on paid administrative leave since the beginning of the investigation. Antioch Police Officers Association Issues Statement The Antioch Police Officers APOA issued a brief statement posted on their Facebook page Thursday morning. It reads, “The APOA has learned that several of our current and former members have been indicted by the FBI at the culmination of their investigation into members of the Antioch and Pittsburg Police Departments. We are saddened to learn of what has happened and look forward to the legal process playing itself out. We are committed to still providing quality service to the citizens of Antioch and also providing support for our members who are still working through this difficult time. APOA Media Team” Mayor Thorpe Says It’s “A Dark Day” In a post on his campaign website, Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe issued the following statement about the matter: “Today is a dark day in our city’s history, as people trusted to uphold the law, allegedly breached that trust and were arrested by the FBI. As our city absorbs this tragic news, we must come together as one. Today’s actions are the beginning of the end of a long and arduous process. To those that have accused me and others of being anti-police for seeking to reform the Antioch Police Department, today’s arrests are demonstrative of the issues that have plagued the Antioch Police Department for decades. Seeking to reform the Antioch Police Department is not anti-police, it is pro our residents, and pro officers that have served and continue to serve with honor.’ -Office of the Mayor”

Efforts to reach APOA’s attorney, Mike Rains, for comment were unsuccessful prior to publication time. Please check back later for any updates to this report.

IMCA Racing takes center stage at Antioch Speedway this Saturday night

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Championship contenders Troy Foulger #49 and Andrew Pearce #15p battling Randy Shafer #22 and Nick DeCarlo #17 in IMCA Modified competition. Photo by Katrina Kniss

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…On the heels of a successful Fan Appreciation Night and the well supported practice that followed, racing resumes this Saturday night at Antioch Speedway.

Back in action are the popular IMCA sanctioned Modifieds, Sport Modifieds and Stock Cars, and the three divisions have just two-point races left to go. Also competing will be the Delta Dwarf Cars and a special Print Club Mini Stock race.

Troy Foulger of Oakley and Bowers Motorsports weren’t necessarily planning to run for points this season, but that’s how it turned out. The team prefers to run at different venues when the bigger money is on the line, and frequently they leave with big prize money. In this case, the team started winning early on and found themselves leading two championship battles.

The Bowers name is synonymous with winning races at Antioch Speedway. From the days of the Hall of Fame duo Bill Bowers and JD Willis teaming up to win many Main Events and several championships to Billy Bowers and Foulger, they keep getting the job done.

In fact, the team had their Modified at the track for practice last week to try and pick up a little bit of speed. IMCA National rookie leader and State point leader Andrew Pearce of Oakley has won the last two races. That doesn’t sit well with the Bowers team.

Foulger still leads Pearce in the Modified ranks, 336-314, but the last win for Pearce gives him a 4 to 3 advantage in Main Event wins. The title will come down between these two, while reigning champion Nick DeCarlo of Martinez leads Jeff Browne of Oakley in the race for third, 214-186.

Just 30 points behind Browne you’ll find 2019 champion Buddy Kniss of Oakley.  The popular Modified division has been at the Speedway since 1990, and this is the 34th championship run for the class.

IMCA Stock Car point leader Troy Foulger #49 battles Scott Foster #22s and Travis Dutra #22. Photo by Katrina Kniss

In the IMCA Stock Car ranks, Foulger again only has one driver to worry about. In this case, it’s Jason Robles of Rio Vista, who trails by 32 markers. Robles takes on a big role at the speedway as a primary track preparations expert, running the heavy equipment.

Jason is still looking for his first win of the season and has finished as high as second three times. Foulger, however, has won seven races, which has also helped propel him into the IMCA State point lead. It’s been a banner year for the team.

Jason’s son Kenneth Robles of Rio Vista has a solid hold on third in the standings as reigning champion Travis Dutra of Concord has fallen out of the battle. Dutra is only four points ahead of Oakley’s Scott Foster. Foster has been supporting the class pretty well this year as he picks up a little speed with each race.

You won’t find the DeCarlo name high in the point battle, but both Nick DeCarlo and Terry DeCarlo Jr of Martinez are Main Event winners in recent races.

Turning attention to the IMCA Sport Modified ranks, Jason Ryan Jr of Oakley is on a pace to collect a pair of championships. The IMCA State title seems well in hand after Ryan picked up his fourth Watsonville win last week.

However, the three-time Antioch winner has to contend with Kenny Shrader of Pacheco in the track title chase. Shrader got his third win last time out, keeping him four points out of the lead. This battle will go down to the wire.

IMCA Sport Modified title contender Mark Garner #76, Dylan Connelly #6 and Matt Pitts #16 racing hard. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Though he hasn’t won yet this season, Mark Garner of Antioch has been very consistent with six Top 5 efforts. He’s just nine points out of the lead and three ahead of three-time Antioch champion Trevor Clymens of Brentwood.

Jacob Mallet, Jr. is last year’s State champion, and he has a 23-point lead over Joseph Pato in the race for fifth. 28 points back in seventh is the top rookie, Billy Garner of Antioch.

We haven’t seen enough of the Delta Dwarf Cars this year, but we have a fierce battle on our hands between Chance Russell of Antioch and Devan Kammermann of Dublin. Russell leads by just four points going into this race. He is a one-time winner, while Kameramann has picked up two victories.

Quietly, Tracy’s Joe LeDuc has crept into third in the standings, 20 points ahead of David Michael Rosa of Antioch and 22 in front of Travis Day of Concord. Sean Catucci of Antioch was back at practice last week and making good laps as he’s set to return this week.

Last year’s Print Club Mini Stock championship runner-up, Laina Bales of Antioch, lined up some sponsorship to give the division a purse this week. They don’t normally pay down the entire field, but they will on this occasion.

There could be some visitors In town as drivers compete for the increased prize money. This race will also be an opportunity for the local drivers to get things in order as the West Coast Sport Compacts hit the speedway the following week with their competitive tour.

A look at the track points finds Tom Davis of Los Molinos with a solid hold on the lead, 85 points ahead of reigning champion Tom Brown of Santa Rosa. Davis has picked up six wins, but Brown has been shut out.

Brown took a tumble off of a ladder a few weeks ago and suffered a collapsed lung, taking him out of the most recent Antioch race. Brown won at Petaluma last week, keeping him on the path to winning his third championship in a row there.

Reigning Mini Stock champion Tom Brown #3r battles Chris Corder #68c, Tony Quinonez #73 and Dana Gardner #37. Photo by Katrina Kniss

At Antioch, Brown leads Tony Quinonez of Corning by 27 points in the race for second. Quininez got his first win of the season last time out. Top rookie David Carson is now fourth in the standings, just four points ahead of Pittsburgh’s Don Abitz and 19 in front of Dana Gardner of San Bruno.

The IMCA storylines are certainly interesting. Nobody has ever won two championships in the same season at the track, but Foulger has that in his crosshairs along with an unprecedented sixth Modified title.

There are also the close battles in the Delta Dwarf Cars and IMCA Sport Modifieds to consider. The drivers will be giving it all they have to try to move up a little bit higher in the standings. It’ll be a good night of racing from start to finish.

The gates will open at 4:00 with the first race starting at 6:00. Adult tickets are $20, Senior/Military $15, Kids (5-12) $15 and kids four and under free.

For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com or check out the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions Facebook page.

Antioch man on parole for burglary, Pittsburg woman arrested for attempted Brentwood burglary

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Antione Jovan Rice and Christina Marie Rivera, Jr. in custody on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023. Photos: Brentwood PD

He was also a parolee-at-large

By Brentwood Police Department

Early Wednesday morning, August 9, 2023, Brentwood officers were called to a business located at the 2400 block of Empire Avenue, for an alarm call. Shortly after, our Dispatch received a call from a remote video surveillance monitoring company, who advised they were watching a male attempting to break into the business.

The company provided a description of the suspect and saw that he got into a red SUV, which was being driven by someone else.

The on-duty Sergeant, who was close by, arrived to the area and immediately saw a red SUV driving into the Slatten Ranch parking lot. As soon as he attempted to do a car stop, the male attempted to flee on foot.

Our Sergeant was able to safely take him into custody, and 37-year-old Antione Jovan Rice of Antioch was placed under arrest for attempted burglary. Rice, who is on parole for burglary, was also a parolee-at-large.

The driver of the SUV, identified as 33-year-old Christina Marie Rivera, Jr. of Pittsburg, was located in a nearby Starbuck’s drive through. She was placed under arrest for assisting in the attempted burglary and she had a warrant for fraud.

Both Rice and Rivera were transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, both Rice and Rivera are still in custody and she is being held on $30,000 bail. No information was provided on Rice’s bail amount.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Man shot in arm at Pittsburg park Thursday

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Reports of drive-by during celebration of life for Antioch teen shot, killed in attempted Brentwood robbery last month

By Pittsburg Police Department

At approximately 2:15 PM, Pittsburg Police officers responded to Highlands Ranch Park after receiving multiple 911 calls regarding a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located evidence of a shooting as well as a 24-year-old male that had sustained a gunshot wound to the arm. First aid was rendered, and he was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

A resident reported the shooting occurred during the celebration of life for the 17-year-old Antioch resident who was shot and killed while attempting to rob an Antioch resident in Brentwood on July 14, 2023. But those details have not yet been confirmed by police.  (See related article)

Officers interviewed multiple witnesses on scene and are currently collecting and reviewing surveillance video from the area in order to identify those involved. The Pittsburg Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance and asks anyone with additional information to contact dispatch at (925) 646-2441. No further information is available at this time.

Portion of a comment on Facebook on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023. Redacted by the Herald.

8/11/23 UPDATE: It was confirmed in a comment posted in the private Pittsburg Edition Rants and Raves Facebook page on on Friday, that the shooting was a drive-by and occurred during the celebration of life for the Antioch teen.

The comment reads, “We buried my 17-year-old cousin, yesterday at 11:00am, as we listened to the deep hideous sobs of his mother. We decided to celebrate the life and memory of (name withheld because he was a juvenile) at Highlands Ranch. Unfortunately, the family was victimized to a drive-by shooting.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Sand Creek Road extension breaks ground in Brentwood

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Breaking ground for the Sand Creek Road extension during the ceremony are Supervisor Diane Burgis, Brentwood City Councilmembers Jovita Mendoza and Susannah Meyer, Mayor Joel Bryant, and Councilmembers Pa’tanisha Pierson and Tony Oerlemans on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. Photo: City of Brentwood

Will cross Sand Creek and connect Highway 4 to Heidorn Ranch and Deer Valley Roads in Antioch

On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, a gathering of dignitaries and City of Brentwood staff marked the Sand Creek Road Extension Groundbreaking Ceremony. The long-anticipated extension is a significant milestone in enhancing Eastern Contra Costa County’s transportation infrastructure. While the City had hoped to extend an invitation to the public for the event, due to the project’s location, active construction, and concern for the safety of all participants, it was imperative to limit the total number of attendees.

With an estimated cost of $8.7M, this extension will expand Sand Creek Road at State Route 4 westward, connecting Sand Creek Road to Heidorn Ranch Road. This initiative projects to alleviate traffic congestion on adjacent streets, including Lone Tree Way, Balfour Road and Deer Valley Road. Furthermore, this extension will provide Brentwood residents and emergency personnel, an accelerated and safer route to Kaiser Permanente in Antioch.

It will “provide Brentwood residents with a direct connection to Kaiser hospital and the Innovation Center that includes the recently approved Costco to be located off of Lone Tree Plaza Drive,” Mayor Joel Bryant added.

The project will also include the bridge over the actual Sand Creek. It “was delayed a little bit. The contract was awarded back in April,” Interim Brentwood City Engineer Allen Baquilar shared.

The Sand Creek Road extension (encircled by plastic orange fencing) will include a bridge across Sand Creek (see upper left area with trees) and connect to the current segment near the Highway 4 southbound off- and on-ramps in Brentwood. Source: City of Brentwood video screenshot.

“As we move forward with this project, we must acknowledge the efforts from past City Council and staff, who have diligently paved the way. This road extension will serve as a conduit to a healthier future, providing safety and accessibility for residents traveling to our neighboring city,” emphasized City Manager Tim Ogden.

“With enthusiasm, we observe the commencement of this project. We recognize the community’s understanding and patience exhibited while we addressed challenges and setbacks that emerged during the project’s progression,” Assistant City Manager Darin Gale shared in a press release. “The project’s contractors, Goodfellow Sequoia Joint Venture, have demonstrated their capability to manage the project despite unexpected delays. As the work continues, we are confident in their ability to bring this project to completion, slated for late May 2024.”

“We’re excited to see this project underway and look forward to see it opened, soon,” Ogden added.

Funding source for the road project are from City of Brentwood Development Impact Fees and the Eastern Contra Costa Regional Fee and Financing Authority all provided by new housing and commercial development in the city and East County.

Sand Creek Road will be extended east past Heidorn Ranch Road along Antioch’s southeast city limits. Source: City of Brentwood video screenshot.

In an email on Thursday, August 10, Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis shared the following about the road extension:

“As East County continues to grow, our transportation and infrastructure needs are growing as well. One of the biggest local road improvements is the new Sand Creek Road extension in Brentwood.

The City of Brentwood’s staff and elected officials have been hard at work for years planning the extension, which will lead west from Highway 4 toward Dear Valley Road and connect with other extensions that are already completed.

I had the unique opportunity to speed up the project in February as Chair of the East Contra Costa Regional Fee and Financing Authority (ECCRFFA), when I, along with the four mayors of Brentwood, Antioch, Oakley and Pittsburg, voted unanimously to prioritize funding this shovel-ready extension. I’m proud of our elected officials for working together as a region and putting taxpayer dollars toward a project that will have immediate impacts for public safety and economic development.”

Official Project Description: The project scope includes extension of Sand Creek Road from westerly of the existing terminus at State Route 4 to Heidorn Ranch Road approximately 2,300 linear feet. The improvements include constructing the central 56 feet of roadway (2 – 20-foot roadway and a 16-foot median), streetlights, wet and dry utilities, full-width bridge (4-lane arterial) across Sand Creek, and related work linking State Route 4 to Heidorn Ranch Road.

To learn more about the Sand Creek Road Extension Project, please visit Sand Creek Road Extension and see video of the groundbreaking ceremony on the City of Brentwood’s Facebook page.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood resident to perform as Tina Turner at Pittsburg Seafood Festival

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Lea Sweet performed as Tina Turner at the 2023 East County Juneteenth Celebration. Sources: (Left) 3 Queens of Motown. (Right) Herald file photo

Lea Sweet part of 3 Queens of Motown Tribute Show

By Allen D. Payton

Considered to be one of the top Tina Turner Tribute artists in the country, Brentwood resident Lea Sweet will perform as a cast member of the popular 3 Queens of Motown Tribute Show during the Pittsburg Seafood Festival.

The 3 Queens of Motown also includes Samantha Alexes as Aretha Franklin and Stacy Carter as Diana Ross. Under the music direction of music director Nathan Owens and his exciting nine-piece band, they will perform Sunday, September 10th at 3:30 pm.

Sweet performed in tribute to Tina Turner in July at the completely sold-out Bill Picket Rodeo in Dublin. The rodeo is the largest, annual African American, family friendly event to take place in the Bay Area. The 3 Queens of Motown also performed last month at Vallejo’s Empress Theater.

To learn and see more about the 3 Queens of Motown Tribute Show visit their website at www.3QueensTributeShow.com.

Smith, Soares, Pearce, Shrader win on Fan Appreciation Night at Antioch Speedway

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TJ Smith #68 won the USAC Western States Midgets Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

DeCarlo, Quinonez and Zuger also win

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…August 5…TJ Smith of Fresno collected the victory in the 30 lap USAC Western States Midgets Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. It was the inaugural appearance for the group at the track, and it came on Fan Appreciation Night. Fans got to attend for just $5. The win for Smith earned him a $2,000 payday.

Smith and David Gasper of Santa Barbara shared the front row with Smith bolting into the immediate lead. Jake Andreotti of Castro Valley settled into third and was soon threatening Gasper for second. The leaders caught slower traffic by the sixth lap as they ran in close formation. Andreotti found an opening and slipped past Gasper for second on the ninth lap.

A yellow flag flew moments later. Smith continued to lead Andreotti and Gasper on the restart. The race had a red flag on Lap 14 as Caden Sarale flipped on the back straightaway. Smith resumed command on the restart ahead of Andreotti and Gasper, but Cade Lewis of Bakersfield bolted past Gasper for third on the 16th lap. Lewis didn’t put too much distance between himself and Andreotti, but he made the right moves when they counted and brought it home to victory. Lewis settled for third ahead of Ben Worth of Coalinga and Gasper.

Jarrett Soares #12 increased his Wingless Spec Sprint point lead with his second win. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Jarrett Soares of Gilroy made a thrilling late race pass on Bob Newberry of Brentwood to win his second 25 lap Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event. The win could be crucial in his bid to become the division champion as he put a little more distance between himself and James East of Oakley in the battle.

Two-time champion Newberry had the pole for the race and took the early lead ahead of Oakley’s Jacob Tuttle and Soares. Newberry had a bumpy moment exiting Turn 4 of the fourth lap as Tuttle motored by on the front stretch for the lead. However, Newberry got back around on the back stretch on Lap 6 to resume command. A yellow flag bunched the field on Lap 7 with Newberry continuing to lead Tuttle and Soares on the restart.

The battle between the lead trio remained close and hit traffic with five laps to go. Newberry was very protective of the inside line, but Soares got some momentum on the outside on the 24th lap and put it between Newberry and a slower car to take over. Soares brought it home to an impressive victory as Newberry settled for second ahead of Tuttle, Blake Bower of Brentwood and Brentwood’s Jeff Scotto.

Andrew Pearce #28g helped his IMCA Modified National Rookie of the Year effort with his fourth Antioch win. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Oakley’s Andrew Pearce won his fourth 25 lap IMCA Modified feature of the season. Pearce maintains second in the track point battle while leading the State championship race as well as the IMCA National rookie battle.

Pearce charged into the lead at the start, only to see a yellow flag wave after Jeff Browne and Terry DeCarlo Sr crashed on the front stretch. Browne went pitside as Pearce led point leader Troy Foulger and Ryan DeForest on the restart. Brown was sent back on the track and spun out the entry gate for the final yellow flag with three laps remaining. Pearce didn’t let that deter him as he led the restart and the final laps for the win, followed by Foulger, DeForest, DeCarlo and Browne.

Kenny Shrader #188 stayed in the IMCA Sport Modified title chase with his third win. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Kenny Shrader of Pacheco won his third 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event of the season. The win kept him within four points of track and State point leader Jason Ryan Jr of Oakley in the hotly contested championship chase. Shrader had earlier won the $200 prize in the four lap Trophy Dash after a thrilling battle with Antioch’s Todd Gomez.

Gomez set the early pace ahead of Joe Salvi of Modesto. A yellow flag waved after Mark Garner spun in Turn 2 to avoid another car on Lap 3. Gomez was involved in a tangle with Trevor Clymens of Brentwood at the opposite end of the track. This put Shrader in the lead on the restart ahead of reigning State champion Jacob Mallet Jr of Oakley and Ryan. Shrader drove a flawless race from that point on to score the win ahead of Mallet, Ryan, the resurgent Garner and Gomez.

Nick DeCarlo #17 won his first IMCA Stock Car feature of the season. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Nick DeCarlo won the 25 lap IMCA Stock Car Main Event. The two-time reigning IMCA Modified champion has been struggling with motor issues this year, but he was unbeatable on this occasion.

DeCarlo had the pole position and took an immediate lead ahead of Fred Ryland of Brentwood and point leader Troy Foulger of Oakley. DeCarlo began to pull away in the rapidly run event as Ryland held off the advances of Foulger. Even slower traffic with three laps to go didn’t slow DeCarlo. He made all the right moves and scored the satisfying win ahead of Ryland, Foulger and Rio Vista duo Kenneth Robles and Jason Robles.

Tony Quinonez #73 won his first Print Club Mini Stock Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Tony Quinonez won the 20 lap Print Club Mini Stock Main Event. This was the first win of the season for the Corning driver, who was piloting the second car for Delbert Rios. Teammate Tom Davis of Los Molinos had won six in a row going into this night to maintain the point lead.

Davis had the pole and led a lap before an outside pass on the back stretch gained Quinonez the lead. Davis had issues and headed pitside on the third lap as Quinonez led David Carson of Antioch and Pittsburgh’s Don Abitz. The yellow flag waved for Billy Garner of Antioch on Lap 3. Abitz moved into second behind Quinonez on the restart, and the duo began to pull away from the pack. Abitz could keep pace with Quinonez, but he wasn’t quite able to gather the momentum to make a pass attempt. Garner passed Carson at the line to finish third as Davis was scored fifth.

Dan Zuger #26 won the Mini Late Model Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Dan Zuger of San Jose won the 15 lap California Sharp Mini Late Model Main Event. Zuger took the lead at the start ahead of DJ Saenz of Manteca. Tyler Tucker of Delhi spun in Turn 2 for the yellow flag. He retired at that point as Zuger led Saenz and Caydon Foster of Oakley on the restart. Foster retired, and Zuger would stretch his advantage over Saenz in victory. Foster was scored third ahead of Tucker.

The race on August 12th has been rescheduled as a practice day, meaning the next race will be on August 19th, featuring IMCA Modified, Sport Modifieds and Stock Cars along with the Print Club Mini Stocks and Delta Dwarf Cars. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Antioch Speedway Race Results – August 5, 2023

USAC Western States Midgets 

FT-Brody Fuson 13.882. Heat Winners (8 laps)-Colby Johnson, TJ Smith. Main Event (30 laps)-TJ Smith, Jake Andreotti, Cade Lewis, Ben Worth, David Gasper, CJ Sarna, Danika Jo Faccinto, Nikko Panella, Samuel May, Jerry Kobza.

Wingless Spec Sprints 

FT-Jarrett Soares 14.184. Heat Winners (8 laps)-Bob Newberry, Jacob Tuttle. Main Event (25 laps)-Jarrett Soares, Bob Newberry, Jacob Tuttle, Blake Bower, Jeff Scotto, Colson Plourde, Dylan Newberry, James East, Anthony Bruno, Roy Fisher.

IMCA Modifieds

Heat Winner (8 laps)-Jeff Browne. Main Event (25 laps)-Andrew Pearce, Troy Foulger, Ryan DeForest, Terry DeCarlo Sr, Jeff Browne, Sean Wilson DNS.

IMCA Sport Modifieds

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Tommy Fraser, Todd Gomez, Trevor Clymens. Main Event (20 laps)-Kenny Shrader, Jacob Mallet Jr, Jason Ryan Jr, Mark Garner, Todd Gomez, Chuck Golden, Trevor Clymens, Tommy Clymens Jr, Matt Pitts, Dylan Connolly.

IMCA Stock Cars 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Fred Ryland, Troy Foulger. Main Event (25 laps)-Nick DeCarlo, Fred Ryland, Troy Foulger, Kenneth Robles, Jason Robles, Scott Foster, Jared Baugh, Steve Stone, Dave Hill DNS.

Print Club Mini Stocks 

Heat Winner (8 laps)-Tom Davis. Main Event (20 laps)-Tony Quinonz, Don Abitz, Billy Garner, David Carson, Tom Davis, Roberto Monroy DNS.

California Sharp Mini Models 

Heat Winner (8 laps)-Dan Zuger. Main Event (15 laps)-Dan Zuger, DJ Saenz, Cayden Foster, Tyler Tucker.

Pittsburg man who died at Antioch construction site identified

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The construction site at the former ABC Rendezvous bar where a crew member died on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023. Photo by Ronn Carter, Spotlight Antioch

Cause of death not yet determined, but not an accident

By Ronn Carter & Allen D. Payton

A man who died while working at construction site in Antioch last Wednesday, August 2, 2023 has been identified. According to Contra Costa County Deputy Coroner Gonzalez, the man was Saul Cisneros, age 55, (born January 31, 1968) of Pittsburg.

While contractors were transforming the former ABC Rendezvous bar located on Walter Way near Railroad Avenue into what appears to be a commercial storage facility, a crew member collapsed on the job. Antioch Police and Con Fire paramedics were dispatched at 2:39 p.m. for a medical emergency. Soon after their arrival the medical team announced the individual as a ‘1055’ coroner’s case. In response to the situation, all construction staff were released for the day as APD took charge and roped off the area.

As of 4:15 PM that day, Antioch Police Department spokesman Sgt. Price Kendall said an officer was on the scene still investigating. On Sunday, he said no more details will be released, that the Coroner’s Office has the investigation, now and they will determine the cause of death.

On Tuesday, August 8, Gonzalez said, “the cause of death has not been determined and is labeled as ‘pending.’ It was not an accident.”

 

22-year-old Oakley man dies from shooting on Hwy 24 in Orinda

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By CHP – Golden Gate Division

Detectives assigned to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Golden Gate Division Special Investigations Unit are investigating a freeway shooting that occurred on westbound State Route 24 (SR-24), east of St. Stephens Drive in Orinda.

On Friday, July 28, 2023, at approximately 9:30 p.m., officers assigned to the CHP’s Contra Costa Area office were notified by local police officials that an individual had been transported to a local hospital after being struck by gunfire on westbound SR-24, east of St. Stephens Drive in Orinda.

The CHP’s preliminary investigation indicates the suspect vehicle pulled in behind and then alongside the victim vehicle on westbound SR-24, when several gunshots were heard, and the driver and front passenger quickly realized the rear passenger was struck by gunfire. The injured passenger was driven to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday morning.

The Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Brandon Valencia, age 22 from Oakley.

CHP detectives are actively attempting to determine a motive and identify the suspect(s) and vehicle(s) involved. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to call the CHP Investigations Tipline at (707) 917-4491.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

East Contra Costa Career & Resource Fair in Pittsburg Aug. 23

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By Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County & Pittsburg Adult Education Center

Get ready for the ultimate East Contra Costa Career & Resource Fair where you’ll have the chance to connect with top employers.

Join us at the East Contra Costa Career & Resource Fair on Wednesday, August 23, 2023! This in-person event is your chance to connect with local employers and explore exciting career opportunities. Located at the Pittsburg Adult Education Center, 1151 Stoneman Avenue in Pittsburg, this fair promises to be a valuable resource for job seekers in the area. Don’t miss out on the chance to network, learn, and potentially secure your dream job. Mark your calendars and be ready to make a great impression.

Register on Eventbrite.

We look forward to seeing you there!