ANTIOCH, Calif. (KRON) — All this year we’ve been reporting on a concerning increase in violent crime in Antioch. The city with a population of just over 100,000 has seen more than a dozen gang-related shootings in just one neighborhood alone.
The homicide rate is also increasing and businesses are deciding to move.
However, in one neighborhood, a group of businesses is deciding to stay and be hopeful toward a future where they and their families feel safe again.
There’s no doubt Antioch has seen its fair share of violent crime increases here. In fact, its homicide rate has nearly doubled this year compared to last.
Business owners here tell KRON4 they are hopeful with a new mayor taking office People at Sycamore Square are getting used to a fresh face.
This neighborhood, I believe, is the highest crime neighborhood in the community,” said Ron Bernal, Antioch’s new mayor.
Bernal’s main campaign promise? Tackling Antioch’s skyrocketing crime rates.
KRON4 walked with the new mayor through Sycamore Square, which saw more than a dozen gang-related shootings this fall.
Back-to-back drivebys, business owner Jelani Stewart runs this clothing store and says, during September, he heard gunshots every day.
Bullet holes are in the roof, but the business is still open.
In fact, there was not a single business in this strip mall that didn’t have bullet holes. One woman named Neena says she’s been trying to open her beauty supply store since October but is delayed after multiple shootings set her back.
Since the slew of shootings, Antioch police patrol has been up. Throughout the day Sunday during our report, the square was quiet.
But the moment police left, multiple individuals moved in and within minutes were conducting what appeared to be drug deals. They scattered once the police came back.
“It’s going to take time but a consistent presence… we will see that presence leave and go somewhere else and hopefully somewhere else than Antioch,” Bernsadfa said.
That’s Mayor Bernal’s goal — to bring police staffing back up. Right now, the police department is downstaffing by more than 25 percent.
That includes no permanent police chief.
Bernal also wants to fund more community programs to get youth busier — something Jelani can get behind.
And Antioch police hope soon they can even have a substation built into the shopping center here in one of the vacant storefronts.
It’s not only more law enforcement people are hoping for. New businesses are deciding to invest, such as Antioch Liquor which is set to open by Christmas.
“People are getting back to a place where they’re proud to call Antioch home,” Bernal said.
