Photos (left & top) by Flock Safety, (bottom) by CHP.
By Antioch Police Department
We’re committed to transparency and keeping our community informed.
The City is proud to announce the launch of our new Flock Transparency Portal, now available online. This portal gives residents clear insight into how Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology is used in our community—including privacy safeguards, data retention policies and authorized use.
Antioch PD uses Flock Safety technology to capture objective evidence without compromising on individual privacy and utilizes retroactive search to solve crimes after they’ve occurred. Additionally, Antioch PD utilizes real time alerting of hotlist vehicles to capture wanted criminals. In an effort to ensure proper usage and guardrails are in place, they have made the below policies and usage statistics available to the public.
This is part of our ongoing effort to balance public safety with accountability and openness. We encourage all residents to explore the portal, learn more about the technology, and stay engaged in how it supports crime prevention while protecting individual privacy.
On Tuesday, a Contra Costa Superior Court judge declined to expedite a lawsuit demanding changes to proponents’ ballot arguments for Measure B, the county’s proposed five-year, 0.625% sales tax increase. That decision means voters will receive a County Voter Information Guide containing false and misleading statements about the tax increase.
This is not just a problem with Measure B. And it could get worse as advocates for taxes and bond measures make increasingly aggressive claims, irrespective of the facts, and without fear of a judicial remedy.
The case, filed March 27 on behalf of two Contra Costa voters, targets both the Primary Argument in Favor of Measure B and the Rebuttal Argument to the Primary Argument Against Measure B. The respondents are the five authors of those arguments, including a sitting County Supervisor.
The legal challenge was brought under California Elections Code section 9190, which allows voters to seek a writ of mandate during a 10-day public examination period to require that ballot arguments be amended or deleted if they are “false, misleading, or inconsistent with the requirements” of the law.
The Dubious Claims
The complaint identified over a dozen specific claims in the ballot arguments alleged to be false and/or misleading. Here are three that are especially notable.
Exaggerated $1.5 Billion Loss: The argument claims that “according to the county health director, our health system will lose more than $1.5 billion over the next five years.” This appears to have been based on Board of Supervisors materials which mentioned a $300 million annual loss for the five year life of the tax.
But at the March 3 Board meeting Supervisor Candace Andersen flagged the original $300 million annual loss figure as inaccurate. The Board’s adopted Resolution No. 2026-40 was amended to project cumulative losses of approximately $239 million through 2029. The County’s own budget presentation cited a six-year cumulative figure of $509 million. This is roughly one-third the amount we will see in the voter guide.
And even the $509 million estimated loss is unlikely to materialize. With Democrats almost certain to regain control of the House (and possibly the Senate), they will be able to implement their stated intention of reversing HR1’s federal budgetary changes that impact Medi-Cal.
Further, about a quarter of the remaining estimated funding loss is attributable to scheduled reductions in federal subsidies to Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH) like Contra County Regional Medical Center. As we discuss on our Stop Measure B website, DSH funding cuts were first included in the 2010 Affordable Care Act and have been repeatedly postponed by Congresses controlled by both parties. It is reasonable to expect these postponements to continue through at least 2031 when the tax sunsets.
Groceries, Food, Housing, and Medical Care: The argument states “Measure B won’t increase the cost of groceries” and “It exempts food, housing, and medical care.” The petition notes that the words “food,” “groceries,” “housing,” and “medical care” appear nowhere in the Measure B ordinance’s exemptions. Hot prepared foods are subject to sales tax, as are non-food groceries. Lumber, cement, and roofing materials (items associated with housing) are taxable. Over-the-counter drugs are taxable.
90,000 People “Will” Lose Health Insurance: The argument states that “more than 90,000 people will lose health insurance” if Measure B fails (emphasis added). The word “will” makes this statement false and misleading under California election law.
Contra Costa Health staff gave supervisors a broad range of the number of beneficiaries who may lose Medi-Cal coverage due to new rules, with 90,000 being near the midpoint. These projections are estimates, contingent on future legislative and administrative decisions that have not yet been finalized. No one can say with certainty how many residents will lose coverage.
There is a further problem that the ballot argument glosses over. Even if Medi-Cal rolls shrink in Contra Costa County, it does not necessarily mean our neighbors are becoming uninsured and will flood emergency rooms. People cycle off Medi-Cal for many reasons: they move away, they obtain employer coverage, they age into Medicare, or they pass away. Proponents misleadingly conflate any reduction in Medi-Cal enrollment with people left without coverage.
Implications Beyond Measure B
Unless you read this article or the plaintiff’s court filings, you will not be aware of these inaccuracies. And that points to a serious defect in California election law.
Ballot proponents (or opponents) can make false and misleading arguments, and get away with it, because the court process usually cannot unfold quickly enough to meet the County’s aggressive timetable for editing, translating, printing, and mailing ballot guides.
To remedy this problem, process reforms are needed. Either several additional days should be added to the pre-election timetable for claims like the ones against Measure B to be heard and adjudicated. Alternatively, California should move away from printed voter guides and instead post them on the web. Not only would that provide more time to edit inaccurate arguments prior to public exposure, but taxpayers would also save money on printing and mailing costs. It would be good for the environment too!
Marc Joffe is the President of the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association.
Antioch City Clerk Michael Mandy administers the oath of office to the nine appointees during the Council meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Photo: Jaden Baird
Plus, two alternates
By Jaden Baird, PIO, City of Antioch
The Antioch City Council approved appointments to the General Plan Advisory Committee and the Antioch Police Oversight Commission (APOC) at its April 14, 2026, meeting.
General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC)
At-Large Appointments:
James Becker, the Antioch Chamber of Commerce Chair and non-profit CEO;
Edgar Alejandro Martinez, a Senior Practice Support Advisor for Hills Physicians Medical Group/UC Berkeley/CSU East Bay;
Sean McCauley, a local commercial building and business owner;
Redonha Means, an HR Business Partner for Kaiser Permanente; and
Gerald Glenn “J.R.” Wilson, Jr., Founder of Delta Veterans Group.
Alternates:
Desiree Coronado, a volunteer with Team Jesus Ministries; and
Veiongo Uesi, a Corporate Security Investigator Analyst for BMO and University of Pheonix.
A total of 16 residents applied for the At-Large Member appointments. The GPAC will play a key role in shaping Antioch’s long-term vision by providing input on the City’s General Plan update. Learn more, here:Antioch General Plan
Antioch Police Oversight Commission (APOC) – Partial Term Appointment:
Manuel L. “Manny” Soliz, Jr., a Wealth Advisor with Thrivent and a former Antioch Mayor Pro Tem and Councilman.
The Commission provides independent oversight of the Antioch Police Department, helping promote transparency and accountability. Learn more, here: Antioch Police Oversight Commission.
Congratulations to all appointees and thank you for your commitment to serving the Antioch community!
Paul Joseph DelChiaro, age 83, of Antioch, CA passed away on March 29, 2026.
Born on February 21, 1943, in Oakland, CA, Paul was the beloved son of Peter Joseph and Maude Marie DelChiaro. He graduated from Oakland High School in 1961 and went on to serve his country with honor in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.
Paul began Basic Combat Training in January 1965. He then went on to serve as an infantry soldier and wheel vehicle mechanic until he was discharged in January 1967. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Paul carried a deep sense of pride in his service throughout his life.
After returning home, Paul built a life centered on family. He married the love of his life, Bonnie Jean (Worrell) DelChiaro, on March 8, 1975, in Reno, NV. Paul and Bonnie moved to Antioch, CA in 1985 and enjoyed a full life together. They were married for 41 years until Bonnie passed on October 3, 2016.
Paul worked for the United States Postal Service in Walnut Creek, CA for 34 years, first as a mail carrier, then a vehicle operations trainer and an accident investigator and was known for his strong work ethic, kindness and sense of humor. He enjoyed creative writing, gardening, landscaping and projects at his home. He loved fast cars, going to car shows, and driving his 2007 Chevrolet Corvette. He cherished time spent with family and friends.
He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and many other extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Bonnie Jean DelChiaro, his twin brother Peter Joseph DelChiaro and his three sisters, June Stables, Barbara Bas and Gloria Watson.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Antioch Covenant Church, 1919 Buchanan Road, Antioch, CA. A burial with military honors will take place at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Veterans of Foreign War or the Alzheimer’s Association.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home for their compassion and support.
Paul will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
By Diana Oyler, Senior Deputy County Administrator
(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking an individual who is interested in serving on the County’s Planning Commission. The Commission is responsible for hearing and deciding applications for proposed projects that generate more than 100 peak hour trips, and all appeals from decisions of the zoning administrator. The Commission also may initiate preparation of general plans, specific plans, regulations, programs, and legislation to implement the land use planning power of the county; is generally responsible for advising the Board of Supervisors of matters relating to planning; is the designated advisory agency for the purpose of passing on subdivisions; and hears and makes recommendations regarding proposed development agreements.
Meetings of the Planning Commission are generally held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. in Martinez. Members of the Planning Commission receive $50 per meeting up to a monthly maximum of $300, plus mileage expense. The appointment will be for a full four-year term beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2030.
Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000 or by visiting the County webpage at www.contracosta.ca.gov. Applications should be returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St., Martinez, CA 94553 no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026. Applicants should plan to be available for public interviews to be held virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
For more information about the County Planning Commission, contact Hiliana Li, Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development, at (925) 655-2860 or hiliana.li@dcd.cccounty.us.
The Antioch City Council approved public financing for both the Joyfield at Lakeview Center and Buchanan Crossings apartments projects Tuesday night, April 14, 2026. Graphics source: City of Antioch
Opposes one, approves two others
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the Antioch City Council on split votes opposed public financing for one affordable apartment complex but approved it for two others. The three projects are part of the 10 Commercial Infill Housing (CIH) Overlay District parcels the council rezoned in 2022 that will allow extremely-low, very-low and low-income apartment complexes throughout the city. (See related articles here and here)
After an impassioned effort by Mayor Pro Tem and District 3 Councilman Don Freitas, public financing for the Hillcrest Summit Apartments received a 2-2-1 vote with Mayor Ron Bernal and District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha voting yes, Freitas and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson voting no, and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker voting to abstain. That’s in spite of the fact the latter two voted for the CIH Overlay District rezoning and Bernal complained about how the four-story apartment buildings would look.
The proposed and City staff-approved Hillcrest Summit Apartments Location Map shows the buildings planned to be built immediately adjacent to the gas station and convenience store with a 24-7 car wash. Source: City of Antioch
At one point, things became contentious as Freitas responded to the project proponent, who was speaking via call-in and defending the project saying they didn’t create the zoning and were only following it, saying, “Shame on you” for designing the layout of the apartments the way they did.
The District 1 Councilwoman later explained her vote saying she abstained because she didn’t like the fact that, as Freitas pointed out, the 165 apartments are planned to be built immediately adjacent to the 76 gas station and 7-Eleven that has a 24-7 carwash on the corner of Hillcrest Avenue and E. Tregallas Road. Freitas wants the project to be redesigned with the apartments located on the other side of the 4.9-acre parcel. But due to the rezoning vote in 2022, the City Council has no say and all of the CIH projects only require staff-level, administrative approval without any public input.
The other two affordable apartment complexes also received split votes but were approved 3-2 with Freitas and Wilson voting against the public financing for both. That’s in spite of Bernal raising concerns about traffic at the Lone Tree Way, Golf Course Road and Bluerock Drive intersection. In response to City staff’s argument that the traffic levels would be the same as when the parcel was previously zoned commercial, the mayor pointed out that traffic from residential development occurs at different times than traffic from commercial development.
The 195-unit Buchanan Crossings CIH project, a multifamily rental housing project on 5.4 acres located at 3210 Buchanan Road next to the Grocery Outlet is being built by the same developer as the 233-unit Lakeview Center CIH, multifamily rental housing project. That will be located on 5.3 acres next to the CVS store on the southwest side of the aforementioned intersection. Wilson said she had received significant opposition to the project from residents.
The financing would not have been from City funds, and the Hillcrest Summit Apartments project developer can still obtain them through another local agency, like the County, according to City Attorney Lori Asuncion. But the developer’s rep for the other two projects the council approved said, if they voted against the financing it would have killed both projects. That’s due to timing on the financing and because the dirt from the Lakeview Center Apartments project will be used as fill for the Buchanan Crossings Apartments project. Yet, a majority of council members approved the public financing for both.
Cleanups at Nick Rodriguez Community Center and Antioch Skatepark then plant a tree on Arbor Day; participate in the #KeepAntiochBeautiful Photo Raffle
By City of Antioch Recreation Department
From Earth Day to Arbor Day, let’s work together to build a stronger, cleaner, more beautiful Antioch! Starting Earth Day, join us as we begin our service to the community. Gather friends and family to brainstorm a beautification project for your home, neighborhood, classroom, or local business, and put it into action! Don’t forget to capture your efforts with a photo and send to the Antioch Recreation Department! On Arbor Day, join our Parks and Rec Department as we plant trees at a local park. Be part of the volunteers who will serve in downtown Rivertown at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center and at the Antioch Skatepark in Prewett Community Park before enjoying a volunteer lunch.
What Is Earth Day?
First held globally on April 22, 1970, Earth Day promotes worldwide demonstrations of support for environmental protection. Attention is drawn to the achievements made by the environmental protection movement and awareness is brought to methods of protecting the Earth’s natural resources. Celebrated by billions around the world, Keep Antioch Beautiful is just one of the ways our community celebrates Earth Day.
What Is Arbor Day?
First celebrated in the U.S. in 1872, Arbor Day encourages public attention to the importance of trees in our ecosystem. Planting, relocating, and even climbing trees are encouraged, along with learning more about the myriad of ways trees function in our environment and help us all to exist.
Join us for Arbor Day 2026 as we come together to plant trees and invest in a greener future.
Plant a tree. Grow our future! Friday, April 24, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
This Year’s Community Services
Trash Cleanup at Nick Rodriguez Community Center
Landscaping Projects at the Antioch Skatepark in Prewett Community Park
Plant Trees for Arbor Day at Prewett Community Park
Join the Social Media Photo Raffle
Note: Please bring work gloves.
#KeepAntiochBeautiful Photo Raffle
From Earth Day (April 22, 2026) to Arbor Day (April 24, 2026), show us how you and your family #KeepAntiochBeautiful. Post a picture of you, your family, friends, or coworkers performing an act of beautification for the city with the hashtag #KeepAntiochBeautiful and tag the Antioch Recreation Department (@antiochrec_ca) to be entered into our raffle. On Arbor Day, three lucky entries will be chosen to each win a prize dedicated to them and their efforts toward the beautification of our lovely city!
Sponsored in part by Antioch Rotary Club, Rotary Club of the Delta-Antioch and Celebrate Antioch Foundation.
By Antioch Police Department & Antioch Animal Services
This week marks National Animal Care & Control Appreciation Week also known as Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week and it’s the perfect time to pause and recognize the incredible people behind the work.
Antioch Animal Services is so much more than what you see at the front counter or on social media. It’s early mornings, late nights, tough calls, compassionate decisions, and showing up every single day for both the people and animals in our community.
Our Animal Control Officers are out in the field responding to calls, ensuring public safety, helping animals in need, and stepping into situations that require not only skill but patience, empathy, and heart.
Behind the scenes, our shelter staff are doing equally important work: caring for animals, supporting adopters, reuniting lost pets with their families, and keeping operations moving forward no matter the challenges.
If you see one of our team members this week whether in the field, at the shelter, or out in the community, take a moment to say thank you. It truly means more than you know.
According to the National Animal Care & Control Association’s website, the week is “our annual effort to celebrate and promote professionalism within the Animal Care and Control field on the national stage. As with other events designed to promote specific groups, professions, and other important causes, NACA is pleased to provide all the necessary encouragement for all localities who would like to show their appreciation to all their Animal Care and Control personnel. We encourage all Animal Care and Control agencies to have a special week of their own to show off their pride and receive recognition for the important services they provide to their communities.
“This week of appreciation is designed to give recognition to the hard-working men and women of Animal Care and Control who risk their lives and devote huge amounts of personal time and resources, while they serve the public like other public safety and law enforcement agencies empowered with the same duties.
“This is the week that these hard working and dedicated Animal Care and Control employees should be honored by having the whole community say, “Thank You”, for helping when no one else could, or would even know how to.
“The final day of the week culminates with a ‘cake and punch’ appreciation party held at a large reception area for all of the Animal Care and Control agency personnel, with special emphasis placed on all the officers and their individual special talents performed throughout the previous year.”
Antioch Animal Services is located at 300 L Street next to the Antioch Police Station on the corner of W. 2nd and L Streets in historic, downtown Rivertown. For more information or to volunteer visit Animal Services | Antioch, CA.
