Would lose money on current investments, restrict investments in more companies and industries, could cost more in advisory fees; while world’s largest investment firms are abandoning them
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the Antioch City Council will consider including liberal activist or “woke” practices in the City’s investment policy. The proposal is being brought to council after they failed to adopt the current investment policy on a 2-2 split vote during the June 9th Council meeting. Mayor Ron Bernal and Mayor Pro Tem and District 3 Councilman Don Freitas voted in favor, Councilwomen Monica Wilson and Tamisha Torres-Walker voted against, and District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha was absent.
Both Freitas and Torres-Walker suggested the investment policy discussion take place at a future Council meeting. Further discussion resulted in direction to bring the item back with the Treasurer and the City’s investment advisor, Justin Resuello from PFMAM, present and for the Treasurer to meet with the advocates to discuss ethical investment. City Treasurer Jorge Rojas, Jr. later met with a local advocacy group to receive their proposed policy.
Under item 8 on Tuesday’s agenda, the Council is being asked by City staff to “provide direction on inclusion of Socially Responsible Investing or Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Investing practices in the Statement of Investment Policy.” Such policies are considered “woke” as they are part of liberal activism, politicize investment practices and prevent investing in companies they don’t like for one reason or another. This, while the world’s two largest investment firms have been moving in the opposite direction over the past two years.
According to the City staff report, during the June 9th meeting, members of Contra Costa Divest spoke and requested that the City adopt what they consider to be “ethical investment practices”, with similar language to the investment policy for Alameda County. Torres-Walker spoke in support of an ethical policy, as well.
The City’s current Investment Policy requires that the City Treasurer render the Policy to City Council for review when changes are made, or at least every two years. The investment policy was last reviewed and approved by City Council in June 2024.
Current Investment Restrictions Only Exclude Alcohol & Tobacco Manufacturers
Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), would filter out and exclude sectors and/or companies the City does not want to invest in. The current Policy includes one such prohibition in Section V. 3: a. which reads, “The City will not invest in any companies that produce alcohol for public consumption or tobacco products.”
City Would Lose Money on Current Investments
According to the presentation by the City’s investment advisor, PFM Asset Management (PFMAM), the do-not-buy lists available through Bloomberg currently include specific industry or subindustry classifications such as firearms and ammunition, private corrections, oil & gas, coal, tobacco, wine/spirits, brewery, night clubs, etc. Furthermore, Sustainalytics has categorized each rated organization into one of over 40 industries and one of over 135 subindustries. Example classifications include oil & gas, refiners & pipelines, energy services, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, paper/forestry, etc.
PFMAM did review the current investments with Caterpillar, Chevron and Lockheed Martin that the advocacy group specifically mentioned that the City should divest from, and as of June 17th, four of the investments would be sold at a loss to the City of $25,758.93 and one investment would provide a small gain of $2,262. With either option, it is recommended that the City hold investments that would be out of compliance with any new methodology adopted until they can either be sold with no loss, or until maturity, whichever comes first.
Proposed ESG Investment Policy
Treasurer Rojas met with a representative from Contra Costa Divest to understand their position and the proposed language for the ESG investment policy is as follows:
“The City of Antioch will strive to invest its funds in ways that promote the wellbeing of our communities and our environment, favoring investment in entities that support the needs of peacetime daily life, in companies that offer renewable energy and other climate mitigation strategies, in companies with a strong environmental, labor, and social records, or in socially responsible community projects within our City.
“The City will refrain from investment in harmful industries such as tobacco, fossil fuels, mass incarceration or immigrant detention, and weaponry of any kind, or in companies with a consistent record of direct involvement in severe human rights violations such as slavery and prison labor, war crimes, illegal military occupation, racial segregation, or apartheid.”
The challenge is who will define each of those categories, and the effort has specifically been to divest from companies based in Israel as the Left considers that country’s actions in Gaza as an “illegal military occupation.”
In addition, space related companies use fossil fuels to power their rockets, and the Left is opposed to the world’s first trillionaire, Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, which just issued its first public offering. Such a policy could prevent the City from investing in that or other similar companies and enjoying returns on investment from its growth.
According to the National and Legal Policy Center (NLPC), the world’s largest asset manager, “Blackrock was one of the pioneers of ESG investing, but in early 2025 abandoned “the ‘woke’ policies.” It was “the biggest sign yet that the vibe has shifted against liberal activism in the private sector.” In addition, NLPC reported in May 2026, “Vanguard, the second-largest index fund manager with approximately $10 trillion in assets under management, has similarly retreated in public posture while its index funds.”
According to the City staff report, while “there is no cost to adopt the draft policy attached, should the City choose to adopt an ESG investment practice, additional investment advisory fees could be incurred.
Any Changes Will Be Brought Back Later for Consideration and Possible Adoption
The Council must at least review and adopt the current policy by June 30th. Staff is recommending they approve the draft policy without any SRI/ESG additions to remain compliant, and staff can then move forward working on any updates should Council direct ethical investing.
If they would like to incorporate it into the City investment policy, based on that direction, the Acting City Manager and Finance Director will work with the City Treasurer and PFMAM to determine investment parameters and draft an updated investment policy, understanding that this is not a quick turnaround process and will take some time as some agencies have spent up to a year crafting an investment strategy that fulfilled the ethical investment guidelines they wanted. A draft updated investment policy will be brought back to Council for consideration once this process is complete.
The Council meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at 200 H Street, or can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website or on Comcast cable TV channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99.
Despite net $7 million in budget savings City still projected to face double digit deficits for following three years; only 70% of Measure W sales tax funds to be spent on police
Will reconsider financing for affordable apartments project
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the Antioch City Council will vote on the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget, reconsider approving financing for the affordable Hillcrest Summit Apartments project and consider approving funding for Homekey+ Project at former Comfort Inn on Mahogany Way.
Before the regular meeting begins at 7:00 p.m., the Council will hold a Closed Session beginning at 6:00 p.m. to negotiate contracts with City employee groups who have been working without one since last fall. They include the Management Unit, Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3, Confidential Unit, Antioch Police Officers Association and Antioch Police Sworn Management Association.
Source: City of Antioch
Annual General Fund Budget
According to the City staff report for agenda item 5. “the proposed fiscal year 2026-27 General Fund budget with a deficit of $4,567,879, to be offset by the Budget Stabilization Fund, is presented this evening. Since the budget presentation on June 9th, an additional $209,653 in vacancy and salary adjustments has been built into the draft budget.” To get to that figure the Council and staff worked to make $7,315,199 in “true” adjustments to the budget, according to Finance Director Dawn Merchant and Acting City Manager Ana Cortez.
The fiscal year 2027 budget includes a reduction of three funded staff positions “reflecting the net impact of added and frozen positions.” Sworn police officer staffing remains at 105 positions, while fiscal year 2027-28 projections include reaching a target of 117 sworn by June 30, 2028. However, as of June 10th, according to Chief Joe Vigil, there are currently 85 sworn officers on the Antioch Police force.
No COLAS (Cost of Living Adjustments), other than those previously approved for the Treatment Plan Employee Association bargaining unit, are included in the draft budget.
The proposed budget assumes the current Acting City Manager will remain in place through June 2027, and the Human Resources Manager will be filled by an Analyst, and no Assistant City Manager for six more months.
Budget Savings Highlights
The proposed budget includes the following savings:
City Manager’s Office
Leave Assistant City Manager position vacant for six months saving $230,000. The position hasn’t been filled since last year.
Freeze Administrative Analyst in City Manager’s office for $215,284;
Police Department
Remove 12 Police Trainees for $631,464;
Cancel Emergency Operations Center Improvements for $480,143;
Update FY27 Police salaries for staffing/academy changes for $294,773;
Reduce Police part-time help for $174,666;
Add 4 months vacancy savings for 1 Police CSO for $55,534;
Add 4 months vacancy savings for 1 Police Dispatcher for $70,001;
Animal Services
Freeze 1 Animal Control Officer for $136,584;
Add 2 months vacancy savings for 1 Animal Control Officer Police for $24,930;
Reduction to Animal Services vet contracts and supplies of $110,000;
Public Works
Freeze Assistant City Engineer for $262,295;
Add 6 mos. vacancy saving Assistant/Junior Engineer for $84,221;
Freeze Senior Civil Engineer (.25 FTE General Fund) for $47,130;
Add 4 mos. vacancy savings Operations Supervisor for $22,630;
Community & Economic Development
Reduction in Economic Development programs/contracts of $255,000;
Add 6 months vacancy savings Economic Development Program Manager for $104,041;
Add 4 months vacancy savings Senior Economic Development Program Manager for $86,415
Freeze 1 Code Enforcement Officer for $181,981;
Recreation Department
Underfill Recreation Supervisor with Recreation Coordinator for $45,383;
Freeze Recreation Coordinator for 6 months for $74,402;
Reduce Recreation part-time help for $88,636;
Finance Department
Freeze Finance Dep’t. Business License Representative for $153,941;
Freeze Business License Representative Finance for $153,941;
Freeze Accounting Specialist II Finance for $166,643;
Other
Freeze vacant Community Engagement Coordinator in Community Services Dep’t for $197,300;
Underfill HR Manager with Analyst, freeze Specialist HR for $212,502;
Add 6 months savings for Public Records Coordinator in City Clerk’s Office for $93,656; and
Remove General Fund Vehicle Replacement Set-Aside for $1,776,290.
Source: City of Antioch
The use of Measure W 1% sales tax funds are proposed at 70% for Police, 15% for Quality of Life and 15% for Youth Services, which is out of compliance with the 80-10-10 split intended by the city council at the time the voters approved the ballot measure in November 2018.
Reserve & Budget Stabilization Funds
The minimum 20% unassigned reserve requirement is met in each fiscal year, although balancing is achieved with use of fund balance and Budget Stabilization Funds. The Budget Stabilization Fund balance is projected to be $36,249,323 at June 30, 2026; $31,681,444 at June 30, 2027; and $26,681,444 at June 30, 2028, based on current projections.
Even with this year’s budget savings, the City is projected to face double-digit deficits for the following three fiscal years. But there will be enough remaining in the Budget Stabilization Fund to cover almost all of them.
Antioch Inn & Suites formerly Comfort Inn located across from the Lowe’s store on Mahogany Way. Photos courtesy of Mike Barbanica
California Supportive Mahogany Housing Project for Homeless
Under Item 9, the Council will consider approving a one-time capital match contribution of $750,000 for state funding of the Homekey+ California Supportive Housing (CSH) Mahogany Housing Project. It will fund the acquisition and rehabilitation of the Antioch Inn & Suites, formerly known as the Comfort Inn, to convert the existing hotel into approximately 84 to 85 units of permanent supportive housing with supportive services for eligible residents.
According to the City staff report, following Council direction at their meeting on May 22, 2025, the City applied for the Homekey+ funding. “The project application assumes ongoing operating assistance averaging approximately $1.2 million annually during the initial five-year period,” for a total of an additional $6 million. “If such funding levels were maintained over the full fifteen-year period, the total potential City contribution could be approximately $18.75 million, from the General Fund.”
“The City would receive the benefit of approximately $34.9 million in State Homekey+ funding,” awarded in May, 2026, “for acquisition and rehabilitation of the project. The City would assume ongoing administrative, monitoring, and compliance responsibilities associated with participation in the program.”
“While the City was a co-applicant and recipient of the award, the City has not executed the Homekey+ Standard Agreement with HCD and has not formally accepted the grant funds. Because the…Agreement has not been executed, the City currently has no contractual obligation to participate in the project. The City would not assume the reporting, compliance, monitoring, or administrative responsibilities associated with the Homekey+ Program.” However if the Council declines the grant funds, “the City could experience reduced competitiveness for certain future discretionary housing funding opportunities.”
Hillcrest Summit Apartments site and location maps. Source: City of Antioch
Will Reconsider Financing for Affordable Apartment Complex
As previously reported, after an impassioned effort by Mayor Pro Tem and District 3 Councilman Don Freitas, during the Council’s meeting on April 14, 2026, 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 Commercial Infill Housing Overlay District rezoning the parcel and Bernal complained about how the four-story apartment buildings would look.
Freitas mainly opposed the project because of the proximity to the gas station and 24-hour car wash. (See related article)
According to the City staff report for the item, number 4. on the agenda, “Following that failed approval, the Developer and City engaged in discussions regarding the City’s further consideration and the City Council provided direction to staff to bring the item back this evening for consideration.”
However, no changes have been made to the design of the project.
The Council will again conduct a public hearing on financing for the proposed extremely low, very low and low-income housing project, part of the 10 properties the City Council rezoned to a CIH Overlay Districts in 2022. While, as a result, no Planning Commission or Council decisions with public input are required to approve the projects, the public does have the opportunity to provide input on the City assisting with financing.
Under the Tax Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 (TEFRA), the Council is being asked to approve the issuance of one or more series of revenue bonds by the California Municipal Finance Authority (CMFA) to provide for the financing or refinancing of the acquisition, construction, improvement and equipping of the projects.
The bonds, not to exceed $50,000,000, will benefit Hillcrest Antioch LP for the 165-unit multi-family housing project on the 4.9-acre parcel. It is planned for vacant land located behind the 76 Service Station and 7-Eleven bordered by Shaddick Drive, Harris Drive, E. Tregallas Road and Hillcrest Avenue.
The project is planned to be 100% affordable. The affordability of the units will be based on income of the tenants with 17 units at 30% of Area Median Income (AMI), 17 units at 50% AMI and 131 units, including two manager units, will be offered at 60% AMI.
However, the staff report explains that the bonds to be issued by the CMFA for the Project will be the sole responsibility of the Borrower, and the City will have no financial, legal, or moral obligation, liability or responsibility for the Project or the repayment of the bonds for the financing of the Project. All financing documents with respect to the issuance of the bonds will contain clear disclaimers that the bonds are not obligations of the City or the State of California but are to be paid for solely from funds provided by the Borrower.
The Council is again being asked to adopt a resolution approving the issuance of the Bonds by the CMFA without such, the project cannot move forward.
The beginning of the Closed Session and the regular Council meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at 200 H Street, or can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website or on Comcast cable TV channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99.
Have you ever considered running for office? Learn the basics of running for office at the Contra Costa Elections Division’s Candidate Workshops.
This engaging candidate workshop is designed to remove the mystery from running for office. Experts will cover what’s involved with running for office, including how to file and appear on the ballot, campaign finance disclosure requirements, strategies for spreading your message (including social media), and what happens when you’re in the public eye.
The first one will be held in Antioch on Monday, June 22 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:300 p.m.
With parade, live music, Kids Zone, dunk tank fundraiser, food and fireworks show over the river!
By City of Antioch Recreation Department
Join the City of Antioch for a festive day of community pride and patriotic fun in celebrating America’s 250th Independence Day in our historic, downtown Rivertown Saturday, July 4th. Visit Waldie Plaza to experience live entertainment and enjoy food from local restaurants, vendors and trucks. Have an exciting time with friends and family in the Kids Zone located at City Hall, before picking your spot to see the big, unforgettable fireworks show over the river to cap off the celebration!
Schedule of Events
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Parade
4:00 PM – 9:00 PM Kids Zone
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Live Entertainment | Farenhyte 5150
What better way to celebrate Independence Day than by making a splash and raising funds for a fantastic cause? By participating in our Dunk Tank event, you’ll not only have a blast but also contribute to providing scholarships for youth and adults to participate in recreational activities they might not otherwise have access to.
Not interested in sitting in the tank? Get involved by donating to the cause! As you attend our Fourth of July Celebration, stop by the Kids Zone to take your turn trying to sink the sitter! Cheer on our throwers and our volunteers as we raise money to continue to provide recreational opportunities for residents, young and young at heart! The deadline to sign up to take the plunge is Friday, June 26th.
Parade Entry Registration
Ready to show off your red, white, and blue spirit? Parade registrations for Antioch’s 4th of July Celebration are now open! Don’t miss out—register today and be part of one of Antioch’s favorite traditions!
Whether you’re young or young at heart, a solo walker or part of a group, this parade is for everyone. From classic cars and colorful floats to decorated bicycles and festive performances, let your creativity shine as we come together as a community to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!
Source: City of Antioch
Parade Route
The parade will begin at the intersection of W 2nd St. and E St. Antioch, CA at 4 pm. The Judge’s Station will be located at the center of Waldie Plaza. A second parade performance stop will be on W 3rd St. next to City Hall. We will finish the parade on W 3rd St. at the corner of D St.
Celebration Site
The main celebration site will take place in Waldie Plaza and the parking lot of City Hall, encompassing W 2nd St. to W 3rd St. and G St. to I St. There are many occurrences within the celebration site, including a live entertainment stage, local restaurants, food trucks, vendors, Kids Zone, DJ stage, and much more.
Officer Brock Marcotte seized 2.1 pounds of marijuana and $1,900 in cash during the arrest on Friday, June 19, 2026. Photos: Antioch PD
37-year-old man with history of arrests already out of custody
By Antioch Police Department
Friday morning, June 19, 2026, day shift officers were approached by a concerned resident near W. 10th Street and K Street who reported that individuals were loitering in the area and suspected of dealing drugs. The resident expressed concerns for his safety and asked officers to help address the issue.
A short time later, Officer Brock Marcotte responded to the area and observed a male loitering near a white SUV. A records check revealed the vehicle’s owner had an outstanding felony Ramey warrant out of Oakland.
During contact with the occupant, Officer Marcotte observed a large quantity of marijuana in plain view and confirmed the individual was the subject of the warrant. During the arrest, officers located approximately 2.1 pounds of marijuana and $1,900 in cash in multiple denominations. The suspect admitted to selling marijuana in the area.
The suspect was arrested at 9:54 AM and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility for marijuana sales and the outstanding warrant. The marijuana and cash were seized as evidence.
According to the Antioch PD CitizenRIMS, arrested was 37-year-old Carvonte Jonmonte Simon is Black or African American, five-feet, six-inches tall and 160 pounds.
According to localcrimenews.com, the suspect is from Suisun City has a history of arrests dating back to 2019, by multiple agencies on gun and ammunition charges, and for crimes including battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse, grand theft, burglary and receiving or concealing stolen property.
In addition to this arrest, the Antioch Police Department has increased proactive enforcement efforts throughout the Sycamore Corridor to address community concerns related to blight, quality-of-life issues and the sale of illicit narcotics.
We appreciate residents who continue to report suspicious activity and partner with us to keep Antioch safe.
Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon celebrating creativity, culture, and talent in the beauty and barbering industry! Join us for a high-energy event filled with live entertainment, competitions, and opportunities to connect with local professionals and the community.
We invite hairstylists, barbers, loc specialists, makeup artists, nail techs, estheticians, beauty entrepreneurs, and the entire Antioch community & surrounding cities!
Plus, enjoy light snacks, exciting prizes, giveaways and more!
Come out and support local talent, discover new businesses, and experience the beauty industry like never before. You don’t want to miss this!
The Antioch Historical Museum is located on W. 4th Street. Photo: AHM
Museum, Sports Legends Hall of Fame closed to public beginning today, June 18, 2026
By Carla Baker Marymee, Media Relations, Antioch Historical Museum
ANTIOCH, CA — June 17, 2026 — The Antioch Historical Museum, located at 1500 W. 4th Street, is temporarily closing to the public as the building’s exterior receives much-needed refurbishment and internal operations are modernized. The closure begins June 18, 2026. Work starts June 22 through July 31. Due to insurance liability issues, the Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame, housed within the museum, will also be closed.
The temporary closure supports the first phase of the museum’s newly adopted 5‑Year Strategic Plan, which aims to elevate, protect, and reimagine Antioch’s cultural legacy. This initial phase focuses on foundational work, including a full assessment of the historic 1910 Riverview High School building, establishing a modernized organizational structure, and launching the search for the museum’s first Executive Director.
“After several meetings with the Transition Team and our officers, it became clear that we needed this temporary closure to focus our time and energy on making external improvements to the building and modernizing internal operations,” said Theresa Court, President of the Antioch Historical Museum.
As part of the building assessment, Craig Andrews, Manager of the City of Antioch Building Services Division, conducted a full inspection. “We were delighted to learn that the building is solid and sound,” said Tom Hartrick, Transition Team member and owner of Infinity Painting.
Exterior improvements will be completed by Redwood Painting Company, a leading industrial and commercial coatings contractor led by George Del Monte. Work will include a light power wash, inspection and replacement of aging window frames, refurbishment of the museum’s two front entrance doors, fresh white paint on all previously painted surfaces, and removal of damaged wood and the catwalk above the ADA access door.
In addition to physical upgrades, the museum is undertaking a comprehensive review of its internal operations, financial systems, computer infrastructure, and all communications vehicles, including the website, social media, and digital communication to the members.
Transition Team members Donna McGee, Site Director at Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center, and Mike Green, Vice Principal at Deer Valley High School, are leading the recruitment effort to find a future Executive Director.
“Implementing the new Strategic Plan is a process and in motion. The changes will take time, but everything we’re doing is to make the museum thrive and preserve the region’s heritage for future generations,” Court said.
The Antioch Historical Museum is housed in the historic 1910 Riverview High School, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is also home to the Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame. For more information, contact Carla Baker Marymee, Antioch Historical Society Museum Public Relations Strategist, at (925) 775‑8764. Visit the museum on Facebook at facebook.com/antiochhistoricalmuseum or online at antiochhistoricalmuseum.org.
