The Antioch Parks & Recreation Social Media Team displaying the CPRS Award, consists of Photographers and Videographers Michael Smith, Vincent Cecilio, Demetrios Syrengelas and Alessandra Necor; and Graphic Designers Melvin Morales and Kassidy Forks. Photo: Antioch Recreation Department
Social Media Team celebrates with City Manager, Department Director and staff
By Allen D. Payton
Antioch Parks & Recreation was recognized earlier this year for outstanding marketing and community outreach. They received the Excellence in Marketing Award from the California Park & Recreation Society (CPRS) District 3. This award highlights the team’s dedication to innovative communication and meaningful engagement with our residents.
With the theme of “Excellence in Bloom”, on February 26 at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center, the 2025 Awards and Installation Banquet was held to “celebrate the incredible achievements across our district, recognize outstanding leaders, and enjoy an afternoon of connection, recognition and inspiration.”
In an email to City of Antioch Recreation Department staff on February 19, 2026, the CPRS District 3 Board wrote: “Congratulations! Our panel of seven Past Presidents served as judges, and your application for the Excellence in Marketing Award has been selected as a winner. Congratulations! Cheers!”
Asked who attended the event, Parks & Recreation Director Shahad Wright said, “We had almost our whole team there.”
That included City Manager Bessie Scott, Administrative Analyst Emily Reinard, Recreation Supervisors Jun Gandia, Jaylyn Valenzuela and La’Nae Jackson, Coordinator Victoria Alvarado and Wright.
Posts on the City’s Instagram account read, “We’re proud of the work being done to connect Antioch to programs, events, and opportunities year-round. What an amazing award for the department for the wonderful team that works daily to keep Antioch residents informed, entertained and inspired.
“A special thank you to each and every recreation employee that helps support the marketing team in their efforts and an extra special thank you to each marketing team member that are often behind the lens capturing moments of laughter, enjoyment, and community for Antioch residents to enjoy. Way to go, team!”
Wright shared a “video made by our social media team, the real stars of the team who take the photos and create the videos.”
According to the organization, the “CPRS District 3 Awards are an opportunity to recognize outstanding programs, projects, and individuals in the field of Parks and Recreation. Celebrate innovation, creativity and excellence by submitting nominations showcasing our field’s best of the best.” The Excellence in Marketing is a new and competitive award which celebrates outstanding achievements in developing and implementing innovative and effective marketing campaigns, materials, or strategies that enhance the visibility, engagement and impact of parks and recreation services.
The 2025 CPRS District 3 Award Program categories included:
AGENCY AWARDS (non-competitive)
● Outstanding Volunteer in Parks & Recreation
● Outstanding Non-Profit Organization Partner in Parks & Recreation
● Outstanding Business Partner in Parks & Recreation
AGENCY SHOWCASE AWARDS (competitive)
● Outstanding Facility/Park
● Outstanding Recreation Program/Special Event
● Outstanding Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Impact Award Program/Training
● Excellence in Marketing *new*
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AWARDS
● RISING STAR *new* (non-competitive)
● LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT (non-competitive)
● MVP (competitive)
Each agency could submit up to one entry per category.
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Antioch Parks & Recreation Supervisors La’Nae Jackson (with plaque) and Jun Gandia (center) accepting the award on behalf of the department from CPRS representatives during the February event. Photo: Antioch Rec. Dept.
In an email to his fellow department staff the following day, Gandia wrote, “WE DID IT! We have been honored with the CPRS Excellence in Marketing Award, a recognition that reflects our collective hard work, creativity, and determination!
“This incredible achievement was made possible by the outstanding teamwork of our Social Media and Marketing Committee, who brought ideas to life with passion and innovation. A huge shoutout to our talented photographers, videographers, and graphic designers, whose visual storytelling elevated our campaigns to new heights
“I’d like to extend a special thanks to La’Nae (Jackson) for helping me with application compiling all the data and analytics. Your dedication and expertise were pivotal in presenting our achievements in the best light.
“This award is not just a trophy on the shelf; it’s a testament to what we can accomplish together. ‘Teamwork makes the dream work,’ and this recognition is proof that our collaboration and commitment can lead to extraordinary results.
“Thank you once again to everyone for your contributions, creativity, and enthusiasm. Let’s celebrate this win and continue pushing forward.”
Organization
The California Park & Recreation Society is proud to serve a vibrant community of professionals through our 15 geographic Districts and 8 Sections that focus on areas like aquatics, aging services, recreation, administration, and more. CPRS District 3 is part of Region 1 andincludes 35 cities, districts and agencies in Contra Costa and Alameda counties.
The driver of the white car seen on W. 2nd Street in these City Hall surveillance camera video screenshots is sought by police regarding the homicide on March 13, 2026. Source: Antioch PD
48-year-old Concord man died from injuries sustained in beating near Antioch waterfront
By Lt. William Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
The Antioch Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the driver of the vehicle pictured above in connection with an ongoing investigation related to an incident that occurred on March 13, 2026.
Investigators would like to speak with this individual to obtain additional information and better understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The 48-year-old victim, later identified as a Concord man, was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. He never regained consciousness and was removed from life support on March 21, 2026.
The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau is actively investigating this incident.
Anyone who recognizes the driver or has information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact Detective Jeong at (925) 779-6933 or jjeong@antiochca.gov.
Efforts to obtain the victim’s identity have been unsuccessful to date. Please check back later for any updates to this report.
The Antioch Police Department is reminding everyone to Look Twice for Motorcycles. As the weather warms up, more riders are out on the road, making it important for all drivers to stay alert and help prevent crashes and save lives.
“Most crashes involving motorcycles happen when drivers simply don’t see them. Taking a few extra seconds to look twice can prevent a tragedy.” — Sergeant Rob Green
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes nationwide in 2023. In California, 583 motorcyclists lost their lives.
Drivers
• Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes
• Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and motorcycles
• Watch for turn signals and make sure riders are actually turning before proceeding
Motorcyclists
• Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and eye protection
• Wear protective gear and reflective clothing
• Ride defensively and avoid blind spots
• Keep headlights on, even during the day
Never drive or ride distracted or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
After more than 20 years, the rodeo returns to the Contra Costa County Fair, this year, with Bulls and Broncs beginning 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026.
The Silver Bridge Rodeo Company brings the spirit of the West to life with world-class bull riding and broncs events that showcase the grit, skill, and courage of rodeo’s toughest athletes. From thunderous eight-second rides to airborne broncs and charging bulls!
General Admission is $19.00. Does not include Fair admission.
Rodeo Event Tickets sold separately online through Saffire Ticket by clicking, HERE.
Honoring the brave men and women who gave everything for our freedom. Join us this Memorial Day as the Delta Veterans Group and the City of Antioch come together to remember, reflect and honor our fallen heroes.
According to MemorialDay2026.com, “Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States dedicated to honoring and mourning military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It’s a day of remembrance, reflection and gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice made by service members throughout American history.
“Memorial Day traces its roots to the years following the Civil War, when communities across America began decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. Originally called ‘Decoration Day,’ the observance was first widely celebrated on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
“After World War I, Memorial Day evolved from honoring just Civil War casualties to commemorating American military personnel who died in all wars. In 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, officially declaring Memorial Day a federal holiday and moving its observance to the last Monday in May.”
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.
Rendering of the approved Wildflower Senior Apartments. Source: City of Antioch
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.
Wildflower Senior Apartments Site Plan. Source: City of Antioch
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.
Wildflower Senior Apartments Aerial Map. Source: City of Antioch
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.”
Wildflower Senior Apartments Location Map. Source: City of Antioch
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.”
Says, “This is about raising the standard at the Clerk-Recorder’s Office.This office belongs to you — demand to see inside it.”
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Business owner and 20-year human resources professional, Pratima Sonavne has officially entered the race for Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder, pledging to transform one of county government’s most vital offices into a model of transparency, efficiency, and public trust.
The Clerk-Recorder’s office touches the lives of nearly every resident — safeguarding public records, overseeing election administration, maintaining accurate voter rolls, and delivering essential services day in and day out. Yet too many residents have little visibility into how the office is performing, where service gaps exist, or how their tax dollars are being put to work.
“The people of Contra Costa County deserve real transparency, measurable results, consistent service, and leadership willing to be held accountable. I will bring performance metrics, public dashboards, service standards and a culture of continuous improvement to the Clerk-Recorder’s office,” saidSonavne.
Campaign Built on Four Core Priorities
Secure Records — Strengthening the protection, accuracy, and accessibility of public records to ensure residents can always count on reliable, up-to-date information.
Election Integrity — Supporting fair, transparent, and trusted elections through clear communication, rigorous voter roll maintenance, regular process audits, and consistent poll worker training.
Engaged Communities — Bringing the office directly to residents through expanded outreach, voter education, community pop-up clinics, and youth engagement programs that build the next generation of civic leaders.
Efficient Government — Measuring performance, reducing processing delays, improving responsiveness, and ensuring residents receive modern, reliable service.
A Commitment to Public Accountability
As Clerk-Recorder, Sonavne will champion public reporting on key performance areas — records processing times, customer service responsiveness, voter outreach, voter roll maintenance, poll worker training consistency, community engagement, and operational efficiency. Residents will have real tools to track how their office is performing.
“This is about raising the standard at the Clerk-Recorder’s Office,” said Sonavne. “Contra Costa County deserves a Clerk-Recorder who will not just manage this office — but modernize it, measure it and make it work better for every single person who depends on it.”
“This office belongs to you — demand to see inside it,” she added.
Experience & Education
According to her LinkedIn profile, since April 2024, Sonavne has been the owner and operator of Kurious Kubs Family Daycare in Danville. Since July 2023 she has worked as a Senior Consultant for Pink River Analytics/State Projects. Previously, Sonavne worked for a year as a Human Resource Leader for Bloom Energy in San Jose, and as a North America Talent Management Leader for Cognizant Technology Solutions in San Ramon for over seven years.
