Acting Antioch Manager Ana Cortez and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker. Official photos source: City of Antioch
Followed 72-hour required noticing process
“…this is disheartening.” – Councilwoman Torres-Walker in an email to Acting City Manager Cortez
By Allen D. Payton
During the Antioch City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker was absent but unable to attend remotely via Zoom as allowed by state law. That’s in spite of her following the required process to do so. Complaints were made during the meeting by members of the public that staff had made a mistake with one going so far as to call it “sabotage” as it prevented Torres-Walker from participating in and voting on the matter of the Homekey+ program at the Antioch Inn & Suites. The councilwoman was the one who pushed the matter and encouraged the City to pursue the state grant of $34.9 million.
Torres-Walker called in both during public comments on the agenda item to offer her input, then again, at the end of the meeting when she said, “In advance of the meeting, I submitted all the necessary documents to participate,” she said. “It speaks to the disfunction. This is in no way a sleight to Acting City Manager Cortez. So, I don’t blame Ms. Cortez for not posting my location within 72 hours before the meeting.”
Emails released on Friday by Cortez confirm what the councilwoman claimed and show Cortez’s inaction prevented Torres-Walker from participating in and voting on the matter, and all other agenda items during the meeting. The acting city manager called it an “oversight.”
Process for Official’s Remote Participation in Meetings
The agendas for public meetings must be publicly posted at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. According to California Government Code section 54953 (b)(3), “If the legislative body of a local agency elects to use teleconferencing, it shall post agendas at all teleconference locations. Each teleconference location shall be identified in the notice and agenda of the meeting or proceeding, and each teleconference location shall be accessible to the public.”
In addition, under subsection (c)(2) “A member of a legislative body participating in a meeting by remote participation pursuant to this subdivision shall do both of the following: (A) The member shall participate through both audio and visual technology; (B) The member shall disclose at the meeting before any action is taken, whether any other individuals 18 years of age or older are present in the room at the remote location with the member, and the general nature of the member’s relationship with any of those individuals.”
Torres-Walker provided the location where she would be during the meeting and that was supposed to be included in the meeting agenda posted on the City’s website by Saturday, July 25th. City staff usually posts regular council meeting agendas by Friday afternoon prior to the Tuesday night meeting. The agenda for the July 28th meeting did not include Torres-Walker’s planned location which is what prevented her from participating remotely.
Email Exchange, Cortez Admits to “Oversight”
On Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 9:36 AM Torres-Walker sent Cortez an email informing her “I will be out of town and I need a zoom link to join close session and the council meeting” on July 28th. Then at 9:38 AM, Cortez acknowledged receipt of the email and responded, “As soon as I have it from our IS department, I will share with you.”
Then, in response, at 10:29 AM, Torres-Walker provided the location where she planned to be during the July 28th meeting. She wrote, “Here is the address where I will be zooming in from. Homewood Suites by Hilton San Jose Airport-Silicon Valley, 10 W Trimble Rd, San Jose, CA 95131, USA.”
But no response from Cortez acknowledging receipt of that email was provided.
On Friday, at 5:33 PM, Assistant City Clerk LaTonia Peoples-Stokes emailed all City employees, the city clerk and bcc’d the council members with “the link…for the City Council Meeting Agenda and Staff Reports for July 28, 2026,” and that, “The Agenda Packet will be available on the City’s Website shortly.”
On Monday, Torres-Walker informed Cortez she would have to cancel a “check-in” meeting planned for 1:00 p.m. that day. Cortez responded until 7:08 PM that night. But nothing was mentioned about the councilwoman’s location during the meeting missing from the agenda.
Then on Tuesday morning at 10:43 AM Cortez emailed Torres-Walker that she had left voicemails for the councilwoman on her work and personal phone the day before and wrote, “Unfortunately, your request to participate in tonight’s meeting via Zoom cannot be accommodated. Under the Brown Act, there are specific requirements for a Councilmember to participate remotely. The meeting agenda must include notice of the remote participation location, and the agenda must also be posted at that location. These requirements are subject to the Brown Act’s 72-hour noticing timeline, which cannot be met for tonight’s meeting.
“Additionally, with the new public comment procedures, the City would need to provide two separate Zoom links—one for members of the public providing comments and a separate link for Councilmember participation. Please note the Zoom link I shared with you has been set up for public comment participation. We would need to issue a new link for Councilmember participants.
“If you would like to discuss this further, please let me know and I would be happy to talk with you.
“We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
“Thank you.”
At 11:17 AM Torres-Walker responded, copying City Attorney Lori Asuncion and asking Cortez why her remote location wasn’t included in the council meeting agenda. The councilwoman wrote, “Hello, Acting City Manager Cortez. I provided my location, and when I noticed it wasn’t included on the agenda, I knew it would be a challenge. Who overlooked this?”
Cortez responded at 12:30 PM, also copying Asuncion, admitting it was her mistake writing, “This was my oversight, and I take responsibility for it. While I was aware of your location, I did not identify the Brown Act requirements for remote participation in time to ensure the agenda included the required information and that the posting requirements could be met within the 72-hour noticing period.
“I apologize for the oversight. Going forward, I will ensure these requirements are identified and communicated in advance.
“Please let me know if you would like to discuss this further.
“Thank you for your understanding.”
————-
Torres-Walker responded to Cortez at 4:39 PM, again copying Asuncion, writing, “Hello, Acting City Manager Cortez. “I did my part.
“1. Requested to participate in the meeting via Zoom in advance of the meeting
“2. I provided the location
“3. I posted the agenda in the lobby 72 hours in advance
“I understand that we are understaffed and that the Clerk’s Office is in a learning position, but this is disheartening.”
—————- No additional communication between the councilwoman and acting city manager was provided.
Mayor Ron Bernal and the other three council members allowed the item regarding the Homekey+ program at the Antioch Inn & Suites to be discussed and voted on that night. During her called-in public comment, Torres-Walker said, “If I was there tonight and had the opportunity to vote, I would vote to move forward.”
The matter ended with a 3-1 vote to rescind the prior authorization for the funding and withdraw from the project, with District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson the only one opposing. So, Torres-Walker’s absence did not affect the outcome.
Con Fire, Walnut Creek Police Bomb Squad, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assist
By Lt. William Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
Following an investigation that began at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, the Antioch Police Department served a search warrant on Thursday July 30th at a residence in the 4000 block of South Royal Links Circle as part of an ongoing investigation involving possible homemade explosive devices.
To ensure the operation was conducted safely, the Antioch Police Department coordinated with specialized law enforcement partners. The Department thanks Con Fire, the Walnut Creek Police Department Bomb Squad, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for their professionalism, expertise and assistance throughout this investigation.
The scene has been secured, and investigators have determined there are no ongoing public safety concerns.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. To protect the integrity of the investigation, no further information will be released at this time.
The Antioch Police Department appreciates the community’s cooperation and patience during this operation. Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact Antioch Police Detective Shaffer at (925) 779-6944 or by email cshaffer@antiochca.gov.
Councilmembers Monica Wilson (top) and Tamisha Torres-Walker and then-City Manager Ron Bernal participate in a council meeting remotely Feb. 26, 2021, during COVID. The practice ended in Feb. 2023. Now a maximum of two council members can participate remotely, and the public can offer comments remotely, as well. Herald file video screenshot.
Requires policy for handling technology disruptions, misconduct
Also, changes rules for officials’ remote participation in meetings and on social media, reporting of compensation for top staff
By Allen D. Payton
Just like during COVID, members of the public again have the opportunity to participate remotely in city council and other government meetings, either by phone call or online via videoconferencing. Passed in 2025 and signed into law last Oct. 3, Senate Bill 707 modernizes the Ralph M. Brown Act, California’s open meeting law, went into effect July 1, 2026, and lasts until January 1, 2030. It requires that “all open and public meetings include an opportunity for members of the public to attend via a two-way telephonic service or a two-way audiovisual platform.” In Antioch, the law applies to all public meetings “of the City Council and all eligible subsidiary bodies as directed by the City Council,” such as commissions, boards, committees and council subcommittees.
In addition, the law requires, “an eligible legislative body, on or before July 1, 2026, to approve at a noticed public meeting in open session a policy regarding disruption of telephonic or internet services occurring during meetings subject to these provisions, as specified, and would require the eligible legislative body to comply with certain requirements relating to disruption, including for certain disruptions, recessing the open session for at least one hour and making a good faith attempt to restore the service.”
The new law also requires “that the eligible legislative body take specified actions to encourage residents to participate in public meetings.” District 3 Councilman Don Freitas suggested at the meeting on Tuesday, July 28th, that the council make an effort to inform the public of the new, remote process.
Source: City of Antioch
During their meeting on April 14, 2026, the Council was provided a presentation on SB707 (agenda Item 13) which included various changes to the state’s open meeting law.
Orderly Conduct – Mayor Can Cut Off Disruptive Remote Participants
The new law “Clarifies statutory authority to remove disruptive remote participants to maintain the orderly conduct of the meeting” for proper decorum. “The Chair must issue a specific warning before muting or disconnecting a disruptive user” to prevent “Zoom Bombers” as occurred during COVID with comments that included profanity and racial epithets by some who called in during public comments. The Council must also “Establish clear conduct rules (e.g., time limits, profanity) and apply them neutrally to all speakers.”
Technology Disruptions
The City Council approved Antioch’s policy regarding technology disruptions during their meeting on May 12, 2026 (See agenda Item 9). According to the staff report on the policy, it “ensures transparency, public participation, and continuity of government during technology disruptions if the City Council finds the public interest in continuing the meeting outweighs the public interest in remote public access.”
If a technology disruption occurs, “the meeting must remain in recess for up to one hour or until remote access is restored, whichever occurs first. If service is restored within that time, the Council will reconvene and proceed with the agenda.”
According to the April 14th presentation, technology disruptions require a:
Mandatory Pause: If remote access service fails, the legislative body must recess to attempt to restore the connection before adjourning;
Public Notification: Staff must immediately post real-time status updates on the meeting webpage and announce the delay on all available social channels.
Physical Access to Meeting Room: The physical meeting room must remain open and accessible to the public during the entire recess period.
The “Public Interest” Finding:If remote service is not restored after one hour, the Council may make a formal finding that the “public interest in continuing the meeting outweighs the lack of remote access.” This finding must be adopted by a recorded roll call vote before any further business occurs.
Meetings of Other City Legislative Bodies
The presentation explains that meeting of other eligible city boards, committees, commissions and council subcommittees “include bodies that serve exclusively in advisory capacities, cannot take final action and do not have primary subject matter jurisdiction. (Example: APOC – Antioch Police Oversight Committee). These can include bodies constituted with elected officials. (Example: Cannabis Subcommittee).”
However, “the City Council must formally direct these bodies follow two-way requirements. To do so, the Council must find that circumstances justify use of two-way communication, such communication would enhance public access, and would promote attraction, retention and diversity of the bodies’ memberships. Findings would have to be made by resolution of the City Council.”
Finally, “if two-way communication is required, there must be one physical meeting location, at least one board and staff member must be present there and the present board member must appear on camera. Special standards apply if any member appears via teleconferencing.”
More Reasons & Opportunities for Officials’ Remote Participation in Meetings
SB707 also adds more reasons why public officials can participate in meetings remotely and increases from two to a maximum of five uses per year. Valid reasons labeled, “Just Cause” and “Emergency Circumstances”, now include family medical emergencies, childcare or caregiving needs, military service and contagious illness.
Members must “provide notice and public disclosure at the start of the meeting in accordance with local procedure” and
“explicitly disclose if any individuals over the age of 18 are present in the room with them, and state their relationships…during roll call.”
“The City is required to publish a member-by-member utilization report annually to ensure accountability,” the presentation added.
But a majority of the members must be present in-person to have a quorum to conduct a meeting.
Officials’ Participation on Social Media
The law also changes how public officials can engage with the public on social media. According to the April 14th presentation, officials may now engage with the public’s posts on city matters (e.g., answering questions on a resident’s post, but it includes a strict prohibition that “officials cannot respond to, like, share, or repost other council members’ content on the same topic to avoid ‘serial meetings’” of a majority of members outside the setting of a publicly noticed meeting.
Reporting of Staff Compensation Before Council Vote
Also, according to the presentation, the new law requires that the Council provide, “An oral report…in open session before taking final action on compensation” for all department heads not just for executives such as the City Manager and City Attorney. “The verbal report will include the position title, a summary of compensation elements, and any contract changes.”
Antioch Virtual Speaker Rules& Procedure
According to the Speaker Rules published in each council meeting agenda, “The public has the opportunity to address the City Council on each agenda item. No one may speak more than once on an agenda item or during ‘Public Comments’.
“To provide oral public comments during the meeting, please click the following link to register in advance to access the meeting via Zoom Webinar:
“You will be asked to enter an email address and a name. Your email address will not be disclosed to the public. After registering, you will receive an email with instructions on how to connect to the meeting. When the Mayor announces public comments, click the “raise hand” feature in Zoom.
“When calling into the meeting using the Zoom Webinar telephone number, press *9 on your telephone keypad to ‘raise your hand’. Please ensure your Zoom client is updated so staff can enable your microphone when it is your turn to speak. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak.
“When you are called to speak, please limit your comments to the time allotted. The City cannot guarantee that its network and/or the site will be uninterrupted.”
The City of Antioch encourages residents to become involved in their local community. One way to do so is to serve on various commissions, boards, and committees. Any interested resident is encouraged to apply.
The City of Antioch is now accepting applications for two important volunteer opportunities: Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee – Help promote transparency and accountability by reviewing sales tax revenue and expenditures, monitoring compliance with ballot measure requirements and advising the City Council on oversight matters; and the Board of Administrative Appeals (BOAA) – Serve your community by reviewing administrative determinations, conducting public hearings, evaluating evidence, and helping ensure fair and impartial decisions.
These are meaningful opportunities to contribute your experience, strengthen local government, and serve your community.
Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee Details
The Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee shall review the expenditures and report publicly how the funds from the City’s Measure W one-cent sales tax are being used to address the City Council’s stated priorities of maintaining Antioch’s fiscal stability, police patrols, 911 emergency response, youth violence prevention programs; ensuring water quality/safety; repairing streets; cleaning up parks/illegal dumping; restoring youth afterschool/summer programs; and other essential services.
Committee members are responsible for the following duties:
Reviewing annual sales tax revenue and expenditure reports.
Monitoring compliance with ballot measure requirements.
Providing transparency to the public regarding fund usage.
Advising the City Council on accountability measures.
Each year, an independent auditor shall complete a public audit report of the revenue raised and its expenditure. The Committee’s review shall be completed in conjunction with the City’s budget process. The Committee’s report on its review, whether oral or written, shall be considered by the City Council at a public meeting before April 1 of each year. Any written report shall be a matter of public record.
The Council’s intent of Measure W is to split the revenue on the following basis: 80% for the maintenance of public safety, 10% for youth services, and the remaining 10% for supporting quality of life and fiscal stability and accountability. The sales tax passed by Antioch voters in November 2018 lasts for 20 years. (See related Herald articles here, here, here and here)
The official ballot measure language reads: “Antioch’s Quality of Life Measure. To maintain Antioch’s fiscal stability, police patrols, 911 emergency response, youth violence prevention programs; ensuring water quality/safety; repairing streets; cleaning up parks/illegal dumping; restoring youth afterschool/summer programs; other essential services; shall the measure be adopted approving an ordinance to renew the sales tax at the one-cent rate, raising approximately $14,000,000 annually, expiring in twenty years, with mandatory annual independent financial audits, and independent citizens oversight?”
Committee Seats:
Seven (7) Members, 4-year terms.
Vacancies:
Three (3) Full-Term Vacancies, expiring March 2030
Two (2) Full-Term Vacancies, expiring March 2028
Meetings: The Committee shall meet at least twice a year.
Staff Liaison: Dawn Merchant, City of Antioch Finance Director
Requirements:
Must be a resident of the City of Antioch.
At least one member of the Committee shall have a financial, accounting or auditing background.
Commissioners are required to submit the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) Form 700 (Statement of Economic Interests) upon assuming office, and every year thereafter.
Commissioners are required to complete a 2-hour online AB1234 Ethics course within one year of their appointment.
Newly appointed and reappointed Members are required to take an Oath of Office administered by the City Clerk.
The BOAA hears appeals regarding administrative decisions by any official of the city and approves liens on properties.
Board members are responsible for carrying out the following duties:
Reviewing administrative determinations.
Conducting public hearings.
Evaluating evidence and testimony.
Rendering fair and unbiased decisions.
The Board consists of five members and one alternate to be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by a majority of the Council. The alternate member shall serve a term of two years.
Committee Seats:
Five (5) Board Members, 4-year terms.
One (1) Alternate Board Member, 2-year term.
Vacancies:
Three (3) Full-Term Vacancies, expiring March 2030
One (1) Alternate Vacancy, 2-Year Term
Meetings: First Thursday of the month at 3:00 p.m.
Staff Liaison: City Clerk’s Office
Requirements:
Must be a resident of the City of Antioch.
Three (3) members shall have experience in building construction trades and/or training in the CA Code of Regulations.
Board members are required to submit the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) Form 700 (Statement of Economic Interests) upon assuming office, and every year thereafter.
Board members are required to complete a 2-hour online AB1234 Ethics course within one year of their appointment.
Newly appointed and reappointed Members are required to take an Oath of Office administered by the City Clerk.
Application Deadline: Friday, August 14, 2026, by 5:00 PM
To be considered for the vacancy position(s), please complete an application and submit it to the City Clerk’s Office by the deadline date listed above. Applications are also located on the City’s Website at www.antiochca.gov/739/Boards-Commissions and may be picked up in person at Antioch City Hall, 200 H Street, Antioch, CA.
Please email your completed application to: cityclerk@antiochca.gov. You can also drop off your application (Attn: City Clerk) in the water billing drop-off box located in the parking lot just outside of Antioch City Hall.
Florence “Chickie” Rundall’s family, including husband Dennis and sons (center), were joined by the city council members and city clerk following presentation of the proclamation on July 28, 2026. Photo by Allen D. Payton
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, the Antioch City Council honored honor the late and former City Clerk Florence “Chickie” Rundall who passed away on June 11th. Mayor Ron Bernal read the proclamation approved unanimously then presented it to Rundall’s family members, including her husband Dennis, who were in attendance. Her oldest son spoke and thanked the council who then took photos with the family.
PROCLAMATION IN MEMORY OF FLORENCE “CHICKIE” VIRGINIA RUNDALL FORMER CITY CLERK
WHEREAS, the City of Antioch and the community lost a deeply cherished community member, with the passing of Florence “Chickie” Rundall on June 11, 2026;
WHEREAS, Florence “Chickie” Rundall born October 1, 1940, in Miami Beach, Florida, dedicated her life to public service;
WHEREAS, Florence “Chickie” Rundall faithfully served the City of Antioch, first as Deputy City Clerk and later as City Clerk, where her integrity and exemplary work ethic contributed significantly to the transparent operations
of municipal government for nearly 25 years;
WHEREAS, Florence is remembered as a distinguished individual whose devotion to civic responsibility has set a lasting standard of excellence for all who follow;
WHEREAS, beyond her professional accomplishments, Florence was a loving mother, wife, grandmother, and devoted community member, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, warmth, and cherished memories shared among her family, friends, and colleagues; and
WHEREAS, the City of Antioch honors Florence, and memorializes her dedication and commitment to the community.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch, hereby recognize the significant contributions of Florence “Chickie” Virginia Rundall over the course of her distinguished career and join the community in mourning her passing.
We were at the Antioch Library today, Wednesday, July 29, 2026, for a General Plan Visioning Workshop, as part of the General Plan Update process, connecting with residents to hear what they love about Antioch and what they’d like to see in the years ahead.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to share ideas, ask questions, and help shape the vision for our community’s future.
Missed us today? There’s still another opportunity!
Following approval of the proclamation recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Sister City relationship, the seven students and chaperone from this year’s Chichibu, Japan delegation was joined by their host families, organization leaders and council members during the Antioch City Council meeting Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Photo by Allen D. Payton
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting on Tuesday night, July 28, 2026, the Antioch City Council unanimously adopted a proclamation in honor of the Antioch-Chichibu Sister City relationship’s 60th anniversary. That was followed by a photo with the seven visiting students from Chichibu, Japan in this year’s delegation, as well as their chaperones, host families and organization leaders.
WHEREAS, in 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower initiated a new international Sister City program for the purposes of cultural and economic exchange by establishing relationships between cities of similar size and economic base;
WHEREAS, in the 1960s, Mayor Verne Roberts traveled with the League of California Cities to six countries, including Japan, to investigate the possibility of establishing a Sister City relationship; and at the same time, Chichibu City was seeking a sister city in California;
WHEREAS, the two cities were likely candidates to be each other’s sister city as each city had manufacturing plants, were situated near a river, had a mountain in the vicinity, and were at the edge of the economic sphere of a large metropolitan area;
WHEREAS, in 1967, the City Council adopted a resolution formally accepting Chichibu as Antioch’s Sister City, with annual exchanges occurring every year beginning in 1971 with Antioch visiting Chichibu on odd numbered years and Chichibu visiting Antioch on even numbered years;
WHEREAS, this year in Antioch and next year in Chichibu, we celebrate sixty years of enduring friendship between our two communities having been united by a shared commitment to international goodwill, cultural understanding, and enduring friendship;
WHEREAS, generations of students, families, educators, civic leaders, and volunteers have strengthened the bonds between our cities through exchange programs, homestays, cultural experiences, and personal relationships that have enriched countless lives;
WHEREAS this extraordinary partnership has demonstrated that genuine friendship transcends language, geography, and culture, reminding us that respect, honor, kindness, and mutual understanding build stronger communities and a more peaceful world; and
WHEREAS, we proudly celebrate this historic milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to preserving and strengthening this treasured bond between Antioch and Chichibu so that future generations may continue to learn from one another and carry forward the spirit of international cooperation and goodwill.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ron Bernal, Mayor of the City of Antioch, do hereby proclaim the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Sister City Relationship between the City of Antioch and Chichibu City, Japan, honor the rich history we have shared and look forward with hope and gratitude to many more decades of annual exchanges and lifelong friendships.
Source: Joy Motts for Antioch City Council District 1 2026
To hold nomination papers signing event Thursday
By Allen D. Payton
In a post on her campaign Facebook page on July 26, 2026, former Antioch councilwoman and school board trustee, Joy Motts, announced a third run for city council against District 1 incumbent Tamisha Torres-Walker. Her slogan is, “A Fierce Advocate for Antioch.”
The post reads, “It’s official! Joy Motts is running for Antioch City Council, District 1. A fierce advocate for Antioch, Joy is committed to building a safer, stronger and thriving community for everyone. She’s ready to lead, listen and work hard for all District 1 residents. Choose Joy. Choose progress. Choose a brighter future for District 1.”
Motts also posted a video announcing her campaign in which she said, ““I’m ready to lead and to listen and to work hard.”
Motts previously served on the Antioch City Council from 2016-2020 and the Antioch School Board from 2010-214. She lost her re-election bid against Torres-Walker in 2020, then lost again in 2022 challenge by just four votes following a recount.
Motts also announced a “Tacos with Joy” nomination papers signing event to be held tomorrow, Thursday, July 30th, at Celia’s Mexican Restaurant, where residents can “learn more about her vision for a safer, stronger and thriving District 1.”
The candidate has also served the community as the long-time president of the Celebrate Antioch Foundation which organizes events throughout the city, each year and has led the effort for the RiverTown Square event center project proposed for the former Antioch Lumber Company lot in downtown.
For more information about Motts and her campaign visit her website, which has not yet been updated for this year, at https://joymotts.org.
UPDATE 1: So far, she is one of two potential challengers in the race for the election on Tuesday, Nov. 3rd. Former Antioch School Board Trustee Diane Gibson-Gray announced on her personal Facebook page on July 25 that she too had pulled papers for a second run to replace Torres-Walker. The incumbent has yet to announce a run for re-election but the website from her last campaign is still up as does Gibson-Gray. UPDATE 2: However, Gibson-Gray later shared that she had actually posted on the home page of her website seven months ago, “Diane Gibson-Gray Antioch City Council District 1 November 2026.”
As of Wednesday, July 29th all three have pulled nomination papers yet none have yet filed them. The filing period closes at 5:00 p.m. Friday, August 7, 2026.
