City officials and residents join Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal in cutting the ribbon to officially re-open Jacobsen Park on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, following renovations and improvements. Photos by Allen D. Payton
Almost $700,000 spent on renovations
By Allen D. Payton
City of Antioch officials held a Grand Re-Opening of the renovated Jacobsen Park in the northeast part of town Friday afternoon, Aug. 21, 2026. Mayor Ron Bernal, Mayor Pro Tem and District 3 Councilman Don Freitas, City Clerk Michael Mandy, Parks and Recreation Commissioners including Chari Dorothy Ellis, , Recreation Director Shahad Wright, Public Works Director Scott Buenting and other City staff were joined by children and residents from the nearby neighborhoods to cut the ribbon.
Children enjoy the play structure and swing, and large lawn at Jacobsen Park during the Grand Re-Opening.
As Bernal welcomed those in attendance and thanked City staff for their work on it, and Wright who thanked “the Public Works team” for their “support and dedication” and gave “a shout out to Buenting,” children enjoyed climbing on the play structure. Following the ceremony, adults and youth played basketball in the nearby half-court. Wright also acknowledged former Parks & Recreation Director Brad Helfenberger, who is now the City’s Information Systems Director, for initially leading the effort for the renovations.
Antioch Public Works Director Scott Buenting, Parks & Recreation Director Shahad Wright and Congressman Josh Harder’s District Representative and former Parks & Rec Commissioner Domonique King speak during the Jacobsen Park Grand Re-Opening and Ribbon Cutting.
Former Parks and Recreation Commissioner Domonique King, spoke on behalf of Congressman Josh Harder as his District Representative. “It is an honor to be here and celebrate the ribbon cutting of Jacobsen Park. If you know the Congressman, if he could be here, he definitely would be here, especially as he has two young girls who would have loved to enjoy this park, today. Congratulations and hope this park continues to be the center of the community that surrounds it.” Harder doesn’t currently represent portions of Antioch in the U.S. House of Representatives but is running for re-election in the newly drawn district.
According to the City, “A vintage neighborhood park received a much-welcomed makeover. Jacobsen Park’s many renovations and additions were revealed on Friday afternoon to an appreciative group of families from the Garrow Estates neighborhood.
“At one point in the 1960s this park, one of the oldest in Antioch, had a decommissioned front portion of a jet as its centerpiece attraction. Long-time residents still lovingly refer to this area as ‘Jet Park’.” Wright said children played on the jet.
A City staff member shoots hoops with residents at the basketball half-court in Jacobsen Park. Yes, he scored the two points.
“Jacobsen Park is now sure to offer new warm memories as was evident by the many children enjoying the newly installed play area.”
Approved by the City Council on August 27, 2024, the work by Frontline General Engineering Construction, Inc. of San Lorenzo was budgeted at a total of $695,830.55 and involved a full renovation of the existing park, including:
Clearing, grubbing and grading
Landscaping and irrigation facilities
Removal and installation of concrete flatwork
Basketball court rehabilitation
Hardscaping
Installation of underground utilities
Site furnishings and shade structures
Traffic control measures
Water pollution control
The play area has a rubberized flooring that offers a significant cushion when stepped on, and one shade structure includes a barbeque pit.
Front Row: City of Antioch Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Dorothy Ellis (center) and Commissioners (l-r) Vice Chair Alexander Broom, Ellen Greggs, Nichole Gardner and Lesley Eubanks are joined by Mayor Ron Bernal, Mayor Pro Tem & District 3 Councilman Don Freitas, (back row) Commissioner Jim Thor,Parks & Rec Director Shahad Wright, Public Works Director Scott Buenting, Information Systems Director and former Parks & Rec Director Brad Helfenberger and City Clerk Michael Mandy in front of the new play structure at Jacobsen Park. (Not pictured: Commissioner Shan Hunt)
“This has been a project that’s been under works for a little while,” Buenting shared. “It’s a good example of when our departments come together working through our operations and the Parks and Rec Department to get it designed and then get it built. On our side within the Capital Improvements department Nicky Cruz was out here, daily, with these crews making sure the work was done properly as our inspector, as well as our team of engineers, Mitchell Loving, (Assistant Engineer) Robert Pizarro and Paul Fuentes all had some involvement in this project.”
“I think it turned out great,” Buenting continued. “I’m super excited about the attendance that we had today. Thank you all for coming.”
Interested in learning more about the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office? Apply for our Fall 2026 Citizen’s Academy!
This free, six-week program offers a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at the vital work of the Office of the Sheriff and its role in keeping our community safe. Topics include patrol, investigations, dispatch, and more, along with guided tours of several Sheriff’s Office facilities.
October 7 to November 18 (No class November 11)
Wednesday evenings in Martinez, 6 PM to 9 PM
Saturday session: October 24 in Clayton, 9 AM to 3 PM
Open to adults 18+ who live or work in Contra Costa County
For more information, visit our Community Services/Crime Prevention Unit webpage:
Starting September 1 through approximately February 15, 2027
With funding from County’s Measure X, State Library. Plus, new furniture from donation by Friends of the Antioch Library
By Contra Costa County Library
The Antioch Library on E. 18th Street is preparing for a major transformation. The facility will temporarily close starting September 1, through approximately February 15, 2027, to undergo significant infrastructure and accessibility improvements designed to enhance comfort, safety and energy efficiency.
As part of Contra Costa County Library’s ongoing facilities improvement efforts, the scheduled renovation will include:
Electrical & Lighting Improvements: Upgrades to internal electrical networks, along with energy-efficient LED lighting installations.
ADA Parking Lot Modifications: Upgrades to accessible parking spaces and surrounding pathways to ensure full compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and seamless entry for all community members.
This renovation project is made possible through funding from Measure X — Contra Costa County’s voter-approved sales tax measure passed in 2022 — alongside grant support from the California State Library.
And thanks to a very generous donation from the Friends of the Antioch Library, the branch will also debut new tables and chairs, lounge furniture, computer carrels, children’s furniture and a children’s interactive play cart.
The final day to pick up existing holds is Saturday, August 29.
Najee Harris in his new N.Y. Giants jersey with #22 on it, as he’s worn in college and the NFL, answers questions during a press conference after practice at the Quest Diagnostics Training Centeron Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026. Video screenshot source: NY Giants
Will play for Head Coach John Harbaugh after playing for his brother Jim with L.A. Chargers
“Ready to get back. Got my confidence back, too. I think this is a good opportunity here. I have a lot to prove as somebody coming back from a torn Achilles.” – Najee Harris
By Dan Salomone, Director, Editorial Strategy, New York Giants
The New York Giants today (Tuesday, Aug. 18th) signed Najee Harris, a former Pro Bowl running back who needs no introduction to his new head coach.
John Harbaugh faced Harris repeatedly in the rugged AFC North.
“I felt like the hair on the back of my neck stood up when I saw him over there,” Harbaugh said Monday after the Giants worked Harris out. “He’s a big dude.”
Harris was drafted 24th overall by the Steelers in 2021, never missing a start while rushing for 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons. He then signed with the Chargers, who are led by John’s brother Jim Harbaugh, as a free agent in 2025. But his season was cut short when he suffered a torn Achilles in a Week 3 game against the Broncos. The next week, the Chargers faced the Giants at MetLife Stadium in Jaxson Dart’s first career start.
“He’s an experienced back,” Harbaugh said after they signed him on Tuesday. “Anybody that’s watched him play knows what type of a back he is. He’s a downhill runner, physical runner. I’ve played against him a lot. I have a good feel for who he is as a player. Everybody that’s been around him, my brother, G-RO (Senior Offensive Assistant Greg Roman), (former Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach) Mike Tomlin, love him as a teammate. So, excited for the possibilities.”
Harris was added to a running backroom that recently lost Dante Miller, who suffered a groin injury in the preseason opener.
“I want opportunity,” Harris said after his first practice with the Giants. “I think this is a good opportunity here. I think the style of play that they’re heading towards is the style of play that aligns with me. Harbaugh coming from the AFC North, me playing against him a lot of times, I know the type of style of football he wants. I think that we align with each other with what type of football we want to play. I think that just coming here is a good opportunity, and I’m willing to just put my foot in there and help out in any way I can.”
Najee Harris. Official NY Giants photo.
Harris has played in 71 regular-season games with 68 starts. His career numbers include 1,112 rushing attempts for 4,373 yards (3.9 yards per carry) and 28 touchdowns, in addition to 183 catches for 1,174 yards and six more scores. Harris, 6-1 and 242 pounds, has also started three postseason games.
Before the injury, Harris ranked fifth in the NFL in rushing yards from 2021-24. He became the 14th player in NFL history to record 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first four seasons.
In 2021, he was selected to the Pro Bowl and named All-Rookie by the Professional Football Writers of America.
He finished his Crimson Tide career as the program’s all-time leader in rushing yards (3,843), scrimmage yards (4,624) and total touchdowns (57), while tying for the most rushing touchdowns in school history (46).
Harris also won the Doak Walker Award, which annually recognizes college football’s best running back, and earned unanimous All-American recognition after setting a single-season program record with 30 total touchdowns en route to his second College Football Playoff title.
“I most definitely go into every year with a chip on my shoulder, but more so much this year,” Harris said. “I have a lot to prove as somebody coming back from a torn Achilles. Really everything that I did in the past is in the past, and everything I do now is really what matters. I know there are going to be a lot of questions of how I’ll come back looking, and I’m ready to answer all those.”
Najee Harris jokes with a reporter during the press conference. Video screenshot source: NY Giants
Career at Antioch High School
Prior to his college career, Harris developed as a running back with the Antioch High School Panthers in California. As a freshman, he was 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds with wide shoulders and a big frame. Within just a few weeks of joining the Panthers’ football program, Harris was pulled up to varsity as a freshman. By his junior year, Antioch High went undefeated and won a league championship for the first time in 31 years.
At the time he joined the Steelers, Harris was the 11th person to make it to the NFL from Antioch High. He was also the first Antioch High alum to be drafted since 1999. The last time an AHS alum was selected in the first round was 1969.
In that video, Harris also said, “Ready to get back. I feel great. It’s been a process. Learned a lot about myself. Had a great off-season with the PT’s (physical therapists) at Elite OrthoSport. They got me back. Got my confidence back, too.”
Pepper spray is legal in CA but not for minors to possess
Could face up to $1,000 fine and/or up to 3 years in prisonfor misuse, up to $2,000 fine and/or 6 months in county jail for battery
By Lt. Franco Cesar, Antioch Police Department
On August 21, 2026, at approximately 1:47 p.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to Antioch High School following reports of multiple students exposed to pepper spray. The incident occurred in a school hallway during a passing period.
A preliminary investigation revealed the incident stemmed from an ongoing dispute between two students. During the altercation, pepper spray was deployed, inadvertently affecting several nearby students.
Officers identified seven students affected by the spray. Emergency medical personnel evaluated the victims on scene and transported three students to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment. No serious injuries were reported.
Responding officers located the juvenile responsible for deploying the pepper spray. She was issued a citation for Possession/Use of Tear Gas by a Minor and Battery, then released to her parents. Due to the suspect’s age, her identity will not be released.
Source: Antioch PD CitizenRIMS
The Antioch Police Department remains committed to campus safety and continues to work in close partnership with Antioch Unified School District administrators during school incidents.
Case No.: 26-7951
According to the Antioch Police CitizenRIMS Map, the incident occurred at 1:38 PM and is listed as a misdemeanor possession of a weapon at school K-12 626.10(A)(1) PC and 243(A) PC – battery. Incident Number:2608210130.
Pepper Spray is Legal in CA But Not for Minors to Possess
According to Zarc International, “Pepper spray in CA is Legal. Subject to certain restrictions, Section 12403.7 of the Penal Code provides ‘any person may purchase, possess or use tear gas and tear gas weapons for the projection or release of tear gas if the tear gas and tear gas weapons are used solely for self-defense purposes.’
“The definition of tear gas also includes pepper spray. The restrictions include a prohibition against selling such a unit to a minor, and a provision limiting the size to 2.5 ounces by weight.
“The misuse of tear gas in California comes with state penalties of up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to three years in prison, not to mention a possible felony conviction on record. Some examples of misuse include: using tear gas on people in anger, spraying it as a joke, possession of tear gas by prohibited persons, minors, drug addicts or persons convicted of felonies.
“To be legally purchased, possessed or used in California, any canister must have a label that says ‘WARNING: The use of this substance or device for any purpose other than self-defense is a crime under the law. The contents are dangerous–use with care.’ The maximum legal net weight for a canister is 2.5 ounces, or 70 grams of OC, CS or CN. CR is not legal for civilian use.”
Escape to the islands without leaving Antioch! Come and enjoy a Luau at the Antioch Water Park.
Get ready for an afternoon of tropical fun. Enjoy a dip in the pool, entertainment, delicious appetizers and great company as we celebrate summer together.
Original flier posted on Facebook Aug. 20th. Source: Genesis Church
Day after mayor announces it, invites community to attend
“We are calling ALL clergy of all nationalities, not just Clergy of African Descent to stand up and speak out against racism and anti-blackness in our community.” – Genesis Church Pastor Damon & Shantell Owens
By Allen D. Payton
After Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal announced Thursday an open forum discussion following “recent events involving racist and hateful statements by one of our residents toward his neighbors” (see related article) to be held this Sunday evening, and inviting the community to attend, the organizer, Genesis Church, abruptly cancelled it Friday morning. Pastor Damon Owens and his wife, Shantell, who lead the church, wrote in a post on his personal Facebook page, of a flier for the event entitled, “United We Stand” with the word “Cancelled” across the front and the message that begins, “This event has been cancelled until further notice…”
The event was to be held at the church’s Genesis Family Life Center on E. 18th Street, that opened in February.
The original flier was posted on the church’s Facebook page on Thursday, Aug. 20th and described the event as “An Open Forum Discussion Addressing Human Rights, Racial Equality, Solidarity.” Toward the bottom of the flier it reads, “United in Purpose. Stronger Together.”
The post included the message, “We stand united in complete opposition to racial slurs, racism, racial discrimination, and anti-Blackness in Antioch, California…and we refuse to remain silent when our neighbors are being harmed and dehumanized.
“Racial slurs are not harmless words. Words have consequences. They can wound individuals, traumatize families, divide communities, and create environments where discrimination becomes easier to accept.
“Racism is not a difference of opinion. Anti-Blackness is not something we should tolerate, excuse, minimize, or normalize.
“When racial hatred is expressed….whether publicly, privately, online, in the workplace, in schools, in government, in law enforcement, or in our neighborhoods…we must have the courage as a community to confront it.
“There is no place in our community for language, violence, behavior, policies, or practices that demean, dehumanize, intimidate, or discriminate against Black people or any other racial or ethnic community.
“Antioch must not merely be a diverse city, but a city where every person can live, work, play, learn, raise a family, and participate in community life with dignity and without fear of racial hatred.
“Amazed By His Grace,
Pastor(s) Damon & Shantell Owens”
Original flier posted on Facebook Aug. 19, 2026. Source: Genesis Church
Antioch Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, in whose District 1 the residents live, also posted the original flier on her official Facebook page Thursday afternoon with the message, “The Community is hosting this event in Response to a call to action to protect black women and stand in solidarity against hate.
“Our responsibility as representatives of the City of Antioch is to show up, actively listen, and drive people-centered policy and initiatives that address human rights and racial equity for those harmed by past and recent events.
“I would like to thank everyone who has shown up thus far and will keep showing up.”
Cancellation Messages
Owens’ Aug. 21st cancellation message continued, “This event was meant to stand in solidarity with a young Black Mother who was being verbally abused with racial slurs and anti-black violence in the City of Antioch….not a political debate.
“Racism should NEVER be tolerated and accepted as normal.
“We are calling ALL clergy of all nationalities, not just Clergy of African Descent to stand up and speak out against racism and anti-blackness in our community.
The Lord called us according to Micah 6:8, ‘to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God’.
“We also must do our best to build BRIDGES, not walls.
“Amazed By His Grace,
Pastor(S) Damon & Shantell Owens”
Torres-Walker also posted the same “Cancelled” version of the flier Friday morning with the message from the Owens.
Efforts to reach Damon Owens asking why the meeting was canceled, if it was because the mayor announced it and who was building the walls referred to in the last sentence of Friday morning’s message, were unsuccessful prior to publication time.
Asked if it was a mutual decision to cancel the event and about the reference to building a wall, Bernal responded, “This was Genesis’ event, so they didn’t consult me before canceling. My desire was to invite the community to something that could bring a discussion and hopefully some healing. Not sure what he meant about building a wall.”
UPDATE 1: Friday afternoon, Bernal issued a follow-up statement about the cancellation. He reiterated some of his previous comments and wrote:
August 21, 2026
“Yesterday, I shared a message with our community that included an invitation to an open forum scheduled for Sunday, August 23, at Genesis Family Life Center. I had been invited to attend and participate in that independently organized event and was looking forward to joining the conversation.
“I have since learned that the organizers have decided to cancel the forum. I respect their decision and appreciate their willingness to create an opportunity for dialogue in our community.
“While this particular event will not move forward, the need for meaningful conversation remains.
“My position has not changed: racism, discrimination, intimidation, and violence have no place in Antioch. At the same time, building a stronger community requires more than condemning what divides us. It requires listening to one another, treating one another with dignity, and being willing to engage in difficult conversations constructively.
“I remain hopeful that there will be opportunities in the near future for our community to come together for thoughtful and productive dialogue and the role each of us can play in strengthening Antioch.
“We will not always agree on policies, priorities, or the direction of our city. Healthy disagreement is part of democracy. But our disagreements should never prevent us from recognizing the humanity and dignity of our neighbors.
“There is much work to do. I remain committed to being part of that work and to helping create opportunities for our community to move forward together.”
Ron Bernal
Mayor
UPDATE 2: Later, in a comment posted on the Antioch Herald Facebook page, Shantell Owens explained the reason for the cancellation. She wrote, “We were hosting [the] event to give community members a safe space to share & strategize on ways to support one another and heal. It quickly turned into a negative political platform. Racism is real, pain is real and the focus should be on healing those most harmed. We will reschedule and gather soon.”
Sources: Bernal 2024 campaign and bayarea_tv Instagram video screenshot.
“Let us reject racism, reject hatred, reject retaliation” – Ron Bernal
August 20, 2026
Recent events involving racist and hateful statements by one of our residents toward his neighbors have brought attention to conduct that is deeply troubling and inconsistent with the values we should expect from one another in Antioch. (See related article)
There is no place in our community for racism, hatred, or language intended to demean someone because of who they are. When a member of our community is subjected to racist and hateful remarks, we should be unequivocal in saying that such behavior is unacceptable.
We must also recognize that responding to wrongdoing with violence does not move us toward justice, understanding, or healing. Acts intended to intimidate, threaten, or harm others only deepen division and create new wounds.
Antioch is one of the most diverse communities in the Bay Area. We come from different cultures, faiths, backgrounds, experiences, and walks of life. Those differences are not something we should merely tolerate but rather embrace. They are part of what makes our city unique and desirable.
Moments like this test who we are as a community. They ask us to decide whether anger will drive us further apart or whether we will choose the more difficult and meaningful work of standing against hate while refusing to perpetuate it ourselves.
As Mayor, I am calling on our community to choose the latter.
We can condemn racism without hesitation. We can hold one another accountable without resorting to violence. We can disagree without dehumanizing one another. And when something happens that causes pain or division in our community, we can respond in a way that reflects the Antioch we are working together to build. I invite you to Genesis Family Life Center (525 E. 18th Street) this Sunday, August 23rd at 5:30 pm for an open forum discussion addressing human rights, racial equality and solidarity.
Our city is stronger when every resident knows they belong here and can live with dignity and respect. That requires more than words from anyone elected official. It requires all of us.
Let this moment remind us that our differences do not have to divide us. Let us reject racism, reject hatred, reject retaliation, and continue the work of building an Antioch where respect, accountability, and our shared humanity are stronger than the forces that seek to pull us apart.
