Hourly top step pay comparison among police agencies in Contra Costa County. Source: APOA
Include Dispatchers in public, social media campaign for new contract
“150 days out of contract and no relief in sight.” – APOA
APD Management also out of contract but working under previous one
So far, six Closed Session Conferences with Labor Negotiators held
Barbanica enters the fray sharing concerns about City spending more money on homeless instead of police
By Allen D. Payton
Ignoring the advice of City Manager Bessie Scott to Antioch Police Officers Association has continued their public campaign regarding the lack of a contract with the City since the end of August with an added complaint of the difference in pay with other local agencies. They’ve included Dispatchers’ pay in their list of complaints and with posts on their Facebook page and Instagram account as part of their campaign.
Antioch PD Among Lowest Top Step Hourly Pay in County
In a post on the organization’s Facebook page on Friday, Jan. 30, 2025, they show a chart of top step hourly pay for police officers for 17 agencies in Contra Costa County plus, BART Police. It shows Antioch PD has one of the lowest levels of pay. Their contract used to include a requirement that they be paid the second highest in the county, as Antioch is the second largest city by population. But now, 14 other police agencies offer a higher top step pay than Antioch which offers $67.56 per hour. Neighboring agencies pay more with Oakley PD at $69.93, Brentwood PD at $69.89 and Pittsburg at $69.69. San Ramon PD offers the highest top step pay in the county at $77.81 per hour.
APD Dispatchers are also out of contract. Source: APOA video screenshots
Antioch Dispatchers Also Affected
In a separate post on Saturday, January 31st, the APOA shared a video about Dispatchers’ pay and wrote, “The lack of a contract for the APOA is far more problematic than you may have thought. The pay gap extends to our members in dispatch as well! 150 days out of contract and no relief in sight.”
The video includes an audio narrative with subtitles which reads, “Every call for help in Antioch starts the same way. With a dispatcher answering the phone. But here’s the reality. Antioch police dispatchers are significantly underpaid compared to neighboring agencies.
“Dispatchers at the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and Pittsburg Police earn nine thousand nine hundred dollars more per year than Antioch. Concord dispatchers make twenty-two thousand four hundred four dollars more. Pleasant Hill pays seventeen thousand eighty-eight dollars more. Richmond dispatchers earn twenty-six thousand six hundred seventy-six dollars more annually. Walnut Creek pays seventeen thousand nine hundred seventy-six dollars more. Brentwood pays twelve thousand five hundred sixty-four dollars more. And Martinez pays sixteen thousand forty-four dollars more than Antioch.
“These aren’t small differences. They’re life-changing pay gaps. And they come with real consequences. When experienced dispatchers can earn tens of thousands more by crossing city lines, recruitment suffers. Retention suffers.
“Antioch dispatchers are working understaffed and often work sixteen-hour shifts to cover the empty spots. That means fewer dispatchers, longer wait times, increased stress, and heavier workloads for those who stay.
“If Antioch wants to recruit and retain skilled dispatchers, pay must reflect the responsibility of the job. That means a meaningful contract with competitive salaries. Because when dispatchers leave, everyone in this city feels the impact.”
In addition, APOA has been posting more videos on their Facebook page and Instagram account as part of their campaign.
Antioch Police Management Also Out of Contract
Members of the Antioch Police Sworn Management Association were asked if they have a new contract with the City and if theirs also expired at the end of August. Captain Desmond Bittner responded, “It expired the same time as APOA’s. I had them (the City) add language saying the contract will continue until we worked out a new one.”
The former Comfort Inn now Antioch Inn & Suites will be used to house the homeless at $1.2 million per year. Photo courtesy of Mike Barbanica
Former Councilman Barbanica Shares About City Expenditures for Homeless
The APOA also reposted comments by former Antioch Councilman Mike Barbanica about the City considering spending funds on another homeless hotel writing, “We want the public to see where their money is going!”
In a post on his “Community Member” Facebook page, Barbanica, a former Pittsburg Police Lieutenant, showed a photo of the now closed Comfort Inn, located on Mahogany Way at Highway 4 and Auto Center Drive and entered the discussion writing, “$1,200,000 potentially every year, local taxpayer funded…up to 15 years…
If other funding falls short, Antioch taxpayers are on the hook!
Transparency note: I didn’t author this from a single document. I reviewed staff reports, press reports, spoke with several people familiar with the proposal, and used AI to help compile a neutral, fact-based outline so the numbers could be seen clearly. The goal here is clarity, not advocacy.
Here’s the total City of Antioch financial commitment for the proposed Homekey+ housing project if it is approved and funded by the state:
1. One-time Local Match – The city would provide a one-time contribution of $750,000 toward acquisition and rehabilitation of the property when the Homekey+ award is received.
2. Annual Operating Subsidy – The City would commit up to $1.2 million per year to help operate the facility.
3. Duration of Operating Support – That annual subsidy is for five years, with two optional extensions of five years each (for a potential total of 15 years of subsidy) if the project continues to meet Homekey+ program guidelines.
4. Overall Total Estimate – Based on the staffing report and Council discussion, the total projected financial commitment over the long term is roughly $18 million–$19 million if you include the operating subsidies plus the one-time match (i.e., ~$1.2 M × 15 years = ~$18 M, plus the ~$750 K match).
Summary of Antioch’s Commitment if Homekey+ is Approved
Component Amount
One-time contribution (acquisition/rehabilitation) $750,000, Annual operating subsidy Up to $1.2 M per year
Duration of subsidy 5–15 years (with extensions), Approximate total over full life ~$18 M–$19 M
Important Notes
This commitment only takes effect if the state awards Homekey+ funding and the City moves forward with the project after award.
The operating subsidy requirements could be reduced if alternative funding sources or partners contribute support, but the report assumes the full amount will initially be covered by the City.
WHAT COULD THIS MEAN?
The $1.2 million per year is a CITY / local commitment, not state money.
Now the break down so there’s no ambiguity.
Who pays what in the Antioch Homekey+ project
State of California (Homekey / Homekey+)
Through California Department of Housing and Community Development:
Pays up-front capital costs: Property acquisition, Rehabilitation / conversion, This is a one-time grant, not ongoing funding,
The state does NOT commit to covering long-term operations.
City of Antioch (local funds)
From Antioch: One-time local match, $750,000 (city funds), Annual operating subsidy, Up to $1.2 million per year, Initially 5 years, With two optional 5-year extensions, Potential exposure: up to 15 years
This money comes from local sources: City General Fund, Measure funds / local housing allocations, Other city-controlled revenue (not guaranteed state funding), The staff reports are explicit that the City is responsible for covering operating shortfalls if other funding does not materialize.
What that means… The state helps buy and convert the building, The city commits to keeping it running, If other funding falls short, Antioch taxpayers are on the hook, That’s why council members and staff describe it as a long-term fiscal obligation, not just a grant.”
—————
Six Closed Session Conferences with Labor Negotiators to Discuss Contracts
To date, the City Council, City Manager Bess Scott and a representative from the City Attorney’s Office have held six Closed Session meetings entitled Conference with Labor Negotiators with representatives of the APOA and City employee groups to discuss their contracts. The first one was held August 12 followed by additional meetings on Aug. 26, Sept. 9, Oct. 14, 2025, and Jan. 13 and 27, 2026.
Questions for APOA, City Staff, CouncilGo Unanswered for Now
Questions were asked of APOA leadership, when did negotiations begin and who represented the organization.
Questions were also emailed on Saturday, January 31st, to City Manager Scott, Mayor Bernal, the four council members and the City Attorney’s Office staff. They were asked, “Why wait so long to begin negotiations when the contracts for at least the APOA and APD Management Association ended on August 31st? Is that usual practice? Why not start sooner? Why didn’t you have meetings before every regular meeting to get things worked out?”
They were also asked, “Besides the APOA and APD Management Association, have the contracts also expire for the other employee groups, including the Management Unit, Treatment Plant Employees’ Association, Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3 and Confidential Unit? If not, when do their contracts expire?”
Finally, the council and staff members were asked, “How long are the new contracts expected to last? One year, two, three or five years?”
The questions were resent to City staff and council members early Tuesday morning, Feb. 3, 2026. But no responses were received prior to publication time. Please check back later for any updates to this report.
Fatal hit-and-run victim, Jeana Flores was 17 years old. Photo source: Facebook
Warrants served at Pittsburg and Antioch homes to locate 26-year-old Jamir Wilson
By Lt. William Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
The Antioch Police Department has arrested a suspect in connection with a fatal hit-and-run of a 17-year-old Jeana Flores of Antioch.
On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the Antioch Police Department executed search warrants at two residences in Pittsburg and Antioch as part of the ongoing investigation. During the operation, officers arrested 26-year-old Jamir Bradley Wilson without incident on suspicion of hit-and-run causing death. Investigators also recovered evidence from both locations.
As previously reported, on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 3:33 a.m., the Antioch Police Dispatch Center received a report of a person down on the side of the roadway in the area of L Street between West 18th Street and West 10th Street, near the race track at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) directly across the street from the football field in Eells Stadium at Antioch High School.
Responding officers arrived on scene and located an adult female victim. Officers immediately rendered medical aid; however, the victim died at the scene. Based on the findings of the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office autopsy it appeared the victim was struck by a vehicle. (See related article)
This remains an active investigation, and no additional information is being released at this time. Any future updates or press releases will be issued by the Investigations Bureau. The case is expected to be filed with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office later this week.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Antioch Police Detective Robert Ibanez at (925) 481-8398 or Officer James Desiderio at (925) 331-7474 or via email at jdesiderio@antiochca.gov.
Come join our NEW Bachata Class at Antioch Recreation!
“Everyone deserves to be on the dance floor” is Instructor Ricky’s motto-and he’ll show you how to dance with confidence. Anyone can learn Bachata!
Bachata Basics will teach you three common moves used in all styles that anyone can learn and do. You will learn how to Lead and Follow using safe positions, footwork, and a little styling.
Plenty of practice will help you build a strong foundation and transition into the immediate level with ease. Bonus: You will be able to attend any Bachata Social event with confidence!
Classes are open to ages 18+ and start Wednesday, February 4th.
Arrested for hit-and-run on Dec. 22, two previous arrests in 2022
By Antioch Police Lt. Michael Mellone
Antioch, CA — On Friday, January 30, 2026, at approximately 8:39 p.m., Antioch Police Department (APD) officers responded to a ShotSpotter activation reporting multiple rounds fired in the 2300 block of Buchanan Road. Officers arrived and located evidence consistent with a shooting. Officers later learned a 42-year-old female was brought to an area hospital for a gunshot wound from this incident. She was treated for her injuries and is expected to survive.
Through continued follow-up, including interviewing witnesses, canvassing the area, collecting evidence and reviewing available information, investigators identified a suspect, 43-year-old Jonta Laron Davenport, of Oakley (born 1/16/1983). San Rafael Police officers later located and detained Davenport, and APD officers responded, took custody of him, and transported him for booking. Davenport was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on a felony charge of Penal Code § 664/187(a) – Attempted Murder.
This is still an active investigation. To protect the integrity of the case, additional details are not being released at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Angelini at (925) 779-6926 or email: rangelini@antiochca.gov. Tips may be provided anonymously.
According to localcrimenews.com, he is Black, a resident of Pittsburg and was previously arrested by the Contra Costa CHP on December 22, 2025, for hit and run resulting in property damage. Davenport was also arrested twice in 2022, once each by Contra Costa CHP and Alameda County Sheriff’s Deputies. Charges included public intoxication, DUI with a blood alcohol level above .08 percent and an enhancement of imprisonment of 48 continuous hours in county jail for conviction of DUI with passenger under age 14.
APD sends special thanks to the San Rafael and Concord Police Departments for their assistance with this incident. All arrests are allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
“Participants will be informed…that individuals have different rights and obligations depending on their circumstances. The forum will emphasize the importance of complying with the law…” – City Manager Scott
By Allen D. Payton
The City of Antioch in coordination with several non-profit community organizations, will hold an immigrants’ rights forum for those in the country illegally on Feb. 4, 2026. It was announced by District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker on Jan. 24th in a post on her official Facebook page and at the Council meeting on Tuesday, January 27th. The event is co-hosted by Immigration Institute of the Bay Area, Immigrant Action Network and Hijas Del Campo.
According to City of Antioch Department of Public Safety & Community Resources Director Monserrat Cabral, “this is a City-supported informational event coordinated through the Public Safety & Community Resources Department.
“Outreach was intentionally targeted through specific community groups, schools and partners to ensure the information was shared accurately and in a way that respected the needs of the community the event is designed to serve. The event will also be formally announced during the City Council meeting, which allows for an official and transparent public announcement.
“For your reference, the event is:
An informational session focused on immigration-related resources and updates
Free and open to the public
Offered in English and Spanish
Hosted by the City in partnership with community-based organizations”
Questions for City Staff
The following questions were sent to Director Cabral and City Manager Bessie Scott:
Is this being done under Council direction?
How is the event being funded and what are the associated costs? Was it from a grant? Did the Council approve the expenditure? Or are the organizations paying for it?
If it’s partially or wholly funded by the City, why is the City using our tax dollars to assist those in the U.S. illegally? Shouldn’t that be left up to the non-profit organizations using private funds?
Will those in attendance be informed they don’t have a right to be in our country without permission?
Will the event not just discuss their rights but also their responsibilities as immigrants, legal or illegal, such as following the law and complying with law enforcement?
Will the forum encourage those here illegally to self-deport to give them a future option to return through a legal port of entry to our country and have the opportunity to become a citizen?
Will they also be informed that if they’re deported, they will never have that option?
City Manager Responds
City Manager Bessie Scott responded, “This is a City-supported, informational event coordinated through the Public Safety & Community Resources Department as part of our ongoing community education and outreach efforts. It is not a policy action item and does not require separate Council approval beyond existing departmental authority to conduct community informational programming. The event was publicly announced during the City Council meeting to ensure transparency.
“The event is low-cost and focused on information-sharing. Any City-related costs are covered within existing, Council-approved departmental budgets. Community-based partners are contributing subject-matter expertise and participation. No new or special appropriations are associated with this event. Any City-associated costs are consistent with standard community outreach and public education activities.
“The Immigration Informational Night is designed to provide general, high-level information about available resources, recent changes and community services, delivered by qualified organizations. It is not an enforcement forum, a legal proceeding or an advocacy campaign.
“The City does not determine immigration status, provide legal determinations, or direct federal immigration outcomes. Accordingly, the event is not intended to instruct attendees on enforcement actions, deportation decisions, or federal legal consequences, which fall under federal jurisdiction.
“The City’s role is limited to facilitating access to accurate information and ensuring residents know where to seek appropriate, lawful resources. This approach aligns with longstanding City practice of hosting informational sessions on a wide range of topics that impact residents’ health, safety and well-being.
“Regarding outreach, initial distribution was intentionally targeted through community partners, schools, and trusted networks to ensure accurate information reached intended audiences. The event is open to the public, offered in both English and Spanish, and the finalized flyers are attached for reference.
“Participants will be informed that U.S. immigration law is complex and that individuals have different rights and obligations depending on their circumstances. The forum will emphasize the importance of complying with the law and encourage attendees to seek guidance from qualified legal professionals regarding their individual situations.
“The event does not promote unlawful behavior, nor does it encourage self-deportation or make representations about future immigration outcomes, as those determinations depend on federal law and individual case facts.
“Our goal is to ensure community members have access to accurate information so they can make informed decisions and better understand their responsibilities and options under the law.”
Event Details
The event will be held from 6:00-7:30 PM at Antioch High School in Conference Room B, 700 W. 18th Street. Dinner is provided and translation available. It is not a program of the Antioch Unified School District and AUSD accepts no liability or responsibility for this program. See flier for an additional disclaimer.
Provides “fiscal bridge” until revenue from possible 5-county sales tax increase measure on November ballot kicks in
By Rebecca Long, Director, Legislation & Public Affairs and John Goodwin, Assistant Director of Communications, Metropolitan Transportation Commission
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 30, 2026… The Office of Governor Newsom, the California Department of Finance and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) on Friday reached an agreement on a $590 million loan for Bay Area transit agencies that will avert major service cuts at AC Transit, BART, Caltrain and SF Muni during the 2026-27 fiscal year that begins July 1. Negotiated in close coordination with the affected transit agencies — which together face a projected deficit of more than $800 million in the next fiscal year — the new agreement will sustain operations used by hundreds of thousands of daily transit riders across the region.
“California is following through in our support for Bay Area transit and the riders who rely on it every day,” said Gov. Newsom. “This agreement between my Administration and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission provides essential short-term financing to support Bay Area transit operations while the region works together on long-term funding solutions. Public transit is essential to our economy and to communities across California, and through continued partnership with regional and local agencies, we are delivering a more stable and reliable system – now and for the future.”
A regional funding measure authorized by the Legislature last year via state Senate Bill 63, authored by senators Scott Wiener of San Francisco and Jesse Arreguín of Berkeley, may appear on the November 2026 ballot in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. If the measure qualifies for the ballot and is approved by voters, it would establish a temporary 14-year sales tax to support transit operations. But these funds would not begin flowing until around July 1, 2027. The state loan provides a fiscal bridge until the sales tax dollars potentially could be available. (See related articles here and here)
“Today is a huge win for Bay Area transit and for both transit riders and drivers,” said Sen. Wiener. “For the past year, we’ve worked hard to craft a bridge loan to ensure BART, Muni, Caltrain and AC Transit are not forced to enact massive service cuts — potentially going into a death spiral — as we build toward a regional revenue measure to stabilize and strengthen these systems for the long run. I’m proud of our work with regional stakeholders and the Governor to make this loan a reality. Public transportation is part of the Bay Area’s lifeblood, and we must do everything in our power to strengthen it and protect it from service cuts. So many Bay Area residents rely on transit to get to work, school, or family, and service cuts would also explode traffic congestion. We must not let this happen, and we won’t let it happen.”
Today’s agreement authorizes the loan to be funded no later than July 1, 2026, using money awarded but not yet allocated for Bay Area projects by the California Transportation Commission through the state Transit Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP). Because many transit capital projects have long construction timelines and the TIRCP is continuously replenished, the loan is structured to uphold the state’s commitments to awarded projects while minimizing risk to project schedules.
“MTC greatly appreciates the time and energy the Department of Finance and the Governor’s office put into this loan negotiation,” said Commission Chair Sue Noack, who represents Contra Costa County and also serves as mayor of Pleasant Hill. “It was critical to reach agreement on funding that would avert major service cuts this year while also protecting the Bay Area’s priority capital projects and this agreement does just that.”
Consistent with state Senate Bill 105 enacted last fall, the loan agreement includes a clearly defined repayment structure, a guaranteed revenue source to secure the loan and an agreed-upon interest rate:
12-year repayment term, with interest-only payments during the first two years.
Repayment secured by the “revenue-based” portion of State Transit Assistance (STA) that goes directly to the transit agencies.
Variable interest rate tied to the state’s Surplus Money Investment Fund, ensuring the state is fully repaid at the same rate it would have earned had the funds remained in state accounts.
BART General Manager Bob Powers noted that his agency, “is currently developing detailed budget plans for two funding scenarios to close our projected $376 million operating deficit for Fiscal Year 2027 through either new revenue and efficiencies or through service reductions, station closures, fare increases, layoffs, and across-the-board internal cuts. A state loan gives us reassurance money will be available to continue to deliver the best service possible for the Bay Area. We are thankful to Governor Newsom and the Department of Finance for finding a path to fund transit operations during such an unprecedented scenario brought on by the pandemic and remote work. We also thank the Bay Area Legislative Caucus for their supportive efforts and look forward to working with the Legislature on early action to include the loan within the state budget.”
“This bridge loan will help us maintain Muni service for one crucial year for everyone who depends on transit to get where they need to go,” said Julie Kirschbaum, Director of Transportation at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, which operates Muni. “We thank the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for its leadership and the Governor and the Department of Finance for their collaboration. We are deeply appreciative of the tireless efforts of Mayor Daniel Lurie, State Senator Scott Wiener, State Senator Jesse Arreguín, the Bay Area Legislative Caucus, the Board of Supervisors and the transit advocates who kept this loan alive last year. With this key agreement completed, securing the additional funding we need to address our ongoing deficit is the critical priority.”
“San Francisco’s recovery is essential to the success of our region and our state,” noted Mayor Daniel Lurie. “Our city cannot continue its comeback without a safe, reliable transit system. This agreement is a major step forward towards securing the bridge loan needed to sustain our comeback and ensure transit systems can continue serving the families, seniors, students, and workers who rely on them every day. We’re already delivering greater accountability and efficiency for Muni, and ridership is continuing to climb toward pre-pandemic levels. I’m grateful to our partners at MTC and Governor Newsom for finalizing the agreement and prioritizing our city and our region’s recovery.”
Caltrain General Manager Michelle Bouchard made a similar point, “We are so grateful to the Governor, our delegation members, and our state and regional partners for stepping in and supporting public transit in the Bay Area at this critical time. This loan will allow us to preserve the service that made Caltrain the fastest growing transit agency in the U.S.”
“For 65 years, AC Transit’s north star has been delivering safe, reliable, and affordable bus service to the East Bay,” said Salvador Llamas, AC Transit General Manager and CEO. “That legacy was put at risk by unprecedented pandemic-related budget shortfalls. This state loan safeguards existing service levels and brings immediate relief to the more than 3 million riders each month who were at risk of losing some of the service they rely upon for the essentials of life. We thank Governor Newsom and our local and state partners for making this possible, and while long-term funding challenges remain, today we celebrate a critical win for our riders and communities.”
Senate Bill 63 co-author Jesse Arreguín also sounded a note of thanks, “I am grateful to the Governor and my legislative colleagues for supporting Bay Area transit with this loan. This agreement is a huge win to keep our transit agencies running and ensure that the Bay Area can continue as a major economic engine, while not compromising critical transit projects. At a time when we are at risk of significant service cuts that would grind the region to a halt, this additional funding will provide a vital lifeline to the Bay Area’s major transit agencies and provide fiscal stability as we move forward on a broader regional self-help measure this year.”
Claim they’ve been working without a contract since last Sept.
See UPDATE 1 from City Manager Scott – “Public safety remains a priority for leadership and currently encompasses 68% of the General Fund Budget…These are difficult decisions, and there are no simple solutions.”
See UPDATE 2 from Councilwoman Torres-Walker who recommends “a 3% one-time retention bonus across all city departments to maintain quality municipal services.”
See UPDATE 3 from Scott with corrected percentage of public safety expenditures at 57% in which she includes Animal Services
By Allen D. Payton
In a post on their Facebook page on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, the Sgt. Rick Hoffman, President of the Antioch Police Officers Association, the union that represents the non-management sworn officers, posted the following statement:
Antioch Police Working Without a Contract as Staffing Remains Below Standard
“The Antioch Police Officers Association, which represents sworn police officers, emergency dispatchers, and community service officers, has been working without a labor contract since September 2025. The City’s most recent offer includes no cost-of-living increases through June 2026, effectively imposing a pay freeze on public safety employees who are already underpaid compared to their peers in Contra Costa County. While surrounding cities have invested in competitive contracts that retain experienced personnel and maintain staffing levels, Antioch now ranks among the lowest-paid public safety agencies in the region for cities of similar size and calls for service volume.
“The police department is authorized for 115 sworn officers, but 10 positions are frozen due to budgetary constraints. Fewer than 90 officers are currently serving the community, roughly 75 percent of the previously authorized staffing level. With many officers new or still in training, experienced personnel are limited, and staffing remains well below accepted standards for a city of more than 115,000 residents.
“Emergency dispatch staffing is equally strained. Dispatchers are working frequent, mandatory overtime to ensure 911 calls are answered, and sworn officers are often necessary to work overtime in dispatch functions, an inefficient use of trained peace officers who would otherwise be available for patrol and enforcement duties.
“After a sharp rise in crime during 2024, early 2025 data shows crime trending back toward Antioch’s five-year average. This has occurred only because officers and dispatchers have absorbed heavier workloads and stretched limited resources, an approach that cannot be sustained long term.
“Despite these conditions, the City has expanded other areas of its budget while repeatedly stating there is no capacity for fair pay increases. Neighboring cities have made different choices by investing in retention, experience, and staffing stability. Without a competitive contract, Antioch risks continued turnover, loss of institutional knowledge, and erosion of recent gains.
“The Antioch Police Officers Association remains committed to reaching a fair and competitive agreement. Our members will continue to serve this community, and the Association urges City leadership to invest in a stable, experienced public safety workforce before the consequences are felt by every resident.”
Questions for City Manager, Council
Immediately prior to publication time, questions were sent to City Manager Bessie Scott, Mayor Ron Bernal and all four council members asking when they expect the contract to be ready for the APOA’s vote and why it has taken so long to finalize their contract when it expired last August.
City Manager Says They “Have Been in Negotiations Since the Expiration of the Prior Agreement”
3:10 UPDATE 1: In response, City Manager Scott wrote, “The City of Antioch recognizes the dedication and professionalism of our police officers, emergency dispatchers, and community service officers. Their work—particularly during a period of staffing challenges and elevated service demands—is deeply appreciated and does not go unnoticed.
“It is true that the City and the Antioch Police Officers Association have been in negotiations since the expiration of the prior agreement. The City remains committed to reaching a fair and sustainable contract through the collective bargaining process. Those discussions are ongoing, and we believe the bargaining table—not public correspondence—is the appropriate forum for resolving outstanding issues.
“Like many cities across California, Antioch is facing significant fiscal constraints driven by rising pension obligations, inflationary pressures and uncertainty in long-term revenues. The City’s proposals reflect a responsibility to balance competitive compensation with the need to maintain essential services, avoid deeper staffing reductions and protect the City’s long-term financial stability. These are difficult decisions, and there are no simple solutions.
“The City is acutely aware of current staffing levels within the Police Department and Emergency Communications. Recruitment and retention remain priorities, and we continue to evaluate strategies to improve staffing while living within our financial means. At the same time, Antioch has made substantial investments across city services to meet resident needs and address deferred infrastructure, public safety support functions, and quality-of-life concerns. Public safety remains a priority for leadership and currently encompasses 68% of the General Fund Budget, while the remaining 32% goes towards other vital services. Too, the city was able to enter into a settlement agreement with the US Department of Justice in 2025, as well as with another case, Allen v. Antioch, that recently wrapped up earlier this year.
“We value our employees and the vital role they play in keeping Antioch safe. The City looks forward to continuing productive, good-faith negotiations with the Association and remains committed to reaching an agreement that supports both our workforce and the community we collectively serve.”
None of the council members responded as of the first update.
9:00 PM UPDATE 2: However, District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker posted the following on her official Facebook page earlier Friday:
“The City is aware of recent local media coverage regarding ongoing contract negotiations between the City and the Antioch Police Officers Association (APOA).
“Negotiations remain ongoing, and the City continues to engage in the collective bargaining process in good faith.
“To date, over the past several months, the City has not received notice from any sworn officers or dispatchers indicating that they have accepted employment elsewhere.
“The City values its first responders and recognizes the critical role they play each day in serving and protecting the community.
“Like many municipalities, the City is facing significant financial challenges. The City recognizes the importance of striking a balance between fiscal responsibility and ensuring that employees are compensated fairly and in alignment with comparable positions within the region.
“I am recommending that this Council consider a 3% one-time retention bonus across all city departments to maintain quality municipal services.”
Source: City of Antioch
2/2/26 3:00 PM UPDATE 3 & CORRECTION: In response to questions about the 68% figure she used to describe public safety expenditures, City Manager Scott provided the following: “Correction yes – the current FY26 Police Department budget ($60,390,400 Police Services + $2,680,030 Animal Services Support) is 57% of the total General Fund Budget $63,390,400/$110,954,729. The Police budget DOES NOT include Public Safety and Community Resources.”
According to City Finance Director Dawn Merchant the correct figures are based on the budget revised by the City Council on Nov. 20, 2025, which increased the budget for Police Services by $1,832,910 for the year.
Counting only Police Services, they comprise 54.6% of this fiscal year’s General Fund budget.
Dr. Harish Rengarajan is the new Chief Medical Executive for Sutter Delta Medical Center. Photo: Sutter Health
By Monique Binkley Smith, Manager, Media Relations, Sutter Health
Sutter Delta Medical Center is pleased to announce that Harish Rengarajan, M.D., MBA, will join the organization as its new chief medical executive on Monday, February 9. Dr. Rengarajan will work alongside Sutter Delta CEO Trevor Brand as a dyad partner, strengthening clinical leadership and supporting the hospital’s mission to serve the East Contra Costa community with compassionate, high‑quality care.
Dr. Rengarajan brings a strong background in medical education, clinical quality and physician engagement to his new role. He currently serves as program director for the Internal Medicine and Transitional Year Residency Programs at Sutter’s Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, where he has helped build and launch ACGME‑accredited training programs that integrate residents into frontline care. His leadership has supported physician development, enhanced care coordination and advanced safety and quality initiatives that benefit patients and care teams alike.
Before joining Sutter Health, Dr. Rengarajan served as associate chief medical officer at St. Mary’s General Hospital in New Jersey and held leadership roles with New York Medical College, St. Clare’s Health and Northwell Health in New York. Across these organizations, he led work to improve patient experience, reduce readmissions, streamline care teams, strengthen documentation integrity and build physician wellness programs. His career reflects a deep commitment to patient‑centered care and collaborative partnerships across clinical and administrative teams. (See Dr. Rengarajan’s LinkedIn profile for more details)
Dr. Rengarajan earned his medical degree from Pondicherry University in India, completed his internal medicine residency at Chicago Medical School and holds an MBA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He is board certified in internal medicine.
Sutter Delta looks forward to welcoming Dr. Rengarajan as he steps into this key leadership role and continues the hospital’s ongoing work to support the health and well‑being of the Delta community.
