In English and Spanish; for third term, faces Joy Motts for third time
By Allen D. Payton
Although she completed filing last month, in a post on her official Facebook page on Monday, August 24, 2026, incumbent District 1 Antioch City Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker announced her re-election campaign to a third term. Actually, if elected it will be her second-and-a-half term as she was elected in 2020 for a two-year term following council districting and for a full, four-year term in 2022. Once again, Torres-Walker faces former Councilwoman Joy Motts, for a third time, having first unseating Motts by 212 votes, then defeating her again in 2022 by just four votes following a recount. (Note: This reporter helped raise funds to pay for the recount).
However, in those races, there were three candidates running and splitting the vote. This time it’s a one-on-one contest.
Torres-Walker’s campaign slogans this year are, “Putting Working Families First” and “Leading with Clarity, Steadiness, and Care.”
In her candidate statement, Torres-Walker’s ballot designation is listed as Councilwoman/Nonprofit Executive, working as Executive Director for the Richmond-based Safe Return Project, according to her LinkedIn profile. The councilwoman is a Co-Founder of the organization according to their website, and describes it as “a campaign to secure the freedom and liberation of formerly incarcerated individuals.”
She first posted in English then in Spanish writing, “I’m running for re-election as Antioch City Council member representing District 1 this November.
“My leadership has been focusing on the people and the solution, not just the fight. We need local leaders who will run toward the difficulties facing our communities rather than turn a blind eye. Antioch needs a leader who won’t let inequity go unaddressed while others conduct business as usual.
In Spanish she wrote, “Me postulo para la reelección como miembro del Concejo Municipal de Antioch, en representación del Distrito 1, este mes de noviembre.
“Mi liderazgo se ha enfocado en las personas y en encontrar soluciones, no simplemente en la confrontación. Necesitamos líderes locales que den la cara a las dificultades que afectan a nuestras comunidades, en lugar de hacerse de la vista gorda. Antioch necesita un líder que no permita que las desigualdades queden sin atender mientras otros intentan seguir haciendo negocios como de costumbre.
“¡Soy esa líder!”
On her campaign website Torres-Walker offers additional messages of, “Proven leadership. Community-rooted change. A stronger Antioch for everyone” and “Leadership Focused on People and Solutions,” and a list of her accomplishments in office.
Under the title of “Building Antioch’s Next Chapter” she writes, “My vision is an Antioch where every neighborhood is safe, every family can afford a stable home, every young person has opportunities to succeed, and every resident can see themselves represented in their local government.”
Torres-Walker offers seven commitments if elected for another term. She writes, “I will continue working to:
Expand community-based violence prevention and youth programs
Protect renters and increase pathways to affordable home ownership.
Address homelessness through housing, services and long-term solutions.
Strengthen police accountability and improve community trust.
Support seniors, veterans, working families and people with disabilities.
Bring responsible development, good jobs and new economic opportunities to Antioch.
Make City Hall more transparent, accessible and accountable to the people it serves.
She summarizes her platform as, “Affordable Housing; Safe Neighborhoods; Good Jobs and a Strong Local Economy; Youth Opportunity; Transparent, Accountable Government; and One Antioch.”
Torres-Walker finishes her message with, “We have shown what is possible when residents organize, speak up and demand something better. Now, I am ready to build on that progress and continue moving Antioch forward—with courage, experience and a commitment to leaving no one behind.
“Let’s continue building an Antioch where every family has the opportunity to thrive.”
Her candidate statement shares more of her accomplishments and ends with, “There’s more work ahead, and I’m not backing down. I’m asking for your vote, so I can keep fighting for an Antioch that works for all of us.”
DUI driver sideswiped another car, nearly hit pedestrian, drives wrong way
Held on $75,000 bail for 3 felonies, 3 misdemeanors
By Lt. Gary Lowther #4032, Antioch Police Field Services Division
On Sunday, August 23, 2026, at approximately 2:14 p.m., Antioch Police officers were dispatched to reports of a white Volkswagen Tiguan being driven erratically near the 1500 block of Yellowstone Drive in Antioch. According to callers, the vehicle had sideswiped another vehicle and nearly struck a pedestrian before continuing through the area.
Officers located the Volkswagen on Hillcrest Avenue near East 13th Street. The vehicle had two flat tires and significant body damage consistent with multiple collisions. When an officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver failed to yield, initiating a low-speed pursuit.
Despite the relatively low speeds, the driver continued to operate the vehicle erratically, including driving into oncoming traffic lanes while traveling along Hargrove Street toward East 18th Street. Due to the continued threat to public safety, officers continued the pursuit.
Once inside the parking lot, the vehicle slowed, allowing responding officers to box it in.
The driver, later identified as 39-year-old Felicia Marie Jackson (born 01/28/1987), attempted to escape by intentionally ramming a patrol vehicle. Officers safely removed Jackson from the vehicle and took her into custody.
Two patrol vehicles were damaged during the incident, and one officer sustained minor cuts from broken glass. No other injuries were reported.
Jackson was treated at a local hospital as a precaution and was subsequently booked at the Martinez Detention Facility on felony charges of Penal Code § 245(c) (Assault on a Peace Officer with a Deadly Weapon) and Vehicle Code § 2800.4 (Evading a Peace Officer While Driving Against Traffic) and misdemeanor charges of Vehicle Code § 23152(a) (Driving Under the Influence) and Vehicle Code § 20002 (Hit and Run). Incident Number: 2608230110
This information was made available by the Field Services Division.
According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, six-inch tall, 175-pound Jackson is Hispanic, but is also listed as White, and is being held in the West County Detention Center on $75,000 bail and also charged with a third misdemeanor of 148(A)(1) PC resisting, delaying or obstructing a Peace Officer.
According to localcrimenews.com, she is an Oakley resident and was previously arrested in January 2025 for a Warrants or Hold Only.
By Captain Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division
On Friday, August 21, 2026, at 10:31 p.m., Antioch Police officers responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Hillcrest Avenue and the eastbound Highway 4 off-ramp. The involved vehicle fled the scene following the collision.
Upon arrival, officers located a 24-year-old Antioch woman lying on the sidewalk. Officers immediately provided medical aid until Con Fire personnel arrived. The victim was transported to an area hospital with major injuries and remains in critical condition.
Witnesses at the scene provided officers with a description of the suspect vehicle. Officers later located the vehicle in the 2800 block of Larkspur Drive in Antioch. The driver fled the area before officers could make contact. Investigators are currently reviewing evidence and working to identify the 40-year-old Hispanic male driver.
The Antioch Police Department’s Traffic Unit has taken over the investigation. The collision investigation remains ongoing, and the victim’s name is being withheld at this time.
Based on preliminary information gathered at the scene, speed and alcohol appear to be factors in the collision.
This information was made available by the Traffic Unit. Any further information or additional press releases will be provided by the Traffic Unit.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441 or Traffic Collision Investigator James Desiderio at (925) 331-7474, email jdesiderio@antiochca.gov.
Hold 2027-28 General Fund Budget Study Session to address projected $15.2 million deficit
Closed Session on employee group contracts, 9 potential lawsuits
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, the Antioch City Council will vote on a one-year MOU with the Antioch Police Officers Association at a cost of $661,000, purchasing AI-assisted automated license plate recognition, in-car camera and integrated public safety technology systems for the police department at a cost of $662,000, additional handheld two-way radios for APD emergency communications at a cost of $300,000, spending $500,000 on Sycamore Drive Traffic Calming Improvements, expanding the contract for the consultant required by the civil rights class action lawsuit settlement at a cost of $150,000 and appoint one member to the Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee.
The Council will also receive the 2025 Annual Military Equipment Report from the police department and an Investment Performance Review presented by the City’s advisors, FM Asset Management, and hold a public hearing on the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan.
Closed Session
Prior to the Regular Meeting that begins at 7:00 p.m., the Council will hold a Closed Session at 3:30 PM for a Conference with Labor Negotiators to discuss contracts for the Antioch Public Works Employee Association (APWEA), Antioch Police Sworn Management Association (APSMA), Confidential Unit, and Management Unit and a Conference with Legal Counsel for “significant exposure to litigation” as the City faces nine potential cases.
Antioch General Fund 2026-27 adjusted Budget and 2027-28 Projected Budget. Source: City of Antioch
2027-28 General Fund Budget Study Session
Then at 5:30 p.m. the Council will hold a Special Meeting Budget Study Session to discuss the Fiscal Year 2027-28 General Fund Budget Development. Acting City Manager Ana Cortez and Finance Director Dawn Merchant say the City’s consultant is projecting a decrease in sales tax revenue of $700,000 to $1.68 million for this Fiscal Year.
According to their report for Item SM-1 on the agenda, “even with the extensive work that was done (on the FY 2026-27 budget), we still did not manage to completely close the 2026-27 spending gap, and the forecast provided in June 2026 for 2027-28 was daunting, at almost $15M.
“Detrimental decreases to our sales tax budgets from the latest projections from our consultant…projecting the City’s fiscal year 2026-27 regular sales tax to decline $1,139,000, and Measure W to decline $538,000, carrying this decrease into fiscal year 2027-28. However, these projections are based only through the first quarter reporting of calendar year 2026 reporting and will be further evaluated after the next sales tax quarter. We are recommending to be cautiously optimistic for fiscal year 2026-27 at this juncture and project only a $500,000 decrease in regular sales tax and $200,000 in Measure W, carrying that corresponding reduction into 2027-28.”
In addition, the “3% COLA recently approved for the APOA bargaining unit ($745,667 FY28 impact”…and “reduction of $1.2M in projected contribution to HomeKey+ project with City Council rejection of the grant…as a result…the projected 2027-28 deficit spending has increased slightly to $15.2M.”
3% Pay Raise for Antioch Police Officers
Under Item 6.I. on the Consent Calendar, the Council will vote on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Antioch and the Antioch Police Officers’ Association that will include a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Fiscal Year 2026-27 at a cost of $661,430 and other matters.
At their meeting on July 28, 2026, the council approved a tentative agreement. Staff then prepared the MOU to replace the agreement and require another vote by the council.
As reported, the previous Tentative Agreement covered the period of Sept. 1, 2021 – Aug. 31, 2025.
In addition to the 3% COLA, the Tentative Agreement includes the following:
Increase to four floating holidays in a calendar year.
Travel meal reimbursement increase to $25.00 for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Lateral Police Officer and Dispatcher new hire vacation credit of one week upon employment.
Plus, increases to the uniform allowance, adjustments to benefits, retirement and vacation, sick leave and bereavement leave language defined and/or updated, as well as updates to the department’s grievance procedure.
Purchase Police Department AI-Assisted Integrated Technology Systems
Under agenda Item 9, the Council will consider the purchase of automated license plate recognition (ALPR), in-car camera and integrated public safety technology systems. The vote will be to approve a sole source agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for 55 fixed automated license plate recognition (ALPR) locations using Axon Outpost, six additional Axon Fleet 3 in-car video and mobile ALPR systems, and 120 Axon AI Assistant licenses for the Police Department, for a 49-month term beginning October 1, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $661,687.54.
Funding for FY 2026-27 has been identified within the existing Police Department General Fund budget; payments in future fiscal years will remain subject to the annual budget process.
ALPR helps officers and investigators identify vehicles associated with shootings, robberies, burglaries, stolen vehicles, hit-and-run collisions, organized theft, missing persons, illegal sideshows, and other serious incidents.
According to the City staff report, “the Department currently operates fixed ALPR cameras through Motorola and Flock. Motorola is decommissioning its ALPR platform, and the proposed purchase would replace and consolidate the two fixed systems into a single Axon network while expanding fixed coverage. APD already uses Axon Body 4 cameras, Axon Fleet in-car cameras, and Axon Evidence as its primary digital evidence environment.”
Purchase 30 More Police Dep’t Handheld Two-Way Radios for Emergency Communications
Under Item 6.G. of the Consent Calendar the Council will consider purchasing additional handheld two-way radios for the police department’s emergency communications. The vote will be to adopt a resolution authorizing the sole source purchase of 30 Motorola APX N70 handheld two-way emergency radios, including accessories and five years of subscriber and device management services, from Motorola Solutions in an amount not to exceed $300,717.21.
City of Antioch Service & Water System Map.
Public Hearing on 2025 Urban Water Management Plan & Water Shortage Contingency Plan
During the regular meeting the council will hold a Public Hearing on the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan. According to the City staff report for Item 7 on the agenda, he Urban Water Management Plan (“UWMP”) Act requires all urban water suppliers serving municipal water to 3,000 customers, or supplying more than 3,000 acre-feet annually, to adopt and submit an UWMP every five years to the Department of Water Resources (“DWR”). The City of Antioch provided 5,311 million gallons (16,298 acre-feet) of potable water for municipal purposes to 34,739 connections in 2025 and thus is required to comply with the requirements of the UWMP Act and prepare an UWMP.
The City’s water supply consists primarily of surface water diverted from the San Joaquin River and water purchased from Contra Costa Water District (CCWD). Untreated surface water from the San Joaquin River is pumped to the City’s Municipal Reservoir, where it is stored prior to treatment at the City’s WTP. This untreated surface water may also be routed to the Brackish Water Desalination Plant (BWDP).
The Capital Improvement Budget includes adequate funding for the development of the Urban Water Management Plan from the Water Enterprise Fund. Compliance with the current provisions of the Urban Water Management Plan Act is expected to result in no fiscal impact to the City’s General Fund.
Traffic Calming Devices and their locations in one of eight segments planned for Sycamore Drive. Source: City of Antioch
Sycamore Drive Traffic Calming Improvements
Under Item 6.H. on the Consent Calendar, the council will consider awarding a construction agreement to the lowest, responsive, and responsible bidder, Martinez-based Cowan & Thompson Construction, Inc. in the amount of $488,511.94, with a $25,000 contingency for a total contract amount of $513,511.94 for the Sycamore Drive Traffic Calming Improvements Project.
According to the City staff report, the FY 2026/27 Capital Improvement Budget includes $425,000 of Gas Tax funding for the project. Approval will increase the allocation by $89,000. The projected June 30th balance of Gas Tax funds with this amendment is projected to be $1,014,298.
The devices will be placed in eight segments along the street and will include signs and raised traffic separator curb guidance systems with quick release delineator bases.
See Project plans for all planned traffic calming device locations on Sycamore Drive.
Under agenda Item 8 the Council will vote on appoint Dr, Loretta Ezeife to the Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee for a full-term vacancy expiring March 2030. According to her application, she has lived in Antioch since 2008 and works as the Accounting Officer for the University of the Pacific in Stockton, “with over 25 years of experience overseeing financial operations across private industry, public agencies, and higher education.”
Meeting Details
The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street, in historic, downtown Rivertown and can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website or on Comcast cable TV channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99.
See the complete agenda packet with staff reports here.
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County recently proclaimed August 2026 as National Emergency Management Awareness Month in Contra Costa County.
The Board proclamation stated,
“Contra Costa County is committed to building a culture of all-hazard emergency management throughout the County, to include all County Departments, Cities, Towns, and Special Districts charged with establishing and maintaining the capabilities necessary to effectively prepare for, mitigate, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters…”
“The County’s Office of Emergency Services, under the operations of the Office of the Sheriff and in collaboration with multiple County Departments, nineteen incorporated cities, special districts, First Responder Agencies, and community partners, works year-round to enhance our ability to prevent, mitigate, respond to, and recover from disasters, ensuring the community is positioned to return to normalcy after disaster…”
Here are some links for preparing for disasters and emergencies:
Contra Costa County is recognizing the professionals who plan, coordinate, mitigate, respond and help communities recover from disasters year-round. Learn more at https://ready.gov
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.
