Proposed budget cuts include cancelling annual July 4th celebration
By Allen D. Payton
The Antioch City Council will hold a Special Meeting Tuesday, April 21, 2026, with Study Sessions on the Budget for Fiscal Years 2026-2027 and the Five-Year Capital Improvement Program for 2026-31.
Budget Study Session
The Council will discuss follow-up items from their meeting on March 24, 2026, including Position Vacancies, Consultant Services Contracts, Fiscal Year 2027 Fleet Replacements, American Rescue Plan (“ARPA”) funds remaining budgets, Budget Deficit Reduction Proposals totaling $5,360,641.
After transferring in $5 million from the Budget Stabilization Fund and making the proposed cuts, the City will end the 2027 Fiscal Year on June 30, 2027, with a $2,884,167 deficit.
One line item in the proposed budget cuts is to Cancel the 4th of July event. But it’s not clear if that is for this year during the nation’s 250th Independence Day celebration or for July 4th, 2027. Questions have been sent to the city council members and staff. Please check back later for their responses.
Deficit Reduction Proposals for FY 2026-27 budget. Source: City of Antioch
Capital Improvement Program Study Session
According to the City staff report for the agenda item, the $74,359,000 Capital Improvements Budget for Revised Fiscal Year 2025/26 and $29,125,000 Capital Improvements Budget for Fiscal Year 2026/27 will be included in the City’s operating budget. Projects in the outlying years of the 5 Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 2026-2031 are for planning purposes and may be incorporated into future budgets.
The Council meeting begins at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. The meeting can also be viewed via livestream on the City’s website.
New DocAccess platform makes more than 4,000 city documents and 215,000 pages searchable, translatable and easier to use for residents of Antioch’s diverse community.
App required for Disability Assistance, charge after 30 minutes
By Jaden Baird, PIO, City of Antioch
ANTIOCH, CA — The City of Antioch has adopted DocAccess by CivicPlus to make public documents more accessible, searchable, and usable for residents, businesses, and community partners. The new platform transforms the city’s PDF files into WCAG-aligned HTML, helping Antioch advance its accessibility efforts under the U.S. Department of Justice’s ADA Title II rule, 28 CFR Part 35. Originally tied to an April 24, 2026, compliance deadline for local governments serving populations of 50,000 or more, that deadline has since been extended to April 26, 2027. Antioch made this transition ahead of the updated deadline, reinforcing the City’s commitment to improving digital access and usability for the community.
The rollout reflects Antioch’s commitment to transparency and public service while also responding proactively to a new federal standard for accessible web information and services. With a population of 115,016, the City is ensuring that residents can more easily access the information they rely on, whether they are reviewing council materials, budgets, strategic plans, ordinances, or archived records.
In total, the City has made 4,045 documents and 215,574 pages accessible through DocAccess — including archived and legacy content that was previously difficult to navigate on a phone, assistive technology, or in a different language. The platform offers instant translation in 250+ languages, AI-powered search and plain-language Q&A, mobile-friendly viewing even for older, handwritten, or scanned documents, and 24/7 live visual interpretation through Aira.io at no cost to the public.
“We wanted to do more than check a compliance box,” said Brad Helfenberger, Information Systems Director. “Our residents deserve access that is clear, practical, and respectful of their time. DocAccess helps us deliver that — and it does it in a way that supports the many languages and devices people use every day.”
Antioch’s decision is especially timely given the city’s linguistic diversity. According to American Community Survey estimates, more than one-third of residents speak a language other than English at home, with Spanish and Tagalog among the most common. DocAccess supports that reality by allowing users to ask questions about documents in their preferred language, while also helping people find the information they need from a smartphone, tablet, or desktop.
Screenshots of DocAccess information on City’s website. Source: City of Antioch
The City also emphasized the role of human support in the launch. DocAccess is backed by both internal human-in-the-loop review and external accessibility experts, with support available in English and Spanish. Complimentary assistance time is available to any member of the public who needs help navigating documents, filling out forms, or understanding content. City officials said that even with fully remediated files, it is important to approach access with humility because public needs and questions can vary widely.
In addition, the platform’s analytics tools will help the City better understand which documents generate the most interest, which questions residents ask most often, and which languages are being used. Those insights will support data-informed transparency while preserving privacy: no AI model training is permitted on Antioch content, and analytics are limited to aggregated, de-identified usage data without IP tracking or behavioral profiling.
App Required for Disability Assistance, Charge After 30 Minutes
However, users of the Disability Assistance are required to download an app and pay for the service after 30 minutes of free live visual interpreting through Aira to help you access a document.
Try out the City’s DocAccess by visiting the Agendas & Minutes page on the City’s website.
“We continue to find ways to deliver services more efficiently and cost-effectively while maintaining service levels for our community.” – County Administrator Monica Nino
Adoption scheduled for Tuesday, May 19
By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media
(Martinez, CA) – As counties across the nation face growing fiscal pressure driven by federal and state policy changes, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors will convene a two-day public hearing to consider the County’s $7.248 billion proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Hearings will be held at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 27, and Tuesday, April 28 at the Board Chambers, 1025 Escobar Street, in Martinez. The proposal reflects a significant shift in fiscal responsibility from federal and state governments to counties. The budget is balanced using a combination of ongoing revenues and one-time departmental funds, as departments respond to increasing costs and evolving policy changes.
“This year’s recommended budget reflects our continued commitment to delivering essential public services and the growing challenges counties face as federal and state funding shifts,” said Board Chair Diane Burgis, District 3 Supervisor. “We are navigating a period of uncertainty while continuing to prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of our community through responsible fiscal management and long-term planning. Community members are encouraged to attend the hearings and provide input on County priorities and services.”
Contra Costa County’s Health Services and Employment and Human Services departments are among the most affected, relying on one-time fund balances to maintain service levels in the near term, essentially drawing on savings from prior years.
Approximately 53 percent of the County’s budget is funded by state and federal sources.
The budget includes 11,261 full-time equivalent positions, with continued efforts to manage vacancies, control costs, and align staffing with service needs.
Fiscal Outlook and Community Impact
While the budget is balanced for the coming year, it relies on one-time resources and reflects ongoing fiscal pressures, including:
In response to these challenges, the Board of Supervisors has placed a five-year, 5/8-cent general-purpose sales tax measure on the June ballot. If approved by voters and authorized by the state, the measure is projected to generate approximately $150 million annually to help stabilize services during this period of transition. (See related article)
Regardless of the outcome, the County expects to make budget adjustments in future years to ensure ongoing revenues match expenditures.
“The Recommended Budget reflects years of ongoing review and refinement of County operations as we respond to changing economic conditions,” said County Administrator Monica Nino. “We continue to find ways to deliver services more efficiently and cost-effectively while maintaining service levels for our community. This work is made possible by our dedicated workforce, strong partnership among our Department Heads, and a continued commitment to sound fiscal management and disciplined decision-making as we adapt to ongoing challenges.”
More details about the County’s strategic plan, General Purpose Revenue allocations, budgeted positions, and key budget issues are provided in the FY26-27 Recommended Budget book.
The Board meeting agenda will be available at: https://contra-costa.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. The budget discussion is scheduled to continue at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28. Budget adoption is scheduled for the Board’s meeting on Tuesday, May 19.
Miss Contra Costa 2026 contests are (back row L-R) Emelia “Eme” Brown, Yareli Santuario and Kaylee Rhiann Wright. Mini Miss Contra Costa 2026 contestants are (front row L-R) Gianna Lynch, Teigan Moore and Chloe Pettyjohn. Photos by Contra Costa County Fair.
From Antioch, Brentwood, Discovery Bay & Martinez
Coronations May 14that the 2026 Contra Costa County Fair
2025 Queen & Princesses end their reigns
By Cheyenne Erickson, CEO, Contra Costa Fair & Event Park
The Contra Costa County Fair Scholarship Program provides young participants with valuable life and career skills while giving them the opportunity to earn education funds. Through the program, participants develop speech writing and public speaking abilities, build professional resumes, and showcase their unique talents.
They also gain confidence through interview practice, including answering impromptu questions skills that prepare them for future academic and career opportunities. The program focuses on personal growth, leadership, and community involvement, all while rewarding participants with scholarships to support their educational goals. Miss Contra Costa will receive a $1,000 scholarship and Mini Miss Contra Costa will receive $500 provided by the Contra Costa County Fair. They will serve as ambassadors of the fair throughout the year at community service events.
Miss Contra Costa 2026 contestants Emelia “Eme” Brown, Yareli Santuario and Kaylee Rhiann Wright. Photos: CCC Fair
MISS CONTRA COSTA CONTESTANTS:
Emelia “Eme” Brown, 17, lives in Discovery Bay and she attends Liberty High School. She is a varsity volleyball player and participates in swimming and basketball. She enjoys surfing and spending time on the water.
Yareli Santuario, 17, lives in Antioch and attends Antioch High School. She is passionate about spreading positivity in her community and is involved with Be Exceptional and serves as an ambassador for the We Get It Foundation.
Kaylee Rhiann Wright, 17, lives in Martinez and attends Alhambra High School. She enjoys meeting and uplifting others, loves animals and has a soft spot for dark chocolate.
Mini Miss Contra Costa 2026 contestants Gianna Lynch, Teigan Moore and Chloe Pettyjohn. Photos: CCC Fair
MINI MISS CONTRA COSTA CONTESTANTS:
Gianna Lynch, 11, is a fifth grader from Brentwood. She enjoys performing in plays, singing, and acting, and is an active member of Brentwood 4-H.
Teigan Moore, 8, of Discovery Bay, loves reading and art. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and hopes to become a teacher one day.
Chloe Pettyjohn, 11, from Brentwood, has a two-year-old Pomeranian named Peanut. She enjoys dancing, karate and crafting, and values time with her family and friends.
2025 Queen & Princesses to End Their Reigns
2025 Contra Costa Fair Queen Aili Selvin
Aili Selvin of Martinez will end her reign as the 2025 Miss Contra Costa County Fair Pageant Queen. The County Fair Board offered their appreciation to her saying, “We are so proud of you and appreciate your contributions to your community all while carrying yourself with the upmost poise and kindness. We look forward to seeing more of your bright future!”
The 2025 Fair Princesses Jocelyn Luna of Oakley and Madilyn Davis of Antioch and Miss Congeniality Michalia Banks of Antioch will also end their reigns.
2025 Contra Costa Fair Queen Aili Selvin of Martinez (right) and Fair Princesses (L-R) Jocelyn Luna of Oakley and Madilyn Davis of Antioch, along with Miss Congeniality, Michalia Banks also of Antioch. Photo by Contra Costa County Fair
Miss Contra Costa Pageant Director Danielle Ferguson.
Pageant Director Danielle Ferguson said, “I am honored to serve as the new Director for the Miss Contra Costa County Scholarship Program. I grew up in the pageant world, competing from infancy through the age of 24, and spent many years as a dedicated dancer – truly growing up on the stage. These experiences shaped my love for performance, confidence-building and empowering young women. I am excited to bring passion, polish and heart to this program and to create an inspiring and memorable experience for every participant.”
Meet the six contestants during the 2026 Contra Costa County Fair May 14-17 at the Contra Costa Event Park, 1201 W. 10th Street, Antioch. Join us May 14th for both competitions and come support your next Miss & Mini Miss Contra Costa! For more information visit Miss Contra Costa and www.contracostafair.com where you can purchase tickets for the fair.
Photos (left & top) by Flock Safety, (bottom) by CHP.
By Antioch Police Department
We’re committed to transparency and keeping our community informed.
The City is proud to announce the launch of our new Flock Transparency Portal, now available online. This portal gives residents clear insight into how Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology is used in our community—including privacy safeguards, data retention policies and authorized use.
Antioch PD uses Flock Safety technology to capture objective evidence without compromising on individual privacy and utilizes retroactive search to solve crimes after they’ve occurred. Additionally, Antioch PD utilizes real time alerting of hotlist vehicles to capture wanted criminals. In an effort to ensure proper usage and guardrails are in place, they have made the below policies and usage statistics available to the public.
This is part of our ongoing effort to balance public safety with accountability and openness. We encourage all residents to explore the portal, learn more about the technology, and stay engaged in how it supports crime prevention while protecting individual privacy.
On Tuesday, a Contra Costa Superior Court judge declined to expedite a lawsuit demanding changes to proponents’ ballot arguments for Measure B, the county’s proposed five-year, 0.625% sales tax increase. That decision means voters will receive a County Voter Information Guide containing false and misleading statements about the tax increase.
This is not just a problem with Measure B. And it could get worse as advocates for taxes and bond measures make increasingly aggressive claims, irrespective of the facts, and without fear of a judicial remedy.
The case, filed March 27 on behalf of two Contra Costa voters, targets both the Primary Argument in Favor of Measure B and the Rebuttal Argument to the Primary Argument Against Measure B. The respondents are the five authors of those arguments, including a sitting County Supervisor.
The legal challenge was brought under California Elections Code section 9190, which allows voters to seek a writ of mandate during a 10-day public examination period to require that ballot arguments be amended or deleted if they are “false, misleading, or inconsistent with the requirements” of the law.
The Dubious Claims
The complaint identified over a dozen specific claims in the ballot arguments alleged to be false and/or misleading. Here are three that are especially notable.
Exaggerated $1.5 Billion Loss: The argument claims that “according to the county health director, our health system will lose more than $1.5 billion over the next five years.” This appears to have been based on Board of Supervisors materials which mentioned a $300 million annual loss for the five year life of the tax.
But at the March 3 Board meeting Supervisor Candace Andersen flagged the original $300 million annual loss figure as inaccurate. The Board’s adopted Resolution No. 2026-40 was amended to project cumulative losses of approximately $239 million through 2029. The County’s own budget presentation cited a six-year cumulative figure of $509 million. This is roughly one-third the amount we will see in the voter guide.
And even the $509 million estimated loss is unlikely to materialize. With Democrats almost certain to regain control of the House (and possibly the Senate), they will be able to implement their stated intention of reversing HR1’s federal budgetary changes that impact Medi-Cal.
Further, about a quarter of the remaining estimated funding loss is attributable to scheduled reductions in federal subsidies to Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH) like Contra County Regional Medical Center. As we discuss on our Stop Measure B website, DSH funding cuts were first included in the 2010 Affordable Care Act and have been repeatedly postponed by Congresses controlled by both parties. It is reasonable to expect these postponements to continue through at least 2031 when the tax sunsets.
Groceries, Food, Housing, and Medical Care: The argument states “Measure B won’t increase the cost of groceries” and “It exempts food, housing, and medical care.” The petition notes that the words “food,” “groceries,” “housing,” and “medical care” appear nowhere in the Measure B ordinance’s exemptions. Hot prepared foods are subject to sales tax, as are non-food groceries. Lumber, cement, and roofing materials (items associated with housing) are taxable. Over-the-counter drugs are taxable.
90,000 People “Will” Lose Health Insurance: The argument states that “more than 90,000 people will lose health insurance” if Measure B fails (emphasis added). The word “will” makes this statement false and misleading under California election law.
Contra Costa Health staff gave supervisors a broad range of the number of beneficiaries who may lose Medi-Cal coverage due to new rules, with 90,000 being near the midpoint. These projections are estimates, contingent on future legislative and administrative decisions that have not yet been finalized. No one can say with certainty how many residents will lose coverage.
There is a further problem that the ballot argument glosses over. Even if Medi-Cal rolls shrink in Contra Costa County, it does not necessarily mean our neighbors are becoming uninsured and will flood emergency rooms. People cycle off Medi-Cal for many reasons: they move away, they obtain employer coverage, they age into Medicare, or they pass away. Proponents misleadingly conflate any reduction in Medi-Cal enrollment with people left without coverage.
Implications Beyond Measure B
Unless you read this article or the plaintiff’s court filings, you will not be aware of these inaccuracies. And that points to a serious defect in California election law.
Ballot proponents (or opponents) can make false and misleading arguments, and get away with it, because the court process usually cannot unfold quickly enough to meet the County’s aggressive timetable for editing, translating, printing, and mailing ballot guides.
To remedy this problem, process reforms are needed. Either several additional days should be added to the pre-election timetable for claims like the ones against Measure B to be heard and adjudicated. Alternatively, California should move away from printed voter guides and instead post them on the web. Not only would that provide more time to edit inaccurate arguments prior to public exposure, but taxpayers would also save money on printing and mailing costs. It would be good for the environment too!
Marc Joffe is the President of the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association.
Antioch City Clerk Michael Mandy administers the oath of office to the nine appointees during the Council meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Photo: Jaden Baird
Plus, two alternates
By Jaden Baird, PIO, City of Antioch
The Antioch City Council approved appointments to the General Plan Advisory Committee and the Antioch Police Oversight Commission (APOC) at its April 14, 2026, meeting.
General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC)
At-Large Appointments:
James Becker, the Antioch Chamber of Commerce Chair and non-profit CEO;
Edgar Alejandro Martinez, a Senior Practice Support Advisor for Hills Physicians Medical Group/UC Berkeley/CSU East Bay;
Sean McCauley, a local commercial building and business owner;
Redonha Means, an HR Business Partner for Kaiser Permanente; and
Gerald Glenn “J.R.” Wilson, Jr., Founder of Delta Veterans Group.
Alternates:
Desiree Coronado, a volunteer with Team Jesus Ministries; and
Veiongo Uesi, a Corporate Security Investigator Analyst for BMO and University of Pheonix.
A total of 16 residents applied for the At-Large Member appointments. The GPAC will play a key role in shaping Antioch’s long-term vision by providing input on the City’s General Plan update. Learn more, here:Antioch General Plan
Antioch Police Oversight Commission (APOC) – Partial Term Appointment:
Manuel L. “Manny” Soliz, Jr., a Wealth Advisor with Thrivent and a former Antioch Mayor Pro Tem and Councilman.
The Commission provides independent oversight of the Antioch Police Department, helping promote transparency and accountability. Learn more, here: Antioch Police Oversight Commission.
Congratulations to all appointees and thank you for your commitment to serving the Antioch community!
Paul Joseph DelChiaro, age 83, of Antioch, CA passed away on March 29, 2026.
Born on February 21, 1943, in Oakland, CA, Paul was the beloved son of Peter Joseph and Maude Marie DelChiaro. He graduated from Oakland High School in 1961 and went on to serve his country with honor in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.
Paul began Basic Combat Training in January 1965. He then went on to serve as an infantry soldier and wheel vehicle mechanic until he was discharged in January 1967. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Paul carried a deep sense of pride in his service throughout his life.
After returning home, Paul built a life centered on family. He married the love of his life, Bonnie Jean (Worrell) DelChiaro, on March 8, 1975, in Reno, NV. Paul and Bonnie moved to Antioch, CA in 1985 and enjoyed a full life together. They were married for 41 years until Bonnie passed on October 3, 2016.
Paul worked for the United States Postal Service in Walnut Creek, CA for 34 years, first as a mail carrier, then a vehicle operations trainer and an accident investigator and was known for his strong work ethic, kindness and sense of humor. He enjoyed creative writing, gardening, landscaping and projects at his home. He loved fast cars, going to car shows, and driving his 2007 Chevrolet Corvette. He cherished time spent with family and friends.
He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and many other extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Bonnie Jean DelChiaro, his twin brother Peter Joseph DelChiaro and his three sisters, June Stables, Barbara Bas and Gloria Watson.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Antioch Covenant Church, 1919 Buchanan Road, Antioch, CA. A burial with military honors will take place at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Veterans of Foreign War or the Alzheimer’s Association.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home for their compassion and support.
Paul will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
