ANTIOCH, Calif. — In response to the announcement by Chief Joe Vigil earlier Friday, October 9, 2026, Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal today recognized a significant achievement for the city following the U.S. Department of Justice’s determination that the Antioch Police Department has reached substantial compliance with the requirements of its agreement with the federal government. (See related article)
The determination brings the 21-month agreement to a close and marks an important step forward for the department and the Antioch community.
“This is good news for Antioch and an accomplishment our community can be proud of,” said Mayor Bernal. “For the past 21 months, Chief Vigil and the men and women of the Antioch Police Department have worked hard to meet the DOJ’s requirements while making meaningful improvements to the department. They deserve recognition for what they’ve accomplished.”
Throughout the agreement, the department worked to address the DOJ’s requirements while strengthening its policies, practices, and commitment to accountability and community engagement.
Bernal said the conclusion of the agreement is an opportunity to recognize the department’s work while remaining focused on the future.
“Meeting the requirements of this agreement was important, but our responsibility to the community doesn’t end here,” Bernal said. “We have an obligation to keep improving, to hold ourselves to high standards, and to earn the confidence of the people we serve.”
The mayor said the city will continue supporting the department’s efforts to build on the improvements made over the past 21 months.
“Our goal hasn’t changed,” Bernal said. “We want Antioch to be home to one of the best police departments in the country. We’ve taken an important step toward that goal, and we’re going to keep working to get there.”
Councilman Rocha Praises Chief Vigil
In addition, District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha also responded writing, “I offer my praise of APD Chief Vigil working in collaboration with City leadership to successfully implement into practice police reform initiatives identified in the US DOJ agreement that has resulted in the release of federal DOJ oversight. I believe the research based best practices, procedures and supervision will continue to improve community public safety services that will become a model for other law enforcement agencies to follow.”
Former City Manager Scott is Proud of Team
When informed of the decision by the DOJ, former City Manager Bessie Scott shared her thoughts and appreciation. She wrote, “I’m extremely proud of our team for being able to negotiate this settlement agreement and work diligently to set up the structures and processes for sustaining substantial compliance at APD! Chief Vigil, Captain Bower, (Assistant City Attorney) Kevin Kundinger, and (consultant) Manjit Sappal are dedicated to the success of maintaining the reforms we worked hard on to achieve.”
“I believe this may be the fastest exit from a Consent Decree to date, and I am proud of our team for their commitment to advancing constitutional policing in Antioch,” she added.
Vigil later responded simply, “Team effort.”
UPDATE 1: Torres-Walker Responds
In a brief post on her official Facebook page Saturday morning, District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker offered her thoughts on Chief Vigil’s announcement writing, “All these years of hard work are paying off.
“I want to thank Chief Vigil, Former City Manager; Bessie Marie Scott, out of the way; all members of the Antioch Police Department; and Community members who never stopped fighting. Without your commitment and hard work, this great milestone would not be possible.
“Progress should always be applauded while understanding that there is still more work to do.”
The councilwoman was asked to clarify what she meant by “out of the way” but did not respond to efforts to reach her.
The other two council members were also asked for their comments but did not respond prior to publication time.
Antioch Police Chief Joe Vigil announces his department’s release from the agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026. Video screenshot
“Significant Progress Across the Department…A Milestone, Not an Endpoint”
“While this is an important achievement, our work doesn’t stop here.” – Chief Joe Vigil
By Chief Joe Vigil, Antioch Police Department
ANTIOCH, Calif. — The Antioch Police Department (APD) is proud to announce a significant milestone in its ongoing reform efforts: The U.S. Department of Justice (U.S. DOJ) has determined that APD has achieved substantial compliance with the requirements of its Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
On September 30, 2026, the U.S. DOJ notified APD they were releasing them from the MOA. The DOJ advised APD they had achieved substantial compliance with its requirements. APD is no longer under federal oversight.
The MOA, signed January 2, 2025, established comprehensive requirements addressing constitutional and non-discriminatory policing, recruitment and promotions, data collection and analysis, misconduct investigations, language access, community engagement, accountability, oversight, and collaboration among City leadership, the Police Department, and community stakeholders.
As previously reported, the U.S. DOJ stated the agreement was intended “to resolve an investigation of race discrimination and other discriminatory conduct by APD officers against members of the public in Antioch.”
In addition, under the agreement, APD was required to “hire an expert law enforcement consultant jointly selected by the parties to review and update APD’s policies, procedures and training on a variety of topics, including non-discriminatory policing, use of force, hiring and promotions, investigations of misconduct, discipline, community policing, language access, and other topics.”
Furthermore, the MOA contemplated “a role for the Antioch Police Oversight Commission and sets forth a framework for data collection and reporting for a five-year period of departmental monitoring, among other provisions.”
Finally, according to the 25-page agreement, “This Agreement may terminate prior to the five-year date (‘Early Termination’) if the United States determines that the APD has substantially complied with each of the provisions of the Agreement and has maintained substantial compliance for at least twelve months, no sooner than three years from the Effective Date.”
The council was also provided semi-annual progress reports by APD.
In a video announcement posted on APD’s Facebook page today, Vigil summarized the matter. He said, “Throughout this process we’ve strengthened our policies and training, enhanced accountability and misconduct investigations, improved safeguards against biased policing and expanded our community engagement efforts. While this is an important achievement, our work doesn’t stop here. We remain committed to transparency, accountability, constitutional policing and earning the trust of our community, every day. We’ll also continue our work under the Allen Agreement and maintain independent oversight to help sustain this progress.” (See related article)
“Thank you to everyone who has been part of this effort. We’re proud of how far we’ve come and we look forward to continuing this effort, together,” he concluded.
Reaching this milestone reflects the work of APD personnel, City leadership, community partners, oversight stakeholders, and residents who contributed to the reform process.
Significant Progress Across the Department
Throughout the process, APD established and strengthened systems designed to promote accountability, consistency, and constitutional policing. Key accomplishments include:
Accountability, policies and training: APD established a Compliance and Professional Standards Division and strengthened processes for policy implementation, training, supervision, auditing, and accountability. Policies were reviewed and updated with input from Department personnel, industry experts, and the Antioch Police Oversight Commission, and were submitted to and approved by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Constitutional policing, hiring and investigations: APD revised its bias-based policing policy, implemented Principled Policing training, established processes to review racial disparities in police activity, and enrolled in the Active Bystandership in Law Enforcement (ABLE) program. The Department also strengthened hiring and promotional processes through standardized procedures, independent testing, external evaluators, professional panels, and community participation. Misconduct investigations were standardized and assigned to third party investigators to provide an additional level of independent review.
Language access and community engagement: APD identified bilingual personnel, expanded access to translation resources, and implemented language-assistance tools, including live translation capabilities in more than 50 languages through updated body-worn cameras. The Department also established a community engagement unit and expanded partnerships with schools, youth organizations, businesses, faith-based institutions, and neighborhood groups. APD revamped its Neighborhood Watch program, developed a Youth Academy, and is working to re-establish its Cadet Program.
Data, oversight, and continuous improvement: APD strengthened data collection and analysis and established processes for ongoing review of Department practices. These systems are intended to help sustain the reforms implemented through the agreement and identify opportunities for continued improvement.
These efforts build on work that began before the MOA was formally executed and have continued throughout the Department’s reform process.
A Milestone, Not an Endpoint
The U.S. DOJ’s determination of substantial compliance is an important milestone for APD and the Antioch community. It does not mean the work of maintaining these standards or earning community trust is complete.
APD remains committed to effective supervision, ongoing training, accountability, policy review, data analysis, and meaningful community engagement.
APD also remains committed to the Allen Settlement Agreement, which continues to require additional reform and accountability measures. The Department will continue building upon the constitutional policing practices established through this reform process.
Thank You to the Antioch Community
This milestone would not have been possible without the dedication of APD personnel, City leadership, the Antioch Police Oversight Commission, the independent monitoring team, community partners, and residents who participated in and contributed to the reform process.
APD recognizes that community trust is earned through consistent actions over time. The Department is proud of the progress made and remains committed to building upon it.
For additional information regarding APD’s reform efforts and compliance documentation, visit the City of Antioch Police Department’s Transparency webpage.
The Antioch Police Officers’ Association (APOA) is pleased to announce its endorsement of Sandra White for City Council District 4 and Joy Motts for City Council District 1.
Our members are dedicated to protecting and serving the people of Antioch, and we believe strong, collaborative leadership at City Hall is essential to that mission. Sandra White and Joy Motts have shown a commitment to public safety and to the future of this community. We are proud to support them.
The APOA’s endorsement reflects its members’ shared goal of a safe, thriving Antioch for residents, families, and local businesses. The Association looks forward to working with both candidates to support the city’s police department, strengthen community trust, and build a better future for Antioch.
The APOA encourages all Antioch residents to learn about the candidates, make a plan to vote, and take part in the upcoming election.
As staff and supporters look on, tutor and acting Executive Director Michael Meyer with Ben Fong, the longest serving tutor who just turned 94, cut the ribbon to celebrate Delta Learning Center’s 50th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026. Photos: DLC
By City of Antioch
An iconic non-profit recently celebrated its golden anniversary with community, staff and its board members.
Held on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, the Delta Learning Center hosted a gathering to mark 50 years of tutoring students.
The West Tregallas Road center, across from the Antioch main Post Office, is one of oldest educational resources in East County.
Its mission statement notes it “prides itself on delivering the highest quality credentialed teacher tutoring services at an affordable rate.”
Don Watson, Delta Learning Center’s longest serving board member (left), and DLC assistant Martha Goralka with Nora von Ubin, Executive Director of An Elderly Wish Foundation which rents a room in the building.
The center offers tutoring for K-12 students by credentialed teachers.
One parent at the event said her daughter, a senior and student leader at an AUSD high school, benefited greatly from DLC.
As part of the 2026 National Faith & Blue Weekend, St. John’s Lutheran Church in Antioch is hosting a community meeting with the Antioch Police Department on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
The event includes a Community Pumpkin Patch with free pumpkins for kids under 12, caramel apples, treat bags for children and bouncy house, plus, Story Time at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM.
According to the FaithandBlue.org website, “National Faith & Blue Weekend facilitates safer and stronger communities by engaging law enforcement officers and local residents through the connections of faith-based organizations.”
“Faith & Blue is based on the premise that strong communities are built through mutual respect and understanding. Law enforcement and faith institutions are key pillars of each community, and when they work together, neighborhoods thrive.”
The upcoming National Faith & Blue Weekend, Oct. 9-12, are “four days of locally organized community-officer engagement as part of the nation’s largest annual collaborative policing initiative.”
“The National Faith & Blue Weekend organizers represent every major national law enforcement membership and professional organization in the United States and every faith tradition. The effort is being co-convened by MovementForward, Inc. and the USDOJ Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.”
Including Antioch Council candidates Joy Motts, Monica Wilson and Matty Matthews Alappat
By Kaleo Mark, Community Organizer, Seamless Bay Area
Bay Area – A coalition of 28 transit, bike, disability, and street safety advocates from around the Bay Area published the responses from over 250 candidates for local, state, and federal office in our “Bay Area Transportation Candidate Questionnaire.”
The questionnaire responses will help voters across the Bay Area make more informed decisions about the candidates who, if elected, will be positioned to significantly determine the future of how Bay Area residents get around. Candidates shared their perspectives on designing our streets to be safer for all, making transit a more desirable option, and addressing the transportation sector’s role in climate change.
How we get around and the barriers we face in that process affect nearly every aspect of our lives like housing, healthcare, economic development, safety, education, and much more.
“Local elected officials play critical roles on local regional transportation bodies and boards around the Bay Area and are influential in transit ballot funding campaigns. It is essential for people running for office to know the issues, and to understand that there is an active constituency who care about transit and active transportation and consider these issues in voting,” said Adina Levin, Executive Director at Seamless Bay Area.
2026 is an especially important year for Bay Area public transit, with voters casting their votes on two ballot measures that will determine the future of our region’s transit: Measure RTM across Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties and Prop H in San Francisco.
Top candidates in high-profile races across the Bay Area responded to this questionnaire, including:
Region-wide
22 responses from mayoral candidates running in Richmond, Alameda, Dublin, Hayward, Oakland, Santa Clara, Fairfield, and more.
Responses from City Council candidates running in 74 different cities across the Bay Area.
East Bay
Aisha Wahab in the 14th Congressional District race.
Scott Sakakihara and Linda Price in the State Senate District 10 race in the East and South Bay to replace Senator Aisha Wahab.
Adriana Valencia in AC Transit Ward 3 race.
80 candidates for City Council races across Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.
“When it comes to how we get to where we’re going, and the options we have for how we get around, our local, county, and state elected officials have a massive impact.” said Carter Lavin, co-founder of Transbay Coalition. “Now more than ever, local electeds can make a big difference on things like whether or not it is safe to cross your street, or if your bus is on time, or even if there is a bus going where you want to go. Although candidates rarely lead with their transportation policies, transportation impacts every voter every day so voters deserve to know where candidates stand on the issue.”
“The Bay Area’s elected officials will have a critical role to play in saving public transit. Our transportation systems are at a tipping point, with many facing huge deficits. Therefore, it’s important now more than ever to elect leaders at all levels who will support a sustainable and equitable funding solution for our vital transit providers,” said Abibat Rahman-Davies, Transportation Policy Manager for Transform.
“Persons with disabilities depend on public transportation for everything from going to the doctor to going to work in the morning! Finding out how candidates stand on transit is vital to our very existence!” said Warren Cushman, Community Organizer at Community Resources for Independent Living.
“Transit service is the lifeblood of a community – it allows economic, social and educational opportunities for everyone,” said Abigail Zoger, a professor and lead at North Bay Transit Riders. “In Marin and Sonoma, the lack of night service means the community college evening classes are inaccessible to many. One student reported missing the last bus and having to walk 4 hours home at night.”
“Over the past year, San Francisco Transit Riders has mobilized thousands of voters to speak up and demand sustainable solutions from their elected officials to fund and improve public transportation,” said Dylan Fabris, Community and Policy Director at San Francisco Transit Riders. “San Franciscans depend on public transportation so it is important for them to know how their candidates shape up on the transportation issues that affect their lives every day.”
“Bike East Bay believes in a transportation future where owning and maintaining a car is not a prerequisite to moving around the East Bay with freedom. We want to see a system that is safer, cleaner, and more seamlessly integrated than what currently exists,” said Justin Hu-Nguyen, Executive Co-Director of Mobility Justice at Bike East Bay.
“With the future of reliable transit and e-bike access on the line, California’s chance at achieving climate goals has never been more dire. Before we vote, we must know that incoming elected officials will not just support transit, biking, and walking, they will fight for it. An affordable, equitable Bay Area with clean air depends on it,” said Amy Thomson, Policy Director at Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition.
“A strong public transportation system is a crucial component in making biking and rolling safe, convenient and welcoming to everyone in San Francisco,” says Rachel Clyde, senior community organizer for the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. “We need leaders who will champion innovative solutions for improving all forms of sustainable transportation in our communities.”
“Public transit massively extends the range of the bicycle. We need robust public transit in order to efficiently traverse the Bay Area with the powerful combination of bike and public transit,” said Bruce Dughi, co-founder of BikeWalk Castro Valley.
About Seamless Bay Area
Seamless Bay Area is a public transportation advocacy group working to transform the Bay Area’s public transit into a world-class, unified, equitable, and widely-used system by building a diverse movement for change and promoting policy reforms. More at seamlessbayarea.org.
Photos: (Left) Antioch Herald, (right & below) Black Diamond Ballet
By Black Diamond Ballet
Black Diamond Ballet welcomes community members to attend its 14th Annual production of the NutcrackerNovember 13–22 at the El Campanil Theatre.
For many families, the Nutcracker at El Campanil Theatre is tradition, a commencement of the winter holiday season. Attending a performance or donating to Black Diamond Ballet supports the dancers and the work required to bring this production to life. Bring your family, invite a friend, and help spread the word about the earlier dates.
Source: Black Diamond Ballet
“We see this as a necessary change prompted by circumstances beyond Black Diamond Ballet’s control,” says Sam Khamseh, Black Diamond Ballet (BDB) Board President. (See related articles here, here and here)
In addition to its annual production schedule, BDB is committed to producing a Sensory-Friendly performance, and school-day shows for students and special-day programs, all of which help make the joy of live ballet accessible to all audiences in our community.
Bessie Scott during her time as Antioch City Manager at the dais in June 2025, speaking at the lawsuit settlement press conference Dec. 2025 and in one of her official photos. Sources: (Left & center) video screenshots (right) City of Antioch
Shares accomplishments
UDPATE: Scott writes, “After Antioch: When You Love the Work, but the Politics Break Your Heart”
By Allen D. Payton
Today, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, the two-year contract for Antioch City Manager Bessie M. Scott ended.
After being hired in August 2024, she began her tenure in October, just a month before that year’s elections when a new mayor and two new council members were elected, forming a new council majority. As a result, Scott was not expected to last in her position for more than six months. Instead, she served 19 months before being placed on paid leave on May 5th. Less than two weeks before that occurred, Scott shared her thoughts on the role and position of city manager saying, “It sounds hard, and it is – but JOY abounds here!”
In response to the end of her contract, Scott issued the following farewell message to Antioch residents, offering a list of accomplishments during her time in the position:
Speaking at the Delta Association of Realtors in May 2025, during the Antioch City Council meeting January 13, 2026, and in Washington D.C. with Police Chief Joe Vigil, City staff and consultant, Brian Addington in May 2025. Sources: (Left & right) City of Antioch (center) video screenshot.
Statement from Bessie Scott
On the Conclusion of My Service as Antioch City Manager
“As my tenure as Antioch City Manager concludes on October 7, 2026, I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve this community. It has been an honor to hold this position and to serve as the first woman City Manager in Antioch’s history.
I entered this role with a commitment to strengthen city operations, support employees, improve public services, strengthen police and community relations, and build a more responsive and accountable government. My tenure included significant challenges—from staffing shortages and financial pressures to organizational and leadership difficulties. Some of those challenges were deeply personal and professionally painful. I acknowledge them honestly while remaining proud of the work we accomplished and the people who made it possible.
In the community at the Senior Center and at the Disney House (center) and with owners, the Vistallis and the Lanters (left) on Dec. 6, 2025. Sources: (Left) Bessie Scott (center) Antioch Herald and (right) Allen D. Payton
“Together with dedicated staff and regional, county and community partners, we advanced meaningful priorities and made great strides. These efforts included securing a $35 million Homekey+ award to address homelessness, obtaining additional emergency homelessness funding, and strengthening housing services through rental assistance, fair housing, and landlord-tenant support. We moved forward with efforts to address illegal dumping, beautify our Amtrak – Gold Runner downtown train stop, improve wayfinding, modernize agenda and records management, update outdated city policies, and address the public records request backlog.
“We also advanced police accountability and community engagement, including filling Police Oversight Commission seats, reinstating Neighborhood Watch, and supporting work to implement the City’s police settlement obligations. Our investment in young people helped send ten students to the State Capitol through Youth and Government, with one student selected to participate in National Advocacy Days in Washington, D.C.
“These accomplishments belong to the employees, residents, and partners who worked alongside me. To City staff: thank you for your expertise, persistence, and care for Antioch. I saw the demands you carried, and the effort you made to keep essential services moving, often under difficult circumstances. Your work matters, and I am grateful for your dedication.
Speaking during the District 4 Community Meeting in April 2025, official photo and at the City Council meeting Oct. 14, 2025. Sources: (Left & center) City of Antioch and (right) video screenshot
“To the Antioch community: thank you for welcoming me, sharing your concerns, challenging us to do better, and contributing your time and ideas. Your advocacy and commitment to your neighborhoods strengthened our work and reminded me why public service matters.
“I leave this role proud of what we advanced and mindful that meaningful work remains. My hope is that Antioch continues to invest in its employees, strengthen public trust, and pursue opportunities that truly and positively improve the lives of all of its residents in a sustainable and equitable manner.
“Thank you for the privilege of serving as your City Manager.”
Bessie Marie Scott, CIG, EMPA
—————-
Source: LinkedIn
UPDATE: Scott Offers Additional Thoughts Entitled, “After Antioch: When You Love the Work, but the Politics Break Your Heart”
In a post on her LinkedIn account on Thursday, Scott offered additional thoughts about the end of her role as Antioch city manager, which District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker shared on her own official Facebook page that same day. Scott wrote, “After Antioch: When You Love the Work, but the Politics Break Your Heart…
“There is a particular kind of heartbreak that comes from losing a job you loved. You grieve the people. The unfinished plans. The problems you understood deeply and still wanted to solve. You think about the promises you made, the relationships you built, and the future you could see taking shape.
“For leaders who enter public service with a strong sense of purpose, the work becomes so very personal. Behind a budget line, we see a family. Behind a staffing decision, we see an employee carrying too much. Behind an operational problem, we see a community waiting for government to work better. That connection makes us committed.
“It also makes the ending hurt.
“Over these last two years, I have had to confront the painful reality that loving the work and being capable of doing it do not guarantee that you will be given the conditions to succeed. Leadership depends on more than individual effort. It requires clear authority, workable relationships, consistent expectations, and enough trust to make difficult decisions. When those conditions erode, and principled leadership is lacking, even meaningful progress can become overshadowed by political conflict. That is a difficult truth for someone like me who believes in working harder.
“My instinct has often been to prepare more, explain more, produce more, and keep showing up. Sometimes those efforts resolve a problem. Sometimes the problem persists because the disagreement concerns who should have influence, whose judgment will be trusted, or what others are willing to support.
“I am learning to hold two truths together: I can examine my decisions honestly, and I can recognize the limits of what I could control.
“I can acknowledge what I would do differently without taking responsibility for every condition around me.
“And I can love the work without allowing its ending to define my worth.
“If you are grieving a role you cared about like I am currently, give yourself permission to name the loss. You do not have to turn it into a lesson immediately.
“Some work matters enough to break your heart.
“Healing begins when you give that heartbreak the same care you once gave the job. Keep going, it will all work out in the end.”
