Legendary Movement Church will close on the purchase of El Campanil Theatre building on Sept 29th. Photos: (Left) Legendary Movement Church. (Right) El Campanil Theatre.
Raised enough funds for down payment
“It’s in escrow. It closes Sept. 29th. That’s the day we get the key. We don’t want to be another church in the city. We want to be a church for the city.” – Pastor Eli Herrera
Willing to work with foundation that operates theater
By Allen D. Payton
A church currently based in Pittsburg, whose lead pastor is an Antioch resident, has raised the needed funds to purchase the historic El Campanil Theatre building in the city’s downtown Rivertown. It’s in escrow and closes Sept. 29th, Lead Pastor Eli Herrara shared on Tuesday.
The fundraising effort has had board members and staff of the foundation that operates the theater, as well as Antioch residents, business owners and council members concerned that it will mean the loss of an arts and cultural center in the community.
However, Herrera said he’s willing to work with the El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation to continue using it for arts and entertainment.
Recent History
El Campanil was listed for sale with an asking price of $1.5 million, but it’s no longer on either Realtor.com or LoopNet.
The 98-year-old theater building, which also houses two retail tenants on W. 2nd Street, was purchased by the non-profit organization, El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation, in 2003, with a grant of $500,000 from Calpine Corporation, an energy company with operations in Antioch and Pittsburg, which then-Mayor and now-Mayor Pro Tem Don Freitas secured. It was improved with $750,000 in City redevelopment funds and an additional $1 million raised under the leadership of then-foundation chairman Rick Carraher. But after running into financial difficulties following COVID, the building was sold a few years ago to an out-of-state buyer who continued to lease it to the foundation to operate as a theater.
Pastor Eli Herrera on stage inside the theater from where he will soon be preaching. Source: Legendary Movement Church video screenshot
New Buyer
Legendary Movement Church, led by Herrera, currently holding services on Sundays at noon inside the Light the Bay Church building at 1210 Stoneman Avenue in Pittsburg.
Posts on the Legendary church’s Instagram and Facebook pages on August 18th read, “ANTIOCH, WE BELIEVE IN YOU. We believe God has given Legendary Movement an opportunity to plant roots right in the heart of the Rivertown District at 602 West 2nd Street, Antioch, California.
“But this is bigger than a building. We see a place that will bless families. A place that will serve those in need. A place that will help the homeless find hope and restoration. A place where children and young people can dream again. A place that will pour life back into our community. A place that will help bring vision, hope, and purpose back to Rivertown. We believe Rivertown can come back to life.
“Right now, we are raising funds for the down payment on what we believe will become the future home of Legendary Movement. Would you consider sowing a seed into this vision? Whether it is $10, $100, $1,000, or whatever God places on your heart, every seed matters. Every gift moves us one step closer. And every person who gives becomes part of what God is building in Antioch.
“We’re not just raising money for a building. We’re sowing into a city. We’re investing in people. We’re believing for Rivertown. We’re believing for Antioch. Let’s see Antioch Rivertown come back to life.”
In addition, a video shows Herrera standing and sitting inside the theater saying he’s an Antioch resident and, “The owner of El Campanil Theatre has been a man who’s so gracious towards us. He’s allowed us time to go ahead and raise the funds necessary for our down payment. Currently what we’re facing is having to raise $306,500.” But Herrera didn’t say by when.
Pastor Shares Plans, Vision
Pastor Herrera speaks during the video from inside the theater.
Asked about the sale, Herrera said, “I think it’s been for sale for about eight months. I began looking at it three weeks ago. We’re in escrow. It closes Sept. 29th. That’s the day we get the key.”
Asked if that’s when the church needs the down payment he responded, “We have it, the twenty percent. That’s been raised really through our ministry, not any donors. The members of our church have been very generous.”
“I heard there were two offers for the building. One was Sean McCauley and another was a ministry from Discovery Bay that serves the unhoused,” he explained. “We came with an offer the seller was looking for and he said, ‘yes.’”
“I’ve seen a lot of the comments and the criticism,” Herrera stated. “I do see the concerns and I hear the concerns. I’m a very good friend of Ron Bernal, before he was mayor. I served at Cornerstone Christian Center for about a year for their school and youth ministry.”
Herrera is also the younger brother of Pastor Ruben Herrera of Palabra de Dios Church in Antioch.
“We know it’s an historic building. But it’s not technically recorded as an historical landmark. We want to make it better. Soma paint and TLC. But changing the style and look of the theater, no,” he shared.
Asked about continuing to allow entertainment and other uses Herrera said, “I already have spoken to a few people who do Christian concerts. That’s part of our vision. We have lots of Christian artists who want to come down, whether it be country, hip-hop. A lot of them have been texting me excited about the opportunity.”
“We want to continue to open it up for graduations. My daughter has performed for Melody’s Dance Studio there. We want to have the recitals,” he added.
Asked about the use of other parts of the building he said, “The offices upstairs, we plan on making those the children’s rooms. I’ve spoken to the barber shop and Ana of Farmer’s Insurance, we are going to continue to lease to them.”
Asked if the church is willing to work with the foundation to rent it for entertainment, such as concerts and other events, Herrera said, “We have a schedule that they would have to work around. I’m not going in there and say, ‘you have to get out.’ As long as it fits around our schedule, I’m willing to.”
“I haven’t been able to have conversations with the foundation,” he continued. “One of the gentlemen there completely refuses to have a conversation with us. Another, I believe is Sharon, who put out a statement and basically said, if we buy it, they are out of business. Now, I can’t control that. The reality is we have a schedule. We have things like rehearsals, youth group, men’s breakfasts, women’s ministries.”
About its impact on the downtown, Herrera shared, “We have a church of 500 people. It’s a full English ministry. They’re talking about foot traffic. We’ll bring foot traffic to Rivertown. I shop local. I eat local at Monica’s, at Guadalajara Taqueria.”
“I’m from Antioch. I love Antioch. So many people from our church are for Antioch. The city is named Antioch after the biblical Antioch. It’s a town that’s dedicated to the Lord,” Herrera exclaimed.
“We don’t want to be another church in the city. We want to be a church for the city,” Herrera stated. “We really have a vision for Rivertown.”
In his video about the theater he said, “Our eyes see what it could become. I believe we will see families gathering, businesses thriving, homeless coming off the streets and that is what we want to do. We don’t want to just be a people in a building we want to be a people that can be outside of the four walls. Legendary Movement Church wants to give back to our community.”
“That’s the vision that we have. That’s our vision for Rivertown,” said Herrera.
“We’re willing to work with anyone in Rivertown, business owners, property owners and the community,” he added.
Pastor Herrera in front of El Camp during the church’s Rivertown Restoration Day on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026. Video screenshot
Residents, Business Owners Opposed – Don’t want Another Church in Antioch or Rivertown
Several residents and business owners have also been complaining in their comments on social media that neither Antioch nor Rivertown need another church. Rivertown is currently home to at least three other churches, one inside another historic former theater building.
The Restored Life Church – Iglesia Vida Restaurada occupies the former Stamm Theater on the corner of G and W. 10th Streets on the southern edge of what is considered the City’s Rivertown District. Although, technically, it only includes the area north of W. 6th Street. In 1996, when the church bought that historic theater, twenty years younger than El Campanil, some of the alfresco-style murals that lined the walls inside the building, depicting Portuguese fishing men and women, were painted over. It was named for the Stamm family, who were also partners of El Campanil with the Beede family. (That’s the same family whose member, Henry Beede owned the Antioch Lumber Company, building and the empty lot across W. 2nd Street, known as The Yard, where the Rivertown Square is proposed).
Another church, RR Ministries – Ministerios Rey de Reyes (meaning King of Kings), which had 40 laptops stolen from their RR Transitional Housing Learning Center during a June break-in, is located in one of the store fronts on W. 2nd Street between F and G Streets.
A second church, The Ship, holds services inside the Quonset hut-style building at 611 W. 3rd Street, across from the City Hall parking lot, where LaFontana Office Products was once located.
Another building, that originally housed a bank, then most recently occupied by The Worship Center church and is listed for sale at $1.295 million is located at 315 G Street on the corner of W. 4th Street.
In response to the concerns, El Campanil Theatre is hosting a community meeting entitled, “Save Our Stage: A Community Conversation” tonight at 7:00 p.m. Herrera said he does not plan to attend. (See related article)
Federal Law Protects Houses of Worship in Land Use Zoning & Regulation
Some residents were wanting the City government to step in and somehow stop the sale. However, according to the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, “The land use provisions of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA)…protect individuals, houses of worship, and other religious institutions from discrimination in zoning and landmarking laws. RLUIPA prohibits zoning and landmarking laws that substantially burden the religious exercise of churches or other religious assemblies or institutions absent the least restrictive means of furthering a compelling governmental interest.”
The law reads, “No government shall impose or implement a land use regulation in a manner that imposes a substantial burden on the religious exercise of a person, including a religious assembly or institution, unless the government demonstrates that imposition of the burden on that person, assembly, or institution (A) is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest; and (B) is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.”
(1) treat churches or other religious assemblies or institutions on less than equal terms with nonreligious assemblies or institutions; (2) discriminate against any assemblies or institutions on the basis of religion or religious denomination;
(3) totally exclude religious assemblies from a jurisdiction; or
(4) unreasonably limit religious assemblies, institutions, or structures within a jurisdiction.”
The U.S.D.O.J. Civil Rights Division explains further, “RLUIPA provides a number of important protections for the religious freedom of persons, places of worship, religious schools, and other religious assemblies and institutions, including:
Protection against substantial burdens on religious exercise:
RLUIPA prohibits the implementation of any land use regulation that imposes a “substantial burden” on the religious exercise of a person or religious assembly or institution except where justified by a “compelling governmental interest” that the government pursues in the least restrictive way possible. 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc(a);
Protection against unequal treatment for religious assemblies and institutions:
RLUIPA provides that religious assemblies and institutions must be treated at least as well as nonreligious assemblies and institutions. 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc(b)(1);
Protection against religious or denominational discrimination:
RLUIPA prohibits discrimination “against any assembly or institution on the basis of religion or religious denomination.” 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc(b)(2);
Protection against total exclusion of religious assemblies:
RLUIPA provides that governments must not totally exclude religious assemblies from a jurisdiction. 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc(b)(3)(A); or
Protection against unreasonable limitation of religious assemblies:
RLUIPA states that governments must not unreasonably limit “religious assemblies, institutions, or structures within a jurisdiction.”
In addition, according to Church Law Center, RLUIPA “contains protections for a full range of religious assemblies, from churches, religious schools, cemeteries, and faith-based social services provided by religious organizations to individuals holding prayer meetings in their homes. Furthermore ‘religious exercise’ refers to any exercise of religion, whether or not it is central to a system of religious belief. As a result, religious exercise includes actual worship services and may include other religious activities, such as Bible study groups, prayers meetings, and Sunday school classes.”
Aerial video screenshot of El Campanil Theatre. Source: Legendary Movement Church
Councilmembers Have Been Waiting to Learn if City Can Use Developer Fees to Purchase Theater Building
Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, in whose District 1 El Campanil Theatre is located and is up for re-election, on Monday, Aug. 24 posted a video on her official Facebook page, claiming she and Freitas started having conversations last year about cultural centers in her district. She also said they have “spent months trying to find out what’s going on with the El Campanil Theatre and how could the City step in.”
Torres-Walker then says they had conversations with City Manager Bessie Scott, the consultant, David Storer who later became the Acting Community and Economic Development Director, and Parks and Recreation Director Shahad Wright asking, “is this something we can take on?” She then claims, “we found out the City…has been sitting on millions of development impact fees…and haven’t been used or have been underutilized and we have to spend those dollars.”
“We were informed that those…fees might also be able to be spent on community spaces,” Torres-Walker stated. They asked staff, “could these…fees be used so the City of Antioch could save the El Campanil Theatre?”
“We began to have meetings with the El Campanil Theatre and we were actually trying to create a plan to see how can the City step in,” the councilwoman continued. “Those conversations have wained, and we’re still waiting for legal advice to see if these millions of dollars of impact fees can be used to buy the El Campanil Theatre.”
State Law on Development Impact Fees & Questions for City Staff
According to the California Department of Housing and Community Development, “Local governments levy development impact fees to help fund the expansion of public facilities and infrastructure needed to support new housing development. These revenues support the construction of critical facilities, such as parks, public safety facilities, other civic and community facilities, and transportation infrastructure.” Development impact fees can also be levied on commercial development, such as the regional road fee in East County which helped pay for the Highway 4 (Bypass) extension between Antioch and Balfour Road in Brentwood. But the CDHCD’s website does not offer legal limitations under the definition of “other civic and community facilities.”
Furthermore, state law requires a direct benefit to the development that pays the impact fees, which is referred to as nexus. The CDHCD explains, “Nexus studies are meant to quantify the impact of new development on public facilities and determine the cost of this impact, establishing the maximum fee amount that can be charged on the construction of new homes. They also provide the supporting documentation and justification that is used to establish the legal authority for jurisdictions to charge these fees.”
According to a report by the Kassouni Law firm, there’s a “Two-Part Nexus Test. Under Government Code section 66001, a local agency imposing an impact fee must make two findings. First, the fee must have a reasonable relationship to the burden the development places on public facilities. Second, there must be a reasonable relationship between the fee amount and the cost of the facility attributable to the development.”
Questions were sent to City Attorney Lori Asuncion and current Acting Community and Economic Development Director Kevin Scudero asking if the development impact fees can be used by the City to purchase the El Campanil Theatre building; how much in impact fees collected does the City currently have; why are they sitting there; for what were they collected; what nexus was determined in the study; and if the City can change the use of the funds after the fact. No responses were received prior to publication time. But the matter is moot at this point.
A volunteer from Legendary Movement Church pressure washing the sidewalks in downtown during the Rivertown Restoration Day, Aug. 29, 2026. Video screenshot source: LMC
Legendary Movement Church Holds Rivertown Restoration Day
In a demonstration of their commitment to Rivertown, last Saturday, August 29th from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the church held a Rivertown Restoration Day, described as, “A day of putting our faith into action as we serve through: Community Clean-Up, Sidewalk Washing, Feeding Those in Need, and Prayer & Outreach.”
The message in their social media posts read, “We’re going to BE ABOUT IT Antioch. So, we’re calling EVERYBODY who truly loves this city to show up for RIVERTOWN RESTORATION DAY.
“We’re hitting the streets of Rivertown to clean, serve, restore, love on people, and remind our city that Antioch’s best days are still ahead. If you really love Antioch, I’ll see you there. Don’t just talk about change. SHOW UP and be part of it. LET’S RESTORE RIVERTOWN.” (See video of the day’s event and activities)
Older Brother, Also an Antioch Pastor Supports Effort
Asked about his brother and ministry, Pastor Ruben Herrera said, “They came out of us. They are under our church covering.”
“I actually toured the theater and considered buying it as an investment,” he shared.
“Downtown needs some life,” Ruben continued. “I believe the church will help that and be a blessing for the Rivertown area. We need people like Legendary who are not just holding their services there but building downtown.”
“Rivertown will be a better area with Legendary there,” he stated. “The business owners will see. It will grow, people will shop, people will dine.”
“They will work hand-in-hand with the City to make Rivertown a better place,” Ruben added.
He and his ministry, which Ruben says is the largest Latino church in Antioch, have their own project on Somersville Road in the same shopping center as the Bank of America and BMO branches. More about that is expected to be announced later this month.
About the Church
According to the church’s website, “Legendary Movement, as we know it, was always in God’s divine plan. But before we saw a spirit filled church, our eyes saw only a spirit filled youth group. About 25 youth gathered week after week in the back of an old church building. There was a limit on space and resources, but no limit on faith and passion. After a beautiful encounter on a mountain, God spoke the name ‘Legendary’ into existence and so we adopted the name ‘Legendary Youth’ in 2018.
“Our vision became more clear as the palpable presence of God became contagious to everyone who was present. Soon, what had been a Friday night youth group became a movement. Lives were being changed, families transformed, prodigals were coming back home. No longer could our services be restricted to only youth when it was evident that God wanted to do something greater than what we could comprehend. And so, in 2020 we changed our name to ‘Legendary Movement’, as this wave of the spirit was to exclude no one from experiencing God’s fullness.
“Our Friday night services continued to grow but still the Lord wasn’t done, the movement was just getting started. The manifest presence of God was evident but the desire to see and experience more was on the rise. God began to pour out knowledge and strategy, as the remnant interceded for confirmation and clarity. Upon God’s divine will and in his perfect time, we then launched Legendary Movement. Legendary Movement opened its doors Sunday, February 26, 2023. The grace of God has allowed this movement to continue to develop, as we expand into new territories and remain attentive to God’s direction.
“This legendary move is one that testifies to the faithfulness of Jesus Christ and his love for the Church!”
Now, the church will have a new home inside the historic, El Campanil Theatre building in Antioch.
Will receive findings of Community Outreach, Land Use Introduction
Top Quality of Life issue: Jobs
By Allen D. Payton
The second meeting of the General Plan Advisory Committee will be held on Tuesday, September 1st at 6:00 PM. It’s part of the process to update the City’s General Plan, the long-term policy document that guides the community’s growth and development, addressing physical, economic, social and environmental changes for years to come. (See related articles here and here)
There are two items on the agenda.
Under item 5.1, Beth Thompson and Elise Laws of the De Novo Planning Group, the City’s consultants for the General Plan Update, will present the Community Outreach Findings which includes the Visioning Outreach Summary from the Community Visioning Workshops, Online Visioning Survey and Pop-up Events.
Source: City of Antioch
According to the staff report, the update process is currently in Phase One, Visioning. Across all Phase One activities, the City received 100 online survey responses, hosted two community workshops attended by approximately 80 participants, and held ten pop-up events.
In the findings, under Quality of Life Issues in response to the question, “What would you like to see more of in Antioch?” the top responses in order are Jobs, Public gathering places and community spaces and Restaurants.
Source: City of Antioch
Under item 5.2, the committee members will be provided with a Land Use Introduction by Thompson and Laws. As part of the General Plan Update process, the City will revise the General Plan Land Use Map.
The meeting will be held in the Antioch City Council Chambers at City Hall located at 200 H Street in historic, downtown Rivertown.
The agenda and meeting materials can be found here.
Source: City of Antioch
The updated General Plan is expected to be adopted by the city council in August 2027. To stay up to date on the General Plan Update process you can visit the project website at: https://antioch.generalplan.org/
Approves expansion of contract with DOJ monitoring consultant for police department
By Allen D. Payton
During their Special Meeting on Monday, August 31, 2026, the Antioch City Council, with District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha absent, voted to reestablish the Economic Development Department and hire its director, and expand the contract with the monitoring consultant for the police department required by the settlement agreement with U.S. Department of Justice. But they took no action during Closed Session.
The economic development department and director, with the option to combine it with the assistant city manager position will return to the Council during their regular meeting on Sept. 22nd.
Before they discussed those items, following their 5:30 p.m. Closed Session, City Attorney Lori Asuncion said there was nothing to report out on either item, regarding the lawsuit by the natural gas pipeline company nor the potential whistleblower lawsuit from either a current or former City employee.
Approve Expansion of Contract for DOJ Required Consultant Monitoring Antioch Police Department
After discussing then postponing the matter during their Aug. 25th meeting, under Item 1 on the Special Meeting agenda, the Council voted 4-0 to approve the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with MS Investigative Services and Consulting, LLC, to expand the scope of services to include Independent Monitoring services required under the Allen Settlement Agreement signed March 27, 2026, authorized an additional annual compensation amount of $150,000 for monitoring services and the associated Fiscal Year 2026/27 General Fund budget amendment.
It increases the contract to a total of $400,000 per year. (See related article for more details)
City of Antioch organization chart would again look like this from 2024 with the reestablished Economic Development Department and if the Assistant City Manager position is filled and combined with the director’s position.
Agree to Reestablish Economic Development Department, Hire Director
Under Item 2 on the Special Meeting agenda the Council discussed reestablishing the City’s Economic Development Department and hiring a Director again and all four agreed.
Public Comments
During Public Comments on the agenda item, former Councilwoman and current candidate Joy Motts spoke first urging the council to support both forming the department, again and hiring a director.
Another council candidate, Sandra White said she “fully supported” both and wanted the Council to form an independent panel consisting of residents to conduct the recruitment process.
“It should be a priority with its own leadership and its own strategy,” another resident said. She also said the department “should work hand in hand with
Ron Mohammed said he agreed “with all the other shareholders, here, moving forward with economic development. The accountability and responsibility has to separate the two.”
“There are too many churches. That’s not an anchor tenant,” he continued. “That can’t be our economic engine and marijuana is oversaturated and overpopulated.
“We need an anchor tenant and churches can’t do it. That’s nothing against the faith-based. They don’t pay taxes,” Mohammed added.
A third council candidate, Andrew Becker, also spoke on the item, via Zoom, saying, “I think that we’ve all been talking about this for a long time. I think the bigger question is are we putting the cart before the horse. We have no direction where our city manager is going to be. There’s no plan for that. Will that city manager support the department and staff?”
“Why are you not looking at the tools that every other city has…for long-term economic development?” he also asked.
“Your previous economic development director brought you a plan that just sits there. You paid hundreds of thousands of dollars, and it just sits there. What is the leadership plan?” Becker asked as he concluded.
Carla Baker Marymee was the final resident to speak on the matter saying, “The person you’re going to hire to lead this, you’re going to be paying that person a lot of money.” She mentioned paying them by establishing goals “and seeing some actual results.”
“It isn’t just a marketing job. It’s a sales job,” Marymee continued. “Because you have to think about Antioch’s reputation right now. You’re going to need someone with a lot of influence to…sell the City.”
Council Discussion
Mayor Pro Tem and District 3 Councilman Don Freitas spoke first said, “Obviously for the past 20 months, the City Council said ED is the most important priority. Part of our ED is sustaining the businesses we already have.
“Some of us have talked about establishing a priority. I think it’s something to look at, to have an assistant city manager whose primary responsibility is economic development.
“I think we need a salary that will attract the right individual. Either he or she is someone who can really move us forward.”
Freitas then spoke of also re-establishing the Economic Development Commission.
“I think that having Economic Development be part of the City Manager’s staff…playing both roles, giving them the power to interact with all City departments…and beyond that with the Antioch School District and local colleges, Los Medanos being one of them…creating internships. I do think this is critical.”
He then asked about “our executive salary range. Is it high enough to attract the right individual?”
Freitas said, “this should be the number one priority of our community. Going back to the 1960’s we’ve probably spent hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars.”
“Look at the previous Economic Development Strategy…working with the community, identify the top three priorities…to immediately focus on,” Freitas suggested.
“It’s been dead for more than six to eight years in the City of Antioch. I think this needs to be a priority,” he added.
District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson then said, “Our Economic Development Department in the past has had no budget or a minimal budget. If we want to do this and for them to be successful, we need to give them a budget. I definitely agree with Mayor Pro Tem Freitas.”
“I’m in agreement with reestablishing…
District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker spoke next saying, “This is something this Council has been hearing not just for 18 months but for 18 years.” She spoke of the vacancy in the position of the department director from 2008 to 2018 and the last director, Kwame Reed. “There were two people and no budget,” she reiterated.
“We have not had an Economic development director since Kwame Reed left, what for 18 months?” Torres-Walker continued. She then mentioned the combining with the Community Development Department by City Manager Bessie Scott, “which “Freitas greatly protested as you can imagine.”
“Why? Because the salary wasn’t competitive enough,” she stated.
“I agree with the separation. If we really want to get serious, there are other issues in this city besides a salary range,” Torres-Walker continued. “Small businesses have held up the City of Antioch, especially in District 1.” She then mentioned the need to “recapture our sales tax leakage. It’s not that people aren’t spending money. They’re just not spending it in Antioch.”
Mayor Ron Bernal said, “Our last City Council budget meeting was rather sobering. Our sales tax revenue is down…trending in the wrong direction.”
“Expecting one person to do both those functions is not really going to happen,” he continued. He then also mentioned, “The salary for this position needs to be increased to…something similar to the current Community and Economic Development Director of $14,800 to $18,000.”
“One person cannot be responsible for the future of the economy of Antioch,” Bernal stated. “It’s going to have to be somebody who’s a hunter…out there with people. To put us in the best position possible as a city.”
He suggested creating just two positions for the new department to stay within this year’s adopted budget and “to budget for marketing and everything needed for the department…and start the recruitment as soon as possible to have it ready by the first of the new year.”
Freitas then reiterated his proposal of a combined position with the Assistant City Manager position (which is currently vacant), “with 80% focused on economic development” and “putting this in the City Manager’s office.”
He also supported an increase in the salary then reiterated forming “the Economic Development Commission after a director is hired.”
“We need to be realistic and provide a budget for this office and give them the discretion to spend money,” Freitas stated. “Waiting here in City Hall for people to walk in is not going to cut it.”
“I’m tired of talking. It’s time for action,” the Mayor Pro Tem stated and suggested bringing it back to a regular council meeting in September.
“Could this come back with both?” Torres-Walker asked.
“I could be prepared to bring back a staff report with both options,” Acting City Manager Ana Cortez responded.
That will be brought back to the next meeting on Sept. 22nd, along with the salary, and hiring a search firm.
“Job descriptions for the two positions the mayor described will also be coming back?” Wilson asked.
“We might want to update the job description, as well, to advertise for the recruitment,” Cortez responded.
In response to the possibility of a church purchasing the historic El Campanil Theatre in Antioch’s downtown Rivertown, the theater’s board of directors and staff are holding a Community Conversation entitled “Save Our State” Tuesday night, Sept. 1, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
This year, the 98-year-old theater building was for sale with an asking price of $1.5 million and a local church was raising $300,000 for a 20% deposit. It’s currently not listed on either Realtor.com or LoopNet.
The theater building, which also houses two retail tenants on W. 2nd Street, was purchased by the non-profit organization, El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation, in 2003, with a grant of $500,000 from Calpine energy, which then-Mayor and now-Mayor Pro Tem Don Freitas secured. It was improved with $750,000 in City redevelopment funds and an additional $1 million raised under the leadership of then-foundation chairman Rick Carraher. But after running into financial difficulties following COVID, the building was sold a few years ago to an out-of-state buyer.
A post on the theaters’ Facebook page over the weekend reads: “El Campanil Theatre belongs in the heart of this community and we know many of you have questions about what comes next.
“We invite our patrons, supporters, artists, renters, business owners, and neighbors to join us for a short community gathering at the theatre.
“Come: • Hear an update and ask questions
• Share your El Campanil memories and stories
• Learn how you can support the theatre moving forward
• Connect with others who believe in keeping the arts alive in Antioch
“This is a time to come together, get informed, and talk about what the future of this historic stage could look like.
The BAART Programs Antioch facility is located on Sunset Lane. Photo: addictions.com
Community celebration September 23rd
By Jaden Baird, PIO, City of Antioch
ANTIOCH, CA — The City of Antioch and BAART Programs Antioch have launched a new partnership aimed at expanding access to opioid treatment and recovery services while addressing community concerns related to safety and quality-of-life conditions surrounding the Bay Area Addiction Recovery Treatment (BAART) Programs Antioch facility on Sunset Lane.
According to MethadoneCenters.com, “BAART Programs Antioch is…considered one of the most reliable methadone clinics in California. What is special about this clinic is that it offers evidence-based approaches, backed by medication-assisted treatment services when it comes to battling opioid disorders. The staff at this clinic believes that supporting patients is of utmost importance because they need as many helpful resources around them as possible in order for a successful recovery process to occur, not only of their family and friends, but also doctors, nurses and psychologists. The main medication is methadone which is given orally. Methadone relieves patients of pain and speeds up their recovery. The goal is to help patients achieve a full recovery so they can continue their everyday lives.”
Supported by opioid settlement funds, the partnership will expand weekend treatment access and provide patient navigation and financial assistance for uninsured and underinsured Antioch residents. The partnership will also strengthen referrals from the City’s Angelo Quinto Community Response Team (AQCRT) and provide additional security during expanded service hours.
The coordinated effort is designed to connect more residents with treatment and recovery resources while promoting a safer and better-supported environment for patients, neighboring businesses and the surrounding community.
“Our community has raised concerns, and we have listened,” said Alicia Espinoza, Public Safety Manager for the City of Antioch’s Community Services Department. “This partnership is about moving from concerns to solutions — connecting people to treatment while strengthening safety, accountability and quality of life for the surrounding community.”
History & Challenges
Before the BAART Programs Antioch facility opened in the late 1990’s, the Antioch City Council worked to find the organization another location in the city that wasn’t adjacent to a residential neighborhood. The City spent approximately $850,000 in a legal battle but lost because the location is zoned for medical uses.
Since then, there have been challenges including shoplifting in the nearby shopping center where Raley’s was located believed to be associated with the facility’s clientele.
“BAART Programs is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care while being a responsible community partner,” said Tracy Hern, Treatment Center Director for BAART Programs Antioch. “We appreciate the City of Antioch’s collaboration and shared commitment to increasing access to treatment, supporting recovery and creating positive outcomes for residents.”
The partnership builds upon operational improvements and community engagement efforts undertaken by BAART Programs Antioch over the past year under new local leadership. The agreement establishes expanded services along with performance and reporting expectations to help ensure accountability and measure progress.
Community Partnership Celebration
The City of Antioch and BAART Programs will commemorate the partnership with a community event:
The event will bring together City leadership, BAART Programs, Public Safety and Community Resources/AQCRT representatives, neighboring businesses, community partners and residents. The program will include brief remarks, refreshments, community resources and a ceremonial recognition of the partnership.
About BAART Programs
BAART Programs provides evidence-based treatment and recovery support services for individuals with opioid use disorder. Through medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and care coordination, BAART helps individuals achieve lasting recovery while promoting healthier communities. BAART Programs is part of BayMark Health Services, a national leader in addiction treatment and recovery services.
Finalize agreement to expand DOJ-required monitoring consultant’s contract
Consider potential whistleblower lawsuit
By Allen D. Payton
During a special meeting Monday, August 31, 2026, the Antioch City Council will consider hiring an Economic Development Director and forming a separate Economic Development Department, again. They will also finalize the discussion and vote on expanding the contract with the monitoring consultant required by the settlement agreements with the U.S. Department of Justice, City of Antioch and police department. That will follow a Closed Session to discuss the lawsuit by the natural gas pipeline company and a potential lawsuit by a City employee whistleblower.
Economic Development Director & Department Redo
Under Item 2. on the Special Meeting agenda, the Council will consider once again forming an Economic Development Department and hiring a director for it, following its merger with the Community Development Department by City Manager Bessie Scott, last year.
It also follows the current vacancy in the position of Director of the Community and Economic Development Department since March 3, 2026, when Zach Seal was no longer in the position after being hired less than six months earlier. (See related article)
According to the City staff report, the Council “has identified economic development as an important policy priority, including business attraction and retention, investment recruitment, development incentives, redevelopment, workforce partnerships and strategies to strengthen the City’s economic base. At the August 25th budget study session, City Council expressed the desire to explore separating Economic Development from Community Development and re-establishing a separate department with its own Director to have a focused strategy…at a time when economic development and revenue generation are most vital to the City.”
The staff report continues, “the Fiscal Year 2026/27 Economic Development division in the Community and Economic Development Department includes $436,759 in personnel budget for three positions: Senior Economic Development Program Manager, Economic Development Program Manager and Economic Development Specialist. Projected vacancy savings were built into the 2026/27 budget figure assuming it would take several months to fill the positions. There could be a budget impact should City Council decide to add back the Director position.”
The recommended organizational structure of the department would include an Economic Development Director, Senior Economic Development Coordinator and Specialist, eliminating the position and cost for the Economic Development Program Manager.
The staff report also shared, the current salary range for the Antioch Economic Development Director is $13,021-$15,828 per month, which is on the low end of a salary comparison with surrounding cities that’s included. “If a new salary range were established beyond that, it should fall within Antioch’s existing range of executive leadership salaries. If City Council would desire to increase the existing established salary range for the department’s Director, it is recommended to be at a range of $14,185-$17,242, slightly above Brentwood and within the City’s existing structure. The 2026/27 estimated annual salary and benefit cost of the position at this range at Step E would be $393,027.”
Monitoring Consultant Contract
After discussing then postponing the matter during their Aug. 25th meeting, under Item 1 on the Special Meeting agenda, the Council will again consider approving the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with MS Investigative Services and Consulting, LLC, to expand the scope of services to include Independent Monitoring services required under the Allen Settlement Agreement (ASA); and authorizing an additional annual compensation amount of $150,000 for ASA monitoring services and associated Fiscal Year 2026/27 General Fund budget amendment.
According the company’s website, the Principal, Manjit Sappal “served in three California police departments, culminating in his tenure as Chief of Police for the City of Martinez…he also served twice as Interim City Manager…oversaw all municipal departments and guided the City through strategic budget initiatives, ballot measures, and community safety priorities.”
He earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration, a CA Private Investigator License, he’s a Certified Protection Professional, a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 241 and the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute and has received DEA Federal Law Enforcement Analysis Training and CA Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Executive, Management, Supervisory, Advance, Intermediate and Basic.
According to the City staff report, “The existing Professional Services Agreement…provides compensation of up to $250,000 annually for consulting and monitoring services required under the USDOJ Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The proposed First Amendment increases compensation by $150,000 annually to compensate the Consultant for the expanded monitoring responsibilities required under the Allen Settlement Agreement. The additional compensation will be paid hourly at the rate of $210 not to exceed $150,000.”
If the First Amendment is approved, total annual compensation for monitoring services under both agreements will not exceed $400,000 annually. Amending the contract requires a Fiscal Year 2026/27 General Fund budget amendment of $150,000 which will increase the projected deficit of $4,567,879 by $150,000. Funding for future years will be included in draft budgets brought forth for consideration.
Background
According to the City staff report, in April 2023, the USDOJ initiated an investigation into the Antioch Police Department following the public disclosure of text messages exchanged by Antioch police officers containing racist, sexist and discriminatory language. As a result, in Jan. 2025, the City of Antioch, Antioch Police Department and the USDOJ entered into the MOA, requiring implementation of reforms related to constitutional policing, accountability systems, data collection, complaint investigations, community engagement, hiring practices, supervision and oversight.
A key component of the MOA required the City and the USDOJ to jointly select an Independent Consultant to provide technical assistance, compliance monitoring and implementation oversight. Following a competitive and joint evaluation process with USDOJ representatives, MS Investigative Services and Consulting, LLC was selected as the Independent Consultant.
Then, on March 27, 2026, the City entered into the Settlement Agreement in Allen et al. v. City of Antioch, et al, a class action civil rights lawsuit. The Settlement Agreement incorporates many of the same constitutional policing reforms and accountability measures already required under the DOJ MOA and expressly requires that the existing DOJ Monitor also serve as the Monitor under the ASA.
The monitoring consultant submitted the Antioch Police Department’s First Compliance Report in April this year, pursuant to the MOA signed January 2, 2025. The report assesses the Department’s compliance with the MOA for the reporting from that date through March 31, 2026.
That followed the police department’s Self-Assessment Report 1 issued by Chief Joe Vigil on October 15, 2025.
Closed Session
During their Closed Session meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m., under Item 1. the Council will hold a Conference with Legal Counsel on existing litigation by the California Resources Pipeline Corporation (CPRC) v. City of Antioch, Contra Costa Superior Court Case No. MSN21-2354. The lawsuit continues following the Antioch City Council’s 4-0 vote during their meeting on July 28, 2026, to deny the company’s Encroachment Permit Appeal. CPRC is the owner of the low-pressure, natural gas pipeline that runs under the city and has been shut off since 2021. (See related articles here, here and here)
Under Item 2., the Council will hear about and discuss “Significant exposure to one case of litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(2). The staff report reads, “The City is in receipt of information concerning facts and circumstances that might result in litigation against the City which are known to a potential plaintiff or plaintiffs pertaining to possible Labor Code Section 1102.5, and Fair Employment and Housing Act violations.” According to Employment Law Aid, “California Labor Code § 1102.5 protects whistleblowers who report violations.”
Meeting Details
Before entering Closed Session and during their Regular Meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m., the Council will meet in the Council Chambers at 200 H Street, and both can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website, on the City’s YouTube channel or on Comcast cable TV channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99.
By Lt. Gary Lowther #4032, Antioch Police Field Services Division
On Saturday, August 29, 2026, shortly after 3:30 p.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to the 5100 block of Arroyo Way for a reported traffic collision involving a vehicle that struck two parked vehicles.
Officers arrived and located the driver and sole occupant, a 66-year-old man, unconscious inside the vehicle. Officers immediately began providing medical aid until Contra Costa County Fire Protection District personnel arrived. The driver was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.
Antioch Police Department Traffic Unit investigators responded to the scene and are investigating the collision. The identity of the man is being withheld pending notification of his next of kin.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441, Traffic Collision Investigator Officer Rollins at (925) 779-6900, ext. 87145, or by email at prollins@antiochca.gov.
This information was provided by the Antioch Police Department Traffic Unit. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Antioch Superintendent Dr. Darnise Williams is on paid administrative leave, and Jose Banda has been appointed Interim Superintendent in her place. Photos: AUSD (left) and LinkedIn (right)
Following four meetings on her performance evaluation
Interim Superintendent appointed, starts Monday
By Allen D. Payton
During another special meeting of the Antioch School Board on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, on a split vote, the trustees placed Superintendent Dr. Darnise R. Williams on paid administrative leave after less than 14 months in the job. Following a Closed Session during the fourth meeting at which they conducted the superintendent’s public employee performance evaluation, Board President Dr. Jag Lathan reported, “The Board took action in Closed Session by a vote of four yays and one no to place Superintendent Williams on administrative leave effective…August 25th, 2026 until further notice.” Lathan was the only trustee to vote against the action. Williams will continue to be paid during her leave.
Tuesday night’s meeting agenda included three items of discussion: A. Public Employee Evaluation – Superintendent; B. Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release; and C. Public Employee Appointment – Acting and/or Interim Superintendent, all under Gov. Code § 54957, which allows local agency legislative bodies to hold closed sessions for employee matters.
Lathan also reported, “The Board took action in Closed Session by a vote of three yays and two no’s, to finalize Superintendent Williams’ evaluation. Trustee Brown, Cobos-Smith and Trustee Rocha voted yes, Trustees Hernandez and Lathan voted no.”
Finally, the Board also, “took action in Closed Session by a unanimous vote…to appoint Ed Dacus as Acting Superintendent effective August 26th through August 30th, 20206 and Jose Banda as Interim Superintendent effective August 31st, 20206 through and until his services are no longer needed,” Lathan stated. His contract will be discussed at the next regular board meeting which is scheduled for Sept. 9. (See 2:12:25 mark of meeting video)
AUSD Board President Dr. Lathan reports out from Closed Session during the meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026. Video screenshot
Williams was hired during the June 11, 2025 School Board meeting on a 3-1 vote with Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha the lone dissenter and Area 4 Trustee Olga Cobos-Smith absent. This is Williams’ fourth position in five years, and she was paid $357,234 this past school year. (See related article)
The Board conducted the performance evaluation of Williams during three previous meetings. At their Special Meeting on May 27, which was not live-streamed, the report out reads, “There was no reportable action taken during closed session.” Then during the August 5 Special Board Meeting, which was also not live-streamed, the report out of Closed Session reads,“The Board took action by unanimous vote of all trustees present to assign Trustee Cobos-Smith with the duty of compiling the Board’s evaluation of the superintendent consistent with Board Policy 2140.”
Then during their Regular Meeting on August 19th, the Board again conducted the performance evaluation of the superintendent. But Lathan did not report out from Closed Session any action on the matter.
Public Comments
Before the board entered Closed Session this past Tuesday night, only one person spoke during public comments, Dr. Kimberly Payton (no relation to this reporter) of the East County NAACP said, “Put children first. Put equity first. Put their future first.”
“For far too long students in this district have suffered educational setbacks and unacceptable levels of progress,” she stated. “Now, at a critical moment, we finally have a superintendent who appears to be committed to recognizing the true value of education and to be delivering quality, equitable and inclusive educational opportunities for every child and now, she may be terminated. We must ask ourselves, why would we turn away from progress when children need it most.”
“The East County NAACP is asking you to make a choice and take a chance,” she continued. “Choose children over politics. Choose equity over excuses. Choose inclusion over exclusion. Choose progress over continued failure. Our students deserve an education that prepares them to succeed not a system that accepts persistent gaps from the normal.”
“We cannot ask another generation of African American students to wait. We cannot tell families to wait while their children fall further behind,” said Payton. “Today, I urge you to…give the students of this district opportunity, support, resources and leadership that they need to succeed. Their future cannot wait.”
“Stand with our children. Stand for equity. Stand for educational excellence, and do not support the continued failure and non-progress of African American students,” she concluded.
The Board then adjourned to Closed Session and returned an hour and 40 minutes later with their decision.
About Interim Superintendent Banda
On Wednesday, the District issued the following statement from the Board about Banda’s appointment (but did not provide it to local media):
“The Board of Trustees of the Antioch Unified School District acted by a unanimous vote of 5-0 on August 25, 2026, to appoint Jose Banda, a qualified administrator and retired superintendent, to serve as Interim Superintendent. This appointment followed the Board’s prior action by a vote of 4-1 to place Superintendent Darnise Williams on a leave of absence, effective August 25, 2026, until further notice. Mr. Banda will commence his service as Interim Superintendent on August 31, 2026. Until then, Director of Educational Services Ed Dacus will serve as Acting Superintendent.”
According to his Linkedin profile, Banda is the former Superintendent of the Sacramento City Unified School District and earned a B.A. in Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies from has Cal State University Sacramento and a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership and Administration, General from Chapman University.
Suing District, Threatens to Sue Two Trustees
Rocha claims Williams is suing the district and threatened to sue her and Area 2 Trustee Dee Brown for $5 million, but would not share the details of the potential lawsuit. Rocha only said, “I was expecting the papers. But she hasn’t yet. She might now.”
Efforts to reach Brown were unsuccessful prior to publication time.
When reached for comment Cobos-Smith responded, “This is a confidential personnel matter, and I have no further comment. Mr. Banda is an experienced and retired superintendent qualified to lead the District during Dr. Williams’ leave of absence. I have no further comment.”
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
