New Antioch Police Chief Joe Vigil and Assistant City Manager. Source: City of Antioch
Says appointment of Joe Vigil, Brad Helfenberger “marks fresh start” for City
By Jaden Baird, PIO, City of Antioch
ANTIOCH, CA – The City of Antioch is ushering in a new era with two pivotal leadership appointments that signal a strong and deliberate step toward stability, accountability, and progress. City Manager Bessie M. Scott announced on Thursday, April 17, 2025, that after a nationwide search, Interim Chief Joe Vigil will be sworn in as the city’s new Chief of Police, while Interim Assistant City Manager Brad Helfenberger will also assume his role on a permanent basis.
“These appointments mark a significant step forward in strengthening leadership in our city,” said City Manager Bessie M. Scott. “Chief Vigil and Brad Helfenberger both understand the unique challenges facing Antioch. They have each demonstrated vision, the ability to inspire, and a deep passion for making Antioch a great place to live and work.”
Asked when Vigil will take his oath of office she said, “We haven’t decided, yet.”
This moment also sets the framework for a new future for the Antioch Police Department, one rooted in constitutional policing, transparency, and reform. With Chief Vigil at the helm and in continued collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice, the City affirms its commitment to meaningful change.
“This will not be the same police department,” Scott said. “We have turned a corner. This leadership solidifies our direction and our resolve,” Scott said. “Chief Vigil is the right leader to push this department forward. Together, we are committed to ensuring a culture of accountability, transparency, and the principles of constitutional policing. This is a defining moment for Antioch.”
Brad Helfenberger brings over 25 years of municipal government experience and originally joined the City of Antioch as Parks and Recreation Director in February 2021. He has twice served as Interim Assistant City Manager and holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation from San Jose State University.
Chief Vigil most recently oversaw the Support Services Bureau and previously served as Acting Police Chief on two occasions. He brings 25 years of experience in law enforcement, having served in the Sacramento, Richmond, and Antioch Police Departments. He holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from California State University, Long Beach.
These appointments are the result of a thoughtful and inclusive recruitment process conducted with the support of executive search firm Bob Hall and Associates. The process included community forums and both internal and public surveys to ensure widespread engagement and transparency.
A post on the APD Facebook page on Thursday reads, “It’s Official: Joe Vigil Named Chief of Police
We’re proud to announce that Joe Vigil, who has been serving as our Acting Chief of Police, has now been officially appointed as Antioch’s permanent Chief of Police!
Chief Vigil brings over 25 years of law enforcement experience, including service with the Sacramento, Richmond, and Antioch Police Departments. He has led our Support Services Bureau and served twice as Acting Chief. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree from California State University, Long Beach, and is deeply committed to advancing constitutional policing, transparency, and meaningful reform.
This appointment represents a critical step forward in strengthening leadership, rebuilding trust, and shaping a stronger future for the Antioch Police Department and our community.
Please join us in congratulating Chief Vigil on this well-deserved appointment!”
That leaves only two more positions for Scott to fill, the Director of Parks and Recreation and Community Development Director, as she has moved the Economic Development Department into the Community Development Department. The city council is responsible for hiring a permanent City Attorney. That position is currently filled by Acting City Attorney Derek Cole.
About the City of Antioch Located in the heart of the East Bay, the City of Antioch is one of California’s oldest communities and a gateway to the Delta. With a rich history, diverse population, and strong sense of community, Antioch is home to over 115,000 residents and continues to grow as a place where families, businesses, and culture thrive. The city is committed to transparency, innovation, and inclusive leadership, working every day to enhance quality of life, provide excellent public services, and foster opportunities for all.
Hospitals are recognized for providing safe, compassionate, exceptional care to parents and their newborns
By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
OAKLAND, CA – Newsweek magazine’s list of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2025 distinguishes 12 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals as among the best in the nation for providing high-quality care to parents and their babies.
The 12 hospitals to receive the prestigious honor include: Antioch, Fresno, Redwood City, Roseville, San Francisco, San Leandro, San Jose, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, South Sacramento, Vacaville, and Vallejo.
This is the sixth year Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals have been recognized by Newsweek for meeting rigorous standards for maternity care, such as low rates of elective early deliveries and following important safety protocols to protect new parents and their babies.
“We know the importance of giving babies a healthy start in life, and our labor and delivery teams are providing these new families with quality care as they embark on this exciting chapter in their lives,” said Mike Bowers, FACHE, interim president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our Northern California hospitals deliver comprehensive, culturally responsive maternity care in a nurturing environment.”
Last year, nearly 40,000 babies were delivered at Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals.
Exceptional care through the entire pregnancy
“We take great pride in the clinical excellence achieved by our physicians, midwives, nurses and entire teams and for the personalized care and support given to all our patients,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, chief executive officer and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “Kaiser Permanente Northern California recognizes the importance of providing safe, comprehensive maternity care for all parents and their babies before, during, and after birth.”
The national designation was awarded to only 444 hospitals in the United States with 66 of those in California. Kaiser Permanente has a total of 26 hospitals that received the elite designation in California, or more than 40% of hospitals recognized in the state.
Newsweek and Statista, one of the world’s leading statistics portals and industry-ranking provider, partnered on this prestigious list, given that maternity care provided from pregnancy through birth and into postpartum is key to the long-term health of newborns and their mothers.
Delivering great care to babies and their parents
Kaiser Permanente Northern California has a long-standing commitment toward excellence in maternal health and creating a positive maternity care experience for our patients and members.
Our comprehensive maternity care focuses on safe, high-quality care from prenatal to postpartum, including midwife services, prenatal classes, and support for breastfeeding and mental health.
Members are encouraged to focus on their health even before pregnancy. If a pregnant patient has a high-risk pregnancy or a chronic condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes, we tailor their care – including providing remote monitoring tools – to reduce risks, helping to keep mom and baby safe.
At Kaiser Permanente Northern California, we also partner with new parents to ensure they have the birthing experience they desire through a coordinated birthing plan that addresses everything from their delivery preferences to whether they want to breastfeed.
Support for mental and emotional health is another important component of maternity care at Kaiser Permanente. Regular screenings for prenatal and postpartum depression are part of every care plan, so we can connect those who are struggling with the care and support they need.
Video screenshot shows police have a home on Clearbrook Road taped off following the fatal shooting of a toddler Tuesday evening, April 8, 2025. Herald file screenshot
By Allen D. Payton
After completing their investigation into the fatal self-inflicted shooting of a three-year-old Antioch boy on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Antioch Police will be recommending prosecution of his grandfather who owned the gun.
According to Acting Lt. Bill Whitaker, “The case is going to be presented to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office next week with the recommendation of prosecution. The DA’s Office will review the case and will either file the charges or not. If charges are filed, we will send out an updated press release with the charges.”
Whitaker confirmed that the toddler lived in the same home as his grandfather.
Contra Costa D.A. Diana Becton (Herald file photo) and Recall organizers. Source: Recall of District Attorney Diana Becton
Says she “has taken bold actions to protect our communities” recall “misrepresents her record”
Recall supporters claim Becton “publicly opposed Proposition 36”; “failed to provide the justice” and for “disgraceful treatment of…families of…crime victims”
By Allen D. Payton
Although she had seven days to respond to being served with recall papers on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2025, just four days later, on March 21, 2025, Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton provided her answer to the effort against her
She signed the letter written in third person which reads:
“The recall against DA Becton is an effort to undermine the will of the people of Contra Costa County. In 2018 and 2022, the voters decisively chose DA Becton because they agreed with and trust her steadfast dedication to public safety, fairness, and justice for all.
DA Becton has taken bold actions to protect our communities – aggressively prosecuting violent offenders, addressing organized retail theft, human trafficking, hate crimes, and eliminating backlogs of untested sexual assault kits. Becton expanded victim support services and pioneered proactive crime prevention programs, to reduce crime before it happens. This recall is not about safety – it’s a politically motivated attack that misrepresents her record and undermines the will of Contra Costa voters. DA Becton’s approach balances accountability with smart, evidence-based policies that reduce crime and keep our neighborhoods safe. DA Becton remains committed to justice, transparency, and creating communities where all residents can thrive. We urge you to reject the recall and stand with DA Becton in continuing to build a safer, more just Contra Costa County. NO on the recall. Let’s move forward together.
Diana Becton
—————-
Although not a required step in the process, in response to Becton’s answer, recall supporters sent the following letter to her, today, signed by Gwyn Gabe, the father of Alexis Gabe, the young Oakley woman who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2022:
April 15, 2025
Dear District Attorney Diana Becton,
This letter serves as our response to your Answer to our Notice of Intent to Recall you from office.
Your claim that the Recall is a politically motivated attack against you is false. I am a democrat, just as you are, and I even voted for you when you ran for District Attorney in 2017. I believed that you would excel as the District Attorney of Contra Costa County, but you have proven that not to be true. The recall effort against you is not about your political affiliation; it is solely focused on your abysmal performance in office. Your failure to enforce our laws has increased crime and endangered our community.
You publicly opposed Proposition 36 which created felony accountability for drug and theft offenses, proving your troubling alignment with criminal interests. Proposition 36 was passed in Contra Costa County by an overwhelming majority of the voters. Clearly, your policies which encouraged crime are not in line with the will of the voters in Contra Costa County. Additionally, your lack of transparency concerning crime rates in our county and your efforts to keep criminals out of jail to commit more crimes have left many residents disillusioned. We stand with crime victims who have been victimized during your administration, who are frustrated with the lack of accountability for criminals, and who are hopeless in their quest for justice. And we stand with the business owners who face rampant on-going thefts and burglaries from repeat offenders while you ignore the issue.
Your disgraceful treatment of my family, and the families of other crime victims, violated our constitutional Marsy’s Law Rights and failed to provide the justice we rightfully deserve. However, our decision to pursue this recall is not driven by a desire for revenge. Our only goal is to ensure that you are removed from office and prevented from continuing to deny justice to other families in the future. We deserve a District Attorney who shows compassion for victims while holding criminals accountable for their actions. We stand united to ensure that your time in office comes to an end.
Sincerely,
Gwyn Gabe
(Father of Alexis Gabe)
Organizer & Proponent for the Recall of District Attorney Diana Becton
Process
According to the California Secretary of State’s Procedures for Recalling State and Local Officials, the next step in the recall process for local officials requires the proponents to prepare the recall petition for circulation.
Recall organizers said, “we expect to learn this week whether our second submission of the Petition to Recall has been approved, allowing us to begin collecting signatures.”
Once the petition is approved, the organizers will then have 160 days to gather about 730,000 signatures of registered voters in the county. (See related article)
By Caheri Gutierrez, Director of Fund Development and Communications, The Unity Council
OAKLAND, CA – The Unity Council has entered into a strategic partnership with Dalet Access Labs, a forward-thinking tech startup, to establish an Intelligent Infrastructure Economic Zone (I2EZ) in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland. This collaboration will create a transformative ecosystem designed to eliminate the digital divide and bring cutting-edge technological solutions to the community. By enhancing connectivity and fostering innovation, this partnership will directly impact homes, businesses, classrooms, and government facilities throughout the zone, ultimately driving economic growth and social development.
The I2EZ initiative aims to empower the marginalized, underserved, and unserved populations within Fruitvale, transforming the area into a hub for economic opportunity, urban revitalization, and educational growth.
Key Highlights of the Partnership:
Enhanced Connectivity & Innovation: The new infrastructure will provide greater accessibility and connectivity, sparking innovation opportunities for the community.
Job Creation & Economic Growth: The project will create new business opportunities and jobs, helping revitalize the Fruitvale area and boost local economic development.
Educational Opportunities: The platform will enable upskilling initiatives, preparing local residents for the global job market and helping them adapt to the evolving technological landscape.
As part of this agreement, Dalet Access Labs will deliver a range of connectivity services and applications in Fruitvale District, with a focus on several key areas of technology and innovation. This partnership will establish a foundation for long-term, meaningful change, creating lasting opportunities for the community in the following areas:
Digital Health: Expanding access to telemedicine services for quality healthcare.
Autonomous Mobility: Offering environmentally friendly transportation options, including Door to BART and Door to Door services.
Supply Chain: Introducing advanced delivery platforms and driving job creation in the manufacturing sector.
Public Safety: Implementing real-time data systems to enhance emergency response and public safety.
Government Service: Providing secure access to eGovernment services, in line with California’s Digital Democracy initiative.
Workforce Development: Creating both tech and non-tech jobs through robotics and sensor technologies for local residents ensuring equitable access to employment.
Smart City: Integrating into Oakland’s Smart City initiative to foster sustainable, tech driven growth.
The timeline for bringing this project to production, deploying the first dozen Public Infrastructure Network Nodes (PINN), and launching services within the Fruitvale footprint is set for October
The timeline for bringing this project to production, deploying the first dozen Public Infrastructure Network Nodes (PINN), and launching services within the Fruitvale footprint is set for October 2025. As Dalet deploys, they will actively establish partnerships with key stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation and utilization of technology services.
About The Unity Council |The Unity Council is a non-profit community development organization dedicated to promoting social equity and improving the quality of life for diverse communities in Oakland and the Greater East Bay. Since 1964, The Unity Council has provided vital services such as affordable housing, workforce development, and health and wellness programs to empower residents and strengthen neighborhoods. | Website: www.unitycouncil.org
About Dalet Access Labs |Dalet Access Labs, founded in 2019, is a technology company based in Antioch, California, focused on developing intelligent infrastructure solutions that bridge the digital divide and create sustainable communities. Their Network As A Service (NaaS) platform provides scalable, self-organizing edge infrastructure, offering affordable broadband, cybersecurity, IT services, and more. Dalet Access Labs is committed to serving unserved, underserved, and under-resourced communities by providing critical infrastructure technology. | Website: https://daletaccess.com
Studio 510, located in Downtown Antioch, has recently changed its name to Rivertown Creative Studio. Founded by Linda Johnson in 1987, the space, located at 510 W. 3rd Street, functions as a not-for-profit studio that offers low-cost rentals to artists who run their own businesses. Many of you probably remember it as Linda Johnson Photography.
Now retired, Johnson understands the challenges of starting a business. Her goal is to keep the studio’s rental price affordable just as it was for her at the start of her career.
“The rent was low back then and I knew I could afford it,” Johnson said. “Then my business grew and it got easier and easier.”
In addition to overseeing Rivertown Creative Studio, Johnson also offers business coaching and mentoring in portraiture to those who are interested.
Current Rivertown Creative Studio members primarily offer portrait photography services to the public, but recent upgrades to the space now cater to innovative content creators by including an all-new content creation room and art studio.
“We are a studio space for all,” Johnson added.
The studio members have become a supportive network for each other, sharing materials, ideas and wins. Artists interested in becoming a member of Rivertown Creative Studio can contact Linda Johnson at (925) 305-9621.
Source: CA Dept of Cannabis Control video screenshots
Enforcement efforts continue to focus on operations that ultimately support the licensed market and community safety
By Moorea Warren, Information Officer, California Department of Cannabis Control
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that over $316M worth of illegal cannabis was seized in the first quarter of 2025 through the combined efforts of the Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF), the Department of Fish & Wildlife (DFW), and the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). The continued success of California’s enforcement operations demonstrate the state’s commitment to public safety and the integrity of the legal cannabis market.
Combined key highlights from January 1 to March 31, 2025 include:
212,681 illegal cannabis plants eradicated
120,307 pounds of illegal cannabis seized
99 warrants served
35 firearms seized
29 arrests
$474,462 cash seized
“This task force continues to make impressive progress disrupting illegal cannabis operators and their supply chain,” said Nathaniel Arnold, Chief of the Law Enforcement Division for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). “UCETF’s accomplishments demonstrate the dedication of all agencies involved in the taskforce.”
UCETF seized a total of $67,258,232 worth of unlicensed cannabis during the first quarter of the year. The taskforce’s enforcement efforts also included:
19 search warrants served
77,923 illegal cannabis plants eradicated
40,747 pounds of illegal cannabis seized
$330,808 cash seized
Agencies involved in UCETF’s first quarter enforcement actions include Department of Cannabis Control, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California State Park, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, Employment Development Department, California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, Oakland Fire Department, City of Oakland Police Department, Torrance Police Department, Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, and California Air National Guard.
DFW’s enforcement efforts for Q1 2025 include:
$97,476,308 worth of illegal cannabis seized
47 search warrants served
101,473 illegal plants eradicated
8,340 pounds of illegal cannabis seized
11 firearms seized
9 arrests
$27,073 in cash seized
DCC’s enforcement efforts for Q1 2025 include:
$151,752,966 worth of illegal cannabis seized
33 warrants served
33,285 illegal plants eradicated
71,220 pounds of illegal cannabis seized
24 firearms seized
20 arrests
$116,581 in cash seized
“We remain unwavering in our aggressive, strategic approach to reducing illicit cannabis activity,” stated Bill Jones, Chief of DCC’s Law Enforcement Division. “By staying ahead of the threats and swiftly dismantling illegal operations, we are driving up the cost of doing business for bad actors and delivering on our commitment to protect California’s communities and the legitimate industry.”
District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker shares why she was the only member to vote against the rate increase on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Video screenshot
Over next 3 years; begin May 1st; still lowest in the area
Will help pay off loan for desal plant; Torres-Walker opposes even though she voted to approve $91 million contract for its construction; but then-City Manager Ron Bernal ensured the council that it would not result in any rate hikes or cause any unforeseen costs in the future.
By Allen D. Payton
After only hearing from four members of the public who spoke, including one who supported the increases, and receiving 11 written protest letter responses including 10 people against, the Antioch City Council, during their meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, approved increases in water rates over the next three years on a 4-1 vote. The rate hikes will range from 45 to 93 percent. District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker was the lone vote against. The vote also keeps in place the current tiered rate structure.
It will be the first water rate increase in the city since 2019. The initial rate increases will begin May 1, 2025. As previously reported, the last time the Council considered raising water rates was Nov. 12, 2024. With then-District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica absent due to a family medical emergency, the remaining four members split 2-1-1 on the motion to increase rates and continue the current tiered rate structure. District 1 Councilwoman Torres-Walker voted to abstain and then-Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe voting against. The structure means those residential customers who use more water pay a higher per gallon rate, effectively subsidizing the rates for those who use less water each month. Following the vote, Hernandez-Thorpe said, “If the new council wants to take this up, they can take it up.”
That’s what they did and even with the increases, a comparison survey shows Antioch will still have the lowest water rates in the area.
Source: City of Antioch
Under Item 5 on their regular meeting agenda, the Council held a public hearing to consider annual water rate increases through July 1, 2028, keeping the current tiered structure. According to the City staff report, the “adjustments will ensure adequate Water Enterprise funds for the City’s projected operations, capital expenditures and debt service coverage. Water rates have not been increased for almost five years, yet operating costs have continued to incrementally, and at times, substantially, increased each year for personnel, utilities, water purchase costs from Contra Costa Water District (when the City cannot pump from the river) and other maintenance costs of the City’s Water Treatment Plant.”
The City has pre-1914 rights to water from the river. But due to upstream freshwater diversion, the saltwater intrusion into the Delta affects Antioch’s intake pumps which are at the lowest elevation on the river. During summer months the salinity of the river water is at its highest. Thus, the need for the new brackish water desalination plant.
Part of Increase to Cover Loan Payments for Desalination Plant
In addition, the rate increase will cover “personnel and maintenance costs to operate” the new Brackish Water Facility which will be online this year. “The City is required to maintain a 1.20 debt service coverage ratio, meaning that net revenues…of the Water Fund each fiscal year must be 1.2 times the annual debt service for that given year. As part of the loan terms…failure to comply with the debt service coverage is considered an ‘Event of Default’…and the SWRCB (State water Resources Control Board) may require: return of (the $50 million state revolving loan) funds…immediately, acceleration of payments due; payment of a higher interest rate; payment of additional payments and further enforce its rights by any judicial proceeding.”
The Non-Single-Family Zone 1 rates will be raised from $4.44 to $6.42 per hundred cubic feet (HCU), a 44.6% increase and Zone IV would increase 82.5% from $4.86 to $8.87.
All eight tiers and zones for Single-Family residential rates will also be affected with Tier 2 Zone I given the lowest increase of 45.6%, from $6.22 to $9.06 per HCU. If approved, Tier 1 Zone IV would experience the greatest rate increase of 93%, from $4.20 to $8.11 per HCU over the three years.
Monthly Meter Service for single-family residential customers will also rise from $24.40 to $35.40, a 45% increase.
Source: City of Antioch
Council Questions, Discussion and Vote
During council discussion on the item, District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker was first to speak saying, “Just for clarification…we need to actually raise this rate to pay off the debt from the loan for the desal plant. So, you projected potential rate increases over time in order to get a loan to do the desal project?”
Public Works Director Scott Buenting responded, “That’s part of it. The water rates and the revenue from the Water Fund will be used to pay back that loan as well as other expenditures within the Water Fund and water department.”
District 3 Councilman Don Freitas asked what it means for the City of Antioch to be a pre-1914 water right holder.
“As pre-1914, our adjudicated water rights do allow us to take water from the river,” Buenting explained. “The only thing that prevents the amount of water that we can take is our permit ability. So, we can take water from the river a lot more than 16 million gallons that we do currently. However, that’s what we’re permitted with with the fish screens we have in place that allow us to draw river water into our system. So, right now, that’s the limiting factor is the fish screens.”
“So, it’s not unlimited. It is restricted,” Freitas responded.
“It is restricted by permitting, yes,” the Public Works Director responded.
“But because we can do that, it has a very significant impact which lowers overall water rates,” Freitas stated. “Because when we take water from the river, we don’t have to buy water from Contra Costa Water District, correct?”
“Yes. That’s true,” Buenting responded. “You still have to pump the water. You still have the electricity and the infrastructure necessary to get the water from the river to our water treatment plant. But the cost of the water we’re not purchasing from Contra Costa Water District. That’s part of our 1914 rights.”
The councilman then asked for the cost of purchase one acre-foot of water from CCWD. “It’s substantial,” he stated. Buenting said, “It is substantial.” But he didn’t know and said he would get that information.
“One of the reasons why Antioch is the second lowest, basically in the Bay Area is because we are a pre-1914 water right and we use that as much as we possibly can to lower water rates,” Freitas added.
“Sure, and that’s currently the condition where we are right now,” Buenting stated. “The river water is fresh enough it can be treated through conventional means. Therefore, we’re not currently purchasing any water from Contra Costa Water District but utilizing our water rights.”
Freitas, a former CCWD Board Member, then spoke about the water from the Los Vaqueros Reservoir.
“One of the purposes was water quality. But also, reliability,” he shared. “California being a semi-arid state we are going to have droughts…and so…CCWD…will actually aid the City of Antioch, not only for human consumption, but for manufacturing, and…agriculture and things of that sort. Correct?”
“We still have a relationship with Contra Costa Water District,” Buenting responded. “We will still continue to purchase water at some rate. We do have capacity at the Randall Bold Water Treatment Plant (in Oakley), also.”
“But I mean, at Los Vaqueros, the salinity is going to be extraordinarily lower than what we can get in a drought period from the river,” Freitas stated. “Which probably means we can’t even pump water out of the river because of the salinity.”
“Yes, depending on how dry it is, how far the salinity moves upstream,” Buenting explained. “Contra Costa Water District’s (pumps) are much further upstream.”
“No one likes rate increases. Absolutely no one,” Freitas stated. “But I have to argue in favor of these…I think the City was remiss in five years of not looking at water rates…and now we’re paying the price for that. Because there is an escalation. As far as I’m concerned, if you do it every year at or below the rate of inflation you’re not losing. You’re actually gaining by keeping up. The City Council made a conscious decision back then not to raise water rates during the pandemic because of the cost implications and I thought it was a good decision back then. But we are paying the price.”
“I don’t think there’s any alternative for us. I’m satisfied with us moving forward because it guarantees it will be a water supply. It will be treated,” he continued. “And with our relationship with CCW both for raw water supply, as well as during the periods of time when there are droughts, and we can take water from Los Vaqueros we will not be so severely impacted.”
“Yes, I know that these water rates will have some negative impacts,” Freitas stated. “But I also know CCWD and the City of Antioch have various conservation programs to help reduce the demand of water inside our homes. Something like 60% or more of treated water is used outside the house for irrigation. If you do like your lawns…then you have to pay to irrigate them and keep them alive.”
“But you have a choice. You have an option. You can change that landscaping,” he concluded. “But as difficult as it is, and it’s unfortunate, I’m ready, Mr. Mayor to move forward and approve the water rates.”
District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson then said, “I just want to reiterate it’s hard. It’s not a very favorable decision when you have to raise water rates. And back in 2020 when we had the pandemic this council had to make a very difficult decision. That time we made the conscious decision we can’t raise water rates when people are struggling to just make ends meet. That’s why we went the five years without it.”
“However, here we are, having our own water department, having the brackish water plant…and just to run that water plant, the electricity alone is a huge cost,” she continued. “But we need to raise the water rates because if we don’t…something unfavorable with our debt. That looks unfavorable we’re not keeping up with the costs just to run our own water department.”
“So, it’s a difficult decision, but I am in favor of raising our rates,” Wilson concluded.
Mayor Ron Bernal then asked Buenting, “We do have a minimum take from Contra Costa Water District, correct? Minimum purchase every year. Do you know about what percentage overall of our water that would be?’
“Five hundred acre-feet, I believe. But I don’t know exactly what the percentage is,” the Public Works Director responded.
“Then there’s also limitations on the amount of water, as you mentioned, that we can pump from the river at 16 MGD, correct, 16 million gallons per day?” Bernal asked.
“Yes sir,” Buenting responded.
“And our warm weather uses up to 25 maybe?” the mayor asked.
“Yes sir,” was the response.
“So, in the summer, we cannot take all of our water from the river, correct? It has to be supplemented? Bernal further asked.
“That’s true,” Buenting stated.
“I just want to clarify the fact that…our river is not an unlimited source of water, but it is definitely a large source of our supply and that’s the reason for the brackish water desal project to take full advantage of that in generations to come,” the mayor concluded.
Bernal then reiterated what Freitas said about droughts and mentioned, “Conservation mandates. Antioch would maybe be able to be relieved of that somewhat by virtue of the fact that we do have an alternative source that doesn’t depend upon the runoff from the mountains and things like that. Correct?”
“It is something we’re working with the State on,” Buenting offered.
Single Family Monthly Water Rates Survey results. Source: City of Antioch
Torres-Walker Explains Her Opposition to Rate Increase
Torres-Walker had the last word on the matter saying, “Clean drinking water is important to the community, I’m assuming, everybody. I don’t really care how it gets to the faucet as long as it gets to the faucet when I turn the faucet on and it’s drinkable.”
“I also understand that these rates need to increase because the City was super ambitious and went for a loan projected on increasing rates on residents to be able to have a water desal plant that then will produce…good drinking water for the long term, I’m assuming,” she continued. “I also don’t know what it will save the City to have the desal plant any. Because it also sounds like…we’ll need to raise more of the rate to pay for the operations of the desal plant and maintenance moving forward.”
“I heard Councilwoman Wilson say we didn’t raise rates because of the pandemic because people couldn’t afford it, as if people can afford it, now, right?” Torres-Walker stated. “So, it’s not just the pandemic that made this difficult to do. Because…people are still struggling, and the struggle is only going to get realer. So, we’re acting as if people who couldn’t afford it then could afford it now and that’s just not true.”
“So, with all of this information with understanding the City needs to raise water rates to pay off this debt so that our creditors won’t look at us in a negative light, I understand all of that,” she continued. “And I understand there are people who can’t afford it. I’m going to remain a ‘no’ even though I know the votes are here to pass this, tonight.”
However, in addition to her vote to abstain on increasing the water rates last November, during a special meeting on December 18, 2020, in her first month on the council, Torres-Walker helped incur most of the City’s debt for the desal plant when she voted in favor of the $91 million construction contract. That’s out of a total estimated cost of $110 million.
But during that same meeting, as previously reported, in response to then-Councilmember Lori Ogorchock expressing her own concerns and those of residents that the plant will result in tangible rate hikes, then-City Manager Ron Bernal ensured the council that it would not result in any rate hikes. He also stated that the plant would not cause any unforeseen costs in the future.
The Council then approved the water rate increases on a 4-1 vote.
