Include Daily Prayer, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday services

Golden Hills Community Church is located at 2401 Shady Willow Lane in Brentwood. For more information visit https://goldenhills.org.

“…as a response to a lot of the breakdowns that were happening in the community as a response to the racist text message scandal.” – Dr. Kerby Lynch, Lead Project Manager.

County claims racism is cause for “disproportionate rates of preventable chronic illnesses such as heart disease, obesity, cancer as well as most recently, COVID-19” among African American residents.

Will seek other cities as partners in JPA

By Allen D. Payton

A new African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub has the unanimous support of the city council as of their meeting on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, and an Antioch location is being considered for its future home. The resolution supports the initiative “affirming Antioch’s willingness to explore opportunities for collaboration and reinforcing the City’s commitment to racial wellness equity.”

While there are no currently known costs to the City for the Hub, according to the staff report, “early-stage participation by the City of Antioch could include in-kind support such as:

• Temporary space-sharing during mobile service deployment

• Coordination with the Angelo Quinto Community Response Team (AQCRT)

• Youth internship placements via RISE and other City programs

• Cross-referrals with City-funded providers”

Also, according to the staff report, “Contra Costa County, in partnership with Ceres Policy Research and the (County’s) Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice (ORESJ), has completed a feasibility study for the development f the African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub (AAHWRH). The Hub is a community-rooted initiative designed to address long-standing racial disparities in health, housing, reentry support, and economic opportunity for Black residents across the county. The study was informed by over 4,000 survey responses, 16 listening sessions, and district-based town halls, including input from Antioch residents.

“The AAHWRH will provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and wraparound services in a phased approach—beginning with mobile and satellite services and transitioning to a permanent site. The County has identified 1650 Cavallo Road in Antioch, a county-owned facility in District 1, as a leading candidate for the Hub’s future home. A final decision is expected by the Board of Supervisors on April 15, 2025.”

The County Board of Supervisors appointed a 13-member ad hoc Steering Committee in 2023 “to guide the Feasibility Study planning effort through a representative, inclusive, and extensive community engagement process” and provide “input and collaboration to County staff and the contracted Feasibility Study developer, ensuring the community voice is represented through the process and the outcomes.” 

According to the County’s Request for Proposal seeking agencies or organizations to pursue and operate the Hub, “Currently, in Contra Costa County, African Americans represent approximately 8.7% of the population. Racism, inequity, injustice, and harm exist…in Contra Costa County, have created and maintained conditions for African Americans such that they continue to experience disproportionate rates of preventable chronic illnesses such as heart disease, obesity, cancer as well as most recently, COVID-19. Racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes, the criminal justice system, educational achievement, and social service metrics in Contra Costa County have been well documented in reports issued by the Contra Costa Racial Justice Task Force/Oversight Body, First Five Contra Costa, Kaiser Permanente, Contra Costa Health Services, Contra Costa Continuum of Care, Contra Costa Employment and Human Services Department, and others.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Black residents make up an estimated 19.7% of Antioch’s population as of July 1, 2024.

“For the last several years, members of the community have been advocating and leading the effort in the County for the creation of an African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub and the urgent need for expanded support services that address the pain, trauma, and other related challenges that exist in under-resourced, under-served African American communities,” according to the County.

On December 12, 2023, the Board of Supervisors allocated $1 million in Measure X funds “to support and expand current programs and services as an immediate, intermediary step until the Hub is established, and is the source of funding.” Then “on April 23, 2024, the Board of Supervisors allocated an additional $7.5 million of Measure X funds towards the actual establishment and operation of” the “Hub and implementation of services and activities.”

Funds will be spent “for services/programming targeting African American communities of any region of Contra Costa County” and those “serving East County’s most vulnerable and impacted communities will be prioritized.”

“Priority service/program categories to be funded are: ▪ Behavioral health supports ▪ Food and/or housing insecurity services ▪ Maternal and infant health services ▪ Youth development support services ▪ Community healing supports, particularly from trauma due to police violence.”

Oakland-based Ceres Policy Research was selected by the Supervisors in July 2024 as the contractor to facilitate the establishment of the Hub. Dr. Kerby Lynch, its Director of Research and Facilitation and Lead Project Manager for the Hub initiative, provided the presentation to the City Council. According to the organization’s website, she “conducts social science research on community reinvestment, racial equity analysis, and reparations policy implementation.” She is described as “a critical Black studies scholar of human geography, political economy, and intellectual history. She holds a BA in African American Studies with a concentration in Gender and Sexuality and most recently completed her Ph.D. in Geography, both from the University of California at Berkeley.”

According to her LinkedIn profile, Dr. Lynch’s “Research Specialization” is in “African Diaspora studies, queer diasporas, Black queer studies, theatre/performance studies, ethnography, Black feminist thought, post-colonial studies, settler colonial studies, transnationalism, archival theory, psychoanalysis, urban issues, visual culture.”

Presentation

In beginning her explanation about the hub, Dr. Lynch said, “Really the purpose of this presentation is to inform you about the process. It was a response to community demand for transparency and accountability, which was really started by a lot of the community, here in East County, particularly Antioch, as a response to a lot of the breakdowns that were happening in the community as a response to the racist text message scandal.”

“There’s a lot of great alignment in the county, right now for this type of project,” she continued.

Her presentation offered the results of the survey which showed Community Violence Impact in which 70% experience police/community violence and the Most affected: TAY (transitional age youth defined as 18-25), men, women of child-bearing age and unhoused. The Top Support Needs for Healing include community healing/restorative justice, mental health services, legal advocacy support, trauma-informed counseling and public safety discussion forums. The Top 3 Wellness Challenges include lack of accessibility to healthcare services, housing stability and lack of mental health resources. Finally, the Biggest Barriers to Services include time constraints, limited availability, high cost, lack of transportation and the need to travel long distances.

Thus, the Mission & Vision is to be “A holistic, community-led, culturally competent Hub addressing systemic disparities. Not duplicating services, but coordinating & expanding existing efforts (e.g., grassroots, local, state and federal). Key Service Areas will be, Health & Wellness, which will include preventive and primary healthcare, Black maternal health services (doulas, prenatal care, postnatal support) and culturally competent mental health services; Housing & Economic Stability including housing navigation services, eviction prevention, workforce development and a Black entrepreneurship incubator;  Community & Cultural Healing Spaces, including intergenerational mentorship, arts and cultural programming, and legal advocacy and re-entry support for justice impacted individuals.

“It doesn’t mean we’re creating something new, here,” Lynch explained. “It’s about coordinating existing efforts across all levels of partners. How do we actually start to increase service utilization of our Black community and increase the satisfaction levels when they experience these services and really coordinate that across the county.”

(See presentation at 3:51:30 mark of meeting video)

Public Comments on Presentation

Antioch resident Andrew Becker was the only member of the public to speak following the presentation and wasn’t happy with the proposed location. He said, “As the County explores these opportunities and invests in communities, I wonder, how do we get to the point where they propose this beautiful new building in Brentwood and this beautiful new youth center in Brentwood, ground-up construction, buy land that they didn’t even own. And then when we get to an incredible need like this, how can we use an older building that we have here and maybe share some space.”

He suggested instead locating the Hub near the Antioch BART station to be more centrally located in the city.

“…to make these services a little bit more trauma-informed and really rooted in transparency, accountability and even a call for abolition. Abolition, you know, people want to feel freedom, they want to feel liberated from just years and legacies of oppression. That’s what’s really important about this Hub…”

– Dr. Kerby Lynch

Q&A on Proposed Hub

Before discussing the Resolution of support under the agenda Item #10, City Manager Bessie Scott said she had sent Lynch “a list of questions” including, “who will receive the services, who are left out of the services, what does the human-centered, culturally responsive design look like and what is your framework?”

“I think the council will benefit from knowing,” she continued. “I know you met with Councilmember Torres-Walker and each one of the council members has asked separately about this information. I know Councilman Freitas asked for the feasibility study. It was a lot.”

Scott further asked Dr. Lynch, “what we’re on the hook for so the council can decide if they want to adopt a resolution supporting this effort.”

Then turning to the council she said, “I will tell you, operationally, we would need to figure out where this fits. A place for it would be under Public Safety Community Resources or in the city manager’s office, as well as all the operational scaling would have to be at the executive level.”

Lynch responded, “I’m just a consultant for the feasibility study. After the Board of Supervisors decide what they want to do. It will probably then be coordinated with the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice and other departments and agencies at first, to figure out where they want to collaborate…to do the mobile deployment. Because all this is about urgent services to the community.”

“Our biggest recommendation was a JPA (joint powers authority) because of the scale,” she continued. “We know that Antioch, Richmond, Pittsburg, Brentwood, Oakley, San Pablo, El Cerrito. There’s so many different jurisdictions, Pinole, Hercules, have all been a part of this process and they all are working on various health equity efforts.”

“You’re designing with and not for residents. It really is a for us, by us model,” said Lynch. “We do believe in Black-led governance structures. What does it mean to have Black-led organizations or providers really giving their wisdom from the field?”

“In our report you will get some recommendations from frontline workers on how to make these services a little bit more trauma-informed and really rooted in transparency, accountability and even a call for abolition,” she stated. “Abolition, you know, people want to feel freedom, they want to feel liberated from just years and legacies of oppression. That’s what’s really important about this Hub, is that we’re trying to be really overt about the reason for the season and how we got here, which is because all of the community demand for addressing the trauma.”

“What do we need from the City of Antioch?” Lynch asked. “That’s a preliminary conversation. In the short term while we’re starting this up, it’s that in-kind contribution. Is it possible to use an existing City-building for initial operations? Can we maybe have our street team maybe have a few hours at a facility? We’re going to have these, potentially, vans. Staffing time. What staff can be dedicated to this initiative is going to be important.”

“Then, just overall, alignment with work that you all have going on,” she explained. “Things that everyone wants to contribute not duplicate or take away from you. It’s just increase your resources to serve more people.”

“In the long-term if the County feels that a JPA is the suitable structure…we wouldn’t want you to be the sole city to be a part of it,” Lynch stated. “Again, doing more county-wide initiatives for the Black community.”

Public Comments on Resolution

During public comments about the Resolution, all eight speakers offered support for the Hub, including former Antioch City Manager Cornelius “Con” Johnson and Antioch School Board Trustees, Dr. Clyde Lewis and Deborah Vinson.

“I think, as a city, we need the opportunity to come together and have conversations where we can constructively resolve some of the long-standing issues that have been present,” Lewis stated. “I think this hub provides a space for us to do that in addition to…all those other services that have been mentioned.”

“…making sure that we are prioritizing residents, then the voices of people impacted by racism, white supremacy and state sanctioned violence. Because that is by which the context the advocacy started just behind the wellness hub.”

– Councilwoman Torres-Walker

Council Comments and Vote

Mayor Pro Tem and District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha was first to comment saying to Lynch, “I was really impressed with your presentation and the comments that were made following your presentation. I think about the community there’s been a lot of communication of how we can come together…to move forward. The research that you’ve done…is to be commended. So, thank you for what you’ve done to bring us to this point. I think it will benefit all. I think it’s really important we take care of everybody in our community.”

District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker spoke next saying, “The reason why I continued to ask for a resolution to support this effort early on, as a city, is because…we have many residents who’ve come here all the time and said, we’re property owners, we’re taxpayers, like these are our tax dollars…we have a right to this. Well, Measure X dollars is absolutely our tax dollars. But with 90% of our tax dollars going to the County and only 10% retained here, in the city, we were still passed up for a youth center that residents also advocated for to be built, here…and it still ended up one in Brentwood and one in Bay Point.”

She then spoke about the need for resources for those returning from prison saying, “I think we have one re-entry service provider in the city.”

“I think the biggest disadvantage is around the issue of economic development and finding those opportunities for re-enfranchisement,” the councilwoman continued. “Because when people can’t access resources, how do we make them, how can they become productive members of society?”

“How is the hub going to fill in the gaps for individuals in East County or West County, whether Black, brown or indifferent around economic stability and growth?” Torres-Walker asked.

She then thanked the organizations and Antioch residents who have provided input and support for the establishment of the hub saying, “Everybody who came together to really drive home this conversation around African American wellness in the county. But making sure that we are prioritizing residents, then the voices of people impacted by racism, white supremacy and state sanctioned violence. Because that is by which the context the advocacy started just behind the wellness hub.”

Torres-Walker then spoke of reports released by the County showing “great racial disparity in this county” and one in which “the County of Contra Costa declared racism a public health issue in our county.”

“So, you can’t declare a public health issue but then not provide the dollars behind it to address the public health issue that you just declared,” she stated. “We have a significant opportunity, here. How do we hold the County accountable to our 90%?”

About Measure X Torres-Walker said, “This has been a six-year process. We get to be here, again as Antioch and say, we will not be looked over again.”

“When you serve your most vulnerable folks, you serve everybody,” she continued. “Particularly, when you serve Black people, you serve everybody. It makes people feel uncomfortable when you say that you only want to serve Black people. So, you got to say it’s going to serve everybody. I think that’s always been the intent of Black people is that if we can get served then everybody can get served. But what has historically happened, even on the hills of fights for social justice and civil rights across this country, everything that Black people have fought for to access, we have yet to access it and that includes the American dream.”

“I hope we can support, at the least with a resolution, right now, to show the County that…we support it,” Torres-Walker concluded. “As far as resources and accesses and space…I think that’s a further down the road conversation.”

District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson then said, “I’m going to keep it short because Councilwoman Torres-Walker was saying everything that I was thinking. I definitely support this. I heard about this wellness center probably sometime last year. I thought it was an excellent idea. Because I do believe if you help your most vulnerable then your whole community is strong.”

“One area I hope you guys will address, the amount of human trafficking that goes on throughout Contra Costa County and especially in East Contra Costa County,” she continued. “Hopefully, that can also be addressed. Because…nine times out of 10 we meet somebody on the street…and we can’t get them someplace because there’s no place for them to go in the County because we have no housing. Because we have no housing for survivors of human trafficking…for our unhoused…for somebody who is going through a crisis…or a shelter for them to go to. So, if we can also address that issue, as well, I think it would be very important.”

“But I definitely, wholeheartedly support this. I wish this had more teeth and we can do more here,” Wilson concluded.

However, there is a location in East County that provides shelter for women and children who are victims of abuse, as well as experiencing homelessness and addiction.

District 3 Councilman Don Freitas speaking to Lynch, said, “As someone who read the entire 126 pages…it’s clear it’s needed. Eastern Contra Costa County has been the stepchild of Contra Costa County government. Historically, the County advocates JPA’s and cities resist and the marriage between the two are very, very difficult to overcome. I absolutely agree with you it cannot be a JPA with just the County and Antioch.”

“My advice is, OK, fight for the JPA but don’t let it deter you,” he continued. “But have plan B in the back pocket. So, good luck. Because the dynamics of the politics, it’s unfortunate that they’re there. Hopefully, our two county supervisors who represent our community will focus not only on this but other issues bringing County services to us, locally. It is long, long overdue.”

Mayor Ron Bernal spoke last saying, “I really appreciate your grasp and understanding to communicate the need here. I just want to make sure we’re continuing our relationship with the County. It’s struggled in the past. I see this as another place we can work with the County hopefully.”

“I guess the one thing that I’m most hopeful of is that this is a unique model,” he continued. “Building a model that is something that’s special and unique and can be a model for other places. So, I’m supportive of the resolution.”

Torres-Walker offered the last word on the matter saying, “Thank you, again for identifying Cavallo. People said, like, ‘you know it’s dangerous’ in the community. If you keep saying a community isn’t safe but we do nothing to make it safe we’re just spinning our wheels.”

The council members then voted 5-0 to adopt the resolution which included the following three clauses:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Antioch that the City hereby expresses its formal support for the concept and continued development of the African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub as an equity centered and community-rooted initiative led by Contra Costa County;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Antioch recognizes the County’s dedication to addressing long-standing racial disparities in health, wellness, and access to culturally responsive services through this initiative; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Antioch affirms its willingness to explore potential opportunities for collaboration and coordination—including non-binding agreements, in-kind support, and service alignment—to advance healing-based resources for communities impacted by trauma.

By East Bay Regional Park District Police Department

This week, EBRPD-PD Officers conducted a traffic stop after receiving a call for service of a vehicle that did not pay for entry at the kiosk of Contra Loma Regional Park, in Antioch. The vehicle also matched the description of a suspect vehicle that was doing donuts at Contra Loma the previous day. Officers discovered two juveniles in the car (which was also parked in violation of a no parking sign).

After searching the car, officers located a personally manufactured, un-serialized, short-barrel assault rifle. One of the juveniles was later booked at the Contra Costa Juvenile Detention Facility.

4/15/25 UPDATE: According to EBRPD PIO Dave Mason the suspect arrested is age 17 and he is from Antioch.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

That plus, new working group part of efforts to prevent closure in 2027

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the Antioch City Council approved spending an additional $225,000 for the Amtrak Station Upgrades on a 5-0 vote. That brings the total allocated for the project to $375,000. The additional funds will be paid from Gas Tax revenue the City receives.

As previously reported, the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority Board of Directors voted in March 2023 to decommission the Antioch-Pittsburg San Joaquins Passenger Stop, known as the Antioch Amtrak Station, due to ongoing problems dating back 15 years of homelessness, riders not paying fares, vandalism and violence, including against train personnel.

The SJJPA Board then held a meeting last September at which then-Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe offered a proposed plan to keep the station open. That required council action. The board members and executive director left open the possibility of keeping the station opened if a plan was approved and implemented to improve the area. But it was also mentioned that the City would need to meet with Amtrak staff to get their buy-in, as well as BNSF, which owns the track and right-of-way. (See related articles here and here)

According to the staff report for Item 2 on Tuesday night’s agenda, “On Oct. 22, 2024, the City Council provided direction to City Staff to improve the area surrounding the Amtrak Station…including enhanced safety and ADA accessibility compliance.”  Staff developed improvements and upgrades to the station including beautification and needed structural changes at the location.

They include a transit shelter, benches, concrete paths, fencing along the northern edge of the walkway, signage, additional lighting, shrubs and trees.

During his presentation to the Council, Public Works Director Scott Buenting said, “The concept here is to provide a fare-only zone…for people that are using the Amtrak Station to be…not to be for…any other usage.”

“This is still a conceptual plan,” he added. “It is something we’d like to move forward with relatively quickly. It is something that we think will be a betterment to the area and provide us with a better chance of keeping the Amtrak Station in the future.”

Public Comments

Resident Andrew Becker said, “I was under the direct impression that Antioch was not going to be keeping its Amtrak Station open under its current model. If the City wanted to keep its Amtrak Station opened it needed to meet the requirements that they had already set forth.”

“My understanding was that there either needed to be a secondary sidetrack for the mainline or that it needed to move further down the line,” he continued. “And that the only way it could stay was when Amtrak started using future generation models that allowed them to speed up and slow down quicker.”

“So, if there were any other conversations between the rail authority, Amtrak and the City…I would be curious to know what those updates are,” Becker stated. “Because if there are…no other updates, why are we spending significant dollars and time on improving a station that we don’t have any authority of keeping.”

“If we do need to move the station to keep the Antioch-Pittsburg Station open, why are we not exploring other opportunities?” he asked.  

 A resident named Dean said, “I definitely don’t think we need to worry about a train station when we got broken glass all up and down Second Street and you know, spending any kind of money…to add bushes to…this area…it’s not what we really need to do. We need to revitalize the downtown area and make it a vital place for a train to stop.”

He then mentioned the homeless residents encamped nearby and damage to the lighting fixtures along the Promenade as matters that should be addressed first.

Council Questions, Discussion and Vote

District 3 Councilman Don Freitas asked, “Is there any update? I think it’s a legitimate question.”

City Manager Bessie Scott responded, “We have an Amtrak Station working group that just started to meet. One of the things that they let us know was that they could stop that stop, now or in three years when the other station (in Oakley) breaks ground.”

“Because we have to maintain it on City property, we have to be ADA-compliant so, we needed to make these upgrades,” she continued. “Also, like the gentleman was saying, there are things that are happening that diminishes our downtown businesses on the waterfront that we need to address, as well.”

“So, it isn’t just because the stop has been decommissioned,” Scott stated. “It’s because we want to keep it open for the next three years and go back to the Joint Powers association in a couple months to see if it will permanently be kept open. So, we’re making the upgrades we needed anyway, for the area as it’s City-owned property.”

District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson then asked Buenting if the plants “were drought-tolerant or native.”

“Yes. They will be drought-tolerant,” he replied. “They’ll be native to California.”

Freitas then said, “You asked us for some input. A lot of color in that area would be great, too…so, it brightens up that whole area,” to which District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker nodded her head and said, “mmm, hmmm.”

He then asked about the Cannery Lady statue and the adjacent pathway.

Buenting responded, “That pathway would not be part of the fare-only zone. It would be to the north of that pathway.”

Torres-Walker than said with a laugh while looking at Freitas, “Thank you for saying we need more color. I’m happy to provide that up here on the council.”

She then asked Scott, “So, we can have the Amtrak shut down, now or we can do these improvements and have access to it for the next three years and potentially go back to the table?”

“That’s right. We’re going back to the table in a few months,” the city manager responded. “So, it’s a…process.”

“But if we don’t do any of this,” the councilwoman began to say before Scott cut in saying, “Yeah, we had some safety concerns, some ADA-compliance issues and findings…around there. So, we needed do it.”

Mayor Ron Bernal then said, “I would like to do anything we can to improve that area and make sure that its viable and attractive for people that are coming in and out of Antioch with the hopes, ultimately of keeping that station open. I think we should do everything to keep that station open and operable and I think this is a step in that…direction.”

District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha spoke last asking, “How long are we anticipating the use of this track before the Oakley Station could potentially get built? I’ve received a number of communications from the public asking, are we doing enough to advocate…to take steps forward to beautify that area, to make it accessible? So, I think this is a step in that direction.”

“There’s no guarantee, I realize that,” he continued. “But I think it’s the best that we can do. I think we are charged with advocating to keep that Amtrak Station open to the best of our ability. And I think it’s worth the effort.”

“Out of the 20 stations, Antioch is right in the middle as far as ridership,” Scott pointed out. “It’s about 100 a day…larger than people realize. So, it’s incumbent upon us to keep it open.”

Bernal then asked Buenting, “to make sure Amtrak is happy with the design,” to which staff agreed.

The Council than approved the design and additional expenditure for the station upgrades on a 5-0 vote.

Meet former local professional baseball players

Enter to win tickets to an Oakland Ballers baseball game

The Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame is holding its MLB day on Saturday April 12th from 1:00pm – 4:00pm.

Come by to meet and speak with former MLB players from Antioch: Aaron Miles, Butch Rounsaville, Nick Pasquale and Manuel Bermudez.

Get your free photos and autographs! Enter to win four tickets to an Oakland Ballers baseball game to all who visit the museum! (must be 18 years or older to win)

We are located at 1500 W 4th Street on the bottom floor of the Antioch Historical Museum. It’s FREE to visit!

From food truck success to brick-and-mortar dream come true, owners excited about Rivertown Dining District’s newest restaurant; working to earn a Michelin Star

By Allen D. Payton

On Saturday, April 5, 2025, the three owners of The Four Seasonings Steakhouse celebrated the new Rivertown restaurant with family, friends, Mayor Ron Bernal and members of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce and business community. The team of William and Erica Foster, and her mother Betty Ware, cut the ribbon to officially open their business. Ware’s husband, James, was also in attendance.

But before that occurred, a few remarks were offered.

“I’d just like to thank you for opening this amazing restaurant, it’s a beautiful asset to our city,” said the mayor. “It’s a real steakhouse like you’d have to go to San Francisco to get.  It’s super exciting…this is really, really a big deal for Antioch to have a world class steakhouse. We’re excited to see you succeed and help our downtown community, as well.”

Teresa Glenn, President of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, “I wanted to congratulate you on this wonderful ribbon cutting. This business is amazing…it looks amazing. I’ve eaten here; the food is great.  You guys are going to thrive, here. Good luck to you guys. We’ll be here to support you through the years.”

William then shared a few thoughts of appreciation saying, “On behalf of my family, I’d like to thank every single person here, all the people who came during our soft opening and went through our growing pains.  We thank you for having grace and came back to us.”

He then thanked his next door, business neighbor Debbie Blaisure of Rivertown Treasure Chest, “for introducing us to everybody” and building owner Sean McCauley, “for opening up the space to us and letting us to be the operators, here.”

“We just appreciate everybody here and thank you, so much,” Foster concluded.

McCauley then shared his thoughts saying, “I’d just like to say that these entrepreneurs are the vision that Antioch has. I fell in love with this family when they came in our door for the first time and wanted to be in downtown.”

“It’s been two years…of hard work, dedication and these guys persevered,” he continued. “And it’s a wonderful story.” (See video)

That was followed by the ribbon cutting and inviting guests inside to sample some of the restaurant’s food.

From Food Truck Success to Brick-and-Mortar Dream Come True

William and Erica shared of their background in the food business as well as their goals and dreams, and why they located in Antioch.

“The restaurant has always been a dream of my wife because someone told her she’d never have,” he said. “She likes to prove people wrong and accepts all challenges.”

“We started with a food truck 10 year ago. We started doing well in our sixth year and the lines were really long,” William stated.

Asked why they chose to locate in Antioch, William said, “We were with Foodie Land up and down the coast and in Vegas. We got too successful. People started taking our recipes. Plus, our son was in school. So, we decided to do brick-and-mortar and looked for a place.”

We went to Walnut Creek first. But we didn’t think that would be a good fit,” he continued. “Then we looked at the closed Mel’s Diner at The Streets of Brentwood. But they were asking too much for rent. So, we came to downtown Antioch and called SMI (McCauley’s company).”

“What really got me was the waterfront here,” William stated. “It reminded me of Monterey and San Mateo with mom-and-pop restaurants along their waterfronts. We met with Sean and this has been a year-and-a-half in the making.”

Erica is the Operations Manager, Betty is in charge of the front of the house and William is the Executive Chef and runs the kitchen.

Asked about their menu items, he said, “The recipes have come from traveling a lot as a military brat. I used spices from around the world. When used in moderation it creates a great flavor profile for your palate.”

“Our signature dish is our lamb chops. They’re the biggest seller. People say they’ve never tasted any like mine before because they don’t taste gamey,” William explained. “That’s due to the mix of spices. You really need to know what you’re doing to keep it from tasting gamey.”

The 4 Seasonings, of course, offers six different types of steaks.

“Our best is the tomahawk. It’s huge. I haven’t seen anyone finish it yet,” he said with a laugh.

About his time in Antioch, so far William said, “My experience has been amazing. The people of Antioch have really taken to this place. Most of them quote that we really need our type of restaurant down here to restore the glory days of Rivertown. This was part of the pharmacy going back to 1904.”

About their future plans, he said, “Our goal is to be a staple of the community, if the Lord wills, and be here 30 or 40 years from now with people still enjoying it after I’ve retired and move on.”

“We do plan on opening two more locations. But we haven’t decided where yet,” William added.

Asked about the Michelin Star, Erica said, “I’d like to earn a star. The only reason I want it is because someone said I couldn’t have one.”

About Michelin Stars

According to the Michelin Guide, “A Michelin Star is awarded to restaurants offering outstanding cooking. We take into account five universal criteria: the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavours, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine and, just as importantly, consistency both across the entire menu and over time.”

“A Michelin Star is awarded for the food on the plate – nothing else,” the Guide continues. “The famously anonymous Michelin Inspectors – all full-time employees who are former restaurant and hospitality professionals – make the decisions.”

According to Wikipedia, “The Michelin Guides…have been published by the French tire company Michelin since 1900…to increase the demand for cars, and…car tires, The Guide awards up to three Michelin stars for excellence to a select few restaurants in certain geographic areas.”

Erica’s background is in IT, for 20 years, and she has a bachelor of science degree in Computer Science and a Master’s in Information Systems.

“I’ve been an entrepreneur since selling candy in high school,” she shared with a chuckle. “Then designed websites during college.”

Asked her thoughts about Antioch Erica said, “I love Antioch. I live here. I’ve been here for about 12 years.”

“We want to be successful, stick around, and maybe open a second location,” she continued. “I really want a breakfast place. But steak is our first love. Breakfast is my second.”

Asked if William has her sample his recipes Erica responded, “Oh, yes. It’s been a two-way street on that. He’s been trying out his seasonings, and I was trying out our mac and cheese. It’s a completely different preparation process that’s true.”

“We tested our seasoning recipe on our parents and at festivals selling skewers,” she explained.

Her favorite dish is, “lamb chops second to scallops,” Erica shared. “I love the scallops.” Her favorite steak is the ribeye.

The restaurant also serves sea bass, lobster, salmon and a vegan mushroom steak, as well as appetizers including their California Crab Tower, Steakhouse Smoked Shrimp and Ahi Tuna. They also offer soups, salads and a variety of sides, plus, dessert.

“We’re happy to be a contributing member of the Rivertown community,” she stated. “All the store owners have been gracious. I really like the community they’re trying to build down here. We’re trying to participate in the events.

“I’m looking forward to more restaurants locating down here,” Erica added.

The 4 Seasonings Steakhouse is located at 304 G Street and open Wednesday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. To view their menu and make reservations visit www.the4seasonings.com or call (925) 732-7468.

It will be Eggstra Eggpic and Eggsciting! Eggsplore during three designated times

Eggstravaganza + Recreation Expo

Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025

Time: 11:00am-3:00pm
Location: Antioch Water Park at 4701 Lone Tree Way

Grab your baskets and get ready to eggsplore and eggscite as you join us for the 4th Annual Eggstravaganza and Recreation Expo at the Antioch Water Park. Participate in land AND water egg hunts, take part in spring crafts, and play games with staff! Don’t forget to view our activity showcase for upcoming and ongoing classes, take part in demonstrations and so much more when you and your family attend this eggcellent event!

Purchase A Ticket for $8 in advance online and $12 day of event, here: Antioch Water Park. Eggstravaganza & Rec Expo

How Our Egg Hunt Works:

Our staff will be dropping eggs around the waterpark, on land and in pools, at THREE designated times. Park signs, intercom announcements, and staff will be announcing when it is time for eggs to be dropped. After collecting your eggs, you must take them to the “Egg Exchange” station to have your eggs swapped out for candy.

Golden Eggs:

In addition to the egg drop times, there are 12 golden eggs hidden around the park with special prizes ranging from free park tickets, free meal vouchers, candy baskets and more! Find a golden egg and return it to the “Egg Exchange” station to receive your eggciting prize!

Please Note: We will not prefill eggs. With eggs being placed into the pools, this policy has been developed to protect the integrity and quality of our facility. As a water park, it is important that plastic and trash do not end up in our pools.

WHISTLE DISCLAIMER: Hearing a whistle within the park DOES NOT signal the time for egg hunts to begin. Our Lifeguards are trained to use their whistles to communicate for many different instances. Any whistles heard throughout the park should not signal time to cross boundaries and begin collecting eggs. We thank you for your cooperation.

Recreation Expo:

Will include Demos & Performances.

$4 million federal grant requires $1 million in City matching funds for the “one-of-a-kind facility”

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the Antioch City Council approved the final design for the Bicycle Garden to be located at Prewett Family Park on a unanimous vote.

The cost of the project originally was estimated at $2.5 to $3.5 million when it was approved by the Council in April 2022 and was to be paid from the City’s General Fund. However, according to the City staff report, the new cost estimate is $5 million and, “In 2023, the Project was awarded the full requested amount of $4,000,000” from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets for All grant program. The City must provide a match of $1 million which will be paid from Development Impact Fees. (See related articles, here and here)

Prewett Park was chosen by the city council as the preferred location.

The presentation was provided by Andrew Dillard, Senior Engineer with the Contra Costa Transportation Authority who will oversee the project.

Funds for the project include $274,000 for CCTA Project Management, $176,000 for Environmental Clearance, $550,000 for Design, $3,450,000 for Construction and an additional $550,000 for Construction Management, he shared.

“All parks were considered throughout the city. But because of its central access…it really made it an optimal spot for the location,” Dillard stated.

The project will include restrooms and drinking fountains, he shared.

“The schedule includes completion of the environmental clearance and final design this summer and construction later in fall and winter, and complete construction in Summer/Fall 2026. We have until April of 2029 to complete every aspect of the project, which we’re well ahead of,” Dillard concluded.

Public Comments

Only one member of the public spoke on the agenda item.

“These dollars could have gone to actual bicycle improvements on Lone Tree Way. I’m sad about this bicycle garden,” said Andrew Becker.

Council Questions and Discussion

District 3 Councilman Don Freitas said, “I’m quite shocked to see an entrance into this bicycle park across EBMUD utility lines. They never allow anyone to cross.”

“We’re working through the details with them,” Dillard responded.  

“The only thing they’ve ever allowed is Sutter Delta, here, the parking lot,” Freitas added.

“How are we going to manage this? There could be people, like on Lone Tree Way, racing each other. How do we control things?”

Assistant City Attorney Kevin Kundinger said the city attorney’s office will determine any liability the City may face.

“It’s designed to be a passive park, like most of our parks, it will be open,” Acting Assistance City Manager and Parks & Recreation Director Brad Helfenberger said. “The facility is somewhat revolutionary. So, it’s new territory we’re charting.”

“I was here when we opened the skate park and it very much became a police problem with older people causing problems for younger people,” Freitas stated.

District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson asked about solar panels shown in the video but not on the map.

“That was discussed early on and that was just part of the video. It was decided not to pursue solar panels…because of the needs for electricity for the park,” Dillard said.

“Didn’t we take into consideration the disc golf course (which is currently located there)?” Wilson asked.

“Yes. We’ve had some initial discussion to move that to Harbor Manor Park,” Helfenberger responded. “We’ve had them along for the ride and they’ve been part of the discussion.”

“I like the park but I do have some concerns about the risk,” Wilson stated. “I’m looking forward to next steps and hearing more about it.”

Tamisha Torres-Walker said, “I protested the location because we have a lot of open space in District 1,” without offering any. “How many five- and six-year-olds can make it to that side of town?”

“So, it will not be gated or fenced off to the public?” the councilwoman asked.

“That is correct,” Helfenberger responded. “We have hours for other parks that this will follow.”

Bernal asked about the landscape plan and about “elements that are not easily broken and sturdy, and not easily vandalized.”

Dillard mentioned elements that will be “made out of wood…rugged” and landscaping that will be “low-maintenance…that can survive drought conditions. We’ve heard that loud and clear.”

Bernal asked about the color of the bike paths if it will be asphalt or yellow like in the video. He also asked if there will be walking paths, and shade structures since the “shade trees are 15 years away.”

Dillard said the bike paths will be asphalt, there will be separated, walking paths and shade structures.

Bernal then asked about annual maintenance costs, to which Helfenberger said it’s estimated at $120,000 per year.

The council then approved the conceptual design of the Bicycle Garden on a 5-0 vote.

See Project Staff Report to Council and Project Presentation to Council.