By Julie DiMaggio Enea, Senior Deputy, Contra Costa County Administrator’s Office
(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking applicants for the Public Law Library Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees was established pursuant to State law and County Ordinance to maintain a law library in Martinez.
The Board of Trustees is the governing body for the Law Library with the authority to determine personnel, fiscal and administrative policies to fulfill the legal information needs of the community. County residents who are members of the State Bar and have an interest in public policy and library administration are encouraged to apply for this non-paid volunteer opportunity. The County Board of Supervisors will appoint to fill one vacancy for a one-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and ending on Dec. 31, 2026. The Board of Trustees normally meets monthly in Martinez.
Applications should be returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St., Martinez, CA 94553 no later than by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025.
Applicants should plan to be available for public interviews to be conducted virtually via Zoom on Monday, November 24, 2025.
More information about the Contra Costa Public Law Library can be obtained by calling Amreet Sandhu at (925) 655-4600 or director@ll.cccounty.us, or visiting the Law Library website at http://www.cccpllib.org.
5 Regional Early Voting Sites in Brentwood, Pittsburg, Richmond, San Ramon, Walnut Creek open today
Some polling places in Antioch have changed.
By Dawn Kruger Community and Media Relations Coordinator Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department
Regional Early Voting Sites open today, Friday, October 31st and polling places are open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4th from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Voters can still return their ballots by mail, postmarked on or before Election Day – to ensure your mailed ballot is received on time, mail ballots before Election Day. Voters can drop their ballot off at one of the County’s 45 official drop boxes before 8:00 PM on Election Day, to ensure we receive your ballot on time.
“Voters have many opportunities to cast their ballot early,” said Kristin B. Connelly, the County’s Registrar of Voters. “The Contra Costa County Elections Office is here to ensure voters can cast their ballots safely, early, and conveniently to make sure their voices are heard.”
In-Person Voter Services
If you prefer to vote in-person or need in-person services to cast your ballot, Contra Costa County residents have early voting options at five Regional Early Voting sites throughout the county.
All Contra Costa registered voters will be able to vote at any of the Regional Early Voting locations, which will be open Friday, October 31st from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturday, November 1st from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; and Monday, November 3rd from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Here are the locations of Contra Costa’s Regional Early Voting sites:
Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak Street, Brentwood
Pittsburg Library-Community Room, 80 Power Avenue, Pittsburg
Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond
San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church, 902 Danville Boulevard, Alamo
Walnut Creek City Hall, 1666 North Main Street, Walnut Creek
Polling Places
Polling places will be open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4th from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Please go to our website and check “My Voting Information.” to find your assigned polling place. Please note that some polling places in Antioch, Bay Point, Lafayette, Pinole, Pittsburg, San Pablo, and San Ramon have changed.
Conditional Voter Registration
If you missed the voter registration deadline, you can still register and vote in-person using Conditional Voter Registration. It is a one-stop opportunity to register and cast your ballot and is available (1) at our office at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez, (2) at Regional Early Voting sites, and (3) at all polling places.
Accessible Voting Equipment and Additional Language Access
Official ballots and voting instructions are provided in English, Spanish, and Chinese. Additional language resources are available through ballot translation guides which are available online and at in-person voting locations. Ballot marking equipment with accessible features is available at every in-person voting location for voters with disabilities who may need assistance.
Be Prepared
If you vote in person, many voters find it helpful to come prepared. Make your choice ahead of time and bring your pre-marked Sample Ballot to the polls to help you save time. Copies of the Voter Information Guide are available at the polls and the information is also available online.
Leave the Campaign T-Shirts, Buttons, and Hats at Home
Please remember that voters have the right to cast a ballot free from intimidation or distraction. Under California law, electioneering is prohibited within 100 feet of any voting location. Anyone wearing items promoting any position in this election will be asked to remove or cover them while they are at the voting location. Please help our poll workers by refraining from electioneering and leave your campaign t-shirts, buttons and hats at home.
For more information on voting options for the Statewide Special Election, visit www.contracostavote.gov or call 925.335.7800.
“Involves a significant portion of the varsity football team…forfeiture…only the first step” of “disciplinary process” – Principal John Jimno
By Allen D. Payton
According to a letter issued by Antioch High School Principal John Jimno yesterday, Thursday Oct. 30, 2025, the varsity football team will forfeit last night’s game against Liberty High School. In the letter posted on the school’s Facebook page reads:
October 30, 2025
Dear Antioch High School Community,
In response to violations of the District’s Code of Conduct, the Antioch High School varsity football team will forfeit their scheduled game tonight against Liberty High School.
While I am legally prohibited from sharing specific details about the incident, I can confirm that the matter involves a significant portion of the varsity football team.
I understand this decision will be disappointing, particularly for our student-athletes and their families. However, after careful consideration, the leadership teams of both Antioch High School and the Antioch Unified School District unanimously determined that this action was necessary. It reflects our commitment to accountability, personal responsibility, and the values we expect of all students to uphold.
At Antioch High School, our commitment is to educate students not only to be strong scholars but also responsible and compassionate individuals. A key component of that growth is understanding that actions have consequences, and that true personal development comes from taking responsibility for one’s behavior.
While I cannot provide additional details about the disciplinary process, I want to be clear: the forfeiture of tonight’s game represents only the first step in ensuring that our Code of Conduct is upheld.
Athletics are a valuable and enriching part of the high school experience, but participation is a privilege that must be earned through academic effort and personal integrity. When these standards are not met, the privilege of participation cannot continue. Our student-athletes fully understand the expectations they agreed to uphold, and unfortunately, in this instance, those expectations were not met.
We remain committed to supporting our students as they learn and grow from this experience. Thank you for your understanding and support as we uphold our standards of excellence, integrity, and leadership that define Antioch High School.
Sincerely,
John Jimno
Principal
925-779-7550 Ext. 40040
johnjimno@antiochschools.net
Asked why the letter was not released to the public and media on Thursday, Jimno did not respond.
According to MaxPreps, the team’s record is 7-2 so far, this year, placing them third in the Bay Valley Athletic League. The Panthers have won all six home games and have a record of 1-2 for their away games.
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
Antioch, CA — Last week, from October 19–25, 2025, libraries across the nation celebrated the American Library Association’s National Friends of Libraries Week, recognizing the invaluable contributions of volunteer groups that support their local libraries. Here in Antioch, the spotlight shone on the Friends of the Antioch Library — a passionate group of volunteers who work year-round to strengthen and enrich our community library.
The Friends of the Antioch Library tirelessly fundraise to support essential library needs, programs, and resources. Through their dedication, the Friends help fund furniture, books, materials, adult, teen, and children’s programs, community and school initiatives, and other special needs of the library. Their efforts ensure that the library remains a welcoming and vibrant space for all members of the Antioch community.
“National Friends of Libraries Week is the perfect opportunity to thank our Friends for their ongoing commitment and generosity,” said a long-time supporter. “Their hard work directly benefits everyone who visits the library—whether they come to read, learn, connect, or explore.”
The Friends’ continued success depends on community support. Becoming an official member or making a donation helps sustain library programs and services throughout the year. Membership and donation dollars directly fund enhancements that keep the library a cornerstone of education and community engagement.
Paid membershipincludes special benefits such as:
Early entry to Book Sales
A quarterly newsletter, BookMark
Voting privileges within the organization
Free books from the Book Sale inventory
Discounted brown book bags during quarterly book sales
Community members can also show their support by shopping at the upcoming Friends of the Antioch Library Book Sale, taking place at the Antioch Library, 501 W 18th Street, on the following dates and times:
Thursday, November 13 – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Members Only)
Thursday, November 13 – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Open to the public)
Friday, November 14 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, November 15 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Special $7 Brown Bag Sale from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Shoppers will find fantastic bargains—children’s books starting at just 25¢ and adult books starting at only 50¢. All proceeds from the sale directly benefit the Antioch Library’s programs, materials, and special projects.
Community members are encouraged to join, donate, shop, and be part of the Friends’ vital mission to keep the Antioch Library thriving for generations to come.
Frontline healthcare workers overwhelmingly approve contract agreement securing progress on staffing, pay and working conditions
Sutter Health “pleased to have reached an agreement”
Averted strike at 8 facilities including Sutter Delta in Antioch
By Maria Leal, SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West
OAKLAND, CA – Frontline healthcare workers at eight Sutter Health facilities across Northern California have overwhelmingly approved a new contract agreement with Sutter executives, averting the strike workers had authorized. Approved by a margin of 98%, the new agreement addresses critical issues around staffing and working conditions by ensuring fair pay and benefits for frontline healthcare workers, allowing them to continue serving patients without disruption.
“This new contract shows that when we stand united, we can win improvements that protect both healthcare workers and our patients,” said Dinora Garcia, a dietary clerk from Sutter Lakeside Hospital. “Reaching this contract agreement wasn’t easy, but we stood together to advocate for worker and patient safety, improved staffing levels, and fair wages and benefits that reflect the vital work we do daily.”
The contract agreement provides 14 percent across-the-board raises over the life of the contract for workers and protects healthcare and retirement benefits for these frontline healthcare workers. The agreement averted a strike at eight Sutter Health facilities in nine cities: Antioch, Oakland, Santa Rosa, Roseville, Berkeley, Lakeport, Vallejo, Castro Valley and San Francisco. (See related articles here and here)
SEIU-UHW represents various workers across Sutter Health, including nursing assistants, respiratory therapists, licensed vocational nurses, X-ray technicians, environmental and food services workers, among others.
Sutter Health Responds
A Sutter Health spokesperson stated, “We’re pleased to have reached an agreement that supports our frontline employees while maintaining our shared focus on patient care and safety. As Sutter Health continues to achieve high safety scores, expand access to care, add new services and bring more physicians to the communities we serve, we’ll continue investing in and supporting the teams who make that care possible.”
SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) is a healthcare justice union of more than 120,000 healthcare workers, patients, and healthcare activists united to ensure affordable, accessible, high-quality care for all Californians provided by valued and respected healthcare workers. Learn more at www.seiu-uhw.org
Renderings of the planned Slatten Ranch Townhomes approved by the City Council on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. Source: DeNovaHomes
Embattled DeNova Homes’ 129 units at Slatten Ranch passes on split vote; 159 units at Wildflower Station fails on tie vote with Torres-Walker absent, continued until next Tuesday.
“It’s…unfortunate our hands are going to be tied due to state law” – District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson
“We are very limited in what actions we can take.” – Mayor Pro Tem Louie Rocha
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, the Antioch City Council voted to approve one of two new townhome projects by DeNova Homes in the Slatten Ranch area on the eastern edge of the city on a split 3-1 vote. Another townhome project on Hillcrest Avenue and Deer Valley Road in the Wildflower Station development failed on a 2-2 vote with District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker absent. The council members pointed out that their hands are tied by state law, SB330 – The Housing Crisis Act of 2019, under which plans for both developments were submitted, and were forced to approve both.
It was the second time the Council reviewed the projects by the embattled developer, whose father and son leaders were indicted in April on charges of bribing an Antioch city councilman. (See related articles here, here and here).
Slatten Ranch Townhome Development Plan. Source: DeNova Homes
Approve 129 Slatten Ranch Townhomes
Following another presentation on the 129-unit Slatten Ranch Townhomes project by the developer’s representatives as well as public comments by residents including some members of local unions concerned about growth and jobs, the council members discussed the project and questioned City staff.
District 3 Councilman Don Freitas who has been critical of the project, especially that it allows housing in the City’s 200-acre East Lone Tree Focus Area that was intended for commercial and economic development foorr creation of local, well-paying jobs, was first to question staff. He said, “In the report…it states that…the project has been adequately analyzed…under CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) and further review is not required. Traffic…will exceed City standards at the intersection…Level of Service F, which is the worst traffic conditions we can have.”
“The mitigation…they’re going to give one-fourth of the traffic light,” he asked with incredulity. “Empire and Wicklow. Level F. How does that pass CEQA?”
Antioch Planning Manager Zoe Merideth responded, “Vehicle miles traveled is a different standard…that’s what’s in the Housing Element EIR (Environmental Impact Report). Also, in the City’s General Plan, we have the Level of Service…and guidelines under that.”
“We’re still going to have Level F at Empire…and Wicklow for all of Eastern Contra Costa County,” Freitas reiterated.
“But we’re going to have mitigation,” Planning Manager Meredith stated.
“One-fourth of traffic signal is adequate?” Freitas asked again.
“There will be a turn pocket,” Meredith responded. “There will be additional left-turn storage prior to…building permit and occupancy. They’re looking at build out (in the area)not just at the project.”
Then Freitas again raised the issue of the children’s park that would be seen at the entrance to the development.
“Even though the public testimony about children’s safety, nothing’s changed,” he stated.
“Our issues and concerns that led us to pausing this until tonight,” said Mayor Pro Tem and District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha. “SB330, it says, is intended to streamline housing…to address the housing crisis in California. The concerns we brought up about traffic, children’s safety, just fall off the table…since they meet CEQA standards, there’s nothing else we can do.”
“As a General Law City we…are being required to follow laws…and in this case it has do with housing laws,” he continued. “We would hope that the applicant would show concerns we have for our residents and families.”
“It’s very clear…as far as local government we are very limited in what actions we can take. That’s what brings us here, tonight,” Rocha stated.
District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson then asked the developer’s attorney, Golub about his possible comment at the last council meeting of not having to care about the working conditions. “I hope I misheard you,” she stated.
“So, am I. I really don’t recall raising that,” he responded. “I certainly don’t have any notes in front of me. I don’t think I mentioned that at all.”
Then he recalled what he did say that Wilson might have misunderstood.
“State law is very explicit and clear…any CEQA review…the opponent has to show any peculiar I’m not aware of any evidence why this project would address any of those concerns. We reviewed carefully the comments raised by the labor union’s attorney. The issues that seem to be raised don’t relate to any peculiar aspects of this project. It’s a standard development. We’re not taking any kind of unusual conditions that will have any unusual impacts on working conditions. There are a bunch of state laws we have to follow.
“The project is supposed to be approved,” he added.
“I think it’s unfortunate you didn’t take the opportunity to hear all the concerns the last time. I feel like you’re just reiterating in your letter. You didn’t address any of their concerns,” Wilson stated.
“It’s also unfortunate our hands are going to be tied due to state law,” she added.
East Lone Tree Focus Area Map and Slatten Ranch Townhome Project location (in yellow box). Source: City of Antioch
Dana Tsubota, Chief Legal Officer of DeNova Homes said, “We’re happy to have conversations with all of the staff members. We’ve gone through two years of detailed review with staff. We’re happy to continue to have those discussions. When we build something, we’re in partnership with the City for a very long time.
We are limited by the City’s objective standards,” she continued. To make sure all the pieces fit and have all the units in the project as the City is requiring. If there is something we can do we’re happy to.”
“There’s a period of time between an approval and building permit…to ameliorate or soften the impact…there’s a certain amount of latitude we have to change the site plan,” said Antioch Interim Community and Economic Director David Storer.
“This council saw it for the first time a little over a month ago,” said Mayor Ron Bernal.
He then asked about Empire Avenue saying, “Historically, it’s been a joint project with the City of Brentwood. There is no condition of approval for them to build one-half of the street on their side. If this builder doesn’t build it…it falls back on the City and we don’t have any money…we don’t have an impact fee.”
“The center median is not included,” said Scott Buenting.
“Who will build it?” Bernal asked about the additional lane of traffic on the west side of Empire Avenue adjacent to the project.
“We have curb and gutter on our side,” Buenting responded.
“Why isn’t this project being conditioned to do it?” Bernal asked about the widening of Empire Avenue next to the project.
“I’m not sure,” said Buenting.
“I’d like to add it as a condition of approval. As long as Antioch fulfills our responsibility, for our half of the street,” Bernal stated.
“You’ll have to ask the applicant,” Storer responded.
“We’d be happy to look at a specific proposal,” said Golub. “But we don’t necessarily see a nexus of impact by this development. It could be very costly.”
After a 10-minute break for City staff to consult with the developer’s representatives, Interim City Attorney Derek Cole said, “To deal with this issue, there will be a general conditions that will require the improvements to the road…that will allow us to work with the applicant to reduce the concerns of the impacts of nexus. I believe we have to hear from the developer on this.”
Storrer then proposed some language for the council to consider for the additional condition of approval on the road widening.
The developer’s attorney Dan Golub. “I think we just heard there’s an objective standard. The time has come and gone. We’re willing to sit and work with you on this.”
“It’s an arterial design standard,” Bernal stated.
“I must go on the record opposing this. The outcome of that would be something we could agree to. We will work with you,” Golub stated.
Bernal, in violation of Roberts Rules of Order, then made a motion to approve the project with the added condition that the developer is required to improve Empire Avenue to one-half arterial road standard with consultation with Design Review and City Attorney.”
In proportionate share,” Cole added. “The City Engineer will make that determination.”
“From Wicklow to the north property line of the project,” Bernal added.
Rocha seconded the motion which passed 3-1 with Freitas voting against.
Rendering of proposed Wildflower Station Back-Back Townhomes. Source: DeNova Homes
Don’t Approve 159 Wildflower Station Townhomes on Tie Vote
The Council then received a brief presentation on the 159-unit Wildflower Station Townhomes 2 Multifamily Residential Project planned for the four-parcel, 10.35 acre vacant property near the intersection of Hillcrest Avenue and Deer Valley Road and bordered by Wildflower Drive to the east and the road next to the KFC restaurant in the Hillcrest Crossroads shopping center which also serves the existing condo development.
“According to our General Plan, developers are supposed to pay their way,” said former Councilman Ralph Hernandez during Public Comments. This project has been another one that’s being dumped on the city, not properly mitigated. You have to charge the right amount of money…for our police services. The project right next door is already telling you how dangerous it is.” He was referring to the condo project previously built and units sold.
Alora McGuire spoke next “on behalf of Contra Costa Residents for Responsible Development”, representing union members and residents in Antioch and surrounding areas. She said the group did not want the council to oppose the project but wanted the developer to address noise impacts.
Jason Buster of Plumbers and Steamfitters union Local 159, representing 300 Antioch families that are members of other unions, including electricians and sheet metal workers. “We advocate for projects that are more sustainable and equitable for the city of Antioch. We’re proud of our work to reduce the environmental impacts of projects.”
“The project is fully exempt from CEQA due to SB330,” said DeNova’s attorney Golub. “We’re very willing to fence and gate this property. It’s not an objective standard. But it doesn’t mean we’re not willing to consider it.”
Proposed Wildflower Station Townhomes 2 Project Site Map. Source: DeNova Homes
Wilson asked, “Why was the commercial piece removed from this plan?”
“This is a Housing Element site, and it was rezoned with the update,” Meredith said.
“That’s unfortunate,” Wilson stated even though she approved the rezoning during a council vote.
Rocha then made a motion to approve the project.
“Obviously, it was intended at one time to be a mixed development. But that was changed in 2023,” he stated.
Wildflower Station Townhomes 2 Site Map. Source: City of Antioch
Bernal seconded the motion and without further discussion the council did not approve the project on a two-two tie with both Freitas and Wilson voting to oppose.
“The motion does not carry. This does not preclude us from continuing the item until we have a fifth member present,” Cole explained.
Bernal then made a motion to continue the item until the Council’s next meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 4th. (It will be held instead of the normal second Tuesday, which falls on Veterans Day, Nov. 11th. Rocha seconded the motion and it passed 4-0.
