Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ Is Here
《灣區規劃2050+（草案）》現已發布
El borrador de Plan Bay Area 2050+ ya está disponible

“To help the region build more homes, reduce commute times, and create vibrant downtowns and natural areas for everyone to enjoy.”

By MTC & ABAG

After more than two years of public discussion, technical analysis and refinement, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) have released the Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ and the Plan Bay Area 2050+ Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for review and comment. The plan contains 35 strategies representing public policies and investments that can be implemented in the Bay Area by 2050 to help the region build more homes, reduce commute times, and create vibrant downtowns and natural areas for everyone to enjoy. The plan’s strategies also aim to keep people safe from natural hazards, support a strong economy and provide stable housing for those who need it most.

Unique to this plan cycle is the parallel Transit 2050+ planning effort, which culminated in the first-of-its-kind plan to re-envision the future of Bay Area public transit, in partnership with transit operators across the region.

The first in a series of public hearings for Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ will take place this Friday as part of the MTC Planning Committee and ABAG Administrative Committee.

The draft plan, along with the Draft EIR, the Draft Implementation Plan and accompanying supplemental reports, are all available for review and comment.

The schedule for public hearings on the draft plan and the Draft EIR is as follows:

Public Hearing #1 — MTC Planning Committee and ABAG Administrative Committee
Friday, November 14, 2025, at 9:40 a.m. or upon the conclusion of the Bay Area Infrastructure Financing Authority Network and Operations Committee, whichever is later.

Bay Area Metro Center
Board Room, 1st Floor
375 Beale Street, San Francisco
Instructions to join by Zoom

Public Hearing #2 — Fremont (hybrid)
Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 6 p.m.

Zoom link: https://bit.ly/drafthearing2
Webinar ID: 875 7625 3306
Passcode: 178983
888 788 0099 US Toll Free

In-person location:
Olive Hyde Art Center and Gallery
123 Washington Boulevard, Fremont

Public Hearing #3 — Novato (hybrid)
Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 6 p.m.

Zoom link: https://bit.ly/drafthearing3
Webinar ID: 898 0347 9624
Passcode: 129009
888 788 0099 US Toll Free

In-person location:
Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn
215 Alameda del Prado, Novato

Each public hearing will begin with the Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ hearing followed by the Draft EIR hearing. Oral and written comments will be received at the hearings.

See below for additional public participation opportunities.

Read Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ and its supplemental reports at planbayarea.org/draftplan, review the Draft EIR at https://planbayarea.org/2050/environmental-impact-report-eir, and submit your comments by December 18, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Tell Us What You Think

Submit Written Comments

Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+

• Use the online comment form at planbayarea.org/draftplan
• Email info@planbayarea.org (subject line: “Draft Plan”)
• Mail comments to:
  MTC Public Information Office
  Attn: Plan Bay Area
  375 Beale Street, Suite 800
  San Francisco, CA 94105

Plan Bay Area 2050+ Draft EIR

• Use the online comment form at planbayarea.org/2050/environmental-impact-report-eir
• Email eircomments@bayareametro.gov (subject line: “Draft EIR”)
• Mail comments to:
  MTC Public Information Office
  Attn: Draft EIR Comments
  375 Beale Street, Suite 800
  San Francisco, CA 94105

Leave a Voicemail

Call the Plan Bay Area public information line at (415) 778-2292 and record your comment.

All comments must be received by 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025.

Request assistance! | ¡Solicita ayuda! | 請求幫助!

For translation, interpretation and any other assistance, call (415) 778.6757. Three working days’ notice is required.

Para traducción, interpretación u otra asistencia, llame al (415) 778.6757. Se requiere aviso con tres días hábiles de anticipación.

如需翻譯，口譯或其他協助，請提前三個工作日致電(415) 778.6757。 

Controversy at EBRPD: General Manager didn’t jump, claims she was pushed out by Board, seeks legal action

Sabrina Landreth said she was “constructively terminated” and “could not perform…job under a Board of Directors which was not exercising appropriate governance and operates without adequate checks and balances.”

By Sam Singer, President, Singer Associates Public Relations

Oakland, CA – Former East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) General Manager Sabrina Landreth on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, announced she is seeking legal counsel and evaluating potential legal action related to her departure from the district last week and the conduct of the EBRPD Board of Directors.

Landreth resigned from her position as EBRPD General Manager this week but said she was “constructively terminated” by the Board which demanded she take actions–which she refused—that would have violated open government and personnel laws, and harmed her professional and personal reputation.

Landreth said she “could not perform my job under a Board of Directors which was not exercising appropriate governance and operates without adequate checks and balances.”

“The Board was demanding that I compromise my integrity and values. I would not do that,’ she said. “I stand by my values and my reputation as a professional administrator for the past twenty-five years.” 

“I am proud of my accomplishments during my EBRPD tenure,” Landreth added.  “There were many projects I had started and am disappointed not to complete because my time was cut short by the Board.”

Landreth was hired in March 2021 and has served for almost the past five years as General Manager of EBRPD, the largest regional park system in the country. Her contract was renewed in 2024 for an additional five years.  She was the first woman to serve as General Manager in the District’s 91 year history. Previously, she held top executive leadership positions managing the cities of Oakland and Emeryville.

Prior to the EBRPD, Landreth served as City Administrator in Oakland from 2015- 2020, where she is credited with strong fiscal management and developing a capital improvement program that included community equity goals and has become a model program for local governments around the country.

Previously, Landreth served as City Manager of Emeryville and as staff in the California State Assembly advancing state and local legislative initiatives.

She serves on the UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy Board of Advisors and a number of community organizations.

When reached for comment, EBRPD Communications and Outreach Manager Kendra Strey responded, “The East Bay Regional Park District has not received a legal claim and cannot comment on pending or threatened litigation.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Four K-9s have joined the ranks of the California Highway Patrol after completing rigorous training alongside their handlers and receiving official certification from the CHP

By Jaime Coffee, Director of Communications, Office of Media Relations, CHP

SACRAMENTO — The CHP has added four new K-9 teams to its ranks, furthering the Department’s mission to provide safety, service and security to the people of California.

The graduating class includes three Belgian Malinois and one Dutch Shepherd, each trained to apprehend offenders, detect illegal drugs and enhance officer and public safety.

“Police K-9s have proven their usefulness time and again in the situations officers face daily. They are hardworking, loyal partners who wake up each day ready to serve. Each of these specialized teams has dedicated time and effort to succeed on the streets, and we are excited to welcome them to our team.” – CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee

Over the past 11 weeks, the four K-9 teams completed more than 400 hours of intensive training, meeting the standards set by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. The K-9s, trained in criminal apprehension and narcotics detection, also known as Patrol and Narcotics Detection Canines, received their official certification on November 7 during a graduation ceremony at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento.

Each K-9 handler is an experienced CHP officer with seven to 15 years of service. Handlers were carefully paired with their canine partners based on temperament, skill and personality. Throughout training, the teams built strong bonds of trust and communication that will support them throughout their careers.

Following this graduation, the new K-9 teams will report to their assigned CHP Area offices to assist with patrol duties and respond to calls for service in the Northern, CentralandInlandDivisions.

BY THE NUMBERS

With this graduating class, the second of 2025, the CHP now deploys 53 K-9 teams statewide:

• 37 Patrol and Narcotics Detection Canine teams
• 9 Patrol and Explosives Detection Canine teams
• 5 Explosives Detection Canine teams
• 2 Narcotics Detection teams

From January through September 2025, CHP K-9 teams seized nearly 7,000 pounds of methamphetamine, 5,000 pounds of cocaine, 250 pounds of heroin, 750 pounds of fentanyl and 213 firearms, underscoring their critical role in combating drug trafficking and firearm-related crime.

To maintain peak performance, each team completes at least eight hours of ongoing training each week, ensuring readiness for the diverse situations they encounter in the field.

MEET THE CHP’S NEW K-9 TEAMS

Officer Christopher Partlow & K-9 Judge – Northern Division

Officer Christopher Keeler & K-9 Jag – Central Division

Officer Michael Galvez & K-9 Oso – Central Division

Officer Joshua Walker & K-9 Jury – Inland Division

Contra Costa County is located in the Golden Gate Division.

Learn more about becoming a CHP K-9 handler or explore the many other rewarding career opportunities at www.CHPMadeForMore.com.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

News from the East Bay Regional Park District

Includes Green Friday Free Park Day at Black Diamond Mines and Contra Loma, Nov. 28

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

Fall Walks & Strolls. Late fall is the perfect season to get outside and explore East Bay Regional Parks. Whether you’re up for a challenging hike or a gentle stroll, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Embrace the cool weather, crisp air, changing plant colors, and abundant wildlife on these fall walks and strolls. Let the natural beauty of the East Bay rejuvenate your spirit on these unforgettable fall adventures.

• Wednesday Walk (3.5 miles), Nov. 12, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve
• Wednesday Walk (3.75 miles), Nov. 26, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve
• Saturday Stroll (4 miles), Nov. 29, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

For more information, visit ebparks.org/calendar and search for walks and strolls.

Green Friday Free Park Day. Celebrate Green Friday — the day after Thanksgiving — with a free park day in East Bay Regional Parks! Fees are waived for parking, boat launching, and fishing — only state fishing licenses, watercraft inspections, and concession fees apply. Admission to Ardenwood Historic Farm is also waived for Green Friday! The East Bay Regional Park District celebrates Green Friday to encourage the public to spend time in nature. It’s a great way to spend time with family and friends the day after Thanksgiving.

Green Friday programs include:

• Green Friday Hike, 9 a.m. at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve (Drop-in)
• Green Friday Hike Amongst the Trees, 9 a.m. at Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park (Drop-in)
• Green Friday Gratitude Hike, 10 a.m. at Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve (Drop-in)
• Green Friday Hike, 10:30 a.m. at Coyote Hills Regional Park (Drop-in)
• Turkey Talk, 12:30 p.m. at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve (Drop-in)
• Green Friday Volunteer Opportunities, 9 a.m. at Contra Loma Regional Park and Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area (Registration required)

The Park District is also facilitating cleanup projects on Green Friday. Instead of (or after!) spending the day searching for special savings on holiday gifts, use the day off to give back to nature through a service project. The Park District is facilitating two clean-up events for all to join: At both Contra Loma Regional Park in Antioch and Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area in Fremont, volunteers will be removing invasive plants at designated worksites between 9 a.m. and noon. Registration required.

• Age Restrictions: Youth under the age of 18 must have a signed permission by parent or legal guardian. Youth under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
• What to Bring: Water bottle, gloves, and sun protection.
• What is Provided: Necessary tools.
• Weather Notes: Heavy rain or wildfire smoke cancels.

For more information, visit ebparks.org/we-celebrate/green-friday.

Native American Heritage Month. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month by recognizing and honoring the Indigenous peoples who have inhabited this land since time immemorial. Indigenous peoples and tribal citizens in the East Bay continue to be closely connected to the land through distinct traditions, unique languages, and sophisticated knowledge systems.

Individuals from the Ohlone, Bay Miwok, Delta Yokut, and many others, continue to live on this land, practicing their culture and traditions to this day. Immense gratitude is extended to the many Native peoples who have contributed — and continue to contribute — their perspectives, voices, history, and culture to our programs.

Learn more about the Park District’s Native American Heritage Month activities, programs, and stories at ebparks.org/native-american-heritage-month.

Veterans Benefits:

In addition to honoring veterans, service members and retirees with free park entrance on Veterans Day, the Park District honors the Distinguished Veteran Pass, which is administered by California State Parks. Veterans with a Distinguished Veteran Pass receive free day-use parking and free entry to Ardenwood Historic Farm, not including special events.

Plus, the Regional Parks Foundation offers a discounted Special Access Membership for veterans.

Regional Park Membership — the Perfect Gift for Nature Lovers. This holiday season, give a gift that inspires adventure all year long — a Regional Parks Foundation Membership. Members enjoy a personalized Membership Card, free day-use parking, free swimming, camping discounts, free admission to Ardenwood Historic Farm on non-event days, free home delivery of the Park District’s Regional in Nature activity guide and the Foundation’s Compass magazine, and more. Consider the Angler level for free fishing and boat launch.

Purchase by Dec. 5. Visit RegionalParksFoundation.org/Join for details.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

INAUGURACIÓN DEL PARQUE CONTRA LOMA ESTATES

By Jaden Baird, PIO, City of Antioch

ANTIOCH, CA — The City of Antioch, in partnership with Rising Juntos, invites the community to celebrate the grand reopening of Contra Loma Estates Park on Saturday, November 15. The free, family-friendly event will take place from 12:00–2:00 PM at the corner of Mahogany Way and Manzanita Way, and will feature music, games, raffles, food, guided park tours, speeches and a ribbon cutting ceremony.

According to Parks and Recreation Department staff, “After years of community advocacy, Contra Loma Estates Park is finally re-designed by and for the community. Bring the whole family to celebrate!”

Después de años de esfuerzo de la comunidad, el Parque Contra Loma Estates finalmente se rediseñó por y para la comunidad. ¡Lleve a toda la familia a celebrar!

• Sábado, 15 de noviembre
• 12:00 – 2:00PM
• Esquina de Mahogany Way & Manzanita Way, Antioch

¡Habrá música, comida, juegos, tours y rifa!

Para más información: 510-368-4544

Located in the heart of North Antioch’s Sycamore neighborhood, Contra Loma Estates Park has long been a central focus for residents seeking safe, vibrant public space. The revitalization effort began in 2013, when Rising Juntos led a community needs assessment that identified the park as a top priority for improvement. In response, the Antioch City Council funded a community-designed playground in 2015 and new basketball courts in 2018.

Building on that foundation, the City of Antioch and Rising Juntos partnered to secure Proposition 68 funding to complete the community’s long-term vision for the park. Now, after more than a decade of advocacy, planning, and partnership, Contra Loma Estates Park is fully renovated and ready to serve as a hub for families, youth, and neighbors of all ages.

“This reopening represents the best of Antioch: community leadership, meaningful partnership, and shared investment in public space,” said City Manager Bessie Marie Scott. “Contra Loma Estates Park reflects a decade of commitment from residents, Rising Juntos, and our City team. We are proud to stand with the Sycamore community in celebrating a space that belongs to everyone.”

Rising Juntos Executive Director Rhea Elina Laughlin added, “This project is an example of what we can achieve when residents and city staff work together toward the community’s vision. We are thrilled to inaugurate this new park, designed by and for the neighborhood.”

Rocheall, a longtime Antioch resident and Rising Juntos member, shared, “I am so excited about the park re-opening. My son can’t wait to use the basketball courts and the renovated walking path. I am so happy that our neighborhood park has restrooms for families. This is a huge win for our community. Our children and future generations will now have a beautiful and safe park.”

For more information: 510-368-4544.

About Rising Juntos

The Mission of Rising Juntos is to build power for racial, economic and health justice for children and families in Contra Costa County. Led by a volunteer membership made up of resident leaders across Contra Costa County, their multicultural, intergenerational membership brings lived experience with systemic injustice and deep understanding of community needs. Rising Juntos members are the experts and driving force of their work. They have four Focus Areas: Housing and Economic Security, Healthy Parks and Communities, Equitable Representation, and Access Racial and Immigrant Justice.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this announcement.

La liberación de los beneficios de CalFresh en California para noviembre

All County offices will be closed for Veterans Day holiday, Tuesday, Nov. 11

By Tish Gallegos, PIO, Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services Department

(Martinez, Calif.) – California residents are seeing the restoration of their CalFresh benefits to Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards as the federal government issues 100% of the funding following a court order. CalFresh, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Food Assistance Program (SNAP), provides critical food assistance to households and County residents.

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has confirmed the loading of CalFresh benefits to EBT cards for November-eligible recipients who should have received them from Nov. 1-6. CDSS expects the loading to continue for those who were regularly scheduled to receive them Nov. 7-10.

CalFresh recipients can check on their CalFresh benefits by visiting BenefitsCal.com, calling 1(866) 663-3225, or visiting an EHSD office (find office locations at ehsd.org). Note that all County offices will be closed for the Veterans Day holiday on Tuesday, November 11.

With the release of funding to load EBT cards, Contra Costa County is pausing its recently announced plan to distribute debit cards to CalFresh participants eligible for the benefit in November. The distribution was expected to fill the gap from the lapse of federal funding that threatened the food security of 107,020 individuals in Contra Costa County, more than half children and older adults.  Earlier this week, the Board of Supervisors’ unanimously approved up to $21 million from the County’s General Fund authorizing the Employment & Human Services Department (EHSD) to implement the debit card distribution plan.

“We are committed to supporting our community members and remain prepared to possibly distribute the debit cards at a later time if CalFresh (SNAP) funding is further disrupted,” said Board Chair Candace Andersen, District 2 Supervisor. “It is uncertain what will happen with CalFresh benefits for December, and we will hold the County funds in reserve as we watch for the federal government to reach a funding solution.”

The Board of Supervisors declared a local emergency this week due to the federal government shutdown disrupting CalFresh funding. The declaration stands for 60 days, and EHSD expects to report back to the Board about the need to continue the local emergency.

For residents who need food resources, the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano’s Find Food in My City page is available to search by city or zip code for food distribution sites. Community members can also call (855) 309-FOOD (3663). 

Additional Resources

• Contra Costa Crisis Center- crisis-center.org; call 988 or (800) 273-8255; or text “HOPE” to 20121
• 211 Contra Costa Database – Contra Costa Crisis Center – comprehensive database of local health and social services for Contra Costa residents
• CAfoodbanks.org – California Food Banks’ website
• ehsd.org – CalFresh updates related to the federal government shutdown

En Español

(Martínez, California) – Los residentes de California están viendo la restauración de sus beneficios de CalFresh a las tarjetas de Transferencia Electrónica de Beneficios (EBT) ya que el gobierno federal emite el 100% de los fondos luego de una orden judicial. CalFresh, conocido federalmente como el Programa de Asistencia Alimentaria de Nutrición Suplementaria (SNAP por sus siglas en Inglés), brinda asistencia alimentaria crítica a los hogares y residentes del condado.

El Departamento de Servicios Sociales de California (CDSS por sus siglas en Inglés) ha confirmado la carga de los beneficios de CalFresh a las tarjetas EBT para los beneficiarios elegibles para noviembre que deberían haberlos recibido del 1 al 6 de noviembre. CDSS espera que la carga continúe para aquellos que están programados regularmente para recibirlos del 7 al 10 de noviembre.

Los beneficiarios de CalFresh pueden verificar sus beneficios de CalFresh visitando BenefitsCal.com, llamando al 1(866) 663-3225 o visitando una oficina de EHSD (encuentre las ubicaciones de las oficinas en ehsd.org). Tenga en cuenta que todas las oficinas del condado estarán cerradas por el feriado del Día de los Veteranos el martes 11 de noviembre.

La Junta de Supervisores sigue comprometida a apoyar a los hogares que no reciben beneficios de CalFresh debido al cierre del gobierno. Cualquier hogar que no haya recibido sus beneficios antes del lunes, puede llamar o venir a una ubicación de EHSD para obtener ayuda. Consulte ehsd.org para conocer las ubicaciones.

A principios de esta semana, la Junta de Supervisores aprobó por unanimidad hasta $21 millones del Fondo General del Condado que autoriza al Departamento de Empleo y Servicios Humanos (EHSD) a implementar el plan de distribución de tarjetas de débito.

“Estamos comprometidos a apoyar a los miembros de nuestra comunidad y seguimos preparados para posiblemente distribuir las tarjetas de débito si los fondos de CalFresh (SNAP) se interrumpen aún más”, dijo la presidenta de la junta, Candace Andersen, supervisora del Distrito 2. “No está claro qué sucederá con los beneficios de CalFresh para diciembre, y mantendremos los fondos del condado en reserva mientras esperamos que el gobierno federal llegue a una solución de financiamiento”.

La Junta de Supervisores declaró una emergencia local esta semana debido al gobierno federal interrupción de la financiación de CalFresh. La declaración tiene una duración de 60 días, y EHSD espera informar a la Junta sobre la necesidad de continuar con la emergencia local.

Para los residentes que necesitan recursos alimentarios, la página Find Food in My City del Banco de Alimentos de Contra Costa y Solano está disponible para buscar por ciudad o código postal los sitios de distribución de alimentos. Los miembros de la comunidad también pueden llamar al (855) 309-FOOD (3663).

Recursos adicionales

• Centro de Crisis de Contra Costa: crisis-center.org; llame al 988 o al (800) 273-8255; o envíe un mensaje de texto con la palabra “HOPE” al 20121

• Base de datos 211 de Contra Costa – Centro de crisis de Contra Costa – base de datos completa de servicios sociales y de salud locales para residentes de Contra Costa

• CAfoodbanks.org – Sitio web de los Bancos de Alimentos de California

• ehsd.org – Actualizaciones de CalFresh relacionadas con el cierre del gobierno federal

Sabrina Landreth leaves post after less than five years; Deputy General Manager Max Korten appointed Acting GM

By Kendra Strey, Communications Manager, EBRPD

OAKLAND, CA — Sabrina Landreth resigned from her position as General Manager of the East Bay Regional Park District on November 6, 2025. Following a closed session on Saturday, Nov. 8, the EBRPD Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint current Deputy General Manager Max Korten as the Acting General Manager.

Landreth served as General Manager since March 2021, coming into the position during the pandemic and immediately working tirelessly to improve the Regional Parks, make key acquisitions including Pt. Molate in Richmond, and ensure parks are accessible and welcoming to all members of the community. Under Landreth, the Park District modernized and strengthened the agency’s leadership infrastructure, assembling talent across all Divisions to ensure the agency is well positioned for a bright future.

“The Board of Directors is incredibly thankful for Ms. Landreth’s service and her numerous substantial contributions to the operations of the Park District,” Board President John Mercurio said. Next steps on the hiring process are yet to be determined.

According to a Sept. 11, 2024, EBRPD press release, Korten joined the Executive Leadership Team after 10 years with Marin County Parks.

Beginning as a parks and open space superintendent in 2014, he served as director and general manager from 2016-24, responsible for 34 open space preserves, 45 parks, and 150 employees. Prior to that he worked as the natural resources program director for Conservation Corps North Bay and as a backcountry ranger and trail crew supervisor for the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. Korten graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a degree in Environmental Studies, and went on to obtain a Master of Science in Natural Resources from Humboldt State University. He also enjoys volunteering as a coach for his son’s soccer team and as a board member for Together Bay Area.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Fundraising effort “exceeded the $100,000 goal”; also celebrated Society’s 50th Anniversary and 25th Anniversary of Museum

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch Historical Society dedicated the refurbished 1871 First Congregational Church bell housed in the newly constructed Unity Bell Tower on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. Joined by the mayor, council members and residents, Society members also celebrating the organization’s 50th anniversary and the 25-year anniversary of the Museum residing at the historic 1910 Riverview Union High School Building.

Through the “Ring it loud, Antioch! Ring it proud!” marketing campaign and successful fundraising initiatives, the museum raised more than $100,000, including over $85,000 in cash donations and the rest as in-kind contributions, to refurbish what is said to be one of the oldest artifacts from the settling of Antioch by early Americans.

The First Congregational Church traces its roots to June 12, 1865, and the bell brought early members of the church together as it rung loudly across the city.

The day included speeches by community leaders, the ringing of the bell by Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal, a free lunch and anniversary cake, free tours of the museum and the Sports Legends Hall of Fame, free souvenir bells, and music by the Deer Valley Jazz Band and DJ Jim Lanter.

Antioch District 3 City Councilman Don Freitas, a member of the event organizing team and former Historical Society President, served as the master of ceremonies. The Colors were presented and posted by the Delta Veterans Group, the National Anthem was performed by Jim “Mac” Martin, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by J.R. Wilson of the Delta Veterans Group and VFW Post, and the invocation was offered by retired pastor, Rev. Gene Davis.

Speeches

Bernal was the first to speak, saying, “I enjoy events like, this bringing our community together and remembering our history. It rang for church services, but also when babies were born, when people died and in emergencies. It served us for the whole community.”

He then spoke of “celebrating a symbol of what Antioch was in the 1870’s and what it can be today. We are all Antioch.”

Bernal then congratulated the Historical Society on their 50th Anniversary and the 25th Anniversary of the Museum.

“The point that this is a Unity Bell is important as we need unity in our community, nation and world, today,” he added.

“The past is actually closer than we think,” said Antioch Historical Society President, Shari Gayle, in the briefest of the speeches. “We celebrate our history, past, present and future. Thank you to all.”

“On behalf of the core team, thank God today finally came,” Freitas said.

Project Leader and former Historical Society President, Dwayne Eubanks shared his thanks and thoughts saying, “Some say the Society’s best days are behind it. That our stories are fading. That we can’t sustain this place. But standing here with you today, I see something else entirely – I see a future. Your presence, your generosity and your belief in this day prove that our legacy still matters.”

“Behind me stands the 1871 Meneely Foundry bell – a symbol of that legacy,” he continued. “When it first rang, Antioch has just 600 residents. Among those who heard its chime were Adelia Kimball, at 12 years old, our first teacher, Rev. William Wiggins Smith, Chairman of the City Council (and one of the community’s founders, first Mayor Roswell Butler Hard, and Thomas Gaines, the city’s first Black residents. They all heard the bell.”

He then thanked those involved in making the Unity Bell Tower possible, including the coordinators and those who contributed.

“You are the heartbeat of this Society. History lives here. So does hope. Viva Antioch. Viva Historical Society,” Eubanks concluded.

Supervisors Diane Burgis and Shanelle Scales-Preston spoke about the bell and Historical Society, as did Donna McGee, Site Director of Kaiser Permanente Hospital, a Diamond Sponsor of the project, and Jose Cordon, Antioch’s Poet Laureate who read a poem he wrote.

Tom Menasco, the project’s Marketing and Key Fundraising Advisor said, “We generated $97,300 plus in-kind contributions. We exceeded the $100,000 goal.”

He recognized the four major sponsors of $5-10,000, the City of Antioch, Kaiser Permanente Antioch, Wayne Swisher Cement Contractors, Wayne, Brian and Bret Swisher, Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring’s Bernadette Brooks, East Bay Community Foundation’s Sharon Beswick, and the Kiwanis Club of the Delta’s President Archie Smith and member, Kay Powers, who later presented a large, ceremonial check to the Historical Society.

Representatives of the First Congregational Church were introduced and given the opportunity to share a few words. Paul Fish, the last treasurer of the church, said, “It’s my honor to stand before you. The church was disbanded in 2021. We existed for 126 years in the city of Antioch. I can’t think of a more fitting name for this bell than the Unity Bell for the city of Antioch.”

Lisa Wilkening Kanazawa was last to speak saying, “My Great Great Grandmother Helene donated 50 silver dollars (which were melted into the metal used to make the bell). Fred and Helene Wilkening were founders of the church. I’m here on behalf of my father and my grandfather Stanley who would be proud of the Unity Bell focus.”

Organizers of the Unity Bell Tower effort then gathered near the bell as Mayor Bernal rang it for all to hear, concluding the ceremony. (See video)

The project has been generously supported by major sponsors including: the City of Antioch, Kaiser Permanente Hospital, Kiwanis Club of the Delta, Wayne E Swisher Cement Contractor, Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring, Inc., and the East Bay Community Foundation.

The museum received scores of individual donations from the community, local businesses, and non-profit organizations including: Delta Veterans Group and the Antioch Veterans Banner Program, St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Fontana Family Foundation, Antioch Rotary Club, and the Antioch High School Class of 1966.

Special thanks go to Evans & Son Masonry, Best West Roofing, Eddie’s Coats, Black Diamond Electric and Guepardo Landscaping. 

The Antioch Historical Society Museum is located at 1500 W. 4th Street and is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. For more information, visit http://antiochhistoricalmuseum.org/ or the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/antiochhistoricalmuseum/, call (925) 757-1326 or email AntiochHistoricalsociety@comcast.net.