The Antioch veteran community continues to answer the call of service! Join us on Thursday, June 18th for a powerful day dedicated to supporting our veterans, their families, and our community at a Veterans Information & Resource Fair.
We are honored to announce that DAV National Service Officers from the Oakland DAV National Service Office will be conducting a Veterans Information Seminar and providing FREE VA Claims Service assistance to Veterans and their families.
Services and community partners include:
Department of Veterans Affairs Concord Vet Center Mobile Unit
CCC Homeless Health Care Mobile Services
Team Jesus Outreach Ministry
Antioch Rivertown Veterans Lions Club
Antioch John McMullen VFW Post 6435
DAV Chapter 154 and Veteran advocates
Whether you need assistance with VA claims, health care resources, counseling services, housing support, or simply want to connect with fellow Veterans and organizations serving our community — this event is for you.
We are also inviting all nonprofits, Veteran organizations, and community service providers to participate! If your organization would like to table and highlight your services to Veterans and the community, please contact me directly.
As always, we remain committed to our mission:
“Veterans served their Country and Veterans serve their Communities.”
The Proposed 2026 County ULL renewal map shows areas of contractions and expansions. Source: Contra Costa County
Would allow for expansion near Byron Airport, contractions elsewhereincluding next to Antioch
Will not affect Antioch’s ULL
By Allen D. Payton
On Tuesday’s Primary Election ballot in Contra Costa County is Measure A, the 2026 Voter-Approved Contra Costa County Urban Limit Line also referred to as the Urban Limit Line and Land Preservation Plan Amendment Measure. Voters are asked whether or not to extend the County’s current Urban Limit Line (ULL) for 25 more years, as well as expand and contract it, placing a net of almost 9,500 more acres outside the line.
The ballot language reads, “Shall the measure amending the Contra Costa County General Plan and the County’s 65/35 Land Preservation Plan Ordinance to continue protections to the County’s non-urban, agricultural, and open space areas by extending the term of the County’s Urban Limit Line through December 31, 2051; adopting an updated Urban Limit Line map; requiring voter approval, except under limited circumstances, to expand the Urban Limit Line by more than 30 acres; and retaining the 65/35 Land Preservation Standard, be adopted?”
The county’s first ULL was voter-approved in 1990 and was renewed in 2006 which lasted 20 years.
Each of the 19 cities have their own voter-approved ULL, which supersede the County’s ULL, in order to receive local street maintenance funds from Measure J, the county’s half-cent sales tax for transportation. The City of Antioch did that when voters there established their own line and moved the County’s line back out in 2004, after the Board of Supervisors moved it in and cut off the land previously planned for the Roddy Ranch golf course and housing development. That land was later sold to the East Bay Regional Park District and is planned for a park.
The Ginochio West property (inside yellow circle) adjacent to Antioch’s city limits (inside the blue line) would be moved outside the County’s ULL if Measure A passes. Graphic source: Contra Costa County
So, Measure A will not affect each city’s ULL, only land in the unincorporated portions of the county. But it will move outside the County’s ULL a section of land, currently outside the Antioch city limits bordered by Deer Valley and Empire Mine Roads, where long-time Antioch residents might remember the “party barn” was located, on property now known as Ginochio West in planning documents. It would be constrained to public or easement use.
Will Extend County ULL by 25 Years, Allow Expansion Near Byron Airport, Contractions Elsewhere
According to the County Counsel’s Impartial Analysis of the measure,“In 2004, voters approved Measure J-2004, which extended a local transportation sales tax (Measure C-1988) by 25 years and allowed the County to receive a share of those sale tax proceeds provided the County had a voter-approved ULL.
“In 2006, voters approved Measure L-2006, which extended the term of the ULL to December 31, 2026. In order (for the County) to continue to be eligible to receive transportation sales tax proceeds after 2026, the ULL must be extended beyond 2026. This measure would extend the County’s ULL for 25 years, through December 31, 2051.
In addition, “the measure would amend the County’s 2045 General Plan and the 65/35 Ordinance to accomplish the following: (1) extend the term of the 65/35 Ordinance from December 31, 2026, through December 31, 2051; (2) require four-fifths vote of the County Board of Supervisors and voter approval to expand the ULL by more than 30 acres (except under limited circumstances); (3) provide for periodic reviews of the ULL by the Board of Supervisors and a required review involving an evaluation of housing and job needs; (4) update and expand the criteria for moving land outside the ULL; (5) incorporate a revised ULL map that among other things delineates an area of future potential expansion near the Byron Airport; and (6) retain the 65/35 land preservation standard and protections for the County’s prime agricultural land. This measure will become effective immediately if approved by a majority of the voters voting on the measure.”
The proposed County ULL would include contractions totaling 11,098 acres and expansion of 1,603 acres for net 9,495 more acres placed outside the Urban Limit Line. (See map). However, the acreage does not include the Byron Airport Potential ULL Expansion Area.
Yes on A Campaign’s Main Argument
The main argument of the Yes on Measure A campaign, paid for by Save Mount Diablo and supported by nine other organizations, is “The Urban Limit Line helps prevent traffic from getting worse. The more people have to drive, and the more cars on the road, the worse traffic gets. This election, say YES to protecting our open space and agriculture, safety from wildfire, limiting traffic, and encouraging housing where it makes sense.”
No on A Campaign’s Main Argument
The main argument of the No on Measure A campaign, paid for by the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association is that “Measure A removes an additional 9,460 acres — equivalent to 14.78 square miles — from any possible urban housing use through 2051. That is larger than 10 of the 19 cities in Contra Costa County. Calling this a routine renewal misleads voters about what is actually on the ballot.”
The campaign also claims, “When Contra Costa restricts its land supply, families don’t disappear. They move — and commute back.”
Analysis: Growth is inevitable and acts much like a balloon, when it is restricted in one area, growth expands elsewhere. Such as in the Central Valley which feeds not only our state, but nation and world, and where land is cheaper and unfortunately, farmers can make more money selling to developers than farming. The result is commuters driving further to work and blowing more polluting smoke out of their tailpipes, defeating the goals of the environmentalists.
At the same time, there’s plenty of room inside the current ULL’s of the cities for more housing growth to occur, especially in East County. Plus, the measure includes a potential expansion near the Byron Airport where commercial and/or mixed-used development could occur, as the long-planned, four-lane Route 239 between Brentwood and Tracy are built, the runway is potentially extended, a fixed base operation and fuel farm are built there, and a possible transit stop located there, as well.
AR-style weapon, magazines and ammunition confiscated from the suspect on Friday, May 29, 2026. Photos: Antioch PD
31-year-old Angelo Zuniga being held on $240K bail, has history of arrests
By Antioch Police Department
On Friday afternoon, May 29, 2026, about 2:00 PM, the Antioch Police dispatch center received a call of a man with a gun in the 2500 block San Jose Drive. The caller reported seeing a male retrieve a firearm from the trunk of a black Nissan Maxima before driving away.
While responding, an officer located the vehicle parked in front of a 7-Eleven on Buchanan Road. Officers contacted the driver and observed a loaded AR-style pistol positioned between the driver’s seat and center console. The driver was detained without incident.
In addition, during a search of the suspect’s vehicle, officers also located the upper receiver of an AR-style pistol inside the trunk.
The suspect was arrested and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on weapons related charges.
UPDATE: He was later identified by Antioch Police Captain Matt Koch and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office as Angelo Raymondo Zuniga, age 31 of Antioch, born 11/11/1994.
As always, we appreciate community members who promptly report suspicious or dangerous activity. If you see something concerning, please call dispatch so officers can investigate. We can’t do it without you.
According to the Antioch Police CitizenRIMS, the suspect was arrested for illegally possessing any assault weapon and charged with a felony. Crimes: 30605(A) PC, 25400(A)(1) PC carrying a concealed firearm within any vehicle; 25850(A) PC carrying a loaded firearm on the person or in a vehicle while in any public place; 32310(A) PC any person who manufactures or causes to be manufactured, imports, keeps for sale, or offers or exposes for sale, or who gives, lends, buys, or receives any large-capacity magazine; 29180(C) PC Any person who owns a firearm or firearm precursor part that does not bear a valid state or federal serial number or mark of identification; and 33215 PC any person who manufactures or causes to be manufactured, imports, keeps for sale, or offers or exposes for sale, or who gives, lends, or possesses any short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun. Case Number: 26-4937 Incident Number: 2605290119
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, eight-inch tall, 189-pound Zuniga is Hispanic and being held on $240,000 bail.
According to localcrimenews.com, this is his fifth arrest since 2017, all by Antioch PD, and third for carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle. Zuniga was also arrested for drive while under the combined influence of drugs and alcohol, and failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge.
Longest continuous, non-motorized relay in world history will have stops in Walnut Creek, Antioch July 6-8
Interested individuals or teams can participate
By Dave Whitson, ADT 250 Relay Director, American Discovery Trail Society
FRONT ROYAL, VA – In 2026, the American Discovery Trail Society (ADTS) celebrates the outdoors and 250 years of our independence with the American Discovery250 Relay— a 6,800-mile (11,000 km) journey along the entire American Discovery Trail from California to Delaware, traversing through hundreds of cities, towns, villages and hamlets, starting in July and ending around Thanksgiving. This event will be the longest continuous, non-motorized relay in world history. The ADTS invites all to join in the celebration by participating for a day or more in a relay, attending one of over 100 local events, or sharing your story of personal growth and adventure. Together, we commemorate America’s past and unify our country.
Source: ADR250
Specialized Batons
Participants will carry a specialized baton displaying the header and carrying a copy of the Declaration of Independence. There will be three batons to choose from – each engraved with the three founding principles in the document: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. There will be three different colors assigned to each baton as well – red, gold and blue.
Source: ADR250
We have provided an informational webinar presenting an overview of the event which you can link to HERE.
Interested participants or teams are asked to register for free at discoverytrail.org/america-250-relay. Runners, cyclists, hikers, wheelchair users and horseback riders are all encouraged to take part. We also encourage interest from those who wish to help with logistics, welcoming events or sponsorships.
The ADTS is making the turn-by-turn route instructions and GPS tracks free to the public during the 2026 year as part of the celebrations thanks to a generous donation from Indiana Trails.
Source: ADR250
DATES HAVE BEEN SET!
California dates are from July 1st-15th with stops in Walnut Creek and Antioch on July 6th and 7th, leaving on the 8th. The California segment will begin at Limantour Beach in Marin County where we’ll gather for the American Discovery 250 Relay kick-off, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and end with a final leg from Tahoe City on the Tahoe Rim Trail into Nevada on July 15th.
Contra Costa County Segments
Monday 07/06/2026 — UC Berkeley, CA at 8:00 a.m. run and walk to Heather Farms Walnut Creek, CA — 28.3 miles We’ll meet on the corner of Bancroft and College Ave, right on the edge of the UC Berkeley campus. The Telegraph Channing Garage is a nearby parking option. Estimated arrival time: 5pm
Tuesday 07/07/2026 — Heather Farms Walnut Creek, CA at 8:30 a.m. run and walk to Antioch Community Park, CA — 36.6 miles The day begins with a special event–a breakfast hosted by the City of Walnut Creek, in collaboration with Save Mount Diablo. Free food! (We’re going to need it.) We’ll aim to hit the road around 9am. Lunch-time gathering in Clayton, hosted by the City of Clayton. Details to follow. Estimated arrival time: 7pm.
Wednesday 07/08/2026 — Antioch Community Park, CA at 8:30 a.m. bike to Sacramento – William Land Park, CA — 69.4 miles We depart from Antioch / Worth Shaw Community Park. The City of Oakley will offer a refreshment stop for participants at Antioch/Oakley Regional Shoreline around 9:30am. A support vehicle will be accessible in Oakley (7.5 miles), Isleton (30 miles), Locke (39.6 miles), and Clarksburg (55 miles), and also on-call for road-side support. Water will be available in the vehicle to top off bottles, and it will also be possible for participants to have some of their own supplies transported. Estimated arrival time: 4pm.
Many Sections of the Trail are Multi-Modal and ADA Accessible
On many days we can have hikers, runners, bicyclers, and others. Thus, a 70-mile “bike” day will certainly include bicyclists who go the full distance, but there also can be people who meet up at the starting point in the morning and walk for a mile or more, or there may be walkers who gather at sites where the bikers stop for lunch or at the end of the day. Also some days listed as “hike” can include families or others who wish to ride their bikes.
There are some days when certain modes are not practical or allowed, such as no bicycles in wilderness areas. Thus, the sign-up form asks the date, the mode of transit, and the desired starting and ending points. Note that the relay will split in Denver, so in September and October we are running two relays at the same time, one through the south-central region and through the north-central region. We unite in late October in Cincinnati.
Source: ADR250
About the American Discovery Trail
The American Discovery Trail is the nation’s first non-motorized coast-to-coast trail established in the USA in 1990. Since then, hundreds have taken the challenge to walk, bike, wheelchair or horseback the entire trail (or sections thereof) with life-changing results.
It runs for 6,800 miles through 15 states and Washington, D.C. The route incorporates numerous local, state and national trails, with most of them designed for walking, hiking, and running and for bicycle and equestrian use. It connects scores of scenic and historic trails, backcountry roads, national parks and forests plus thousands of state and local properties of historic, cultural and natural significance. Users can experience their local environment, or the 23 ecosystems the trail passes through – deserts, mountains, forests, waterfronts, and plains. You can learn more about the ADT by visiting www.discoverytrail.org.
Brentwood Union School District Superintendent will apply his student-centered approach countywide
“We have a moral responsibility to make sure our children’s education is better than the one that we received,” – Dr. Dana Eaton
By Lisa Tucker
BRENTWOOD – In January, Dana Eaton launched his candidacy for Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools. This is an open seat.
“Students and learning are at the center of my work as superintendent of schools for the Brentwood Union School District and in my previous roles as a teacher and principal,” said Eaton. “I have consistently championed early literacy, student mental health, supporting the whole child, and school safety as foundational priorities, and will continue to do so as Contra Costa Superintendent of Schools.”
Dr. Eaton is serving his 13th year as superintendent of schools for the Brentwood Union School District and his 17th year as a superintendent overall. According to his LinkedIn profile, he previously worked as Superintendent for the Jefferson School District in Tracy from 2009 to 2013. Eaton has a nearly 30-year career in education including as a teacher and principal.
Dana with his wife, Renee and their children, James and Emily. Source: Eaton campaign.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies from San Francisco State University, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Mary’s College of California and a Doctor of Education – EdD degree in Educational Leadership from the University of La Verne.
“This experience has prepared me to help districts maintain sound fiscal practices and improve their Local Contral and Accountability Plans (LCAPs) to provide outstanding educational opportunities to every student,” said Eaton.
Current Contra Costa Superintendent of Schools, Lynn Mackey, is retiring and will not run for re-election. She has endorsed Eaton, stating “Dana is a highly experienced, well-respected superintendent here in Contra Costa County. He is deeply committed to public education, understands the role of the County Office, and brings steady, student-centered leadership.”
Dr. Dana Eaton speaks during a campaign fundraiser at McCauley Estate Vineyards in Brentwood on April 7, 2026. Photos by Allen D. Payton
During a campaign fundraiser on April 7th, the candidate said, “I really believe in the power of public education. At the same time, I think we’re in a time when we are at risk for our children and our children’s children having an inferior education. I think that as adults who have benefited from a public education that we have a moral responsibility to make sure our children’s education is better than the one that we received. And that’s why I’m running for County Superintendent of Schools.”
In recognition of Eaton’s leadership, he was named ACSA Superintendent of the Year for Alameda and Contra Costa Counties in both 2016 and 2023. He was also named Brentwood Citizen of the Year in 2019 by the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce.
“As Superintendent, I will work to attract and support high-quality teachers and prioritize student success and learning whether in general education, special education, or alternative settings,” said Eaton.
Eaton comes from a long line of educators. His grandparents, mother, sister and wife all served their communities as teachers. Eaton lives in Brentwood with his family.
The primary election is in June in which he faces one opponent. Whoever receives a majority of the vote wins and will begin their term in December.
CCTA introduces Countywide Smart Signals Project at approximately 365 intersections, 15 in Antioch
By Lindy Johnson, Director of External Affairs & Mike Blasky, Communications, Contra Costa Transportation Authority
At a groundbreaking event in Danville on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) marked the advancement of its Countywide Smart Signals project, a countywide effort to modernize approximately 365 intersections and give local agencies better real-time tools to improve safety, reduce unnecessary stops, and help traffic move more smoothly on some of the county’s most important corridors.
The project spans all 19 cities and towns, along with unincorporated Contra Costa County, and focuses on major Routes of Regional Significance where upgraded equipment can strengthen coordination and improve day-to-day traffic operations across jurisdictions. Antioch has 15 locations along Wilbur Avenue, A Street, W. 10th Street, Auto Center Drive, Somersville and Buchanan Roads.
A special thank you to CCTA Senior Engineer Andy Dillard, whose work and leadership helped move this project from concept to construction. His experience, including his earlier work with the Town of Danville, has been instrumental in shaping a project that started with local needs and is now growing into a countywide system upgrade.
Key Features of the Smart Signals include:
Traffic Signal Synchronization
Makes traffic lights work together so drivers spend less time in traffic, reducing travel times and delays while enhancing safety.
Video/Radar Vehicle, Pedestrian, and Bicycle Detection
Uses sensors to locate approaching vehicles, people, and bikers, and automatically adjust traffic lights for safer crossings. Provides real-time traffic data so cities can spot issues, improve timing, and keep roads safe.
Emergency Vehicle Preemption
Gives green lights to fire trucks, police cars, and ambulances so they can reach emergencies more quickly.
Transit Signal Priority
Helps buses move through traffic more smoothly to stay on schedule.
High-Speed Network
Connects signals through high-speed links so they can share information instantly.
Remote-View Sensors
Lets engineers see what’s happening at intersections and respond faster to problems.
Battery Back-up Systems
Keep traffic signals up and running during power outages.
Smart Signal Key Features. Source: CCTA
“The Countywide Smart Signals project is about bringing our traffic signal system up to a modern standard and giving our cities and towns better tools to keep people moving safely and efficiently,” said Tim Haile, Executive Director of CCTA. “These upgrades will help intersections work better together, support safer crossings for people walking and biking, and create the connected foundation we need for better traffic management over time.”
Upgrades to traffic signals could include signal synchronization, vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle detection, emergency vehicle preemption, transit signal priority, high-speed network connections, remote-view sensors, and battery backup systems, depending on local jurisdiction needs. Initial upgrades will begin in communities such as Danville and Concord, with additional countywide work to follow.
“This is exactly the kind of countywide investment that delivers local value,” said Candace Andersen, Supervisor, District 2, Contra Costa County. “For residents, it means smarter coordination, safer intersections, and better support for emergency response and transit. For our local jurisdictions, it means modern tools and stronger connections along the corridors that matter most.”
“We are proud to host this groundbreaking in Danville and help launch an effort that will benefit communities across Contra Costa County,” said Newell Arnerich, Mayor of Danville. “Danville residents experience every day how important signal timing and traffic operations are to safety and quality of life. Projects like Countywide Smart Signals will help our communities manage traffic more effectively while improving conditions for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and first responders.”
“Modern, connected transportation infrastructure is essential to keeping our communities safe and moving. I’m proud to have secured more than $7 million in federal funds to ensure our community has cutting-edge technology to reduce commutes and ensure safety. Contra Costa is leading the nation in investments like Countywide Smart Signals to help improve mobility, reduce delay, and strengthen the transportation networks commuters rely on every day,” said Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, who represents California’s 10th Congressional District. “Today’s Contra Costa Transportation Authority’s Smart Signals project groundbreaking was many years in the making! I have been a proud champion of Smart Signals both here in Contra Costa and back on Capitol Hill where I have secured millions of federal dollars to bring this technology to our community. Thanks to this new project, CCTA will modernize traffic signals at more than 350 intersections throughout Contra Costa, implementing state-of-the-art Smart Signals technology to improve traffic flow and roadway safety to get CA-10 residents to and from home safely and quickly.”
CCTA says the project is designed to deliver three core benefits: safer travel, smoother trips, and better tools for cities and towns. Over time, the connected system is intended to support a broader countywide view of traffic conditions that can help agencies coordinate during major events and emergency situations. The project is funded at a total of $30.8 million through Measure J, local city contributions, as well as federal and state contributions.
We’re excited to see this work move forward and grateful to all of our city, county, regional, state, federal, and transit partners helping bring smarter infrastructure to Contra Costa County.
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority is a public agency formed by Contra Costa voters to manage countywide transportation sales tax revenue and to implement voter-approved projects and programs. CCTA is responsible for planning, funding, and delivering critical transportation infrastructure and services to keep Contra Costa County and the Bay Area moving. For more information visit Contra Costa Transportation Authority.
Tri Delta Transit is excited to announce Youth Ride Free 2026. This program, funded by County Supervisor Burgis and County Supervisor Scales-Preston, provides FREE rides for ages 18 and under from June 1st-July 31st on Tri Delta Transit fixed and express route buses. Tri MyRide and paratransit are not included. No fares, no applications, no ID, no passes are needed. So, enter your travel era and ride to jobs, summer program, entertainment, school and more.
Tri Delta Transit se complace en anunciar el programa Youth Ride Free 2026 o Los Jóvenes Viajan Gratis 2026. Este programa es financiado por las Supervisoras del Condado de Contra Costa, Supervisora de el Distrito 3, Diane Burgis y Supervisora de el Distrito 5, Shanelle Scales-Preston.
Youth Ride Free 2026/Los Jóvenes Viajan Gratis 2026 ofrece viajes GRATIS para personas de 18 años o menos empezando desde el 1 de junio hasta el 31 de julio en los autobuses de rutas fijas y expresas de Tri Delta Transit. Tri MyRide y el servicio de paratránsito no están incluidos en este programa.
No se necesitan tarifas, aplicaciones, identificación, ni pases. ¡Así que incia tu era de viajes, ya sea viaja a trabajos, programas de verano, entretenimiento, la escuela y más!
An apparently disappointed Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker speaks on renaming the department during the council meeting on May 26, 2026. Video screenshot.
Public Safety & Community Resources Department is not part of police or fire services
By Allen D. Payton
At the urging of Mayor Pro Tem and District 3 Councilman Don Freitas, during their meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the Antioch City Council agreed to correct and clear up confusion of including the words “Public Safety” in the name of the newest department which is not part of police or fire services. Instead of its current name, the Public Safety & Community Resources Department, the brainchild of District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker who has an expanded definition of the term, will be renamed simply, the Community Services Department. The councilmembers also voted to change the titles of the department’s staff.
The council approved the new department in February 2022 on a 4-1 vote. At that time, Torres-Walker tried to redefine the term saying, “a lot of us have decided that public safety is a lot more than policing. It’s about quality of life, environmental justice, youth services, housing. Public safety is about economic dignity, access to jobs, clean water, clean air. All of those things, not just policing. Policing is a part of public safety and we have forgot about that as a community. And I think being able to have this department be called the Department of Public Safety and Community Resources will also help reorient our community to understand that public safety doesn’t just mean policing. It also means access to quality, well organized resources in the city.”
But the department’s name has caused confusion because the majority of people don’t define the term the same as the councilwoman does.
According to the department’s webpage, it consists of three divisions including Violence Intervention & Prevention Division, Youth Services Division and Housing Division. That can also cause confusion as new housing is handled by the Community Development & Economic Development Department and its Planning Division. But the Housing Division of the newly renamed department “provides a range of programs and services designed to support tenants, landlords, and unsheltered community members.”
City Staff Report & Recommendations
In introducing the item, #10 on the agenda, Acting City Manager Ana Cortez said, “The proposed change is intended to better align the department’s public identity with the current vision and focus on prevention.”
According to the City staff report by department Director Monserrat Cabral, “While the department collaborates closely with the Antioch Police Department, first responders, schools, County agencies, and other public safety partners, the department itself is not a law enforcement entity.
“The department’s primary functions are rooted in prevention, intervention, stabilization, human services, outreach, youth development, housing support, violence interruption, and community engagement, with a focus on improving quality of life outcomes and strengthening long-term community well-being for Antioch residents.
“However, nonprofit partners, outside agencies, and community stakeholders often assume the department is a law enforcement division or enforcement-based office due to the inclusion of the phrase ‘Public Safety’ in the department title. This confusion has created challenges including:
• Residents being uncertain whether the department provides direct community services;
• Hesitancy from vulnerable populations who may be reluctant to engage with anything perceived as enforcement-related;
• Misunderstanding regarding the department’s role during outreach and community engagement efforts;
• Difficulty clearly communicating the department’s mission externally; and
• Ongoing confusion between the PSCR Department and the Antioch Police Department.
During her presentation on the matter, Cabral said, “Since its creation, the department has evolved significantly.”
The staff report further reads, “the department…today oversees a broad and diverse portfolio of community-serving functions, including:
• Violence Intervention & Prevention;
• Housing & Homelessness Services;
• Youth Development & Workforce Programs;
• Community Engagement & Outreach;
• Crisis Response & Stabilization Partnerships;
• Grant Administration & Community-Based Funding Initiatives; and
• Nonprofit and Intergovernmental Partnerships.
City staff offered alternative names for the department. The report read, “Common naming themes emerging across municipalities include:
• Human Services;
• Community Services;
• Community & Human Services;
• Community Well-Being;
• Community Support Services;
• Neighborhood Services; and
• Community Development & Wellness.
Staff offered multiple names from other agencies and recommended the new name be the Human and Community Services Department. The recommendation also included “Changing the Department Director title from “Public Safety and Community Resources Director” to “Human & Community Services Director”; and the “Public Safety Manager” classification overseeing Violence Intervention & Prevention functions to “Community Engagement Manager”.
Council Discussion & Direction
Since the item was for discussion only, no council action was expected on renaming the department during Tuesday’s meeting. But a vote was taken.
Torres-Walker was the first council member to speak on the item saying, “We have a recommended name, here. Should we just go with it and call it a night?”
Freitas responded, “No. No.” He then said, “I do realize there is differences of opinion about renaming it. From my perspective, I would just rename it the Community Services Department. Period. I’m trying to be all inclusive. Make sure it’s flexible now and in the future and it’s understandable. I don’t want to sound like a department of the federal…department of the U.S. government. So, from my perspective the Community Services Department serves all that bill and that’s what I support.”
Freitas then made a motion to rename the department and “change the classifications of the certain positions.”
Cabral pointed out that the council would not be changing classifications, just the titles and they would be “changing the code.”
“Yes,” Freitas responded.
District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha seconded the motion.
District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson mentioned, “Community Services Department.”
Bernal responded, “We have a Community Development Department.” He then asked Freitas if he would support placing the words “Department of” at the beginning. The Mayor Pro Tem declined.
An apparently disappointed Torres-Walker then could be heard saying softly, “It’s too late to care.”
Bernal asked if there were any more comments and turned to the District 1 Councilwoman who reiterated, “I just said I don’t care. Let’s vote. It’s late.”
Wilson said, “I personally like ‘Human and’. But if everybody is fine with Community Services then that’s alright.”
