Join us at our Antioch HQ location to meet the team, and to celebrate with us as we hold an official Ribbon Cutting celebration with the Antioch Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 6:00 p.m.
With over 30+ Years experience and 10 years serving Antioch, Perfect Star is your Contra Costa County Heating and Air Conditioning specialist. Perfect Star provides A/C repair and furnace repair, maintenance, and replacement / installation for new or existing HVAC systems.
Special thanks to the Antioch Chamber and City of Antioch for your support!
Effective immediately, MDRR’s residential recycling program will officially accept #2 plastic squeeze tubes in the blue recycling cart.
By Nicole Impagliazzo, Executive Director, Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery
Pittsburg, California – Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery (MDRR), an industry-leading company dedicated to diverting as much material as possible from landfills, is excited to announce a partnership with Colgate-Palmolive and Glacier robotics to gather data on the recovery of recyclable plastic squeeze tubes.
Colgate-Palmolive, an innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets, and our planet, pioneered the development of a first-of-its-kind recyclable tube made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), the same No. 2 plastic used for milk and detergent bottles, which launched in 2019. The company shared its patented technology and approach with tube suppliers, other brands, and interested parties. As of 2025, it is estimated that approximately 95% of toothpaste tubes and 85% of all HDPE tubes are designed for recycling, based on industry data compiled by Stina Inc., which leads the Plastic Squeeze Tube Recycling Project.
Now, using Glacier’s AI-powered cameras, Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery will be able to collect real-time data on toothpaste tubes and other non-toothpaste tubes—like lotion and shampoo—coming through the facility.
“We are excited to partner with Colgate and Glacier. It represents a significant step forward in our mission to divert as much material as possible from landfills. By leveraging advanced technology, we can improve our recycling and communication practices and contribute to a greener future.” Kish Rajan, MDRR, CEO
Recycle Your Squeeze Tubes – Residential Program Expansion Alert!
Effective immediately, MDRR’s residential recycling program will officially accept #2plastic squeeze tubes in the blue recycling cart.
#2 Lotion, Toothpaste, Sunscreen, and Cosmetic plastic squeeze tubes now go into the blue!
Before placing them in your cart, please be sure they are:
Plastic (no metal tubes)
As empty as possible
With the cap on
Tubes should be placed loose in your blue recycling cart, not bagged.
This program expansion means that more of the items you use daily can stay out of the landfill and enter a recovery pathway, supporting a cleaner, greener community for everyone.
About Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery:
Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery serves our customers, communities, and environment responsibly by optimizing the use of discarded materials.
Today, Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery serves over 250,000 residents and thousands of businesses throughout Contra Costa, Napa, and Solano Counties. It combines excellence in customer service with competitive rates and operates recycling and recovery programs designed to increase sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery’s Material Resource Facility in Pittsburg, California, contains the area’s largest state-of-the-art recycling processing center and C+D line to keep items out of the landfill.
Our company continues to grow and change to prepare our communities for the future. Consistent with our business values, we invest in programs and technology that maximize diversion and maintain customer convenience and service.
By Matt J. Malone, Chief Counsel and PIO, Superior Court of California, Contra Costa County
The Contra Costa Superior Court is pleased to announce that Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Commissioner Andrew R. Verriere as the Court’s newest judge. He assumed his new role today and will preside in Department 11. His first judicial assignment will be at the George D. Carroll Courthouse in Richmond.
Judge Verriere has served the Court as a Commissioner since May 1, 2023, handling traffic, unlawful detainer, small claims, and domestic violence and civil harassment restraining order matters. While a Commissioner, he worked with the California Judges Association on proposed legislation to amend Penal Code section 1050 in infraction cases, helped establish a guardian ad litem roster for defendants in limited jurisdiction civil cases, and worked with the Traffic Committee to provide improved language access for traffic defendants who communicate primarily in languages other than English.
Prior to serving as Commissioner, Judge Verriere worked as a trial and appellate litigator in civil and probate matters. He was most recently a principal at Hartog, Baer, Zabronsky & Verriere APC, focusing on trust and estate litigation, conservatorship litigation, financial elder abuse, related litigation, and appeals. A highly-regarded speaker and instructor, he has presented to numerous trade organizations on topics of fiduciary duty, financial elder abuse, and discovery dispute resolution. Judge Verriere is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Contra Costa County Bar Association.
Judge Verriere graduated from UC Berkeley School of Law and obtained his B.A. from the University of California, San Diego. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Brian F. Haynes.
Fall into fun this October! Coyote Hills Camptoberfest is the perfect place for kids ages 5–12 to stay busy, have fun, and make new friends during their quick break from school! From relay races to scavenger hunts, with Coyote Hill’s there is plenty to keep everyone active! Sign up your little one today when you visit antiochca.gov/register
Sam and Gwen Johnson. Photo by Antioch Sports Legends Museum
Service to be held Sept. 25 in Pittsburg
By Antioch High School
A standout and beloved Antioch High coach passed away on Sept. 15.
In the 1990s, Sam Johnson led the Antioch High girls basketball team for more than 10 years. He and his wife, Gwen, produced two Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame inductees – Stacy Johnson (HOF 2014) and Courtney Johnson (HOF 2015.)
The couple also often volunteered at the sports museum.
John Whitman, legendary AHS coach, wrote in a post: “We have lost a true role model in the passing of Sam Johnson … (He) was a a great coach and teacher in life and all who crossed paths with him are better for it! His mild-mannered approach was always evident in the heat of battle while making the whole experience a learning opportunity and fun for all. I am a better coach and person having Sam as my mentor.”
Said former player Kelli Phillips Bryson (Class of 1997): “He was a mentor, a role model, and a steady presence who shaped us on and off the court.”
Coach Johnson’s service will be held Sept. 25 with the viewing from 10-11am and funeral at 11am at First Baptist Church in Pittsburg.
By City of Antioch Economic Development Department
The City of Antioch received funding from the National League of Cities (NLC) to pilot a grant program aimed at advancing local jobs through collaboration between Antioch businesses and nonprofits. The City invites teams of three or more Antioch-based small businesses and/or nonprofits to propose creative projects that will help residents, especially those with low incomes, find and grow in meaningful employment.
This is a pilot grant program. A total of $20,000 will be split between 2–4 selected teams ($5,000-$10,000 per team). All grant funds must be spent by June 1, 2026.
All of Antioch would be moved into Congressional District 9 and combined with most of San Joaquin County if Prop 50 passes. Source: California State Assembly Elections Committee AB604
Presented by League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley
Learn the Pros and Cons of Proposition 50, the Election Rigging Response Act, a temporary redistricting measure on the statewide election scheduled for November 4. The League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley will sponsor three in-person events and one online session for the public to hear arguments and funding for and against the measure, which has potential nationwide impact.
Ballots will be mailed October 6.
Antioch is currently split between Congressional District 10 combined with most of Contra Costa County and District 8 combined with Western Contra Costa County and most of Solano County Source: California Citizens Redistricting Commission
Background
Proposition 50 was a response by Governor Newsom and the California State Legislature to Texas Legislature’s recent mid-cycle redistricting. But the California ballot measure was approved and signed into law on Aug. 21 before Texas’ new congressional district were approved on Aug. 29, which was done in response to a lawsuit by the Biden Administration’s Department of Justice.
According to a report by Democracy Docket, the lawsuit was “filed in 2021 by the DOJ under the Biden administration that alleged the state’s new redistricting plans drawn with 2020 census data violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act because they ignored the Lone Star State’s growing minority population and instead diluted the voting strength of voters. The lawsuit was later consolidated with several other similar lawsuits.”
While in March the Trump Administration’s DOJ “dropped its claims against Texas that its…state legislative and congressional maps violate the Voting Rights Act, litigation is ongoing, with a coalition of pro-voting groups — including the League of United Latin American Citizens, the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, Mi Familia Vota and others — continuing their legal efforts for fair maps in Texas.”
Under Proposition 50, five Republican-held congressional districts would shift to become more Democratic, based on presidential election results from 2024. Kamala Harris (D) would have won three—District 1, District 3, and District 41—with margins above 10%. District 48 would lean Democratic, with a margin of 3%. District 22 would have shifted four percentage points toward Democrats; however, Donald Trump (R) would have won the district with a margin of 2%. The table above provides additional information about these five districts. Source: Ballotpedia
Later, according to a July 15th report by Politico, President Trump told reporters he wanted Texas to attain five additional Republican congressional seats in the 2026 election through redistricting, in order to maintain a Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
According to the LWV, “The California measure’s stated intent is to counteract Texas’ actions and help ensure that the 2026 U.S. mid-term elections are conducted on a level playing field, without an unfair advantage for either party.” While California’s Prop 50 puts the decision in the hands of California voters the new district lines were drawn and approved by the Democrats in the state legislature and Governor Newsom.
UPDATE: Unlike California’s redistricting requirements included in Article 21, Section 2 of the state’s constitution which, by a vote of the people, mandated the creation of the independent Citizens Redistricting Commission to redraw district lines each decade following the Census, according to the State of Texas redistricting website, “No Texas constitutional or statutory provisions address congressional redistricting…Unlike legislative redistricting, congressional redistricting does not come within the authority of the Legislative Redistricting Board if the legislature fails to enact a valid plan during the regular session that is meeting when the decennial census is published. The issue may be taken up in a subsequent special session of the legislature or, if the legislature fails to enact a congressional plan or if the governor does not call a special session, the districts may ultimately be drawn by a state or federal district court.” So, the Texas legislature is responsible for redrawing congressional district lines to create new maps.
California voters will decide in November whether or not to confirm the proposed, new Congressional district maps for our state.
Thursday, October 9, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.–Virtual; this event will have simultaneous Spanish translation and will be recorded for future viewing online. Registration is required to receive the link. Register for this event.
The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. We empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation at the local, state and national levels. For more information visit www.lwvdv.org.
Gail Murray and Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Rendering of proposed G Street restaurant dining deck and City parking lot with view of river. Source: Sean McCauley Investments
Just like the deck at Monica’s Riverview; similar to previous lease to Sean McCauleyof City-owned land next to Smith’s Landing for new patio
Will also discuss two ongoing lawsuits
By Allen D. Payton
During a Closed Session meeting beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, the Antioch City Council will consider the use of the City-owned parking lot at the north end of G Street by Sean McCauley, owner of the adjacent property at 113 G Street, which is planned to be a restaurant. The area for the proposed outdoor dining deck, like the one he built at Monica’s Riverview, is approximately 1,275 square feet.
Renderings of the Smith’s Landing Patio. Source: Sean McCauley Investments
Smith’s Landing Patio
Previously, the Council approved the rental of land near the Antioch Marina adjacent to Smith’s Landing Seafood Grill to McCauley for an outdoor dining patio for that restaurant. It is also approximately 1,300 square feet in size.
Renderings of the Smith’s Landing Patio and marina point concept with beach umbrellas and seating that are not included. Source: Sean McCauley Investments
He said the “concept for the Smith’s Landing Patio took over three years to approve and plans were submitted for permits earlier this month. We are excited about it and wanted to share it with the public.”
“We are planning to open the patio in spring of 2026,” McCauley added.
Rendering of proposed G Street restaurant dining deck. Source: Sean McCauley Investments
G Street Parking Lot Needs Improving
“It will cost about $100,000 to improve the G Street parking lot,” he shared. The costs of the deck are separate and part of the restaurant improvements.
“There will still be parking there,” McCauley explained. “We’re only taking five stalls.”
The council previously rejected his proposal during their meeting on Aug. 9, 2025, he said.
Interim City Attorney Derek Cole reported out from that Closed Session meeting simply that “Direction was given to the City’s negotiators.”
Will Discuss Two Lawsuits
The Council will also discuss two lawsuits during the Closed Session meeting, including one by the California Resources Pipeline Corporation v. City of Antioch regarding use of the natural gas pipeline which was blocked by the previous council majority. The case is being heard in Superior Court in Contra Costa County. The other, a federal lawsuit against the City, six cops and former police chiefs, was brought by murder suspect Trent Allen and others. The case is labeled Trent Allen, et al. v. City of Antioch, et al., and is being heard in U.S. District Court Northern District of California.
Public Comment will be received on all three meeting agenda items before the Council adjourns into Closed Session. That meeting will be followed by a Special Meeting at 5:30 p.m. to appoint a new City Clerk and the Council’s regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. The meetings will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street, in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. They can also be viewed via livestream on the City’s website and the City’s YouTube Channel, on Comcast Cable Channel 24 or AT&T U-verse Channel 99.
