As well as receiving $850,000 Transit-Oriented Communities grant; trails and bike lane improvements; increase in construction costs for desal plant; costs of search for City Attorney, 4 other positions

Hold budget study session on City Manager’s office, Community Development and Economic Development Department

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the Antioch City Council will consider approving a lease for a police substation at Sycamore Square and expanding search firm services for the hiring of a permanent City Attorney and four other positions.

Plus, under the Consent Calendar, the Council will consider receiving an $850,000 grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, spending $160,000 to maintain and service the Antioch Library, $192,000 on asphalt overlay on a park pathway and trail, $289,000 more on the brackish water desalination plant construction, over $1.5 million for the L Street Pathway to Transit – Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements, and spending $602,000 more in State funds on the City’s violence prevention program.

Before the regular session begins at 7:00 p.m., the council will hold a Closed Session to discuss a potential lawsuit against the City beginning at 4:00 p.m. That will be followed by a Study Session beginning at 4:30 p.m. to review the 2025-27 Fiscal Year budgets for the city manager’s office and Community Development and Economic Development Department.

Sycamore Square Police Substation

Under Item 10. the Council will consider approving an 18-month lease agreement between the City of Antioch and Yahya Korin Sycamore Square LLC for a Police Department Substation located at 1084 Sycamore Drive, at a cost not to exceed $33,127.50.

The total includes Lease Costs:

• Monthly rent of $1.00 from July 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025 (3 months = $3.00)

• Monthly rent of $840.00 from October 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026 (15 months = $12,600)

• Lease Subtotal: $12,603.00

Ballistic Glass and Installation:

• City’s 50% share of the total $21,049.00 cost = $10,524.50

Substation Setup Costs:

• One-time expenditures for furnishings, signage, technology, and operational readiness = $10,000.00

Contract with Search Firm for 5 City Positions

In addition, under Item 9, the council will consider approving the first amendment to the Consulting Services Agreement for executive-level recruitment services with Bob Hall and Associates for the positions of City Attorney, Community Development Director, Parks and Recreation Director, Assistant City Engineer, and a fifth position Yet to Be Determined. In addition, City staff is asking the Council to authorize an extension of the contract through December 31, 2025, and an increase of $119,700, for a total contract amount not to exceed $174,700.

Consent Calendar

Under the Consent Calendar, the Council will consider 18 items, in addition to six past meeting minutes, including Item J., receiving an “$850,000 grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (“MTC”) and committing the City of Antioch towards taking steps to achieve compliance with the MTC Transit-Oriented Communities (“TOC”) Policy as a condition of grant award.”

According to the City staff report for the item, “The TOC Policy applies to areas within 1/2-mile of existing and planned fixed-guideway transit stops and stations, including regional and commuter rail, light-rail transit, bus rapid transit, and ferries. In Antioch, the policy applies to the 1/2-mile radius surrounding the Antioch BART station.

“Jurisdictions subject to the TOC Policy must comply with four elements by early 2026:

1. Minimum residential and commercial office densities for new development.
2. Affordable housing production, preservation and protection, and stabilizing businesses to prevent displacement.
3. Parking management.
4. Transit station access and circulation.

“As a ‘Tier 3’ station area, Antioch will be required to develop at an average minimum residential density of 50 units/net acre, and commercial office density of 2 FAR or higher within the 1/2-mile radius. Maximum densities must be at least 75 units/acre for residential and 4 FAR for commercial. The policy also requires Antioch to adopt certain affordable housing policies, commercial stabilization policies, parking management policies (including new parking minimum and maximums) and station access and circulation policies.

“Jurisdictions that are subject to and comply with the policy are expected to be more competitive for MTC discretionary funding, including OBAG funds. MTC has directed jurisdictions to anticipate demonstrating compliance prior to the adoption of OBAG 4, expected in early 2026. OBAG is an important source of funding for the City of Antioch’s transportation projects, and across the 3 OBAG rounds to date, Antioch will receive a total of $7,860,034.”

In addition, under Item L., the Council will consider spending $160,517 on maintenance and service for the Contra Costa County library branch on W. 18th Street for Fiscal Year 2025-26.

Under Item N., the Council will consider spending up to $191,792.40 for Asphalt Trail Overlay of Mesa Ridge trail and Village East Park pathway from the Gas Tax fund as part of the City’s Trail Maintenance Program.

Under Item S., the Council will consider approving the fourth amendment to the Consulting Services Agreement with CDM Smith, Inc. for construction management services related to the Brackish Water Desalination Project in the amount of $288,393 for a total contract amount of $8,526,913, and extending the term of the agreement to December 31, 2025.

Under Item T., the Council will consider approving a contract for the L Street Pathway to Transit – Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements, Phase 1 for a total amount not to exceed $1,536,547.02.  The FY 2024/25 Capital Improvement Budget includes $1,200,000 of Measure J (the County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation) funding and $1,469,000 of One Bay Area Grant 2 (OBAG2) funds (of $900 million in federal transportation funding from the Federal Highway Administration).

According to the City staff report for the item, “This project will consist of improving connectivity and pedestrian safety along L Street by repairing and reconstructing deteriorating or uneven concrete curb, gutter, sidewalk, driveways and curb ramps, performing minor median island modifications, pavement resurfacing, and installing pedestrian safety flashing beacons at various locations. The project will also include re-striping to provide a Class 11 bike lane on L Street from 10th Street to the Antioch Marina circle and a Class 111 bike route from Lemontree Way to Sycamore Drive.

Finally, under Item U., the Council will consider approving the second amendment to the Consulting Services Agreement with One Day at a Time (ODAT), for the 2022-25 City of Antioch’s California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) in Antioch’s most impacted neighborhoods.

It increases the amount of the agreement with ODAT by $602,000 in CalVIP grant funding for a total not to exceed $942,000 and extends the term of the agreement through June 30, 2026. There is no impact to the City’s General Fund.

According to the City staff report for the item, “ODAT’s responsibilities include recruiting, hiring, and supporting additional Neighborhood Change Agents who serve as transformational mentors to participants at the highest risk of gun violence involvement. Through consistent, street-level engagement, ODAT plays a critical role in interrupting cycles of retaliation, offering healing pathways, and fostering long-term opportunity.”

Meeting Details

The Budget Session and regular meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street, in historic, downtown Rivertown. It can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website or on Comcast local access cable Channel 24 of AT&T U-verse Channel 99. Members of the public can speak up to three minutes on general matters at either the beginning or end of the meeting, and on agendized items during the meeting.

Read the Council meeting Full Package.

Reminder!! Get ready for that shred-it time of year! Tri Delta Transit in partnership with the City of Antioch, City of Oakley and others, brings you the annual drive-thru Shred-It Event on Thursday, April 24th in Oakley.

Get out those papers and remove all large binder clips, plastic ring binding, bindings, binders and heavy folders. Event starts at 9:00 AM and is first come, first served until the trucks are full!

BE READY TO DRIVE UP AND HELP OUT

This is a drive-up event where you will enter at the Cypress driveway, wait in line in your vehicle (turn off car if can), then drive up to the truck.

Helpers will indicate which truck you are to pull up to.

Once you stop where the helpers tell you, please exit your vehicle safely. Give the helpers your shredding or indicate where your shredding is and which ones they are. Once the helpers review the materials, they will dump them into a bin for shredding.

If you want to watch your shredding be shredded, please let the helper know. You will need to pull your car over, exit the vehicle and walk to the far side of the truck to watch with the Shred-It employee.

ALL BAGS AND BOXES the shredding is brought it, must be taken away with you.
Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to keep it and dispose of it.

Cars will not be allowed to line up until all safety cones and precautions are in place.

Event is first come, first serve until the trucks are full.

Keep in mind that this could be anytime after 9:00 am. If large loads come, the trucks will reach capacity quickly.

If the truck is full, you will be asked to take all shredding home with you.

All bags, boxes and containers that you bring your shredding in, MUST be taken back with you.

For more information visit Community Drive Thru Shred-It Event -Tri Delta Transit.

Join us for the second event of the awareness and education series — a screening and community discussion of Fentanyl High, a powerful short film exploring the hidden dangers of fentanyl.
Monday, April 29 |  6–8 PM |  Antioch Community Center, 4703 Lone Tree Way
Register at https://bit.ly/3R2fOSQ

Please SHARE this! Together, we can educate, empower, and protect our youth.

Says appointment of Joe Vigil, Brad Helfenberger “marks fresh start” for City

By Jaden Baird, PIO, City of Antioch

ANTIOCH, CA – The City of Antioch is ushering in a new era with two pivotal leadership appointments that signal a strong and deliberate step toward stability, accountability, and progress. City Manager Bessie M. Scott announced on Thursday, April 17, 2025, that after a nationwide search, Interim Chief Joe Vigil will be sworn in as the city’s new Chief of Police, while Interim Assistant City Manager Brad Helfenberger will also assume his role on a permanent basis.

“These appointments mark a significant step forward in strengthening leadership in our city,” said City Manager Bessie M. Scott. “Chief Vigil and Brad Helfenberger both understand the unique challenges facing Antioch. They have each demonstrated vision, the ability to inspire, and a deep passion for making Antioch a great place to live and work.”

Asked when Vigil will take his oath of office she said, “We haven’t decided, yet.”

This moment also sets the framework for a new future for the Antioch Police Department, one rooted in constitutional policing, transparency, and reform. With Chief Vigil at the helm and in continued collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice, the City affirms its commitment to meaningful change.

“This will not be the same police department,” Scott said. “We have turned a corner. This leadership solidifies our direction and our resolve,” Scott said. “Chief Vigil is the right leader to push this department forward. Together, we are committed to ensuring a culture of accountability, transparency, and the principles of constitutional policing. This is a defining moment for Antioch.”

Brad Helfenberger brings over 25 years of municipal government experience and originally joined the City of Antioch as Parks and Recreation Director in February 2021. He has twice served as Interim Assistant City Manager and holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation from San Jose State University.

Chief Vigil most recently oversaw the Support Services Bureau and previously served as Acting Police Chief on two occasions. He brings 25 years of experience in law enforcement, having served in the Sacramento, Richmond, and Antioch Police Departments. He holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from California State University, Long Beach.

These appointments are the result of a thoughtful and inclusive recruitment process conducted with the support of executive search firm Bob Hall and Associates. The process included community forums and both internal and public surveys to ensure widespread engagement and transparency.

A post on the APD Facebook page on Thursday reads, “It’s Official: Joe Vigil Named Chief of Police

We’re proud to announce that Joe Vigil, who has been serving as our Acting Chief of Police, has now been officially appointed as Antioch’s permanent Chief of Police!

Chief Vigil brings over 25 years of law enforcement experience, including service with the Sacramento, Richmond, and Antioch Police Departments. He has led our Support Services Bureau and served twice as Acting Chief. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree from California State University, Long Beach, and is deeply committed to advancing constitutional policing, transparency, and meaningful reform.

This appointment represents a critical step forward in strengthening leadership, rebuilding trust, and shaping a stronger future for the Antioch Police Department and our community.

Please join us in congratulating Chief Vigil on this well-deserved appointment!”

That leaves only two more positions for Scott to fill, the Director of Parks and Recreation and Community Development Director, as she has moved the Economic Development Department into the Community Development Department. The city council is responsible for hiring a permanent City Attorney. That position is currently filled by Acting City Attorney Derek Cole.

About the City of Antioch Located in the heart of the East Bay, the City of Antioch is one of California’s oldest communities and a gateway to the Delta. With a rich history, diverse population, and strong sense of community, Antioch is home to over 115,000 residents and continues to grow as a place where families, businesses, and culture thrive. The city is committed to transparency, innovation, and inclusive leadership, working every day to enhance quality of life, provide excellent public services, and foster opportunities for all.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Hospitals are recognized for providing safe, compassionate, exceptional care to parents and their newborns

By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

OAKLAND, CA – Newsweek magazine’s list of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2025 distinguishes 12 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals as among the best in the nation for providing high-quality care to parents and their babies.

The 12 hospitals to receive the prestigious honor include: Antioch, Fresno, Redwood City, Roseville, San Francisco, San Leandro, San Jose, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, South Sacramento, Vacaville, and Vallejo.

This is the sixth year Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals have been recognized by Newsweek for meeting rigorous standards for maternity care, such as low rates of elective early deliveries and following important safety protocols to protect new parents and their babies.

“We know the importance of giving babies a healthy start in life, and our labor and delivery teams are providing these new families with quality care as they embark on this exciting chapter in their lives,” said Mike Bowers, FACHE, interim president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our Northern California hospitals deliver comprehensive, culturally responsive maternity care in a nurturing environment.”

Last year, nearly 40,000 babies were delivered at Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals.

Exceptional care through the entire pregnancy

“We take great pride in the clinical excellence achieved by our physicians, midwives, nurses and entire teams and for the personalized care and support given to all our patients,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, chief executive officer and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “Kaiser Permanente Northern California recognizes the importance of providing safe, comprehensive maternity care for all parents and their babies before, during, and after birth.”

The national designation was awarded to only 444 hospitals in the United States with 66 of those in California. Kaiser Permanente has a total of 26 hospitals that received the elite designation in California, or more than 40% of hospitals recognized in the state.

Newsweek and Statista, one of the world’s leading statistics portals and industry-ranking provider, partnered on this prestigious list, given that maternity care provided from pregnancy through birth and into postpartum is key to the long-term health of newborns and their mothers.

Delivering great care to babies and their parents

Kaiser Permanente Northern California has a long-standing commitment toward excellence in maternal health and creating a positive maternity care experience for our patients and members.

Our comprehensive maternity care focuses on safe, high-quality care from prenatal to postpartum, including midwife services, prenatal classes, and support for breastfeeding and mental health.

Members are encouraged to focus on their health even before pregnancy. If a pregnant patient has a high-risk pregnancy or a chronic condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes, we tailor their care – including providing remote monitoring tools – to reduce risks, helping to keep mom and baby safe.

At Kaiser Permanente Northern California, we also partner with new parents to ensure they have the birthing experience they desire through a coordinated birthing plan that addresses everything from their delivery preferences to whether they want to breastfeed.

Support for mental and emotional health is another important component of maternity care at Kaiser Permanente. Regular screenings for prenatal and postpartum depression are part of every care plan, so we can connect those who are struggling with the care and support they need. 

By Allen D. Payton

After completing their investigation into the fatal self-inflicted shooting of a three-year-old Antioch boy on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Antioch Police will be recommending prosecution of his grandfather who owned the gun.

According to Acting Lt. Bill Whitaker, “The case is going to be presented to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office next week with the recommendation of prosecution. The DA’s Office will review the case and will either file the charges or not. If charges are filed, we will send out an updated press release with the charges.”

Whitaker confirmed that the toddler lived in the same home as his grandfather.

Says she “has taken bold actions to protect our communities” recall “misrepresents her record”

Recall supporters claim Becton “publicly opposed Proposition 36”; “failed to provide the justice” and for “disgraceful treatment of…families of…crime victims”

By Allen D. Payton

Although she had seven days to respond to being served with recall papers on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2025, just four days later, on March 21, 2025, Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton provided her answer to the effort against her

She signed the letter written in third person which reads:

“The recall against DA Becton is an effort to undermine the will of the people of Contra Costa County. In 2018 and 2022, the voters decisively chose DA Becton because they agreed with and trust her steadfast dedication to public safety, fairness, and justice for all.

DA Becton has taken bold actions to protect our communities – aggressively prosecuting violent offenders, addressing organized retail theft, human trafficking, hate crimes, and eliminating backlogs of untested sexual assault kits. Becton expanded victim support services and pioneered proactive crime prevention programs, to reduce crime before it happens. This recall is not about safety – it’s a politically motivated attack that misrepresents her record and undermines the will of Contra Costa voters. DA Becton’s approach balances accountability with smart, evidence-based policies that reduce crime and keep our neighborhoods safe. DA Becton remains committed to justice, transparency, and creating communities where all residents can thrive. We urge you to reject the recall and stand with DA Becton in continuing to build a safer, more just Contra Costa County. NO on the recall. Let’s move forward together.

Diana Becton

—————-

Although not a required step in the process, in response to Becton’s answer, recall supporters sent the following letter to her, today, signed by Gwyn Gabe, the father of Alexis Gabe, the young Oakley woman who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2022:

April 15, 2025

Dear District Attorney Diana Becton,

This letter serves as our response to your Answer to our Notice of Intent to Recall you from office.

Your claim that the Recall is a politically motivated attack against you is false. I am a democrat, just as you are, and I even voted for you when you ran for District Attorney in 2017. I believed that you would excel as the District Attorney of Contra Costa County, but you have proven that not to be true. The recall effort against you is not about your political affiliation; it is solely focused on your abysmal performance in office. Your failure to enforce our laws has increased crime and endangered our community.

You publicly opposed Proposition 36 which created felony accountability for drug and theft offenses, proving your troubling alignment with criminal interests. Proposition 36 was passed in Contra Costa County by an overwhelming majority of the voters. Clearly, your policies which encouraged crime are not in line with the will of the voters in Contra Costa County. Additionally, your lack of transparency concerning crime rates in our county and your efforts to keep criminals out of jail to commit more crimes have left many residents disillusioned. We stand with crime victims who have been victimized during your administration, who are frustrated with the lack of accountability for criminals, and who are hopeless in their quest for justice. And we stand with the business owners who face rampant on-going thefts and burglaries from repeat offenders while you ignore the issue.

Your disgraceful treatment of my family, and the families of other crime victims, violated our constitutional Marsy’s Law Rights and failed to provide the justice we rightfully deserve. However, our decision to pursue this recall is not driven by a desire for revenge. Our only goal is to ensure that you are removed from office and prevented from continuing to deny justice to other families in the future.  We deserve a District Attorney who shows compassion for victims while holding criminals accountable for their actions.  We stand united to ensure that your time in office comes to an end.

Sincerely,

Gwyn Gabe

(Father of Alexis Gabe)

Organizer & Proponent for the Recall of District Attorney Diana Becton

Process

According to the California Secretary of State’s Procedures for Recalling State and Local Officials, the next step in the recall process for local officials requires the proponents to prepare the recall petition for circulation.

Recall organizers said, “we expect to learn this week whether our second submission of the Petition to Recall has been approved, allowing us to begin collecting signatures.”

Once the petition is approved, the organizers will then have 160 days to gather about 730,000 signatures of registered voters in the county. (See related article)

By Caheri Gutierrez, Director of Fund Development and Communications, The Unity Council

OAKLAND, CA – The Unity Council has entered into a strategic partnership with Dalet Access Labs, a forward-thinking tech startup, to establish an Intelligent Infrastructure Economic Zone (I2EZ) in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland. This collaboration will create a transformative ecosystem designed to eliminate the digital divide and bring cutting-edge technological solutions to the community. By enhancing connectivity and fostering innovation, this partnership will directly impact homes, businesses, classrooms, and government facilities throughout the zone, ultimately driving economic growth and social development.

The I2EZ initiative aims to empower the marginalized, underserved, and unserved populations within Fruitvale, transforming the area into a hub for economic opportunity, urban revitalization, and educational growth.

Key Highlights of the Partnership:

• Enhanced Connectivity & Innovation: The new infrastructure will provide greater accessibility and connectivity, sparking innovation opportunities for the community.
• Job Creation & Economic Growth: The project will create new business opportunities and jobs, helping revitalize the Fruitvale area and boost local economic development.
• Educational Opportunities: The platform will enable upskilling initiatives, preparing local residents for the global job market and helping them adapt to the evolving technological landscape.

As part of this agreement, Dalet Access Labs will deliver a range of connectivity services and applications in Fruitvale District, with a focus on several key areas of technology and innovation. This partnership will establish a foundation for long-term, meaningful change, creating lasting opportunities for the community in the following areas:

• Digital Health: Expanding access to telemedicine services for quality healthcare.
• Autonomous Mobility: Offering environmentally friendly transportation options,
  including Door to BART and Door to Door services.
• Supply Chain: Introducing advanced delivery platforms and driving job creation in the manufacturing sector.
• Public Safety: Implementing real-time data systems to enhance emergency response and public safety.
• Government Service: Providing secure access to eGovernment services, in line with California’s Digital Democracy initiative.
• Workforce Development: Creating both tech and non-tech jobs through robotics and sensor technologies for local residents ensuring equitable access to employment.
• Smart City: Integrating into Oakland’s Smart City initiative to foster sustainable, tech driven growth.

The timeline for bringing this project to production, deploying the first dozen Public Infrastructure
Network Nodes (PINN), and launching services within the Fruitvale footprint is set for October

The timeline for bringing this project to production, deploying the first dozen Public Infrastructure Network Nodes (PINN), and launching services within the Fruitvale footprint is set for October 2025. As Dalet deploys, they will actively establish partnerships with key stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation and utilization of technology services.

---

About The Unity Council |The Unity Council is a non-profit community development organization dedicated to promoting social equity and improving the quality of life for diverse communities in Oakland and the Greater East Bay. Since 1964, The Unity Council has provided vital services such as affordable housing, workforce development, and health and wellness programs to empower residents and strengthen neighborhoods. | Website: www.unitycouncil.org

About Dalet Access Labs |Dalet Access Labs, founded in 2019, is a technology company based in Antioch, California, focused on developing intelligent infrastructure solutions that bridge the digital divide and create sustainable communities. Their Network As A Service (NaaS) platform provides scalable, self-organizing edge infrastructure, offering affordable broadband, cybersecurity, IT services, and more. Dalet Access Labs is committed to serving unserved, underserved, and under-resourced communities by providing critical infrastructure technology. | Website: https://daletaccess.com