Enjoy cool jazz, bebop, Latin rhythms, Broadway hits and patriotic favorites
By El Campanil Theatre
Let’s fill our house with a FREE evening of Jazz with the USAF Band of the Golden West – The Commanders Jazz Ensemble on Mon. Sept 21st at 7:30 pm.
The Commanders Jazz Ensemble swings through the Bay!
Join us for four special performances in the Bay Area and beyond, sharing big band classics, brand new originals, and favorite songs you’ve never heard quite like this.
Source: USAF Band of the Golden West
The Band shared, “Enjoy a free Antioch performance of cool jazz, bebop, Latin rhythms, Broadway hits and patriotic favorites. The performance is FREE and open to the public! For more information visit www.afbandconcerts.com. We’ll see you there!”
Screenshot of protest march announcement on Antioch resident Mary Lutz’s Facebook page on Sept. 1, 2026 (left), and a poster to the right of the theater’s entrance on Saturday, Sept. 5th. Photo by Allen D. Payton
From El Campanil Theatre to City Hall
Theatre board still raising funds despite Sept. 29th close of escrow
By Allen D. Payton
As previously reported, in a comment on the Antioch Herald Facebook page Tuesday night, following the community meeting at the El Campanil Theatre, Rivertown business owner Mike Gabrielson announced a “friendly protest” and “March to City Hall” before the Council meeting Tuesday night, Sept. 8, 2026, over the sale of the theater building to a church. (See related articles here, here, and here)
That same night, Antioch resident Mary Lutz also issued an invite to the protest march on her Facebook page. She wrote, “Rant that it’s coming to this. Rave that we have a great Antioch that wants to keep the arts alive.
“There will be a friendly protest Save Our Stage Tuesday Sept 8th 6pm in front of El Campanil Theatre and then a March to City Hall to Ask the City to step in and Save our El Campanil Theatre. Show Up if you would like to support the El Campanil Theatre Tuesday 8th 6pm!”
The poster to the left of the entrance of the El Campanil Theatre and marquee with messages attempting to prevent the sale and still raise funds on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. Photos by Allen D. Payton
The march will be about two blocks long as the theater is located at 602 W. 2nd Street and City Hall is located at 200 H Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.
The Council meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. with a light agenda of only four items of significance to discuss. But there is nothing on the agenda to discuss the sale of the El Campanil Theatre to the dismay of some residents. (See related article)
Screenshots show fundraising efforts continue on the theater’s Home and Donation pages of the website on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Theater Still Operating, Raising Funds
The theater is now displaying new colorful posters out front that read, “Save the Arts in Antioch! and “Keep Arts Alive! in Antioch”. The theater is also promoting an Oct. 17th concert on their Facebook page which is more than two weeks after the Sept. 29th close of escrow.
Even though Board President Sharon Sobel Idul stated and reiterated, “if the sale closes, the Foundation would cease operating El Campanil Theatre,” a message on the marquee reads, “Break a Leg Not Hearts Keep the Arts Alive Donate Now!” Plus, the website is still accepting donations with the message, “Save Our Stage” at the top of the Home page and the Donate page offers options of “One-Time, monthly on the 2nd, every 3 months on the 1st, and yearly on October 1st.”
The El Campanil Theatre marquee on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2024, (AH file photo) and Foundation Board President Sharon Sobel Idul. Source: LinkedIn
“Our goal remains simple: keep this historic theatre an arts venue for our community and future generations.” – Sharon Sobel Idul
Foundation board down to just three members
Herrera brothers also clarify matters
By Allen D. Payton
In response to concerns and accusations by the public and questions by the Herald about the sale to a church of Antioch’s historic El Campanil Theatre building in downtown Rivertown, the president of the foundation which leases most of the building and operates the theater shared details from the board’s perspective. She also said the board’s membership is now down to just three.
In a statement issued Aug. 20, 2026, Sharon Sobel Idul, president of the El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation Board of Directors, wrote, “We are aware of the potential sale of the property and of fundraising efforts being circulated online by a potential buyer. Those efforts are independent of ECTPF and do not reflect the mission of our organization and it is unlikely that we would be able to continue to provide theatre programming at El Campanil Theatre if they acquire the space.”
According to her LinkedIn profile, since July 2009 Sobel Idul has been the full-time Artistic Director and Founding Director of Black Diamond Ballet in Pittsburg and since 2014, she has also worked as the self-employed CEO, Choreographer and Instructor for the Pittsburg Performing Arts Academy. Her ballet company performs the Nutcracker each year at the theater.
Questions for Board President
In an email sent early Thursday afternoon, Sobel Idul was asked several questions. First, she was asked, beyond the statement, “do you and the board have anything else to say about the sale and possibly working with the new owners after escrow closes, and any response to what others have been saying about you and the board in my articles published this week?”
Sobel Idul was then asked, “When did you become board president? Why didn’t the board inform the public the building was for sale and launch a fundraising campaign for the foundation to buy it back and not just funds for operations? Did you or anyone on the board reach out to the council members to see if the City could help with the purchase?”
She was also informed, “There’s a claim that the council members tried to meet with your board last fall but there were scheduling conflicts and the meeting never happened,” and asked, “Is that correct?”
Sobel Idul was then asked, “What are the board’s long-term plans should the church outgrow the theater building and need to find larger space and sell it in the future?”
Finally, she was asked, “Who are the people currently serving on the board as of today?”
Board President Responds
In her response Friday afternoon, Sobel Idul wrote via email, “Thank you for the opportunity to respond. A few clarifications:
“Board leadership: I joined the Board and was elected President in November 2025.
“Why not purchase sooner? We were aware the property was for sale, but during a period of financial and organizational transition, our first responsibility was stabilizing operations. The seller indicated to us that he was not motivated to sell. Pursuing a $1.5 million purchase before establishing greater financial stability would not have been responsible. We began actively seeking acquisition partners in spring 2026.
“City involvement: Beginning in May, we worked with the City and property owner to explore a pathway toward acquisition. In early July, we were told there were no strong or valid offers and understood we would be kept informed if one emerged.
“On August 9, the owner informed me by phone that he had accepted an offer. Contrary to what was reported, I was not informed of this offer beforehand.
“Last fall’s City meeting: While this occurred before I joined the board, my understanding is the organization was trying to engage the city for a financial sponsorship.
“Working with the potential buyer: Based on the information currently available and public statements made by the Pastor this past Tuesday, if the sale closes, the Foundation would cease operating El Campanil Theatre. The buyer’s intended use and scheduling would directly conflict with the programming necessary for us to continue operating as a community performing arts venue. This was mentioned to the broker when we were first informed of the offer acceptance.
“This is not the outcome we want. We continue to explore every reasonable path to preserve El Campanil. Our goal remains simple: keep this historic theatre an arts venue for our community and future generations.
“Regarding this week’s reporting: Several statements attribute decisions or motivations to me from summer 2025. I did not join the Board until November 2025 and could not have made or influenced those decisions.
“Specifically, the statement that I ‘didn’t want to scare the public’ and therefore the Board ‘didn’t want to tell the truth’ is inconsistent with the timeline. The financial circumstances being discussed occurred before my tenure. I would appreciate that being corrected or clarified.
“Current Board: Sharon Sobel Idul – President Gail Kean – Vice President/Secretary Kent Vosburg – Treasurer”
——————————-
Escrow on Sale Closes Sept. 29
As previously reported, Eli Hererra Lead Pastor of Legendary Movement Church, the buyer of the building, said, “We’re in escrow. It closes Sept. 29th. That’s the day we get the key.”
No Seller Carry-Back Financing
Herrera said, “The seller is not carrying the balance. We got a loan.”
Willing to Sell Back Building to Foundation if Church Outgrows Theater Space in Future
Asked if, in a few years, the church outgrows the theater building what are the plans Herrera said, “We’ll have to find a bigger space.” Asked would the church then be willing to sell the building back to the foundation to once again own and operate it as the theater he said, “If in the future the Lord allows that to happen it could be a possibility.”
Clarifications in Response to Social Media Comments
In response to additional questions based on comments posted on social media including that their father was also a pastor and his church bought the former Golf ‘n Games building, Herrera said, “No, our father is not a pastor. My dad did concrete for 30 years.”
His brother, Ruben Herrera, pastor of the Spanish-language church, Palabra de Dios in Antioch, said his church owned the former LaFontana Office Products building at 611 W. 3rd Street in downtown Antioch – after they battled the City which did not want them to locate there but won the right due to the previously reported RLUIPA law. Later, the church purchased and relocated to the former Golf ‘n Games building on Auto Center Drive, after it sat empty for a few years. Ruben’s church has since sold that building and bought the former CVS building on Somersville Road in the same shopping center where the Bank of America and BMO branches are located.
Ruben also said his church is not the source of the approximate $1.2 million loan for the 80% balance of the purchase of the El Campanil Theatre.
Eli said the video of him inside the theater was not AI-generated and that, “The El Campanil staff let us.”
In addition, The Pentacostals of the Bay Area purchased the building that housed the former AMC Deer Valley 16 theaters on Lone Tree Way, which as of 2022 has a Commercial Infill Housing Overlay District on the property and could have instead been another City staff-approved affordable apartment complex. That church is completely separate from and unrelated to the Herrera brothers’ churches and is currently meeting in the Pittsburg Adult Education Center after their church building on Railroad Avenue in Pittsburg was destroyed by fire in May 2022.
Live Music, Line Dancing, Beer & Wine Garden, Artisan Vendors, Food & Kid Zone
Plus, 6th Annual Delta Rotary Cornhole Tournament
By Celebrate Antioch Foundation
Celebrate Antioch Foundation proudly presents one of our signature events, The Boots & BBQ Festival, Saturday, Sept. 26 from 11 AM to 6 PM. Grab your boots, bring your family and friends, and join us for a day you won’t forget in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown!
Spend the day with us enjoying the Amateur BBQ Cook-Off Competition and Cornhole Tournament while relaxing to the live music featuring the sounds of Houston Ave and Burke.
Select from a variety of local Rivertown Restaurants and BBQ Food Trucks and unwind under our shaded Beer and Wine Garden. There will be a family-friendly Kid Zone with a special guest providing Line Dancing Instruction.
Browse unique creations from our artisan vendors, sip your favorite beer or wine, and enjoy an unforgettable afternoon of entertainment and fun.
Amateur BBQ Cook-Off Competition
Are people always telling you your ribs are the BEST around? Or maybe you are are looking to take your BBQ skills to the next level. Cook up some of your best chicken and ribs and participate in Boot & BBQ Backyard BBQ Competition! Our Boots & BBQ Amateur Backyard BBQ Cook-off Competition on Saturday Sept 26th, 2026, in Antioch’s Rivertown Business District. This amateur contest is intended for the local backyard BBQ enthusiasts, those whose friends and family tell them they create fantastic ribs and chicken at home. Participants can register as a group or as an individual and the cost to enter the contest is $100. The winners will receive a trophy, a cash prize and ultimate bragging rights!
Prizes include Grand Champion Winner $500 & Trophy; 1st Place Chicken & Rib Winner $300 & Trophy; 2nd Place Chicken & Rib Winner $150 & Trophy; 3rd Place Chicken & Rib Winner $75 & Trophy; and, of course, ultimate bragging rights!
6th Annual Cornhole Tournament
This year’s event will feature the Rotary Club of the Delta’s 6th Annual Corn Hole Tournament. The $100 Cornhole Entry Fee is for a Team of 2 People! Divisions will be determined during a Round Robin Style of play that will place you in the backyard or competitive division for the single elimination bracket play.
Your donation will help us to continue to support our local youth programs, senior citizens, veterans and community projects.
Come out and have some good, old-fashioned fun with family and friends.
Location
The Festival will be located in Antioch’s historic downtown with the bands playing in Waldie Plaza near the waterfront. Mark your calendars, grab your boots and hats, and meet us in Rivertown! See y’all there!
Thank you to our sponsors: ALMOST THERE TRAVEL • ANTIOCH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION • ANTIOCH HERALD • ANTIOCH ROTARY CLUB • CATHOLIC FUNERAL & CEMETARY SERVICES • CITY OF ANTIOCH • DELTA VIEW PRODUCTIONS • EAST BAY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION • FLYING DUTCHMAN TATTOO • JIM LANTER STATE FARM • WILLOW PARK MERCANTILE • REPUBLIC SERVICES
For more information about Celebrate Antioch Foundation visit our website at www.celebrateantioch.org.
Screenshot of El Campanil Theatre building listing on realty.com 09/02/26.
Community meeting gets heated after pastor, congregants invited in; false accusations made of carrying guns; claim of a police report filed
Protest march to City Hall proposed; City staff looking for possible clause in original 2003 purchase agreement
By Allen D. Payton
Following public outcry after learning a church has purchased the 98-year-old building that houses the historic El Campanil Theatre in Antioch’s downtown Rivertown, the current owner shared his reasons for selling. In addition, a community meeting held there, Tuesday night, got heated between residents and the pastor and some members of his Legendary Movement Church who attended unexpectedly.
Sold Because Theater Was Going to Close, Then on Month-to-Month Lease
When reached with questions about his sale of the El Campanil Theatre building, current owner Tung Bui, who lives in Washington state, offered his reasons.
“I bought the theater for the purpose of the arts. I have friends who live in Danville and we go to shows nearby. I am a consultant to Rick on the business side in wireless operations,” he shared, referring to the foundation’s former executive director, Rick Carraher who led the effort to raise the funds to buy and renovate the building, and then led that effort, as well. He and his wife, Janis, were the original owners of Rick’s on Second restaurant that was located across the street from the theater. Rick Carraher served as the theater’s executive director until he resigned in 2021 when the couple moved out of state but remained on the board of directors. He is no longer has a role with the theater or board.
“Since then, they have brought in three different chairs and Sharon is the latest, and have had a lot of staff changes,” Bui said. Sharon Sobel Idul is the current president of the Board of Directors of the El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation which leases most of the building and operates the theater.
“Last year I spoke with the foundation board,” he continued. “They’re the ones who said they didn’t have the funds to operate until the end of the year.”
But the board never informed the public the building was for sale nor held a fundraising campaign to purchase it, to the dismay of members of the public who expressed it during Tuesday night’s meeting and on social media.
“We’re on a month-to-month lease. I don’t want to own a property where the theater isn’t going to be,” Bui stated. “Who runs a commercial building on a month-to-month basis?”
“I gave them free rent for the first year and then gave them a sweetheart deal because I wanted them to recover,” he shared. “I didn’t raise rents for a certain period of time.”
“They told me they were going to shut down by the end of the year,” Bui reiterated.
Asked about the church buying the building he said, “We had several buyers. I turned down a ton of buyers. I didn’t want someone to buy it and tear it down. I wanted a buyer to have a consistent use of the property. The church wanted to keep it the way it is. They’re going to use it for Sunday mornings and Wednesday night Bible study.”
“As a matter of courtesy, I discussed this with Sharon before I accepted the offer. She knew about it,” said Bui.
“I put it on the market with an agent, Michael Temby. I don’t want to own it,” Bui shared. “My agent approached the City early on.”
“Then they (the board) came back to me at the end (of the fundraising effort) and said they can operate it and asked if I would go on a month-to-month. That’s a death sentence,” he stated. “Even if I could back out (of offering it for sale), I couldn’t because I had a contract with a listing for a certain duration.”
Asked if he owned other commercial properties, Bui said, “Not at all. This would be the first and only property I own. I’m not a commercial guy. I only bought it because of my relationship with Rick. I’m an electrical engineer.”
He then suggested this reporter speak with Temby. However, in response to efforts to speak with the Discovery Bay-based Realtor, he said, “I have no comments at this time while we’re in escrow. Happy to answer any questions after escrow closes.” According to Herrera, that will be on Sept. 29th.
El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation Shares Community Update on Potential Sale
UPDATE 2: On August 20th, Sobel Idul emailed a press release about the potential sale of the theater building (which the Herald unfortunately missed until Thursday, Sept. 3rd).
She wrote, “The El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation (ECTPF) would like to provide some clarity to our community regarding recent conversations about the future of the El Campanil Theatre property.
“ECTPF is a tenant of the theatre property, which is owned by an out-of-state landlord. We are aware of the potential sale of the property and of fundraising efforts being circulated online by a potential buyer. Those efforts are independent of ECTPF and do not reflect the mission of our organization and it is unlikely that we would be able to continue to provide theatre programming at El Campanil Theatre if they acquire the space.
“El Campanil Theatre has been part of this community for nearly a century and we understand how deeply people care about its future. We share that commitment. El Campanil Theatre is a historic gem that should remain as an arts and cultural hub. We hope the city, our community, and artists alike can come together to help maintain our mission, if not we will no longer be able to continue our arts management in this space.
“For now, our focus remains on operating the theatre, welcoming audiences and community organizations, supporting the artists and renters who bring this stage to life, and continuing to be a gathering place for Antioch and the surrounding region.
Community Conversation Becomes Confrontation with Congregation
Screenshot of Monday, Sept. 1, 2026, Facebook post promoting the theater’s Save Our Stage Community Conversation.
After Tuesday night’s “Save our Stage: A Community Conversation”, Rivertown business owner Mike Gabrielson, a former Board President of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, shared a comment about the meeting on the Antioch Herald’s Facebook page, below the post of Tuesday’s article that broke the news the building had sold. He wrote, “I was at the meeting tonight put on by the El Campanil and and it was going great. People were sharing old stories, how much the El Campanil meant to them, sharing how we need to keep the arts alive in our city. Suddenly when the news crew left, the Pastor Eli Herrera from Legendary Church showed up with about 50 people. They barged in and he shared his vision for the El Campanil Theatre which didn’t really include current El Campanil Programing or as he put it ” Legendary plans on putting on it’s own shows and performances and hopes that the El Campanil will stay on as a tenant as long as they can work around their programming…. it’s pretty clear what that means. This is super sad for our community and a final nail in the coffin to our Downtown Economy. Please join us Tuesday Sept 8th 6pm for a friendly protest in front of El Campanil Theatre and a March to City Hall to ask our Council and Mayor to support Saving the El Campanil.. Save Our Stage!”
Screenshot of Mike Gabrielson’s comment about the Community Conversation posted on the Antioch Herald’s Facebook page Tuesday night Sept. 2, 2026, following the meeting.
One person who attended said Jose Cordón, Antioch’s poet laureate tried to prevent the pastor and church members from entering the meeting and they pushed past him and the pastor was acting like he was going to be the savior of Rivertown. Another person who owns a business in Antioch and attended but chose not to be identified said, Cordón was being interviewed by the media outside and invited the pastor into the meeting. That person also said someone came at the pastor and another person in attendance complained that one of the pastor’s men had a gun, that Cordón ended up taking over the meeting and tried to de-escalate things.
Screenshot of Erin Green-Astone’s Facebook post on the Antioch Rants & Raves group page following the Tuesday night meeting.
In a post on the page of the Facebook group Antioch Rants and Raves, another Rivertown business owner, Erin Green-Astone wrote, “I don’t have any words right now. I’m angry that it evolved the way it did. The church members and pastor showed up late to the meeting and shifted the tone greatly. We have passionate folks in Antioch. I hate that it devolved into what it did. I hate more that they brought concealed weapons into the theater and potentially put others at risk. I’m not sure how to heal this community after seeing that.”
Pastor Responds
However, the pastor and the leader of the Downtown Antioch Association who attended Tuesday night’s meeting refuted most of that information, while Cordón confirmed some of it.
Herrera, who said on Tuesday he wasn’t going to attend the community meeting, said Wednesday morning in an audio file sent by text to the Herald, “I’m sure you’re seeing all the news buzzing all over Facebook and online in regards to me and…well, our church goes and prays every Tuesday outside (the theater). I got basically asked and begged to go into that meeting and I said I would do it in a peaceful way. I go in there and it wasn’t peaceful. A guy, named Mr. Cordón, turns the whole audience on me. Very, very misleading. Then in the middle of that, a woman tries to come forward and come at me, physically. Then another man that I found out, named Frank Sterling, comes at me trying to attack me from my back and my men that I had with me. Not only men. I had families, my wife and children were there, all of our families were there. We were there praying outside, and my men stepped up and guarded me. There was no guns. There was no weapons. We have everything recorded.”
“So, I just wanted to share that with you because you’re going to see a lot of stuff buzzing all over the Antioch Rants and all this stuff, which is all lies,” Herrera continued.
“I heard they made a police report after we left. Not sure why they did that. They’re the ones who were attacking us,” he said with a chuckle.
“This is getting out of hand. I wanted to work with the theater operations people. They just, they don’t seem friendly enough to work with,” Herrera stated. “And so, this is very sad.”
Asked about the claims that he and his church members “barged in” and about someone coming at him and that one of his men had a gun, Herrera said, “It was a gentleman who stormed at me. But I just seen he did an apology on Facebook. Frank Sterling.”
“Nobody had a gun,” he emphasized. “We didn’t barge in. We were outside praying and they said, ‘hey, we would love for you to speak.’ So, I got invited into the building. And the 50 people were – we didn’t barge in – it was families. We had kids, mothers, strollers. So, it wasn’t like we barged in to fight. We walked in as family and as a church. It was unfortunate, the whole thing.”
The pastor then reiterated, “For the record, we were invited in by, I believe his name is Jose Cordón, he is a poet, I believe for the city. He is the one that invited us in and said he would love for me to talk and address the crowd and that’s exactly what I did. And then I got attacked and so, then we walked out. We left. We weren’t there to fight. We have footage to prove it. The gentleman came at me, and all our people did was protect their pastor.”
Downtown Antioch Association Leader Offers Her Perspective on Meeting
Asked her perspective on what occurred, Debbie Blaisure, leader of the Downtown Antioch Association, who attended the community meeting at the theater said, “Jose was de-escalating and the pastor came in with members of his congregation. He had his wife and children with him. He was very articulate and very respectful. He was not cocky. He said I am a businessman and a man of God. As a tenant if I have church on Sunday and a performance is on Sunday the church will have priority.”
“I was right there in the front row,” she continued. “He was standing in front of the stage. There was a woman from the audience who said she hadn’t been in the building for 45 years who came at him. That’s what started the whole thing. Some of the pastor’s men from the church stepped in to protect him and then Frank Sterling came from the other side. The congregation circled the pastor. Frank was on the other side. The pastor was the one who was almost attacked. There’s an entire video of the whole thing.”
Asked about others who attended Blaisure shared, “It was a lot of longtime residents telling stories of their experiences with the theater. Someone asked, ‘are they going to shoot old people?’ It was asinine. There was no one with any guns.”
About the proposed protest march she said, “The City has nothing to do with this.”
Regarding the foundation board’s efforts to raise funds for operations that began last year Blaisure said, “I tried to help them. The DAA gave them $3,000 from the fashion show and I told them I could use it to challenge the other businesses to help raise the rest. The theater needed $350,000. The Historical Society raised $150,000 for the (Unity) Bell. So, we could have raised the money. “ Actually, the amount raised in cash was $85,000 and the total, including in-kind donations, was about $106,000.
“But Sharon didn’t want to scare the public, so the board didn’t want to tell the truth. That would have been an opportunity for fundraising and they didn’t use it,” she stated.
“I’m hoping that the theater and the downtown businesses can work with the new owner and, in collaboration, be included in our new efforts for downtown Rivertown restoration. The pastor said he was going to,” Blaisure added.
Antioch’s Poet Laureate Confirms He Invited in Pastor, “Just a Few” Church Members, Tried to De-Escalate
When reached to verify the information said about him, Cordón said, “I did invite the pastor in for the Community Conversation. I think people should hear his story and what to do. But I also said is I didn’t think all of his members there should have come in. Just a few members. I also did try to de-escalate it.”
“Unfortunately, it became confrontational rather than productive, a conversation and an open dialogue,” he added.
Asked if he thought anything good came out of last night Cordón said, “I think that it can. I think if we sit down and get past it for the benefit of Antioch. If we can demonstrate we can still work together, I think that’s positive. I’m open to continue the conversation to make Antioch.”
“One of the first things that Sharon did was apologize. She recognizes the theater made mistakes. Having some recognition of that is good,” he continued. “What I would love to do is to continue the conversation and figure out how to work together. Whatever is best for Rivertown and Antioch.”
He hosted two shows at the theater, “completely free to the public,” Cordón shared. “I flew in people from out of town. I got them hotel stays at the hotel by Auto Center Drive. ‘Poetic Experience’ was the name of the show.”
Screenshot of Frank Sterling’s Facebook post on Wed., Sept. 2, 2026, apologizing for his behavior at Tuesday night’s meeting.
Regular Council Commenter Apologizes for Behavior
In a post on his Facebook page on Wednesday, Sterling, who regularly speaks during public comments at city council meetings, wrote, “I lost my cool at the meeting last night.. My apologies to everyone. That is not how we should all interact. Whatever/However you see the situation leading up to this moment. It is not the way to handle it. My apologies again.”
Other Comments from Community MembersWho Attended Meeting
When reached for comment, former councilwoman and current District 1 council candidate Joy Motts who also attended Tuesday night’s meeting said, “I would have been screaming from the rafters if I knew it was for sale. How did we get here? Why did we not know? Why didn’t the Council talk about this to let us know what was happening here? Nobody knew.”
“There were people crying,” she said about some of those in attendance.
“This is a tragedy for downtown,” Motts continued. “I have nothing against this church. There are so many other vacant, empty buildings in town, than to take away this arts and cultural venue that means so much to so many.”
“People are upset that they didn’t know. I’m upset that I didn’t know,” she stated.
Regarding the building’s seller notifying the foundation’s board chair, Motts asked rhetorically, “Did he give her a chance? Let them know he had an offer to give them the opportunity?”
Screenshots of Sept. 2nd Facebook post by Carla Baker Marymee.
In a post on her Facebook page on Wednesday afternoon, Rivertown business owner and Antioch Historical Society member, Carla Baker Marymee wrote, “I generally don’t rant on Facebook. This time is an exception.
“Last night’s ‘Community Conversation’ at El Campanil Theatre was supposed to be about saving one of Antioch’s most cherished historic landmarks — a nearly 100‑year‑old symbol of culture, community, and riverfront pride. Instead, it became something none of us expected.
“The Antioch Herald reported that a church has already raised $306.500 toward the $1.5 million purchase price, and that the sale is in escrow, closing Sept. 29, 2026. That alone shocked many of us. But what happened inside the theatre was worse.
“Patrons, artists, renters, business owners, and neighbors showed up to ask questions and stand together for the arts in Antioch. We came in good faith. We came to protect a landmark that belongs to the community.
“Then the discussion was interrupted.
“The pastor — the reported buyer — arrived with roughly two dozen members of his congregation. The atmosphere shifted instantly. Tension rose. A confrontation broke out in front of the stage between the pastor, several congregants, and residents. It was chaotic, frightening, and deeply upsetting. I left because I felt unsafe.
“This theatre never should have been sold in the first place.
“El Campanil was purchased in 2003 by the El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation with a $500,000 Calpine grant, $750,000 in City redevelopment funds, and $1 million raised under the leadership of Rick Carraher. It was a community triumph — a promise that this building would remain a cultural anchor for Antioch.
“But after COVID, financial struggles led to a quiet sale to an out‑of‑state buyer. Almost no one knew. And now we’re watching a second sale unfold that feels rushed, opaque, and completely out of alignment with what the community wants.
“Let’s be clear: This is not about being ‘against churches’. It’s about protecting a historic cultural space that has served Antioch for nearly a century. There are countless other locations for a church to thrive. This theatre is unique, irreplaceable, and central to Rivertown’s identity.
“A $1.5 million price tag for a building of this significance? That’s not an opportunity — it’s a giveaway.
“If the buyer truly ‘loved Antioch,’ he would understand that forcing this sale through — especially after last night’s confrontation — will leave a permanent scar. The community will not forget what happened. And the building will never be embraced as a church. Because this isn’t about faith. It’s about a real‑estate investment.
“I am praying — truly praying — that local investors step in immediately to save El Campanil and return it to the community that built it, funded it, and loves it.
“Antioch deserves better. Our history deserves better. And this theatre deserves to remain what it has always been: the cultural heart of Rivertown.”
No Seller Carry-Back Financing
While the church has raised the necessary 20 percent downpayment of $306,500, it was reported by the Antioch business owner in attendance at Tuesday’s meeting that someone expressed the belief that the sale can be stopped because it includes seller carry-back financing for the balance of the approximate $1.5 million purchase price. However, when asked about that, Herrera said, “The seller is not carrying the balance. We got a loan.”
Willing to Sell Back Building to Foundation if Church Outgrows Theater Space in Future
Asked if, in a few years, the church outgrows the theater building what are the plans Herrera said, “We’ll have to find a bigger space.”
Asked would the church then be willing to sell the building back to the foundation to once again own and operate it as the theater he said, “If in the future the Lord allows that to happen it could be a possibility.”
City’s Role
The theater during restoration in 2003. Photo: El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation
While some people in the community would like the City to somehow step in and prevent the sale, as previously reported, the City can’t stop the church from buying the building or locating there based on federal law, known as RLUIPA, the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000. That protects “individuals, houses of worship, and other religious institutions from discrimination in zoning and landmarking laws.”
Yet, since Antioch’s current Mayor Pro Tem and District 3 Councilman Don Freitas was instrumental in securing the $500,000 donation from the Calpine energy company to purchase the building back in 2003 when he was mayor, as well as the $750,000 from the City’s redevelopment agency to help renovate the theater, he was asked about the agreement with the foundation’s board. Some people are looking to that as a possible way to nullify the sale, as they, like Marymee, claim the foundation shouldn’t have sold the building to a private party three years ago.
On the History page of the theater’s website it shows, “In July 2002, El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation was incorporated as a charitable, non-profit 501(c)3 organization. In early 2003, Calpine Corporation and the City of Antioch entered into an agreement whereby the Foundation received a grant to acquire the Theatre.”
Freitas was asked if he remembers if in that agreement there was a clause that required the foundation to sell the building to the City in some kind of right-of-first-refusal?
“I don’t recall that specific detail (but it certainly would be like me to require it in the agreement),” he responded. “Acting City Manager Ana Cortez told me she understands that may be correct and has been endeavoring to ascertain if it is true. I would suggest you directly contact her regarding this matter.”
Questions were emailed Wednesday night to both Cortez and City Attorney Lori Asuncion asking if such a clause in the agreement exists or if there was anything else in the agreement that gave some form of rights to the City since redevelopment funds were used for the building’s renovation after it was purchased.
Yet, whether or not such a clause exists or rights were retained, the sale of the building by the foundation to a private owner in 2023 might have severed that portion of the agreement.
Efforts to reach Board Chair Sobel Idul for a response to what Bui and others said, were unsuccessful prior to publication time. A call to one member of the Board of Directors, Ron Yarolimek, was also unsuccessful. A voicemail message was left for him requesting a return call, for Sobel Idul’s phone number or for him to pass on this reporter’s phone number to her to call.
UPDATE 1: Yarolimek responded Thursday morning with, “I passed on the information to Sharon. She’s making all public comments for El Campanil” and provided her theater foundation email address.
An email was sent late Wednesday morning to Sobel Idul asking for comment and with questions.
Please check back later for any additional updates to this report.
In response to the possibility of a church purchasing the historic El Campanil Theatre in Antioch’s downtown Rivertown, the theater’s board of directors and staff are holding a Community Conversation entitled “Save Our State” Tuesday night, Sept. 1, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
This year, the 98-year-old theater building was for sale with an asking price of $1.5 million and a local church was raising $300,000 for a 20% deposit. It’s currently not listed on either Realtor.com or LoopNet.
The theater building, which also houses two retail tenants on W. 2nd Street, was purchased by the non-profit organization, El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation, in 2003, with a grant of $500,000 from Calpine energy, which then-Mayor and now-Mayor Pro Tem Don Freitas secured. It was improved with $750,000 in City redevelopment funds and an additional $1 million raised under the leadership of then-foundation chairman Rick Carraher. But after running into financial difficulties following COVID, the building was sold a few years ago to an out-of-state buyer.
A post on the theaters’ Facebook page over the weekend reads: “El Campanil Theatre belongs in the heart of this community and we know many of you have questions about what comes next.
“We invite our patrons, supporters, artists, renters, business owners, and neighbors to join us for a short community gathering at the theatre.
“Come: • Hear an update and ask questions
• Share your El Campanil memories and stories
• Learn how you can support the theatre moving forward
• Connect with others who believe in keeping the arts alive in Antioch
“This is a time to come together, get informed, and talk about what the future of this historic stage could look like.
With Blues Night, Country Boogie Night & Vintage Rock Night
“Not too loud, not too long and not too expensive.”
By Rebecca Roudman
On July 26, Aug. 23 and Sept. 20 at Gilman Brewing in Berkeley, the folks from Not Loud Concerts are presenting Summer Sessions. These music festivals are part of the Not Loud Concert Summer Series – a set of concerts designed to be Not too long, Not too expensive, and of course, Not too loud.
Designed with the audience’s comfort in mind, these short festivals will be held outdoors at Gilman Brewing. There, 2 bands will be on stage at the same time, trading songs and dueling it out. Each concert will have a different theme.
July 26 is Blues Night featuring Delta Wires, an exciting harmonica and horns blues powerhouse and Dirty Cello, a world-traveling, high-energy blues band.
Aug 23 is Country Boogie Night featuring the Alex Lucero Band, a boot-stompin’ Americana band and Dirty Cello, a high-energy band known for their crazy takes on classic country.
Sept. 20 is Vintage Rock Night featuring The Rockbusters, a roaring nostalgia-filled cover band playing all of your favorite songs from the 80’s. They’ll be joined by Dirty Cello, who are known for their crazy and electrifying performances of everything from the Stones to CCR.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase. The audience is welcome to bring chairs, and chairs will also be provided. There will be room to dance and room to sit. No porta-potties, but plenty of clean, indoor bathrooms.
Not Loud Concerts focus on creating an experience that is casual and fun for both the musicians and the audience. The concerts are never too long, never too expensive and of course never too loud.
Not Loud Concerts presents… Summer Sessions at Gilman Brewing
Start Time: Dusk (approximately between 8:30 pm and 8:45 pm)
Location: Prewett Family Park Hillside (Located next to the Antioch Water Park)
Grab your blankets and lawn chairs, and bring the entire family out to enjoy popcorn, kids’ crafts and a movie. Happening on the Prewett Family Park Hillside, next to the Antioch Water Park, movies will begin just after dusk (approximately 8:30 pm to 8:45 pm depending on sunset). Did we mention it will also be Food Truck Thursday, brought to you by FoodieCrewSF? Don’t forget to grab dinner before the movie begins! You won’t want to miss this.
**Free popcorn, refreshments, and kids’ crafts while supplies last.
