Archive for the ‘Business’ Category

Service Pros Plumbers, Drill Tech are 2023 Antioch Businesses of the Year

Friday, March 15th, 2024
Service Pros Plumbers staff and equipment. Source: Antioch Chamber of Commerce
Tom Menasco, who nominated Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring, with their team members, Shannon and Ann Creson, Dave Shupe, Brad Middleton and Darin Gossett, with Chamber Membership Director Jack Monroe. Source: Antioch Chamber of Commerce

To be honored at annual Chamber of Commerce Gala March 22

Antioch, CA – Among the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual award winners, Service Pros Plumbers was named Small Business of the Year, and Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring was named Large Business of the Year.

Small Business of the Year – Service Pros Plumbers 

Service Pros Plumbers, with their skills and dedication, actively contribute and volunteer in Antioch to support various charitable and community initiatives. Jason and Ana started this small business in Antioch in 2012 and have since expanded, creating employment opportunities within the community. Whenever help is needed, they respond promptly. They have aided numerous local organizations and charities, consistently offering their support. Their dedication to making a positive impact on the community remains unwavering.

Large Business of the Year – Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring

Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring is an Antioch based, family-owned company that employs 350 staff members in our local area and over 600 across the country. They actively support and participate in local organizations and events. Their generous donations greatly benefit our community. The owners quietly support many organizations, groups, and individuals without seeking praise or acknowledgment for their generosity. They provide help to those in need through their actions rather than seeking recognition. This quiet support benefits numerous people and makes a positive impact in the community. Their kindness and generosity make a difference in the lives of those they help.

Each of the winners will be honored at the Chamber’s annual Gala on Saturday, March 22, 2024 at the Lone Tree Golf & Event Center. Tickets are $80 each or $640 for a reserved table of 8 and can be purchased on the Chamber’s website at www.antiochchamber.com.

JR Wilson, Mary Rocha named Antioch’s 2023 Citizens of the Year

Sunday, March 3rd, 2024
Antioch 2023 Citizens of the Year – Most Impact Gerald JR Wilson (Antioch Herald file photo) and Lifetime Achievement Mary Rocha. Photo source: AUSD

In the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards; to be honored along with Businesses, Youth and Non-Profit of the Year during March 24 Gala

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of the annual awards, and local veterans leader Gerald “JR” Wilson was named the 2023 Citizen of the Year for Most Impact and Antioch School Board Trustee and former Mayor of Antioch Mary Rocha was named Citizen of the Year for Lifetime Achievement.

In addition, Service Pros Plumbers was named Small Business of the Year, Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring was named Large Business of the Year and Soroptimist International of Antioch was named Non-Profit of the Year. As previously reported, Antioch High School junior, Fifita Grewe was named Youth of the Year.

Citizen of the year – Most Impact Gerald “JR” Wilson 

With a background in the US Army, Gerald “JR” Wilson has been a strong presence in Antioch, advocating for the well-being of local residents. His dedication shines through in his work with veterans, helping them access the benefits they deserve. Through his organization, DVG, he has made a significant impact on the community, improving the lives of many individuals. Stand Down on the Delta organized by JR Wilson’s unwavering commitment to serving others is truly commendable.

Citizen of the Year – Lifetime Achievement Mary Rocha

Mary, a resident of Antioch for many years, has dedicated over 50 years to serving the public. She made history as the first Latina Mayor of Antioch and currently serves on the school board. Mary is deeply committed to improving the lives of children and frequently volunteers to read to first graders. Additionally, she holds a special place in her heart for honoring veterans. She is one of the founding members for the Luminary Lighting project honoring members who have passed in active duty from East Contra Costa County. Friends describe Mary as Shakespeare quoted, “Some people are born great, some achieve great, and some have greatness thrust upon them”, this is Mary in all three situations. Mary has a deep wealth of political experience but at her core, she is all about serving our community. 

Each of the winners will be honored at the Chamber’s annual Gala on Saturday, March 22, 2024, at the Lone Tree Golf & Event Center. Tickets are $80 each or $640 for a reserved table of eight, and can be purchased on the Chamber’s website at www.antiochchamber.com.

Natural gas ban lifted for new buildings in Contra Costa County

Wednesday, February 28th, 2024

Supervisors suspend all-electric requirements following U.S. Court of Appeals ruling

(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Tuesday suspended enforcement of its requirement that most new buildings be constructed as all-electric buildings.  The County’s all-electric building requirement, as part of the County’s building code, had prohibited the installation of natural gas infrastructure in most new buildings and required developers to use electricity as the sole source of energy in the building.  With Tuesday’s action, the County’s all-electric building requirement will not be enforced.

Last month, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit invalidated a City of Berkeley ordinance that prohibited natural gas infrastructure in new buildings. The court held that the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act precludes cities and counties from adopting building codes that prohibit the installation of gas plumbing in buildings.

Contra Costa County’s all-electric building requirement, like the invalidated City of Berkeley ordinance, prohibits the installation of gas plumbing in new buildings.  The County is therefore suspending this requirement in response to the Ninth Circuit’s decision.

At the same time, the Board of Supervisors remains committed to the goals that prompted it to adopt the all-electric requirement: improving public health and fighting what they believe contributes to climate change. The Board referred the topic of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings to its Sustainability Committee and directed staff to report on alternatives for advancing this objective at the Committee’s next meeting.

“Contra Costa County remains committed to reducing the use of fossil fuels in buildings and continues to support the construction of new buildings using all-electric technologies,” said Board Chair Federal D. Glover, District 5 Supervisor.  “We are eager to identify new and innovative ways to continue to pursue our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings.”

The County encourages residents and businesses to continue to install all-electric building systems and appliances. There are many benefits of all-electric construction, some of which include:

  • Cleaner air and better health outcomes from eliminating the emissions associated with burning fossil fuels, particularly indoors.
  • Not having to pay to install gas pipes in new buildings.
  • Taking advantage of financial incentives and rebates for all-electric appliances.
  • Resilience against power outages, particularly when electric technologies are paired with battery storage.
  • Hedging against high electricity costs by being able to schedule electric appliances to operate at times of day when electricity costs are lowest.
  • Preparing for the potential discontinuation of gas appliances in the future that could occur from possible regulatory actions by regional, state, or federal agencies.

There are many good resources on the benefits of all-electric buildings, including:

The County’s sustainability web site has information on state and federal incentives, rebates, and other ways to fund all-electric upgrades.

The Bay Area Regional Energy Network has information on training opportunities, rebates and incentives, and contractors.  

MCE, the community choice energy provider for most of Contra Costa County, offers rebates and incentives.

The Switch Is On, sponsored by the Building Decarbonization Coalition, is a collaborative campaign to support all-electric home conversion by providing tools, support, and resources to Californians.

Rewiring America provides information about the benefits of all-electric technologies, and helps generate a personalized plan for individuals, including costs and savings.

PG&E also has resources on all-electric buildings, including rebates, incentives, rate plans, and design guides.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch Council approves redevelopment of PG&E Service Center

Friday, February 16th, 2024
Rendering of the new PG&E Antioch Service Center Project building. Source: City of Antioch

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, the Antioch City Council approved the redevelopment of the PG&E Service Center on Hillcrest Avenue on a 3-0 vote with Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson and District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica absent. The project includes a new operations building, fleet maintenance, logistics shops and warehouse, warehouses, material storage and support structures. (See Agenda Item 3)

PG&E Antioch Service Center site location map. Source: City of Antioch

Located on 36.39 acres of the existing 56.15-acre parcel at 2111 Hillcrest Avenue just north of the Sunset Drive and Slatten Ranch Road intersection, as well as the Union Pacific Railroad railroad right-of-way and the Antioch BART station.

The proposed project involves the replacement and demolition of four existing buildings within the existing PG&E Service Center (Fleet Maintenance, Logistics Warehouse, Logistics Shops, and Operations buildings). Additionally, the proposed project would include the construction of new non-occupied support structures, a below grade parking area, circulation improvements, expansion of paved surfaces, and expansion of lighting infrastructure.

PG&E Antioch Service Center Project Phasing Plan. Source: City of Antioch

During the Planning Commission meeting on Jan. 17, 2024, Brett Badelle, Local Government Affairs Representative for PG&E stated the Antioch service center would improve service to customers, add beautification and have a positive impact on the economy. He also explained that the project would improve safety, reliability, resiliency and sustainability. On a 4-0 vote with two members absent and one vacancy, the commissioners recommended the council approve the project.

Navigating Veterans Benefits: TreVista partners with Patriot Angels to educate veterans and families

Friday, February 16th, 2024

Virtual event will be held on Zoom on Tuesday, February 27

TreVista in Antioch is proud to announce its collaboration with Patriot Angels, a leading organization founded in 2012 to assist veterans and their families in accessing rightful benefits for long-term care and other essential services. To raise awareness and provide valuable information, TreVista invites all veterans and their families to a virtual presentation to be held on Zoom on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The presentation will be led by Mali Covington, Director of Senior Living Partnerships at Patriot Angels. Attendees must register in advance to receive a personalized event link to access the virtual presentation.

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Virtual Presentation on Zoom

RSVP: Reserve your space by contacting TreVista at 925-470-3395 or Antioch@TreVistaSeniorLiving.com.

Patriot Angels was established with the mission of connecting veterans with the assistance they rightfully deserve. Many veterans and their families are unaware of the benefits available to them, specifically designed to aid in covering the costs of long-term care and other essential services. Patriot Angels serves clients Nationwide by helping them navigate through the process of applying for Aid and Attendance, a monthly pension available to eligible Veterans and spouses to help them supplement the cost of long-term care. This event aims to shed light on these benefits and guide attendees through determining their eligibility. To date, Patriot Angels has helped nearly 20,000 Veterans and spouses be approved for benefits that allow them to be cared for with dignity and honor.

Join us for this informative session, where experts from Patriot Angels will share insights, answer questions, and guide attendees through the steps to uncover unclaimed benefits. Whether you’re a veteran or a family member, this event is an opportunity to learn more about the support available.

“At TreVista, we are committed to supporting our veterans and their families. Partnering with Patriot Angels aligns with our dedication to ensuring that those who have served our country receive the benefits they are entitled to,” says Tamsen Meierdierck, Senior Living Consultant at TreVista Senior Living and Memory Care.

For more information about the event, please contact TreVista at 925-470-3395 or email Antioch@TreVistaSeniorLiving.com.

To learn more about Tre Vista Senior Living & Memory Care visit https://trevistaseniorliving.com/.

Paid advertisement.

Lydia’s Soap practice event Feb. 3 for county Youth Shark Tank competition

Wednesday, January 31st, 2024

By Allen D. Payton

As previously reported, Lydia Stewart, a 12-year-old entrepreneur and 7th grader from Antioch, is the proud owner of Lydia’s Soap. She has successfully secured a spot as one of the 10 finalists in the upcoming Contra Costa Youth Shark Tank Competition. To gear up for the February 6, 2024, event, Lydia is seeking support from her community.

The public is invited to Lydia’s practice event, organized by Antioch resident Dominique King, this Saturday, Feb. 3 at 3:30 p.m. inside TnT Smoothie and Juice Bar, 208 G Street in historic, downtown Rivertown, where attendees can enjoy refreshments, snacks, and explore various youth-run businesses as vendors.

“Let’s come together on a Saturday to celebrate and uplift our young entrepreneurs!” King said.

Space is limited for the free event to not overwhelm Lydia with a large audience. So, those who want to attend as mock audience members must register at Lydia’s Soap Shark Tank Rally Tickets, Sat, Feb 3, 2024 at 3:30 PM | Eventbrite.

Special Council Meeting: Antioch mayor wants ballot measure for infrastructure, other services

Monday, January 29th, 2024

To be discussed Tuesday night January 30, 204

Plus, 7 other items including Wilson’s gas station moratorium, repealing city cruising ban due to new state law; presentations on homeless services, Community Response Team

By Allen D. Payton

During a special meeting Tuesday night, Jan. 30, 2024, the Antioch City Council will receive three presentations including one on Unhoused Resident Services and discuss eight items requested by council members including a possible ballot measure for infrastructure and/or programs under agenda Item 5. requested by Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe, and a moratorium on new gas stations, proposed by Mayor Pro Tem and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson.

The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and be held at the Nick Rodriguez Center, 213 F Street in Rivertown.

The other two presentations will be on the City’s Youth Services Network and on the California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CALVIP), the City’s Community Response Team and raising awareness against domestic violence.

On the gas station moratorium discussion under agenda Item. 10, city staff offers basic options that the Council could consider including: a temporary moratorium on approval of new gas stations or a ban on new gas stations. In addition, the City could consider a ban on the expansion of new pumps at existing gas stations.

The other six items requested by council members for discussion and possible placement on a future council meeting agenda for votes include the following items:

4. Discussion on the Antioch Alert System requested by District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica.

6. The Contra Costa County A3 Miles Hall Crisis Call Center requested by District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker.

According to the staff report, A3 is the county’s approach to providing behavioral health crisis services to anyone, anywhere, at anytime in the county. Annual Measure X sales tax revenue supports the center, mobile response teams and connection to follow-up care for those in crisis. A3 has grown from a pilot project in 2021 to now operating 24/7. Currently, A3 responds to about 200 calls and dispatches 30 mobile teams per week. They helped over 2,900 callers in 2022 and expect that number to grow to more than 4,500 people this year.

7. Hiring incentives for city employees requested by Hernandez-Thorpe.

8. Permits for landlords renting to family members requested by Barbanica.

9. Discussion on the City’s official poet laureate program requested by Torres-Walker.

11. Repealing the City’s ban on cruising. According to the brief description of the agenda item, staff is recommending that the City Council direct staff to prepare an ordinance to repeal the City’s local ban on cruising, set forth in Section 4-5.1009 of the Antioch Municipal Code (AMC), which is now preempted by State law effective January 1, 2024.

Cruising Now Legal in California

According to the city staff report by City Attorney Thomas L. Smith, “On October 13, 2023, Governor Newsom signed into law AB 436, which amends Section 21100 by removing subdivision (k) “Regulating cruising” from the traffic matters that local agencies may regulate. Effective January 1, 2024, cruising bans adopted by cities are no longer authorized under State law. Therefore, cruising is a legal activity within the State of California. Existing City bans are now preempted by State law.”

State Senator Steve Glazer was absent for the vote but State Assemblyman Tim Grayson, who is running for Glazer’s seat, voted for the bill.

Community Response Team Report Details

According to the Community Response Team report, since Oct. 2022, they have responded to 1,600 Dispatch calls of which they had 51 accompanied the Antioch Police Department, 573 Welfare Checks and 293 for Mental Health Related Services. In addition, most of the calls were made during the hours of 6am-11pm, with 12pm-5pm being the peak hours of conducted services.

No votes will be made during the meeting just direction to staff. See complete meeting agenda.

Antioch girl among 10 Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition finalists

Saturday, January 13th, 2024
Lydia Stewart of Antioch will be competing in the Shark Tank finals on Feb. 6th. Photo: LydiasSoaps.com

Students ages 11-17 selected from over 300 applicants 

Finalist pitch event February 6th at Lafayette library will determine $1,000 winner

MORAGA, CALIFORNIA –Ten students in Contra Costa County have been selected as finalists for the first Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition (www.contracostasharktank.org). 

The competition, open to all Contra Costa County students in grades Kindergarten through 12th grade, is a fun way to promote youth entrepreneurship. When young people succeed as entrepreneurs, they improve their own lives while also contributing to the economic development of their local communities. 

Antioch 7th-grader Lydia Stewart is one of the finalists and owns Lydia’s Soap. According to her business website, Lydia’s “soaps are good for sensitive skin and fun for bath time. Try my rub a dub soap for kids who love to play hard. Each hand wash gets you closer to a fun toy inside.”

Source: Facebook and lydiassoap.com.

“My parents bought me a soap making kit and I loved making soaps,” she shared. “My mom decided it would be a great way to learn economics. I have fun making great soaps and I get to share them with all my friends. I learn how to keep a budget and run a business, but most of all I get to spend time with my mom. Mom is my manager, teacher and employee. We make a great team.”

High school junior Maya Hammerman, the competition founder and one of the judges said, “The best way to learn about entrepreneurship is by starting a business. My journey as an entrepreneur started in elementary school. I created the competition to inspire kids in Contra Costa County to start or grow any type of business from traditional ones such as lemonade stands, to innovative new products or services that they create.” 

The ten finalists listed below were selected by members of the Campolindo High School Entrepreneurship Club from over 300 applicants.  

  1. SportzCity, Hunter Smith (5th Grade, Burton Valley Elementary, Lafayette)
  2. Experimental Kids, Archit Kundu (5th Grade, Bella Vista Elementary, San Ramon)
  3. Lydia’s Soap, Lydia Stewart (7th Grade, Homeschool, Antioch)
  4. Loonies, Valerie Castellanos, Angie Alvarenga, Giovanny Perez (7th, Summit Tamalpais, Richmond)
  5. Tied Up in a Bow, Himna Imam & Mahum Malik (9th Grade, Venture & Dougherty Valley, San Ramon)
  6. ElderSafe, Ronen Jain (10th Grade, Monte Vista High, Danville)
  7. MiracleAlgae, Nicolas Angel-Ordonez & Shashank Koundinya (11th Grade, San Ramon Valley, Danville) 
  8. Synchroma Studio, Hector Espinoza (12th Grade, Freedom High, Oakley)
  9. ScrubWoofer™, Beatrice Roberge (12th Grade, Campolindo High, Moraga)
  10. Workout Wizard, Fatimah Hussain (12th Grade, Dougherty Valley High, San Ramon)

Winners will receive $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place. Sponsors for the competition include Chevron, Visa, PG&E, Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, and Campolindo Parents Club. Winners will be chosen by a panel of five judges at the Finalist Pitch Event at the Lafayette library on Tuesday February 6, 2024 at 7pm. For ticket information visit www.contracostasharktank.org

Contact Information: 

Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition

Maya Hammerman, Founder 

Email: contracostasharktank@gmail.com