On Hillcrest Avenue, offers new community room

“We are very local…But we are able to provide national capabilities. We are glad to be in the Antioch community.” – TCU President & CEO Kevin Miller

By Allen D. Payton

The leadership of Travis Credit Union was joined by Antioch officials and Chamber leaders for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the new branch on Hillcrest Avenue. It replaces the branch previously located in the Terraces Shopping Center on Lone Tree Way near Sylvia’s Country Kitchen.  The event also celebrated the credit union’s twenty-year commitment to the city of Antioch.

Speakers included Travis Credit Union (TCU) President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Miller and Dena Rothmann, Managing Vice President, Retail & Branch Banking, Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe who proclaimed May 14th to be “Travis Credit Union Day” in the City of Antioch; and Mike Gabrielson, Board President of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce.

“We have been a part of Antioch for 20 years and this new branch reinforces our commitment to the city, its local businesses and residents,” said Rothmann. “Our top priorities are providing an outstanding experience to our members and helping them achieve their financial goals.”

“We have 23 branches, and this is the newest,” Miller shared. “TCU started by serving those who serve,” at Travis Air Force Base near Fairfield. Federal legislation changed regulations from serving one group of people to a community which is defined more broadly as a county. Travis entered Contra Costa County when Metro 1 CU joined us.”

TCU now has 250,000 members in 12 counties and is the twelfth largest credit union in the state.

“We’ve been focusing on how we expand services in East County. Over the next several years we plan to expand further in the county,” he continued. “The team here, in Antioch, is very well known in the community and active in the Chamber. We are very local when it comes to the people who work here. But we are able to provide national capabilities. We’re glad to be in the Antioch community.”

“The democratization of technology has benefited the credit unions allowing us to be faster, provide better experiences and be competitive with the banks,” Miller explained. “People want a great physical environment, online environment and want someone to answer the phone when you call. It has required us to rethink what we do and how we do it and rewire the organization to make it better for the members.”

During the ceremony, a donation check from TCU for $10,000 to Opportunity Junction was presented by Miller to the organization’s CEO Brianna Robinson. The Antioch-based non-profit helps motivated Contra Costa County job seekers develop the skills and confidence to launch careers that lead to financial security.

Certificates of Recognition were presented to Miller from the offices of Congressman John Garamendi and Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis.

Also, in attendance were Antioch Councilwomen Lori Ogorchock and Monica Wilson, and Antioch residents Marivel Branco, Hillcrest Branch Manager, Jennifer Victor, TCU’s VP of Branch Sales & Service and Tim Truesdale, Chair of TCU’s Supervisory Committee.

“We offer the community room at our new location for non-profit organizations to hold meetings, and for Travis to offer financial seminars and provide education to local individuals and businesses,” said Branco.

The new Hillcrest branch also features an innovative open concept layout meant to foster connection and meaningful financial conversations between the experienced staff and its members.

Besides checking and savings accounts they offer credit building, home and car loans, business credit cards, lines of credit, retirement planning and more.

“Stop by and see us to open an account and let us help you meet and achieve your financial needs and goals, today,” she added.

Victor, who has been with the credit union for 16 years and previously served as the Terrace Center Branch manager said, “TCU is excited to continue be a part of the Antioch community with our new branch facility. Our number one focus is to help residents be financially educated and sound.”

About the volunteer Supervisory Committee Truesdale shared, “If we were a bank, it would be an Audit Committee and we work with senior management and internal audit department, and outside auditors.”

About the new branch he said, “We’ve been working on that for the last three years. It was a lovely morning. You couldn’t ask for a better day to hold our grand opening and ribbon cutting.”

“The people at the branch came over from the Terrace Center branch on Lone Tree Way and can help members with financial services,” he continued. “I want to reiterate the fact of the community room for those who need a place to meet in town. That was a concern of our employees from before. We didn’t have to add that square footage but I’m glad we did to serve the community.”

To support financial success in the Antioch community, TCU is running two promotional offers. Members can invest in a special certificate available only in the new Antioch branch for 5.1% APY for nine months. Also available is a $350 free checking bonus for those who open their first Free Checking or Access Checking account and deposit at least $500 a month for three months into the account within 120 days of account opening through qualified direct deposit transactions.  

The new branch is located at 3500 Hillcrest Avenue and joins its sister branch in the Slatten Ranch Shopping Center in Antioch.

About Travis Credit Union 
Travis Credit Union, based in Vacaville, Calif., has been recognized at the federal, state and local levels for its longstanding financial education and financial advocacy efforts. In 2022, TCU was once again selected as a Best-In-State Credit Union by Forbes. It has also earned the U.S. Air Force Distinguished Credit Union of the Year award in recent years. Founded in 1951 on Travis Air Force Base, TCU today serves 12 Northern California counties. It is the twelfth largest credit union in California, with 250,000 members and $5 billion in assets. To learn more about TCU visit www.traviscu.org.

Enjoy a Fun Afternoon of Wine Tasting, Shopping, Art & Live Music in Antioch’s historic downtown

Fun Outdoor Wine Tasting Event! The Rivertown Business District is hosting local Wineries in Beautiful Downtown Antioch’s Rivertown Business District with Great Music Performed by Project 4 Band!

What: 2025 Rivertown Wine Walk & Artisan Faire
When: May 11, 2024 Noon-4pm
Starting Location: 314 G Street, Antioch CA 94509

This is a Free Event to the Public to Enjoy Artisan Faire and Music, If you Wish to Participate in the Wine Walk You Must Purchase a Ticket and be At Least 21 Years of Age. Tickets are limited to 500 So We Highly Recommend You Order Yours in Advance. Tickets also sold at Willow Park Mercantile & Rivertown Treasure Chest in Downtown Antioch CA

Participating Local Wineries & Merchants:

Hannah Nicole Vineyards – Willow Park Merchants
Cline Family Cellars – Almost There Travel
Bloomfield Winery – Rivertown Treasure Chest
Campos Vineyards – Royal Banquet and Event Hall
Viano Winery – Renu Salon
Oakridge Winery – K911kitty rescue
D’Art Winery – Flying Dutchman Tattoo
Nostra Vita Winery – Rivertown Chiropractic
Michael David Winery – Antioch Chamber
Favalora Winery – Jim Lanter State Farm Insurance

*Businesses Pouring Wine from 12pm -4:00pm

Sponsored by Celebrate Antioch Foundation

Free Public Parking: 2nd & E Streets, 2nd & F Streets, 2nd & Waldie Plaza, Between 2nd & 3rd City Hall, Across the Street from City Hall, Between 2nd & 3rd, Nick Rodriquez Comm. Center, 3rd & H Streets, 3rd & I Streets.

TICKETS

$20 Available Here Online or at Participating Merchants Until Day Before Event. Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/718284477207

$25 At The Door *Subject to Availability*

* Must be 21 years or older to participate in the wine tastings

* Valid ID’s required at check-in

We are looking for all those fun people who came last year and made this event so successful. Come and join us again for fashions, great music and a whole lot of fun!

Tickets for this year’s show are available at Rivertown Treasure Chest and La Plazuela. The buffet tickets are $15, and the show tickets are only $5 which includes your first drink.

Stop by the store at 306 G Street in historic, downtown Rivertown to get a ticket or to reserve a seat text or call (510) 909-4618 or email rivertowntreasurechest@gmail.com.

Don’t miss this event, as we are working on having some great guest models.

For more information visit www.RivertownTreasureChest.com.

Join us Saturday, March 30th Noon-4pm in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown district for our 7th Annual Easter Egg-stravaganza!

An afternoon filled with Easter fun with a store-to-store Easter Egg Hunt at 3pm sharp! There will be an Easter Egg Hunt and photos with the Easter Bunny at Waldie Plaza, 101 H Street, Antioch, CA.

Bring the kids, a big Easter basket and come join the fun!

Presented by Rivertown Merchants and Celebrate Antioch Foundation. For more information about events throughout the year visit www.facebook.com/AntiochRivertown or CelebrateAntioch.org.

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 Friday, 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.

In the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards; to be honored along with Businesses, Youth and Non-Profit of the Year during March 22 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 Friday, 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.

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.