By Allen D. Payton

During a special Closed Session meeting on Monday afternoon, Oct. 19, 2026, the Antioch City Council discussed hiring an interim city manager to take the place of current, Acting City Manager Ana Cortez, who is also the City’s Human Resources Director, until a permanent city manager is hired. But after two hours they took no reportable action City Attorney Lori Asuncion reported out after she and the council members returned to the dais inside the Council Chambers. (See related article)

The one item on the meeting’s agenda read, Public Employee Appointment:Interim City Manager. However, as previously reported, during the Council’s special meeting on Oct. 7th, Asuncion reported out from that meeting’s Closed Session, “If and when an interim city manager is chosen and an agreement reached, the appointment and agreement will be brought to open session during a regular city council meeting for consideration.”

Before adjourning to the closed-door meeting on Monday, the mayor allowed public comments on the matter, which does not usually occur during special meetings but is if the comments are not general but specifically focused on the agendized matters. Yet, no member of the public spoke in person, via Zoom or call-in about the appointment.

Report Out from Closed Session

After returning from Closed Session shortly after 4:00 p.m., City Attorney Asuncion said, “there’s nothing to report out.”

For now, the City will continue to operate with an acting city manager, acting director for the Community and Economic Development Department and no assistant city manager. However, the Council has begun the process to hire an economic development director after voting to re-establish that department, again.

Would exclude investments in aerospace, coal, oil and gas, specifically in Chevron and BP, as well as Caterpillar whose heavy equipment products have been used in Gaza demolition

“I’m not sure this is right for primetime.” – Mayor Pro Tem Don Freitas

“…we exist within a genocidal government that invests in the military industrial complex…that also sells weapons to other genocidal governments. It is a conundrum because we’re existing right now on stolen, colonized land.” – Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker

“I’m not in support of changing our policy.” – Mayor Ron Bernal

By Allen D. Payton

Just before midnight Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the Antioch City Council voted 4-0, with District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson absent, to extend the meeting that is usually to end by 11:00 p.m., until 1:00 a.m., to take up the matter of a proposed “Ethical Investing” policy that excludes certain industries and specific companies, because some of their products are used by Israel in Gaza. The proposals were developed by a work group that included City Treasurer Jorge Rojas, Jr., the City’s investment advisor, and three members of Contra Costa Divest, an activist group opposed to investing in oil, natural gas and coal, and more. But no decision was reached as council members said the proposed policy was too broad, they did not have enough information and shared concerns that it gave the City Treasurer too much power.

Proposed Policy Language

Under Section IV, entitled, “Ethical Investing”, the proposed policy includes the following language:

“It is the City’s objective to integrate socially responsible and ethical investing into investment decisions to the extent practicable and possible as a way to make a positive impact on human rights by minimizing potential investment exposure to abuses such as slavery, apartheid or genocide. The City will not invest in industries that are known to harm human health or the environment. Section VI outlines prohibited investments under this objective.

“Nothing in section VI shall restrict the City Treasurer from determining additional specific companies that do not comply with socially responsible and ethical investing. The City Treasurer will periodically review the City’s investment portfolio against current known facts and circumstances from trusted sources for any potential investments held that would not be considered socially responsible or ethical and notify the investment advisor to divest as soon as it is economically practical.

“Previously held investments that are not consistent with the criteria defined and prohibited in Section VI will be liquidated prior to maturity if and only if the sale would not result in a financial loss for the City. If the early sale would result in a financial loss to the City, the investment will be held until either (1) the time at which it can be sold without a loss or (2) until maturity.

Section VI, subsection 3. entitled “Socially Responsible and Ethical Investment Exclusions” includes the following proposed language:

“a. The City will not invest in any companies that produce alcohol for public consumption or tobacco products [defined by Bloomberg sectors: Beverages-Wine/Spirits, Brewery, Tobacco].

b. The City will not invest in any aerospace and defense companies, including those that produce or manufacture firearms, and ammunition, explosives, and military electronics [defined by Bloomberg sectors: Firearms & Ammunition, Explosives, Electronics-Military].

c. The City will not invest in any private prisons [defined by Bloomberg sector: Private Prisons].

d. The City will not invest in companies that produce or manufacture coal, oil and gas, oil and gas services and pipelines [defined by Bloomberg sector: Coal, Oil & Gas, Oil & Gas Services, Pipelines].

e. The City will not invest in these specific companies:

i. Chevron Corp

ii. Caterpillar Inc

iii. Lockheed Martin Corp

iv. BP PLC

f. Any companies the City Treasurer deems not socially responsible or ethical upon verification with trusted sources, and subsequently notified in writing to the investment advisor and approved by the City Council.”

The Council heard from the public and then discussed the matter.

Public Comments

All but one member of the public spoke in favor of the proposed City investment policy changes. Only this reporter, speaking as an Antioch resident, spoke against some aspects of the proposal.

I said, “First, this new, controversial investment policy should not be decided by the Council after midnight when most residents have already gone to bed and can’t participate. But if you’re going to make a decision tonight, I don’t think it’s unethical to invest in aerospace, such as SpaceX. What are they doing wrong? Nor is it unethical to invest in oil or gas which we all use every day, and specifically Chevron which directly employs 1,200 people at the refinery in Richmond and an additional estimated 1,800 contractors, some of which I’m sure live in Antioch. But guess what? They’re not here tonight to speak on this matter because they’re probably in bed already getting ready to go to work tomorrow.”

“As for Caterpillar…other than the fact their products are being used in Gaza, how can you blame a company for what others do with their products? Where does that start, where does that end?” I asked.

“Also, I would a add to the end of subsection ‘f.’ regarding giving the City Treasurer the power, to add the words, ‘and approved by the City Council.’ Because the current City Treasurer was not elected by the people with their knowledge that he would be given this much power or anybody. It should wait until after the next election if you’re going to apply that,” I concluded.

Council Discussion But No Decision

District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha was first on the dais to speak saying, “I’m impressed with where we are from our previous conversations. I’m happy to see there’s a working group come together. When I’m looking through the document the one question I have…it does seem somewhat of a subjective thought about the City Treasurer.”

“So, one individual is going to determine what we’re going to do as a City?” he asked.

Mayor Pro Tem and District 3 Councilman Don Freitas then said, “I have questions for Justin (Resuello from PFMAM the City’s investment advisor). Amended item number six. Defined by Bloomberg. We don’t have a copy.”

“As part of our…monitoring…we use Bloomberg terminals,” Resuello responded. “We want to make it very clear that Bloomberg…We’re trying to be very explicit and we’re using Bloomberg.”

“So, the United States of America is the largest manufacturer of weapons. So, with that, how can we invest in bonds?” Freitas asked.

“The United States is not a company,” Resuello responded.

“The government has contracts with all the companies that manufacture bombs and weapons,” the District 3 councilman pointed out.

“We could still invest in U.S. bonds because they’re not companies,” the investment advisor stated.

“Even though they invest, buy and distribute all war materials to Israel, in this case, it keeps coming up,” Freitas continued. “It’s peculiar to me that you can make a distinction between the two. That’s the problem I have with the policy. It’s so broad that if we’re going to be in compliance with it, it’s very clear the City won’t invest in any of these. I don’t know how you distinguish.”

City Finance Director Dawn Merchant said, “The government according to Bloomberg is not defined as an aerospace or defense company. It is a government agency.”

“I think you’re splitting hairs,” Freitas responded.

Regarding oil, coal and gas he said, “The United States leases our land.”

“To me, the policy is too broad,” he stated. “There’s nothing from Bloomberg attached here.”

“I’m absolutely opposed to the City Treasurer making decisions. He can make recommendations. It’s up to the City Council…to set policy,” Freitas continued. “That’s another very big issue I have.”

“I applaud the people who have gotten together. But it’s just too broad for me,” he said. “I like the language, ‘the City will not invest in industries that will harm health and the environment’.”

“You could change ‘F’ that whatever companies the Treasurer deems is unethical will bring back to the Council for discussion,” Merchant interjected but added, “It’s the elected City Treasurer’s role. It’s not the Council’s role.”

“I think that’s an improvement,” Freitas responded.

“That’s why I brought it up. That would have to be modified,” Rocha added.

“What kind of impact has such an investment policy had for other agencies?” Freitas asked Resuello.

“I couldn’t say these socially responsible investment policies…had a positive or negative result,” the investment advisor responded. “They are fee neutral.”

“Those portfolios have outperformed non-ESG portfolios over the last 10 years. But if you turn the clock back…non-ESG strategies outperformed ESG portfolios from say 2005 to 2020,” Resuello stated.

When pressed further on the difference by Freitas, he said, “Within one basis point.”

“So, one-one-hundredth. OK,” Freitas responded.

“There would be about an $11,000 loss if we sold one of the investments right now,” Merchant shared, speaking of the City’s investment in Lockheed Martin.

“It’s scheduled to mature in August 2028,” Resuello explained.

District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker spoke next saying, “I guess what my brain is telling me at almost one in the morning. I guess what Mayor Pro Tem Freitas is saying is that we exist within a genocidal government that invests in the military industrial complex…that also sells weapons to other genocidal governments. It is a conundrum because we’re existing right now on stolen, colonized land. So, I can see how we can get to that conclusion. We are currently under a genocidal government. So, the argument would be what difference would this policy make if we are going to invest in America anyway when the American government consistently is investing in the military?”

“I support the policy as is, with the change, obviously around the Treasurer,” she stated then asked, “Things do have to come back to the Council as recommendations to make final, yes or no?”

“The City Treasurer has complete autonomy to make the decision with the investment advisor,” Merchant stated.

“The Treasurer is an elected official with these duties already. What we’re talking about is stripping the elected official of his duties. So, wouldn’t we need a completely different conversation about that?” Torres-Walker.

“Yes,” City Attorney Lori Asuncion responded.

“The Constitution of the State of California determines the duties of an elected City Treasurer,” Freitas said. “I don’t think we’re changing the Constitution of the State of California.”

Mayor Ron Bernal was the last council member to speak on the matter saying, “I’d like to thank everyone who was part of the discussion, city staff. I understand the importance of the genocide discussion and the claim. I guess the thing I’ve always had challenge with…if I look around the world…there are atrocities happening, now, not just in Gaza and by Israel.”

“The four…corporations that have been picked out, when there’s a list of many, many companies that provide weapons…all kinds of suppliers that supply Israel with…equipment, with all kinds of things,” he continued. “A U.N. report…2025…Human Rights Office database identified 158 companies involved in specified activities of Israel settlements. So, picking out four specific companies that are listed here, to me there are many companies that could have been listed, as well. I just believe that the list is too long and too broad to try to capture it for this purpose. I also agree…the City Treasurer should not have…to me, again, nothing towards Jorge. But anybody in that position it gives too much authority.”

“I’m not in support of changing our policy. I think we stay with what we currently have as a policy,” Bernal stated.

Merchant then proposed language for the City Treasurer clause.

“In section four it says, ‘nothing in section six restricts the City Treasurer.’ That would have to change because we’re doing exactly that,” Freitas stated.

Merchant responded with more defined language.

“It’s 12:51 so, it’s going to die without a second or die without a majority vote,” Torres-Walker said and made a motion to “approve the policy with the exceptions recommended by Finance Director Dawn Merchant.” But no one seconded the motion.

“Because I have hesitancy,” Freitas interjected. “It really is Lockheed. I’m willing to keep Lockheed there but delete the other three. I can live with that. I would like this to come back on a quarterly basis. I want to know if this will be the policy. My concern, it’s too broad…and there needs to be oversight. I’m willing to try for a year. But it needs to come back in a year.”

Bernal then mentioned the clause regarding, “not investing in industries that are known to harm human health or the environment.”

“I’m willing to support your recommended changes,” Torres-Walker said to Freitas.

Merchant said what Bernal quoted is a broad description.

But he reiterated, “In industries that are known to harm human health or the environment. That includes pretty much everything. I’d like to strike that statement. It’s too broad.”

“My concern is it’s too broad,” Freitas reiterated. “The committee has worked this far. I’d say, ‘go back’. This is the first time the council has heard it. I’m not sure this is right for primetime. I think, really, you need to go back, and various members of the council, I don’t think you’re going to get a second or three votes of council, right now.”

“I think it needs to come back with what the Bloomberg directions are,” he added.

“I’d like to see the specific statutory, what the City Treasurer can and can’t do under state law…what the responsibilities the Treasurer has” Bernal added.

With no other motion the council ended discussion of the matter.

See agenda item with proposed Statement of Investment Policy.

The meeting adjourned at 12:59 AM.

During their meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the Antioch City Council on a vote of 4-0, with District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson absent, approved the following proclamation:

PROCLAMATION FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

WHEREAS, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, honor survivors, remember those who have lost their lives, and reaffirm our commitment to ending domestic violence; and

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than one in three women and more than one in six men in the United States have experienced physical violence, contact sexual violence, or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetimes, underscoring the need for prevention, survivor support, and community action; and

WHEREAS, the City of Antioch recognizes that every person deserves to live free from violence and fear, and that preventing domestic violence requires shared responsibility, education, and community action to promote safety, dignity, and healthy relationships; and

WHEREAS, survivors benefit from compassionate, accessible support, including safety planning, advocacy, counseling, shelter, and connections to resources, and community partners play a vital role in helping individuals and families move toward healing and stability; and

WHEREAS, the City of Antioch encourages residents, service providers, and community partners to stand together in support of survivors, raise awareness of available resources, and strengthen efforts to prevent domestic violence and create a safer community for all; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch, on behalf of the Antioch City Council, do hereby proclaim October 2026 as DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH and encourage our community to support survivors and work together to end domestic violence.

OCTOBER 13, 2026

RON BERNAL, Mayor

Dear Editor:

How do we move forward when it feels like we keep taking steps backward?

That’s the question I find myself asking every time a new City Council agenda is released – and why I talk so much.

Across the Bay Area and throughout California, communities are finding creative ways to adapt to a changing economy, workforce shortages, tightening budgets and the evolving needs of residents. They are identifying opportunities, thinking bigger and finding ways to move projects forward.

For example:

• Brentwood, CA is nearly complete with the Sand Creek Sports Complex
• Kern County is developing one of California’s largest master-planned active-lifestyle communities for seniors.
• Martinez has a draft of what its waterfront could look like.
• Oakley, CA is breaking ground on the Amtrak station this week and has a 55-acre park plus other sports fields coming in the future.
• Ontario, CA is developing a 200-acre sports empire with a 6,500 seat baseball stadium and eight baseball/softball diamonds.
• Pittsburg, CA Dream Courts are nearing completion.
• Plumas Lake, north of Sacramento, is getting a wave park on more than 100 acres.
• Rancho Cordova is moving forward with plans for a 7,500-plus-seat arena.
• Richmond, CA has $550 million coming from Chevron that they get to put to work.
• Walnut Creek, CA is making major improvements in Heather Farms.

Antioch…. Crickets.

Actually, scratch that. In Antioch, we are losing things such as the El Campanil Theatre, Babe Ruth Fields, our Amtrak Station and are mall is on its last leg.

Every other community in State of California isn’t sitting around waiting for opportunity to knock. They’re creating it by doing the work and actually being inviting—it also helps when a city is clean and crime is under control.

For a decade, Antioch has used the word “opportunity” as its motto, yet actions say otherwise. At what point do we stop talking about opportunity and instead put shovels in the ground and begin working towards our potential.

Too often, it feels like we wait, hope something happens or throw up our hands before we even get started. That mentality has to change. Our city deserves better, our residents deserve better, and our future is worth fighting for.

We have so many underutilized assets that its embarrassing – the delta waterfront, the foothills of Mount Diablo, our agricultural heritage. Instead, Antioch apparently has lost its identity and we have no idea what we want to be in 10, 20, or 30 years from now.

It’s difficult to create a roadmap for the future when we haven’t even agreed on where we’re trying to go. There is no map. There is no vision. There is no plan.

And that’s where leadership matters.

If we want meaningful plans that reflect the priorities, needs and aspirations of our residents, we need a City Hall that is capable of helping lead those conversations. That requires strong leadership from the city manager’s office, competent department heads and a culture that encourages innovation, accountability and problem-solving.

Unfortunately, when leadership breaks down, the entire organization suffers – which we are experiencing right now with Band-Aid solutions to lipstick on a pig commentary.

How can we expect staff, or even investors, to bring forward bold ideas, pursue economic development opportunities or engage residents in meaningful discussions when we are still struggling to manage basic contracts?

Look no further than what happened at the last City Council meeting.

I raised concerns about nearly $500,000 in contract amendments involving work at the water park. These amendments were placed on the consent calendar, where items are typically approved without discussion.

The council ultimately approved the amendments, potentially avoiding a legal dispute with the contractor.

But here’s the problem: The work had already been completed nearly a month before the amendments were brought to the council for approval.

Think about that for a moment.

Under the city’s contracting rules, agreements exceeding $50,000 require City Council approval. Yet somehow, additional work approaching half a million dollars was either authorized beyond the appropriate approval process or allowed to proceed without sufficient oversight.

Then, after the work was completed, the council was essentially asked to approve the bill.

What would have happened if the council had voted no?

Would the city have faced a lawsuit? Would taxpayers have been left paying even more? Who was responsible for ensuring the proper approvals were obtained before the work began?

These aren’t minor administrative questions. They go directly to accountability, communication, financial oversight and the basic responsibility of protecting taxpayer dollars.

And frankly, the City Council should never be put in a position where it is asked to approve nearly $500,000 in additional spending after the work is already finished.

This is precisely the type of dysfunction that erodes public confidence in City Hall – and this isn’t even bringing up the staff report on the Economic Development Department and staff mailing in the item for council to basically work through with few details and boundaries, such as the budget.

I realize I am a candidate in Antioch District 4, but with an election coming quickly, I would hope all voters would require candidates to actually explain how they intend to fix basic problems at city hall. Not with campaign rhetoric, talking point, fancy slogans we here every year, but provide an actual plan that could result in real solutions.

Perhaps Mayor Pro Tem Don Freitas is onto something with his request for a centralized purchasing department responsible for all contract administration, compliance, and ensuring proper procedures are followed. It warrants some serious consideration given the water park example above.

It’s a practical proposal that deserves discussion which apparently went over the head of the rest of the city council.

There is no doubt in my mind that many parts of City Hall seem to operate like the Wild West, with inconsistent oversight, questionable communication and problems being addressed only after they’ve already occurred.

That isn’t how a professional organization should function, particularly one responsible for managing millions of dollars in public funds. It is almost worth a call to the Grand Jury and let them see if my hunches are correct.

Antioch needs leadership that sets expectations, holds departments accountable, empowers employees to succeed and ensures that basic government operations are handled correctly.

We also need a City Council willing to require those standards rather than simply accepting explanations after the fact.

Bottom line: You cannot build a city of opportunity on a foundation of dysfunction and not everyone playing by the same rulebook.

We should be talking about economic development, new amenities, attracting investment, supporting local businesses and creating a community that future generations are proud to call home. You know, showcasing potential.

Instead, we’re spending valuable time cleaning up preventable mistakes over and over again.

Our community has tremendous potential. The location, the people, the natural beauty and the opportunities are all here. What we need now is the leadership, vision and discipline to put those assets to work.

We shouldn’t have to wait another year or two for competent management, better communication and basic accountability. And we certainly shouldn’t have to wait for detail oriented staff reports with all the information that would inform a community – it would actually shorten council meetings.

Antioch should understand that opportunity isn’t something you hang on a wall or put on letterhead and it happens. It’s something you pursue, plan for and deliver.

And until City Hall starts operating with that mindset, we’re going to keep asking the same frustrating question: How do we move forward when we keep shooting ourselves in the foot with the same issues over and over again.

Andrew Becker

Antioch City Council Candidate, District 4

Discuss 2027-28 General Fund Budget with projected $11.2M deficit, consider closing Marina due to annual subsidy

Receive reports on APD Reform, Youth Services, Delta Landing homeless hotel in Pittsburg, vote on 3% COLA for final employee group

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting Tuesday night, Oct. 13, 2026, the Antioch City Council will deal with 315 pages of a full agenda with 18 items, including 16 items on the Consent Calendar. They will begin with a Special Meeting at 5:00 p.m. to discuss and give input to staff on development of the Fiscal Year 2027-2028 General Fund Budget. Then at 7:00 p.m. their Regular Meeting will begin.

2027-28 General Fund Budget Development

During their Special Meeting, the Council will discuss the 2027-28 General Fund Budget Development which shows the City facing a $16.25 million deficit before a $5 million transfer from the Budget Stabilization Fund for a projected net $11.25 million deficit for the fiscal year.

One item of controversy is the possible closing of the Antioch Marina. According to the City staff report, “as mentioned at the August 25th session, the non-departmental budget reviewed included a reduction in the subsidy to close the Marina and provide for only debt service repayment and the existing full-time staffing at the Marina, which would need to be re-assigned to other areas within Public Works. If the Marina were closed, this could potentially provide $185K in budget savings in 2027/28, however the loss of a recreational facility and potential harmful business impact to the restaurant at the Marina may negate the financial savings.”

Presentations

Toward the beginning of the Regular Meeting the Council will be provided with three presentations including:

• Antioch Police Department 3rd Quarter Report and the APD Reform Update;
• Youth Services Programs, Investments and Community Impact Final Report for FY 2025-26; and
• Delta Landing: Program Operations, Service and Outcomes report by Contra Costa Health for the homeless hotel in Pittsburg at the former Motel 6 site on Loveridge Road.

Consent Calendar

Under the Consent Calendar the Council will vote on accepting completion for the Antioch Water Park Concrete improvements 2026 Project (Item 15.L.) and Pool Resurfacing Project (Item 15.M.). Plus, they will vote on rejecting all bids and re-evaluating the scope of the Installation of Park Signage Project (Item 15.N.) because the lowest responsive bid that could be accepted was over $86,000 more than budgeted. Finally, the Council will vote on approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Antioch and the Confidential Unit for a 3% COLA at a total cost of $111,883, with $92,419 from the General Fund, and approving a Fiscal Year 2026/27 budget amendment to cover the additional costs (Item 15.P.). As previously reported, the Confidential Unit includes a variety of staff positions: the Deputy City Clerk, Account Specialists, Analysts, Assistants, Coordinators, Specialists and Technicians. The 26 employees in the Unit have been working without a contract since September 30, 2025. See City’s Master Salary Schedule.

Reestablishing Economic Development Department

Under Item 16, the Council will vote on reestablishing a standalone Economic Development Department separate from Community Development, determine funding for an Economic Development Director position with an amended job classification and amended salary range, an Economic Development Specialist, and assigning a Department budget.

Downtown Security Services

Finally, under Item 17, the Council will give direction to staff on reestablishing private security services for downtown Rivertown. That includes initiating a competitive Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process for private security services; determining the geographic scope of services, including whether coverage should be limited to City-owned properties and designated public areas in the Rivertown/Downtown area or include additional areas throughout the City; and determining the days and hours of operation for private security services. The council will decide on a budget during a future meeting.

Meeting Details

The Special Meeting begins at 5:00 p.m. and Regular Meeting begins at 7:00 p.m., both in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street, in historic, downtown Rivertown and can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website, on Comcast cable TV channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99 or on the City’s YouTube channel.

See the complete agenda packet with staff reports here.

By City of Antioch

ANTIOCH, Calif. — In response to the announcement by Chief Joe Vigil earlier Friday, October 9, 2026, Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal today recognized a significant achievement for the city following the U.S. Department of Justice’s determination that the Antioch Police Department has reached substantial compliance with the requirements of its agreement with the federal government. (See related article)

The determination brings the 21-month agreement to a close and marks an important step forward for the department and the Antioch community.

“This is good news for Antioch and an accomplishment our community can be proud of,” said Mayor Bernal. “For the past 21 months, Chief Vigil and the men and women of the Antioch Police Department have worked hard to meet the DOJ’s requirements while making meaningful improvements to the department. They deserve recognition for what they’ve accomplished.”

Throughout the agreement, the department worked to address the DOJ’s requirements while strengthening its policies, practices, and commitment to accountability and community engagement.

Bernal said the conclusion of the agreement is an opportunity to recognize the department’s work while remaining focused on the future.

“Meeting the requirements of this agreement was important, but our responsibility to the community doesn’t end here,” Bernal said. “We have an obligation to keep improving, to hold ourselves to high standards, and to earn the confidence of the people we serve.”

The mayor said the city will continue supporting the department’s efforts to build on the improvements made over the past 21 months.

“Our goal hasn’t changed,” Bernal said. “We want Antioch to be home to one of the best police departments in the country. We’ve taken an important step toward that goal, and we’re going to keep working to get there.”

Councilman Rocha Praises Chief Vigil

In addition, District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha also responded writing, “I offer my praise of APD Chief Vigil working in collaboration with City leadership to successfully implement into practice police reform initiatives identified in the US DOJ agreement that has resulted in the release of federal DOJ oversight. I believe the research based best practices, procedures and supervision will continue to improve community public safety services that will become a model for other law enforcement agencies to follow.”

Former City Manager Scott is Proud of Team

When informed of the decision by the DOJ, former City Manager Bessie Scott shared her thoughts and appreciation. She wrote, “I’m extremely proud of our team for being able to negotiate this settlement agreement and work diligently to set up the structures and processes for sustaining substantial compliance at APD! Chief Vigil, Captain Bower, (Assistant City Attorney) Kevin Kundinger, and (consultant) Manjit Sappal are dedicated to the success of maintaining the reforms we worked hard on to achieve.”

“I believe this may be the fastest exit from a Consent Decree to date, and I am proud of our team for their commitment to advancing constitutional policing in Antioch,” she added.

Vigil later responded simply, “Team effort.”

UPDATE 1: Torres-Walker Responds

In a brief post on her official Facebook page Saturday morning, District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker offered her thoughts on Chief Vigil’s announcement writing, “All these years of hard work are paying off.

“I want to thank Chief Vigil, Former City Manager; Bessie Marie Scott, out of the way; all members of the Antioch Police Department; and Community members who never stopped fighting. Without your commitment and hard work, this great milestone would not be possible.

“Progress should always be applauded while understanding that there is still more work to do.”

The councilwoman was asked to clarify what she meant by “out of the way” but did not respond to efforts to reach her.

The other two council members were also asked for their comments but did not respond prior to publication time.

Please check back later for any updates.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Public comments before the Closed Session decisions both positive, negative

By Allen D. Payton

During a special Closed Session meeting Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 7, 2026, the City Council chose to keep Antioch Human Resources Director Ana Cortez as acting city manager and begin the process to appoint an interim city manager. The Council also agreed to begin the recruitment process to search for a permanent city manager. The meeting was held on the last day of outgoing City Manager Bessie M. Scott’s two-year contract. (See related article)

Public Comments

During Public Comments at the beginning of the meeting, four residents spoke but only two on the matters to be discussed.

Melissa Case spoke on Item 4.2 saying, “I believe the process of selecting the next city manager should be as transparent as possible…and we’re not just hiring somebody to sit in the city manager’s office. I think we should be very clear about what we’re looking for. I personally want a city manager who understands economic development and knows how to find and pursue grants. Antioch has tremendous needs, right now and there are state and federal resources available to us. I also want someone that knows how to build partnerships and to bring these dollars to Antioch. I want someone who knows how to inspire city employees to do their best work. I want a city manager who is customer service focused. The residents of Antioch are the customers of our local government. The first question should be, ‘how can we solve this’ not ‘that’s not my department’ which I get a lot.”

“I also want someone who understands budgeting, accountability, infrastructure, public safety, economic development, communication…and long-term planning and someone who can actually work professionally with the five of you, as well,” she continued. “Someone who can track the results.”

“I just think it’s important to find someone who knows how to get things done…and how to get the resources to do it. Knows how to inspire the people, here in Antioch, the workers and the citizens and remembers who they’re ultimately serving which is the people of Antioch,” Case concluded.

Another resident who chose to not provide his name or turn in a speaker card spoke about Item 4.3, regarding, “Significant exposure to litigation. So, somebody filed a whistleblower complaint. I guess Because of my efforts at public records requests, I’ve read some of the emails between certain government officials of Antioch.”

So, Bessie was complaining because Ron was trying to get something on the agenda for one of his campaign donors. That’s not ethically correct,” he continued. “Ron was apparently going around telling everybody she’s unexperienced. She’s not doing the job. And somebody in the back of a public meeting said, like, ‘she doesn’t know what she’s doing. She’s a jerk,’ and Bessie ran with that.”

“So, somebody’s a whistleblower,” he stated, then named all of Antioch’s city managers, including acting and interim, dating back to 2017, making a comment about each of them and about his own past arrest.

“Now, we’ve got Ana back. Look how many mistakes she’s made. I’m sorry, Ana. I have to say it. If I had more time I’d say the good things you’ve done. But you’ve screwed up. You’re screwing up. You can’t hire her. We can’t afford it. Look at all the mistakes she’s made. God bless you,” he concluded.

After City Attorney Lori Asuncion read off each of the four agenda items, the council then adjourned to Close Session.

Council Decisions Keep Cortez in Acting Position While Searching for Interim, Permanent City Manager

Following the Closed Session that lasted almost two-and-a-half hours, Asuncion reported out saying, “For agenda items 4.1 and 4.4…Council gave direction that Ana Cortez will continue serving as Acting City Manager while the council completes the process of selecting an interim city manager.”

Item 4.1 was a Public Employment Appointment: Interim City Manager and Item 4.4 was a Conference with Labor Negotiators regarding the Interim City Manager position.

“She’s also authorized as the Human Resources Director to negotiate an employment agreement with the candidate for the interim city manager position,” the city attorney continued. “If and when an interim city manager is chosen and an agreement reached, the appointment and agreement will be brought to open session during a regular city council meeting for consideration.”

Asuncion then said, “For agenda item 4.2…Public Employee Recruitment: City Manager…Council provided direction to staff to move forward with a Request for Proposal process for the permanent city manager recruitment.”

For item 4.3 which reads, “Conference with Legal Counsel – Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(2): Number of potential cases: (1). The City is in receipt of information concerning facts and circumstances that might result in litigation against the City which are known to a potential plaintiff or plaintiffs pertaining to possible Labor Code Section 1102.5, and Fair Employment and Housing Act violations,” the city attorney said, “And there’s nothing to report for that item.”

According to California.Public.Law, Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(2) reads, “Facts and circumstances, including, but not limited to, an accident, disaster, incident, or transactional occurrence that might result in litigation against the agency and that are known to a potential plaintiff or plaintiffs, which facts or circumstances shall be publicly stated on the agenda or announced.”

According to Justia.com, Labor Code Section 1102.5 is referred to as, “Whistleblower Protection” and according to Bluestone Law, it “is the state’s main whistleblower law. It makes it illegal for your employer to retaliate against you — fire you, demote you, cut your hours, or push you out — because you reported something you reasonably believed was illegal.”

Following the meeting Asuncion, Mayor Ron Bernal and Mayor Pro Tem Don Freitas were asked if the council took votes. Bernal said, “It was more of a consensus. We didn’t take any official votes.”

The meeting was adjourned at 3:52 PM.

See the agenda and watch the meeting video at the 2:55 mark for the public comments at the beginning and the 2:23:06 mark for the report out.

On last day of current City Manager Bessie Scott’s contract

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch City Council will hold a special Closed Session meeting Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 7 at 1:30 PM to deal with four items, three of which are regarding the position of City Manager, as current City Manager Bessie Scott’s two-year contract ends tomorrow. She was hired in August 2024 on a 3-2 vote, with a Step B salary of $263,880 annually and began in the position in October 2024.

Scott has been on paid leave since May 5th following a 4-0 Closed Session council vote with District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker voting to abstain.

The other item on the agenda is to again discuss a potential lawsuit against the City.

Before the council adjourns into the closed-door meeting Wednesday, the public will have the opportunity to offer their comments on the agenda items.

Under Item 4.2, the Council will discuss the public employee recruitment of a new, permanent city manager and under Item 4.4, current Acting City Manager Ana Cortez, who is also the City’s current Director of Human Resources and is expected to be appointed as Interim City Manager, will be negotiating with the City Council regarding the position.

The four items on the agenda are as follows:

4.1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT: Interim City Manager. This Closed Session is authorized pursuant to California Government Code section 54957.

4.2 Public Employee/Public Employee Recruitment: City Manager. This Closed Session is authorized pursuant to California Government Code section 54957(b).

4.3 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(2): Number of potential cases: (1). The City is in receipt of information concerning facts and circumstances that might result in litigation against the City which are known to a potential plaintiff or plaintiffs pertaining to possible Labor Code Section 1102.5, and Fair Employment and Housing Act violations.

4.4 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6. City Negotiator: Director of Human Resources Ana Cortez  Employee: Interim City Manager.

Following the Closed Session, City Attorney Lori Asuncion will report out any action taken.

Meeting Details

The Council meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at 200 H Street, or can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website or on the City’s YouTube channel.

See agenda.