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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Antioch City Attorney Lori Asuncion reports out from Closed Session while Acting City Manager Ana Cortez looks on during the council meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. Video screenshot
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 keepAntioch 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.
Current Antioch Acting City Manager Ana Cortez and outgoing City Manager Bessie M. Scott. Photos: City of Antioch
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.
Following a Closed Session at 11:00 a.m. to discuss a potential lawsuit, on Thursday, Oct. 1st, the Antioch City Council will hold a Special Meeting at 12:00 p.m. to discuss outstanding fuel invoices, rescinding the current fuel service contract and approving a new agreement with a different provider.
Closed Session Matter: Possible Litigation
The description of the Closed Session item reads as follows: 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.
Fuel Services
During their meeting on Sept. 22nd, the Council discussed and weren’t happy with the outstanding balance for the City’s fuel services between July 1, 2026 through August 31, 2026, of $178,042.33 and the fact the contractor did not have the required insurance coverage. Staff was also requesting approval to purchase fuel on an emergency basis through December 31, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $500,000. (See 3:21:00 mark of meeting video)
However, staff explained that the company is insured, but the City wanted to be named as an additional insured on the company’s policy.
Under Item 1 on the agenda, the Council will vote on paying the balance of the outstanding fuel invoices now totaling $228,705.61 as of Sept. 24th and Under Item 2, rescinding the existing fuel services contract, approving a new one with a different supplier, and amend the Fiscal Year 2026/27 Vehicle Maintenance Internal Service Fund budget in the amount of $650,000 for fuel purchases and $650,000 in corresponding billing revenue to departments for fuel usage, through July 1, 2027.
Meeting Details
The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at 200 H Street, in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown and can be viewed in-person, via livestream on the City’s website, on Comcast cable TV channel 24, AT&T U-verse channel 99, or on the City’s YouTube channel.
