Will be paid $288,000 salary per year, $513,028 in total compensation

By Allen D. Payton

After granting her request to postpone the matter during their last meeting, at which only three members were present, the Antioch City Council voted 5-0 to hire former Stockton City Attorney Lori Asuncion as Antioch’s new City Attorney. The matter was placed on the agenda for the Jan. 27th meeting, but both Mayor Ron Bernal and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson. Asuncion made a last-minute request to postpone the vote.

This time, both Bernal and Wilson, who arrived at 7:55 p.m., were there for the vote. But Asuncion was not in attendance.

Interim City Attorney Derek Cole introduced the item saying Asuncion is “an exceptional, very talented attorney with city attorney experience…who I’ve known for several years. She has a fantastic reputation.”

He also spoke about SB707 requiring the council to report out of Closed Session, “the compensation package of your key executive and key department heads. It has to be…put on the record in a public meeting.”

Cole then shared Asuncion will receive an annual salary of $288,000 or $24,000 per month, and benefits of $225,028 for total compensation of $513,028 per year.

It’s a 26.7% increase over the compensation she received in Stockton. According to Transparent California, in 2024, Asuncion earned Regular pay of $290,601, Other pay of $15,300 for Total pay of $305,901. In addition, she received $98,700 in benefits for a total compensation package of $404,601 per year.

No one from the council had any questions for Cole or made any comments, nor were there any public comments before the motion to hire Asuncion was made by Mayor Pro Tem and District 3 Councilman Don Freitas and seconded by Wilson. It passed unanimously.

It’s been 13 months since Thomas Lloyd Smith resigned the position on Jan. 17, 2025. Since then, Cole, of law firm Cole Huber, has served as Antioch’s Interim City Attorney on a contract basis. Asuncion was chosen following a statewide search, several closed session meetings with both the consultant, Recruiter Joe Gorton, from the Bob Hall & Associates recruiting firm, and candidates during the recruitment process.

According to a press release sent out by City PIO Jaden Baird immediately following the vote, “Ms. Asuncion brings more than 18 years of dedicated public service to Antioch, most recently serving as City Attorney for the City of Stockton, where she served as a trusted legal advisor on some of the City’s most complex and high-profile matters.

Ms. Asuncion began her tenure with the City of Stockton in 2007 as a Deputy City Attorney, was promoted to Assistant City Attorney in 2018, and appointed City Attorney in 2022. During her service, she played a critical role in shaping key city policies and ordinances, advancing strategic goals and priorities, leading sensitive investigations, and managing complex litigation. She brings deep expertise in land use law, Brown Act compliance, and litigation management.

Following an extensive and competitive recruitment process, the City Council selected Ms. Asuncion based on her depth of experience, leadership background, and demonstrated expertise in municipal law.

Mayor Bernal welcomed the appointment, stating, “With eighteen years of municipal law experience in the City of Stockton, City Attorney Asuncion brings proven leadership and the ability to navigate complex challenges. I am confident she will be a valuable asset as we continue moving Antioch forward.”

Cole expressed strong support for the appointment, stating, “I am excited that Lori Asuncion will be the next Antioch City Attorney. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Lori through our mutual involvement with the League of California Cities. Lori is widely respected in the City Attorney Community. She has nearly two decades of legal experience in a large city attorney office. She is well prepared to work with the City Council, City Administration, and Executive Team to move Antioch forward.”

Reflecting on her selection, Ms. Asuncion stated, “I am honored that the Mayor and Council chose me to serve the City of Antioch and contribute to the success, stability, and resilience of the community.”

Her leadership reflects a strong commitment to public service, transparency, staff support, and community improvement.

Ms. Asuncion has also been actively involved in professional legal organizations. She has served on the California League of Cities City Attorneys’ Department Nominating and Legal Advocacy Committee and has contributed as an editor to the League’s Municipal Law Handbook.

Born and raised in Stockton, Ms. Asuncion earned her Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 2005 and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Stanislaus, awarded in 2002.

When asked, Baird responded, Antioch’s Human Resources Department has not yet shared Asuncion’s start date.

UPDATE: On Feb. 18th, Baird said, “Our Attorney’s start date is March 2nd.”

Include Dispatchers in public, social media campaign for new contract

“150 days out of contract and no relief in sight.” – APOA

APD Management also out of contract but working under previous one

So far, six Closed Session Conferences with Labor Negotiators held

Share Barbanica’s social media post regarding concerns about City spending more money on another homeless hotel

By Allen D. Payton

Ignoring the advice of City Manager Bessie Scott to the Antioch Police Officers Association, they have continued their public campaign regarding the lack of a contract with the City since the end of August with an added complaint of the difference in pay with other local agencies. They’ve included Dispatchers’ pay in their list of complaints and with posts on their Facebook page and Instagram account as part of their campaign.

Antioch PD Among Lowest Top Step Hourly Pay in County

In a post on the organization’s Facebook page on Friday, Jan. 30, 2025, they show a chart of top step hourly pay for police officers for 17 agencies in Contra Costa County plus, BART Police. It shows Antioch PD has one of the lowest levels of pay. Their contract used to include a requirement that they be paid the second highest in the county, as Antioch is the second largest city by population. But now, 14 other police agencies offer a higher top step pay than Antioch which offers $67.56 per hour.  Neighboring agencies pay more with Oakley PD at $69.93, Brentwood PD at $69.89 and Pittsburg at $69.69. San Ramon PD offers the highest top step pay in the county at $77.81 per hour.

Antioch Dispatchers Also Affected

In a separate post on Saturday, January 31st, the APOA shared a video about Dispatchers’  pay and wrote, “The lack of a contract for the APOA is far more problematic than you may have thought. The pay gap extends to our members in dispatch as well! 150 days out of contract and no relief in sight.”

The video includes an audio narrative with subtitles which reads, “Every call for help in Antioch starts the same way. With a dispatcher answering the phone. But here’s the reality. Antioch police dispatchers are significantly underpaid compared to neighboring agencies.

“Dispatchers at the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and Pittsburg Police earn nine thousand nine hundred dollars more per year than Antioch. Concord dispatchers make twenty-two thousand four hundred four dollars more. Pleasant Hill pays seventeen thousand eighty-eight dollars more. Richmond dispatchers earn twenty-six thousand six hundred seventy-six dollars more annually. Walnut Creek pays seventeen thousand nine hundred seventy-six dollars more. Brentwood pays twelve thousand five hundred sixty-four dollars more. And Martinez pays sixteen thousand forty-four dollars more than Antioch.

“These aren’t small differences. They’re life-changing pay gaps. And they come with real consequences. When experienced dispatchers can earn tens of thousands more by crossing city lines, recruitment suffers. Retention suffers.

“Antioch dispatchers are working understaffed and often work sixteen-hour shifts to cover the empty spots. That means fewer dispatchers, longer wait times, increased stress, and heavier workloads for those who stay.

“If Antioch wants to recruit and retain skilled dispatchers, pay must reflect the responsibility of the job. That means a meaningful contract with competitive salaries. Because when dispatchers leave, everyone in this city feels the impact.”

In addition, APOA has been posting more videos on their Facebook page and Instagram account as part of their campaign.

Antioch Police Management Also Out of Contract

Members of the Antioch Police Sworn Management Association were asked if they have a new contract with the City and if theirs also expired at the end of August. Captain Desmond Bittner responded, “It expired the same time as APOA’s. I had them (the City) add language saying the contract will continue until we worked out a new one.”

Share Former Councilman Barbanica’s Post About City Expenditures for Homeless

The APOA also reposted comments by former Antioch Councilman Mike Barbanica about the City considering spending funds on another homeless hotel writing, “We want the public to see where their money is going!”

In a post on his “Community Member” Facebook page, Barbanica, a former Pittsburg Police Lieutenant, showed a photo of the now closed Comfort Inn, located on Mahogany Way at Highway 4 and Auto Center Drive and entered the discussion writing, “$1,200,000 potentially every year, local taxpayer funded…up to 15 years…

If other funding falls short, Antioch taxpayers are on the hook!

Transparency note: I didn’t author this from a single document. I reviewed staff reports, press reports, spoke with several people familiar with the proposal, and used AI to help compile a neutral, fact-based outline so the numbers could be seen clearly. The goal here is clarity, not advocacy.

Here’s the total City of Antioch financial commitment for the proposed Homekey+ housing project if it is approved and funded by the state:

1. One-time Local Match – The city would provide a one-time contribution of $750,000 toward acquisition and rehabilitation of the property when the Homekey+ award is received.

2. Annual Operating Subsidy – The City would commit up to $1.2 million per year to help operate the facility.

3. Duration of Operating Support – That annual subsidy is for five years, with two optional extensions of five years each (for a potential total of 15 years of subsidy) if the project continues to meet Homekey+ program guidelines.

4. Overall Total Estimate – Based on the staffing report and Council discussion, the total projected financial commitment over the long term is roughly $18 million–$19 million if you include the operating subsidies plus the one-time match (i.e., ~$1.2 M × 15 years = ~$18 M, plus the ~$750 K match).

Summary of Antioch’s Commitment if Homekey+ is Approved

Component Amount

One-time contribution (acquisition/rehabilitation) $750,000, Annual operating subsidy Up to $1.2 M per year

Duration of subsidy 5–15 years (with extensions), Approximate total over full life ~$18 M–$19 M

Important Notes

This commitment only takes effect if the state awards Homekey+ funding and the City moves forward with the project after award.

The operating subsidy requirements could be reduced if alternative funding sources or partners contribute support, but the report assumes the full amount will initially be covered by the City.

WHAT COULD THIS MEAN?

The $1.2 million per year is a CITY / local commitment, not state money.

Now the break down so there’s no ambiguity.

Who pays what in the Antioch Homekey+ project

State of California (Homekey / Homekey+)

Through California Department of Housing and Community Development:

Pays up-front capital costs: Property acquisition, Rehabilitation / conversion, This is a one-time grant, not ongoing funding,

The state does NOT commit to covering long-term operations.

City of Antioch (local funds)

From Antioch: One-time local match, $750,000 (city funds), Annual operating subsidy, Up to $1.2 million per year, Initially 5 years, With two optional 5-year extensions, Potential exposure: up to 15 years

This money comes from local sources: City General Fund, Measure funds / local housing allocations, Other city-controlled revenue (not guaranteed state funding), The staff reports are explicit that the City is responsible for covering operating shortfalls if other funding does not materialize.

What that means… The state helps buy and convert the building, The city commits to keeping it running, If other funding falls short, Antioch taxpayers are on the hook, That’s why council members and staff describe it as a long-term fiscal obligation, not just a grant.”

—————

Six Closed Session Conferences with Labor Negotiators to Discuss Contracts

To date, the City Council, City Manager Bess Scott and a representative from the City Attorney’s Office have held six Closed Session meetings entitled Conference with Labor Negotiators with representatives of the APOA and City employee groups to discuss their contracts. The first one was held August 12 followed by additional meetings on Aug. 26, Sept. 9, Oct. 14, 2025, and Jan. 13 and 27, 2026.

Questions for APOA, City Staff, Council Go Unanswered for Now

Questions were asked of APOA leadership, when did negotiations begin and who represented the organization.

Questions were also emailed on Saturday, January 31st, to City Manager Scott, Mayor Bernal, the four council members and the City Attorney’s Office staff. They were asked, “Why wait so long to begin negotiations when the contracts for at least the APOA and APD Management Association ended on August 31st? Is that usual practice? Why not start sooner? Why didn’t you have meetings before every regular meeting to get things worked out?”

They were also asked, “Besides the APOA and APD Management Association, have the contracts also expire for the other employee groups, including the Management Unit, Treatment Plant Employees’ Association, Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3 and Confidential Unit? If not, when do their contracts expire?”

Finally, the council and staff members were asked, “How long are the new contracts expected to last? One year, two, three or five years?”

The questions were resent to City staff and council members early Tuesday morning, Feb. 3, 2026. But no responses were received prior to publication time. Please check back later for any updates to this report.

By Allen D. Payton

During last night’s Antioch City Council meeting, on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, the three members in attendance voted to postpone the vote to hire Lori Asuncion as the new City Attorney. The former Stockton City Attorney, who resigned two weeks ago while facing possible termination, submitted a last-minute request to wait until the full council was in attendance. (See related article)

Both Mayor Ron Bernal, who was traveling to Washington, D.C. for the 94th Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson, whose mother recently passed away, were absent from the meeting

After Mayor Pro Tem and District 3 Councilman Don Freitas, who was chairing the meeting, read the agenda item’s description, but before the council considered the matter, Assistant City Attorney Kevin Kundinger informed the members of the matter.

“Actually, with this item, I received a request from Ms. Asuncion through the City Attorney that this be continued to a date where the entire council was present. That was the request that I received approximately 40 minutes ago.”

“OK. We can do that. It might delay things,” said Freitas.

“It is just a request that I received,” Kundinger reiterated.

“What does council?” Freitas began to ask. But District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker spoke over him asking, “Couldn’t we vote tonight and do a ceremonial vote when everybody is…?” Then cutting her off Freitas said, “No. I can see, I’m sure she wants five votes” as Torres-Walker laughed and said at the same time, “I know what she doin’. But I’m good with making a motion to continue it to the next council meeting.”

Accepting that as the motion, Freitas asked for a second which was provided by District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha. With no public comment or further council discussion on the item, the motion passed 3-0. (See the 2:41:10 minute mark of the Council meeting video)

The next council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 10th.

With the theme, “One Century of Celebrating Black History”

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the Antioch City Council adopted a proclamation honoring February as Black History Month with the theme, “One Century of Celebrating Black History,” on a 3-0 vote. Absent were Mayor Ron Bernal, who was traveling to Washington, D.C. for the U.S. Conference of Mayors and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson, whose mother just passed.

WHEREAS, the origins of Black History Month can be traced back to 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States;

WHEREAS, in 1976, Black History Month was formally adopted to honor and affirm the importance of Black History throughout our American experience, and is full of Individuals who took a stance against prejudice, advanced the cause of civil rights, strengthened families, communities, and our nation;

WHEREAS, the Black History Month 2026 theme, “One Century of Celebrating Black History,” focuses on three interconnected pillars that honor the past, empower the future, and celebrate the present: Preserving Black History, which safeguards the legacy, stories, and contributions of African Americans; and Black History Empowering Us for the Future, which highlights how knowledge of Black history inspires leadership, innovation, and progress; and Celebrating Black Culture, which uplifts the richness, creativity, and influence of Black cultural expression. Together, these pillars recognize the diverse and profound ways in which African Americans’ contributions continue to shape society;

WHEREAS, because of their determination, hard work, and perseverance, African Americans have made valuable and lasting contributions to our community and our state, achieving exceptional success in all aspects of society including business, education, politics, science, and the arts;

WHEREAS, the City of Antioch continues to work toward becoming an inclusive community in which all residents – past, present, and future – are respected and recognized for their contributions and potential contributions to our community, the state, the country, and the world; and

WHEREAS, the City of Antioch is proud to honor the history and contributions of African Americans in our community, throughout our state, and our nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch, hereby proclaim February 2026 to be “Black History Month.” I encourage all citizens to celebrate our diverse heritage and culture and to continue our efforts to create a world that is more just, peaceful, and prosperous for all.

JANUARY 27, 2026

RON BERNAL, Mayor

To learn more about Black History Month and “A Century of Black History Commemorations” visit ASALH – The Founders of Black History Month | Black History Month.

Plus, $7,650 of in-kind services

By Allen D. Payton

During their regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, the Antioch City Council will consider approving $50,000 in Civic Enhancement Grants to 16 community groups. An additional $7,650 of in-kind contributions to two of the organizations for City facility uses are also recommended.

According to the City staff report for the Consent Calendar agenda item #5Q, “The FY25-26 Budget includes continued funding for the Civic Enhancement Grants Program to support community events and improvement projects that originate with Non-Profit organizations in Antioch. The City Council authorized $50,000 in FY25-26 to fund the civic enhancement grant program. The staff report shows the total amount of funding requested was $285,730 but the chart (below) shows a total of $308,890 in requests.

“A committee comprised of Mayor Pro Tem Don Freitas, City PIO Jaden Baird, and three Park and Recreation Commissioners, Chair Dorothy Ellis, Mariah Williams and La Shan Hunt all reviewed, scored and made the final recommendations for grant approval to the City Council, which ultimately authorizes the grant allocations.”

A total of 13 organizations that also requested funds were not approved by the committee for grants, this year.

Proposed 2025-2026 Civic Enhancement Grants:

• $1,500 grant to the Antioch Historical Society for School educational programming

• $2,000 grant to the Antioch Police Activities League for Youth Sports programs;

• $2,500 grant plus approximately $2,300 of in-kind City facility services to the Antioch Rotary Club for the King’s Conference for Underserved Male Youth;

• $1,500 grant to Be Exceptional for Funds to Expand Youth Programs for people with disabilities;

• $1,000 grant to Cancer Support Community SF Bay Area supporting programs assisting Antioch families affected by cancer;

• $2,000 grant to Celebrate Antioch Foundation for organizing and supporting family safe community events. That’s in addition to the $5,000 economic development grant received last year;

• $4,500 grant to Delta Learning Center for enhancing educational outcomes for underserved students

• $5,000 grant to Delta Veterans Group for the Veterans Day/ Memorial Day Ceremonies and the Veterans Banner Program;

• $2,000 grant to Downtown Antioch Assoc. & Foundation for small Business Saturday to market downtown businesses. That’s in addition to the $22,500 economic development grant received last year;

• $1,500 grant to East Bay Forward Economic Development Association for a free community music festival;

• $5,000 grant to Grassroots Poetry to Open mic events for both youth and adults for creative expression;

• $5,000 grant to Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa for a hot meal program for unhoused and low-income residents;

• $1,500 grant to NAMI Contra Costa for Crisis Intervention;

• $2,500 grant plus approximately $5,350 of in-kind City facility services to New Generation Equity/STEM4Real for a STEM community Event;

• $2,500 grant to Rotary Club of the Delta for Support Antioch’s senior community with home repairs;

• $10,000 grant to Three Thirty-Three Arts for design and lead two crosswalk murals on 2nd street.

Antioch Council Meeting Details

A Closed Session begins at 5:00 p.m. to discuss employee group contracts and the regular meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall located at 200 H Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. It can also be viewed via livestream on the City’s website and the City’s YouTube Channel, on Comcast Cable Channel 24 or AT&T U-verse Channel 99.

See complete meeting packet.

Quit while facing possible termination last week, Lori Asuncion leaves behind split, dysfunctional council

Expected to be offered the new job, be paid $288,000 salary and $225,000 in benefits per year, 25% more than in City 3x Antioch’s size

By Allen D. Payton

During their regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, the Antioch City Council will vote on hiring a new, permanent city attorney. The Council has decided to offer the position to former Stockton City Attorney Lori Asuncion who resigned last week during the Stockton City Council meeting on Jan. 12th. The move follows several closed session meetings with both the consultant, Recruiter Joe Gorton, from the Bob Hall & Associates recruiting firm, and candidates during the recruitment process.

It will be a little over a year since Thomas Lloyd Smith resigned the position last Jan. 17th. Since then, Derek Cole has served as Antioch’s Interim City Attorney.

According to a Jan. 13, 2026, report by Stocktonia, a local, nonprofit, digital news source, “Faced with the possibility of termination, Lori Asuncion resigned as Stockton City Attorney on Tuesday evening. Asuncion’s resignation was effective immediately and received a 7-0 vote from the council. The council also voted unanimously to appoint Assistant City Attorney Taryn Jones as acting city attorney, effective immediately.

“The leadership shake-up came six days after councilmembers Brando Villapudua, Michele Padilla and Mariela Ponce asked Stockton’s city clerk to put an item considering Asuncion’s dismissal on Tuesday’s closed session agenda.”

However, other council members questioned the trio’s move. According to the article, “Vice Mayor Jason Lee described Asuncion as ‘a stellar employee’ in a statement to Stocktonia. ‘She was one of the steady rails of City Hall — someone people relied on, trusted and respected.’”

“According to Jones’ announcement at Tuesday’s council meeting, Asuncion’s resignation is subject to a separation agreement, which includes the city paying her $3,500 in attorney’s fees and a mutual non-disparagement agreement between Asuncion and the city. The purpose of the attorney’s fees payment wasn’t explained.”

The issue of Asuncion’s possible firing dates back to last August according to a report by the Stockton Record. “As Stockton City Council members continue to accuse each other of misconduct, some on the council may attempt to oust City Attorney Lori Asuncion,” the Aug. 12, 2025, article reads. “The agenda for Tuesday’s closed session shows the city attorney is scheduled for a performance review. A subsequent item, which doesn’t name a specific employee, references the dismissal, discipline or release of a public employee, followed by the appointment of a replacement — identified as the city attorney.”

Another Stocktonia report, published prior to the Jan. 13th council meeting, further revealed the split and dysfunction among city council members. It reads, “Infighting on — and off — the dais seems unlikely to subside any time soon.” The article also shared emailed comments by Asuncion defending herself to one of the council members who made the “request to add the item concerning the city attorney’s possible firing to Tuesday’s agenda.”

“I am fully aware of my charter duties, and I work diligently to stay out of your council’s frequent political battles,” Asuncion said in the email. “I don’t have personal allegiances to any of the council because my client is the City of Stockton,” adding that “It is my practice regardless of what may be the circumstances of my interaction with each councilmember to maintain a productive, respectful, and professional relationship with (each) individual.”

Asuncion’s Experience & Education

According to the Antioch City staff report for the agenda item, #6, “Ms. Asuncion has considerable experience in municipal law. She has served as the City Attorney in Stockton, with a population of nearly 325,000, since 2022. Ms. Asuncion began employment with Stockton in 2007 as a Deputy City Attorney and was elevated to Assistant City Attorney in 2018. She worked in private civil practice between 2005 and 2007.”

According to her LinkedIn profile, Asuncion was promoted to City Attorney in September 2022.

She “has practiced law for more than two decades, brings considerable legal experience to Antioch. She has served as the chief legal officer for a city nearly three times Antioch’s population. She manages a large, full department that includes an assistant and deputy city attorneys. Throughout her 18-year career with Stockton, she has advised several city departments and managed litigation involving her city. She is also well experienced in drafting municipal ordinances and agreements and in matters involving public records management. All of this experience gives her ample qualifications to continue her legal career with Antioch,” the staff report continues.

“Ms. Asuncion has been active in professional development. She has served on the California League of Cities/City Attorneys Departments’ Nominating and Legal Advocacy Committee and as an editor of its Municipal Law Handbook.

“Ms. Asuncion received her law degree from the University of the Pacific-McGeorge Law School in 2005 and a Bachelor of Arts from California State University-Stanislaus in 2002.”

Proposed Compensation

If hired, according to the City staff report, “Asuncion will earn an annual salary of $288,000 ($24,000 per month). She would accrue 12 sick days per year and receive 30 days of vacation per year, with 15 of those days ‘frontloaded’ at the start of her employment. Ms. Asuncion’s agreement would entitle her to six months of severance pay in the event of a not-for-cause separation of employment. The City would further pay for Ms. Asuncion’s dues for the California State Bar Association and Contra Costa County Bar Association and would pay for her attendance of professional development conferences and events (e.g., Cal Cities-City Attorneys Spring Conference).

“Ms. Asuncion is a ‘classic’ PERS employee and would receive full cafeteria benefits. Combining the value of her salary and total benefits, the total annualized cost of her compensation would be $513,028 ($225,028 of which would be for benefits).”

According to Transparent California, in 2024, Asuncion earned Regular pay of $290,601, Other pay of $15,300 for Total pay of $305,901. In addition, she received $98,700 in benefits for a total compensation package of $404,601 per year.

Stockton Already Recruiting for New City Attorney

The City of Stockton staff already posted a recruiting message for a new city attorney Thursday afternoon, Jan. 22, 2026, on that City’s Facebook page and offers candidates only one week to apply. It reads, “The City of Stockton is seeking to fill one (1) City Attorney vacancy and is looking for a dynamic, forward-thinking legal leader to join our executive team.

“The ideal candidate is a person of the highest integrity, committed to strong customer service, responsive to organizational needs, and transparent in all internal and external relationships.

“This role requires the ability to manage highly complex legal issues within a collaborative, fast-paced environment, while planning and directing the operations of the City Attorney’s Office and coordinating closely with City departments and divisions.

“Application Deadline: Jan 29 • 11:59 PM.”

Antioch Council Meeting Details

A Closed Session begins at 5:00 p.m. to discuss employee group contracts and the regular meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall located at 200 H Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. It can also be viewed via livestream on the City’s website and the City’s YouTube Channel, on Comcast Cable Channel 24 or AT&T U-verse Channel 99.

See complete meeting agenda packet.

Presents it to Pastor Damon and Shantell Owens of Genesis Church

During their meeting on Tuesday night, January 13, 2026, the Antioch City Council unanimously approved the following proclamation honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and presented it to Pastor Damon and Shantell Owens of Genesis Church in Antioch. District 1 Councilwoman Monica Wilson was absent. But first, Pastor Owens spoke followed by District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker sharing his bio and her experience working with him in her district.

WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. taught us that we are ultimately measured not by where we stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but by the stand taken during times of challenge and controversy;
WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy reminds us that moral leadership does not require a person to be in elected office or hold a position of power. Instead, exercising moral authority requires the will to do the right thing;
WHEREAS, Dr. King helped transform how our country saw itself and its future, providing a framework for how each of us can shape the future and working toward something better;
WHEREAS, The King Center has declared their theme for 2026 is ‘Mission Possible 2: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way’. This theme defines the 2026 King Holiday Observance events and programming while serving as a compass for all the work accomplished this upcoming calendar year and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Antioch’s Recreation Department has planned for Martin Luther King Jr. Day to spend “a day on, not a day off,” encouraging all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. Let’s work together to build a stronger Antioch!
Participate on January 19, 2026, from 9:00 am-3:00 pm at the following Locations: Antioch Community Center, Antioch Skatepark, and Antioch High School Theatre. (See related article)
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch, do hereby proclaim January 19, 2026, as “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.” and call on all of us to gather strength from Dr. King’s legacy and use our moral authority to push for a more equitable city, state, society and world.
JANUARY 13, 2026

RON BERNAL, Mayor

During first meeting of the year

By Allen D. Payton

During the first regular meeting of 2026, Tuesday night, Jan. 13, the Antioch City Council will discuss three options for opening warming centers during severe cold spells, including relying on the County, partnering with faith-based and community organizations or a City-funded warming center.

The council will first hold a Closed Session on three matters, the recruitment of a new City Attorney, significant exposure to two potential lawsuits and conference with labor negotiators regarding contracts with various City employee groups.

In addition, during the regular meeting the Council will review the Council 90-Day Request List Items submitted through November; appoint a City representative to the Contra Costa County Library Commission through June 2029; consider  approving the proposed 2026 City Council 6-Month Priorities to guide policy direction; discuss approving a waiver of “City-only” building permit fees, up to $50,000, for Loaves & Fishes of Contra Costa (LFCC) for renovations to their property located at 408 O Street; and forming a General Plan Advisory Committee that could include Councilmembers, Planning Commissioners and representatives from the community.

Warming Centers

According to the City staff report for the item, #7 on the agenda, the Council will discuss three options for warming centers:

Option 1: Rely exclusively on Contra Costa County’s warming center program, acknowledging that no guaranteed warming center location currently exists in Antioch.

Option 2: Direct staff to pursue partnerships with faith-based or community organizations to explore shared staffing, resource-sharing, or cost-sharing models for warming center operations.

Option 3: Direct staff to further evaluate a City-funded warming center, recognizing the staffing, cost and operational challenges identified above. Nightly expenses would range from $3,500 to $4,500.

Contra Costa County opens warming centers during severe cold spells based on National Weather Service (NWS) criteria, which specify predicted temperatures at or below 32 degrees for three straight days. When County warming centers are activated, City staff coordinate with the County to support advance community notification.

While the County has confirmed it will activate centers during qualifying conditions there are currentlyno guaranteed or identified warming center locations in East Contra Costa County, including Antioch. As a result, Antioch residents may need to travel outside the immediate area to access County-operated warming centers when they are activated.

The Public Safety and Community Service Department (PSCR) has activated a hoteling-based emergency placement program. This Emergency Motel Voucher Program (EMVP) is a separate, non-congregate emergency response strategy designed to address life safety risks during severe weather events, particularly when congregate warming center options are unavailable, inaccessible, or not appropriate for certain individuals. EMVP does not replace warming centers, but instead provides a focused, referral-based option for high-vulnerability individuals during qualifying conditions.

In the absence of a County-operated warming center in Antioch, City staff has explored whether local churches or community organizations were independently operating public warming centers. None were found to operate public warming centers. However, one Antioch-based church has recently expressed willingness to activate a warming center if the City provided funding for staffing, supplies, and operations. Another option is for the City to work with local faith-based organizations to jointly explore partnership models, shared-resource approaches, or cost-sharing options, which might be more sustainable than a City-operated center.

Another option considered is for the City of Antioch to operate its own warming center based on activation criteria established by the Council, such as when temperatures fall below 40 degrees or other local thresholds. However, this option is not recommended due to staffing limits and high estimated costs. All responsibilities would be managed through overtime, with estimated nightly expenses ranging from $3,500 to $4,500.

Meeting Details

The Closed Session begins at 5:00 p.m. and the regular meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall located at 200 H Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. It can also be viewed via livestream on the City’s website and the City’s YouTube Channel, on Comcast Cable Channel 24 or AT&T U-verse Channel 99.

See complete meeting packet.