By Allen D. Payton

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.

See meeting agenda.

Without state or local subsidy, but with public financing

Standard Communities brings extremely-low, very-low and low-income units being built near City’s neighborhood of highest valued homes that successfully fought to stop nearby apartment project over 20 years ago

The Joyfield Flats projects represent a $192 million investment in two family designed communities and will deliver workforce housing in less than 2 years

By Allen D. Payton

 ANTIOCH, Calif. — Los Angeles-based Standard Communities, a leading national affordable housing investor, developer and operator, broke ground Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, on two affordable apartment communities that will together make up a $192 million investment and deliver 428 new homes for working families in Antioch, CA. Mayor Pro Tem Don Freitas was the only council member to participate in the groundbreakings and he spoke during the brief ceremony on behalf of Mayor Ron Bernal who was at another event representing the Mayor’s Conference.

In a press release issued Tuesday, the company said, “Joyfield Flats at Lakeview Center and Joyfield Flats at Buchanan Crossing are the first Joyfield communities on the West Coast, following the brand’s first community in Virginia. Through the innovative model of Joyfield Living, combined with the strong public-private partnership with the City of Antioch and Contra Costa County, Standard Communities will build these income-restricted units with the finishes, amenities and service standards of a market-rate apartment in less than two years, without state or local subsidies.”

They are on two of the 10 parcels the City Council rezoned using Commercial Infill Housing overlays allowing for either medium- and high-density residential or mixed-use projects. They only require administrative design review and project approval by City staff without any hearings by the Planning Commission or City Council for public input. (See related article)

The Lakeview project, located on the south side of Lone Tree Way next to the CVS store and shopping center, will consist of 233 affordable units and the Buchanan project, located next to the Grocery Outlet store on the north side of Buchanan Road west of Somersville Road, will include 195 affordable units, both for extremely-low, very-low and low-income residents.

In 2004, residents who live in the neighborhoods off Golf Course Road rose up and successfully defeated a proposed apartment complex on Blue Rock Drive on the north side of Lone Tree Way, across from the Lakeview project site.

According to the Standard Communities press release, “The communities are designed with families in mind, including offering two- and three-bedroom apartments. Because of the innovative model of Joyfield Living, both communities are being delivered for under $500,000 per home, an atypical cost basis for the Bay Area, and all 428 homes are income-restricted under the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, serving households at 30% to 70% of area median income (AMI).”

“As our city continues to grow, and the cost of just about everything continues to go up, individuals and families need housing they can afford.” said Ron Bernal, Mayor of the City of Antioch. “More than 400 new homes are currently under construction because we made meeting our housing goals a priority, and Standard Communities is investing in and helping us meet that commitment. These units will serve every segment of our community with a quality place to call home for years to come.”

Standard Communities says they, “capitalized both transactions with private construction debt, federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit equity and tax-exempt bonds issued by the California Municipal Finance Authority, without the city, county or state gap funding such projects typically require. Both communities were approved under the City of Antioch’s Commercial Infill Housing (CIH) Overlay, which allows by-right, ministerial approval for housing on underused commercial sites.”

“Antioch’s innovative commercial infill housing process gave us a predictable, efficient path to approval,” said Feras Qumseya, Chief Development Officer at Standard Communities. “That speed is what lets us build at scale and hold costs where they need to be. Joyfield Living is proof that a resident can have the finishes, the amenities and the services of a market-rate apartment at a workforce housing cost, and we are proud to bring it to the East Bay.”

Standard Communities further said, “These communities are designed for the teachers, nurses, first responders, service workers and other households who earn too much to qualify for deeply subsidized housing and too little to absorb Bay Area market rents. Residents will have access to a community lounge, fitness center, computer lab, children’s playground, picnic areas and a dog run, along with bike and tenant storage and on-site management.”

Joyfield Flats at Lakeview Center

Located at 4020 Lone Tree Way, Joyfield Flats at Lakeview Center will bring 233 homes across seven buildings, including 109 one-bedroom, 58 two-bedroom and 66 three-bedroom apartments. Vertical construction begins in December 2026, with completion anticipated in the third quarter of 2028.

JPMorgan Chase provides construction financing for the development of Lakeview Center, with federal tax credit equity from Freddie Mac, syndicated by Boston Financial, and permanent financing arranged by Freddie Mac, serviced by Walker & Dunlop.

“Communities grow stronger when families have access to quality, affordable housing, and Joyfield Flats at Lakeview Center will help drive that growth in Antioch,” said James Vossoughi, Executive Director, J.P. Morgan Community Development Banking. “J.P. Morgan is proud to provide the construction financing to bring 233 new homes for families to life, complete with amenities and spaces designed to help residents thrive. This development is an investment in Antioch’s future, and in the opportunity and stability of the families who will call it home.”

Joyfield Flats at Buchanan Crossing

Located at 3210 Buchanan Road, Joyfield Flats at Buchanan Crossing will bring 195 homes across six buildings, including 91 one-bedroom, 49 two-bedroom and 55 three-bedroom apartments. Mass grading is complete and retaining wall construction is underway. Vertical construction begins in January 2027, with completion anticipated in July 2028.

U.S. Bank provides construction financing and federal tax credit equity investment for the development of Buchanan Crossing, with permanent financing arranged by Freddie Mac, serviced by Berkadia.

“We’re honored to support Buchanan Crossing as an equity investor and lender, working with Standard Communities to create 195 units of housing in Antioch, California,” said Yun Tong, affordable housing senior project manager at U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, the community development and infrastructure finance division of U.S. Bank. “This is a great example of how our financing solutions help our clients expand access to affordable housing and help build a foundation of financial stability for future residents.”

233-Unit Extremely Low, Very Low and Low-Income Lakeview Center Apartments Near Golf Course Road

Asked if the leaders at Standard Communities would want this type of housing near their neighborhood and if they held community meetings with nearby neighbors before submitting their plans to the City and take into consideration their concerns, Marie Lloyd, Head of Corporate Affairs at Standard Communities responded:

“This didn’t happen behind closed doors. This project was approved through the City’s Commercial Infill Housing process that went through public forums and City Council meetings. Joyfield Lakeview Center and Joyfield Buchanan will transform unused, blighted commercial sites into high-quality and professionally managed housing built especially for the teachers, nurses, first responders, line cooks, and other working people who deserve the opportunity to live near and in the communities they serve. 

Standard Communities has owned and operated housing in California since 2007. We don’t build and walk away. We plan to be in Antioch for decades. A healthy community — both economically and culturally — is one where working people cannot just survive, but thrive and contribute. Joyfield Lakeview Center and Joyfield Buchanan are meaningful steps in that direction.”

Split Council Votes on Public Financing, Only Matters They Could Decide

However, that’s not correct, as the only matter the city council could deal with was the public financing for both projects. Both complexes received split votes but were approved 3-2 with Freitas and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson – who lives across Lone Tree Way from the Lakeview project – voting against the public financing. That’s in spite of the fact she voted for the CIH Overlay District rezoning in 2022 which allowed for the projects to be staff approved and built, and in spite of Bernal raising concerns about traffic at the Lone Tree Way, Golf Course Road and Bluerock Drive intersection.

As previously reported, under the Tax Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982, the Council voted to approve the issuance of one or more series of revenue bonds by the California Municipal Finance Authority to provide for the financing or refinancing of the acquisition, construction, improvement and equipping of the projects.

So, financing would not have been from City funds. But the developer’s rep for both Joyfield Flats projects said, if the Council voted against the financing it would have killed both projects. That’s due to timing on the financing and because the dirt from the Lakeview project will be used as fill for the Buchanan project.

Furthermore, the property behind CVS where the Lakeview project is under construction was not a “blighted commercial site”. It had merely sat vacant as open land after Lone Tree Way was rerouted in the 1980’s.

About Standard Communities

Standard Communities is a national affordable housing investment, development, and operations platform with approximately $7 billion in assets under management, nearly 30,000 units, and over 200 communities across 22 states and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit standard-communities.com.

Leaves City with no continuity plan for top leadership, only an Acting City Manager until June 30, 2027, and no Assistant City Manager

By Allen D. Payton

The City of Antioch will once again have a separate Economic Development Department. During their meeting on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the Antioch City Council agreed to re-establish the department and remove it from the current combined Community Development and Economic Development Department. Plus, the council agreed to have a stand-alone director without a dual role as assistant city manager, after the position remained vacant for a year then only an acting director for the combined department for half of the past year.

Public Comments

Resident and council candidate Andrew Becker spoke during public comments saying, “The easiest way to answer the question is…we go online and see what’s up for sale in the city of Antioch. Every business, every commercial property is up for sale in the city of Antioch, every single one.”

“The newest thing to go up for sale in the city…is the FoodMaxx on Lone Tree. They pay a million dollars a year,” he said. “Who would be part of that process? The economic development director.  And get rid of the Mallet & Sons Jewelers sign next to the FoodMaxx that’s been hanging there for the past 15 years after they left.”

“How can we take 20 percent of their time away for other things. Is that responsible?” he asked. “We need something clear and concise, that’s an economic development department.”

Resident and local Realtor Melissa Case also argued for a separate position and to not combine it with the assistant city manager position.

However, this reporter also spoke and again suggested a combined position as the City had in the late 1990’s, but only temporarily, until the position of assistant city manager can be filled in order to have a continuity plan, as the City currently only has an acting city manager and no assistant city manager.

Council Comments & Direction to Staff

“When was the last time did we have an assistant city manager that also served as economic development director?” Torres-Walker then asked.

“The late 1990’s,” Freitas responded, to which both Torres-Walker and Wilson laughed.

Yet, more recently, from June 2023 until October 2024, the City had an employee in the dual role of Economic Development Director and City management, specifically, Kwame Reed. District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson was one of three council members who voted to appoint him as Acting City Manager during a meeting when Torres-Walker was absent, and he served in the position for a year and five months. He was then promoted to Assistant City Manager by the new city manager until he left earlier this year for a position with the County.

“I am definitely in the stand-alone camp. I am not for a split,” Wilson stated.

“Clearly, I am one of those who advocated for a split decision,” Freitas said. “Number one, structurally, we need an assistant city manager. One of the problems is authority. We need very quick actions. That individual…would have the authority to have things move quickly and not get mired in bureaucracy. Chances are things will move quicker.”

We’ve already gone out twice with the salaries we have, twice…it’s the lowest paid,” Freitas said. “It’s not going to happen at this salary. It also has internal impacts for all the department heads. We need to address the salary.”

“You really are creating a brand-new department. We need a very experienced individual,” he continued. “There cannot be on-the-job training.”

“There’s no sense in fighting. I will support a stand-by itself economic development department,” Freitas added.

“One of the reasons it did fail was because the positions were combined…it was difficult to find someone with experience in both city management and economic development,” Acting City Manager Ana Cortez stated.

“The public deserves to have high expectations. You pay for what you get,” Torres-Walker stated. “We need opportunity here for someone who’s going to come in and propel Antioch forward.”

Based on the consensus of the four council members present, as District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha was absent while attending the California League of Cities conference, current Acting City Manager Ana Cortez said she will bring back to the Council at their meeting on Oct. 13th, an entire package to move forward with forming the department, again and the recruitment process for the director position.

The decision by the council leaves the City with no continuity plan for leadership, only an acting city manager through June 30, 2027, and currently no assistant city manager.

See list of streets and maps of locations to receive speed humps, more

By Allen D. Payton

After approving the expenditure of a little over $500,000 for the traffic calming devices on Sycamore Drive on Aug. 25, under Item 5.P. as part of the Consent Calendar for Tuesday’s meeting on Sept. 22, 2026, the Council approved on a 4-0 vote awarding the construction agreement to Consolidated Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $168,495 with a contingency of $30,000 for a total contract amount of $198,495 for the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Project.

It consists of the installation of speed hump systems, signage and thermoplastic striping. There will be a total of eight speed hump systems constructed on the following streets:

• Sunset Drive between Diablo and Beasley Avenues;
• E. Tregallas Road between Center Lane and Garrow Drive;
• Wildflower Drive between Larkspur Drive and Lupine Court;
• W. Madill Street between D and G Streets;
• D Street between the Railroad and Texas Street;
• East 19th Street between Acacia and Deodar Avenues;
• Sunset Lane between Northridge and Daphne Courts; and
• Candlewood Way between Arroyo and Stagecoach Ways.

According to the City staff report, funding for the project will be from the FY 25/26 Capital Improvement Budget which has a balance of $292,292 carried over into the FY 26/27 budget of $250,000 for a total of $542,292 from Measure J Funds. Following procurement of the contract and an estimated 10% of $16,850 for construction engineering, management, inspection, testing and contract administration, that will leave an estimated fund balance of $326,947.

During their meeting on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the Antioch City Council on a vote of 4-0, with District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha absent while attending the California League of Cities conference, approve the following proclamation declaring September 15 through October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month, in alignment with the National Hispanic American Heritage Month.

WHEREAS, the observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson, and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15, 2026, and ending on October 15, 2026;

WHEREAS, every year since 1988, from September 15th to October 15th, our country has celebrated Hispanic culture & contributions to our community and nation by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and

Central and South America;

WHEREAS, we begin the observance on September 15th, because it is the anniversary of independence or Independence Day for Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16th and September 18th, respectively;

WHEREAS, the theme for 2026 is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” highlights the transformative contributions of Hispanic Americans and encourages individuals and organizations to explore how Hispanic culture continues to influence a more inclusive and innovative future. It emphasizes leadership, creativity, and community engagement across generation; and

WHEREAS, throughout the year, we honor the collective contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans in our history, while uplifting the voices and service of those who continue to shape our communities.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch, hereby proclaim that September 15, 2026, through October 15, 2026, is “Hispanic Heritage Month” and encourage all residents to use this time to reflect on the rich culture, history, and contributions of Latino and Hispanic peoples to the enrichment of the City of Antioch.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2026

RON BERNAL, Mayor

Plus, discuss downtown security services, vote on emergency fuel purchase, more traffic calming devices, increasing investigative services contract, more water park repairs & improvements, and report on state and federal funds for housing and homeless

Still nothing on agenda about El Campanil Theatre although escrow closes Sept. 29th

By Allen D. Payton

During their regular meeting Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, the Antioch City Council has a full agenda and will vote on reestablishing the Economic Development Department, with one staff member and either a director or combined assistant city manager dual role,emergency fuel purchase, increasing investigative services contract for the Police Department by $250,000,almost $200,000 for more traffic calming devices and $141,000 for more improvements to the water park. They will also discuss restoring private security services in downtown Rivertown and the annual report on use of state and federal funds for housing and homeless services. Finally, the Council will vote on approving a Tentative Agreement with the Confidential Unit of City employees for a one-year 3% COLA increase.

That will follow a Closed Session at 6:00 p.m. during which the Council will meet to discuss the contracts with representatives of three employee organizations: Antioch Public Employees’ Association, Treatment Plant Employees’ Association and Antioch Police Sworn Management Association.

Reestablishing Economic Development Department, Director, Staff or Dual Assistant City Manager Role, Possible Commission

Under Item 7 the Council will vote on reestablishing a standalone Economic Development Department separate from Community Development, with funding for an Economic Development Director position with an amended salary range, an Economic Development Specialist, and assigning a budget; or directing staff to revise the existing Assistant City Manager job description whose primary role would be to focus on economic development in an 80/20 scope of work structure.

As previously reported and according to the City staff report, “Per the City Council’s direction from the August 31, 2026, Study Session, below are the options for discussion.

• A standalone Economic Development Department;

• An Economic Development Director responsible for oversight and implementation of the Economic Development Strategic Plan or amending the Assistant City Manager to an 80/20 dual role;

• Status of Economic Development Commission (EDC); and

• Providing a substantial budget to the Economic Development Department for programming and successful operations.

“Under the proposed 80/20 structure, the City Manager Department would gain dedicated Assistant City Manager capacity for executive initiatives, Council priorities, interdepartmental coordination, and organizational problem-solving, while retaining responsibility for matters that cannot be delegated. This creates a tradeoff between dedicated departmental oversight and unrestricted Assistant City Manager capacity.”

In addition, Mayor Ron Bernal suggested a salary range “something similar to the current Community and Economic Development Director of  $14,800 to $18,000.”

Also, as previously reported, the two departments were combined last year and has had an acting director since March 3rd, after a the new director was hired in October but left effective that day. The Economic Development Department hasn’t had a separate director since Kwame Reed was promoted to Assistant City Manager on Jan. 23, 2025. He, too, has since left the City for a job with the County.

While the Commission was never officially dissolved, during their meeting on April 9, 2024, the City Council voted unanimously to dissolve their own Restructuring of the Economic Development Commission Ad Hoc Committee. According to the meeting minutes, District 1 “Councilmember Tamisha Torres-Walker explained that the committee’s purpose was to restructure the EDC to improve functionality,” but “expressed her support for dissolving the existing Ad Hoc Committee.”

During that council meeting, then-District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock asked that the vacancies on the Commission be filled to no avail.

According to Tim McCall, the Commission’s former chairman, then-mayor “Lamar (Hernandez-Thorpe) refused to fill vacancies until they didn’t have a quorum anymore. People started quitting because they could see their volunteer work was going to waste and they had better uses for their time. I asked Lamar to fill the vacancies, but he didn’t.”

Downtown Security Services

Under Item 6, on the agenda, the Council will discuss downtown security services for City owned parking lots, property and public areas, and provide direction to staff on whether to initiate a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process for private security services in the Rivertown/Downtown area.

It follows the meetings held with and incorporates feedback received from downtown business owners and community members regarding hours of operation, patrol locations, scope of services and other identified needs.

Emergency Fuel Purchase Up to $500,000

Under Item 8, the Council will vote on purchasing fuel on an emergency basis through December 31, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $500,000, including applicable taxes, fees, delivery charges, and other associated costs,

to cover both the payment of outstanding fuel invoices accrued from July 1, 2026, through August 31, 2026, in the amount of $178,042.33 and the purchase of fuel necessary to maintain City operations until December 31, 2026, while City staff continue efforts to secure a new service provider for a long-term fuel supply agreement.

On April 28, 2026, the City Council approved a cooperative purchase agreement with Hunt and Sons for the purchase and delivery of unleaded and renewable diesel fuel for City operations. Hunt and Sons have not been able to meet the City’s insurance requirements and are therefore not able to perform this service under the terms of the agreement.

Since July 1, 2026, the City has continued receiving fuel deliveries from Hunt and Sons while staff, under consultation with the City Attorney’s Office, worked with the vendor to resolve the insurance requirements. The outstanding invoices will continue to accrue twice weekly as future fuel deliveries are made.

Annual Report on Use of State and Federal Housing and Homeless Funds

Under Item 9 the Council will receive public comments and vote on approving the Fiscal Year 2025–26 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

According to the City staff report, “The CAPER details the individual goals and achievements of funded agencies during the first year (FY 2025-26) of the 2025-30 Consolidated Plan. Most agencies exceeded their goals. Below is a summary of the Priority Goals and Annual Strategies that received funding in FY 2025-26. Funding sources below are identified by their stated abbreviation for funds committed and expended:

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development;

• Housing Successor (HS) funding authorized by the State for expenditure on affordable housing and homeless services; and

• Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) funding from the State for expenditure on affordable housing and homeless services.

A total of $1,701,909.45 was spent on the various programs and a balance of $144,428.20 in Habitat for Humanity Homeowner Housing Rehabilitation funds was carried over to and will be expended in FY26-27.

Breakdown of Residents Served

According to the FY 2025-26 Summary, “Funding from the City of Antioch Community Grants Program served a total of 6,497 Antioch residents during the past year for 148% of the cumulative goal of 4,398. Of the total Antioch residents served by all programs:

• 68.8% had household incomes of 30% or less AMI (Average Median Income);

• 28.7% had incomes of 50% to 31% AMI; and

• 2.5 had incomes of 80% to 51% AMI.

The demographic breakdown of all served against the demographics of the City of Antioch is provided in the chart above.

The report also states, “Overall, community-service activities exceeded the cumulative annual service goal, with most participating agencies meeting or exceeding their individual goals. Several affordable-housing activities remain in progress or below their annual production goals and will require continued monitoring, financial reconciliation, and follow-up during FY 2026–27.”

Increasing Investigative Services Contract for Police Department to Comply with DOJ, Allen Agreements

Under Item 10, the Council will consider approving Amendment No. 2 to the contract with Chaplin and Hill Investigative Services, increasing the contract amount by $250,000 for continued investigative services “required pursuant to the USDOJ MOU, the Allen Agreement, and applicable City policies and procedures,” according to the City staff report.

Also, according to City staff, “To maintain public confidence and uphold the integrity of internal investigations, the Antioch Police Department must ensure that its process for handling allegations of misconduct is impartial and consistent with applicable federal requirements. Engaging independent, external professional investigators provides an objective means of conducting investigations involving allegations of misconduct and other matters requiring an independent review.

“This approach is consistent with national law enforcement best practices and standards. The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)…recommends the use of external investigators to promote fairness and impartiality in law enforcement investigations.”

City Employee Confidential Unit One-Year 3% COLA

Under Item 11, the Council will vote on approving a Tentative Agreement with the Confidential Unit of City employees which includes a one-year 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and benefits for FY2026/27 at a cost of $123,000 with $103,000 from the General Fund. 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.

CONSENT CALENDAR

More Traffic Calming Devices

After approving the expenditure of a little over $500,000 for the traffic calming devices on Sycamore Drive on Aug. 25, under Item 5.P. on the Consent Calendar, the Council will consider awarding the construction agreement to Consolidated Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $168,495 with a contingency of $30,000 for a total contract amount of $198,495 for the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Project.

It consists of the installation of speed hump systems, signage and thermoplastic striping. There will be a total of eight speed hump systems constructed on the following streets:

• Sunset Drive between Diablo and Beasley Avenues;
• E. Tregallas Road between Center Lane and Garrow Drive;
• Wildflower Drive between Larkspur Drive and Lupine Court;
• W. Madill Street between D and G Streets;
• D Street between the Railroad and Texas Street;
• East 19th Street between Acacia and Deodar Avenues;
• Sunset Lane between Northridge and Daphne Courts; and
• Candlewood Way between Arroyo and Stagecoach Ways.

According to the City staff report, funding for the project will be from the FY 25/26 Capital Improvement Budget which has a balance of $292,292 carried over into the FY 26/27 budget of $250,000 for a total of $542,292 from Measure J Funds. Following procurement of the contract and an estimated 10% of $16,850 for construction engineering, management, inspection, testing and contract administration, that will leave an estimated fund balance of $326,947.

More Water Park Repairs & Improvements

Under Item 5.Q. the Council will consider approving an amendment to the construction agreement with Top Line Engineers, Inc. in the amount of $78,232.98, for a total contract amount of $276,732.98 for Prewett Water Park Concrete Improvements 2026 Project; and under Item 5.R. they will vote on approving a second amendment to the construction agreement with Adams Pool Solutions in the amount of $63,034, for a total contract amount of $855,632 for the Prewett Water Park Pool Resurfacing Project; and approving a budget amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Capital Improvement and Operating Budgets utilizing General Funds for the project by $75,000.

Allocate & Reallocate State Violence Intervention & Prevention Grant Funds

Under Item 5.S, on the Consent Calendar, the Council will vote on approving a budget amendment to appropriate and reappropriate California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) Cohort 5 Grant funds across Fiscal Years 2025–26 through 2028–29, consistent with the approved grant award and anticipated expenditure schedule.

According to the City staff report, “On March 10, 2026, the City Council authorized acceptance of $2,066,775 in CalVIP Cohort 5 funding administered by BSCC. At that time, Council appropriated $112,000 for anticipated Fiscal Year 2025–26 expenditures and directed that the remaining grant balance be incorporated into subsequent fiscal-year budgets consistent with the grant term and approved spending plan.

“CalVIP is a competitive State grant program supporting jurisdictions disproportionately impacted by violent crime through evidence-based violence interruption, prevention, and intervention strategies. The City’s Cohort 5 award continues and expands upon violence intervention infrastructure established through prior CalVIP funding beginning in 2022.

“CalVIP Cohort 5 supports the City’s continued violence intervention and prevention activities, including personnel dedicated to program administration, violence intervention and outreach; community-based services and partnerships; participant supports; evaluation and performance measurement; and other activities authorized under the approved grant agreement.

“Because the…Cohort 5 grant extends across multiple City fiscal years, expenditure authority must be appropriately budgeted within each fiscal year in which grant-funded costs are anticipated.

The proposed budget amendment…establishes and adjusts appropriations across Fiscal Years 2025–26 through 2028–29 to align the City’s financial budget with the anticipated timing of…Cohort 5 expenditures.

Meeting Details

The Regular meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. 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.

Following protest march from theater to City Hall.

Mayor called “Satan”, blamed for helping church purchase it which he later refuted; some attacked church, too; Bernal calls false comments “unfortunate”

Council also approved name & title changes to City’s newest department, staff; two additional temp positions; ADU designs; purchased SeeClickFix app software

By Allen D. Payton

Before dealing with the few items on the light agenda during their meeting Tuesday night, the three Antioch City Council members in attendance each heard an earful from members of the public about the pending sale of the El Campanil Theatre to a church. Since the matter was not placed on the agenda even for discussion by the council, residents had to speak during General Public comments at both the beginning and end of the meeting. A total of 18 people spoke in person and one spoke via Zoom. (See 3:30:00 mark of meeting video)

While the seating for the audience was almost full, only the mayor and two council members were in attendance, as Mayor Pro Tem and District 3 Councilman Don Freitas was out of town, as he announced at the end of a council meeting earlier this year, and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker was absent due to a migraine. She said due to the light agenda, she felt she could miss the meeting, and her colleagues could handle the items without her, which they did.

Following Public Comments, the council members took action to rename the Public Safety and Community Resources Department to the Community Services Department and the titles for the staff positions, as well as, to use state grant funds for two temporary positions in that department. They also adopted pre-approved Accessory Dwelling Unit plans for residents to use and voted to purchase software for the City’s SeeClickFix app.

Public Comments Get Harsh, Include Attacks on Mayor, Council, Church

Following a protest march from the theater to City Hall before the council meeting in which, according to Joy Motts, about 15 people participated holding signs and a banner that read, “Save El Campanil Save Our Stage”, several residents spoke during Public Comments at the beginning of the meeting. They were each allotted the same three minutes to share their thoughts.

Some took out their anger on Mayor Ron Bernal, about the sale by the current, private owner of the theater building and all related equipment, to a church, blaming the mayor for helping make it happen, and for every other problem the City is currently facing. One attempted to tie him to President Trump, the Heritage Foundation’s national Project 2025 agenda and the national MAGA movement. She also labeled the Hispanic pastor and his church members “Christian Nationalists, racist” and “full of hate for everybody that is not White.”

The first person to speak, resident Leslie May, who is a regular council meeting attendee and public speaker, made most of those remarks saying she, “was very disturbed about this El Campanil. I already know for a fact that you were the one, Mayor Ron Bernal, that went and told him,” claiming he spoke with Pastor Eli Herrera of Legendary Movement Church whose purchase offer was accepted by the owner.

However, Bernal refuted that in response to questions from the Herald in an article published on Thursday. Asked if he helped the church purchase the theater, Bernal responded simply, “No.”

May continued with what she’s been “telling these people in person, on Facebook and Instagram about you. I told them you are not for Antioch…you are nothing but Satan. You are.” She then repeated comments posted on Facebook by another resident that Bernal is, “Selling out Antioch for his Project 2025” and a “MAGA cult mayor.”

“You brought him here. You were a member of his church years ago before you broke off. You are friends with him,” May continued speaking of the mayor’s connection to Herrera. However, Herrera is quoted in another Herald article about the theater being sold to his church saying, “I’m a very good friend of Ron Bernal, before he was mayor. I served at Cornerstone Christian Center for about a year for their school and youth ministry,” referring to the church where Bernal has attended, but mentioned nothing of the mayor helping him with the purchase. Herrera’s older brother Ruben, the pastor of La Palabra de Dios church in Antioch said he considered buying the theater before Eli’s church made their offer.

May then made more unsubstantiated claims saying the church is “Christian Nationalists, are racist, they’re full of hate for everybody that is not White.” However, Herrera is Hispanic as are many if not most of his church’s members.

“They spread falsehoods…because they’re just Satan’s minions. Just like I said, you are,” she continued addressing Bernal. “You guys are wrong. I say prayer works wonders, you guys. Psalm 109, read it over and over again so, we can get rid of you and all your little minions who walk the streets of Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, whatever.”

The next person to speak was Greg Feere, the “retired vice president of the California State Building Trades,” who said he is “a 40-year resident of Antioch.” He complained about, “An out of area investor wanting to flip it just to make some money. He really doesn’t care about Antioch’s future,” referring to current owner Tung Bui who explained why he purchased and is now selling it, as did the former executive director and theater board president, Rick Carraher who lined up the sale in 2023, both refuting Feere’s claims. (See related articles here, here and here)

He continued, “Yesterday…I called (State Senator) Tim Grayson and I asked him about whether or not we can put the El Campanil under the historical preservation site and he said, ‘yes.’ He said, ‘but it would have to be coordinated with the City of Antioch.’”

“So, I think you can take the effort and make it the preservation site and keep it exactly what it’s supposed to be. It’s a theater. It’s a great place,” he continued. “And, you know, no offense to the pastor, but, you know, he can stay in Pittsburg and there’s plenty of souls and sinners there to take care of.”

Many speakers mainly said they wanted the theater to remain a place for arts and culture in the city.

The theatre’s current Operations Manager John “Johnny” Hackencamp shared his thoughts saying, “I’m here as a resident, as a longtime employee…for almost 20 years and as a person who’s mad that the building got sold and that the council just continues to sit on their hands, not only in this, but in many, many dealings for decades. Maybe the City should investigate whether or not the sale of the building was actually legal.”

“You guys have an attorney, and I think it’s time that this council decides to do something,” he concluded.

Former Planning Commissioner Kerry Motts said, “I want to encourage the council to explore all options within its rights to explore the delay or cancellation of escrow for a change in the ownership of the El Campanil.”

Antioch Chamber of Commerce Board President Jim Becker said, “I’m here to support the El Campanil, too. The owner said, ‘well, it’s been up for sale for a while.’ But I didn’t learn about this until just about a week-and-a-half ago that, this building was up for sale. So, I reached out to some of my real estate friends and I said, ‘if you’re going to sell a building like this, what do you do?’ They said, ‘we reach out to other like, type organizations just to see if any of them wants to buy it.’ So, I called some that I know. I called The Lesher Center for the Arts (in Walnut Creek), I called Masquers Playhouse (in Point Richmond), I called the California Theatre (in Pittsburg). I said, ‘did anybody reach out to you and tell you this is for sale?’ They said, ‘no’. So, I said, ‘OK, something doesn’t smell right, there.’”

“So, then I said, ‘OK, well, maybe they approached some of the arts foundations,’” Becker continued. “I called Hewlett  Packard, I called the Lesher Foundation, others. Nobody knew the building was for sale.”

“Well, how odd is that, that if the intent is to really, we keep it as an event space, as a theater space, as a culture space, that the folks that are most likely to do that weren’t aware?” he asked rhetorically. “So, that really does bother me a lot, right?”

Becker then ended with, “When churches take over your prime retail space, cities die, economically. We cannot have that happen. We have to preserve our economic vitality in this city. We have to preserve an economically viable downtown, and we have to save our theater.”

According to the Property Record report purchased by the Herald, it shows the listing agent, representing the seller, is Kellie Temby, and the buyer’s agent is Michael Temby. But Michael told the Herald when he was contacted last week for more details about this year’s sale, “I have no comments at this time while we’re in escrow. Happy to answer any questions after escrow closes.” According to Herrera, that will be on Sept. 29th.

Reading from prepared notes, Jeanette Rodriguez spoke next saying, “I am back to express my discontent with the handling of El Campanil.” She then read from the City’s Vision and Strategic Plan for 2019 to 2029 and said, “The Vision states, ‘Antioch is a desired destination in the Bay Area: Building on our historic legacy, creating bright opportunities for families to grow, offering places to play, enabling businesses to thrive and cultivating a unique downtown experience.’ Goals 5 and 6 state, ‘Strive to be a Healthy Community’ and ‘Support Historic Downtown Revitalization’.”

“The loss of this historic space directly goes against what our City’s vision is,” Rodriguez continued. “The arts have positive impacts on community well-being, economic development, public safety, youth development and social justice.”

She then took swipes at the church members who attended the community meeting at the theater on Tuesday, Sept. 1st. (See related article)

“I feel let down and I wish there had been more alarms raised, sooner so that the community could have had more time to organize and find a solution, as you see here, now. There needs to be more accountability in the future or else, what is there left to protect in Antioch,” Rodriguez concluded.

Resident Krystl Law spoke next also reading from prepared remarks saying, “So, last year, Tamisha Walker and Don Freitas started to work on the theater with the previous (City) manager Bessie Scott talking about using development impact fees. We have millions just sitting there idle. So, why is it that we can’t start there?” That question was answered by Torres-Walker and Acting Community and Economic Development Director Kevin Scudero in the Herald’s article published on Thursday, Sept. 10th.

“Why is that we are waiting to the last minute to decide to save something that is clearly dear to everyone’s hearts?” she asked and then launched into a litany of complaints against Bernal. “You are stubborn and set in your ways. You chose to spread lies about Homekey. You chose to retire before the FBI came in to do their investigations. You chose to go after a Black woman city manager who tried to call out inconsistencies with SMI and your friend, Sean McCauley.  You chose not to speak about a Black woman who was hit by an officer. You chose to put everything on the last city council when you were city manager from 2017 to 2021. When will you take responsibility for your actions? You chose to spend $499,000 on sweeps instead of Homekey. You chose to not talk to Ms. Walker and Freitas about the theater.”

That was addressed in Bernal’s comments to the Herald in the article published on Thursday, Sept. 10th. When asked if he was aware the theater was for sale this year before it went public last month Bernal responded, “Yes. As Tamisha may have told you she, Don and Bessie were working together to find out more about it. I was not involved due to obvious Brown Act implications,” referring to the state’s Open Meeting Law preventing a majority of council members from discussing matters that could be on a future council meeting agenda. (See 5th to last section of article.)

“When is it you’re going to take responsibility and step up and be a mayor?” Law asked in conclusion.

Rivertown business owner and citizen Kathy Cabrera spoke next reading from prepared remarks and saying, “I’m here tonight to ask you to do something that future generations of Antioch residents will either thank us for or wish we had done, and that is saving the El Campanil Theatre. It’s a place of Antioch’s history. We spend a lot of time talking about Antioch’s future and we should. But building a better future does not require us to destroy our past. Because once the El Campanil is gone it’s gone forever.”

“It’s easy to build, yet another church,” she continued. “But already have over 100 of those here, in Antioch and we cannot re-create a nearly century-old piece of history.”

“Please don’t let the El Campanil Theatre an old photograph of something we used to have. Take action. Put this sale on hold,” Cabrera exclaimed. “Give this community the opportunity to fight for the El Campanil before you allow anyone to give up on it. Leave this meeting saying, ‘we’re going to do something the community is asking us to do.’ Give Antioch a chance to save its history.”

She mentioned the requests by District 1 Councilwoman Monica Wilson, Torres-Walker and Freitas about preserving the theater and asked, “Why did these requests fall on deaf ears?” That was also mentioned in the Herald article published Thursday, Sept. 10th. (See sub-headline entitled, “One Councilmember Made Requests to Agendize Protection, But Not Purchase of El Campanil Theater”).

Cabrera concluded by saying, “Save the El Campanil Theatre, not just for those of us who remember its past but for those generations who deserve to experience its future. I beg of you to save the El Campanil. And thank you, Monica.”

A resident named Margie Carrell then offered more unsubstantiated claims saying, “Ron, you’ve already made up your mind. You’re not going to listen to these people. You do not care. You’ve already made a deal with your, what is it, your pastor? What does he have on you? What is he hiding? What happened in 2017, let’s see, when you left being our city manager? What did you go into, rehab? Did they pay for it? So, you’re on the books. We got you. So, don’t try to pretend like you really care about what’s going to happen…because you owe your church people.”

Bernal retired as city manager in 2021 following a 36-year career in public service and a 36-career in public service including 23 years with the City of Antioch. (See related article) According to his LinkedIn profile, following his retirement, he started a company in 2022 named Ron Bernal Consulting working as a management consultant, which he still owns and can operate as a part-time elected official.

A resident named Mary Jo Mundy-Bruce who said she “worked at El Campanil in 2023 when it sold,” as the bookkeeper. “Clearly there was some broken down piece that happened. This should not have been sold to a private person. Something was not right,” she stated. “This part I was not aware of. I wish I could go back in time and say, ‘hey, Rick, what are you doing, why are you selling this place?”

“I just think the sale should be put on hold, and some investigation should go into the 2023 sale,” Mundy-Bruce continued. “So, somebody be as passionate as we are. Hello, Ron. Be as passionate as we are. This is your city, right now. Please…do the right thing.”

“Thank you, for what you are doing,” she stated. “But, man, you gotta step it up, guy. Come on, step it up so, we can be like, ‘yay, I voted for Ron. I feel so good he saved this.”

“Put the sale on hold. We don’t need another church. No more churches. We got enough churches,” Mundy-Bruce exclaimed. “I just can’t believe the lack and the apathy of everything sometimes. Why is there so much apathy here? I understand your hands are tied and there’s things and bureaucracy.”

“Please do something,” she concluded.

A woman named Nicole, who said she “goes by Fay”, wearing an El Campanil Theatre Academy logo shirt, said she did “19 years of theater,” and spoke of helping with children at the Academy in 2021. “I was just hoping there would be something there for kids. If we could save it…it would be really good for future generations of kids. Theater is life-saving.”

“I want my kids to be able to go that theater and enjoy it when I have kids. There are so many kids that got to enjoy it and perform on that stage and I want them to be able to do that again,” she added.

Bernal Responds Saying the Council “Can’t Say A Lot” About Theatre Sale

Following public comments and a nine-minute break during which most residents had left the Council Chambers, the council moved on to the matters that were on the agenda including Council Communications and the Mayor’s Comments. Bernal took the opportunity to address the issue of the theater’s sale after thanking “everybody who came out tonight to speak in support of keeping the theater as an arts location and the passion and the unity in the room it’s…great to see.”

“Unfortunately, some folks say things that aren’t necessarily true which is unfortunate. But that happens,” he stated. “The City of Antioch in our current position is not able to speak to what’s happening related to this escrow, that we understand the church currently has the building in contract.”

“And so, we are doing our own research,” Bernal continued. “We are doing everything we can to make sure we’re informed about what’s going on. But we are not able to say anything about that. So, that’s where we stand as a city council and why you’re not hearing us say a lot about the situation right now.”

“But we will be providing updates as we’re able to,” he added.

Proclamations

The Council then voted 3-0 to approve a proclamation honoring the 25th Anniversary of 9-11, Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance and presented it to Antioch Police Captain Desmond Bittner. (See related article).

Bittner said, “It’s my honor to receive this on behalf of the men and women of the Antioch Police Department and the men and women of the Contra Costa Fire Department who could not be here today and the veterans in both departments. I will share this with them tomorrow.”

They also approved by a 3-0 vote a proclamation recognizing September as Suicide Prevention Month in the city and presented it to Megan Shinkle, Director of Peer Connections Centers with locations in Antioch and San Pablo. She thanked the council and spoke of her organization’s work, providing support to those with mental health challenges, who may or may not be in recovery, as well.  They offer groups to support wellness, one on one support, links to resources, and outings to museums, parks and other points of interest.

The mayor and council members then took photos with each of the recipients.

Name, Title Changes for Newest City Department, Positions

Under item 5 on the agenda, the Council conducted a public hearing and voted 3-0 to rename the Public Safety and Community Resources Department as the Community Services Department and the classification title changes from Public Safety and Community Resources Director to Community Services Director and Public Safety Manager to Community Engagement Manager, subject to completion of applicable labor-relations requirements. Although Wilson had originally voted for the confusing department name, she made the motion to make the change and voted for it.

As previously reported, at the urging of Mayor Pro Tem and District 3 Councilman Don Freitas, during their meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, (under agenda item 10) the Council agreed to correct and clear up confusion of including the words “Public Safety” in the name of City’s the newest department formed by the council in 2022, but is not part of the police department nor deals with fire services and was the brainchild of Torres-Walker using an expanded definition of the term. The councilmembers also voted to change the titles of the department’s staff. (See 6:39:50 mark of meeting video)

The council approved the new department in February 2022 on a 4-1 vote. At that time, Torres-Walker tried to redefine and expand the meaning of public safety. But the department’s name has caused confusion because the majority of people don’t define the term the same as she does.

According to the staff report for the item, “As the department’s responsibilities continued to expand, the City Council also began discussing whether the department’s name accurately reflected its mission and public facing role. During several public and administrative discussions, Council considered various naming alternatives intended to better describe the department’s functions and distinguish its community-based services from the law enforcement responsibilities of the Antioch Police Department.”

Name Already Changed on City Website

As previously reported, the department’s page on the City’s website already had the new name in the header, but not in the text below, still including the word “resources”. That reads, “The City of Antioch’s Department of Community Services Resources is committed to building a safer, healthier, and more resilient community…The Community Services Resources (CSRD) Department works to strengthen community well-being through prevention, intervention, and support services. CSRD houses the City’s Youth Services Network, Housing and Unhoused Services, and Violence Intervention & Prevention Division, providing programs and resources that promote safety, stability, and opportunity for all residents.”

Two Temporary State Grant-Funded Positions for the Renamed Department

Then under item 6, the Council approved on a vote of 3-0 the establishment of two limited-term, grant-funded hourly positions to support the City’s direct implementation of community violence intervention, violence prevention, community outreach, case coordination, resource navigation, and community engagement activities. The proposed positions’ titles also retain the word resources: Community Resources Specialist.

The proposed hourly salary range for each of the positions is $39.54 – $48.07.

According to the staff report, the City has been awarded $2,034,800 through the Board of State and Community Corrections’ California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) Grant Program with an authorized grant period through Sept. 30, 2029. The approved grant provides funding for two positions to support implementation of the City’s community violence intervention and prevention activities.

Consent Calendar – ADU Plans Approved for Accelerator Program That Ends Sept. 30

District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha asked to be removed item item 4.I. on the Consent Calendar agenda regarding pre-approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) plans developed through the ADU Accelerator program, for discussion and questions for staff.

He mentioned the program at Antioch High School in which students build ADU’s and that he wanted to make sure whatever they’re doing complies with the City’s plans.

However, “these City plans do not supersede any ADU’s that they’re doing as long as they’re compliant with state building code,” Acting Community Development & Economic Development Director Kevin Scudero responded.

With no public comments on the item, the council voted 3-0 to approve the pre-approved ADU plans.

According to the ADU Accelerator Rebate Program information on the City’s website, ADUs are attached or detached residential dwelling units that provide complete independent living facilities for one or more persons on a lot with an existing (or proposed) primary residence.

The State Senate District 7 ADU Accelerator Program, piloted by former State Senator Steve Glazer, is composed of 15 cities in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area, including Antioch.

The program provides individual rebates of up to $7,500 to property owners for new ADU units and up to $30,000 for new ADU units that are deed restricted to low-income households (minimum of 20 years.) As the purpose of the program is to encourage the construction of smaller ADU units, there will be no rebates for units over 1,000 square feet.

The City is matching the low-income rebate amounts with Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) funding to double the rebates for low-income ADUs to encourage low-income ADU production in Antioch. Antioch homeowners will be able to access up to $30,000 for the construction of a low-income ADU less than 500 square feet.

However, according to the staff report for the agenda item, the rebate program provides individual rebates up to only $15,000 for ADUs that are deed restricted to low-income households (minimum of 20 years.)  An email was sent to City staff asking which is the correct amount.

Acting Community and Economic Development Director Kevin Scudero responded, “The ADU Accelerator Program offered up to $15,000 in rebates for the construction of ADU’s. The City of Antioch also had Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program (PLHA) funds allocated towards ADU’s and chose to provide matching funds for deed restricted affordable ADU’s to further incentivize their production. This is why you see the larger rebate number on our website.”

The City of Antioch was granted $216,228.77 for rebates, which was based upon a per capita calculation, and $50,000 to create free permit-ready or pre-approved plans for public use.

The second component of the ADU Accelerator program is the development and adoption of free pre-approved ADU plans which will be free for residents to use.

While the rebate program has been available to homeowners in Antioch since October 1, 2024, it will close September 30, 2026. Staff were also asked if the termination date is correct and if so, why is the council just now being asked to adopt the pre-approved plans.

Scudero also responded, “Yes, the termination date is correct. In addition to the ADU rebates, the program also provided $50,000 in funding to develop pre-approved ADU Plans. The development of the pre-approved plans was on a dual track with the rebate program. The pre-approved plans are not specific to the ADU’s receiving rebates and will be available to anyone in the future who would like to construct an ADU in Antioch.”

SeeClickFix Application Programming Interface Software Purchase

All other items on the Consent Calendar were approved on a vote of 3-0. They included item 4.H., an increase to the current Agreement with Tyler Technologies Enterprise Permitting & Licensing (EP&L) for recurring Software as a Service (SaaS) fees and additional support services for a total agreement amount not-to exceed $235,000 per year. The council is also being asked to memorializing the recurring SaaS services which automatically renew each year throughout the term of the contract, which is consistent with the Agreement but inaccurately described in the original resolution.

The software serves the City’s SeeClickFix Application Programming Interface (API).

According to the staff report, the Initial approval by City Council in January of 2021 authorized an amount not to exceed $800,000, for a term ending June 30, 2025. The addition of the SeeClickFix Application Programming Interface (API) allows increased functionality for Code Enforcement complaints that are submitted via the SeeClickFix system, improving Code Case creation and response times, and streamlined updates to the public on complaint status via SeeClickFix. We are in the testing phases currently, and plan to fully implement the API by or before the end of this calendar year.

The Council adjourned the meeting at a rare, early 9:14 p.m.

See meeting video.

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, the Antioch City Council approved the following proclamation on a 3-0 vote with two council members absent, honoring the 25th anniversary of 9-11, Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance. It was presented to Antioch Police Captain Desmond Bittner.

Bittner said, “It’s my honor to receive this on behalf of the men and women of the Antioch Police Department and the men and women of the Contra Costa Fire Department who could not be here today and the veterans in both departments. I will share this with them tomorrow.” (See 1:30:20 mark of meeting video)

WHEREAS, September 11, 2026, marks the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, when nearly 3,000 innocent people lost their lives in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, the events of September 11, 2001, forever changed our nation and continue to impact the families of those who were lost, survivors, first responders, recovery workers, service members, and communities throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, military personnel, and countless civilians demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness, risking their own lives to save and assist others; and

WHEREAS, in the days and weeks following September 11, Americans came together with compassion, unity, resilience, and a renewed commitment to helping one another, demonstrating the strength of communities in times of adversity; and

WHEREAS, 25 years later, a new generation has grown up without firsthand memories of September 11, making it our shared responsibility to preserve the stories of those who were lost, honor those who served, and ensure that the significance of that day is never forgotten; and

WHEREAS, September 11 is recognized as Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance, providing an opportunity to honor those who lost their lives and those who answered the call through reflection, service, compassion, and commitment to our communities; and

WHEREAS, the City of Antioch joins communities throughout our nation in remembering the lives lost on September 11, honoring the heroes who responded, and recognizing the enduring values of courage, service, unity, and resilience;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2026, as “Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance – 25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001” in the City of Antioch, and encourage all residents to pause, remember, honor, and serve in memory of those whose lives were forever changed.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2026

RON BERNAL, Mayor