Several related to alleged police civil rights violations

Will also discuss city attorney performance evaluation

By Allen D. Payton

During a special closed session meeting on Thursday, June 18, 2026, the Antioch City Council will meet with legal counsel to discuss 41 existing lawsuits, 16 potential lawsuits and the performance evaluation of City Attorney Lori Asuncion. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers before adjourning behind closed doors.

Some of the lawsuits were among those also discussed by the city council during their meeting on Dec. 19, 2024.

Existing Lawsuits

1) Jayson Robinson v. Antioch Unified School District, Antioch Water Park, City of Antioch, Contra Costa Superior Court, (Case No.C20-02420). – Former student with a heart disorder who almost drowned during a class outing. (See related article)

2) Trent Allen, et al. v. City of Antioch, et al., United States District Court Northern District of California, (Case No. 3:23-cv-01895-TSH). – Ongoing civil rights class action lawsuit against the City, as well as police officers and former chiefs. Plaintiffs also include Shagoofa Khan, Adam Carpenter, Joshua Butler, Diego Savala, Kardell Smith, Dejon Richards, Dreshawn Jackson and David Mackin. Defendants also include former Police Chiefs Tammany Brooks, Tony Morefield, Steven Ford, and former officers Josh Evans, Eric Rombough, Morteza Amiri, Scott Duggar, John Ramirez, Timothy Manly Williams, Tom Lenderman, Loren Bledsoe and Thomas Smith. As previously reported, Allen is one of four suspects convicted of the 2021 murder of Arnold Marcel Hawkins and the attempted murder of Aaron Patterson. He and the other plaintiffs claim civil rights violations by the officers. The case appeared to be settled last year. But, without explanation from City staff, continues to be adjudicated. (See Settlement and related articles here and here)

3) Ashika Kanji v. City of Antioch, Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C24-00795). Personal Injury and Torts – Motor Vehicle lawsuit.

4) Reagan DeGuzman v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No.C23-00666).

5) Nicholas Warner v. County of Contra Costa, City of Antioch, Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C23-02689). According to an EINPresswire report, “a bicyclist was injured when a designated bike lane was abruptly blocked by a locked metal gate located in an insufficiently illuminated section of (a developing) roadway.” According to court documents, “Plaintiff alleges he was injured while riding a bicycle between 10:30 and 11:00 pm on property owned by the City of Antioch” and amount demanded is $35,000. New home developer “K. Hovnanian plans to file a cross-complaint against Teichert Construction, Inc. and/or All Commercial Fence, Inc., the parties responsible for erecting and/or maintaining the gate alleged to have caused the injury.”.

6) Susan Shintaku v. City of Antioch, Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C24-00356).

7) O.Y. a Decedent, et al., v. Contra Costa County, et al., United States District Court Northern District of California, (Case No. 3:24-cv-05154-PHK). Civil rights lawsuit by plaintiffs A.Y. a minor, W.Y. a minor and O.Y. a decedent. Defendants include Jessika Fulcher, Sr Worren Young, City of Antioch, Contra Costa County, Flynne Lewis, Raji Ponnaluri, Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation, Colleen Sullivan and The Learning Center.

8) Jordan Davis v. County of Contra Costa, et al., United States District Court Northern District of California, (Case No.4:21-cv-04651). The complaint, filed on June 16, 2021, alleges civil rights violations. Defendants include County of Contra Costa, Nicole Martinez, Brian Rose, Ashley Crandall, Vernita James, Hutchings Christian, City of Antioch.

9) Nirvana Allen v. City of Antioch, Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No.C22-02401).

10) Lamar Young v. Sgt. Stenger, et al., United States District Court Northern District of California, (Case No. 21-cv-08131-DMR).  Young is one of two brothers arrested in 2020 for a brutal sexual assault of a woman and convicted in 2022 of sex crimes and robbery. (See related articles here and here).

According to court documents, this is a civil rights case filed Aug. 15, 2023, by self-represented Plaintiff Lamar Young. He alleges “that the following Defendants employed by the Antioch Police Department (“APD”) used excessive force against him during an interrogation on October 29, 2020, in West County Detention Center in Contra Costa County: Sergeant James Stenger; and Detectives Kelly Inabnett, Mellone, and Bledsoe.Plaintiff asserts that during the interrogation, he refused Defendants’ request that he put on a mask in order for them to take a photograph of him wearing it.Plaintiff alleges that when he refused to put on the mask, Stenger, Mellone and Bledsoe forced him to wear it, using excessive force against him in the process. Plaintiff further claims that Inabnett failed to intervene to stop the use of excessive force. Plaintiff also alleges a state law claim of negligence against Stenger for failing to prevent a ‘safety issue’.”

11) Jessie Wilson and Dajon Smith v. City of Antioch, et al., United States District Court Northern District of California, (Case No. 4:24-cv-02758-JSW). A federal civil rights lawsuit filed on May 8, 2024, against the City of Antioch, and individual, now former, police officers Morteza Amiri, Eric Rombough, and Devon Wenger, former Chief Tammany Brooks and DOES 1-50.

12) Pat Stack, et al., v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C24-01065).

13) Mary Reed v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C24-01367).

14) Marilou Gecale v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-01383).

15) Michael Sweets v. Antioch Police Department, et al., United States District Court for the Northern District of California, (Civil Action No. 24-9275 VC). According to Justia.com, the case is a Prisoner: Civil Rights complaint filed by Michael Sweets, a pretrial detainee at West County Detention Facility in Contra Costa County. The case involves allegations of false arrest and search and seizure of Sweets’s vehicle.

16) Estate of Linda Woolridge, et al. v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-01750). The case arose from the tragic death of Woolridge, a 29‑year‑old mother of two, who was fatally struck by a drunk driver, Antioch resident Alexander Mayorga, while riding her bicycle on Lone Tree Way in the early morning of July 27, 2024. (See related Herald articles here, here and here)

17) Kathryn Wade, et al. v. City of Antioch, et al., United States District Court for Northern California (Civil Action No. 3:25-cv-03200-TSH). – Filed by Wade on April 9, 2025, other plaintiffs include S.B., China Young, Adrian Arroyo and Brandon Lopez. Defendants named in the suit include City of Antioch, current or former Chief A. Morefield, Chief Tammany Brooks, Sgt. Evans, Sgt. Jimmy Wisecarver, Sgt. Stenger, Officers Kelly Inabnett, Aaron Hughes, Morteza Amiri, Devon Wenger, Eric Allen Rombough, Jacob Ewart and Michael Mellone.

According to the East Bay Times, Wade previously sued the City and two police officers, Michael Mellone and Jacob Ewart, in March 2023. The Antioch City Council voted in November 2024 to pay Wade $349,000 as part of a settlement. She claimed her son Malad Baldwin was assaulted by Antioch Police Department officers in 2014.

“The lawsuit said that Baldwin was seated in Wade’s car, which was parked in front of their house, when two Antioch police officers — James Colley and Casey Brogdon — approached the car, opened the passenger door and yanked Baldwin out. The two officers then kicked and beat him with a flashlight even after he lost consciousness, court documents state. Wade, who was present during the incident, also reportedly sustained physical and mental injuries.

“In her complaint, Wade claimed that apart from the alleged assault of Baldwin, Antioch officer Santiago Castillo had also verbally assaulted and pointed a gun at her while she was in a wheelchair that same month. She also alleged that Baldwin was again beaten at least three times in September and December of 2019, as well as in March 2020.”

Baldwin, who, according to Localcrimenews.com, had been arrested multiple times between 2014 and 2020, died March 13, 2021. However, according to his mother, he was never convicted of a crime.

18) Angelia Baxter v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-02194). According to Law.com, the personal injury lawsuit is for damages arising from an incident that occurred on city property or premises.

19) Espiridion Puga v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-03209).

20) Jonathan Smith v. City of Antioch, et al., United States District Court for the Northern District of California, (case No. 4:25-cv05572-KAW). Civil rights lawsuit.

21) Antioch Police Officers Association v. City of Antioch, Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. N23-1629). As previously reported by the Herald, the APOA’s attorney, Mike Rains, said the lawsuit is to obtain then-Mayor Lamar Thorpe’s phone records because the City won’t provide them, claiming they couldn’t find any. The Public Records Act request covers the nine days prior to Thorpe’s Wednesday, March 30, 2023, press conference when he spoke about the investigation into the racist text scandal among Antioch officers.

22) Christopher Martinez v. City of Antioch, Antioch Police Department, et al., Contra Costa County Superior Court, (Case No. C24-03123). Civil – Labor and Employment lawsuit.

23) Annette Bullock, et al. v. City of Antioch, Contra Costa County Superior Court (Case No. C19-01331). Lawsuit by 17 retired City employees over medical after retirement health benefits.

24) California Resources Production Corporation v. City of Antioch, Before the Public Utilities Commission of the State of California, (A.23-07-008, MSN21-2354). – Regarding the previous council’s shutdown of the natural gas pipeline. (See related articles, here and here)

25) Devon Wenger v. Antioch Police Department, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-00578). – By former Antioch Police Officer convicted, sentenced to 7.5 years in prison for conspiring to violate civil rights, distribute steroids, and obstructing justice. Wenger claims he was framed and retaliated against as a whistleblower. (See related articles here and here)

26) Brittany Hopper v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-00988).

27) Donna Miles v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-00148).

28) Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-00916, C25-02768) According to Law.com, this is a real property judicial foreclosure action. Defendants also include Does 1 through 20 (undisclosed), the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and the Testate and Intestate Successors of Darrell Oliver, Deceased, and all persons claiming by, through or under such decedent.

29) Royal Pacific Funding Corporation v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (C25-01851).

30) Linda Price v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No.C25-01700).

31) Gary Dartez & Tamisha Latimore v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Limited Civil Jurisdiction, Contra Costa County, (Case No. N25-1849) Rent Program. Filed Sept. 17, 2025, the defendants include Redwood Property Investors III, LLC.

32) Lucia B. Albers & Elizabeth Ann Iannaccone v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. N26-0037). A civil action by developer of the Albers Ranch 294-home project in the Sand Creek Area. Although approved by the City Council in January 2025, Albers claims discrimination and she’s being overcharged fees that make her project financially unviable. Plaintiffs are seeking a writ of mandate and declaratory relief against the City of Antioch.

33) Katie Harrison v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-03507).

34) Karl Brownlee v. City of Antioch and California Community Housing Agency, Superior Court of the State of California, Limited Civil Jurisdiction, Contra Costa County, (Case No. N26-0212) Rent Program.

35) Wintrust Mortgage, a Division of Barrington Bank & Trust Company, N.A. v. City of Antioch, et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C26-00295).

36) Shimmick Construction Co., et al, v. City of Antioch, et al., United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Oakland Division, (Case No. 3:25-cv-05618 & 25CV109652 [Superior Court of  Alameda]). For Unlimited Breach of Contract/Warranty by the General Contractor for non-payment for work on the City’s Brackish Water Desalination Plant in which they are seeking damages of $30 million plus interest. (See related article)

37) Dason Melius v. J. Yega, City of Antioch Police Officer, et al., United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. 25-cv-06956-CRB). Filed on May 5, 2026, by a a pretrial detainee at Contra Costa County’s West County Detention Facility (WCDF). According to court documents, “Plaintiff alleges that on September 22, 2023, he was arrested by several City of Antioch Police Department officers who used excessive force against him. He specifically alleges that officers J. Yega and Joseph Chandler ‘lift and throw [plaintiff] to the ground face down, with handcuffs.’ FAC (ECF No. 12) at 5. Then officers Chandler and B. Lassas ‘bounced on plaintiff’s legs while they were bent backwards,’ and officers Lassas and Aguilar ‘appl[ied] pressure or force to plaintiff’s back, pushing air out, stopping his ability to breathe.’ Id. Plaintiff further alleges a series of purported violations in connection with the conditions of his subsequent confinement at MDF (Martinez Detention Facility) and WCDF in 2024. Among other things, he alleges that various correctional staff at MDF and WCDF were deliberately indifferent to his health and safety needs and interfered with his right of access to the courts.”

38) Jami Bruno, the Estate of Gabriel Gaspar v. Contra Costa County et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-00820-EGW). A Personal Injury and Torts – Motor Vehicle lawsuit. Defendants include the City of Antioch, Contra Costa County Fire Emergency Services and Contra Costa County Fire Rescue Services. According to court documents, “The incident occurred on March 20, 2024, at the intersection of W. Fourth St. and L Street in Antioch.”

The lawsuit alleges, “Gabriel Gaspar was involved in a motorcycle-vehicle collision outside the Antioch Police Station. Antioch Police Department personnel arrived first and began resuscitation efforts, successfully reviving Gaspar two to three times. Contra Costa County Fire Emergency Services and Fire Rescue personnel arrived and took over medical care. However, they negligently ordered Antioch Police personnel to stop CPR and failed to continue life-saving resuscitation efforts. Defendants breached their duty by ceasing resuscitation efforts prematurely, in direct violation of established protocols. Defendants failed to act with reasonable care when they stopped resuscitation efforts.”

39) Christian Gutierrez et al. v. City of Antioch et al., United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. 3:24-cv-01697-JSC). Civil rights violation complaint against Gonzalez Adrian, Antioch Police Department, City of Antioch, Stenger James, Vincent James, Harger Matt, Thomas Steve, Doo Will. Filed by Rosalba Zendejas, Christian Gutierrez, Giovanni Gutierrez.

40) Javier Elias Aguilar v. Anthony Valdez, Jr. et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C23-00410). According to Unicourt.com, on 02/24/2023 Aguilar filed a Personal Injury and Torts – Motor Vehicle lawsuit. Defendants also include Officer Ryan Duff and City of Antioch.

41) Jasmine Morris-Hughes v. Alameda Contra Costa Transit District et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, (Case No. C25-01756). According to UniCourt.com, on 06/20/2025 Morris-Hughes filed a Personal Injury and Torts – Motor Vehicle lawsuit. Defendants also include the City Of Antioch, County of Contra Costa and Does 1 to 50, inclusive. Court documents claim, Bus Driver Toby Sanders  “negligently, carelessly, recklessly, willfully, wantonly, and tortiously operated a motor vehicle in the defective mechanical condition of a motor vehicle…in such a manner so as to cause the motor vehicle to begin the chain of events which ended up with Plaintiff MORRIS-HUGHES was thrown to the right after an unsafe left turn, causing her physical, bodily, mental, and emotional injury. Plaintiff was injured in her health, strength, and activities, and sustained injury to her body and shock and injury to her nerves and nervous system, all of which have caused and continue to cause her great mental, physical, and emotional pain…”

The meeting will begin and end inside the Council Chambers located at City Hall, 200 H Street in historic, downtown Rivertown. The City Attorney will report out of Closed Session any action taken by the Council.

June 30 & July 7

By Jaden Baird, PIO, City of Antioch

ANTIOCH, CA — The City of Antioch is launching an update to its General Plan, the long-term policy document that guides the community’s growth and development, addressing physical, economic, social, and environmental changes for years to come. As part of this effort, the City is hosting two Public Visioning Workshops this summer and is encouraging all residents to attend and share their vision for Antioch’s future.

The workshops will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, and Tuesday, July 7, 2026, both beginning at 6:00 PM at the Antioch Community Center, located at 4703 Lone Tree Way, Antioch, CA 94531. Both events are in person, free and open to the public and will cover the same information.

Each workshop will begin with a presentation designed to educate participants on relevant topics related to the General Plan Update, followed by a structured exercise to gather community input. The City will convene a total of four community workshops throughout the Update process, and this summer’s Visioning Workshops are the first opportunity for residents to get involved.

“Our General Plan is more than a policy document. It’s a blueprint of who we are, and as importantly, want to become as a community. These workshops are an open invitation to every resident to help shape that future. I encourage all of Antioch to come, participate, and make sure your voice is part of the vision we build together,” said Mayor Ron Bernal.

Community input gathered at these workshops will directly inform the development of the General Plan Update, ensuring the final document reflects the needs, values, and priorities of Antioch residents.

“The strength of this plan depends on hearing from as many residents as possible. Whether you’ve lived in Antioch your whole life or just moved here, your perspective matters. I hope our neighbors will take this first opportunity to get involved and help guide decisions that will affect our community for years to come,” said Economic and Community Development Interim Director Kevin Scudero.

For more information about the General Plan Update and to sign up for project notifications, visit https://antioch.generalplan.org/.

Spanish interpretation will be provided. Requests for alternative forms of interpretation should be sent at least 72 hours prior to the meeting to Kevin Scudero by email at generalplan@antiochca.gov or by phone at (925) 779-6133. Accessibility-related accommodations are available upon request at (925) 779-7009 or cityclerk@antiochca.gov.

Public Safety & Community Resources Department is not part of police or fire services

By Allen D. Payton

At the urging of Mayor Pro Tem and District 3 Councilman Don Freitas, during their meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the Antioch City Council agreed to correct and clear up confusion of including the words “Public Safety” in the name of the newest department which is not part of police or fire services. Instead of its current name, the Public Safety & Community Resources Department, the brainchild of District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker who has an expanded definition of the term, will be renamed simply, the Community Services Department. The councilmembers also voted to change the titles of the department’s staff.

The council approved the new department in February 2022 on a 4-1 vote. At that time, Torres-Walker tried to redefine the term saying, “a lot of us have decided that public safety is a lot more than policing. It’s about quality of life, environmental justice, youth services, housing. Public safety is about economic dignity, access to jobs, clean water, clean air. All of those things, not just policing. Policing is a part of public safety and we have forgot about that as a community. And I think being able to have this department be called the Department of Public Safety and Community Resources will also help reorient our community to understand that public safety doesn’t just mean policing. It also means access to quality, well organized resources in the city.”

But the department’s name has caused confusion because the majority of people don’t define the term the same as the councilwoman does.

According to the department’s webpage, it consists of three divisions including Violence Intervention & Prevention Division, Youth Services Division and Housing Division. That can also cause confusion as new housing is handled by the Community Development & Economic Development Department and its Planning Division. But the Housing Division of the newly renamed department “provides a range of programs and services designed to support tenants, landlords, and unsheltered community members.”

City Staff Report & Recommendations

In introducing the item, #10 on the agenda, Acting City Manager Ana Cortez said, “The proposed change is intended to better align the department’s public identity with the current vision and focus on prevention.”

According to the City staff report by department Director Monserrat Cabral, “While the department collaborates closely with the Antioch Police Department, first responders, schools, County agencies, and other public safety partners, the department itself is not a law enforcement entity.

“The department’s primary functions are rooted in prevention, intervention, stabilization, human services, outreach, youth development, housing support, violence interruption, and community engagement, with a focus on improving quality of life outcomes and strengthening long-term community well-being for Antioch residents.

“However, nonprofit partners, outside agencies, and community stakeholders often assume the department is a law enforcement division or enforcement-based office due to the inclusion of the phrase ‘Public Safety’ in the department title. This confusion has created challenges including:

• Residents being uncertain whether the department provides direct community services;

• Hesitancy from vulnerable populations who may be reluctant to engage with anything perceived as enforcement-related;

• Misunderstanding regarding the department’s role during outreach and community engagement efforts;

• Difficulty clearly communicating the department’s mission externally; and

• Ongoing confusion between the PSCR Department and the Antioch Police Department.

During her presentation on the matter, Cabral said, “Since its creation, the department has evolved significantly.”

The staff report further reads, “the department…today oversees a broad and diverse portfolio of community-serving functions, including:

• Violence Intervention & Prevention;

• Housing & Homelessness Services;

• Youth Development & Workforce Programs;

• Community Engagement & Outreach;

• Crisis Response & Stabilization Partnerships;

• Grant Administration & Community-Based Funding Initiatives; and

• Nonprofit and Intergovernmental Partnerships.

City staff offered alternative names for the department. The report read, “Common naming themes emerging across municipalities include:

• Human Services;

• Community Services;

• Community & Human Services;

• Community Well-Being;

• Community Support Services;

• Neighborhood Services; and

• Community Development & Wellness.

Staff offered multiple names from other agencies and recommended the new name be the Human and Community Services Department. The recommendation also included “Changing the Department Director title from “Public Safety and Community Resources Director” to “Human & Community Services Director”; and the “Public Safety Manager” classification overseeing Violence Intervention & Prevention functions to “Community Engagement Manager”.

Council Discussion & Direction

Since the item was for discussion only, no council action was expected on renaming the department during Tuesday’s meeting. But a vote was taken.

Torres-Walker was the first council member to speak on the item saying, “We have a recommended name, here. Should we just go with it and call it a night?”

Freitas responded, “No. No.” He then said, “I do realize there is differences of opinion about renaming it. From my perspective, I would just rename it the Community Services Department. Period. I’m trying to be all inclusive. Make sure it’s flexible now and in the future and it’s understandable. I don’t want to sound like a department of the federal…department of the U.S. government. So, from my perspective the Community Services Department serves all that bill and that’s what I support.”

Freitas then made a motion to rename the department and “change the classifications of the certain positions.”

Cabral pointed out that the council would not be changing classifications, just the titles and they would be “changing the code.”

“Yes,” Freitas responded.

District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha seconded the motion.

District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson mentioned, “Community Services Department.”

Bernal responded, “We have a Community Development Department.” He then asked Freitas if he would support placing the words “Department of” at the beginning. The Mayor Pro Tem declined.

An apparently disappointed Torres-Walker then could be heard saying softly, “It’s too late to care.”

Bernal asked if there were any more comments and turned to the District 1 Councilwoman who reiterated, “I just said I don’t care. Let’s vote. It’s late.”

Wilson said, “I personally like ‘Human and’. But if everybody is fine with Community Services then that’s alright.”

The motion then passed on a 5-0 vote.

See staff report for agenda item 10.

See 6:39:22 mark of Council meeting video.

Once again adopts proclamation recognizing June as “Pride Month”, “honoring…contributions, history, …resilience of LGBTQ+ community” and says “City of Antioch is committed to celebrate the history and diversity of our city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community”

Torres-Walker complains of no “Pride Parade” in Antioch

By Allen D. Payton

During their regular meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, after approving the “Pride Month” proclamation on a 5-0 vote, the City Council allowed a rainbow flag to be hung from the dais in front of Mayor Ron Bernal. That violates the unanimously adopted City of Antioch Flag Display Policy approved on Feb. 11, 2020, when Bernal was city manager. The policy, adopted after the council for the first time flew the “Pride Flag” on the pole at City Hall, clearly states only the American, State and City flags can be displayed inside the Council Chambers.

Section 2.07 Display of Flags in the City Council Chambers of the policy reads: “The American Flag, State Flag and City Flag shall be the only flags displayed in the City Council Chambers. The American Flag shall be displayed in the first position of honor. This position is on the Mayor and City Council’s right as they face the audience or to the observer’s left. The State Flag shall be displayed in the second position of honor. This position is to the observer’s right of the American Flag. The City Flag shall be displayed to the observer’s right of the State Flag.”

See the Policy under item 5 of the Feb. 11, 2020, council meeting agenda, here or view it on the Herald website.

In recent years, the Council also allowed the Transgender and Progress Pride flags to be displayed inside the Council Chambers, and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker has displayed other small flags on the dais in front of her, all in violation of the Flag Policy. She no longer does that.

Pride Month Proclamation

This year’s proclamation once again recognizes June as “Pride Month” in the City. But a new clause was added which states, “and each following June”.

The proclamation was presented to Nicole Lapointe, the Clinical Director of the Rainbow Community Center in Concord whose mission she said, “is to build community, equity and well-being among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual or agender and two-spirit people and our allies.”

But a proclamation isn’t enough for Torres-Walker. She complained that she and other residents have to go to other cities to attend a “Pride Parade”.

“I know that the city of Antioch does have a large non-gender-conforming community,” the councilwoman claimed. “I’m also wondering why I have to go to Concord or Clayton or San Francisco to attend a Pride Parade. So, people have to leave this city to be recognized, and people have to force flags on us when we should really be committed to not just a proclamation once a year, but we should be committed to valuing all of our residents, especially individuals in the LGBTQUIA plus non-gender conforming community.”

According to a speaker during public comments on the item, later identified by Torres-Walker as named Mary, the flag hanging from the dais was donated by an Antioch resident. The woman presented the flag to Bernal who, along with Torres-Walker, helped her hang it on the center of the dais in front of him.

A woman, later identified by Torres-Walker as named Mary, then presented the flag to Bernal who, along with Torres-Walker, helped her hang it on the center of the dais in front of him.

The proclamation reads as follows:

RECOGNIZING JUNE 2026 ASPRIDE MONTH IN THE CITY OF ANTIOCH

WHEREAS, June is recognized across the United States and around the world as Pride Month, honoring the contributions, history, and resilience of LGBTQ+ community;

WHEREAS, “every individual” is equal before and under the law and has right to equal protection and benefit of the law without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability;

WHEREAS, the City of Antioch recognizes that diversity, inclusion, dignity, and equal protection for all residents strengthen the social, cultural, and civic fabric of the community, and reaffirms its commitment to fostering a welcoming environment where individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities are treated with respect and afforded equal opportunity to live, work, and participate fully in community life;

WHEREAS, the long and ongoing struggle to transgender, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and other sexual minorities for basic civil and human rights continues to provide inspiration to all;

WHEREAS, the City of Antioch is committed to celebrate the history and diversity of our city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, and promotes a society in which all residents can live free from discrimination; and

WHEREAS, Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate this harmony in which we coexist.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch, hereby proclaim the month of June 2026, and each following June, as “PRIDE MONTH” in the City of Antioch and invite everyone to reflect on ways we can live and work together with a commitment to mutual respect and understanding.

MAY 26, 2026

RON BERNAL, Mayor

See Council meeting video.

Includes not filling 12 sworn police officer vacancies until FY27-28, assistant city manager position, keeping Acting CM until end of June 2027

Will conduct performance evaluations of new city attorney, manager who is currently on paid leave

By Allen D. Payton

During a Special Closed Session Meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the Antioch City Council will conduct performance evaluations of both the new City Attorney Lori Asuncion, as well as City Manager Bessie Scott, who has been on paid leave since May 6th. The session will begin at 4:00 p.m. That will be followed by another Special Meeting Study Session on the 2026-27 Budget, as well as the 5-Year Capital Improvement Program for 2026-31 at 5:00 p.m. The regular meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. when the city attorney will report out any actions taken during Closed Session.

Performance Evaluations

Asuncion was hired in February and started in her new position on March 2nd. So, the session labeled “1) Public Employee Performance Evaluation…City Attorney” will most likely be the Council’s opportunity to discuss with Asuncion the goals and objectives they want and expect her to accomplish in order to provide her with an annual evaluation next year.

During Closed Session of a special council meeting on Tuesday afternoon, May 5, the City Council, on a 4-0-1 vote, with District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker voting to abstain, placed Scott “on leave of absence effective Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Compensation will continue without disruption,” Asuncion announced.

Budget Study Session, Staff Answers Councilmembers’ Questions

During the Special Meeting Study Session on the 2026-27 Budget Development, staff will provide answers to questions from the City Council posed during their special meeting on May 13th. Plus, the Council will discuss $3,136,398 in additional cuts for a total of $10,485,141 in budget cuts.

According to the staff report, “On May 13, 2026, City Council was provided with the latest budget projections and vacancy updates. As a result of that discussion, and further meetings with the Police Department, some reductions and additional vacancy savings have been built into the Fiscal year 2026-27 draft budget.

There were several follow-up requests from that meeting as well, addressed below are those we are able to provide information for in time for this meeting.

1. Are facility roof replacements included in the FY27 draft budget? No. Estimated unfunded cost by facility are:

a. Antioch Community Center – $540,000

b. Police Department – $1,350,000

c. Maintenance Service Center – $490,000 (would be FY28)

d. City Hall – $345,000 (would be FY28)

2. When does the parks maintenance contract expire? 6130126

3. Can the APOC budget of $75,000 be reduced? There is no training requirement or budget required for APOC in the settlement agreement. Upon review of training the committee could potentially attend, this budget has been reduced to $50,000 in FY26 & FY27.

4. What is the breakdown of current and prior fiscal year “Business Expense” in the City Manager’s budget? See table below.

5. Why was “Business Expense” in non-departmental so much higher last year than current year? Bad debt write off for uncollectible receivables was $378,212 last year. As part of required accounting rules, the City has to write off to an allowance, a certain percentage of aged receivables. Current year budget is only $50,000.

6. What is the breakdown of the Youth Network Services contracts in FY27? Refer to Attachment B.

7. For the Public Safety & Community Resources (PSCR) Housing and Homelessness HomeKey+ FY26 budget, can CDBG be used for the building acquisition? This is the intent, however, the proposal process is being reviewed against HUD guidelines to make sure it meets requirements. At this point, the building acquisition would not happen by 6/30/26 and the $400,000 in the FY26 budget has been removed.

8. For the HomeKey+ project, when would the $1.2M annual commitment start? It would start after the building is purchased, operationalized and residents are being served. As the CDBG commitment is not confirmed, the $1.2M remains in the FY27 draft, which would represent potential building purchase ($750K) and start of annual subsidy ($450K) until the City has further information.

9. For the PCSR Housing and Homelessness Homeless Services budget, what is the $360,000 split for safe parking and resource fairs, and doesn’t CDBG cover safe parking? CDBG and PLHA do provide support for safe parking, however, the funding does not fully cover the annual program operating costs and thus additional support is necessary to sustain the program. Refer to Attachment B for contract detail.

In addition, the City staff report provides a list of additional cuts proposed during the May 13th meeting. They include not filling 12 sworn police officer vacancies previously added to the budget.

Proposed Additional Cuts Include Not Filling 12 Sworn Police Officer Vacancies Until FY 2028

According to the staff report for the item, “Of note, on April 21st, Council consensus was to increase Police Sworn staffing to 117 from 105 in FY27, an addition of 12 Police Officer positions. $631,464 was included in the FY27 draft budget as presented on May 13th, representing the cost of 12 Police Trainees attending the academy for the latter 6 months of the fiscal year. Based on current Police recruitment status and Police Trainees in the pipeline for the academy, the Police Chief has stated that there is no feasible way to get an additional 12 Police Trainees in any academy during FY27 and the soonest they would be able to have academy slots is early in FY28. Thus, the $631,464 has been removed from the FY27 budget. FY28 projections include the cost of the 12 additional trainees for 6 months, recognizing the savings between the cost of 12 full-time Officers during that 6-month period.”

Also Includes No Assistant City Manager, Human Resources Manager, Permanent City Manager Until FY 2028

According to the proposed additional cuts list, the Assistant City Manager position would remain vacant, as would the position of Human Resources Manager, since Ana Cortez was temporarily promoted from that role to Acting City Manager. Finally, the proposal would leave her in the new position until at least the end of June 2027.

The staff report reads, “In addition, the Acting City Manager evaluated the Human Resources Manager vacancy and proposes (as mentioned during the budget session on the 13th) to underfill the Manager position with a promotional Human Resources Analyst and then freeze the Human Resource Specialist spot vacated as a result of the promotion during FY27. FY28 projections include re-establishment of the Manager position.”

City Will Still Face Deficits This Year and Next

With the proposed cuts of $10.5 million, according to the Proposed General Fund Budget Summary for the 2026-27 Fiscal Year, the City will still face a $6,643,141 deficit and $15,793,099 for FY 2027-28. With $5 million annual transfers from the Budget Stabilization Fund, that leaves a $1.64 million deficit for 2026-27 and $10.8 million for FY27-28. Those amounts can be reduced by another $500,000 each year if Litigation Reserve funds are applied. The proposed budgets assume projected Community and Economic Development fee revenue increases of $1.796M in both FY27 and FY28.

The staff report concludes, “Department meetings will continue over the next couple of weeks to further drill down into the budget for any additional reductions that can be made, and a final presentation of the draft budget will be made on June 9th to provide Council one last review of the draft budget for final direction before the budget is presented for adoption on June 23, 2026.”

See the Budget Study Session staff report.

See the complete meeting agenda packet.

Meeting Details

The beginning of the Closed Session as well as the Budget Study Session and regular meetings will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall at 200 H Street in historic, downtown Rivertown and are broadcast live on Comcast Channel 24, AT&T U-verse Channel 99, and livestreamed online on the City’s website.

Hold labor negotiations with employee groups; appoint Parks & Rec Commissioners

By Jaden Baird, PIO, City of Antioch

During their meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the Antioch City Council will consider the following items:

4:00 PM – Closed Session

Conference with Labor Negotiators – Employee organizations: Management Unit, Treatment Plant Employees’ Association, Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3, Confidential Unit, Antioch Police Officers Association and Antioch Police Sworn Management Association.

5:00 PM – Special Meeting / Budget Study Session

• User Fee Study
• Fiscal Year 2026–27 Budget Development discussion and Council direction

This item was postponed from last Tuesday’s special meeting. (See related article)

7:00 PM – Regular City Council Meeting

Proclamations:

• National Police Week
• National Public Works Week
• Mental Health Awareness Month

Presentations:

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Community & Workforce Partnership

• BART Alternative Service Plan Update

Key Council Agenda Items:

• Parks and Recreation Commission appointments
• Citywide landscape maintenance services agreement

Throughout the City’s rights-of-way and medians, to Elite Maintenance & Tree Service for the period July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, in the amount of $4,176,983, with an option to extend an additional two fiscal years in the amount of $2,849,660, for a total contract amount not to exceed $7,026,643 over the five (5) year period.

• Procedures for responding to technological disruptions during meetings (SB 707)
• Report on new State housing laws (AB 130 & SB 131)

Additional Items of Interest:

• Code enforcement staffing updates
• Laurel Ranch Townhomes easement agreements

Meeting Details

Meetings are held in the Council Chambers at City Hall at 200 H Street in historic, downtown Rivertown and are broadcast live on Comcast Channel 24, AT&T U-verse Channel 99, and streamed online on the City’s website.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

City Council appoints HR Director as Acting City Manager

Several members of the public spoke in support of Bessie Scott

By Allen D. Payton

Following a three-hour long Closed Session meeting of the Antioch City Council on May 5, 2026, it was announced that City Manager Bessie M. Scott was on a paid leave of absence and the council appointed another staff member as Acting City Manager.

The closed-door meeting lasted about three hours during which they discussed Scott’s performance evaluation and a potential lawsuit against the City by an unnamed employee. (See related article)

Scott did not attend the open session prior to the council adjourning into closed session, nor did she attend that meeting.

During the open session, which began at 4:00 p.m., a variety of residents spoke, many on the assumption Scott was going to be fired.

Public Comments

Rivertown store owner and Downtown Antioch Association leader Debbie Blaisure said about Scott, “She gave the faith in the downtown businesses to do the job. I am hoping and praying she continues with this city. I wish all the businesses were here to talk on her behalf.”

Dr. Jamilia Land spoke next saying, “Some of what I’ve been hearing should disturb everyone in this room. It was under your watch that much of what happened in the APD occurred. To turn around and gaslight this woman, I’ve heard nothing but positive from people in the community.”

Antioch Police Oversight Commission (APOC) Vice Chairperson Devin Williams said, “This decision isn’t just about a person it’s about a pattern. It makes it difficult to move forward. Instead of working with her they want to get rid of her. We lose consistency. We lost time. We lose money. We lose the same money we say we don’t have. This sends a message. She hasn’t been here long enough to actually make a difference. This seems like the City of Antioch continues to self-sabotage. This stuff is exhausting.”

APOC Chairperson Porshe Taylor spoke next saying, “I’m not proud of the city. This person is being disclosed in Closed Session, yet without the public. This room is empty. This is disappointing.”

In her comments, Assistant City Clerk Christina Garcia announced her retirement concluding with, “When people stop listening it’s time to go.”

“I’ve been here for 23 1/2 years,” she said. “Why does the city manager evaluation have to be up here 10 times within a year? I don’t understand why this is happening, Ron. I thank you, City Manager Scott, for helping with the City Clerk’s Office. Let’s work together. Let’s move forward. It is time for me to retire. You didn’t push me out. It’s time to move on.”

Homeless advocate and resident Andrew Becker said, “I did rush down here with the short notice. He asked what is involved in a city employee performance review.” The special meeting agenda was issued Monday afternoon.

This reporter spoke during public comments and asked why the meeting was being held in the afternoon and suggested the council postpone it until next Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. to give the public time to provide input to the council, first.

Businessman and event promoter Ron Muhammad spoke last saying, “I’m a shareholder in this corporation called Antioch in the Bluerock district. The measuring stick on our elected officials should be deliverables. Closed Session should be based on input from your constituents. Check in with your constituents and represent them.”

City Attorney’s Announcements from Closed Session Actions

Following closed session, City Attorney Lori Asuncion reported out, “that Council voted 4-0 with Councilwoman (Tamisha) Torres-Walker abstaining, City Manager is on leave of absence effective Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Compensation will continue without disruption. Ana Cortez is appointed Acting City Manager in the city manager’s absence effective immediately.”

She further said about agenda item 2., regarding a potential lawsuit against the City by an unnamed employee believed to possibly be Scott, “there’s nothing to report out under that agenda item.”

Asuncion later clarified, “There were 3 items on Closed Session that day and I reported out on Agenda items 1 and 3 together. Although I read each item description separately, the vote count was for both items (4-0, with councilmember Torres-Walker Abstaining).”

According to a press release by City PIO Jaden Baird, Scott’s benefits will also “continue without disruption during this period.

“The City Council appointed Human Resources and Risk Management Director Ana Cortez to serve as Acting City Manager effective immediately during the City Manager’s absence.

“City operations and services will continue without disruption.

“As this matter pertains to a confidential personnel issue, the City is not at liberty to provide additional information at this time.”

Scott was hired in 2024 on a two-year contract and started in the position in early October of that year.

Following the city attorney’s announcement, due to the extended length of the closed session, District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha suggested postponing the scheduled special Budget Study Session meeting which was to begin at 5:30 p.m., until next Tuesday night. The council agreed with a 5-0 vote and the meeting was adjourned.

Deal with possible lawsuit by city employee during special meeting before another budget study session

Staff does not provide baseline budget to council as requested but shows annual deficits for this, next two years

By Allen D. Payton

CORRECTION: This reporter and members of the community misinterpreted the intent of the agenda items for today’s City Council Closed Session meeting. Because nothing was agendized to discipline or release a city employee, it was not possible for the Council to discuss terminating City Manager Scott.

During a special afternoon Closed Session meeting today, Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the Antioch City Council will discuss City Manager Bessie Scott’s performance evaluation, then deal with a potential lawsuit from an unnamed city employee and appoint an interim city manager. That means Scott could be placed on paid leave. That meeting begins at 4:00 p.m. It will be followed by another budget session at 5:30 p.m.

Scott started in October 2024 and just completed 19 months in her position out of her two-year contract. As previously reported, she was hired on a split, 3-2 City Council vote in August 2024. 

The fact that City staff did not provide “a baseline budget that represents only the required minimum municipal services that the City has to provide” for the 2026-27 Fiscal Year, as requested by the mayor, according to the staff report for the Budget Study Session, that may be one of the reasons for the Council’s actions.

The Closed Session agenda reads as follows:

1) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: CITY MANAGER.

This closed session is authorized pursuant to California Government Code section 54957(b)(1).

2) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION. The city is in receipt of facts and circumstances that might result in litigation against the City which are known to a potential plaintiff and that pertain to potential employment-related claims by the potential plaintiff against the City. This closed session is authorized pursuant to California Government Code sections 54956.9(d)(2) and 54956.9(e)(2). Number of cases: One.

3) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT: ACTING CITY MANAGER. This closed session is authorized pursuant to California Government Code section 54957.

The legal matter may be a possible lawsuit by Scott if she is being terminated for cause and the council doesn’t plan to pay her six months of severance included in her contract. But that is mere speculation as the agenda provides no other information to the public.

Mayor Ron Bernal and the four council members were asked why they’re holding a meeting to fire the city manager and hire an acting city manager at 4:00 p.m. when most people can’t attend. They were also asked why now when she only has six more months on her contract.

Only Freitas responded with, “They Mayor is responsible for setting the agenda. And, due to confidentiality I am legally prevented from discussing this matter with you.”

Additional efforts to reach Bernal and efforts to reach Scott were unsuccessful prior to publication time.

See Meeting agenda.

Budget Study Session – Includes Deficits for This, Following Two years

For the special Budget Study Session beginning at 5:30 p.m., City staff did not provided the Council with the requested baseline budget. The staff report for the one agenda item reads, “At the Special Meeting of April 21, 2026, the Mayor requested that staff provide a baseline budget that represents only the required minimum municipal services that the City has to provide; to then afford the City Council to layer upon that budget to address priorities. As stated by the City Manager and Finance Director, with only 9 weeks to go until the City is required to adopt a budget, this is an impossible exercise to complete in such a short time frame to ensure we have time to research legal mandates as well as do a thorough review of departmental expenditures for what ‘qualify’ as the bare minimum and what is considered to be beyond the minimum. Should Council want to pursue this budget process, it is recommended to start this in August for building the Fiscal Year 2027-28 budget and potential mid-year adjustment for Fiscal Year 2026-27.”

Furthermore, the staff report reads, “With the budget as presented this evening, Council will need to determine what the acceptable level of deficit they are willing to proceed with and potentially direct specific cuts to incorporate if the Council is not willing to adopt this budget.”

Included in the proposed budget are the adjustments the Council proposed at their meeting on April 28th which amount to almost $2.4 million in cuts, plus, the $5 million transfer from the Budget Stabilization Fund.

Even with those cuts and an annual transfer of $5 million from the Budget Stabilization Fund, the General Fund Budget Summary shows an ending deficit for this year of $4.7 million, proposed for the 2026-27 Fiscal Year of $6.5 million and projected for the 2027-27 Fiscal Year of $13.4 million.

See Budget Study Session agenda.

Meeting Details

The Closed Session will begin and the Budget Study Session will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall located at 200 H Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. They can also be viewed via livestream on the City’s website, on Comcast Cable Channel 24 or AT&T U-verse Channel 99 and a recording posted later on the City’s YouTube Channel. The public can speak before the Closed Session to give input prior to the council adjourning to the closed door meeting.