ANTIOCH, CA — The City of Antioch, in partnership with Rising Juntos, invites the community to celebrate the grand reopening of Contra Loma Estates Park on Saturday, November 15. The free, family-friendly event will take place from 12:00–2:00 PM at the corner of Mahogany Way and Manzanita Way, and will feature music, games, raffles, food, guided park tours, speeches and a ribbon cutting ceremony.
According to Parks and Recreation Department staff, “After years of community advocacy, Contra Loma Estates Park is finally re-designed by and for the community. Bring the whole family to celebrate!”
Después de años de esfuerzo de la comunidad, el Parque Contra Loma Estates finalmente se rediseñó por y para la comunidad. ¡Lleve a toda la familia a celebrar!
Located in the heart of North Antioch’s Sycamore neighborhood, Contra Loma Estates Park has long been a central focus for residents seeking safe, vibrant public space. The revitalization effort began in 2013, when Rising Juntos led a community needs assessment that identified the park as a top priority for improvement. In response, the Antioch City Council funded a community-designed playground in 2015 and new basketball courts in 2018.
Building on that foundation, the City of Antioch and Rising Juntos partnered to secure Proposition 68 funding to complete the community’s long-term vision for the park. Now, after more than a decade of advocacy, planning, and partnership, Contra Loma Estates Park is fully renovated and ready to serve as a hub for families, youth, and neighbors of all ages.
“This reopening represents the best of Antioch: community leadership, meaningful partnership, and shared investment in public space,” said City Manager Bessie Marie Scott. “Contra Loma Estates Park reflects a decade of commitment from residents, Rising Juntos, and our City team. We are proud to stand with the Sycamore community in celebrating a space that belongs to everyone.”
Rising Juntos Executive Director Rhea Elina Laughlin added, “This project is an example of what we can achieve when residents and city staff work together toward the community’s vision. We are thrilled to inaugurate this new park, designed by and for the neighborhood.”
Rocheall, a longtime Antioch resident and Rising Juntos member, shared, “I am so excited about the park re-opening. My son can’t wait to use the basketball courts and the renovated walking path. I am so happy that our neighborhood park has restrooms for families. This is a huge win for our community. Our children and future generations will now have a beautiful and safe park.”
For more information: 510-368-4544.
About Rising Juntos
The Mission of Rising Juntos is to build power for racial, economic and health justice for children and families in Contra Costa County. Led by a volunteer membership made up of resident leaders across Contra Costa County, their multicultural, intergenerational membership brings lived experience with systemic injustice and deep understanding of community needs. Rising Juntos members are the experts and driving force of their work. They have four Focus Areas: Housing and Economic Security, Healthy Parks and Communities, Equitable Representation, and Access Racial and Immigrant Justice.
Members of the Antioch Historical Society, city council and community, organizers and contributors attended the Unity Bell Tower dedication led by Antioch Councilman Don Freitas at the Antioch Historical Museum on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. Photos by Allen D. Payton
Fundraising effort “exceeded the $100,000 goal”;also celebrated Society’s 50th Anniversary and 25th Anniversary of Museum
By Allen D. Payton
The Antioch Historical Society dedicated the refurbished 1871 First Congregational Church bell housed in the newly constructed Unity Bell Tower on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. Joined by the mayor, council members and residents, Society members also celebrating the organization’s 50th anniversary and the 25-year anniversary of the Museum residing at the historic 1910 Riverview Union High School Building.
Through the “Ring it loud, Antioch! Ring it proud!” marketing campaign and successful fundraising initiatives, the museum raised more than $100,000, including over $85,000 in cash donations and the rest as in-kind contributions, to refurbish what is said to be one of the oldest artifacts from the settling of Antioch by early Americans.
Representatives of Major Donors Kaiser Antioch, Donna McGee (left photo) and Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch (right photo), Kay Powers (left) and President Archie Smith (rear) are joined by Councilman and ceremony MC Don Freitas, and lead fundraiser Tom Menasco during the Unity Bell Tower dedication on Nov. 1, 2025.
The First Congregational Church traces its roots to June 12, 1865, and the bell brought early members of the church together as it rung loudly across the city.
The day included speeches by community leaders, the ringing of the bell by Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal, a free lunch and anniversary cake, free tours of the museum and the Sports Legends Hall of Fame, free souvenir bells, and music by the Deer Valley Jazz Band and DJ Jim Lanter.
Antioch District 3 City Councilman Don Freitas, a member of the event organizing team and former Historical Society President, served as the master of ceremonies. The Colors were presented and posted by the Delta Veterans Group, the National Anthem was performed by Jim “Mac” Martin, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by J.R. Wilson of the Delta Veterans Group and VFW Post, and the invocation was offered by retired pastor, Rev. Gene Davis.
Speeches
Bernal was the first to speak, saying, “I enjoy events like, this bringing our community together and remembering our history. It rang for church services, but also when babies were born, when people died and in emergencies. It served us for the whole community.”
He then spoke of “celebrating a symbol of what Antioch was in the 1870’s and what it can be today. We are all Antioch.”
Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal, Historical Society President Shari Gayle and Site Director Donna McGee of major donor Kaiser Antiochspoke during the dedication ceremony and Antioch Poet Laureate Jose Cordon read a poem he wrote for the occasion.
Bernal then congratulated the Historical Society on their 50th Anniversary and the 25th Anniversary of the Museum.
“The point that this is a Unity Bell is important as we need unity in our community, nation and world, today,” he added.
“The past is actually closer than we think,” said Antioch Historical Society President, Shari Gayle, in the briefest of the speeches. “We celebrate our history, past, present and future. Thank you to all.”
“On behalf of the core team, thank God today finally came,” Freitas said.
Project Leader and former Historical Society President, Dwayne Eubanks shared his thanks and thoughts saying, “Some say the Society’s best days are behind it. That our stories are fading. That we can’t sustain this place. But standing here with you today, I see something else entirely – I see a future. Your presence, your generosity and your belief in this day prove that our legacy still matters.”
“Behind me stands the 1871 Meneely Foundry bell – a symbol of that legacy,” he continued. “When it first rang, Antioch has just 600 residents. Among those who heard its chime were Adelia Kimball, at 12 years old, our first teacher, Rev. William Wiggins Smith, Chairman of the City Council (and one of the community’s founders, first Mayor Roswell Butler Hard, and Thomas Gaines, the city’s first Black residents. They all heard the bell.”
He then thanked those involved in making the Unity Bell Tower possible, including the coordinators and those who contributed.
“You are the heartbeat of this Society. History lives here. So does hope. Viva Antioch. Viva Historical Society,” Eubanks concluded.
To recognize more major donors Councilman & event MC Don Freitas and fundraising leader Tom Menasco join Mayor Ron Bernal for the City of Antioch’s contribution (left) and Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring’s Bernadette Brooks (right) during the Bell Tower Dedication on Nov. 1, 2025.
Supervisors Diane Burgis and Shanelle Scales-Preston spoke about the bell and Historical Society, as did Donna McGee, Site Director of Kaiser Permanente Hospital, a Diamond Sponsor of the project, and Jose Cordon, Antioch’s Poet Laureate who read a poem he wrote.
Tom Menasco, the project’s Marketing and Key Fundraising Advisor said, “We generated $97,300 plus in-kind contributions. We exceeded the $100,000 goal.”
He recognized the four major sponsors of $5-10,000, the City of Antioch, Kaiser Permanente Antioch, Wayne Swisher Cement Contractors, Wayne, Brian and Bret Swisher, Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring’s Bernadette Brooks, East Bay Community Foundation’s Sharon Beswick, and the Kiwanis Club of the Delta’s President Archie Smith and member, Kay Powers, who later presented a large, ceremonial check to the Historical Society.
Representatives of the First Congregational Church were introduced and given the opportunity to share a few words. Paul Fish, the last treasurer of the church, said, “It’s my honor to stand before you. The church was disbanded in 2021. We existed for 126 years in the city of Antioch. I can’t think of a more fitting name for this bell than the Unity Bell for the city of Antioch.”
Lisa Wilkening Kanazawa was last to speak saying, “My Great Great Grandmother Helene donated 50 silver dollars (which were melted into the metal used to make the bell). Fred and Helene Wilkening were founders of the church. I’m here on behalf of my father and my grandfather Stanley who would be proud of the Unity Bell focus.”
Contra Costa County Supervisors who represent Antioch, Diane Burgis of District 3 (left), joined by Project Leader and former Historical Society President Dwayne Eubanks and current President Shari Gayle, and Shanelle Scales-Preston of District 5, offered their remarks congratulating the Historical Society during the ceremony, as did representatives of the First Congregational Church, Lisa Wilkening Kanazawa and Paul Fish, during the Unity Bell Tower dedication.
Organizers of the Unity Bell Tower effort then gathered near the bell as Mayor Bernal rang it for all to hear, concluding the ceremony. (See video)
The project has been generously supported by major sponsors including: the City of Antioch, Kaiser Permanente Hospital, Kiwanis Club of the Delta, Wayne E Swisher Cement Contractor, Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring, Inc., and the East Bay Community Foundation.
The museum received scores of individual donations from the community, local businesses, and non-profit organizations including: Delta Veterans Group and the Antioch Veterans Banner Program, St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Fontana Family Foundation, Antioch Rotary Club, and the Antioch High School Class of 1966.
Special thanks go to Evans & Son Masonry, Best West Roofing, Eddie’s Coats, Black Diamond Electric and Guepardo Landscaping.
The Deer Valley High Jazz Band performed during the reception following the Unity Bell Tower dedication and attendees enjoyed lunch and cake on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.
Renderings of two styles of the approved Wildflower Station Townhomes 2 project. Source: DeNova Homes
“We don’t want criminals building up in here.” – Former Antioch Police Oversight Commissioner Leslie May
“Staff has determined that the project complies with the General Plan. Therefore, we can’t deny the project.” – Mayor Pro Tem Rocha
“They know we can’t stop this development from happening. This project needs to move forward.” – Councilwoman Torres-Walker said before voting to abstain.
“If we don’t approve this, we will end up in litigation. I don’t see this as a battle I want to fight.” – Mayor Bernal
By Allen D. Payton
During a special meeting on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the Antioch City Council split 3-1-1 to approve DeNova Homes’ 159-unit Wildflower Townhomes 2 project. District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson flip flopped from last week and voted “yes”, Freitas again voted “no”, and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker voted to abstain after being absent last week, which resulted in a 2-2 tie vote, and even though she admitted the project needed to “move forward”.
The motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem and District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha and seconded by Mayor Ron Bernal, after both implored their fellow councilmembers to recognize the City would face an unwinnable lawsuit by the developer and cost the General Fund, which is facing a deficit next year.
The project was approved for the four-parcel, 10.35 acre vacant property near the intersection of Hillcrest Avenue and Deer Valley Road and bordered by Wildflower Drive to the east and the road next to the KFC restaurant in the Hillcrest Crossroads shopping center which also serves the existing condo development.
During the meeting, the Council also received a Quarterly Report by Con Fire Chief Lewis Broschard, were introduced to new City staff, including new sworn police officers and new police department leaders, announced board and commission openings for resident to apply to serve on and unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing November as Homeless Awareness Month.
Proposed Wildflower Station Townhomes 2 Project Site Map. Source: DeNova Homes
Wildflower Station Townhomes 2
Following a very brief report by City staff on the Wildflower Station Townhomes 2 project by Antioch Planning Manager Zoe Merideth, she asked for any council comments. But Bernal first opened up for public comments. The project is one of several new housing developments in Antioch by DeNova Homes, whose father and son leaders were indicted in April for bribery of a city councilman last year. (See related article).
As a result, some residents don’t think they should have any of their projects approved.
Public Comments
“It made my blood boil,” said resident and former Police Oversight Commissioner Leslie May. “I understand the council’s hands are tied. In the meantime, we have criminal activity by the developer. I don’t appreciate them bullying Antioch.”
“Watchu gonna do if Antioch doesn’t go for it?” she asked while looking for the developer’s representatives in the audience. But they were not in attendance.
“We don’t want criminals building up in here,” she continued. “We don’t know how many cups of money will be passed. I’m going to put them on blast, and you better come up here and be really humble.”
She threatened a class action lawsuit by residents, “To stop them from building here. Not even an outhouse,” May stated.
Resident Melissa Case said, “It’s sad that they aren’t here,” then asked about the Rancho Meadows project by DeNova Homes which is proposed to include six low-income homes in the northeast part of city, and is “now on hold.”
She then complained about the off-camera meetings the developer’s representatives had with city staff members in the hallway during breaks in last week’s meetings.
“Who really benefits from these cozy relationships?” she asked.
“My heart says to vote, ‘no’ on this. But my head recognizes the state requirements,” Case added.
Low-income housing advocate Andrew Becker was the last member of the public to speak and took Wilson to task for her inconsistency on the project.
“I guess frustration is really just the tip of the iceberg. When the City goes through a Housing Update process and you have less than 50 people show up, it says something,” he stated. “I was so disheartened to see…Councilmember Wilson to say she couldn’t support a project on a site that she helped rezone.”
“When you were part of the process for rezoning those properties…I was a part of those meetings,” Becker continued. “I said to you there’s a disparity in where those properties are located…and what the community really wants. And nobody had the time to respond to my phone calls.”
“The development should have been approved the first meeting because it’s an SB330, because the developer did exactly what you wanted him to do,” he added.
Wildflower Station Townhomes 2 Site Map. Source: City of Antioch
Council Discusses, Approves Project on Split 3-1-1 Vote
Torres-Walker was the first council member to discuss the project asking simply, “Do we have to?”
City Attorney Cole responded, “Yes.”
“I will just stay consistent with what I said last week,” said Rocha. He then read from the state’s Housing Accountability Act and said, “Staff has determined that the project complies with the General Plan. Therefore, we can’t deny the project.”
Torres-Walker then said, “I wasn’t here last week but watched. They know we can’t stop this development from happening.”
“Instead of getting a mixed-use development…we got something totally different,” she continued. “I think moving forward…that we can address some of these zoning issues so we can have housing…that supports economic development.”
“I will not be voting for or against this project because I’m not against development. I have other reasons I will be voting to abstain, tonight,” Torres-Walker stated but didn’t offer any.
“We needed to increase economic development,” Freitas said speaking about public meetings regarding the property held when he was mayor from 2000-08.
“There should not be a development in this particular area. This area was specifically…chosen to help Antioch with economic development,” he continued. But he was mistakenly speaking about DeNova’s Slatten Ranch Townhomes project which was approved last week on a 3-1 vote with Freitas voting against.
However, after the meeting he said, “I misspoke. But my comments are the same. Wildflower was supposed to be a mixed housing and business development project which was zoned accordingly.”
“I am so offended by SB330, and I am so offended by DeNova housing,” the councilman continued. “We raised legitimate issues. But because they have the law behind them…they can completely ignore us.”
“I’m voting ‘no’ on this,” Freitas stated, although recognizing the possibility of a lawsuit by the developer. “We need to have some kind of protest. The law is broken. The law is not helping our local economy.”
“This property is going to be ripped away from us for economic development,” he stated. “I haven’t changed my opinion. I will be voting ‘no’.”
“The original project that was presented to us had a mix of residential toward the back and some commercial…and it was close to a BART Station,” said Wilson. “To have that changed, is what frustrates me. I understand state law. It’s unfortunate that we have to deal with this project.”
Bernal then said, “The developer is the wrong place to focus our anger. We must comply…we got a letter from the Department of Housing and Community Development. If we don’t approve this, we will end up in litigation. I don’t see this as a battle I want to fight.”
“The end result is it pushes housing so we can provide the workforce that goes into San Francisco,” he stated.
“This is something that we’re going to have to address. Because we have other properties being rezoned residential,” Bernal added.
“Just to be fiscally responsible, we’re opening up ourselves to litigation that we will have to pay from the General Fund and we’re facing a deficit next year,” Rocha stated. “We’re opening ourselves up to litigation that we have no chance of being successful. I just don’t understand why we are going there if we do. I think it’s a bad decision for us. We are a General Law City and we are required to comply with the California Constitution and the laws.”
Torres-Walker then said, “I think it’s been clear what the liability will be, and this project needs to move forward.” But then she voted to abstain, neither voting for or against the project.
The motion passed on a 3-1-1 vote with Wilson switching her vote from last week when she voted “no”, Freitas again voting no and Torres-Walker abstaining. (See related articles here, here, here and here to learn more about both townhome projects and state housing law requiring cities to approve new development).
Closed Session
Before their regular meeting at 7:00 p.m., the Council held a special Closed Session meeting to discuss one lawsuit, a potential lawsuit and a potential real estate transaction.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION: 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). The lawsuit is against the City, six cops and former police chiefs, brought by murder suspect Trent Allen and others.
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS: Approximately 1,275 square feet of property adjacent to 113 G Street (APN 066-051-012), Antioch, CA; Negotiating Parties: City of Antioch Negotiators: Bessie Marie Scott, City Manager and Derek Cole, Interim City Attorney; Negotiating Parties: Sean McCauley, Owner of Adjacent Property; Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment. The property is the parking lot on the east side of the end of the G Street cul-de-sac and McCauley plans to use a portion for a dining deck as part of a new, planned restaurant at the corner of G and W. 2nd Streets.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION – Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2): One potential case.
At the beginning of the Regular Meeting, Interim City Attorney Cole said, “No reportable action was taken” on any of the three items.
Board and Commission Openings
Mayor Ron Bernal announced the following openings:
City of Antioch Board of Administrative Appeals – Two (2) Full Term Vacancies, expiring March 2028 and one (1) Alternate Vacancy, expiring December 2025.
Parks and Recreation Commission – One (1) Partial Term Vacancy, expiring March 2028 § One (1) Alternate Vacancy, expiring April 2026.
Contra Costa County Library Commission – One (1) Full Term Vacancy, expiring June 2029
To be considered for the vacancy position(s) listed above, please fill out an application available online on the website at: https://bit.ly/COA-BC23. Printed applications are also available at Antioch City Hall, 200 H Street. Please email the completed application to: cityclerk@antiochca.gov, by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. You can also drop off the application (Attn: City Clerk), in the water billing drop-off box just outside of Antioch City Hall.
For more information about each board or commission click, here.
New Police Officers, Leaders Introduced
During the new City employee introductions, Chief Joe Vigil introduced two new Antioch Police Officers, Bryan Diaz and Adrian Riera-Pelayo who just graduated from the academy, and a new Captain.
“I just wanted to say thank you for this opportunity and to be part of the progression the City is making” Diaz said. “I will not let you down.” Adrian
Vigil also introduced new Captain Shane Bower who said, “I want to thank you for this opportunity to provide exceptional service to this community.”
“Your family is proud of you…and I’m excited about working with you in the city,” said District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker.
New Lt. Franco Cesar was also introduced and said, “Thank you City Manager, City Council and to the Chief. I’m ready to work. I’ve been a worker all my life. I’m ready to help out the department. Thank you to the Chief for the opportunity.”
All four will be sworn in during a ceremony on Monday, Nov. 24, Chief Vigil shared later.
Joyce Turner (left) sitting courtside before the Warriors’ game on October 17, 2025, and with her daughter, Julie and 11-year-old grandson, Marcos in front of the Steph Curry poster at Chase Center. Photos: An Elderly Wish Foundation
With daughter and grandson
By Mary Chapman & Nora vonUbin, An Elderly Wish Foundation
When Joyce Turner from Antioch was told she had terminal cancer, she contacted An Elderly Wish Foundation. She wrote that her wish was to go with her daughter and grandson, to meet Steph Curry in San Francisco at the Oracle Arena. Joyce claims to be his #1 Fan because her every room in her house proves it. Joyce said, “seeing him in person would be an absolute dream come true!”
Joyce Turner with her Steph Curry memorabilia at her home in Antioch.
On Friday, October 17,2025, An Elderly Wish Foundation “made her dream come true!” Joyce, her daughter, Julie and grandson, Marcos (age 11) were ushered into Oracle Arena, at a specific spot on the court to watch #30 practice. Joyce was thrilled the evening included having Steph sign her own 2015 Championship Jersey! Another thrill was to have her grandson stand with the entire Warriors Team for the anthem.
Joyce Turner with AEWF’s Janice vonUbin (left) and Mary Chapman (rear) and Turner’s, caregiver and her son.
Our non-profit foundation loved granting this special wish for Joyce with assistance from Velma Wilson.
AEWF grants wishes to seniors, 50 years or older, who have been diagnosed with a serious or chronic illness and live in Contra Costa County. For more information visit www.elderlywish.org.
Join the Antioch Police Department, Downtown Antioch Association and the Rotary Club of the Delta-Antioch this Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, for a Community Clean-Up in Antioch’s Rivertown Business District.
Let’s come together to beautify our city and make a positive impact. It’s a great opportunity to give back and connect with local business owners.
Meet at 10:00 AM at Prime Vintage Realty, 340 W. 2nd Street in historic downtown.
Veteran’s Appreciation Night next Monday, November 10, 2025, from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Enjoy great food and drinks with Smash Burgers from Chef Jeff. Help us give back to our local heroes. 10% of all proceeds will be donated to the Delta Veterans Group.
“Involves a significant portion of the varsity football team…forfeiture…only the first step” of “disciplinary process” – Principal John Jimno
By Allen D. Payton
According to a letter issued by Antioch High School Principal John Jimno yesterday, Thursday Oct. 30, 2025, the varsity football team will forfeit last night’s game against Liberty High School. In the letter posted on the school’s Facebook page reads:
October 30, 2025
Dear Antioch High School Community,
In response to violations of the District’s Code of Conduct, the Antioch High School varsity football team will forfeit their scheduled game tonight against Liberty High School.
While I am legally prohibited from sharing specific details about the incident, I can confirm that the matter involves a significant portion of the varsity football team.
I understand this decision will be disappointing, particularly for our student-athletes and their families. However, after careful consideration, the leadership teams of both Antioch High School and the Antioch Unified School District unanimously determined that this action was necessary. It reflects our commitment to accountability, personal responsibility, and the values we expect of all students to uphold.
At Antioch High School, our commitment is to educate students not only to be strong scholars but also responsible and compassionate individuals. A key component of that growth is understanding that actions have consequences, and that true personal development comes from taking responsibility for one’s behavior.
While I cannot provide additional details about the disciplinary process, I want to be clear: the forfeiture of tonight’s game represents only the first step in ensuring that our Code of Conduct is upheld.
Athletics are a valuable and enriching part of the high school experience, but participation is a privilege that must be earned through academic effort and personal integrity. When these standards are not met, the privilege of participation cannot continue. Our student-athletes fully understand the expectations they agreed to uphold, and unfortunately, in this instance, those expectations were not met.
We remain committed to supporting our students as they learn and grow from this experience. Thank you for your understanding and support as we uphold our standards of excellence, integrity, and leadership that define Antioch High School.
Sincerely,
John Jimno
Principal
925-779-7550 Ext. 40040
johnjimno@antiochschools.net
Asked why the letter was not released to the public and media on Thursday, Jimno did not respond.
According to MaxPreps, the team’s record is 7-2 so far, this year, placing them third in the Bay Valley Athletic League. The Panthers have won all six home games and have a record of 1-2 for their away games.
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
