Also, $580K more on Violence Intervention & Prevention program, hiring media consultant for APD

Second phase of The Ranch and multi-family development projects

Will also receive presentations on City investment portfolio, Antioch Library

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, the Antioch City Council will consider spending almost $2.2 million on road improvements throughout the City, up to $1 million over the next five years for “On-Call Landscape Architectural and Irrigation Design Services”, more than $1 million on software and “managed cloud Services” over five years, $580,000 more on “Violence Intervention and Prevention” and spending $96,000 on a media consultant for the police department.

In compliance with state law, the council will receive the annual report on City staff Vacancy Rates, and Recruitment and Retention Efforts. According to the report, in 2024, 93 positions were filled while 54 positions were vacated.

The Ranch Phase II

The council will also consider approving the Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map, Use Permit and Design Review for Phase II of the 1,177-home The Ranch housing development in the Sand Creek Area. According to the City staff report, it includes “213 Low-Density-Conventional (LD-3) residential lots, 13.0 acres of parkland, 11.5 acres of open space, 2.3 acres of landscaping, and 12.4 acres of an internal roadway network.”

The council previously approved the Tentative Map for Phase I of the project which includes 440 homes in June 2023 and approved the Development Agreement for the entire project in July 2020.

Multi-Family Housing Project

Finally, the council will also consider approving a Tentative Subdivision Map, Design Review, Variance, and Tree Removal Permit for an 82-unit multi-family housing project on 2.98 acres on Jessica Court. According to the staff report, the permit is for removal of “an existing 20-inch diameter at breast height (DBH) Coast Live Oak.” The project site is located east of the Oakley Road and Phillips Lane intersection, north of Oakley Road and south of Filbert Street.

At the beginning of the meeting, the council will receive presentations on the City’s investment portfolio and the Antioch Library.

Closed Session

The regular meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. following a Closed Session beginning at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the ongoing lawsuit entitled, “California Resources Pipeline Corporation v. City of Antioch,” over the denial of the franchise agreement to continue operating the natural gas pipeline beneath the city. The Council will also discuss real property negotiations on the City-owned Lone Tree Golf Course with Antioch Public Golf, Inc., which operates the course.

Asked if the negotiations are for selling the golf course District 3 Councilman Don Freitas responded, “No. The City of Antioch is not selling the golf course.”

Click here to read the full meeting packet.

The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers inside City Hall at 200 H Street, in historic, downtown Rivertown. It can also be viewed via livestream on the City’s website, on Comcast cable Channel 24 or AT&T U-verse Channel 99.

Williamson Ranch Park | 4pm-8pm | Cost: FREE

Featuring performances by headliner Grammy-nominated Shanice and Golden State Warriors performance band Universal Soul

Celebrate freedom, culture and community right here at home! Join us for Antioch’s fourth annual Juneteenth Celebration on Thursday, June 19th at Williamson Ranch Park from 4-8 PM, featuring a special headlining performance by Shanice! Enjoy live music, local vendors, food, and powerful moments of history and heritage. From history booths to rides and games to domino and double dutch tournaments, there will be plenty to keep the entire family entertained! Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and blankets!

Shanice Wilson is a Grammy-nominated American singer, songwriter, record producer, actress, and dancer. She had the Billboard hit singles “I Love Your Smile” and “Silent Prayer” in 1991 and “Saving Forever for You” in 1993. In 1999, Shanice scored another hit song with “When I Close My Eyes“, which peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. She is recognized for her coloratura soprano voice and her ability to sing in the whistle register.[4]

 Shanice was age nine when she appeared in a Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial with jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald.[4] In 1984, she was part of the regular cast in the first thirteen episodes of the children’s program Kids Incorporated. Shanice competed on Star Search at age eleven and later signed with A&M Records.[5]

In addition to singing, Shanice is also an actress, first appearing in “Rock Enroll”, a season five episode of Family Matters.[12] In 2001, she made a guest appearance as a singer on her husband Flex’s TV show, One on One. That same year, she starred in the TV movie One Special Moment,[13] an adaptation of Brenda Jackson‘s 1998 novel of the same name.

In 1997, Shanice became the first Black performer to star in the role of Eponine in the musical Les Misérables on Broadway.[14] In 2011, she joined Niecy Nash and Frenchie Davis for the 21st Annual “Divas Simply Singing” HIV/AIDS charity event.[15] Shanice and her husband, Flex, also starred in the reality show Flex & Shanice, which premiered on the Oprah Winfrey Network on November 1, 2014.

She is currently starring as Michelle Obama in the Broadway musical “44,” the Obama musical, and has her own lipstick line, called Smile by Shanice.   

She is currently performing all over the USA and the world and working on new music as well. 

Universal Soul

Universal Soul is one of the Golden State Warriors’ favorites (that plays during home games at Chase Center in San Francisco). The band’s name is inspired by their desire to provide music that resonates with all GSW audiences and fans everywhere.

The band consists of four dynamic musicians: Dante “Taz” Roberson, Eddie Minniefield, Michael “Tiny” Lindsay, and George Epps. Their substantial experience and versatility have allowed them to tour and share the stage with artists Eric Benet, Cameo, Gavin DeGraw, Anthony Hamilton, Joe, Kem, Alicia Keys, John Mayer, Shawn Raiford, Tank, Too Short, and Tony! Toni! Tone! and many more. The band’s musical influences and style are infused with funk, jazz, pop, rock, and classic R&B. This unique fusion creates a “Universal” sound that is both nostalgic and fresh.

The band consists of four dynamic musicians: Dante “Taz” Roberson, Eddie Minniefield, Michael “Tiny” Lindsay, and George Epps. Their substantial experience and versatility have allowed them to tour and share the stage with artists Eric Benet, Cameo, Gavin DeGraw, Anthony Hamilton, Joe, Kem, Alicia Keys, John Mayer, Shawn Raiford, Tank, Too Short, and Tony! Toni! Tone! and many more. The band’s musical influences and style are infused with funk, jazz, pop, rock, and classic R&B. This unique fusion creates a “Universal” sound that is both nostalgic and fresh.

Their high-energy performances and ability to connect with the crowd have made them a fan favorite at Chase Center. They have become an integral part of the overall game day experience for GSW fans, adding an extra level of excitement and entertainment to each home game. Universal Soul’s dedication to providing top-notch musical entertainment for GSW fans has solidified their reputation as one of the premier performance bands in the NBA. With their infectious energy and undeniable talent, Universal Soul continues to captivate audiences and enhance the overall game day experience for GSW fans.

Thank you to our sponsors: Republic Services, All Phase Brokers, Metz Entertainment Group, Ironworkers Family Health and Marathon Health.

Learn more about Antioch’s Juneteenth Celebration when you visit antiochca.gov/juneteenth.

Paid advertisement

Celebrate Dad in style! Join us for the Rivertown Father’s Day Car Show Sunday, June 15th from 10AM–2PM in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown! Classic rides, food, beer & wine, music, and your vote for People’s Choice. Bring the family and cruise into summer with Celebrate Antioch Foundation.

Register your car for $25 today at celebrateantioch.org.

To officially commemorate his hiring as the permanent, new Antioch Police Chief on Thursday, April 17, 2025, Joe Vigil will be given his oath of office Tuesday afternoon, May 27, 2025, at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center at 213 F Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.

Chief Vigil most recently oversaw the Support Services Bureau and previously served as Acting Police Chief on two occasions. He brings 25 years of experience in law enforcement, having served in the Sacramento, Richmond, and Antioch Police Departments. He holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from California State University, Long Beach. (See related article)

Local businesses to recognize local veterans’ community Monday, May 26

By J.R. Wilson, Delta Veterans Group

Thank  you Smith’s Landing Seafood Grill for your continued support of our local veterans’ community!

We’re honored to have the support of Smith’s Landing Seafood Grill in Antioch as they recognize the hard work Delta Veterans Group is doing for our Bay Area community.

On Monday May 26 from11am- 9pm, 15% of the day’s food and beverage sales will be donated to Delta Veterans Group to assist their efforts to help our local veterans during the Stand Down on the Delta later this year.

Visit their website at www.smithslandingantioch.com.

This Memorial Day, join us in remembering and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

Antioch Memorial Day Ceremony, Monday May 26 at 10:00 AM

Oak View Memorial Park, 2500 E. 18th Street, Antioch

Let us never forget those who gave their all.

“Ring it loud! Ring it proud! Be part of Antioch’s history!”

During Society’s 50th and Museum’s 25th Anniversaries

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch Historical Society is at it again with another project for the grounds of the Museum. This time they’re raising funds to restore and locate a display of the historic First Congregational Church bell, one of the oldest artifacts in the city.

The effort is being led by Past Board President Dwayne Eubanks and Tom Menasco, a co-founder of the Sports Legends wing and leader of the successful fundraising effort for the Red Caboose display.

Menasco is serving as the marketing and fundraising manager, Director Stan Davis and Ron Bass are serving as construction managers, Eubanks shared.

According to the Historical Society, the bell “was heard more than 150 years ago by early church members, including Antioch’s founders Rev. W.W. Smith and Captain George W. Kimball. It was heard by the church sexton, Thomas Gaines, the first known Black settler in Antioch.”

When reached for comment, Eubanks said, “The church bell is very significant to Antioch as it goes back to the time when the city was incorporated and was heard by people including the first Constable and Mayor, Roswell Hard, William Wiggins Smith, Thomas Gaines, and Adelia Kimball, the community’s first teacher.”

“We’re building a custom bell housing. We paid a company that specializes in designing bell towers back in 2022. But we had to put the plans on the shelf for a few years due to COVID.”

Antioch resident Joseph Zamora, a member of the First Congregation Church, donated the bell.

“It was in his backyard under a tarp. It’s 700 lbs.,” Eubanks stated.

“We’re hoping the bell will help unite old Antioch and new Antioch. To me, personally, it’s a symbol of unity,” he added.

They’ll build the tower, display the bell, “and it’s going to ring,” Eubanks exclaimed.

Asked how much the Society is raising for the project, he said, “The construction estimate was around $96,000 and we’ve raised $48,000. Part of that came out of our budget. That includes profit and labor. But we’re taking that out as we may get in-kind services and materials that will cut that balance down.”

“The City gave us a civic enhancement grant and waived the construction permit fee,” he shared.

“We’re hoping to put this bell and tower in this year as it’s the 50th Anniversary of the Historical Society and 25th Anniversary of the museum in the former Antioch High School and fire department building,” Eubanks mentioned.

“Ring it loud! Ring it proud! Be part of Antioch’s history!Leave a legacy for your children and grandchildren to see, ring, and enjoy. Let’s hear it ring again! Become a sponsor today and your name will be permanently inscribed on the exhibit,” the Society shared on their Facebook page.

To donate online, visit their website at: https://antiochhistoricalmuseum.org/donations/ or see the flyer below. The Museum is located at 1500 W. 4th Street and is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. For more information call (925) 757-1326.

Presented by Celebrate Antioch Foundation and Downtown Rivertown Merchants

Join us for an afternoon of Art, Handmade Crafts, Wine Tasting and Live Music by Project 4 Band. This is a fun, family-friendly event is free to the public, but to participate in the wine tasting the cost is $25 in advance and $30 at the door. You must be at least 21 years of age and provide a photo ID. Tickets are limited to 500.

The Wine Walk will be held at participating merchants on W. 2nd, W. 3rd and G Streets in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. The businesses will be pouring wine from 12:00-4:00 PM.

Tickets are available at Willow Park Mercantile, Rivertown Treasure Chest or online at Eventbrite. We look forward to seeing you there!

Participating Merchants & Local Wineries:

Almost There Travel – 506 W 2nd St. – Miscellaneous wines

Willow Park Mercantile – 205 G St. – Hannah Nicole

El Campanil Theatre – 602 W 2nd St. – D’Art Winery

Flying Dutchman Studio – 608 W 2nd St. – St. Nostra Vita Winery

Rivertown Treasure Chest – 306 G St. – Bloomfield Winery

K911 Animal Rescue – 620 W 2nd St. – Oakridge Winery

Antioch Community Federal Credit Union – 301 G St. – Viano Winery

ReNu Salon – 508 W 3rd St. – Favalora Winery

The Pour Up – 601 W 2nd St. (at Antioch Medical Supply) – Pour Up Winery

Antioch Chamber – 640 W 2nd St. – Bogle Winery and Michael David (variety)

Jim Lanter State Farm Insurance – 300 H St. Ste D – McCauley Winery

The Hen and Drake Modern Tearoom – 520 W 2nd St. – Michael David Winery

Antioch Business Center – 505 W 2nd St. – Campos Family Vineyards

Free Public Parking

W 2nd & E Streets, W 2nd & F Streets, End of G Street, W 2nd across the street from City Hall next to Chamber of Commerce, City Hall lot between W 2nd & W 3rd, Nick Rodriquez Community Center, I Street lots between W 3rd and 4th, and I Street next to Waldie Plaza.

For more information visit www.celebrateantioch.org.

Get your unwanted documents shredded at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1360 East Tregallas Road, Antioch on Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations will raise funds for scholarships and other charitable purposes coordinated by the church’s Endowment Committee.

Through its endowment, the church has given scholarships to students pursuing college degrees as well as continuing education opportunities such as gaining teacher certification. It has also given a grant to support training school tutors, said Eileen Blumhardt-Butler, chair of the endowment committee.

The endowment has provided a grant to a childcare center to enhance art education. A teacher received a grant to purchase microscopes for her middle school classroom

“These grants are a way our church can share God’s love with the community,” Blumhardt-Butler said.

St. John’s Lutheran Church has Sunday School and services at 9 a.m.  on Sundays. stjohnsantioch.org.