Tickets available for “A Victorian Christmas”
For more information about the GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch visit www.gfwcwomansclubofantioch.org.
“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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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!”
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.
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.
See you there!
Proceeds to benefit Delta Veterans Group
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.
The event will be held at HOPS AND GRAPES, 24 W. 10th Street, Antioch on the corner of B Street.
For more information about Delta Veterans Group visit https://deltaveteransgroup.org.
“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.
Antioch Library Book Sale Nov. 13-15
By Tammy Smith, Friends of the Antioch Library
Antioch, CA — Last week, from October 19–25, 2025, libraries across the nation celebrated the American Library Association’s National Friends of Libraries Week, recognizing the invaluable contributions of volunteer groups that support their local libraries. Here in Antioch, the spotlight shone on the Friends of the Antioch Library — a passionate group of volunteers who work year-round to strengthen and enrich our community library.
The Friends of the Antioch Library tirelessly fundraise to support essential library needs, programs, and resources. Through their dedication, the Friends help fund furniture, books, materials, adult, teen, and children’s programs, community and school initiatives, and other special needs of the library. Their efforts ensure that the library remains a welcoming and vibrant space for all members of the Antioch community.
“National Friends of Libraries Week is the perfect opportunity to thank our Friends for their ongoing commitment and generosity,” said a long-time supporter. “Their hard work directly benefits everyone who visits the library—whether they come to read, learn, connect, or explore.”
The Friends’ continued success depends on community support. Becoming an official member or making a donation helps sustain library programs and services throughout the year. Membership and donation dollars directly fund enhancements that keep the library a cornerstone of education and community engagement.
Paid membershipincludes special benefits such as:
Community members can also show their support by shopping at the upcoming Friends of the Antioch Library Book Sale, taking place at the Antioch Library, 501 W 18th Street, on the following dates and times:
Thursday, November 13 – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Members Only)
Thursday, November 13 – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Open to the public)
Friday, November 14 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, November 15 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Special $7 Brown Bag Sale from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Shoppers will find fantastic bargains—children’s books starting at just 25¢ and adult books starting at only 50¢. All proceeds from the sale directly benefit the Antioch Library’s programs, materials, and special projects.
Community members are encouraged to join, donate, shop, and be part of the Friends’ vital mission to keep the Antioch Library thriving for generations to come.
For more information or to download a membership application please visit: https://linktr.ee/FriendsAntiochLibrary.
GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch to hold 68th Annual Christmas House Tour Dec. 13
Wednesday, November 5th, 2025An Elderly Wish Foundation grants Antioch woman’s wish to see Warriors’ Steph Curry in person
Tuesday, November 4th, 2025Antioch Community Cleanup in historic, downtown Rivertown Nov. 8
Tuesday, November 4th, 2025Bullying by Antioch High football team leads to forfeiting last night’s game
Friday, October 31st, 2025Friends of the Antioch Library highlighted during National Friends of Libraries Week
Friday, October 31st, 2025
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