The El Campanil Theatre marquee on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2024, (AH file photo) and Foundation Board President Sharon Sobel Idul. Source: LinkedIn
“Our goal remains simple: keep this historic theatre an arts venue for our community and future generations.” – Sharon Sobel Idul
Foundation board down to just three members
Herrera brothers also clarify matters
By Allen D. Payton
In response to concerns and accusations by the public and questions by the Herald about the sale to a church of Antioch’s historic El Campanil Theatre building in downtown Rivertown, the president of the foundation which leases most of the building and operates the theater shared details from the board’s perspective. She also said the board’s membership is now down to just three.
In a statement issued Aug. 20, 2026, Sharon Sobel Idul, president of the El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation Board of Directors, wrote, “We are aware of the potential sale of the property and of fundraising efforts being circulated online by a potential buyer. Those efforts are independent of ECTPF and do not reflect the mission of our organization and it is unlikely that we would be able to continue to provide theatre programming at El Campanil Theatre if they acquire the space.”
According to her LinkedIn profile, since July 2009 Sobel Idul has been the full-time Artistic Director and Founding Director of Black Diamond Ballet in Pittsburg and since 2014, she has also worked as the self-employed CEO, Choreographer and Instructor for the Pittsburg Performing Arts Academy. Her ballet company performs the Nutcracker each year at the theater.
Questions for Board President
In an email sent early Thursday afternoon, Sobel Idul was asked several questions. First, she was asked, beyond the statement, “do you and the board have anything else to say about the sale and possibly working with the new owners after escrow closes, and any response to what others have been saying about you and the board in my articles published this week?”
Sobel Idul was then asked, “When did you become board president? Why didn’t the board inform the public the building was for sale and launch a fundraising campaign for the foundation to buy it back and not just funds for operations? Did you or anyone on the board reach out to the council members to see if the City could help with the purchase?”
She was also informed, “There’s a claim that the council members tried to meet with your board last fall but there were scheduling conflicts and the meeting never happened,” and asked, “Is that correct?”
Sobel Idul was then asked, “What are the board’s long-term plans should the church outgrow the theater building and need to find larger space and sell it in the future?”
Finally, she was asked, “Who are the people currently serving on the board as of today?”
Board President Responds
In her response Friday afternoon, Sobel Idul wrote via email, “Thank you for the opportunity to respond. A few clarifications:
“Board leadership: I joined the Board and was elected President in November 2025.
“Why not purchase sooner? We were aware the property was for sale, but during a period of financial and organizational transition, our first responsibility was stabilizing operations. The seller indicated to us that he was not motivated to sell. Pursuing a $1.5 million purchase before establishing greater financial stability would not have been responsible. We began actively seeking acquisition partners in spring 2026.
“City involvement: Beginning in May, we worked with the City and property owner to explore a pathway toward acquisition. In early July, we were told there were no strong or valid offers and understood we would be kept informed if one emerged.
“On August 9, the owner informed me by phone that he had accepted an offer. Contrary to what was reported, I was not informed of this offer beforehand.
“Last fall’s City meeting: While this occurred before I joined the board, my understanding is the organization was trying to engage the city for a financial sponsorship.
“Working with the potential buyer: Based on the information currently available and public statements made by the Pastor this past Tuesday, if the sale closes, the Foundation would cease operating El Campanil Theatre. The buyer’s intended use and scheduling would directly conflict with the programming necessary for us to continue operating as a community performing arts venue. This was mentioned to the broker when we were first informed of the offer acceptance.
“This is not the outcome we want. We continue to explore every reasonable path to preserve El Campanil. Our goal remains simple: keep this historic theatre an arts venue for our community and future generations.
“Regarding this week’s reporting: Several statements attribute decisions or motivations to me from summer 2025. I did not join the Board until November 2025 and could not have made or influenced those decisions.
“Specifically, the statement that I ‘didn’t want to scare the public’ and therefore the Board ‘didn’t want to tell the truth’ is inconsistent with the timeline. The financial circumstances being discussed occurred before my tenure. I would appreciate that being corrected or clarified.
“Current Board: Sharon Sobel Idul – President Gail Kean – Vice President/Secretary Kent Vosburg – Treasurer”
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Escrow on Sale Closes Sept. 29
As previously reported, Eli Hererra Lead Pastor of Legendary Movement Church, the buyer of the building, said, “We’re in escrow. It closes Sept. 29th. That’s the day we get the key.”
No Seller Carry-Back Financing
Herrera said, “The seller is not carrying the balance. We got a loan.”
Willing to Sell Back Building to Foundation if Church Outgrows Theater Space in Future
Asked if, in a few years, the church outgrows the theater building what are the plans Herrera said, “We’ll have to find a bigger space.” Asked would the church then be willing to sell the building back to the foundation to once again own and operate it as the theater he said, “If in the future the Lord allows that to happen it could be a possibility.”
Clarifications in Response to Social Media Comments
In response to additional questions based on comments posted on social media including that their father was also a pastor and his church bought the former Golf ‘n Games building, Herrera said, “No, our father is not a pastor. My dad did concrete for 30 years.”
His brother, Ruben Herrera, pastor of the Spanish-language church, Palabra de Dios in Antioch, said his church owned the former LaFontana Office Products building at 611 W. 3rd Street in downtown Antioch – after they battled the City which did not want them to locate there but won the right due to the previously reported RLUIPA law. Later, the church purchased and relocated to the former Golf ‘n Games building on Auto Center Drive, after it sat empty for a few years. Ruben’s church has since sold that building and bought the former CVS building on Somersville Road in the same shopping center where the Bank of America and BMO branches are located.
Ruben also said his church is not the source of the approximate $1.2 million loan for the 80% balance of the purchase of the El Campanil Theatre.
Eli said the video of him inside the theater was not AI-generated and that, “The El Campanil staff let us.”
In addition, The Pentacostals of the Bay Area purchased the building that housed the former AMC Deer Valley 16 theaters on Lone Tree Way, which as of 2022 has a Commercial Infill Housing Overlay District on the property and could have instead been another City staff-approved affordable apartment complex. That church is completely separate from and unrelated to the Herrera brothers’ churches and is currently meeting in the Pittsburg Adult Education Center after their church building on Railroad Avenue in Pittsburg was destroyed by fire in May 2022.
Legendary Movement Church will close on the purchase of El Campanil Theatre building on Sept 29th. Photos: (Left) Legendary Movement Church. (Right) El Campanil Theatre.
Raised enough funds for down payment
“It’s in escrow. It closes Sept. 29th. That’s the day we get the key. We don’t want to be another church in the city. We want to be a church for the city.” – Pastor Eli Herrera
Willing to work with foundation that operates theater
By Allen D. Payton
A church currently based in Pittsburg, whose lead pastor is an Antioch resident, has raised the needed funds to purchase the historic El Campanil Theatre building in the city’s downtown Rivertown. It’s in escrow and closes Sept. 29th, Lead Pastor Eli Herrera shared on Tuesday.
The fundraising effort has had board members and staff of the foundation that operates the theater, as well as Antioch residents, business owners and council members concerned that it will mean the loss of an arts and cultural center in the community.
However, Herrera said he’s willing to work with the El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation to continue using it for arts and entertainment.
Recent History
El Campanil was listed for sale with an asking price of $1.5 million, but it’s no longer on either Realtor.com or LoopNet.
The 98-year-old theater building, which also houses two retail tenants on W. 2nd Street, was purchased by the non-profit organization, El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation, in 2003, with a grant of $500,000 from Calpine Corporation, an energy company with operations in Antioch and Pittsburg, which then-Mayor and now-Mayor Pro Tem Don Freitas secured. It was improved with $750,000 in City redevelopment funds and an additional $1 million raised under the leadership of then-foundation chairman Rick Carraher. But after running into financial difficulties following COVID, the building was sold a few years ago to an out-of-state buyer who continued to lease it to the foundation to operate as a theater.
Pastor Eli Herrera on stage inside the theater from where he will soon be preaching. Source: Legendary Movement Church video screenshot
New Buyer
Legendary Movement Church, led by Herrera, currently holding services on Sundays at noon inside the Light the Bay Church building at 1210 Stoneman Avenue in Pittsburg.
Posts on the Legendary church’s Instagram and Facebook pages on August 18th read, “ANTIOCH, WE BELIEVE IN YOU. We believe God has given Legendary Movement an opportunity to plant roots right in the heart of the Rivertown District at 602 West 2nd Street, Antioch, California.
“But this is bigger than a building. We see a place that will bless families. A place that will serve those in need. A place that will help the homeless find hope and restoration. A place where children and young people can dream again. A place that will pour life back into our community. A place that will help bring vision, hope, and purpose back to Rivertown. We believe Rivertown can come back to life.
“Right now, we are raising funds for the down payment on what we believe will become the future home of Legendary Movement. Would you consider sowing a seed into this vision? Whether it is $10, $100, $1,000, or whatever God places on your heart, every seed matters. Every gift moves us one step closer. And every person who gives becomes part of what God is building in Antioch.
“We’re not just raising money for a building. We’re sowing into a city. We’re investing in people. We’re believing for Rivertown. We’re believing for Antioch. Let’s see Antioch Rivertown come back to life.”
In addition, a video shows Herrera standing and sitting inside the theater saying he’s an Antioch resident and, “The owner of El Campanil Theatre has been a man who’s so gracious towards us. He’s allowed us time to go ahead and raise the funds necessary for our down payment. Currently what we’re facing is having to raise $306,500.” But Herrera didn’t say by when.
Pastor Shares Plans, Vision
Pastor Herrera speaks during the video from inside the theater.
Asked about the sale, Herrera said, “I think it’s been for sale for about eight months. I began looking at it three weeks ago. We’re in escrow. It closes Sept. 29th. That’s the day we get the key.”
Asked if that’s when the church needs the down payment he responded, “We have it, the twenty percent. That’s been raised really through our ministry, not any donors. The members of our church have been very generous.”
“I heard there were two offers for the building. One was Sean McCauley and another was a ministry from Discovery Bay that serves the unhoused,” he explained. “We came with an offer the seller was looking for and he said, ‘yes.’”
“I’ve seen a lot of the comments and the criticism,” Herrera stated. “I do see the concerns and I hear the concerns. I’m a very good friend of Ron Bernal, before he was mayor. I served at Cornerstone Christian Center for about a year for their school and youth ministry.”
Herrera is also the younger brother of Pastor Ruben Herrera of Palabra de Dios Church in Antioch.
“We know it’s an historic building. But it’s not technically recorded as an historical landmark. We want to make it better. Soma paint and TLC. But changing the style and look of the theater, no,” he shared.
Asked about continuing to allow entertainment and other uses Herrera said, “I already have spoken to a few people who do Christian concerts. That’s part of our vision. We have lots of Christian artists who want to come down, whether it be country, hip-hop. A lot of them have been texting me excited about the opportunity.”
“We want to continue to open it up for graduations. My daughter has performed for Melody’s Dance Studio there. We want to have the recitals,” he added.
Asked about the use of other parts of the building he said, “The offices upstairs, we plan on making those the children’s rooms. I’ve spoken to the barber shop and Ana of Farmer’s Insurance, we are going to continue to lease to them.”
Asked if the church is willing to work with the foundation to rent it for entertainment, such as concerts and other events, Herrera said, “We have a schedule that they would have to work around. I’m not going in there and say, ‘you have to get out.’ As long as it fits around our schedule, I’m willing to.”
“I haven’t been able to have conversations with the foundation,” he continued. “One of the gentlemen there completely refuses to have a conversation with us. Another, I believe is Sharon, who put out a statement and basically said, if we buy it, they are out of business. Now, I can’t control that. The reality is we have a schedule. We have things like rehearsals, youth group, men’s breakfasts, women’s ministries.”
About its impact on the downtown, Herrera shared, “We have a church of 500 people. It’s a full English ministry. They’re talking about foot traffic. We’ll bring foot traffic to Rivertown. I shop local. I eat local at Monica’s, at Guadalajara Taqueria.”
“I’m from Antioch. I love Antioch. So many people from our church are for Antioch. The city is named Antioch after the biblical Antioch. It’s a town that’s dedicated to the Lord,” Herrera exclaimed.
“We don’t want to be another church in the city. We want to be a church for the city,” Herrera stated. “We really have a vision for Rivertown.”
In his video about the theater he said, “Our eyes see what it could become. I believe we will see families gathering, businesses thriving, homeless coming off the streets and that is what we want to do. We don’t want to just be a people in a building we want to be a people that can be outside of the four walls. Legendary Movement Church wants to give back to our community.”
“That’s the vision that we have. That’s our vision for Rivertown,” said Herrera.
“We’re willing to work with anyone in Rivertown, business owners, property owners and the community,” he added.
Pastor Herrera in front of El Camp during the church’s Rivertown Restoration Day on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026. Video screenshot
Residents, Business Owners Opposed – Don’t want Another Church in Antioch or Rivertown
Several residents and business owners have also been complaining in their comments on social media that neither Antioch nor Rivertown need another church. Rivertown is currently home to at least three other churches, one inside another historic former theater building.
The Restored Life Church – Iglesia Vida Restaurada occupies the former Stamm Theater on the corner of G and W. 10th Streets on the southern edge of what is considered the City’s Rivertown District. Although, technically, it only includes the area north of W. 6th Street. In 1996, when the church bought that historic theater, twenty years younger than El Campanil, some of the alfresco-style murals that lined the walls inside the building, depicting Portuguese fishing men and women, were painted over. It was named for the Stamm family, who were also partners of El Campanil with the Beede family. (That’s the same family whose member, Henry Beede owned the Antioch Lumber Company, building and the empty lot across W. 2nd Street, known as The Yard, where the Rivertown Square is proposed).
Another church, RR Ministries – Ministerios Rey de Reyes (meaning King of Kings), which had 40 laptops stolen from their RR Transitional Housing Learning Center during a June break-in, is located in one of the store fronts on W. 2nd Street between F and G Streets.
A second church, The Ship, holds services inside the Quonset hut-style building at 611 W. 3rd Street, across from the City Hall parking lot, where LaFontana Office Products was once located.
Another building, that originally housed a bank, then most recently occupied by The Worship Center church and is listed for sale at $1.295 million is located at 315 G Street on the corner of W. 4th Street.
In response to the concerns, El Campanil Theatre is hosting a community meeting entitled, “Save Our Stage: A Community Conversation” tonight at 7:00 p.m. Herrera said he does not plan to attend. (See related article)
Federal Law Protects Houses of Worship in Land Use Zoning & Regulation
Some residents were wanting the City government to step in and somehow stop the sale. However, according to the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, “The land use provisions of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA)…protect individuals, houses of worship, and other religious institutions from discrimination in zoning and landmarking laws. RLUIPA prohibits zoning and landmarking laws that substantially burden the religious exercise of churches or other religious assemblies or institutions absent the least restrictive means of furthering a compelling governmental interest.”
The law reads, “No government shall impose or implement a land use regulation in a manner that imposes a substantial burden on the religious exercise of a person, including a religious assembly or institution, unless the government demonstrates that imposition of the burden on that person, assembly, or institution (A) is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest; and (B) is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.”
(1) treat churches or other religious assemblies or institutions on less than equal terms with nonreligious assemblies or institutions; (2) discriminate against any assemblies or institutions on the basis of religion or religious denomination;
(3) totally exclude religious assemblies from a jurisdiction; or
(4) unreasonably limit religious assemblies, institutions, or structures within a jurisdiction.”
The U.S.D.O.J. Civil Rights Division explains further, “RLUIPA provides a number of important protections for the religious freedom of persons, places of worship, religious schools, and other religious assemblies and institutions, including:
Protection against substantial burdens on religious exercise:
RLUIPA prohibits the implementation of any land use regulation that imposes a “substantial burden” on the religious exercise of a person or religious assembly or institution except where justified by a “compelling governmental interest” that the government pursues in the least restrictive way possible. 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc(a);
Protection against unequal treatment for religious assemblies and institutions:
RLUIPA provides that religious assemblies and institutions must be treated at least as well as nonreligious assemblies and institutions. 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc(b)(1);
Protection against religious or denominational discrimination:
RLUIPA prohibits discrimination “against any assembly or institution on the basis of religion or religious denomination.” 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc(b)(2);
Protection against total exclusion of religious assemblies:
RLUIPA provides that governments must not totally exclude religious assemblies from a jurisdiction. 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc(b)(3)(A); or
Protection against unreasonable limitation of religious assemblies:
RLUIPA states that governments must not unreasonably limit “religious assemblies, institutions, or structures within a jurisdiction.”
In addition, according to Church Law Center, RLUIPA “contains protections for a full range of religious assemblies, from churches, religious schools, cemeteries, and faith-based social services provided by religious organizations to individuals holding prayer meetings in their homes. Furthermore ‘religious exercise’ refers to any exercise of religion, whether or not it is central to a system of religious belief. As a result, religious exercise includes actual worship services and may include other religious activities, such as Bible study groups, prayers meetings, and Sunday school classes.”
Aerial video screenshot of El Campanil Theatre. Source: Legendary Movement Church
Councilmembers Have Been Waiting to Learn if City Can Use Developer Fees to Purchase Theater Building
Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, in whose District 1 El Campanil Theatre is located and is up for re-election, on Monday, Aug. 24 posted a video on her official Facebook page, claiming she and Freitas started having conversations last year about cultural centers in her district. She also said they have “spent months trying to find out what’s going on with the El Campanil Theatre and how could the City step in.”
Torres-Walker then says they had conversations with City Manager Bessie Scott, the consultant, David Storer who later became the Acting Community and Economic Development Director, and Parks and Recreation Director Shahad Wright asking, “is this something we can take on?” She then claims, “we found out the City…has been sitting on millions of development impact fees…and haven’t been used or have been underutilized and we have to spend those dollars.”
“We were informed that those…fees might also be able to be spent on community spaces,” Torres-Walker stated. They asked staff, “could these…fees be used so the City of Antioch could save the El Campanil Theatre?”
“We began to have meetings with the El Campanil Theatre and we were actually trying to create a plan to see how can the City step in,” the councilwoman continued. “Those conversations have wained, and we’re still waiting for legal advice to see if these millions of dollars of impact fees can be used to buy the El Campanil Theatre.”
State Law on Development Impact Fees & Questions for City Staff
According to the California Department of Housing and Community Development, “Local governments levy development impact fees to help fund the expansion of public facilities and infrastructure needed to support new housing development. These revenues support the construction of critical facilities, such as parks, public safety facilities, other civic and community facilities, and transportation infrastructure.” Development impact fees can also be levied on commercial development, such as the regional road fee in East County which helped pay for the Highway 4 (Bypass) extension between Antioch and Balfour Road in Brentwood. But the CDHCD’s website does not offer legal limitations under the definition of “other civic and community facilities.”
Furthermore, state law requires a direct benefit to the development that pays the impact fees, which is referred to as nexus. The CDHCD explains, “Nexus studies are meant to quantify the impact of new development on public facilities and determine the cost of this impact, establishing the maximum fee amount that can be charged on the construction of new homes. They also provide the supporting documentation and justification that is used to establish the legal authority for jurisdictions to charge these fees.”
According to a report by the Kassouni Law firm, there’s a “Two-Part Nexus Test. Under Government Code section 66001, a local agency imposing an impact fee must make two findings. First, the fee must have a reasonable relationship to the burden the development places on public facilities. Second, there must be a reasonable relationship between the fee amount and the cost of the facility attributable to the development.”
Questions were sent to City Attorney Lori Asuncion and current Acting Community and Economic Development Director Kevin Scudero asking if the development impact fees can be used by the City to purchase the El Campanil Theatre building; how much in impact fees collected does the City currently have; why are they sitting there; for what were they collected; what nexus was determined in the study; and if the City can change the use of the funds after the fact. No responses were received prior to publication time. But the matter is moot at this point.
A volunteer from Legendary Movement Church pressure washing the sidewalks in downtown during the Rivertown Restoration Day, Aug. 29, 2026. Video screenshot source: LMC
Legendary Movement Church Holds Rivertown Restoration Day
In a demonstration of their commitment to Rivertown, last Saturday, August 29th from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the church held a Rivertown Restoration Day, described as, “A day of putting our faith into action as we serve through: Community Clean-Up, Sidewalk Washing, Feeding Those in Need, and Prayer & Outreach.”
The message in their social media posts read, “We’re going to BE ABOUT IT Antioch. So, we’re calling EVERYBODY who truly loves this city to show up for RIVERTOWN RESTORATION DAY.
“We’re hitting the streets of Rivertown to clean, serve, restore, love on people, and remind our city that Antioch’s best days are still ahead. If you really love Antioch, I’ll see you there. Don’t just talk about change. SHOW UP and be part of it. LET’S RESTORE RIVERTOWN.” (See video of the day’s event and activities)
Older Brother, Also an Antioch Pastor Supports Effort
Asked about his brother and ministry, Pastor Ruben Herrera said, “They came out of us. They are under our church covering.”
“I actually toured the theater and considered buying it as an investment,” he shared.
“Downtown needs some life,” Ruben continued. “I believe the church will help that and be a blessing for the Rivertown area. We need people like Legendary who are not just holding their services there but building downtown.”
“Rivertown will be a better area with Legendary there,” he stated. “The business owners will see. It will grow, people will shop, people will dine.”
“They will work hand-in-hand with the City to make Rivertown a better place,” Ruben added.
He and his ministry, which Ruben says is the largest Latino church in Antioch, have their own project on Somersville Road in the same shopping center as the Bank of America and BMO branches. More about that is expected to be announced later this month.
About the Church
According to the church’s website, “Legendary Movement, as we know it, was always in God’s divine plan. But before we saw a spirit filled church, our eyes saw only a spirit filled youth group. About 25 youth gathered week after week in the back of an old church building. There was a limit on space and resources, but no limit on faith and passion. After a beautiful encounter on a mountain, God spoke the name ‘Legendary’ into existence and so we adopted the name ‘Legendary Youth’ in 2018.
“Our vision became more clear as the palpable presence of God became contagious to everyone who was present. Soon, what had been a Friday night youth group became a movement. Lives were being changed, families transformed, prodigals were coming back home. No longer could our services be restricted to only youth when it was evident that God wanted to do something greater than what we could comprehend. And so, in 2020 we changed our name to ‘Legendary Movement’, as this wave of the spirit was to exclude no one from experiencing God’s fullness.
“Our Friday night services continued to grow but still the Lord wasn’t done, the movement was just getting started. The manifest presence of God was evident but the desire to see and experience more was on the rise. God began to pour out knowledge and strategy, as the remnant interceded for confirmation and clarity. Upon God’s divine will and in his perfect time, we then launched Legendary Movement. Legendary Movement opened its doors Sunday, February 26, 2023. The grace of God has allowed this movement to continue to develop, as we expand into new territories and remain attentive to God’s direction.
“This legendary move is one that testifies to the faithfulness of Jesus Christ and his love for the Church!”
Now, the church will have a new home inside the historic, El Campanil Theatre building in Antioch.
Original flier posted on Facebook Aug. 20th. Source: Genesis Church
Day after mayor announces it, invites community to attend
“We are calling ALL clergy of all nationalities, not just Clergy of African Descent to stand up and speak out against racism and anti-blackness in our community.” – Genesis Church Pastor Damon & Shantell Owens
By Allen D. Payton
After Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal announced Thursday an open forum discussion following “recent events involving racist and hateful statements by one of our residents toward his neighbors” (see related article) to be held this Sunday evening, and inviting the community to attend, the organizer, Genesis Church, abruptly cancelled it Friday morning. Pastor Damon Owens and his wife, Shantell, who lead the church, wrote in a post on his personal Facebook page, of a flier for the event entitled, “United We Stand” with the word “Cancelled” across the front and the message that begins, “This event has been cancelled until further notice…”
The event was to be held at the church’s Genesis Family Life Center on E. 18th Street, that opened in February.
The original flier was posted on the church’s Facebook page on Thursday, Aug. 20th and described the event as “An Open Forum Discussion Addressing Human Rights, Racial Equality, Solidarity.” Toward the bottom of the flier it reads, “United in Purpose. Stronger Together.”
The post included the message, “We stand united in complete opposition to racial slurs, racism, racial discrimination, and anti-Blackness in Antioch, California…and we refuse to remain silent when our neighbors are being harmed and dehumanized.
“Racial slurs are not harmless words. Words have consequences. They can wound individuals, traumatize families, divide communities, and create environments where discrimination becomes easier to accept.
“Racism is not a difference of opinion. Anti-Blackness is not something we should tolerate, excuse, minimize, or normalize.
“When racial hatred is expressed….whether publicly, privately, online, in the workplace, in schools, in government, in law enforcement, or in our neighborhoods…we must have the courage as a community to confront it.
“There is no place in our community for language, violence, behavior, policies, or practices that demean, dehumanize, intimidate, or discriminate against Black people or any other racial or ethnic community.
“Antioch must not merely be a diverse city, but a city where every person can live, work, play, learn, raise a family, and participate in community life with dignity and without fear of racial hatred.
“Amazed By His Grace,
Pastor(s) Damon & Shantell Owens”
Original flier posted on Facebook Aug. 19, 2026. Source: Genesis Church
Antioch Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, in whose District 1 the residents live, also posted the original flier on her official Facebook page Thursday afternoon with the message, “The Community is hosting this event in Response to a call to action to protect black women and stand in solidarity against hate.
“Our responsibility as representatives of the City of Antioch is to show up, actively listen, and drive people-centered policy and initiatives that address human rights and racial equity for those harmed by past and recent events.
“I would like to thank everyone who has shown up thus far and will keep showing up.”
Cancellation Messages
Owens’ Aug. 21st cancellation message continued, “This event was meant to stand in solidarity with a young Black Mother who was being verbally abused with racial slurs and anti-black violence in the City of Antioch….not a political debate.
“Racism should NEVER be tolerated and accepted as normal.
“We are calling ALL clergy of all nationalities, not just Clergy of African Descent to stand up and speak out against racism and anti-blackness in our community.
The Lord called us according to Micah 6:8, ‘to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God’.
“We also must do our best to build BRIDGES, not walls.
“Amazed By His Grace,
Pastor(S) Damon & Shantell Owens”
Torres-Walker also posted the same “Cancelled” version of the flier Friday morning with the message from the Owens.
Efforts to reach Damon Owens asking why the meeting was canceled, if it was because the mayor announced it and who was building the walls referred to in the last sentence of Friday morning’s message, were unsuccessful prior to publication time.
Asked if it was a mutual decision to cancel the event and about the reference to building a wall, Bernal responded, “This was Genesis’ event, so they didn’t consult me before canceling. My desire was to invite the community to something that could bring a discussion and hopefully some healing. Not sure what he meant about building a wall.”
UPDATE 1: Friday afternoon, Bernal issued a follow-up statement about the cancellation. He reiterated some of his previous comments and wrote:
August 21, 2026
“Yesterday, I shared a message with our community that included an invitation to an open forum scheduled for Sunday, August 23, at Genesis Family Life Center. I had been invited to attend and participate in that independently organized event and was looking forward to joining the conversation.
“I have since learned that the organizers have decided to cancel the forum. I respect their decision and appreciate their willingness to create an opportunity for dialogue in our community.
“While this particular event will not move forward, the need for meaningful conversation remains.
“My position has not changed: racism, discrimination, intimidation, and violence have no place in Antioch. At the same time, building a stronger community requires more than condemning what divides us. It requires listening to one another, treating one another with dignity, and being willing to engage in difficult conversations constructively.
“I remain hopeful that there will be opportunities in the near future for our community to come together for thoughtful and productive dialogue and the role each of us can play in strengthening Antioch.
“We will not always agree on policies, priorities, or the direction of our city. Healthy disagreement is part of democracy. But our disagreements should never prevent us from recognizing the humanity and dignity of our neighbors.
“There is much work to do. I remain committed to being part of that work and to helping create opportunities for our community to move forward together.”
Ron Bernal
Mayor
UPDATE 2: Later, in a comment posted on the Antioch Herald Facebook page, Shantell Owens explained the reason for the cancellation. She wrote, “We were hosting [the] event to give community members a safe space to share & strategize on ways to support one another and heal. It quickly turned into a negative political platform. Racism is real, pain is real and the focus should be on healing those most harmed. We will reschedule and gather soon.”
Historic ministry rooted in evangelism, transformation and lived-out faith brings its vision to the Bay Area
ANTIOCH, CALIFORNIA — August 2026 — Truth Bearer International Bay Area (TBI Bay Area) is celebrating the launch of its new church ministry in Antioch, California, under the leadership of Pastor Derrick Holloway.
Officially launched in July 2026, Truth Bearer International Bay Area welcomes individuals and families throughout Antioch, East Contra Costa County and the greater Bay Area to worship each Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Zimmerman Chapel, 2200 Country Hills Drive, Antioch.
With the message “A New Chapter. A New Church. A New You!,” TBI Bay Area is creating a place where people from all backgrounds can experience biblical teaching, spiritual growth, authentic worship and Christian community.
Truth Bearer International has a unique history.
The vision for the ministry was divinely inspired and initially entrusted to Bishop Leon Ralph in 1976. The vision was later passed to Chaplain Mardi Ralph Jackson, who carried it until its appointed time.
That vision ultimately connected with several men at San Quentin State Prison who heeded the call and anointing on their lives to preach the Gospel. Sharing Bishop Ralph’s vision for ministry, these men became part of the foundation through which Truth Bearer International was divinely formed.
From those beginnings, the ministry developed around a commitment to holiness, evangelism, multi-ethnicity and an interdenominational approach to Christian ministry.
Today, TBI Bay Area continues that legacy while addressing the real-life challenges facing individuals and families.
Led by Pastor Derrick Holloway, the Antioch ministry emphasizes straightforward, unfiltered biblical teaching and a faith that extends beyond Sunday morning. Messages frequently focus on real-life transformation, faithfulness over perfection, overcoming past struggles, restoration and developing a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ.
TBI’s approach is intentionally authentic — “no fluff,” raw and lived-out faith rather than polished performance.
The church particularly hopes to reach people who may have felt overlooked, judged, disconnected from traditional church environments or who are simply searching for a new beginning.
“Our desire is for people to know that they are welcome,” said Pastor Holloway. “It does not matter where you have been or what your past looks like. God can transform a life. We want to teach the truth of God’s Word, love people, help people grow and give them a place where their faith can become real in their everyday lives.”
TBI Bay Area’s message is reflected in its foundational scripture, John 14:6:
“I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
As the new congregation grows, Truth Bearer International Bay Area seeks to become an active part of the Antioch and greater Bay Area community, building relationships, serving others, sharing the Gospel and providing opportunities for individuals and families to grow spiritually.
Whether someone has been in church for decades, is returning to church after years away or has never attended church before, the invitation is simple:
Truth Bearer International Bay Area is a Christian ministry based in Antioch, California, committed to holiness, evangelism, biblical truth, spiritual transformation and reaching people across cultural and denominational backgrounds. Rooted in a ministry vision first given in 1976, TBI continues a legacy that grew through prison ministry and men called to preach the Gospel. Under the leadership of Pastor Derrick Holloway, TBI Bay Area is dedicated to teaching God’s Word without compromise while creating a welcoming environment where people can worship, grow, heal, serve and experience life transformation through Jesus Christ.
Join Team Jesus Outreach Ministries and Nate Banks for an unforgettable evening of faith, music, and community!
The Walk in the Light Fundraiser Concert brings our community together in worship and hope. Your registration helps Team Jesus Outreach Ministries extend faith-filled support to neighbors facing hunger, hardship, and isolation.
Enjoy live gospel music, heartfelt testimonies, and a welcoming space to celebrate God’s love. Every ticket helps fuel our outreach—from food and basic supplies to encouragement for families in need.
Laptops and electronic equipment were stolen from the RRTH Learning Center last week. Photo: RRTH Learning Center
Police investigating, public asked for help
Fundraisers Sunday, June 28th and online
By RRTH Learning Center & RR Ministries
Our organization, RR Transitional Housing Learning Center, helps more than 250 students in Contra Costa County and we have been recently burglarized. They stole 40 Chromebooks from our kids.
Between Thursday, June 18, 2026, after 4:00 PM and Friday, June 19, before 6:00 PM, our location at 512 W. 2nd Street in Antioch was broken into. During the burglary, all of the Chromebooks donated by the Antioch Rotary Club were stolen.
These Chromebooks were used daily in our free tutoring program, youth job readiness program, homework support services, reading intervention activities, and educational workshops. Every service we provide is offered at no cost, making these resources vital for the children, youth, and families we serve.
In addition to the Chromebooks, our livestream equipment, personal laptops, and other devices were also taken.
We are also addressing attempts to access our financial and communication platforms, including Venmo, PayPal, email and banking-related accounts. We have taken immediate steps to secure our systems, filed a police report, and are working with law enforcement.
Our hearts are heavy. These resources helped children learn, complete homework, build confidence, and prepare for their futures.
We are asking for the community’s help. If you were near 512 W. 2nd Street in Antioch between June 18 and June 19 and saw anything suspicious, have information about this incident, or notice someone attempting to sell multiple Chromebooks or other electronic equipment, please contact us or local law enforcement.
According to Antioch Police Lt. Mike Mellone, a report was taken and the burglary is under investigation.
While this is heartbreaking, it will not stop our mission. We remain committed to serving our community and providing free programs to the children, youth and families who depend on them.
As we prepare for our summer programs, we urgently need your help replacing these essential resources so we can continue providing free services to the hundreds of students and families who rely on us each year.
Every donation, no matter the size, helps us move one step closer to restoring these vital programs. If you are unable to donate, sharing our story with others is equally appreciated.
The Cornerstone Christian School championship basketball teams were honored by the Antioch City Council on April 14, 2026. Photo: City of Antioch
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting on April 14, 2026, the Antioch City Council honored both the Cornerstone Christian School Cougars boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams for their state championships this year. In addition, on Thursday, May 28, 2026, the Antioch Sports Legends hosted and honored the teams, in their wing inside the Antioch Historical Museum.
Source: CIF
The undefeated boys’ team won the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Boys Division III State Championship defeating the Birmingham Patriots of Lake Balboa, CA, 74-64 at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on March 13th. They ended their season with a 29-8 overall record and 12-0 for first place in league. (See game video)
The boys’ basketball team was also the 2024 North Coast Section (NCS) and Norcal State Champions.
Photo courtesy of Cornerstone Christian School.Source: MaxPreps
Source: CIF
The undefeated, number one seeded girls’ team won the NorCal Girls Division VI Championship by dominating and defeating the number two seed Redding Christian Lions 48-27 inside the Cornerstone Christian gym on March 11th. They ended the season with a record of 27-7 and 10-0 for first place in league. (See game video)
The girls’ team was also the 2023 NCS and Norcal State Champions.
Photo courtesy of Cornerstone Christian School.Source: MaxPreps
The City Council’s proclamation reads as follows:
RECOGNITION HONORING CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL’S
2026 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP BASKETBALL TEAMS
APRIL 2026
WHEREAS, Cornerstone Christian Center and Cornerstone Christian School have long served as valued institutions in the Antioch community, fostering spiritual growth, community engagement,
and a commitment to developing young people of purpose, integrity, and service;
WHEREAS, Cornerstone Christian School has built a strong reputation for providing an education that supports the development of students academically, spiritually, and athletically, while
encouraging excellence, discipline, leadership, and character;
WHEREAS, throughout the 2025–2026 basketball season, both the Cornerstone Christian School Girls and Boys High School Basketball Teams demonstrated extraordinary perseverance, teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication, representing their school and the City of Antioch with pride and distinction;
WHEREAS, the Cornerstone Christian School Girls Basketball Team achieved an exceptional milestone by winning the 2026 CIF State Division VI Championship, reflecting the team’s resilience, unity, and unwavering commitment to excellence;
WHEREAS, the Cornerstone Christian School Boys Basketball Team achieved a historic accomplishment by securing the 2026 CIF State Championship, establishing a new legacy of excellence for the school and bringing great pride to the Antioch community;
WHEREAS, these accomplishments reflect not only the talent and hard work of the student-athletes, but also the invaluable leadership of coaches, the support of families, and the strength of the broader Cornerstone Christian School community; and
WHEREAS, the success of these teams has brought honor to the City of Antioch and serves as an inspiration to future generations to pursue excellence in athletics, academics, and character.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch, hereby proclaim April 14, 2026, as a day of recognition honoring the Cornerstone Christian School, Girls and Boys Basketball Teams for their 2026 CIF State Championship victories, and extend sincere congratulations to the student-athletes, coaches, school leadership, families, and the entire Cornerstone Christian School community.
Cornerstone Christian, CIF Boys Div. III State Basketball Champions Left to right: Alkeise Boddie, Brian McMurtrie, Pierre Tyson, Benjamin Lukacs, Elijah Longstreth, Marijan Kelly, James Perry, Tom Menasco (ASL Co-Founder), Jaden Taylor-West, Head Coach Michael Thomasson, Anthony Thomasson, Eddie Beaudin (ASL Co-Founder), Amari Woodard, Antonio Coleman, Jacob Williams, Ethan Banks. Not pictured: Ryan Seto, Uriah Wade, Ethan Banks, Brian McMurtrie, Assistant Coaches Thomas Brown, Tyree Murray, Jaden Shyne, Terrell Woodard. Photo: Antioch Sports Legends
Antioch Sports Legends Also Honor Teams
According to a May 29th post on their Facebook page, the “Antioch Sports Legends had the honor of welcoming the Cornerstone Christian High School varsity basketball teams to the museum to celebrate an incredible season!
“The students-athletes had the opportunity to explore the Sports Legends Hall of Fame—many for the very first time.
“We proudly recognized two outstanding teams:
CIF Boys Division III State Champions the Cornerstone Christian HS Boys Team
NorCal Girls Division VI Champions the Cornerstone Christian HS Girls Team
Azariah Wiley, Camille Bartolo, Kayli Bertrand, Tom Menasco (ASL Co-Founder), Coach Ariel Jackson, Eddie Beaudin (ASL Co-Founder), Jada Mayse, Danielle Balogun, Sanaa Boykin, Evalyn Mucio, Alexandrea Hall, Kenenna Amajioyi. Not pictured Laila Alexander, Bre’ah Butler, Bri’elle Phillips, Head Coach Madison Alexander. Photo: Antioch Sports Legends
“A special thank you to Gary Bras and Kris Del Monte for organizing this memorable event, and to Sports Legends co-founders Tom Menasco and Eddie Beaudin for presenting awards to these talented student-athletes.
“Congratulations to Cornerstone Christian High School on a remarkable year—we are proud to celebrate your success and dedication both on and off the court.”
Both teams were presented with plaques bearing the Antioch Sports Legends logo recognizing their accomplishments.
Cornerstone Christian School provides a well-rounded academic, extra-curricular, and spiritual experience. The foundational purpose of our facilities, programs, curriculum choices, and most of all our dedicated teachers and staff is to inspire your child in the joy of learning and a love for God and His Son Jesus. We want to partner with you, the parent, to bring about the best in your child. The school is located at 1745 E. 18th Street in Antioch. For more information visit www.cornerstonechristianschool.net.
