The Contra Costa Taxpayers Association (CoCoTax) invites you to attend a Board and Members Meeting Meeting at Denny’s Restaurant at 1313 Willow Pass Road, Concord, on Friday June 27, 2025, at 11:45 am. Please register in advance on the CoCoTax website where you can pay online or bring cash or check on Friday and pay at the door: $25 for members, $30 for guests.
MEET OUR SPEAKER: SENECA SCOTT
Seneca Scott moved to Oakland in 2012 to work as the East Bay Director for SEIU Local 1021, representing and negotiating improvements to wages and working conditions for thousands of workers in East Bay cities, most notably Oakland. He also co-founded community groups Bottoms Up Community Gardens and Oakhella.
In 2020, Seneca ran for City Council to bring a voice to his neighbors that he felt was being ignored.
He later led the successful effort to recall Mayor Sheng Thao and started the YouTube channel Gotham Oakland. He also frequently posts on X about the failures of Oakland’s progressive leadership.
Seneca has worked as a Labor leader and community organizer for over 20 years. He earned his B.S. from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations.
Oakland’s Crisis and Its Implications for Other Cities and Counties
Despite levying high taxes, Oakland suffers from high crime, business closures, blight, and uncontrolled homeless encampments. The City has also faced repeated fiscal crises in recent years.
As Seneca will discuss, the explanations for Oakland’s problems include public corruption and the dominance of a progressive ideology which sounds noble but does a disservice to most residents.
We’ll also learn what lessons Oakland’s troubles might hold for neighboring cities, and whether we in Contra Costa County have anything to worry about
Fire fuels reduction efforts in the East Bay parks. Photos: EBRPD
$8.3 million in grants; $2.6 million in district matching funds
By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District
The East Bay Regional Park District is set to spend $10.9 million over the next three years to reduce fire fuels at Anthony Chabot, Tilden, and Wildcat Canyon Regional Parks, Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve, and Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline. The funding will help reduce wildfire risks by removing dead and dying trees and hazardous vegetation on over 600 acres. Dead trees burn hotter and faster and can cast embers long distances, igniting new fires.
These efforts are in addition to ongoing fuels reduction work districtwide, including large-scale projects at Anthony Chabot Regional Park (544 acres) and Tilden Regional Park (39 acres), a 16-person year-round fuels reduction crew, and annual goat, sheep, and cattle grazing. In 2024, the Park District’s fuels reduction crew removed hazardous fire fuels on 104 acres in 11 parks. Additionally, more than 86,800 acres of parkland are grazed annually by cattle, sheep, or goats.
“The grant funding enhances our ability to protect the public and safeguard our natural landscapes,” said Park District Interim Fire Chief Khari Helae. “Securing the funding is a testament to the Park District’s efforts—from planning to permitting—to manage the detailed grant application process and its proven ability to carry out large-scale fuels reduction projects in support of the community.”
2025 Grant Funding Allocations Map. Source: EBRPD
The $10.9 million for fuels reduction projects includes $8.3 million in grants, with $6.1 million coming from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), $2.1 million from the California State Coastal Conservancy, and $100,000 from the U.S. Forest Service. FEMA funding was obtained in partnership with U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, who secured $1.5 million in the 2023 budget, and U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, who secured $1.4 million in the 2024 budget.
An additional $2.6 million comes from required Park District matching funds, which include general funds and voter-approved local revenue measures like Measure FF. These local revenue measures enhance the Park District’s ability to qualify for and secure grant funding by providing required matching contributions.
Fire fuels reduction source of funds. EBRPD
“These projects are vital to reducing wildfire risks in the East Bay,” said Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “We thank FEMA, Sen. Alex Padilla, Rep. Eric Swalwell, the California State Coastal Conservancy, the U.S. Forest Service, and Park District voters for their support and for prioritizing wildfire mitigation in the East Bay.”
For large scale vegetation management projects, the Park District utilizes a climate-friendly carbonizer to dispose of vegetation. The carbonizer burns organic matter at 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit with little oxygen, which produces very low emissions—especially compared to conventional disposal methods such as open pile burning or transporting debris long distances in diesel trucks. The resulting biochar is being used throughout the Park District to enhance soil health, improve water retention, and increase crop productivity, including at the District’s Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont.
Photo: EBRPD
The Park District Board of Directors will consider authorizing $1,883,261 in matching funds from Measure FF at their upcoming Board Meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Measure FF was passed in 2018 by voters in the communities of Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Emeryville, Kensington, Oakland, Piedmont, Richmond, and San Pablo to provide funding to reduce fire risks, improve public access, and restore natural habitat. The Board of Directors previously authorized $500,016 in matching funds in March 2023.
The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.
$10 to $15 million in spending reductions proposed to eliminate deficits; largest amount in police department budget mostly due to savings from vacant positions
Public Works Dept budget cuts would reduce landscape maintenance and watering, vandalism repairs, close restrooms at some parks
City Manager requesting switch back to one-year budgets
By Allen D. Payton
The Antioch City Council will hold another special meeting for a Budget Study Session for Fiscal Years 2025-27 on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, beginning at 5:30 P.M.
According to the City staff report, the “Council has requested that several budget models be provided for consideration and discussion. The City Manager is requesting City Council to consider the five models provided and direct staff which elements to incorporate into a final draft for Council to evaluate for adoption.
The City Manager and Finance Director are recommending that the City Council adopt a one-year budget that would amend FY25 and adopt FY26. This will allow staff to pursue thoughtful and vetted long term alternatives to revenues, programs and services to better build a sustainable budget. If this is amenable, the proposed FY27 budget will be a baseline to begin further evaluation. Another one-year budget would then be adopted in June 2026, with a goal to adopt a two-year budget in 2027 for the 2027-29 fiscal years.
MODEL 1: This is the baseline model initially presented to City Council that incorporated $8.7M in reductions in FY26 and $9.5M in FY27. Further refinements were made, resulting in $10.4M in total reductions in FY26 and $11.2M in FY27.
Over half of the reductions will be in the police department budget with most from vacancy savings.
MODEL 2 includes additional Expenditure Budget Adjustments of $1,339,138 for total reductions of $11,769,027 in FY2026 and $1,366,910 in FY2027 for total reductions of $12,648,455.
The Public Works Department budget cuts would result in “Reducing landscape expenditures by this much will result in the following implications: playground repairs will not occur; preventative tree maintenance will not occur; will need to shut off water to landscape in some areas; sign repairs will not occur; vandalism and accident repairs will not be made; will need to close bathrooms at some parks; dead or missing plants will not be replaced causing landscape to look barren; irrigation controllers will not be repaired or replaced; soundwall repairs will not be made.”
MODEL 3 includes additional “net” reductions of $941,482 in FY26 and $612,850 in FY27 beyond measures in Models 1 and 2 as the reduction in funding for the AQCRT (Angelo Quinto Community Response Team) offsets the cost of adding 4 positions. The General Fund meets the 20% minimum unassigned fund balance level in, FY26; however, the minimum fund balance should be at least $19,297,944 in FY27 to meet a 20% unassigned reserve, meaning that is it deficient by $8,479,375.
MODEL 4 builds on Model 3 and incorporates a 5% furlough (5% pay reduction/reduced work hours) for employees, excluding APOA and APSMA bargaining unit employees, and assumes all elected officials take a 5% stipend reduction as well as a full fiscal year implementation. A 5% equivalent pay reduction for APOA and APSMA positions would be $1,306,530 in FY26 and $1,350,062 in FY27 that Council should negotiate for not only further reducing the deficit, but parity as well, if a furlough is implemented.
$5M in Budget Stabilization Funds are utilized in FY26 and FY27. The 20% minimum fund balance is met and exceeded each fiscal year. The Budget Stabilization fund balance is projected to be $32,941,944 at the end of FY26 and $26,641,944 at the end of FY27 if $5M per year, if funds are used to offset the deficit.
MODEL 5 builds on Model 4 and incorporates a total of a 10% furlough (10% pay reduction/reduced work hours) for employees, excluding APOA and APSMA bargaining unit employees, and assumes all elected officials take a 10% stipend reduction as well as a full fiscal year implementation. A 10% equivalent pay reduction for APOA and APSMA positions would be $2,613,060 in FY26 and $2,700,124 in FY27 that Council should negotiate not only for further reducing the deficit, but parity as well, if a furlough is implemented.
$5M in Budget Stabilization funds are utilized in each of the next two fiscal years. The Budget Stabilization fund balance is projected to be $32,941,944 at the end of FY26 and $26,641,944 at the end of FY27 if $5M per year if funds are used to offset the deficit.
Meeting Details
The meeting will be held in the Nick Rodriguez Center at 213 ‘F’ Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. Public comments are not included on the agenda.
This community event is focused on reentry employment and support services. Job seekers will have the chance to connect with fair chance employers, explore career programs, and tap into local resources.
Contra Costa County District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover. Official photo
County’s fourth longest serving and first Black supervisor
Board, family issue statements, former colleagues offer thoughts
By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Office of Communications & Media, Contra Costa County
(Martinez, CA) – “We are deeply saddened to learn today of the passing of former Supervisor Federal Glover, who served our community with distinction and dedication during his time on the Board of Supervisors. Federal’s leadership and tireless commitment to improving the lives of residents left a lasting legacy that continues to benefit our County today. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of working with him. Federal will be remembered not only for his contributions to public service, but also for his compassion and integrity. We honor Federal’s life and the positive impact he had on our community. Further details regarding services or ways to pay tribute will be shared as they become available. Thank you for joining us in reflecting on Federal’s lasting contributions.”
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
In addition, Glover’s widow, Janis issued the following statement from the family:
It is with deep sorrow that our family announces the passing of my beloved husband, Federal D. Glover, who departed this life today at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. Federal was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and public servant. For over two decades, he served the people of Contra Costa County with distinction, becoming the first African American elected to the Board of Supervisors. His legacy is one of unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and service. He believed deeply in the power of community and worked tirelessly to uplift and unite the people he was honored to represent. As a family, we are heartbroken by this loss. After 47 years of marriage, I grieve alongside our children, Tederal Glover and Carissa Dorton, our grandchildren, and the extended Glover family. We are grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support we have already received. At this time, there are no funeral or memorial plans in place, but we will share more information with the public as those arrangements are made. We appreciate your continued prayers and kind understanding as our family grieves this tremendous loss.
With gratitude, Janis Glover
Supervisor John Gioia Shares Thoughts
According to District 1 Supervisor John Gioia, Glover passed away today, Sunday, May 18, 2025. Glover’s former Board colleague shared his comments on his own official Facebook page:
“Today the Bay Area lost an historic and impactful leader and I lost a best friend – Supervisor Federal Glover.
I was honored to work alongside Fed Glover for 25 years through many fights together and personally saw his commitment to make our County a more just and equitable place for all.
“Our establishment of a County Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice would not have happened without Federal’s strong leadership.
“He overcame many obstacles to become one of our County’s longest serving Supervisors and his core mission was always to increase opportunities for our most disadvantaged residents. Those lives he touched will continue to benefit from his work long after his death.”
Former Supervisor and Glover’s Mentor Joe Canciamilla Offers Comments
Former County Clerk and Supervisor Joe Canciamilla, in whose footsteps Glover followed from the Pittsburg City Council to the Board, after he was elected to the State Assembly, offered comments about his longtime friend.
“Federal led a life of public service,” he shared. “Not only as an elected but throughout as a community leader, volunteer and public servant. His legacy will be seen throughout the communities he served for many years to come.”
Personal Information, Business and Political Experience, and Accomplishments
Federal once shared that his name was supposed to be Tederal, but there was a mistake on his birth certificate and his name beginning with “f” instead, stuck. According to his bio on the Contra Costa County website, he was “born and raised in Pittsburg, Federal…lived in District 5 all his life. After attending San Francisco State University, he began working for local industries including POSCO and Dow Chemical. At Dow, where he worked 22 years, he served in several capacities centering on training and safety.
In 1996, following in the footsteps of his mentor and role model Taylor Davis and after serving on several city commissions, he won election to the Pittsburg City Council. From 1998 to 1999, Federal served as Mayor.
While on the Pittsburg City Council, Federal worked to improve the stability of the community. Under his leadership the City purchased its own Power Company and negotiations were completed for the construction of the new City Hall and a new fire station. He also voted to increase funding for citywide neighborhood revitalization and established ‘Mayor’s Forums’ where he encouraged open dialogue between residents and city staff.
Glover served District 5 residents on the Board of Supervisors from 2000 until 2024. “He was chairman of the board in 2004, 2008, 2013 and 2017. He began his sixth term in 2021.
“As a County Supervisor, Federal implemented several ordinances and beefed-up county services that helped improve the quality of life for residents in his district and the rest of the county.
Among those actions are:
He initiated the regional effort by East County cities and the county to secure funding for Highway 4 improvements and the eBART extension to Antioch and helped secure funding from regional, state and federal agencies for those improvements to the tune of $1-billion.
He consolidated three rural fire districts into the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District and help bring more local control of the district.
He created the Board of Supervisor’s Public Protection Committee for overseeing all issues pertaining to public safety and the justice system, including fire prevention, CERT training and realignment/reentry of state prisoners to be placed under county supervision.
He changed the manner in which the Keller Canyon Landfill Mitigation Fund is dispensed so that it helps improve the quality of life of East County residents.
Implemented safety improvements to Vasco Road.
Completed the final phases of the North Broadway Infrastructure Program in Bay Point.
The Vessel Ordinance allows the cleanup of our Delta waterways of derelict or abandoned vessels.
He strongly supports the Urban Limit Line, which intends to rein in suburban sprawl and to preserve open space.
Through the sponsorship of seminars and symposiums, he supports economic development efforts to improve the business climate and job opportunities in Contra Costa County.
He helped facilitate the coming together of Los Medanos College with local industries to update job training programs to increase the local workforce for 21st century needs.
He initiated County youth conferences which give young people a chance to air their views to community leaders and get valuable information about careers and education.
The AIDS/HIV Task Force initiates educational and informational events to help prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS in our community.
The Faith Initiative brings together clergy of all faiths to present a common front against some of the issues facing family life in East County.
The Gang Task Force is a holistic approach through prevention and intervention from the perspectives of law enforcement, education, faith and community groups to combat the influence of the “gang” lifestyle among the youth of East County.
As the District V representative on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, Federal is committed to reinforcing a sense of community by building bridges of trust, inclusion and cooperation among the diverse elements of District V.
He believes a strong community values the uniqueness of these different interest groups and diverse religious traditions. A strong community also recognizes their interdependency.
It takes many elements to foster a sense of community. “Besides shared values, rights and responsibility,” he says, “we also need an atmosphere of civility, trust and respect along with opportunities for networking and active participation.”
He has been married to Janis Glover for over forty-two years. They have been blessed with two children, Tederal and Carissa, as well as six grandchildren. The Glovers make their home in Pittsburg.”
Statement Following Final Re-election About His Previous Health Challenges
Following his re-election in 2020 for his final term on the Board, Glover wrote, “April 29, 2020: This morning I rose from my bed, placed my right hand across my heart, and gave thanks for the miracle of life. Even though our communities are faced with a daunting public health crisis, I cannot help but be thankful that I am here with both the passion and the power to face life’s challenges.
Exactly five years ago today, having suffered complete renal and cardiac failure, I was given a rebirth in a marathon 16-hour transplant surgery at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. On that day as one sadly lost his life, I was reborn through the selfless act of giving me their heart and kidneys.
First and foremost, I am thankful to God, who in great mercy, granted me an extension on life. I am certain that I was a beneficiary of divine providence. From my heart, I “give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His mercies endure forever.”
The donor and the donor’s family have my eternal gratitude for making it possible for me to walk away from death’s door and face a new dawn. The remarkable surgeons at UCSF Medical Center, along with the talented supporting physicians, nurses, and technicians, are my heroes.
But there is one unsung hero for whom I am especially grateful. Throughout the difficult days before and after my surgery, my wife Janis was by my side. She was my advocate, asking questions and pressing for answers from the medical team. She has been a rock throughout the years of our marriage. A favorite passage of scripture says, “He who finds a wife, finds a good thing.” In Janis, I have thankfully found a “good thing.”
My wonderful children and my grandchildren also gave me hope. The joy of watching them fulfill their destinies in life boosted my desire to get better and to keep on getting better. I am especially delighted that my youngest grandchild, True, celebrates her 2nd birthday on the same date as my rebirth day.
Throughout the time of my illness and recovery, my distinguished colleagues on the Board of Supervisors, our esteemed county administrator, departmental staff, and my own staff, helped me find hope for renewal and helped me transition back to my role as a county supervisor.
To all my extended family, friends, neighbors, and constituents, I am thankful for your prayers, your well wishes, and your confidence in me. In the five years since that April day in 2015, you have been wonderful in your ongoing support. My rebirth led me to renew my commitment to serve with faithfulness and to live in hope.
The Contra Costa Taxpayers Association (CoCoTax) invites you to attend a Board and Members Luncheon Meeting at Denny’s Restaurant, 1313 Willow Pass Road in Concord, on Friday May 23, 2025, at 11:45 am. Please register in advance on the CoCoTax website where you can pay ONLINE, or bring cash or check on Friday and pay at the door – $25 for members, $30 for guests.
In addition to our speaker, we will be discussing planned updates to the County’s Urban Limit Line (which restricts development in unincorporated areas) and El Cerrito’s forthcoming library parcel tax measure.
SPEAKER TOPIC
Contra Costa Water District 2025 Update
With recent fires in Southern California and ongoing discussions about California’s public water systems and supply, Contra Costa Water District continues to serve as a leader among water agencies throughout the state. CCWD Board President Ernesto “Ernie” Avila will join us May 23 to give updates about ongoing capital improvement projects, how customer rates are used to provide a stable, long-term water supply, what resources and rebates are available to customers, and other initiatives underway to improve the reliability of our local water system. For more information visit Contra Costa Water District, CA | Official Website.
Speaker Bio
Ernesto A. Avila, P.E., was appointed to CCWD’s board in March 2016 to represent Division 3, which includes eastern Concord, Clayton, and part of Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill, and began serving as Board President in May 2022. He has over 40 years of professional experience in planning, environmental compliance, regulation, design, and construction of water, wastewater and recycled water works and municipal facilities. He is currently Principal/Vice-President of a private engineering firm.
As a member of the Board, he brings his dedication to the community, passion for water issues, and his experience in the private and public sectors. For the community, he has volunteered for many citizen-based committees/organizations including the Walnut Creek Transportation Commission, the Concord Planning Commission, the John Muir/Mount Diablo Community Health Fund, the Knights of Columbus, the East Bay Leadership Council, and the St. Francis of Assisi School Board. While working full time, he has made volunteering in the community a priority, representing his neighbors and family on important issues that affect their everyday life.
He is passionate about water issues in his professional life, working on a variety of issues statewide during his career. Among several relevant positions, he served as Director of Engineering at Contra Costa Water District before moving on to become General Manager of Monterey Peninsula Water Management District. He also served as Executive Director for the California Urban Water Agencies, Program Director for the Multi-State Salinity Coalition, and was elected as Vice President of the Association of California Water Agencies for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2024. He has experience on water projects of all shapes and sizes, including water treatment plant improvements, dam retrofits, and watershed management and habitat conservation projects.
He lives in Clayton with his family and is a licensed civil engineer with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Santa Clara University and a master’s degree in Business Administration from St. Mary’s College of California.
About CoCoTax
Founded in 1937, CoCoTax leads the way in providing fiscal oversight of local government. We actively resist unwarranted taxes and fees, discriminatory regulations, ill-advised public expenditures and government secrecy, inefficiency and waste. For more information and membership visit www.cocotax.org.
As well as receiving $850,000 Transit-Oriented Communities grant; trails and bike lane improvements; increase in construction costs for desal plant; costs of search for City Attorney, 4 other positions
Hold budget study session on City Manager’s office, Community Development and Economic Development Department
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the Antioch City Council will consider approving a lease for a police substation at Sycamore Square and expanding search firm services for the hiring of a permanent City Attorney and four other positions.
Plus, under the Consent Calendar, the Council will consider receiving an $850,000 grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, spending $160,000 to maintain and service the Antioch Library, $192,000 on asphalt overlay on a park pathway and trail, $289,000 more on the brackish water desalination plant construction, over $1.5 million for the L Street Pathway to Transit – Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements, and spending $602,000 more in State funds on the City’s violence prevention program.
Before the regular session begins at 7:00 p.m., the council will hold a Closed Session to discuss a potential lawsuit against the City beginning at 4:00 p.m. That will be followed by a Study Session beginning at 4:30 p.m. to review the 2025-27 Fiscal Year budgets for the city manager’s office and Community Development and Economic Development Department.
Sycamore Square Police Substation
Under Item 10. the Council will consider approving an 18-month lease agreement between the City of Antioch and Yahya Korin Sycamore Square LLC for a Police Department Substation located at 1084 Sycamore Drive, at a cost not to exceed $33,127.50.
The total includes Lease Costs:
• Monthly rent of $1.00 from July 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025 (3 months = $3.00)
• Monthly rent of $840.00 from October 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026 (15 months = $12,600)
• Lease Subtotal: $12,603.00
Ballistic Glass and Installation:
• City’s 50% share of the total $21,049.00 cost = $10,524.50
Substation Setup Costs:
• One-time expenditures for furnishings, signage, technology, and operational readiness = $10,000.00
Contract with Search Firm for 5 City Positions
In addition, under Item 9, the council will consider approving the first amendment to the Consulting Services Agreement for executive-level recruitment services with Bob Hall and Associates for the positions of City Attorney, Community Development Director, Parks and Recreation Director, Assistant City Engineer, and a fifth position Yet to Be Determined. In addition, City staff is asking the Council to authorize an extension of the contract through December 31, 2025, and an increase of $119,700, for a total contract amount not to exceed $174,700.
Consent Calendar
Under the Consent Calendar, the Council will consider 18 items, in addition to six past meeting minutes, including Item J., receiving an “$850,000 grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (“MTC”) and committing the City of Antioch towards taking steps to achieve compliance with the MTC Transit-Oriented Communities (“TOC”) Policy as a condition of grant award.”
According to the City staff report for the item, “The TOC Policy applies to areas within 1/2-mile of existing and planned fixed-guideway transit stops and stations, including regional and commuter rail, light-rail transit, bus rapid transit, and ferries. In Antioch, the policy applies to the 1/2-mile radius surrounding the Antioch BART station.
“Jurisdictions subject to the TOC Policy must comply with four elements by early 2026:
Minimum residential and commercial office densities for new development.
Affordable housing production, preservation and protection, and stabilizing businesses to prevent displacement.
Parking management.
Transit station access and circulation.
“As a ‘Tier 3’ station area, Antioch will be required to develop at an average minimum residential density of 50 units/net acre, and commercial office density of 2 FAR or higher within the 1/2-mile radius. Maximum densities must be at least 75 units/acre for residential and 4 FAR for commercial. The policy also requires Antioch to adopt certain affordable housing policies, commercial stabilization policies, parking management policies (including new parking minimum and maximums) and station access and circulation policies.
“Jurisdictions that are subject to and comply with the policy are expected to be more competitive for MTC discretionary funding, including OBAG funds. MTC has directed jurisdictions to anticipate demonstrating compliance prior to the adoption of OBAG 4, expected in early 2026. OBAG is an important source of funding for the City of Antioch’s transportation projects, and across the 3 OBAG rounds to date, Antioch will receive a total of $7,860,034.”
In addition, under Item L., the Council will consider spending $160,517 on maintenance and service for the Contra Costa County library branch on W. 18th Street for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
Under Item N., the Council will consider spending up to $191,792.40 for Asphalt Trail Overlay of Mesa Ridge trail and Village East Park pathway from the Gas Tax fund as part of the City’s Trail Maintenance Program.
Under Item S., the Council will consider approving the fourth amendment to the Consulting Services Agreement with CDM Smith, Inc. for construction management services related to the Brackish Water Desalination Project in the amount of $288,393 for a total contract amount of $8,526,913, and extending the term of the agreement to December 31, 2025.
Under Item T., the Council will consider approving a contract for the L Street Pathway to Transit – Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements, Phase 1 for a total amount not to exceed $1,536,547.02. The FY 2024/25 Capital Improvement Budget includes $1,200,000 of Measure J (the County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation) funding and $1,469,000 of One Bay Area Grant 2 (OBAG2) funds (of $900 million in federal transportation funding from the Federal Highway Administration).
According to the City staff report for the item, “This project will consist of improving connectivity and pedestrian safety along L Street by repairing and reconstructing deteriorating or uneven concrete curb, gutter, sidewalk, driveways and curb ramps, performing minor median island modifications, pavement resurfacing, and installing pedestrian safety flashing beacons at various locations. The project will also include re-striping to provide a Class 11 bike lane on L Street from 10th Street to the Antioch Marina circle and a Class 111 bike route from Lemontree Way to Sycamore Drive.
Finally, under Item U., the Council will consider approving the second amendment to the Consulting Services Agreement with One Day at a Time (ODAT), for the 2022-25 City of Antioch’s California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) in Antioch’s most impacted neighborhoods.
It increases the amount of the agreement with ODAT by $602,000 in CalVIP grant funding for a total not to exceed $942,000 and extends the term of the agreement through June 30, 2026. There is no impact to the City’s General Fund.
According to the City staff report for the item, “ODAT’s responsibilities include recruiting, hiring, and supporting additional Neighborhood Change Agents who serve as transformational mentors to participants at the highest risk of gun violence involvement. Through consistent, street-level engagement, ODAT plays a critical role in interrupting cycles of retaliation, offering healing pathways, and fostering long-term opportunity.”
Meeting Details
The Budget Session and regular meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street, in historic, downtown Rivertown. It can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website or on Comcast local access cable Channel 24 of AT&T U-verse Channel 99. Members of the public can speak up to three minutes on general matters at either the beginning or end of the meeting, and on agendized items during the meeting.
New Antioch Police Chief Joe Vigil and Assistant City Manager. Source: City of Antioch
Says appointment of Joe Vigil, Brad Helfenberger “marks fresh start” for City
By Jaden Baird, PIO, City of Antioch
ANTIOCH, CA – The City of Antioch is ushering in a new era with two pivotal leadership appointments that signal a strong and deliberate step toward stability, accountability, and progress. City Manager Bessie M. Scott announced on Thursday, April 17, 2025, that after a nationwide search, Interim Chief Joe Vigil will be sworn in as the city’s new Chief of Police, while Interim Assistant City Manager Brad Helfenberger will also assume his role on a permanent basis.
“These appointments mark a significant step forward in strengthening leadership in our city,” said City Manager Bessie M. Scott. “Chief Vigil and Brad Helfenberger both understand the unique challenges facing Antioch. They have each demonstrated vision, the ability to inspire, and a deep passion for making Antioch a great place to live and work.”
Asked when Vigil will take his oath of office she said, “We haven’t decided, yet.”
This moment also sets the framework for a new future for the Antioch Police Department, one rooted in constitutional policing, transparency, and reform. With Chief Vigil at the helm and in continued collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice, the City affirms its commitment to meaningful change.
“This will not be the same police department,” Scott said. “We have turned a corner. This leadership solidifies our direction and our resolve,” Scott said. “Chief Vigil is the right leader to push this department forward. Together, we are committed to ensuring a culture of accountability, transparency, and the principles of constitutional policing. This is a defining moment for Antioch.”
Brad Helfenberger brings over 25 years of municipal government experience and originally joined the City of Antioch as Parks and Recreation Director in February 2021. He has twice served as Interim Assistant City Manager and holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation from San Jose State University.
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.
These appointments are the result of a thoughtful and inclusive recruitment process conducted with the support of executive search firm Bob Hall and Associates. The process included community forums and both internal and public surveys to ensure widespread engagement and transparency.
A post on the APD Facebook page on Thursday reads, “It’s Official: Joe Vigil Named Chief of Police
We’re proud to announce that Joe Vigil, who has been serving as our Acting Chief of Police, has now been officially appointed as Antioch’s permanent Chief of Police!
Chief Vigil brings over 25 years of law enforcement experience, including service with the Sacramento, Richmond, and Antioch Police Departments. He has led our Support Services Bureau and served twice as Acting Chief. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree from California State University, Long Beach, and is deeply committed to advancing constitutional policing, transparency, and meaningful reform.
This appointment represents a critical step forward in strengthening leadership, rebuilding trust, and shaping a stronger future for the Antioch Police Department and our community.
Please join us in congratulating Chief Vigil on this well-deserved appointment!”
That leaves only two more positions for Scott to fill, the Director of Parks and Recreation and Community Development Director, as she has moved the Economic Development Department into the Community Development Department. The city council is responsible for hiring a permanent City Attorney. That position is currently filled by Acting City Attorney Derek Cole.
About the City of Antioch Located in the heart of the East Bay, the City of Antioch is one of California’s oldest communities and a gateway to the Delta. With a rich history, diverse population, and strong sense of community, Antioch is home to over 115,000 residents and continues to grow as a place where families, businesses, and culture thrive. The city is committed to transparency, innovation, and inclusive leadership, working every day to enhance quality of life, provide excellent public services, and foster opportunities for all.
