1 Civil Engineer, 1 Electrical Engineer and 1 Certified Public Accountant

By San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District

BART is recruiting volunteer candidates to fill three vacant seats on the Measure RR Bond Oversight Committee. The committee provides diligent and public oversight of the expenditure of funds from bond sales associated with Measure RR, which is a $3.5 billion bond measure approved by BART District voters in 2016 to rebuild the system’s core infrastructure. Members of the Bond Oversight Committee represent a diversity of expertise, geography, and demographic characteristics. BART is looking for candidates to fill the electrical engineer, civil engineer, and Certified Public Accountant seats on the committee. All committee members are unpaid volunteers. 

Candidates must live in either Alameda County, Contra Costa County or San Francisco City and County.

About Measure RR

Voters approved Measure RR, a $3.5 billion bond, in November 2016. The bond proceeds fund a portfolio of projects including replacing 90 miles of severely worn tracks, repair tunnels damaged by water intrusion and upgrade the aging train control system. Learn more at bart.gov/rebuilding/projects.

About the Committee

The independent Measure RR Bond Oversight Committee consists of five professionals in the areas of engineering, auditing, public finance, construction project management, and two members from the League of Women Voters. Learn more at bart.gov/bondoversight.

Committee Responsibilities

Members of the Committee are responsible for the following:

• Assess how bond proceeds are spent.

• Assess that work is completed in a timely, cost effective and quality manner.

• Communicate its findings and recommendations to the public.

• Publish an annual report.

Time Commitment

The minimum time commitment is about 10 to 15 hours per year. There are typically four in person meetings annually, which are open to the public

Compensation

Committee members are volunteers. However, BART will compensate members for their travel on BART to and from meetings.

INTERESTED?

Contact Rachel Russell at (510) 418-0859 or measurerrcommittee@bart.gov to discuss next steps.

DEADLINE

Friday, August 15, 2025, 5pm Pacific Time. Submit cover letter and resume to Rachel Russell for consideration.

Learn more about applying here.

Will talk about state’s 30 lawsuits against Trump Administration

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D, CA-10) announced he will host a virtual town hall with special guest California Attorney General Rob Bonta on defending constitutional rights and protecting Californians from the Trump Administration’s harmful policies on Tuesday, August 5th at 5:45 p.m. PT.

According to DeSaulnier, “Amid the Trump Administration’s attacks on immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities, federal funding, environmental protections, and more, A.G. Rob Bonta has been a staunch defender of the rule of law on behalf of us here in CA-10 (California’s 10th Congressional District) and across California. He’s joining us for a virtual town hall.”

Since President Trump was inaugurated in January, Attorney General Bonta has filed more than 30 lawsuits on behalf of Californians against what he claims are the Administration’s illegal and unconstitutional policies. DeSaulnier and Bonta will discuss recent successes in the courts and in Congress and the path ahead to check what are believed to be the President’s abuses of power. They will also take audience questions live.

Virtual Town Hall

Tuesday, August 5th

5:45 – 6:45 p.m. PT

Hosted on Zoom

Streamed to YouTube

To reserve your spot and receive a Zoom link or to request special accommodations, visit https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660.

This will be Congressman DeSaulnier’s 240th town hall and mobile district office hour since coming to Congress in January 2015.

The City of Antioch presents Resource Recovery Ambassadors: a fun training program for all who live, work or play in Antioch to become experts in sorting discards for recycling and composting to help combat climate change! Participants can receive $75 after completing the 2-part training.

Funded in part by CalRecycle.

Upcoming Training Dates:

Online Video Training Monday August 11th, 6-8pm OR Thursday August 14th, 4-6pm

In-Person Training Saturday August 16th is FULL! (we will offer another in-person course in early 2026)

Fill out registration form: https://forms.office.com/g/Vn1Z6y81kD

To celebrate signing of Declaration of Independence and nation’s 249th birthday

Parade winners announced, U.S. Senator makes appearance, SWAT’s presence explained

By Allen D. Payton

Hundreds of Antioch residents lined the streets of historic, downtown Rivertown on Independence Day, during the annual celebration Friday afternoon, to enjoy the July 4th Parade, Kids and Family Zone, food from local restaurants and  food trucks, live music by “Sade of the Bay”, the Ariel Marin Band, and The Purple Ones – Prince Tribute Band who ended their performance with a solid rendition of Purple Rain to the delight of the crowd in Waldie Plaza, as the fireworks show over the river began about 9:20 p.m.

During a break in the music, Mayor Ron Bernal thanked those who gathered for the celebration.

Thousands gathered on the Promenade and Uril E. “Compy” Compomizzo Fishing Pier along the Antioch waterfront to enjoy the show shot from the barge on the river. It floated too far east and had to be called to head back west just in time for the spectacular grand finale. (See video)

2025 Antioch Independence Day – July 4th Parade Winners

The three Antioch Independence Day – July 4th Parade Judges, Assistant City Manager Brad Helfenberger, former Antioch School Board Trustee Alonzo Terry, and Rivertown Treasure Chest co-owner and Downtown Antioch Association leader Debbie Blaisure, determined the following winners in each category:

MOST PATRIOTIC: DELTA VETERANS GROUP @deltaveteransgroup;

BEST PERFORMANCE: PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL CHEER TEAM @parkmiddleantioch; and

BEST VEHICLE: BRUSH PROS @brushprosca.

“Three very deserving winners!” Blaisure said. “The crew did a great job working together,” Terry added.

In a post on the Antioch Recreation Department’s Instagram page City staff wrote, “Thank you so much to every single one of our parade participants!”

Senator Schiff Shows Up, SWAT’s Presence Seen

During the parade, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) participated, waving to the crowd while walking with a group holding signs with his name on them.

Some people speculated he was the reason for the Antioch Police Department SWAT Team’s presence along the parade route and throughout the celebration. However, according to Lt. Mike Mellone, that wasn’t the case.

“We had planned for a tactical presence at the parade well before we were made aware of Senator Schiff’s attendance. This decision was based on the elevated threat environment tied to ongoing world events, as well as adherence to best practices for securing large-scale public gatherings,” he shared.

“There were no specific or credible threats made in advance of the event. Our department worked closely with regional and federal partners to monitor for any potential risks and ensure the safety of all attendees,” Mellone added.

See more videos on the Antioch Herald Facebook page here, here, here and the grand finale here.

 Walnut Creek, CA – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D, CA-10) announced today that he will host an in-person town hall on Monday, June 30th at 6:30 p.m. Topics to be covered include Mark’s views on the Trump Administration’s actions and our constitutional rights and the situation in the Middle East.

 Town Hall

Monday, June 3o

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Antioch, CA

RSVP for Location

 The event is RSVP only and capacity is limited. To reserve your spot or request special accommodations, visit https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660.

 This will be Congressman DeSaulnier’s 235th town hall and mobile district office hour since coming to Congress in January 2015.

Important health update for Antioch residents!

Invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes have been detected in our community—these pests can spread diseases like Zika, dengue, and yellow fever.

The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District invites Antioch residents to attend a community meeting at Harbour Park or Mountaire Park on Saturday, June 28th, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

District staff will be available to answer residents’ questions about the latest detection of invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are capable of transmitting the viruses that can cause Zika, dengue fever, yellow fever, and chikungunya.

We look forward to talking to residents about what the District is doing to control this dangerous mosquito and how residents can help our public health agency.

• Ask questions.
• Get informed.
• Learn how to protect your family.

Together, we can stop the spread and keep Antioch safe.

For more information visit Contra Costa Mosquito And Vector Control District.

Seeking experienced firms; proposal deadline: July 16

The City of Antioch invites Antioch-based organizations to propose projects that advance economic development interests throughout the city. This request aims to award up to three grants of $20,000 each to the best projects. Proposals are due July 16!

The City of Antioch is seeking an experienced firm that can enter into a Contractor Agreement for economic development projects in Antioch, CA. The City is looking for organizations that have the ability to produce the advancement of economic development outcomes and will enter into a contractor agreement for a specific period of time.

The city boasts a variety of commercial corridors that serve as key hubs for business and economic activity. Antioch has designated areas like the Downtown Area also known as Rivertown as well as Western Antioch Commercial Focus Area, which includes regional commercial zones such as Somersville Towne Center and Delta Fair Shopping Center. Additionally, the Highway 4 Corridor plays a significant role in the local economy, with ongoing real estate developments and business expansions. The Commercial Infill Housing Overlay District has also introduced new zoning regulations, allowing for mixed-use developments in commercial areas like Lone Tree Way and Buchanan Crossings. These corridors provide retail, office, and industrial spaces, contributing to Antioch’s growing economy and community development.

Awardees should design and implement projects that result in tangible improvements to Antioch’s economic ecosystem. Projects funded under this RFP should aim to achieve at least two or more of the following outcomes:

1. Increased Economic Activity – Boost foot traffic, sales, or commercial occupancy rates in key corridors.
2. Business Retention or Expansion – Provide support or services that result in business stabilization, retention, or physical/operational growth.
3. Entrepreneurial Development – Foster new business creation, especially among underserved populations or within underutilized areas.
4. Commercial Corridor Revitalization – Visibly enhance underperforming areas (e.g., vacant storefront activations, façade improvements, pop-ups).
5. Job Creation or Workforce Upskilling – Generate new employment opportunities or improve job readiness among residents.
6. Community Engagement – Increase stakeholder participation, visibility of small businesses, or community pride in economic corridors.

The scope shall include but shall not be limited to:

• Advances current economic development strategies. Examples of this may be to hold convenings of Antioch merchants or activation of an economically depressed location
• Firm must demonstrate history of similar work in Antioch
• Submit reports, invoices and documentation in a timely manner
• Maintain an active business license
• Proof of non-profit status
• Follow terms of contract
• Maintain communication with City and attend regular check ins
• Show how the City of Antioch and its commercial areas will prosper with your company/firm

To evaluate the success of funded projects, grantees will be expected to measure and report on relevant key performance indicators such as increases in foot traffic, customer engagement, and retail sales; the number of businesses supported, retained, or expanded; the launch of new businesses or entrepreneur support efforts; the activation or improvement of underutilized commercial spaces; the creation or retention of jobs and workforce training outcomes; and/or levels of community participation, awareness, and satisfaction.

All grantees will be required to submit quarterly reports on progress made, as well as a final report at the conclusion of the grant term, which should include how the outcome was achieved and how the grant funds were expended. Reports will inform the City’s assessment of program impact and future funding considerations.

Read the program overview at www.antiochca.gov/fc/purchasing/bids/rfp-061625-sd.pdf and watch Bid Walkthrough video, here: www.antiochca.gov/fc/purchasing/bids/rfp-061625.mp4 and read the RFP, here:

www.antiochca.gov/fc/purchasing/bids/rfp-061625.pdf.

Almost half of cuts from Police Department staffing, overtime savings

Plus, $165.3 million 5-Year Capital Improvements budget and $2.4 million in federal community funds

By Allen D. Payton

Following all the special budget session meetings over the past several months, the Antioch City Council, during their meeting Tuesday night, June 24, 2025, is expected to approve the 2025-26 budget with over $11.5 million in spending cuts and using $5 million from the Budget Stabilization Fund. The City was facing a $24.3 million deficit for the coming fiscal year and if the budget is approved as recommended, will have a net deficit of $7.7 million which will be covered from reserves.

Almost half of the savings, $5.5 million, will be in the Police Department budget from Vacancy Savings and Overtime Reductions. UPDATE: That’s due to the current staffing vacancies of approximately 30 sworn officers and the chief informing the council that they expect to add 15 more officers in the next year. So, instead of determining the savings from the staff vacancies during a mid-year budget review and spending the one-time funds on other City budget items, the council chose to account for it in the budget up front to reduce the deficit.

In spite of the cuts, future fiscal years still show the City facing projected deficits of $10,629,642 in 2026-27 and $25,396,400 in 2028-29.

The proposed budget also includes an allocation from the Measure W 1% City sales tax of 70-15-15 or 70% for Police, 15% for Quality of Life and 15% for Youth. (See page 6 of the Budget)

According to the City staff report for item #5, “Since March, City Council and staff have been diligently scrutinizing the budget to close a starting point fiscal year 2026 deficit of $24,270,240. Initially, staff was able to shave $8,603,792 from that number, for a fiscal year 2026 deficit of $15,666,448 as presented at the March 4th budget session. Upon further collaboration with the Council, City Manager and departments as we moved through the exhaustive budget process, and through a series of further adjustments, a General Fund budget with a net deficit of $7,737,331, after a $5M infusion from the Budget Stabilization Fund.”

In addition, under item #3 the Council is expected to approve the Five-Year Capital Improvement Program budget for 2025-2030 for Community Facilities, Parks & Trails, Roadway Improvements, Traffic Signals, Wastewater & Storm Drain System and the City’s Water System. Currently, there are $163.3 million of projects in progress which includes $6,238,209 of projects that the Council added to the list.

Finally, in other budget action, under item #4 the Council will consider approving the recommendations of the City Council’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Subcommittee for a total of $2,369,318 in federal funds for the coming fiscal year. Mayor Pro Tem Louie Rocha, representing District 2, and Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, representing District 1, served on the CDBG Subcommittee for this funding cycle.

Click here to read the full agenda package.

The meeting begins at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers inside City Hall at 200 H Street, in historic, downtown Rivertown. It can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website, on Comcast Local Cable Channel 24 or on AT&T U-verse Channel 99.