The City of Antioch has received questions regarding an earthy or musty taste and odor in drinking water. While the taste may be unpleasant to some residents, the water remains safe to drink.
The taste and odor are caused by naturally occurring organic materials in the San Joaquin River, which is Antioch’s primary water source. One naturally occurring compound, called geosmin, can be detected by people at extremely low levels and is commonly associated with the earthy smell after rainfall.
The City’s treatment process neutralizes the bacteria responsible for creating these compounds, though the taste and odor may still remain temporarily.
The Antioch Unified School District Board of Trustee cut the budget and 159 positions after saving 16 Classified staff positions during their meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Photos by Allen D. Payton
Over 16 positions saved at request of three trustees, but no teachers
Board first heard from state’s Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team CEO
By Allen D. Payton
During another long meeting, the Antioch School Board, on Wednesday night, May 13, 2026, on split votes cut the District budget, and laid off 159 employees including 48 teachers and 30 other Certificated staff. Area 3 Trustee Dee Brown voted to abstain on all three votes. But the Board voted unanimously to accept the offer of one-day furloughs by Superintendent Dr. Darnise Williams and administrative staff, including principals. That will save the District about $117,000.
The meeting and votes followed split votes the previous Wednesday when the Board majority opposed the budget and staff cuts. The Board again met at 7:00 p.m. in the Deer Valley High School Theater with the expectation of a greater turnout than the District’s Board Room could accommodate. But that, once again, proved to be unnecessary as very few teachers, staff and members of the public attended the meeting.
The District was facing a $31.5 million budget deficit and the proposed budget cuts totaled $18.7 million. But how much was actually cut wasn’t clear due to the over 16 Classified staff positions that were saved. Also saved, was the District from a potential takeover by the State and County Offices of Education, known as receivership.
The Board faced two deadlines requiring them to vote to make the cuts that night. First, the District had to give final layoff notices to employees by Thursday, May 14th as well as submit their financial plan to the County Office of Education by Friday, May 15th.
Very few District teachers, staff, parents and other members of the public attended Wednesday night’s meeting inside the Deer Valley High School Theater.
The trustees heard from District staff, including Bob Carson, president of the Antioch Education Association, the local teachers’ union, who supported the cuts to avoid the takeover and from residents who opposed them.
Then the Board was provided a presentation Regarding Projected Cash Flow by Mike Fine, the Chief Executive Officer of the California Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team (FCMAT), which, “assists and provides guidance to local educational agencies in the areas of business and financial management practices.” He described his organization as “the guardian of the receivership process” but stressed to the trustees that FCMAT’s efforts were to work with financially challenged districts to avoid it.
“The majority of our work is absolutely avoiding receivership,” he added, which he estimated to be 80% of FCMAT’s work.
Fine also informed the Board and District leadership that the expected May Revised Budget from Governor Newsom on Thursday would change the financial figures being discussed and that it would be positive for the District. That turned out to possibly be true as the governor’s 2026-27 budget proposal increases spending on K-12 by $2.5 billion. (See related article)
The Antioch School Board Trustees heard impassioned pleas against the cuts by parents before the votes on May 13, 2026.
Trustee Requests & Board Votes
Following several responses to questions by District staff and requests by individual trustees to save certain jobs, including school psychiatrists and Reading Intervention Teachers by Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha and Paraeducators by Area 3 Trustee Dee Brown, who was also unsatisfied with requests for information from District staff not being provided, the Board took three split votes.
Area 4 Trustee Olga Cobos-Smith was satisfied that the District didn’t need one psychiatrist per school because best practices only required one for every 500 to 700 students. That was enough for her to change her “no” vote on the budget from last week. After Rocha was satisfied with the explanation from District staff that they had a plan to handle the loss of the Reading Intervention Teachers, she joined the other three trustees in voting in favor of cutting the Classified staff positions.
The Board approved the proposed list of 78 Certificated staff cuts. Source: AUSD
At 11:34 PM, on a vote of 3-1-1 with Rocha voting “no” and Brown voting to abstain, the Trustees approved the Budget Reduction Plan including the concessions that saved several specific jobs.
The Board the voted 3-1-1, again, on final layoffs of 78 Certificated employees which, were mainly teachers.
After Rocha was able to get the other board members to agree to saving the jobs of the Behavior Support Specialists (3 FTE), Board Certified Behavior Analyst (1 FTE) and Instructional Assistants – Bilingual (12.4275 FTE), the Trustees voted 4-0-1 on final layoffs of a little over 81 Full-Time Equivalent Classified Services employees. Brown again, voted to abstain.
The AUSD Board of Trustees voted to approve the proposed list of cuts to Classified staff positions except for those highlighted in yellow. Source: AUSD. Highlighted by the Herald.
The Board also voted to accept the superficial gesture of one-day furlough by the superintendent and administrative staff including principals. It means those staff members won’t be paid but also don’t have to show up for work that day. After Rocha asked about increasing it to three days, Dr. Williams said that would have to be taken to the Personnel Commission, first. The motion on the matter then passed 5-0, saving the District approximately $117,437.
The Board’s work on the budget is not over as they still face another deadline in October, Dr. Williams shared. But by then, with additional state funds, assuming the governor’s budget proposals are approved by the legislature, the Antioch trustees job may get easier.
The Antioch Parks & Recreation Social Media Team displaying the CPRS Award, consists of Photographers and Videographers Michael Smith, Vincent Cecilio, Demetrios Syrengelas and Alessandra Necor; and Graphic Designers Melvin Morales and Kassidy Forks. Photo: Antioch Recreation Department
Social Media Team celebrates with City Manager, Department Director and staff
By Allen D. Payton
Antioch Parks & Recreation was recognized earlier this year for outstanding marketing and community outreach. They received the Excellence in Marketing Award from the California Park & Recreation Society (CPRS) District 3. This award highlights the team’s dedication to innovative communication and meaningful engagement with our residents.
With the theme of “Excellence in Bloom”, on February 26 at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center, the 2025 Awards and Installation Banquet was held to “celebrate the incredible achievements across our district, recognize outstanding leaders, and enjoy an afternoon of connection, recognition and inspiration.”
In an email to City of Antioch Recreation Department staff on February 19, 2026, the CPRS District 3 Board wrote: “Congratulations! Our panel of seven Past Presidents served as judges, and your application for the Excellence in Marketing Award has been selected as a winner. Congratulations! Cheers!”
Asked who attended the event, Parks & Recreation Director Shahad Wright said, “We had almost our whole team there.”
That included City Manager Bessie Scott, Administrative Analyst Emily Reinard, Recreation Supervisors Jun Gandia, Jaylyn Valenzuela and La’Nae Jackson, Coordinator Victoria Alvarado and Wright.
Posts on the City’s Instagram account read, “We’re proud of the work being done to connect Antioch to programs, events, and opportunities year-round. What an amazing award for the department for the wonderful team that works daily to keep Antioch residents informed, entertained and inspired.
“A special thank you to each and every recreation employee that helps support the marketing team in their efforts and an extra special thank you to each marketing team member that are often behind the lens capturing moments of laughter, enjoyment, and community for Antioch residents to enjoy. Way to go, team!”
Wright shared a “video made by our social media team, the real stars of the team who take the photos and create the videos.”
According to the organization, the “CPRS District 3 Awards are an opportunity to recognize outstanding programs, projects, and individuals in the field of Parks and Recreation. Celebrate innovation, creativity and excellence by submitting nominations showcasing our field’s best of the best.” The Excellence in Marketing is a new and competitive award which celebrates outstanding achievements in developing and implementing innovative and effective marketing campaigns, materials, or strategies that enhance the visibility, engagement and impact of parks and recreation services.
The 2025 CPRS District 3 Award Program categories included:
AGENCY AWARDS (non-competitive)
● Outstanding Volunteer in Parks & Recreation
● Outstanding Non-Profit Organization Partner in Parks & Recreation
● Outstanding Business Partner in Parks & Recreation
AGENCY SHOWCASE AWARDS (competitive)
● Outstanding Facility/Park
● Outstanding Recreation Program/Special Event
● Outstanding Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Impact Award Program/Training
● Excellence in Marketing *new*
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AWARDS
● RISING STAR *new* (non-competitive)
● LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT (non-competitive)
● MVP (competitive)
Each agency could submit up to one entry per category.
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Antioch Parks & Recreation Supervisors La’Nae Jackson (with plaque) and Jun Gandia (center) accepting the award on behalf of the department from CPRS representatives during the February event. Photo: Antioch Rec. Dept.
In an email to his fellow department staff the following day, Gandia wrote, “WE DID IT! We have been honored with the CPRS Excellence in Marketing Award, a recognition that reflects our collective hard work, creativity, and determination!
“This incredible achievement was made possible by the outstanding teamwork of our Social Media and Marketing Committee, who brought ideas to life with passion and innovation. A huge shoutout to our talented photographers, videographers, and graphic designers, whose visual storytelling elevated our campaigns to new heights
“I’d like to extend a special thanks to La’Nae (Jackson) for helping me with application compiling all the data and analytics. Your dedication and expertise were pivotal in presenting our achievements in the best light.
“This award is not just a trophy on the shelf; it’s a testament to what we can accomplish together. ‘Teamwork makes the dream work,’ and this recognition is proof that our collaboration and commitment can lead to extraordinary results.
“Thank you once again to everyone for your contributions, creativity, and enthusiasm. Let’s celebrate this win and continue pushing forward.”
Organization
The California Park & Recreation Society is proud to serve a vibrant community of professionals through our 15 geographic Districts and 8 Sections that focus on areas like aquatics, aging services, recreation, administration, and more. CPRS District 3 is part of Region 1 andincludes 35 cities, districts and agencies in Contra Costa and Alameda counties.
The driver of the white car seen on W. 2nd Street in these City Hall surveillance camera video screenshots is sought by police regarding the homicide on March 13, 2026. Source: Antioch PD
48-year-old Concord man with history of arrests died from injuries sustained in beating near Antioch waterfront
By Lt. William Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
The Antioch Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the driver of the vehicle pictured above in connection with an ongoing investigation related to an incident that occurred on March 13, 2026.
Investigators would like to speak with this individual to obtain additional information and better understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.
UPDATE 1: The 48-year-old victim, later identified as Leon Belcher of Concord, was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. He never regained consciousness and was removed from life support on March 21, 2026.
The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau is actively investigating this incident.
Anyone who recognizes the driver or has information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact Detective Jeong at (925) 779-6933 or jjeong@antiochca.gov.
UPDATE 2: According to localcrimenews.com, he was White and five-feet, 11 inches tall, with a history of arrests dating back to 2014, including just nine days before on March 4th in Solano County for driving without a license suspended for drunk driving. His previous arrests were for crimes including assault, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse, false imprisonment by violence, cruelty to a child by inflicting injury and child endangerment.
Leon Belcher. Source: GoFundMe
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds to pay for Belcher’s cremation. According to Nicole Mathews, who set up the page, “Leon Belcher was the loving father of Cameron and Michael Belcher. He lived life with a carefree spirit, always ready for a fishing trip or a ride on his Harley. Leon was surrounded by many friends who loved him dearly, and he brought joy and adventure to everyone who knew him.
“On March 13th, Leon suffered a tragic injury in Antioch, California, when he was struck in the head. He was placed on life support at the hospital, and after a difficult week, his two sons made the heartbreaking decision to take him off life support on March 21st.”
The Antioch Police Department is reminding everyone to Look Twice for Motorcycles. As the weather warms up, more riders are out on the road, making it important for all drivers to stay alert and help prevent crashes and save lives.
“Most crashes involving motorcycles happen when drivers simply don’t see them. Taking a few extra seconds to look twice can prevent a tragedy.” — Sergeant Rob Green
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes nationwide in 2023. In California, 583 motorcyclists lost their lives.
Drivers
• Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes
• Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and motorcycles
• Watch for turn signals and make sure riders are actually turning before proceeding
Motorcyclists
• Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and eye protection
• Wear protective gear and reflective clothing
• Ride defensively and avoid blind spots
• Keep headlights on, even during the day
Never drive or ride distracted or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Rendering of the approved Wildflower Senior Apartments. Source: City of Antioch
No council approval required, no parking required but 136 spaces included; had to approve “Soviet-style” design due to state law-required waivers, concessions
Units will be offered at 30%, 50% and 60% of Area Median Income
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting on April 1, 2026, the Antioch Planning Commission, on a vote of 6-0, with Vice Chair Cortney Jones absent, approved the 183-unit affordable Wildflower Senior Apartments. Planned for the southeast corner of Wildflower Drive and Hillcrest Avenue, the complex will consist of 113 one-bedroom units of 559 square feet and 70 two-bedroom units of 771 square feet. It will include a parking lot, walkways and dog park on a vacant 3.77-acre parcel.
The Planning Commissioners who voted in favor of the project are Chair Seth Webber and Commissioners Don Aguilar, Jennifer Perez, Kevin Riley, William Spijker and Ramesh Suman.
Wildflower Senior Apartments Site Plan. Source: City of Antioch
The developer, Cypress Equity Investments of Brentwood in Los Angeles, according to the City staff report for the agenda item, number 7-1, the senior citizen housing project will be built on four levels. It will provide 145 residential units at 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), 19 at 50 percent of the AMI, and 19 at 30 percent of the AMI. Therefore, the proposed project would be eligible for a density bonus under the State Density Bonus Law of up to 80 percent. The applicant is utilizing the bonus to increase the density from 35 dwelling units per acre to 48.54 dwelling units per acre.
Qualifies for State Density Bonus, Transit Proximity Height Increase
The proposed project “designates 100 percent of base units (132 units total) as affordable to low-income households to obtain a density bonus of 51 additional units as well as waivers from certain development standards, in accordance with State Density Bonus Law.”
Plus, since the project is located within a half-mile of a major transit stop, specifically, the Antioch BART Station, the applicant received a height increase of up to three additional stories, or 33 feet.
Wildflower Senior Apartments Aerial Map. Source: City of Antioch
City Required to Agree to Developer’s Waiver, Concession Requests
According to City staff, the Commission had to agree to other concessions requested by the developer. “As detailed in the State Density Bonus Law portion of the staff report, the applicant is allowed waivers and concessions for the project’s architecture.” The developer requested 12 waivers and five concessions. That included more simple elevations than are required in the citywide Multi-Family Residential Objective Design Standards.
The staff report continues, “The proposed architecture of the building is contemporary. The project uses earth-tone colors: crystal white, titanium gray and muted orange. The color combination provides soft variation and transition along the building facade. The project proposes a varied parapet topped by cornices, large windows, and detailed landscaping. The project design complies with the applicable Multi-family Residential Objective Design Standards.”
However, the developer claimed, “Inclusion of the decorative elements would require added carpentry and labor, may trigger custom fabrication or waterproofing details. Strict compliance with this standard would require additional architectural detail for the density bonus project, rendering the development financially infeasible.”
That’s why it will look like a housing project straight out of the former Soviet Union. (This reporter’s opinion.)
Finally, because the project complies with existing zoning, approval by the City Council is not required, as is the case for all multi-family projects in Antioch.
Amenities
The project does include some amenities for the residents. “The central courtyard is comprised of seating areas with tables, fire pits, BBQ facilities, succulent gardens, and pedestrian pathways to seamlessly connect the complex and provide the amenities required in the Multi-Family Objective Design Standards for common open space areas. The enclosed dog park includes a water fountain, hose, benches and waste station.”
Wildflower Senior Apartments Location Map. Source: City of Antioch
No Parking Required But 136 Spaces Included
Also, according to the staff report, “Because the proposed development is a 100 percent affordable multifamily senior housing project, within half a mile of a major transit stop, there is no parking requirement. However, the applicant is proposing to provide 136 parking spaces, which equates to about .74 stalls per unit. Senior Housing projects generally have less parking due to utilizing public transit and services such as paratransit.”
Affordable Housing Agreement with City
The project will include an Affordable Housing Agreement with the City. According to the City staff report, “the applicant shall enter into an agreement with the City to ensure the continued affordability of all affordable units. Prior to receiving a building permit, such agreement shall be recorded as a covenant against the property.”
Says, “This is about raising the standard at the Clerk-Recorder’s Office.This office belongs to you — demand to see inside it.”
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Business owner and 20-year human resources professional, Pratima Sonavne has officially entered the race for Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder, pledging to transform one of county government’s most vital offices into a model of transparency, efficiency, and public trust.
The Clerk-Recorder’s office touches the lives of nearly every resident — safeguarding public records, overseeing election administration, maintaining accurate voter rolls, and delivering essential services day in and day out. Yet too many residents have little visibility into how the office is performing, where service gaps exist, or how their tax dollars are being put to work.
“The people of Contra Costa County deserve real transparency, measurable results, consistent service, and leadership willing to be held accountable. I will bring performance metrics, public dashboards, service standards and a culture of continuous improvement to the Clerk-Recorder’s office,” saidSonavne.
Campaign Built on Four Core Priorities
Secure Records — Strengthening the protection, accuracy, and accessibility of public records to ensure residents can always count on reliable, up-to-date information.
Election Integrity — Supporting fair, transparent, and trusted elections through clear communication, rigorous voter roll maintenance, regular process audits, and consistent poll worker training.
Engaged Communities — Bringing the office directly to residents through expanded outreach, voter education, community pop-up clinics, and youth engagement programs that build the next generation of civic leaders.
Efficient Government — Measuring performance, reducing processing delays, improving responsiveness, and ensuring residents receive modern, reliable service.
A Commitment to Public Accountability
As Clerk-Recorder, Sonavne will champion public reporting on key performance areas — records processing times, customer service responsiveness, voter outreach, voter roll maintenance, poll worker training consistency, community engagement, and operational efficiency. Residents will have real tools to track how their office is performing.
“This is about raising the standard at the Clerk-Recorder’s Office,” said Sonavne. “Contra Costa County deserves a Clerk-Recorder who will not just manage this office — but modernize it, measure it and make it work better for every single person who depends on it.”
“This office belongs to you — demand to see inside it,” she added.
Experience & Education
According to her LinkedIn profile, since April 2024, Sonavne has been the owner and operator of Kurious Kubs Family Daycare in Danville. Since July 2023 she has worked as a Senior Consultant for Pink River Analytics/State Projects. Previously, Sonavne worked for a year as a Human Resource Leader for Bloom Energy in San Jose, and as a North America Talent Management Leader for Cognizant Technology Solutions in San Ramon for over seven years.
Hold labor negotiations with employee groups; appoint Parks & Rec Commissioners
By Jaden Baird, PIO, City of Antioch
During their meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the Antioch City Council will consider the following items:
4:00 PM – Closed Session
Conference with Labor Negotiators – Employee organizations: Management Unit, Treatment Plant Employees’ Association, Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3, Confidential Unit, Antioch Police Officers Association and Antioch Police Sworn Management Association.
5:00 PM – Special Meeting / Budget Study Session
User Fee Study
Fiscal Year 2026–27 Budget Development discussion and Council direction
This item was postponed from last Tuesday’s special meeting. (See related article)
Source: City of Antioch
7:00 PM – Regular City Council Meeting
Proclamations:
National Police Week
National Public Works Week
Mental Health Awareness Month
Presentations:
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Community & Workforce Partnership
• BART Alternative Service Plan Update
Key Council Agenda Items:
Parks and Recreation Commission appointments
Citywide landscape maintenance services agreement
Throughout the City’s rights-of-way and medians, to Elite Maintenance & Tree Service for the period July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, in the amount of $4,176,983, with an option to extend an additional two fiscal years in the amount of $2,849,660, for a total contract amount not to exceed $7,026,643 over the five (5) year period.
Procedures for responding to technological disruptions during meetings (SB 707)
Report on new State housing laws (AB 130 & SB 131)
Additional Items of Interest:
Code enforcement staffing updates
Laurel Ranch Townhomes easement agreements
Meeting Details
Meetings are held in the Council Chambers at City Hall at 200 H Street in historic, downtown Rivertown and are broadcast live on Comcast Channel 24, AT&T U-verse Channel 99, and streamed online on the City’s website.
