By City of Antioch

An iconic non-profit recently celebrated its golden anniversary with community, staff and its board members.

Held on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, the Delta Learning Center hosted a gathering to mark 50 years of tutoring students.

The West Tregallas Road center, across from the Antioch main Post Office, is one of oldest educational resources in East County.

Its mission statement notes it “prides itself on delivering the highest quality credentialed teacher tutoring services at an affordable rate.”

The center offers tutoring for K-12 students by credentialed teachers.

One parent at the event said her daughter, a senior and student leader at an AUSD high school, benefited greatly from DLC.

The Center’s Executive Assistant, Martha Goralka spoke during the ceremony and shared the following prepared remarks.

 “Good morning and welcome to the Delta Learning Center’s 50th Anniversary celebration.  We have come to honor those visionaries who 50 years ago decided that it was imperative that ALL students be given a chance to learn to the best of their abilities.  And honor those visionaries who have supported us with their time, talent and treasure over the past 50 years.

“Retired Antioch Unified school psychologist Julia “Bess” Combs knew that students with learning disabilities needed extra help.  That was a newer concept in the 1970’s.  She recruited her retired teacher friends to start one-on-one tutoring in 1976.  The mission of the Center has expanded to include ALL students of every age; TK through adult.  The Delta Learning Center tutors have only earned minimum wage for their dedicated commitment to our East County students of all ages and all needs.  As you might guess, only the most committed teachers are willing to work for such a low wage.  In fact, over the years, several of our tutors have donated back their wages to our scholarship fund; so, our most needy students can attend.

“In 1989, 13 years after the Center was founded, the board decided that building a building to house the Center would ensure that the Center could avoid rent increases at churches.  It was important that the building not look like a school, but like a whimsical, fun place to come after school, hence the triangle and odd shaped windows.  The Center had moved from Bess Combs garage to church Sunday school rooms to this amazing building built by our entire community with donations, discounts and donated services.

“The longest serving board member in the History of the Delta Learning Center, Antioch Lion’s Club member Don Watson, told me that because Bess was a Soroptimist, that organization took the lead and if the operations account ran low, Ethel Balbi, a Soroptimists from San Rafael would say, “How much do you need?” and would write  a check.  We don’t have those Angels anymore, but we do receive grants and a gift that keeps us going including from an anonymous donor.  We are grateful to the Antioch Community Foundation, St. John’s Luteran church, Keller Canyon fund, local service clubs, including the Soroptimist International of Antioch, GWFC Woman’s Club of Antioch, Rotary Club of the Delta/Antioch, Rotary Club of Antioch, Rotary Club of Brentwood, Rotary Club of Oakley, Antioch Lion’s Club, Delta Advocacy and so many more.  Thank you, East Contra Costa County!  And thank you Rotary Club of Cupertino, that arranged for us to install solar panels so that we can afford PG&E!

“Former board members will tell you what a miracle it is that we have survived all these years.  And so will our miracle working former executive directors.  We are currently working without an executive director.  It is hard to recruit when you are offering just over minimum wage and a list of responsibilities a mile long.

“We are especially grateful for our tutors, Ben Fong, our longest serving tutor who works miracles with Algebra and geometry middle school and high school students, Ben has his 94th birthday on October 7th and plans to work until he is 100 or so; Sonia Spohrer, who works with Spanish speakers learning English and grade school students; Barbara Klein who works with ELA, special ed grade school students;  Lynne Wheelock, who works with K through 4th grade students and Karen Bouskill who works with college, special education and 4th through adult.  Michael Meyer tutors all subjects for High School and adult students including GED – his schedule is always full.  Our administrative assistant, Moriah Green, coordinates our tutoring assignments.  She graduated from Dozier Libbey Medical High School, the Opportunity Junction clerical program and is finishing at Los Medanos College before applying to an Historically Black College. We couldn’t operate without her.

“Our board members are Antonio Hernandez, president (school board member and medical student) Sandra White (Past president of the Rotary Club of Antioch and City Council candidate) Sophia Macha (Secretary and former student, currently studying at UC Davis) Michael Meyer (Tutor and acting executive director) and Martha Goralka (Vice President and acting assistant executive director; currently the longest serving board member – she knew Bess Combs)

Goralka then acknowledges the representatives of elected officials who were able to attend the ceremony including Kayla Turnage with Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farías’ office, Theresa Anderson with State Senator Tim Grayson’s office and Dominique King with Congressman Josh Harder’s office.

For more information visit www.deltalearningcenter.org. See more photos from the event on the City of Antioch’s Facebook page posted Wednesday, Oct. 7th.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

During 2026 National Faith & Blue Weekend

By Allen D. Payton

Everyone is welcome!

As part of the 2026 National Faith & Blue Weekend, St. John’s Lutheran Church in Antioch is hosting a community meeting with the Antioch Police Department on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

The event includes a Community Pumpkin Patch with free pumpkins for kids under 12, caramel apples, treat bags for children and bouncy house, plus, Story Time at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM.

According to the FaithandBlue.org website, “National Faith & Blue Weekend facilitates safer and stronger communities by engaging law enforcement officers and local residents through the connections of faith-based organizations.”

“Faith & Blue is based on the premise that strong communities are built through mutual respect and understanding. Law enforcement and faith institutions are key pillars of each community, and when they work together, neighborhoods thrive.”

The upcoming National Faith & Blue Weekend, Oct. 9-12, are “four days of locally organized community-officer engagement as part of the nation’s largest annual collaborative policing initiative.”

“The National Faith & Blue Weekend organizers represent every major national law enforcement membership and professional organization in the United States and every faith tradition. The effort is being co-convened by MovementForward, Inc. and the USDOJ Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.”

St. John’s Lutheran Church is located at 1360 E. Tregallas Road.

Including Antioch Council candidates Joy Motts, Monica Wilson and Matty Matthews Alappat

By Kaleo Mark, Community Organizer, Seamless Bay Area

Bay Area – A coalition of 28 transit, bike, disability, and street safety advocates from around the Bay Area published the responses from over 250 candidates for local, state, and federal office in our “Bay Area Transportation Candidate Questionnaire.”

The questionnaire responses will help voters across the Bay Area make more informed decisions about the candidates who, if elected, will be positioned to significantly determine the future of how Bay Area residents get around. Candidates shared their perspectives on designing our streets to be safer for all, making transit a more desirable option, and addressing the transportation sector’s role in climate change. 

How we get around and the barriers we face in that process affect nearly every aspect of our lives like housing, healthcare, economic development, safety, education, and much more.

“Local elected officials play critical roles on local regional transportation bodies and boards around the Bay Area and are influential in transit ballot funding campaigns. It is essential for people running for office to know the issues, and to understand that there is an active constituency who care about transit and active transportation and consider these issues in voting,” said Adina Levin, Executive Director at Seamless Bay Area.

2026 is an especially important year for Bay Area public transit, with voters casting their votes on two ballot measures that will determine the future of our region’s transit: Measure RTM across Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties and Prop H in San Francisco.

Top candidates in high-profile races across the Bay Area responded to this questionnaire, including: 

Region-wide

• 22 responses from mayoral candidates running in Richmond, Alameda, Dublin, Hayward, Oakland, Santa Clara, Fairfield, and more.
• Responses from City Council candidates running in 74 different cities across the Bay Area.

East Bay

• Aisha Wahab in the 14th Congressional District race.
• Scott Sakakihara and Linda Price in the State Senate District 10 race in the East and South Bay to replace Senator Aisha Wahab. 
• Adriana Valencia in AC Transit Ward 3 race.
• 80 candidates for City Council races across Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.

Antioch Council candidates who have responded include District 1 candidate Joy Motts and District 4 incumbent Monica Wilson and challenger Matty Matthews Alappat.

The “Bay Area Transportation Candidate Questionnaire” in the 2026 November General Election was led by a coalition of 28 organizations throughout the region including Seamless Bay Area, Transbay Coalition, Bike East Bay, Bike Hayward, BikeWalk Castro Valley, Community Resources for Independent Living, East Bay for Everyone, East Bay Transit Riders Union, El Cerrito/Richmond Annex Walk & Roll, Fremont for Everyone, Friends of Caltrain, Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County, Move California, Move San Mateo, North Bay Transit Riders, Palo Alto Forward, San Antonio Station Alliance, San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, San Francisco Transit Riders, Santa Clara County for Transit, Senior and Disability Action, Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition, Sustainable Marin, Traffic Violence Rapid Response, Transform, Walk Bike Berkeley, Walk Bike Walnut Creek, and Walk Oakland Bike Oakland.

Co-Sponsor’s Quotes

“When it comes to how we get to where we’re going, and the options we have for how we get around, our local, county, and state elected officials have a massive impact.” said Carter Lavin, co-founder of Transbay Coalition. “Now more than ever, local electeds can make a big difference on things like whether or not it is safe to cross your street, or if your bus is on time, or even if there is a bus going where you want to go. Although candidates rarely lead with their transportation policies, transportation impacts every voter every day so voters deserve to know where candidates stand on the issue.”

“The Bay Area’s elected officials will have a critical role to play in saving public transit. Our transportation systems are at a tipping point, with many facing huge deficits. Therefore, it’s important now more than ever to elect leaders at all levels who will support a sustainable and equitable funding solution for our vital transit providers,” said Abibat Rahman-Davies, Transportation Policy Manager for Transform.

“Persons with disabilities depend on public transportation for everything from going to the doctor to going to work in the morning! Finding out how candidates stand on transit is vital to our very existence!” said Warren Cushman, Community Organizer at Community Resources for Independent Living.

“Transit service is the lifeblood of a community – it allows economic, social and educational opportunities for everyone,” said Abigail Zoger, a professor and lead at North Bay Transit Riders. “In Marin and Sonoma, the lack of night service means the community college evening classes are inaccessible to many. One student reported missing the last bus and having to walk 4 hours home at night.”

“Over the past year, San Francisco Transit Riders has mobilized thousands of voters to speak up and demand sustainable solutions from their elected officials to fund and improve public transportation,” said Dylan Fabris, Community and Policy Director at San Francisco Transit Riders. “San Franciscans depend on public transportation so it is important for them to know how their candidates shape up on the transportation issues that affect their lives every day.”

“Bike East Bay believes in a transportation future where owning and maintaining a car is not a prerequisite to moving around the East Bay with freedom. We want to see a system that is safer, cleaner, and more seamlessly integrated than what currently exists,” said Justin Hu-Nguyen, Executive Co-Director of Mobility Justice at Bike East Bay.

“With the future of reliable transit and e-bike access on the line, California’s chance at achieving climate goals has never been more dire. Before we vote, we must know that incoming elected officials will not just support transit, biking, and walking, they will fight for it. An affordable, equitable Bay Area with clean air depends on it,” said Amy Thomson, Policy Director at Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition.

“A strong public transportation system is a crucial component in making biking and rolling safe, convenient and welcoming to everyone in San Francisco,” says Rachel Clyde, senior community organizer for the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. “We need leaders who will champion innovative solutions for improving all forms of sustainable transportation in our communities.”

“Public transit massively extends the range of the bicycle. We need robust public transit in order to efficiently traverse the Bay Area with the powerful combination of bike and public transit,” said Bruce Dughi, co-founder of BikeWalk Castro Valley.

About Seamless Bay Area

Seamless Bay Area is a public transportation advocacy group working to transform the Bay Area’s public transit into a world-class, unified, equitable, and widely-used system by building a diverse movement for change and promoting policy reforms. More at seamlessbayarea.org. 

By Black Diamond Ballet

Black Diamond Ballet welcomes community members to attend its 14th Annual production of the Nutcracker November 13–22 at the El Campanil Theatre.

For many families, the Nutcracker at El Campanil Theatre is tradition, a commencement of the winter holiday season. Attending a performance or donating to Black Diamond Ballet supports the dancers and the work required to bring this production to life. Bring your family, invite a friend, and help spread the word about the earlier dates.

“We see this as a necessary change prompted by circumstances beyond Black Diamond Ballet’s control,” says Sam Khamseh, Black Diamond Ballet (BDB) Board President. (See related articles here, here and here)

In addition to its annual production schedule, BDB is committed to producing a Sensory-Friendly performance, and school-day shows for students and special-day programs, all of which help make the joy of live ballet accessible to all audiences in our community.

Performance times and ticket information will be available at BlackDiamondBallet.org or ElCampanilTheatre.com or the box office 925-757-9500

Follow Black Diamond Ballet on social media: Instagram & Facebook @blackdiamondballet, TikTok @black.diamond.ballet

Shares accomplishments

UDPATE: Scott writes, “After Antioch: When You Love the Work, but the Politics Break Your Heart”

By Allen D. Payton

Today, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, the two-year contract for Antioch City Manager Bessie M. Scott ended.

After being hired in August 2024, she began her tenure in October, just a month before that year’s elections when a new mayor and two new council members were elected, forming a new council majority. As a result, Scott was not expected to last in her position for more than six months. Instead, she served 19 months before being placed on paid leave on May 5th. Less than two weeks before that occurred, Scott shared her thoughts on the role and position of city manager saying, “It sounds hard, and it is – but JOY abounds here!”

In response to the end of her contract, Scott issued the following farewell message to Antioch residents, offering a list of accomplishments during her time in the position:

Statement from Bessie Scott

On the Conclusion of My Service as Antioch City Manager

“As my tenure as Antioch City Manager concludes on October 7, 2026, I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve this community. It has been an honor to hold this position and to serve as the first woman City Manager in Antioch’s history.

I entered this role with a commitment to strengthen city operations, support employees, improve public services, strengthen police and community relations, and build a more responsive and accountable government. My tenure included significant challenges—from staffing shortages and financial pressures to organizational and leadership difficulties. Some of those challenges were deeply personal and professionally painful. I acknowledge them honestly while remaining proud of the work we accomplished and the people who made it possible.

“Together with dedicated staff and regional, county and community partners, we advanced meaningful priorities and made great strides. These efforts included securing a $35 million Homekey+ award to address homelessness, obtaining additional emergency homelessness funding, and strengthening housing services through rental assistance, fair housing, and landlord-tenant support. We moved forward with efforts to address illegal dumping, beautify our Amtrak – Gold Runner downtown train stop, improve wayfinding, modernize agenda and records management, update outdated city policies, and address the public records request backlog.

“We also advanced police accountability and community engagement, including filling Police Oversight Commission seats, reinstating Neighborhood Watch, and supporting work to implement the City’s police settlement obligations. Our investment in young people helped send ten students to the State Capitol through Youth and Government, with one student selected to participate in National Advocacy Days in Washington, D.C.

“These accomplishments belong to the employees, residents, and partners who worked alongside me. To City staff: thank you for your expertise, persistence, and care for Antioch. I saw the demands you carried, and the effort you made to keep essential services moving, often under difficult circumstances. Your work matters, and I am grateful for your dedication.

“To the Antioch community: thank you for welcoming me, sharing your concerns, challenging us to do better, and contributing your time and ideas. Your advocacy and commitment to your neighborhoods strengthened our work and reminded me why public service matters.

“I leave this role proud of what we advanced and mindful that meaningful work remains. My hope is that Antioch continues to invest in its employees, strengthen public trust, and pursue opportunities that truly and positively improve the lives of all of its residents in a sustainable and equitable manner.

“Thank you for the privilege of serving as your City Manager.”

Bessie Marie Scott, CIG, EMPA

—————-

UPDATE: Scott Offers Additional Thoughts Entitled, “After Antioch: When You Love the Work, but the Politics Break Your Heart”

In a post on her LinkedIn account on Thursday, Scott offered additional thoughts about the end of her role as Antioch city manager, which District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker shared on her own official Facebook page that same day. Scott wrote, “After Antioch: When You Love the Work, but the Politics Break Your Heart…

“There is a particular kind of heartbreak that comes from losing a job you loved. You grieve the people. The unfinished plans. The problems you understood deeply and still wanted to solve. You think about the promises you made, the relationships you built, and the future you could see taking shape.

“For leaders who enter public service with a strong sense of purpose, the work becomes so very personal. Behind a budget line, we see a family. Behind a staffing decision, we see an employee carrying too much. Behind an operational problem, we see a community waiting for government to work better. That connection makes us committed.

“It also makes the ending hurt.

“Over these last two years, I have had to confront the painful reality that loving the work and being capable of doing it do not guarantee that you will be given the conditions to succeed. Leadership depends on more than individual effort. It requires clear authority, workable relationships, consistent expectations, and enough trust to make difficult decisions. When those conditions erode, and principled leadership is lacking, even meaningful progress can become overshadowed by political conflict. That is a difficult truth for someone like me who believes in working harder.

“My instinct has often been to prepare more, explain more, produce more, and keep showing up. Sometimes those efforts resolve a problem. Sometimes the problem persists because the disagreement concerns who should have influence, whose judgment will be trusted, or what others are willing to support.

“I am learning to hold two truths together: I can examine my decisions honestly, and I can recognize the limits of what I could control.

“I can acknowledge what I would do differently without taking responsibility for every condition around me.

“And I can love the work without allowing its ending to define my worth.

“If you are grieving a role you cared about like I am currently, give yourself permission to name the loss. You do not have to turn it into a lesson immediately.

“Some work matters enough to break your heart.

“Healing begins when you give that heartbreak the same care you once gave the job. Keep going, it will all work out in the end.”

26-year-old Antioch man has history of 23 other arrests since January 2021; held on $950,000 bail

By Lt. Franco Cesar #7264, Antioch Police Department Field Services Division

ANTIOCH, Calif. — This morning, the Antioch Police Department arrested 26-year-old Eric Washington of Antioch in connection with a gang-motivated shooting that occurred on Lone Tree Way in June 2023.

Police arrested Washington on October 7 after a coordinated high-risk warrant operation involving the Antioch and Pittsburg Police Department SWAT Teams at a residence in the 4500 block of Wolf Way.

On June 17, 2023, Antioch Police officers responded to a reported shooting near Lone Tree Way and Country Hills Drive. Investigators determined that two victims were leaving a gas station in the 4100 block of Lone Tree Way when occupants of another vehicle confronted them. During the confrontation, the occupants exchanged words regarding one victim’s suspected gang affiliation. (Note: The incident was not reported by APD until now).

As the victims attempted to drive away, the suspect pulled a semi-automatic handgun and fired at least nine rounds at their vehicle. The gunfire shattered the vehicle’s rear window and caused the victims to crash into the center median.

Officers responding to the scene recovered physical evidence and obtained surveillance video that captured the confrontation. During the subsequent investigation, Antioch Police Detective Miller identified Washington as the suspected shooter. Investigators also gathered witness statements and additional evidence supporting his identification.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and filed the following felony charges against Washington:

• PC 664/187 — Attempted Murder
• PC 245(b) — Assault with a Semi-Automatic Firearm
• PC 246 — Discharging a Firearm at an Occupied Vehicle

A felony arrest warrant was issued for Washington with bail set at $950,000.

Because of the violent nature of the alleged offenses, the suspected gang involvement, the outstanding violent felony warrant, and the fact that the firearm used in the shooting had not been recovered, the warrant service was classified as high-risk. Antioch Police coordinated with the Pittsburg Police Department SWAT Team to safely execute the warrant and reduce risks to officers, Washington, and neighboring community members.

On the morning of October 7, 2026, tactical operators from the Antioch and Pittsburg Police Department SWAT Teams executed the warrant at the Wolf Way residence. Washington was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on the outstanding warrant.

Anyone with additional information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau at (925) 779-6884.

According to localcrimenews.com, Washington is Black and has a history of 23 other arrests since January 21, 2021, by multiple agencies for crimes including grand theft, robbery, burglary, shoplifting, receiving or concealing stolen property, vandalism, carrying a concealed large knife, trespassing, displaying an imitation firearm in a public place and drawing or exhibiting an imitation firearm in threatening manner.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, six-inch tall, 200-pound suspect is Non-Hispanic, but also described as Black, was born May 4, 2000. Washington’s next court appearance is scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in Martinez Superior Court Dept. 5. Case #23-4518. Docket #04-26-01531-1

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch High hosts Parade, Street Percussion & Jazz Competitions but not eligible for awards

By Antioch Unified School District

It was a hot day but that didn’t stop 24 school music groups from giving great performances.

On Saturday, Oct 3, 2026, the 37th annual Delta Band Review started the day of competition with a parade in front of Antioch Middle School on D Street.

A total of 20 high school marching bands competed. The event also included a jazz contest, with four schools competing.

The Deer Valley High School Teal & Black Regiment marched away with the second place award in the Parade division 2A. The Parade and Jazz Competition awards were presented in Eels Stadium.

Antioch High School’s Pride of Antioch Marching Band and Color Guard kicked off the day but, as event host, wasn’t eligible for awards.

Thanks to the many who made this event so special.

Organized by Antioch Band Backers Association

The Delta Band Review is organized by the Antioch Band Backers Association.

In a letter to “Band Members, Directors, Coaches and Guests, AHS Band Director Brian Allen Hobbs and Association President Johnny Hackenkamp wrote, “On behalf of the Antioch Band Backers Association, it is our absolute pleasure to welcome you to the 37th Annual Delta Band Review!

“Today, we invite you to experience the spectacular sights, sounds, and magic of marching and jazz bands. From the vibrant performances on the streets of Antioch to the captivating sounds inside the Beede Auditorium, this event promises an unforgettable celebration of music and community. The Parade and Percussion competitions will take place at Antioch Middle School and the City Library, while the awards ceremony will be held at Eells Stadium on the AHS campus.

“The success of this event is a testament to the dedication, passion, and support of so many individuals. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers, donors, band families, and community members whose hard work has made today possible. Be sure to check out our special thanks page, where we recognize these amazing contributors.

“Once again, welcome to Antioch High School. We are excited to have you here and wish the best of luck to all the bands competing today!

For more information visit www.deltabandreview.com and www.antiochbandbackers.com.

See more photos on the AUSD Facebook page post on Oct. 5th.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Public comments before the Closed Session decisions both positive, negative

By Allen D. Payton

During a special Closed Session meeting Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 7, 2026, the City Council chose to keep Antioch Human Resources Director Ana Cortez as acting city manager and begin the process to appoint an interim city manager. The Council also agreed to begin the recruitment process to search for a permanent city manager. The meeting was held on the last day of outgoing City Manager Bessie M. Scott’s two-year contract. (See related article)

Public Comments

During Public Comments at the beginning of the meeting, four residents spoke but only two on the matters to be discussed.

Melissa Case spoke on Item 4.2 saying, “I believe the process of selecting the next city manager should be as transparent as possible…and we’re not just hiring somebody to sit in the city manager’s office. I think we should be very clear about what we’re looking for. I personally want a city manager who understands economic development and knows how to find and pursue grants. Antioch has tremendous needs, right now and there are state and federal resources available to us. I also want someone that knows how to build partnerships and to bring these dollars to Antioch. I want someone who knows how to inspire city employees to do their best work. I want a city manager who is customer service focused. The residents of Antioch are the customers of our local government. The first question should be, ‘how can we solve this’ not ‘that’s not my department’ which I get a lot.”

“I also want someone who understands budgeting, accountability, infrastructure, public safety, economic development, communication…and long-term planning and someone who can actually work professionally with the five of you, as well,” she continued. “Someone who can track the results.”

“I just think it’s important to find someone who knows how to get things done…and how to get the resources to do it. Knows how to inspire the people, here in Antioch, the workers and the citizens and remembers who they’re ultimately serving which is the people of Antioch,” Case concluded.

Another resident who chose to not provide his name or turn in a speaker card spoke about Item 4.3, regarding, “Significant exposure to litigation. So, somebody filed a whistleblower complaint. I guess Because of my efforts at public records requests, I’ve read some of the emails between certain government officials of Antioch.”

So, Bessie was complaining because Ron was trying to get something on the agenda for one of his campaign donors. That’s not ethically correct,” he continued. “Ron was apparently going around telling everybody she’s unexperienced. She’s not doing the job. And somebody in the back of a public meeting said, like, ‘she doesn’t know what she’s doing. She’s a jerk,’ and Bessie ran with that.”

“So, somebody’s a whistleblower,” he stated, then named all of Antioch’s city managers, including acting and interim, dating back to 2017, making a comment about each of them and about his own past arrest.

“Now, we’ve got Ana back. Look how many mistakes she’s made. I’m sorry, Ana. I have to say it. If I had more time I’d say the good things you’ve done. But you’ve screwed up. You’re screwing up. You can’t hire her. We can’t afford it. Look at all the mistakes she’s made. God bless you,” he concluded.

After City Attorney Lori Asuncion read off each of the four agenda items, the council then adjourned to Close Session.

Council Decisions Keep Cortez in Acting Position While Searching for Interim, Permanent City Manager

Following the Closed Session that lasted almost two-and-a-half hours, Asuncion reported out saying, “For agenda items 4.1 and 4.4…Council gave direction that Ana Cortez will continue serving as Acting City Manager while the council completes the process of selecting an interim city manager.”

Item 4.1 was a Public Employment Appointment: Interim City Manager and Item 4.4 was a Conference with Labor Negotiators regarding the Interim City Manager position.

“She’s also authorized as the Human Resources Director to negotiate an employment agreement with the candidate for the interim city manager position,” the city attorney continued. “If and when an interim city manager is chosen and an agreement reached, the appointment and agreement will be brought to open session during a regular city council meeting for consideration.”

Asuncion then said, “For agenda item 4.2…Public Employee Recruitment: City Manager…Council provided direction to staff to move forward with a Request for Proposal process for the permanent city manager recruitment.”

For item 4.3 which reads, “Conference with Legal Counsel – Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(2): Number of potential cases: (1). The City is in receipt of information concerning facts and circumstances that might result in litigation against the City which are known to a potential plaintiff or plaintiffs pertaining to possible Labor Code Section 1102.5, and Fair Employment and Housing Act violations,” the city attorney said, “And there’s nothing to report for that item.”

According to California.Public.Law, Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(2) reads, “Facts and circumstances, including, but not limited to, an accident, disaster, incident, or transactional occurrence that might result in litigation against the agency and that are known to a potential plaintiff or plaintiffs, which facts or circumstances shall be publicly stated on the agenda or announced.”

According to Justia.com, Labor Code Section 1102.5 is referred to as, “Whistleblower Protection” and according to Bluestone Law, it “is the state’s main whistleblower law. It makes it illegal for your employer to retaliate against you — fire you, demote you, cut your hours, or push you out — because you reported something you reasonably believed was illegal.”

Following the meeting Asuncion, Mayor Ron Bernal and Mayor Pro Tem Don Freitas were asked if the council took votes. Bernal said, “It was more of a consensus. We didn’t take any official votes.”

The meeting was adjourned at 3:52 PM.

See the agenda and watch the meeting video at the 2:55 mark for the public comments at the beginning and the 2:23:06 mark for the report out.