Contra Costa County must prepare for significant reductions in Medi-Cal coverage and hundreds of millions of dollars in long-term funding loss as a result of recent federal and state policy changes, county officials said Tuesday.
New federal requirements under H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” combined with state Medi-Cal eligibility and reimbursement changes, will make it harder for many residents to enroll in or keep healthcare coverage. While final details are still emerging, county estimates indicate that as many as 93,000 Contra Costa residents could be affected by 2029.
At the same time, Contra Costa Health (CCH) projects more than $300 million in cumulative state and federal funding reductions through 2029, driven by Medi-Cal disenrollment and cuts to supplemental funding that public hospitals rely upon. These impacts are expected to grow year over year and reflect a broader trend affecting counties and public health systems across California.
“These changes mean fewer people covered and fewer dollars coming into the system at the same time,” said Candace Andersen, Chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. “Our responsibility is to face that reality head-on, plan carefully, and ensure the county continues to provide essential care for residents who have nowhere else to turn.”
During a presentation to the Board on Tuesday, leaders of CCH and the county’s Employment & Human Services Department (EHSD) emphasized that the projected impacts are a result of external policy decisions, not local performance, and that significant uncertainty remains around timelines, enforcement and the response from California.
Federal guidance on several provisions of H.R. 1 has not yet been issued, and California’s approach to mitigating coverage losses is still evolving.
The presentation outlined how specific provisions of H.R. 1 and recent state Medi-Cal policy changes are expected to reduce enrollment, increase administrative barriers to coverage, and lower reimbursement to safety-net providers. It also reviewed projected enrollment losses, funding impacts to CCH and Contra Costa Health Plan, and the anticipated timing of changes, along with areas of ongoing uncertainty.
The Board directed CCH to return in early 2026 with a proposal to update and strengthen the county’s existing supports for people who are not eligible for Medi-Cal and have no other healthcare options.
Contra Costa County will share additional updates as federal and state guidance becomes available and planning continues.
To enhance DUI enforcement, pedestrian safety, reporting technology
By Jaden Baird, Public Information Officer, City of Antioch
ANTIOCH, CA — The City of Antioch has been awarded $158,000 in traffic safety grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), part of more than $140 million in statewide funding announced this week by Governor Gavin Newsom to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety and strengthen enforcement and education programs.
The Antioch Police Department received a $95,000 Police Traffic Services Grant to support impaired-driving enforcement, pedestrian-safety operations, and community education efforts. Funding will also support the department’s annual participation in the Every 15 Minutes program at local high schools, which provides critical education on the dangers of impaired and distracted driving.
This year, Antioch police officers have made 102 DUI arrests and responded to 26 pedestrian-involved collisions. The department will use this funding to expand prevention efforts, improve outreach, and increase targeted enforcement aimed at reducing these incidents.
“Traffic safety remains the number one complaint we receive from the community,” stated Police Chief Joe Vigil. “These grants allow us to expand DUI enforcement, strengthen our pedestrian-safety initiatives, and deepen our partnerships with local schools. We have a responsibility to use every available tool to reduce those numbers and make Antioch’s roadways safer for families, businesses, and visitors.”
A second award, a $63,000 Traffic Records and Roadway Safety Grant, will allow the department to modernize its reporting and data-tracking systems. This includes implementing Crossroads e-Citation technology, which replaces handwritten citations with digitally generated citations produced in the field, and improving data integration between Crossroads, the department’s Record Information Management System (RIMS) reporting software, and Contra Costa County courts. The upgrades are expected to reduce clerical and processing errors by up to 80% and improve Antioch’s statewide reporting compliance.
“This funding strengthens our ability to protect residents through better data, stronger prevention programs, and expanded enforcement capacity,” stated City Manager Bessie Marie Scott. “These investments directly support safer streets, improved tools for our officers, and more effective service to the community.”
For newborns – 17 year olds; Register by Dec 17 at 11 p.m.
La recolección de juguetes será el Domingo 21 de Diciembre
Puede registrarse antes del 17 de Diciembre a las 11 p.m.
Para recién nacidos hasta jóvenes de 17 años
Presented by One Day At a Time and Newberry’s B.L.O.C.K.
ANTIOCH — IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN!
Hope In Motion is back, and this year, we’re pouring even more love, purpose and community spirit into our holiday tradition! One Day at A Time is collaborating with Newberry’s B.L.O.C.K. to bring joy to kids in Antioch.
Former 49er Jeremy Newberry was in Antioch on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2025, for the annual Newberry’s BLOCK Toy Drive & Car Show at Lumpy’s Diner in Antioch. Photos by Allen D. Payton
This season, we’re wrapping support around the youth and communities throughout Antioch, not just to give toys, but to offer hope, connection and a reminder that none of us are in this alone.
In times when the world feels divided, we choose unity. When resources feel scarce, we choose generosity. This event is not about what we give it’s about why we give. It’s about building a community where every child feels seen, valued, and celebrated.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
To make this year’s event possible, we are calling on individuals, organizations, and businesses who believe in investing in their community:
Donations of new or gently used toys
Clothing, warm wear, and accessories
Books that inspire, educate, and uplift
Volunteers ready to serve with heart
Business Sponsors who want to make a lasting impact
Whether it’s just support, in-kind contributions, or resources your business can provide, sponsorships help us expand our reach and multiply the joy we can deliver to local families. This is an opportunity for businesses to stand with Antioch, support our youth, and be visibly part of something meaningful.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Photos with Santa
Donuts & Light Beverages
Toy Distribution for Local Families
A joyful, uplifting, community-centered experience
Our mission is simple:
No child without a gift. No family left out. No community forgotten.
Hope is more than a word — it’s action.
REGISTRATION DETAILS
You do have to register for it by filling out the form at Toy Drive Distribution. Please fill out this form by December 17th at 11pm! This is open to Antioch Residents Only!
The toy pick-up will be on Sunday, December 21st between 2 – 5 pm at the Antioch High School Gymnasium at 700 W. 18th Street. Please make sure to bring your ID and proof of residency!
This is for newborns – 17 year olds.
For more information please contact John Mixon at (925) 339-3844 or John.mixon@odatec.org.
PORFAVOR LEA TODA LA INFORMACION DETALLADAMENTE.
One Day at A Time está colaborando con Newberry’s Block para llevar alegría a los niños de su comunidad. Tendremos una colecta de juguetes, ¡debe registrarse! Puede registrarse completando este formulario. ¡Complete este formulario antes del 17 de Diciembre a las 11 p.m.! ¡Esto está abierto solo para residentes de Antioch!
La recolección de juguetes será el Domingo 21 de Diciembre entre las 2 y las 5 p. m. en el gimnasio de la escuela Antioch High School, 700 W. 18th Street. ¡Asegúrese de traer su identificación y comprobante de residencia!
Esto es para recién nacidos hasta jóvenes de 17 años.
One Day at a Time provides Latino youth and young adults of color with Hope, Support, Healing and Opportunity to realize their strengths, their self-worth, and their power.
Your donations, your sponsorship, your service — all of it fuels change. Together, let’s create a season filled with dignity, joy, and unforgettable memories for the families of Antioch. For more information visit www.odatec.org/.
About Newberry’s B.L.O.C.K.
Newberry’s B.L.O.C.K. is a non-profit organization providing underprivileged children the opportunity to participate in sports by sponsoring scholarships & equipment to youth programs Benefiting Leagues Offering Children Kindness. For more information call (925) 783-6050, email newberrysblock@yahoo.com or visit www.facebook.com/NewberrysBlock.
Join us for Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, where we will create a space to remember, honor and celebrate those in our community with a lived experience of homelessness who have died in the past two years. As part of the event, we will be reading their names and stories. You are invited to share the names of people whom you would like to be remembered here: https://forms.gle/ksauQ1dwxKT2j2rR7.
This hybrid (in person and online) event will take place:
Event co-hosted by Antioch Seventh Day Adventist Church, Bay Area Rescue Mission, City of Antioch, Contra Costa Council on Homelessness, NAMI Contra Costa, and Safe Organized Spaces Richmond.
At these events each year, we remember those who have died and we strengthen our resolve to work for a world where no life is lived or lost in homelessness. We state clearly, together with others in scores of communities across the nation, that no person should die for lack of housing.
About NAMI CC – Support. Educate. Advocate. Outreach.
Mission Statement – To provide support, outreach, education, and advocacy to individuals impacted by mental illness, their families, and the broader community.
NAMI Contra Costa is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization providing outreach, education, support and advocacy to individuals living with mental illness, their families, and the broader community. We have been serving in Contra Costa County and beyond for over 35 years. All our programs are free, so get involved today and help make a difference in your life, others’ lives, and in the local community.
NAMI Contra Costa is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. We are unique in our independence with long history of supporting individuals living with mental illness, their families, and the broader community.
NAMI CC has a commitment to serve the needs of all impacted by mental illness. We have staffed our agency to be reflective of those who are unserved, underserved, and inappropriately served. We have many support groups, classes, and services for these communities. Additionally, to help reach much of the homebound community, we provide almost all of our groups and classes via Zoom, and now more are in-person. So please visit our calendar page for group dates and times.
NAMI Contra Costa was named the 2023 California Nonprofit of the Year.
About the Delta Bay Wellness Hub
NAMI CC is committed to ensuring ALL individuals impacted by mental illness have their needs met and no one is left behind. We, therefore, lifted the 40 Voices Campaign to advocate for an African American Holistic Wellness & Resource Hub to improve outcomes for the African American community. Despite 40 Voices’ successful advocacy for a total of $8.9 million dollars from the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, we have been asked to wait until 2029 for the physical site of the hub to be realized. We cannot afford to wait. NAMI CC CEO and Founder of the 40 Voices Campaign, Gigi Crowder, decided to move forward with the hub – primarily using her own personal funding and securing donations from others.
If you would like to support this important effort, you can Zelle a payment (510-990-2670) or mail in a check (2151 Salvio Street, Suite V, Concord, CA 94520) or simply go to ww.namicontracosta.org/donate to make a donation. All donations are tax deductible. Donations of $40 dollars or more will be recognized on a poster as a “Founding Contributor” of the 40 Voices African American Holistic Wellness & Resource Hub at Delta Bay. The renovations have resulted in a beautiful healing space.
Family raising funds for funeral, memorial expenses
By Allen D. Payton
According to reports on Next Door and by a reader of the Herald, a woman’s body was found near the Antioch Water Park on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. According to Contra Costa County Deputy Coroner Dasia Pickett, “The decedent was Latisha Moore, 39 years old. Moore was an Antioch resident.”
Other residents mentioned she was shot, and a gun was found next to her and did not know if it was a suicide or homicide. When asked if she could share the cause of death, Pickett responded, “I cannot at this time. Thank You for understanding.”
However, when asked if the cause of death was suicide and if some kids discovered her body as other residents had reported, Antioch Police Lt. Bill Whitaker responded, “Yes, it was a suicide which we try not to publicize for the family, and she was found by a group of young adults.”
“Our family is heartbroken as we prepare to say goodbye to our beloved one Latisha Moore who passed away December 6th, 2025. Our hearts are saddened and we’re loss of words. Losing someone you love is never easy, and we’re trying our best to navigate this emotional time while also facing the financial burden of funeral and memorial expenses.
We want to give Latisha the beautiful and dignified farewell she deserves, one that reflects the love, kindness, and strength she showed throughout her life. Any contribution, no matter the amount, will help lighten the weight on our shoulders as we make these arrangements.
If you aren’t able to donate, please share this page or keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love and support.”
To Donate contact: Richonda Redd
Zelle/ApplePay : (925) 752- 1183
Venmo: @Richonda-Redd
Cashapp : $Richonda40
Source: Facebook
In addition, a GoFundMe page has been created entitled, “Support for Latisha’s Memorial Service” on which the same information is shared.
It’s community building at its best. In partnership with Antioch High School and Rebuilding Together East Bay Network, the Big Skills Tiny Homes program is a hit.
Brandy Mazariegos, site manager, said the project (which started in the fall) is “going wonderfully! The students are doing an amazing job and showing off their new skills every day.”
Big Skills students build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as part of their hands-on learning experience, gaining real-world construction skills while contributing to affordable housing solutions. These student-built ADUs are then placed in local communities, showcasing the power of youth, craftsmanship and community impact.
The program provides students with “meaningful skills while also creating affordable housing for low-income community members,” she shared. The goal for Brandy and the 26 AHS woodshop students is to finish the two wee homes by June of 2026.
Brandy said “As site manager, I have the privilege of supporting the students on the job site, guiding them through hands-on learning, and keeping the project running smoothly. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see their growth — not just in technical abilities but also in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.”
We look forward to following this amazing construction project over the next few months and sharing the final product with everyone this summer.
About Rebuilding Together East Bay Network
Rebuilding Together East Bay Network is a non-profit organization based in Berkeley, California serving the San Francisco Bay Area. We coordinate donors and volunteers to meet critical needs for our neighbors to receive repairs, renovations, safety modifications, housing and workforce development.
Following complaint from one grant recipient’s leader, mayor challenges panel’s decision; opens rift with City Manager who finds matter “concerning…alarming”;City Attorney issues opinion
“…none of the proposers are entitled to any City funds and every group was given the opportunity to be heard and was equally assessed in determining the awards.” – City Manager Bessie Scott
Celebrate Antioch Foundation has history of working with, receiving funds from City for community events; was not going to receive funds, but Torres-Walker secured a small amount
Misinterpretations of language in Request for Proposals
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, the Antioch City Council will again reconsider Citywide Economic Development Initiative grants totaling $60,000 to three community organizations awarded in September. The matter has become controversial with Mayor Ron Bernal challenging the decision during the Council’s Nov. 20th meeting. two council members were absent and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker left the dais during discussion of the agenda item to prevent a vote. (See 1:59:38 mark of video)
According to the City staff report for item #1 on Tuesday’s agenda, “The Mayor instructed the City Manager to bring for discussion the 2025 Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Citywide Economic Development and associated Grants which were awarded on September 12, 2025, outside of the 90-Day City Council Request List.”
The RFP states that the goal was “to award up to three (3) grants of $20,000 each to the best projects” to help with the City’s economic development efforts. Instead, after a panel, consisting of Torres-Walker, City Manager Bessie Scott, then-Assistant City Manager Brad Helfenberger, then-Interim Community and Economic Development Director David Storer, Public Information Officer Jaden Baird and then-Economic Development Program Manager Bret Sweet, reviewed the proposals, they chose to allocate two grants in the amount of $27,500 each and one in the amount of $5,000. The first two were awarded to Delta Business Group, to support the efforts by the newly organized Downtown Antioch Association of business owners, and Prison From-The-Inside-Out. The smaller grant was awarded to Celebrate Antioch Foundation because the Review Panel determined their proposal “did not align fully with the parameters of the RFP.”
Purpose of Grants
The RFP solicited qualified organizations, nonprofits and business support entities to implement projects that aim to achieve at least two or more of the following outcomes:
• Increased Economic Activity – Boost foot traffic, sales, or commercial occupancy rates in key corridors.
• Business Retention or Expansion – Provide support or services that result in business stabilization, retention, or physical/operational growth.
• Entrepreneurial Development – Foster new business creation, especially among underserved populations or within underutilized areas.
• Job Creation or Workforce Upskilling – Generate new employment opportunities or improve job readiness among residents.
• Community Engagement – Increase stakeholder participation, visibility of small businesses, or community pride in economic corridors.
Grant Awards
The process included a Blind Review with a group discussion at the end. According to the staff report, the Review Panel chose to issue the following grants for their proposed efforts:
• Celebrate Antioch Foundation– $5,000to perform Antioch Farmers’ Market promotion and signature event promotion. Although this proposal did not align fully with the parameters of the RFP, the organization was awarded an amount due to their services being complimentary to city services such as the farmers’ market.
• Delta Business Group– $27,500to work with the Downtown Antioch Association to build city-wide business-centered digital infrastructure development, city-wide and downtown capacity building, community building, collaboration and transition planning.
• Prison From-The-Inside-Out– $27,500to perform commercial corridor revitalization, city-wide community engagement, workforce development and job creation, and workforce upskilling.
Celebrate Antioch Foundation Leader Appeals Smaller Grant
But former Antioch Councilwoman Joy Motts, who is president of Celebrate Antioch Foundation (CAF), was not satisfied with the amount of her organization’s grant and shared her concerns with Bernal. He in turn chose to bring it to the City Council for a decision that could override the allocations by the Review Panel. The matter was first placed on the Nov. 20th meeting agenda for discussion and a possible decision. That’s when things turned controversial.
CAF has a history of working with and receiving funds from the City for the multiple, annual community events they’ve organized, mostly in downtown Rivertown including annual July 4th Celebration. They worked together on this past Saturday’s Holiday Delites Celebration. CAF’s largest project with the City was the year-long Sesquicentennial Celebration with multiple events in 2022. This year, the group added the Farmer’s Market on Sundays, for which their grant application was focused.
According to a report by City Finance Director Dawn Merchant, CAF received $95,000 in City funds for the Sesquicentennial events, including a $25,000 Administration Fee, and $50,000 for the 2022 July 4th event. (For full disclosure, this reporter named and helped form CAF).
City Attorney Gets Involved
Before the meeting, the City Attorney’s Office reviewed the RFP, along with emails from Motts and all attachments included in the agenda packet. According to Scott’s staff report, in the opinion of Interim City Attorney Derek Cole, “there is no legal issue with the way the City handled this RFP” which “clearly outlines the scope of the services being sought and the amount of the award does not exceed the amount authorized” of $60,000.
Furthermore, Scott states, “none of the proposers are entitled to any City funds and everygroup was given the opportunity to be heard and was equally assessed in determining the awards.”
City Manager Finds Mayor’s Challenge “Concerning…Alarming”, Claims it Diminishes Her Authority, Independence
Scott’s staff report further addressed the mayor’s challenge of the panel’s decision writing, “The City Manager finds it concerning and alarming that members of the City Council would request to diminish her legal and longstanding authority to award routine contracts and grants regardless of value, even if it is within her signing authority amounts. At no time in the past was this authority questioned of prior City Managers, including when the Mayor himself was the City Manager.”
Bernal served as Antioch City Manager from 2017-21. (See related articles here and here)
Scott wrote, “Within the Findings (of the Grand Jury Report), it is stated that a new City Manager’s success will depend, in part, on the Mayor and City Council creating an environment that while maintaining the oversight required by city ordinances, enables the City Manager to operate with independence, as also mandated by city ordinances.”
The City of Antioch has a Council-Manager form of government in which the council members are policy makers and hire a professional city manager to oversee day-to-day operations. The only other staff member the Council hires is the City Attorney.
“The actions described in this Staff Report reflect a departure from the governance structure mandated by the Antioch Municipal Code, as well as the essential duties and functions as outlined in the City Manager’s job description, and they pose significant operational, legal, and ethical risks,” Scott’s staff report states. “Continued encroachment on administrative authority undermines organizational stability and exposes the City to liability.”
She also claims Bernal’s challenge of the grant decisions is delaying the City’s economic development efforts.
“Too, non-adherence to established protocols has caused a significant delay in the carrying out of the 2025 Citywide Economic Development Initiative Grant Awards, as we push for, and desperately are in need of, economic development initiatives across the city,” Scott wrote. “Ensuring a well-functioning government requires that both the City Council and the City Manager operate within their defined roles and collaborate together with a shared goal of moving the city forward.”
Misinterpretations of Language in RFP
During public comments, Motts pointed out that Scott’s staff report incorrectly quotes that, “the RFP states that the goal was to award three groups up to $20,000” because it actually reads on page 4, “This RFP aims to award up to three (3) grants of $20,000 each.”
Yet, Motts was also incorrect in stating, “the RFP is clear that the City will award $60,000 in $20,000 grants to up to three projects. It does not say up to $20,000 and it does not say the grants will be changed to fit a project application.”
“Why would you manipulate the intent of the RFP?” she asked, directing her question to Scott.
However, the word “will” is not included and by using the word “aims” the language in the RFP allowed the panel to award all of the $60,000 allocated for the program to just one group or split the total among two organizations. They didn’t have to award funds to all three and the panel didn’t plan to according to Torres-Walker.
Concerns Politics Involved but Torres-Walker’s Efforts Result in Funds for CAF
Some residents are concerned that politics may be involved in the panel’s decision, since Motts ran unsuccessfully for city council placing second against Torres-Walker in 2020 and 2022, when the difference between the two was just four votes following a recount, and is expected to run against the incumbent councilwoman again, next year. But it was actually Torres-Walker who argued in favor of the $5,000 grant to CAF.
During council discussion of the item on Nov. 20th, Torres-Walker said, “I’m the only panelist who gave Celebrate Antioch a high score because they have been in the community and doing a lot of work in downtown…when others on the panel were considering completely denying the group’s proposal.”
“The proposal was not innovative. But I really appreciated the Farmer’s Market,” the councilwoman continued. “After hours of deliberating and actually only choosing two applicants – we did not choose a third applicant – Celebrate Antioch’s proposal was not going to be funded. I made a proposal…through the City Manager to staff that we at least consider a small grant to support the efforts of the Farmer’s Market, which was new and innovative to the City of Antioch,” Torres-Walker explained. “Staff deliberated and agreed with my proposal and moved forward as such.”
Options for Council
The council members can choose to approve the Review Panel’s grant awards by voting for the resolution included with the agenda item, choose different grant amounts for each of the three groups, or scrap the entire program.
The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall located at 200 H Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. It can also be viewed via livestream on the City’s website and the City’s YouTube Channel, on Comcast Cable Channel 24 or AT&T U-verse Channel 99.
Mac’s Old House on E. 18th Street in Antioch will reopen under new owners next year. Photo: Mac’s Old House
Will have “the original menu…same feel, same ambiance. New bathrooms. More dining. More parking. New kitchen.” – Joe Martinez
New co-owner has history of buying, improving historic Antioch buildings
By Allen D. Payton
A post on the Mac’s Old House Facebook page on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, shared some good news for diners in Antioch and East County community.
It reads, “As most of you’ve heard…we have some exciting news. The legacy of Mac’s Old House will live on!
Mac’s has officially been purchased by Joe Martinez and Ron Harrison. We’re thrilled to share that their goal is to preserve Mac’s as much as possible, with some much-needed updates along the way. They’re aiming for a June 2026 reopening—exactly one year after closing!
As many of you know, the building needs major improvements, including bringing everything up to 2025 code. This is no small task, and we’re incredibly grateful that the new owners are committed to taking it on while honoring the history of the building.
When Mac converted his home into a bar on St. Patrick’s Day in 1956, and later a restaurant, none of us could have imagined how special this place would become. Gary Noe didn’t purchase the restaurant until 1983, and only then did the menu change into what everyone knows and loves today. Mac’s has needed a tune-up for quite some time and we’re all very excited to see the renovations and improvements (including expansion and more takeout options!!!)
Former head chef and manager Rick Cook will be lending his support and passing along all of Mac’s classic recipes.
We always did our best to keep prices as low as possible, and we know the new team is striving for that as well.
We all want the legacy of Mac’s to live on and be as successful as it can be. We’re looking forward to the future and cannot wait to see what 2026 has in store!!”
Martinez Offers Details
When reached for comment, Martinez offered additional details.
“I’ve been eyeballing this property. It’s iconic. It’s been in business for 42 years,” he stated. “I knew it was going to be a lot of work but a good investment for Mac’s Old House and the Antioch community.”
Asked about the menu he said, “We’re going to have the same menu.”
“Rick is going to go there and help with the recipes, show them how to cook the food to make sure we get everything right,” Martinez continued. “We have Sherry who runs Mel’s Diner in Antioch, she’s going to run it, basically. I told her the original menu, the original recipe. She can add a few things.”
About the improvements Martinez said, “We’re going to gut the whole thing. But it’s going to have the columns, the same feel, same ambiance. New bathrooms. More dining. More parking. New kitchen. It’s a substantial investment.”
“We want people to walk in and go ‘wow,” he stated.
A few new aspects will also be added.
“We’ll have a place on the side for DoorDash and we’re going to take credit cards,” Martinez added.
“It closed on the 22nd of June. So, I’m hoping to open a year-and-a-day after that. We might be ready a bit earlier,” he shared. “We’ll start with a soft opening.
“A couple of waitresses said they want to come back, one maybe part-time,” Martinez said.
History of Antioch Building Renovations
Martinez already has a history of buying and renovating buildings in Antioch, including five in downtown Rivertown.
The first one was the yellow painted “J. Ross building at the corner of G and W. 3rd Streets,” he shared. (That was the location of the first office for this reporter’s first newspaper, the Antioch Press).
Second was “the building where Blue’s Club was and Smash Burgers is located now” on the corner of W. 2nd and I Streets.
Third was “the old pool hall, the red brick building” on W. 2nd Street next to Smash Burgers.
Fourth was “the old Masonic Hall where the Antioch Armory is located, now” at the corner of W. 3rd and H Streets across from City Hall.
Then, he “bought and renovated the Casino Building” in Waldie Plaza, near the railroad tracks and river.
He likes to do mixed use with business below and apartments above, Martinez shared
“I’ve been downtown for 26 years, now,” he added.
Regarding the current renovations at Mac’s, Martinez said, “We have people driving by and they’ll honk and wave. We have people stopping by and sharing their stories, like one couple who said they got engaged there. It’s great.”
“It’s going to be nice. We’re excited,” he concluded.
