Will offer multiple services at former Community Outreach Center

“We’ve been working day and night to transform the place. The new sign just went up today” – Pastor Damon Owens

By Allen D. Payton

Genesis Church of Antioch leaders, Pastor Damon and his wife Shantell Owens invite you and your family to the Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening of the Genesis Family Life Center on February 7th from 12 Noon to 3:00 pm.

“We are fully persuaded that the Genesis Family Life Center located at 525 East 18th Street in Antioch will be a place of hope and transformation where lives will be changed for the better,” they said.

The center’s slogan, Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly… is from the Bible verse Micah 6:8 which reads, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

The Owens’ shared the following “list of culturally relevant wrap around services” available at the Center:

• Grocery Share Program
• After School Programs for At-Risk Youth
• Senior Day Programs
• Trauma Informed Care
• Business Incubator for Entrepreneurs
• Pop-Up Commercial Kitchen
• Community Youth Development
• Workforce Development
• Prison Re-Entry
• Transitional Housing

The building was purchased from Golden Hills Community Church, which operated their Community Outreach Center there, until last year, for $800,000, according to Golden Hills’ Executive Pastor Matt LaValliere. The two churches are part of the same 170-year-old Baptist denomination known as Converge, for which Pastor Damon is a member of the Board of Overseers of the PacWest division.

Golden Hills also sold Genesis their church building down the street on the corner of Woodland Drive and E. 18th several years ago.

The transition from the COC to the GFLC was quick as, according to Pastor Damon, they signed the loan docs on November 24th.

“Genesis qualified for the loan and closed escrow. God did it,” he exclaimed.

Volunteers from the church then began work the day after Thanksgiving to prepare the Center for opening.

“We’ve been working day and night to transform the place,” Owens shared. “We wanted to bring an open Silicon Valley-type feel for organizations to use the space to provide the wrap-around services.”

“The new sign just went up today,” Pastor Damon added.

Asked if they would be serving meals to the homeless and those in need he said, “We’re going to be providing ready to eat groceries for those people without a kitchen, like those living in the Opportunity Village (transitional housing hotel), next door.”

“This building is just a shell; it is the people who will fill it that matter most,” the Owens shared. “Seeing the G.F.L.C (Genesis Family Life Center) transition from a vision on paper to a functional space has been a journey of faith and hard work.”

For more information about Genesis Church and the new Family Life Center visit https://yourgenesischurch.com.

By Kelly Kalfsbeek, Community & Media Relations Coordinator, PIO, Contra Costa County Public Works Department

February 3, 2026, Brentwood, CA – The Contra Costa County Public Works Department will repair delineators to enhance safety on Vasco Road between Camino Diablo and the Alameda County Line on Monday, February 9, 2026, barring unforeseen circumstances.The work will occur from 9:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m., weather permitting. The work will be scheduled to minimize impacts to commute traffic. Message boards will be posted to advise drivers of the scheduled work. A pilot car will be used to direct traffic through the work area. Drivers can expect delays of 20-30 minutes and are encouraged to use alternative routes.

About Contra Costa County Public Works Department:

The Contra County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) is responsible for the maintenance and operation of over 650 miles of roads, 79 miles of streams and channels, and over 150 County buildings. CCCPWD services include parks and recreation, sandbag distribution, flood control, road and facilities maintenance, and storm water management. CCCPWD operates two airports, Buchanan Field Airport in Concord and Byron Airport in Byron. For more information about CCCPWD, please visit us at: www.cccpublicworks.org.

For more information contact Jenna Castro (916) 900-6623.

Local treasure hunter buys it at Concord drive-in swap meet, offers it for sale at $4 million

Oakley resident Derek Baker is a part time vintage treasure hunter who frequents garage sales, estate sales and flea markets looking for interesting items he can flip for profit.  He sells on eBay, through his own personal network and at a vintage co-op store in downtown Antioch called the Rivertown Treasure Chest.  Comic books are his focus, but he tries to keep his mind open to anything that comes his way. 

One Sunday morning, Baker was at the West Wind Solano Swap Meet & Public Market at the drive-in in Concord, when he noticed a pile of concert posters on the ground.  The vender was the type of person who cleaned out homes or storage units and likely had no idea of what they really had.  Many of the posters had the kind of art that would be associated with The Grateful Dead or other similar bands, which can fetch a good price. Some of the posters had inscriptions and signatures on them.  So, he grabbed a stack, making sure to include all those with writing and got a bulk deal – 29 posters for $20.

They were almost all good posters that, in turn, can be sold for $10 to $30 each.  One poster was even related to the Grateful Dead as it appears to have a signature from Vince Welnick, who played for the band at one time.  However, the real gem was a pop culture piece of history from 1992.  A poster of “Girl’s Tyme” – later known as Destiny’s Child – from their performance on Star Search.

The poster was printed and displayed for the live studio audience of Star Search to view as they attended the performance.  It is unknown how many of these were actually printed for use inside the theater.  Being that they lost that night, it is likely almost all of them, if not all the rest of them, were thrown in the trash when the theater was being prepared for the next evening’s performances.  This particular copy appears to have been saved by one of the band’s managers at the time, Alonzo ‘Lonnie’ Jackson, who had several of the girls personalize it for him.

Beyoncé Knowles was 11 years old, and she already knew she was going to be a star.  Not only did she sign her name but also added her autograph. Only one other girl even thought to sign her name, Ashley Tamar Davis.  Two others inscribed notes but didn’t even put their names down. But Beyoncé already knew one day she would be the Queen B.

Baker’s poster appears to be the first signature and autograph of Beyoncé on any professional promotional material. Some baseball card collectors have told him that it’s like having the signature on a rookie card of one of the most popular players of all time. 

Baker purchased the poster in April 2025 and since then, he has had James Spence Authentication (JSA) certify that they believe it to be genuine. Star Search has since been rebooted on Netflix, making this a ‘Tymely’ treasure find.  Being a piece of pop culture history for both Star Search and Beyonce, it may be a museum-worthy artifact. Baker thinks the new Hip Hop museum opening in the Bronx this year would be a good home.

The poster may be a ‘unicorn’ with no other piece to compare it to.  How much is it worth?  Is it a $1,000 poster or a $10 million poster? One suggestion is that he travel to Las Vegas to have it valued by Pawn Stars from the famous TV show which Baker said he might do.

The value or rather price he can get for the poster – which is the only true value of such an item – is unknown, for now. But Baker will eventually find out as he has it up for sale, asking $4 million.  Maybe a super-fan from the BeyHive, as Beyoncé’s fanbase is known, or a museum benefactor will let him know.

Interested? Stop by and see Baker and more of his treasures for sale at the Rivertown Treasure Chest in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown at 306 G Street. Or make him an offer on ebay.

Good luck Derek!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Include Dispatchers in public, social media campaign for new contract

“150 days out of contract and no relief in sight.” – APOA

APD Management also out of contract but working under previous one

So far, six Closed Session Conferences with Labor Negotiators held

Share Barbanica’s social media post regarding concerns about City spending more money on another homeless hotel

By Allen D. Payton

Ignoring the advice of City Manager Bessie Scott to the Antioch Police Officers Association, they have continued their public campaign regarding the lack of a contract with the City since the end of August with an added complaint of the difference in pay with other local agencies. They’ve included Dispatchers’ pay in their list of complaints and with posts on their Facebook page and Instagram account as part of their campaign.

Antioch PD Among Lowest Top Step Hourly Pay in County

In a post on the organization’s Facebook page on Friday, Jan. 30, 2025, they show a chart of top step hourly pay for police officers for 17 agencies in Contra Costa County plus, BART Police. It shows Antioch PD has one of the lowest levels of pay. Their contract used to include a requirement that they be paid the second highest in the county, as Antioch is the second largest city by population. But now, 14 other police agencies offer a higher top step pay than Antioch which offers $67.56 per hour.  Neighboring agencies pay more with Oakley PD at $69.93, Brentwood PD at $69.89 and Pittsburg at $69.69. San Ramon PD offers the highest top step pay in the county at $77.81 per hour.

Antioch Dispatchers Also Affected

In a separate post on Saturday, January 31st, the APOA shared a video about Dispatchers’  pay and wrote, “The lack of a contract for the APOA is far more problematic than you may have thought. The pay gap extends to our members in dispatch as well! 150 days out of contract and no relief in sight.”

The video includes an audio narrative with subtitles which reads, “Every call for help in Antioch starts the same way. With a dispatcher answering the phone. But here’s the reality. Antioch police dispatchers are significantly underpaid compared to neighboring agencies.

“Dispatchers at the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and Pittsburg Police earn nine thousand nine hundred dollars more per year than Antioch. Concord dispatchers make twenty-two thousand four hundred four dollars more. Pleasant Hill pays seventeen thousand eighty-eight dollars more. Richmond dispatchers earn twenty-six thousand six hundred seventy-six dollars more annually. Walnut Creek pays seventeen thousand nine hundred seventy-six dollars more. Brentwood pays twelve thousand five hundred sixty-four dollars more. And Martinez pays sixteen thousand forty-four dollars more than Antioch.

“These aren’t small differences. They’re life-changing pay gaps. And they come with real consequences. When experienced dispatchers can earn tens of thousands more by crossing city lines, recruitment suffers. Retention suffers.

“Antioch dispatchers are working understaffed and often work sixteen-hour shifts to cover the empty spots. That means fewer dispatchers, longer wait times, increased stress, and heavier workloads for those who stay.

“If Antioch wants to recruit and retain skilled dispatchers, pay must reflect the responsibility of the job. That means a meaningful contract with competitive salaries. Because when dispatchers leave, everyone in this city feels the impact.”

In addition, APOA has been posting more videos on their Facebook page and Instagram account as part of their campaign.

Antioch Police Management Also Out of Contract

Members of the Antioch Police Sworn Management Association were asked if they have a new contract with the City and if theirs also expired at the end of August. Captain Desmond Bittner responded, “It expired the same time as APOA’s. I had them (the City) add language saying the contract will continue until we worked out a new one.”

Share Former Councilman Barbanica’s Post About City Expenditures for Homeless

The APOA also reposted comments by former Antioch Councilman Mike Barbanica about the City considering spending funds on another homeless hotel writing, “We want the public to see where their money is going!”

In a post on his “Community Member” Facebook page, Barbanica, a former Pittsburg Police Lieutenant, showed a photo of the now closed Comfort Inn, located on Mahogany Way at Highway 4 and Auto Center Drive and entered the discussion writing, “$1,200,000 potentially every year, local taxpayer funded…up to 15 years…

If other funding falls short, Antioch taxpayers are on the hook!

Transparency note: I didn’t author this from a single document. I reviewed staff reports, press reports, spoke with several people familiar with the proposal, and used AI to help compile a neutral, fact-based outline so the numbers could be seen clearly. The goal here is clarity, not advocacy.

Here’s the total City of Antioch financial commitment for the proposed Homekey+ housing project if it is approved and funded by the state:

1. One-time Local Match – The city would provide a one-time contribution of $750,000 toward acquisition and rehabilitation of the property when the Homekey+ award is received.

2. Annual Operating Subsidy – The City would commit up to $1.2 million per year to help operate the facility.

3. Duration of Operating Support – That annual subsidy is for five years, with two optional extensions of five years each (for a potential total of 15 years of subsidy) if the project continues to meet Homekey+ program guidelines.

4. Overall Total Estimate – Based on the staffing report and Council discussion, the total projected financial commitment over the long term is roughly $18 million–$19 million if you include the operating subsidies plus the one-time match (i.e., ~$1.2 M × 15 years = ~$18 M, plus the ~$750 K match).

Summary of Antioch’s Commitment if Homekey+ is Approved

Component Amount

One-time contribution (acquisition/rehabilitation) $750,000, Annual operating subsidy Up to $1.2 M per year

Duration of subsidy 5–15 years (with extensions), Approximate total over full life ~$18 M–$19 M

Important Notes

This commitment only takes effect if the state awards Homekey+ funding and the City moves forward with the project after award.

The operating subsidy requirements could be reduced if alternative funding sources or partners contribute support, but the report assumes the full amount will initially be covered by the City.

WHAT COULD THIS MEAN?

The $1.2 million per year is a CITY / local commitment, not state money.

Now the break down so there’s no ambiguity.

Who pays what in the Antioch Homekey+ project

State of California (Homekey / Homekey+)

Through California Department of Housing and Community Development:

Pays up-front capital costs: Property acquisition, Rehabilitation / conversion, This is a one-time grant, not ongoing funding,

The state does NOT commit to covering long-term operations.

City of Antioch (local funds)

From Antioch: One-time local match, $750,000 (city funds), Annual operating subsidy, Up to $1.2 million per year, Initially 5 years, With two optional 5-year extensions, Potential exposure: up to 15 years

This money comes from local sources: City General Fund, Measure funds / local housing allocations, Other city-controlled revenue (not guaranteed state funding), The staff reports are explicit that the City is responsible for covering operating shortfalls if other funding does not materialize.

What that means… The state helps buy and convert the building, The city commits to keeping it running, If other funding falls short, Antioch taxpayers are on the hook, That’s why council members and staff describe it as a long-term fiscal obligation, not just a grant.”

—————

Six Closed Session Conferences with Labor Negotiators to Discuss Contracts

To date, the City Council, City Manager Bess Scott and a representative from the City Attorney’s Office have held six Closed Session meetings entitled Conference with Labor Negotiators with representatives of the APOA and City employee groups to discuss their contracts. The first one was held August 12 followed by additional meetings on Aug. 26, Sept. 9, Oct. 14, 2025, and Jan. 13 and 27, 2026.

Questions for APOA, City Staff, Council Go Unanswered for Now

Questions were asked of APOA leadership, when did negotiations begin and who represented the organization.

Questions were also emailed on Saturday, January 31st, to City Manager Scott, Mayor Bernal, the four council members and the City Attorney’s Office staff. They were asked, “Why wait so long to begin negotiations when the contracts for at least the APOA and APD Management Association ended on August 31st? Is that usual practice? Why not start sooner? Why didn’t you have meetings before every regular meeting to get things worked out?”

They were also asked, “Besides the APOA and APD Management Association, have the contracts also expire for the other employee groups, including the Management Unit, Treatment Plant Employees’ Association, Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3 and Confidential Unit? If not, when do their contracts expire?”

Finally, the council and staff members were asked, “How long are the new contracts expected to last? One year, two, three or five years?”

The questions were resent to City staff and council members early Tuesday morning, Feb. 3, 2026. But no responses were received prior to publication time. Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Warrants served at Pittsburg and Antioch homes to locate 26-year-old Jamir Wilson

UPDATE 1: Held on $150,000 bail

By Lt. William Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

The Antioch Police Department has arrested a suspect in connection with a fatal hit-and-run of a 17-year-old Jeana Flores of Antioch.

On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the Antioch Police Department executed search warrants at two residences in Pittsburg and Antioch as part of the ongoing investigation. During the operation, officers arrested 26-year-old Jamir Bradley Wilson (born 3/8/1999) without incident on suspicion of hit-and-run causing death. Investigators also recovered evidence from both locations.

As previously reported, on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 3:33 a.m., the Antioch Police Dispatch Center received a report of a person down on the side of the roadway in the area of L Street between West 18th Street and West 10th Street, near the race track at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) directly across the street from the football field in Eells Stadium at Antioch High School.

Responding officers arrived on scene and located an adult female victim. Officers immediately rendered medical aid; however, the victim died at the scene. Based on the findings of the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office autopsy it appeared the victim was struck by a vehicle. (See related article)

This remains an active investigation, and no additional information is being released at this time. Any future updates or press releases will be issued by the Investigations Bureau. The case is expected to be filed with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office later this week.

2/4/26 6:55 PM UPDATE 1: According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 160-pound Wilson is Black and is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $150,000 bail.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Antioch Police Detective Robert Ibanez at (925) 481-8398 or Officer James Desiderio at (925) 331-7474 or via email at jdesiderio@antiochca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Held on $1 million bail

Arrested for hit-and-run on Dec. 22, two previous arrests in 2022

By Antioch Police Lt. Michael Mellone

Antioch, CA — On Friday, January 30, 2026, at approximately 8:39 p.m., Antioch Police Department (APD) officers responded to a ShotSpotter activation reporting multiple rounds fired in the 2300 block of Buchanan Road. Officers arrived and located evidence consistent with a shooting. Officers later learned a 42-year-old female was brought to an area hospital for a gunshot wound from this incident. She was treated for her injuries and is expected to survive.

Through continued follow-up, including interviewing witnesses, canvassing the area, collecting evidence and reviewing available information, investigators identified a suspect, 43-year-old Jonta Laron Davenport, of Oakley (born 1/16/1983). San Rafael Police officers later located and detained Davenport, and APD officers responded, took custody of him, and transported him for booking. Davenport was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on a felony charge of Penal Code § 664/187(a) – Attempted Murder.

This is still an active investigation. To protect the integrity of the case, additional details are not being released at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Angelini at (925) 779-6926 or email: rangelini@antiochca.gov. Tips may be provided anonymously.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, the six-foot, one-inch tall, 295-pound Davenport is being held on $1 million bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, he is Black, a resident of Pittsburg and was previously arrested by the Contra Costa CHP on December 22, 2025, for hit and run resulting in property damage. Davenport was also arrested twice in 2022, once each by Contra Costa CHP and Alameda County Sheriff’s Deputies. Charges included public intoxication, DUI with a blood alcohol level above .08 percent and an enhancement of imprisonment of 48 continuous hours in county jail for conviction of DUI with passenger under age 14.  

APD sends special thanks to the San Rafael and Concord Police Departments for their assistance with this incident. All arrests are allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

“Participants will be informed…that individuals have different rights and obligations depending on their circumstances. The forum will emphasize the importance of complying with the law…” – City Manager Scott

By Allen D. Payton

The City of Antioch in coordination with several non-profit community organizations, will hold an immigrants’ rights forum for those in the country illegally on Feb. 4, 2026. It was announced by District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker on Jan. 24th in a post on her official Facebook page and at the Council meeting on Tuesday, January 27th. The event is co-hosted by Immigration Institute of the Bay Area, Immigrant Action Network and Hijas Del Campo.

According to City of Antioch Department of Public Safety & Community Resources Director Monserrat Cabral, “this is a City-supported informational event coordinated through the Public Safety & Community Resources Department.

“Outreach was intentionally targeted through specific community groups, schools and partners to ensure the information was shared accurately and in a way that respected the needs of the community the event is designed to serve. The event will also be formally announced during the City Council meeting, which allows for an official and transparent public announcement.

“For your reference, the event is:

• An informational session focused on immigration-related resources and updates
• Free and open to the public
• Offered in English and Spanish
• Hosted by the City in partnership with community-based organizations”

Questions for City Staff

The following questions were sent to Director Cabral and City Manager Bessie Scott:

• Is this being done under Council direction? 
• How is the event being funded and what are the associated costs? Was it from a grant? Did the Council approve the expenditure? Or are the organizations paying for it?
• If it’s partially or wholly funded by the City, why is the City using our tax dollars to assist those in the U.S. illegally? Shouldn’t that be left up to the non-profit organizations using private funds? 
• Will those in attendance be informed they don’t have a right to be in our country without permission? 
• Will the event not just discuss their rights but also their responsibilities as immigrants, legal or illegal, such as following the law and complying with law enforcement? 
• Will the forum encourage those here illegally to self-deport to give them a future option to return through a legal port of entry to our country and have the opportunity to become a citizen?
• Will they also be informed that if they’re deported, they will never have that option?

City Manager Responds

City Manager Bessie Scott responded, “This is a City-supported, informational event coordinated through the Public Safety & Community Resources Department as part of our ongoing community education and outreach efforts. It is not a policy action item and does not require separate Council approval beyond existing departmental authority to conduct community informational programming. The event was publicly announced during the City Council meeting to ensure transparency.

“The event is low-cost and focused on information-sharing. Any City-related costs are covered within existing, Council-approved departmental budgets. Community-based partners are contributing subject-matter expertise and participation. No new or special appropriations are associated with this event. Any City-associated costs are consistent with standard community outreach and public education activities.

“The Immigration Informational Night is designed to provide general, high-level information about available resources, recent changes and community services, delivered by qualified organizations. It is not an enforcement forum, a legal proceeding or an advocacy campaign.

“The City does not determine immigration status, provide legal determinations, or direct federal immigration outcomes. Accordingly, the event is not intended to instruct attendees on enforcement actions, deportation decisions, or federal legal consequences, which fall under federal jurisdiction.

“The City’s role is limited to facilitating access to accurate information and ensuring residents know where to seek appropriate, lawful resources. This approach aligns with longstanding City practice of hosting informational sessions on a wide range of topics that impact residents’ health, safety and well-being.

“Regarding outreach, initial distribution was intentionally targeted through community partners, schools, and trusted networks to ensure accurate information reached intended audiences. The event is open to the public, offered in both English and Spanish, and the finalized flyers are attached for reference.

“Participants will be informed that U.S. immigration law is complex and that individuals have different rights and obligations depending on their circumstances. The forum will emphasize the importance of complying with the law and encourage attendees to seek guidance from qualified legal professionals regarding their individual situations.

“The event does not promote unlawful behavior, nor does it encourage self-deportation or make representations about future immigration outcomes, as those determinations depend on federal law and individual case facts.

“Our goal is to ensure community members have access to accurate information so they can make informed decisions and better understand their responsibilities and options under the law.”

Event Details

The event will be held from 6:00-7:30 PM at Antioch High School in Conference Room B, 700 W. 18th Street. Dinner is provided and translation available. It is not a program of the Antioch Unified School District and AUSD accepts no liability or responsibility for this program. See flier for an additional disclaimer.

Benefits AC Transit, BART in Contra Costa County

Provides “fiscal bridge” until revenue from possible 5-county sales tax increase measure on November ballot kicks in

By Rebecca Long, Director, Legislation & Public Affairs and John Goodwin, Assistant Director of Communications, Metropolitan Transportation Commission

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 30, 2026… The Office of Governor Newsom, the California Department of Finance and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) on Friday reached an agreement on a $590 million loan for Bay Area transit agencies that will avert major service cuts at AC Transit, BART, Caltrain and SF Muni during the 2026-27 fiscal year that begins July 1. Negotiated in close coordination with the affected transit agencies — which together face a projected deficit of more than $800 million in the next fiscal year — the new agreement will sustain operations used by hundreds of thousands of daily transit riders across the region.

“California is following through in our support for Bay Area transit and the riders who rely on it every day,” said Gov. Newsom. “This agreement between my Administration and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission provides essential short-term financing to support Bay Area transit operations while the region works together on long-term funding solutions. Public transit is essential to our economy and to communities across California, and through continued partnership with regional and local agencies, we are delivering a more stable and reliable system – now and for the future.”

A regional funding measure authorized by the Legislature last year via state Senate Bill 63, authored by senators Scott Wiener of San Francisco and Jesse Arreguín of Berkeley, may appear on the November 2026 ballot in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. If the measure qualifies for the ballot and is approved by voters, it would establish a temporary 14-year sales tax to support transit operations. But these funds would not begin flowing until around July 1, 2027. The state loan provides a fiscal bridge until the sales tax dollars potentially could be available. (See related articles here and here)

“Today is a huge win for Bay Area transit and for both transit riders and drivers,” said Sen.  Wiener. “For the past year, we’ve worked hard to craft a bridge loan to ensure BART, Muni, Caltrain and AC Transit are not forced to enact massive service cuts — potentially going into a death spiral — as we build toward a regional revenue measure to stabilize and strengthen these systems for the long run. I’m proud of our work with regional stakeholders and the Governor to make this loan a reality. Public transportation is part of the Bay Area’s lifeblood, and we must do everything in our power to strengthen it and protect it from service cuts. So many Bay Area residents rely on transit to get to work, school, or family, and service cuts would also explode traffic congestion. We must not let this happen, and we won’t let it happen.”

Today’s agreement authorizes the loan to be funded no later than July 1, 2026, using money awarded but not yet allocated for Bay Area projects by the California Transportation Commission through the state Transit Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP). Because many transit capital projects have long construction timelines and the TIRCP is continuously replenished, the loan is structured to uphold the state’s commitments to awarded projects while minimizing risk to project schedules.

“MTC greatly appreciates the time and energy the Department of Finance and the Governor’s office put into this loan negotiation,” said Commission Chair Sue Noack, who represents Contra Costa County and also serves as mayor of Pleasant Hill. “It was critical to reach agreement on funding that would avert major service cuts this year while also protecting the Bay Area’s priority capital projects and this agreement does just that.”

Consistent with state Senate Bill 105 enacted last fall, the loan agreement includes a clearly defined repayment structure, a guaranteed revenue source to secure the loan and an agreed-upon interest rate:

• 12-year repayment term, with interest-only payments during the first two years.
• Repayment secured by the “revenue-based” portion of State Transit Assistance (STA) that goes directly to the transit agencies.
• Variable interest rate tied to the state’s Surplus Money Investment Fund, ensuring the state is fully repaid at the same rate it would have earned had the funds remained in state accounts.

BART General Manager Bob Powers noted that his agency, “is currently developing detailed budget plans for two funding scenarios to close our projected $376 million operating deficit for Fiscal Year 2027 through either new revenue and efficiencies or through service reductions, station closures, fare increases, layoffs, and across-the-board internal cuts. A state loan gives us reassurance money will be available to continue to deliver the best service possible for the Bay Area. We are thankful to Governor Newsom and the Department of Finance for finding a path to fund transit operations during such an unprecedented scenario brought on by the pandemic and remote work. We also thank the Bay Area Legislative Caucus for their supportive efforts and look forward to working with the Legislature on early action to include the loan within the state budget.” 

“This bridge loan will help us maintain Muni service for one crucial year for everyone who depends on transit to get where they need to go,” said Julie Kirschbaum, Director of Transportation at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, which operates Muni. “We thank the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for its leadership and the Governor and the Department of Finance for their collaboration. We are deeply appreciative of the tireless efforts of Mayor Daniel Lurie, State Senator Scott Wiener, State Senator Jesse Arreguín, the Bay Area Legislative Caucus, the Board of Supervisors and the transit advocates who kept this loan alive last year. With this key agreement completed, securing the additional funding we need to address our ongoing deficit is the critical priority.”

“San Francisco’s recovery is essential to the success of our region and our state,” noted Mayor Daniel Lurie. “Our city cannot continue its comeback without a safe, reliable transit system. This agreement is a major step forward towards securing the bridge loan needed to sustain our comeback and ensure transit systems can continue serving the families, seniors, students, and workers who rely on them every day. We’re already delivering greater accountability and efficiency for Muni, and ridership is continuing to climb toward pre-pandemic levels. I’m grateful to our partners at MTC and Governor Newsom for finalizing the agreement and prioritizing our city and our region’s recovery.”

Caltrain General Manager Michelle Bouchard made a similar point, “We are so grateful to the Governor, our delegation members, and our state and regional partners for stepping in and supporting public transit in the Bay Area at this critical time. This loan will allow us to preserve the service that made Caltrain the fastest growing transit agency in the U.S.”

“For 65 years, AC Transit’s north star has been delivering safe, reliable, and affordable bus service to the East Bay,” said Salvador Llamas, AC Transit General Manager and CEO. “That legacy was put at risk by unprecedented pandemic-related budget shortfalls. This state loan safeguards existing service levels and brings immediate relief to the more than 3 million riders each month who were at risk of losing some of the service they rely upon for the essentials of life. We thank Governor Newsom and our local and state partners for making this possible, and while long-term funding challenges remain, today we celebrate a critical win for our riders and communities.”

Senate Bill 63 co-author Jesse Arreguín also sounded a note of thanks, “I am grateful to the Governor and my legislative colleagues for supporting Bay Area transit with this loan. This agreement is a huge win to keep our transit agencies running and ensure that the Bay Area can continue as a major economic engine, while not compromising critical transit projects. At a time when we are at risk of significant service cuts that would grind the region to a halt, this additional funding will provide a vital lifeline to the Bay Area’s major transit agencies and provide fiscal stability as we move forward on a broader regional self-help measure this year.”