Joyce Turner (left) sitting courtside before the Warriors’ game on October 17, 2025, and with her daughter, Julie and 11-year-old grandson, Marcos in front of the Steph Curry poster at Chase Center. Photos: An Elderly Wish Foundation
With daughter and grandson
By Mary Chapman & Nora vonUbin, An Elderly Wish Foundation
When Joyce Turner from Antioch was told she had terminal cancer, she contacted An Elderly Wish Foundation. She wrote that her wish was to go with her daughter and grandson, to meet Steph Curry in San Francisco at the Oracle Arena. Joyce claims to be his #1 Fan because her every room in her house proves it. Joyce said, “seeing him in person would be an absolute dream come true!”
Joyce Turner with her Steph Curry memorabilia at her home in Antioch.
On Friday, October 17,2025, An Elderly Wish Foundation “made her dream come true!” Joyce, her daughter, Julie and grandson, Marcos (age 11) were ushered into Oracle Arena, at a specific spot on the court to watch #30 practice. Joyce was thrilled the evening included having Steph sign her own 2015 Championship Jersey! Another thrill was to have her grandson stand with the entire Warriors Team for the anthem.
Joyce Turner with AEWF’s Nora von Ubin (left) and Mary Chapman (rear) and Turner’s, caregiver and her son.
Our non-profit foundation loved granting this special wish for Joyce with assistance from Velma Wilson.
AEWF grants wishes to seniors, 50 years or older, who have been diagnosed with a serious or chronic illness and live in Contra Costa County. For more information visit www.elderlywish.org.
Renderings of the proposed Wildflower Station Row Townhomes. Source: DeNova Homes
Will again consider Wildflower Station Townhomes 2 project by troubled developer Tuesday night
Learn how state law is forcing Council to approve new housing developments
By Allen D. Payton
After the Antioch City Council held a public hearing during their meeting on Sept. 23, 2025, on the proposed Wildflower Station Townhomes 2 Multifamily Residential Project by troubled DeNova Homes, postponed a decision until their meeting last Tuesday, Oct. 28, but split 2-2, with District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker was absent, the Council will once again consider the project during a special meeting tomorrow night, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.
The council meeting is scheduled then instead of the regular day of the second Tuesday of each month due to the Veterans Day holiday on Nov. 11th.
It will be the third time the Council will consider the project by the embattled developer, whose father and son leaders were indicted in April on charges of bribing an Antioch city councilman last year. (See related articles here, here and here). During last Tuesday’s meeting, Antioch resident Melissa Case named former Councilman Mike Barbanica as the target of the attempted bribe but who has repeatedly told the Herald he will not speak about an open investigation. So, the target could also have been former Mayor Lamar Hernández-Thorpe.
Rendering of proposed Wildflower Station Back-Back Townhomes. Source: DeNova Homes.
Council Approved Developers’ Other Townhomes Project on Oct. 28
Like DeNova Homes’ Slatten Ranch Townhomes Project, approved last Tuesday night on a 3-1 vote, with District 3 Councilman Don Freitas voting against, the Council is expected to also approve the Wildflower Station project because it, too, was submitted under SB330 which basically ties the councilmembers’ hands. The law gives certain protections to developments that follow the law’s procedures. (See below)
Both Mayor Pro Tem and District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson complained during last week’s council meeting about the state forcing the councilmembers to approve the project. Yet, Wilson along with Freitas, voted against it. The Council then voted 4-0 to continue the item until tomorrow night’s meeting which Torres-Walker is expected to attend and potentially break the tie vote.
Antioch’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation of between 2023-31 shows the quantity of units in each of four income categories for a total of 3,106 new units that must be approved by the City Council. Source: Association of Bay Area Governments
State Housing Law Forces Councilmembers to Approve New Developments – HAA, HCA, RHNA
Retroactively “freezes” residential zoning standards to what they were on January 1, 2018.
Does not allow jurisdictions to enforce moratoriums or growth control measures on new housing development.
Prevents jurisdictions from imposing or enforcing new design standards on housing projects that are not “objective”.
Plus, “The HCA strengthens the Housing Accountability Act – HAA – (Gov. Code §65589.5) which states that a housing development project that complies with the objective standards of the general plan and zoning ordinance must be approved by the agency, unless the agency is able to make written findings based on the preponderance of the evidence in the record that either: 1) the local government has already met its Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) requirement (Antioch hasn’t); 2) there is an impact to the public health and safety and this impact cannot be mitigated; 3) the property is agricultural land (it’s not); 4) the approval of the project would violate State or Federal law and this violation cannot be mitigated; or, 5) the project is inconsistent with the zoning and land use designation and not identified in the general plan housing element RHNA inventory (it isn’t).”
According to a Sept. 2020 Technical Assistance Advisory by the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s Division of Housing Policy Development, the HAA “establishes limitations to a local government’s ability to deny, reduce the density of, or make infeasible housing development projects, emergency shelters, or farmworker housing that are consistent with objective local development standards and contribute to meeting housing need.”
In addition, the Advisory explains that SB330/HCA “set forth vesting rights for projects that use a new pre-application process,” which both townhome projects did. Most of the bill’s provisions were to sunset on January 1, 2025, but they were extended until January 1, 2030, with the passage of SB8.
The RHNA – now referred to as the Regional Housing Needs Allocation – requires the City of Antioch to approve 3,016 new homes in four income categories between 2023 and 2031. (See related articles here and here, and chart above)
Wildflower Station Townhomes 2 Site Map. Source: City of Antioch
Wildflower Station Townhomes 2 Project
The proposed Wildflower Station Townhomes 2 Multifamily Residential Project is a 159-unit townhome-style condominium development. It is planned for the four-parcel, 10.35 acre vacant property near the intersection of Hillcrest Avenue and Deer Valley Road and bordered by Wildflower Drive to the east and the road next to the KFC restaurant in the Hillcrest Crossroads shopping center which also serves the existing condo development.
According to the City staff report for the agenda item, #6, the proposed project consists of a Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map to create 19 residential lots for 19 three-story buildings, containing 159 new townhome condominiums in two different building styles: “back-to-back” and row townhome-style. Both styles of townhomes include individual one-car or two-car garages with the living areas primarily on the second and third levels above the garage parking.
Proposed Wildflower Station Townhomes 2 Project Site Map. Source: DeNova Homes
The proposed project would include a total of 2.8 acres of landscaping and open space, consisting of two open play areas and open space for bioretention. The play areas would include 25 additional parking spaces with another 57 surplus shared parking spaces with the adjacent Wildflower Station development. The 159 residential units would consist of a mix of two- and three-bedrooms units, ranging in size from 1,135 to 1,381 square feet.
The project site was part of the larger 23-acre Wildflower Station project that includes 22 single family homes (on the ridgeline above), the 98-condominium stacked flat homes immediately adjacent and planned commercial development that was entitled in 2018. The single-family homes and condos were built, but the commercial parcels along Hillcrest Avenue (the current project site) weren’t and the land sat undeveloped.
In 2023, the City Council revised the General Plan and rezoned the four parcels to High Density Residential District (R-25). The proposed project would result in a density of approximately 20 du/ac.
The project was also submitted in 2023 as a Preliminary Housing Application under SB330.
Con Fire Quarterly Report
Before the item is heard, the Council will receive the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District – Quarterly Report presentation by Fire Chief Lewis Broschard.
The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street, in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. They 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.
Antioch Police tend to the victim of a shooting on Sunday afternoon. Photo courtesy of Spotlight CoCoCounty
By Lt. Joe Njoroge #7052, Antioch Police Field Services Division
On Sunday, November 2, 2025, just after 4:30 p.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 300 block of Sunset Drive. Upon arrival, officers located a 9-year-old boy who had been struck by gunfire.
Officers immediately provided medical aid until personnel from Con Fire arrived. The victim was transported by helicopter from nearby Bidwell High School to a local hospital where he is being treated for injuries determined to be non-life-threatening.
Through the course of the investigation, the suspect was identified as a 17-year-old male who was later taken into custody.
UPDATE 1: According to KTVU reporter Henry K. Lee in a post on X, the 17-year-old saw a man at a smoke shop on Sunset Drive “in Antioch with whom he has ongoing feud. Teen fires numerous shots (opens fire inside business), missing his target – and instead hitting 9yo boy in neck while victim is in back room of his uncle’s shop.”
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department at tips@antiochca.gov.
As federal SNAP food benefits are cut during shutdown
EL CONDADO SE PREPARA PARA APOYAR A LOS RESIDENTES CUYOS BENEFICIOS DE ALIMENTOS ESTÁN SIENDO REDUCIDOS
El condado se prepara para distribuir tarjetas de débito para comestibles a 107,000 inscritos en CalFresh
By Contra Costa County District 1 Supervisor John Gioia
Contra Costa County is stepping up to help our neediest County residents due to the Federal government’s failure to fund its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which is called CalFresh here in California. SNAP serves 1 in 8 Americans and is a major part of our nation’s social safety net.
Failing to fund this benefit threatens the food security of 107,000 County residents, 55% of whom are children and seniors. The average monthly benefit for a family of 3 is $573 per month.
The Federal Government’s failure to fund SNAP benefits also threatens the financial sustainability of 706 retailers (most are locally owned neighborhood markets) who sell groceries to CalFresh families.
Our Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD) has developed a plan to distribute debit cards to CalFresh enrollees who live in our County. These debit cards, whose value will be similar to a family’s existing benefit amount, will be distributed soon at a date to be announced at our busiest EHSD lobbies at:
EHSD and the County Sheriff’s Office are partnering to ensure security of debit cards and safety at these locations.
Subject to the Board of Supervisors vote next Tuesday, where we will declare a Local Emergency, we plan to allocate up to $21 million out of our rainy day reserves to fund these benefits for the month of November. We are able to do this because of our County’s responsible fiscal management and AAA bond rating.
Food boxes for needy families, even those who are not CalFresh enrollees, will be available starting Monday, November 3rd, at these same four locations. Needy families, regardless of immigration status, are welcome to come by.
If anyone needs food now, go to the Contra Costa/Solano Food Bank’s Find Food in My City Link to see where to pick up free food near where you live.
A Federal Court decision on Saturday ruled that the Trump Administration must continue to fund SNAP food benefits using contingency funds during the government shutdown. However, it is unclear when debit cards used by enrollees can be reloaded with the November benefit amount. It can take one to two weeks to do this.
That’s why the County is moving forward with its plan to support hard working families who rely on this vital food benefit.
We continue to work with our Federal legislators to advocate for an immediate end to the harmful government shutdown.
Español
El Condado de Contra Costa está tomando medidas para ayudar a nuestros residentes más necesitados debido a la falta de financiamiento del gobierno federal para su programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP), conocido en California como CalFresh. SNAP atiende a 1 de cada 8 estadounidenses y es una parte fundamental de la red de seguridad social de nuestra nación.
No financiar este beneficio pone en riesgo la seguridad alimentaria de 107,000 residentes del condado, de los cuales el 55% son niños y personas mayores. El beneficio mensual promedio para una familia de tres personas es de $573 por mes.
La falta de financiamiento del gobierno federal para los beneficios de SNAP también amenaza la sostenibilidad financiera de 706 minoristas (la mayoría son mercados locales de vecindario) que venden alimentos a las familias que usan CalFresh.
Nuestro Departamento de Empleo y Servicios Humanos (EHSD) ha desarrollado un plan para distribuir tarjetas de débito a los inscritos en CalFresh que viven en nuestro condado. Estas tarjetas, cuyo valor será similar al monto actual del beneficio familiar, se distribuirán pronto en una fecha que se anunciará en las siguientes oficinas más concurridas del EHSD:
4545 Delta Fair Blvd., Antioch
151 Linus Pauling Dr., Hercules
400 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill
1305 MacDonald Ave., Richmond
El EHSD y la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado están colaborando para garantizar la seguridad de las tarjetas de débito y la seguridad en estos lugares.
Sujeto a la votación de la Junta de Supervisores el próximo martes, donde se declarará una Emergencia Local, planeamos asignar hasta $21 millones de nuestras reservas de emergencia para financiar estos beneficios durante el mes de noviembre. Podemos hacerlo gracias a la gestión fiscal responsable de nuestro condado y a nuestra calificación crediticia AAA.
Las cajas de alimentos para familias necesitadas, incluso para aquellas que no están inscritas en CalFresh, estarán disponibles a partir del lunes 3 de noviembre en los mismos cuatro lugares. Las familias necesitadas, sin importar su estatus migratorio, son bienvenidas a acudir.
Si alguien necesita alimentos ahora, puede visitar el enlace Find Food in My City del Banco de Alimentos de Contra Costa/Solano para saber dónde recoger alimentos gratuitos cerca de su domicilio.
Una decisión del tribunal federal el sábado dictaminó que la Administración Trump debe continuar financiando los beneficios alimentarios de SNAP utilizando fondos de contingencia durante el cierre del gobierno. Sin embargo, no está claro cuándo podrán recargarse las tarjetas de débito con el monto del beneficio de noviembre. Esto podría tardar de una a dos semanas.
Por eso, el condado avanza con su plan para apoyar a las familias trabajadoras que dependen de este beneficio alimentario vital.
Seguimos trabajando con nuestros legisladores federales para abogar por el fin inmediato del perjudicial cierre del gobierno.
By Julie DiMaggio Enea, Senior Deputy, Contra Costa County Administrator’s Office
(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking applicants for the Public Law Library Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees was established pursuant to State law and County Ordinance to maintain a law library in Martinez.
The Board of Trustees is the governing body for the Law Library with the authority to determine personnel, fiscal and administrative policies to fulfill the legal information needs of the community. County residents who are members of the State Bar and have an interest in public policy and library administration are encouraged to apply for this non-paid volunteer opportunity. The County Board of Supervisors will appoint to fill one vacancy for a one-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and ending on Dec. 31, 2026. The Board of Trustees normally meets monthly in Martinez.
Applications should be returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St., Martinez, CA 94553 no later than by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025.
Applicants should plan to be available for public interviews to be conducted virtually via Zoom on Monday, November 24, 2025.
More information about the Contra Costa Public Law Library can be obtained by calling Amreet Sandhu at (925) 655-4600 or director@ll.cccounty.us, or visiting the Law Library website at http://www.cccpllib.org.
5 Regional Early Voting Sites in Brentwood, Pittsburg, Richmond, San Ramon, Walnut Creek open today
Some polling places in Antioch have changed.
By Dawn Kruger Community and Media Relations Coordinator Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department
Regional Early Voting Sites open today, Friday, October 31st and polling places are open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4th from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Voters can still return their ballots by mail, postmarked on or before Election Day – to ensure your mailed ballot is received on time, mail ballots before Election Day. Voters can drop their ballot off at one of the County’s 45 official drop boxes before 8:00 PM on Election Day, to ensure we receive your ballot on time.
“Voters have many opportunities to cast their ballot early,” said Kristin B. Connelly, the County’s Registrar of Voters. “The Contra Costa County Elections Office is here to ensure voters can cast their ballots safely, early, and conveniently to make sure their voices are heard.”
In-Person Voter Services
If you prefer to vote in-person or need in-person services to cast your ballot, Contra Costa County residents have early voting options at five Regional Early Voting sites throughout the county.
All Contra Costa registered voters will be able to vote at any of the Regional Early Voting locations, which will be open Friday, October 31st from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturday, November 1st from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; and Monday, November 3rd from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Here are the locations of Contra Costa’s Regional Early Voting sites:
Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak Street, Brentwood
Pittsburg Library-Community Room, 80 Power Avenue, Pittsburg
Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond
San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church, 902 Danville Boulevard, Alamo
Walnut Creek City Hall, 1666 North Main Street, Walnut Creek
Polling Places
Polling places will be open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4th from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Please go to our website and check “My Voting Information.” to find your assigned polling place. Please note that some polling places in Antioch, Bay Point, Lafayette, Pinole, Pittsburg, San Pablo, and San Ramon have changed.
Conditional Voter Registration
If you missed the voter registration deadline, you can still register and vote in-person using Conditional Voter Registration. It is a one-stop opportunity to register and cast your ballot and is available (1) at our office at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez, (2) at Regional Early Voting sites, and (3) at all polling places.
Accessible Voting Equipment and Additional Language Access
Official ballots and voting instructions are provided in English, Spanish, and Chinese. Additional language resources are available through ballot translation guides which are available online and at in-person voting locations. Ballot marking equipment with accessible features is available at every in-person voting location for voters with disabilities who may need assistance.
Be Prepared
If you vote in person, many voters find it helpful to come prepared. Make your choice ahead of time and bring your pre-marked Sample Ballot to the polls to help you save time. Copies of the Voter Information Guide are available at the polls and the information is also available online.
Leave the Campaign T-Shirts, Buttons, and Hats at Home
Please remember that voters have the right to cast a ballot free from intimidation or distraction. Under California law, electioneering is prohibited within 100 feet of any voting location. Anyone wearing items promoting any position in this election will be asked to remove or cover them while they are at the voting location. Please help our poll workers by refraining from electioneering and leave your campaign t-shirts, buttons and hats at home.
For more information on voting options for the Statewide Special Election, visit www.contracostavote.gov or call 925.335.7800.
Frontline healthcare workers overwhelmingly approve contract agreement securing progress on staffing, pay and working conditions
Sutter Health “pleased to have reached an agreement”
Averted strike at 8 facilities including Sutter Delta in Antioch
By Maria Leal, SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West
OAKLAND, CA – Frontline healthcare workers at eight Sutter Health facilities across Northern California have overwhelmingly approved a new contract agreement with Sutter executives, averting the strike workers had authorized. Approved by a margin of 98%, the new agreement addresses critical issues around staffing and working conditions by ensuring fair pay and benefits for frontline healthcare workers, allowing them to continue serving patients without disruption.
“This new contract shows that when we stand united, we can win improvements that protect both healthcare workers and our patients,” said Dinora Garcia, a dietary clerk from Sutter Lakeside Hospital. “Reaching this contract agreement wasn’t easy, but we stood together to advocate for worker and patient safety, improved staffing levels, and fair wages and benefits that reflect the vital work we do daily.”
The contract agreement provides 14 percent across-the-board raises over the life of the contract for workers and protects healthcare and retirement benefits for these frontline healthcare workers. The agreement averted a strike at eight Sutter Health facilities in nine cities: Antioch, Oakland, Santa Rosa, Roseville, Berkeley, Lakeport, Vallejo, Castro Valley and San Francisco. (See related articles here and here)
SEIU-UHW represents various workers across Sutter Health, including nursing assistants, respiratory therapists, licensed vocational nurses, X-ray technicians, environmental and food services workers, among others.
Sutter Health Responds
A Sutter Health spokesperson stated, “We’re pleased to have reached an agreement that supports our frontline employees while maintaining our shared focus on patient care and safety. As Sutter Health continues to achieve high safety scores, expand access to care, add new services and bring more physicians to the communities we serve, we’ll continue investing in and supporting the teams who make that care possible.”
SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) is a healthcare justice union of more than 120,000 healthcare workers, patients, and healthcare activists united to ensure affordable, accessible, high-quality care for all Californians provided by valued and respected healthcare workers. Learn more at www.seiu-uhw.org
Renderings of the planned Slatten Ranch Townhomes approved by the City Council on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. Source: DeNovaHomes
Embattled DeNova Homes’ 129 units at Slatten Ranch passes on split vote; 159 units at Wildflower Station fails on tie vote with Torres-Walker absent, continued until next Tuesday.
“It’s…unfortunate our hands are going to be tied due to state law” – District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson
“We are very limited in what actions we can take.” – Mayor Pro Tem Louie Rocha
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, the Antioch City Council voted to approve one of two new townhome projects by DeNova Homes in the Slatten Ranch area on the eastern edge of the city on a split 3-1 vote. Another townhome project on Hillcrest Avenue and Deer Valley Road in the Wildflower Station development failed on a 2-2 vote with District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker absent. The council members pointed out that their hands are tied by state law, SB330 – The Housing Crisis Act of 2019, under which plans for both developments were submitted, and were forced to approve both.
It was the second time the Council reviewed the projects by the embattled developer, whose father and son leaders were indicted in April on charges of bribing an Antioch city councilman. (See related articles here, here and here).
Slatten Ranch Townhome Development Plan. Source: DeNova Homes
Approve 129 Slatten Ranch Townhomes
Following another presentation on the 129-unit Slatten Ranch Townhomes project by the developer’s representatives as well as public comments by residents including some members of local unions concerned about growth and jobs, the council members discussed the project and questioned City staff.
District 3 Councilman Don Freitas who has been critical of the project, especially that it allows housing in the City’s 200-acre East Lone Tree Focus Area that was intended for commercial and economic development foorr creation of local, well-paying jobs, was first to question staff. He said, “In the report…it states that…the project has been adequately analyzed…under CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) and further review is not required. Traffic…will exceed City standards at the intersection…Level of Service F, which is the worst traffic conditions we can have.”
“The mitigation…they’re going to give one-fourth of the traffic light,” he asked with incredulity. “Empire and Wicklow. Level F. How does that pass CEQA?”
Antioch Planning Manager Zoe Merideth responded, “Vehicle miles traveled is a different standard…that’s what’s in the Housing Element EIR (Environmental Impact Report). Also, in the City’s General Plan, we have the Level of Service…and guidelines under that.”
“We’re still going to have Level F at Empire…and Wicklow for all of Eastern Contra Costa County,” Freitas reiterated.
“But we’re going to have mitigation,” Planning Manager Meredith stated.
“One-fourth of traffic signal is adequate?” Freitas asked again.
“There will be a turn pocket,” Meredith responded. “There will be additional left-turn storage prior to…building permit and occupancy. They’re looking at build out (in the area)not just at the project.”
Then Freitas again raised the issue of the children’s park that would be seen at the entrance to the development.
“Even though the public testimony about children’s safety, nothing’s changed,” he stated.
“Our issues and concerns that led us to pausing this until tonight,” said Mayor Pro Tem and District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha. “SB330, it says, is intended to streamline housing…to address the housing crisis in California. The concerns we brought up about traffic, children’s safety, just fall off the table…since they meet CEQA standards, there’s nothing else we can do.”
“As a General Law City we…are being required to follow laws…and in this case it has do with housing laws,” he continued. “We would hope that the applicant would show concerns we have for our residents and families.”
“It’s very clear…as far as local government we are very limited in what actions we can take. That’s what brings us here, tonight,” Rocha stated.
District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson then asked the developer’s attorney, Golub about his possible comment at the last council meeting of not having to care about the working conditions. “I hope I misheard you,” she stated.
“So, am I. I really don’t recall raising that,” he responded. “I certainly don’t have any notes in front of me. I don’t think I mentioned that at all.”
Then he recalled what he did say that Wilson might have misunderstood.
“State law is very explicit and clear…any CEQA review…the opponent has to show any peculiar I’m not aware of any evidence why this project would address any of those concerns. We reviewed carefully the comments raised by the labor union’s attorney. The issues that seem to be raised don’t relate to any peculiar aspects of this project. It’s a standard development. We’re not taking any kind of unusual conditions that will have any unusual impacts on working conditions. There are a bunch of state laws we have to follow.
“The project is supposed to be approved,” he added.
“I think it’s unfortunate you didn’t take the opportunity to hear all the concerns the last time. I feel like you’re just reiterating in your letter. You didn’t address any of their concerns,” Wilson stated.
“It’s also unfortunate our hands are going to be tied due to state law,” she added.
East Lone Tree Focus Area Map and Slatten Ranch Townhome Project location (in yellow box). Source: City of Antioch
Dana Tsubota, Chief Legal Officer of DeNova Homes said, “We’re happy to have conversations with all of the staff members. We’ve gone through two years of detailed review with staff. We’re happy to continue to have those discussions. When we build something, we’re in partnership with the City for a very long time.
We are limited by the City’s objective standards,” she continued. To make sure all the pieces fit and have all the units in the project as the City is requiring. If there is something we can do we’re happy to.”
“There’s a period of time between an approval and building permit…to ameliorate or soften the impact…there’s a certain amount of latitude we have to change the site plan,” said Antioch Interim Community and Economic Director David Storer.
“This council saw it for the first time a little over a month ago,” said Mayor Ron Bernal.
He then asked about Empire Avenue saying, “Historically, it’s been a joint project with the City of Brentwood. There is no condition of approval for them to build one-half of the street on their side. If this builder doesn’t build it…it falls back on the City and we don’t have any money…we don’t have an impact fee.”
“The center median is not included,” said Scott Buenting.
“Who will build it?” Bernal asked about the additional lane of traffic on the west side of Empire Avenue adjacent to the project.
“We have curb and gutter on our side,” Buenting responded.
“Why isn’t this project being conditioned to do it?” Bernal asked about the widening of Empire Avenue next to the project.
“I’m not sure,” said Buenting.
“I’d like to add it as a condition of approval. As long as Antioch fulfills our responsibility, for our half of the street,” Bernal stated.
“You’ll have to ask the applicant,” Storer responded.
“We’d be happy to look at a specific proposal,” said Golub. “But we don’t necessarily see a nexus of impact by this development. It could be very costly.”
After a 10-minute break for City staff to consult with the developer’s representatives, Interim City Attorney Derek Cole said, “To deal with this issue, there will be a general conditions that will require the improvements to the road…that will allow us to work with the applicant to reduce the concerns of the impacts of nexus. I believe we have to hear from the developer on this.”
Storrer then proposed some language for the council to consider for the additional condition of approval on the road widening.
The developer’s attorney Dan Golub. “I think we just heard there’s an objective standard. The time has come and gone. We’re willing to sit and work with you on this.”
“It’s an arterial design standard,” Bernal stated.
“I must go on the record opposing this. The outcome of that would be something we could agree to. We will work with you,” Golub stated.
Bernal, in violation of Roberts Rules of Order, then made a motion to approve the project with the added condition that the developer is required to improve Empire Avenue to one-half arterial road standard with consultation with Design Review and City Attorney.”
In proportionate share,” Cole added. “The City Engineer will make that determination.”
“From Wicklow to the north property line of the project,” Bernal added.
Rocha seconded the motion which passed 3-1 with Freitas voting against.
Rendering of proposed Wildflower Station Back-Back Townhomes. Source: DeNova Homes
Don’t Approve 159 Wildflower Station Townhomes on Tie Vote
The Council then received a brief presentation on the 159-unit Wildflower Station Townhomes 2 Multifamily Residential Project planned for the four-parcel, 10.35 acre vacant property near the intersection of Hillcrest Avenue and Deer Valley Road and bordered by Wildflower Drive to the east and the road next to the KFC restaurant in the Hillcrest Crossroads shopping center which also serves the existing condo development.
“According to our General Plan, developers are supposed to pay their way,” said former Councilman Ralph Hernandez during Public Comments. This project has been another one that’s being dumped on the city, not properly mitigated. You have to charge the right amount of money…for our police services. The project right next door is already telling you how dangerous it is.” He was referring to the condo project previously built and units sold.
Alora McGuire spoke next “on behalf of Contra Costa Residents for Responsible Development”, representing union members and residents in Antioch and surrounding areas. She said the group did not want the council to oppose the project but wanted the developer to address noise impacts.
Jason Buster of Plumbers and Steamfitters union Local 159, representing 300 Antioch families that are members of other unions, including electricians and sheet metal workers. “We advocate for projects that are more sustainable and equitable for the city of Antioch. We’re proud of our work to reduce the environmental impacts of projects.”
“The project is fully exempt from CEQA due to SB330,” said DeNova’s attorney Golub. “We’re very willing to fence and gate this property. It’s not an objective standard. But it doesn’t mean we’re not willing to consider it.”
Proposed Wildflower Station Townhomes 2 Project Site Map. Source: DeNova Homes
Wilson asked, “Why was the commercial piece removed from this plan?”
“This is a Housing Element site, and it was rezoned with the update,” Meredith said.
“That’s unfortunate,” Wilson stated even though she approved the rezoning during a council vote.
Rocha then made a motion to approve the project.
“Obviously, it was intended at one time to be a mixed development. But that was changed in 2023,” he stated.
Wildflower Station Townhomes 2 Site Map. Source: City of Antioch
Bernal seconded the motion and without further discussion the council did not approve the project on a two-two tie with both Freitas and Wilson voting to oppose.
“The motion does not carry. This does not preclude us from continuing the item until we have a fifth member present,” Cole explained.
Bernal then made a motion to continue the item until the Council’s next meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 4th. (It will be held instead of the normal second Tuesday, which falls on Veterans Day, Nov. 11th. Rocha seconded the motion and it passed 4-0.
