New roles including strategic advisor intended to enhance city operations, community focus; staff claims “City’s executive staffing plan” complete but Assistant City Manager is vacant, City Attorney is interim – search underway; Helfenberger switches to Director of Info Services

By Jaden Baird, Public Information Officer, City of Antioch

The City of Antioch announces several executive appointments and leadership transitions across key departments, marking an important milestone in the City’s ongoing efforts to strengthen organizational capacity, operational efficiency and service to the community. Brad Helfenberger will move to the position of Director of Information Services from Assistant City Manager, which is currently vacant. Instead, an Executive Consultant has been hired to advise City Manager Bessie M. Scott.

“These appointments represent both stability and forward progress,” Scott said. “We’ve filled essential leadership roles with experienced professionals who bring strong vision, proven capability and a shared commitment to serving our community. Together, they reflect the City’s investment in sustainable leadership and operational excellence.”

Effective October 20, 2025, the following appointments and transitions took effect:

Monserrat Cabral – Director of Public Safety and Community Resources

Previously serving as Interim Director, Monserrat Cabral has been appointed as the permanent Director of Public Safety and Community Resources.

Cabral is a strategic and heart-centered public sector leader with more than two decades of experience advancing equity, safety, and opportunity across government, community, and nonprofit systems. As Acting Director, she has led initiatives that strengthen community well-being, expand access to housing and youth opportunity, and embed compassion into public policy.

Her leadership is defined by her ability to bridge institutional systems with lived experience, building trust, alignment, and lasting impact. Before joining the City of Antioch, Cabral served in leadership roles across education, philanthropy, and nonprofit sectors, designing programs that empowered young people, working families, and system-impacted communities.

She has advised national networks on organizational culture and equity in leadership development, directed regional collaboratives focused on restorative justice and reentry, and taught as an adjunct professor at Rutgers University, guiding graduate students in public policy and community engagement.

A skilled negotiator and policy strategist, Cabral champions collaboration between city leadership, frontline staff, and community-based organizations, ensuring that those most affected by city policies help shape them.

At her core, Cabral believes that consistency, kindness, and joy are the foundation of meaningful change. She is passionate about writing, creating, and spending time with community and purpose, grounded in the belief that even serious work can be filled with warmth, humor, and hope.

Brad Helfenberger – Director of Information Services

Currently serving as Assistant City Manager, Brad Helfenberger will transition to Director of Information Services as part of the City’s upcoming leadership succession plan in the department, his third position in the last two years.

Helfenberger was originally hired by the City of Antioch as the Parks and Recreation Director in February 2021. He then was twice appointed Acting Assistant City Manager before being hired for the permanent position earlier this year.

Helfenberger brings over 25 years of experience in municipal government and holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation from San José State University. Prior to joining Antioch, he held leadership roles with the City of Emeryville, the Hayward Area Recreation & Park District, and the City of Milpitas.

His expertise in budget management, policy development, and interdepartmental collaboration has made a lasting impact in every community he has served. As Antioch’s Parks and Recreation Director, Helfenberger was instrumental in enhancing public spaces, expanding recreational programming, and fostering community engagement.

This new role will allow Helfenberger to apply those same organizational and leadership skills to strengthen the City’s information systems and modernize its internal infrastructure.

Helfenberger has expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead Information Services and continue contributing to the City’s long-term success.

“Brad’s ability to create structure, streamline operations, and build efficient systems will continue to benefit the City as we modernize technology and improve transparency,” Scott stated.

Shahad Wright – Director of Parks and Recreation

Promoted from Interim Director, Shahad Wright has been appointed Director of Parks and Recreation.

Born and raised in the Bay Area, Wright holds a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation with an emphasis in Non-Profit Management from San Francisco State University. He began his recreation career with the YMCA, leading local and national programs for more than 15 years and coordinating major events nationwide for NIKE, including NBA All-Star Weekends and USA Olympic programs.

Since joining the City of Antioch in 2022 as a Recreation Supervisor, Wright has advanced quickly through leadership roles, serving as Recreation Services Manager in 2023 and most recently as Acting Director. He oversees citywide recreation operations, including the Antioch Water Park, community centers, sports programs, facility maintenance, and special events, while serving as staff liaison for the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Committed to youth and community development, Wright and his family founded Giving the Wright Way, a nonprofit organization supporting youth success and higher education. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his family.

This promotion recognizes Wright’s leadership in advancing recreation programming, expanding community access, and creating inclusive spaces that support the well-being of all Antioch residents.

Kelly Zelenka – Executive Consultant

The City has engaged Kelly Zelenka as an Executive Consultant to support ongoing operational and organizational development initiatives.

Zelenka brings more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit, government, and philanthropic sectors, with a strong focus on human-centered leadership, culture-building, and strategic operations. Her work will assist the City in assessing systems, supporting leadership development, and enhancing collaboration across departments.

“Kelly’s extensive experience in organizational strategy and operational improvement will help strengthen how we work internally to serve the public more effectively,” said Scott. “Her insight and guidance are valuable as we continue building a high-performing, people-focused city organization.”

According to her LinkedIn profile, Zelenka since May 2022, Zelenka is the Principal of K Zelenka Consulting. She previously worked as the Senior Director, Housing and Services for Volunteers of America in Minnesota and Wisconsin, Assistant Director, Human Services for the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority and Deputy Department Director for the Seattle Public Housing Authority.

These appointments mark the completion of the City’s executive staffing plan and reflect Antioch’s ongoing investment in operational excellence, leadership continuity, and responsive public service. Together, the strengthened leadership team will continue building systems that support transparency, collaboration, and community trust.

Baird was asked how the appointments complete the City’s executive staffing plan when it leaves the Assistant City Manager’s position vacant and the current City Attorney is an interim position. He responded, “When we say the staffing plan is ‘complete,’ we mean that the key leadership roles outlined in the City Manager’s plan have been filled and that the structure is now in place to support the City Manager’s priorities. While the Assistant City Manager position isn’t being recruited right now, the focus has shifted to process improvement within departments, work that will be guided in large part by the consultant and supported by the City Manager’s office.”

According to Human Resources staff, earlier this year the Council hired a firm for a new city attorney to conduct a nationwide search which has been underway since May.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Public comment through Dec. 18 on Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+, EIR for housing, transportation, economic development and the environment

East Bay Webinar Nov. 5

By Veronica Cummings, Principal Public Information Officer, Engagement & John Goodwin, Assistant Director of Communications, Metropolitan Transportation Commission 

After more than two years of public discussion, technical analyses and refinement, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) today released Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ and the Plan Bay Area 2050+ Draft Environmental Impact Report for public review and comment.

Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ charts a course for the future of the Bay Area over the next 25 years. Designed to guide growth and investment across the region’s nine counties and 101 cities, the latest plan aims to advance an integrated vision for a Bay Area that is affordable, connected, diverse, healthy and vibrant for all. The plan contains 35 strategies for public policies and investments that can be implemented to help the Bay Area build more homes, reduce commute times, and create vibrant downtowns and natural areas for everyone to enjoy. These strategies also aim to keep people safe from natural hazards, support a strong economy and provide stable housing.

Unique to this plan cycle is Transit 2050+, a parallel and first-of-its-kind planning effort conducted by MTC and ABAG in partnership with Bay Area transit agencies to re-envision the future of Bay Area public transit.

MTC and ABAG have scheduled a series of webinars and public hearings for comment on Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ and associated supplemental reports, as well as on the Draft Environmental Impact Report for Plan Bay Area 2050+. All interested people, agencies and other organizations are encouraged to attend a webinar or public hearing, where they can ask questions and offer comments on these documents. Full event details are listed below:

• Webinar #1 — North Bay 
  Wednesday, October 29, 2025 
  12-1:30 p.m. 
  Zoom link: https://bit.ly/northbaywebinar 
• Webinar ID: 892 3077 8001 
• Passcode: 256814 
• 888-788-0099 US Toll Free   

• Webinar #2 — West Bay 
  Wednesday, October 29, 2025 
  6-7:30 p.m. 
  Zoom link: https://bit.ly/westbaywebinar 
  Webinar ID: 831 4140 5598 
  Passcode: 096944 
  888-788-0099 US Toll Free   
• Webinar #3 — South Bay 
  Thursday, October 30, 2025 
  6-7:30 p.m. 
  Zoom link: https://bit.ly/southbaywebinar    
  Webinar ID: 822 2561 7467 
  Passcode: 356845 
  888-788-0099 US Toll Free   
• Webinar #4 — East Bay 
  Wednesday, November 5, 2025 
  6-7:30 p.m. 
  Zoom link: https://bit.ly/eastbaywebinar  
  Webinar ID: 869 8283 4999 
  Passcode: 682098 
  888-788-0099 US Toll Free 

In addition to these webinars, MTC and ABAG will host three public hearings around the Bay Area to provide opportunities for all interested agencies, organizations and individuals to comment on the Draft Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Report. The full list of hearings is as follows: 

• Public Hearing #1 — MTC Planning Committee and ABAG Administrative Committee 
  Friday, November 14, 2025, at 9:40 a.m. or upon the conclusion of the Bay Area Infrastructure Financing Authority Network and Operations Committee, whichever is later. 
  Bay Area Metro Center -or- Zoom 
  Boardroom, 1st Floor 
  375 Beale Street, San Francisco
• Instructions to join by Zoom  

• Public Hearing #2 — Fremont  
  Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 6 p.m. 
  Olive Hyde Art Center and Gallery -or- Zoom 
  123 Washington Boulevard, Fremont 
  Zoom link: https://bit.ly/drafthearing2  
  Webinar ID: 875 7625 3306 
  Passcode: 178983 
  888 788 0099 US Toll Free 
• Public Hearing #3 — Novato  
  Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 6 p.m. 
  Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn -or- Zoom 
  215 Alameda del Prado, Novato 
  Zoom link: https://bit.ly/drafthearing3  
  Webinar ID: 898 0347 9624 
• Passcode: 129009 
• 888 788 0099 US Toll Free 

Interested Bay Area residents, agencies and organizations also are encouraged to view and comment on the draft plan online at planbayarea.org/draftplan. Comments will be reviewed by officials from both ABAG and MTC as they consider the adoption of Final Plan Bay Area 2050+, slated for early 2026.

Written comments will be accepted via mail to MTC Public Information Office, Attn: Plan Bay Area -or- Draft EIR Comments, 375 Beale Street, Suite 800, San Francisco, CA, 94105; or via email (Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ inbox: info@planbayarea.org; Draft EIR inbox: eircomments@bayareametro.gov). Comments by phone can made at (415) 778-2292.

The comment period for all documents will close Dec. 18, 2025, at 5 p.m. 

Questions? Visit planbayarea.org, email info@planbayarea.org or call (415) 778-6757. 

Accessible Meetings 

Do you need an interpreter or any other assistance to participate? Please call (415) 778-6757. For TDD or hearing impaired, call 711, California Relay Service, or (800) 735-2929 (TTY), (800) 735-2922 (voice) and ask to be relayed to (415) 778-6700. We require at least three working days’ notice to accommodate requests.

¿Necesita un intérprete u otra asistencia para participar? Por favor llámenos con tres días de anticipación al (415) 778-6757. Para telecomunicaciones para personas sordas y discapacitadas, favor de llamar al 711, el Servicio de Retransmisión de California (CRS) para TTY/VCO/HCO a Voz o para Voz a TTY/VCO/HCO al (800) 855-3000 y pedir que lo retrasmitan al (415) 778-6700.

您是否需要口譯或任何其他協助才能參加？請致電（415）778-6757。若需使用TDD或為聽障人士人士，請致電711，加州轉接服務，或（800）735-2929（TTY），（800）735-2922（語音），然後要求轉接至（415）778-6700。請至少提前三個工作日提出申請，以便我們能為您提供適當的口譯安排。

ABAG is the council of governments and the regional planning agency for the 101 cities and towns, and nine counties of the Bay Area. MTC is the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. 

Over $107 million for Contra Costa projects including $46.9 million on Hwy 4 from Hillcrest Avenue in Antioch to Byron Highway near Brentwood

By Edward Barrera, Division Chief, Caltrans Public Affairs

In August, the California Transportation Commission (CTC) approved $3 billion in allocations to enhance safety and mobility across the state highway system and expand multimodal travel, including bike lanes and pedestrian pathways. Guided by Governor Gavin Newsom’s Build More, Faster – For All infrastructure agenda, these improvements will make California communities safer, cleaner and increase access to active transportation options.

Of the $3 billion allocated, $663 million derives from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 and approximately $2 billion from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA). The funds will serve as a catalyst to increase the capacity of the state’s transportation system, rehabilitate aging roadways and improve travel times, while balancing community impacts and promoting environmental benefits.

The “…investments reflect California’s long-term commitment to safer roads, smarter traffic management and expanded transportation choices that get people where they need to go,” said Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy.

“The funds allocated…reflect the Commission’s commitment to investing taxpayer dollars strategically. These investments will improve the safety and reliability of the state’s transportation network and support a thriving economy by improving the movement of freight and reducing out-of-pocket expenses for all California,” said Darnell Grisby, Chair of the California Transportation Commission.

Projects in Contra Costa County approved by the Commission include:

• $46,900,000 on SR-4 in and near Antioch and Brentwood, from Hillcrest Avenue to Byron Highway, to rehabilitate pavement and drainage systems, upgrade facilities to ADA standards, install Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS), high-visibility crosswalks, bike loop detectors, and construct Class II bike lanes. This will extend pavement service life and improve ride quality. 
•  $42,374,000 on I-680 in San Ramon and Danville, from Alcosta Boulevard to 0.1 mile north of Diablo Road, to rehabilitate pavement, upgrade guardrail, and upgrade facilities to ADA standards. This will extend pavement service life and improve ride quality. 
• $14,584,000 on SR-24 in Orinda, at the Caldecott Tunnel, to rehabilitate and upgrade the ventilation system in Bores 1, 2, and 3. This will ensure structural integrity and prolong tunnel service life. 
• $1,301,000 on SR-4 in Concord, 0.5 mile east of Port Chicago Highway, to reconstruct a failed slope embankment and repair a displaced down drain due to heavy rainfall in February and March 2025. Work includes installing Rock Slope Protection (RSP), and repairing the down drain, guardrail, and dike. This will enhance driver and pedestrian safety. 
• • $1,275,000 on SR-4 near Pittsburg, 0.3 mile west of Bailey Road, to reconstruct a slope embankment and repair a displaced down drain due to heavy rainfall in February and March 2025. Work includes installing Rock Slope Protection (RSP). This will improve roadway safety. 
• $999,000 on SR-24 in Lafayette, from 0.7 to 1.0 mile east of Acalanes Road, to rehabilitate pavement due to ponding and water seepage caused by heavy rainfall in February and March 2025, which led to cracking and settlement. This will extend pavement life and improve safety. 

IIJA is a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure to improve the sustainability and resiliency of our country’s energy, water, broadband and transportation systems. The total funding for California is nearly $54 billion. This includes investments to upgrade the state’s roads, bridges, rail, public transit, airports, ports, waterways and the electric vehicle charging network. 

SB 1 has invested approximately $5 billion annually toward transportation projects since its adoption. It provides funding split between the state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly, based on the availability of funds, including those partially funded by SB 1.

Visit build.ca.gov to learn more about transformative infrastructure projects happening in communities throughout the state.

Ring it Loud, Antioch! Ring it Proud!

1871 First Congregational Church bell; Society’s 50-year anniversary; 25-year anniversary at 1910 Riverview Union High School

By Carla Baker Marymee & Tom Menasco

The Antioch Historical Society invites the public on Sat., Nov. 1 at 11 a.m. rain or shine to celebrate a historically significant addition to the museum and two milestones. The groundbreaking was held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. (See related article)

The museum is dedicating the refurbished 1871 First Congregational Church Bell housed in the newly constructed Unity Bell Tower. It is also celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Antioch Historical Society and the 25-year anniversary of residing at the historic 1910 Riverview Union High School Building.

Through the “Ring it loud, Antioch! Ring it proud!” marketing campaign and successful fundraising initiatives, the museum raised more than $85,000.00 to refurbish what is said to be one of the oldest artifacts from the settling of Antioch by early Americans.

The First Congregational Church traces its roots to June 12, 1865 and the bell brought early members of the church together as it rung loudly across the city.

To thank the Antioch community, sponsors, and donors for their financial support, the society is having a dedication and celebration that features — free lunch and anniversary cake, free tours of the museum and the Sports Legends Hall of Fame, free souvenir bells, oldies music by DJ Jim Lanter, and jazz by the Deer Valley Jazz Band.

There will be opportunities for children to see and experience the 1927 Model “T” Ford Fire Truck and the 1929 Santa Fe Red Caboose outside. The elegant museum theater will be open and showing videos of the restored Santa Fe Red Caboose. There will also be poetry reading and special discounts to become a member of the Antioch Historical Society.

“We are very proud to have brought this church bell back to life for our community to treasure and enjoy. The celebration on Nov. 1 is our way to acknowledge and thank all who supported this project,” Shari Gayle, Antioch Historical Society president said.

According to church documents, the First Congregational Church prioritized hospitality and welcomed all without exception, including African Americans as early as 1875 and children of Chinese laborers building the Delta levees.  

“The Unity Bell Tower, housing the 154-year-old bell from the First Congregational Church of 1871, honors the radically inclusive spirit of that church. It welcomed men, women, and children of all races—long before such inclusion was common,” Dwayne Eubanks, past president and project team coordinator said.

“I’m deeply grateful to have contributed to this effort—from helping secure the bell to co-designing the tower and supporting a remarkable team of volunteers through its completion. This was a labor of love, grounded in patience, collaboration, and a shared devotion to our community’s legacy. It remains one of the most rewarding experiences of my time with the Historical Society,” he said.

The project has been generously supported by major sponsors including: the City of Antioch, Kaiser Permanente Hospital, Kiwanis Club of the Delta, Wayne E Swisher Cement Contractor, Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring, Inc., and the East Bay Community Foundation.

The museum received scores of individual donations from the community, local businesses, and non-profit organizations including: Delta Veterans’ Group and Antioch Veterans Banner Program, St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Fontana Family Foundation, Antioch Rotary Club, and the Class of ’66 Antioch High School.

Special thanks go to Evans & Son Masonry, Best West Roofing, Eddie’s Coats, Black Diamond Electric, and Guepardo Landscaping.  

The Antioch Historical Museum resides within the 1910 Riverview Union High School, a site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum, located at 1500 W. 4th St., is also home of the Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame program. The Sports Legends Hall of Fame showcases and honors the achievements of local individual athletes and teams. The museum is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, visit the website http://antiochhistoricalmuseum.org/ or check out the Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/antiochhistoricalmuseum/

For more information contact: Dwayne Eubanks at the Antioch Historical Society Museum at (925) 757-1326 or AntiochHistoricalsociety@comcast.net.

Community input wanted during two-year process

By City of Antioch

Join us for the General Plan Update Kickoff Meeting on Tuesday, October 21st at 6:00 PM at the Antioch Community Center in Prewett Family Park at 4703 Lone Tree Way.

This special joint session with the City Council and Planning Commission will serve as a “General Plan 101” and is a great opportunity to learn how Antioch plans for the future and how YOU can get involved!

Every city and county in California is required by state law to prepare and maintain a planning document called a General Plan. A General Plan is designed to serve as the jurisdiction’s “constitution” or “blueprint” for future decisions concerning land use, social issues, circulation, recreation, infrastructure, public services, environment, and resource conservation. This General Plan Update will ensure Antioch addresses recent changes in state law, proactively plans for future challenges and opportunities, prioritizes economic growth and vitality, and builds upon the City’s unique heritage and community-focused atmosphere. The update, through each element, will provide a basis for local decision making and involves the community in the process of identifying goals and policies to define how the City should respond to needs for physical development over time.

On August 26, 2025, the City Council selected the De Novo Planning Group team to prepare its General Plan Update. The team’s subconsultants will provide technical expertise: W-trans (traffic and circulation), EPS (economic development and fiscal sustainability), Kearns & West (community outreach), and Cogstone Resource Management (cultural and historical resources).

The process will occur over the next two years with the Draft General Plan to be issued in January 2027 and final adoption by the Council in July or August 2027.

The Council and Commission will hear and see the presentation from De Novo Planning Group regarding the General Plan Update process and provide staff and the consultant with input regarding the following:

Opportunities, Issues, and Priorities

1. What are the top three most critical issues or opportunities you believe this General Plan Update must address to best serve Antioch’s future?

2. Are there any specific geographic areas or corridors within Antioch (e.g., the waterfront, specific commercial districts, a neighborhood) that you feel require special attention or a focused vision during this process?

3. Beyond fulfilling state requirements, what key achievement or outcome will define this General Plan Update as a success for the City of Antioch?

General Plan Advisory Committee

The Council and Commission will also discuss forming an advisory committee.

To ensure the General Plan Update receives consistent and focused feedback, an advisory committee is often established. The structure of this committee is a key decision that shapes how community and technical input is integrated into the process. We seek direction on whether one should be established, and, if so, the preferred model for Antioch. Common options include:

• Option A: Community-Based Advisory: This is a committee appointed by the City Council, typically composed of 9 to 15 residents, business owners, and community stakeholders who represent a diversity of geographic areas, interests, and demographic backgrounds. With this approach, the GPAC would hold a series of public meetings to discuss General Plan topics and provide an opportunity for public comment. Locally, the City of Brentwood and Contra Costa County have used this approach for their General Plan Updates.

• Option B: Technical Advisory Committee: This approach relies on a committee of technical experts from City departments (e.g., Planning, Public Works, Economic Development) and key partner agencies (e.g., school districts, regional transit, utility providers). The TAC ensures the plan is technically feasible and coordinated. In this model, broader public input is gathered primarily through the visioning workshops, open houses, and focused community meetings rather than a standing citizen committee. The City of Pittsburg employed this approach for its recent General Plan Update.

• Option C: Hybrid Model with the Planning Commission: In this streamlined model, the Planning Commission serves as the primary advisory body, holding dedicated study sessions throughout the process to provide policy guidance. This approach prioritizes efficiency, leveraging the Commission’s existing knowledge of land use issues and is often supplemented by a staff-level TAC for technical review.

Let’s talk about the big picture: growth, housing, transportation, parks and more. Your voice matters in shaping the future of Antioch.

Click to read the meeting agenda.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

AB 692 will prohibit ‘stay-or-pay’ contracts that trap nurses and other workers in exploitative debt arrangements with employers

By California Nurses Association

California Nurses Association (CNA), the largest union of registered nurses in the state of California, applauds Governor Gavin Newsom for taking action to protect workers from employers’ use of predatory debt contracts and signing Assembly Bill 692 (A.B. 692) into law on Monday, Oct. 13. A.B. 692 prohibits employers from requiring workers to pay a debt, fee, or penalty if the workers wants to leave their job, expressly making these kinds of exploitative workplace debt arrangements unlawful.

“California is taking a proactive step forward to support the thousands of nurses and nearly one in 12 workers who are in exploitative stay-or-pay contracts,” said Sandy Reding, RNand CNA president. “We are grateful for Assemblymember Kalra championing this bill and to Governor Newsom for stepping up with the labor movement to stand up to Trump’s assaults on worker protections. California leads the rest of the country by signing this bill into law.”

A.B. 692 was authored by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) and sponsored by CNA, as well as a broad coalition of co-sponsoring organizations, including the California Federation of Labor Unions, California Employment Lawyers Association, Protect Borrowers, and the American Economic Liberties Project.

“It has been an honor to work with CNA in abolishing exploitative stay-or-pay contracts and stopping employers from creating debt to trap and intimidate workers,” said Assemblymember Kalra. “I am grateful Governor Newsom signed A.B. 692, ensuring workers are not coerced into employment debt agreements and can be empowered to leave bad jobs.”

“Today, Governor Newsom signed an important bill to ban employer debt traps and protect nurses, actors, athletes and so many other workers. Employers use training repayment schemes to trap workers in jobs with low wages, unsafe conditions, and abusive managers,” said California Labor Federation President Lorena Gonzalez. “It doesn’t matter if you work in a hospital or play professional sports, no worker should have to pay an employer back if they leave a job. We are proud of California’s progress that will help workers level the playing field.”

A.B. 692 addresses the growing number of employers that are using debt as an exploitative tool to trap workers in jobs, often with low wages and substandard working conditions, and to bust unions. Sometimes called “stay-or-pay” contracts, employers coerce workers into predatory arrangements that require the worker to pay an alleged debt or other financial penalty to their employer if the worker leaves their job before a prescribed period of time–whether the worker is fired, laid off, or quits. With the threat of having to pay back a debt or fee to their employer, “stay-or-pay” contracts indenture workers to remain at a job and chills workers from seeking better wages or working conditions.

California Nurses Association/National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the nation with more than 100,000 members in more than 200 facilities throughout California and more than 225,000 RNs nationwide.

By Antioch Police Department

On October 5, 2025, Antioch Police Department took a report from a resident regarding a missing person. The missing person, Morgan Crenshaw (17), was reported by a family member who had not seen her since September 29th. This is not a normal pattern of life for Crenshaw.

On Oct. 6, CHP issued an Ebony Alert for Crenshaw on their CHP Alerts account on X (formerly Twitter).

Antioch Police Department detectives immediately began investigating the case and believe it is suspicious. After interviewing several acquaintances Crenshaw was possibly seen on October 3rd at about 5 AM in the area of International Boulevard and 12th Street in Oakland.

If you have any information regarding Crenshaw’s whereabouts, please contact Detective Allen at aallen@antiochca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Legal experts warn it’s “A Child Predator’s Dream Bill”

By Greg Burt, Vice President, California Family Council

SACRAMENTO, CA — Governor Gavin Newsom has once again proven his contempt for California parents. Yesterday afternoon, he signed AB 495, a bill that fundamentally undermines parental rights and opens the door for abuse, kidnapping, and government interference in family life, all while claiming it “protects parents and children.”

After months of warnings from parental rights advocates, faith communities, and constitutional attorneys, Newsom ignored every concern. In a calculated act of deception, his office released a statement claiming AB 495 safeguards parental authority. In reality, this law allows any adult, without verification, without parental consent, and without even notifying parents, to make medical and educational decisions for a child.

CFC President: Newsom’s Assault on Parental Rights Endangers Children

“Governor Newsom is deliberately trying to deceive parents by claiming this bill protects them, when in fact it does the opposite,” said Jonathan Keller, President of California Family Council. “AB 495 strips parents of their constitutional rights and hands them over to unverified strangers. It is unconstitutional, it is illegal, and no school or medical facility should recognize or accept the authority of a Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit without a verified signature from a parent or legal guardian. Newsom knows exactly what this bill does, but he’s hoping the press and the public won’t read it for themselves.”

“AB495 allows…any adult claiming to be a relative within five degrees of kinshipcan sign a Caregiver Authorization Affidavit giving them the ability to ‘authorize any other medical care.’ And all this can be done with no parent signature, no notary, no verification and no parent notification required.”

Despite claims to the contrary, AB 495 allows ANY adult to use the new Caregiver Authorization Affidavit as “sufficient to authorize enrollment of a minor in school and authorize school-related medical care.” Then any adult claiming to be a relative within five degrees of kinshipcan sign a Caregiver Authorization Affidavit giving them the ability to “authorize any other medical care.” And all this can be done with no parent signature, no notary, no verification and no parent notification required. This law will allow unvetted adults to make medical decisions, enroll children in school, and act as de facto guardians, even though parents would remain legal guardians.

Legal Experts Warn: “A Child Predator’s Dream Bill”

“Governor Newsom deceptively describes AB 495 as a caregiver planning tool for undocumented immigrant parents. It’s more accurately described as a child trafficker’s and child predator’s dream bill,” said Dean Broyles, Esq., President and Chief Counsel of the National Center for Law & Policy. “Its sweeping application is not limited to immigrant families, does not require any parental notice or consent, and lacks even the most basic safeguards to protect children. Anyone falsely claiming kinship can easily sign the affidavit, access a child, obtain medical care, and enroll them in another school. Even the most basic safeguard of a notary is not required to confirm the true identity of the person accessing your child.  AB 495 violates fundamentally constitutionally protected parental rights, endangers California’s children, and will be appropriately legally challenged and struck down.”

“With AB 495, state-sanctioned kidnapping is now legal,” warned Julianne Fleischer, Senior Legal Counsel at Advocates for Faith & Freedom. “This is more than overreach — it is a betrayal of families and a blatant disregard for parental rights. This unprecedented intrusion into parental rights marks a deeply concerning moment for our state — one for which Gavin Newsom must answer.”

“Governor Newsom’s actions define him, not his smooth talk and 100-watt smile,” added Erin Friday, Esq., President of Our Duty – USA. “Behind that veneer, is a man who consistently signs bills that eviscerate parental rights. Handing a child over to an adult five degrees separated by marriage, divorce, or blood based upon an unverified one-page document with any pre-authorization of the parents, is beyond the pale.”

CFC Calls for Defiance and Parental Vigilance

California Family Council is calling on schools, hospitals, and clinics to refuse to accept any Caregiver Authorization Affidavit that is not verified or notarized by the child’s legal parent or guardian.

“Governor Newsom may have signed this bill into law,” Keller said, “but parents are under no moral or legal obligation to accept its legitimacy. This bill violates both the Constitution and common sense. No one, not a school administrator, not a doctor, not a government bureaucrat, has the right to override a mother or father’s authority.”

CFC urges parents to take immediate action to protect their families:

* Update emergency contact lists at schools and medical offices to include ONLY those adults you trust to make educational and medical decisions for your child.

* Submit written directives stating that NO ONE outside your listed contacts is authorized to pick up or make decisions for your child.

* Support efforts to legally challenge AB 495 and restore parental rights in California law.

“This coalition will not rest,” Keller concluded. “We will work with our partners, our attorneys, and thousands of California parents to overturn this unconstitutional law. Parents, not politicians, are the rightful guardians of their children.”

About California Family Council

California Family Council works to advance God’s design for life, family, and liberty through California’s Church, Capitol, and Culture. By advocating for policies that reinforce the sanctity of life, the strength of traditional marriages, and the essential freedoms of religion, CFC is dedicated to preserving California’s moral and social foundation.