First, a Contra Costa Sheriff’s Cadet (left), then an Antioch Police K9 Handler with Danto (right), Loren Bledsoe, seen handing out Christmas gifts (center), ends his career as a sergeant. Source: Antioch PD
Leaves after 20 years on the force with “invaluable lessons, cherished friendships and a deep love for this community”
By Antioch Police Department
Sgt. Loren Bledsoe in a patrol vehicle. Photo: Antioch PD
After 20 years of service, Sergeant Loren Bledsoe is hanging up the badge.
He first served as a Cadet with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.
Since joining the Antioch Police Department in 2005, Sgt. Bledsoe served our community in many roles including Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Detective, K-9 Handler with K9 Danto, and Sergeant in Professional Standards, Investigations, and Patrol. He also served on the Mutual Aid Field Force.
As a Robbery/Homicide Detective, he worked some of the department’s most serious cases, helping bring answers and justice to victims and their families.
Bledsoe also served as Vice President of the Antioch Police Officers Association.
Twenty years of service.
Twenty years of commitment.
Twenty years protecting Antioch.
Thank you for your leadership and dedication, Sergeant.
Enjoy your well-earned retirement.
When reached for comment Bledsoe said, “I am grateful to have been part of this incredible journey, taking with me invaluable lessons, cherished friendships and a deep love for this community and the members of the Antioch Police Department.”
Antioch Water Treatment Plant Superintendent Marcus Woodland will be honored next month. Photo: City of Antioch
Marcus Woodland to be honored as Exemplary Operations Supervisor
By Jaden Baird, PIO, City of Antioch
ANTIOCH, CA — The City of Antioch announces that Marcus Woodland, Superintendent of the Antioch Water Treatment Plant (WTP), has been selected by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) to receive the Exemplary Operations Supervisor Award. He will be formally recognized at the Water of the West Conference in San Diego this April.
The award recognizes outstanding leadership, operational excellence, and dedication to public health in water utility operations.
Woodland’s leadership was instrumental during the construction and startup of Antioch’s Brackish Water Desalination Project. Throughout complex upgrades and plant shutdowns, he ensured strict compliance with public health standards, requiring proper disinfection and bacteriological testing before treatment processes were returned to service. His attention to detail and insistence on operational readiness protected both system reliability and water quality for the community.
In one instance, Woodland directed a shutdown and inspection after plant staff noticed abnormal filter flow readings following construction work. A foreign object was discovered lodged in a flow meter, an issue that could have caused long-term performance problems and potential public health concerns if not corrected. His leadership ensured the issue was resolved before the system resumed operation.
Woodland also led improvements that strengthened long-term plant maintenance and reliability. His team implemented design changes to the membrane clean-in-place system to allow multiple tanks to operate simultaneously and accelerated critical repairs to sedimentation basin equipment at Plant B to ensure full treatment capacity during renovations at Plant A.
In addition to operational leadership, Woodland played a key role in hiring, training, and mentoring operators as the facility expanded to include reverse osmosis treatment systems. He worked closely with staff and equipment vendors to ensure operators fully understood new processes and equipment, often requiring additional training to ensure the highest operational standards.
During a complex raw water pipeline tie-in that required the shutdown of both of the City’s treatment plants, Woodland coordinated extensive preparation, including operational testing, distribution system planning, and collaboration with neighboring agencies to secure backup water supplies. His oversight and planning allowed the City to maintain service despite an outage that extended well beyond the planned timeline.
Woodland stepped into the role of WTP Superintendent during the height of the desalination project’s construction—his first appointment as a full-time permanent superintendent. His leadership during this challenging period was widely regarded as a key factor in the project’s successful completion.
“Marcus Woodland’s recognition by the CA-NV AWWA reflects his outstanding leadership and technical expertise,” said Scott Buenting, Director of Public Works. “Marcus has played a pivotal role during the complex construction and startup of the Brackish Water Desalination Project. The success of our Water Treatment Plant is a direct result of his commitment to operational excellence and to providing safe, reliable drinking water to our community. We are proud to see his dedication recognized at the state level.”
The American Water Works Association is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to improving water quality and supply through education, standards development, and professional recognition of water professionals. The Exemplary Operations Supervisor Award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in water utility operations and a strong commitment to public service.
Woodland’s recognition highlights the City of Antioch’s continued commitment to protecting public health and investing in reliable, high-quality water infrastructure.
Allison Norris (Herald file photo) and Joanne Bilbo (photo courtesy of Antioch Sports Legends) will be honored as Antioch’s 2025 Citizens of the Year at the annual Chamber Gala & Dinner on March 27th.
Antioch Chamber of Commerce announces other community award winnersincluding Businesses, Non-Profit, Youth and Veterans of the Year
To be honored at 2026 Gala & Awards Dinner
By Allen D. Payton
The Antioch Chamber of Commerce has announced Allison Norris and Joanne Bilbo as the 2025 Antioch Citizens of the Year as well as other winners of the annual community awards. Honorees will be celebrated at the 2026 Gala & Awards Dinner, Friday, March 27th.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 2025
Most Impact 2025
Allison Norris
Lifetime Achievement
Joanne Bilbo
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2025
Small Business
Almost There Travel Agency
Large Corporation
US Bank
NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR 2025
SHARE Community – Homelessness Resources
YOUTH OF THE YEAR 2025
Amanda Brown – Deer Valley High School
ANTIOCH LIFETIME VETERAN OF THE YEAR 2025-2026
U.S. Army Veteran Bob Franchetto
ANTIOCH VETERAN OF THE YEAR 2025-2026
U.S. Army Veteran Ricky Diaz
The Veterans of the Year winners were announced, previously, during the Antioch Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11, 2025.
Annual Gala & Awards Dinner
The Annual Gala will include the Awards Ceremony, Silent Auction, Golden Tickets, 50/50 Raffle, No-host bar, Music by DJ GBaby and Dinner Buffet:
Fresh baked garlic rolls & garlic butter
Italian green salad with vinaigrette
Lone Tree Caesar salad with marinated tomatoes, croutons & shaved parmesan cheese
Contra Costa County Assessor Gus Kramer in 2022. Source: Contra Costa County
Announces retirement after 40 years in public office effective Dec. 2026 at end of current term
Supports Assistant County Assessor Vince Robb as his replacement
ByRobin Cantu, Assessor’s Customer Services Coordinator, Contra Costa County Assessor’s Office
On Friday, March 6, 2026, Contra Costa County Assessor Gus Kramer announced he would not run for re-election to a ninth term. He first served in public office as the Martinez City Clerk when he was elected in 1986.
The announcement reads, he “will retire from his position as County Assessor in December 2026, concluding more than three decades of dedicated public service to the residents of Contra Costa County
“First elected in 1994, Kramer has been entrusted by the voters of Contra Costa County for eight consecutive terms over the past 32 years. During that time, he has overseen significant modernization and improvements within the Assessor’s Office, working to ensure that property assessments are conducted with fairness, transparency, and efficiency.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of Contra Costa County,” said Kramer. “I am deeply grateful to the voters who placed their trust in me eight times over the past three decades. Their confidence and support have meant a great deal to me throughout my career.”
Kramer also emphasized the contributions of several key members of his leadership team who have played an essential role in strengthening the office’s service to the public. He expressed special appreciation to Vince Robb, Assistant County Assessor; Peter Yu, Assistant County Assessor; and Robin Cantu, Assessor’s Customer Services Coordinator, for their outstanding dedication and leadership.
“Vince Robb and Peter Yu have been exceptional partners in managing the complex responsibilities of the Assessor’s Office, bringing professionalism, expertise, and a strong commitment to public service every day,” Kramer said. “Robin Cantu has also been instrumental in ensuring that our office maintains a high level of responsiveness and service for the public.”
Kramer noted that their leadership—along with the dedication of the entire Assessor’s Office staff—has helped bring the efficiency, professionalism, and public service of the office to an all-time high level.
“I want to thank every member of the Assessor’s Office, past and present, who has worked so hard to serve the residents of Contra Costa County,” Kramer added. “Together we have worked to make the business of property value assessment as simple, transparent, and accessible as possible for the public.”
As he prepares for retirement, Kramer said he is proud of what the office has accomplished and grateful for the opportunity to serve the community.
“Public service has been a privilege, and I will always be thankful for the trust placed in me by the people of Contra Costa County,” Kramer said.
Supports Assistant County Assessor Vince Robb
Asked on Friday if he had groomed someone to take his place, Kramer said, “The Assistant County Assessor, Vince Robb, in my office is a good choice. The other two have never appraised a single property. Nobody has experience or credentials like Vince. He has 20 years’ experience in the Assessor’s Office.”
He was referring to Nick Spinner, whose ballot designation is Senior Systems Engineer in the Contra Costa Elections Division list of candidates for the June 2nd primary election, and Kismat Kathrani, whose designation is Software Technology Entrepreneur.
About Kramer
In the bio on his campaign website which is still up as of Saturday, March 7th, Kramer wrote, “I was born in Contra Costa and raised in East County. My high school was Pacifica High in West Pittsburg (Go Spartans!) and I graduated in 1968. Back then the area was called West Pittsburg, but now it is called Bay Point. It was a small high school but we played hard in local sports and competed well against larger central county schools. It closed in 1976 and is now Riverview Middle School on Pacifica Ave. Having a high school of our own, rather than sending kids to Concord or Pittsburg, was a real anchor for the community.
“After high school I attended DVC for a year, then went to mortuary school in San Francisco. Working in mortuary and funeral services is a very specific calling. It is not for everyone, but for those that answer the call it can be fulfilling. It taught me a deep respect for life, caring for the living, and humbleness in the face of the awesome hereafter. Working as an embalmer introduced me to the CC Coroner’s office, and I worked there for several years. It might be how I keep my sense of humor when things are gloomy. I continued my education at USF studying public administration at night, while I worked for the county. This began my career in public service.
“I settled and raised my family in Martinez, the County Seat of Contra Costa. the adopted home town of environmentalist John Muir and the birthplace of baseball hero Joe DiMaggio. I still live there today.
“Bitten is a strong word for it, so maybe I was nipped by the political bug in the mid-80s in Martinez. I wanted to be involved in my community, give back, and continue to serve. I ran for City Clerk and won. As clerk I was not voting on issues like the city council, but I was part of the process and aware of the machinations of local government. As city clerk I donated my monthly salary to provide scholarships to local students. Education helped my rise up and build a foundation, and I wanted to give back to the community rather than take from it.”
Official County Bio
According to his official 2022 bio on the Contra Costa County website, “Gus grew up in Bay Point, California, and is a graduate of the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science and the University of San Francisco.
His public career in Contra Costa County began in 1974. Kramer embarked on his tenure with the County at the Contra Costa County Sheriff Coroner’s Office, later moving to the Contra Costa County Probation Department, and finally to the Contra Costa County Public Works Department until 1994 when he was elected to the position of County Assessor. In addition to his service to Contra Costa County and its residents, Kramer was also elected to the position of Martinez City Clerk in 1986.
“As County Assessor, Kramer has overseen remarkable improvements to streamline the operations of his office, eliminate backlogs, and achieve higher levels of public service, all while operating substantially under budget.
“The State Board of Equalization acknowledged his office as one of the best managed assessor’s operations in California. Gus Kramer is a member of the California Assessors’ Association and the International Right of Way Association and has more than 43 years as a licensed real estate salesperson.”
He now has 47 years as a licensed real estate agent, Kramer said.
During his work for the County Public Works Department real estate division he shared, “I valued commercial and residential real estate to be purchased for public works projects.”
Future Plans
Asked what his plans are for the future, Kramer exclaimed with a laugh, “I gotta find something to do!”
Seriously, he said he will find something where he can apply his skills, knowledge and experience, probably in real estate.
Former Antioch Community and Economic Development Director Zach Seal is no longer with the City as of Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Photo source: City of Antioch
Former interim director will return to the position; posting for new assistant city manager will occur soon
By Allen D. Payton
After just shy of six months on the job, the City of Antioch Community and Economic Development Director Zach Seal is longer in the position as of Tuesday, March 3, 2026. As previously reported, he started on Oct. 6, 2025.
When informed of Seal’s possible departure, City Manager Bessie Scott was asked, Tuesday afternoon, if Seal had been terminated and for any details. She did not respond. City PIO, Jaden Baird was asked about the matter, but he was not aware of it and said he would contact Scott.
A portion of the email sent by City Manager Scott to all City employees regarding the leadership change in the Community and Economic Development Department on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Screenshot courtesy of a resident who chose to remain anonymous.
Then thanks to a resident who shared a copy of it with the Herald at 7:59 PM and chose to remain anonymous, it was revealed that Scott sent the following email entitled, “Staffing Update: Community and Economic Development Department” to “All City Employees” at 5:55 PM:
Hello Team Antioch,
I want to share an important staffing update. As of today, Zach Seal, our Community and Economic Development Director, is no longer with the City. We thank him for his service during the time that he was here and wish him well in his future endeavors.
While leadership transitions are never easy, our focus remains on maintaining continuity in the important work of supporting Antioch’s economic growth and business community. In the meantime, we will be continuing with the ongoing economic development activities that are currently underway while we begin a formal recruitment process for a new Community and Economic Development Director. David Storer will be the Interim Community and Economic Development Director for the time being.
Economic development remains a top priority for the City. We will continue advancing efforts to attract investment, support local businesses, and position Antioch for long-term economic vitality.
I appreciate the professionalism and dedication our staff brings to this work every day. As we move through this transition, I will keep you informed of next steps in the recruitment process.
Thank you for your continued commitment to serving our community. ~Bessie
Bessie Marie Scott, EMPA, CIG
City Manager
————
However, no announcement was provided to the local media to inform the public.
The following questions were then sent to both Scott and Baird:
“Was he terminated or did he voluntarily resign?
Why after just six months on the job?
Did he not meet expectations?
Was he supposed to accomplish something that he didn’t?
What did he actually accomplish during his brief tenure?”
They were also asked for anything else they could share.
City Limited in What Can be Shared About Personnel Matters
UPDATE 1: In response, Baird wrote, “The City can confirm that Zach Seal is no longer employed with the City of Antioch. As the City Manager shared with staff earlier this evening, we thank him for his service during the time he was here and wish him well in his future endeavors.
“Due to the confidential nature of personnel matters, the City is not able to comment on the circumstances surrounding an employee’s separation, including whether it was a resignation or termination, performance-related matters, or internal discussions.
“Economic development work will continue uninterrupted. David Storer will serve as Interim Community and Economic Development Director while the City begins a formal recruitment process for the position.
“This reflects the information the City is able to provide at this time. Thank you for your understanding.”
Baird and Scott were pressed further and asked, “If he was terminated, did he have a severance clause in his employment agreement, was that triggered and how much is that costing the City?”
New City Attorney Lori Asuncion started on Monday. Asked last week if she had considered, lately hiring an assistant city manager, Scott responded, “Yes! Posting coming out soon.”
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
Lori Asuncion was voted to be the new Antioch City Attorney on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. Photo: LinkedIn
Will be paid $288,000 salary per year, $513,028 in total compensation
By Allen D. Payton
After granting her request to postpone the matter during their last meeting, at which only three members were present, the Antioch City Council voted 5-0to hire former Stockton City Attorney Lori Asuncion as Antioch’s new City Attorney. The matter was placed on the agenda for the Jan. 27th meeting, but both Mayor Ron Bernal and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson. Asuncion made a last-minute request to postpone the vote.
This time, both Bernal and Wilson, who arrived at 7:55 p.m., were there for the vote. But Asuncion was not in attendance.
Interim City Attorney Derek Cole introduced the item saying Asuncion is “an exceptional, very talented attorney with city attorney experience…who I’ve known for several years. She has a fantastic reputation.”
He also spoke about SB707 requiring the council to report out of Closed Session, “the compensation package of your key executive and key department heads. It has to be…put on the record in a public meeting.”
Cole then shared Asuncion will receive an annual salary of $288,000 or $24,000 per month, and benefits of $225,028 for total compensation of $513,028 per year.
It’s a 26.7% increase over the compensation she received in Stockton. According to Transparent California, in 2024, Asuncion earned Regular pay of $290,601, Other pay of $15,300 for Total pay of $305,901. In addition, she received $98,700 in benefits for a total compensation package of $404,601 per year.
No one from the council had any questions for Cole or made any comments, nor were there any public comments before the motion to hire Asuncion was made by Mayor Pro Tem and District 3 Councilman Don Freitas and seconded by Wilson. It passed unanimously.
It’s been 13 months since Thomas Lloyd Smith resigned the position on Jan. 17, 2025. Since then, Cole, of law firm Cole Huber, has served as Antioch’s Interim City Attorney on a contract basis. Asuncion was chosen following a statewide search, several closed session meetings with both the consultant, Recruiter Joe Gorton, from the Bob Hall & Associates recruiting firm, and candidates during the recruitment process.
According to a press release sent out by City PIO Jaden Baird immediately following the vote, “Ms. Asuncion brings more than 18 years of dedicated public service to Antioch, most recently serving as City Attorney for the City of Stockton, where she served as a trusted legal advisor on some of the City’s most complex and high-profile matters.
Ms. Asuncion began her tenure with the City of Stockton in 2007 as a Deputy City Attorney, was promoted to Assistant City Attorney in 2018, and appointed City Attorney in 2022. During her service, she played a critical role in shaping key city policies and ordinances, advancing strategic goals and priorities, leading sensitive investigations, and managing complex litigation. She brings deep expertise in land use law, Brown Act compliance, and litigation management.
Following an extensive and competitive recruitment process, the City Council selected Ms. Asuncion based on her depth of experience, leadership background, and demonstrated expertise in municipal law.
Mayor Bernal welcomed the appointment, stating, “With eighteen years of municipal law experience in the City of Stockton, City Attorney Asuncion brings proven leadership and the ability to navigate complex challenges. I am confident she will be a valuable asset as we continue moving Antioch forward.”
Cole expressed strong support for the appointment, stating, “I am excited that Lori Asuncion will be the next Antioch City Attorney. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Lori through our mutual involvement with the League of California Cities. Lori is widely respected in the City Attorney Community. She has nearly two decades of legal experience in a large city attorney office. She is well prepared to work with the City Council, City Administration, and Executive Team to move Antioch forward.”
Reflecting on her selection, Ms. Asuncion stated, “I am honored that the Mayor and Council chose me to serve the City of Antioch and contribute to the success, stability, and resilience of the community.”
Her leadership reflects a strong commitment to public service, transparency, staff support, and community improvement.
Ms. Asuncion has also been actively involved in professional legal organizations. She has served on the California League of Cities City Attorneys’ Department Nominating and Legal Advocacy Committee and has contributed as an editor to the League’s Municipal Law Handbook.
Born and raised in Stockton, Ms. Asuncion earned her Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 2005 and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Stanislaus, awarded in 2002.
When asked, Baird responded, Antioch’s Human Resources Department has not yet shared Asuncion’s start date.
UPDATE: On Feb. 18th, Baird said, “Our Attorney’s start date is March 2nd.”
Mike Bowers has been named president of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals in Northern California. Photo: Kaiser Nor Cal
Mike Bowers served as interim leader since February 2025
By Elissa Harrington, Sr. Media Relations & PR Rep., Kaiser Permanente Northern California
OAKLAND, Calif.— Kaiser Permanente has named Mike Bowers as president of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals in Northern California.
Bowers has served as the region’s interim president since February 2025, overseeing operations for 21 hospitals and 203 medical offices, as well as the health care and coverage of 4.6 million Kaiser Permanente members.
Bowers joined Kaiser Permanente in 2022 as senior vice president for health plan and hospital operations in Northern California. Under his leadership, Northern California achieved significant improvements in care quality, patient safety, and affordability through an innovative care delivery redesign process. The region also earned national recognition, receiving seven prestigious Beacon Awards from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses recognizing exceptional patient care and a supportive work environment.
“Mike’s leadership has strengthened our operational performance, expanded our joint efforts with The Permanente Medical Group, and elevated the experience we provide to our members,” said Craig T. Albanese, MD, president, Integrated Care and Coverage, Kaiser Permanente. “His proven ability to deliver meaningful results positions our Northern California region for continued growth and long-term success.”
Bowers brings nearly three decades of health care leadership experience to this role. Before joining Kaiser Permanente, he served as regional chief operating officer for SSM Health’s St. Louis and Southern Illinois regions, following four years as president of SSM Health St. Joseph Hospitals in St. Louis. His career has included leadership roles at Dignity Health in California’s Central Valley, Community Hospital Corporation in Dallas, and Memorial Hermann in Houston.
Bowers is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves on multiple community boards. He holds both a Master of Health Administration and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston–Clear Lake, and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of Pittsburgh.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.6 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.
Dr. Harish Rengarajan is the new Chief Medical Executive for Sutter Delta Medical Center. Photo: Sutter Health
By Monique Binkley Smith, Manager, Media Relations, Sutter Health
Sutter Delta Medical Center is pleased to announce that Harish Rengarajan, M.D., MBA, will join the organization as its new chief medical executive on Monday, February 9. Dr. Rengarajan will work alongside Sutter Delta CEO Trevor Brand as a dyad partner, strengthening clinical leadership and supporting the hospital’s mission to serve the East Contra Costa community with compassionate, high‑quality care.
Dr. Rengarajan brings a strong background in medical education, clinical quality and physician engagement to his new role. He currently serves as program director for the Internal Medicine and Transitional Year Residency Programs at Sutter’s Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, where he has helped build and launch ACGME‑accredited training programs that integrate residents into frontline care. His leadership has supported physician development, enhanced care coordination and advanced safety and quality initiatives that benefit patients and care teams alike.
Before joining Sutter Health, Dr. Rengarajan served as associate chief medical officer at St. Mary’s General Hospital in New Jersey and held leadership roles with New York Medical College, St. Clare’s Health and Northwell Health in New York. Across these organizations, he led work to improve patient experience, reduce readmissions, streamline care teams, strengthen documentation integrity and build physician wellness programs. His career reflects a deep commitment to patient‑centered care and collaborative partnerships across clinical and administrative teams. (See Dr. Rengarajan’s LinkedIn profile for more details)
Dr. Rengarajan earned his medical degree from Pondicherry University in India, completed his internal medicine residency at Chicago Medical School and holds an MBA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He is board certified in internal medicine.
Sutter Delta looks forward to welcoming Dr. Rengarajan as he steps into this key leadership role and continues the hospital’s ongoing work to support the health and well‑being of the Delta community.
