Champion small businesses in Antioch’s historic downtown and #ShopSmall
Win prizes by playing Downtown Antioch Business Bingo!
Did you know there are over 36 million small businesses in America? Small businesses are vital to communities like in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. Shop Small on Saturday, November 29 and throughout the holiday season to support the job creators in our community.
Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010 and officially cosponsored by the Small Business Administration since 2011. It is an important part of small businesses’ busiest shopping season.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, now more than ever, small businesses need our support. Please join SBA, Downtown Antioch Association and the Rivertown merchants as they celebrate small business contributions to the community by shopping at a small business on Small Business Saturday.
This holiday season, don’t forget to #ShopSmall, Shop Local, Shop Rivertown and support local businesses on Small Business Saturday, November 29 and all year long!
Passengers enjoy the new landscaping and hardscape which are part of the $375,000 in City improvements at the Antioch Amtrak Station in historic, downtown Rivertown as they wait for a Gold Runner train to arrive on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2025. Photo by Allen D. Payton
ANTIOCH, CA — On March 24, 2023, the San Joaquins Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) Board voted to decommission the Antioch-Pittsburg San Joaquins train station. In keeping with this decision, Antioch’s Amtrak station will cease operations for the foreseeable future in 2027.
In late 2024, SJJPA convened the Ad Hoc Antioch Train Station Working Group (ATSWG). This was at the direction of the SJJPA Board and SJJPA Board Vice Chair Diane Burgis, and in response to requests from community leaders. The ATSWG brings together a diverse mix of voices—including local elected officials, Antioch staff, Antioch community members and SJJPA staff—who are all committed to working collaboratively on this important matter.
The ATSWG has met four times to explore the future of the Amtrak Gold Runner (formerly San Joaquins) Station in Antioch. Group discussions to date have focused on measures implemented by the City of Antioch to improve the safety of Gold Runner riders at the station, as well as plans to beautify the station and its surroundings (while still in use before decommissioning is completed). Antioch has made a total of $375,000 in budgetary commitments to implement these improvements in the short- and long-term. SJJPA Board Vice Chair Diane Burgis has shared her appreciation for Antioch’s efforts stating, “San Joaquins riders should feel safe and welcome at our stations, including here in East Contra Costa County. I’m grateful to the Antioch community and Antioch’s city leaders for stepping up and collaborating with staff.”
The collaborative approach undertaken by the ATSWG—including City of Antioch representatives, Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE) Action Antioch, Contra Costa County partners and SJJPA and Amtrak Staff—demonstrates a strong commitment to improving Antioch Station safety, appearance, and functionality.
The City of Antioch’s stated goal as part of the ATSWG effort was to request that the SJJPA Board reconsider its decision to decommission the station, ensuring the continued operation of passenger rail service while advancing infrastructure improvements that will enhance regional connectivity, improve reliability, and support future growth along the San Joaquins corridor.
“I appreciate the joint discussions about reasons the station was decommissioned and the significant investment the City is making to position the Antioch-Pittsburg Station for consideration to be recommissioned,” said Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal.
ATSWG community representatives Eddie Gums, Tachina Garrett and Devin Williams of ACCE Action Antioch, as well as many other residents during SJJPA hearings and council meetingss, have expressed their opposition to the planned closure of the Pittsburg–Antioch station as a reflection of general community sentiment. While they appreciate the formation of the ATSWG, the three stated, “The initial decision was made without prior public notice, and the community must be involved in any major, life-altering transportation decisions that affect us”.
Gums, Garrett and Williams “urge the committee to prioritize transparency, robust public engagement and consideration of the long-term impacts this closure will have on residents.”
At the time of this statement’s release, the SJJPA Board’s March 24, 2023, decision to decommission the Antioch Amtrak Station remains unchanged and will be executed as planned in 2027. (See related articles here, here, here, here and here).
Monica’s Riverview is located at 1 I Street on the pier in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. For menu and more information see www.visitmonicas.com.
Join the Antioch Police Department, Downtown Antioch Association and the Rotary Club of the Delta-Antioch this Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, for a Community Clean-Up in Antioch’s Rivertown Business District.
Let’s come together to beautify our city and make a positive impact. It’s a great opportunity to give back and connect with local business owners.
Meet at 10:00 AM at Prime Vintage Realty, 340 W. 2nd Street in historic downtown.
