Studio 510, located in Downtown Antioch, has recently changed its name to Rivertown Creative Studio. Founded by Linda Johnson in 1987, the space, located at 510 W. 3rd Street, functions as a not-for-profit studio that offers low-cost rentals to artists who run their own businesses. Many of you probably remember it as Linda Johnson Photography.
Now retired, Johnson understands the challenges of starting a business. Her goal is to keep the studio’s rental price affordable just as it was for her at the start of her career.
“The rent was low back then and I knew I could afford it,” Johnson said. “Then my business grew and it got easier and easier.”
In addition to overseeing Rivertown Creative Studio, Johnson also offers business coaching and mentoring in portraiture to those who are interested.
Current Rivertown Creative Studio members primarily offer portrait photography services to the public, but recent upgrades to the space now cater to innovative content creators by including an all-new content creation room and art studio.
“We are a studio space for all,” Johnson added.
The studio members have become a supportive network for each other, sharing materials, ideas and wins. Artists interested in becoming a member of Rivertown Creative Studio can contact Linda Johnson at (925) 305-9621.
Antioch Amtrak station, train and foliage improvements concept plan. Sources: Herald file photos and City of Antioch
That plus, new working group part of efforts to prevent closure in 2027
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the Antioch City Council approved spending an additional $225,000 for the Amtrak Station Upgrades on a 5-0 vote. That brings the total allocated for the project to $375,000. The additional funds will be paid from Gas Tax revenue the City receives.
As previously reported, the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority Board of Directors voted in March 2023 to decommission the Antioch-Pittsburg San Joaquins Passenger Stop, known as the Antioch Amtrak Station, due to ongoing problems dating back 15 years of homelessness, riders not paying fares, vandalism and violence, including against train personnel.
The SJJPA Board then held a meeting last September at which then-Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe offered a proposed plan to keep the station open. That required council action. The board members and executive director left open the possibility of keeping the station opened if a plan was approved and implemented to improve the area. But it was also mentioned that the City would need to meet with Amtrak staff to get their buy-in, as well as BNSF, which owns the track and right-of-way. (See related articles here and here)
According to the staff report for Item 2 on Tuesday night’s agenda, “On Oct. 22, 2024, the City Council provided direction to City Staff to improve the area surrounding the Amtrak Station…including enhanced safety and ADA accessibility compliance.” Staff developed improvements and upgrades to the station including beautification and needed structural changes at the location.
They include a transit shelter, benches, concrete paths, fencing along the northern edge of the walkway, signage, additional lighting, shrubs and trees.
During his presentation to the Council, Public Works Director Scott Buenting said, “The concept here is to provide a fare-only zone…for people that are using the Amtrak Station to be…not to be for…any other usage.”
“This is still a conceptual plan,” he added. “It is something we’d like to move forward with relatively quickly. It is something that we think will be a betterment to the area and provide us with a better chance of keeping the Amtrak Station in the future.”
Proposed paths for the Antioch Amtrak Station Improvements Concept Plan. Source: City of Antioch
Public Comments
Resident Andrew Becker said, “I was under the direct impression that Antioch was not going to be keeping its Amtrak Station open under its current model. If the City wanted to keep its Amtrak Station opened it needed to meet the requirements that they had already set forth.”
“My understanding was that there either needed to be a secondary sidetrack for the mainline or that it needed to move further down the line,” he continued. “And that the only way it could stay was when Amtrak started using future generation models that allowed them to speed up and slow down quicker.”
“So, if there were any other conversations between the rail authority, Amtrak and the City…I would be curious to know what those updates are,” Becker stated. “Because if there are…no other updates, why are we spending significant dollars and time on improving a station that we don’t have any authority of keeping.”
“If we do need to move the station to keep the Antioch-Pittsburg Station open, why are we not exploring other opportunities?” he asked.
A resident named Dean said, “I definitely don’t think we need to worry about a train station when we got broken glass all up and down Second Street and you know, spending any kind of money…to add bushes to…this area…it’s not what we really need to do. We need to revitalize the downtown area and make it a vital place for a train to stop.”
He then mentioned the homeless residents encamped nearby and damage to the lighting fixtures along the Promenade as matters that should be addressed first.
Council Questions, Discussion and Vote
District 3 Councilman Don Freitas asked, “Is there any update? I think it’s a legitimate question.”
City Manager Bessie Scott responded, “We have an Amtrak Station working group that just started to meet. One of the things that they let us know was that they could stop that stop, now or in three years when the other station (in Oakley) breaks ground.”
“Because we have to maintain it on City property, we have to be ADA-compliant so, we needed to make these upgrades,” she continued. “Also, like the gentleman was saying, there are things that are happening that diminishes our downtown businesses on the waterfront that we need to address, as well.”
“So, it isn’t just because the stop has been decommissioned,” Scott stated. “It’s because we want to keep it open for the next three years and go back to the Joint Powers association in a couple months to see if it will permanently be kept open. So, we’re making the upgrades we needed anyway, for the area as it’s City-owned property.”
District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson then asked Buenting if the plants “were drought-tolerant or native.”
“Yes. They will be drought-tolerant,” he replied. “They’ll be native to California.”
Freitas then said, “You asked us for some input. A lot of color in that area would be great, too…so, it brightens up that whole area,” to which District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker nodded her head and said, “mmm, hmmm.”
He then asked about the Cannery Lady statue and the adjacent pathway.
Buenting responded, “That pathway would not be part of the fare-only zone. It would be to the north of that pathway.”
Torres-Walker than said with a laugh while looking at Freitas, “Thank you for saying we need more color. I’m happy to provide that up here on the council.”
She then asked Scott, “So, we can have the Amtrak shut down, now or we can do these improvements and have access to it for the next three years and potentially go back to the table?”
“That’s right. We’re going back to the table in a few months,” the city manager responded. “So, it’s a…process.”
“But if we don’t do any of this,” the councilwoman began to say before Scott cut in saying, “Yeah, we had some safety concerns, some ADA-compliance issues and findings…around there. So, we needed do it.”
Mayor Ron Bernal then said, “I would like to do anything we can to improve that area and make sure that its viable and attractive for people that are coming in and out of Antioch with the hopes, ultimately of keeping that station open. I think we should do everything to keep that station open and operable and I think this is a step in that…direction.”
District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha spoke last asking, “How long are we anticipating the use of this track before the Oakley Station could potentially get built? I’ve received a number of communications from the public asking, are we doing enough to advocate…to take steps forward to beautify that area, to make it accessible? So, I think this is a step in that direction.”
“There’s no guarantee, I realize that,” he continued. “But I think it’s the best that we can do. I think we are charged with advocating to keep that Amtrak Station open to the best of our ability. And I think it’s worth the effort.”
“Out of the 20 stations, Antioch is right in the middle as far as ridership,” Scott pointed out. “It’s about 100 a day…larger than people realize. So, it’s incumbent upon us to keep it open.”
Bernal then asked Buenting, “to make sure Amtrak is happy with the design,” to which staff agreed.
The Council than approved the design and additional expenditure for the station upgrades on a 5-0 vote.
The Four Seasonings Steakhouse owners (center L-R) Betty Ware, Erica and William Foster (with scissors) are joined by building owner Sean McCauley (back left) Chamber President Teresa Glenn and Mayor Ron Bernal (back right), plus, family members, staff and others for the ribbon cutting on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Photos by Allen D. Payton
From food truck success to brick-and-mortar dream come true, owners excited about Rivertown Dining District’s newest restaurant; working to earn a Michelin Star
By Allen D. Payton
The Four Seasonings Steakhouse owners (L-R) Betty Ware and Erica and William Foster in front of their new restaurant at 304 G Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. Herald file photo.
On Saturday, April 5, 2025, the three owners of The Four Seasonings Steakhouse celebrated the new Rivertown restaurant with family, friends, Mayor Ron Bernal and members of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce and business community. The team of William and Erica Foster, and her mother Betty Ware, cut the ribbon to officially open their business. Ware’s husband, James, was also in attendance.
But before that occurred, a few remarks were offered.
“I’d just like to thank you for opening this amazing restaurant, it’s a beautiful asset to our city,” said the mayor. “It’s a real steakhouse like you’d have to go to San Francisco to get. It’s super exciting…this is really, really a big deal for Antioch to have a world class steakhouse. We’re excited to see you succeed and help our downtown community, as well.”
Teresa Glenn, President of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, “I wanted to congratulate you on this wonderful ribbon cutting. This business is amazing…it looks amazing. I’ve eaten here; the food is great. You guys are going to thrive, here. Good luck to you guys. We’ll be here to support you through the years.”
William then shared a few thoughts of appreciation saying, “On behalf of my family, I’d like to thank every single person here, all the people who came during our soft opening and went through our growing pains. We thank you for having grace and came back to us.”
He then thanked his next door, business neighbor Debbie Blaisure of Rivertown Treasure Chest, “for introducing us to everybody” and building owner Sean McCauley, “for opening up the space to us and letting us to be the operators, here.”
“We just appreciate everybody here and thank you, so much,” Foster concluded.
McCauley then shared his thoughts saying, “I’d just like to say that these entrepreneurs are the vision that Antioch has. I fell in love with this family when they came in our door for the first time and wanted to be in downtown.”
“It’s been two years…of hard work, dedication and these guys persevered,” he continued. “And it’s a wonderful story.” (See video)
That was followed by the ribbon cutting and inviting guests inside to sample some of the restaurant’s food.
Guests enjoy the Grand Opening of The Four Seasonings Steakhouse on April 5, 2025. Photos by Allen D. Payton
From Food Truck Success to Brick-and-Mortar Dream Come True
William and Erica shared of their background in the food business as well as their goals and dreams, and why they located in Antioch.
“The restaurant has always been a dream of my wife because someone told her she’d never have,” he said. “She likes to prove people wrong and accepts all challenges.”
“We started with a food truck 10 year ago. We started doing well in our sixth year and the lines were really long,” William stated.
Asked why they chose to locate in Antioch, William said, “We were with Foodie Land up and down the coast and in Vegas. We got too successful. People started taking our recipes. Plus, our son was in school. So, we decided to do brick-and-mortar and looked for a place.”
We went to Walnut Creek first. But we didn’t think that would be a good fit,” he continued. “Then we looked at the closed Mel’s Diner at The Streets of Brentwood. But they were asking too much for rent. So, we came to downtown Antioch and called SMI (McCauley’s company).”
“What really got me was the waterfront here,” William stated. “It reminded me of Monterey and San Mateo with mom-and-pop restaurants along their waterfronts. We met with Sean and this has been a year-and-a-half in the making.”
Erica is the Operations Manager, Betty is in charge of the front of the house and William is the Executive Chef and runs the kitchen.
Asked about their menu items, he said, “The recipes have come from traveling a lot as a military brat. I used spices from around the world. When used in moderation it creates a great flavor profile for your palate.”
“Our signature dish is our lamb chops. They’re the biggest seller. People say they’ve never tasted any like mine before because they don’t taste gamey,” William explained. “That’s due to the mix of spices. You really need to know what you’re doing to keep it from tasting gamey.”
The 4 Seasonings, of course, offers six different types of steaks.
“Our best is the tomahawk. It’s huge. I haven’t seen anyone finish it yet,” he said with a laugh.
About his time in Antioch, so far William said, “My experience has been amazing. The people of Antioch have really taken to this place. Most of them quote that we really need our type of restaurant down here to restore the glory days of Rivertown. This was part of the pharmacy going back to 1904.”
About their future plans, he said, “Our goal is to be a staple of the community, if the Lord wills, and be here 30 or 40 years from now with people still enjoying it after I’ve retired and move on.”
“We do plan on opening two more locations. But we haven’t decided where yet,” William added.
Asked about the Michelin Star, Erica said, “I’d like to earn a star. The only reason I want it is because someone said I couldn’t have one.”
Guests sampled some of the food from The Four Seasonings Steakhouse menu during the Grand Opening. Photo by Allen D. Payton
About Michelin Stars
According to the Michelin Guide, “A Michelin Star is awarded to restaurants offering outstanding cooking. We take into account five universal criteria: the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavours, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine and, just as importantly, consistency both across the entire menu and over time.”
“A Michelin Star is awarded for the food on the plate – nothing else,” the Guide continues. “The famously anonymous Michelin Inspectors – all full-time employees who are former restaurant and hospitality professionals – make the decisions.”
According to Wikipedia, “The Michelin Guides…have been published by the French tire company Michelin since 1900…to increase the demand for cars, and…car tires, The Guide awards up to three Michelin stars for excellence to a select few restaurants in certain geographic areas.”
Erica’s background is in IT, for 20 years, and she has a bachelor of science degree in Computer Science and a Master’s in Information Systems.
“I’ve been an entrepreneur since selling candy in high school,” she shared with a chuckle. “Then designed websites during college.”
Asked her thoughts about Antioch Erica said, “I love Antioch. I live here. I’ve been here for about 12 years.”
“We want to be successful, stick around, and maybe open a second location,” she continued. “I really want a breakfast place. But steak is our first love. Breakfast is my second.”
Asked if William has her sample his recipes Erica responded, “Oh, yes. It’s been a two-way street on that. He’s been trying out his seasonings, and I was trying out our mac and cheese. It’s a completely different preparation process that’s true.”
“We tested our seasoning recipe on our parents and at festivals selling skewers,” she explained.
Her favorite dish is, “lamb chops second to scallops,” Erica shared. “I love the scallops.” Her favorite steak is the ribeye.
The restaurant also serves sea bass, lobster, salmon and a vegan mushroom steak, as well as appetizers including their California Crab Tower, Steakhouse Smoked Shrimp and Ahi Tuna. They also offer soups, salads and a variety of sides, plus, dessert.
“We’re happy to be a contributing member of the Rivertown community,” she stated. “All the store owners have been gracious. I really like the community they’re trying to build down here. We’re trying to participate in the events.
“I’m looking forward to more restaurants locating down here,” Erica added.
The 4 Seasonings Steakhouse is located at 304 G Street and open Wednesday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. To view their menu and make reservations visit www.the4seasonings.com or call (925) 732-7468.
Easter Egg Hunts, photos with the Easter Bunny and Petting Zoo, plus, Stuffed Animal Giveaway!
Join us for an afternoon of Easter Egg Hunting and pictures with the Easter Bunny, Saturday, April 9, 2025.This is a free and fun, family-friendly event for the public. Rivertown businesses have a Merchant-2-Merchant egg hunt from 12:00 to 4:00 pm.
Events at Waldie Plaza, on W. 2nd Street across from City Hall, include a Petting Zoo from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, photos with the Easter Bunny at Rivertown Treasure Chest at 306 G Street from 11:00 am to 2:00 p.m. sponsored by Jim Lanter State Farm, then at Waldie Plaza plus, another Easter Egg Hunt from 3:00 to 4:00 pm.
K-911 Animal Rescue kindly donated 600 stuffed animals to be distributed throughout Rivertown Merchant stores, so every child gets one while supplies last.
Visit the following Participating Merchants in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown: Almost There Travel • Royal Banquet • Abuelita’s House Pastries & Deli • Guadalajara Taqueria • Sweets on Second • Flying Dutchman Tattoo • Antioch Chamber of Commerce • Jim Lanter State Farm Insurance • Rivertown Community Church • Feral Unicorn Snack Emporium • Chef Jeff’s Smash Burgers • Ellie’s Grooming • TNT Smoothie & Juice Bar • The 4 Seasonings Steakhouse • Rivertown Treasure Chest • HIMC Hair Studio • Studio B Dance Studio • La Plazuela Restaurant • Antioch Community Federal Credit Union • Willow Park Mercantile.
Presented by Celebrate Antioch Foundation and the Rivertown merchants. Learn more at www.celebrateantioch.org and www.downtownantioch.com. Follow the Rivertown merchants, events and activities at www.facebook.com/antiochrivertown or on the Downtown Antioch Assocation page on Facebook.
