For more information about the event visit 12th Annual Hot Rods 4 Paws Benefit Car & Bike Show in Antioch’s Rivertown Oct. 24. For more information about Downtown Antioch Association visit Antioch DAA.
By Anthony Aiello, East Bay Men’s Recovery Center
Save the date for the East Bay Men’s Recovery Center’s Car Show + Trunk or Treat Oct. 31st, 10am- 4pm in Downtown Rivertown, Antioch!
Vehicles will be displayed on G Street from the river (bulb) to 4th Street and on W. 2nd Street from I (eye) Street to F Street.
We’re excited to spend time in our community, create a safe space for kids to get their candy, and raise money for our recovery program!
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Give us a call or send us a message at 1-800-418-6139 or info@ebmrc.net.
The East Bay Men’s Recovery Center works to give “men struggling with addiction a hand up, not a handout” offering a 12-month program at their location in Antioch. For more information about ebmrc.net.
For more information about the Downtown Antioch Association visit antiochdaa.com.
Discuss 2027-28 General Fund Budget with projected $11.2M deficit, consider closing Marina due to annual subsidy
Receive reports on APD Reform, Youth Services, Delta Landing homeless hotel in Pittsburg, vote on 3% COLA for final employee group
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting Tuesday night, Oct. 13, 2026, the Antioch City Council will deal with 315 pages of a full agenda with 18 items, including 16 items on the Consent Calendar. They will begin with a Special Meeting at 5:00 p.m. to discuss and give input to staff on development of the Fiscal Year 2027-2028 General Fund Budget. Then at 7:00 p.m. their Regular Meeting will begin.
2027-28 General Fund Budget Development
During their Special Meeting, the Council will discuss the 2027-28 General Fund Budget Development which shows the City facing a $16.25 million deficit before a $5 million transfer from the Budget Stabilization Fund for a projected net $11.25 million deficit for the fiscal year.
One item of controversy is the possible closing of the Antioch Marina. According to the City staff report, “as mentioned at the August 25th session, the non-departmental budget reviewed included a reduction in the subsidy to close the Marina and provide for only debt service repayment and the existing full-time staffing at the Marina, which would need to be re-assigned to other areas within Public Works. If the Marina were closed, this could potentially provide $185K in budget savings in 2027/28, however the loss of a recreational facility and potential harmful business impact to the restaurant at the Marina may negate the financial savings.”
Presentations
Toward the beginning of the Regular Meeting the Council will be provided with three presentations including:
Consent Calendar
Under the Consent Calendar the Council will vote on accepting completion for the Antioch Water Park Concrete improvements 2026 Project (Item 15.L.) and Pool Resurfacing Project (Item 15.M.). Plus, they will vote on rejecting all bids and re-evaluating the scope of the Installation of Park Signage Project (Item 15.N.) because the lowest responsive bid that could be accepted was over $86,000 more than budgeted. Finally, the Council will vote on approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Antioch and the Confidential Unit for a 3% COLA at a total cost of $111,883, with $92,419 from the General Fund, and approving a Fiscal Year 2026/27 budget amendment to cover the additional costs (Item 15.P.). As previously reported, the Confidential Unit includes a variety of staff positions: the Deputy City Clerk, Account Specialists, Analysts, Assistants, Coordinators, Specialists and Technicians. The 26 employees in the Unit have been working without a contract since September 30, 2025. See City’s Master Salary Schedule.
Reestablishing Economic Development Department
Under Item 16, the Council will vote on reestablishing a standalone Economic Development Department separate from Community Development, determine funding for an Economic Development Director position with an amended job classification and amended salary range, an Economic Development Specialist, and assigning a Department budget.
Downtown Security Services
Finally, under Item 17, the Council will give direction to staff on reestablishing private security services for downtown Rivertown. That includes initiating a competitive Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process for private security services; determining the geographic scope of services, including whether coverage should be limited to City-owned properties and designated public areas in the Rivertown/Downtown area or include additional areas throughout the City; and determining the days and hours of operation for private security services. The council will decide on a budget during a future meeting.
Meeting Details
The Special Meeting begins at 5:00 p.m. and Regular Meeting begins at 7:00 p.m., both in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street, in historic, downtown Rivertown and can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website, on Comcast cable TV channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99 or on the City’s YouTube channel.
See the complete agenda packet with staff reports here.
By Black Diamond Ballet
Black Diamond Ballet welcomes community members to attend its 14th Annual production of the Nutcracker November 13–22 at the El Campanil Theatre.
For many families, the Nutcracker at El Campanil Theatre is tradition, a commencement of the winter holiday season. Attending a performance or donating to Black Diamond Ballet supports the dancers and the work required to bring this production to life. Bring your family, invite a friend, and help spread the word about the earlier dates.
“We see this as a necessary change prompted by circumstances beyond Black Diamond Ballet’s control,” says Sam Khamseh, Black Diamond Ballet (BDB) Board President. (See related articles here, here and here)
In addition to its annual production schedule, BDB is committed to producing a Sensory-Friendly performance, and school-day shows for students and special-day programs, all of which help make the joy of live ballet accessible to all audiences in our community.
Performance times and ticket information will be available at BlackDiamondBallet.org or ElCampanilTheatre.com or the box office 925-757-9500
Follow Black Diamond Ballet on social media: Instagram & Facebook @blackdiamondballet, TikTok @black.diamond.ballet
In partnership with the Antioch Farmer’s Market and Dillon’s Dream – in Antioch’s historic Rivertown!
For more information visit AntiochDAA.com.
Following receipt of 60-day rental termination notice
By Sharon Sobel Idul, Board President, El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation
The El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation (ECTPF) has been served with a 60-day notice from the attorney representing the new owners terminating our tenancy. These owners made no attempt to discuss the Foundation’s continued operations at the theatre with ECTPF before the notice was served. (See related article)
We know this news will be difficult for the many people who love the theatre. We want our audiences, artists, and neighbors to hear this clearly: all shows currently on the calendar through November 30 will take place. We look forward to seeing you all soon.
We are also working with Black Diamond Ballet to see whether its beloved production of Nutcracker can be moved to an earlier date at El Campani Theatre. We know how much this holiday tradition means to our community and we will share an update as soon as plans are confirmed.
For years, you have filled the seats, made donations, volunteered your time, brought friends to performances, and spoken up for this theatre. Your support has meant more to us than we can say. We are grateful to be part of a community that cares so deeply.
We hope you’ll join us for the shows ahead. Bring someone who has never been to El Campanil Theatre. Share an event you’re excited about. Most of all, come enjoy the music, dance, and stories that this stage was made for.
Find upcoming shows, tickets at www.ElCampanilTheatre.com. We will share further updates as they become available.
State law requires a 60-day notice to terminate tenancy for commercial buildings.
As previously reported, on August 20th, Sobel Idul issued a statement that included, “The El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation (ECTPF)…is a tenant of the theatre property, which is owned by an out-of-state landlord. We are aware of the potential sale of the property and of fundraising efforts being circulated online by a potential buyer. Those efforts are independent of ECTPF and do not reflect the mission of our organization and it is unlikely that we would be able to continue to provide theatre programming at El Campanil Theatre if they acquire the space.
She further wrote, “We hope the city, our community, and artists alike can come together to help maintain our mission, if not we will no longer be able to continue our arts management in this space.”
“For now, our focus remains on operating the theatre, welcoming audiences and community organizations, supporting the artists and renters who bring this stage to life, and continuing to be a gathering place for Antioch and the surrounding region,” Sobel Idul concluded in her Aug. 20th statement.
About the El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation
The El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation is the nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining and operating El Campanil Theatre, a historic performing arts venue in downtown Antioch, California. Originally opened in 1928, the theatre is a cherished cultural landmark presenting live performances, films, and educational programs for audiences of all ages. The Foundation relies on community donations to preserve this beloved institution and keep the arts thriving in East Contra Costa County.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
See related articles:
Antioch Council hears earful from public upset with El Campanil Theatre sale | Antioch Herald
Former El Campanil Theatre leader asks church to reconsider purchase | Antioch Herald
Owner explains reasons for selling Antioch’s historic El Campanil Theatre | Antioch Herald Includes information regarding Community meeting gets heated after pastor, congregants invited in; false accusations made of carrying guns; claim of a police report filed
Historic El Campanil Theatre building sold to church led by Antioch resident | Antioch Herald
El Campanil Theatre to hold community meeting on building’s future Tuesday | Antioch Herald
Pastor calls it “historic moment” declares a “Year of Movement” for church
UPDATE 1: Says “not coming into downtown Antioch to diminish, erase, or destroy” but “add to the incredible history…” and “Church remains intentional about seeing Antioch and the Rivertown District thrive.”
UPDATE 2: Theatre foundation served with 60-day rental termination notice; “We’ll have shows thru Nov 30th it looks like!” – Foundation Board Chair Sobel Idul
By Allen D. Payton
Escrow on the sale of the 98-year-old El Campanil Theatre in Antioch’s historic downtown Rivertown closed Friday, September 25, four days earlier than originally planned for today, Sept. 29th. Legendary Movement Church is now the owner, only the fourth owner in the building’s history, including the Stamm and Beede families who built it, the El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation and Tung and Tiffany Bui.
But there are still performances scheduled in the theatre through December, including the next three Saturdays, and some members of the public, especially those who have already purchased tickets want to know if the show will go on.
In an email to tenants Friday afternoon, the Buis announced the close of escrow writing, “We…have been informed that the sale of the theater is complete and recorded.”
In a Facebook video post on Saturday by Eli Herrera, Lead Pastor of the church, which purchased the building, he encouraged his members to be at church on Sunday for a “Big Announcement”. Below that he also shared the Friday post on the Antioch Herald Facebook page announcing the close of escrow which reads, “Breaking: El Campanil Theatre sold! It’s been confirmed by the Herald that the sale recorded today, Friday, Sept. 25, four days earlier than originally scheduled.” Herrera wrote, “Well now that the news is out. Join us this Sunday at Legendary Movement for full statement and celebration. GOD DID IT.”
Then on Sunday, in a video posted on the church’s Instagram account and Facebook page, Herrera showed himself and his wife, Jane talking about the purchase while driving to and entering the Old Republic Title office, then meeting with the title officer and real estate broker Michael Temby, for the signing which occurred on Tuesday, September 22nd.
Herrera said, “It’s closing day, baby and I’m super excited. I don’t know about ya’ll but I’m beyond ecstatic. Because today we close, we get the key, the church gets the key, the family gets the key, the Kingdom gets the key. What God starts, no man can stop. The doors that God opens nobody can shut. God’s ‘yes’ goes beyond anything we could ever think, ask or imagine.”
In light of the resistance they’ve experienced from many in the community over the purchase of the theater, Temby offered some wisdom to the Herreras saying “Pilots love blue skies and tailwinds because that pushes you along and there’s no resistance. But there’s always headwinds in life and when you get the headwinds is when you grow and learn, and those create some extra character. We’ve all had some headwinds in this journey.” Eli replied, “Absolutely. It’s been a journey.”
After signing the papers, the four of them then prayed together over the transaction with their hands on the title documents and the Herreras celebrated with smiles while holding a signed document and a kiss.
Eli then thanked, “everybody who believed in the vision. Thank you to everybody who sowed a seed. Thank you to the families for all the hard work. I know this took an entire tribe to get this done.” Jane then said, “It was truly God’s super meeting our natural. We’re forever grateful for each and everyone of you who have believed and sowed into good soil.” That’s a reference to Jesus’ Parable of the Sower in the book of Matthew, chapter 13 in the Bible.
Eli concluded the video by saying, “I just want to encourage you, you ain’t seen nothing yet. God is still moving. God is still doing. Rivertown will be saved for Jesus. Love you all.”
“The harvest is ready,” Jane added.
“Historic Moment” for Church
With the post of the video the Herreras also wrote, “TODAY, WE MADE HISTORY.
Today marks a historic moment for Legendary Movement Church as we announced that we are officially the owners of the El Campanil Theatre at 602 W. 2nd Street in downtown Antioch, California.
There were mountains. There were battles. There were moments when we didn’t know how it was going to happen.
But God did.
Not man. Not our strength. Not our ability.
GOD DID THIS.
Every prayer. Every sacrifice. Every person who gave. Every person who stood in the gap. Every person who believed with us. We will never forget what it took to get here, and we will never forget WHO brought us here.
All glory belongs to Jesus.
And while today is a day to celebrate, we know this is not the finish line.
It’s the starting line.
There is work to do. People to reach. Families to restore. Generations to impact. A city to serve. A region to love. And a house to build for the glory of God.
We didn’t just acquire a building.
God entrusted us with a place where generations will encounter His presence.
Legendary, we’re home.
And we’re just getting started.
TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY.”
————-
Efforts to reach Herrera since Friday have been unsuccessful. He was at a men’s retreat over the weekend. Herrera was asked if the performances currently planned for the theatre through December will go on, including the Nutcracker, which is a production of Black Diamond Ballet, owned by current foundation board president, Sharon Sobel Idul, and if he’s spoken to her.
Asked if she had spoken to Herrera, Sobel Idul responded on Monday, Sept. 28, “Still as of today no contact from the church or the pastor.”
UPDATE 2: Theatre Foundation Served with 60-Day Rental Termination Notice
The theatre foundation was served with a Sixty Day Notice to Terminate Tenancy on Wednesday, Sept. 29. Sobel Idul said, “It was taped to our door this morning.” California requires a 60-day notice to terminate tenancy for commercial buildings. So, the shows scheduled in October will go one.
Asked if she had spoken with the pastor, yet regarding possible other performances such as the Nutcracker in December, Sobel Idul responded, “Haven’t been by the theatre yet, but a community member posted this and his attorney called and confirmed that it was processed. Still no communication from the church. We’ll have shows thru Nov 30th it looks like!”
UPDATE 1: Pastor Tells Downtown Association Not Coming “to Diminish, Erase or Destroy” But “Add to the Incredible History”
However, during the monthly meeting of the Downtown Antioch Association Tuesday evening, Sept 29th, organization leader Debbie Blaisure received a message from Herrera which he asked her to read as he was unable to attend as planned, she shared.
He wrote, “To everyone gathered tonight, I know many of you are aware of Legendary Movement Church’s recent purchase of the El Campanil Theatre. I also understand that there may be different opinions and perspectives surrounding the purchase, and I respect that.
“What I want everyone to know is that my heart and our heart as a church remains intentional about seeing Antioch and the Rivertown District thrive.
“My family, our congregation, and I are not coming into downtown Antioch to diminish, erase, or destroy its history. We are simply believing that we can help add to the incredible history that has already been written here.
“You can count on Legendary Movement Church to have conversations, listen, participate, support community events, build relationships, and do our part to strengthen unity throughout our city. We want to be known as people who bring love, grace, compassion and a genuine desire to serve.
“As we enter the final quarter of this year and approach the holiday season, my prayer is that we can move forward together with peace, unity, and joy. We may not always agree on everything, but I believe we can still work together toward something we all share: a desire to see Antioch and Rivertown thrive and become everything we know they can be.
“God bless you all, and I look forward to the conversations and opportunities ahead.
“Pastor Eli Herrera Legendary Movement Church”
Real Estate Broker, Former Owner Won’t Say Why They Stopped Speaking With City
The listing on Vanguard.com shows the building was listed for sale on November 23, 2025, and remained on the market for 257 days. The description reads, “Prime opportunity to acquire a landmark property in the heart of Antioch’s revitalizing Rivertown Business District. Originally constructed in 1928 and restored beginning in 2003, El Campanil Theatre offers a unique blend of historic character and proven performance as a community arts venue. The property benefits from exceptional visibility along the Antioch waterfront, steady public traffic, and a long-standing reputation as a regional cultural destination. With a history of hosting over 100 annual events, performances, and rehearsals, the theatre provides immediate operational potential for continued arts programming, live entertainment, film screenings, special events, and private rentals. Its Spanish-style architecture, established community recognition, and central downtown location make it a standout asset for investors seeking a versatile, income-producing property with long-term upside. Surrounded by ongoing downtown development and the broader Rivertown Renaissance vision, El Campanil presents a strategic opportunity for investors, nonprofits, or developers looking to anchor growth in a high-exposure corridor. Ideal for continued performing arts use or adaptive reuse concepts such as mixed cultural venues, event operations, entertainment ventures, or community partner.”
As previously reported, Tung Bui said Michael Temby was his agent. However, it was later learned by the Herald, in a purchased Property Report, that Temby, a real estate broker, represented the church and his wife, Kellie, both of Discovery Bay-based Team Temby Properties, was the listing agent representing the Buis. That information is also available on real estate websites showing the listing of the theater building, including realty.com and Vanguard Properties which, as of Monday, September 28th, the sale price showed $1.45 million, $50,000 less than the $1.5 million asking price. As previously reported, the Buis bought the building from the foundation in May 2023 for $800,000.
As previously reported, Antioch District 1 City Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker said she, Mayor Pro Tem Don Freitas, Acting City Manager Ana Cortez and Sobel Idul had been in discussions with Bui and Temby about the City possibly buying the building but was “blindsided” to see the video by Herrera posted on the church’s Instagram account about needing to raise the downpayment. Freitas later said he hadn’t spoken with either Tung Bui or the Tembys.
On Monday, Sept. 21st, Michael Temby and Tung Bui were sent a link to the article and asked if they were speaking with representatives of the City before accepting the church’s offer and, if so, why did the discussions stop. Temby was also asked if it was because he and Kellie were representing both parties. Neither responded. Previously, Temby said he would be, “Happy to answer any questions after escrow closes.”
But efforts to reach him following the sale with those and additional questions were unsuccessful prior to publication time.
Herrera Declares a “Year of Movement” for Church
In a video posted on the church’s Facebook page on Tuesday, of his sermon this past Sunday, Herrera spoke about the church’s new ownership of the building while preaching from the book of 1st Samuel chapter 7 about King David, with an aerial photo of the theater on the wall behind him, “The Bible says they took territory they took everything. He’s sitting there in a big house, in a big mansion. Sitting in the big building in the middle of a great city…his mind does not think of the possession, his mind thinks of the presence of God. I make you this vow as your pastor, I will never fall more in love with a building than the presence of God. The presence of God is everything. We won’t go if the presence of God does not come with us. His presence delivers us. His presence heals us. His presence brings salvation. His presence brings revival.”
Above the video he wrote, “YEAR OF MOVEMENT
“We don’t just want the promise. We want His presence. We don’t just want the territory. We want Jesus. We don’t just want a building. We want revival. Jesus is everything. Antioch doesn’t just need another church. Antioch needs an encounter with Jesus. LORD, IF YOUR PRESENCE DOESN’T GO WITH US, WE DON’T WANT TO GO. Revival is here in Antioch, California. And it will be all for His glory. #revivalinthecity #revival #legendarymvmnt #legendary #antiochca”
In the post directly below that, Herrera wrote, “His presence means everything to us. More than the building. More than the moment. More than the growth. If we have everything but His presence, we have nothing. Jesus, You are the reason for it all.”
To see the current schedule of performances visit Upcoming Events – El Campanil Theatre.
To learn more about Legendary Movement Church visit www.legendarymvmnt.com.
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
See related articles:
Antioch Council hears earful from public upset with El Campanil Theatre sale | Antioch Herald
Former El Campanil Theatre leader asks church to reconsider purchase | Antioch Herald
Owner explains reasons for selling Antioch’s historic El Campanil Theatre | Antioch Herald Includes information regarding Community meeting gets heated after pastor, congregants invited in; false accusations made of carrying guns; claim of a police report filed
Historic El Campanil Theatre building sold to church led by Antioch resident | Antioch Herald
El Campanil Theatre to hold community meeting on building’s future Tuesday | Antioch Herald
Enjoy dining downtown at Rivertown restaurants during Hot Rods 4 Paws Saturday, Oct. 24
Thursday, October 22nd, 2026East Bay Men’s Recovery Center to host Car Show & Trunk or Treat in Rivertown Oct. 31
Monday, October 19th, 2026Downtown Antioch Association Monthly Meeting at R R Learning Oct. 15
Tuesday, October 13th, 2026Downtown Antioch Association to hold Community Lunch Oct. 18
Monday, October 5th, 2026El Campanil Theatre board president says shows to run through Nov. 30th
Friday, October 2nd, 2026Legendary Movement Church gets keys to legendary El Campanil Theatre
Tuesday, September 29th, 2026
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