With Dr. Brian Keum, Associate Professor, UC Berkeley School of Public Health & Dr. Supreet Mann, Director of Research, Common Sense Media
By Mairead Glowacki, Communications Director, Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier
Walnut Creek, CA – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) will host a virtual Town Hall on Social Media and Mental Health on Thursday, October 29th at 3:30 p.m. PT. In 2023, then-Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a public health warning linking the youth mental health crisis with social media use. Since then, social media usage has increased and recent lawsuits are an indication that more needs to be done. The Congressman will be joined by expert special guests from the UC Berkeley School of Public Health and Common Sense Media to discuss the latest research on this link and innovative policy solutions to protect American kids and families.
Virtual Town Hall on Social Media and Mental Health
Thursday, October 29th
3:30 – 5:00 p.m. PT
Hosted on Zoom
Panelists include:
Dr. Brian Keum, Associate Professor, UC Berkeley School of Public Health
Dr. Supreet Mann, Director of Research, Common Sense Media
To prohibit election intimidation in compliance with state laws in response to concerns Pres. Trump is trying to influence results
By Dawn Kruger Community and Media Relations Coordinator Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department
Martinez, California – As voting gets underway for the November 3rd General Election, Contra Costa County’s Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, District Attorney and Sheriff are standing together to ensure every voter can cast a ballot safely and with confidence.
California has long led the nation in protecting the right to vote, and its election safeguards keep getting stronger. The Peace Act (AB 2642), signed into law in September 2024, established clear protections for voters and election workers in all 58 counties by explicitly prohibiting intimidation and threats at the polls. It treats the presence of a firearm, or even a replica of one, at a polling place as unlawful intimidation, and it gives voters, election officials, and election workers the right to take civil legal action against anyone who tries to intimidate or coerce them.
Legislation signed by Governor Gavin Newsom this September builds on that foundation. The new laws make it a felony to tamper with ballots, election records, or voting equipment, guard voters against deepfakes and deception, and expand access to the ballot box, giving election and law enforcement officials across the state more tools to keep elections safe, secure, and fair. For Contra Costa County voters, that means every ballot, whether cast at a polling place, dropped in a drop box, or returned by mail, is protected from the moment it’s cast until the final count.
In his signing statement Newsom said, “Donald Trump won’t stop until he can exert dictatorial control over your free vote and disenfranchise millions of people this November. California will stop him at every opportunity. We have no bigger task than fighting to protect the right to vote from interference and meddling – the future of democracy is on the line. These bills today build upon the wall California has built to safeguard our electoral process.”
Contra Costa voters can vote their way with confidence, say the three County officials.
“As the Chief Elections Officer for Contra Costa County, I want to encourage all eligible Contra Costa residents to vote and to know that we expect another safe and secure election,” said Kristin B. Connelly, Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters. “I also want to reassure voters that we take extensive safety precautions in every election. We partner closely with local law enforcement to ensure that all Contra Costa Voters can feel confident voting with their preferred method either by drop box, through the post office, or in-person.”
Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton said, “Your vote is your voice, and we will protect it. From the mailbox to the drop box to the polling place, my office and our law enforcement partners are making sure every eligible voter in Contra Costa County can cast a ballot freely, safely, and with confidence that their voice will be heard.”
“As the election approaches, the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office is working with its law enforcement partners to ensure this election is safe and that we will help protect residents’ right to vote,” said Sheriff David Livingston.
However, the Contra Costa County Elections Division still uses the controversial Dominion voting equipment purchased in 2018 that has removal flash drives, as well as Scytle software. (See related articles here, here and here)
Since then, Dominion Voting Systems, a Canadian company, was purchased in 2025 by election reform advocate Scott Leiendecker under a new company called Liberty Vote based in Denver, Colorado.
For more information on how or where to vote, visit the Contra Costa County Elections website www.contracostavote.gov.
The Caltrans QuickMap is a free mobile app from the California Department of Transportation that delivers real‑time traffic, road, and safety information directly from Caltrans, helping drivers plan trips, avoid delays, and stay informed on the road App Store.
What the app offers
The QuickMap app layers multiple live data sources onto a map, including App Store+1:
Freeway speeds and congestion (color‑coded lines; green = normal, red = slow)
Live traffic cameras and snapshots
Lane closures and CHP incidents
Chain controls and snow plows
Changeable message signs (CMS) content
Border wait times
Safety roadside rest areas and Park & Ride lots
Commercial vehicle info: weigh stations, escape ramps, overweight corridors, and California Truck Network routes
Key features
Auto‑refresh: Updates data every 3 minutes (adjustable in settings) App Store
Manual refresh: Available via the refresh button on the map
Geotargeted notifications: Optional push alerts for road closures near your location, even when the app is closed (requires background location; may impact battery life) App Store
Layer controls: Toggle on/off different data layers via the app’s menu QuickMap
How it works
The app uses Caltrans data plus other sources (e.g., Google Maps Traffic Layer, Automated Vehicle Location, cellular data) to provide speed and condition information QuickMap. Clicking a map marker shows detailed info in a pop‑up.
Tip: Enable geotargeted notifications if you want alerts for closures near you, but be aware of the battery impact App Store. This makes QuickMap a useful “know before you go” tool for both urban and rural California travel.
By California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Sacramento, CA —As California continues to strengthen emergency preparedness and public safety communications, CAL FIRE and local government emergency response agencies are announcing the availability of the AwareCA mobile application, providing Californians with another tool to stay informed and connected during emergencies.
“We know the public wants fast, accurate, mobile-first information directly from the agencies managing incidents on the ground,” said CAL FIRE Director/Fire Chief Joe Tyler. “We have always provided timely and accurate information to the public during emergencies, and now with AwareCA, CAL FIRE can provide the public this information in near real time, where they want it, their mobile device.”
AwareCA addresses the growing public demand for fast, accurate, reliable, and authoritative emergency information while reducing confusion caused by fragmented alerts, unofficial reports, rumors, and misinformation.
Developed through a collaborative process between CAL FIRE, Intterra, and local emergency response agencies, AwareCA was designed to support millions of users while ensuring agencies retain ownership of their data and maintain a single source of truth for public information. The app is designed to keep communities informed throughout all phases of an incident by providing:
Near real-time incident updates
Interactive emergency maps
Warning and order evacuation zones
Shelter and assistance locations
Hazard information
Road closures
Push notifications and location-aware alerts
AwareCA will support a wide range of emergencies and incidents across California, including wildfires, floods, earthquakes, severe weather situations, hazardous materials incidents, and other large-scale emergencies.
Source: CAL FIRE
All features of AwareCA are free for the user, including but not limited to:
Adding locations of interest with notification distances
Choosing different maps based on needs and preferences
Selecting layers to control which hazards get displayed
Viewing the map to quickly find incidents and emergency information
Following incidents and sharing critical information with contacts
Receiving alerts about fast-moving incidents directly from agencies
Following response assets such as aircraft
Viewing Caltrans traffic cameras and ALERTCalifornia wildfire cameras
During fast-moving emergencies, information can change quickly. AwareCA is designed to help Californians stay connected to updates from the agencies responsible for managing incidents, reducing reliance on unofficial sources and making it easier to find relevant information in one place.
Residents are encouraged to download the app and enable notifications for areas where they live, work, travel or have loved ones. AwareCA is now available for download on mobile devices in the App Store and Google Play.
You agreed on the price. Have you agreed on the meetup?
Buying or selling on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or another online platform? Plan the exchange before you leave home.
Antioch Police Department has a designated Exchange Zone in our main parking lot at 300 L Street. Look for the posted sign.
A few practical tips for BOTH buyers and sellers:
Don’t follow a last-minute location change. “Come around the corner” or “meet my friend somewhere else” changes the arrangement. You can cancel or reschedule—even if you’ve already driven there.
Buyers: Check the item, not just the box. Open the packaging, compare the model and accessories with the listing, and test it before paying. For electronics, agree on how you’ll test them before meeting.
Sellers: A payment screenshot isn’t proof. If accepting an electronic payment, open your own app to check it. Don’t rely on their screen, an email, or a link they send. Never share a verification code.
Set the terms before the trip. Agree on the price, payment method, who’s meeting, and what’s included. Meet during daylight and bring another adult when possible.
Keep a record. Save the listing, seller or buyer profile, and messages before the meetup. Keep communication in the platform.
You don’t owe anyone a completed sale. Pressure to rush, skip inspection, or change the plan is a reason to pause.
The Exchange Zone does not guarantee safety. City employees cannot serve as official witnesses, authenticate items, or settle civil disputes.
Save this for your next meetup—or send it to someone who buys and sells online.
Antioch Police Department’s Citizen RIMS website puts local police activity and helpful services at your fingertips.
Here’s what you can do:
Explore the map. View reported crimes and calls for service near your home or business. Search by location, date, and incident type.
See recent activity. Browse arrest information and media bulletins, or review statistics about traffic and pedestrian stops.
Screenshot of Antioch’s Citizen RIMS website report map showing crime locations between Jan. 25-28, 2026. Source: APD
Request a vacation home check. Heading out of town? Submit your request at least five days before leaving for trips of three consecutive days or longer. Department volunteers conduct checks as staffing allows.
Request extra patrols. Concerned about recurring speeding or an area needing more attention? Select “Directed Patrol Request” and tell us where, when, and what you’ve observed. Patrols depend on staffing and calls for service.
Register your security cameras. Help investigators identify cameras that may have captured evidence nearby. Registration is voluntary and does not give police access to your camera system.
Let the updates come to you. Receive daily or weekly emails about calls for service, crimes, or both.
There is no single device that will make a vehicle impossible to steal. The best approach is to make your vehicle harder to take and easier to recover.
Lock it, then check it.
Close the windows, lock the doors, take your keys, and make sure the vehicle actually locked before you walk away.
Add a visible deterrent.
A steering-wheel lock may be old-school, but it adds another obstacle and tells a thief your vehicle will take more work.
Protect your key fob.
If your vehicle has keyless entry or push-button start, keep both your primary and spare fobs away from exterior doors and windows at home. Consider a quality signal-blocking pouch or box and test it periodically to make sure it works.
Check your vehicle’s security features.
Review your manufacturer’s app and security settings. Make sure any available location or stolen-vehicle recovery features are activated before you need them.
Give yourself more than one way to find it.
Consider your vehicle’s built-in location service, a dedicated GPS tracker, or a discreet AirTag or similar device as an additional recovery tool. Periodically check tracker battery status.
Create a 30-second vehicle record.
Save a current photo, license plate number, VIN, year, make, model, color, and any distinctive features somewhere you can quickly access from your phone.
Park smart.
Use a garage when possible. Otherwise, park in a well-lit, visible area and remove valuables from sight.
If your vehicle is stolen:
Call police immediately. If a vehicle app, GPS system, AirTag or other tracker shows a location, share that information with the dispatcher or responding officer.
Do not follow the vehicle or attempt to recover it yourself.
The Council will discuss pre-approved designs for the City’s ADU Accelerator Rebate Program. Rendering source: City of Antioch
Plus, approve ADU plan designs for program that ends this month, software purchase for SeeClickFix app
Nothing about sale of El Campanil Theatre
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, the Antioch City Council has a light agenda with just a few items of significance. They will discuss finalizing the name change of the Public Safety & Community Resources Department to the Community Services Department, as well as the titles for the staff positions, consider approving using two state grant funded temporary positions in that department and consider adopting pre-approved Accessory Dwelling Unit plans developed through the ADU Accelerator program which ends on Sept. 30. Finally, the Council will vote on purchasing software for the City’s SeeClickFix app.
But there is nothing on the agenda regarding the pending sale of the El Campanil Theatre to the dismay of residents who want and hope the City can take action to stop the sale. Some residents have organized a protest march from the theater to City Hall before the council meeting begins. (See related articles here, here and here)
Screenshot of the department’s page on the City’s website.
Name, Title Changes for Newest City Department, Positions
Under item 5 on the agenda, the Council will conduct a public hearing and introduce an ordinance to rename the Public Safety and Community Resources Department as the Community Services Department. In addition, the council will vote on approving the classification title changes from Public Safety and Community Resources Director to Community Services Director and Public Safety Manager to Community Engagement Manager, subject to completion of applicable labor-relations requirements.
As previously reported, at the urging of Mayor Pro Tem and District 3 Councilman Don Freitas, during their meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, (under agenda item 10) the Antioch City Council agreed to correct and clear up confusion of including the words “Public Safety” in the name of the newest department which is not part of police or fire services. Instead of its current name which was the brainchild of District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker who has an expanded definition of the term, it will be renamed simply, the Community Services Department. The councilmembers also voted to change the titles of the department’s staff. (See 6:39:50 mark of meeting video)
The council approved the new department in February 2022 on a 4-1 vote. At that time, Torres-Walker tried to redefine and expand the meaning of public safety. But the department’s name has caused confusion because the majority of people don’t define the term the same as she does.
According to the staff report for next Tuesday’s meeting, “As the department’s responsibilities continued to expand, the City Council also began discussing whether the department’s name accurately reflected its mission and public facing role. During several public and administrative discussions, Council considered various naming alternatives intended to better describe the department’s functions and distinguish its community-based services from the law enforcement responsibilities of the Antioch Police Department.”
Name Already Changed on City Website
The department’s page on the City’s website already has the new name in the header, but not in the text below, still including the word resources. That reads, “The City of Antioch’s Department of Community Services Resources is committed to building a safer, healthier, and more resilient community. We work to address the root causes of violence, strengthen opportunities for youth and families, and ensure housing stability for all residents. The Community Services Resources (CSRD) Department works to strengthen community well-being through prevention, intervention, and support services. CSRD houses the City’s Youth Services Network, Housing and Unhoused Services, and Violence Intervention & Prevention Division, providing programs and resources that promote safety, stability, and opportunity for all residents.”
Two Temporary State Grant-Funded Positions for the Renamed Department
Then under item 6, the Council will consider approving the establishment of two limited-term, grant-funded hourly positions to support the City’s direct implementation of community violence intervention, violence prevention, community outreach, case coordination, resource navigation, and community engagement activities. The proposed positions’ titles also retains the word resources: Community Resources Specialist.
The proposed hourly salary range for each of the positions is $39.54 – $48.07.
According to the staff report, the City has been awarded $2,034,800 through the Board of State and Community Corrections’ California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) Grant Program with an authorized grant period through Sept. 30, 2029. The approved grant provides funding for two positions to support implementation of the City’s community violence intervention and prevention activities.
The City’s nine pre-approved ADU plan design renderings. Source: City of Antioch
ADU Plans for Accelerator Program That Ends Sept. 30
Under item 4.I. on the Consent Calendar agenda, the Council will consider adopting pre-approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) plans developed through the ADU Accelerator program. According to the ADU Accelerator Rebate Program information on the City’s website, ADUs are attached or detached residential dwelling units that provide complete independent living facilities for one or more persons on a lot with an existing (or proposed) primary residence.
The State Senate District 7 ADU Accelerator Program, piloted by former State Senator Steve Glazer, is composed of 15 cities in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area, including Antioch.
The program provides individual rebates of up to $7,500 to property owners for new ADU units and up to $30,000 for new ADU units that are deed restricted to low-income households (minimum of 20 years.) As the purpose of the program is to encourage the construction of smaller ADU units, there will be no rebates for units over 1,000 square feet.
The City is matching the low-income rebate amounts with Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) funding to double the rebates for low-income ADUs to encourage low-income ADU production in Antioch. Antioch homeowners will be able to access up to $30,000 for the construction of a low-income ADU less than 500 square feet.
However, according to the staff report for the agenda item, the rebate program provides individual rebates up to only $15,000 for ADUs that are deed restricted to low-income households (minimum of 20 years.) An email was sent to City staff over the holiday weekend asking which is the correct amount.
UPDATE 1 part 1: Acting Community and Economic Development Director Kevin Scudero responded Tuesday morning, “The ADU Accelerator Program offered up to $15,000 in rebates for the construction of ADU’s. The City of Antioch also had Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program (PLHA) funds allocated towards ADU’s and chose to provide matching funds for deed restricted affordable ADU’s to further incentivize their production. This is why you see the larger rebate number on our website.”
The City of Antioch was granted $216,228.77 for rebates, which was based upon a per capita calculation, and $50,000 to create free permit-ready or pre-approved plans for public use.
The second component of the ADU Accelerator program is the development and adoption of free pre-approved ADU plans which will be free for residents to use.
While the rebate program has been available to homeowners in Antioch since October 1, 2024, it will close September 30, 2026. Staff were also asked if the termination date is correct and if so, why is the council just now being asked to adopt the pre-approved plans.
UPDATE 1 part 2: Scudero also responded Tuesday morning, “Yes, the termination date is correct. In addition to the ADU rebates, the program also provided $50,000 in funding to develop pre-approved ADU Plans. The development of the pre-approved plans was on a dual track with the rebate program. The pre-approved plans are not specific to the ADU’s receiving rebates and will be available to anyone in the future who would like to construct an ADU in Antioch.”
Under item 4.H. on the Consent Calendar, the council will vote on approving an increase to the current Agreement with Tyler Technologies Enterprise Permitting & Licensing (EP&L) for recurring Software as a Service (SaaS) fees and additional support services for a total agreement amount not-to exceed $235,000 per year. The council is also being asked to memorializing the recurring SaaS services which automatically renew each year throughout the term of the contract, which is consistent with the Agreement but inaccurately described in the original resolution.
The software serves the City’s SeeClickFix Application Programming Interface (API).
According to the staff report, the Initial approval by City Council in January of 2021 authorized an amount not to exceed $800,000, for a term ending June 30, 2025. The addition of the SeeClickFix Application Programming Interface (API) allows increased functionality for Code Enforcement complaints that are submitted via the SeeClickFix system, improving Code Case creation and response times, and streamlined updates to the public on complaint status via SeeClickFix. We are in the testing phases currently, and plan to fully implement the API by or before the end of this calendar year.
