During first meeting of the year

By Allen D. Payton

During the first regular meeting of 2026, Tuesday night, Jan. 13, the Antioch City Council will discuss three options for opening warming centers during severe cold spells, including relying on the County, partnering with faith-based and community organizations or a City-funded warming center.

The council will first hold a Closed Session on three matters, the recruitment of a new City Attorney, significant exposure to two potential lawsuits and conference with labor negotiators regarding contracts with various City employee groups.

In addition, during the regular meeting the Council will review the Council 90-Day Request List Items submitted through November; appoint a City representative to the Contra Costa County Library Commission through June 2029; consider  approving the proposed 2026 City Council 6-Month Priorities to guide policy direction; discuss approving a waiver of “City-only” building permit fees, up to $50,000, for Loaves & Fishes of Contra Costa (LFCC) for renovations to their property located at 408 O Street; and forming a General Plan Advisory Committee that could include Councilmembers, Planning Commissioners and representatives from the community.

Warming Centers

According to the City staff report for the item, #7 on the agenda, the Council will discuss three options for warming centers:

Option 1: Rely exclusively on Contra Costa County’s warming center program, acknowledging that no guaranteed warming center location currently exists in Antioch.

Option 2: Direct staff to pursue partnerships with faith-based or community organizations to explore shared staffing, resource-sharing, or cost-sharing models for warming center operations.

Option 3: Direct staff to further evaluate a City-funded warming center, recognizing the staffing, cost and operational challenges identified above. Nightly expenses would range from $3,500 to $4,500.

Contra Costa County opens warming centers during severe cold spells based on National Weather Service (NWS) criteria, which specify predicted temperatures at or below 32 degrees for three straight days. When County warming centers are activated, City staff coordinate with the County to support advance community notification.

While the County has confirmed it will activate centers during qualifying conditions there are currentlyno guaranteed or identified warming center locations in East Contra Costa County, including Antioch. As a result, Antioch residents may need to travel outside the immediate area to access County-operated warming centers when they are activated.

The Public Safety and Community Service Department (PSCR) has activated a hoteling-based emergency placement program. This Emergency Motel Voucher Program (EMVP) is a separate, non-congregate emergency response strategy designed to address life safety risks during severe weather events, particularly when congregate warming center options are unavailable, inaccessible, or not appropriate for certain individuals. EMVP does not replace warming centers, but instead provides a focused, referral-based option for high-vulnerability individuals during qualifying conditions.

In the absence of a County-operated warming center in Antioch, City staff has explored whether local churches or community organizations were independently operating public warming centers. None were found to operate public warming centers. However, one Antioch-based church has recently expressed willingness to activate a warming center if the City provided funding for staffing, supplies, and operations. Another option is for the City to work with local faith-based organizations to jointly explore partnership models, shared-resource approaches, or cost-sharing options, which might be more sustainable than a City-operated center.

Another option considered is for the City of Antioch to operate its own warming center based on activation criteria established by the Council, such as when temperatures fall below 40 degrees or other local thresholds. However, this option is not recommended due to staffing limits and high estimated costs. All responsibilities would be managed through overtime, with estimated nightly expenses ranging from $3,500 to $4,500.

Meeting Details

The Closed Session begins at 5:00 p.m. and the regular meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall located at 200 H Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. It can also be viewed via livestream on the City’s website and the City’s YouTube Channel, on Comcast Cable Channel 24 or AT&T U-verse Channel 99.

See complete meeting packet.

Self-service sandbag station offered

By Jaden Baird, PIO, City of Antioch

ANTIOCH, CA — With multiple storm systems expected to bring periods of moderate to heavy rain to the Bay Area over the coming weeks, the City of Antioch urges residents and businesses to prepare now for possible roadway and neighborhood flooding, travel delays, and weather-related hazards. The National Weather Service indicates rain returning in waves, with a stronger system late weekend that could include gusty winds and isolated thunderstorms.

City Resources

• Self-Serve Sandbag Station (Residents & Businesses): 1201 W. 4th Street (entrance on N Street). Nylon sandbags provided on site.
• Report flooding/drainage issues: Public Works (925) 779-6950 (business hours).
  After hours: Antioch Police Department non-emergency (925) 778-2441 (dispatch to Public Works).
• Downed power lines/outages: Assume lines are energized; call 911, then PG&E Emergency: 1-800-743-5002.
  Outage map: https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/outage-tools/outage-map/

How Residents Can Prepare Today

• Keep storm drains clear: Remove leaves/debris from gutters; keep carts and vehicles away from drain inlets.
• Stage sandbags to divert surface water from garages/entryways; secure outdoor items.
• Drive safely: Never drive through flooded roads; slow down, increase following distance, use headlights in rain.

City Operations During Storms

Public Works crews proactively will be monitoring the storm and are ready to respond to calls for service throughout this anticipated storm event, including cleaning storm drains and culverts, removing downed branches/debris, and filling potholes as conditions allow. Residents are encouraged to report hazards using the numbers above.

By City of Antioch

Due to the excessive heat occurring throughout this week, with the temperature forecast of 102 degrees on Wednesday and 105 degrees on Thursday, the City of Antioch is providing cooling centers for your convenience. Residents without home air conditioning or with conditions made worse with extreme heat and poor air quality are encouraged to seek out the cooling centers.

Cooling centers will be held:

Wednesday and Thursday, July 10th and July 11th | 12pm-8pm

Nick Rodriguez Community Center | 213 F Street, Antioch

Antioch Community Center | 4703 Lone Tree Way, Antioch

Let’s do our best to stay cool, Antioch.

Swim facilities, shoreline regional parks remain open

By Jen Vaya, Public Information Specialist, East Bay Regional Park District

Parks previously closed by the East Bay Regional Park District will remain closed through Saturday and will reopen Sunday morning. Some hill and inland East Bay Regional Parks were closed on Tuesday, July 2, due to extreme fire conditions and excessive heat.

Park status is subject to change depending on conditions. Check www.ebparks.org before heading to a park.

The National Weather Service-Bay Area has extended its Red Flag through Saturday, July 6, with Level 2 restrictions in effect DISTRICT WIDE. A Red Flag Warning means that dry and windy conditions are expected, leading to extreme fire weather risks.

Level 2 Extreme Fire Danger Restrictions Include:

• No smoking. Smoking is prohibited in all regional parks, trails, and shorelines. (Prohibited year-round)
• NO fireworks. Fireworks are not permitted in any Regional Parks. (Prohibited year-round)
• No open fires or barbecues of any type. Only gas-fueled stoves are allowed.
• Drive only on designated roadways – no off-road driving. Do not drive or park on dry grass, as heat from a vehicle’s undercarriage can start a fire.
• Secure all tow chains – dragging tow chains can spark fires.

Parks Closed and Reopening Sunday:

Park Closed and Reopening Sunday:

•   Anthony Chabot •   Bishop Ranch •   Black Diamond Mines •   Briones •   Brushy Peak •   Carquinez/Crockett Hills •   Claremont Canyon •   Contra Loma •   Deer Valley

•   Dry Creek •   Diablo Foothills (trails closed) •   Dublin Hills •   Five Canyons •   Garin •   Huckleberry •   Las Trampas

•   Leona Canyon •   Mission Peak •   Morgan Territory •   Ohlone •   Pleasanton Ridge •   Round Valley •   Sibley •   Sobrante Ridge

•   Sunol •   Sycamore Valley •   Tilden (trails closed) •   Vargas Plateau •   Vasco Caves •   Vasco Hills •   Waterbird •   Wildcat Canyon

Anthony Chabot Campground will remain closed through Sunday, July 7. Please check www.ebparks.org/alerts-closures for the most updated information.

Swim facilities and Shoreline Regional Parks will remain open. Follow these safety tips:

• Avoid the hottest part of the day. If you do visit, go in the morning or early evening when it is cooler.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Wear sunscreen and lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen the heat’s effects on your body.
• Don’t forget your pets! Carry water for them.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Reopening Sunday, July 7 (subject to change).

By East Bay Regional Park District

Due to high temperatures and extreme fire danger, Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch will be closed Saturday, July 6. Dry and windy conditions are expected, which can lead to extreme fire weather risks.

When the park is open again, please still take precautions when hiking in the heat. Here are some safety tips:

• Avoid the hottest part of the day. If you do visit, go in the morning or early evening when it is cooler.

• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

• Wear sunscreen and lightweight, light-colored clothing.

• Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen the heat’s effects on your body.

• Don’t forget your pets! Carry water for them.

• No smoking. Smoking is prohibited in all regional trails, parks, and shorelines.

• No open fires or barbecues of any type. Gas-fueled stoves are permitted.

• Stay on designated roads – no off-road driving. Heat from a vehicle’s undercarriage can start a fire.

• Secure all tow chains – dragging tow chains can spark fires.

To learn more about East Bay Regional Park closures visit www.ebparks.org/alerts-closures.

Stay safe, everyone!

Swim facilities, shoreline regional parks remain open

Some hills and inland East Bay Regional Parks closed due to extreme fire conditions and excessive heat

Weather Service extends Red Flag , Excessive Heat Warnings through Saturday, July 6

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

Parks closed Tuesday by the East Bay Regional Park District will remain closed during this week’s increased temperatures and extreme fire danger (subject to change). The National Weather Service extended a Red Flag Warning and Excessive Heat Warning through Saturday, July 6. The Park District will reassess conditions and provide additional information Friday evening. 

A Red Flag Warning means that dry and windy conditions are expected, leading to extreme fire weather risks. The Park District closed the following parks/areas below on July 2.

Park Closures:

•   Anthony Chabot •   Bishop Ranch •   Black Diamond Mines •   Briones •   Brushy Peak •   Carquinez/Crockett Hills •   Claremont Canyon

•   Contra Loma •   Deer Valley •   Dry Creek •   Diablo Foothills (trails closed) •   Dublin Hills •   Five Canyons •   Garin •   Huckleberry

•   Las Trampas •   Leona Canyon •   Mission Peak •   Morgan Territory •   Ohlone •   Pleasanton Ridge •   Round Valley •   Sibley •   Sobrante Ridge

•   Sunol •   Sycamore Valley •   Tilden (trails closed) •   Vargas Plateau •   Vasco Caves •   Vasco Hills •   Waterbird •   Wildcat Canyon

Also, Anthony Chabot Campground will be closed through the weekend. Please check www.ebparks.org/alerts-closures for the most updated information.

Swim facilities and Shoreline Regional Parks will remain open. Follow these safety rules and tips:

• Avoid the hottest part of the day. If you do visit, go in the morning or early evening when it is cooler.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Wear sunscreen and lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen the heat’s effects on your body.
• Don’t forget your pets! Carry water for them.
• No smoking. Smoking is prohibited in all regional trails, parks, and shorelines.
• No open fires or barbecues of any type. Gas-fueled stoves are permitted.
• Stay on designated roads – no off-road driving. Heat from a vehicle’s undercarriage can start a fire.
• Secure all tow chains – dragging tow chains can spark fires.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Hills and inland East Bay Regional Parks closed due to extreme fire conditions, excessive heat

Contra Loma Park in Antioch closed, Ambrose Aquatic Center in Pittsburg open

By Dave Mason Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs East Bay Regional Park District

Many East Bay Regional Parks will remain open for visitors during this week’s increased temperatures. Park guests are encouraged to take special precautions to prepare for the heat while enjoying the open shoreline parks and swimming facilities.

The National Weather Service-Bay Area issued a Red Flag Warning and Excessive Heat Warning for inland East Bay areas and an Excessive Heat Watch for coastal and bayside areas beginning Monday, July 1, at 11 p.m. The Red Flag Warning means that dry and windy conditions are expected, leading to extreme fire weather risks.

Due to possible high fire risk, the Park District will be closing the parks/areas below beginning Tuesday, July 2, through Friday morning (subject to change).

Park Closures:

•   Wildcat Canyon •   Tilden (trails only) •   Huckleberry •   Sibley •   Leona Canyon •   Claremont Canyon •   Anthony Chabot •   Sobrante Ridge

•   Sunol •   Ohlone •   Mission Peak •   Vargas Plateau •   Five Canyons •   Garin/Dry Creek •   Pleasanton Ridge •   Dublin Hills

•   Sycamore Valley •   Bishop Ranch •   Las Trampas •   Briones •   Carquinez/Crockett Hills •   Black Diamond Mines •   Contra Loma

•   Deer Valley •   Round Valley •   Morgan Territory •   Brushy Peak •   Vasco Hills •   Vasco Caves •   Waterbird

Swim facilities and Shoreline Regional Parks will remain open. Follow these safety rules and tips:

•   Avoid the hottest part of the day. If you do visit, go in the morning or early evening when it is cooler.

•   Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

•   Wear sunscreen and lightweight, light-colored clothing.

•   Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen the heat’s effects on your body.

•   Don’t forget your pets! Carry water for them.

•   Swim only in designated areas.

•   No smoking. Smoking is prohibited in all regional trails, parks, and shorelines.

•   No open fires or barbecues of any type. Gas-fueled stoves are permitted.

•   Stay on designated roads – no off-road driving. Heat from a vehicle’s undercarriage can start a fire.

•   Secure all tow chains – dragging tow chains can spark fires.

Contra Loma Park & Swimming Lagoon in Antioch Closed, Ambrose Aquatic Center in Pittsburg Open

The Contra Loma Swim Lagoon is closed for the 2024 swim season and has been closed for the past few years due to ongoing renovations.

However, the Park District has partnered with the City of Pittsburg and the Ambrose Parks and Recreation District to provide alternative swim access and programs at Ambrose Aquatic Center in Pittsburg. The District’s support allows the Aquatic Center to be opened seven days a week during the 2024 swim season. Visit www.ambroserec.org/ambrose-aquatic-center for more information.

See updated list of park closures.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

4 PM “parade and festivities are moving forward as planned”

City will offer options to beat the heat

By Allen Payton

In a post on its Facebook page today, Tuesday, July 2, 2024, the City of Antioch wrote, “We’re excited to celebrate Independence Day with you this year. Despite the expected high temperatures, our July 4th parade and festivities are moving forward as planned.

That’s in spite of the temperature forecast of 104 degrees that day.

The post continued, “Your safety is our priority. City of Antioch Recreation Department will offer additional resources to help you beat the heat:

·Cooling Centers: City Hall and the Nick Rodriguez Community Center will be open as cooling centers during the event. (See related article)

·Misting Stations: Stay refreshed with misting stations located throughout festivity locations.

·Hydration Stations: Free water stations will be available to keep you hydrated throughout the day.”

For more information about the parade, live entertainment, dunk tank, fireworks and more visit Celebrate
America’s 248th Independence Day on July 4th in Antioch.