[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6053845,"mediaKeyId","3343745-74883cfbec6a42d57e49f6809ae41cd2","parentId",3343745,"title","Contra Costa Mosquito Control: yellow‑fever mosquito found in Antioch; residents urged to dump standing water","audioSeconds",389,"startMs",8430000,"endMs",8819000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3343745-74883cfbec6a42d57e49f6809ae41cd2&start=8430&end=8819","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3343745-74883cfbec6a42d57e49f6809ae41cd2/thumbnail_8430000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6053845/Antioch-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/Contra-Costa-Mosquito-Control-yellowfever-mosquito-found-in-Antioch-residents-urged-to-dump-standing-water","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6053845-5a0fa5d13989d172da093a7076f9db37/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165342&Signature=BYCzWc36f6bwI~laCgVc-jYuk2Hkh8OkKcFWW9xxEjNE-SBiWuJiPXH5Lrz3-byzw-dpKpcsi85FcHIY8exJXvN0A3HnhCkkDQLZ14UU~Q~2o9gS-nICQ1-3PvJuV92M6mMB189tXBx4Xx2AfwzNK4vGHXFl6VPcGB3jHZRN80GIbwkyayxXKmt8iEL6~mXfOzW40N56Rz3LKj0dN50VTxJZrrByxnC~QF5SO9omtG8LZIVw4iCH6KQUWDPc-bVapNQwU88C1c90xzK6cOl3tEKZxXawbMvhxCScVbMpA55~0cVVi9RZx9x2O5krEsbfgRlUxuO1KZzz1WIZrbNAQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Antioch City, CA","date","2025-05-13T00:00:00Z","article","Antioch — Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control told the City Council on May 13 that it detected the non‑native Aedes aegypti mosquito in Antioch last year and again this season and urged residents to remove any standing water weekly to reduce the risk of locally transmitted mosquito‑borne illnesses.

What the agency reported: Nola Woods, public affairs director for the district, explained that Aedes aegypti — commonly called the yellow‑fever mosquito — is a species capable of transmitting dengue, Zika, chikungunya and yellow‑fever viruses. “These mosquitoes can transmit the viruses that cause dengue fever and Zika and yellow fever and chikungunya,” Woods said. She described how the species lays tiny, sticky eggs in items like plant saucers and recommended residents dump standing water once a week.

Where the mosquitoes were found: Woods said district traps and inspections detected the species in an area the district described as roughly between Lone Tree and Hillcrest, south of Highway 4. The district has conducted door‑to‑door inspections in the area and will continue targeted abatement and outreach. She said West Nile–vector mosquitoes also remain a local concern and that residents should eliminate backyard breeding sources.

Public response and council questions: Resident Leslie May asked whether home gardening would attract the mosquitoes; Woods recommended avoiding saucers that retain small amounts of water and said simple cleaning helps. Councilmembers asked about raccoons and other animals (district focuses on vectors covered by its authority) and about the district’s ability to supply mosquito‑eating fish for ponds. Woods said the district will provide direct help, public information and postcards, and recommended residents sign up for district notifications about control operations.

Why it matters: Aedes aegypti can support local transmission of dengue and other viruses if infected people and competent mosquitoes coincide in the same area. The species has spread in parts of California in recent years via eggs caught on potted plants, buckets and other items moved between properties or counties.

Ending: The district urged residents to “dump out any amount of standing water once a week” and said it will continue trapping and notify the public when focused control actions are planned.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meetings May 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control reported detection of Aedes aegypti (the “yellow fever mosquito”) in Antioch and urged residents to eliminate standing water weekly; the district said it found the species near Lone Tree and Hillcrest and will intensify inspections and outreach.","taxTitle","Antioch City, Contra Costa County, California","taxId",5774,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6053850,"Antioch economic development staff outline attraction, retention and expansion plan as council questions marketing and vacant property strategy",7619,1758000,9377000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3343745-74883cfbec6a42d57e49f6809ae41cd2&start=1758&end=9377","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3343745-74883cfbec6a42d57e49f6809ae41cd2/thumbnail_1758000.jpg","/articles/6053850/Antioch-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/Antioch-economic-development-staff-outline-attraction-retention-and-expansion-plan-as-council-questions-marketing-and-vacant-property-strategy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6053850-b336ee08185844477d8f42193b0f11bf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165342&Signature=I0yJvS9E7izDBr2B6pHT7Jt780lKsz1hu6JIcINNtKaCUJ2n2lFlvfRprd1bp~TZkF0N9~wjEUtzRFbO2EYz7fEwWhi5zc02Lv9vMXGyKeFRjpTsjmuEN5tlWCrJB0O9ca9dQ-kEM1pQTytkxFDWUbRPDvM-upVK5Mkq45FEuwJyEX72eiQRSz3JHGXMzxGCn8AZ22ySM-vngbqdTVtI~OfMlcCZ9ca0VwT7FcbLu9eOV44BVS4tIPusEVsXCfibfSYLRz6AbzXDcjVi9K2Y4x9V70LeI3aKc9IyXCPyD9KZO4TLhD-VU8KcFG1zPgj9BGYPQftH9uJztwLAYSJS2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Antioch — Economic development staff revisited its business services presentation during a May 13 budget study session, detailing local efforts to attract new employers, retain existing businesses and expand firms that could add jobs.

The presentation: Brett Sweet, economic development program manager, told the council the department uses a “concierge” approach to lead generation and a mix of direct outreach, broker engagement and data‑driven marketing. Sweet described the department’s three‑part approach — “attraction, retention, and expansion” — and outlined services including site listings, technical assistance through the Antioch Business Collaborative, procurement training, and university partnerships for workforce development.

Key initiatives and constraints: Staff said the city manager has proposed moving economic development into the Community Development Department to add FTE capacity. Sweet and staff described barriers that commonly deter firms: inconsistent utility timelines from providers, perception problems about vacant industrial land, and difficulties reaching absentee landlords. He highlighted recent wins including small‑business expansions and startups that used the Antioch Business Collaborative for grants and loans.

Council questions and concerns: Councilmember Tamisha Torres Walker urged the city to revisit a vacancy tax idea the council discussed two years prior, citing Oakland’s Measure W as a model and saying outreach and education alone may be insufficient for elusive absentee landlords. Others thanked staff for pursuing GoBiz and regional collaboration; Mayor Pro Tem Rocha asked about digital tools for real estate inventory and use of GIS, and Councilmember Wilson asked for clarification about where marketing and data expenses would appear in the proposed budget.

Budget details: Staff said the proposed budget includes higher allocations for marketing and programming and for information‑services charges allocated across departments. Sweet identified a projected marketing/programming figure that drew pushback from councilmember Freitas, who suggested reducing a marketing line item in the draft budget until there were clearer deliverables.

Why it matters: Economic development spending and strategy can affect job creation, sales‑tax revenue and downtown revitalization. Several councilmembers tied promotion and landlord engagement to larger goals of creating a “third space” in town and increasing retail and job opportunities so tax dollars stay in Antioch.

Ending: Staff will return with follow‑up on initiatives such as the InnovateAntioch web portal, the downtown RFQ update and next steps for the Antioch Business Collaborative as council continues budget deliberations.","Economic development staff presented an expanded overview of ‘attraction, retention and expansion’ work, described the Antioch Business Collaborative and asked for staffing changes; councilmembers pressed for stronger action on absentee landlords and asked for accountability on marketing spending.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6053855,"Council appoints Joseph Mitchell to Police Oversight Commission amid public objections",1545,10664000,12209000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3343745-74883cfbec6a42d57e49f6809ae41cd2&start=10664&end=12209","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3343745-74883cfbec6a42d57e49f6809ae41cd2/thumbnail_10664000.jpg","/articles/6053855/Antioch-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/Council-appoints-Joseph-Mitchell-to-Police-Oversight-Commission-amid-public-objections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6053855-85097a050b61681f899712ce651b3060/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165342&Signature=LK5Sm7e-xgg6GmTo1Z25QdLc~dLtzDJL-seyT66nldEFEl4mqFQiBc~sTZZadBU~ykf63Ogrj4ykRBDDTPhzf6vXZ2JTvubXQrc-he0l6lZWrAj1~hvg~8XrdA2jFkUJ8MeT8HHce~5nclxdyso9ADtWw2DkRBG75hiadYx4mOdZ9E5igYfSKH2Pb4aMoau3RcPNh9NR1WJePiak6ZIG8UO1bRADORlXttu85Uy8k9l61ntMngRLRGOjtCsRzPyBFgIHrjcrEUON9dv-GqvvXpHrVljGwB3yc-xdyKsl4lB4oTcX80lmwiwToHgRlHnoftyxLLx6w5zfn4MMm8HRwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Antioch — The City Council confirmed Mayor Ron Bernal’s appointment of Joseph Mitchell to the Antioch Police Oversight Commission (APOC) on May 13, approving the nomination by a 5‑0 vote after extended public comment and debate.

What the nomination was: Joseph Mitchell was the mayor’s pick for a partial term on APOC that expires in November 2025. The appointment followed a competitive application process for the vacant slot; the mayor’s office presented Mitchell as the selected candidate.

Public objections and council response: Dozens of residents spoke during public comment. Several opponents cited social‑media posts and public statements they said showed bias toward law enforcement, anti‑immigrant or anti‑LGBTQ sentiments. Erica Ralston, Gavin Peyton and others urged the council to reject the nomination because of those public posts and said the commission should include members who reflect and are trusted by people most affected by police actions. The East County NAACP president, Dr. Kimberly Payton, also asked the council to reconsider, saying the appointment could undermine trust in the oversight process.

Nominee’s comment and council deliberation: Mitchell addressed the council and said remarks circulating on social media were taken out of context and that he had been the target of an orchestrated online attack. He described decades of volunteer work in Antioch and said he wanted to help the city heal. Council members debated whether to postpone the appointment for further review. Several councilmembers said they had vetted candidates during interviews and wanted to give Mitchell a chance to serve. Councilmember Tamisha Torres Walker moved the nomination; the council adopted the appointment with a 5‑0 vote.

Why it matters: The APOC was created after high‑profile concerns about APD conduct and is intended to increase civilian oversight and public trust. Several speakers said appointing a commissioner whose online record raised community concern risked undoing hard‑won trust; others argued appointees should be judged by their conduct and service.

Next steps: Mitchell was sworn to the partial term and will sit on APOC; councilmembers and the public said they would monitor his participation closely. Council discussion included a reminder that appointed commissioners are accountable to the public and that complaints about commissioner conduct may be filed with the city.

Ending: The vote concluded a contentious public hearing that highlighted the fragile trust between parts of the community and local governance. Council members said they expect APOC commissioners to act transparently and report back to the council and community.","Mayor's nominee Joseph Mitchell was appointed to the Antioch Police Oversight Commission for a partial term after a contentious public debate over his social media posts; council voted 5-0 to confirm and several public speakers asked the council to reconsider.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6053860,"Antioch picks private consultant to implement DOJ agreement; selection draws criticism over bid record",491,17207000,17698000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3343745-74883cfbec6a42d57e49f6809ae41cd2&start=17207&end=17698","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3343745-74883cfbec6a42d57e49f6809ae41cd2/thumbnail_17207000.jpg","/articles/6053860/Antioch-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/Antioch-picks-private-consultant-to-implement-DOJ-agreement-selection-draws-criticism-over-bid-record","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6053860-0a38f87cfd1f1c3189dfce7762435eab/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165342&Signature=nF9LmbPnCrQzxE-zljHBKQMEpj6aDTEEeHDjQNggyEJfhlXP9vO3kicEomeaOpr1QWUYIbuXkVwqkz~5TZI-vuu6W6ySsz5uJU4Hn7rFw9ShXX8tZ5c4dHh~hPexYTUB45yZspDqwPYIcHcGECqIUJbixVaMTw7xBKMcc6CYigyhjvcpMBcdOVAjZV54Qc0KlgCQVqRaEN7zVr~cOPWrmEfhJxeTnKJwaGZ7gD97cxIuT5iwU0WLX3-KLZ9TwY0240e8G5idjuLXXt~Zhyef0wscDFfH-xL9eGUvozgaX4ym7ifGq4DMXSoufTmoO4lso2zN8bMSc8daSFe-EBqC7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Antioch — The City Council voted 5-0 May 13 to authorize a professional‑services contract with MS Investigative Services and Consulting LLC to serve as the independent consultant named in the city’s stipulated settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice.

The context: On Jan. 3 the city and the Justice Department entered a stipulated settlement (MOA) after a pattern‑or‑practice investigation into Antioch Police Department practices. The MOA requires the city and DOJ to select a mutually agreed consultant/monitor to help implement reforms and evaluate compliance over a multi‑year period.

Why it matters: The consultant will play a central oversight and technical‑assistance role evaluating policy, use‑of‑force reviews, training, complaint investigations and other elements set out in the MOA. The consultant helps translate MOA requirements into operational changes that the department must implement and sustain.

Selection process and staff explanation: City consultants and DOJ staff posted an RFP and received 14 timely proposals after extending the original deadline. A joint city–DOJ panel interviewed six finalists and completed reference checks. City consultant Brian Addington (executive consultant supporting the city) told the council that the selection panel — which included Antioch Police Department members and DOJ attorneys — recommended MS Investigative Services, led by Manjeet Sipal, as the top candidate.

The company and experience: Manjeet Sipal is a former Bay Area police chief with roughly 25 years of policing experience, including leadership roles in Richmond and Martinez. Sipal appeared at the council meeting and said he viewed the role as an opportunity “to collaborate with the community, with the Antioch Police Oversight Commission and with the police department to really sustain change,” and described the work as meeting MOA requirements and developing metrics.

Public criticism and missing submissions: Several public speakers contested the procurement record and said at least one nationally known consulting firm and other qualified applicants were not interviewed. Resident and longtime city advocate Lynette Hart told council she learned a high‑profile firm had submitted but was not interviewed. Consultant Andrew Becker said he had expected an alternate procurement route such as Homekey coordination and pressed for more transparency. The city’s IT director told staff that at least one late‑arrival email was quarantined by the city’s cybersecurity filter (Barracuda) and therefore not accepted; staff said the panel considered only submissions received before the final, DOJ‑agreed deadline.

Council action and safeguards: The council approved the professional‑services agreement (not to exceed $250,000 annually) and authorized the city manager to execute the contract in a form approved by the city attorney. The contract is three years with the possibility of a fourth and fifth year by amendment. Councilmembers asked about termination and performance: staff said the standard city professional‑services contract includes termination for convenience and that the MOA would guide any changes needed if DOJ or the city found performance problems. The vote was 5‑0.

What’s next: The contract language and exhibit describing the MOA‑based scope of services will be finalized by the city attorney and city manager. The consultant will begin work consistent with the MOA’s timeline and DOJ engagement. Councilmembers and members of the public asked staff to preserve and publish the procurement file for transparency.

Ending: The selection clears the first major administrative step required under the MOA; council and DOJ said they will monitor implementation, and members of the public signaled they will scrutinize both the consultant’s work and the city’s procurement record.","Council approved a professional‑services agreement with MS Investigative Services (Manjeet Sipal) to serve as the consultant/monitor under the city’s settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice; members of the public and several commenters said other qualified firms were not interviewed and requested more transparency.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6053864,"Antioch council approves interim housing lease for Sunset encampment under $6.8M state grant",688,9603000,10291000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3343745-74883cfbec6a42d57e49f6809ae41cd2&start=9603&end=10291","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3343745-74883cfbec6a42d57e49f6809ae41cd2/thumbnail_9603000.jpg","/articles/6053864/Antioch-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/Antioch-council-approves-interim-housing-lease-for-Sunset-encampment-under-68M-state-grant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6053864-179bb2a275fe20670376eb01e41937fe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165342&Signature=EfkWomYI9HZMJEkdpSSylyer3NK7m8jj6USFpQe3d94Vy75ns31Xy7sxzzTl8sBG8PfDMhNL09aXjOOyKBeIjgJq2MdgKRQdOvfMsXb4yjWEUyzc2w2byKWOh1qI5AZG5vadzPNrLTZWM2MDr7H4AO00NzYRtqyt0RSLtgwmCmOp8pSYsOb2dZF6XmO9BuQissjn8xjZrjYbAdN3idwdLUkM~0CsBM6N~SU0zB3l0MVRRM7q6eMUEtususfQb5hlqGfZUFnl2jCICUlrF3YU~Jvl3Bs3Uu5XAqXdVAgXO~d8x6vt~O~chwjtRd4OpzsRf3O8LoY5o4WQShLJGwvSUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Antioch — The City Council voted 5-0 on May 13 to authorize a master lease for interim housing under the state’s Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF), approving a plan to place people now living at the Sunset and Dev Par encampment into rooms at the Executive Inn while outreach and rapid-rehousing services continue.

The action implements part of a $6.8 million ERF award the city received in 2024 and directs the city to use approximately $1.8 million of that award to lease and operate a 34-room motel the city selected as the preferred site. The council set a target placement timeline that staff said could begin July 1 and expects the encampment cleanup to follow placements.

Why it matters: The ERF grant requires local jurisdictions to move unsheltered individuals into stable interim housing and rapidly link them to longer-term housing. City staff told the council the Executive Inn’s size and simple layout made it easier to dedicate the entire site to the program and to manage services, compared with a larger hotel proposal.

What council heard and decided: Director Tasha Johnson, who presented the program design and schedule, said the city’s outreach team (CORE) had enrolled 31 people and expected to place at least 32 program participants in the Executive Inn. “Initial placements for these individuals will occur within the first two weeks of operation,” Johnson told the council. She said program enrollment would be cut off around June 15 to allow timed placements but that the date could be extended to avoid leaving rooms empty.

Multiple public speakers urged the council to move forward quickly. Nicole Gardner, an unhoused-advocacy volunteer with long experience engaging motel operators, praised Executive Inn owners for preparing their property and said the site’s transit access and layout were “perfect.” Resident Andrew Becker asked for greater transparency in the procurement record and urged the council to show how the solicitation compared to the alternate bid; Becker recommended tabling the lease until the record could be reviewed.

Council direction and conditions: Councilmember Don Freitas said he would support the lease but asked staff to provide formal 90‑day reports on program progress. The council adopted a motion that approved the master lease and directed staff to return with a reporting form and quarterly presentations on outcomes, and to continue working on long‑term, owned housing alternatives in partnership with regional and federal funders. The council vote on the lease was 5-0.

Implementation details and follow up: Staff said placements would be tracked in HMIS (the homeless management information system) and that the county would reserve other housing slots for people not immediately placed in the motel. The ERF grant requires the city to obligate funds by June 30 and expend at least half of the award on specified timelines; staff said the lease was needed to meet those deadlines. Johnson described program metrics to be reported to the council, including number enrolled, placements to short‑term and permanent housing, housing assistance dollars issued and client outcomes.

What remains open: Public commenters and two councilmembers pressed staff to pursue Homekey and other permanent housing tools and not rely only on leases. Councilmembers also asked for better transparency about the selection process for the hotel operator; staff said two proposals were received and the Executive Inn was selected because it was a manageable, dedicated site for the program. Council instructed staff to bring back the quarterly reports and to continue pursue strategies for permanent facilities beyond short‑term leases.

Ending note: The lease is a time‑limited step intended to move people indoors and into case management while the city and county pursue housing exits; the council paired approval with a direction to report back regularly and to seek more permanent, owned housing options to reduce dependence on leased motel capacity.","Council approved a master lease for Executive Inn to house people from the large Sunset/Dev Par encampment under the state Encampment Resolution Fund; council directed quarterly reporting and urged work toward longer-term housing solutions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Contra Costa Mosquito Control: yellow‑fever mosquito found in Antioch; residents urged to dump standing water

Antioch economic development staff outline attraction, retention and expansion plan as council questions marketing and vacant property strategy

Council appoints Joseph Mitchell to Police Oversight Commission amid public objections

Antioch picks private consultant to implement DOJ agreement; selection draws criticism over bid record

Antioch council approves interim housing lease for Sunset encampment under $6.8M state grant