Antioch residents and program partners packed the council chambers on June 24 to press the City Council not to dismantle the Department of Public Safety and Community Resources and to preserve youth programs, even as the council approved new funding for youth workforce programs and extended a nonpolice crisis response contract.

Hundreds of public commenters — many young people and city service partners — told the council the Department of Public Safety and Community Resources (PSCR) runs programs that provide internships, tutoring and basic services, and that cuts would remove vital supports. Springboard and Antioch Council of Teens members described internships, BUILD and resource recovery programs that helped them gain work experience and meet college and career goals. “Youth services has always had my back,” Mirellia Gill said during public comment, identifying herself as an Antioch High School alumna.

Grant acceptance: The council voted 5‑0 to accept a $1,740,583.66 award from California Volunteers' Youth Service Corps that Montserrat Cabral, youth services network manager, described as funding to expand the SOAR internship program (formerly the mayor's apprenticeship program). Cabral told the council the award will support paid internships and "meaningful placements designed to serve opportunity youth including those impacted by justice involvement, foster care or other barriers to employment," and will allow community‑based organizations to host interns directly.

Crisis response team amendment: The council also approved an amendment to the city's agreement with the Felton Institute to continue operating the Angelo Quinto Community Response Team (AQCRT), a nonpolice crisis response pilot. City staff said the amendment maintains the program using existing ARPA funds but scales staffing and hours to align with available resources; the council approved the amendment 5‑0. Public supporters, including family members of Angelo Quinto and Felton staff, urged the council not to reduce coverage. "This is a very important program for Antioch and our community," said Robert Collins, identified in public comment as the father of Angelo Quinto.

Why it matters: Both actions affect the city's approach to youth development and nonpolice crisis response. The youth grant expands paid internships and workforce pathways for young residents; the AQCRT amendment preserves an alternative emergency response model the city and county have been watching closely but reduces hours for sustainability.

Council response and next steps: Council members thanked staff and the many speakers who came to the meeting and directed staff to continue pursuing outside grants and to return with implementation details. Montserrat Cabral and other staff said community organizations would receive support to host interns. The council approved both items by unanimous votes.

Ending: The funding acceptance and contract amendment were among several items councilmembers said they wanted to preserve while the city continues to address a larger budget shortfall. Staff will bring forward details about program rollout and any staffing or scheduling changes required by the AQCRT amendment.