Public Urges Antioch Council to Save El Campanil Theater at September 8, 2026 Meeting

The Antioch City Council met on September 8, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting was dominated by an extended public comment period regarding the potential sale of the historic El Campanil Theater. The council also approved proclamations, renamed a city department, discussed accessory dwelling unit (ADU) incentives, and authorized new grant-funded positions for violence intervention. Councilmembers Rocha and Wilson were present, along with Mayor Bernal. Councilmember Torres Walker and Mayor Pro Tem Freitas were absent.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar was approved unanimously. Councilmember Rocha pulled Item I (ADU Accelerator Program) for a brief separate discussion, during which he requested staff connect the city's program with Antioch High School's construction academy that builds ADUs for the community. Acting Economic Development Director Cortez agreed to facilitate a meeting with the school.

Public Comments & Testimony

• El Campanil Theater: Over a dozen residents and stakeholders spoke passionately against the building's sale to a church group, urging the city to preserve it as a performing arts venue.
  • Greg Ferry (retired VP, CA Building Trades) proposed the city designate the theater a historical preservation site and stated he had contacted state Senator Tim Grayson about the possibility. He also requested restoring the showers at the Antioch Senior Center.
  • Sharon Adal / Sharon Swivel Etool (President, El Campanel Theater Preservation Foundation) detailed her background and the foundation's need for complete control of the space to operate viable arts programming.
  • John Hackenkamp (longtime employee) questioned the sale's legality.
  • Michael Gabrielson (business owner) cited a 2003 agreement under which the city provided $750,000 in redevelopment funds with a stipulation that the theater would revert to the city if the foundation became insolvent.
  • Warren Lux read a formal letter demanding the city investigate the 2003 grant conditions and the legality of the 2023 and 2026 sales, prompting the city attorney to state he could not provide legal advice to the public.
  • Mary Joe Mundy Bruce (former employee) stated something was not right with the 2023 sale and urged the council to act before the September 29th close of escrow.
  • Crystal Law and Lisa directly accused Mayor Bernal of a conflict of interest with the purchasing church. Crystal Law questioned his leadership on multiple issues, and Lisa alleged a prior deal with the pastor.
  • Jose Cordon (community organizer) apologized for a tense prior community meeting, reaffirmed support for the theater, and announced ongoing youth arts programs and a community garden project.
  • Several speakers noted that Councilmembers Torres Walker, Wilson, and Freitas had previously requested investigation into preserving the theater, and questioned why those requests were not acted upon.
  • Many speakers represented local arts groups (Black Diamond Ballet, El Campanel Foundation), businesses, and the Antioch Historical Society.
• Homeless Prevention: Melissa Johnson (Zoom speaker) described her unsuccessful experience with homelessness prevention services despite contacting 211 while still housed, asking the council for help connecting with housing partners.
• Late Public Comments: James Maharo asked the city attorney about legal options for an injunction. Alan Creighton (journalist) publicly requested Councilmembers Wilson and Torres Walker disclose what they knew about the theater's 2023 sale.

Proclamations and Announcements

• The council proclaimed September 2026 as Suicide Prevention Month. Megan Shingle of the Peer Connection Center accepted, emphasizing connection and community.
• The council proclaimed September 11, 2026, as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance for the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Captain Bittner accepted on behalf of the Antioch Police and Contra Costa Fire Departments.
• Upcoming events were announced, including California Coastal Cleanup Day, Teen Skate Night, the Antioch Council of Teens Coat Drive, and several performances at the El Campanil Theater.
• Councilmember Rocha reported on a Tri-Delta Transit meeting, warning that a November regional transit measure is critical to prevent severe BART service cuts (up to 70%) in the Bay Area.
• Mayor Bernal announced a community meeting on September 22nd regarding the closed lagoon at Contra Loma Park, urging public input.

Discussion Items

• ADU Accelerator Program (Item I): Approved after Councilmember Rocha requested exploring a connection with Antioch High School's ADU-building program.
• Renaming of Public Safety and Community Resources Department: A public hearing was held, and the council unanimously introduced an ordinance to rename the department to the Community Services Department and related title changes (e.g., Public Safety Manager to Community Engagement Manager). Staff confirmed the scope of positions would remain unchanged.
• CalVIP Grant Positions: The council approved a resolution establishing two limited-term (through 2029) grant-funded Community Resources Specialist positions. These positions will focus on gun violence prevention through street outreach and wraparound services. Staff committed to providing regular progress reports to the council, noting that the CalVIP grant program has already contributed to a downward trend in gun violence in Antioch. The positions are funded entirely by the grant with no general fund impact.

Key Outcomes

• El Campanil Theater: Mayor Bernal acknowledged the public's passion and confirmed the city is actively researching its options and the details of the escrow, but stated the council cannot comment further at this time. The public's questions regarding the 2003 agreement, 2023 sale, and current transaction have been placed on the record for review.
• ADU Incentives: Resolution adopting pre-approved ADU plans approved. Staff directed to coordinate with Antioch High School.
• Department Name Change: Ordinance introduced on first reading and classification resolution adopted.
• Violence Prevention: Resolution authorizing CalVIP grant positions adopted. Council will receive updates on program outcomes.