Antioch's New Mayor: Unity, Safety, and a Fresh Start

Meet Ron Bernal, Antioch’s new mayor. He’s stepping into the role with a clear vision to bring the city together and tackle some tough challenges. Antioch, with its diverse community of around 115, 000 people, has seen its fair share of division. Bernal believes that healing those rifts is crucial for the city’s success. He's not mincing words when it comes to racism and hate. He won’t stand for it, and hopes residents follow suit. Antioch's Black population has doubled over the past two decades, while the White population has decreased to just over one-third of the total residents. Bernal wants to hear every voice in the city and make sure everyone feels included. Money matters are high on his agenda too. The city council needs to get a handle on the budget, especially for programs like Opportunity Village and the Mental Health Crisis Response Team. These rely on one-time funding that's running out. Bernal wants to ensure these initiatives stick around by understanding the city's finances better. Crime is another big concern. With 16 homicides this year and a lot of vehicle thefts, Bernal is focusing on public safety. He thinks a safe city is key to attracting businesses and jobs. He’s ready to find a new police chief and fill vacancies with officers who understand community policing. But safety isn’t just about cops; it’s also about youth programs. Bernal wants to make sure kids have plenty of activities to keep them engaged. He knows change takes time, so he’s setting personal deadlines – get the new police chief in six months, review the budget in two to three months, and set council rules in a month. Bernal's ultimate goal? A great quality of life for all Antioch residents.