Stone Sign for Antioch

ANTIOCH, Calif. – Granite can spruce up almost any kitchen, but will it do the same for a city?
The Contra Costa Times reported in April that this Northern California community will give stone a try in forging a new identity, specifically with blue granite and steel accents.
The Antioch City Council voted to approve the design for a large sign on a state highway, followed by other signage at city entry points and the downtown.
The horizontally oriented marker will replace a sandblasted redwood sign, which, according to a designer working on the city’s image, didn’t fit the character of the community.
“Antioch wanted to convey a more progressive professional image,” said Bill Englund of Pleasant Hill, Calif.-based Design Works.
While final locations and costs are yet to be determined, the new design didn’t exactly meet with overwhelming citizen approval. The council considered two designs recommended by a committee; The Times noted that, when Antioch Mayor Donald Freitas did an informal poll of the audience at the council meeting, most of them preferred the design the council didn’t pick.