Get your unwanted documents shredded at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Antioch Saturday, May 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations will raise funds for scholarships and other charitable purposes coordinated by the church’s Endowment Committee.
Through its endowment, the church has given scholarships to students pursuing college degrees as well as continuing education opportunities such as gaining teacher certification. It has also given a grant to support training school tutors, said Eileen Blumhardt-Butler, Endowment Committee Chair.
The endowment has provided a grant to a childcare center to enhance art education. A teacher received a grant to purchase microscopes for her middle school classroom.
“These grants are a way our church can share God’s love with the community,” Blumhardt-Butler said.
Calls out school board president’s claims complaints were mishandled although board hadn’t heard about response by HR Deptuntil May 8
Superintendent not involved, still on medical leave; board must choose acting supe
CSEA questioned on claims of vote of no-confidence in AUSD cabinet
By Allen D. Payton
In an email to Antioch Unified School District staff on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, the District’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Dr. Robert A. Martinez informing them of the “recent media coverage regarding certain personnel matters within our organization” and “to provide clarity and address some of the concerns that may have arisen as a result.” He was referring to the claims by some district employees by Kenny Turnage, the Director of Maintenance and Operations, including placing a desk on the roof of a district building and the display of a sign pointing up to it that it’s the location of an employee’s desk. Turnage was recently placed on administrative leave pending the completion of the investigations.
In response to the matter, AUSD Board President and Area 1 Trustee Antonio Hernandez called for Superintendent Stephanie Anello’s resignation claiming she and the District had mishandled the investigation, amid complaints her husband and Turnage are close friends. Hernandez also held a Closed Session at the beginning of the regular board meeting last Wednesday, May 8 in which a vote to terminate her contract failed two-to-three.
The board president also attempted to evaluate Anello, but she did not attend the closed session or regular meeting, as she was out on medical leave. (See related articles here, here and here)
Martinez went on to write his May 15th letter, “First and foremost, I want to assure you that the District takes all employee matters seriously and handles them with the utmost care and diligence. Any complaints or issues brought forward are thoroughly investigated by our Human Resources Department or a third party, independent firm, in accordance with established protocols, procedures, board policy, and applicable law.
“Two of the four complaints recently highlighted in the media coverage, were in fact processed consistent with the District’s practices, protocols, procedures, board policy, and applicable law in that they were investigated by Human Resources and the complainants were responded to with the Confidential Administrative Determination letters that contained findings. In addition, under the Superintendent’s (Stephanie Anello’s) direction they were subsequently reviewed by an outside, third-party, independent investigator which found that the internal investigations and appeal processes were appropriately conducted, finding no irregularities in the investigation processes or the findings of the investigations. The two more recent complaints are under investigation and will go through a similar process. If and when there is a need for employee discipline, based on the evidence and findings, such discipline would be assigned by the Human Resources Department, again based on appropriate protocols, board policy, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable law.”
Calls Out Board President Antonio Hernandez for Falsely Claiming Process Was Mishandled
Martinez’ letter continued with, “Last month, the Board President spoke to the media claiming the District mishandled certain employee complaints. However, it was not until last Wednesday, May 8th, that the Board first heard about the steps the Human Resources Department took to investigate and respond to the complaints. Moreover, the District and subsequently the Board has also been informed by an outside, third-party, independent investigator who reviewed the District’s handling of the complaints, that the District acted appropriately and in accordance with the law.
It is important to understand that personnel matters are confidential in nature, and as such, we are limited in the information that we can disclose publicly. While we understand that this may lead to speculation or misinformation, we want to emphasize that the District remains committed to protecting the privacy rights of employees while being transparent where possible.
We also want to make it clear that Superintendent Anello was not directly involved in the investigation, findings, or disciplinary actions related to these matters. This is consistent with the District’s practices, policies and procedures.
“We understand that media coverage can be unsettling, especially when it involves our organization. However, we encourage you to focus on the important work that we do every day to support our students and the community.”
Martinez then offered some encouraging words about Measure B and other district matters.
He concluded his letter with, “Superintendent Anello is currently on medical leave and looks forward to returning once her doctor releases her to return. The Governing Board is working to identify an acting superintendent in her absence. More information will be shared once that person has been determined by Board action.” (See AUSD May 15, 2024 letter)
April 24 District Press Release
Previously, Martinez announced the two initial investigations in a press release issued on April 24, 2024, which was only sent to media who requested information. It wasn’t received by the Herald until May 8, although information about the matter was requested of District personnel on Saturday, April 27th.
In that press release he wrote, “We wish to provide an update with regard to recent developments within the Antioch school district that garnered public attention.
“To ensure transparency and accountability within our district, two separate investigations have been initiated to look into concerns raised publicly by an individual board member. The first investigation will review the overall situation, providing a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances involved. The second investigation will specifically address the two recent complaints that have been filed against an employee within the district.
“Furthermore, in the interest of maintaining the integrity of the investigative process and obviate any concerns, Superintendent Anello has voluntarily removed herself from direct involvement. Moving forward, I will be assuming responsibility for overseeing the investigations and working with the Board of Education regarding this situation.
Upon completion, the Board of Education will receive results of the investigations and will address any issues that may arise with the utmost diligence and transparency. It is important to understand that individual board members do not have authority to take action and provide direction, board authority rests with the majority of the body. To this point, decisions regarding the District, including decisions about leadership, must be made collectively by the Board as a whole.
“While this situation is understandably causing concern and questions, I am confident that the remarkable professionals in our schools and across our organization will continue to keep the wellbeing of our students as a top priority.” (See AUSD April 24, 2024 media release)
April 19 Antioch CSEA Chapter 85 Press Release, President Claims Vote of No-Confidence in AUSD Cabinet That May Not Have Occurrred
Earlier, on April 19, the California School Employees Association (CSEA) local Antioch Chapter 85 issued a press release – which was also not sent to the Herald but received this past Monday, May 13 – about the bullying claims and Board President Antonio Hernandez’ unilateral call for Anello’s resignation.
The press release read, “CSEA chapter 85 is aware of the allegations of bullying and harassment against employees, we are working with our members to ensure their rights aren’t being violated. We do not condone any bullying or harassment of any employee or students. We stand by our members and appreciate everything they do daily for the students and the community. We encourage the school board to thoroughly investigate all the allegations and stand up for what’s right, as is their role as elected officials. CSEA Chapter 85 – Antioch.” (See CSEA April 19, 2024 media release)
In addition, as previously reported, the chapter president, Brian Atkinson, announced at the May 8 school board meeting that the executive committee held a vote of no-confidence in the superintendent. However, whether that vote ever occurred has come into question.
The chapter was sent an email on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, asking when that vote occurred, for the names of the executive board members, how many members were in attendance, for the actual motion, and the vote count, plus, a copy of the minutes of the executive board meeting during which the vote was taken.
According to the Chapter 85 website, there are eight members of their executive committee, including Atkinson, 1st VP Linda Rambeau-Jaime, 2nd VP Luis Sandoval, Chapter Secretary Anna Hernandez-Guzman, Chapter Treasurer Lilian Morataya, Communications Officer Joan Burke, Site Rep Coordinator Laura Dickerson and Sergeant at Arms Michael Brisco. The website’s Contacts page also lists Chief Steward Marcos Valdez and Stewards Erik Pitschner, Levon Edwards and Thomas Sellers.
In addition, both Board President Hernandez and CSEA Chapter 85 were emailed asking for a response to today’s letter from Dr. Martinez.
No responses were received prior to publication time.
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
Antioch Police detectives investigate a suspicious death after a body was found near medical offices on Country Hills Drive Wednesday morning, May 15, 2024. Photo courtesy of Mike Burkholder, ContraCosta.news
Male’s body found near medical offices Wednesday morning
By Acting Lt. Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Department Field Services Division
On May 15, 2024, at approximately 7:19 AM, Antioch police officers responded to the 2200 block of Country Hills Drive to assist Contra Costa Fire on a reported male down on the sidewalk possibly in need of medical attention.
When officers arrived, they located a deceased male. The cause of death is unknown. The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation. The cause of death is pending an autopsy from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released.
Antioch Police officers place a stone found at the scene into an evidence bag. Photo courtesy of Art Ray, Bay News Video
The Antioch Police detectives are asking the public for assistance. If you happened to of driven through the area between last night and this morning and have dash camera video, please contact Detective John Cox.
5/16/24 UPDATE: Contra Costa County Deputy Coroner Sanchez identified the man as Raheem Coe, a 48-year-old man from Antioch.
Additional inquiries or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective John Cox at (925)481-8147 or by emailing jcox@antiochca.gov. Anonymous tips or information about this – or any other incident – can be sent via text to 274637 (CRIMES) with the keyword ANTIOCH.
Angelo Quinto and with an Antioch Police officer during the incident on Dec. 23, 2020. (Herald file photos) The Antioch City Council settled the lawsuit with Quinto’s family for $7.5 million during their meeting on May 14, 2024. Photo by Allen D. Payton
5-0 vote costs City $50,000 including attorney’s fees
Mock trial held, court wouldn’t grant officers qualified immunity which contributed to decision
Officers responded to home in Dec. 2020 where he was strangling his mother
Died in the hospital 3 days later while not in police custody
Coroner’s autopsy determined Quinto died of drug intoxication, psychiatric conditions, physical exertion and cardiac arrest
Independent toxicology report found presence of Fentanyl in Quinto’s blood – in addition to Modafinil and Levetiracetam.
DA reported, “an internal examination showed no bone fractures or damage to Quinto’s larynx and trachea” and “accounts of what transpired in the bedroom are consistent among all witnesses in that no police officer applied pressure to Quinto’s neck.”
By Allen D. Payton
During a Closed Session meeting Tuesday night, May 14, 2024, after receiving information from a representative of the County’s insurance pool the Antioch City Council voted 5-0 to settle the lawsuit by the family of Angelo Quinto who died in December 2020 following an interaction with Antioch Police Officers, while attacking his family during a mental health crisis. The council agreed to settle with the family for $7.5 million.
The Closed Session agenda item #1 read, “CONFERENCE INVOLVING JOINT POWERS AGENCY – Municipal Pooling Authority and California Affiliated Risk Management Authority (CARMA). Discussion will concern EXISTING LITIGATION pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.9 MARIA QUINTO-COLLINS, et al., v. CITY OF ANTIOCH, et al., United States District Court Northern District of California CASE NO.: 3:21-cv-06094-AMO; Name of local agency representative on joint powers agency board: Thomas Lloyd Smith, City of Antioch; Appearing on behalf of joint powers board: Linda Cox, Municipal Pooling Authority and Amanda Griffith, ERMA (Employment Risk Management Authority).”
The Municipal Pooling Authority (MPA) is the County’s insurance pool and along with ERMA and CARMA determined the maximum amount of a settlement they would approve. Had the council not settled and continued fighting the lawsuit, the three authorities would not have paid for attorney’s fees and any settlement or amount determined by the judge or jury. Instead, it all would have had to be paid from the City’s General Fund, most of which pays for the police department. By settling the lawsuit, the City only has to pay its $50,000 deductible including attorney’s fees.
Background
On Dec. 23, 2020, Officers responded to the home of Quinto’s parents after dispatch received a call that the young 30-year-old Filipino-American Navy veteran was attacking them. As previously reported, Quinto’s sister placed the call telling police Angelo was strangling their mom, and the mother was not breathing. The sister told police Angelo took drugs. The sister had a hammer in her hands, which her brother had taken from her at one point, but she was able to get it back. Upon arrival, officers found Quinto being actively restrained by his mother on a bedroom floor of the home.
Although claims were made by his family that officers restrained Quinto by using a knee to his neck for five minutes, that was proven false, as police claimed they had only placed a knee on his back. According to then-Chief Tammany Brooks, “At one point, during the handcuffing, for a few seconds an officer did have his knee across Angelo’s shoulder blade…taught at police academies for prone handcuffing.” Quinto died in the hospital three days later while not in police custody. (See related articles here and here)
During Brooks’ report of the incident he said, “I have been in contact with the Coroner’s Office and the following four points have been jointly approved by multiple pathologists related to their findings thus far:
Although the decedent had injuries consistent with a struggle with his family and law enforcement, none of the injuries appeared to be fatal.
There were no fractures of the skull, torso, or extremities.
A full examination of the neck revealed there was no evidence of strangulation or crushed airway.
They are currently expanding toxicology testing because they were aware of reported past drug use.”
An autopsy was performed on December 28th by the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office which ruled Quinto succumbed to excited delirium and prescription drugs during the physical altercation with officers. Further, the cause of death was determined to be Excited Delirium Syndrome due to drug intoxication, psychiatric conditions, physical exertion and cardiac arrest. (Excited Delirium being recognized as a valid medical diagnosis or cause of death has since been outlawed in California with the passage of a bill, AB-360, last October. It prohibits coroners, medical examiners, physicians or physician assistants from listing excited delirium on a person’s death certificate or in an autopsy report).
On Friday, August 20, 2021, Contra Costa County Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston announced that a coroner’s jury reached a finding that Quinto’s death was an accident, not at the hands of another.
Then, in September 2022, Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton determined, Antioch Police officers engaged with Quinto in a manner that was lawful and objectively reasonable under the circumstances and an internal examination showed no bone fractures or damage to Quinto’s larynx and trachea.
According to the DA’s Office, “A toxicology report by the Coroner’s Office showed that Quinto had the presence of caffeine, Levetriacetam (a therapeutic for adults and children with epilepsy), and Modafinil – a drug to stimulate wakefulness – in his system. The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner reviewed the autopsy findings and agreed with its conclusions.
“The Quinto family commissioned an independent autopsy, and its findings note the cause of death was restraint asphyxiation. The private autopsy lists petechial hemorrhaging as the basis for such conclusion. An independent toxicology report also found the presence of Fentanyl in Quinto’s blood – in addition to Modafinil and Levetiracetam.
“However, of critical importance to the investigation, an internal examination showed no bone fractures or damage to Quinto’s larynx and trachea. While there are conflicting medical opinions as to the cause of death, the accounts of what transpired in the bedroom are consistent among all witnesses in that no police officer applied pressure to Quinto’s neck.
“After reviewing the evidence, the method of restraining Angelo Quinto by Antioch Police officers on December 23rd was objectively reasonable under the totality of the circumstances. Therefore, when applying the applicable law and the California District Attorney’s Uniform Crime Charging Standards, there is no evidence of a criminal offense committed by the Antioch Police officers involved in restraining Angelo Quinto.”
Yet, according to a March 16, 2023, report by the San Francisco Chronicle, “During a deposition, the county contract doctor acknowledged the possibility that Quinto died of asphyxiation from restraint, according to a court filing by attorneys for Quinto’s family.”
Councilmembers’ Actions, Comments Prior to Settlement
The settlement vote by three of the council members was to be expected as they’ve been sympathetic and apologetic to Quinto’s family. During the council meeting on Oct. 25, 2022, Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe and Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson wore T-shirts with the message, “Justice for Angelo Quinto”, Wilson proposed naming the City’s emergency response team after the young man, which was supported by the entire council, and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker said, “I want to say to the Quinto family, you lost your son, that’s how we got here. Your loss has spurred some change, but it didn’t have to happen.” (See related article and the 2:35:42 mark of the council meeting video) In addition, Torres-Walker wore the same shirt at a later time and event. Plus, the mayor has repeatedly, falsely claimed Quinto died while in police custody.
But the unanimous vote in favor of an out-of-court settlement was not expected.
Barbanica Explains Reason for Settlement
About his vote for the settlement, District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica said, “these are extremely difficult cases. I’ve been very clear in open session that the DA’s office and Coroner’s inquest did not find that he died at the hands of the officers. I let those investigations speak for themselves. There was no criminal wrongdoing by any of the police officers.”
“But when the insurance pool is paying for the City’s legal defense, if the council declines a settlement offer presented to them, and decides to continue to fight it, then the City will pay potential attorneys’ fees and any judgement that holds the City responsible,” Barbanica explained. “The City is paying $50,000 which includes attorney’s fees, and the insurance pool is paying up to the balance of $1 million, which is common in any settlement, limiting the exposure to the City’s General Fund.”
“Once you get to $1 million, it kicks over to secondary insurance which paid the remaining $6.5 million balance,” he added.
“In addition, the court did not grant the officers in the case qualified immunity. If we had continued in this case, we don’t know what it would have meant for the officers,” he stated. “The city attorney also made a very wise decision to hold what is called a mock trial in this case and is done in secrecy.”
“That was all done during the course of the lawsuit with an actual jury because he wanted to know any potential outcome. Those were factors that went into the decision-making on the settlement,” Barbanica explained. “This was not a haphazard decision. There was a lot of research, and all of this was done prior to them coming to us with a proposed settlement.”
Ogorchock Offers Her Reasons for Settling
When reached for comment explaining her reason for supporting the settlement, Ogorchock said, “As with any lawsuit, if they would have found even one percent liability by the City, it could have opened up the General Fund to pay more than what was paid.”
Asked if the insurance authorities said why they felt a jury would have been sympathetic to the family instead of the City, Ogorchock would not get into the details from the Closed Session discussion.
Asked about who represented the City, Ogorchock said, “the city attorney (Thomas L. Smith) chose the attorney to represent the City in the case.”
“We settled the case based on the city attorney’s and the insurance carrier’s advice. If we hadn’t, it would have opened up the City to the liability,” she added, reiterating the information shared by Barbanica. “In litigation cases, MPA will give us their advice and if we even have a small percentage of liability they will recommend a settlement amount. We as council, can choose to either accept or reject MPA’s recommendation. If we reject it, then we as the City take on the full, potential liability costs.”
However, Barbanica later said, “The city attorney chose from a list of attorneys provided by the pooling authority.”
Questions for City Attorney, Acting City Manager, Interim Police ChiefGo Unanswered
The background information shared above, and the following questions were sent Tuesday night to City Attorney Thomas L. Smith, Acting City Manager Kwame Reed and Interim Police Chief Brian Addington:
“Who represented the City in court against the lawsuit by Angelo Quinto’s family including the names of the law firm and attorneys?
If the case had not yet been presented to a jury, were there any preliminary rulings by a judge in favor of Quinto’s family?
Why settle if all the facts were in favor of the Antioch Police officers?
What were the determining factors by the Municipal Pooling Authority, CARMA and ERMA which caused them to recommend settlement instead of defending the City and why that amount?
Were any of the officers who responded to the Quinto home subjects of either the FBI investigation into ‘crimes of moral turpitude’ or the racist text scandal? If so, was that the reason for the settlement, the fear a jury would side against those officers and in favor of Quinto’s family?
What language is included in the settlement? Does it claim culpability by the officers?
According to then-Police Chief Tammany Brooks, Quinto was not in custody at the time he died in the hospital on Dec. 26, 2020. Is that correct? If not, when did that information get changed?”
They were also asked for copies of both the lawsuit and any and all settlement documents.
They did not respond prior to publication time. Please check back later for any updates to this report.
Antioch among 13 hospitals named by Newsweek as America’s Best Maternity Hospitals for 2024
By Antonia Ehlers, PR & Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals are recognized as among the best in the United States for providing exceptional care to parents and their newborns, according to Newsweek magazine’s list of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2024.
Thirteen Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals received the prestigious designation: Antioch, Fresno, Redwood City, Roseville, San Francisco, San Jose, San Leandro, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, South Sacramento, Vacaville, Vallejo, and Walnut Creek.
This is the fifth year Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals have been recognized for meeting rigorous standards for maternity care, such as low rates of elective early deliveries and following important safety protocols to protect new parents and their babies.
“Our Kaiser Permanente labor and delivery teams provide exceptional, high-quality care to help ensure these new parents and their babies have a healthy start,” said Carrie Owen Plietz, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “We take pride in providing equitable, culturally responsive maternity care that provides our patients with the support they need in a nurturing environment.”
Last year, 40,566 babies were delivered at Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals.
Source: Kaiser Permanente
Supporting the long-term health of newborns
The national designation was awarded to only 404 hospitals in the United States with more than 64 of those in California. Kaiser Permanente has a total of 29 hospitals that received the elite designation — the most of any U.S. health system.
Newsweek and Statista, one of the world’s leading statistics portal and industry-ranking provider, have partnered for the third time on this list, given that maternity care provided from pregnancy through birth and into postpartum is key to the long-term health of newborns and those who give birth.
“This recognition is a testament to the clinical excellence of our physician-led care teams, who provide expert and compassionate care and support to our patients throughout their entire pregnancy journey,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, chief executive officer and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “We know the first step toward having a healthy baby is to have a healthy pregnancy, which is why we are committed to providing safe, equitable, comprehensive maternity care in a supportive, personalized way.”
Kaiser Permanente provides comprehensive pregnancy care
Kaiser Permanente Northern California has a long-standing commitment toward improving maternal health and the maternity care experience for our patients and members.
Our comprehensive prenatal care helps us understand patients’ health histories and lower the risk of complications. Members are supported to focus on their health even before pregnancy. If a pregnant patient has a high-risk pregnancy or a chronic condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes, we tailor their care – including providing remote monitoring tools – to reduce risks, helping to keep mom and baby safe.
At Kaiser Permanente Northern California, we also partner with new parents to ensure they have the birthing experience they desire through a coordinated birthing plan that addresses everything from their delivery preferences to whether they want to breastfeed.
Support for mental and emotional health is another important component of maternity care at Kaiser Permanente. Regular screenings for prenatal and postpartum depression are part of every care plan, so we can connect those who are struggling with the care and support they need.
Travis Credit Union CEO Kevin Miller and Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe hold the scissors to cut the ribbon during the grand opening of the new Hillcrest Branch Tuesday morning, May 14, 2024. Photo by Mike Gabrielson courtesy of Antioch Chamber of Commerce.
On Hillcrest Avenue, offers new community room
“We are very local…But we are able to provide national capabilities. We are glad to be in the Antioch community.” – TCU President & CEO Kevin Miller
By Allen D. Payton
The leadership of Travis Credit Union was joined by Antioch officials and Chamber leaders for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the new branch on Hillcrest Avenue. It replaces the branch previously located in the Terraces Shopping Center on Lone Tree Way near Sylvia’s Country Kitchen. The event also celebrated the credit union’s twenty-year commitment to the city of Antioch.
Speakers included Travis Credit Union (TCU) President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Miller and Dena Rothmann, Managing Vice President, Retail & Branch Banking, Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe who proclaimed May 14th to be “Travis Credit Union Day” in the City of Antioch; and Mike Gabrielson, Board President of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce.
“We have been a part of Antioch for 20 years and this new branch reinforces our commitment to the city, its local businesses and residents,” said Rothmann. “Our top priorities are providing an outstanding experience to our members and helping them achieve their financial goals.”
TCU’s new Antioch branch is located at 3500 Hillcrest Avenue. Photo by Allen D. Payton
“We have 23 branches, and this is the newest,” Miller shared. “TCU started by serving those who serve,” at Travis Air Force Base near Fairfield. Federal legislation changed regulations from serving one group of people to a community which is defined more broadly as a county. Travis entered Contra Costa County when Metro 1 CU joined us.”
TCU now has 250,000 members in 12 counties and is the twelfth largest credit union in the state.
“We’ve been focusing on how we expand services in East County. Over the next several years we plan to expand further in the county,” he continued. “The team here, in Antioch, is very well known in the community and active in the Chamber. We are very local when it comes to the people who work here. But we are able to provide national capabilities. We’re glad to be in the Antioch community.”
“The democratization of technology has benefited the credit unions allowing us to be faster, provide better experiences and be competitive with the banks,” Miller explained. “People want a great physical environment, online environment and want someone to answer the phone when you call. It has required us to rethink what we do and how we do it and rewire the organization to make it better for the members.”
TCU President & CEO Kevin Miller presents the ceremonial check to Opportunity Junction CEO Brianna Robinson as Jennifer Victor, TCU’s VP of Branch Sales & Service looks on during the grand opening ceremony of the new Hillcrest Branch on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Photo by Mike Gabrielson courtesy of Antioch Chamber of Commerce.
During the ceremony, a donation check from TCU for $10,000 to Opportunity Junction was presented by Miller to the organization’s CEO Brianna Robinson. The Antioch-based non-profit helps motivated Contra Costa County job seekers develop the skills and confidence to launch careers that lead to financial security.
Certificates of Recognition were presented to Miller from the offices of Congressman John Garamendi and Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis.
Also, in attendance were Antioch Councilwomen Lori Ogorchock and Monica Wilson, and Antioch residents Marivel Branco, Hillcrest Branch Manager, Jennifer Victor, TCU’s VP of Branch Sales & Service and Tim Truesdale, Chair of TCU’s Supervisory Committee.
“We offer the community room at our new location for non-profit organizations to hold meetings, and for Travis to offer financial seminars and provide education to local individuals and businesses,” said Branco.
The new Hillcrest branch also features an innovative open concept layout meant to foster connection and meaningful financial conversations between the experienced staff and its members.
Besides checking and savings accounts they offer credit building, home and car loans, business credit cards, lines of credit, retirement planning and more.
“Stop by and see us to open an account and let us help you meet and achieve your financial needs and goals, today,” she added.
TCU celebrated the grand opening of its new Hillcrest Branch and 20 years serving the Antioch community. The community room can be seen in the back left corner inside the branch. Photo by Allen D. Payton
Victor, who has been with the credit union for 16 years and previously served as the Terrace Center Branch manager said, “TCU is excited to continue be a part of the Antioch community with our new branch facility. Our number one focus is to help residents be financially educated and sound.”
About the volunteer Supervisory Committee Truesdale shared, “If we were a bank, it would be an Audit Committee and we work with senior management and internal audit department, and outside auditors.”
About the new branch he said, “We’ve been working on that for the last three years. It was a lovely morning. You couldn’t ask for a better day to hold our grand opening and ribbon cutting.”
“The people at the branch came over from the Terrace Center branch on Lone Tree Way and can help members with financial services,” he continued. “I want to reiterate the fact of the community room for those who need a place to meet in town. That was a concern of our employees from before. We didn’t have to add that square footage but I’m glad we did to serve the community.”
To support financial success in the Antioch community, TCU is running two promotional offers. Members can invest in a special certificate available only in the new Antioch branch for 5.1% APY for nine months. Also available is a $350 free checking bonus for those who open their first Free Checking or Access Checking account and deposit at least $500 a month for three months into the account within 120 days of account opening through qualified direct deposit transactions.
The new branch is located at 3500 Hillcrest Avenue and joins its sister branch in the Slatten Ranch Shopping Center in Antioch.
About Travis Credit Union Travis Credit Union, based in Vacaville, Calif., has been recognized at the federal, state and local levels for its longstanding financial education and financial advocacy efforts. In 2022, TCU was once again selected as a Best-In-State Credit Union by Forbes. It has also earned the U.S. Air Force Distinguished Credit Union of the Year award in recent years. Founded in 1951 on Travis Air Force Base, TCU today serves 12 Northern California counties. It is the twelfth largest credit union in California, with 250,000 members and $5 billion in assets. To learn more about TCU visit www.traviscu.org.
