Posted in: News, Police & Crime | Comments (0)
Suspects in Pleasanton robbery on Feb. 4, 2023. Photos: Pleasanton PD
Began and ended in Antioch
Earlier today, Saturday, February 4, 2023, the Pleasanton Police Department reported, “On Monday, we received a report of a robbery in a Pleasanton neighborhood. Two individuals wearing ski masks got out of a black sedan and approached the victim while pointing a gun and demanding money. The victim complied and surrendered more than $1,000, laptops, and other valuables.
Teaming up, our patrol officers and detectives quickly gathered evidence, such as surveillance video showing the suspects following the victim into Pleasanton after making a cash withdrawal from a bank in Antioch. An alert was sent to local agencies to keep an eye out for the car, and within hours, we were notified it was found back in Antioch. Thanks to Antioch Police Department, the suspects were detained on the spot.
After they were positively ID’d by the victim, the suspects were arrested and taken to Santa Rita Jail.”
In a Facebook post this afternoon, the Antioch Police Department responded by writing, “Always happy to help! Thanks Pleasanton Police Department for recognizing our officers.”
Publisher @ February 4, 2023
Posted in: News, Courts | Comments (0)
By Matt J. Malone, Public Information Officer, Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa
Per Government Code Section 68084.1, the Court intends to escheat the sum of $201,665.09 in the Court’s Operations Fund that has remained unclaimed for a period exceeding three years. For more information on the unclaimed funds, please visit the Court’s website at:
https://www.cc-courts.org/fees/unclaimedfunds.aspx
The Court has published a legal notice in the East Bay Times and has sent letters to potential owners of these funds. If you believe that you are entitled to any of the funds, you must complete and submit a Claim Affirmation Form and Claim for Reimbursement. These forms and instructions are available at the above hyperlink. Claim forms must be postmarked no later than March 24, 2023.
Publisher @ February 4, 2023
Posted in: Community, Jobs | Comments (0)
Mary Turner (left), a graduate of the WFD program at St. Vincent de Paul, hugs her mentor Gail F. (right) outside of her newly purchased home in Stockton, California. Photo: St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa
From St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa and the Workforce Development Program
A new session of the Workforce Development Program at St. Vincent de Paul is gearing up to help people in need find gainful and meaningful employment. Participants from past sessions note that the program has transformed their lives – given them the training and confidence to enter the workplace. With introductory sessions in Pittsburg, Brentwood, and Pleasant Hill – the WFD program at St. Vincent de Paul is aiming to help the most vulnerable in Contra Costa County develop the personal tools they will need to find and keep a good job. Interested participants are asked to attend 2 introductory sessions, which will take place in:
The WFD program at St. Vincent de Paul is a job-training program which pairs paid on the job training at one of SVdP’s 3 thrift stores with transformative classroom instruction & 1-on-1 mentorship with dedicated community mentors to help people with barriers to employment find and maintain a good job. Compassionate community volunteers lead participants through paid classroom instruction geared toward helping them develop the interpersonal tools needed to navigate today’s working world and offer transformative 1-on-1 mentorship to help participants overcome the obstacles between them and meaningful employment. Many of the WFD program’s participants have overcome the barriers of homelessness, a criminal record, or the uncertainty of being a refugee in a foreign country.
Afghan refugee and WFD program graduate Ajmal Aria now works as the Director of Operations at Opening Doors, a Sacramento based non-profit that helps refugees acclimate to their new home.
“We were living in a small apartment in Concord, two bedrooms for the seven of us. I have a degree, but I had to support my family, so I was working for DoorDash and Uber to do what I could to feed my family,” Ajmal said. “The WFD program at SVdP gave me the breathing room I needed while making sure my family survives. The volunteers at SVdP helped me adjust to this country and find a job that truly utilizes my training and skills – and lets me provide a good income for my family.”
Today, WFD program graduate James Neitte works as a Shipping and Receiving Specialist for Lowe’s Home Improvement. A former construction worker, James found the WFD program after falling into a life of crime. At age 49 and facing multiple felony charges, he could not foresee a happy ending for himself.
“I was convinced I was going to jail for at least 10 year, I thought my story was over,” James said. “It was just so powerful to be surrounded by people who genuinely cared about seeing me succeed. No one in the program cared that I had a past, they just wanted to help me have a future. It taught me a lot. I’m really thankful for the volunteers at SVdP and for the WFD program.”
A senior citizen, Mary Turner was living in her car when she learned about the WFD program at SVdP. Dependent upon a fixed income between SSI and disability, Mary could not keep up with her rising rent. Today, a graduate from the WFD program, Mary not only works as an Advanced Medical Care Specialist with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, helping the county veterans, Mary was able to purchase her first home, and is no longer living in her car.
“I’ve lived a fairly hard life,” Mary said. “There were just certain things I never learned, because when I was young you just didn’t need to know those things to find a job. At SVdP they showed me how to do things I’ve never had to do before, like build a resume. It was a lot of hard work, but I was determined to turn my life around and they were there to help me.”
St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County has provided safety-net services in the county for over 58 years, serving 100,000 people annually and distributing over $1.7 million in direct financial assistance and over $2.3 million of in-kind aid. Over 700 SVdP volunteers and a small staff lead operations in Contra Costa including the SVdP Family Resource Center in Pittsburg, 28 branches, and 3 Thrift Stores. One of the largest charitable organizations in the world, St. Vincent de Paul is an international, nonprofit, Catholic lay organization of more than 800,000 men and women who voluntarily join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to the needy and suffering in 155 countries on five continents.
Applicants are required to attend both a Part 1 and Part 2 session, at the location most convenient for them. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. To learn more and download an application, visit svdp-cc.org. To RSVP for a session call (925) 439-5060 or email info@svdp-cc.org
Publisher @ February 4, 2023
Posted in: Arts & Entertainment, Dining, Holiday | Comments (0)
Dinner & Live Music Show & Celebrating February Birthdays.
Get your tickets now!
Presented by Wright’s Catering and The Wright Social Spot
Saturday, February 11, 2023, 4:00 – 11:00 PM
509 W. 2nd Street, Rivertown, Antioch
$75 per person. Purchase your tickets today on EventBrite.
The Wright Social Spot welcomes our first event of 2023 with The Best Indoor Pre-Valentines Dinner & February Birthday’s Event of the Year with Live Music Performances & 4-Course Dinner.
Please Join Us in celebrating LOVE at a Classy, Upscale, Fun-Filled Pre-Valentine’s Day “2023” Event.
COME AND GET YOUR LIFETIME GLASS ROSE!!!!!!
Live Music, DJ, Dancing, 4-Course Dinner included with the $75 cover.
DON’T MISS THIS AWESOME DINNER MUSIC EVENT!! GET YOUR TICKETS NOW BEFORE THEY ARE SOLD OUT!!!
- HOSTED BY: Paul & Maggie Wright from The Wright Social Spot & WrightCatering.net
- WHERE: 509 W. 2nd Street, Antioch, CA
- DATE: Saturday, February 11, 2023
- TIME: 4:00 PM -11:00 PM
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: Singing 🎼🎵🎼♪ Dancing 💃🕺4-Course Dinner 🍽😋Beverages🍸 🍹 🍸
- INCLUDES DINNER SERVICE: 7:00PM – 8:30PM (Choice of Chicken, NY Steak, Salmon, Shrimp) – included with $75 Admission. Dinner Options available for Oxtails (+ $25), Lamb (+$25), King Crab Legs (+ $50), Lobster (+$50)
- RSVP BY: February 11, 2023, Pre-paid Reservations Required so get your tickets early.
- PAYMENT OPTIONS: Zelle, Cash App, Venmo, Debit/Credit or PayPal to 415-971-8776 Or Eventbrite, Credit/Debit (NO REFUNDS, NO EXCEPTIONS)
- DOORS OPEN: 4:00 PM
- PARKING: Lots of free parking (FIRST COME FIRST SERVE) THEME: Black & Gold & Red
- MORE INFORMATION: Call or Text Paul at (415) 971-8776 or Maggie at 209-896-7131
- YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/W0QgsYc2DEo
- WEB: WrightCatering.net
- FB: #WrightSocialSpot
- FB/IG: #RightsCatering
- PAST EVENTS PHOTOS: https://photos.app.goo.gl/TnMVF8fCJitKAtpr6
- THEME: Black, Gold & Red
- VENUE VIDEO: https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxuhKD3v6bDqgpXy3nukv1RaxissbySzeE
DONT MISS THE BEST INDOOR PRE-VALENTINE’S & FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS PARTY IN THE EAST BAY!!!
OUR EVENTS ARE ALWAYS FUN FILLED AND SOLD-OUT!!
Please share this link with your friends and family.
Publisher @ February 4, 2023
Posted in: News, Business | Comments (0)
Peter Brown and Janet Jenkins. Photos: BAC Community Bank
Peter Brown joins as Chief Credit Officer, Janet Jenkins promoted to Chief Innovation Officer
By Josef Britschgi, Marketing & Communication Administrator, BAC Community Bank
BAC Community Bank has announced the addition of Peter Brown, as the company’s new Chief Credit Officer, and the promotion of company veteran Janet Jenkins to Chief Innovation Officer.
A proven professional with more than 20 years of commercial lending experience, Brown brings a deep understanding of relationship banking, credit administration, and portfolio management to his new role at BAC Community Bank. Following his work in middle-market commercial leasing at AT&T Capital Leasing, Brown progressively advanced his knowledge and career serving in various lending roles at community banks. Brown served as a commercial loan officer for Oak Valley Community Bank, where he advanced to the role of credit administrator. He is a 2016 graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School.
Jenkins previously served as the Chief Credit Officer at BAC Community Bank and maintains the status of the longest tenured employee of the bank approaching her 40-year work anniversary later this year. During that time the bank has weathered many challenging economic conditions while remaining independent and highly rated for its loan quality and overall banking services. Despite past and present market volatility, the bank continues to explore and adopt emerging technologies to improve efficiencies and customer experience. Jenkins has served on various innovation committees throughout the bank and has directly overseen the implementation of many such projects within the bank’s lending department. Some of these projects include the digitization of documents, adoption of electronic signatures, implementation of workflow systems, online mortgage loan applications, and various system automation initiatives. These experiences have prepared Jenkins well for her new role at the bank. She is a graduate of the University of the Pacific and Pacific Coast Banking School.
This announcement demonstrates the bank’s continued focus on loan growth and further adoption of cutting-edge technologies to best meet the needs of the customers and communities it serves. Identifying products and solutions before customers may realize the need is a unique challenge that the bank has mastered over the years. For example, before the introduction of the internet, BAC Community Bank deployed online banking software ahead of much larger banks. Pioneering such innovative solutions is the result of constant evaluation of opportunities for improvement led by the executive team who solicits recommendations from staff and customers alike.
“We are excited for both Peter and Janet,” said Dana Bockstahler, CEO of BAC Community Bank. “These enhancements to our executive team should serve our customers and communities well, reinforcing our commitment to strengthen the financial health of the communities we serve by connecting people to extraordinary financial services.”
About BAC Community Bank
BAC Community Bank is California’s 10th oldest state-chartered bank. Established in 1965, BAC operates branch offices throughout San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Contra Costa counties including in Antioch, Brentwood, Concord and Discovery Bay, and is identified as “one of the strongest financial institutions in the nation” by BauerFinancial, Inc.
The bank is centrally headquartered in Stockton, California, and is continuously recognized for banking excellence through local awards and banking industry accolades.
BAC Community Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Equal Opportunity Employer. Member FDIC. More information is available online at www.bankbac.com.
Publisher @ February 4, 2023
Posted in: News, Police & Crime | Comments (0)
Arrest photos of suspects Delancey Huff and Donley Thompson. By APD
Following police pursuit after suspects struck police car, crashed their own car on Hwy 4 and attempted carjackings on offramp
By Antioch Police Public Information Officer Ashley Crandell, Community Engagement Unit
On February 1, 2023, at 3:08 pm, the Antioch Police Department’s Dispatch Center received a call from a resident on Durness Court reporting a burglary in-progress of an occupied residence. Information received reported the occupant was possibly an elderly female.
Officers immediately responded to the scene and were assisted by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office Air Unit, which was overhead within minutes. The Air Unit advised the back door was shattered and there was a vehicle backed into the driveway. When officers arrived on scene, the suspects, 31-year-old Donley Thompson of Sacramento and 42-year-old Delancey Huff of El Cerrito, fled in the vehicle that was in the driveway, striking a police vehicle. No officers were injured because of the police vehicle being struck.
Officers pursued the vehicle with the assistance of the Air Unit. Ultimately, the suspect vehicle got onto Highway 4 and collided with a guardrail near the Hillcrest Drive off-ramp. Huff and Thompson ran across westbound traffic on Highway 4, over the BART tracks in the middle of Highway 4, and through the eastbound lanes of traffic. Huff and Thompson were attempting to carjack people that were stopped on the eastbound Highway 4 off-ramp at Hillcrest Drive. Officers chased Huff and Thompson on foot and ultimately took them into custody on the offramp.
Officers located the victim’s stolen property in the vehicle that was abandoned by the suspects and her property was later returned to her. She was not in the residence at the time of the burglary.
Huff and Thompson were arrested for felony burglary, conspiracy, and reckless evading of a police officer. Huff was on parole for residential burglary and was released from custody on December 22, 2022.
We would like to thank the alert resident who saw something suspicious and contacted our Dispatch Center about it. We would also like to thank the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office Air Unit for assisting our officers in the capture of these suspects.
Publisher @ February 4, 2023
Posted in: News, Police & Crime, City Council, East County | Comments (0)
Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe. File photo. Oakley Councilman George Fuller. Source: Facebook
“Mayor Thorpe was indicating he had placed the yoke of oppression on Antioch’s police officers and implemented what seemed an era of tyranny towards Antioch officers…Mayor Thorpe’s outlandish statements are politically motivated, and I believe he would use an Oakley officer as a pawn to advance his political agenda.” – Councilman George Fuller
Antioch Police Officers respond to Fuller’s remarks, take swipe at Thorpe
“The mayor’s constant attacks against our officers have always been unhelpful” – APD Sgt. & APOA President Rick Hoffman
NAACP President says “nothing inappropriate” about Thorpe’s comments; Antioch resident “embarrassed” by them
By Allen D. Payton
At the end of the Oakley City Council meeting Tuesday night, Jan. 24, 2023, Councilman George Fuller took a swipe at Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe not wanting to have Oakley Police Officers provide support to Antioch Police because of something Thorpe said at the recent MLK Day Breakfast hosted by the NAACP East County Branch. (See 1:50 mark of video)
Fuller spoke about the Antioch City Council and said, “Now, we stay on our side and I’m very happy. But there’s one thing that I’m very, very concerned about, and that is we have a mutual aid agreement with Antioch for our officers to go to the city to assist officers in that location to make arrests, put their lives on the line, and perhaps become involved in a…and I want to discuss what we can do to protect our officers. Because the way it was going was that if something happens over there, Mayor Thorpe is going to be very happy to say ‘well, our officers misbehaved’…and I don’t want to see their careers go up.”
“Our officers are trained. Whatever he says, our officers are trained,” Fuller continued. “I do not want my officers going over there and suddenly finding themselves in trouble.”
Fuller Explains His Concerns About Thorpe’s Remarks
Asked what Thorpe had said at the breakfast that caused his concern, Fuller responded in an email writing, “Before going any further, I need to say that I find the East Contra Costa NAACP a viable organization that has worked extensively, and still does, to create homogeneous communities in East Contra Costa County that are diverse and inclusive. I am completing my membership request to become a member of the association.
I did attend the Martin Luther King, Jr’s prayer breakfast, sponsored by the East Contra Costa NAACP. I received an invite from Odessa LeFrancois, installed as president of the group during the meal. I am grateful that Ms. LeFrancois extended the invitation.
I represented the proclamation that the City Council of Oakley extended honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I did so at the behest of Ms. LeFrancois. The proclamation was the first to honor Dr. King by the City of Oakley City Council. The reception of the proclamation of those attending the breakfast was commendatory.
Mayor Thorpe followed my presentation. Mayor Thorpe’s first words were, ‘Some cities just give proclamations; in Antioch, we do something about it.’ The statement intended to insult Oakley’s proclamation. It was evident in Mayor Thorpe’s mind that the Oakley City Council gives a token acknowledgment of Dr. King’s legacy but fails to address systemic racism in Oakley. Yes, Mayor Thorpe’s rhetoric and hostile discourse are not valid.
Mayor Thorpe said he has solved racism in Antioch by ‘reining in the police’. Mayor Thorpe stated, ‘we have banned certain control holds that the police can use. We deny the police the use of military-grade equipment. We have created a police oversight commission.’ Mayor Thorpe was indicating he had placed the yoke of oppression on Antioch’s police officers and implemented what seemed an era of tyranny towards Antioch officers. Mayor Thorpe said that his efforts have resulted in a fifty percent decrease in murders in Antioch. Antioch residents did not suffer injustices from the police because of his actions.
Mayor Thorpe continued that there were three Black council members on the Antioch City Council. Consequently, Mayor Thorpe could implement his agenda, which favored Black lives in Antioch. Also, those who attempted to recall him from the council would experience consequences for trying to do so. In short, Mayor Thorpe marginalized Antioch Police Officers as a violent, out-of-control, racist organization, and he was protecting Antioch from the police.
Initially, Mayor Thorpe experienced polite applause for his statements. At the end of his lengthy monologue, he received no applause.
My immediate concern was the well-being of Oakley Police Officers. Oakley officers respond to mutual aid requests from the Antioch Police Officers when the Antioch officers confront an emergency that strains their safety resources. Mayor Thorpe’s statements indicate that he would have no qualms demonizing an Oakley officer for responding to a situation where lives were at risk. The threat to the officer, and the officer’s family, would be catastrophic. Mayor Thorpe’s outlandish statements are politically motivated, and I believe he would use an Oakley officer as a pawn to advance his political agenda.
I believe it is incumbent on the Oakley City Council to determine the threat to Oakley officers and take precautionary measures to protect them as they respond to mutual aid requests in Antioch. I am grateful that the Oakley City Council agreed (except perhaps one member who has publicly commented on my statements) to discuss the issue and reconcile any dangers to Oakley officers.
The Oakley Police Department offers extensive training on professional responses to critical safety issues and contains them with the least amount of force necessary to control the situation. The City of Oakley takes a course of providing adequate funding for the police department to be able to deliver professional police services properly. Oakley officers are aware of systemic racism, even in Oakley, and how to respond to such demagoguery ensures the well-being of all members of the Oakley inclusive community.
An example of Oakley’s professionalism occurred the night of January 15, 2023, the night before the NAACP breakfast; officers responded to a man with a gun in Oakley. Upon arrival, the suspect pointed a gun at the officer. The officer retreated, and the Oakley officers contained the area and called for a mental health team to respond to the location. The mental health team responded by convincing the suspect to surrender their weapon. The officers afforded the health services the suspect so urgently required. That is an example of the ‘true grit professional police services’ Oakley officers deliver. I will not allow those services to be ‘trashed’ by Mayor Thorpe.
I do not want to see an Oakley officer end their career by saving the life of an Antioch officer or Antioch resident and suffer a catastrophic tyrannical political outburst from the Mayor of Antioch, Lamar Thorpe.
I previously mentioned that Mayor Thorpe delivered similar statements at the Contra Costa Mayors Association in Hercules on January 5, 2023.
Hopefully, the above answers your request.
With best regards,
George Fuller, MPA, MA”
——————-
Antioch Police Officers Respond to Fuller, Take Swipes at Thorpe
In a message to the media on Thursday afternoon, also posted later on the Antioch Police Officers Association Facebook page, President and APD Sergeant Rick Hoffman wrote, “Earlier today, the APOA was solicited for comment regarding an Oakley City Council member requesting that the Oakley Police Department stop sending officers into Antioch after hearing remarks from Mayor Thorpe at an NAACP breakfast. As we said earlier, the idea of neighboring police agencies not assisting each other is deeply troubling. We recognize that crime has no borders and the best way to combat crime and keep the citizens of our cities safe is by everyone, police officer and citizen alike, to work together. APD has always and will continue to work with our neighboring agencies in times of need. We will always answer the call when they ask, and we hope they will do the same.
What we, as a POA, want to further highlight is the unnecessary and disparaging remarks that Mayor Thorpe makes on a routine basis towards the officers of APD. Mayor Thorpe claims that he has outlawed certain control holds and has mandated that our officers act in a certain manner. Not only is the claim that he has outlawed control holds inaccurate at best, but the further claim that his alleged efforts have led to a reduction in Antioch’s murder rate is a slap in the face to the hard work of the men and women of APD. Facing an unprecedented staffing shortage, our officers work diligently to solve these crimes amidst one of the most tumultuous times ever faced by our department. The mayor’s constant attacks against our officers have always been unhelpful but we wish to highlight that his comments are now also dangerous and putting officer’s lives at risk. For his comments to cause other cities to entertain the idea of no longer assisting our department is alarming and we call on the mayor to exercise caution and restraint when speaking about our officers.
We would also like to recognize that we have always had, and plan on continuing, a great working relationship with our neighboring agencies. Specifically, we appreciate the ongoing support we receive from the Oakley, Pittsburg, and Brentwood Police Departments.”
——————-
NAACP President Responds
“I don’t know what they’re talking about,” Odessa LeFrancois, Antioch resident and recently elected President of the NAACP East County Branch said when reached for comment regarding Thorpe’s remarks. “As far as what I know, Lamar didn’t say anything inappropriate at the breakfast.”
Antioch Resident and Breakfast Attendee “Embarrassed” by Thorpe’s Remarks
Antioch resident Velma Wilson, who also attended the breakfast, disagreed with LeFrancois and confirmed Fuller’s views on Thorpe’s remarks.
“The Oakley Councilmember presented a proclamation of being more active with organizations like the NAACP and spreading the message of Dr. King. The councilman had a service animal with him,” she said. “Thorpe wasn’t on the program. It was toward the end of the meeting. But then he went on this rant about Black people and that although we are in Pittsburg our city is the most of diverse.”
Wilson continued saying Thorpe said, “‘We aren’t just typing up a resolution to sound pretty we’re actually putting into action our work. I’m proud of the work of the three Black council members and we’re not going to stop.’”
“He also said, ‘I know we have a recall proponent in here,’” she said referring to her.
“‘In East County we are the city holding our police officers accountable and we are the council, and I reiterate, a majority Black council that made sure we had body cameras on each of our officers.’” Wilson recalled of Thorpe’s remarks.
“MLK, yes, he fought for civil rights, but for all,” Wilson stated.
“A lot of people were checking out and getting up. He went more on a racial thing,” she continued about Thorpe’s remarks.
“Even (Pittsburg Mayor) Shanelle (Scales-Preston) was ‘how do you say, you’re in Pittsburg, you’re at MLK Junior High on MLK Day, and you say Antioch is the best’?” Wilson stated. “I was embarrassed as an Antioch resident.”
“Lamar thought he had an audience that would cheer and clap for that crazy speech. He may have had three people clap for him,” she added.
Thorpe Does Not Respond
The mayor of Antioch was asked via email Wednesday if he had any comment on his remarks at the breakfast, responses to Fuller’s comments and the APOA’s statement and about the mutual aid between the two police departments. But Thorpe did not respond.
Publisher @ February 3, 2023
Posted in: Business, Holiday | Comments (0)
Publisher @ January 31, 2023
